It is a matter of fact that Everest Base Camp Trek is one of the most sought-after treks in the world. As a high altitude Himalayan adventure, an adventurer must be aware of Everest Base Camp Trek facts and essentials before embarking on it.
Dreaming of reaching the base of the world’s highest mountain is one thing but actually reaching there is complete another thing. But, as many other adventurers have done it, you can also do it if you take in account some facts and essentials to go on the trek. We have prepared this post to let you know about some Everest base camp trek facts and essentials.
Everest Base Camp Trek Walking Days and Hours
This trek is a multi-day walking adventure in the high altitude and mountain wilderness. You will require having a strong determination to go on this adventure in addition to a good level of physical fitness. On a normal trekking trip to the base camp, you will spend a total of 12 days walking in the mountains. Every day will be a walking day with an average of 6 hours daily walk. And let us tell you that the walk is not certainly an easy one as the trail meanders up and down the mountains every now and then. If you are ready to walk for 12 days in the mountain wilderness with an increasing elevation for the most of the days, this trip is for you.
You can find a detailed itinerary of the Everest Base Camp Trek here.
Everest Base Camp Trek Elevation
You must be well aware that this trek goes really high in the elevation. While you reach the highest point on the trek, you will be standing and watching the mountain magnificence at the elevation of 5,545 meters or 18,192 feet above sea level. The walk towards the base camp is surely an increase in the elevation every day. You will feel the elevation gain until you reach Kalapatthar, the highest on the trek.
As you trek to the higher altitude, you will need some acclimatizing time. Of the 12 days of walk in the mountains, 2 days are for acclimatizing hike with an extra night stay at the same point. You will take an acclimatization day in Namche and another in Dingboche during the trek. Elevation gain in the higher altitude can be very tricky so you need to be communicative with your body and with other people as well. A careful observation of your body and happenings inside will be helpful in determining your health condition in the mountains.
Everest Base Camp Trek Altitude Sickness
We have already discussed above the elevation gain during the trek. It is a matter of fact that the trek reaches the altitude of 5,545 meters above sea level that is pretty high elevation involving the risk of altitude sickness. Any elevation above 3,000 meters always involves the risk of altitude sickness. It can happen to anyone walking through the high altitude. Altitude sickness does not differentiate between the guest, guide or porter. So it is highly essential that you know what is happening to you as you trek higher and share it with your guide and trekking colleagues. With a timely finding of an early altitude sickness symptom, you will be able to treat it with a descent to lower elevation. But if you keep walking higher with the symptoms and they persist, you may be at high risk of developing it to a worse condition.
These were some facts about the Everest base camp trek. Now we are going to talk about some essentials that you should know before going on the adventure.
Everest Base Camp Trek Getting into Shape
As a multi-day and high altitude adventure trek, you will certainly find it challenging physically and mentally. It is equally tiring as well. To go on this adventure trek to the base camp of Mt. Everest you will have to prepare yourself physically and mentally much before than the actual adventure.
We highly recommend you to go on small hikes when and where possible before the adventure. You also should consider jogging, running or doing cardio exercises at least 6 months prior to the adventure. These habits will prepare you well physically and make the actual adventure feel less on you. Although the physical part of your health is important for the adventure, the mental strength is the crucial role player. Staying strong and motivated on the mountain really needs a tough mind. You may feel like giving up anytime along the trail but it is your mental preparedness that takes you to the ultimate destination of the trip.
Everest Base Camp Trek Equip Well
Another essential thing that you should know about is about the equipment that you will require for the adventure. Lack of proper equipment can spoil your adventure. So, keep yourself up to date about the essential equipment list for the adventure. You can also ask your trip organizer for the list.
Check our equipment list for the Everest base camp trek.
Everest Base Camp Trek Walk with a Guide
Although you may read various online materials that tell you that solo trekking is possible. But, we highly recommend you to trek with a guide. We are not certainly saying this to you because we want to employ our guides but for your own safety.
You are definitely not familiar with the climatic condition of the region and with the risk factors involved in the high altitude. Your trekking guide is a trained professional who not only shares information on the trip but also looks after you well. He will be always there in time of your need and difficulty in the mountains. It is the human nature that we never realize things until we go through the situation ourselves. But it is always advisable to walk with a guide and in a group in the high elevation and wilderness of the mountains in the strange land.
We have sorted these points about the Everest Base Camp Trek Facts and Essentials just for you. If you check yourself with these points, you will be able to decide if you are ready for an adventure trekking holiday to the Everest Base Camp.
