Introduction: Everest Base Camp Premium
The tallest mountain in the world, Mount Everest (8848 m), lies in the Mahalangur range of the Himalayan region of Nepal. The roof of the world provides a spectacular vantage point for viewing the snow-capped mountains through trekking or helicopter tours. Any nature enthusiasts and adventure lovers find Everest to be their dream destination. However, those who make Everest a must-visit place must walk 8-9 hours daily to reach it if they are on a budget. But for those who want a cozy experience, the Everest Base Camp Premium is the perfect trekking package with little added cost, which is worth it.
Trekking towards the Everest Base Camp on a normal budget is cheap but can be hectic. With a normal budget, trekkers need to adjust to basic accommodation options, normal drinking water, and no Wi-Fi and electricity, which can ruin the experience. Despite that, with additional cost, trekkers can get cozy accommodation, safe drinking water, and other important amenities like electric blankets, electricity, hot showers, and Wi-Fi. Thereby giving a premium vibe throughout the trek without much hassle.
The premium package of the Everest Base Camp trek is designed to adjust to an individual's needs for a better trekking experience. The trek is suitable for solo and group trekkers who don't want strenuous walking. Omitting a strenuous walk and replacing it with a fairly easy walk will enable a wide age group to travel towards the Everest Base Camp. The trek will also include the top-notch services available in the Everest region, so the elderly and children will get the maximum level of comfort offered.
Everest Base Camp and trekkers will land at Kalapatthar and fly towards the pristine Gokyo Lake and Gokyo Ri. The added destination of Gokyo will splash beautiful colors on the trek, giving you a complete experience of Everest and its top attractions. Gokyo is one of the highest settlements in the world, which gives a beautiful view of five tranquil glacial treks that are altogether known as Gokyo Lakes. Views of Mount Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, Cho Oyu, and the Ngozumpa glacier are prominent from the Gokyo Lake. Likewise, Gokyo Ri is another vantage point situated atop Gokyo Lake, and the beautiful 360-degree view of the area is indescribable. Those who visit Gokyo and Gokyo Ri can genuinely say they have seen all Everest offers.
Likewise, people on the Everest Base Camp trek get the opportunity to blend with the Sherpa community, which is the locals of the region. Sherpas are renowned for their hospitality and shear strength, and their background of trekking and mountaineering is sure to amaze anyone. The unique food, culture, and tradition of the Sherpas provide another reason to visit the mighty Everest.
Another exciting thing about Everest is that the Everest Base Camp trekking itinerary falls under the Sagarmatha National Park. The Sagarmatha National Park is home to some of the most exotic flora and fauna found in Nepal. The wildlife available in the Sagarmatha National Park includes the Snow leopard, Himalayan black bear, Musk deer, Red panda, Himalayan tahr, Himalayan wolves, Impeyan pheasant, Blood Pheasant, Red-billed chough, and many others.
The Everest Base Camp trekking route is mainly clear and comfortable during spring and autumn, so we recommend visiting during these periods. Spring lasts from March to May, and autumn, from September to November, is also the best season to visit Nepal. However, trekkers can trek to the Everest Base Camp all year round.
What is Premium Everest Base Camp Trek?
Premium Everest Base Camp Trek is one of the most relaxing and comfortable trekking packages available in the Everest region. The premium aspect of the Everest trek includes luxurious accommodation with all the possible amenities. Food, helicopter tours, personalized guide service, safe drinking water, and high-quality gear rentals are some facilities that make the trekking package premium.
While food is the primary concern during the trek, the package promises to provide the best high-quality meals in the Khumbu region. A wider range of cuisines prepared from fresh ingredients that can accommodate several dietary preferences is made available. Likewise, there is dining flexibility in some of Everest's most iconic locations.
Besides this, the transportation is mainly by Helicopter, which significantly reduces the physical strain of high-altitude trekking. Most of the transport is done in a helicopter, with an aim to reduce the chances of mountain sickness and encompass most of the landmarks in a short period of time.
On the other hand, trekkers also benefit from personalized service, where they will get top-quality guides and porters who are readily available for service. Trekkers are provided with experienced guides who are local to the region and capable of taking care of you. The guides are trained to give all the information about the Everest region, including history, mountain names, medical knowledge, and safety procedures.
Features like high-quality trekking gear rentals, oxygen cylinders, a medical kit, and 24/7 support are also added, providing some of the best services required for the trek.
How does the Everest Base Camp Premium trek start and end?
The Everest Base Camp premium starts with the arrival in Nepal's capital, Kathmandu. Upon reaching Kathmandu, a tour of the city is included, and then the flight to Lukla, the gateway to Everest, where the trek officially begins.
Upon reaching Lukla, the trek begins at Phakding, marking the first overnight stay in the Everest region. After Phakding, you will walk towards Namche for an overnight stay. Namche is the most popular settlement on Everest, and it is renowned as the first acclimatization point during Everest Base Camp trekking. So, you will spend an extra day acclimatizing in Namche. After Namche, you will walk towards Tengboche, the oldest monastery of Everest, known as Tengboche Monastery.
Then, you make your way to Dingboche, where the second acclimatization takes place. After Dingboche, the helicopter tour starts. Then, you will fly over Everest Base Camp and land at Kalapatthar. After spending quality time in Kalapatthar, you will fly towards Gokyo to view the magnificent lake. Then, you can climb the Gokyo Ri for a view of snow-capped mountains.
As time goes by in Gokyo, you will fly back to Hotel Everest View. After a delicious breakfast in Hotel Everest View, you will head back to Lukla via Helicopter and then return to Kathmandu on a flight. Upon reaching Kathmandu, your Everest Base Camp premium trekking comes to an end.
What are the mountains seen during everest base camp trek premium packag?
On the other hand, trekkers will have the opportunity to view the snow-capped mountains of the Mahalangur range. The astonishing view of Mount Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Ama Dablam, Pumori, Cholatse, Thamserku, Cho Oyu, and Makalu is sure to mesmerize anyone along the Everest Base Camp route. Besides the prominent peaks, other equally essential peaks include Mt. Khumbila (5717m), Mt. Taboche (6495 m), Mt. Thamserku (6623 m), Mt. Kusum Kanguru (6367 m), Mt. Nupla (5869 m), Mt. Shar-Kongde Ri (6083m), and Mt. Nup-Kongde Ri (6004 m).
Kathmandu Sightseeing Tour: What's Included?
The Everest Base Camp premium trekking package includes the one-day Kathmandu City tour. So, trekkers will spend an additional day visiting some of the popular attractions in Kathmandu. The Kathmandu one-day sightseeing tour includes a visit to the UNESCO world heritage sites, namely Swayambhunath Temple, Kathmandu Durbar Square, Pashupatinath Temple, and Boudhanath Stupa. These places are religious and cultural places that showcase Nepalese's ancient history, customs, and practices. Besides these, there are also other attractions that tourists can be fond of, such as Chandragiri Temple and Nagarkot. A brief description of all these places is below:
Swayambhunath Temple: The temple is also known as the Monkey Temple. It is a hilltop stupa that portrays a panoramic view of Kathmandu City. Several holy monkeys all around the stupa give it the name Monkey Temple. The temple is a blend of Hinduism and Buddhism, a unique trend not found anywhere in the world. Various temples, chortens, monasteries, and a library give the Swayambhunath temple its prominent features.
Kathmandu Durbar Square: The Durbar Square is the jewel of Kathmandu, which is situated in the heart of the city. The Kathmandu Durbar Square is a royal courtyard established during the Malla regime. The total structures in the durbar square are made in Pagoda or Newari architecture. Tourists can see intricate carvings, wood, stone, metal, and other art forms in the square. Some prominent buildings in Durbar Square are the Kal Bhairav Statue, Taleju Temple, Hanuman Dhoka Palace, Kumari Temple (home of the living goddess), and many others.
Pashupatinath Temple: The Pashupatinath temple is the oldest Hindu temple in Nepal, and its actual establishment date is unclear and needs to be clarified. The temple is dedicated to the Hindu god of destruction, Lord Shiva. Although entry to the main temple is only allowed to Hindus, there is plenty to watch out for non-Hindus, too. The prominent attractions of Pashupatinath temple are Mukhalinga, Guhyeshwari Temple, Gorakhnath Temple, Western Cremation Ghats, and others.
Boudhanath Temple: The Boudhanath stupa is a white dome-shaped structure that symbolizes Mt.Sumeru (the king of mountains).The dome also has a pinnacle and Buddha's eye, representing wisdom. The major attractions of the Boudhanath stupa are Ajima Temple, Historical Pond and Ghyoilisang Peace Park, Guru Lhakhang Monastery, Jhamchen Lhakhang Monastery, and Samteling Monastery.
Nagarkot: This pristine location is in the Bhaktapur district of Nepal. The hilltop station of Nagarkot provides a splendid view of the fantastic Himalayas, including the Annapurna, Manaslu, Ganesh, Langtang, and Jugal Himal ranges.
Chandragiri Hills: The Chandragiri Hills lie on the southwest side of Thankot. To reach the hill station, tourists need to book a cable car (ropeway) that lasts 17 minutes and takes them to an altitude of 2,551 meters. On the top of the hill, a temple is located, which is dedicated to the Hindu deity Baleshwor Mahadev. The station offers a magnificent view of the Himalayan range, including Annapurna and Everest.
Is Everest Base Camp Premium Trekking Right for You?
The Everest Base Camp premium trekking is a comprehensive, meticulously planned trekking package. It is mainly dedicated to trekkers who wish to enjoy the maximum possible amenities in the Everest region and enjoy the trek in comfort.
Trekking provides a splendid opportunity to complete the iconic trek in style. However, the premium trek can be different from the basic one. Anyone not bothered by the cost or simply wants luxury during the trek can enjoy the premium experience.
However, trekkers should understand that the premium package also involves walking along the Everest Base Camp route, so the trekking experience is partially included. Trekkers only experience luxury in the accommodation options, which makes it suitable for beginner-level trekkers. Similarly, trekkers without experience with high-altitude trekking can go on the premium trek without hesitation, making sure the package is right for them.
The premium Everest package is the best option for those who wish to reach the iconic Everest Base Camp without much trouble. Trekkers will get a guide and porter to assist them in the trek and help them with their requests. Trekkers can see the snow-capped mountains and get information regarding the area and culture. People can relax with the best amenities, including electric blankets, Wi-Fi, and electricity. They can also take a helicopter towards Everest and Gokyo and fly back to lower altitudes without having much trouble with altitude sickness.
The only drawback is the cost compared to the standard Everest Base Camp itinerary. However, with the provided amenities, the cost is not the issue. So, travel in luxury, as the range of suitability of the trek is wide. The package is best for the elderly or families with children. For those who like to see nature and culture, the trek is best for you. For those who want to experience Everest in luxury, the trek is best for you.
Everest Base Camp Premium Package Altitude Profile
The Everest Base Camp Premium Trekking starts from the capital city of Nepal- Kathmandu, which resides at 1,400 meters. After that, the flight takes place from Kathmandu to Lukla (2,860 meters). The next destination to stay is Phakding, which is 2,610 meters. From Phakding, you will move towards Namche at 3,440 meters. From Namche, trekkers will carry on the trek towards Tengboche, which is situated at 3,860 meters. From Tengboche, the next and final trekking destination is Dingboche, which is located at 4,410 meters. Then the helicopter tour starts at Everest Base Camp (5,364 meters) and lands at Kalapatthar (5,545 meters).
After Kalapatthar, the Helicopter takes passengers to Gokyo at 4,750 meters, where they can spend quality time viewing the turquoise lakes. Then, the Helicopter returns to land at Lukla (2,860 meters). You will take the flight back to Kathmandu from Lukla at the end of the journey.
So, there is a significant elevation gain while walking from Phakding to Namche. Above Namche, trekkers will take a helicopter where altitude will not play a vital role. Similarly, trekkers will spend some time in Kalapatthar and Gokyo, which are higher in elevation than Everest Base Camp. After that, the rest of the visit is at a lower altitude, thus omitting any chances of altitude sickness and giving a complete Everest region experience.
Is Kala Patthar Worth Visiting?
Kala Patthar is the vantage point of the Everest region, which provides the best view of Everest. Kalapatthar lies at an altitude of 5,545 meters, while Everest Base Camp lies at 5,364 meters. Many make Everest Base Camp the ultimate destination; however, reaching Everest Base Camp does not give the maximum view of the highest mountain in the world.
Everest is blocked by Nuptse, the mountain in front, and only the summit of Everest can be seen. So, reaching Everest Base Camp does not fully show the mountain, and for the grand view of Everest, it is necessary to head towards Kalapatthar.
To reach Kalapatthar, trekkers need to move back from EBC and reach Gorakshep, the last settlement of Everest. Then, from Gorak Shep, one needs to take the route that heads towards Kalapatthar, which takes about two to three hours.
Besides the grand view of Everest, Kalapatthar is also renowned for sunrise and sunset views. The point showcases pink and red hues on the snow-capped mountains as the sun's rays hit early in the morning. Similarly, Kalapatthar also allows a good view of the Khumbu Glacier and Khumbu Icefall, the biggest glacier in the Khumbu region.
However, the altitude of Kalapatthar is higher than that of Everest, and many people find it difficult to stay here long, not only because of the altitude but also due to cold climatic conditions. So, deciding whether you want to go to Kalapatthar is up to you. However, the Everest Base Camp premium package allows visits to Kalapatthar via Helicopter. So, the difficulty is not an issue. And for those who wish to visit the vantage point by walking, then it is totally worth visiting due to the beauty of Everest, the Khumbu glacier, and the Khumbu icefall one can experience.
Accommodation options available in Everest Base Camp Package
The Everest Base Camp premium package provides top-notch accommodation options for a comfortable night's sleep. The accommodations are meticulously selected with the maximum possible amenities. The Everest region premium package includes luxury houses, resorts, lodges, boutique hotels, and many others.
Some of the options are as follows:
Luxury houses: Luxury houses are available in Lukla, Phakding, Namche, Tengboche, and Dingboche. They provide top-notch amenities like electricity, WifiWi-Fi, hot water, and world-class dining. Luxury houses have all the types of rooms available upon request. Single rooms, twin bedrooms, and family rooms are readily available, depending upon the number of individuals and their interests.
The luxury houses also have spacious rooms with attached bathrooms and hot showers. These types of rooms have luxurious bedding and heating. They can also provide electric blankets if cold weather is an issue.
Resorts: The Everest region is filled with resorts established to elevate the natural vibe. Resorts are also available in Lukla, Phakding, Namche, Tengboche, and Dingboche. Resorts are a more relaxing type of accommodation option where guests can enjoy the panoramic view in a natural setting. Coffee, drinks, and food are fantastic in resorts, so the pleasure is not compromised. A single room in resorts consists of two single or one double bed with an attached bathroom.
Lodges: These are other accommodation options available in the Everest area. The lodges have high-quality bedding and spacious rooms with attached bathrooms. Similarly, lodges provide delicious meals with a blend of local and international cuisines on the menu. A single room in a lodge consists of two single or one double bed with an attached bathroom.
Some prominent accommodations in the Everest region are as follows:
- Hotel Everest View
- Yeti Mountain Home
- Everest Summit Lodge
- Culture Home
- Namche Hotel
- Panorama Lodge and Restaurant
- Everest Inn
- Dingboche Resort
Amenities in Everest Base Camp Premium Trekking
As discussed, Everest Base Camp premium becomes premium due to the amenities provided. The Premium Trek provides all the necessary facilities for trekkers to make their walk and night stay comfortable. The accommodation options offer all the amenities, and lunch stops are provided beforehand. However, trekkers must understand that most amenities are covered in the package, while some may need to be paid extra. Some of the most essential amenities for the mountains are as follows:
Electricity: Electricity is crucial for charging electric gadgets like power banks and cell phones. In a standard trekking package, the power supply needs to be paid extra for charging. However, in some situations, even though one is willing to pay for charging, there are issues of power cuts, thereby hindering some important online works that require charging. So, keeping that in mind, Trekking Planner Nepal provides trekkers with an uninterrupted electricity supply by choosing accommodation options where power cuts are not a problem. Accommodation options will have a backup in case of load shedding, which will help trekkers charge their phones, power banks, or any other electric device. Similarly, the rooms will have two or three-pin charging ports; bringing a universal dock to adjust your charger is better.
Drinking water: Water is a crucial amenity during the trek. Drinking at least 4L of water during the trekking days is recommended to keep your body hydrated. However, as one moves to a higher altitude, the cost of drinking water, especially hot water, becomes expensive. So, trekkers will get a liter of hot water early in the morning to keep themself hydrated. Similarly, they will also get 3 liters of normal water for the day, which will help them to cope with dehydration. Trekkers can refill water at various stops if they wish to consume more. For that, carrying a bottle of water with a minimum of one liter volume is necessary for refilling purposes.
Wi-Fi: Another important amenity during Everest region trekking is Wi-Fi. While Wi-Fi in Nepal has reached the corners of Everest, there is a trend of providing it at an additional cost. Trekkers need to pay an additional amount to use Wi-Fi. But in Everest Base Camp premium, Wi-Fi is included in the package, so trekkers can get uninterrupted Wi-Fi.
Communication: For communication, either trekkers net to get the roaming or buy a Nepalese sim card. Getting a Nepalese SIM card requires a document of identification, which can be bought in a nearby store. However, being associated with Nepal Trekking Planner, trekkers can get Nepalese SIM cards (Ncell) for free. There is also an additional 20 GB of data with a 6 GB bonus that can last for 28 Days. The card will help to access the internet along the trail, which can help to monitor WhatsApp, Gmail, or any other meaningful message or work.
Food and Beverages During the Everest Base Camp Premium Trekking
Quality food is the most essential thing for the body. Trekkers need a good energy supplement to keep their bodies active during their walks. As the Everest Base Camp route is physically demanding, it is necessary for them to take a fair amount of food and water. Likewise, the accommodation options in the Everest Base Camp provide a variety of food options to taste for trekkers. While most of the menu is the same, the flavors differ from place to place. A range of food is served in the accommodation options of the Everest area.
Breakfast: Bread, toast with jam or honey, eggs, pancakes, porridge, oatmeal, chapati, potatoes.
Lunch and Dinner: Dal Bhat, Veg Fried Rice, Egg Fried Rice, Rice Pudding, Momo, Noodles, Pasta, Macaroni, Spaghetti, Pizza, Sandwiches, Potatoes, Fried Chips, Sherpa Stew, Burgers, Spring Rolls, Yak Steak, Thukpa and others.
Desserts: Apple pie with custard, Fried Mars Bars, Chocolate Pudding, Rice Pudding, Apple Filter, German Bakery Products, and Fried Snicker rolls.
Beverages: Sherpa Tea, Masala Tea, Lemon Tea, Ginger Tea, Hot Lemon with Honey, Hot Chocolate, Coffee, and more.
While a standard Everest Base Camp package includes a three-course meal with tea or coffee, the Everest Base Camp premium package provides the same three-course meal with unlimited options and tea and coffee.
What is the best season for Everest Base Camp Premium?
Trekkers can do the Everest Base Camp premium package all year round. As most of the journey is by Helicopter, there will be little problem in the off-season. However, if one wishes to omit the minimum chances, then it is better to visit during spring and autumn. Spring, which lasts from March to May, and autumn, which lasts from September to November, are known to be the best seasons for Everest Base Camp Premium. Here is a brief description of the weather conditions and season for Everest Base Camp.
Everest Base Camp Premium in Spring.
Spring in Nepal lasts from March to May. The daytime temperature of Everest during spring ranges from -15 degrees Celsius to 20 degrees Celsius. Similarly, the night temperature can drop to -12 degrees Celsius. Clear skies and moderate weather conditions characterize Springtime in Everest. Clear skies allow an unobstructed view of snow-capped mountains, and good weather conditions provide comfortable walking conditions.
NOTE: March, April, and May are also expedition seasons, so the accommodation at Gorakhsep and Lobuche is sometimes packed. On May 29, the Everest marathon takes place, and the accommodation at Gorakhsep and Lobuche becomes packed for 10-15 days from May 15-29 due to the runners staying there for acclamation.
Everest Base Camp Premium in Autumn.
Autumn in Nepal lasts from September to November. The daytime temperature of Everest ranges from 10 degrees Celsius to 15 degrees Celsius during the day. However, the temperature drops to -10 degrees Celsius at higher altitudes. Autumn is one of Nepal's best seasons for trekking and travel, where the skies are clear and the mountains are excellently visible. Autumn is the favored season if you intend to travel to the Everest region. Additionally, autumn in Nepal is the period of festivals during which the grand celebrations of Nepal, Dashain, and Tihar fall. The festivals add an extra layer of adventure, joy, and uniqueness to the travel giving the festive vibe.
Everest Base Camp Premium in Summer
Summer in Nepal lasts from June to August. Summer, also known as monsoon season, is characterized by heavy rainfall at lower altitudes. However, at higher altitudes like Everest, there is snowfall. The skies are also cloudy, which reduces the visibility of the mountains. Due to this, fewer people are traveling to the Everest region. The average daytime temperature of Everest Base Camp during summer time can range from 10 degrees Celsius to 25 Degrees Celsius. While the summer season is not so recommended for trekking in the Everest Base Camp, premium packages can omit the hindrance. Snow-capped mountains and adrenaline-filled journeys are sure to mesmerize anyone.
NOTE: Some premium-class hotels can be closed during summertime, especially during June and July, so make sure to contact us during the booking time to learn more about the hotels.
Everest Base Camp Premium in Winter
Winter in Nepal lasts from December to February. Extreme cold conditions characterize the winter season. Winter is also an off-season period for trekking in the Everest region. However, for those who enjoy the cold, some alone time, and snow-covered mountains then, the winter season is best for them. The average daytime temperature of Everest Base Camp during winter ranges from -20 degrees Celsius to 6 degrees Celsius. Although running a helicopter is difficult in winter, you might need to spend extra time catching the Helicopter, but it is okay.
Permits and Documents required for Everest Base Camp
The Sagarmatha National Park is in the Everest area, which the government of Nepal has marked as a protected region. To enter such a protected area, various permits and documents are compulsory. Such permits are checked thoroughly at various Everest Base Camp trekking route sections. If the permits are unavailable, trekkers cannot proceed. So, the following permits are essential for the Everest Base Camp Premium.
Khumbu Rural Municipality Permit
The Khumbu Rural Municipality Permit replaces the Trekker's Information Management System (TIMS) Card. The Khumbu Rural Municipality Permit is authorized by the Khumbu Municipality where the cost is allocated as follows:
- For foreigners, including those from SAARC countries, NPR is 2,000 per person for the first four weeks.
- For foreigners, including those from SAARC countries, NPR is 2,500 per person after four weeks.
Trekkers can obtain the permit at the check post in Monjo or Lukla. They cannot get the permit in Kathmandu, and Monjo and Lukla are the only available options. However, representatives from Trekking Planner Nepal Pvt. Ltd can help you obtain the permit to ensure a smooth process.
Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit
As mentioned, the Everest region is a protected area due to the presence of Sagarmatha National Park. So, to enter the national park, a Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit is required at a specific cost. The entry fees for Sagarmatha National Park are as follows:
- For foreigners: NPR 3,000 per person
- For SAARC national: NPR 1,500 per person
- For Nepalese: NPR 100 per person
Trekkers can get the national park entry permit from the Tourism Board Office, Kathmandu, Nepal. Likewise, you can purchase the Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit from Monjo's Sagarmatha National Park Entry Gate. During the peak season, there can be difficulty in getting the permit because of the crowd of people trying to enter Everest. So, after all the paperwork is complete, Trekking Planner Nepal associates can help you buy the permit without causing hassle for the trekkers.
Why is permit required for trekking in Everest Base Camp?
The Sagarmatha region is a protected area due to national parks. Therefore, various permits are required to enter the area. The permits include the Khumbu Rural Municipality and Sagarmatha National Park entry permits, which can be obtained in Lukla and Kathmandu.
Altitude Sickness During Everest Trekking
Altitude sickness is one of the drawbacks of Everest Trekking. At high altitudes, there is a decreased atmospheric pressure and lower oxygen availability. This causes breathing difficulty that can occur at 3,300 meters/10,000 feet. Some of the symptoms of altitude sickness are as follows:
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Fatigue
- Lack of sleep
- Loss of appetite
Complications of Altitude Sickness
Complications of Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) are rare; however, it can be seen if trekkers are careless. So, it is necessary to understand the complications of altitude sickness and be ready to counter the consequences. The complications of altitude sickness are as follows:
- High-altitude Pulmonary Edema (HAPE) is one of the complications of acute mountain sickness, which occurs when fluid builds up in the lungs.
- High-altitude Cerebral Edema (HACE) is another complication of acute mountain sickness that occurs when fluid builds up in the brain.
Prevention of Altitude Sickness
Several things need to be done to prevent altitude sickness. Some of the things that need to be done for the prevention of altitude sickness are as follows:
- Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water to keep your body hydrated. Lack of water causes dehydration, which can later lead to altitude sickness. It is suggested that you drink at least four liters of water per day at high altitudes to reduce the chances of acute mountain sickness. Be sure to carry your own water bottles, as there are places along the way where you can refill them.
- Fitness: Trekkers should be physically fit to endure the low oxygen level at higher altitudes. Proper training helps you cope with the physical demands of the trek and reduces the chances of altitude sickness. Besides physical fitness, a strong mentality is also necessary. Do not give up, and head ahead with a strong mentality.
- Ascend gradually: Trekkers should ascend gradually rather than take a hefty lift. Walking slowly during elevation gain is a crucial factor. An abnormal pace with a need to climb quickly can cause mountain sickness, so ascending slowly at a high altitude lowers the chances.
- Acclimatization: The process of adjusting the body to lower oxygen levels by walking at a specific higher altitude, spending some time to make the body adapt, and coming down is known as acclimatization. So, acclimatization is an essential and must-do activity at a higher altitude. You should gain at most 300-500 meters in elevation daily and rest every three to four days.
- If needed, descend immediately: If trekkers feel they have the symptoms of mountain sickness, they must descend immediately. They should head down at a lower altitude and don't continue to ascend until the symptoms are minimized.
- Avoid alcohol and coffee: Both alcohol and coffee cause dehydration, which can increase the chances of altitude sickness. So, if you want to drink alcohol, it is better after you finish the trek. It is advisable to completely ignore the intake of alcohol and limit coffee as you move to higher altitudes. If you consume coffee with a higher dosage, be sure to increase water intake accordingly to reduce the chances of dehydration.
Why is a guide necessary for Everest Base Camp Trek?
As mentioned, acute mountain sickness can hinder trekkers of any age. Once trekkers experience symptoms of altitude sickness, they cannot determine whether the symptoms are actually mountain sickness, which can worsen the situation. So, to seek help regarding body conditions and truly understand the cause of symptoms like headache, fever, and vomiting, having a guide will help.
The role of a guide in the mountain is broader than just showing things around and providing information. Guides are your doctors, caretakers, and friends. Only an experienced guide knows what steps to take if things go wrong, so having a guide on the mountain is a must. If individuals have the confidence to trek alone without a guide, they are more than welcome, but there is no guarantee of what will happen next in the mountain
If you are alone and sick, there is no one to whom you can seek help. If you forget the route, no one is to blame except you. If the accommodation options were below standard and the food was not up to quality,
you have to take the sole responsibility for it.
But if there is a guide with you, the guide will be readily available to monitor what you are doing. The guide will adjust your pace according to your physical fitness, monitor your heart rate and oxygen status, and even push you on your appetite. The guide will arrange for the maximum possible accommodation option based on your budget. The guide will also decide if the food you consume is good. So, a guide will put in a lot of effort for you to make your dream of reaching Everest Base Camp come true. For most people, reaching Everest Base Camp is a one-time thing. So, don't take any chances. Get yourself an experienced guide to make it to the top of the world.
Is travel insurance required for Everest Base Camp Premium Trekking?
Trekking Planner Nepal recommends every traveler to Nepal purchase travel insurance, which can safeguard against any unforeseen circumstances. However, Trekking Planner Nepal does not provide an insurance facility, so it should be purchased from an authentic insurance company. While buying travel insurance, checking the policy and understanding what is included is better. For trekking in Everest Base Camp, it is necessary to purchase travel insurance, which includes the following guidelines:
Trip Cancellation: Various conditions can cause trip interruptions due to weather factors. So, it is better to purchase travel insurance, which can help provide compensation if there is a trip cancellation or interruption.
Medical Coverage: Purchase the type of insurance that ensures medical expenses. The policy should include emergency medical treatment and evacuation, as these can be expensive in high altitudes.
Loss of baggage: Although theft and robbery are rare in Nepal, it is better to look for a policy that provides coverage for lost or stolen items like electric accessories, equipment, gear, and personal belongings.
Emergency assistance: The policy should include 24/7 emergency assistance, encompassing medical or other emergencies.
Pre-existing conditions: If trekkers have pre-existing conditions, then make sure to provide coverage for them.
Read the policy carefully and understand the coverage, limitations, exclusions, and costs. It is better to consult two or more insurance companies to understand travel insurance and select the best one. It is also an excellent idea to consult an expert travel insurance for the best policy. Similarly, trekkers should understand that travel insurance is for themselves and is intended for their own safety. Although many travel agencies may not make insurance compulsory, we at Trekking Planner Nepal believe travel insurance is necessary.
Outline Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu
Day 2: Sightseeing tour of Kathmandu
Day 3: Flight to Lukla and trek to Phakding
Day 4: Trek to Namche from Phakding
Day 5: Acclimatization day in Namche, hike to Everest View Hotel
Day 6: Trek to Tengboche from Namche
Day 7: Trek to Dingboche from Tengboche
Day 8: Flyover Everest base camp and land at Kalapatthar, Fly to Gokyo, land at Gokyo, and return to Lukla
Day 9: Return to Kathmandu via Lukla
Day 10: Final Departure