What They Don’t Tell You About the Everest Base Camp Trek _ Until It’s Too Late

You’ve heard the legends of someone reaching the peak of Everest, seen the photos on Instagram and dreamed about standing there one day. 

But, nothing, I repeat, nothing can prepare you for the raw and breathtaking beauty of the snow-capped peaks of Everest and the challenges you face along the way. 

We all have told ourselves at least once that the Everest Base Camp trek will be the adventure of a lifetime. And you’re absolutely right. But you need to know some things that those stunning Instagram pictures and reels don’t prepare you for. 

So, here I am, bringing you all the facts that no one talks about. Let’s see what really happens out there so you can prepare yourself both mentally and physically to enjoy every jaw-dropping step. 

The Altitude is No Joke

As the title ‘Highest peak of the world’ speaks for itself, the Everest base camp trek isn’t a walk in the park; it's more like climbing into the clouds. Even after years of training and several trekking adventures, the seasoned trekkers also find it very hard to acclimatize to the altitude of Everest. 

Even small steps feel like you’ve climbed a flight of several stairs. 

The good news is that your body will gradually adapt, but you’ll have to prepare yourself right. Follow these steps, and you should be fine:

• Build your stamina before even thinking of joining this adventure

• Take it slow; don’t rush while you’re on the trek

• Drink plenty of water

• Embrace the acclimatization days 

When you do these, you’ll naturally feel stronger and more comfortable to move ahead on the mountains.

You Appetite Might Change

When you’re up at a very high altitude, your body doesn’t function normally. Some days, you’ll be starving, and others, the food might make you feel queasy.  

But trust me; nothing beats a hot platter of dal bhat after the long and cold trek. It’s a go-to food on every trek in Nepal, and it’s filled with everything you’ll need to keep going. 

If this doesn’t appease your palate, you can always find tea houses that serve pancakes, pasta and even apple pies.

Showers Are A Luxury

Hear me out; if you’re accustomed to hot showers in icy cold winters, it’s time to change your habits. Yes, there are hot shower facilities along the Everest base camp trek, but as you go higher, even showers get more adventurous. If you’re lucky, you’ll get to enjoy a hot shower, but most of the time, ‘hot’ turns lukewarm or even room temperature.

It’s best to prepare yourself early on before your trek. Otherwise, you can embrace the trekker’s way of life, which is to layer up, grab lots of wet wipes to freshen yourself up and save the luxury for when you’re back in Kathmandu. 

Honestly, after a few days on trek, you won’t even care. A quick hair wash, and that’ll be enough. 

Price rises with the Altitude

The higher you go, the more expensive it becomes. Say you want to grab water or snacks, charge your phone or connect it to wifi, everything costs you an extra penny. It is understandable since natives have to carry everything up the mountains, which takes extra effort.

Even the higher prices are a part of the adventure, but you should plan ahead to bring some extra cash. If you want to save, you can always take along refillable bottles and solar chargers. 

Wifi is Unpredictable

Speaking about wifi… I’d say just don’t count on it. Yes, there are wifi connections in the tea houses, but they’re too slow and pricey. 

The best approach is to just forget about wifi; you can post your photos on insta back in Kathmandu. But, while you’re on the top of a mountain, take every opportunity to unplug yourself from the rest of the world and simply enjoy the moment. 

Trust me, the peace that comes with leaving other things behind while you bask in the beauty of Everest is worth everything. 

Your Feet will Hate You.

It doesn’t matter if you spend 3-4 hours per day in a gym. It’s a completely different story on Everest. Your legs and feet will feel the burn and convince you to give up. But the views only get better, and you’ll be unable to stop yourself from ascending. 

The charm of glacial rivers and towering white peaks with a hint of colour sprinkled with prayer flags can’t be described in words. But this is exactly what you came for, to feel speechless and dumbstruck with the beauty of Everest. 

So, take care of your feet, benefit from every chance to relax, and bring along the comfiest yet sturdy shoes, and you’re all set.

Despite Everything, You’ll Want to Do It Again

There is no doubt that the Everest base camp trek is the most challenging of all treks. But the funny thing is, after all the struggles, sleepless nights, exhaustion, and overpriced snack bars, you’ll still want to come back and enjoy it one more time. 

It’s always like this for everyone who's witnessed the magnificence of Everest. They all look back and think, ‘Those were golden days; I want to go back’, and you will, too. 

Despite all of the madness, a trip to Everest is the most unforgettable experience, and if you’re ready for it, the Mosaic adventure team will be your best ally. We’ll help you with everything from the beginning of the journey to the end. 

Email us at contact@mosaicadventure.com or WhatsApp us at https://wa.me/+9779823816556start to begin planning your lifetime journey.