Everest Base Camp Trek is one of the most desirable treks in the world. Trekking to the base camp of the highest peak in the world is a matter of pride for everyone. But, it is not everyone’s cup of tea. It might sound foolish but what if I told you Everest Base Camp Trek is achievable independently? Yes, you heard it right. Trekking to the Mount Everest Base Camp solo is possible.
Physical fitness and mental strength are the two keys for Everest Base Camp Trek alone. Everest Base Camp Trek is considered physically demanding and difficult trek but there are some factors that will help you achieve your dream destination successfully.
Independently trekking to the Everest Base Camp is a risk but it is equally exciting and adventurous too. If you want to showcase your ability and bravery, what better platform you can get than independently trekking to the Everest Base Camp? However, Everest Base Camp Trek may not be as simple as you think. Even with all the appropriate trekking gear, trekking independently to the base camp will lead you to certain difficulties.
Independently trekking to the Everest Base Camp has not been popular yet. But, many people who have been there all alone claim that it is one of the best trekking experiences you will ever have. Exploring the region on your own without having to worry about a group has its own perks. So if you want to grab an opportunity to trek to the Everest Base Camp alone, prepare yourself well and start your venture for an exciting and daring experience.
Advantages of Everest Base Camp Trek Alone
Trekking does not only mean walking for hours and reaching your destination. But it also means exploring the natural environment and relaxing one's own mind. Everest Base Camp Trek solo has lots of benefits. While trekking alone, you will not have to worry about anyone. You will not have to wait for very slow trekkers and lose your time and energy.
Trekking alone means you will not have to follow anyone’s schedule. You can be on your own admiring nature and taking pictures wherever you like. You can stop anywhere you like and take some trek. You will not have any time limitation to reach your destination.
Disadvantages of Solo Everest Base Camp Trek
Everything has its pros and cons. Likewise, solo Everest Base Camp Trek has its own advantages as well as disadvantages. Although you may find many advantages of trekking to the Everest Base Camp alone, there are disadvantages of trekking alone which should be considered before you decide to trek alone.
While trekking alone, you may have to face problems such as lack of communication, lack of proper knowledge about the surrounding area, chances of being looted and harassed. Due to lack of communication, you may be misled by the local people. While trekking alone it may be difficult for you to choose the right direction and end up following the wrong trail to the Everest Base Camp.
Similarly, trekking solo means you will not have anyone to support you and guide you throughout your journey. During high altitude trek, you may face many unfavorable circumstances. So, trekking alone might be difficult as you will have to do everything on your own from booking your tickets, transportation, food, and accommodation.
Best Time for Independent Everest Base Camp Trek
The best time for Everest Base Camp Trek Independent is no different than the best time for other group treks. September- November and March-May are usually considered the best time of the year for Everest Base Camp Trek alone. These fall during Autumn and Spring seasons respectively.
While trekking Independent to the Everest Base Camp, you cannot take any risk. And choosing off-season treks such as winter and monsoon may not be a wise decision. During this time, the weather and temperature of the Everest region become harsh and unfavourable. So it may be better to avoid trekking during these seasons if you are trekking alone.
However, Autumn and Spring are the best when it comes to trekking alone. During this time, you may come across many fellow trekkers along the same route to the EBC. The weather and temperature of the Everest region are almost perfect and you may not have difficulty in finding a proper teahouse. But, as Autumn and spring are peak season treks, it would be better if you book for your teahouse and accommodation early.
During Autumn and Spring, the weather becomes pleasant and stable. You may come across many rhododendron forests along the trail during the spring season. Likewise, there are minimum chances of rainfall during this time as well. However, you might expect some light rainfall during late May and early September. So, carry raingear with you when you trek to the EBC during these months.
So, if you are trekking alone to the EBC, Autumn and Spring seasons will not disappoint you.
Everest Base Camp Trek Solo for Female
When you talk about solo female trek to the Everest Base Camp, people comment that females are less efficient to conquer the trek all by her self. But, this is not true. If you have the will and strength to work, you can achieve anything in life. Nothing is impossible. So is a solo female trek to EBC.
Yes, there might be some problems and challenges you have to face while trekking alone, but there are solutions to the problems too. Some of the common problems that solo female trekkers might face are lack of communication, looting, mislead by local villagers, harassment, finding a decent place to stay in and so on.
All the problems mentioned above are not just faced by female trekkers. Every solo trekker can face this difficulty. So, you should cope with the situation and tackle every problem on your own. Make sure you carry appropriate trekking items with you when trekking. You can read the article on EBC Trek Packing List for the Female Trekker. Apart from the problems, you will be able to enjoy the trek all by yourself walking under the lap of the Himalayas.
Everest Base Camp Trek Independently Vs with a Guide
Everest Base Camp trek is in itself a challenging and daring trek and trekking along to EBC becomes more difficult. There are various difficulties that you will have to face when trekking alone such as altitude sickness, trekking duration, lack of proper interaction with the villagers, difficulty in finding proper teahouses and lodges and many other transportation problems too.
Trekking alone means you will face to face all these problems all by yourself. So, hiring a guide and a porter can be a good option for you even if you decide to trek alone. The guides and porters will assure your safety and security throughout the journey. You will have someone with whom you can rely on.
Many trekkers from all around the world trek to EBC alone hiring a guide. It is because walking with the proper guidance of someone becomes very easy and comfortable. If your motive is exploring the region on your own and interacting with the locals, I would recommend you to hire a guide. Index Adventures can arrange you a well experienced and licensed guide if you want to.
Cost and Budget for Everest Base Camp Trek Alone
Everest Base Camp trek is a budget trek and trekking alone to EBC might be very affordable. But, the cost also depends upon the type of teahouse and accommodation you choose.
The cost of Everest Base Camp Trek alone includes flight tickets, cost of teahouse and accommodation, transportation fee, trekking gears, trekking permits and miscellaneous expenses. If you wish to hire a guide and a porter they will charge you too. The cost of a guide ranges between 20-25 dollars per day and the cost of porter is 15-20 dollars a day.
The cost of the trek increases if you wish to stay at a luxury hotel such as the Everest View Hotel in Khumjung which is the highest altitude hotel in the world. The average per day cost of Everest Base Camp trek alone ranges between $25- $50 for normal food and accommodation.
Backpacking List for the Everest Base Camp Trek Alone
Packing for the Everest Base Camp Trek is one of the important things to do. As you will be trekking alone, it would be best to carry a load of fewer than 25 kilograms. Carrying heavier bags will tire your body easily. So pack only such things that you will need the most.
Some of the items that you need to pack are as follows:
Clothing
- A couple of thermal layers
- Fleece jacket
- Down jacket
- Waterproof jackets/ windcheaters
- Hiking boots
- Trekking trousers
- Trekking socks
- Cotton
- neckwear/ scarf
- caps/hats
Toiletries
- Toilet papers
- Toothbrush
- Toothpaste
- Shampoo
- Soap
- lotions/ moisturizer
- Cotton towel
- Deodorants
First Aid Kit
- Diamox tablets
- Antiseptic creams
- Antibiotic gel
- Vicks vapour rub
- tampons/ sanitary napkins for female trekkers
Other
- Batteries
- Chargers
- Hand sanitizers
- Sunscreen
- Sunglasses
- Camera
- Mosquito repellent
- Tents/ sleeping bags for camp trekking.
For more, you can check Everest Base Camp Packing List.
Conclusion
Overall, Solo Everest Base Camp Trek is one of the unique things to do that you will cherish forever. But, trekking independent is demanding and requires a lot of physical and mental strength. If you are thinking of trekking to the Everest Base Camp Trek alone, as yourself if you are really ready to face any obstacles that come your way. If yes, trust me, you will have one of the best trekking experiences.
If you need any suggestions or information regarding your single trip to the Everest Base Camp, contact us at Index Adventure. We can help you in any way possible.
