Most of us dream about trekking to Everest long before we arrive. It’s an amazing experience and if you can only choose one trek in Nepal it must be the best option. It is not the scary daunting experience that people imagine it to be, trekking to base camp is actually a lot of fun though. This trek meet up with quite a lot of trails passing through the Sagarmatha National Park with highlights of beautiful mountain peaks like Nuptse, Lhotse and the Ama Dablam along with other brilliant mountain ranges. Renowned tourist places like Namche Bazaar, Tengboche, and Dingboche along with the sacred ambience of the big Buddhist monastery and the occurrence of the world largest peak – Mount Everest crafts this trek one of the most cherished trek of one’s in a lifetime. Hopefully these points will help you with your future climbs and make it just a little bit more comfortable:

1. Prepare physically and mentally:

It sounds so obvious, but it’s vital that you train ahead of your trip. You may think that being physically prepared is all there is to it. While it’s a huge part of completing the Everest Base Camp trek, you also need to bear in mind your mental state too. One factor that prevents many people from finishing all kinds of treks is their mentality. For the EBC, you need to make sure that your mind doesn’t take over. Mastering it is the only way.

 2. Have the right trekking gear:

Trekking poles, hats, gloves, socks, down jackets, sleeping bags etc. There are fake, good quality North Face, Mountain Hardwear, and Marmot clothing. There are also authentic stores for proper mountaineering equipment. 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.

3.Slow and Steady Wins This Race:

Altitude sickness is one of the factors you have to consider when trekking to Everest Base Camp. Speeding up towards it will not help and it will actually make things worse. You will need to acclimatise to the low oxygen levels in the mountains, especially as the trek begins at 2,800 metres. Becoming accustomed to the altitude takes time, so don’t go rushing in.

4.Remember: It’s Chilly Up There:

Depending on what time of year you head off to Nepal in, it may be pretty warm or pretty cold. One thing that can be noted about temperature, though, is that the nights are very cold. In October to March, the nights range from -20 to -30 degrees Celsius, so you need to have a warm hat, an insulated sleeping bag, a fleece women’s trekking and even a hot water bottle to keep you company in the thin walls of the tea house.

5. Pack a map and EBC trekking book:

You will want to reference regularly, check altitude symptoms, illnesses, your route and what to expect.

6. Bring chocolate and any treats that you want:

This is our very important tip for you. Potato chips, 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.

7. 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 important thing on the way up.

8. Handy-wipes:

You won't be showering much up there. Nobody does on Everest and we know we all smell well. Showers are not very appealing at -10 degrees Celsius and you can go for days without properly washing.  Hand wipes and hand sanitizer at least helps keep you healthy and clean.

9. Give Yaks and Sherpa's the right of way:

When a yak train comes, move to the mountainside 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. Take your time:

It is not a race and nobody is judging how quickly you get up the hill. Acclimatize properly, drink plenty of water and if you need to take an extra rest day. Nobody is going to ask you how long it took you to get to Everest Base Camp, they are just going to be amazed that you did it. Your guide and porter will not mind if you hire them for an extra day or two. They will be glad for the work. Treks are flexible on Everest if you book in Kathmandu or when you arrive in Lukla.