Hiking Everest Base Camp (EBC) is something adventure lovers should put in their to-do lists if they’ve not been to this fascinating place yet. Each hike brings new experiences, and you need to arm yourself with as much information as you can get on the area you wish to go hiking. Below, we have compiled 7 things that no one tells you about hiking to Everest Base Camp:
Don’t Over Prepare
We all tend to over prepare when it comes to hiking to be on the safe side of things. The EBC hike does not require you to be fit. As long as you can manage a three to six hour walk in a single day, you are good to go. Many people have the misconception that you need to be a marathoner, gym enthusiast or in top shape to take this hike which is not the case. So, if you desire to do the hike but are scared, don’t be.
Don’t Do a Solo Hike
Unless you are a legitimate introvert who cringes at the thought of company, do not go on this hike alone. The fun in doing it as a group, it allows more room for adventure and memories that you’ll create. When you take a break from the hike, stories and games from those crazy individuals who are always in a group will give you the much-needed break and relaxation. So if you are traveling alone, look for a group to join, there are always those looking to add more people in their group for this hike. Join a group. They will not only provide a source of entertainment along the trek, but your costs will also be cut down!
Bring With You Nepali Rupees
There are no ATMs on the trail hike to EBC. So make your currency exchange from Kathmandu. There are those people who have taken into the currency exchange business along the trail, but they offer high rates, so have your Nepali Rupees ready from Kathmandu.
The amount of money you bring along should depend on how long your trip will be, which is usually 12 days. Have enough to tip the guide, pay for Wi-Fi and other miscellaneous activities that may come your way.
Keep Buffer Days
Once you’ve decided to do the hiking, let your schedule be flexible. Mother Nature is known to follow no particular plan. Some people are known to fail to complete the trek and turn around halfway due to a tight timeline.
We would strongly recommend 2-4 buffer days before you start or after the trek. Like in our case, our plane from Kathmandu could not take off for a day because of bad visibility. Leave yourself enough time to complete the trek.
If you are lucky and your first half of hiking goes well, you can use your first buffer day to do overnight camping at EBC!
There is Wi-Fi for Sale Everywhere
When people go on such hikes, they expect total disconnection from the world. Well, that is not the case if you’re to trekking EBC. Telecom companies in Nepal have found a way to cash in big time on this expanding market. Every tea house along the way sells the passwords to connect to a Wi-Fi network. Just like the attitude, the higher you go, the more expensive the 250 MB of data charges gets.
For you to enjoy this service better, buy a SIM card that has a data plan from Kathmandu before starting the trek. This way, it will be cheaper, and you will enjoy reception up to about 4000 meters.
You Will Have to Use Incredible Suspension Bridges
You will come across rivers, and it can be quite impossible to be going down every valley. Thanks to suspension bridges, they will be no need for that. You might be nervous at first but they are steady and stable, and you’ll quickly overcome your fears immediately.
To be safe, check if the bridge is clear, and no wide load porter is coming in the opposite direction before getting on the bridge.
You Can’t See Mount Everest From EBC
That is the sad reality. Understand that trekking to EBC is not the same as climbing Everest. So before the hike, have your expectations in check for you to avoid disappointments. Reaching EBC has a different sense of arms in the chair accomplishment as a summit might have.
Not to worry, while you can’t see Mount Everest from EBC, there are other tall mountains in your view. You will also have great views of Everest from day one of your trek so don’t miss a moment to take those snaps!
Conclusion
Going for the EBC hike is one of the things any hiking enthusiast should strive to do in their lifetime. Remember the small stuff that may come in handy in case of an emergency. Travel insurance is one of them and letting a close friend or relative know where you are is also advisable. It is better to be safe than sorry. We hope these tips for planning a hike to EBC will come in handy. As pointed out, try and have a flexible schedule to have a relaxed hike.
