Top Tips & Tricks for Hiking the Everest Base Camp Circuit, Nepal

Similar to my What to Pack post, the internet is overflowing with insights from hikers who have ‘ticked the box’ and walked to Everest Base Camp. While the memories are still relatively fresh, I thought I would throw my ‘two bob’s worth’ into the mix.

Some of my tips and tricks may be less relevant than others, depending on how you want to walk this route. We joined a supported tour with World Expeditions. It was an all-inclusive arrangement which meant all accommodation, porters, guides and most meals were sorted. Walking independently would be a different experience, requiring different types and amounts of gear.

Regardless, I hope these tips may be of use to someone out there in the ether dreaming of some serious adventuring…

The Trail:

• Everest ‘Highway’ – the direct route to Everest Base Camp (EBC) – is very busy. Be prepared for crowds.
• Consider taking a less popular trail to EBC to avoid the crowds. You may need to allow a little more time, but it is definitely worth it with the higher chance of enjoying more solitude.
• The trail can be narrow in places and it is important to be considerate of the porters carrying heavy loads. Step aside and allow them to pass.
• Also, traffic includes multitudes of yak trains, mule trains and dzopki trains, carrying supplies up hill and returning. Make sure you stand on the mountain-side of the trail as one bump from them and over the edge you go.
• Suspension bridges are common at the lower altitudes crossing rivers, gorges etc. They are perfectly safe, but just take your time and look straight ahead (not down) if you have a thing about heights.
• Understand altitude and what it means to hike high. The effects will vary from person to person, but the impacts can be serious.
• Walk ‘slowly, slowly’ to give your body time to adjust. There are small villages along the way with many lodges, so you can definitely break your journey into shorter stages if need be.
• Be prepared for the most astonishing scenery and remember to pause, and look behind you. Often the nicest views are behind you.

Timing:

• Consider going early in the season or ‘shoulder’ season to avoid the bulk of the crowds. We walked in early October (their Autumn) and it was pretty busy, even then.
• The weather was absolutely brilliant at that time of year. Every day had crystal clear blue skies and it was warm-to-hot at lower altitudes. Needless to say, it was very cold and snowy the higher we went.
• Be aware that the weather can change very quickly. It can go from blue skies to complete fog/white out within 15-30 minutes. Choosing the time you walk, including the time you start each day, is an important consideration.
• Allow a few extra buffer days in your schedule in case things do not go according to plan. We started two days behind schedule due to the lack of flights to Lukla. We also met people who had been waiting four days to get out of Lukla. You have been warned!

Gear:

• I have written a more detailed What to Pack post and I won’t repeat it word-for-word here. Below are just a few vital items.
• Walking poles are a must. They are essential to help on ascents and descents. Do NOT leave home without them.
• Think about how you prefer to hydrate and make sure you drink plenty of water as it will help with the altitude and the very dry atmosphere. I found a water bladder was useful for constant and ongoing hydration.
• Merino clothing is great for layering and also doesn’t smell even after two weeks! 😊 Or smell really bad anyway… 😊
• Sunscreen for every part of your body is also essential as well as a broad brim hat and good sunglasses. The sun is relentless on the whole track.

Health:

• Consider taking Diamox to manage the impact of altitude. It certainly helped a lot with the headaches I experienced.
• Try not to shower on the way to EBC to reduce the chance of catching a cold. I showered and got a cracker of a head cold. Bird baths will suffice.
• ALL water needs to be treated, even to clean your teeth. Micropur tablets will help with this, boil your water, or you will have to buy bottled water with all the implications of wasteful plastic etc. You cannot always access ‘free’ water.
• Wear a beanie to bed to keep warmth in your head at night time.
• The atmosphere is so dry high up that a moisturiser for face and lips will add to your comfort levels after a day out on the trail.
• Anti-inflammatory creams and tablets will help with any knee or ankle pain. Your knees are your best friends on this trail. Take good care of them!
• Go vegetarian while on the trail to reduce the chance of tummy upsets. Meat, especially chicken, dishes are available in most tea houses/lodges and enjoy it if you are confident that food hygiene standards are high.
• Take hand sanitiser and use it often.
• Toilet paper is NOT provided anywhere. Take your own or be prepared to buy it.

Money & Expenses:

• Everything gets more expensive the higher you hike i.e. a single roll of toilet paper can cost $AUD8.50. Everything must be carried in and supply, and demand, forces impact the prices of all items. Plan accordingly.
• If you have space in your backpack, consider bringing muesli bars or other snacks to save money and to know what you are consuming. Up high apples can be cost around $AUD5 each.
• Cash is king on this trail. You can use your credit card in the larger towns and lodges, but cash is best.
• Haggling or bargaining is expected in most shops although lodges/tea houses seem to be more rigid in their pricing.
• Other costs include: Internet/WIFI 24hr vouchers were mostly around $AUD10.00, recharging devices ranges from $AUD5-10.00, meals range from $AUD8-15.00.

General:

• Join a supported tour to take a lot of hassle (getting seats on planes etc) out of your hike. Yes, it is more expensive, but it is so worth it. Independent porters and guides are plentiful in Lukla if you want to do your own thing.
• Tipping is mandatory for porters and guides, and consider bringing small gifts from your home country too.
• It is very hard to get clothes dry if you do handwashing, even pinning it to your backpack as you walk doesn’t work well.
• Keep your batteries and power banks as warm as possible as they will lose charge in the colder temperatures. Pop them in a thick sock etc and into your sleeping back with you at night.
• Tea houses/lodges vary in their quality. You get what you pay for. Mostly they only heat the Common/Dining room area, so be prepared for those rooms to be very crowded and noisy.
• Lukla is a lovely place, but the airport is sheer chaos trying to get a seat on a plane out. Plan ahead and perhaps get someone to do all the negotiation for you.
• You may lose weight! One of the major effects of altitude is the loss of appetite. I had to force myself to eat (highly unusual for me 😊), but I knew I needed to fuel my body for the next day. I lost around 5kgs in just over two weeks.
• Be prepared for EBC to be a little underwhelming. There is not much there – just another incredibly barren, icy and rocky patch of ground. The knowledge of what you have achieved to get there is simply outstanding.

Hiking to EBC is a momentous and memorable experience. It is spectacularly hard and absolutely spectacular!

If this hike is on your Bucket List, don’t delay. Start training now. You won’t be disappointed.

Namaste.

What else would you like to know? I’m happy to chat before my memory fades. 😉

The Basics

What: A 21-day tour to Nepal including a 17-day trek to Everest Base Camp via Cho La Pass.

Where: After flying into Kathmandu, we had a nightmare mini-bus ride to Ramechap, and then had to wait for the weather to clear before flying to Lukla and then starting our trek from there.

When: October 2024 and early Autumn in Nepal.

Why: Because it was be breathtaking, memorable and because both body and heart are still willing!

How: By foot, car, plane, bus, foot, mini-bus, plane, foot, foot, foot, foot, foot, etc, plane, minibus, plane, car, foot.

Who: Myself, The Husband, The Partner in Crime and a First Timer.

Related Posts: To start at the very beginning, here is our chaotic introduction to Kathmandu.

Related Blogs: For some great insight into Nepal and what it takes to trek to Everest Base Camp have a look at this fabulous blog – Monkey’s Tale. Lots of handy information for would-be trekkers

Read About it: Prefer an armchair adventure to Everest Base Camp? Then strap on your crampons, take a deep breath and open Into Thin Air by Jon Krakauer. An astounding first-hand account of what it takes to climb Everest.

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