If you think that the hike itself is not for the weak The same applies to the flight to Lukla. From Kathmandu, you fly in a small plane towards the starting point of the trek. Lukla Airport does not exactly have the reputation of Schiphol. The runway is short, situated between the mountains, and ends against a mountain wall on one side and, on the other, well, you’d rather not think about that for too long. Naturally, things go right much more often than wrong, but a Hail Mary is certainly in order here.

And then there's the weather. Because a flight to or from Lukla only operates if conditions permit. Cloudy, poor visibility? Then you might just end up not going anywhere. On the way there, that means an extra day in Kathmandu; on the way back, you get stuck in Lukla 'City'. Lukla Airport is actually about the size of the bus station in Lutjebroek—small, in other words—but fortunately, you can also spend the wait in a coffee shop. Better. So, a little flexibility in your itinerary wouldn't hurt here.

There are various providers, and the duration of the trip also varies. Look among the Big Names, compare the routes, and pay particular attention to the number of acclimatization days. A longer trip gives your body more time to get used to the altitude. If you ascend faster, there is less time for this, and the risk of altitude sickness increases.

And once in Nepal, the guide is your friend. They know the area, can gauge the weather, know what altitude can do to the body, and especially when you shouldn't walk any further. For the route may be popular, but it is still the Himalayas. You walk across high suspension bridges, along deep ravines, and over increasingly rugged terrain. You will also come across the famous Hillary Bridge, for example. In that situation, having someone hold your hand—figuratively or occasionally literally—is quite nice.

From freezing cold to full sun
A good sleeping bag is not a luxury. Get advice on what temperatures it can handle, take it to the dry cleaner, and consider bringing a liner for extra warmth. Additionally, bring a hat, gloves, a cap, sunscreen, and good sunglasses. At altitude, UV radiation is a different story, so apply sunscreen to your hands as well when the gloves come off. A buff is likewise a great little lifesaver: nice against wind and cold, and to pull over your mouth and nose when a herd of yaks or donkeys passes by and takes half a dirt road up into the air.

Things you thank yourself for later
And then the less obvious lifesavers. Damp washcloths, for example. There are showers, but during a twelve-day trek, we found a grand total of two that could actually be used: they freeze regularly. A very negligible number for the avid showerer. Furthermore: earphones, a simple game for the evenings, and a thermos with bouillon cubes. After days of drinking tea, you eventually get sick of it, and something savory and salty is a welcome relief. Small things in your bag, great pleasure at an altitude of 4.000 meters.