#ebctrek #everestbasecamptrek #hikingtips
Before I went on the everest base camp trek I must have watched at least 20 videos offering advice and tips, mainly on the big pieces of kit that you're going to need.
As such, I didn't want to do a 'what to pack for the EBC trek' type video because that's already been covered. Instead, whilst I was doing the trek I started to note down all of the things that I hadn't seen in articles or videos....so these are all of those little pieces of advice!
1. When to go
I went in the off season (December) and whilst it's colder, most of the guides that I spoke to seemed to enjoy it more. Not only does it have the least precipitation of any month so you get clear blue skies, but there's less people on the trail. Having said that, you don't get to see everest base camp with all the climbers, but you do get to avoid crouded trails and tea houses.
2. Buying kit in Kathmandu
I satyed in Thamel which seems to be the main area where people stay in Kathmandu. Whilst there's load of hiking shops in the area, I would advise buying boots, jacket and sleeping bag to make sure you get the proper quality stuff.
3. First days on the EBC trek
As I said in the video, this is something you're probably going to do anyway. I know I did, but you don't want to be stopping all the time to take pictures because you want to keep ahead of the donkey trains and the dust, as well as conserve your batteries. The views only get better so the first few days, whilst amazing, are just the appetizer.
4. Go Slow
This may not apply to everyone, but I certainly found myself going too fast and it took me multiple days to figure out. Just relax, you have all day. Take it slow.
5. Arriving at the tea houses
I had a little ritual that helped as soon as I arrived at the tea houses. Baby wipe bath to stop myself smelling too bad and then drying my boots and socks. As you get higher and it get colder, any moisture is essentially frozen overnight, so putting your socks and boots on (if you haven't dried them out) isn't particularly nice.
6. Warm sleeping bag
A lot of people advise putting boiling water in your water bottle and putting that in your sleeping bag. I didn't actually do that. Instead I would get all of my pre-sleep stuff done (brush my teeth, go to the toilet) and then sit by the stove in the main area till I was roasting hot and then jump on my sleeping bag. It meant that I didn't have to wait 20 minutes for my sleeping bag to warm up.
7. Look at the stars.
The stars are incredible above 4000m. Take the time, brave the cold and go outside.
8. Charging electronic & internet
Charging stuff was really easy when I was there, but that might have been because there were very few people in the tea houses. They all have pretty clear signs and pricing for charging.
You can buy access to Everest Link which gives you data at the tea houses, as long as the router is working. I also had an Ncell SIM card but that didn't work above Pengboche.
9. Strap mount for cameras & batteries
If you have a larger camera, buy a cold shoe mount that attaches to your rucksack strap. It's a real pain having to carry your camera or take it out of its case everytime you want to take a picture, espeically the higher you go as your hand get cold.
If you have a GoPro, make sure you have the enduro batteries. The normal batteries didn't work for me because of the cold.
10. Gaffa tape on your water bottle
This is something that I'm going to keep, just wrapping some gaffa tape around a water bottle. Down jackets can rip and you never know when gaffa tape comes in handy!
11. Earplugs
The tea houses have thin walls and wooden floors. Not great when everyone is walking around in boots and you're trying to get to sleep.
12. Nasal Spray
A real god send. Everything is so dry, especially when you wake up in the morning, so a few sprays makes you feel like a new person.
13. Suncream stick
As you get higher and it gets colder, you don't really want to be having to apply suncream and get sticky hands. Get a roll on suncream stick and you'll be able to stop yourself getting burned without all the mess.
14. Itinerary & Medication
Take an extra day in Pengboche to do Ama Dablam base camp and definitely check out Chola lake, it was the best place I saw on the whole tip.
Also make sure, if you take daily medication, that you take more than you need. Factor in any delays at Lukla.
0:00 - Cleaning up after the EBC Trek
1:38 - Buying gear in Kathmandu
3:03 - When to go to Everest Base Camp
4:28 - First days
5:12 - Go Slow
5:59 - Arriving at tea houses
6:52 - Warm sleeping bag
7:46 - Look at the stars
8:22 - Charging & Internet
9:57 - Cameras & Batteries
10:50 - Gaffa tape on your water bottle
11:17 - Earplugs
12:33 - Nasal Spray
13:02 - Suncream Stick
13:42 - Itinerary & Medication
