The Everest base camp trek is one of the most adventurous and popular trekking destinations in the world. Everest base camp nestled among magnificent Himalayas, offers breathtaking scenery, exploration of Sherpa culture and close look to the world’s highest peak mount Everest. This journey usually begins with a flight to Lukla, from where trekkers walk through villages like Namche bazar and Tengboche. The trial passes through beautiful forests and rivers which ascends to higher altitude.
Reaching Everest base camp, located at an altitude of about 5,364 meters (17598ft), is a thrilling experience. Even if everyone cannot climb Everest they can satisfy themselves by having a hike to Everest base camp. This trek takes around 12-14 days including time to adjust to the high altitude which is very important thing to prevent from altitude sickness. Along your trek you can see various lodges also known as tea houses which provides food and shelter to trekkers to make their trek experience amazing.
Things to do During Everest Base Camp Trek
Everest base camp itself sits at an altitude of 5,364 meters. It serves as an enactment area for climbers preparing to scale Mount Everest. The camp offers a close-up view of the very tall Khumbu icefall, one of the most challenging parts of the Everest climb. While Mt. Everest is not visible from base camp but the other surrounding peaks creates amazing atmosphere.
Everest base camp is not only about the natural beauty but also about exploring the unique Sherpa culture. Trekkers can explore monasteries, interrelate with local people and have various traditional Himalayan cuisines like momo (dumplings) and dal bhat. The locals are also very kind and helpful towards visitors.
Before going for Everest Base Camp, trekkers need to be physically fit and must have practice of long days of walking. Trekking equipment’s like good trekking boots, warm clothing and a reliable sleeping bag is very important. And the best seasons for this trek are spring (May-March) and Autumn (September- November) because, during this time the weather is stable and visitors can have a clear view of beautiful mountain and mountain ranges with clear skies.
The Everest Base Camp is a mixture of adventure, natural beauty and cultural discovery. This trek is a challenging journey for a person’s body and mind but offers stunning views, personal growth and unforgettable memories of most wonderful trek. If you are planning to do Everest base camp trek and experience one of the thrilling experience for a lifetime here is a detailed guide on things to do during the trek.
Enjoy the amazing flight to Lukla
The Everest Base Camp journey begins with 30minutes flight to Lukla Airport which is often regarded as one of the most thrilling airports in the world. This unforgettable flight offers a very wonderful views of the snow copped mountains and beautiful surroundings.
ukla airport also known as Tenzing-Hillary Airport, is a small airport located in the town of Lukla, in Khumbu region of Nepal. This is the main gateway for trekkers and mountaineers going to Everest region. After landing at Lukla the trekking journey officially begins towards Everest Base Camp or other surrounding destinations like Namche Bazar and Gokyo lakes.
The flight to Lukla is part of the adventure for many trekkers and climbers who are expecting an amazing journey to Everest region. The flight to Lukla is a thrilling beautiful and challenging journey that adds more exciting adventure to the travelers traveling in Everest region. For the trekkers who want to have an Everest base camp trek this flight will become once in a lifetime experience.
Explore Namche Bazar
Namche bazar also known as the gateway to Everest is busy Sherpa town located on a mountain area. Exploring Namche bazar while enjoying the unique local culture is one of the best thing to do as a trekker. Trekkers can visit various Sherpa museum to learn more about their culture and its history. Trekkers can also hike towards Everest view Hotel for a wonderful view of Mt. Everest, Ama dablam, Lhotse and other peaks.
Namche Bazar has many small monasteries where trekkers can do meditation in a peaceful environment. It helps visitors to learn more about Tibetan and Sherpa culture. These monasteries provide a quiet and divine atmosphere. Visitors can explore more about the Buddhist art, prayer wheels, and holy objects. Almost every monastery is located at most wonderful locations which offers an amazing views of Himalayas.
Namche Bazar has a lots of cozy cafes and bakeries where visitors can enjoy freshly baked goods. Visitors can wander around local bakeries and cafes to have a taste of traditional Sherpa tea and food like Momo, thukpa and yak cheese. It is the perfect place to rest after a long trek. Visitors can also explore around local market and buy handcrafted goods from local shops like woolen caps, scarfs, and many more things. Namche Bazar is one of the best places to visit with its unique natural beauty, cultural richness and adventures.
Explore Tengboche Monastery
Tengboche monastery is located at 3,867 meters (12,687 feet) in the Khumbu region of Nepal. It is one of the most important holy place in the Everest area. This monastery was built by Lama Gulu in 1916. Later due to many natural disasters it was rebuilt as it carries a very long history. This monastery is very important place for Tibetan Buddhism and local Sherpa community. People from Sherpa community are said to have deep connection with Buddhist traditions.
The Tengboche Monastery is surrounded by very beautiful mountains like Mt. Ama Dablam, Mt. Everest, Lhotse and Nuptse. Trekkers like to attend morning and evening prayer gatherings where various traditional instruments are played. While vising this monastery trekker must respect local costumes and they should remove shoes before entering. One of the most important highlight of hiking in Khumbu region is visiting Tengboche Monastery.
Connect with Sherpa culture
Connecting with Sherpa culture is one of the most important thing one should do if they are visiting the Khumbu region or doing Everest Base Camp. The Sherpa culture are said to have some deep connections with mountains and Buddhist traditions, as they are also known as expert mountaineers and guides it is very important to know more about Sherpa culture and traditions.
Sherpa culture shows great hospitality and spiritual devotions. People from this community used to do farming, yak herding and trading but nowadays due to wide spread of tourism and mountaineering it has changed their lifestyle improving their economy but also challenging them to preserve their unique heritage. Although modern tourism has brought many changes they have been preserving their unique culture and traditions.
Explore Himalayan wildlife
The Everest Base Camp Trek offers a very good chance to explore and witness unique Himalayan wildlife in its natural habitat. As visitors hike through the Sagarmatha National Park which is one of the UNESCO world heritage site they will see various flora and fauna growing in a very cold environment. Trekkers might even spot the Himalayan tahr which is a goat liked animal with curve horn, a snow leopard and a very beautiful and colorful bird Danphe which is also national bird of Nepal.
As this trek trial includes Sagarmatha National Park area trekkers must be prepared for encounter with various wild animals like Musk Deer, Red Pandas and Langoor Monkey in deep forest areas. This region is home to various species of birds including Himalayan vultures and eagles flying high above. This trek trial is very adventurous journey as you may spot various wild animals which might attack if you disturb them so, you must not let your trek make impact in their habitat.
Explore Khumbu glacier and ice fall
The Khumbu glacier and Khumbu icefall are two amazing highlights of Everest base camp trek. The Khumbu glacier is a big and slow moving river of ice which flows from the mount Everest to 17 km down the valley. While exploring Khumbu glacier you might hear ice cracking which brings chill through your spines. You can also see sharp ice foundations near that area.
Khumbu ice fall area is a messy area of big ice blocks and various steps drops near Everest base camp. Climbers who are going to climb the mount Everest must cross this. The glacier and ice fall are both amazing natural wonders which are surrounded by beautiful mountains showing the raw power and beauty of nature. Trekking here is challenging and unforgettable with the experience for a lifetime.
Watch the sunrise and Mt. Everest from Kalapatthar
Kalapatthar is one of the most important and popular view point on the Everest base camp trek. The altitude of kalapatthar is around 5,550 meters. It is a hill located near the base camp which offers one of the best views of Mt. Everest and other mountains. Trekkers need to climb a steep path for 2-3 hours from the base camp to get there. You can see an amazing view of Mt. Everest, Lhotse and Nuptse from the top.
Though climbing to kalapatthar can be challenging because of its altitude but its beautiful scenery which is worth accepting the challenge. Trekkers must be encouraged to acclimatize properly before attempting to climb. Trekkers need to take it slow and make sure they have enough time to rest and adjust to altitude. Reaching kalapatthar is one of the most rewarding achievement of the Everest Base camp which will be their lifetime experience.
Reaching Everest Base Camp
The altitude of Everest Base Camp is 5,364 meters. This is the place where mountaineers begin their journey to submit Mt. Everest. Trek to base camp officially starts from Lukla where you can reach by small flight from Kathmandu. The trekking route is crossing through beautiful villages like phakdin and Namche bazar which is a very busy market town where trekkers often wander around and explore the town and local specialty. The trek landscape is amazing with beautiful views of green hills, rivers and mountains.
Trekkers should walk slowly and drink plenty of water in order to avoid altitude sickness as it is one of the biggest challenges of the trek. The weather is unpredictable in this areas with strong temperature, strong winds and the possibility of rain or snow is also very high. However, this trek also gives pleasure as it has amazing views of world’s highest mountain. Trekkers will have a great sense of accomplishment as they successfully complete the Everest Base Camp.
Essential tips for memorable trek
Stay fit: You should at least do basic walking exercise before officially starting the trek to avoid uneasiness during the trek.
Pack smartly: Only pack the things that are essential for your journey including warm clothes, good trekking boots and a first aid kit for emergency.
Drink enough water: Stay hydrated during the trek as it very important to help your body adjust according to weather and altitude.
Respect nature: Try not throw any types of things like wrapper of snacks and plastic bottles during your trek way.
Travel in group: Please don't travel alone for safety reasons. If you don’t want to travel in a group, then at least you should get an experienced guide for your journey.
Conclusion
The Everest base camp is truly an amazing journey that takes trekkers to the heart of Himalayas. This trek lets trekkers to connect through nature and explore local culture. The Everest base camp requires physical fitness and right guidance. All along your trekking way you will stay in tea houses along your way. This trek gives an opportunity to explore the unique culture if Sherpa people. As you walk through this trek you will see various sceneries. you can see beautiful rhododendrons blooming through the way.
If you wish to have Everest Base Camp Trek we suggest you to consider us (Regal Nepal Tours and Travels) for your wonderful journey. We ensure you that you will have a safe and enjoyable trek with us. We will fully take care of the things you need for an amazing journey like various permits, accommodations and guiding. So, if you are ready to witness such a wonder of Himalayas we are here to help you. Give us a chance to guide you in this journey to Everest Base Camp. To book us contact us through email or WhatsApp.
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