Everest Base Camp Trek: A trek into the Himalayas

It would be an understatement of the century to say Everest Base Camp trek is a well-known trek. The trek is one of the most popular treks in the world for many reasons. It takes you to the foot of the world’s highest mountain – Everest, being one.

The destination of Everest Base Camp trek is amazing while the journey in itself is rewarding with breathtaking views of the magnificent Himalayas, for instance Mt. Ama Dablam and Mt. Thamserku to name a few.

Everest Base Camp trek can be done in 15 – 20 days depending on your itinerary or how much time you have on your hand. Best time to go for this trek either from March – May or September – December for the finest views.

Thousands come on this journey to experience an adventure like no other. During peak trekking season in Khumbu, some even say it feels like a sacred pilgrimage for one’s soul. While others feel it has adventure in every step of the way.

From the time you land at Tenzing-Hillary Airport aka Lukla Airport which is deemed one of most dangerous airports in the world to standing at 5545m on top of Kala Pathar and coming face to face with the juggernaut of the Himalayas, it just couldn’t be explained. You have to be there to absorb the grandeur and adventure this trek has to offer.

Once you’ve entered Khumbu and the trek starts in Sagarmatha National Park. You will be greeted by Himalayan wildlife such as yaks and blue sheep. When you hear the bells of yak trains (line yaks carrying supplies) coming your way, move out of the way.

Enjoy walking through serene forests of rhododendron which happens to be the national flower of the country. You will get to walk alongside Dudhkoshi River at the start of the trek and cross a number of suspension bridges, a few of which will send a shiver down your spine.

After a tiring and steep climb to crescent bowl shape Namche Bazaar (3440m), you will get to enjoy some down time before you start your trek further into the land of the Himalayas.

Since you will be walking in above 3000m in elevation, there is risk for altitude sickness. It can affect anyone, even the healthiest and fittest of trekkers. So, there are mandatory acclimatization breaks while trekking to Everest Base Camp, one in Namche and another one in Tengboche.

When you are on these acclimatization rest days, you can either relax and do some laundry and hang around in the lodge or you can go out and explore or go on short hikes.

While in Namche you can stroll around the bazaar, selling clothes, trekking gears and equipment. You can shop for souvenirs after the trek here or have some delicious coffee and bakery items. Namche Bazaar is considered as the capital of Khumbu region. And maybe that is the reason why Namche enjoys having WiFi facilities although a bit on the expensive side. This means you get to send some important e-mails, or post some selfies with the Himalayas in the background even before starting the trek.

As for acclimatization in Tengboche, you can hike to Tengboche Monastery the largest monastery in Khumbu region and Pangboche Monastery, the oldest one. There you can get a glimpse into the world of Tibetan Buddhism and get blessings from the chief monk for your journey.

Since this is one of the best treks in Nepal, there are small tea-house establishments along the trekking route that are equipped with hot showers and western style bathrooms. Ah, modern amenities!

And after a long day’s walk you can shower, rest and rejuvenate in tea-houses along the way. Chat up with fellow trekkers from around the around. Exchange the day’s highlights and low points as well as life stories and make new good friends who have come along with you on this wonderful journey. You will meet people from all walks of life both young and old.

Besides the awe-inspiring force of nature, you get to meet the locals and experience the culture of Khumbu region.

Saying “Tashi Deleek” or “Namaste” (Hello) with a smile can be great ice-breaker with the locals leading to a warm reception. The locals here will welcome friendly and tired trekkers in their homes and can show you snippets of their daily lives.

Walking to Everest Base Camp at 5340m you will see mountaineers from different countries during climbing season preparing or simply resting before climbing the highest mountain in the world. From camp you can see the ever-changing Khumbu Icefall that mountaineers have to successfully pass through if they wish to conquer Everest.

Kala Pathar 5545m is another significant highlight on the trek. Stand on top of it and you can feel the sheer magnificence of the Himalayas. You get the panoramic views of the Himalayas from Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Pumori and many more along with Khumbu glacier and Lho La (a pass connecting Nepal to Tibet-China).

There aren’t many people who can say that they have stood at the top of Mt. Everest. It is truly a feat. Mountaineering may not be everyone’s cup of tea, but don’t let that stop you from experiencing one of the greatest joys this world has to offer. Trekking into the Himalayas!