Visit Everest Base Camp
Nepal is the central hub for trekking and no one can rebuff it. With eight out of fourteen highest peaks in the world to scale up, it’s a core hiking destination for eternity. Wait, that’s not all, it even offers a bunch of short treks for anxious trekkers who want to catch the glimpse of mountains.
These short treks will have them so close to reaching the summit and yet too far. Out of all these accessible hikes, Everest Base Camp is the most coveted. Travelers from wide across the globe huddle at Lukla to commence expedition and savor dramatic views.
Travelers are quite impressed by the eye-popping grandiosity and magnificence of Everest Base Camp. Dreamlike views of snow-capped mountains, luscious forests with rhododendrons, and rolling landscapes will make the trek worthwhile.
Walking the hillside to base camp is a nostalgic experience especially with all the ancient Chortens, prayer wheels, and primeval villages. The idle walk on a steep slope and weaving path with rocks and debris is an adventure on its own.
To visit Everest Base Camp, trekkers will have to rove the classic trail from Lukla after taking a short flight. Because the region is so wide, you can also visit Everest Base Camp by coursing from Jiri which is as thrilling as the former. It too offers a marvelous view of the Himalayan range including Lhotse, lush-green meadows, and waterfall.
Where is Everest Base Camp? How long does it take to reach there?
The most hyped trekking destination in Nepal, Everest Base Camp is tucked at the foot of Khumbu Glacier. It sits right on the top of a glacial valley at 5,364 meters in the South after Gorakshep.
Much like Nuptse, Everest Base Camp also roosts inside Sagarmatha National Park in Khumjung Valley. Therefore, each hiker hastening to reach the camp will have to take consent at the center ahead of entering the sanctuary.
Most of the walk from here is uphill which is quite strenuous and requires a great deal of time along with physical strength. All things considered, it takes altogether 10-14 days to clamber base camp depending on the travel plans and acclimatization.
The 40 miles long trek starting from Lukla passes through several quaint villages including Phakding and renowned Tengboche. Namche Bazaar is a town to stop by for many trekkers and adapt to the changing climate.
Along the way to base camp, you’ll run across wild forests, tireless meadows, and cliffs. Climbers will spend a day or two in Dingboche adjusting to the altitude and preparing for a long walk ahead.
For those who want to take an alternative route that involves no flight, brace yourself for a never-ending trail. The path will see you visit Everest Base Camp but with more trek difficulties and strain.
When is the best time for Everest Base Camp Trek?
Most climbers intrigued to ascend Everest Base Camp favors mid-October when temperatures are warmer with a gentle wind. Following this, the weather falling right after the monsoon season is inherently pleasant and dust-off.
Moreover, the average day temperature of Base Camp is 12 Degree Celsius in October. Likewise, this promptly drops to -6 Degree Celsius in the night, causing visitors to shiver. So, even if you’re traveling to the camp in Autumn, make sure to pack a few woolen clothes or fleece jackets.
Early September receives light rainfall along the route to Base Camp so it’s much better if you come in mid-September. Spring season also hosts a significant number of people in the wake of lovely weather. Also, temperatures from late March to April are moderate and around 45 Degrees Fahrenheit.
Here, nights are, for sure, cold but not as much as it was in Autumn. Most of the time, the temperature doesn’t drop below freezing temperatures, in which case, even the places at high altitude cooks.
Getting the least thumbs-up from trekkers when it comes to traveling base camp is Winter and Monsoon. Out of these two, the former endures severe weather with temperatures falling below -10 Degree Celsius.
On the other way round, Monsoon faces blazing hot weather with the temperature soaring up to 22 Degree Celsius. But the heavy rainfall with thunderstorms makes the hike awfully difficult. Furthermore, the tracks are usually covered in mud, causing the trekkers to slip and lose balance.
In particular, the strain of walking the trail to Everest Base Camp in rain doesn’t end here. Moreover, there’s a good chance that you might not get a clear view during the season due to storm clouds and rainfall.
Preparation and Equipment for Everest Base Camp Trek
Everest Base Camp Trek may seem like a cakewalk before Mount Everest but it’s not as easy as it looks. Similarly, trekkers will have to push boundaries in order to rise above the rugged trails and steep hillside before finally arriving at the base camp.
Scrambling peaks and troughs for almost 2 weeks or even more is a major undertaking. And to get through it, you’ll require strong training for both physical and mental. In addition to that, you must set aside enough time to shop for essential equipment required in hiking.
Instead of hastening, take all the time needed for groundwork and plan the things accordingly. Hence, visit Everest Base Camp but with full preparation so that you don’t have to bother later.
Physical Preparation
Physical exercise is not just a choice but an imperative need when you’re on a trip like Everest Base Camp. As a multi-day hike, it demands immense physical power otherwise you stand no chance of completing the excursion.
In short, flexibility is the secret to conquer tough walks of 6 to 7 hours each day. Therefore, focus on stability for building core strength and vitality. Moreover, start the training at least a month before the actual hike.
In this way, you’ll have no pressure doing intense exercises like cardio, squat, and planks. If you’re a beginner don’t jump into hardcore exercise right away, instead, go for the easy one. In due course, you must warm-up yourself before the hike by taking frequent short walks and a few long ones. However, it’s not compulsory as you can visit Everest Base Camp without previous experience in trekking.
Mental Preparation
Pro trekkers may not find it all-important but beginners should definitely prepare themself mentally for the hike. Moreover, without the right state of mind and emotional independence, it’s virtually impossible to make the trek happen.
So, anytime you consider climbing Everest Base Camp, hold your head up high and get a grip. Likewise, it’s no bad to study the terrains you’ll be navigating on just to reach the base camp as it’ll give you a brief idea of how long to walk. Furthermore, carry nutrient supplement drinks or high-carb food which will give you energy.
Essentials needed during Everest Base Camp Trek
Arranging essentials for trekking is as pivotal as scheduling the workout for physical and mental forbearance. Without the right equipment, you cannot do the trek at any cost. Make the right judgment and buy the gears based on which time of the year you’re traveling the region.
Autumn and spring have humid weather so you’ll need light cotton clothes that wick moisture. Winters endures cold weather followed by heavy snowfall and storms therefore, carry high-insulated jackets and trousers. Crampons take the load off while climbing the snowy terrain during winter. Hence, you must visit Everest Base Camp with the most essential equipment rather than the gear picked randomly.
Clothing
- Lightweight fleece jacket and shirt to prevent cold
- Moisture-wicking t-shirt
- Long sleeve short for bugs and sun)
- Glove or mittens to avoid frostbite during winter
- Rainwear jacket
Footwear
- High-insulated climbing boots in winter
- Synthetic or wool socks
- Mountaineering boots
Other miscellaneous
- First-aid kit and supplies
- Hand sanitizer
- Reusable water bottle
- Charger and power bank
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Everest Base Camp Trek Difficulty
1. Altitude Sickness
Altitude sickness is common during Everest Base Camp trek as climbers have to ascend the elevation of 5,364 meters. That’s not all, they’ll have to take some extreme walks that are nothing but arduous.
Starting from the minor symptoms like headache, Altitude sickness slowly attacks the lungs and brain. So, you should be taking the illness seriously and get the needed medical help just in time.
Altitude sickness usually occurs when you ascend higher elevations too fast without acclimatizing. This can make you lose your appetite and even hypoxemia due to shortness of breath. Thereupon, whenever you’re scaling Everest Base Camp, go slow in the beginning and gradually catch the pace.
Besides, take a day off after each strenuous walk and allow the body to adjust to the changing temperature. Likewise, stay hydrated to prevent altitude sickness and if it still didn’t work for your interest then take medication or climb down. Finally, whenever you visit Everest Base Camp, make sure to acclimatize fully. In that way, you’ll be able to enjoy the adventure.
2. Weather and Temperature
Not to scare off but the weather and temperature of Everest Base Camp can be brutal at times. It changes whenever you go higher altitude or the base Camp during the off-season. Hence, prepare for the worst so that you can surmount each and every obstacle that may occur in due course.
Winter generally endures the roughest weather amongst all seasons. Starting from December till January, the temperature remains below -10 Degree Celsius. Meanwhile, this causes heavy snowfall in the region, compelling the guest houses and lodges to shut down.
Therefore, for your own sake, it’s better not to visit Everest base camp during winter. But if you still insist, take the necessary precautions and get yourself suited in super-insulated clothes.
3. Accommodation
Accommodation is another major challenge for trekkers climbing the region in April and October. In particular, it’s the time when travelers from across the pond visit Everest Base Camp, provided mild weather. In such circumstances, visitors will have trouble finding a place to dwell at a fair price unless it’s done in advance.
Generally, the trails are so crammed with people during peak season that there’s actually a race happening to reach the domicile and enjoy the service. Thus, not to let that happen, you must book the room in advance at teahouses and lodges.
Ways to visit Everest Base Camp
Trekking to Everest Base Camp could never get old and easy especially when you’re doing it in winter. The hike will challenge you with the time as well as patience from the time you start hiking from Lukla airstrip to retracing the steps back to the airport.
But this is only when you’ll catch a flight to Lukla from Kathmandu and work your way to the base camp. In case you take an alternative route winding from Jiri, the hike will last even longer.
To be more precise, it’ll take almost a month to wrap up the trek. Stretching up to 170 km long, the trail will see you wading through rhododendron forests, rising hills, and traditional Nepali villages.
There is no better way to kick off the Everest Base Camp trek than taking the most iconic route commencing from Lukla. Travelers from wide across steers the rugged trail heading to the base camp but before that, they take a scenic flight which is only 40 minutes long.
Savoring the unrealistic beauty of snow peaks and fjords, you’ll take down the Lukla airstrip. After a short tea break, you’ll continue hiking towards Phakding for about 4 hours on the mountainside with a stunning view of the Dudh Koshi River.
On the following day, we’ll ascend uphill at a slow and steady pace after the river valley and through rhododendron forests. Heading our way from Manjo village, we’ll enter Sagarmatha National Park and cross the suspension bridge over Dudh Koshi to reach Namche.
Since the quick change in climate is apparent after Sherpa town, you’ll spend a day acclimatizing. To make the day worthwhile, you’ll take a short hike up to Syangboche as it provides an irresistible view of Everest.
Upon returning to the village, you’ll have a short outing to the market for last-minute shopping in case there’s anything left. Leaving Namche Bazaar behind, we’ll move to Tengboche next morning on a track.
As the high winds oppress the sound of yak bell, you’ll come high above the village passing beautiful Chortens and mani walls. Besides that, the trek requires you to walk on a wooden bridge and steep trails covered in dust. You’ll spend a night in Tengboche, visit the symbolic Tengboche monastery built in Tibetan style and have a chit–chat with locals.
After exploring Tengboche, it’s time we head to Dingboche which takes nearly 6 hours of walk. Descending the hill and coming across Imja Khola, we’ll pave our way to Dingboche village. For another acclimatization in Dingboche, you shall be taking a tour of Chukhung village or instead clamber to Nagarjuna Hill.
Making headway from Dingboche, we’ll take a zigzagged route and ascent glacial mountain village Duglha. After passing the glacial moraine, we’ll end up at Lobuche. Over the next two days, we’ll walk up to Base Camp via Gorak Shep, take a peek of Everest and even climb Kala Patthar.
After witnessing the beauty of Everest from so close, we’ll retrace our steps back to Namche Bazaar. From there on, we’ll climb our way down the hills and through the forest to arrive at Lukla. On the morning of our last day trip, we’ll board the flight at Lukla airport and set off for Kathmandu. With that, you’ll triumphantly visit Everest Base Camp and also explore the religious and cultural sites of Kathmandu.
Standard Route Itinerary:
Day 01: Arrival at Kathmandu
Day 02: Sightseeing in Kathmandu
03 Day: Flight to Lukla, Trek to Phakding
Maximum Altitude: 2,610 meters
Flight Distance: 138 km
Trek Distance: 9 km
Flight Duration: 40 minutes
Trek Duration: 4-5 hours
Day 04: Trek to Namche Bazaar
Maximum Altitude: 3,445 meters
Trek Distance: 7.4 km
Trek Duration: 6-7 hours
Day 05: Acclimatization in Namche Bazaar
Day 06: Trek to Tengboche
Maximum Altitude: 4,350 meters
Trek Distance: 4-5 hours
Trek Duration: 9.2 km
Day 07: Trek to Dingboche
Maximum Altitude: 4,410 meters
Trek Distance: 10.8 km
Trek Duration: 3-4 hours
Day 08: Rest day at Dingboche
Day 09: Trek to Lobuche
Maximum Altitude: 4,940 meters
Trek Distance: 7.9 km
Trek Duration: 5-6 hours
Day 10: Trek to Gorakshep, Hike to Everest Base Camp
Maximum Altitude: 5,364 meters
Trek Distance: 8 km
Trek Duration: 4.5 hours
Day 11: Hike to Kala Patthar, Trek to Pheriche
Maximum Altitude: 5643 meters
Trek Distance: 10.8 km
Trek Duration: 7-8 hours
Day 12: Trek to Namche Bazaar
Maximum Altitude: 3,440 meters
Trek Distance: 14.3 km
Trek Duration: 6-7 hours
Day 13: Trek to Lukla
Maximum Altitude: 2,860 meters
Trek Distance: 13 km
Trek Duration: 8 hours
Day 14: Flight to Kathmandu
Maximum Altitude: 1400 meters
Flight Distance: 138 km
Flight Duration: 40 minutes
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Itinerary of Everest Base Camp from Jiri
Not many people set their excursion to Everest Base Camp from Jiri but anyone who does it is left awestruck by its beauty. Starting up from the 10 hours drive on a busy highway of Araniko to reaching Mulkot, we’ll witness astonishing scenery, alongside the roaring river of Sunkoshi.
Driving above the terrace farm and watching Gaurishankar Himal, we’ll arrive at a small Sherpa village called Bhandar. The next morning after having a simple breakfast bowl, we’ll continue our trek to Sete. Climbing down the ground level, we’ll chase a small stream and walk through the forest before plummeting the canyon.
In over 6 hours of trek, you’ll pass Barandas, walk along the bank of a river to Kenja and ascend Chimbu to arrive at Sete. On the fifth day of the EBC trek, we’ll scramble up a steep hill and walk steadily through the forest filled with magnolia, maple, and birch in the early morning.
With the gained elevation of 140 meters, we’ll come through Lamjura Pass beside fir and hemlock trees. Finally, after scrambling from the side of a painted mani wall and over the cliff, we’ll get to the fabulous Sherpa hamlet Junbesi.
As the trek becomes a bit from here, we’ll take a day off today and use it to explore the town. There are a bunch of places to visit in Junbesi that includes ancient Buddhist monasteries, Tashi Thongmon Gompa, and Thubten Choling Monastery in the valley.
From here, the trail moves on a wooden bridge over Junbesi Khola and follows the steep slope back and forth Khurtang valley. Inclining towards the north, our trail ascends Ringmo village toward Takshindo La before descending to coniferous forest. Savoring the mesmeric snow-capped mountains and pouring river, we’ll turn up Nunthala.
In the course of time, we’ll pass two primeval villages Bupsa and Ghat, both sitting at the Khumbu region. To arrive at the village, we’ll have to cross several suspension bridges, walk above terrace farms and walk past water-driven mills.
After Ghat, we’ll follow the classic trail heading to Everest Base Camp by ascending the hills to Namche Bazaar. Thereupon, crossing the suspension bridge with prayer flags over Dudh Koshi River and passing quaint like Jorsole and Monjo, we’ll reach the famous Sherpa village.
Later on, after the tiring walk of several days, it becomes imperative to take time off from hiking and let the body rest. Moreover, to make the day efficacious, you can take a short walk up to Everest View Hotel at 3,841 meters or visit the Sherpa Culture Museum.
The following day, we’ll traverse above the valley, taking a craggy route to make a stop by Tengboche and Dingboche. From here, we’ll mount the trail from the edge of the hill and a steppe above Pheriche.
In due time, after almost 6 hours of trek, we’ll finally reach Lobuche however, the big day is still a day away. Next day, we’ll climb the jagged route crammed with small rocks all the way to Gorak Shep. After the brief visit of a lodge in this small village, we’ll continue our trek to Everest Base Camp that takes about 2 hours.
Post arrival at the base camp, you can explore the breathtaking landscapes, moving glaciers, and beamish Mt. Everest. After
From there, we’ll head our way back to Phortse passing the Pangboche monastery and Sherpa Cultural Heritage. Subsequently, slowly climbing the way down to Manjo and reaching Lukla, we’ll catch our flight to Kathmandu.
Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu
Day 02: City Junket and Trek Preparation
03 Day: Flight to Bhandar
Maximum Altitude: 2,200 meters
Drive Distance: 145 km
Drive Duration: 9-10 hrs
Day 04: Trek to Sete
Maximum Altitude: 2,520 meters
Trek Distance: 10 km
Trek Duration: 6-7 hrs
Day 05: Trek to Junbesi via Lamjura Pass
Maximum Altitude: 2,680 meters
Trek Distance: 10 km
Trek Duration: 7-8 hrs
Day 06: Exploration day at Junbesi
Day 07: Trek to Nunthala
Maximum Altitude: 2,250 meters
Trek Distance: 9 km
Trek Duration: 6-7 hrs
Day 08: Trek to Bupsa
Maximum Altitude: 2,360 meters
Trek Distance: 12 km
Trek Duration: 7-8 hrs
Day 09: Trek to Ghat
Maximum Altitude: 2,590 meters
Trek Distance: 13 km
Trek Duration: 7-8 hrs
Day 10: Trek to Namche Bazaar
Maximum Altitude: 3,440 meters
Trek Distance: 14 km
Trek Duration: 7-8 hrs
Day 11: Acclimatization and Exploration Day
Day 12: Trek to Tengboche
Maximum Altitude: 3,870 meters
Trek Distance: 9 km
Trek Duration: 6-7 hrs
Day 13: Trek to Dingboche
Maximum Altitude: 4,410 meters
Trek Distance: 8 km
Trek Duration: 6-7 hrs
Day 14: Rest day at Dingboche
Day 15: Trek to Lobuche
Maximum Altitude: 4,910 meters
Trek Distance: 7 km
Trek Duration: 5-6 hrs
Day 16: Trek to Gorak Shep, Hike to Everest Base Camp
Maximum Altitude: 5,364 meters
Trek Distance: 14 km
Trek Duration: 7-8 hrs
Day 17: Hike to Kala Patthar, Trek to Pheriche
Maximum Altitude: 5,550 meters
Trek Distance: 15 km
Trek Duration: 7-8 hrs
Day 18: Trek to Phortse
Maximum Altitude: 3,810 meters
Trek Distance: 10 km
Trek Duration: 5-6 hrs
Day 19: Trek to Manjo
Maximum Altitude: 2,830 meters
Trek Distance: 17 km
Trek Duration: 7-8 hrs
Day 20: Trek to Lukla
Maximum Altitude: 2,845 meters
Trek Distance: 14 km
Trek Duration: 5-6 hrs
Day 21: Flight to Kathmandu
Maximum Altitude: 1,400 meters
Flight Distance: 138 km
Flight Duration: 40 minutes
Day 22: Departure