5 Tips to Improve Your Everest Base Camp Trekking Experience.
Everest Region simply doesn’t need any introduction. Home to the world’s tallest peak, it is also one of the most versatile and gratifying trekking regions in the Himalayans. With pristine and ethereal peaks like Mt. Everest, Mt. Kanchenjunga, Mt. Makalu, and Mt. Manaslu to boast of, Everest Region sees the highest tally of footprints in comparison to Nepal’s other mountain regions. Trekking to the base camp of the Everest and being greeted by the 360-degree views of colossal silver peaks will exceed all your expectations. Here we have listed 5 tips to improve your Everest Base Camp Trekking experience to make the most out of this once-in-a-lifetime journey.
Go with an Established Trekking Company.
With mountaineering and trekking culture gaining momentum by the passing day, it is natural that there are now trekking agencies mushrooming in every nook and corner. But it is very critical to plan your trek through a trekking agency with years of experience and expertise. You would want to be in safe hands throughout your journey, be it managing your flight tickets and permits to trekking with professional guides and porters.
Get your Trekking Gears in Kathmandu.
Given the budding trekking business, there are many trekking gear shops than you count. The cut-throat competition among them also means you can buy the gears at best prices. You can get everything from polarizing sunglasses to sleeping bags and quality down jackets at a relatively cheaper price in Kathmandu. Also, invest in a sturdy, waterproof, and of course, comfortable pair of shoes. Don’t forget to break in (soften) the shoes before you begin your trek journey.
Hydration is the Key.
One of the most important thing to keep in mind is hydration, hands down. At higher elevation, your body will dehydrate a lot quicker level that it does at sea level, thus, you must make sure that you drink a lot of water to compensate. The recommended quantity is 5 liter a day. Also, it is wise to keep a full bottle as spare and your own iodine or chlorine tablets for purifications. Just fill in the bottle as you go at the village taps and purity it yourself on the go.
Shower some self-care.
With freezing temperature and thinning oxygen levels, you should not take your well-being for granted for a second. Its wise to dress in layers as it allows regulating body’s temperature and comfort levels easily. Slather sunscreen few times a day, wear polarizing glasses and a hat as you are more prone to sunburns at heights. Also, don’t forget that blisters can end a trek just as badly as altitude sickness does. Make sure to treat any discomfort as soon as you feel it with duct tape or moleskin and not after it becomes a blister.
Save extra days for the end.
While it is tempting to give your travel journey a head start with a tour of the open cultural museum aka Kathmandu valley or relaxing by the Phewa lake in Lake City of Pokhara, it is always wise to plan them at the end of your trekking journey. Inclement weather can delay flights coming in and going out to Kathmandu from Lukla. If you are stuck in Lukla due to bad weather, it is not a good idea to have a tight international flight scheduled for the next day!
