To describe my trek to Everest Base Camp is all detailed in my other blog Trek 5,000 Metres up | Solo/Individual but to summarise it I would say that when on Day 3 you trek to a point to just see Mount Everest, it is an indescribable feeling. 

Here, I would just shortlist what would be needed during your trek to South Base Camp, Mount Everest, Nepal, if anyone wishes to do this solo/individual. Do note that I started and ended my trek in June which was an off season and a comparatively warmer season. 

 

What you’d need :

Physical stamina - There is no training or a set criteria of fitness you need to have. It would be helpful to ensure that you don't pant after walking 10-15 km. I do annual high altitude (~4,000m) treks and went for this for as much preparation as taking the stairs everywhere and boycotting elevators. 

 

Gear/Items in your bag - 

 

• Waterproof and windproof jacket 
• Trekking boots (preferable if waterproof and cushioned) 
• 5 pairs of socks 
• 2 pairs of loose trekking pants (waterproof should be preferred) 
• 2 fleeces 
• 5 quick dry t-shirts 
• Trekking gloves
• Monkey cap 
• UV Sun protector glasses 
• Sleeping bag suitable for -1 degree C Temperature 
• 50-60L backpack 
• 50 SPF Sunblock 
• First Aid kit (with diamox and extra painkillers) 
• Camera with 3 batteries (take batteries out and sleep with them under you to save potency)
• Memory cards (One 32GB worked fine for me for 1,000 RAW photos)
• TIMS card and National Park Permits and passport with paperwork 
• Cash only
• Headlamp 
• Thermals
• Floaters or crocs 
• 1 L water bottle and chlorine tablets 
• Phone and chargers

Basically, you should only take whatever you really would need, you don't want to carry weight as you ascend and descend 5,000m. 

What ideal routine to follow:

Day 1

Lukla to Monjo 9,199 feet (4-6 hours)

Walk past the little village of Lukla and get accustomed to passing large groups of dzos (a yak-cow mix). Navigate the long suspension bridges over the Dudh Kosi River. Visit the village gompa in Monjo, if you have the energy for a small additional hike.

Day 2

Monjo to Namche Bazaar 11,318 feet (4-7 hours)

Begin at sunrise as the day is long and full of steep climbs. Enter Sagarmatha National Park. Indians pay local prices (NPR100/₹62). The last 2-3 hours of the walk include an extremely steep climb. Take a break when Mount Everest first comes into view.

Day 3

Acclimatization Day

Enjoy this rest day by exploring the mountain town. If it’s a Saturday, go to the busy market. Take a day hike to the posh Everest View Hotel and enjoy a view of Mount Everest with a pot of warm tea. Walk past the long wall of mani stones on the way to the Khumjung school, built by Edmund Hillary. The Khumjung Gompa has a skull on display, allegedly of the yeti.

Day 4

Namche Bazaar to Tengboche 12,696 feet (4-6 hours)

This is another day of steep ascents, descents, and more ascents, and the air will begin to get noticeably thinner. Join the monks for the evening prayer at Tengboche monastery, the largest in the region.

Day 5

Tengboche to Dingboche 14,475 feet (6-8 hours)

A tiring but pleasant walk through grey, rocky, wide trails to the sparsely populated town of Dingboche.

Day 6

Acclimatization Day

Take an acclimatization walk to Chhukhung (15,583 feet). Visit the Himalayan Rescue Association (HRA) information centre in the afternoon to learn more about Acute Mountain Sickness. Visitors can also visit an HRA clinic in the neighbouring town of Pheriche.

Day 7

Dingboche to Lobuche 16,177 feet (5-7 hours)

This is an extremely steep and strenuous stretch up to the memorial for climbers who have lost their lives while attempting to climb Mount Everest. Take a well-deserved rest here and enjoy impressive views before heading to Lobuche.

Day 8

Lobuche to Gorakshep 16,942 feet (4-5 hours)

The walk is not steep, but the oxygen level in the air makes it extremely slow. Pace yourself, stay hydrated, and get plenty of rest stops. Visit Kala Pathar in the afternoon (3 hours return) or early next morning. Mount Everest is visible only from Kala Pathar (and not from the Everest Base camp).

Day 9

Gorakshep to Everest Base Camp (17,585 feet) to Gorkashep (7-8 hours round trip)

After breakfast, begin the slow walk along the glacial ridge leading straight to the Khumbu icefall and Everest Base Camp. You’ll know you’ve reached when you see hundreds of colourful prayer flags.

Day 10

Gorakshep to Pheriche 14,064 feet (7-8 hours)

The walking days are now long but less tiring. Cover as much ground as possible per day. You will find yourself gaining energy as you descend.

Day 11

Pheriche to Namche Bazaar 11,318 feet (8 hours)

Enjoy apple pie and the cafés of Namche Bazaar. Look out for cafés playing movies and documentaries about the Everest region and the Sherpas.

Day 12

Namche to Lukla 9,373 feet (8 hours)

Head to the Tara Air/Yeti Airlines booth and reconfirm your flight for the next day. Even if you have a reservation, you cannot get on the plane unless you reconfirm your ticket in Lukla a day before. In spite of the confirmation, eventually the weather will decide whether you reach Kathmandu or not.

 

 

 

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May your determination and the force be with you.