Planning Everest base camp trek
Everest Base Camp popularly known as EBC trek is probably one of the most famous trek circuits in the entire world. Many adventurers have the dream to cross the EBC trek from their bucketlist and rightfully so.
The EBC trek is a challenging yet rewarding trek journey made up of hardships that requires climbers to have good willpower, resilience and ability to adapt to the surroundings and troubles thrown at them.
The trek grind is difficult but after all that hard work you are treated with breathtaking views of some of the tallest mountain peaks in the entire world.
It is very obvious that this once in a lifetime Everest Base Camp trek requires proper planning and a lot of preparation. This article will help you exactly with that!
Choosing the Ideal Season
Season selection is a very crucial part of the planning part of the EBC trek. There are a variety of seasons that Nepal experiences each year and the Himalayas are no different.
The best of the two seasons for the Everest Base Camp Trek are the early monsoon season which lasts from March to May and the post monsoon season that starts at around late September and ends at about November. Everest base camp trek during october is suggested for Autumn and April for Spring.
During your trek at these times, you will get to experience some of the best views of not just Everest but in fact of the whole region. You will get to trek in a stable and quite predictable weather conditions. The sky will be clear and the views will be majestic.
Itinerary Planning
The itinerary plays a vital part in your Everest Base Camp Trek and its planning. Usually the itinerary lasts between 12 days Everest base camp trek to 16 days, not much less or more than that.
You will have to stop, rest, acclimatize, enjoy and spend nights in various places out of which some are very famous like Lukla, Namche Bazar, Tengboche, Dingboche, Lobuche, etc.
The itineraries must be planned with a proper strategy and by keeping yourself in mind. You have to estimate for yourself. For example you have to decide whether you can walk for a certain kilometers a day or not. This can increase or decrease the days count.
Acquiring Permits and Documents
Permits are crucial before you set your foot on the trekking journey. You have to ensure you have all the permits and necessary documentation.
First of all you will need to get a Sagarmatha National Park permit and then you will need a Trekker’ Information Management System card known as TIMS card.
These are available in Kathmandu or Lukla.
Moreover, investing in good travel insurance is beneficial.
Right Gear Packing
Your gear plays the most important role in your EBC trek. Your gears decide whether you will have a comfortable trek or not.
You have to buy proper high quality equipment. You need to get a sturdy backpack, waterproof and comfortable hiking boots, insulated and warm clothing items and a proper comfortable sleeping bag.
A handlamp, torch and a trekking pole is also important. You should also carry first aid kits in incase of emergency.
Choosing a Trekking Agency
While choosing your trekking agency, you must do a thorough research about the agency. Read the reviews on multiple platforms like social media or Google. Ask for recommendations from experts and people who have already been through the EBC trek.
A proper trekking agency selection is really crucial because the agency will handle your permits, logistics, accommodations, and meals. So you have to ensure that you get a high quality service.
Self Preparation
At last all of the planning boils down to how prepared you are for the trek because one needs to be mentally and physically prepared for the challenges to come.
You will have to make up your mind regarding a lot of stuff. You have to be prepared for not being in your comfort zone. Remain flexible and learn to adapt to the surroundings.
Hope this article helped with Planning your Everest Base Camp trek. Have a great trip!