Everest Base Camp Nepal

Pack smart & be prepared

Trekking to Everest Base Camp is no walk in the park, but the right kit – and expectations – will help. Bring boots that you’ve already broken in and at least five pairs of socks. Some foot first aid, including blister treatments, is also a good idea. Pop a bandana or scarf in your pack, too, so you can protect your mouth and nose from the dust kicked up by other trekkers and yaks.

Be prepared for basic but welcoming accommodation in the teahouses that line the route. They can be very cold, with no hot water or electricity (which means limited opportunity to wash), so bring a head torch and a sleeping bag comfortable to minus 20°C. You’ll also be sharing toilets and possibly dorms.

Safety on the Everest Base Camp trek

With the altitude you’re gaining, this is a trek you mustn’t rush, so beware of any itineraries that get you from Kathmandu to Base Camp and back in less than 12 days. Trekking at a steady pace, resting frequently and stopping off at points along the route will help you acclimatise safely. Even with the correct precautions, you may still experience breathlessness, mild headaches and impaired judgment, thanks to the limited oxygen. If you have pre-existing respiratory problems, consult your doctor before signing up. It’s possible to hike the trail independently, but an experienced guide will manage the ascent and keep an eye on you, too, while a porter will carry your pack and allow you to concentrate on the view.

In terms of training, definitely do some! Sure, you don’t need to be an Olympian to tackle the trek to Base Camp, but the more fitness training and hiking you do before you go, the more you’ll enjoy it. The best preparation for hiking at altitude is lots of walking before you arrive. Do as many hill walks as possible. In particular, try and do two walks at the weekends – one on each day. It’s the second day’s walking that really improves your fitness.