Trekking in Nepal |2025/2026
22 Dec 2024
Imagine someone with no trekking experience, coming from a sea-level country, hiking toward the world’s highest mountain. Sounds impossible? It’s not.If you’re thinking of taking on this challenge, you probably have a lot of questions: Can I physically do it? What should I pack? Do I need brand-new hiking boots?To help you prepare, here are 5 Everest Base Camp tips I wish I knew before making the trek.
1. Don’t Underestimate the Altitude
Fitness at sea level doesn’t guarantee success at high altitude. The thinner air makes every step more exhausting, even on gradual ascents that look easy. Going too fast can lead to serious altitude sickness, which may force you to quit the trek.Take it slow. Our guide taught us a safe walking pace that helped us acclimatize properly. Even with acclimation, many trekkers feel mild symptoms like headaches or nausea, but medication can help ease the discomfort.
2. Bring the Right Footwear
Your boots will make or break your trek. The trails include stone steps, rocky paths, snow, and ice, so waterproof hiking boots are a must. Break them in well before the trip to avoid blisters.At the end of the day, your feet will crave freedom, so pack flip-flops or slides for relaxing at the tea houses.
3. Support Is All Around You
Before the trip, I worried that I’d be the least experienced trekker in the group. But I quickly learned most people were just like me—nervous and inexperienced. Everyone had tough days, regardless of fitness level, but the group spirit was incredible.We supported each other, and that sense of community carried us through the hardest stretches.
4. Pack for Every Weather
Don’t assume it’s freezing the entire time. Trekking to Base Camp feels like experiencing all four seasons in one journey. Mornings and evenings are cold enough for down jackets and woolly hats, but you’ll shed layers once you warm up on the trail. Rain gear is also essential.The golden rule: pack plenty of layers so you can adapt quickly to changing conditions.
5. Avoid High-Mountain Prices
The higher you go, the more expensive things get. With supplies carried by yaks or flown in by helicopter, simple items like toilet paper, baby wipes, or chocolate bars can cost a fortune.Stock up in Kathmandu before you start. Also, many lodges charge for charging electronics—so bring a portable charger to keep your devices powered up.
Getting There
https://www.odeaservices.com/trips/everest-base-camp-trekking
