Trekking Considerations:

Q: What is the most popular Trek in the Khumbu ?
A: The trek to Everest Base Camp (EBC) is by far the most popular. There are many variations to get there in addition to going straight up the valley. For example, you can go by way of Goyko for a great diversion. A side trip to Chhukhung Valley is also well worth it. Trekking in eastern Nepal in the Annunapurna area is also extremely popular.

Q: How do you join a trek to Everest Base Camp? Can I trek with Everest climbers?
A: Almost every climbing guide company offers a trekking option to their climbing expeditions. But there are also trekking only companies that do a great job. Many companies based in Kathmandu offer treks, however be wary of the lowest cost ones. Finally, you can go on completely your own if you are adventurous and experienced enough.

Q: How long does it take to trek Everest Base Camp??
A: It depends on your route but most EBC treks take about 20 days. You do not want to go on a rush trek primarily due to the altitude. You land in Lukla at 9250' and go to EBC at 17,500. If you go too fast you will get altitude sickness which can be deadly.

Q: I read that a trek is very easy and anyone can do it. Exactly how hard is it?
A: If you can walk 5 miles a day and are in good aerobic shape (with a doctor's approval) you should do fine. The actually trekking is on mostly level ground with a few sections of steep hillsides - up and down. You should not be carrying more than a light day pack with a jacket, water and snacks. However, it is the altitude the creates the main issues. That said, the better shape you are in, the more you will enjoy the overall experience.

Q: Is a trek dangerous?
A: Yes and no. Yes; because altitude can kill people so care must be take to acclimatize properly. No; from the lack of so-called "objective" danger such as rock fall or crevasses normally associated with climbing. However, people have been seriously injured by yaks who inadvertently bump them off the trail and down a steep hillside. So always be on the uphill side when a yak passes by!

Q: Is it better to go in spring or fall and what is the weather like each season?
A: The spring season starts cold and gets warmer whereas fall is the opposite. Both can see significant snow at any time but more so in the fall. In general the skies are more clear into the early fall thus providing better views of Everest and other mountains. It is common to experience rain, sometimes very heavy, lower down valley between Lukla and Namache in both seasons.

Selecting a Guide and Prices:

Q: Do I really need to use a guide for an Everest Base Camp Trek?
A: It depends on your skills and experience but I would almost always recommend some kind of help for the logistics. Long treks are a maze of details. Also, a great guide will make your overall experience more memorable.

Q: How many people, guides and porters are generally on a trek?
A: Most guided treks have eight to fifteen trekkers with an equal number of support staff. Depending on the company, they may or may not have a western guide. Keep in mind that larger groups means slower pace and more complicated meals and logistics.

Q: How do I select a Guide?
A: References is the best method. It is easy to set up a website and call yourself a guide and there is no oversight in this industry. If something goes wrong, you have little resources with an unknown company.

Q: How much does it cost to trek to EBC?
A: You can spend as little or as much as you want. There are three options for a trek: 1) organize your own 2) a Nepalese company or 3) a western guided commercial trek. The one on your on is obvious: you do everything; all you need is to get to Lukla and spend money on the park permit ($13.84 or 1000 rupees) and food. In theory, you could spend less than $500 for the entire trek not including air fare. There are companies in Katmandu that can help arrange just a porter to carry your bags and perhaps with the teahouses. But you are on your own including navigation.

Then there are more formal treks arranged by Kathmandu companies. They offer a Nepalese leader who speaks English and understands not to push too fast for acclimatization reasons. They do a great job and charge between $1,000 to $3,000 or more. In general the better ones charge more. Many western companies offer treks with a western guide, British, Australian, American, etc. They cater to western styles meaning they explain what you are seeing, ensure food is cooked properly and hygiene is maintained. Their prices are US$4,000 and up.

Finally there is the trek with Everest climbers where you join an actual climbing team as they make their way to Everest Base camp for their climb. This is usually with one of the major expedition companies such as Adventure Consultants, International Mountain Guides or Jagged Globe for example. You usually spend one or two nights at base camp with the climbers. This is usually the most expensive option costing around US$4,000 but is also the safest, cleanest and can be most entertaining.

Q: What is the difference between a trek for $2,000 and one for $4,000?
A: It often comes down to who leads the trek - local or western. With a western leader you are paying for that person's travel and time and it is spread amongst all the trekkers. In return you get western style leadership with good language skills and perhaps some simple medical training. Some low cost treks will stay in tents, not teahouses or in old teahouses with questionable kitchen practices.

Training and Gear

Q: How do you train for trek?
A: I have a complete page devoted to this question for climbing but trekking is somewhat similar if you want to fully enjoy the experience. You will want to be in good shape and not carry any extra body weight. In general, focus on aerobic capacity and core strength. I suggest a steady exercise routine including extensive aerobic work. You should be doing daily walks with at least one 5 mile walk each week with a 15lb pack six months before your trek. Do as much uphill as possible. If you live in a flat area, go to a stadium and use the steps with your pack.

Q: Can you prepare for the high altitude?
A: Not really. The common approach is to move slowly up the mountain (1000' a day maximum) spending your days at a higher altitude than where you sleep up until your summit bid. The human body simply does not function well at high altitudes and can experience acute mountain sickness (AMS) above 8,000 feet. There is half the available oxygen at 18,000' as compared to sea level so letting your body adjust is the key to staying healthy.

Once exposed to high altitude the watery part of our blood (plasma) decreases to increase the density of the red blood cells thus making our blood thicker and harder for the heart to pump. The heart pumps faster and we breath harder to compensate and over time, this is corrected with more red blood cells. Red blood cells carry oxygen to our muscles. By trekking higher than the previous day then returning to a lower altitude, your body creates these red blood cells. Without sufficient oxygen our muscles get tired quickly and you eventually may suffer from cerebral edema (the brain swells) or pulmonary edema (fluid build-up in the lungs). The only cure is to get lower fast (1000' minimum) but if you are high up this is often impossible and death is the result.

You cannot do much to acclimatize at low altitudes but there are companies that claim to help the acclimatization process through specially designed tents that simulate the reduced oxygen levels at higher elevations. I have no personal experience with these systems but you can find more details at the Hypoxic website. They cost about $7,000 or can be rented for about $170 a week. I would not recommend this for a trek.

Q: What about Diamox or other drugs to help adjust to high altitude?
A: Some people take Diamox a few days before starting the ascent. There is no downside other than some annoying tingling in your fingers and more peeing (by design) but I have used it occasionally and found it helps. If you want to go the 'natural' route you can take Ginkgo Balboa starting 5 days before trekking. I have used it once and if I use drugs, I use Diamox now. According to Dr. Peter Hacket's (renowned high altitude Physician) website, sleep medication such as zolpidem (Ambien®) and eszopiclone (Lunesta®) are safe at altitude and seem to work well without affecting the breathing drive. Finally proper hydration is critical to acclimatization - urine needs to be almost clear in color.

Q: What kind of gear do you take?
A: My strategy is based on lot's of layers. Since it can get very cold, It is always critical to protect toes, fingers and face since these were most susceptible to frost bite. As for warmth, I always wear a knit cap and at least liner gloves when I get the least bit cool - regardless of the outside temp. I use a 3 layer system of Merino wool base layer (top and bottom), a warmth layer then a wind or rain layer. I have a gear page for reference and suggest looking at the Colorado 14er column for trekking suggestions.

This is my suggestion while actually trekking:

• Camera
• Bic pens as gifts for the kids
• Toilet paper, biodegradable
• 1liter of water with Gatorade in a Camelback since it is not freezing but also bring a Nalgene bottle
• SteriPen for purfying stream water
• Synthetic or nylon top and pants, no cotton
• Comfortable low top boots that are not too heavy, no need for heavy leather boots
• Bandanna for nose and head wipes - you will be surprised!
• Headlamp in case you get caught after dark - it happens
• Trekking poles
• Warm jacket for surprise wind or snow storm, preferably with a hood
• Knit cap and a ball cap
• Gloves, one thin for sun protection and another for warmth
• Rain jacket (lightweight)
• Sunglasses (100% UV), sunscreen, lip Baum
• A few bars of trail food
• iPod. Along the trail and for snoring roommates. I like the shuffle without a hard disc so it will work at altitude and the battery last longer.
• A clean, dry shirt and socks to change into once arriving at the teahouse while waiting for your duffle to arrive

I also always have my computer laptop, sat phone, solar recharger, cables in my pack since I don't want to have them damaged. But if you pack these carefully inside a sleeping bag sack or down clothing they might be OK carried by Porters or Zos. However I see bags dropped all the time very harshly so I prefer to carry the extra few pounds. My day pack might be about 10 lbs with computer but without the sleeping bag.

If you bring a water bladder, like a CamelBak or MSR Dromedary (which I recommend-more rugged) also bring a Nalgene. It is easier to fill at teahouses or from streams when sterilized via the SteriPen. Also it can be filed with hot water and put in your sleeping bag for those extremely cold nights near EBC.

Q: What other gear is needed?
A: Sleeping bag (0F is fine), toiletries plus wet wipes (yes) and a change of clothes, primarily socks and underwear plus one heavy (down) jacket plus some comfortable shoes in the teahouses. I also suggest your own cotton pillow case stuffed with your down jacket as a pillow.

Q: Is there any ability to wash clothes or take a hot shower en route?
A: You can rinse out clothes in tubs supplied by teahouses but that is not usually done. In general trekkers get used to the smell and dust. Hot showers are available in teahouses for a small charge but it uses precious resources that must be carried up by yak or human.

Q: How do you communicate back home and updates?
A: There are internet cafes in Lukla, Namache and a few villages up to Gorak Shep (last before EBC). They charge a reasonable price for being where it is but not 100% reliable. Satellite phones are the most common method. I use Thuraya which transmits both voice and data (including email) from anywhere within their coverage area. Some tea house offer satellite or wired phone service but these cannot be depended on. Expedition companies charge anywhere from $3 to $7 USD per minute so charges can rack up quickly.

A Thuraya phone cost about $800 US and $1 a minute or less. If you will use more than 800 minutes and go on multiple treks, buying a phone makes a lot of sense. The Thuraya satellites only covers Europe and Asia and not the US or South America. Iridium is the other option but it does not perform as reliably in my experience. See the technology section on my gear page for details.

Q: Do SPOT satellite beacons work?
A: Yes. Just point the device mostly east. It is an easy and inexpensive way to letting those back home know where you are and you are ok. Remember it only tracks 7 days of data however on the Google Map.

Q: Do cell phones work outside of Kathmandu?
A: Yes. GSM (not CDMA e.g. Verizon) cell phone service is available with a Nepal Cell phone company SIM card. Check with your outfitter. It can be arranged in KTM. However, for guaranteed access rent a Thuraya sat phone here in the US or in KTM.

Q: How do you recharge batteries?
A: The teahouses have charging ability via their solar panels but if it has been cloudy for several days, there may not be enough reserves to charge a computer or camera thus always have an extra battery. Teahouses usually charge for it - maybe a 100 rupees an hour so bring some extra cash. Many people want to use their chargers so try to plug your stuff in as soon as you arrive. A solio power charger is a good idea for battery recharger.

The Trek

Q: What about money?
A: It seems like everything costs 100 to 200 rupees - candy bar, bottle water, extra fried rice at dinner. You will pay for hot showers or to use the battery for charging. You will spend more than you think so bring lots of rupees in smaller dominations. 100s are great, stay away from 500 and 1000 notes. US dollars are sometimes taken but rupees are preferred.

Q: How many miles do you walk each day?
A: It is about 20 miles from Lukla to EBC and it should take a minimum of nine days. You generally walk about 4 to 6 hours each day starting about 8:00AM.

Q: What are the conditions in the tea houses along the route?
A: Actually pretty good if you are not with a low cost guide service - they pick the old teahouses. The better services book trekkers in solid teahouses that are quite clean. but I still recommend using your own sleeping bag and not their sheets/pillows

Q: Is it always advisable to treat the water?
A: Not in the teahouse since they double boil most of the time. On the trail, iodine is best but a SteriPen would work best - bring extra batteries, etc. All that said, expect to get some intestinal issue at some point - everyone does.

Q: Any info on the prevalence of giardia?
You never want to drink untreated water or muddy water from streams or still water even if you see the locals doing it. Always drink treated water. You can buy bottled water from the teahouses but it creates a huge waste problem. It is best to treat water from the teahouse tap with iodine or a SteriPen to eliminate the waste of the bottle.

Q: Any recommendations on meds?
You can buy every drug in KTM cheaper than the US safely. But I don't. Cipro or levaquin, diamox, ibuprofen or naproxen, loperamide etc are the basics. Carry lots of hand sanitizer, use often and on utensils, etc.

Q: Can I get lost?
A: Yes. The vast majority of the time you are on a well worn trail with other people ahead or behind you. But this is a sparse country and the villages are miles apart. it is easy to follow a yak trail instead of the main trail. There are multiple valleys along the way and going up the wrong valley can be a huge mistake. Carry a map and don't get away from your group.

Q: What if I want to climb a mountain?
A: There is Kala Patar at 18,192' just above Gorak Shep. It is a wonderful easy climb that offers amazing views of Everest, base camp and all the surrounding mountains. It is a must do activity. Just make sure you have been acclimatizing properly and take it slow and easy. Schedule a day if possible. Go early in the morning to avoid the afternoon clouds that block Everest.

If you want to climb something more technical, then the trekking peaks of Island Peak (20,305'), Lobuche and Mera are also available but these generally require a fair amount of climbing experience with crampon and ropes. They also require climbing permits and are not consider part of a normal trek only itinerary.

Q: Can I spend the night at Everest Base camp or go into the Icefall?
A: If you are with a climbing expedition, you can spend the night at EBC. To enter the Icefall legally requires a mountaineering permit.

Q: How do climbers feel about Trekkers?
A: It is a small community up there. However, climbers will sometimes shy away from interacting with strangers after they have been in BC for a few weeks. They have probably already gone through all the contagious stuff and do not want to be exposed to new strains. It is not personal but they have paid tens of thousands to climb Everest and don't want to get sick.

Q: What is the standard schedule to EBC?
A:This varies but to go from Kathmandu to EBC and back this is a representative schedule:

1. Arrive Kathmandu at 4600'
2. Rest and tour Kathmandu
3. Tour Kathmandu
4. Fly to Lukla at 9250', weather permitting
5. Trek to Phakding at 8694' (mostly flat to downhill)
6. Trek to Namache at 11,300' (significant uphill trek) visit the market, Everest museum, local schools, bakery, Everest View Hotel
7. Rest day and tour in Namache
8. Trek to Thame at 12,464' visit the Thame Monastery. Not part of every trek
9. Trek to Tengboche at 12,683' visit the Monastery, meet the Rinpoche
10. Trek to Periche at 13,907' visit the Himalaya Rescue Association
11. Trek to Lobuje at 16,174 see the Sherpa Memorial en route
12. Trek to Gorak Shep at 16,924
13. Climb Kala patar 18,192' with outstanding views of Everest base camp, Ama Dablam and Mount Everest
14. Trek to Everest Base Camp at 17,500' and return to Gorak Shep
15. Trek back to Dingboche at 14,450
16. Trek to Namache
17. Trek to Lukla, a long day
18. Fly to Kathmandu, weather permitting
19. Rest, sight see and finalize travel home
20. Fly home

Q: Any suggested highlights?
A: Try to be in Namache on a Saturday morning for the weekly market. Go to morning prayers at the Monastery in Tengboche. Spin every prayer wheel you pass. Climb Kala Patar. Stop and talk to the children, take their pictures and show it back to them. Ask adults if you can take their picture. If you have time visit Goyko and Chhukhung. Take 10 times more pictures than you think you should. Walk slow and enjoy each moment! You can read about my trek for my expereince.

Everest Facts

Q: Exactly where is Mt. Everest?
A: On the border between Nepal and Tibet (China). It is in the Himalaya mountain range which stretches 1500 miles from Northeastern Pakistan to Bhutan. There are over thirty mountains higher than 25,000 feet. Of the fourteen 8,000 meter peaks, nine are located in the Himalayas making it clearly the top of the world.

Q: How do they know the altitude?
A: In 1841 a British surveyor named Sir George Everest identified the location of the mountain. Fifteen years later using trigonometry and measurements from 12 different survey stations around the mountain 'Peak XV' was surveyed as the world's highest mountain at 29,002 feet. In 1865 it was re-named Mt. Everest and is called Sagarmatha by the Nepalese and Chomolungma in Tibet. In 1955, the height was adjusted to 29,028'. On May 5,1999 a National Geographic Society Expedition put a GPS receiver on the summit. Using a second Trimble GPS receiver at the 26,000' South Col they could make an extremely accurate measurement by running the two receivers simultaneously. The new altitude was 29,035 feet or 8,850 meters. However, the Nepalese still use 29,028' as the official altitude.

Q: What were the standout climbs?
A: In 1924, George Mallory and Sandy Irvine made the first serious attempt. It is still unknown if they made the summit, but both died on the mountain. In 1953, Tenzing Norgay and Sir Edmund Hillary make the first successful summit. In 1975, Japanese Junko Tabei became the first woman to summit the hill. Austrian Peter Habeler and Italian Reinhold Messner were the first trekkers to summit Everest without bottled oxygen. 1996 was probably the most controversial year with fifteen trekkers dying on the mountain thus spawning worldwide debate and interest in alpine mountaineering.

Q: How many people have summited and how many people have died trying?
A: According to 8000er.com as of 2008, there have been about 4,024 summits since 1922 with 218 deaths or a 5.4% fatality rate. Over 250 people made it from the south in 2008 and 30 some-odd Chinese on the north. 500 people summited in 2007 evenly split between the north and south sides. Since 1990, the deaths have dropped to 4.4% due to better gear, weather forecasting and more people trekking. with commercial operations. Annapurna is a much more deadly mountain than Everest with a summit to death ratio of 2:1 deaths for every summit (109:55). How's that for some confidence building!!