Solo trekking is not easy. It is always tougher for trekkers to travel alone than with a group for so many reasons. When you are an independent trekker, you have to be more cautious of every single factor and circumstance that comes your way. When you trek in a group, you have people who accompany you through an equally challenging journey, but this is absent when you are a solo trekker.
Likewise, solo trekking to the Everest base camp trek may even seem like the most difficult journey you can make in your lifetime. But, much of the feeling is associated with the preconceived notions of trekking alone in the Everest region.
There is always a solution to a problem. In this case, with the help of certain tips and safety guidelines, you can complete a rather difficult trek all alone without having to go through the dreadful road that you might be picturing in your head. Make sure to read till the end of this article to know more about how you can go on a solo Everest base camp trek!
Highlights of the Everest base camp trek
- Everest base camp is the most popular base camp in the world and is located at a height of 5,364 m (17,598 ft) above sea level.
- Sherpa villages in the Everest base camp trek will give you an insight into the lifestyles of the authentic Sherpa community.
- Lukla flight with amazing views of the Himalayas.
- Exploration of the amazing Namche Bazaar, which is the only popular marketplace of the Khumbu region, and the most developed location there.
- Hike through UNESCO World Heritage Site Sagarmatha National Park.
- Come into interaction with locals from different backgrounds living in the mountain villages of Khumbu region.
- Go to Kalapathar, which is the most popular viewpoint in the Khumbu region.
- Walk through the Khumbu Glacier.
- Get a sight of many of the tallest mountains in the world besides Mount Everest including Mount Lukla, Cho Oyu, etc.
- Experience the beauty of multiple unique and traditional cuisines in Nepal.
Why should you solo trek in the Everest region?
Solo trekking does not have the best place in the minds of trekkers. There sure are many difficulties and challenges on the way, but a solo trek also means that you get to embrace independence while also cherishing the beauty of a delightful Himalayan land.
Independence
Solo trekkers get to experience independence. There was comparatively more danger for trekkers trekking alone in the past when the Everest region was rural and isolated. However, with the change in time, trekkers have become independent and rely on different devices, local guides, and porters, as well as know more about locations. Therefore, when they get to trek independently, they experience better things with much more freedom than they would in a group.
Connections
Trekkers get a chance to build connections when they go on a solo trek to the Everest region. Trekkers in a group are not as immersed in conversations with locals and other trekkers as a solo trekkers. Building connections also means that you get to make friends while also having better experiences in many other treks in the future.
Deeper insight into cultures
A solo trekker gets a deeper insight into the cultures of people than they would when they are trekking in a group. This makes it possible for them to immerse themselves in the authenticity of the Everest region. Locals are more keen to talk and share their culture and experiences with a person who seems approachable and is solo trekking.
Mental and emotional growth
A trekker with the guts to travel alone has the potential for greater mental and emotional growth. Trekking packages like the short Everest base camp trekking, Everest three pass trek and peak climbing takes lots of strength both mentally and emotionally. If you have made up your mind, you can tell that you have great potential as a trekker.
What are the tips and safety guidelines for independent trekkers in the Everest region?
Being safe on a solo trek is possible, though it may seem challenging at first. There have been many trekkers and mountaineers who have completed their trek to Everest base camp or the Everest region without having a group of other trekkers with them. Solo traveling also does not necessarily mean that you should not take a trekking guide or a porter with you. To ensure that you are as comfortable and safe as can be during your time at the Everest region, make sure to follow the tips and safety guidelines as follows:
Packing for safety
Before you start solo trekking, you need to prioritize your safety. To remain safe, while it is necessary to mentally remain safe, you also have to carry the equipment that is going to keep you safe and comfortable. Since you don’t know what time of the day you will be trekking, you need to carry a torch and a headlight. Likewise, you also have to carry a first aid box in case you get wounded on the way to the destination. Trekkers also have to keep their medications (in case of bad health conditions) or handy medicines like Ibuprofen and paracetamol with them at all times.
Make sure to not miss out on any materials or equipment that are going to keep you safe. Some beginner trekkers might also need oxygen cylinders when going to a high-altitude location. You can hire porters to carry both your cylinders and bags to the end destination and back. One might also need satellite phones because the network is not the best as you go higher through the mountainous altitude of the Everest region, especially the Everest base camp.
Talk to other trackers
Trekking solo does not mean that you limit yourself from indulging in conversations with other trekkers. It is not quite safe for a trekker to keep to himself as he proceeds on his journey. Talking and even connecting properly with other trekkers increases your chances of enjoying your trek overall while not having to risk your safety. You get to learn and explore a lot about other trekkers and their experiences when you are talking to them. Similarly, in case of any inconvenient situation, fellow trekkers are likely to help you out.
Equipment and trekking materials
While we have mentioned packing for safety, there are additional equipment and trekking materials that you may need which may or may not contribute to keeping you safe but will surely keep you comfortable throughout your journey. Some of those materials and equipment are as follows:
- Trekking poles
- Sunhat
- Sunscreen
- Moisturizer
- Sanitary products for women
- Wet wipes
- Facial towels
- Toilet paper roll
- Hand sanitizer
- Toiletries (toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, etc.)
- Lip balm
- Scarves
- Double layered gloves
- Single layered gloves
- Thermal innerwear (tops and bottoms)
- Thick and waterproof trekking pants
- Durable down jacket
- Solid trekking boots
- Crampons
- Comfortable pair of undergarments
- Slippers
- Cool and thin t-shirts and shorts (for hot seasons)
- Comfortable and mildly loose socks
Hydration
It becomes crucial for a trekker to remain hydrated throughout their trekking journey. Keeping yourself hydrated energizes your body in every possible way. Trekkers cannot go on a trek without keeping themselves active and fresh throughout their journey. Dehydration is the cause of dizziness and weakness as well. Therefore, the more hydration you get in the long run, the better your chances of you to stay active. Additionally, make sure to carry a bottle that carries at least 2 liters of water. And, carry purifying tablets with you so that you can drink water anywhere in the Everest region.
Acclimatize properly
Regardless of how experienced you are as a trekker, you need to acclimate your body to the changing altitude. When you ascend in the mountainous region of the Everest base camp, your body stops adapting to the thickness of the air if you keep going without stopping once. Acclimatization aims at slowly familiarizing a trekker’s bodily conditions with the changing environment. The slower you go, the better the chances of you completing your trek comfortably. Acclimatization can also be looked at as a way of resting amidst a hectic expedition.
Pre-booking of tea houses or hotels
It becomes important for trekkers to book tea houses and hotels beforehand. Teahouses and hotels are never easy to find empty during peak seasons. The likelihood of a trekker trekking solo during a peak season, on the other hand, is just as high. Therefore, when you pre-book hotels or tea houses, with or without the help of a trekking agency, you can go on the Everest region trek without having to think much about finding proper accommodation. As per what your budget allows, you can also decide whether you want to stay in a low-budget teahouse, a moderately expensive lodge, or a luxurious hotel.
Carry snacks
Although you will find small shops to buy snacks in Namche Bazaar and a few other locations in the Everest region, it is always wise to carry snacks from home. You don’t have to carry heavy snacks because you will get to have good and filling meals in tea houses and hotels on your way. However, trekking can make you go hungry in odd locations. Chocolate bars, energy drinks, biscuits, chips, etc. could be some light snacks to carry on your trek.
Conclusion
Everest region solo trek can be completed by anyone if they follow the safety guidelines. When trekkers do that, all they have to do is embrace the experience that comes their way. It is just as important for you to educate yourself about the Everest region before you go on a solo trek there.
