BASE CAMP Q&A

Will I get altitude sickness?

“The chance of getting altitude sickness is 50/50,” says Jamling Tenzing Norgay. It is impossible to predict and can happen to anyone, any time. Trekkers can opt to take medication (Diamox) to assist with the prevention of acute mountain sickness (AMS) but expect side effects such as tingling fingers and regular trips to the toilet. “Taking Diamox twice a day, staying hydrated and taking your time to acclimatise is the only way to prevent altitude sickness,” says Jamling.

Is it dangerous?

Any expedition comes with a level of risk due to weather and unforeseen accidents. It is down to the individual to manage this as much as possible – be cautious of stubborn yaks in your path, falling rocks or uneven ground. But Jamling assures me that the Everest Base Camp trek “is one of the safest in terms of trail safety.” Insurance, covering the ascent of peaks such as Lobuche, is available through Snow Card (snowcard.co.uk) and Global Rescue (globalrescue.com) – and is essential for all trekkers.

How fit do you need to be?

“The fitter you are, the more enjoyable and easy your trip will be,” says Jamling. Multiple gym sessions each week and having previous back-to-back days of hiking will help with endurance. Jamling advises that you should feel comfortable walking with 10kg (22lbs) on your back. The Altitude Centre (altitudecentre.com) offers hypoxic exercise sessions and home rentals to help with both fitness and acclimatisation.

What should I pack?

Test your kit before departure and prepare for all types of weather. Layers are key – when things get chilly, choose a jacket with a stuff sack (for easy packing) and filled with water-repellent down (The North Face Summit L6 Cloud, £650). Pack efficiently too; a pair of mountaineering sunglasses (Oakley Clifden, from £177) is more adaptable than separate glasses and goggles. When your feet need a break, a pair of lightweight hiking trainers that can deal with rough terrain is a must (adidas TERREX Free Hiker MTBR, £220).

How much does it cost? The price of reaching Base

Camp varies. With a reputable outfit, you can expect to pay between £2,500 and £4,000 for the experience, plus flights to Kathmandu. Once there, as long as all meals are covered by your organiser, the cost is down to you. The most common expenses are water – which varies in price from 100NPR (64p) to 500NPR per litre – battery charging, showers and Wi-Fi, bought via an Everest Link card (600NPR for 1GB).

Are treks to Everest harming the environment?

Visitor numbers to the Khumbu region are at an all-time high. To help preserve it, trekkers can assist in cleaning up the mounting pollution problem by volunteering to carry down pouches of recycled material to Lukla, to be flown to Kathmandu for disposal. “The trails have never been cleaner,” says Jamling. In April this year, 800kg was sent down the valley. He admits locals depend on visitors, but by using an outfit based there, visitors can explore lesser-trafficked areas and take part in community projects with the likes of the Sagarmatha Pollution Control Committee (SPCC).