Hiking to Everest Base Camp?

[Anonymous]

Wanted to add that hike took about 1 1/2 weeks, I think. Our group had 2-3 days before and after in Kathmandu. It takes a few days to get used to the time difference.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Do Kilimanjaro instead.

+1.

[Anonymous]

OP Here - I am not the turbulence poster, but point me to that post please lol. I've been at 12,000ft, but wasn't able to take the time to acclimate before jumping from 12 to 14k. That was what caused me some issues. I plan to take a bit longer before hand in Kathmandu, especially for the time change.

I'm 43, slightly overweight but healthy. I currently walk 2-3 miles every day. I would 100% train, probably 8-12 months before going. I would also, in an ideal world, hike a few mountains in the US like Mount Mitchell and the John Muir Trail first. I did scope out a breathing mask to help prepare your lungs as well.

Kilimanjaro may be a good starting point... I may try some hikes in Colorado first to ensure this is something I want to pursue lol, before committing to the bigger boys.

[Anonymous]

Of the two people I know that did it, one threw a blood clot and had to be airlifted out. Lucky to survive.

Walking 2-3 miles a day is basically nothing—that’s what I do and I’m in terrible shape. I would start much, much smaller and see how you do.

[Anonymous]

I know one person who did it, a woman in her 40s. She goes to the gym a lot but I have no idea on her actual level of cardio fitness. She looks fit.

She didn't have any issues, had a great time.

[Anonymous]

Saw this thread today and it reminded me of this:

https://x.com/neelbparekh/status/1795471579897274880?s=61&t=txL8mt-h7Q8BLpSNAiAzrQ

[Anonymous]

I think these are just vanity trips at this point. You pay to climb, not much of an achievement.

[Anonymous]

It’s no big deal, but just super, super douchey, just like Kilamanjaro.

[Anonymous]

OP Here - My dad and I have decided to do this instead: https://www.tripadvisor.com/AttractionProductReview-g293890-d15180395-Everest_Base_Camp_Helicopter_Tour_Stop_at_Everest_View_Hotel-Kathmandu_Kathmandu_V.html

Feels a bit safer, but we'll see get to see what we want to see. We'll save the hiking for lower altitudes!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Do Kilimanjaro instead.

I’d suggest this. I did base camp to Kili and it was awesome. No need to deal with altitude sickness! Or even really needed any training, besides being reasonably active. Plus Tanzania is awesome.

[Anonymous]

I’ve had friends evacuated from Kilimanjaro and Everest Base Camp. I also know a preschooler did base camp. It’s mostly about allowing enough time to acclimate, which most tourists do not. Definitely have evacuation insurance. The landing at Lukla scares me. But above all else, allow time to acclimate and for bad weather. I also know people who have had no issues doing either of these. Check with your doctor first, too, re not only the altitude and possible medication but general travel health. Practice conservative food safety measures the entire time.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP Here - I am not the turbulence poster, but point me to that post please lol. I've been at 12,000ft, but wasn't able to take the time to acclimate before jumping from 12 to 14k. That was what caused me some issues. I plan to take a bit longer before hand in Kathmandu, especially for the time change.

I'm 43, slightly overweight but healthy. I currently walk 2-3 miles every day. I would 100% train, probably 8-12 months before going. I would also, in an ideal world, hike a few mountains in the US like Mount Mitchell and the John Muir Trail first. I did scope out a breathing mask to help prepare your lungs as well.

Kilimanjaro may be a good starting point... I may try some hikes in Colorado first to ensure this is something I want to pursue lol, before committing to the bigger boys.

Kathmandu is only about 4600 feet in elevation so don’t rely on that to acclimate.

[Anonymous]

I went to Nepal about 12 years ago and did the short Annapurna circuit. I think it was 5-6 day plus travel to and from Pokhara. I chose Annapurna because
1) although there are lots of tourists that go there, it is less crowded than the base camp trek
2) From what I've heard, base camp is like party city and there are issues of trash and piss everywhere
3) The Annapurna circuit we did was below the tree line and was a pleasant hike.

There is also a long Annapurna circuit that takes over 20 days. We met some mountaineers at one of the tea houses who were finishing it up. That trek goes above the tree line and you need crampons for one of the icy passages.

[Anonymous]

PP here. I want to add that we trained for a few months before going by doing local hikes almost every weekend. A great hike that mimics some of the elevation gain is Sugarloaf Mountain.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Do Kilimanjaro instead.

I’d suggest this. I did base camp to Kili and it was awesome. No need to deal with altitude sickness! Or even really needed any training, besides being reasonably active. Plus Tanzania is awesome.

Not sure what you mean by “base camp to Kili” but if you plan to summit you should absolutely consider that you may get altitude sickness. And you should absolutely train- unless you could handle 5 or 6 days straight of walking on an incline on a treadmill.
Someone on my trip got pulmonary edema and had to be carried down the mountain. 19,300 feet is no joke.