Are you dreaming of trekking to Everest Base Camp? The trip through the Himalayas to stand at the base of Everest in person is breathtaking. There’s a reason this majestic peak is one of the 7 Natural World Wonders—standing at 5,354m with Mt. Everest towering above you is surreal.
While we believe almost anyone can enjoy trekking to Everest Base Camp, there are some things to make the trip go more smoothly and enjoyably. In this article, we’ll talk about some of the best tips, tricks, and travel hacks for trekking Everest Base Camp.
32 TIPS FOR TREKKING EVEREST BASE CAMP
If you can only choose one trek in Nepal, we believe Everest Base Camp is the best choice. Below, we list 32 of our top tips for trekking Everest Base Camp. These tips will help save you time and money while making your trip more comfortable so you can make the most of this once-in-a-lifetime adventure!
TRAIN AHEAD OF TIME
While people of many ages and physical abilities can make the trek to Everest Base Camp, you’ll be much more comfortable if you’re in good physical condition to do so. You don’t have to be a triathlete to hike Everest Base Camp, but you do want to make sure you have the endurance to get there. Here is an Everest Base Camp training guide to help get you in shape for your visit.
TREK THROUGH PHORTSE
There are two main treks to Everest Base Camp. The first is the classic Everest Base Camp route which goes from through Tengboche to Everest Base Camp. The second is a slight adaptation that treks from Lukla to Phortse Thanga before reconnecting with the classic trail to Everest Base Camp. The Everest Base Camp through Phortse trek doesn’t take extra travel time, but reveals a beautiful, lesser-traveled trail. Its scenery is beautiful and helps take you away from the crowds sometimes experienced between Namche and Tengboche. It also reveals a memorable landscape. Worried about missing the Tengboche Monastery? Don’t be! Most of these treks stop through Tengboche on the return journey.
Tips for Everest Base Camp Travel Through Phortse
View of Phortse
PLAN EXTRA DAYS AT THE END
If you have any extra days to spend in Nepal, it’s best to plan them at the end of your trek—not the beginning. Inclement weather can delay the flights going out from Lukla and back to Kathmandu. If you’re held up in Lukla because of bad weather, it’s best not to have an international flight going out the next day. Read more about flight delays at Lukla here.
BUY GEAR IN KATHMANDU
Kathmandu has more trekking shops then you can count with intense competition that drives prices down. This means you can get great prices on gear you might not be able to afford at home. Not all gear is built equally. Here are 6 tips for buying cheap trekking gear in Kathmandu while ensuring you get the best bang for your buck.
From the author: I bought my wife a great down jacket for around $50 that would have cost over $300 in the US. At first glance, a lot of the gear looks similar, but quality varies quite a bit (and it’s not necessarily related to price). If you like we can arrange for one of the team from Himalayan Wonders to accompany you while you shop and help you find what you need.
GET THE BEST RATE ON YOUR FLIGHT
The flight is going to be one of your biggest expenses for trekking Everest Base Camp. However, there are some tricks for making sure you get the best deal. Here is an article we wrote on how to get a cheaper flight to Nepal.
BREAK IN YOUR SHOES BEFOREHAND
You don’t want to be breaking in shoes on the trail to Everest Base Camp. Blisters, chafed skin, and aching feet will dampen your experience. If you’re purchasing new hiking boots or shoes for the hike, take time to wear them around and hike with them before your trip. This will help you break them in and make sure there aren’t any fit issues that will pinch, rub, or stress your feet. Wear them around the house and town for a week or two, then take them on a couple of hikes—the best breaking-in happens off pavement.
STAY WITHIN LUGGAGE WEIGHT LIMITS
Your flight from Kathmandu to Lukla (the beginning of the Everest Base Camp Trek) has strict weight limitations. Your main pack can only weigh 10kg (22 lbs) and your carry-on can only be 5kg (11 lbs). It is possible to pay for additional luggage, but it’s not recommended. Any extra luggage you carry on your flight to Kathmandu is going to be trekked up the mountain by you or your porters.
Are you dreaming of trekking to Everest Base Camp? The trip through the Himalayas to stand at the base of Everest in person is breathtaking. There’s a reason this majestic peak is one of the 7 Natural World Wonders—standing at 5,354m with Mt. Everest towering above you is surreal.
While we believe almost anyone can enjoy trekking to Everest Base Camp, there are some things to make the trip go more smoothly and enjoyably. In this article, we’ll talk about some of the best tips, tricks, and travel hacks for trekking Everest Base Camp.
32 TIPS FOR TREKKING EVEREST BASE CAMP
If you can only choose one trek in Nepal, we believe Everest Base Camp is the best choice. Below, we list 32 of our top tips for trekking Everest Base Camp. These tips will help save you time and money while making your trip more comfortable so you can make the most of this once-in-a-lifetime adventure!
TRAIN AHEAD OF TIME
While people of many ages and physical abilities can make the trek to Everest Base Camp, you’ll be much more comfortable if you’re in good physical condition to do so. You don’t have to be a triathlete to hike Everest Base Camp, but you do want to make sure you have the endurance to get there. Here is an Everest Base Camp training guide to help get you in shape for your visit.
TREK THROUGH PHORTSE
There are two main treks to Everest Base Camp. The first is the classic Everest Base Camp route which goes from through Tengboche to Everest Base Camp. The second is a slight adaptation that treks from Lukla to Phortse Thanga before reconnecting with the classic trail to Everest Base Camp. The Everest Base Camp through Phortse trek doesn’t take extra travel time, but reveals a beautiful, lesser-traveled trail. Its scenery is beautiful and helps take you away from the crowds sometimes experienced between Namche and Tengboche. It also reveals a memorable landscape. Worried about missing the Tengboche Monastery? Don’t be! Most of these treks stop through Tengboche on the return journey.
Tips for Everest Base Camp Travel Through Phortse
View of Phortse
PLAN EXTRA DAYS AT THE END
If you have any extra days to spend in Nepal, it’s best to plan them at the end of your trek—not the beginning. Inclement weather can delay the flights going out from Lukla and back to Kathmandu. If you’re held up in Lukla because of bad weather, it’s best not to have an international flight going out the next day. Read more about flight delays at Lukla here.
BUY GEAR IN KATHMANDU
Kathmandu has more trekking shops then you can count with intense competition that drives prices down. This means you can get great prices on gear you might not be able to afford at home. Not all gear is built equally. Here are 6 tips for buying cheap trekking gear in Kathmandu while ensuring you get the best bang for your buck.
From the author: I bought my wife a great down jacket for around $50 that would have cost over $300 in the US. At first glance, a lot of the gear looks similar, but quality varies quite a bit (and it’s not necessarily related to price). If you like we can arrange for one of the team from Himalayan Wonders to accompany you while you shop and help you find what you need.
GET THE BEST RATE ON YOUR FLIGHT
The flight is going to be one of your biggest expenses for trekking Everest Base Camp. However, there are some tricks for making sure you get the best deal. Here is an article we wrote on how to get a cheaper flight to Nepal.
BREAK IN YOUR SHOES BEFOREHAND
You don’t want to be breaking in shoes on the trail to Everest Base Camp. Blisters, chafed skin, and aching feet will dampen your experience. If you’re purchasing new hiking boots or shoes for the hike, take time to wear them around and hike with them before your trip. This will help you break them in and make sure there aren’t any fit issues that will pinch, rub, or stress your feet. Wear them around the house and town for a week or two, then take them on a couple of hikes—the best breaking-in happens off pavement.
STAY WITHIN LUGGAGE WEIGHT LIMITS
Your flight from Kathmandu to Lukla (the beginning of the Everest Base Camp Trek) has strict weight limitations. Your main pack can only weigh 10kg (22 lbs) and your carry-on can only be 5kg (11 lbs). It is possible to pay for additional luggage, but it’s not recommended. Any extra luggage you carry on your flight to Kathmandu is going to be trekked up the mountain by you or your porters.
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