Prepping for Everest Base Camp: a beginner’s guide
Five things to know before you trek to camp beneath Nepal’s most iconic peak
“The abode of snow”
The Himalayas (literally “abode of snow” in Sanskrit) are sacred to three of the world’s major religions – four if you include mountaineering as a faith. These snow-capped mountains have pulled explorers under their spell for centuries, promising an ever-changing landscape of remote villages, thick alpine forests, and rushing rivers set against the otherworldly backdrop of peaks that scrape the belly of heaven itself. Prepare to be astounded.
Nepal Trekking FAQ
Which route is for me?
Trekking in Nepal is a challenge, but a wholly rewarding one. Figuring out which route is better suited to your climbing style is important. The Everest routes offer a greater physical challenge and start higher up in the mountains, while the Annapurna routes give you a better sense of what it’s like to live in the shadows of these mighty peaks. Our advice: Do them both!
Will the altitude affect us?
Most likely. The air in the Himalayas contains less breathable oxygen than what you’re used to at sea level. Everyone will experience the thinner high-altitude air a little differently – and some more than others – slow and steady is always the best way to go. The more time you give yourself to acclimatize, the better you’ll feel and the easier your day’s trekking will be.
What will we eat?
You’ll need energy to make it to the top, and our cooks will make certain you’ve got a steady supply of healthy, quality hiking fuel. Our team of porters carries all the necessary supplies, including fresh produce. Meals are a mix of local and international cuisine, and while special requests and dietary restrictions can almost always be accommodated, it’s a good idea to let us know in advance.
Where will we sleep?
We stay in tea houses on all of our Nepal treks. Tea house accommodation varies depending on the setting and the altitude, and no two establishments are alike. A tea house is a traditional Nepali institution that combines a guesthouse and a restaurant, and can vary from offering private rooms to dormitory-style lodging. Washing facilities can also vary widely from place to place.
Featured Nepal Posts
Everest Base Camp, without the altitude
Just because we aren’t travelling as much as we’d like to right now, doesn’t mean we can’t experience our big, beautiful world. Join one of our guides for a virtual walking tour to Everest Base Camp.
Tips for your trek to Everest Base Camp
Among the different regions of Himalayas, the Everest Base Camp trek is an awe-inducing experience every time but you need to keep some important tips in mind.
How to empower women by travelling to India and Nepal
Several local projects are improving the lives of women in both countries
The G Difference
The himalayas are a worthy opponent, but our skilled CEOs and local staff are the best people to help you tackle it. But the top-level support isn’t limited to the boots on the trail:
Sustainable accommodations
The teahouses that serve as your home away from home while trekking through the region are run by locals, reflecting our commitment to supporting local businesses. Travelling with us ensures the money you spend stays in the communities you encounter along the way, helping them prosper and grow.
Guaranteed departures
We run trips all over the world every single day of the year. Once you’ve paid your fee and booked your
place on a guaranteed departure, that’s it. You’re going. Start packing.
Local CEOs
Our CEOs are locals who are intimately familiar with the terrain and possess a considerable degree of experience trekking at high altitudes. They are also great motivators, and go to great lengths to ensure that all travellers realize their trekking goals.