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. Tips may not be in particular order, they
are just written down experiencing Everest base camp trek and trek to Everest base camp trek via jiri.
1.
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..
2. Bring
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.
3. Buy
your gear in Kathmandu – trekking poles, hats, gloves, socks, down jackets,
sleeping bags etc. Everything is cheap.
There is fake, good quality North Face, Mountain Hard wear and Marmot
clothing. There is even a 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. Bring
chocolate and any treats that you want- This is our very important tip for you!
Pringles and chocolate are expensive and having your own little stash for
treats is nice. Sometimes when the altitude gets to us, the only thing that
feels good going down is chocolate. It is a good idea to have some with you and
you can buy it in Kathmandu.
5. Bring a water purifier or purification
tablets – help save the environment and your pocket book. Just fill water as you go for free anywhere
and purify it yourself.8. Pack a map and Lonely Planet EBC trekking book (or
guide book of your choice) – you will want to reference regularly, check
altitude symptoms, illnesses, your route and what to expect..
6. Handy wipes – Don't worry about showering
much. Nobody does on Everest and we all smell.
Showers are not very appealing at -10 degrees and you can go for days
without properly washing. Hand wipes and
hand sanitizer at least helps keep you healthy..
7. Don't eat meat after Namche Bazaar. Meat is
carried up the mountain. They do not kill the animals on site. Sherpa trek the
meat in for days and it is not guaranteed to be fresh.
8. Don't be afraid of the suspension bridge – 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.
9. Give Yaks and Sherpa's the right of way at all
times. When a yak train comes, move to the mountain side to get out of the way.
You don't want to be nudged off a cliff by a yak. 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.
10. Keep batteries close to your body at all
times. Sleep with them in your sleeping
bags. Charging batteries is very
expensive per hour (almost $5 per hour) The cold drains batteries quickly,
extend their life by keeping them warm.
11. On
your way to Namche Bazaar, stop for lunch at Jorsale just past the suspension
bridge. it is the final place for any food or water until Namche which is 2
hours straight up! You will need your energy for this climb.
12. Give
yourself a few days after the trek before you have to fly home. Flights were
delayed for 3 days near the end of our trek.
Some people were stuck in Lukla for 3 days waiting with no way out. If
they had to fly the next day home, they would have missed their flight.
13. Have
a good 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. Make sure to have decongestants,
Advil or your choice of pain reliever, lip balm and sunscreen is a must. 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.
