A Winter EBC in January 08

[Trixie]

Hi folks, glad to find this website, loads of invaluable informations and beautiful pictures posted up here. :)
I'm planning for 20-day trek to EBC in January and I'm aware it's winter and awfully cold but this is the only time of the year I could spare some time.
It will be my very first trek I have done in my whole life, not sure it will be too ambitious to attempt the EBC? How fit or strong do I need to be to enjoy this trek?
I come for a little sunny island of Singapore and I do not really have much chance to experience cold weathers. Is there anything there I need to prep myself to adjust to the high altitudes?
Lastly, my agent has draw up an itinerary for my 20-day trek. Based on your experience, does it look okay to you?

I'm open to all views! Thanks all :) :)

Day 1 Singapore - Kathmandu
Day 2 Kathmandu
Day 3 - 18
Our Everest trek commences with a mountain flight from Kathmandu to Lukla (2860m) where we begin our trek in to Kala Pattar (5545m) & Everest Base Camp (5365m). Kala Pattar, with its sensational views of Everest’s entire South Face and West Ridge, is where most of the famous photographs of Everest were taken whilst EBC, located just below the awesome Khumbu Icefall, is the main camp for mountaineers aspiring to climb to the vertical end of the world. Along the way we'll pass through the Sherpa capital of Namche Bazaar and the beautiful Tengboche monastery. Return trek to Lukla for flight back to Kathmandu.
Day 19 Kathmandu
Day 20 Kathmandu - Singapore

Trixie

[yakshaver]

First, the program looks sensible in terms of days on trek. You've got 16 days from Lukla back to Lukla. Most people spend about 13-14 days on this trek, but I think a longer time time is better in terms of acclimatization and therefore enjoyment.

EBC is a relatively strenuous treck, but with 16 days at your disposal it means there are enough days of rest and acclimatisation built in. This shold be ok.

You definitely need good warm clothing for January. Having trekked twice in January in this area here's what I think you should have:
- good boots, wether full leather or composite. Composite material boots are perhaps lighter and more comfortable. But there is a chance of snow in January, so I would wear somthing which will keep my feet warm. Along with that have good thick socks. Wool or sytheitic does not matter to much. but they must be thick for wither. Usually I wear a thinner pair (liner) and then a thick pair over this. Therefore the boots need to be a bit larger than my normal shoes, to accommodate the thicker socks and and the swelling of your feet on long walks. Not much bigger, just maybe half a size bigger than your shoes.

- downe jacket is a must in January\
- polipropylene (cheaper) or thin wool underwear (like ice breaker etc - more expensive) - both top and pants. maybe 2-3 pairs
- polar fleece jacket
- gore -tex (or similar) wind protection jacket
- good trekking pants, large comfortable, offering some wind protection (but NOT made from plastic or goretex...)
- gloves
- good quality protective sunglasses (not fashion ones, but wrap-around offering proper protection)
- beanie and sun hat

Think layers, more layers provide warmth (not necessarily individual thickness, but number of layers on the body).

[scootster]

Hi

I'm off in Jan too - similar to you. What tour co are you using?

S