what I wish I knew before doing mt everest base camp

Thinking about doing Mount Everest Base Camp? You should.
But before you do, here are 14 things I wish I'd known before I went.
If you found this video useful, let me know in the comment below
And don't forget to click that red button that says SUBSCRIBE :)
FOLLOW ME ON INSTAGRAM: @moniquemedved

[@lordvoldemart754]

Everest is definitely not empty during March through august! April in May is the only time of year people actually climb the mountain so it’s often full of trekkers. Plus the weather is the best.

[@moniquemedved]

These periods were just what the local guides recommended were best times to go. I enjoyed going in September because it was quiet, but I think going at any other time of the year would still lead to an amazing experience.

[@ronmexico9631]

I'm pretty sure it's also not the coldest.

[@CIPHER7968]

The only tourist off season for Everest is Monsoon season. I've certainly not heard of local people evacuating - this is their homeland, the local people have literally evolved over thousands of years to live there.

[@davidrichards9898]

We went in march. Still some snow from winter. Shoulder seasons are good. Coldest is dec jan. Its northern hemisphere not down under. But summer is Wettest (monsoon) june to aug. So sep is good but things should be okay mar to end of may.

[@StefineeH]

@@davidrichards9898 what are the temperature ranges in March??

[@darrenlamb5640]

The best advice was stop thinking about it and start doing. That could literally be applied to 90% of our lives.

[@moniquemedved]

I know right!?

[@belturbet4]

MM from M, your presentation was concise, straightforward, natural and very informative. So refreshing from all the other over-the-top videos on this topic, most of which are given by men who are drowning in expensive outdoor gear talking about themselves for 40 minutes. Your video wasn´t about you. It was about us, the viewers. Plain and simple excellent advice delivered very well. Thankyou!

[@establishedartistmanagemen9066]

Hiya, loved the vid ☺ It's packed with great tips. The N Cell was a good look. I had heard the local SIM was the way to go, but I hadn't heard which was the best until here. You go girl! Dope vid, and thanks for lookin out! 😎 Happy 2022 and trekking -from Cali

[@moniquemedved]

Thank you!!! I hope you have the best time over there it’s Such a special place 😊

[@darrenheaps9272]

Thank you thank you thank you.....I'm planning for September 2023....you have been most helpful...I'm so stoked for this....Left side of the plane....you rock!!

[@moniquemedved]

You are so welcome! I'm hoping to take a group with me next year some time from all over the world to help out the guide that I had on that tour. But it will be doing the Annapurna trek. You're welcome to join if you want to step out of your comfort zone and meet new people and timelines line up haha

[@FedericoSanguinetti]

Hello Monique, here Federico from Uruguay. Thanks a lot for your vid. So clear and well explained! I am passionate for mountainering and definetely EBC (and god willing a lil' farther too) is in my bucket list. Cheers from South America!

[@anishajoshipura5327]

Leaving for EBC on March 20th. Super exited. Thanks for all your tips!!

[@moniquemedved]

Have fun! I'm so jealous!! It's such an amazing place and experience that will change you forever!

[@varunsuneja2401]

Planning to do this trek this November, really excited now. Also, thank you for this informative video really helpful.

[@moniquemedved]

You are so welcome!! I hope you make it there, it's such a magical place

[@charliestribling9080]

Thank you so much for such an amazing video. I just booked my trip for next and i'm looking for all the info I can

[@lulucolby8882]

You’re amazing! This video is super helpful. I’m totally going to start planning. I’ve been dreaming of that trip for Y E A R S ! Thanks and cheers!

[@fredreynolds-onefootinfron5919]

Great Info Monique...I am doing EBC this coming October. Very helpful information. Awesome job!

[@catapult4304]

Thank you for your brief, resourceful narrative with beautiful smiles

[@andrewpeters651]

It rained for 3 continuous days when I hiked there in 2001 so there is a risk if going at the tail end of the monsoon season. All my other trips were undertaken in October when there is less cloud to obscure the mountain views despite the inconvenience of the extra crowds. Rest of the recommendations are v good but personally I did not have an issue with the water quality at higher altitudes (tablets were used lower down). Glad you liked Nepal, a must do travel destination.

[@chiaraperry472]

Planning a future trip, this is excellent advice! Thank you!

[@moniquemedved]

Have the best time!! It's such a magical place!

[@MechanicalMentor]

Awesome thanks. Really enjoyed this and great tips. 🙏

[@ashlinr38]

Thank for this, going with Intrepid in November and super excited:)

[@colacadm]

Thanks. Decided to do three passes in November this year. This is some of the information I've been looking for. Cheers.

[@moniquemedved]

Ohh awesome!! I can't wait to go back and do Annapurna Base Camp. it's a special place!

[@GoodCorporateRobot]

Excellent video. I’m 60 and considering doing this next year, September. This is very helpful!

[@jimhicksuk]

I’m 65 and will be 66 when I do this in Sept. Go for it…

[@moniquemedved]

You should do it!!

[@goodspring-breeze6915]

@@jimhicksuk how did you go??

[@josephjacobs6616]

All Great tips ! Thanks for sharing! I’m planning to go to EBC in early March, 2022. So exciting!

[@moniquemedved]

Ohh awesome!! You’ll have the best time!

[@nickweaver1807]

You may not ever see this, but thanks for this one Monique! Loved the info and the way you explained things it was quite helpful. As a 22yr old from the States (US) it’s my goal to be on the summit of Mount Everest before I’m 35. Starting to save my money for the journey and learn as much as I can within these next few years and get my body to the top shape mentally and physically! You heard it here first I WILL be on top of the world before 2034 🤙 thanks again for all the helpful tidbits!

[@badshahsingh8644]

Same here mate

[@moniquemedved]

That is an incredible dream and I belive you’ll do it no doubt!!! I’d love to do it too! It skydive in the Himalayas, either one hahaha

[@jesusisking8502]

Just don't forget that coming back down is the actually goal.

[@cathaltighe7710]

Cheers ,great advice, hitting my 40th birthday and gonna book the trip in the next few weeks. watched a few videos but this one answered a lot of my questions

[@AV-bt3hi]

All the best, brother

[@moniquemedved]

Oh awesome!! Have the best time!

[@honeybun9142]

did you live

[@donjuan7358]

This was amazing. I'm not sure I'll ever do this, but I found it fascinating.

[@moniquemedved]

Never say never 😆 But I’m glad you found it fascinating 😊

[@jonathanburnette3373]

Awesome video. This really makes me want to do go.

[@TrekStar30]

Excellent video, thanks for all the great tips!

[@moniquemedved]

glad you enjoyed it :)

[@davidheard7746]

Always been a dream to experience Nepal thanks for taking me on your journey

[@moniquemedved]

You need to see it once in your lifetime! It's amazing!

[@alexthai4957]

Awesome video. I did EBC in December 2019. Your information would have made the trip a bit more pleasant. Accurate and complete (especially baby wipes!). Great editing and audio. Well done!

[@moniquemedved]

Well it just means you can go again 🤣 I was there in September that year!!

[@63rbog]

How was the weather on december? Cold? Wet? Which operator did u go with?

[@georgearenojacildojr4746]

Very informative 💕 I love every single details of the info

[@moniquemedved]

I'm so glad! :)

[@erandalakmal6085]

Great information. Planning to do this December, winter time haha know its gonna be super cold but want to experience that.

[@thiruchelvamayadurai3018]

Monique, what a great advice; you're splendid. Thank you. Have a Pleasant Day.

[@moniquemedved]

Thank you so much for the kind words! I hope you’re having a wonderful week 🤗

[@helpstopanimalabuse8153]

Excellent Visa & new to your channel. I have summited Everest twice & everything you have suggested is absolutely correct. I even learned some tips from you. Some people are underwhelmed when they finally reach Base Camp bcause all that's there are just lots of rocks & tents & people doing nothing because they are trying to acclimatising. Trekking from Lukla to Base Camp is no easy thing & enoyable. Don't do what i did on my first time to Everest & missing a lot of great scenery because i was looking at my feet all the time watching i don't trip over. Nice tip about getting your Visa at kathmandu as it is much cheaper.

[@borregio8]

Thanks for all your tips. I really apreciate them.

[@moniquemedved]

Glad you like them! 🙂

[@bukkyid8386]

Such a useful video, thank you for this!

[@moniquemedved]

you are so welcome! Glad you found it useful :)

[@sionehefa3458]

Thank you Monique. The best and most honest advice. I've thought then planned and prepped for it. Covid setbacks are being dealt with ¬ double vax done ¬ Melbourne lockdown and Australia lockouts to contend with then its ''left side'' of Lukla flight here I come. Respect!

[@moniquemedved]

I hope you get there this year!! I'm planning on getting back there at the end of this year!!!!

[@rafaelaarchangelo6984]

Jesus! you are so funny ! love this video and all the tips. I'll be doing the EBC on April.20 - Thanks from BR :)

[@moniquemedved]

Haha why thank you! Oh no way!! Have the best time!!

[@KPGLIKESTOLEARNTHETRUTH]

Great video! Thanks for your sincere advice.

[@moniquemedved]

You are so welcome!!

[@renehoude7705]

Crisp and clear. Thanks a lot dear!

[@moniquemedved]

No thank you for watching!! 🤍

[@danroux4010]

Your tips were excellent. Just a few more things to suggest. Do wear your boots for a few weeks before the trip. Ill fitting boots can ruin your trip. Bring moleskin in case of blisters. When I toured the Annapurna circuit with a high end external frame pack, the frame had a failure about 12 days into the hike. So I now use internal frame packs even though they compromise air circulation between my back and the pack. For Annapurna circuit including Annapurna sanctuary, about 400km, most hikers had packed loads of 13 to 16kg. Bring your own spoon, fork and cup so you don't have to use the public ones.

[@moniquemedved]

All fantastic tips!! Thanks for adding them :)

[@dilipjoshi6574]

Thanx a lot

[@mrjolly90]

Cheers for the helpful tips found your video in recommendation as I've watched tons of everest trek videos as I plan to go in 2025 for my 35th birthday

[@moniquemedved]

Glad I could help! And that’s awesome! You will have the best time! 😃

[@gypsytrip5387]

I’m am gipsy and I’m proud of that, and usually I used to leave a nice tips everywhere o go. I plan to go to ebc and I will do the same.

[@moniquemedved]

EBC is incredible and so worth the trek!

[@runski802]

You can get the visa when you land in Kathmandu airport. You can also book with a trekking company that will take care of park passes and tea house reservations. April thru end of May everything is open all the way to base camp. And it’s not that cold.

[@janefromtennessee]

That's good

[@jimhicksuk]

I’m going solo with a guide in Sept and looking forward to it. Your tips are Brilliant Thanks

[@moniquemedved]

Have fun! You will love it! 😊

[@ancilm]

Great video! So very helpful.

[@moniquemedved]

Glad it was useful to you 🙏🏼🙂

[@yggdrasil9039]

Great advice, thanks. Not sure when I'll be able to get there with the current travel restrictions out of Australia, but this is definitely on the bucket list. How long did you actually hang out at EBC? Did you do any local treks while at EBC, and were there any teams going for the summit there?

[@moniquemedved]

It started snowing when we hit EBC so we weren't there for very long, but I think it's up to you and your guides on how long you want to stay. It's a cool experience, one you should defiantly try and get to!

[@yggdrasil9039]

@@moniquemedved Thanks. Yeah I would definitely want to hang out there a bit after hiking all that way! No plans to summit but just to get a feel for the place that has seen so many amazing climbers pass through. But all a pipe dream at the moment. It's brilliant you've done this and taken action. It makes me realise that it's an achievable dream.

[@RichVarney]

Thank you so much Monique! loved it. I plan to hike in Oct this year.

[@moniquemedved]

Ohh that is so exciting and I'm so jealous!! I'm hoping to make it back there next year! Have the best time though :)

[@RichVarney]

@@moniquemedved thank you so much Monique! I will most likely do a video on my channel to share the experience. 😁👍. Love your energy!!

[@philiphicks2530]

Great video with realistic recommendations. Yes, rent whatever you need in Kathmandu, it is waaaay cheaper than buying it in Canada or Aus. Yes, drink lots of water, helps with altitude sickness. Looking forward t going back to Nepal for more great treking adventures. I booked with a Trek company in Kathmandu, save lots of $$''s.

[@moniquemedved]

Oh thank you so much!! I can’t wait to go back in 2022 🤞🏼🤞🏼 The tour guide I had on that trek has now become a really good friend of mine so he will be guiding my next trip 😬

[@kgakoh0]

Thanks. Great video and super informative.

[@moniquemedved]

Oh good, I'm glad!! If you have any other questions, let me know :)

[@Travelingman-1980]

I like this chick, her information is practical and informative.

[@moniquemedved]

ohh thank you very much for that!

[@adamslaney5638]

definately on my bucket list

[@moniquemedved]

You should definatley do it, it's life changing!

[@pacoin51]

What an amazing video!! Glad i found it

[@moniquemedved]

Ohh thank you so so much! Really appreciate the kind words and I hope you get to go if you haven't already! It's a special place!

[@teddyhcuts]

thank you for sharing this information and thank you for encouraging to tip generously!

[@moniquemedved]

Glad you liked it!!

[@48plaster]

excellent video with some really useful information . thanks

[@moniquemedved]

Glad you found it useful 🙂

[@RoadwayRiding]

why I always watch the small channel for getting any sort of information is because they are honest and genuine.

[@moniquemedved]

Ohhhh thank you!! You have no idea how much I appreciate that 🤍

[@RoadwayRiding]

@@moniquemedved Subscribed with the bell

[@ks736]

Great video! I am going to climb EBC at the start of September and I hope this is a good time to go. What dates did you go in September when you went?

[@mmacneill1]

Hi Monique, great vid and tips! I'm doing the trek in 2024 so in the middle of research. I'm still confused on the water. I understand the options you mentioned for filtering, but dumb question - what was the water *source* each day if you weren't buying it on the mountain?

[@more_g0ne]

I believe the climbers, trekkers & mountaineers depend on local streams derived from Khumbu Glacier melt for drinking and cooking. I also think they use the snow for those uses as well. Any good company or guide will supply filtered water, however, bottled water can be purchased at most tea houses and shops along the route. Because of the altitude it is recommended you drink in the region of 3-4 litres per day, although this can include, tea and soup.

[@cagdasyildirim]

Thank youuu 😊😊😊 left side of the Lukla plane was the unique one :)

[@sarapowell46]

Thanks for the video! Really helpful :)

[@moniquemedved]

Oh I'm glad it was useful for you!

[@two1videos]

Great video, just found your channel and it is class :) subbed

[@moniquemedved]

Welcome aboard! And thank you so so much for the kind words :)

[@KPGLIKESTOLEARNTHETRUTH]

Be frugal at your home country. When going to a country like Nepal which relies on tourism, it’s better to be more generous to those hard working people there.

[@moritzklug1858]

Thanks so much! Just got the lifestraw! How good is N Cell Connection in the mountains?

[@aktube123]

Thanks for all recommendations. Planning to go there in October 2022.

[@moniquemedved]

Hope you enjoy it! I'm hoping to go back too this year!!

[@laffancyartgallery]

Asif, did you manage to go ?

[@aktube123]

@@laffancyartgallery no, planning for April 2023

[@KaranveerSingh-jb2gw]

This was awesome! Thank you for sharing! Just curious that do you really need boots for hiking or any sports shoes would work?

[@moniquemedved]

So I wore standard hiking boots but my friend did it in Nike sneakers So it’s very doable in runners, the only thing I’d be cautious of is when it rains it’s very slippery, that’s where boots are probably better/safer But one guy on a trek did them in casual adidas shoes… so personal preference is what it comes down too haha

[@waxonwaxoff6094]

Getting hiking boots as its no fun and very risky when its snowed over

[@kvom01]

Whatever shoe you use, make sure it's waterproof.

[@samzlin]

great video, thanks and love from Prague

[@ExoTericGaming]

Really Informative and to the point...... Best Of Luck For Your Future...

[@moniquemedved]

Thanks so much and likewise!

[@Khasi-1]

Thanks for your advice 👍

[@DavidMontgomery1]

Well done! Seems like good, sound advice. 👍🏻

[@moniquemedved]

Appreciate it 😁

[@simonwells733]

Hi! Great tips. Is a return flight included in the trek cost?

[@ganappashivaiah6064]

Thanks Monique, very informative, just what i was looking for, for my future trip to the EBC. I'm planning to do solo but join a tour group from Nepal (Lukla) to the EBC and back or, just engage a tour guide just for myself from Nepal. I don't know how much that'd cost me though.....Did you engage any tour guides or did the trek on your own with your own group? If you did engage a tour guide how much did it cost you? Also, when you organised your permits, how much did that cost you in AUD? was it done in Australia or after you arrived in Nepal? Undertaking this trek has been on my mind for years......

[@moniquemedved]

If this has been soemthing that has been on your mind for years, then do it! You will not regret it. There are soooo many places you can do it through when you get to Kathmandu and even when you get to Lukla. I'm not 100% sure those cost of that if you were to pay for it when you arrive, but all up in AUD doing it through a tour company that was booked here in Aus not including flights, I believe it was $2500 and it covered most of our meals as well. When I plan on going again to do the Annapurna circuit, my guide that I did it through the travel company with is actually going to guide me solo. I can ask him what the rough estimated price would be to do it with a local. I think doing it with a local guide is a much more thorough experience. Where are you from?

[@janefromtennessee]

@@moniquemedved pls do not do solo.

[@MikesWindow507]

Thanks Monique, you gave us some great tips and are very entertaining to watch/listen to. I'm going in Oct. 2022 and starting to read a lot about the trek and watch great videos like yours.

[@moniquemedved]

Glad it was helpful! HOW EXCITING!! I hope you have the best time, it's honestly one of my favourite places in the world for so many reasons!

[@purusapkota4869]

I love all the information and experience. Thank you so much for it. Orbit Alpine Adventure

[@moniquemedved]

You’re so welcome! Glad you got something out of it ☺️

[@Freedomone153]

Great video. I'm hoping to do this next year if we are ever allowed to travel outside Australia

[@moniquemedved]

Well I hope you get to go! I'm hoping to go at the end of next year too!

[@missGA1000]

Thanks or these great tips! What is the bathroom situation really like?

[@KPGLIKESTOLEARNTHETRUTH]

Solar power banks! Great advice!

[@moniquemedved]

Yes! Thank you!

[@billtodd3475]

After being delayed since March 2020, planning on starting a guided trek the end of September 2022. Some tour companies suggest to have $500 USD cash for EM medical evac. The same $$ was suggested for a helicopter to Lukla in the event that the plane is grounded. If spending/ tips/food is included it equates to roughly $1500 USD cash. Not concerned about $$ but is this what I should plan on having in cash?

[@leraabercrombie2765]

Awesome video - thanks heaps!!! The water tip is especially very handy! Main question. Can you actually hire some of the stuff in Kathmandu such as jackets, sleeping bag, perhaps even extra pair of pants? Really not keen to buy lots of hiking pieces of clothing as i wont be using it after that trip. I've already bought nice shoes, sunnies and a trekking pants.

[@moniquemedved]

Yes!! You can literally hide everything in Kathmandu! Jackets, bags, all of it. There are shops everywhere don Kathmandu But defiantly recommend buying your own hiking boots and pants

[@arabianwings8064]

Thank you for your video. Good Information. I am planning to trek October 22. I have been told that September is still Monsoon season, and that, in fact, the monsoon rains now last into October. Did you encounter a lot of rain?

[@moniquemedved]

That's so cool! Have fun! There was no rain when I was there at all, we had a tiny bit of snow when we hit Base Camp, but otherwise it was sunny for us until we started getting higher, but it wasn't crazy cold when I was there

[@NeoHomoSapien]

Thank you for your kind information 👏🏻👏🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@moniquemedved]

☺️☺️

[@jamkindness1235]

congrats for surviving the trek and great inputs too. However, most of it is not true i meant it all depends on every trekker. I did this unguided. About the guides and porters, you don't pay for their accommodation and food each tea house serves them for free. It's kinda a kind gesture that they brought customers to their tea houses and more. For the visa, the trekking company doesn't run it. You must do the visa run.

[@cutmasterjoe8296]

I love this video so informative and thank you so much beautiful

[@05chmps]

Got some really great insights from this video, thanks. Were bedbugs a problem in the teahouses?

[@moniquemedved]

You're so welcome :) Hope you have a great trip when you go! I didnt have any issues with bedbugs at all

[@alexthai4957]

I didn't in 2019. I don't think they can handle the cold.... Also, you won't actually make contact with bed as you will sleep clothed and inside of your sleeping bag.

[@P14YCR]

Thank you very very very helpful 👍

[@frankttt604]

Your family name sounds familiar. I did ebc twice. All you saying is very good n useful!

[@Django2424]

Hi 👋 Monique, very efficient on the tips, I’m 60 yrs old I won’t be Trekking to base camp ⛺️ however I would love to visit Nepal 🇳🇵 I live in the most beautiful mountains 🏔️ in the world, Montana and I would love to see that mountain, thank you 🙏 for this video.

[@thegorn]

My flight doesn't get into Kathmandu until like 10:30pm or something late like that. Should I still do the visa thing on arrival? I might not get to bed that night if I have to wait around all night getting paperwork done.

[@bobsvideos.8547]

Hi my brother is going this month with a group tour. He has been training for this for long time. From Lincolnshire UK.

[@markwoolley2618]

Very useful. Thank u

[@chanellenaidoo]

Thank you for this! So informative, 😄

[@moniquemedved]

You are so welcome! Now you just need to book the trip! Hehe

[@chanellenaidoo]

Monique Medved Absolutely !!!!

[@tugboat8475]

Amazing video, some great tips there. So you would have left Kathmandu, not long before Covid Lockdown? What is the toilet situation like, the higher you go. Just a hole in the floor or western style toilet. And as my partner just said, it looks very arid landscape not many trees to hide behind. Haha. Take care

[@daniel.gallagher5020]

Good information, thanks

[@moniquemedved]

You are welcome! Glad it helped! :)

[@marioperciani]

You are a legend, thank you very much, really appreciate, very useful tips, namaste

[@moniquemedved]

Ohh thank you!! I'm glad you found it useful :)

[@stunts1337]

Intrepid dont cover food on the mountain. Im probably going to go with one that does so it has no hidden costs. The cheapest flight i’ve found so far is around $1450 from brisbane with 1 layover in Malaysia. Guess its gone up a bit. I was thinking about going at the start of October.

[@tylerw.9100]

What happens when you actually get to the "Basecamp "?

[@johnfrew2798]

Thanks for the heads up darling

[@samiam1025]

Thanks for this!

[@moniquemedved]

My pleasure! :)

[@yadhukrishnangs1909]

Is it good to hike in February or march??

[@mandar.deodhar]

Hey .. thanks for this. Nice and helpful. I have a doubt - In point 2 - when to go you mentioned September is the best time and October to December is peak season. But I have seen many Everest trips (actual summits) and many are in May. Why is so?

[@moniquemedved]

September is quiet and cheaper. These peak times to go were what our guides told us was the best time to go based on their local experience :)

[@nata5302]

The 2 most popular trekking seasons in Nepal are before & after the monsoon season in Nepal. The monsoonal months of Nepal are June, July & August. The months before the monsoon Feb, March & April are peak trekking months (& when Everest summits occur) as are the month after monsoon which are October & November. The months of May & Sept are often recommended as good months to trek EBC but they are on the edge of both trekking seasons & this can result in rain due to the season starting or ending early. If you are planning on going during these months book your trek at the start of May or end of September. Which is why she thru the advice of the guides is suggesting 🙏

[@establishedartistmanagemen9066]

I think because there is more snow on the mountain in the later season (nov. and dec.) And more avalanche risk. So, they summit before the monsoons.

[@rodgers1656]

Thanks!!

[@detoxlady6777]

Excellent video!

[@moniquemedved]

thank you :)

[@billsmith6884]

Can't miss that accent! I did the trek in 2019 and loved it. Am going back as soon as we can travel again. I am from QLD; which state are you based in?

[@moniquemedved]

SAME! I'm from victoria :)

[@simmons3477]

Good info, I love tipping😊

[@moniquemedved]

You're so welcome!!

[@Blind_of_Colour]

Speaking technically, diamond is not a blood thinner as I know the term to be used. I did the EBC trek and I have a metal heart valve so I take a precise amount of rat poison (warfarin) as medically prescribed to keep my blood from clotting on my metal heart valve. That is not the only medical reason for some people taking warfarin but the measure of its affect on my blood is a measure called INR which is some clotting ratio measured over time. I use a device by the Roche company to periodically measure my INR and report it to my hospital so they can tell me how to adjust the dosage of warfarin I am taking. The therapeutic range I need to maintain my INR is between 2.0 and 3.0. My INR is affected by diet so travel tends to make it bounce around. Investigation before my trip made me realize my INR measuring equipment would only work up to an altitude of about 4500 m which meant that I could not take any measurements while at EBC or thereabouts. But measurements could be taken at Pheriche say, and you never take measurements more frequently than once a week so you just have to get your measurement timing right at the top end. The fact that you have cell phone service pretty well all the way up and back is useful for leaving and receiving phone messages at a hospital on the other side of the world. Time difference!! In addition to my blood thinner warfarin, my doctor had given me a prescription for diamox which I got filled back home before my trip. I referred to the CDC website which recommended a little smaller dosage of diamox. Warfarin as a thinner is affected by many other medications but I do not recall any interaction with diamox. Nevertheless I started taking diamox days before I got to Lukla to ensure any fluctuation in INR could be reported when scheduled. And diet if nothing else can have a big effect. For example, INR is affected big time by anything super rich in vitamin K - liver for example. So not eating meat is just fine. Salad greens are ok though there's good vitamin k but you don't want to highly vary your intake. I did not encounter a surfeit of greens on the trek!! As for recommending Sherpa stew, I always checked what they put in it and there was often meat, - grilled cheese anyone? lol I didn't get sick but most everyone else I was with did at least briefly. My best friend had to be helicoptered to Katmandu. I did experience brief altitude sickness in Pheriche. I was among the 10% of people who have it without a headache. Instead I experienced odd visions (weird shadows swinging below my arms when I waved them to my side.) and I failed the test of balance I learned at the altitude medical clinic in Pheriche. You attempt to maintain your balance as you walk heel to toe with your eyes closed and if you lose your balance the reason is apt to be altitude sickness, assuming you can normally do it! lol Try before come! What I did was I upped my dosage of diamox to the level my doctor recommended (from the lower level suggested by CDC) and when I woke in the morning my altitude sickness was gone - no more visions and able to walk heel to toe maintaining my balance. Obviously I DO NOT recommend upping the diamox dose unless prescribed by a doctor who knows your health situation. Over dosing on diamox is NOT a good idea. I did find that even with ostensible cell phone service that communications with the other side of the world was problematic and I had a 2 day period when I had to make a warfarin dosage decision on my own. I was fortunate enough to have that work out well, helped by some experience. For me the peak experience was climbing Kala Pattar - which is higher elevation than base camp and allows you to see the peak of Everest not visible from base camp.

[@Blind_of_Colour]

diamond??? I wrote diamox and got it auto corrected in error.