We recommend : Bring your own tea. Tea is very expensive on Everest and it is cheaper to buy hot water and use your own tea bags. Bring a variety of teas as well for more enjoyment.
A slow pace is critical: Slow and Steady. When taking on a challenge like hiking to Everest Base Camp, or any long trek/climb, you have to remember that it is a marathon, not a sprint. Acclimatization to the low levels of oxygen in the mountains requires you to take your time, to slowly get your body used to lack of oxygen. All the research suggests, spending more time at 3,500m/ 11,500ft. So we spend 3 nights acclimatizing in Namche Bazaar. This is absolutely key to your success in the mountains. There is never a time on the trek where you should need to walk at a fast pace, you should only be walking at a pace that you can carry on a conversation with others, without feeling too much exertion physically. Obviously, there are tougher sections throughout the trek where you may need to stop talking and catch your breath, however you always want to try and keep your pace to a snail’s pace, not a rabbit’s! More acclimatization means a safer and more enjoyable trekking experience.
180retreats is launching a trekking expedition on the Everest in April 2019, read more on Trekking Everest Base Camp. We continue on for 8 more days of trekking, each day moving between 3 and 8 hours depending on pace and preferences. Because we have a good ratio of staff to participants, you may go at any speed that is comfortable for you and we will be sure that you are always guided, of course with ample space if you want total quiet during your walking. Each day we stop to rest at least one time for lunch at traditional Nepalese tea houses. This is where dear locals will cook homemade meals that you can order off the menu. All of the meals on our trek will be included in the cost of your trip.
Advices : Help save the environment and your pocket book. Just fill water as you go for free anywhere and purify it yourself. Steripens work great using ultraviolet light to purify water in 30 seconds.
Take Care of Your Feet – Bad blisters can end a trek just as easily as altitude sickness. I recommend brining some duct tape or moleskin and treating as soon as you start to feel discomfort and not after it becomes an actual blister. Getting a Good Night’s Rest – You will probably be surprised at how comfortable the tea houses are on the trek but the bedroom walls are thin and noise carries quite easily. If you’re a light sleeper I recommend bring some foam ear plugs for a good night’s sleep. While it might be warm trekking during the day its definetly cold at night so make sure you have a warm sleeping bag and thermals. The sleeping bags we rent are -20C and plenty warm.