A Guide To Trekking Everest Camp

Here is your basic pacing list for Everest Base Camp:

Clothes:

Base Layers(s)

Insulation Layer(s)

Outer Layer (jacket)

Trekking trousers & shorts

Underwear (obvs)

Trekking socks (these will help your feet and prevent blisters)

Trekking shirt

Waterproof Jacket & trousers (just in case)

Hat with wide brim to cover your neck and face

Sunglasses with Good UV protection

Neck wrap / gaiter

Beanie

Gloves (inner and outer)

Trekking shoes

Walking Poles (optional) 

Camera

Backpack or Duffel Bag

Back Bag / Back Pack

Sleeping Bag

Eye Mask

Ear Plugs

Wet Wipes

Water Bottle

Head Torch

Towel

Waterproof lining

Power Charger

Reading (Kindle?)

It's worth pointing out here that you can't really train for altitude. People react differently when at altitude and oxygen thins, and much of this is out of your control regardless of how fit you are. So, with that in mind here we focus on getting your legs and body ready for the trek.

Typically the hiking part of your adventure will be for 9 days and each day you'll cover around 15km in 6 hours. This is not crazy fast or tough trekking but when it's day after day, it can take its toll on you.

The best advice we can give is to start to goon hikes. Start short with maybe one to two hours and build up to  to 6 hours. If possible, try to cover undulating terrain. We'd also recommend, if possible, to wear the boots you'll be wearing on the Everest Base Camp trek itself. Tis will 'break them in' and help prevent blisters. The last thing you want is a blister on day one of your adventure!

For strength training we recommend two key elements. The first is to wear your back pack for your day hikes with the kit you require for that day. This will get you used to carry it with you. The second, if possible, is to try to fit in some free weight sessions for your entire body.  This will prepare your body and particularly your legs.

Last but by no means least is your mental prep. The trek is hard. There will be days when you feel tired, aching, and just don't fancy it. Partly our training will help as you'll feel fit but also remember you're in a group. Other people will feel the same way on various days, you can support each other. Together you'll make it.

Hopefully we'll have a video with some training tips soon!

ps: Here is a video we shot on altitude sickness.

There is no one single answer or brand to provide to you. You must first make sure that the UV protection is high, this is the most important factor. Secondly, find ones you like, are comfortable and will wear again!

Your best bet is to go for a 40 to 65 litre capacity back pack for Everest base camp. This should be big enough for your clothes, gear and food / snacks. Of course, do check some out and make sure you find one that's comfortable for you.

We suggest a bag that goes to -15 to - 20 degrees Celsius. 

Everest base camp is 17,900 feet or 5,500 meters above sea level.

At 5,500 meters, the height of base camp, the oxygen is around 50% lower than at sea level.

The most significant danger is altitude sickness. Earthquakes and rock slides are very, very rare indeed.

Having the right foot ware for your Everest Base Camp adventure is critical!!!

You'll need to try some boots on but key things to look for are:

1. Comfort - you're going to be in them a lot so you need to feel comfortable in them.

2. Waterproof or resistant

3. Easily put on / taken off

4 Light weight

5. Grips suitable for rocky terrain