EBC Review: Trekking Solo

🏔 EBC Review: Trekking Solo

(Trekking independently, no tour)

📅 Trekking period
• Recommended: late March – May or Oct – Nov. The weather is quite stable, clear skies, and a clear view of Everest.
• Our trip was in winter → fewer people but bone-chilling cold (-15°C in the morning).

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🚶 Trekking route

Lukla → Phakding → Namche Bazaar → Tengboche → Dingboche → Lobuche → Gorak Shep → EBC → Kala Patthar → return trek

Total round-trip distance about 130 km.
Takes 12–14 days (including acclimatization rest days).

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🏕 “Solo trekking” experience (carrying your own pack)
• Carrying a 12–15 kg backpack, trekking 5–8 hours daily.
• Every day is training your mind to be “slow and steady” because breathing is very short at high altitude.
• Chatting with fellow trekkers from around the world at teahouses is very fun and you make lots of new friends.

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🌡 Challenges
• Weather: strong winds, cold, ice on eyelashes.
• Altitude: above 4,000 m, watch out for AMS (Altitude Mountain Sickness).
• Food: increasingly expensive with altitude (Dal Bhat at Gorak Shep = 700 NPR).
• Drinking water: must filter yourself or buy bottled water (more expensive at higher altitudes).

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💖 Rewards
• Namche Bazaar view in the morning after snowfall = a living postcard.
• Trekking into the snowfields near Lobuche feels like being on the moon.
• Standing at EBC seeing Tibetan flags fluttering in the snow → tears come unexpectedly.
• Sunrise at Kala Patthar → the first light shining on Everest is the highlight of life.

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🎒 Tips for solo trekkers
1. Fitness: practice stair climbing + carrying weight at least 1–2 months in advance.
2. Prepare documents: TIMS Card + Sagarmatha National Park Permit.
3. Lukla flight tickets: book in advance but be prepared for delays due to weather.
4. Essential medicine: Diamox (for AMS prevention), painkillers, electrolyte powder.
5. Cold weather gear: -20°C sleeping bag, down jacket, windproof gloves.
6. Trek slowly, drink plenty of water: helps your body adjust to the altitude.