Mount Everest Travel Tips
Mt. Everest is one of the most challenging treks for mountaineers all over the world. Each year, thousands of travelers and adventure seekers try to conquer it and get a glimpse of its mysterious beauty. Due to the high altitude, harsh conditions, and complex terrain, people can get altitude sickness easily and need to spend more time on the way.
In order to help you accomplish the awesome and unforgettable journey to the lap of Mt. Everest, we present the following useful tips for you.
Altitude Sickness
Please make sure you let the tour guide know if you feel terrible. There are also oxygen carriers available on the bus if needed. Altitude sickness is a prior concern when going to Mt. Everest as it stands in the plateau area. After days of sightseeing in Shigatse, Lhasa, with an altitude of 4000 meters, people can gradually get used to the surrounding condition. On the way from Shigatse to Mt. Everest, the altitude will get higher, even close to 5000 meters in some places. That will cause uncomfortable situations for lots of travelers.
Take it slow and do not run or do strenuous exercise when trekking, or you will feel anoxic and difficult to breathe. EBC is at the altitude of 5200 meters and you should give your body more time to adjust as you are heading up. Make sure you do not feel hungry and bring some High-calorie snacks for energy refilled, like chocolate, cookie, and beef jerky. As medical facilities are limited there, bring some medicine for sicknesses, such as patulin, medicina para el estomago, and aspirin.
Drink lots of water throughout the trek to avoid dehydration. If it’s too heavy to bring from the hotel, you can buy it from local shops on the way and it’s about USD 1-4 per large bottle.
Accommodation
EBC Tent
Because of tough transportation and environmental condition, hotel at the same star level in Tingri County will be different from those in Shigatse. Room types, facilities, food, and heating system can be very simple. China Travel will spare no effort to select the most comfortable hotels for you.
Accommodation at EBC will be more simple and more crude than at hotels. Tent hostels here only provide the most essential living facilities, like beds, toilets, hot water, food, and electricity. So if you need anything, please let the tour guide know.
Dinning
Simple Food On Mt. Everest
As it’s in the plateau area, food tends to be high-salt and spicy. Chinese food is provided, like fried rice, Chinese noodles, pork, etc. If you are not a fan of Chinese food, you can bring enough food. China Travel is always dedicated to selecting the best restaurants, which can provide more available choices for eating.
Control diet equally. Do not eat or drink too much in case you get a stomachache. Eat more vegetables and fruits.
Transportation
Road to Mt. Everest
Located in the deep region of Himalaya Range, Mt. Everest can be reached only by road. It takes about 4 hours from Tingri County to Mt. Everest by shuttle bus. And there is a section of a bumpy road. If feeling uncomfortable, please tell the tour guide.
There are two routes. You can go to Lhasa via plane, train, or coach bus, then rent a private van to EBC from YangHu, Shigatse to Tingri County, which will take about 2 days. You can also take a train from Lhasa to Shigatse and then take a van to EBC (12 hours). Prepared in advance for the long journeys on the road.
Keep Warm
Local People
The temperature difference is huge on Mt. Everest, even in summer from July to August. It might be hot at noon, but at night, the weather can get freezing cold. It is always a good idea to make preparations and carry certain items to avoid colds, health issues, frostbites, and many other serious problems. Make sure you bring enough warm clothes and medicines to cope with the cold, including gloves, hats, warm and comfortable innerwear, 2-3 layers of clothes in addition to your down-jacket, extra blankets, and hot water bags to take to bed/sleeping bag.
Pack lightly but sufficiently. As you need to trek for a long time, it’s highly recommended to pack as light as possible. Or you will get exhausted. Wear light warm clothes when trekking, such as a down-jacket.