Trekking with tent

[Alex]

We want to do the Everest BC trek in february, but we want to do the whole trek with a tent (not to stay in lodges - not to safe money but to do it more individually) - so I want to ask if we have to stay with our tent at special campsites along the trek or if we can stay where we want ?

We wanna take sleeping bags for temperatures down to -20°C - is this temperature range enough for this trek by tent in February ???

thanx for your info
alex

[rich]

the decision whether or where to tent is for the most part up to you. Just make sure you dont end up camping next to a perfectly good lodge. The down side is that you have to be self-sufficient with food and cooking gear. In general i would suggest that when there is a lodge nearby - use it. If you really want to be camping, perhaps pick a more remote - but equally spectacular route. Perhaps use lodges at lower alts and save the tent for higher alts. I once spent 7-weeks straight in a tent and dont mind if i never see one again.

In some lower areas you may end up camping in or near settlements because they provide the only clear space. Above 3500-4000m and in the higher Khumbu valleys its generally ok anywhere and should be great for you.

Be especially careful about tent security when staying in Lukla and Namche.

I think -20degC bags are a little light for the potential worst that Feb could throw at you. You might get away with it but it still wont be very comfortable at 5500m in a February blizzard. if you already have -20degC bags then consider lugging a fleece liner which might get you another 5degC (-25degC). you should be able to get these in KTM for about NR300.

Incidentally I think cold-weather tenting can be more pleasant than most would think. Once the tent gets even a light dusting of snow, this provides a good layer of insulation which will stop your body heat escaping. snow is a great insulator. Be aware that if it really snows hard during the night you might need to be regularly shaking the snow off the tent to avoid sagging and eventual collapse under the weight. So ideally atleast a low grade mountaineering tent would be good for you (ie can take snow wieght.)

good luck
r.

[Alex]

Thanx for all of your info - maybe we take another trek which brings us into a more remote area!

thanx
alex

[yakshaver]

Alex, if it is your first trip to Nepal, it is nothing worng to go the Annapurna or EBC/Gokyo trek. They are amazing experiences, both culturally and from a mountain scenery point of view. It is not for nothing that they considered some of the most beautiful treks in the world. They are absolutely awesome.
The other issue you need to be mindful if you want to go it alone, is that trekking in the Himalayas is not like other areas in the world, save perhaps the Andes. It would be very dangerous to go camping on a remote trek all by yourself. It is both the ruggedness of the terrain as well as the altitude. And the maoist issue, though if you pay the required fees they seem to leave you alone. Maybe Manaslu might be a good place, though there is a high pass which I would not do alone.