MeetnGreeter Ganesh from Kathmandu is a professional trekking guide and the person you can contact if you adore mountains, adventures and wild nature. He has already shared his advice on tourist attractions to visit in Kathmandu and about the best treks in Nepal. Today he will tell you how you should be prepared (you need to be prepared really well) to win the mountain top.

“Mount Everest has captivated adventurous men and women from all over the world since the 1920s, and the people like Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing have successfully popularized it broadly by ascending its summit in 1953. Mount Everest is the mountain where many people have lost their lives, and this is also the mountain where many people have reached its summit to make a record.

Reaching the summit of Everest may be unachievable, but reaching its base camp is possible. Why? Because there is a safe route where 37000 people walked in 2012. Since then, the number of Everest trekker is constantly increasing.

What’s it like to trek to Everest Base Camp?

Besides stunning scenery, you will experience unique Sherpa culture, visit monasteries and museums. Also, you will enjoy your days completely. You also pass by colorful prayer wheels and walk on swinging bridges, and these seem to be straight out from the movie called Indiana Jones, while in the evenings, you are served hot food and have a time for conversation with like-minded trekkers around the fire in a dining room.

The best time to do Everest base camp trek is from March to June and from September to December.

Should I trek with a Guide?

Having a guide is mandatory. Trekking with a guide is compulsory after the disappearance of a Belgian trekker in June 2012. For US$20 to $30 per day, you can hire a guide from whom you will learn plenty about the local culture and natural environment.

How to get in shape?

Prepare cycling, swimming, hill climbing and do a lot of walking if you have time. Walk five hours once a week, three months before starting Everest Base Camp Trek. Seek out hills or find a tall building and repeatedly walk up and down the stairs.

What are the essential backpacks gears for Everest Base Camp Trek?

• A fleece jacket
• Down jacket
• Thermal underwear
• Two pairs of long pants
• Two or three T-shirts
• broken-in boots
• Trekking socks
• Sneakers or sandals for evenings
• Raincoat, gloves
• Woolen hat
• Sunhat
• Polarized sunglasses
• A good sleeping bag (rated to -20°C/0°F) is essential; if it’s winter, a thermal liner makes it extra toasty.
• Opt for travel-size toiletries
• Sunscreen
• Lip balm
• travel towel and tissues
• Baby wipes
• Medication for diarrhea
• Antibiotics for a chest or sinus infection
• Adhesive bandages for blisters
• Use two 1L water bottles
• Water purification tablets

How to trek safely?

Hike slowly and easily. Altitude sickness can affect anybody – even an extremely fit person. Usually, you will acclimatize at Namche and Dingboche. Symptoms of altitude mountain sickness are headaches, dizziness, sleeplessness, loss of appetite and breathlessness. Diamox is used for treatment, but if symptoms persist, descend downhill.

Eat veg foods. As tempting as it is to try a juicy yak steak or ‘buff burger’, be aware that all meat is carried up by porters from Lukla due to the no-killing policy in the Sagamartha National Park, so by the time you have it, it is not that fresh. The safest, healthiest option is to eat dal bhat (lentil soup and rice) – it is fresh and is a great source of protein and energy. As the Nepali saying goes like this, ‘Dal bhat’ power equals 24 hour energy.“

We thank Ganesh for this truly insightful article which I’m sure can’t leave you unfazed. Are you already packing for a trip to Nepal? Then contact Ganesh for an amazing experience of gaining the top of Mount Everest.