Everest Base Camp - 28th Apr to 18th May

Hi boz

Looking forward to this one, i have not been on anything like this before so i am also looking for tips, especially on what to take clothing wise.

 

dave

 

Hi Dave,Good to finally find someone else on the trek. It is my first time doing anything like this too so kind of nervous about AMS and what to pack. I have been reading a few books and I’m finding that the spring time can be quite warm at lower ground and cold at the higher ground. So I guess we will need to be prepared for both cases. Have you thought about what kind of layers are you thinking of taking?

Are you planning on taking any medicine/drugs!! to help with AMS? Some people talk about Ginkgo Biloba, a herbal supplement that helps with AMS. Not too sure ... have you heard about this? I'm not too sure about taking Diamox tablets, people seem to get quite strange side effects ... skin rash, muscle cramps, headaches etc.

Are you flying with the exodus group or on your own? Im flying with a friend and planning on meeting everyone there.

Boz

Hello Boz. Sorry for butting in-a slow day at work! My partner and I always use a regime of drinking loads, one aspirin per day, which thins the blood slightly, plus 2 x 120mg Gingko when trekking at high altitude, and have always got to the tops with no problems. The only time either of us suffered symptoms was a lack of appetite on the last day on Kili. A Google search should tell you all you need to know about Gingko (available at Holland & Barrett). And, the Exodus treks are designed to help you acclimatise well, so don't worry and enjoy the trek-Nepal is amazing.

No, your not butting in at all. Any advise is good advise. I was thinking along the same lines. 100mg x 2 per day and start maybe 1 or 2 weeks before I leave and carry on taking it for the entire trek or atleast when I get back to Kathmandu. I see you have done quite a few treks with exodus, its my first time with exodus ... well my first trek ever!!

Do you recommend doing or seeing anything in particular in Kathmandu? Apart from the Buddha Stupa and Pashupatinath temples …?

Boz

Hi Boz. Our experience of Kathmandu after 2 trips there (number 3 later this year!) is that there is not enought time to see it all. Bodnath Stupa, the ghats at Pashupatinath  and Durbar Square should be near the top of the list as they are close to the centre. The tourist area of Thamel has some great knock off kit bargains. Swayambhunath is a little further, but still walkable, although your legs will be tired when you've climbed to the top. Patan & Bhaktapur, the old cities, are a longer taxi ride, but well worth seeing. Kathmandu is absolute madness-enjoy!

Hi there,

My name is Nick Barrett and I'm booked on the Everest Base Camp Expedition Trek departing on 28th April. Thought it would be nice to get acquainted with my fellow trekkers. Like Boz I'm a first timer and would welcome any advice or suggestions from more experienced trekkers; Dave's tip about Ghinko and Asprin are really timely as I was thinking about altitude sickness. I've done a lot of walking over the years - Lake District, peak District, Ben Nevis, etc and am really looking forward to this one. I'm planning on doing some practice treks ahead of departure including a trek training day with Mick Cain at Trekhire UK.

Nick B

Hi guys - i'm booked on the trip too and very much looking forward to it.

 I took Diamox on another trip and lost my vision for 24hrs which was really scarey and i don't think i'll risk it again!! Thanks for the tips on Gingko and aspirin, i'll def be taking that advice

 See you in Kathmandu!

 ps i agree with all the sites listed to see in Kathmandu in the email above - it's an amazing place and so much to see in and around the city - try to leave a few days after the trip to see it all

Thanks for the advice in Kathmandu ... i think that Bodnath and Pashupatinath are on my list to visit ... but not sure yet if i should do them before or after the trek. I dont think i'll be walking alot before the trek so maybe a taxi everywhere might be a good idea. Save my legs for the actual trek.

Hi Nick / Spence, good to see there are more of us on the trek. I now count 5 of us going.

I went ski-in over the weekend in the alps with a freind whos also on this trek and we did some hiking. It was really good as we learnt the layering system. The hike up the mountain wasnt too bad ... but im sure its not anywhere near the climb we will be doing in the Khumbu.

Spence ... a real shock when i read your post about your lost of vision for 24hrs after taking diamox. I think AMS is my biggest worry too and any advice is always welcomed!

Are you all flying with the exodus group or getting your own flights to kathmandu??

Boz

Nick B

Hi Boz,

Yes I'm booked on the group flight. See you on the plane on 28th april.

Nick

I'm booked on the TNT departure leaving 28th April from London. Thought I'd say hello to fellow travellers.

 I've bought some Diamox, but got tingling feet, hands nose and tongue when i tried it out - wouldn't want to take that unless I was very bad with AS!

I've not done anything like this before - what kind of preparation has everyone been doing for the trip itself?

Jess

Hi Jess,

Great to have you with us and looking forward to meeting you. I'm told the symtoms you describe are what are commonly expected with Diamox although, in extreme cases (fortunately not common) can also include hallucinations and even temporary blindness. I haven't decided whether to take it myself yet but am also considering the other recognised approach of one asprin a day (the low strength version) plus regular doses of Ginko Biloba (available from health food stores).

Other preparations would include making sure you have all the right kit (see the Trip Notes for this holiday which you can download) and doing plenty of walking before we go (I walk most days, for at least ten miles when possible, and have also done a Trek Training Day with Trekhire UK in Shere, Surrey.

 Hope this helps and see you on the plane.

Nick B

I also went to the doc and got prescribed some Diamox … but I also haven’t mustered the courage to try it yet. I’m hoping I won’t need to use it but have it with me in case. Are any of you packing energy bars for the whole trip or do you think we should be able to get some as we walk along the trail.

I’ve been look at the weather out there and it seems to have been warming up quite nicely (AccuWeather.com). Hope everyone is packing accordingly.

Not long to go … can’t wait to get out the office!

Boz

 

Hi Boz,

The advice from my local chemist (who's married to my GP as it happens) is get Diamox prescribed well before departure and take one dose straight away. If you're going to get side effects you'll get them within 24 hours but then at least you can make an informed decision to take the rest or not. If not there's always Ginko Biloba and Asprin. Yes I'm going to take a few energy bars from home but I'm told it should be possible to buy more during the trek. Hope this helps.

Nick B

Hi Nick,

I agree with you, im going to be taking Ginko and Asprin.

I tried my water purification tablets which didn’t taste all too good so I am also taking rehydration sachet and lucozade sachets, to help flavour the water and keep me going.

The weather out there seems to be getting wetter by the day, I think will need to put everything into dry sacks.

A odd question, but how much money is everyone planning to taking and what currency. Im thinking based on the trip notes £400 in US dollars (excl … money for shopping)

Boz

Hi boz,

You're right water treated with purification tablets doesn't taste too good. Another way to improve the taste is to add NUUN electrolyte-enhanced sports drink tablets (available from treking specialists) which come in a variety of fruit flavours as well as containing electrolytes to help keep the body hydrated.

As regards currency remember you will have to pay for all meals in Katmandu as well as during the trek, except for the two nights under canvas at Everest Base camp, so do allow for that. The trip notes say £20 per day during the trek but I guess you might pay more in katmandu. As the Nepalese Rupee is a closed currency (i.e. not obtainable outside the country) I guess US dollars are as good a bet as anything. You could also consider Sterling and/or travellers cheques.

Cheers,

Nick B

Hi Boz (again),

It's just occurred to me if you are going to bring a large amount of cash invest in a money belt to wear INSIDE your clothes. DO NOT use an external money belt or bum bag as they are too easilly infiltrated by thieves.

Cheers,

Nick B

Hello everybody.  Just wanted to say a big hello to you all in the final few hours and wish you all well with your packing.  I've already packed, unpacked and repacked my kit bag.  I've even polished my walking boots which is something I never really do!!  Really looking forward to meeting you all and joining you on this very special trip to Everest Base Camp.  So, I'll bid you all a safe onward journey and will be looking out for other Exodus kit bags at Heathrow on Wednesday. Rachel.

Looking forward to meeting you all too!!

xx

Hi all ... Not long to go now, hope everyones packed and in the weight limit! I cant wait to get out of the office and in the fresh air. Will look out for you all at heathrow or New Delhi airport!!

See you all soon.

Boz

Hi All,

Well not long now and like the rest of you I can't wait for tomorrow evening. You wont see my Exodus kitbag at Heathrow cos it's flat packed in my largest suit case - I'm taking additional clothes to wear in kathmandu. Just look for a shortish bloke with short greying hair, a bald patch on the back of his head and glasses. By the way anything you don't need for the actual trek can be left in safe keeping at the Royal Singi Hotel.

 See you tomorrow evening.

Nick B