Top 5 things you should do to make your Everest Base Camp Trek a success

If you are planning an Everest Base Camp Trek then first things first – congratulations! This trek is one of the most exciting expeditions out there, combining well-maintained tracks, rich cultural discovery, and world-class scenery. With so much on offer, it’s little wonder that the Everest Base Camp Trek is one of the most popular adventures in the world, attracting around 40,000 climbers every year.

If you’ve already booked your trek then the chances are you have some idea of what to expect from the experience. But as with most adventures into the wilderness, the journey to the Everest Base Camp is often fraught with unexpected challenges and obstacles, many of which can be easily avoided with the right preparation.

To help you get ready for your Everest Base Camp trek, we have compiled a list of the top 5 things you should do to make your trip a success.

1. Start training early

If you’re preparing to tackle the Everest Base Camp Trek then the good news is that you will need very few technical skills in order to complete it. Most people don’t encounter issues with altitude, provided they spend a couple of days acclimatizing at 3,440m and 4,400m respectively.

But don’t be fooled by the lack of technical demands. This trek is still challenging, and will require a good level of fitness to complete. You should be comfortable hiking for at least four hours a day on hilly terrain, whilst carrying a moderate to light backpack.

You should begin training no later than 12 weeks before day one of your trek, running, walking uphill, or on a Stairmaster for at least five hours a week. We also recommend carrying a backpack weighing around 22lbs during these exercises.

2. Invest in the proper gear

This one may sound basic, but you would be amazed at how many people arrive at their Everest Base Camp Trek without all the gear needed to keep them safe. Ideally, you should have all your equipment sorted before arriving in Nepal, to avoid a last-minute dash to stock your backpack once you arrive.

Your packing list will depend on when you plan to complete the trek, although be prepared for snow whatever time of year you travel. The minimum requirements are a good pair of hiking boots (already worn-in), trekking clothes that you can layer depending on the weather, and a sleeping bag suitable for use in 0 F.

3. Don’t overpack

One sure-fire way to make your Everest Base Camp Trek less enjoyable is to fill your backpack full of unnecessary items. Not only will this make your bag heavier, but it will also make it harder to find specific items when you bed down for the night. Stick to the essentials, make sure you have a flashlight, and leave the rest at home.

4. Carry cash for tipping

During your trek, you will come across plenty of local support staff ready to help make your journey more enjoyable. Although tipping isn’t mandatory, many people like to show their appreciation, especially as service fees are barely ever included in your bill. It’s always worth stowing some notes in your bag, ready to show your appreciation for those helping you along the way.

Suggested tipping rates are:

• Trip leader: $55–$60
• Porters: $8–$10 each
• Cook: $30–$40
• Yak drivers: $5–$10 for each yak drive

5. Save buying permits for the trail

You need two different permits to complete the Everest Base Camp Trek: the Sagarmatha National Park permit, and the Khumbu Pasang Municipality trekking permit. Both of these can be bought on the route itself, so save yourself some money and DON’T buy them in Kathmandu! You’ll end up paying an inflated price, and risk falling prey to scammers if you’re not careful about where you buy it from.