I'm off to ebc at the end of spet travelling independantly with some friends. I've been reading many articles about trekking in the Everest region but I'm still unsure on a few things so thought I'd throw them out there and see what comes back!
We are staying in lodges, not camping - do I need a sleeping bag or can I get away with just taking my silk liner?
I have a pair of Meindl Borneo boots, well worn-in but I'm worried that they maybe a bit heavy/bulky for the trek....any advice here.
Also I have a lightweight goretex shell (hoodless) and am planning to take my down Gilet/tank top...do you think this will be ok or should I be better equipped?
Not been to EBC but 'lodge' is actually a fairly general term in Nepal that spans from not much better than a bothy through to, apparently, a few luxurious places that are part of some glam hotel chain. Unless you are paying mega bucks expect a stone and wood building with no heating (less that round the fire or using charcoal bucket warmers) and a clean room, bed that is slightly too short, pillow and (for me) dubious blankets. I would always take a sleeping bag unless staying at top of range. It is bloody cold at night without one I find. Gilet and layering jumpers, woolly hat etc useful. Many travellers get by with far less than super posh down jackets and lodge communal areas should not be too bad. Sept may still be a bit wet but not too cold (compared to early spring)
Oh all lodges peddle the same lie that is the promise of hot water showers!
None of that is a whinge as I love it (even if sometimes I would like warm water if showering) but I think you should look at others photos on the net of the sort of place you are likely stopping at.
I did the ebc last year in October, I really enjoyed it. You definitley need a sleeping bag, you can however hire one in Kathmandu (which I did) if you don't want to buy one specially. The lodges generally are wooden and brick with one large common room with a fire in it, this room is plenty warm but where you sleep are little 2 bed rooms with no insulation, often there are extra blankets available but I wouldn't want to rely on them being there. When you are on the highest few nights of the trek near ebc it gets very cold at night!
For september/october a -10 rated bag should be warm enough. I also had a down jacket which I used most of the nights altough a down vest and fleece should be fine too. Obviously hat, gloves, thermals are advised.
Funnily enough I did it in a pair of meindls borneos and found them ideal, they are tough, with a good grip and for me they are very comfortable. You really want footwear you are confident with.
I'd advise you hire a guide/porter as it makes coping with the altitude a lot easier and you are helping the local economy. Great companions too and they're advice and insight add to the whole experience.
Hope you have a great time, glad to answer more questions if you want or to recommend the local guide company I used.
