Train before you come. Although this trek does not require you to have professional mountain climbing skills, remember, you still have to walk a long distance at or beyond 2,500 meters above sea level. Start training 3 to 4 months before your trek. Cycling, running, and stair climbing for about an hour a few times a week is the best way to train and prepare your legs for the trek. Yoga is also a great way to stretch and strengthen your muscles.
Pack appropriate gear. This is one of the most important things you have to do before your trek. From the right backpack to carry all your stuff to trekking poles, you need to find suitable equipment to get you to your destination. See the trekking gear list below or visit this page to learn about the Everest Base Camp Kit List.
Be mentally prepared. You have to be mentally prepared for this beautiful yet challenging trip. Trekking in the mountains is not easy, and it will not be as comfortable as your home. Although there is no better lodging and accommodation around the Everest region than ever before, once you hit the mountain town of Namche, which is the closest town to Everest Base Camp, you will only find accommodation and food at small tea houses run by local Sherpa people. Some remote and off-the-beaten trekking tea houses are small, cramped, and dirty, so you'll have to get used to bugs, small, uncomfortable beds, and smelly restrooms. Some hotels and tea houses in the area do have western-style restrooms and toilets, but these are few and far between. As to shower facilities, there are some teahouses that have them, but again, bring wipes just in case. Lots of wipes. Besides, if you want to experience true mountain life and immerse yourself in trekking culture, these are just some of the inconveniences that you will have to put up with.
Drink plenty of water; your body will dehydrate faster at high altitudes than at sea level, so it is very important to drink water throughout the day. Water can be purified from mountain streams, boiled in tea houses, or our less favorite and less environmentally conscious way is to buy bottled water along the way.
Slowly and steady wins the race! Do not try to walk fast. Always maintain a steady walking pace. Don't run if the trail is flat and easy because it will exhaust you unnecessarily and that exhaustion will catch up with you as the trek progresses further towards the end. Remember trekking is like participating in a marathon! The more you push yourself, the more difficult the days ahead will be, and the more difficult it will be to adjust to the altitude. Follow your guide's instructions because, hey, they are the experts after all.
Don't forget! You are on holiday so make it memorable! This is the most important thing to keep in mind. Being nervous and tense will not make your vacation enjoyable try to forget the fear by asking questions of your guides, porters, and fellow trekkers. Chatting with them helps too! Be friendly with your guide and porters so they can also share more information about the places, cultures, and people with you.