Mt Everest has an undeniable ability to seduce Explorers, Travellers and Climbers alike. With its breathtaking views and fascinating Sherpa people there is something for everyone to guarantee the experience of a lifetime.

Mt. Everest, so called after the first person to record its height, Sir George Everest, translates in Nepalese and Tibetan as "Goddess in the Sky" and "Mother Goddess of the Universe", demonstrating the immense respect and reverence that the locals have for this awesome mountain. It is 29,029 feet high but it rises a few centimetres each year due to the huge geological forces acting on it. It is situated on the awesome Himalayan mountain range which borders Nepal and Tibet. Positioned at 17,500ft (5,400m) high a trek to Everest’s base camp is by no means an easy feat.

The approximate elevations of each of the camps are:

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People

The National Park which surrounds Everest is called the Khumbu Valley and is inhabited by the Sherpas. Having survived at these high altitudes for generations they have adapted to the problems associated with altitude and whilst at Low altitude you will probable appear much fitter than then be amazed as they are able to run at high altitude when you are struggling to walk.

The Sherpa people are invaluable in making any expedition to Everest whether it be to Base camp or even Summit. They will carry your gear, food, tents and it is important that they are respected. They take great pride in their Mountain Climbing Heritage and without them you won’t finish the trek

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Kit list

You should take three separate pieces of luggage, a trek rucksack, a holdall and a day sac:

Main Baggage/Trek Kit Bag
Your main bag should be a frameless backpack which must not weigh more than 20kgs (ideal – 15kg). We recommend a backpack over a suitcase for ease of transportation. This is the item of luggage used to carry all your belongings in the hold of the plane and used whilst on trek for clothing and sleeping bag; carried by porters.

Holdall
Used to store all items not needed on your trek in the mountains. This will be
stored at the hotel in Kathmandu.

Day Sac/Rucksack
To carry all personal effects required throughout the day’s trek, such as waterproofs, sun cream etc. Carried by you.

ESSENTIAL EQUIPMENT LIST

• Passport/Tickets/Vaccination Certificates/Spare Passport Photos/Travel Insurance Policy
• Money Belt

RECOMMENDED GENERAL PACKING LIST

• Travel towel (i.e micro fibre material)
• Toiletries
• Biodegradable Laundry Soap
• Torch/Spare Batteries
• Sun Hat
• Anti-bacterial hand wipes/santitizer
• Sunglasses
• Camera – film/batteries/memory card/charger
• Travel alarm clock
• Sewing kit
• Reading material/Guide Books
• Padlocks
• Travel pillow
• Swiss army knife
• Travel clothesline
• Universal sink plug/Laundry Soap
• Student ID (if applicable)
• I-pod/MP3/Discman
• Pens and Notebook

Clothing and Footwear

Light versatile clothes – cotton and quick drying (dark colours recommended)
• Underwear/socks
• Swimwear
• 2 x long trousers, these should be lightweight and comfortable, preferably cotton.
• 2 x shorts
• Skirt/dress
• Sarong/headscarf (particularly useful if you need to cover up quickly)
• 4 T-Shirts/2 Long-sleeve t-shirts
• Fleece (for cooler evenings)/Thermal underwear for high altitude areas
• 1 smart/casual outfit for evenings out
• 1 Waterproof/windproof jacket
• Comfortable walking shoes – trainers/sandals
• Hiking boots if any trekking involved
• Flip Flops/Thongs/Sandals – also for the showers

Recommended First Aid Supplies

• Sunscreen
• Plasters/Bandage/Steri-Strips
• Antiseptic
• Blister pads
• Pain killers
• Diarrhorea remedies
• Moisturiser/after sun cream/lip balm
• Malaria Tablets (if required)
• Any prescription medication required (please inform the tour leader at your pre-departure meeting about these)
• Contact lenses and solution
• Cold/flu decongestants
• Antihistamines
• Travel motion-sickness tablets (i.e. natural ginger tablets)
• Contraceptives
• Mosquito Repellent
• Insect bite cream
• Tampons
• Tweezers
•Rehydration salts (Gastrolyte)

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Climate

The weather you will experience on Everest is extreme and rather unpredictable so it is best to be prepared for all eventualities. Spring is the high season for trekking, but warmer weather can mean there is a larger cloud cover, which obscures many of the fantastic views that are part of this once in a lifetime trek. For those willing to brave the colder temperatures of autumn and winter this is not such a problem.

A large problem on Everest is that as you reach higher altitudes the oxygen content of the air dramatically decreases. At 20,000ft there is only half as much oxygen in the air as you are used to and by the summit oxygen is reduced to only a 1/3.

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How much does it cost?

A trek to Everest Base camp can vary dramatically in price from about £500 to around the £2000 mark. There is such a difference because each trip is different. Check what each trek includes in its price, flights, accommodation, food, guides etc make sure you know what you have paid for and what is still to be paid locally.

Make sure you pick the right trip for you, make sure you give yourself time to acclimatise to the altitude even if that means flying out a few days before your trek starts.

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When is the best time to climb Everest?

There are two times of year when conditions are most favourable for a trek to Everest Base Camp, either in the pre-monsoon springtime or the post monsoon autumn. Although, it is possible to join Treks that run almost all year round.

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Who can climb Everest?

The trek to Everest Base Camp is a physically demanding one, requiring an above average level of fitness. Some trekking experience or preparation is recommended.

There are many opinions on what age you should be to climb Everest but between the youngest person to ever Summit Everest at 16 and the oldest at 64 if you are physically fit enough and prepared for a fairly strenuous trek then you should be ok to go.

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Medical information

You will need to be immunised against a number of diseases including Yellow fever and Malaria. It is best to go to your GP, Nurse or a travel clinic well in advance of your departure date so they can advise the correct immunisations. www.traveldoctor.info

The main problem experienced on Everest is altitude Sickness, this is definitely something to take seriously and to take precautions against. There is no way of telling how it will affect you until you are at high altitude.

The easiest and most effective way to limit the effects of altitude sickness is by ascending the mountain slowly and giving your body time to acclimatise to the height. Above 10,000 feet (Base camp is at 17,500) you should aim not climb more than 1000 feet per day.

You also need to stay warm and conserve as much energy as possible, drink water and above all listen to what your body is telling you, if you don’t feel right don’t push yourself to hard because you may push yourself out of the trek altogether.

Lastly but not least in any way, is the weather conditions, it can get very cold on Everest and if you are not dressed appropriately you will end up with frostbite

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Visas for Nepal

The easiest way to obtain a visa is on arrival at the Kathmandu airport. Upon arrival you will need to fill out the necessary forms and proceed to the visa line. The price for a visa changes on a regular basis although it should be approx $30. You will need a passport photo for your visa and it is advisable to bring change in low denominations ( $10, $5, $1) to pay for your visa.

You will also need a trekking permit to get onto the mountain but this should be provided by your tour operator This is worth checking as this may take a couple of days to get hold of.

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Getting by in Nepalese

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Useful Links