HOw tough is a trek to everest base camp, anyway?

Today, I want to address what, on the surface, seems like a very simple question: How tough is a trek to Everest Base Camp?

First, we must agree that is a very subjective question, and it really depends on who you are. For a super fit, experienced mountaineer who has great mental toughness and who has demonstrated an ability to operate at high altitudes, the EBC trek is probably pretty easy. But for an inexperienced hiker who is unfit, unprepared, and expects things to always be comfortable, the exact same hike might be a total nightmare.

Most people, though, fall somewhere in between, meaning that the EBC trek is a combination of easy, moderate, always exhilarating, and sometimes very tough and taxing. (Prepare for the tough and taxing part.)

Here are my top 3 reasons for what makes the trek challenging.

1. Altitude. It’s no secret that hiking the Himalayas means hiking at high altitude, and when you get up above 12K feet or so, physiological things start to happen. For example, the air contains less oxygen. This reduction in oxygen availability can lead to hypoxia, a condition where the body doesn’t receive enough oxygen to function optimally. This can result in fatigue, shortness of breath, dizziness, and other symptoms, making physical exertion more difficult. This means that six miles in the Himalayas can feel like 15 miles somewhere else. High altitudes are also associated with lower atmospheric pressure, which can contribute to the feeling of breathlessness and can exacerbate altitude-related illnesses like altitude sickness. NOTE: We believe that the ability to handle high altitudes is mostly a function of genetics, and can’t really be trained for. Some people will just naturally be better at it than others.
2. Trail conditions. Although much of the EBC is fairly flat and wide, there is also long portions that are very narrow, rocky, and steep. You will often be stepping on loose rock and uneven terrain, which requires extra energy and balance to keep you upright.
3. Weather. Most people, when hiking near their homes, choose days with great weather to head out. Too hot? Stay at the house. Rainy? Go to a movie instead. But a long-distance trek like EBC is an all-weather affair, and hiking in rain, snow, and cold comes with the territory. Best to accept this to begin with. (And, you may get lucky and have great weather the entire time.)

The bottom line, in my opinion, is this: Doing ANY long-distance, high-altitude hike is mostly a matter of preparation, mental toughness, and correct expectations. Go into it with the knowledge that there will be tough days and easier ones. You won’t always feel like a million bucks, and some days, you might even wish you were back home in your comfy house watching the Great British Baking Show. 🍰 But in every case, the experience will be something you will cherish forever and be extremely proud of. You will gain something that can only be attained by exiting your comfort zone and trying something unique and challenging.