What is Everest Base Camp?
Everest Base Camp is one of the most popular trekking route in the world, taking you towards the south, where climbers start their accent towards the highest point on earth. This is located at the border between Nepal and Tibet. Trekking to Everest Base Camp in Nepal offers you breathtaking mountain views and innumerable cultural insights.
It takes 12-14 days to complete the Everest Base Camp Trekking, depending on your itinerary and tour package. The Everest Base Camp Trek is one of the most challenging treks ever, as it takes trekkers at high altitude of 5,364 meters at Base camp and 5,644 meters at Kalapatthar. So, climbing to Base Camp of the highest mountain in the world is a challenging and adventurous journey.
Lukla – EBC Trek Start Point. How to get there?
Lukla is the gateway for trekkers and mountaineers to the Everest region. To reach Lukla you should take a flight from Kathmandu to Lukla Airport. One of the most challenging parts of this trek is flying to the Lukla (Tenzing Hillary) airport, which is considered one of the most dangerous airports in the world at an altitude of 2,860 meters.
It is also said that landing in this airport is one of the hardest things due to its sloppy landscapes. But with modern technology and tools, the probability of an accident has decreased and can be landed safely. After landing at Lukla airport you will start your journey to the base camp crossing various villages, lakes and forests.
Lukla to Everest Base Camp Trek Route
You will begin your trekking journey to Everest Base Camp from the ancient town Lukla, it takes about 10-12 days to complete this journey. While trekking, you will witness various mountain ranges and beautiful Sherpa villages. The route goes through the famous stops like Phakding, Namche Bazzar, Tengboche, Dingboche, Dughla, Lobuche, and GorakShep. You will be residing in the local tea houses or guest houses through the trek with basic facilities and healthy and nutritious meals. You should hike 10-11 kilometers every day and it is going to be a long walking days.
While trekking to Base Camp you will get to experience various new things like using squat toilets with limited water, limited hot showers, slow Wi-Fi connections etc. You can also explore Sherpa Museums along the way. The path to base camp is challenging and adventurous soaking into the beauty of nature and Sherpa culture.
Who can do the Everest Base Camp Trek?
Both beginners and novice trekkers can successfully accomplish the Everest base camp trek with proper planning and preparations. The only requirement for this trek are mental and physical fitness.
There is no official age limit for the trek to EBC but at least the age of children be 8-12 years with decent health conditions. But taking children below 8 years old is not recommended, as it might be difficult for children to adjust in the cold weather and high altitude. As for grown-ups, people of 60-70 years old should do this trek by consulting the doctor and checking all their physical condition and extreme care.
Overall people with good stamina and Physical conditions can do this trek with proper planning and preparation process. Trekkers with nice mental and physical endurance are more likely to do the Everest Base Camp Trek. While doing the Everest Base Camp Trek, you should walk slowly in order to avoid altitude sickness.
Challenges of Everest Base Camp Trek?
The Everest Base Camp Trek is moderate to strenuous level ramble as you need to be in high altitude for many days. This trek has lots of challenges like long hiking day, high altitude, breathing problems, extreme cold, slippery due to snow etc. For the people who lack physical preparations might be extremely challenging.
The Everest Base Camp route is most popular in the world and it might be crowded in the peak season, thus you will need to adapt with limited facilities in the teahouses and lodges. The changing weather conditions might make you feel uncomfortable. The internet is not good at high altitudes so; you might also feel isolated.
Things to know before doing Everest Base Camp in Nepal.
Prepare Physically and Mentally
Everest Base Camp Trek is not an easy trek. It comes with lots of mental and physical challenges. You might feel out of breath and restless while doing the trek. So, better prepare in advance, do some walking and running exercises, prepare yourself mentally about hardships that can come during your EBC Trek.
Learn more about culture and traditions
The locals of the Khumbu region are Sherpas and they follow Tibetan Buddhism widely. You might see various rituals being performed during your visit, so prepare yourself for cultural exploration. Always remove your shoes before entering religious sites and monasteries. You should try to avoid physical interaction while being in local places like hugging or kissing as people might feel awkward of your intimacy.
Pack smartly
If you are planning to trek the Everest base camp, then you should pack all kind of clothes as weather can be unpredictable and you might face more difficulties. You should pack warm, wind and water proof jackets, nice trekking shoes, pairs of warm socks, gloves, trekking poles, sleeping bags, hiking boots, toothbrush, hand sanitizers, water bottles, water purifying tablets etc.
Choose reliable trekking company
Choosing the reliable and experienced trekking company is one of the crucial thing to do during your trek journey. Before choosing a company research more about their services and review carefully rather than complaining later. Trekking to Everest Base Camp with a reliable agency is vital.
Learn some Basic Nepali Phrases
While doing a trek in the Everest region, you will meet many locals, you should learn some Nepali phrases in order to communicate with them. Not everyone knows how to speak English, so if you want to interact more with locals, then you must know some basic Nepali phrases like Namaste, which is a way of greeting and Dhanyabad i.e., a way of thanking.
Keep Updated about your trekking route
When you are trekking to the Base Camp of the Mount Everest you should know about all your trekking destinations and trails in order not to get lost while trekking. Be friendly with the guides and porters and try to know more about your trekking plans, routes, and significances.
Be careful while walking through the Sagarmatha National Park
Sagarmatha national Park is home to the highest mountain of the world Mt. Everest, and many rare animals along with plants. Animals like Himalayan Thar, Red Panda, and Himalayan Black Bear etc can be seen in this region, so try to avoid them for safety reasons. Do not make noise or throw trash, which can disturb the animals, plants, and birds habituating in this area.
Necessary Permits and Documents
As a trekker heading to Everest Base Camp, you will require particular permits to enter the Everest region. The Permits needed to do the Everest Base Camp trek are given below:
- Khumbu Rural Municipality Permit
- Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit
- TIMS Permit
- Passport
- Nepal Visa
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is very important and compulsory to do the Everest Base Camp Trek. These insurance policies assist in covering your flight expenses in the event of flight cancellation. It also helps to cover the helicopter return expenses if you feel unwell while returning from the Base Camp.
Best Season to do the Everest Base Camp Trek
One of the best seasons to do the Everest Base Camp Trek are during spring and autumn. The temperatures during these seasons are perfect for trekking in the Everest region. Here’s brief discussion about the season and its advantages with disadvantages.
Spring (March-April)
Spring is one of the peak months for trekking with its warm and pleasant temperature conditions. You will see the beautiful rhododendron blooming all over the trekking route. With clear weather and clear skies, it offers the breathtaking mountain views. You can expect a crowed in the tea house.
Autumn (September-November)
Autumn is one of the busiest and best time for trekking in mountains with vibrant weather. The temperature is warm in day time and chilly during night time at higher altitude. It offers the wonderful mountain views along comfortable trekking environment.
Autumn is a festive season in Nepal, festivals like Dashain Tihar and Chhat falls during this seasons adding vibrant festivities in your trekking journey. As it is a suitable time for trekking but the route might be crowded, so, be sure to book accommodation in advance in order to avoid any kind of discomfort during trekking trip.
Winter season (December –February)
Everest Base Camp Trek itself is a challenging journey and trekking in winter makes it even more risky. The temperature during winter reaches freezing at night at higher altitude and extremely cold even in the day time. The view of mountains also might be blocked due to fog and breeze. If you are interested in winter trekking Regal Nepal Tours and Expeditions, you will assist you for comfortable and safe journey to Himalayas.
Why Choose the Base Camp Trek in Everest with us?
Regal Nepal Treks and Expeditions has been providing a great service in the field of trekking. We are specialized in the Everest Base Camp Trekking with extremely talented and knowledgeable guide and porters. We will arrange a guide with good English speaking capability and familiarity with the Everest Region.
We respect your preferences and ideas and will fully co-operate with you. We will help to customize trekking plans according to your wish. We will provide you with good accommodations and transportation services during your travel journey.
You will not regret choosing us for your dream adventurous journey we provide you with Budget Friendly packages which is affordable. We also do not compromise to the safety of our clients so, you can be carefree trekking with us.
Conclusion
Everest Base Camp Trek is one of the fun and adventure journey once in a lifetime. You should prepare physically and mentally, know about the conditions of weather and temperature to avoid being caught on extreme wind, snowfall and rainfall.
Trekking to Base camp is not an easy things, you have to pass through various small suspensions slippery trials and dense forests. Having a nice trekking poles make sure your walking journey more comfortable. Make sure you are updated about each and every detail of your trek, you will surely have one of the best trekking experience to base of top of the world.
