In this article, we will discuss Everest Base Camp Trekking In Nepal!
Everest Base Camp in Nepal, also known as South Base Camp lies at an altitude of 5364 meters. The North Base Camp is situated in Tibet. These camps are used by the mountaineers during mountaineering.
Everest has attracted men and women since the 1920s. Many people have also died when trying to conquer the highest summit. Even today, the trek to Everest is a wonder to people from different walks of life.
Everest Trek is one of the most popular and adventurous trekking routes in the Himalayan region. Thousands of tourists visit this place each year. It is one of the most beautiful trekking routes in the Everest Region.
It is also well-known among people for its spectacular views and hospitality of the locals. The country is a mix of natural beauty, fascinating culture, and warm hospitality. This is what makes the Everest trek one of the most unforgettable treks in the world.
The Everest Trek offers an inspiring experience with a spectacular view of the highest mountain in the world. It is the most dramatic treks in the Nepalese Himalayas.
The trek goes through places rich in flora and fauna, Buddhist monasteries, and Sherpa villages. You will stay in villages and get to know the unique culture of Sherpas. You will also pass walls of Mani stones engraved with Buddhist prayers.
Sherpas are considered world-famous mountain climbers. This trek will give you a chance to explore the Sherpa Museum and the Saturday Market in Namche Bazar. Through this trek, you will experience the Sherpa Culture.
You will also visit different monasteries. A monastery in Khumjung Village is said to have a Yeti head or scalp which is on display. You will also go for a visit to the first school of the area established by Sir Edmund Hillary (one of the first successful climbers of Mt. Everest)
Sherpa and porters carry food and resources up here with the help of animals.
Trekkers fly from Kathmandu to Lukla to start the trek to base camp. From Lukla, you will trek upwards to Namche Bazar following the Dudh Koshi River Valley which takes two days. Namche Bazar, which lies at 3440 m, is the central hub of the area inhabited by the Sherpa community.
Then you will continue to Dingboche, which lies at 4260 m. After 10 days, you will reach EBC via Gorakshep (frozen lake covered with sand), Kala Patthar (black rock ridge), and Mt. Pumori (7161 meters).
The temperature varies from 25 degrees to -15 degrees Celsius.
Trek Highlights
- Scenic flight from Kathmandu to Lukla.
- Accommodation at ethnic Sherpa villages like Namche, Khumjung, Phakding, Dingboche, and Lobuche.
- View of the 4 highest mountains in the world i.e Mt. Everest (8,848m), Lhotse (8,516m), Makalu (8,481m), and Cho Oyu (8,201m)
- The base camp of the highest mountain in the world.
- View of sunrise from Kala Patthar (5545 m) over Everest Base Camp, Khumbu icefall, and glaciers.
- Visiting the largest monastery in the Khumbu region i.e Tengboche Monastery.
- Trekking through UNESCO World Heritage Site, Sagarmatha National Park.
- Flying to one of the most dangerous airports in the world, Tenzing Hillary Airport is also known as Lukla Airport.
- Experiencing the lifestyle, culture, settlement, and hospitality of the legendary mountain climbers (Sherpas).
Everest Base Camp Weather and Climate
Situated at an altitude of 5200 m, the weather of the Everest Base Camp Tour is very irregular. The temperature ranges from as high as 25-degree Celsius during the day to as low as -20 degrees in a day. The main difficulty is not the temperature but the hurricane winds that develop at the rate of 285 km per hour.
Spring is the best season for treks. This includes the month of March, April, May, and June. However, it is also the most crowded season.
The temperature ranges from 10-degree Celsius to -6 degrees Celsius during this season. The wind decreases to around 8 or 9 km per hour. You can also witness clear blue skies and beautiful flowers.
Maximum climbers try to climb to the summit during the month of May.
Monsoon is not suggested for trekking because of rainfall in the lower altitudes. But, it is mostly dry in the higher altitudes.
Autumn is considered the best season for trekking after spring. It is also a very crowded season.
The temperature changes from 10 degrees to -12 degrees Celsius. The winds race at a speed of 8 to 11 km per hour. You can see a clear blue sky during this season.
Winter is also considered as an offseason.
The temperature changes from -15 to -17 degrees Celsius during the day and gets colder during the night. Hurricane winds spiral around the summit at a speed of 11 to 15 km per hour. The temperature reaches -148 degrees Celsius at the summit making it impossible to climb during winter.
Terms for Everest Base Camp Trekking in Nepal
- Travel insurance is a must. Insurance covering medical evacuations up to 6000 meters is required.
- Trekkers will be liable for extra charges incurred due to the cancellation of the flights.
- Solo travelers may have to share the room with others.
- The cancellation fee is deducted.
Tips for Everest Base Camp Trekking in Nepal
- You need to carry all the necessary trekking equipment. You should take recommendations from your travel agency for the required list of equipment.
- Comfortable trekking footwear is necessary. It should also be waterproof.
- Sunscreen with a high SPF rate is necessary to keep your skin healthy. Polarized glasses are also required to protect the eyes.
- Carry cash instead of relying on ATM cards.
- Carry spare batteries. It can come in handy during an inadequate energy supply for charging phones and cameras.
- Plan an extra day as the trek may be delayed due to unavoidable circumstances like bad weather.
- Hire a guide. It will be beneficial as he/ she will know more about the local culture and natural environment.
- Hire a porter. It will make your trip more pleasant trip as you won’t have to worry about carrying your heavy bags.
- Stay hydrated. It will keep you energetic and help you to adapt to the climate.
Everest Base Camp Trekking in Nepal – FAQs
When should I go to Everest Base Camp Trek?
Trekking is possible all year round in the Everest region. But, March to May and September to December are considered the best seasons for this trek.
It gets hot in May and you should be prepared for monsoon after. The temperature reaches below zero degrees during December, so you need to pack warm. The trek during winter is hard but the route is less crowded.
For more details, see: Best time to travel Everest base camp trek
Are there any age limits for the trek?
There is no age limit as long as you are healthy and give consent. People from the age of 7 years to 70 years old have successfully completed this trek.
Is previous experience necessary?
No. Anyone with stamina and capability is able to cope with higher elevations and temperatures. But, the experience of Everest Base Camp Trekking in Nepal surely helps for maximum enjoyment.
What type of insurance is required?
Travel insurance is compulsory. Insurance covering medical evacuation up to 6000 meters is recommended. If the trekkers arrive in Nepal without any insurance, the company will help to select a policy.
Do I need a guide?
The Nepal Government is considering making it compulsory for trekkers to hire a guide. This is in view of various instances of disappearances of lone trekkers. However, it hasn’t yet been implemented.
Hence, you can travel solo as per your convenience.
But, hiring a guide is still more beneficial as the guide will be knowledgeable about the local culture and natural environment. Similarly, when you are employing someone, it will help them to financially support their family.
How to prepare for the trek?
Fit people on average are able to complete the Everest Base Camp Trek. The Everest Base Camp Trekking in Nepal goes slow and steady. Few stops are also taken for acclimatization.
However, you can prepare yourself by doing cardiovascular exercises like cycling and hiking before the trek
How to pack for Everest Base Camp Trekking in Nepal?
You should always pack lightly. Down jacket, Fleece jacket (lightweight casual jacket), and thermal wear is a must as the temperature decreases along with the increase in the height from sea level. Long pants, sweatshirts or t-shirts (that wicks away sweat), and fleece jacket should also be packed.
A raincoat, gloves, woolen cap, sun hat, polarized glasses, lip balms with SPF, iodine tablets, water bottles, water purification tablets, lamp, waterproof bags, camera, umbrella, thermos should also be packed.
A good quality sleeping bag is required. The temperature can reach -20 degrees Celsius, so the sleeping bag is a must. Footwear should include boots, trekking socks, and sneakers or sandals.
For a detailed packing list, see: Everest base camp trek packing lists
How to stay healthy and safe during the trek?
Taking your time to adjust to the environment is necessary. As altitude sickness is a common problem while Everest Base Camp Trekking in Nepal. Signs of sickness should be monitored. Necessary medications like Diamox should be packed.
Being a vegetarian is a healthy way to go during this trek. Local and fresh Dal Bhat (lentils with rice) will provide you all the energy you need. The sun is harsh in Nepal, hence covering up and wearing sunscreen is a must.
