I always thought I was ready for the Everest Base Camp trek. I had read countless blogs, watched videos, and followed packing lists. But once I was actually there, I realized that many things about this trek are not talked about enough.
So, in this blog, I want to share the things no one told me before I went. If you’re planning to go, this might help you be a little more prepared — not just physically, but mentally and emotionally too.
1. You don’t hike for the views every day
When people think about the Everest Base Camp trek, they imagine walking with the perfect view of Mount Everest in front of them. But the truth is, you only see Everest clearly on a few days of the trek. There are long stretches where you won’t see much except clouds, fog, or forest trails. That doesn’t mean the trek is boring, but it’s helpful to keep your expectations real. Some days are magical, and some are just hard walks.
2. The altitude affects your mind, not just your body
Most of us worry about altitude sickness affecting our lungs or giving us headaches. But what surprised me was how it messed with my mood. I had days when I felt low for no clear reason. My energy was down even when my body felt fine. I wasn’t sick, just strangely emotional. The high altitude changes your sleep, hunger, and how you think. If you feel a bit off mentally, you’re not alone — it’s normal up there.
3. Teahouses are cozy but not warm
Before going, I thought teahouses would feel warm and comfortable after a long day of hiking. In reality, most rooms are very basic — just a bed and maybe a small table. There’s no heating in the rooms, and nights are extremely cold. You spend most evenings in the common dining room where there’s one stove that everyone gathers around. It’s best to pack a good sleeping bag and warm layers because once you leave that common area, your room will feel like a fridge.
4. Wi-Fi is expensive and often doesn’t work
Some blogs say there’s Wi-Fi on the trek, which is true. But no one told me it can cost you $5 to $10 for a limited amount of time — and even then, it may not work well. In some villages, it didn’t work at all. I was okay with being offline, but I had planned to check in with family. I learned it’s better to tell people you’ll be out of touch for a few days. Instead of relying on the internet, I carried a local SIM card with some data that helped in lower villages.
5. The food is better than you think, but it gets repetitive
Dal bhat, noodles, momos — these are the staples. The food is actually fresh and made with care. But after a week, eating the same things gets a bit dull. I started craving a slice of toast with peanut butter or a cup of hot chocolate. Some teahouses sell comfort snacks like Pringles or Snickers, but they’re pricey. If you like snacking, carry some energy bars or dry fruits from Kathmandu.
6. The toilets and hygiene can be a shock
Let me say it clearly — toilets on this trek are not great. Some teahouses have Western-style toilets, but many have squat ones, especially at higher altitudes. Water can freeze in the pipes, so flushing doesn’t always work. Toilet paper is rarely provided, and hot showers are either expensive or unavailable. Baby wipes, hand sanitizer, and patience became my best friends.
7. The final stretch to base camp is not the highlight
I thought reaching Everest Base Camp would feel like standing on top of the world. The truth is, the base camp is a rocky area filled with prayer flags and a few signs. It’s not the prettiest part of the trek. There’s no view of Everest from the actual base camp — you see it better from places like Kala Patthar. Still, standing there after all those days of walking felt powerful. It’s the journey that makes it special, not the destination.
8. It changes you in small, quiet ways
This trek doesn’t change you overnight. But once you’re back, you realize you’ve become more patient, more grateful for small things, and stronger than you thought you were. The days are long, the walk is tough, and yet, you keep going. That quiet resilience stays with you.
If you’re planning to go, prepare well, but also leave space for surprises. The Everest Base Camp trek is more than a checklist. It’s an experience that teaches you things no guidebook can.
