Everest Base Camp Trek

Trekking to the Everest Base Camp (EBC) is a bucket-list adventure for many outdoor lovers and mountaineers. It’s not a technical climb, but it’s a challenging high-altitude trek that brings you right into the heart of the Himalayas, with surreal landscapes, rich Sherpa culture, and unforgettable views of the world’s highest peaks.

The classic EBC trek usually takes around 12 - 14 days, starting and ending at Lukla, where you fly in from Kathmandu. The trek winds through charming villages like Namche Bazaar, Tengboche, and Dingboche, before reaching the base camp at 5,364 meters.

Highlights

• Mount Everest (8,848.86m): While you don’t summit, you’ll get awe-inspiring views from Kala Patthar.

• Sherpa Culture: You’ll pass through villages rich in Buddhist heritage.

• Suspension bridges & yak trains: Part of the daily rhythm of the trail.

• Tengboche Monastery: A spiritual and scenic stop with Everest in the backdrop.

• Stars & snow: The night skies at high altitudes are stunning, especially during clear nights.

Altitude & Acclimatization

Altitude sickness is real. Most itineraries include acclimatisation days to let your body adjust. The golden rule is: "Climb high, sleep low." Staying hydrated, eating well, and ascending gradually are key.

SOME POINTERS:

2 Things To Leave Behind

1. Your EGO - Ego will tempt you to compete with other trekkers along the trail. But you have no idea where they’ve come from or what they’ve been through. Ask yourself, what are you really trying to prove? This is not a race.

2. Your WILLPOWER - Willpower can be deceptive. Your mind may say, “I can do this,” but your body might quietly be breaking down. And by the time you realise it, it could be too late. So when your body starts to speak, listen. If it’s telling you to stop, don’t push through blindly. Turn back. Rest. Recharge. Live to trek another day.

This Is Not a Fitness Challenge

This isn’t the place to show off your fitness or treat it like a gym session. You shouldn’t be panting, and your muscles shouldn’t be aching. Trekking at altitude is about endurance, not intensity.

Breathe and Move Mindfully

Focus on your breathing and practice the rest step technique. Go slowly—deliberately—and allow yourself to settle into a calm, almost meditative rhythm.

Trust Your Guide

If your guide tells you to bring a thick down jacket, gloves, or hand warmers, bring them. You will need them. Don’t be stubborn; their experience is your best protection.

Breathlessness When Sleeping

At higher altitude especially 4,500m and above, it’s common to feel breathless when sleeping, like you’re gasping for air. Don’t panic. Just take deep, slow breaths and try to sleep through it. I personally experienced this three times during the night at Lobuche, and throughout the whole night at Gorakhshep.

Avoid Daytime Naps

You will reach the lodge early, around 3pm. Resist the urge to nap during the day. Save your sleep for nighttime to help your body adjust better to the altitude.

Pack Light

A lighter pack means less stress on your knees, back, and shoulders, especially during long ascents or descents. You’ll move more efficiently and reduce the risk of injury. Packing light also encourages thoughtful preparation. You learn to prioritise essentials and cut out unnecessary extras, which is a useful skill for future treks and even travel in general.

Removing Gel Nails

Oximeters work by shining light through your fingertip to measure oxygen saturation. Gel polish, especially dark colors or thick layers, can block or distort the light signal. This can lead to inaccurate readings or no reading at all, which is a concern at high altitudes where monitoring oxygen levels is important for detecting altitude sickness.

Date: 8 April 2025 (Preparation Day)

Arrival in Kathmandu (1,400m/4,593ft) & transfer to the hotel

To meet Mr Chin (Owner of Pristine Nepal) with another participant, a Lithuanian lady (Ugne), for briefing and gear-check.

Accommodation: Hotel Thamel Park

Met our guide Krishna too. He checked our gears and advised that I need a heavy down jacket and gloves. He brought us to a store (associated with Mr Chin) and rented a heavy down jacket for NPR 1,200, bought the down gloves for NPR 1,100. In addition, bought hand-warmers (NPR 250 per pair) for 2 nights in higher elevation which is needed, with 1 pair extra.

After our purchase, I brought Ugne to get a Sim card and get some snacks and wet wipes. We had our last "good dinner" together and went back to pack.

• Tour Company: Pristine Nepal Treks

• Cost: USD 1,255.00

• Tips to guide: NPR 15,000

• Tips to porter: NPR 8,000

• Contact person: Mr Chin WhatsApp +977 986-0152876

• Email: info@pristinenepal.com

• Insurance: Genki World (Explorer)