Mt. Everest is just more than the Himalayas and the journey to its base camp is more than just a trek. Standing at an altitude of 8,848 m, Mt. Everest is the world's highest mountain, and its base camp is just on its lap of 5,300 m. Above sea level. Everest base camp trek route is “the steps to heaven,” as it proves once you trek along. In every corner, it offers photography opportunities, Butterflies, Mani Walls colorful prayer flags, Monasteries, Glacial moraines, and foothills. The Everest Base camp trek is a once-in-a-lifetime adventure for memorable things to do in the Nepal Himalayas.
The Everest trek from Kathmandu begins after the half-hour-exciting Mountain flight to Lukla. Only small twin otter aircraft operate Lukla flights mostly in the morning. Follow the Dudh Koshi river and reach the Sherpa village of Namche Bazaar “the way to Everest Base Camp '' It is a big city in the heart of the Himalayas of the Khumbu region. The Coffee shop, furnishing Bars, and Bakery offer a super relaxing spot for all trekkers. There are several places to explore in Namche such as The Monastery and Museum, Thame village (way to Renjo-la pass to Gokyo Lake), Khumjung Valley, and visit the Hillary School to spend some time with kids. The luxurious five stars hotel is also available in Namche Bazar at Syangboche on the top of the hill, from where Mt. Everest, Lothse, Nuptse, Amadblam, and Mt. Thamserku are just in front.
Culture and Customs of Everest Base Camp Region
The Everest base camp trek route has two sections: Solu, the lower part and Khumbu is upper part of Lukla. Most Rai and Sherpa people live in the lower part, but the upper part is covered by native Sherpa communities. The Khumbu is more popular in Sagarmatha National Park and Base camp trek. The Khumbu region is a major destination for trekking and mountaineering. Every year the number of tourists visiting this region increases. Such a growth of tourism has several socio-economic and cultural consequences. The main base of the economic life of Sherpa communities has been changed from agro-pastoralist to tourism-based business. Upon arrival in this area, welcome you with a big smile and greetings with folded hands. Whatever they serve, they serve with a big smile. Sherpa people believe in Buddhism and almost every house has a small Pooja room for praying. As they live in the Mountain area they always wear “Bakkhu and Docha” meaning warm sweaters and socks made of Yak wool.
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Scenic Viewpoint in Everest Base Camp
Sagarmatha National Park area has several scenic viewpoints. Every corner is vibrant and precious for photography. Mountain goats, butterflies, snow leopards, Musk deer flora and fauna may be encountered any time of your walking. Mountain yaks are very common to see, as local people are using them as a mode of transportation to carry loads from place to place. However, there are some points that you should not miss visiting.
Lukla: It lies on the lap of mountain hills, The flights are coming and going from Kathmandu. Mini-market on Saturday, the Sherpa hill town, and the monastery are the major attractions. The cost of the flight from Kathmandu to Lukla is 216 USD and the flight from Ranechap to Lukla is 176 USD per person.
Namche Bazaar: Namche Bazaar lies at an altitude of 3,440m. This is a getaway to the Everest region trek. This is the perfect place to have an acclimatized day before heading up. Monastery and Sherpa Museum, trans-Himalayan trade on Saturday, buying all kinds of items that you may forget to pick up from Kathmandu.
Everest View Hotel: This is the finest viewpoint of the Everest Base Camp trek. You can see Mt. Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Tengboche Monastery, Khumbu Valley, the last village of Dingboche, and many more. It is true that this is a small heaven on the planet.
Kala Patthar: The meaning of Kala Patthar is “Black rock” in Nepali. Situated on 5,545 m. the Pomari is in the background. This is the finest viewpoint for Mt. Everest and its neighbors. This is the closest viewpoint to Everest. Sunrise and Sunset are mind-blowing. Sunset is recommended!
Everest Base Camp: The finest place to inhale the purest air. It is a 3-hour walk from Gorak Shep. Many expedition teams set up their camps here. The biggest Khumbu icefall, glacial moraines, and the prayer flag hung by the expedition team.
Food in Everest Base Camp Trails
As mentioned above, local people were based on agro-pastoralists but nowadays, they are shifting their business into tourism business. From Lukla to EBC is 63 km. having more than 300 guest houses and lodges along the way. So there are several tea houses and restaurants along the route serving the best available food. The food is amazing, serving from Nepali traditional meals “Dal-Bhat” to Western cuisine like pasta, pizza, burger, mo: mo, and many more. Still, it is recommended to have some snacks like energy bars and Muesli bars just for Tit-Bit!
First aid kits for Everest Base Camp
First aid kits for travel need to be more comprehensive because a drug/Medical store may or may not be available. In addition to personal medical items, the kit should contain items to help improve the common symptoms of viral respiratory infections. However, you better consult your home doctor. Here are some example:
- Fever
- Nasal congestion
- Cough
- Sore throat
- It should also contain items to treat:
- Cuts
- Mild pain
- Gastrointestinal problems
- Skin problems
- Allergies
- Diamox/acetazolamide ---for altitude
The weather forecast in the Everest region
Nepal is a Himalayan country and the weather is very unpredictable all over the world. Nepal has six seasons in a year as below:
Basanta Ritu (Spring), Grishma Ritu (Summer), Barsha Ritu (Rainy), Sharad Ritu (Autumn), Hemanta Ritu (Pre-winter), Shishir Ritu (Winter)
However, it is commonly practiced 4 seasons in Nepal as below:
Spring: March to May, Max. temperature of 18°C and a minimum temperature of 4°C Spring season is considered as a moderate of the year to have trekking and mountaineering in Khumbu region.
Autumn: Late September to early December, the visibility is excellent, and many people enjoy this time for trekking, Max. Temperature 15°C and min. temp 10°C
Winter: Late December to Early March, this is the coldest time of the year, and trekking activities are not common term max.-10°C and min. -20°C This time would be the best time to hide from the crowd.
Summer: Jun to Late September, This is a monsoon season in Nepal, and trekking activities are less due to the poor visibility. Max. temp.16°C and min. temp.8°C
Things to Pack for the Everest Base Camp Trip
The following information will give you some idea of what you need to bring for the trek as the backpack and the gear play a vital role in the successful trip, and we suggest you have all the necessary gear for the trip and not have unnecessary equipment/things that you will not be using for the trip and list of the gear you need for the trek are:
- Four seasons Sleeping bag (Possible to rent in Kathmandu).
- Duffel or Rucksack bag
- Daypack for yourself
- A down Jacket
- Shade hat
- Warm wool hat to cover your ears
- A pair of lightweight warm gloves.
- T-shirts 2–3 pieces
- Lightweight thermal tops.
- Fleece jacket.
- Fleece Wind-Stopper jacket (optional).
- A pair of nylon hiking shorts quick-drying one
- Underwear
- Two pairs of lightweight long underwear.
- Two pairs of trekking pants, preferably that zip on/off at the knees so they double as shorts
- Four pairs of line warm socks
- A pair of light to medium-weight waterproof hiking/trekking boots.
- A pair of light trekking shoes for camp/lodges
- A pair of sandals (Optional)
EBC Trekking Route (map)
A 14-day Everest base camp trekking map are here, including your arrival in Kathmandu and departure days. Global Adventure Trekking generates this map for an idea of where and how far you are going. You can find the full details here.
Other Trekking Route in Khumbu region.
The Everest region trek is a never-ending adventure trek in Nepal Himalaya. There are some other trek routes that are similar to Everest Base Camp. Please see below.
Conclusion:
A 14-day Everest Base Camp trek from Kathmandu is the top bucket list trekking activities. The given day-to-day itinerary is an outline. Everest base camp trek is a full tea house supported by guides and porters. Global Adventure Trekking is happy to offer you a customized trek itinerary, cost, and services as per your requirements. Everest Base Camp Trek costs between 825 USD per person on the Bed and Breakfast plan.
