We learned a lot from our trek to Everest base camp and want to share these essential tips to help make your planning easier and your trek more enjoyable.
Everest base camp is located at an elevation of 5364 meters (17926 feet). It is no small feat getting to base camp. Even though it is a hike through villages with teahouse accommodations, the EBC Trek is 12 days of trekking at a sustained elevation above 4000 meters (13123 feet). These valuable tips for treeking to Everest base camp will make your life easier.
It is not the scary daunting experience that people imagine it to be, trekking to base camp is actually a lot of fun and hopefully these points will help you with your future climbs and make it just a little bit more comfortable on the way up.
Trekking to Everest Base Camp Tips
- Check out our Everest Base Camp Trek in Photos post.
1. Bring cash – Both USD and Nepal Rupees
There are no ATMs in Lukla or Namche Bazaar. Exchange rates are also very dismal so bring rupees with you at least $200 worth.
2. Pack your own tea
Tea is very expensive on Everest and it is cheaper to buy hot water and use your own tea bags. Bring a variety of teas as well for more enjoyment. See our full Everest base camp packing list
3. Buy your gear in Kathmandu
Trekking poles, hats, gloves, socks, down jackets, sleeping bags, chocolate and even medications can be bought in Kathmandu. Everything is cheap cheap cheap. There are fake brand names as well as good quality authentic North Face, Mountain Hardwear, and Marmot clothing at discount prices.
There are also authentic stores for proper mountaineering equipment. Mountain Hardware and North Face authentic store that offers great deals. Everything you could possibly need to climb to Everest Base Camp is available in Nepal. If you need it or forgot it, you can get it.
4. Pack chocolate and any extra treats that you want
This is our very important tip for trekking to base camp! Pringles and chocolate are expensive on the trek to base camp and having your own little stash for treats that you bought in Kathmandu is a nice perk.
Sometimes when the altitude gets to us, the only thing that feels good going down is chocolate. I can’t stomach a full meal at times, but a little chocolate or salty chips makes eating easier. Once I have had a bit of chocolate and settle my stomach, I can eat a meal. Meals are very important to keep up your energy when trekking. If you don’t eat, it can lead to accelorating altitude sickness.
So, go to the shops in Kathmandu and buy a few chocolate bars, chips and trail mix to have for snacks along the route.
5. Book Your Trek with a Local Tour Company
We trekked with local guide Dipendra of Simreak Real Nepal and he has become a great friend. We had a private trek at a fraction of the cost of booking with someone like Intrepid Travel. We didn’t have to pay the costs of international offices or payroll for executives and employees overseas. The cost for our Everest Base Camp trek went directly to the local economy and guide because we didn’t have to pay a middle man.
Dipendra took great care of us and we still keep in touch. With nearly 20 years of guiding experience in the Himalayas, you will be in good hands with Deep. He also hired a local porter from the Everest Region.
You can either book with him through his website, or if you have the time, you can search for tour companies in Kathmandu. The way we found Dipendra was by simply walking from trekking company to trekking company and interviewing people until we found someone we were comfortable with. As backpackers, we had the luxury of time.
Everest Base Camp Treks, Mustang, Annapurna and more with Simrik Real Nepal. Tell him Dave and Deb sent you.
6. Pack Powdered Tang or Gatorade
Pack some Tang which you can purchase in Kathmandu. Or you can bring Gatorade from home to flavour your water. Water can get pretty boring day after day but you have to stay hydrated at altitude.
Flavoured water helps you to drink more and is far more enjoyable than just water all the time. Plus, if you use an energy drink, you will replenish your electrolytes as well keeping you healthy on the Everest Base Camp Trek.
See our entire packing list: Packing List for Everest Base Camp
7. Purify Your Water
When we trek, we pack a steripen to purify our water. There are plenty of ways to purify water such as a LifeStraw, Steripen and water purification tablets.
Help save the environment and your wallet by not purchasing bottled water on the trek. There are filling stations along the route and places to get water. With the Steripen, we just fill up our water bottles as we you go for free anywhere. Steripens work great using ultraviolet light to purify water in 30 seconds.
8. Pack a paperback book
Trekking to base camp takes several days and it can get a little boring at times. You may only have the energy to lay in bed and read a book, so bring a good one. You can buy books in Kathmandu and at Namche Bazaar.
We recommend Lonely Planet’s Trekking in the Himalayas. and National Geographic’s Everest Region Adventure Map
9. Pack an Everest Region Map and EBC trekking Guide books
You will want to reference regularly to see where you are and where you are going. Plus, having an Everest Base Camp Trek guide book offers valuable advice for checking altitude symptoms and illnesses. Plus, you’ll want to read about what to look out for on your route and what to expect each day.
We recommend Lonely Planet’s Trekking in the Himalayas. and National Geographic’s Everest Region Adventure Map
10. Pack Handi-wipes
You won’t be showering much showering muchon the Everest Base Camp Trek. Namche Bazaar will be one of the last places you’ll find a hot shower. That you will have to pay for by the way.
But don’t worry, you won’t be alone, nobody showers often on Everest, and we all smell.
Showers are not very appealing at -10 degrees Celcius. Especially when showers are at higher altitudes in cold temperatures and all you have is a bucket of cold water. So you can go for days without proper washing.
Handiwipes and hand sanitizer at least helps keep you healthy. And the handiwipes feel so good to wipe those sensitive areas. Follow that with a sprinkle of Gold Bond powder and you’ll feel fresh and comfortable. We like Gold Bond Powder over baby powder as it is medicated helps relieve itch, rashes and sticky skin.
11. Book the Best Seat on the Flight to Lukla
When flying to Lukla from Kathmandu, sit at either the front or back of the plane on the left-hand side. These offer the best views of the mountains.
The Himalayas are on the left and the front and back are not obscured by the wings of the plane. Sit here for your first glimpse of Mount Everest before your trek. It will help to build the excitement and the view is awe-inspiring.
12. Don’t eat meat after Namche Bazaar
Meat is carried up the mountain. They do not kill the animals on site. Sherpas trek the meat in for days and it is not guaranteed to be fresh.
13. Don’t Fear the suspension bridges on the EBC Trek
Ok, this may seem like a weird tip, but I had heard about the bridges to Everest being terrifying and freaked myself out. They are safe and in great condition.
I actually enjoyed walking along the bridges and the gorges. It was beautiful. I think that years ago it was scarier when the bridges were rickety, but now they are well made and maintained.
14. Give Yaks and Sherpa’s the right of way at all times
When a yak train comes, move to the mountainside to get out of the way. You don’t want to be nudged off a cliff by a yak. I cannot stress this enough. Do not stand on the ledge side of the trail on the trek. You could be knocked off the side of the cliff.
Sherpa’s and porters work hard on Everest, they are constantly taking supplies up and down the mountain. Help make their life easier by staying out of their way.
15. Keep batteries close to your body at all times
Electronics lose juice quickly at altitude and in the cold. Camera batteries and cell phones will go dead quickly during the day, so keep them close to your body and under your jackets and coats when trekking. The cold drains batteries quickly, extend their life by keeping them warm.
At night, sleep with them in your sleeping bags. So they keep their charge. And then put them close to your body as soon as you get dressed to keep them warm. Your body temperature will keep batteries charged.
Cost of Charging Batteries on Everest Base Camp Trek
- Charging batteries is very expensive per hour ($5-$10 per hour)
- Costs for charging batteries near or below Namche Bazaar 100-150 NPR/hour
- Closer to Base Camp 300 NPR/hour
16. Pack a Portable Power Bank
Pack a couple of portable power banks to charge your electronics. We like a power bank that has at least 20100mAh Portable Charger with Dual USB Ports. That way you can charge two things at a time and you will have at least 4 charges.
We also portable used solar chargers that we attached to our daypacks when trekking and the sun charged them during the day, so as our power banks rand out of juice, we had a back up with our solar chargers.
17. Stay Overnight at Tengboche
When you arrive at Tengboche, make sure to go and see the monks chant at 06:00 am and 15:00 pm, it is very cool. A visit to the monastery is a nice break from trekking to give your mind a break and listen to the music of the monks chant.
It clears your senses and lets you relax for the day ahead. It is also an incredible cultural experience. Every climber of Mount Everest stops at Tenboche Monastery to be blessed by the monks.
18. The best views of the Himalayas are in the morning (at least when we were there)
The clouds roll in quickly and obscure the panorama views of the mountains on the Everest Base Camp trek, so take your photos early in the day..
You can see Mount Everest from a few points on the Everest Base Camp trek and it is an incredible site.
From Namche Bazaar and at Tengboche are two awesome views so make sure to ask your guide to show you. In Namche Bazaar, you have to trek to the Mount Everest Hotel Lookout on your acclimatization day so don’t skip this and go see it. Plus, you’ll see all the other 7000 meter peask in the region as well.
The other amazing view of Everest Base Camp is from Tengboche. Sir Edmond Hillary spent time at Tengboche to survey Everest because it is such a clear view.
So before you leave Tengboche, go to the Everest lookout point and take your photos early for memories to last forever.
19. Best Places for Lunch Before Namche Bazaar
Stop for lunch at Jorsale just past the suspension bridge for lunch before reaching Namche Bazaar. It is the final place for any food or water until Namche which is 2 hours straight up!
Plus, it is a beautiful scene and the weather will probably the warmest balmiest weather you’ll have. Sitting in the sun while enjoying a good meal will give you the energy you need for your energy for this climb.
20. Go shopping in Namche Bazaar
We found some great deals that rivaled Kathmandu prices contrary to popular belief. We bought most of what we needed in Kathmandu, but we noticed we needed a few more things while trekking to Everest Base Camp.
- Booties – We bought down booties to help keep our feet warmer at night.
- Sherpa Hats – We found that we didn’t pack warm enough hats by the time we reached Namche Bazaar and got a great deal on Sherpa hats.
The Sherpa Store was one of our favorite places to shop in Namche Bazaar and a portion of the sales go to help the Sherpas and Porters in the Everest Region.
21. Take your time each day
It is not a race and nobody is judging how quickly you get up the hill. Acclimatize properly, drink plenty of water, and if you need to take an extra rest day do it. The great thing about booking locally and having a private guide is that our trip was very flexible. We didn’t have to follow a group tour.
Nobody is going to ask you how long it took you to get to Everest Base Camp when you get home, they are just going to be amazed that you did it.
Your guide and porter will not mind if you hire them for an extra day or two. They will be glad for the work. Treks are flexible on Everest if you book in Kathmandu or when you arrive in Lukla, so skip booking that organized tour at home and go local.
22. Give yourself a few days after the trek before you have to fly home
Flights were delayed from for 3 days near the end of our trek. We heard rumours of long delays while trekking down the trail and we were worried that we would be stuck in Lukla for a few days.
For us, it didn’t matter because we were staying in Nepal for a few more weeks, but many people book flights home from Kathmandu immediately after their trek.
If you are stuck in Lukla for 3 days waiting with no way out, you are not going to make your flight home. There are many people who had to flight booked home the next day and missed their flight.
23. Everything you need for Everest can be bought in Kathmandu
From Tang to tea and from medication to books and maps. Don’t stress too much if you forgot something at home. Whatever you need for trekking to Everest can be bought in Kathmandu.
We had been traveling around South Asia for several months before our trek to Everest Base Camp and didn’t have any gear. We bought everything in Kathmandu except for our trekking boots.
Boots should be very well worked in before trekking to Everest. You don’t want to ever climb or trek in new boots.
24. Pack a good first aid kit
The one thing you will need to have stocked on the trail is a good first aid kit. Days are long and unless you are in Namche Bazaar and possibly another village or two, first aid medication and equipment will not be readily available.
What to Pack in Your First Aid Kit
- Diamox is a must for altitude symptoms. Follow the directions and take 1/2 of a 500 mg tablet twice a day.
- Decongestants
- Advil or your choice of pain reliever
- lip balm and sunscreen is a must.
- Nasal lubricant – I had a woman give me salve for my sinuses to moisten them. My nasal cavities dried out and I suffered from severe nose bleeds which were quite scary. I will always have a lubricant for my nose from now on.
- Moleskin and Bandaids – Blisters are a real problem
- antiseptic cream
- alcohol wipes
- See our full travel first aid kit – Packing a Travel First Aid Kit For Long Term Travel
25. Pack Light and Smart
For our packing a list for Everest trekking, check out tips here at Packing List for Everest Base Camp Trek
26. Bring two pairs of sunglasses
I had a pair of sunglasses break when climbing Mount Kilimanjaro and it could have easily happened on Everest. At high altitudes, snow blindness is a high possibility so you don’t want to take the risk of not having protection for your eyes.
In addition to sunglasses, pack a peak hat as well as the sun reflects and comes in from all directions. It helps to protect your face from getting burned and offers extra protection for your eyes.
27. Respect the local culture
When trekking to Everest Base Camp, prayer rocks, prayer walls, prayer wheels and prayer flags are meant to be kept to the right at all times. You walk to the left and religious symbols are on the right. Meaning you are in the right hand of good. It is a custom to follow what the local people believe.
Also, ask before people taking any photographs, many people do not want their photos taken and it is their right. Respect their wishes.
28. Braid your Hair if it is long
If you have long hair, put it in a braid early on in the trek. I walked with my hair down wearing a hat and a few days in I had full-on dreadlocks by the end of the trek.
If I would have put it in a french braid or a couple of braided pigtails at the beginning of the trek, I would have saved my hair and not have had to cut off four inches after the EBC trek!
29. Hire your porter or guide in either Kathmandu or Lukla
Prices are expensive when you book from your own country and if you book your guides in Nepal, you can be sure that more money is going directly to them as opposed to large corporations.
There are many porters and guides that will meet you at the plane when your flight arrives in Lukla that are very experienced and capable. Plus, you have the added bonus of being able to interview them.
If you book a trek once you arrive in Lukla, you can save money by not having to pay for their flight from Kathmandu. You are taking a chance, but if you have time, you can save a lot of money.
We climbed Dipendra who is based in Kathmandu. He hired a porter in Lukla, so we saved on a flight of our porter. You can book tours with Dipendra at Simrik Real Nepal
30. There is free wifi in Lukla and Namche Bazaar
If you want to bring your laptop you can use it on the trek. You can always leave gear at a teahouse in Namche Bazaar and pick it up on your way down.
Internet is very expensive up on the mountain.
- Lukla wifi location – Internet at “Starbucks” Coffee
- Namche wifi location- Everest Bakery
- Regular costs of Internet with slow connections – 10 NPR/minute below Namche Bazar 25 NPR per minute above Namche Bazaar
- (72 NPR = $1 USD)
31. Relish the experience of the EBC Trek
Climbing to Everest Base Camp is one of the most rewarding and memorable experiences you will ever have in your life. Yes, you may be tired and may suffer a bit, but be sure to take a moment and soak it all in.
You are one of the few lucky people in the world that gets to experience this, enjoy every moment and appreciate every moment you can.
Do you have some helpful tips or advice to climb to Everest Base Camp or even some things that you have learned from other treks that you have done? We would love to hear them.
Read More About Everest Base Camp Trekking
- Everest Base Camp Trek – All You Need to Know from Start to Finish
- Remarkable Everest Base Camp Trek in Photos
- Flight to Lukla – A Scary Thrill Ride to Everest
- Packing List for Everest Base Camp Trek
Check out More of Nepal and the Himalays
- Nepal Travel Guide
- Top Places to visit in Kathmandu, Nepal
- Where to Eat in Kathmandu – Eight Great Spots to Indulge After Your Trek
- 18 Things to do in Bhutan – A Comprehensive Guide of What Not to Miss
- Bhutan Trek to Laya – A Himalayan Adventure to the Remarkable and Remote
- 24 Reasons to Travel to Tibet in Photos
- 32 of The Tallest Mountains in the World by Continent
I am somewhat of a newbie to blogging. So with that being said, I am very glad that I found this blog post. I plan to stay connected to your blog. Can’t wait to see what you’re going to write next. Thanks
Number one on most people’s wish to make Everest base camp trek. Mount Everest trekking is one of the fabulous trekking routes in the world. Thank you so much for sharing your great blog. keep sharing, your positivity is infectious.
great blog, very informative, from now onwards would keep in mind all things while going for trekking .
Fantastic blog!Love it!!
Can i have a phone or email address for the local guide please
Sure. His name is Dipendra and you can reach him at [email protected] or +977-01-4891126. Let him know we sent you 🙂
Hello. Thanks for tips! They are really helpful. I have to take my laptop, I will need it after trekking, but to go up with that will be very hard for me. So, Im thinking to leave it somewhere in Namche. Could you please give a little info about the place where we can leave some of our stuff in Namche Bazaar?
Thanks in advance!
Well, travelers should rely on the experience and even better- tips. Really enjoyed how travelers are presenting Everest and what to expect during the trekking.
You guys are doing great jobs and thanks for visiting Nepal. We love you guys.
Very Good advice and briefing about Everest Base Camp Trekking. Nice Pictures.
Hi!
We did the Everest Basecamp trek with a guide and porter in May last year and were really excited. Although very exhausting passages had to be mastered, it has paid off in any case!
Your tips are great. Can confirm similar experience, however, we noted, that in Namche Bazaar are ATM’s available and a bank is operating at Lukla (exchange rates of course apply).
Awesome lists! loved it!
These 30 tips are wonderful. Thanks for sharing them here.
It would be always great to go on a trek with amazing trekking equipment so that the trek becomes memorable.
Keep up the good work!
Cheers,
Team Mutterfly
thanks for the detailed info of Everest Base Camp Trekking. I am planning to hike for coming March so definitely, I will take care of your trip.
Adventure Gives you full of enjoy of your soul. do it once in your life time. Trekking to mother earth in to Mt Everest is life time adventure. thanks for your proper information.
Thank you so much, Dave & Deb, to sharing the great article about Everest Region all in details.
nice info, 21 years before we did same trekking from Jiri, it was the long and nice trek to Everest base camp.
Really good advice for the Everest Base camp Trekkers in Nepal. Your Experience is great… please follow this instruction it will be good for u
This is wonderful tips for trekking to EBC. Thanks for the post.Very Helpful !!! Just don’t miss to climb Kala Patthar to see the scenic views of Mt. Everest.
Very Good advice and briefing about Everest Trekking. Nice pitures
Thank you so for theplanetD for such a great information with lifetime experience of Everest Base Camp Trek. This is the place where we born and work long time as a trekking porter and became trekking guide. This mountain region is everything for us. If you wanna make this trip then might be we will be your partner; see more on http://www.communitytrek.com/trek/everest-base-camp-trek/ Thank you.
Very helpful and useful tips, going in May 2014 and can’t wait.
This is an interesting tips for the people wish to travel in EBC. Being part of travel industry, i am well aware of these point but sometime we only realize the necessity during our travel expedition.
I will keep sharing your article with our customer who wish to go for EBC trekking.
Nice work
Thank you!
Great tips: we recommend to have safety back up like having a Portable Altitude Chamber ( PAC) a life saving device in case of Acute Mountain Sickness ( AMS) along with medical trained guides: seen many rescue helicopter flying over.
Details:
http://www.mountainmonarch.com
We are leading Nepal Hotel Booking Agency, Nepal Hotel Booking with Hotel Booking in Nepal. Hotel Booking in Nepal. No Booking fee Pay at check-out time
Thank you for Your Excellent Article !
This tips definitely helps to everyone who are planning to Everest base camp trek.
Many thanks again !!!
Thanks for this great post!
We plan to arrive 11.Oct 2013 in Lukla, therefore peak saison. Is it also possible/easy to find a porterguide in Lukla during peak saison? I don`t want to find myself without porterguide as we plan to do the three passes trail.
The agencies ask for 20-25$ per day for a porterguide (plus flight!). I would prefer to pay less and give a really good tip directly to the porterguide at the end of the trip. What I found on the internet the rate should be around 8-15$, is this correct?
Hi, how big was your group when you trekked? Did you have problems with other trekkers? Also, do you think it’s safe for a women to to travel alone to Nepal?
Your blog is very interesting and informative. I already bookmarked it in my browser. I especially like that you both seem to be nice and down-to-earth people. I read other blogs/reviews about Everest Base Camp trek where I read nothing but complaints.
Hey Vanessa, it was just Dave and I trekking with Deep. I think I have his link in this post. If not, I’m going to add it so that people can get in touch with him. Traveling alone was probably cheaper than going in a large group and we had so much fun just being together. The great thing was, you’re never lonely because you meet up with people at night at the teahouses where you stay. We honestly have no complaints.
Nepal is the best destination for trekkers. The sites and regions in Nepal are full of adventures for adventure seekers, spiritual trekkers and nature lovers. Trekking can be one of the most exciting experiences in Nepal to develop insight, to gain knowledge and to have thrilling adventures. Nepal is popular in the world for trekking with varieties of options to stay in this small mountainous country.
Trekking in Nepal is recently advancing although it has been continue from ancient time. Nepal has some of the unique features like ancient monuments, unspoiled cultures, challenging mountains, unexplored areas, fantastic beautiful sites and so many preserved heritages. Trekkers come to visit to explore and experience these elements while staying in Nepal. Mountaineering and high altitude trekking are widely preferred treks in Nepal. Spiritual and religious pilgrimage trekking are also equally increasing.
newly opened the Ganesh Himal Ruby valley trek is famous for diverse culture and beautiful natural scenery. Ganesh Himal Ruby valley trekking route crosses the three passes, Ruby valley and three Kunda of the Ganesh Himal region. On the way there are several villages of different ethnic people such as Tamang, Gurung, Chhetri and Brahmin where you where you can known and experience the diverse culture and way of life of different ethnic people. There are other attractions of Ganesh Himal Ruby valley trek like Buddhist monasteries, Hindu temples, calm ponds, stunning glimpse of numerous beautiful mountains of Annapurna, Langtang, Ganesh Himal and Manaslu regions, different species of herbal plants, cheese factory, beautiful landscapes, crystal, ruby and zinc mining, different species of birds, beautiful forests including rhododendron and different types of rare and non rare wild animals such as Thar, Ghoral, barking deer, Red pandas, snow leopard, Bear, Tiger, wolf, pheasant, many kinds of monkeys and musk deer . During Ganesh Himal Ruby valley trek you will get the best natural and cultural experiences. further more http://www.trekkingtoeverest.com/tripDetail/106-Ganesh-himal-ruby-valley-trek.html
Ganesh Himal Ruby valley trek is famous for diverse culture and beautiful natural scenery. Ganesh Himal Ruby valley trekking route crosses the three passes, Ruby valley and three Kunda of the Ganesh Himal region. On the way there are several villages of different ethnic people such as Tamang, Gurung, Chhetri and Brahmin where you where you can known and experience the diverse culture and way of life of different ethnic people. There are other attractions of Ganesh Himal Ruby valley trek like Buddhist monasteries, Hindu temples, calm ponds, stunning glimpse of numerous beautiful mountains of Annapurna, Langtang, Ganesh Himal and Manaslu regions, different species of herbal plants, cheese factory, beautiful landscapes, crystal, ruby and zinc mining, different species of birds, beautiful forests including rhododendron and different types of rare and non rare wild animals such as Thar, Ghoral, barking deer, Red pandas, snow leopard, Bear, Tiger, wolf, pheasant, many kinds of monkeys and musk deer . During Ganesh Himal Ruby valley trek you will get the best natural and cultural experiences.
Ganesh Himal Ruby valley trek is one of the best home stay trek routes of Nepal because during this trek you will go through the many villages of diverse ethnic people such as Darkha Village, Jharlang Village, Borang Village, Sertung village, Somdang Village and Gatlang village where you will get the taste of local foods, honey and wine. After short drive from Kathmandu Ganesh Himal Ruby valley trek starts from Dhading. From Dhading you will follow the route of many villages such as Darkha Village, Jharlang Village, Borang Village, Sertung village during this journey along with beautiful natural scenery you will see the diverse culture and way of life of many ethnic people. After crossing the Pangsang pass you will reach to Somdang village around this village you will explore Lari metals and Ruby mine. Finally you will reach to Syabrubesi via Gatlang village which is the typical Tamang village. Trek to Everest offer romantic, cultural, informative and scenic Ganesh Himal Ruby valley trek. We designed Ganesh Himal Ruby valley trek by including all the important villages and places of the region with minimum required days. This trek is also can be starts from Syabrubesi. During Ganesh Himal ruby valley trek, Trek to Everest provides experienced guides, good accommodation and foods.
further more http://www.trekkingtoeverest.com/tripDetail/106-Ruby-valley-home-stay-trek.html
Hi Dave! these tips are quite outdated and needs to be update. However you have included lots of things. But you need to change dollar rates, internet costs and to get flight from KTM-Lukla is very difficult and one should take care of this…
Thank you for all the great infos. Very helpful. I’m planning to trek to Everest Base Camp. I will definitely try to book it through Simrik Real Nepal Treks& Expedition Ltd.
Simrik’s reasonable prices makes my dream come alive. 🙂 I can’t wait for the time to come.
Peace,
Brigitta
Leaving on the 19 Mar 2013… so amped!
Really great advise! Me and my brother are planning to trek up Everest base camp when we go travelling this year but you hear a lot of stories that put you off! This has helped sway me though! One question though, how much is it typically to hire a Sherpa locally?
It would be about $18 a day for guide and $14 would be a porter. Please email us if you need more information.
Thanks for the update.
Love the down to earth tips (flavoring water etc). Need all the help I can get!
Any advice on minimum trip length to avoid altitude sickness? I got mild symptoms at 3000+m in South America but still want to try Everest base camp if I can.
Hi Marianne, just take your time. You will be flying in to Lukla and landing over 3000 metres so you’ll be feeling the altitude immediately. Take extra days to relax. There is no hurry to get up there and it’s nice to hang out at some of the tea houses for a day to relax, read and drink plenty of water. Aim for at least over 10 days. Good luck and have fun
thank you for that!
Thanks! We’re doing this next month, insha’allah, so it’s brilliant to have your list. Do you mean oral decongestants or something like a Vicks inhaler?
I would take that along, there is a good possibility of congestion. If I were to do it again, I’d bring a nasal lubricant. My sinuses dried out and I had a bloody nose a lot which ended up causing a lot of problems.
I noticed you wearing gators in one picture but you didn’t mention them in you packing list. Did you find they weren’t necessary? I really needed them on Kili for all the dust and am debating whether or not to bring them on EBC.
We didn’t find the gators to be needed but you never know. If you have different weather, you may find the snow to be deeper closer to Base Camp or even the trail muddier. We had them on early expecting dust and loose rock, but in the end we didn’t need them. gators are such a small part of the gear, that it wouldn’t hurt to pack them anyway since they take up very little space. Hope this helps.
This has been a very useful site for me. Thanks guys. After much contemplation while here in Kathmandu, I have decided to just go to Lukla and see how things rock from there. I will be prepared to carry my own stuff if required. Your site has given me some of the enouragement I needed. Cheers.
Have a great time! You are going to find Everest to be one of the most fulfilling experiences of your life.
We did two great treks with Simrik Real Nepal Treks & Expeditions – Everest Base Camp and Annapurna Circuit. They both exceeded our expectations.
Dipendra, our guide, was wonderful. He was warm and friendly, yet professional. He took very good care of us, watching out for us at all times making sure we were safe and that we were enjoying ourselves.
He knew the names of the mountains & the rivers, the animals & the birds. He pointed out things of interest along the way. His sharp eyes spotted a Musk Deer, a Paradise Pheasant (Nepal National Bird), and fresh paw prints of a Snow Leopard, all of which are protected and endangered species.
His enthusiasm for and knowledge of the areas added excitement and interest to our journey.
We had a very warm welcome and farewell at the Airport where we were met and taken to and from our hotel.
I highly recommend Simrik Real Nepal Treks & Expeditions. In fact I would not trek with anyone else.
We had an amazing time trekking in the Everest region and I would
like to thank everyone at Simrik Real Nepal for making it possible.
Nothing quite prepares you for the beauty of the Himalayas until you
arrive and see it for yourself, but I found the friendliness and
helpfulness of the Simrik staff very pleasing. Before leaving they
took the time to explain everything in detail so we would be fully
informed of what we could expect.
“I would highly recommend anyone to experience what we did as it is an
immense experience!”
I would highly recommend Simrik Real Nepal trekking company. I went trekking in Nepal last year with Dipendra, the owner of the company, and he was a fantastic and attentive guide. He made sure that our trek to Annapurna Base Camp went smoothly and provided delicious fruit salad even at 4000 metres! His knowledge of the area, patience, tireless energy, and ability to talk with us in English about all aspects of Nepalese culture was great. If you are planning to travel to Nepal and need a guide you will be in safe hands with Dipendra and his company.
we have just finished our trip of a life time. . . we had heard really amazing things about Nepal, and we weren’t disappointed. . . our trip was just one spectacular day following another, amazing vistas and wildlife sightings. Simrik real nepal treks & expedition (P) Ltd organised everything superbly, and looked after us from the second we arrived in Nepal to the second we left. We felt very at home and comfortable and easy. Dipendra is a superb guide, very professional, warm, friendly, reliable with much experience and a can do attitude . We would love to come back again an trek with him. And we would highly recommend Simrik Real Nepal Treks & Expedition (P) Ltd.
Nice Post and i liked it
Nepal Trekking – MountFujiAdventure
Nice Post and i liked it
Rhododendron trek happening now.
Rhododendron trek in Nepal you may start beginning of March to still end of April then able to see rhododendron forests all the ways to famous Himalayan Viewpoint of Poon Hill in full bloom. Enjoy magnificent mountain views with Dhaulagiri, Annapurna, Hiumchuli, holly Mount Macchapuchare and Lamjung Himal.
Great info . I am 64 with plans to go to Everest base camp next spring. Have spent three years researching the trek and even though some apprehension about altitude sickness I am sure that other people my age have gone and not gotten ill.
I will be 64 next year. For the last three years I have been preparing[reading ,videos,attending lectures] for a trip to EBC. Lots of reservations about the possibility of altitude sickness Yet, this blog gives me a sense of comfort. As a physician I would not be so quick to use Diamox. Rather than that there are some alternatives like Advil and just common sense. It did cross my mind to search for seniors who have done the trek.
Really good advice for Nepal Trekking !
Those are some great tips for the Everest Base camp Trekkers in Nepal.
Thankx !
Good Blog. Its enjoyable to read.
i reading and nice blog..
Good job with the writing. Enjoyed it.
I enjoyed reading this blog. thankx !
Great list! But I’m not interested to do so. I’m afraid of heights and I can’t stand the cold! Even if its only climbing a ladder, my knees shivered!
I am always able to provide excellent service to my valuable clients according to Dave & Deb’s recommendation. I am standby in Nepal to serve Mount Everest Base camp Trekking for whole season of the year.
Trekking Guide & Friend of Dave & Deb
Deependra Simkhada (Deep)
009779849430866
Simrik Real Nepal Treks & Expedition (P) Ltd, Is one of the renowned and popular Nepal tour operators, organize tours, everest base camp trekking, other mountain expeditions and trekking in Nepal, Tibet, Bhutan and India. Established in 2008, our professional everest base camp trekking, other mountain trekking and mountain guides are at the top of their field with a decade of guiding and high altitude experience. Simrik Real Nepal installs new standards of services in the tour industry, have always been on the forefront of incorporating new ways to increase the comfort levels of it’s guests and giving them the best deals in the cheapest rates for travel and trekking in Nepal.
It was my good fortune in the life to be Guide of Dave & Deb for Everest Base camp Trekking.
hi, after reading this i really want to do it…i am from australia, do i just book flights to kathmandu and look for local porters/guides there…..what if i go there and they are all booked out? how much did you pay for the everest base camp trekking package?
your help will be priceless, thank you =)
warm regards michelle
Hi,
When did you’ll do this treck? didn’t come across the dates?
Where do you book your flights to Lukla from? There doesnt seem to be that much information on this on the web. Can you just go to a tourist agency in Thamel or do you need to book at the airport itself?
Cheers.
Hi Rich, you can book a flight at a Tourist agency in Kathmandu for a flight to Lukla. Cheers.
Thanks very much!
hi
as a Nepali i like this reference of the Mt Everest Base Camp Trek, thanks Dave and Deb,
all the wishes from magic Himalayan country of Nepal and Nepalese family,
regard
simbir ghale
Hi Simbir, you have a beautiful country and we are honoured that you stopped by. Thank you and best wishes to you too!
How much did it cost to you do the trek?
It was under $1000 each. I am afraid that I can’t remember 100% exactly, but I’ll look through my records and see if I can find the price. Booking locally was very reasonable. When I look at the prices online today I can’t get over how much it costs and we only did this trek 2 years ago.
These information are very useful for my upcoming trek to Everest base camp thank you
Hey, i was just wondering is it advisable to wait until i get to kathmandu to book the trek and how much does it cost? I assume its a lot cheaper to book it when i get there but i dont want to arrive and have it all booked up!
Hi Conor, Yes, it is better to wait until Kathmandu. We know of a couple of guys that could give you a good deal. If we were to do it again, we’d fly to Lukla before booking a guide and hire once we land for the EBC Trek. There are a ton of porters waiting at the airplane each day ready and willing to take trekkers for a great deal. Take your time and interview them and see who is good at English and what kind of deal they’ll give you. It is much cheaper to book when you get there. A lot of people did it on their own as well, but booking a guide is cost effective. We didn’t have to worry about food or accommodation and when we talked to people that had to haggle and barter each day when they got into the next village, they ended up paying a lot. In comparison, I think we paid less for a porter and guide with meals and accommodation than the people that did it on their own and carried their own packs. Send us a message through our contact form and we’ll give you some information. Cheers.
This advice will help a lot.I also use this advice when i go for a Gorilla Trekking.again thanks.
Such valuable advice!Thank you so much,i’ll be going for the EBC trek next week.May i know the rough temperature above namche if you know please.Do i need a down jacket,or a fleece is good enough?
Really good advice for the Everest Base camp Trekkers in Nepal. Your Experience is great… please follow this instruction…
Thanks for the advice. I’m headed out next month to travel for a year and Nepal is a must hit destination for me but I’m worried about an Everest Base Camp trek. I tend to get altitude sickness when I ski (at much lower altitudes) and normally lose a day of skiing each trip. After I get past that one day I’m fine but the base camp trek has me worried. Did you see a lot of people with problems on your trek?
Scott
Hey Scott,
Thanks for stopping by. Altitude sickness is a real concern on the Everest Base Camp trek. We had been to altitude before and had an idea of how our bodies would react. But we still took Diamox to help with the altitude. It seems to me that you know the symptoms and when it occurs. My advice would be to take it really slow and schedule in some extra rest days so that if you do get symptoms you can walk down a bit and then continue when you feel up to it.
Those are some great tips. But I have to say it – bring a book? I can hardly keep my eyes open after a day of tramping with my young kids here in NZ (LOL); well done for being able to read a book 🙂
.-= Merav | AllWays Rental´s last blog ..Give Your Senses a Boost of Dramatic Scenery and Chocolate =-.
Haha, Actually I think a book is better for inspiration while you are at home. It is better to save your energy while you are traveling
Excellent! We just went to EBC on the Tibet side. It definitely sounds much better on the Nepal side.
I don’t know Ninfa, I think that the Tibet side would be amazing! Far less people and probably more authentic? What do you think?
This trek is on my list too and I read your tips with an earnestness I usually reserve for grocery store labels (I am aergic to wheat). Thank you so much — your list is heartfelt, thorough and practical. Another reason why this is one of my all time fave blogs!
Thanks for this post, it’s useful for me
but about travelling to south america, it’s also great 😉
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Latino Guy
Latino Portal
Great advice. Although, I think that some of it would apply to a lot of places such as bring a book or sunglasses, but the other stuff was interesting. It gave a good description of what it is like there with all the tips on giving Yaks the right of way and the tip on eating meat.
.-= Steve´s last blog ..Sandboarding =-.
Very true Steve. Although I want to reiterate that we wrote to bring extra sunglasses. Our porters sunglasses broke and we lent him a pair. Snow blindness is very real up there.
Very very good tips! Great to know about sleeping with the batteries to keep them warm for longer life, and for #10, I definitely neglect showers at all times when doing anything related to outdoors, sounds like a fit!
.-= Migration Mark´s last blog ..Rules of Engorgement: Burger Hut Nairobi =-.
Mark, we always seem to neglect the showers too. In Africa we went 6 days through the desert without washing and regularly miss our daily showers when doing anything sports related. When we came back from Africa we actually had a hard time getting back in the routine of showering daily.
Really good advice! I’ve definitely added this adventure to my “bucket list” – don’t know when I’ll get to it, but I will, and when I do I’m going to follow your advice to the letter! 🙂
.-= Trisha Miller´s last blog ..Review: Understanding Google Analytics =-.
Thanks Trisha. Glad to know that advice helped. We learned a lot during our two weeks up there and can’t wait to go back to tackle the 3 passes.