Few Things to Keep In Mind before Planning a Hike to Mount Everest
Trekking to the base of the world’s tallest peak, Mount Everest is an adventure of a lifetime. However, proper planning is essential for a safe and enjoyable experience.
Whether you are a seasoned trekker or embarking on your first Himalayan adventure, these considerations will help you prepare yourself for the extraordinary experience that awaits on the roof of the world.
Let’s look at a few things to keep in mind before planning a hike to Mount Everest.
1. Train your body and mind
Before embarking on the challenging Everest trails, dedicate time to thorough physical and mental preparation. Enhance your cardiovascular fitness, strength endurance, and ready your mind for the demanding journey ahead.
Additionally, incorporate strength training for EBC Trek to build resilience against the varied terrains and altitude you’ll encounter. This holistic approach ensures you are well-equipped for the rigorous challenges of the Everest trek.
2. Pack essential trekking gears and equipments
Equip yourself with the right gear, including sturdy hiking boots, waterproof clothing, a reliable backpack, trekking poles, and a high-quality sleeping bag. Pack light but ensure you have everything you need to handle different weather conditions.
3. Prioritize understanding altitude sickness
Make sure to understand altitude sickness before heading to Everest Base Camp. Altitude sickness, also called acute mountain sickness (AMS), can occur when ascending to high altitudes too quickly. It occurs because your body struggles to adapt to lower oxygen levels at higher elevations.
Some symptoms you need to be aware of are headache, nausea, vomiting, fatigue, dizziness, shortness of breath, and loss of appetite. To lower the risk of altitude sickness, take it slow as you climb, drink plenty of water, maintain a balanced diet, and pay attention to your body– don’t push yourself too hard.
4. Understand the dynamics of Lukla flights: delays, cancellations and Ramechhap diversions
You need to be cautious of potential flight delays and cancellations when flying to or from Lukla. It’s essential to incorporate a few extra days into your trek itinerary to account for any unforeseen disruptions.
Additionally, familiarize yourself with the possibility of flight diversions to Ramechhap especially during peak trekking seasons in Nepal. Due to increased air traffic, the Nepal Aviation Authority may divert flights to Lukla from Kathmandu to Ramechhap. So, be prepared to drive to Ramechhap, located around 140 km from Kathmandu, early in the morning.
5. Ensure adequate acclimatization
Listen to your body, set your pace, and customize your Everest base camp trek itinerary. Standard ebc trek routes often include two essential acclimatization days: one in Namche Bazaar and the other in Dingboche. These locations not only provide ideal conditions for acclimatization but also offer various side trips.
In Namche Bazaar, consider hiking to Hotel Everest View, Khumjung, and Khunde village. During your acclimatization day in Dingboche, a trek to Nangkartshang Peak is recommended for further acclimatization and breathtaking views.
6. Carry enough a cash and don’t rely on ATMs and Cards
Ensure you have enough cash on hand and avoid relying solely on ATMs and cards, especially in remote areas where ATM access may be limited.
For instance, Namche’s ATMs can be unreliable due to power failures or cash shortages, with a withdrawal cost of around 500 rupees ($5) and a maximum limit of 10,000 rupees ($100). When heading to Everest base camp, carry all necessary cash from Kathmandu, and consider the availability of ATM machines in Lukla.