Everest Base Camp - What would you take?

[arsenal74]

I have just booked a trip to Everest Base Camp (Longer Gokyo Lakes circuit) and my mind is already turning to what gear to take, and the initial realisation that I maybe do not own the ideal gear currently.

The closest I have done to a trip like this was Peru, I did not do the Inca trail but a slightly higher hike which topped out at 4600m, so not far off from what faces me but this was shorter and probably not as cold as what I will see, although tea houses will likely be slightly warmer than a tent at 4500m! Along with my phone (iPhone 13 pro max at the time) I took a Canon G1 X mkiii and it was great, good image quality, good focal length and was easy to carry. My rationale at the time was that I wanted to get great photos but that the purpose of the trip was hiking not photography, so I was not likely to get proper time for photos other than at breaks or the end of the day at camp. This proved to be bang on.

I currently own:

• Panasonic S5 with 16-35 and 50mm 1.8
• Fuji X100f

No longer own the Canon, sold that long ago which I have regretted many times since!

So as I said I am not sure either are ideal. I'd be happy taking the S5 but I sense that whilst the 16-35 would be terrific I will likely need something longer too and I am not keen on changing lenses in the kind of environments I am expecting so a one lens solution I think is best. Picking up a Sigma 28-70 for the S5 is an option if I did want to take the S5.

The X100 would probably be terrific as a walkaround at places like Namche but likely too restrictive a focal length overall, I could add the 2 converter lenses to give more versatility too.

This is a once in a lifetime thing so am happy to buy something new, if that is really the best thing, currently mulling.

Thoughts and experiences from anybody who has done a similar trip appreciated.

Thanks

 

[mreynolds767]

Sounds like an amazing opportunity!

I was researching the Everest View Hotel the other day and trying to figure out if I could ever get there someday which for me would involve a helicopter which may not allow for altitude acclimation the same as hiking would.

Personally I would want the best possible images ; I think for you getting a 24-105 lens for your S5 is probably the simplest solution to achieve that. The Everest area is different than anywhere I have ever been since the mountains are so tall and will appear so close but in general for mountain scenery I usually find the 24-105 range is perfect ; too wide and the mountain peaks lose their prominence and 105 should be long enough.

Gives you a good deal more options than a 28-70 would. Has built-in IS, has claimed dust, splash and freeze resistance and a rugged build.

https://shop.panasonic.com/products..._wp0Zo08sv6TAQLalDZVgOO3oV8SaFN50DXx9RTrDvIdW

Buy some extra batteries as those cold temps are going to wreck havic on your battery lifespan; keeping a pair in a chest pocket will usually keep them warmer than in your camera bag.

I assume you will be in a group ; so if you will have time to setup compositions and wait for good light would be a big question mark in that setting.

--
Online Gallery here
https://www.mattreynoldsphotography.com/

 

[arsenal74]

Forgot about the 24-105! I think I had put that out of my head because of the mould/fogging issues TBC. It is an absolute beast too for an f4 lens.

I am not expecting to be able to stop to compose etc other than on offcial stops so most will be on the move I would expect.

 

[jhorse]

I have just booked a trip to Everest Base Camp (Longer Gokyo Lakes circuit) and my mind is already turning to what gear to take, and the initial realisation that I maybe do not own the ideal gear currently.

The closest I have done to a trip like this was Peru, I did not do the Inca trail but a slightly higher hike which topped out at 4600m, so not far off from what faces me but this was shorter and probably not as cold as what I will see, although tea houses will likely be slightly warmer than a tent at 4500m! Along with my phone (iPhone 13 pro max at the time) I took a Canon G1 X mkiii and it was great, good image quality, good focal length and was easy to carry. My rationale at the time was that I wanted to get great photos but that the purpose of the trip was hiking not photography, so I was not likely to get proper time for photos other than at breaks or the end of the day at camp. This proved to be bang on.

I currently own:

• Panasonic S5 with 16-35 and 50mm 1.8
• Fuji X100f

No longer own the Canon, sold that long ago which I have regretted many times since!

So as I said I am not sure either are ideal. I'd be happy taking the S5 but I sense that whilst the 16-35 would be terrific I will likely need something longer too and I am not keen on changing lenses in the kind of environments I am expecting so a one lens solution I think is best. Picking up a Sigma 28-70 for the S5 is an option if I did want to take the S5.

The X100 would probably be terrific as a walkaround at places like Namche but likely too restrictive a focal length overall, I could add the 2 converter lenses to give more versatility too.

This is a once in a lifetime thing so am happy to buy something new, if that is really the best thing, currently mulling.

Thoughts and experiences from anybody who has done a similar trip appreciated.

Thanks

Hi, the EBC trek is on my bucket list (I have been to Machu Picchu). I have done some EBC research, as I am sure you have. Here are my photographic conclusions. My baseline uses the system I already own/use: the Fufi X system.

• Main Body. I would take my Fuji XT5, which is Weather Resistance (WR) and has two card slots. The S5, with which I am unfamiliar, will, I am sure, prove to be a good choice.
• Back Up Camera. I have and would take my Fuji X100vi. I have the two convertors (WCL and TCL) and took only this combination to Portugal last month. It is my first X100 and I found the convertors more of a hassle than a normal body and a couple of primes, so I’d leave them behind (unless it was the only camera). The X100 would be my back-up camera and provide a wide aperture for inside tea houses and on overcast days.
• Lenses. Weight is an issue. A story: my grandfather was an amateur jockey and rode in the Grand National (finishing 7th) and I remember him saying that over the 4.5 mile course every pound over weight at the start feels like 3lbs for the horse at the finish (in other words, do not carry excess weight). Using that analogy, but vertically rather than horizontally, every lb at Lukla will feel like 3lbs four thousand meters higher up at EBC. I would take my 16-50 f2.8-4.8 (24-75 equiv). Something in the range of 24-75/105 would seem perfect. My Fuji16-50 is relatively light and WR. My instinct would be that a 24mm lens would negate the need to carry a wider lens, but some would argue that a wider option would also be good; it's a matter of personal preference and shooting style. Panoramic stitching is an option instead. I can also see the use for a relatively light telephoto for shots of Everest from Hotel Everest View and from the top of Kala Patthar. I have the Fuji 70-300 and would take it (wrapped up inside my day pack). I would not take a tripod, but either a table pod or bean bag to provide some stability without too much weight/bulk. So, my minimalist approach would be just two lenses for the XT5 (16-50, 70-300). I can see people, very reasonably, suggesting a wide angle lens and a fast prime lens, but for me and for weight reasons, I would be content with 24mm equiv (based on my experience of hiking in the Alps, Rockies and Andes) and the 35/f2 equiv X100 lens.
• SD Cards. How many? Before determining the number SD Cards (or whatever the S5 uses) I worked out an average number of shots per day over the number of trekking days: 500 shots/day x 18 days = 9000 shots. Is 500 the right number? Who knows! Based on my XT5, in which a 64Gb card (set to RAW/JPEG Fine) has a 900 shot capacity I would need 10 SD Cards (at 64Gb), two slots = 20 cards. Of course, if one uses 128 or 256 cards the number would be reduced, but you get the drift. One would need some form of card log to keep track of full/empty cards. I do not take video, but if one did the calculation would need to be adjusted. Finally, and this personal choice, I would not take a back-up device to save weight and rely on the two card slots, which is a small risk – each to their own in this regard.
• Batteries. How many? Using the same number of shots/per day and the number of shots per battery (I expect from a XT5, reduced by 10% for cold), I then calculated how many days capacity (or number of batteries) I would need from the last assured mains power and back to it. I based it on 700 shots/charge, 500 shots/day and, I think, 7 days without access to mains (I based it on last power at Tengboche, trek to EBC and back to Pangboche). That gave me the number of batteries to carry. Of course, if your trekking company can state the last point of assured power or you have a portable solar charging capability that will alter the calculation.
• Camera Carry. How will you carry the camera lens? I use an Osprey Talon 33ltr and a Peak Design Leash (rated 200lbs). I can thread one end of the Leash through the right Osprey shoulder strap, pass it around the top of the sack, under my left arm and attach it to the camera. The camera sits on my left side, just above the belt, does not swing as I walk and is easy/fast to lift to the eye. The key is that all the weight of the camera/lens is supported/carried by the Osprey without the camera strap touching my neck. It is very comfortable over a long distance.

Hope that helps. Have a great trip and hope to see some images posted upon return.

 

[arsenal74]

I did Machu Picchu too! Not the Inca trail though, a different route.

I do have a soft spot for Fuji and I have the X100f. I was/am prepared to swap out my S5 for something a little smaller, switching say to the X-T5 and equivalent ish lens would shave off 400g for example. If I assume that I’d probably need to buy something like the 24-105 from the S5 then the swap would probably still cost me less than shelling out for that lens.

Maybe I am not seeing it properly but my gut feeling is that my S5 (or even an X-T5) will likely be used sparingly i.e. on longer breaks or at the end of the day. I cannot see myself having it ready to go on the move throughout the day for example. If I think the weight it worth it I’ll probably still take it for those special shots.

I think that something I can carry around my neck or in my pocket and whip out quickly and easily would be more useful on a trip like this which is what I did with the G1 X mkiii in Peru. The X100f that I already have would fit that bill but whilst I love the focal length I think it would just be too restrictive as I said in my OP.

If they still sold the G1 X mkiii new I’d probably buy another one, I could get one used of course but that would be a risk maybe. Other options like RX100 or G7x but I am not sure how much better than my iPhone 16 pro max that would be, there is also the D-LUX 8 but that is just an over-priced and re-badged LX100 II.

As you can probably tell, much procrastinating is happening!

 

[jhorse]

I did Machu Picchu too! Not the Inca trail though, a different route.

I do have a soft spot for Fuji and I have the X100f. I was/am prepared to swap out my S5 for something a little smaller, switching say to the X-T5 and equivalent ish lens would shave off 400g for example. If I assume that I’d probably need to buy something like the 24-105 from the S5 then the swap would probably still cost me less than shelling out for that lens.

Maybe I am not seeing it properly but my gut feeling is that my S5 (or even an X-T5) will likely be used sparingly i.e. on longer breaks or at the end of the day. I cannot see myself having it ready to go on the move throughout the day for example. If I think the weight it worth it I’ll probably still take it for those special shots.

This is a good point. When you are in the 'walk mode', how often would you like to pause to snap? Okay, a bit of an amateurish phrase, but you get my drift. This is an issue when walking in a group with low tolerance for the photographer who wants to stop often to take an image (or change a lens). I do like to pause to snap often along a route. When a lovely scene opens up around a corner I want to take the shot. If you wish to do likewise there are two keys. First, use a zoom lens to adjust the focal length to suit (more flexible than a prime) and second carry the camera 'at the ready'. This is why I described my carry method above. In this scenario, the pause need not be any longer than 10 seconds, a time that does not impact on other walkers and one can easily catch up when walking in a group.

I think that something I can carry around my neck or in my pocket and whip out quickly and easily would be more useful on a trip like this which is what I did with the G1 X mkiii in Peru. The X100f that I already have would fit that bill but whilst I love the focal length I think it would just be too restrictive as I said in my OP.

If they still sold the G1 X mkiii new I’d probably buy another one, I could get one used of course but that would be a risk maybe. Other options like RX100 or G7x but I am not sure how much better than my iPhone 16 pro max that would be, there is also the D-LUX 8 but that is just an over-priced and re-badged LX100 II.

I use a Sony RX100vii for skiing. It fits into my ski jacket pocket unobtrusively, has a useful focal range and reasonable aperture and delivers fantastic images. I shoot RAW/JPEG and its images are significantly better on my 27" Mac Studio Display than those taken with my iPhone 13 (or my daughter's 16 Max), especially when it comes to post production.

Indeed, so good is the RX100, I'd be content to do the trip with just the RX100vii, my RX100VA (which despite being in excellent condition, when I went to trade it into for the vii the offer price was so low I decided to keep it as its lens is faster than the vii), and a Fuji X100 for fun. The RX series is fiddly to use (and gloves have to come off) and not as much fun, but they get the job done and deliver astonishingly good images for the petite size.

As you can probably tell, much procrastinating is happening!

We all do so before a notable trip!

 

[George 68]

Probably unhelpful because it's not a brand you use but, for trekking, I carry a Nikon Z50+18-140 on a capture clip with the 12-28 PZ in my rucksack for an 18-210 equivalent range.

I don't need to carry a spare camera because I'm always with my wife when trekking and she carries a Sony RX100vii on her capture clip.

 

[arsenal74]

The thought of taking my X100f along with something like the RX100 or getting another G1X iii is appealing, with something that small I could also get away with a gorillpod or similar too over a tripod which would save even more weight. Leaving your best camera at home for the trip of a lifetime would just feel wrong though!

Maybe something like a Cotton carrier strapshot would work for me? Although I still think the S5/24-105 combo would be on the hefty side.

 

[PIOT]

I have done EBC Three Passes Trek... As I did 2 treks in Peru.
Everest tea houses are wormer, but rooms can be very cold. It will be more challenging than Peru

- if you have sherpa ... carry cameras won't be an issue
- batteries - farther away you go, charging cost more and you can only charge in tea houses not in the room (most of the time)
- take backup camera, (my GoPro have some serious battery issues there) you can take some tripod shoots once you arrive to tea house or in the morning, but this is usually when is dinner or breakfast time to have food, but you can always eat later
- you don't have to hike with a group all the time, especially when weather is good. Are you going with guide and porters?

Nepal - Everest Three Passes Trek - YouTube

Enjoy your hike, really spectacular place

 

[john Clinch]

I trekked in this region a long time ago



I’d say you need some reach. Ideally 120mm full frame equivalent. So I’d take a wide range zoom and something faster for inside. Like a 35mm equivalent prime

i see this picture all over the place. It’s the classic Nuptse Lohtse ridge with Everest peaking out from behind. We saw Edmund Hilary getting out of a helicopter that evening. I used a 135 mm lens



i was sorted suprised how many of the views were quite distant









--

John Clinch

Explore John Clinch’s 1,859 photos on Flickr!

www.flickr.com

Flickriver: John Clinch's most interesting photos

Flickriver - view images as a 'river of photos' and more...

www.flickriver.com

 

[OldGuy-Yuri]

Did the EBC trek (... not 3 passes) in 2018.
I carried an Oly E-P5 with 14-150 zoom (28-300 FF eq)
and A SONY WX350

... should have brought a wide angle - interior shots at the tea houses were difficult.

Did not bring cell phone...
Used both the cameras, about equally...

WHEN is your planned Trek? that's a very important piece of info...

If you're in a 'group' not oriented to photography, taking images will somewhat be a challenge - the group keeps moving leaving you not much time to consider, compose and shoot mulitples... falling back and catching up happens... and becomes difficult at 14K + ft (4200 m) altutude.
I had a total of 64K space for each camera - I shot JPG, given the image size I did not use it all.
If you're flying, especially thru CHina - Pack all your batteries into your carry-on. Back in 2018, it was not general that No Batteries Allowed in Checked bags... But China was different - they confiscated every battery I had in checked bags. Leaving me one battery in-camera for each.

Plan on well below freezing temp, in your sleeping quarters (Apr & early May)
I slept with my cameras...

Once on trail - you WILL pay for any battery charging you do at Teahouses, no plugs in 'room'... IF you can actually have a tea house which has available plugs and electric.
The Higher you go the more expensive everything becomes.

We encountered a late Winter Storm on our last day up to EBC, We had to hussle to get back down before the deep snow set in. Most were unprepared for unexpected weather.
Plan for the worst and hope for the best.

You can buy Cell phone cards on the main route up the DodihKosi and the Kumbu, there is cell service now by a Nepali ph comp. Don;t expect 'speed'.
Was one of the great adventures of my life !

The Sherpa People (an Ethnic Group, they are much more than porters...) are amazing, among the most wonderful humans I've been gifted to get to know.
I treasure my memories and hope/plan to spend time amongst them and their world again, soon!

Yuri

EDIT : I came for the Mountains and experienced so much more !


Tengboche Monastary


At 4600m, Nuptsi is a Big One - still 3400m over my head, Khumbu Glacier behind and below...Gathering storms clouds for what was to come... oh boy...

--

" For the animal shall not be measured by man. In a world older and more complete than ours they move finished and complete, gifted with extensions of the senses we have lost or never attained, living by voices we shall never hear. They are not brethren, they are not underlings; they are other nations, caught with ourselves in the net of life and time, fellow prisoners of the splendour and travail of the earth.” - Henry Beston

 

[jhorse]

I came for the Mountains and experienced so much more !

Excellent quote!

 

[Jazzychu]

A little different question.

I am going to the North Base Camp (Tibet, not the South BC in Nepal) next April. Has anyone been there and what camera gear to bring?

Luckily that Base Camp can be reached by car.

 

[arsenal74]

Did the EBC trek (... not 3 passes) in 2018.
I carried an Oly E-P5 with 14-150 zoom (28-300 FF eq)
and A SONY WX350

... should have brought a wide angle - interior shots at the tea houses were difficult.

Did not bring cell phone...
Used both the cameras, about equally...

WHEN is your planned Trek? that's a very important piece of info...

If you're in a 'group' not oriented to photography, taking images will somewhat be a challenge - the group keeps moving leaving you not much time to consider, compose and shoot mulitples... falling back and catching up happens... and becomes difficult at 14K + ft (4200 m) altutude.
I had a total of 64K space for each camera - I shot JPG, given the image size I did not use it all.
If you're flying, especially thru CHina - Pack all your batteries into your carry-on. Back in 2018, it was not general that No Batteries Allowed in Checked bags... But China was different - they confiscated every battery I had in checked bags. Leaving me one battery in-camera for each.

Plan on well below freezing temp, in your sleeping quarters (Apr & early May)
I slept with my cameras...

Once on trail - you WILL pay for any battery charging you do at Teahouses, no plugs in 'room'... IF you can actually have a tea house which has available plugs and electric.
The Higher you go the more expensive everything becomes.

We encountered a late Winter Storm on our last day up to EBC, We had to hussle to get back down before the deep snow set in. Most were unprepared for unexpected weather.
Plan for the worst and hope for the best.

You can buy Cell phone cards on the main route up the DodihKosi and the Kumbu, there is cell service now by a Nepali ph comp. Don;t expect 'speed'.
Was one of the great adventures of my life !

The Sherpa People (an Ethnic Group, they are much more than porters...) are amazing, among the most wonderful humans I've been gifted to get to know.
I treasure my memories and hope/plan to spend time amongst them and their world again, soon!

Yuri

EDIT : I came for the Mountains and experienced so much more !


Tengboche Monastary


At 4600m, Nuptsi is a Big One - still 3400m over my head, Khumbu Glacier behind and below...Gathering storms clouds for what was to come... oh boy...

Thanks for the reply, love the photos! I am traveling 15 March to 1 April.

Currently I am planning to take the Fuji X-T5 with the 16-50 f2.8/f4 and X100f, I am worried that I might need more than the 75mm equivalent though. I am not dead set on the X100f yet either, it is the second camera that I have but I am wondering how useful it might be vs. something like an RX100 or even a used Canon G1x.

Also planning to get a Cotton carrier or similar for the X-T5. On the fence re what bag to take. My current camera backpack is not suitable as a day pack really, I do have a good (non-camera) daypack, so it is that with a small bag/pouch for the camera gear to put inside vs. getting a better dedicated camera bag thaat would also be useful as a day pack too.

Going to take as many batteries as I can, and also a battery pack, maybe a solar one.

Thanks again.

 

[OldGuy-Yuri]

arsenal74 wrote:
Thanks for the reply, love the photos! I am traveling 15 March to 1 April.

Currently I am planning to take the Fuji X-T5 with the 16-50 f2.8/f4 and X100f, I am worried that I might need more than the 75mm equivalent though. I am not dead set on the X100f yet either, it is the second camera that I have but I am wondering how useful it might be vs. something like an RX100 or even a used Canon G1x.

Also planning to get a Cotton carrier or similar for the X-T5. On the fence re what bag to take. My current camera backpack is not suitable as a day pack really, I do have a good (non-camera) daypack, so it is that with a small bag/pouch for the camera gear to put inside vs. getting a better dedicated camera bag thaat would also be useful as a day pack too.

Going to take as many batteries as I can, and also a battery pack, maybe a solar one.

Thanks again.

Expect Winter conditions, so strong layering of Clothing. 2 weeks - 14 days for the 3 passes trek + EBC !!! very rigorous !
I found a frequent need for Mid/Long Focal Length and then would have like to have wide angle for interior and closer shooting. Still got shots, but a lot of stitching to do, some of which didn;t work...
A good small P&S camera was invaluable !
I carried the P&S in my SHell jacket and the Oly was hung from a rig I made on my pack Left shoulder strap - at the time I didn;t find a outside hookup carrier I liked, so made my own. Oly is quite compact even with the 14-150 zoom.
I used a Gregory 30L pack with TMP and mulitple zipper compartments... No foam padding (not needed), no tri or other pod... There were always plenty of rocks and such to prop up a camera, if needed.
Porters general will carry 2x baggage at 28-30kg total - so you get 14-15 kg to have carried for you. Remainder you carry in your pack. I always carried at least all possible clothes needed for any condition, plus 3L water (water about 2kg weight).

Don;t forget key stuff - hats multiple weights, which cover forehead,ears,neck, etc
High Altitude sunglasses which wrap or have side shields, reading glasses?, multiple gloves/mittens various weights from mild to deep winter.
I brought long snow gaiters, and glad I did ! I did a few side trips when others did acclimatization hikes, SO I brought a very sturdy Trek pole with both rubber tip cover, large snow basket and ice penetrating carbide tip - I did go up and over some snow fields, so knowing good 'self-arrest' technique is an important safety skill...
I always have a good Trek pole on all my outdoors time. The third leg balance of it proves very useful and sometimes essential.

With everything I started the day with about 8-10 kg pack weight, plus whatever I carried external...

It's cold and Dry, and Yet times when it's SUnBaked, so one could make a mistake of not bringing/using enough drink water... I went thru at least 2.5 L water every day - you buy that at the teahouses.
If you're doing any tenting on the 3 passes route, ask questions of how water is provided... Key thing.
A few group members did NOT drink enough, almost all became ill and never made it past Lobouche on the way up.
Sleeping above 12K ft - Very Difficult !!! Bring stuff to aid sleep! I got from One of group who became close trek buddy - Costco Sleep Aid - super great sleep aid without any groggy side effects - without it I don;t think I would have made it - I was 69 at the time...

HAPE-HACE, become VERY aware of these conditions! Learn as much as you can! Check others in group for any changes they exhibit and alert them - ask that others do the same for you ! at 16K+ ft elevation, We had 2 in party (16) who needed immediate return to lower altitude...

Find and carry a good SPO2 meter, monitor your blood O2 at periods all day. Track your pulse... Check at night before bed and in the am.
I carried a lot of quick energy source stuff (I'm frequent backpacker and a high performance road cyclist for many decades...) so having gels and other quick energy became very useful.
This is very stressful for young, at older ages it becomes increasingly more stressful.
Not trying to discourage - just forewarn and help in Prep.
When you're being passed by any pack animal trains, actually anyone, always stand to the high side of the trail, NEVER the lowside - getting bumped off, downhill, is to be avoided.

DO a lot of Conditioning work/hikes starting well before you go - I did 3 months of nightly hikes locally 4-5 miles with a 30 lb weighted pack...
Things become 'interesting' when you're fulltime above from about 13k+ ft /4000m and higher...

The way up is NOT just up... It is constantly up and again down, up, down, up, down, up...
I recommend staying away from ANY alcoholic Beverage.

It will be unforgettable ! Just thinking about it again is putting me into 'planning' mode !!! LOL !

Go where you Feel Most Alive, Do what Most Stirs Your Soul !

namasté

Yuri

EDIT: Almost forgot, I use very often a Head/neck tube for Winter and even fall conditions, as opposed to scarf, no loose ends and can also double as addtional head gear under a hat/cap. Been using one for many decades - prefer elastic type which have a little softness to fabric, 2 weights one heavier winter which serves only an neck lower face, other which can go from below shirt collar to over the head...
I don;t like nor use the neoprene facemask type, to uncomfortable and becomes wet with moisture from breathing...

like this:


Head/Neck tube for cold or strong weather use

--

" For the animal shall not be measured by man. In a world older and more complete than ours they move finished and complete, gifted with extensions of the senses we have lost or never attained, living by voices we shall never hear. They are not brethren, they are not underlings; they are other nations, caught with ourselves in the net of life and time, fellow prisoners of the splendour and travail of the earth.” - Henry Beston

 

[robert1955]

A little different question.

I am going to the North Base Camp (Tibet, not the South BC in Nepal) next April. Has anyone been there and what camera gear to bring?

Luckily that Base Camp can be reached by car.

I was there in 2004, in August. IIRC this was taken near Rongbuk monastery which is quite near the BC.



Camera was a then brand new Canon 10D [APS-C]. We actually trekked days higher past the BC [there was a special permit possible then], but mostly couldn't see the mountain any longer. This is at about the highest I reached [close to 6000m]:



As you can see from the first one, you'll need moderate tele, as you're still kilometers horizontal fro the mountain. Same goes at the other side as well I think

 

[Jazzychu]

Thanks. Hopefully by visiting there in April, there won't be much ice near the BC.

I might take my OM-1 paired with 8-25mm and 14-150mm, so 16-300mm FF equivalent is covered.

I also heard Milky Way shots can be spectacular. I will use my iPhone so the tripod don't have to be big and heavy, a legged selfie stick might do the trick.

 

[robert1955]

Thanks. Hopefully by visiting there in April, there won't be much ice near the BC.

I might take my OM-1 paired with 8-25mm and 14-150mm, so 16-300mm FF equivalent is covered.

I also heard Milky Way shots can be spectacular. I will use my iPhone so the tripod don't have to be big and heavy, a legged selfie stick might do the trick.

Or something like a gorillapod under your OM. More than enough stones to place it on.

Enjoy your trip

 

[arsenal74]

arsenal74 wrote:
Thanks for the reply, love the photos! I am traveling 15 March to 1 April.

Currently I am planning to take the Fuji X-T5 with the 16-50 f2.8/f4 and X100f, I am worried that I might need more than the 75mm equivalent though. I am not dead set on the X100f yet either, it is the second camera that I have but I am wondering how useful it might be vs. something like an RX100 or even a used Canon G1x.

Also planning to get a Cotton carrier or similar for the X-T5. On the fence re what bag to take. My current camera backpack is not suitable as a day pack really, I do have a good (non-camera) daypack, so it is that with a small bag/pouch for the camera gear to put inside vs. getting a better dedicated camera bag thaat would also be useful as a day pack too.

Going to take as many batteries as I can, and also a battery pack, maybe a solar one.

Thanks again.

Expect Winter conditions, so strong layering of Clothing. 2 weeks - 14 days for the 3 passes trek + EBC !!! very rigorous !
I found a frequent need for Mid/Long Focal Length and then would have like to have wide angle for interior and closer shooting. Still got shots, but a lot of stitching to do, some of which didn;t work...
A good small P&S camera was invaluable !
I carried the P&S in my SHell jacket and the Oly was hung from a rig I made on my pack Left shoulder strap - at the time I didn;t find a outside hookup carrier I liked, so made my own. Oly is quite compact even with the 14-150 zoom.
I used a Gregory 30L pack with TMP and mulitple zipper compartments... No foam padding (not needed), no tri or other pod... There were always plenty of rocks and such to prop up a camera, if needed.
Porters general will carry 2x baggage at 28-30kg total - so you get 14-15 kg to have carried for you. Remainder you carry in your pack. I always carried at least all possible clothes needed for any condition, plus 3L water (water about 2kg weight).

Don;t forget key stuff - hats multiple weights, which cover forehead,ears,neck, etc
High Altitude sunglasses which wrap or have side shields, reading glasses?, multiple gloves/mittens various weights from mild to deep winter.
I brought long snow gaiters, and glad I did ! I did a few side trips when others did acclimatization hikes, SO I brought a very sturdy Trek pole with both rubber tip cover, large snow basket and ice penetrating carbide tip - I did go up and over some snow fields, so knowing good 'self-arrest' technique is an important safety skill...
I always have a good Trek pole on all my outdoors time. The third leg balance of it proves very useful and sometimes essential.

With everything I started the day with about 8-10 kg pack weight, plus whatever I carried external...

It's cold and Dry, and Yet times when it's SUnBaked, so one could make a mistake of not bringing/using enough drink water... I went thru at least 2.5 L water every day - you buy that at the teahouses.
If you're doing any tenting on the 3 passes route, ask questions of how water is provided... Key thing.
A few group members did NOT drink enough, almost all became ill and never made it past Lobouche on the way up.
Sleeping above 12K ft - Very Difficult !!! Bring stuff to aid sleep! I got from One of group who became close trek buddy - Costco Sleep Aid - super great sleep aid without any groggy side effects - without it I don;t think I would have made it - I was 69 at the time...

HAPE-HACE, become VERY aware of these conditions! Learn as much as you can! Check others in group for any changes they exhibit and alert them - ask that others do the same for you ! at 16K+ ft elevation, We had 2 in party (16) who needed immediate return to lower altitude...

Find and carry a good SPO2 meter, monitor your blood O2 at periods all day. Track your pulse... Check at night before bed and in the am.
I carried a lot of quick energy source stuff (I'm frequent backpacker and a high performance road cyclist for many decades...) so having gels and other quick energy became very useful.
This is very stressful for young, at older ages it becomes increasingly more stressful.
Not trying to discourage - just forewarn and help in Prep.
When you're being passed by any pack animal trains, actually anyone, always stand to the high side of the trail, NEVER the lowside - getting bumped off, downhill, is to be avoided.

DO a lot of Conditioning work/hikes starting well before you go - I did 3 months of nightly hikes locally 4-5 miles with a 30 lb weighted pack...
Things become 'interesting' when you're fulltime above from about 13k+ ft /4000m and higher...

The way up is NOT just up... It is constantly up and again down, up, down, up, down, up...
I recommend staying away from ANY alcoholic Beverage.

It will be unforgettable ! Just thinking about it again is putting me into 'planning' mode !!! LOL !

Go where you Feel Most Alive, Do what Most Stirs Your Soul !

namasté

Yuri

EDIT: Almost forgot, I use very often a Head/neck tube for Winter and even fall conditions, as opposed to scarf, no loose ends and can also double as addtional head gear under a hat/cap. Been using one for many decades - prefer elastic type which have a little softness to fabric, 2 weights one heavier winter which serves only an neck lower face, other which can go from below shirt collar to over the head...
I don;t like nor use the neoprene facemask type, to uncomfortable and becomes wet with moisture from breathing...

like this:


Head/Neck tube for cold or strong weather use

Thanks, appreciate the long reply.

Forgot to mention, I am very much on the fence on whether to take a tripod. I will be with a group so do not expect to be able to stop during the day but it was mainly for end of day or on scheduled stops. I have a gorilla pod 3k and a couple of lightweight (400-500g) pods but am really not sure. I did Peru trip a few years back (not the Inca trail) and did that only with a Canon G1x iii and no pod.

The Peru trip was up to 4600m and we wild camped at 4500m so pretty high but not quite as high as I’ll be seeing on this one. I made the call to take diamox from the start, ended up with a lower dose than I planned and was fine. I monitored my pulse ox on my Garmin watch and I think it dipped below 90 once very briefly. I remember being so bushed after the climb to 4600m that I slept like a baby . Certainly concerned about the altitude though, being fine before is no guarantee I will be ok again and of course I’ll be going higher this time. My itinerary has acclimatisation days baked in and I have already identified what I think will be the ‘red’ days. Diamox again this time for sure too.

I have a long shopping list, I do already have a lot of the gear from previous trips but I’ll need but stuff like the neck tube and a buff to try and avoid the K cough.

 

[arsenal74]

I have done EBC Three Passes Trek... As I did 2 treks in Peru.
Everest tea houses are wormer, but rooms can be very cold. It will be more challenging than Peru

- if you have sherpa ... carry cameras won't be an issue
- batteries - farther away you go, charging cost more and you can only charge in tea houses not in the room (most of the time)
- take backup camera, (my GoPro have some serious battery issues there) you can take some tripod shoots once you arrive to tea house or in the morning, but this is usually when is dinner or breakfast time to have food, but you can always eat later
- you don't have to hike with a group all the time, especially when weather is good. Are you going with guide and porters?

Nepal - Everest Three Passes Trek - YouTube

Enjoy your hike, really spectacular place

Thanks. I am booked through Evertrek in the UK so it is an organised group with porters to carry stuff.

I was very closed to booking the three passes one too, but ended up going with the Gokyo circuit. I saw some trip options that included a night camping at Base Camp which would have been cool, but that was only on the straight there and back routes and I really wanted to do a circuit.

I am expecting the tea houses to be colder the higher I get but yeah, wild camping at 4500m in Peru was blooming freezing!