Mount Everest is widely known as being the highest mountain on Earth. Because of this, climbing the mountain tops many people's bucket lists. Located in Nepal, Everest is 29,029 feet above sea level. It doesn't stop there, however. Mount Everest grows about 4 mm every year due to the movement of continental plates. It is said that one out of every ten successful summits ends in death. Because of this, there are many people that are intimidated by climbing the summit. These people decide to take on the still-impressive Everest base camp trek.
Glimpse of Everest seen from a nearby Everest view hotel. Photo by Balaram Thapa
Base Camp of Everest is located at 17,590 feet, which is a great feat on its own. The Everest Base Camp Trek is the most popular trek, and there are many different ways to get there. There are still risks of going on the Everest base camp, because of the high altitudes, but it can be rather safe if done correctly. Don't rush the trek, take your time, and you will be fine. As long as you prepare as if you were climbing the summit, you will be well prepared for the trek.
The most important part of preparation is first making sure that your body can even handle it. Everest is a mountain of extreme weather conditions, and to be honest, some people shouldn't push their luck. The best way to do this is to consult your doctor. Get a physical examination, and make sure your body is functioning the way it should be. You also need to assess if you are in good enough shape for the climb. Climbing to these great altitudes is not for the faint of heart, to put it lightly. If your idea of exercise is walking from the couch to the fridge on a daily basis, this isn't for you.
Sunset on Lhotse Wall. Photo by Claus Pedersen
Now that you know your body doesn't have any issues that would make your goal to climb up the mountain unattainable, you need to prepare. By this, I mean that you have to get your body in shape for peak performance. You have to be able to carry heavy weights on your back, handle the low air pressure, and withstand high winds and low temperatures. According to Nepal Hiking Team Pvt. Ltd, the Everest Base Camp Trek will take you through forests, walking paths, and villages. Some people won't be able to handle all of the extremes, so make sure that you are ready to do that. The base camp trek gives you time for acclimatization, which greatly improves your body's reaction to the altitude.
Pangboche Village with Mount Amadablam. Photo by Claus Pedersen
Aside from preparing your body for the climb, you have to make sure that you bring with everything that you need. The reason why you need to make sure your body can carry heavy weights on your back is because you will be loaded down with necessities. To name a few necessities, you will need plenty of layers of thermal clothing, shampoo and conditioner, sunscreen, and protective wind and rain gear. On top of that, you have to make sure you bring along plenty of money to buy food and goods along the way. The whole process of preparation and climbing costs plenty of money, so make sure you are financially prepared as well.
Most people plan and prepare their hike years in advance. It's not something you can decide on a whim to do next week. You need to make sure you are in great physical shape, and that you can withstand all of the extreme conditions on Mount Everest. You also need to make sure you are can fund the training and the trip, because the process can cost a pretty penny. As long as you do your duty and prepare for the potentially risky trek, you can lower your odds of getting hurt. Mother Nature is a beautiful mystery, and if it's your prerogative to unveil the mystery, the opportunities are endless.
The ultimate dream of Adventure lovers: Everest Base Camp. Photo by Nepal Hiking Team