Introduction
Conquering the colossal Mount Everest, with an altitude of 8848 meters, requires unwavering grit, determination and courage. It is not just about climbing this mountain as the journey teaches you lessons which you will remember for a lifetime. Most of us do not have the physical fitness or endurance level to be able to undertake this difficult challenge. Having said that, if you wish to prepare yourself for the ultimate climb or even want to experience one-fourth of the adrenaline rush that comes with this adventure in the Himalayan region, then the Everest Base Camp Trek is meant for you. Do not miss out on this opportunity!
How to Reach?
The Everest Base Camp or EBC trek begins in the beautiful country of Nepal. You will be arriving at the Kathmandu Airport and from here, you will be heading towards Lukla by flight. However, you can also take a bus or hire a jeep to Phaplu or Khari-Khola and the trek till you reach Lukla. During your trip, hire a tour guide who can help you with the directions because you will be traveling to a different country.
Best Time to Travel
If you are planning to traverse the trails of Mount Everest then you should plan your itinerary well and know the best season to travel to the Everest Base Camp. During the months between end February to middle of May, the weather remains pleasant for trekkers to go for the EBC trek. The summer and monsoon months are usually avoided by tourists because the paths may become very slippery and cause accidents. The autumn season from September to the end of October is also a favorable time because the skies are clear and the journey is a little easier because there is less snow on the way.
Everest Base Camp: Journey Overview
First Leg:
Once you arrive at Lukla, you will be heading towards Phakding and trekking for the next 3.5 hours. The journey is interspersed with verdant valley’s, hills and gushing streams as you make your way to Ghat Village. Once you reach this quiet and scenic location, take some rest at the local tea shops and then visit the Rangjung Monastery. From here, you will be able to catch a glimpse of the stunning Kusum Kanguru peak and many others. The following day, you will travel from Phakding to Namche Bazaar. The village is located along the glistening Dudh Koshi river and the path is adorned by Rhododendrons that add color to the terrain. Further down the road, you will have to cross a suspension bridge which is an ideal spot for clicking pictures to remind you of your trip.
Along this route, you can savor the views of the majestic peaks of Thamserku and Kwangde. After a while, take some rest in the quaint villages of Toktok, Monjo, Benkar among others and interact with the local Sherpas. Once you reach Namche Bazaar, explore the shops and take note of the things that you might want to buy on your way back. You can also buy any essential thing for trekking that you might have forgotten to bring with you. On the third day, leave from Namche to the picturesque Khumjung Village on the foothills of Khumbila. You will be able to witness the beauty of some of the most well known peaks of Mount Everest, Amadablam and Lhotse. After an uphill trek and crossing the lush alpine forests and meadows, you will come across a flat platform known as the Syangboche Airstrip. At an altitude of 3780 meters, it offers you a panoramic visual of the Himalayan ranges and is ideal for photography as well as for people flying by helicopters.
Later on, you can visit the Namche Museum and marvel at the Tenzing Norgay statue and pay your respect to the legendary Sherpa and mountaineer. The Khumjung Village is also home to an interesting artifact called the Yeti Scalp located in the Khumjung Monastery. Here you will be able to feel the spiritual aura of the Buddhist culture and traditions. There is also a school set up by Edmund Hillary which imparts education to the local children. At night retire to the Tea House or Mountain Lodge and take rest for the next stage of the journey.
Second Leg:
The following day, you will be moving from Khumjung to Tengboche. You will have to cross the forest and hills to reach Dudh River and then hike upwards to Tengboche. Once you reach here, you can visit the Dawa Choling Gompa and partake in the religious practices. If you have planned your trip carefully then you might even be able to attend the Tengboche Mani Rimdu Festival. From Tengboche, you will be making your way to Dingboche. On your way if you need any sort of medical help or treatment then you can go to Pheriche Health Post. Once you reach the Imja Valley which takes you through a glacial surrounding and is beautiful to look at. Travel along the Lobuche River and cross the agricultural lands to arrive back at Dingboche and complete this part of the trek in 7 hours. Spend the next day exploring Dingboche which is full of stone walls and tea houses, agricultural terraces and capture the visuals of the mountain peaks of Lhotse, Makalu and Cho Yu.
Trekkers usually gather some energy and rest at Dingboche. Given the high-altitude conditions, you should stay here and acclimate yourself to the surroundings so that you do not feel sick during the next few days. Later on, head towards Lobuche and traverse the terrains covered with ice before you reach the frozen marvel called the Khumbu Glacier. After spending some time admiring the vistas, head towards the Dughla Pass. This stretch is considered to be challenging because of the steep ascents and narrow pathways. To commemorate the brave souls who died on their way here, there is a mountaineer’ memorial here as well. Along the way you will be able to see many exotic Himalayan species such as the Himalayan tahr and pika as well as birds of different kinds. After a hectic day, leave for Lobuche and once you arrive here, retire to your cozy rooms at the mountain lodge for a good night’s rest. .
Coming close to the highlight of this trip, travel from Lobuche to Gorak Shep and witness the beauty of the pristine Khumbu Icefall which is a moving glacial landform. Against the backdrop of the peaks of Nuptse, Pumori and Lhoste, this looks like a mirror on the ground. The Gorak Shep is a local village which serves as a resting stop for the trekkers before they make the climb to the Everest Base Camp. Once you reach Kala Patthar you witness the magic of the golden sunset illuminating the snow-white mountain peaks and as you reach the camp, the stunning visual just becomes better.
Third Leg:
After spending some time soaking in the serenity of the peaceful mountain region at Kala Patthar, head back to Pheriche. This is a resting point on the way back and you should stop at the Tea shops to talk to the local population and learn more about them as well as their culture. From here, move towards the Namche Bazaar , making your way through the Tengboche and Phungi Thanga villages where you can catch a glimpse of the Sherpa lifestyle. The verdant landscape and the Tibetan flags add color to the surroundings. In Namche Bazaar, shop for souvenirs like traditional handicrafts and local produce. Indulge in local delicacies like momo, Thukpa, Yak Cheese Tsampa and drink the local Tongba while you are here. On your way from Lukla to Kathmandu, navigate your way through the woodlands and waterfalls as you arrive at the capital city of Nepal. Spend a day or two doing tourist activities such as adventure sports and visiting popular tourist attractions.
Things To do In Kathmandu
There is something in store for everyone in Kathmandu. After the success of this remarkable climb, prayers are offered at the various religious sites like the Pashupatinath Temple, the Changu Narayan Temple which has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the famous Tibetan Monasteries of Swayambhunath Stupa, as well as the Boudanath Stupa. Pay a visit to the iconic places such as the Durbar Square and the Museum in Bhaktapur to learn about the country’s history. If you have time in hand then visit the vibrant Asan Markets and other shops at Thamel. Other than that you can visit the Sagarmatha National Park or the Garden of Dreams for some sightseeing and then retire for the day. As you bid goodbye to this culturally rich city, take back loads of memories until you visit again.
Conclusion
The Everest Base Camp Trek teaches you various lessons and helps you to uncover your hidden potential. At the end of the journey, the exhilarating feeling is addictive and you will be motivated to achieve greater feats. This is just the beginning of a rewarding journey.
