Everest Base Camp Trek

Highlights

Overview

When a trekker plans to set out on an adventure in Nepal, the first thing that pops out in their mind is Mt. Everest. It is often rumored that Nepal is recognized globally as the land of Mount Everest and the Birthplace of Gautam Buddha. Being the tallest mountain in the world, Mt. Everest (8,848m) is a dream destination for travelers around the world. As the name suggests, the Everest Base Camp Trek is the journey to the southern part of the base or the foothills of Mt. Everest. It is an iconic adventure for trekking enthusiasts located in the Khumbu Region of Nepal at an elevation of 5,545 m.

Everest Base Camp – EBC Trek

One of the most popular destinations for tourists and best-selling trekking trails in Nepal the Everest Base Camp, or EBC trek offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, cultural richness, and a sense of accomplishment which can be achieved rarely in other trekking routes. The major highlight of the trek includes breathtaking views of Mt. Everest, in addition to the spectacular vistas of Pumori, Lhotse, Makalu, and Cho Oyu on our ascent to the Everest Base Camp.

During our Everest Base Camp Trek, we will not just gain experience with the changes in altitude; ascending higher towards the Base Camp, we experience the landscape becoming more desolate and rock from lush green bushes at the lower elevation. The trek makes us experience both the greenery as well as isolated landscape and alpine vegetation.

Sagarmatha National Park

Trekking routes to Everest Base Camp abode within the Sagarmatha National Park, which is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Formed in 1976 AD to conserve the flora, fauna, and cultural significance of the Khumbu region, the National Park covers an area of 124,400 hectares in the Solu-Khumbu district of Nepal. The area is home to gigantic mountains, glaciers, deep valleys, and seven peaks over 7,000 meters besides the mighty Everest, or Mount Sagarmatha. It is also home to several rare and extinct species of wildlife and vegetation including the snow leopard, red pandas, Himalayan Monals, blood pheasants, Himalayan Tahr, musk deer, and many more. This is why, trekking to EBC will require to have a permit to enter Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality along with Sagarmatha National Park Permits.

Sherpa – the mountain heroes

Everest Base Camp Trek is not just an adventure with mountain sceneries and natural ecstasy, but also an excursion that offers a deep insight into the local Sherpa culture. Everest region is the home to the prominent Sherpa ethnicity who are often recognized as the born mountaineers. Even the first Everest Summitter, Sir Edmund Hillary made it successful with Tenzing Norgay Sherpa as his companion.

Besides their incredible mountaineering skills, the Sherpa people have a rich history and an insightful culture and tradition. Mostly influenced by Tibetan Buddhism, the Sherpa cultural villages are adorned with prayer flags fluttering with the breeze along the trekking trail of EBC. Likewise, we can visit several Buddhist monasteries that date back to ancient times and hold a rich history. The small monuments like Chortens along with stone inscriptions walled along the trail provide a spiritual vibe during the Everest Base Camp Trekking.

Everest Base Camp Routes: The journey to EBC

The trek towards Everest Base Camp commences with a scenic and spine-tingling flight towards Lukla. Since there is no road access to Lukla, either the direct flight from Kathmandu or via Manthali is the only option to reach Lukla. However, for trekkers with enough trekking days and willing to explore the Everest region profoundly, the Everest Base Camp Trek via Jiri is the best alternative.

The regular EBC trek from Lukla begins with an ascend towards Namche Bazaar which is the gateway to Everest trekking. The route takes us through various Sherpa villages, lush forests, and remarkable landscapes with the mountain panorama in the backdrop. A noteworthy highlight of the trek also includes crossing several suspension bridges including the world’s highest, Hillary Bridge.

During our EBC Trek, we pass through settlements like Tengboche, Dingboche, and Lobuche before reaching the base camp of Mt. Everest after the final ascent from the rocky terrain of Gorak Shep. Every day of our EBC Trek itinerary is a unique experience until we finally get to experience the gratifying awesome sights of the Khumbu Icefall and the surrounding peaks from the Everest Base Camp.

After accomplishing the goal of reaching the Everest Base Camp, trekkers can also hike towards Kala Pathhar – the best vantage point of Mt. Everest. Following the same route, we descend towards Lukla with similar vistas but with a different experience and conclude our EBC Trekking.

Health and Fitness

Trekkers with an adequate amount of fitness can embark on Everest Base Camp Trek without any requirement of prior trekking experience. However, it is very important to be aware of AMS and have sound physical and mental well-being. Along with that, regular exercises and short hikes in the locality before actually embarking on the EBC Trek is also highly recommended.

Best time to trek EBC

Everest Base Camp trails are open for trekking anytime around the year. Planning the best time to trek to EBC depends upon the experience and expectations during the trek. For a beginner, looking to experience the best of Everest trekking, the best times to trek are the months of March to May in the Spring season and September to November in the Autumn. These months are the best time to trek in Nepal with clear skies, mild temperatures, and pleasant weather conditions. However, trekking to EBC in winter despite being freezing chilly, offers a unique adventure for veteran trekkers. In the same way, if you can tackle slippery trails and risks of rainfall, a summer trek to Everest Base Camp is wonderful as well. Contact the team of Nepal Mountain Guide for additional information and plan the EBC Trek to make this a memorable trip of your lifetime.

Itinerary