The Everest summit is extremely dangerous. It puts one’s life in danger. But compared to climbing Everest, the Everest Base Camp Trek is much safer.
Climbers and Sherpas face much higher altitudes every year. They are primarily responsible for the reported fatalities on Everest. There will be more severe weather and a higher risk of fatal falls because of the higher altitude. However, those who trek at Everest Base Camp’s lower elevation do not encounter this. The Everest Base Camp Trek does, however, still pose some risks.
But these risks are easily mitigated. Some caution and extra preparation will make everything on your Everest Base Camp trek easy.
Methods to overcome the Everest Base Camp trek difficulty
- Acclimatization is essential while traveling to such high altitudes for such a long period. People usually stay at Namche for acclimatization. The Buddhist settlement of Dingboche is also an acclimatization spot. This will avoid altitude sickness. If you show signs of altitude sickness, you should pause your travels.
- Oxygen supplements are essential while going to high-altitude places. They aren’t as crucial as they are for the Everest summit. But carrying some caution is a good idea. Moreover, you should avoid such treks if you have health issues like asthma.
- Travel during the suitable seasons to avoid a difficult roads and convenient travel. This will also allow you to have a more picturesque journey. The most favorable time for the Everest Base Camp trek would be spring or autumn in Nepal. To be precise, the months of March to May and September to November.
- Wear warm clothes and carry extra thermal protection to avoid problems caused by the freezing weather like frostbite. This is applicable especially during the freezing nights and cold Himalayan mornings. You will need a fleece or woolen hat to keep you warm in the cold temperatures.
- Hydrate yourself, and drink warm water or soup to avoid conditions like hypothermia. You should also avoid alcohol or caffeine during the trek. Such substances could trigger health issues or worsen altitude sickness symptoms.
- Carry medication and ointments to mitigate discomforts caused by insect bites or worms. You do not need sophisticated medications. But do carry normal creams and oils for caution.
- Improve your physical form before you plan your travel. This way, you will mitigate many problems that might arise during the trek. The stamina prevents unprecedented accidents. You will prevent yourself from getting sprains. You will also avoid exhaustion leading to worsening other conditions. So, get fit.
- Be cautious while traveling. Make sure your first and foremost focus on the trek is walking carefully, and capturing pictures are secondary.
- Be updated on the weather forecast. The Everest region is notorious for its avalanches. The Everest summit almost always has hurricanes all year round. Although the Base camp trek isn’t that dangerous, being cautious is better. In case weather forecast reports of possible snowstorms, do not trek.
- Travel with guides and porters to ensure you are safe and mitigate the exhaustion caused by heavy luggage. The professional guides will not only save you from many dangers on the trek. They also give you insight into other educational information regarding the Everest region.
- Choosing short itinerary will also help to avoid the long walk difficulty. To do so, Everest Base Camp trek with helicopter return is the best option. You will get to the base camp and return to Lukla/Kathmandu on helicopter.