The walk to Everest Base Camp is an iconic one, and typifies this careful mix of exercise and great opportunity for proper rest. While the majority of days you will be hiking are challenging, it is highly recommended to have at least an established schedule for a safe and successful trek (i.e., Everest Base Camp Trekking Schedule), which includes two rest days for acclimatization. These are not just rest days when you can be lazy — they are required to allow your body to acclimatize to the decreasing levels of oxygen at these high altitudes. And while your body’s on overtime tasking itself to acclimatize, you might notice your mind and spirit are somewhat… agitated. You’ll note that things to do on acclimatization days may help to keep you happy and, therefore, able to enjoy every single day of your Everest Base Camp trek adventure. In this in-depth guide, there are lots of fun and rewarding activities to do on acclimatization days, which can make them your trip highlight.
Unpacking the “Why”: What’s Acclimatization Day For?
The principal reason for a rest/acclimatization day is to prevent Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS). This is rooted in the idea of “climb high, sleep low.” For treks, these are a few days where you hike at high altitude during the day and sleep back at a lower elevation. This teaches your body to work with less oxygen in preparation for higher altitudes. For comparison, a typical acclimatization schedule on an Everest Base Camp Trek would involve acclimatization in Namche Bazaar (3,440 m) on Day # 1 and then Dingboche (4,410m) on the second day. These are your body’s days to be happy, and you just need something to help bring it through its natural daily process.
Using Sensation and Movement: Activity
Rest days are not just for lounging around doing nothing. The best way to spend your time there is with a short hike to a view or village, something with a purpose.
Day 05: Explore Namche Bazar (3420m): The first acclimatization day will be spent in Namche Bazaar, which is the Sherpa’s busy market. Now is a good time to learn. Proceed to the famous Everest View Hotel for your first glimpse of Everest and its panoramic view. Walk up to Khumjung or Syangboche for a perception into conventional Sherpa existence. This short but sharp climb will boost your pulse and assist your frame regulate to the skinny air. The views from the pinnacle are incredible, with a landscape of Ama Dablam, Makalu, and Island Peak visible. Journaling: you are whatever, however powerless to relate your enjoyment. Write approximately how you feel, what demanding situations you’ve faced, and what lovely things you’ve seen. There are countless ways to appreciate the act of trekking, a nd journaling is one way to keep the moments and feelings that a photo can never tell.
Culture: Immerse Yourself in a Local Way of Life
The trek to Everest Base Camp is as much a cultural odyssey as it is an ambitious mountain adventure. Rest days are best utilized by engaging with the locals and culture of the Khumbu valley.
Monastery Visit. Almost every village in the EBC trek has old monasteries. Make a brief visit to the famous Tengboche Monastery: there is no doubt the most beautiful place in the Himalaya- Tengboche. You can watch the monks in prayer here and feel the serenity and spiritual sensation. Educate Your Guide: Your guide knows the area like no other. Use that time to get them to tell you about Sherpa tradition, their spiritual belief, and the history of mountain climbing in the Himalayas. It’s a rare and extraordinary chance to pay attention to the folks who live there in this magical corner of our land. Read a Book: Fresh brewed in the café, under a lazy sun on a calm afternoon. This would make a brilliant new addition to your journey and is also an amazing de-stresser.
Simple Pleasures and Practicalities
They are also a time for small pleasures and practicality that can, well, tend to go neglected when one is out trekking.
Do Your Laundry. You can hand-wash your clothes and hang them out on the lower parts of the trek. This is a very small but psychologically pleasing job and will make you feel clean and tidy. Touch Base From the Ground: The teahouses in Namche and Dingboche have (paid) Wi-Fi. Use this opportunity to check in with your friends and family, including a few pictures that document wherever you’re going. Stretch and breathe: Some simple stretching at the end of your day may be great for those tired muscles. Stretch your legs and back, walk around a little for meditation, and wait for the moment to come.
Last thoughts: The gift of time
The acclimatization days during the EBC trek are a godsend. They are not a barrier to reaching your destination, but part of what’s required to get there safely and well-equipped. When you are not clock watching the days until your next day walking, soaking up your surroundings, and nurturing the trail’s simpler joys. You are drawing from a reservoir of experiences, building up your mental reserves and toughening the rest of your body for the battles to come. The cost for climbing Everest Base Camp is quite an amount of spending, but the most economical part of it lies in every fraction of effort, time, and smile you make back in Nepal. You don’t just want it to be an incredible physical achievement; you want it to change you as a person. The acclimatization days are great for resting.