The Everest Base Camp Trek Itinerary is an excellent walk around the globe, and the mecca of trekkers internationally. The perspectives of the Himalayas and the chance of being so near Mount Everest make it easy to see why the hike is a bucket-list experience. However, like several adventures, there are a few mistakes that trekkers often make, which can stop them from enjoying a hike and finishing a trek correctlyIfff you’re one of these people, irrespective of how an awful lot experience you havt, and the mountains are to your mind, here are some brief tips to get you to that moment of feeling secure and having a hit climb. Here are the worst EBC trekking mistakes you can make.
Underestimating the Altitude
Not taking high-altitude hiking seriously. The most common mistake at the Everest Base Camp is not taking the body seriously after high-altitude trekking. OK, you’re not exactly scaling Mount Everest, but Base Camp is at an altitude of 5,364 meters (17,598 feet), and the vast majority of trekkers have some altitude symptoms to some degree for some or all of the hike. And those symptoms have repercussions: headaches, nauseated stomachs, feeling woozy and breathless — any of which can seriously undermine your trip if not addressed.
The best way to guard against altitude sickness: Acclimate, acclimate, acclimate. 2) Trek it – If the term altitude = altitude on the air miles form rings in your ear, then choose to trek instead, that way you can spend 5+ days allowing your body to adjust to the lower levels of O2 in the air. Acclimatize, provide your body time to adjust to the altitude by means of spending extra days at locations like Namche Bazaar or Dingboche. But pay attention to what your frame is telling you, and get off the mountain if you experience any signs of altitude sickness. And it’s smart to drink lots of nonalcoholic fluids, refrain from alcohol, and get plenty of rest so your body can acclimate to the altitude.
Skipping Physical Preparation
The hike to Everest Base Camp is not a technical climb, although it is hard going. One real mistake that I see with so many trekkers- and me as well, actually- is how much you underestimate the trek, as well as the unpreparedness of how much your body gets killed if you haven’t prepped. It is a pretty long way, and there are some pretty steep grades in spurts, especially at or above the higher elevations.
To prevent you from showing up in an unprepared state, you should start training a few months before your trek. Train for endurance. Buck Up High-load those legs and core (read: long hikes, cardio, and strength training). Plus, backpacking weighs: Even accounting for the amount of weight in the pack — including the weight of a full load — you’re simulating the poundage you’ll lug on trail. The fitter and healthier you are when walking, the more you will enjoy the walk, presumably because your body is more prepared to handle the walk.
Overpacking or Underpacking
Packing for a high-altitude hike is tricky; you want to be able to pack everything you want, not forget vital items, and not pack too much. Pack too much and it makes for a tiring load on your back to carry, too few clothes, and k, and you may find yourself under-prepared for the joys that weather can through your way. It’s about packing smart and living with less.
NE: The first is to layer up. The weather up in the Himalayas changes very frequently, so it’s good to have base layers to take the sweat off your skin, insulation layers to keep you warm, and an outer shell to protect you from rain and wind.” And make sure you have some items — for me, a warm hat, gloves, and a scarf, among others — for keeping warm when youʼre high on the mountain. If feet are another weak spot of yours: Note to self to have some half-decent, reasonably broken-in hiking boots with some ankle support for uneven ground. If you need help figuring out what to pack, most trekking operators have recommended packing lists.
Ignoring the Importance of Rest
The rest of the fun of going to Everest Base Camp is underestimated by the majority of trekkers who seem to think a good night’s sleep is optional. Your body needs rest days to recover, and at altitude, it is especially important. You can burn out your body and heighten your risk of altitude sickness by climbing too fast, or by trudging long days without giving yourself time to acclimatize.
The golden rule: Every once in a while, as you’re walking, take a day off to allow your body to slowly adjust to the altitude. Empty stretch acclimatization stops—like Namche Bazaar (3,440 meters) and Dingboche (4,410 meters)—are pretty things, and they invite you to schedule in a day or two at altitude. Take these days to see the surroundings, stretch your legs, breathe in; rest is just as important as physical training, and you’ll be even more prepared for the trail, feeling more, uh, rested.
Neglecting Insurance and Emergency Plans
Another huge mistake that trekkers commit is to ignore getting insured and emergency options for the trek. It’s the back blocks of the Everest region, and shit happens. So you NEED GOOD comprehensive long-term insurance that provides for emergency evacuation and medical evacuation. Some trekkers think they won’t need it, but accidents, illness, or altitude sickness don’t always respect that thinking.
On your trek, before you leave for your trek, ensure that you have travel insurance that provides adequate cover for helicopter evacuation and rescue if you are trekking in a high-altitude region of Nepal that the government classifies as such. It’s also a good idea to have a plan B — and with this in mind, a continuity idea is a good start, even in the event of an emergency — it can be as simple as medical facilities in the area where you are and who to call for help.
Not Hiring a Guide or Porter
You can hike to Everest Base Camp without guide, and some have done so independently, but not booking a guide for this trek is at best a costly mistake; at worst, its the mistake of a lifetime ~ especially if you are new to the region, the trail, or even if you’ve never really trekked in a high altitude before. The guide can also provide more information about(local culture, history, or geography of the local area. They also offer all the key information to keep you on track — that’s crucial when you’re out in the backcountry with countless trails and forking.
You can also hire a porter to carry your stuff, a really good way to help the hike go by. Porters will carry all of your gear, so you can travel light and focus on the trek itself. And it’s a good way of supporting the local economy, since many of the people living in the area are Sherpa, for whom guiding and portering is a way of life. Just make sure the company you decide to go with is an ethical one, treats their porters and guides fairly, and pays a living wage.
Conclusion
The trek to Everest base camp is great, it is a tough hike and a hiker needs to be ready for,, but also think about the land and the people who reside in it. This means when the go-to ingredients in a bad-time recipe are removed, you are unprotected, so you have a much better chance of coming out on top with better time and more in your pocket to show for when it’s all over. As with all things, respect your limits and go slow if you have to, bring water, and get ready for the inevitable activity that is hiking. You go in with a good spirit, and you organize well — they are memories that do not fade, ever.
