Everest Base Camp Trek Tips

trek climb ski nepal

September 27, 2014

Our Everest Base Camp Trek tips are designed to help you have a safe and successful trekking adventure in Nepal. Watch a great video on our Everest Base Camp Trek.

So your gear is packed and your flights are booked. You’re almost on your way and the excitement is building. But what about the important things that nobody tells you about an Everest Base Camp Trek. The stuff you only find out once you’ve been but you really wish you’d known before you went!  Read on…

Everest Base Camp Trek Tips # 1

Obtain your visa for Nepal before you go. Why? Because in Nepal stuff happens at a different pace. To be more specific, a much SLOWER pace. Nobody is in a hurry and it’s part of what makes Nepal great. When you enter the Passport inspection area there will be a number of lines, but not many. You’ll see the “with visa” lines and the “without visa” line. Make a note of that… one line for “without visa” and a few lines for “with visa”. The “without visa” line is not the way you want to start your journey in Nepal. It takes forever to clear and there is usually only one customs agent processing those without a visa – manually and with no computer. You get the idea!

Everest Base Camp Trek Tips # 2

Where should I eat in Kathmandu? One of our challenges at the start of every trip we run is ensuring our guests stay healthy for those initial nights in Kathmandu. Once we’re on the trail, water and food preparation is far more reliable and hygienic than is the case across most of greater Kathmandu. Often our guests choose to arrive into Kathmandu a few days earlier than the start date of their itinerary. In these cases they often find themselves needing to navigate the organised chaos of restaurants, hotels, cafes and bars found on nearly every corner in Kathmandu and it’s inner suburbs.

So in no particular order, the following is a list of establishments we frequent regularly which are generally as ‘safe’ and ‘clean’ as they come in Kathmandu. In short, our staff and leaders would be happy to dine at any of these eating establishments in Kathmandu.

  • Roadhouse Restaurant in Thamel
  • Kilroy’s Restaurant in Thamel
  • Rum Doodle Restaurant in Thamel
  • Fire & Ice Pizza Restaurant in Thamel
  • Pumpernickel Bakery in Thamel
  • New Orleans Tavern in Thamel
  • Mike’s Breakfast in Naxal
  • The Radisson Hotel in Lazimpat
  • The Yak & Yeti Hotel in Kathmandu

And if you really must… KFC and Pizza Hut in Durbar Marg in Kathmandu!

Everest Base Camp Trek Tips # 3

All reputable companies operating Everest Base Camp Treks will provide their clients with recommended clothing and equipment lists. These lists will assist greatly with essential trip planning. After many years guiding and leading trips, we’ve also come up with some not so obvious ‘must haves’ when you’re out on the trails in Nepal. These Everest Base Camp Trek tips are gold.

Wet wipes
You simply can’t have enough of these. Almost as good as a shower when you’re hot (or cold), dusty and sweaty. Make sure you bring plenty so you don’t have to ration them and around 10 per day will do the trick.
Mobile phone
Much of Nepal is not as remote as it once was. Health, education and communications are all on the improve in the busier trekking regions, particularly the Everest and Annapurna areas. It used to be that a satellite phone was an essential item for trip leaders but nowadays along many of the trails, a standard mobile phone will do the job. Lots of people head to Nepal to get ‘away from it all’ but if you want to stay in touch with your family and friends your mobile phone will get reception in some very unlikely places.
A small solar charger
Many of these available today and they’re not expensive. Most are small and compact so you can attach them to your backpack while trekking. Very handy when it comes to charging iPods, iPhones and the like.
Passport photos
In short, you can’t have enough of these. You’ll need them for your trekking permits and also for your visa should you need to obtain this upon arrival into Kathmandu.
 Your trekking agent in Nepal will also need a couple too. If you bring 6 you’ll probably use them all.
Cough mixture
This is a must have. If you get a cough on your trekking adventure and you are still ascending, it’s very unlikely your cough will improve. In some cases, what begins as a light tickle and slightly annoying cough, can become a debilitating case of what is commonly referred to in Nepal as ‘Khumbu Cough’. Whilst cough mixture is not generally a cough remedy, it will provide relief and help you get the much needed rest and sleep essential for trekking in Nepal.
Travelan
A great way to reduce the likelihood of gastro and diarrhoea. Take these as directed before meals and you’re on a winner. A very effective way to assist in keeping yourself healthy. See this link: http://www.travelan.com.au/

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