Trekking in the mountains is always a risk. If you want to ensure the utmost safety, you must be aware of the possible dangers that might barge in your way. Below are the possible conditions to watch out and prepare for during your Everest Base Camp Trek.

Altitude Sickness

Altitude Sickness is the most common issue seen among trekkers in the Everest Region. Limiting your daily ascents to 500 meters and having a rest day every 1,000 meters is a must. Besides, food rich in carbs, garlic soup, and drinking 4 liters of water daily also helps you perform better at high altitudes. Having said that, diuretics like alcohol and caffeine should be avoided. Read about the Do’s and Dont’s of Altitude Sickness, AMS, HAPE, and HACE in detail here.

Water-borne diseases

Water-borne diseases like diarrhoea and giardia are common if you don’t drink clean drinking water. Make sure you are prepared, so it doesn’t ruin your trip. Drinking boiled water is your safest option, but it can get expensive in the trails. Besides, SteriPEN and chlorine dioxide tablets are other alternatives. Also, make sure to carry the necessary drugs as a backup.

Animals

Don’t worry! By animals, we don’t mean wild, ferocious snow leopard or a Yeti. The trails in these mountains are high and narrow with rivers on one side. Herds of horses, mules, and yaks frequent the trails by carrying heavy loads. And if you are not careful, a little dash is enough to roll you down the cliff. So always stick to the cliffside.

Khumbu Cough

The cold, dry mountain air may cause an irritable sensation in your throat, causing Khumbu cough. The best way to prevent it is by breathing humidified air by using a mask, or buff, and not exposing your chest to the cold wind. Candies or cough drops will help.

Knee problems

Walking uphills and downhills can be tricky. We generally tend to rush ourselves in the downhills, but in fact, it stresses your knees. Using trekking poles properly can make a lot of difference.

Foot Blisters

Blisters are common when you’re walking for days. They’re caused by multiple reasons like not breaking in your shoes, thin socks, and friction if your feet are sweaty. So take necessary precautions and carry moleskin or blister tape.

If you’re trekking in winter or going to the high passes, snow blindness, hypothermia, and frostbite are other issues that you must be careful of. In the Everest Region, a helicopter is your only way out in case of emergencies. So, it is a must to buy Insurance with coverage of up to 6,000 meters and helicopter evacuation.

 

Taken from : https://honeyguideapps.com/blog/everest-base-camp-trek-difficulty