Everest Base Camp

What to expect?

Needless to say, quite a few unexpected moments.

Altitude Sickness:

As you gain altitude do watch and observe yourself for ATS signs and symtoms. It is a variable condition and can hit each one differently. Carry Dimox. Ensure you are having lot of water, it helps in getting rid of the toxins in the body. I took dimox on my 3rd day of trek and it helped me sleep and pee better. For the later part of the trek, I took one whenever I felt the need.

People:

An interesting aspect of most Nepal hikes when you travel solo is that you will meet a lot of fellow trekkers from different countries. Most hiking days will end up sitting by the fireplace in the tea houses and having interesting conversations before you retire to your bed.

Food and Stay:

As for the food options, EBC trail has a lot of options covered. Dal Bhat always tastes the best! try the occasional roast potatoes and momos. Sherpa stew for breakfasts is good way to include water and carbs at the start of the day. Winter treks see not too many trekkers as a result one can find accomodation very easily no prior booking are required.

Expenses and Permits:

Everything tends to get expensive as you go higher in altitude. Budget accordingly considering there are no ATM’s after Namche Bazzar. My daily expenses were around 2500- 3000 Nepali currency (which included food and stay). Add cost of permits + return flight tickets to Lukla + porter and guide expenses. For SAARC nations, permits can be availed on the trail itself. The total cost of permits was around 3500 NPR.

Going solo, how to prepare.

Trail:

The trail is well marked - at any point if you are in doubt, head back the same route or stay put for a while and you will most likely meet a fellow hiker or a local.

Fitness:

The trail never gets too technical or circuitous, however don’t over or underestimate the trek, take it as it comes. One suggestion would be to be mindful of your breathing, and drinking plenty of water.

Safety:

The treks are pretty safe thanks to regular hiking traffic and the locals being respectful of the travelers boundaries. You might encounter an occasional over-friendly hiker or a local, and its best to stay alert.

Guide/porter:

The trail never gets too technical, and hiring a guide/porter is a personal decision. I did the hike without a guide or porter, however if you want to hike light without the weight of bag on your shoulders I would suggest to hire a porter, preferably a porter who speaks English.

Packing list

1. Hiking backpack (40-55 L)

2. Trekking Shoes

3. Down jacket (can be rented in kathmandu)

4. A couple of trekking pants (water-resistant preferable)

5. Base-layers (Wool or synthetic)

6. Thermals (wool or wool/synthetic blend)

7. Sleeping bag (can be rented in Kathmandu)

8. Gloves and glove liner (warm, preferably wool-synthetic mix)

9. Rain jacket (for when it's snowing)

10. Balaclava

11. Good quality beanie(preferably merino/wool)

12. 4 pairs of warm socks

13. Sunscreen and chapstick with SPF. (SPF is important)

14. Diamox and Water purifying tablets

15. Water bottle (Metal preferably)

16. Glares

17. Hiking poles

18. Head-lamp

19. Fevi-quick (useful to fix damaged soles)

20. Nail-cutter/ Swiss army knife