TEAM EVERESTWeather and Gear

Taryn Black | 26 March 2014

Weather to expect

• Monsoon season is June – September• Wet and humid (somewhat less so at high altitude)• Rain almost every day (not all day)• Mountains often hidden by cloud

• Lukla flight cancellations for poor visibility are common

• Trails may be very muddy, especially before Namche Bazaar• Potential for landslides and high water

Climate regions

• Humid subtropical• Kathmandu, Atlanta• Hot and humid summers

• Temperate highland tropical• Lukla, Phakding, Namche Bazaar, Tengboche• Rainy summers

• Continental subarctic/boreal• Dingboche, Lobuche, Gorak Shep, Pheriche• Short, cool/mild summers• Above treeline

The rough numbersPrepare for temperatures anywhere from 10°F to 80°F

http://en.climate-data.org/

Kath-mandu

Lukla Phakding Namche Bazaar

Tengboche Dingboche Lobuche EBC Gorak Shep

Pheriche Namche Bazaar

Lukla0

2000

4000

6000

8000

10000

12000

14000

16000

18000

20000

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

80

90

Everest Base Camp Trek: August climate data

Elevation Avg. high temp Avg. low temp Avg. monthly precip

Elev

ation

(ft)

Tem

pera

ture

(F),

Prec

ipit

ation

(in)

Tea houses

• Bed yes, bedding maybe• Generally not heated• Usually no electricity until after

dark• Toilets usually in separate

building• No flush toilets

Gear: main points

• COTTON KILLS

• LAYERS LAYERS LAYERS

• YOU WILL STINK. GET OVER IT.

Gear: provided

• Sleeping bag (ORGT/trekking agency)• Sleeping pad (ORGT)• Down jacket (possibly provided by trekking agency)• Water purification (ORGT)• Satellite phone (ORGT)

• The trekking agency has a variety of rental gear available

Gear: the base-ics

LAYERS, LAYERS, LAYERS

• Synthetic t-shirt• Thermal underwear (long-sleeve shirt and pants)• Recommended: synthetic or merino wool; moisture-wicking, quick-drying,

mid- or expedition-weight

• Synthetic hiking pants• Recommended: zip-off, quick-dry

• Synthetic underwear

Gear: warm and dry

• Down/synthetic WARM jacket (if not provided/rented)• Fleece jacket or sweater• Fleece pants (optional)• Rain jacket (also blocks wind)• Rain pants• Warm hat that covers ears• Neck gaiter/buff/balaclava• Warm gloves – consider liner and wind/waterproof outer glove

Gear: feet

• Hiking boots (waterproof/repellent)• 3-4 pairs of socks (wool/synthetic)• Recommended: gaiters• Sandals

Gear: health and hygiene

• Toiletries (deodorant, toothbrush, etc.)• Sunblock and lip balm• UV is much stronger at high altitude

• Towel + biodegradable shampoo/soap OR wet wipes + dry shampoo• Medications (prescrip, antacid, anti-diarrhea, pain reliever, eye drops)• Toilet paper• Pee bottle (optional)• Cough drops recommended due to dusty conditions

Gear: other

• Water bottle/bladder• At least one bottle to let boiled water cool off before putting in bladder

• Head lamp + spare batteries• Sun hat + bandana• Camera• Sunglasses with high UV protection

• Wraparound or glacier glasses

• Personal snacks• Personal basic first aid• Handwarmers

Gear: transport

• Lukla flight weight limits:• Checked bag: 10kg (22lb)• Carry-on: 5kg (11lb)

• Recommend putting backpack/gear in a large duffel bag for air travel (protects straps and buckles, prevents tears)• Plus another duffel to store stuff not used on the trek (or to carry

souvenirs home!)

Cultural note on clothing

• Women: pants or skirt+tights are okay; wearing tights, shorts, or sport tops not recommended unless worn under other clothes

• Men: pants or knee-length shorts are okay; don’t go shirtless

http://www.rei.com/adventures/trips/asia/mount-everest-base-camp-trek.html

Further information on selecting gearREI has some great articles about how to choose appropriate gear for your activity:http://www.rei.com/learn/expert-advice/layering-basics.htmlhttp://www.rei.com/learn/expert-advice/underwear.htmlhttp://www.rei.com/learn/expert-advice/insulated-outerwear.htmlhttp://www.rei.com/learn/expert-advice/rainwear.htmlhttp://www.rei.com/learn/expert-advice/gaiters.htmlhttp://www.rei.com/learn/expert-advice/hiking-boots.html