Everest is more than simply a mountain, and getting there requires more than a simple hike. Every trail bend offers another photo opportunity, with picturesque forests, Sherpa communities, glacial moraines, and hillsides along a path that some have dubbed “the steps to paradise.” Many tourists from Malaysia and Singapore, as well as many other SAARC and non-SAARC countries, consider the journey to Everest Base Camp to be their ultimate goal. More than 36,000 Malaysian and over 48, 000 Singaporean tourists have landed in Kathmandu as per the most recent numbers for 2022 provided by the Nepal Tourism Board, and 10 to 12 percent of them are here to experience Himalayan trekking. Nepal Tourism Board, claimed that the country’s tourism sector had recovered by about 75% since the COVID-19 epidemic. The number of tourists from Malaysia and Singapore is also notably increasing compared to 2021.
The climate and weather here are considerably different from those in Singapore and Malaysia. Therefore, it is strongly advised to conduct adequate research on the weather before making your preparations to trek to any of the destinations in Nepal. The majority of trekking locations in Nepal are higher than 6000 meters. Therefore, individuals who are moving from sea level should prepare themselves physically and mentally the most.
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Hiring a local Trekking guide
Rather than using an international tour operator in your city, hire a local tour guide here. You will be able to fully appreciate your hike if you work with a local tour operator because the guide will be fully knowledgeable about the area you are entering. There aren’t many businesses in Malaysia and Singapore that run Nepali treks, including those to Everest Base Camp. If you book local tour leaders and guides, you will save a lot of money and contribute to the improvement of the local economy when you compare prices with local companies. While you are here, you might want to alter the food’s flavor. We advise you to buy locally. If you use a local tour operator, you will be aware of better ways to accomplish or attempt anything, the history, the cuisine, and the culture.
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Weather in the Himalayas vs Weather in Malaysia and Singapore
With high temperatures and wet months all year long, Malaysia and Singapore as a whole, which are located between 1° and 6°N, have a typical equatorial climate. At higher elevations, temperatures are substantially cooler, ranging from 15°C to 25°C, whereas temperatures at sea level range from 21°C to 32°C. Rainfall varies between 2,000 to 2,500 millimeters each year. Nepal, on the other hand, has a wide range of weather throughout the year. November is the coldest month, with lows in the Himalayas of -5 degrees and -15 degrees. The average temperature in Kathmandu is almost same as of Malaysia and Singapore. Since it is neither too chilly nor too rainy during these months, September through November and March through May are the ideal times to go trekking in Nepal. About 55 inches of rain fall on average each year, with the majority occurring between June and September.
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How to Prepare for the Trek?
One of the most well-known charitable challenges in the world, trekking to Everest Base Camp or any other Base Camp in Nepal is a once-in-a-lifetime event and one of the most recognizable trekking expeditions. People of all ages, sizes, and shapes may complete this non-technical trip, which is a terrific challenge. Given that Malaysia and Singapore are quite moderate compared to the geography of Nepal, it is crucial that you train and be ready for this amazing journey the appropriate way, especially considering your location. You’re more likely to completely enjoy this amazing journey the better fit you are before taking on the Everest Base Camp challenge.
You can begin preparing by going on short hikes and walking at a high altitude while carrying a backpack. Your body must be prepared to adjust to the shift in climate because Nepal is at a much higher altitude than Malaysia or Singapore. At least six months before your trip, you need to start getting ready. Spend a minimum of one hour working out your muscles and doing cardio in the gym. To acclimate to high altitude hiking, walk at least 5 kilometers each day. Getting mentally ready to tackle the many challenges that may come along the journey is another important aspect of preparedness.
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Everest Base Camp Trek for Malaysian and Singaporean: What to pack
It’s crucial to bring the appropriate gear on your adventure. Don’t overlook essential items, and refrain from bringing too much since a hefty load can make you and/or your porter unhappy. Whether or not you are using porters on your journey will largely determine the size of your backpack. For those who have porters, a daypack typically contains water, snacks, a camera, and rain gear. For all of their personal items and sleeping gear, those without porters will require a heavier load. What you’ll need for a comfortable trekking adventure is listed below.
- Shoes – Lightweight hiking boots are great. Make sure they are comfortable and you have worn them in before arriving in Nepal. Trail running shoes will work, too, which are lighter but not ideal if it rains or snow (unless they are made with Gore-Tex)
- Shorts
- Trekking pants
- T-shirts – Lightweight, quick-drying
- Long-sleeved shirt
- Fleece
- Rain jacket
- Down jacket
- Socks
- Backpack – With a good waist and chest belt; a light one should be enough (e.g. 35 liters’ capacity)
- Sleeping bag
- Cash – Bring enough rupees to cover your trek. Once you begin trekking, there are no more ATMs (except in Namche)
- Water – 1L bottle should be enough. You can refill or buy new bottles in tea houses along the way
- Sunscreen
- Sunglasses and Hat
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Everest Base Camp Trek from Malaysia and Singapore: Cost/ Price
For an average 12- to 15-day journey, costs per person range from USD$1,100 (4800 MYR), $1550 SGD, to $4,000 (17600 MYR), 5550 SGD. Permits, round-trip airfare from Kathmandu to Lukla, lodging, and food are typically included in prices. Travel insurance, visa costs, and trekking gear will not be included in the price. Online reservations provide the advantage of having everything ready for you to arrive if you are short on time. Literally, you may fly into Kathmandu on day one and start your trek on day two.
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Everest Base camp from Malaysia and Singapore- Fitness and Health
Everest Base Camp Trekking is a moderate hike appropriate for any enthusiastic hikers who can travel light and go for at least 5-7 hours per day. Walking at higher elevations is more physically challenging than walking at lower altitudes, but if you are in good physical shape, have an optimistic outlook, self-confidence, and a strong sense of determination, you can complete this expedition. It’s a good idea to work out and jog daily for a few weeks before the trip to increase your strength and stability. Prior hiking experience would be advantageous but is not strictly necessary for this excursion. Participants with pre-existing medical issues, such as blood, lung, or heart disorders, must speak with their doctor before embarking on the trip.
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Everest base camp from Malaysia and Singapore- Altitude Sickness and its prevention
Acute mountain sickness (AMS), often known as altitude sickness, is a cluster of unanticipated effects on the body that can occur at high elevations due to the combination of less oxygen and lower air pressure. The mild AMS symptoms of slowness, dizziness, headache, nausea, lack of appetite, shortness of breath, racing heart, disturbed sleep, and swelling of the hands and feet affect everyone who climbs beyond 3500 m, but major cases are extremely uncommon. Don’t walk too quickly at altitude, drink plenty of fluids, eat well, get plenty of sleep, and steer clear of alcohol are the golden rules of preventing altitude sickness. If you have any of the aforementioned symptoms, the easy solution is to descend; you shouldn’t ascend farther until you feel better. Acetazolamide is another medicine that can be used to treat AMS (better known under the brand name Diamox). 250 mg are to be taken every twelve hours. Diamox facilitates breathing at altitude, which can hasten acclimatization. For those who are trekking at high altitudes, some medical professionals advise a prophylactic dose (125 mg twice daily). When you go on a hike, our trekking staff always gives you advice on how to avoid altitude sickness and always has Diamox and a first aid kit on hand.
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Everest Base Camp trek from Malaysia and Singapore- daily schedule while trekking
Packing your bags each morning is followed by a substantial breakfast at the resort restaurant. then start your day’s walk. You all pause for lunch in a nearby restaurant after three to four hours of trekking. then keep going until you reach your destination. It only takes a couple of hours to walk after lunch. Typically, you reach your location just in time for afternoon tea. Check-in at the lodge. The rest of the day is free time. In your spare time, you can relax by reading a book and keeping a journal, exploring the community nearby, or doing a little laundry. On other days, you’ll reach your destination by lunchtime, giving you the rest of the afternoon to yourself. Most people also enjoy remembering their daily adventures when playing cards and other games during their free time. After eating dinner and receiving a briefing from your hiking guide regarding the day’s walking, retire to bed for a well-deserved night’s sleep.
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Everest Base Camp Trek Itinerary From Malaysia / Singapore
- Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu
- Day 02: Fly Lukla (2,840 m/ 9,372 ft) and Phakding (2,610 m/ 8,613 ft) | Flight: 30 minutes | Trek: 3/4 hrs. Meal: BLD
- Day 03: Namche (3440 m/ 11,283 ft) | Trek: 5/6 hrs. Meal: BLD
- Day 04: Namche Bazaar (3,440 m) – (First day for acclimatization) Meal: BLD
- Day 05: Tengboche (3,867 m/ 12,684 ft) | Trek: 5/6 hrs Meal: BLD
- Day 06: Dingboche (4,358m / 14, 295 ft) | Trek: 5/6 hrs Meal: BLD
- Day 07: Dingboche (4,358 m) – (second day for acclimatization) Meal: BLD
- Day 08: Lobuche (4,928 m/ 16,164 ft) | Trek: 5/6 hrs Meal: BLD
- Day 09: Everest Base Camp ( 5,364 m/ 17,575 ft) and return to Gokarshep ( 5,160 m/ 16,929 ft) | Trek: 5/6 hrs Meal: BLD
- Day 10: Morning Kalapathar (5,550 m/ 18,204 ft) and Pheriche (4358m/ 14,295 ft) | Trek: 5/6 hrs Meal: BLD
- Day 11: Namche Bazaar (3,440 m/ 11,283 ft) | Trek: 4/5 hrs. Meal: BLD
- Day 12: Lukla (2,840 m/ 9,372 ft) Trek: 6/7 hrs Meal: BLD
- Day 13: Fly to Kathmandu | Flight: 30 minutes Meal: B
- Day 14: Departure Meal: B
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Costs of Permits
You require two distinct permissions in order to go on a hike in the Everest zone. A Sagarmatha National Park Permit and a TIMS card are required.
A permit for Sagarmatha National Park costs $33. (MYR 146) (45SGD). You are also allowed to enter the Khumbu region with this permit.
Although the cost of a TIMS card varies depending on the type:
- TIMS card in order: $10
- $20 for a single TIMS card.
- TIMS card for a SAARC nation: $3
You don’t need a TIMS card for trekking in Everest Region. You can buy a local permit for $20 in Everest Region.