The summit of Mount Everest, the highest mountain on earth, reaches 8,848 meters (29,028 feet) high. Trekking in the Mount Everest area became popular following the now legendary first ascent of the peak in 1953 by Edmund Hillary from New Zealand and the Sherpa Tensing Norgay. Since that time, many more have summited the mountain, but far more trek the route to Everest Base Camp simply for a glimpse of the peak far above. In recent years the mountain has seen its fair share of tragedy and drama. The 2015 earthquake and previous avalanches, along with disputes between climbers on the mountain, have left their mark on Everest trekking and climbing.
Top advices : Bring cash USD and 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.
Train and prepare: The trek to Everest Base Camp is a stunning walk through the world famous trail to Mount Everest. It is not a technical climb; you do not need to have any previous technical climbing experience or even any altitude experience to complete the trek. However, you do need to be physically fit and have excellent strength, conditioning and endurance to be able to complete the trek and to fully enjoy the journey. If you have not trained your body to withstand the pressures of constant strain at high altitude, you will find it a very difficult task to complete the trek, risking your and other people’s safety. I would recommend that you spend at least four days a week doing some sort of intense physical exercise for approximately six to eight months prior to your starting date of your trek. Personally, I would have spent at least four days a week either walking up hill on a treadmill or walking on a stair-master (stair master is best) for one hour to two hours building up to 10 kilos (22lbs) in a backpack on my back. I have always been lucky and lived in a place where I had access to hills to train on the weekends, and I found that this was the greatest training I could get for trekking. I would spend at least one day a week out in the hills or mountains for at least a 4 hour walk and up to 7 hours in a row. Extra details at Trekking in Nepal.
Top tips : Respect local culture. When trekking Prayer rocks, walls and flags are meant to be kept to the right at all times. It is a custom to follow what the local people believe. Also, ask before taking any photographs, many people do not want their photos taken.
What to Pack – Here is a list of everything we suggest (Click here). However, the most important thing to bring is a good pair of trekking shoes that you have hiked in previously. Kathmandu is a great place to buy trekking clothes that are both cheap and of decent quality. If you can bring your own sleeping bag otherwise you can rent one from us for $20. We also provide down jacket rentals for $15 for the complete Everest Base Camp Trek.
At Adventure Great Himalaya Treks & Expeditions, we believe in responsible tourism and giving back to the community. Adventure Great Himalaya Treks & Expeditions has always taken a pro-active stance to combat some of society’s issues, which is why we also run various charity programs to help and support poor rural villages that are deprived of proper healthcare facilities, including sanitation, hygiene, and safe drinking water. Adventure Great Himalaya Treks & Expeditions has also played an active part in providing schools with educational materials along with raising awareness on the need to protect the environment and the beautiful, thick forests of Nepal from deforestation. This commitment has become an integral part of our company’s philosophy and the way we do business. More info at https://www.adventuregreathimalaya.com/.