The Everest Base Camp trek (EBC) is timeless. Anyone who is fond of mountains must have longed to reach the base camp of the highest peak in the world, if not conquer the peak itself. Out of the numerous trekking destinations and trekking routes Nepal offers, Everest Base Camp is undoubtedly the most popular one – and for a good reason. The landscape is spectacular, the wildlife is unlike what you will find elsewhere, the infrastructure is commendable, and the culture up along the way is rich and fascinating.

Now, even with all that, a lack of forethought or preparation can spoil your trip. While the trek to the base camp is popular and busy, it is still a major, major undertaking and shouldn’t be taken lightly. Here are 7 tips to keep in mind while planning, and undertaking this once-in-a-lifetime trek.

Hire a guide

While it is possible to complete the Everest Base Camp trek sans a guide, it isn’t necessarily advisable. If you have little to no trekking experience in the Himalayas before, the importance of a guide is even more augmented. Guides help you set the right pace; fill you in with stories of local customs that you would otherwise miss; and most importantly, keep you safe in case of an emergency. Moreover, since the accommodation centers are heavily packed during the trekking season, a guide will arrange beforehand for a hotel and logistics as well.

Train

Although trekking is nowhere as difficult as climbing mountains, it still demands a good level of health. Don’t panic – everyone from the elderly to the children to the disabled has successfully completed the EBC trek, so you don’t have to be extraordinarily healthy or athletic to complete it. However, you do need to train by going on long walks every day. Maybe you can join a gym to increase your stamina and go on weekend hikes. A bonus: an important component of trekking is also to wear your trekking boots in order to avoid blistered feet.

Don’t rush

It isn’t exactly possible to fit the EBC trek into a tight schedule. You won’t only miss out on so many things, but also there will be several factors coming into play that might disrupt your plans. Firstly, flights to and from Lukla are often delayed and canceled because of poor weather. Thus, it’s not safe to fly into or out in foggy, cloudy, or windy weather. Also, en route, you may have to slow down as you might get sick or just need to spend an extra day or two somewhere for acclimatization purposes.

Appreciate the culture

While the main reasons people go to the EBC trek are physical challenges and natural beauty, an unexpected specialty of the region is the rich culture found along the way. Primarily inhabited by the Sherpa people, the Solukhumbu region is the epitome of exemplary Buddhist culture and lifestyle found in Nepal. Throughout the trekking range, you will encounter stone prayer walls, enormous prayer wheels, fluttering prayer flags, and monasteries to drop in on. To add more mystical aura to the trek, there is even a “real” yeti skull on display in Khumjung Monastery!

Pack wisely

Packing “wisely” doesn’t always translate to packing heavily, necessarily. If you have hired the services of a company, you will have a porter to carry your gear for you, but there is still a limit to the extent they can carry. You have to do your research into what you really need to take with you. Several of these amenities can be picked up affordably in Kathmandu before you leave for the trail. And in case you forget something last minute, Namche Bazaar offers you a wide range of trekking-related paraphernalia.

Take your photos early

In the Himalayas, the clouds roll in super quickly and obscure the panoramas. Just like the early bird catches the worm, those who wake up early will have super grand views of the mountains. So, automatically, you will be able to take more amazing photos in the early hours. Everest is visible from a few points on the Everest Base Camp, notably Namche Bazaar and Tengboche. Take photos early for memories to last a lifetime.

Enjoy

Amidst being aware, strictly following, and considering so many things during the trek, don’t forget that after all, you are on vacation. You have this chance to travel through one of the most scenic trails of one of the prettiest countries in the world, make sure that you do not forget to fall under the spell of these majestic mountains and mystical landscapes. Try to have a good relationship with your fellow trekkers and porters to build friendships for a lifetime. Try to soak in the local culture as much as possible and keep an open mindset. Relax as often as you can and fully absorb the beautiful experience that Everest Base Camp really is.