Problems you may face during the Everest Base Camp Trek and how to get rid of them
When trekking, it is important to be as healthy as possible. You will be in contact with germs and bacteria, so you need to keep yourself well hydrated, protect yourself from the elements and take care of any injuries that you might suffer.
One of the main problems you will face while trekking is altitude sickness or AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness). If you are not acclimatised, this could have serious consequences on your health, and even life.
Training is the key to avoiding this. The more fit you are the less likely you will be to develop this problem during your trek, so it’s well worth doing some light fitness work prior to coming to Nepal.
It is also a good idea to get a few days off during your trek to allow yourself time to acclimatise and recover from the effects of altitude. This will make your trip more enjoyable and you won’t be as likely to experience symptoms of AMS during the trek.
A little bit of planning is always a good idea when it comes to trekking, so make sure you know your itinerary and check the weather forecasts before you arrive in Nepal. If there’s any possibility of a landslide or heavy rainfall, you need to plan accordingly.
Having access to professionals that have been there and done it numerous times can be invaluable in helping you prepare for your trek and maximise your chances of success. At Ian Taylor Trekking, we have experienced staff members who are ready to answer any questions you may have 5 days a week.
1.Issues about High Altitude or AMS
The world’s tallest peak is the dream destination for many. Moreover, it is also a challenging trek that requires huge sacrifices. For this reason, it is not uncommon for people to experience issues about High Altitude or AMS during their Everest Base Camp Trek.
AMS or Acute Mountain Sickness is the main danger that can occur during any high-altitude trek in Nepal. This condition is a result of thin air, reduced oxygen levels and lack of acclimatization.
Acute mountain sickness is a serious problem and can lead to illness or even death, so it’s crucial that you know the symptoms and get help if you are experiencing any of them. If you have a seasoned guide on your trek, they can monitor your condition and help you decide whether or not to continue with your journey.
2.Flight delays and cancellations
Flight delays and cancellations are common for trekkers traveling to Everest Base Camp, and can be a major disruptor to your trek itinerary.
For those interested in the ultimate adventure and experiencing Everest in a different way, you can take a helicopter ride from Kathmandu. This will offer a unique perspective of the area and its landscapes as you fly over.
3.Khumbu Cough
As you make your way higher, the dry, cold air might trigger your cough. This condition is called Khumbu cough and it can be very unpleasant!
A lot of people get this problem on their Everest Base Camp trek. It’s a really unpleasant situation and it can cause a lot of problems for the trekkers.
4. High Cost of Food Items
One of the main challenges of the trek is that you have to pay a lot for your food. It costs more than other treks because of the high altitude and a large number of teahouses along the route.
5. Poor Wi-Fi Connection
Whether it’s for safety reasons or just because you enjoy the challenge, getting a good wi-fi connection on Luxury Everest Base Camp Trek is an essential part of the trek.
Up until 2010, there was no mobile coverage in the region but now thanks to a local subsidiary of the Swedish phone company TeliaSonera called NCell, almost 90% of the population of Nepal has 3G and 2G signal and internet access.
6. Going Meatless
In the Khumbu Region, Sherpa culture forbids killing and slaughtering animals, therefore meat has to be brought in from Kathmandu or villages below Lukla. It is then transported on the backs of porters and mules for several days, unrefrigerated.
7. Crowded Trail
One of the world’s most famous walking trails, the Mount Everest base camp trek is crowded in peak season. Each year around 35000 people visit the Khumbu region to trek.
If you want to avoid crowds, spring (March-May) or fall (October-November) are good times to go trekking.
8. Hot Showers, a luxury
One of the biggest differences between an Everest Base Camp Trek and the normal trek is the luxury accommodations. There are a number of lodges that offer high-end rooms with hot showers, western toilets and WiFi.
9. No running water
The Everest Base Camp Trek is an epic experience. The trek consists of steep uphills and downhills, narrow trails with sheer drops, high metal bridges across thundering rivers, colorful prayer flags, teahouses, woodburning stoves, chai, and Nepali food.
The Everest Base Camp Trek is one of the most popular hikes in the world and a bucket list destination for many people. It can be a challenging trek for some but it is doable for most people who are fit and have good hiking experience.
10. Dizzying Heights and Steep Ups and Downs
You’ll climb high into the mountains and explore villages along the way.
The trek is challenging for those who have not climbed before, and it’s even harder for those who aren’t fit. However, if you’re prepared for the challenge, it can be a great experience.
11. Unheated Rooms at Lodges or Teahouses
As you trek further into the Khumbu region, you may have to stay in lodges that don’t have running water. This can be quite difficult, so we recommend you carry enough toilet paper and hand sanitizer.
12. No view of Mount Everest’s summit from EBC
The Everest Base Camp trek is one of the world’s most famous hikes. It’s a bucket list trip for many aspiring ramblers.
It’s an intense and rewarding journey through the Khumbu region. Expect awe-inspiring views of the peaks of the Himalayan range and a glimpse of pristine glacial lakes.
13. Tough walk from Lobuche to Everest Base Camp
This trek is not for everyone, especially as the elevation gain reaches more than double that of typical high-altitude trekking. Nevertheless, the reward is a rewarding trek with visions of the mighty Himalayas and their diverse landscapes.
14. Mule and Yak caravans choking the trail
During spring and autumn treks, the narrow trails get choked with innumerable trekking enthusiasts hitting the trail. Mule and yak caravans jostle for space along the way, making the journey even more exciting.
15. Cold and Unpredictable Weather
Weather and Temperature Conditions play a vital role in the success of your Everest Base Camp Trek. Therefore, it is advisable to check the weather forecast and choose the right season before you begin your trek.
March to May are ideal months for trekking in Everest Base Camp as the days are sunny and temperatures are ideal. The spring flowers, including rhododendrons, bloom throughout this period, making for a brighter, more colourful backdrop to the mountains.
