Our Tips For Everest Base Camp Trek First-Timers

Taking part in an Everest Base Camp trek is a dream cherished by many an adventurous soul, and one that we at Mountain Kingdoms firmly believe is achievable with with the right attitude and preparation.

"Nepal - Sagamartha Trek" © 2007 mckaysavage, used under a Creative Commons

Taking part in an Everest Base Camp trek is a dream cherished by many an adventurous soul, and one that we at Mountain Kingdoms firmly believe is achievable with the right attitude and preparation. If you’re a first time trekker, or new to the Himalayan region, there might be a lot of questions in your mind about what to expect, how to prepare, and what you need to know. Exploring our ask an expert category will provide useful information, but if you’re looking for a starting point, here are our top three pieces of advice for those making this classic journey.

1. Take time to soak it all in. An Everest Base Camp trek may be the reason you’re here, but it’s not just the destination that’s important. From your first steps in the bustling streets of Kathmandu, to the grand sweep of the mountains, to the little moments you share with other travellers, this is an adventure where the smallest detail can be savoured as much as the triumph of reaching your goal.

2. Pay attention to your physical comfort. The trek is meant to test your endurance, but not to wear you out. Acclimatisation is as vital as everyone says it is, and every Everest Base Camp trek that we offer is carefully paced. The rests that we take are essential to ensuring everyone’s well-being and comfort, but altitude sickness can affect even the healthiest and most careful of trekkers, so it’s important to let your group know if you feel unwell.

3. Treat everyone, and everything, with respect. Your fellow travellers, guides and porters, and the Sherpa communities that offer their hospitality along the way, are all deserving of a friendly and positive attitude. But it isn’t only people who deserve good treatment; remember to be conscientious about the environment around you – it is, after all, what makes this trek so special.