Top 4 risks may occur in Everest Base Camp trek

Everest base camp trek takes you to the base camp of Everest which in itself is a great accomplishment. And with great accomplishment comes certain risks that need to be spotted and tackled accordingly to make a successful EBC adventure. Therefore here are few risks that you need to know and try to respond in such a way that it has the least negative impact on us.

Risk 1: Altitude Sickness (AMS): If you are looking for EBC and don’t know about AMS then it’s high time to research it. Otherwise, you must have an idea that AMS refers to sickness caused by a change in increasing altitude. Headache, vomiting, and difficulty in breathing are the major symptoms of AMS.

How to Tackle? : When you feel the symptoms of AMS, first you must let your trekking guide know about it, listen to what he says. You may need to drink fluid, trek down towards lower altitude, visit the nearby hospital and if your health condition worsens, you will be airlifted to a hospital in Kathmandu. Trekking is not racing, therefore, slow and steady enjoying the best of nature, culture with a taste of adventure is the way to go.

Risk 2: Unpredictable Weather: Weather changes in the Himalayas pretty quickly. We have an idea of the main season and can estimate the climate but it is impossible to predict exactly. There can be a sunny day in Kathmandu can snowy day at Everest base camp simultaneously. Therefore you might need to change your plans, itinerary according to weather conditions.

How to Tackle? : Our local professional and government-licensed trekking guide know best about what to do and what not to during weather complications. Because they have been in that sort of situation many times before. Follow your trekking guide and listen to what he says, either to move forward, stay over there or head backward. The domestic flight may get delayed or canceled during bad weather, so you need to have a couple of extra days planned for your visit to Nepal. You don’t want to miss your international flight after all.

Risk 3: Injuries, Bruises, and Sprains: Everest Base Camp Trek is popular and has well-marked developed trails. However, there are always possibilities of risks of injuries, ankle sprain, bruises, or minor cuts wounds while walking around the foothills of the Himalayas through forests, uphill and downhill trails. However major fractures are very rare.

How to Tackle? :  While trekking with TAAN registered trekking company, you will be accompanied by licensed trekking guides with first aid training. They know what to do best as per the situation. We always carry a first aid kit for primary medical attention. And if something unfortunate happens, he/she will be taken to the nearest hospital or airlifted to Kathmandu.

Risk 4: Stupidity and Carelessness: Even though it is the least risky among all, but if not taken care of it, consequences can be life-threatening. Like should never take selfies or pictures standing at the edge of a cliff or from somewhere there are high chances of falling. You should never try to tease the beasty Himalayan Yak and other animals especially while you meet them along the trail.

How to Tackle? :  Grow up. Be Careful while taking pictures. Take great pics but don’t put yourself in risky situations. When you spot animals passing by, walk aside through the safe side (not the falling side). And always follow what your trekking guide suggests. You will be all fine.

Therefore, these are the top 4 risks that you need to know and the smartest ways to tackle them. Have you been to EBC before? Did we miss any? Or what risks did you encounter? We love to hear from you.

Image source: Open Source freely available images on the net, Shutterstock, etc.