There are several things to know before hiking to Everest base camp. You need to be aware of the effects of high altitude on your body. You need to stay hydrated, take precautions against altitude sickness, and be aware of permits. In this article, we’ll discuss these things and more.
Acclimatization days
If you’re planning to hike to Everest Base camp, it’s a good idea to acclimate your body to the high altitude. The earlier you can begin your trek, the better, because early on, you’ll have fewer oxygen molecules reaching your muscles. To prepare for this, you can spend a few days in a lower altitude, such as Namche Bazaar.
Ideally, you’ll acclimate for a day or so before your trek. But if you’re not in good health, it’s important to plan at least two acclimatization days before your trip. Make sure you walk slowly and drink lots of water to avoid high altitude mountain sickness. You can also eat garlic soup, which is said to help you acclimatize quickly.
Keeping hydrated
One of the most important things you need to keep in mind when hiking to Everest Base Camp is staying hydrated. Whether you’re planning a day-long trek or are attempting a multi-day adventure, you’ll need to stay well hydrated. You’ll want to pack plenty of water. The tea houses are solar-powered, but it’s still important to carry some wet wipes and other materials to keep yourself clean.
One of the best ways to keep hydrated before hiking to Everest Base Camp is by drinking as much water as possible. A good rule of thumb is to drink at least one liter of water for every three hours of hiking. This will keep your energy up, reduce the risk of Acute Mountain Sickness, and help you feel your best during the hike.
Avoiding altitude sickness
Before hiking to Everest Base Camp, there are several things you should know about the high-altitude environment. One of the first steps is to know what altitude sickness symptoms you can experience. The symptoms can vary depending on the person, so be aware of them before you go on your trip. The best way to avoid getting altitude sickness is to stay well-hydrated and get plenty of sleep. You should also eat plenty of low-calorie and high-carbohydrate foods. Climbing slopes slowly is another way to avoid altitude sickness. You should also stay away from high-altitude-sensitive medicines such as sedatives.
Altitude sickness can strike people of all ages, gender, and physical condition. It’s more common in those with weaker physical conditions, but even normal healthy people can experience it. Most people who get altitude sickness are in groups and tend to hide the symptoms. Groupthink makes them lie about their symptoms. Remember, it’s not your fault if you get altitude sickness – it’s a common symptom of high-altitude travel.
Permits
If you are planning to hike to Everest Base Camp, you must get permits before you set out on the trek. Whether you are going with a trekking company or independently, you must fill out an application form and submit it to the Nepal Tourism Board before hiking to Everest Base Camp. You must provide a copy of your passport and two passport-sized pictures when applying for a permit.
In order to get a permit for Everest Base Camp, you must have a valid passport and two recent photographs. In addition, you must complete an application form for the Gaurishankar Conservation Area. Taking this form will give you access to the three areas, including Everest Base Camp.
Cost
If you want to do a trek to Everest Base Camp, you must consider the costs involved. First, you need to have special permits to enter the national park. The cost of these permits is about $30, plus an additional $10 for the local government fee. You can obtain these permits in Lukla.
Other expenses include porters and guides. The cost of a porter depends on the number of days you spend at base camp. The cost also depends on whether you plan to spend time at the base camp or spend more time trekking to other areas. Also, be sure to tip your porters and guides.
Seasons to hike to Everest Base Camp
If you’re planning on hiking to Everest Base Camp, you’ll need to consider the seasons of the year. The monsoon season brings heavy rain and mud on trails. In addition, thick clouds can disrupt your travel. In contrast, the autumn trekking season begins in late September, when the monsoon has dissipated. Autumn’s crisp, clear skies are perfect for hiking, and the temperatures are much cooler than in spring.
If you’re looking for a quieter time to hike to Everest Base Camp, the fall months are ideal. Fall has moderate temperatures and clear skies, with less chance of rain or snow. Although temperatures are a bit chilly compared to spring and summer, they’re balanced by the mesmerizing views of the surrounding peaks. The only downside to hiking during the fall is the possibility of unexpected rainstorms that can ruin the views.