Everest Base Camp Trekking in the Himalayas, Nepal

Scaling Mount Everest, the tallest mountain on the planet is not everyone's cup of tea. Even adrenaline junkies who love the thrill from adventure sports leave it to the brave at heart. Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay were the only two fortunate persons to make it to the top. Nonetheless, we cannot forget the many others who followed pursuit but lost their lives halfway to the summit.

Mount Everest stands majestically at 29,029 feet above sea level and hence a trek to the Everest Base Camp is a feat in itself. An increasing number of people from different walks of life are accepting the challenge to take a closer look at the world's highest peak and to explore the icy terrain. There are two camps at the foot of Mount Everest. The first is the North Base Camp (16,900 feet) in Tibet and the second is the South Base Camp (17,598ft) in Nepal. The South Base Camp uses access via the southeast ridge. The trekking adventure starts at Lukla.

When is the best time to take the Everest Base Camp Trek?

The months from March through May (Spring) and September through November (Winter) is the best time to plan a trek to the Everest Base Camp. Summer gets too hot while monsoon gets dangerous with increased chances of landslides and road blocks.

Here's how to prepare:

Trekking the Everest Base Camp involves hours of walking. The terrain is rocky and uneven. Hence, a pair of sturdy boots is a must-have when you go trekking. Ill-fitting and improperly padded boots can make your trekking experience a nightmare causing sores on the soles of your feet.

Given the high altitudes, more than 1500 meters, there is less oxygen in the air around you. Often, it is less by 30% to 50% of the oxygen you breathe otherwise. As such, some trekkers tend to experience altitude sickness accompanied by symptoms such as headache, slight breathlessness, sleep disturbances, loss of appetite, nausea and vomiting and dizziness and lightheadedness. The symptoms will subside if you rest for a while and once your body acclimatizes to the higher altitudes. The trek usually stops for two days at Namche Bazaar and Dingboche to help trekkers acclimatize. If not, move to lower altitudes. Most Everest Base camp trek organizers always send a medico along, but you must carry the basic first-aid.

The climate in the Himalayas is quite harsh and unpredictable. It is extremely hot during the day and get's chilly at night. Wear long pants and long-sleeved shirts to keep your skin from blistering. Also, slather some sunscreen and wear polarized sunglasses. Carry warm clothes too. Opt for moisture wicking fabrics as they absorb sweat. Get a good sleeping bag and a thermal liner. Stick to the travel-size options for toiletries. Make sure your bag is not too heavy and carry only the essentials.

Trekking at the Everest Base Camp is not only about spending hours wandering and hiking. On the way you will get a glimpse of the breathtaking scenery with quaint little villages against the backdrop of daunting snow-capped summits. The unique Sherpa culture is one to experience. There are great number of monasteries and museums on the way and one is always welcome to drop in when you go trekking in Nepal.