Mountain climbing to Everest Base Camp is a lifetime expertise for many individuals. Like some other journey it requires preparation and planning together with deciding on what to pack for the trek. On this put up, we talk about a whole packing record for the Everest Base Camp trek, together with garments, gear, electornics, and all kinds of nifty little extras from our private expertise doing this trek.
We now have executed the EBC trek twice in numerous climate situations; in winter and in spring. Within the final 7 years of touring the world and writing about trekking, we’ve executed loads of hikes together with many routes in chilly climate situations akin to excessive altitude treks in Peru and Mount Kilimanjaro climb in Tanzania. Trying again at our EBC treks that is the packing record we suggest.
Wish to see what you possibly can eat on the Everest Base Camp trek?
EBC Trek Permits and preparations
Permits and Admin shouldn’t be all the time probably the most enjoyable a part of packing, the permits can be found in Lukla and Monjo so it may be paid on the best way.
Everest Base Camp permits required 2020
- Native allow value NPR 2000 ($20)
- Sagarmatha Nationwide Park Entry Allow (USD 30 + 13% Govt. Tax)
Each permits may be purchased through the trek at checkpoints at Lukla and Monjo. That is the best strategy to do it and you cannot miss these checkpoints on the route.
Do you want a TIMS allow to trek to EBC?
TIMS ( Trekkers’ Info Administration Techniques) permits are required by the central authorities of Nepal to gather knowledge of all people mountain climbing in Nepal. There may be plenty of conflicting data on-line relating to whether or not this allow is required or not for mountain climbing EBC.
This allow was a requirement for trekking within the Everest area. The TIMS card is not required for the Everest Base Camp Trek it has been changed by the native space allow. There are a number of trekking routes round Everest Base Camp. TIMS may be required for different areas akin to Annapurna or Langtang
Insurance coverage for the Everest Base Camp trek
Insurance coverage is essential on any excessive altitude trek, altitude illness is quite common and since there are not any roads in these mountains if you happen to get critically injured or sick you’ll have to be evacuated by helicopter which could be very costly. Most journey insurance coverage won’t cowl excessive actions like excessive altitude trekking. Get a quote right here for World Nomads mountain climbing insurance coverage for Nepal that covers you to 6000m (that may be a ‘sure’ for Everest Base Camp at 5364m).
Doesn’t matter the place you reside or the place you’re in the meanwhile, it takes lower than 2 minutes to get a quote and you should buy it on-line even in case you are already touring. For those who solely take out a coverage on your trek period it isn’t too dear, beginning in a few days? it isn’t too late!
Gear and Tools – shopping for or renting?
There are lots of retailers promoting the mandatory garments and equipment to trek to Everest Base Camp in Kathmandu. Principally fakes of well-known manufacturers like The North Face. Many individuals purchase the pretend gear, finishing the trek efficiently utilizing this gear. Clearly, the standard is inferior.
You possibly can lease gear in Kathmandu, watch out it’s usually pretend, I rented a The North Face sleeping bag that fell aside after 3 days of use. There are a handful of outlets promoting genuine branded gear in Thamel, you cannot miss them. We purchased correct The North Face gear in Thamel, I’d nonetheless suggest shopping for important gear earlier than your journey when you nonetheless have time to order and trade sizes, colours, fashions, and many others.
Knock-off trekking Gear in Kathmandu
There are tons of of little trekking retailers in Kathmandu and Pokhara promoting good trying knock-off gear from well-known manufacturers.
You aren’t climbing Everest so that you in all probability gained’t die of chilly in a pretend jacket in summer time. Having one thing that matches, lasts, and retains the wind and rain out is simply nicer and can enhance your probabilities of ending the trek efficiently although it’d considerably enhance the price of the EBC trek.
Season is a vital consideration when shopping for gear, in summer time the knock-off stuff is OK and would possibly final at some point of your trek. Once we have been trekking to EBC in late February it was so much colder than once we did the identical trek in April. I used to be glad we had correct gear, it was freezing. I wore my actual down jacket a lot of the trek, even sleeping in it at Gorakshep, I’d suggest taking a lightweight packable down jacket with a hood. The pretend jackets are usually not full of goose down, however with artificial materials, it’s heavier and never practically as heat.
Greatest months for mountain climbing Everest Base Camp trek
How chilly and moist it performs an important position in what you pack on your EBC trek. There are two distinct seasons for trekking to EBC. The finest months to trek to Everest base camp are within the pre-monsoon season via March, April, and Might, or within the post-monsoon season from late September, October, November. For those who determine to trek on the border of the monsoon season take into account that typically the season begins earlier or finishes later and surprising rainfalls would possibly affect your Everest Base Camp trek itinerary. See our detailed article relating to the most effective time to trek to EBC.
Pre-monsoon (Feb-Might) the climate ought to be largely steady and dry, nice for trekking, however it may be very busy with many hikers. Trekking right here in February/March it was dry however chilly. I used to be sporting Columbia shirts, a down jacket, and North Face Trekking Pants greater than 80% of the time, sporting an Outer Shell Rain Jacket over the down jacket when it was very chilly. Mountain climbing to EBC in April I wore solely the shirt and rain jacket more often than not, layering up with a fleece below the rain jacket on chilly days.
Publish monsoon (late Sept-Nov) with much less haze and clouds on this interval it should usually present higher views of those spectacular mountains. This time is colder however a good time to hike to Gokyo Lakes.
Dec-Feb mountain climbing remains to be doable but it surely will get very chilly, as much as -30C at evening! Typically plenty of snow falls on the path, passes may be closed. Keep away from the crowds however deliver correct gear!
E-book a spot the place you possibly can retailer some baggage in case you are arriving with greater than you possibly can carry. Verify these locations out, insurance policies change so make sure that earlier than reserving.
We’ve stayed at a number of lodges in Kathmandu in numerous components of Thamel and at last discovered the most effective (no less than for us) location Keshar Mahal Marang Road. A small and quiet dead-end avenue in Thamel with solely lodges, hostels, eating places, and occasional retailers. The road is a 5-minutes stroll from the principle touristy space with tons of of outlets and companies.
We loved staying at Aryatara Kathmandu Lodge. It’s a really good place, massive rooms, snug beds, good breakfast (included), nice scorching bathe, AC, wi-fi, TV, free airport pick-up (for worldwide flights solely). The employees could be very useful and pleasant. We saved our further baggage right here each time we went mountain climbing at no cost with none drawback.
Extra choices in the identical avenue
Greatest Backpacks for EBC
A top quality and cozy backpack is an important piece of kit. I’ll suggest a devoted mountain climbing backpack from a well known model.
Backpacks are costly, purchase an excellent high quality pack just like the Deuter Unisex – Grownup’s Aircontact Lite 50+10 Trekking Backpack or Osprey Atmos AG50 for girls. Alya and I are presently trekking with 60L and 40L backpacks respectively. A 40-50L backpack ought to be sufficient for this route. Everest Base Camp is a tea-house trek there is no such thing as a must deliver any tenting gear with you in contrast to for instance once you pack for mountain climbing in Patagonia.
High quality, however extra funds choices to contemplate is the MOUNTAINTOP 65L/55L Inside Body Mountain climbing Backpack (unisex)
We have been touring round Asia for about two years when the trekking bug bit and I used to be utilizing a journey pack, these backpacks akin to Osprey Far Level 55 Journey Backpack are nice for touring as a result of they aren’t solely high loading, you possibly can open them in entrance for straightforward packing. Journey packs even have all kinds of straps, clips and zippers and they’re snug to hold, however a backpack designed for mountain climbing is the primary alternative for consolation.
Are you touring long run and planning on doing some critical hikes? for the most effective of each worlds go for a top-quality, well-designed mountain climbing pack with easy accessibility. Long run journey and critical mountain climbing.
Osprey Ariel 65 Ladies’s Backpacking Backpack , Ceramic Blue
Journey Pack Options: With each high loading and Entrance Panel opening – easy accessibility like a journey backpack
High Mountain climbing Pack Options: Adjustable Torso Size, Built-in & Removable Rain Cowl, 3D Suspended Again panel and Lumbar for good match and luxury, a high mountain climbing pack!
In case you are utilizing porters you possibly can pack your clothes and equipment in a duffel bag as an alternative of a backpack, they are going to put it in a basket anyway or will probably be carried by yaks/donkeys Malo’o Waterproof Dry Bag Duffel. Trekking to the highest of the best mountain in Africa, we had a information and porters. Packing to climb Kilimanjaro many trekkers used duffel baggage.
Packing Footwear for EBC Trek
Mountain climbing boots/footwear – vital qualities to verify for
- good grip
- waterproof
- respiration
- good high quality (high quality model)
Do you have to trek to Everest Base Camp in boots or footwear? Doing the hike in footwear is certainly doable, make sure that they’re waterproof. With a boot laced as much as the highest probabilities of water coming in from the highest is far decrease in rain and snow than with a shoe. For those who shouldn’t have mountain climbing expertise I’d go for a better minimize for some ankle help. The porters usually put on sneakers and even sandals. I’ll suggest to put on merino wool socks in waterproof mountain climbing footwear.
We’re each very proud of our Gortex Salomon X Extremely boots. Gentle and cozy, 100% waterproof. Even after mountain climbing for hours in snow and dust on the Annapurna Base Camp trek and our ft stayed dry! Girls Salomon X Extremely Boots
Merrell Moab 2 Waterproof improbable high quality low minimize shoe, Alya hiked greater than 3000 km in her Moab 2 mountain climbing footwear! Salomon X Extremely Prime one other sturdy, waterproof, snug, low minimize shoe.
Girls Merrell Moab 2 Waterproof. Columbia Dakota Drifter lower cost, however nonetheless a pleasant shoe.
Packing clothes for the EBC Hike
What garments to pack? – Layering is essential, this fashionable mountain climbing jargon simply means sporting a few layers of clothes. Breathable clothes can assist you to maintain heat, dry and cozy in altering situations by eradicating layers relying on how you’re feeling and the situations you’re in. A number of skinny layers will preserve you hotter than a single thicker layer is as a result of heat air is trapped between the layers performing as an insulator.
Garments are organized in 3 layers out of your pores and skin outwards; a Base layer (underwear) that wicks (attracts moisture away) sweat off your pores and skin use an artificial materials that doesn’t take in wetness. Center layer (insulating): retains physique warmth defending you from the chilly. An Outer layer (the shell) waterproof and windproof.
The Shell
Outer Shell Rain Jacket – wind and waterproof jacket women or Outer Shell Rain Jacket for males with hood in case of sturdy wind or rain. Strolling EBC in April we walked more often than not in a mountain climbing shirt and outer shell jacket, layering up with a fleece and thermal vest a handful of instances when it was chilly.
Rain poncho – On our final journey to EBC Alya left her rain jacket at house and took a ligh poncho that may match over her and her backpack to verify nothing will get moist. She wore a fleece or down jacket the remainder of the journey. We all the time pack ponchos when go touring – they’re small and lightweight and are sometimes fairly helpful. It rained a bit a few times and he or she used the poncho.
Trekking pants – I had one pair of sunshine quick dry mountain climbing pants and by no means zipped of the legs, on one or two events it was very chilly and I layered up with thermal underpants, which I took of later within the day. For those who go mountain climbing off season when it is vitally chilly it’s good to put on hotter correct waterproof pants. For ladies I’d counsel to pack trekking pants and yoga pants. Alya all the time hike in her stretchy, snug yoga pants, it dries shortly if it will get moist and at decrease temperatures she layers up with trekking and yoga pairs.
Insulating Later
Fleece – Important merchandise. I the place a fleece below my outer shell on chilly days and over a thermal vest in tea homes.
Fleece vest nice for further warmth layering, women.
Base Layer
Mountain climbing shirt – Put on breathable, moisture wicking, quik dry shirts, we pack a mixture of lengthy sleeve shirt brief sleeve T-shirt. I really like mountain climbing in Columbia shirts, doesn’t take in water so dry shortly and lengthy sleeve nice for solar safety.
Sport bras – For mountain climbing and outside acitivities Alya prefers to put on sport bras .
Thermal underwear – thermals (males’s fashions) are nice for sleeping in or to usa as an additional layer for mountain climbing on very chilly days. Normal cotton socks additionally nice to pack for sleeping in.
Underwear – two-three pairs rely how lengthy you’re mountain climbing for, normally hand wash on the best way.
Merino wool socks – Our mountain climbing secret weapon. merino wool socks work nice; don’t take in odors, shield your ft, dry fast and really sturdy. Darn Powerful mountain climbing socks wonderful model, good foot help and blister safety. women’ fashions are colourful and funky.
Beanie – since I don’t have a lot hair I usually put on a beanie. Though she has plenty of hair, Alya typically put on a beanie when it is vitally chilly, pack one.
Gloves – Sporting skinny fleece gloves or no gloves was positive more often than not. My arms get chilly very straightforward and I used to be pleased that I packed a pair of winter ski gloves on one or two chilly mornings, I particularly recall ascending Kalapathar heat gloves helped so much!
Cap/hat – a cap, or hat is essential for solar safety on hikes.
Sun shades – sun shades with correct UV safety vital for mountain climbing within the mountains I’ll suggest polarized lenses.
EBC Trek -Urged mountain climbing garments for girls
Shell Rain jacket | Fleece |Operating Shirt | Operating T-shirt | Mountain climbing pants | Yoga pants | Rain poncho | Fleece vest |Thermal underwear|Sport bras|Gloves|Beany | Cap | Sun shades | Socks | Ski Gloves
Everest Base Camp Trek Packing Listing -Urged mountain climbing garments for males
| Rain jacket | Fleece | Fleece vest| Mountain climbing shirts | Mountain climbing pants | Rain poncho | Thermal underwear | Beany | Gloves | Buff | Hat |Sun shades |Socks |
Multifunctional Headwear “Buff” nice to guard your neck and face from solar, wind and climate.
Gaiters – Sneakers Covers. Maintain your footwear dry and preserve snow, particles and dirt out of your footwear whereas mountain climbing in any terrain or climate.
Rock Dove Slippers – these tremendous snug, heat, down slippers with soles are nice for sporting within the tea-house when taking off your mountain climbing boots Rock Dove Ladies’s down Slipper
Is a Sleeping Bag obligatory on the EBC Trek?
It will get very chilly contained in the tea homes at evening. Our water froze inside our bottles inside at evening on the highest altitude! You do get blankets and might ask for further, we nonetheless all the time carry a lightweight summer time sleeping bag that compresses for straightforward packing, it helps for heat and we like sleeping in our ‘clear’ sleeping baggage.
Everest Base Camp Trek Packing – Urged Equipment
Trekking Poles – nice to scale back the impression in your knees, very useful on some icy descents on the EBC trek. TrailBuddy Mountain climbing Sticks very nicely rated for sturdiness, consolation, shock absorption, high quality, and adjustability. Good worth for cash, aluminum trekking poles. Aluminum is powerful and a bit heavier than carbon, labored positive for me! High of the road Black Diamond Mountain climbing poles.
Microfibre towels are gentle, pack small and dry fast.
Petzl is nice high quality headlamps, the electrical energy within the tea homes shouldn’t be all the time on at evening, a headlamp is helpful Petzl Arctic 300 Lumen waterproof headlamp
Water is pricey and the upper you climb the upper the worth. It’s doable to sterilize faucet water and save so much. You might have three choices to sterilize faucet water and drink
Life Straw filter, very environment friendly, nice worth for cash, also can purchase LifeStraw bottle we now have one, works very nicely.
- Swiss knife Very helpful, a pointy knife not all the time accessible in tea homes, the Swiss knife for slicing, opening cans and many others. Necessary! Don’t neglect if you happen to fly solely with hand baggage no knives can be allowed.
- Take a pocket book
- Journey moist wipes very excessive on our record, usually use for laundry if ‘bathe’ chilly or costly.
- Hand sterilizer – faucet not all the time accessible
First Help Package for EBC trek
Pack an excellent, primary, gentle first assist package akin to this one.
Add some
- ache killers paracetamol/aspirin/ibuprofen
- Imodium for an upset abdomen
- rehydrate (isotonic drink) for when you find yourself dehydrated
- Diamox. It’s utilized by many trekkers to stop altitude illness. At excessive altitude the air stress is low and fewer oxygen accessible, Diamox prevents AMS by performing as a respiratory stimulant. Contraindications Diamox is a diuretic so that you consistently should urinate, not good to go to the bathroom whether it is chilly at evening. Needles and pins (paraesthesia) in arms in ft.
Altitude RX Oxyboost Complicated for Mountain Illness – pure treatment towards altitude illness, we now have by no means used it, but it surely has good opinions, verify right here for about 500 opinions, sound like it really works to me!
Plasters – pack sufficient plasters if you happen to get blister that you would be able to change them day by day. There are particular blister prevention patches for footwear as nicely.
Antiseptic/iodine.
Vaseline – you should utilize it for blister prevention put it each morning in your ft (some areas) earlier than you begin strolling. It’ll assist to scale back chafing.
Toiletries
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The sturdy half of Stingy Nomads, a nomadic aquaman that may be pleased to spend all his life within the water diving, browsing and spearfishing however usually has to compromise with Alya and go mountain climbing as an alternative. Campbell is accountable for all our marine adventures and following them with write-ups. He loves touring, braai (BBQ in South Africa), pink wine and spending the day in a wetsuit.