Everest Base Camp Trek Route is amazing and diverse. It is not like another ordinary trekking trail. The route is epic and the father of all trekking routes in the world. In fact, the route leading trekkers to the base camp of the world’s tallest mountain Mt. Everest (8,848.86 m) is definitely not ordinary. There is a lot of misinformation about the Everest Base Camp Trek.
People are constantly on the internet to find out the actual situation of the route. Therefore, as a responsible Trekking Guide, I have tried to accommodate each and every aspect of the EBC Trek Route. Please read until the end of this blog. Give me your feedback and mail me if it is relatable and helpful for the planning of the Everest Base Camp Trek.
Entry or Trail Head
Everest Base Camp Trek starts from Lukla (2,860 m). This is the small town of Solukhumbu district of Nepal has the world’s most extreme airport the Tenzing Hillary Airport. This is exciting. You can find lots of myths and stories about this airport on the internet. Go check out this footage. The design of the airport and the location both are unique. Hence, It is always exciting to take off and land at this airport.
You will start your trek on a great note. Almost all trekkers on the Everest Base Camp Trek Route meet their crew members (Sherpa & Porters) in Lukla. Once you land in Lukla the instant chill breeze of air that hits on your face reminds you that you are at the home of the mountains.
River and Suspension Bridges
Trekkers have to cross 8 suspension bridges along the trail. These bridges are simply constructed with the support of cables and are unique to Nepal. For most foreigners, these bridges are pretty interesting. It swings with the flow of the air and the way of walking the trekkers do. Therefore, it takes people back to their childhood days. The raging white river flowing below and the swinging bridge to walk on are definitely a wilderness adventure. There are numerous streams, waterfalls and glacial rivers along the route. Dudhkoshi, Imja Khola, Phakding Khola, Solu Jharna, etc. are noticeable rivers and streams on the trail.
High-Situated National Park of Everest Region
Sagarmatha National Park is the highest-situated national park in the world in terms of altitude. Therefore, it is an achievement on its own. One can observe various Himalayan wild animals. You might not encounter the deadly Himalayan animals. The sightings of Himalayan Thar, goats, birds, etc. are normal throughout the route. Trekkers will have to enter the Sagarmatha National Park in the location between Namche Bazaar and Phakding (2,610 m).
Acclimatization Day in Namche
Namche Bazaar and Dingboche are regular acclimatization stops during the Everest Base camp Trek. For a successful trip to the Everest Base Camp, proper acclimatization is highly required. The first acclimatization is done around Namche Bazaar. This place is very iconic. Moreover, It has Starbucks to Irish Pub. It is probably the only high-altitude place where you have discos, eateries and bars of world-class standards. Please don’t misunderstand acclimatization. Lots of people complain to walk on the acclimatization rest day.
This is rather the most crucial action to do during high-altitude trekking. Trekkers are taken to high-altitude places for a while and then returned back to low altitudes for overnight sleep. This mantra is highly suitable for proper acclimatization. Everest View Hotel or Khumjung Village is the final destination during Namche acclimatization while the Nagarshan Hill Top is the final destination during Dingboche (4,410 m) acclimatization stop.
Monasteries, Prayer Flags and Chhortens
Nepalese people are aesthetic. The people of Khumbu are also no exception. There are numerous monasteries and Chhortens along the route. The most iconic of all is the Tengboche Monastery. Besides, This is the place where Mani Rimdu Festival which is the biggest festival in the region after Dumji takes place. Prayer flags are attached to the bridges, trees, houses and walls. When you walk on the trail if I am not wrong you will get the prayer flags, chortens, or monasteries every hour.
Tea houses/Lodges and Food
There are different categories of teahouses/lodges & restaurants. According to your budget, your Travel Agency will offer the itineraries and services accordingly. Trekkers will get the attached bathroom and heating system until Tengboche. However, further up you go you will not get the attached bathroom. You will have to adjust in the common rooms.
Internet, Hot Shower and Battery Charge
Internet use during Everest Base Camp Trekking until Tengboche (3,860 m) is free nowadays. If you have to use the internet after Tengboche you will have to buy a network card. For a hot shower, you will have to buy the bucket system basis on the first night as well. A battery charge of your gadgets or mobile phones requires you to pay from Phakding. You don’t need to pay for these services in Lukla.
Moraines, Glaciers and Thin Air
After Dingboche, the Everest Base Camp Trek Route is mostly above moraines and into thin air. Therefore, trekkers need to take proper care. Slow and gradual walking as well as consumption of lots of liquid is the best way to overcome these hurdles. Lobuche (6,119 m) to Everest Base Camp is completely above moraines. No vegetation and the tiring muscles really make it arduous for some trekkers. Please take care of your body and consume lots of liquids.
Everest Base Camp Trek and Kalapathar
Above all, Please plan for the trip properly. Don’t rush while trekking to the base camp. If you get tired before heading to the top of Kalapathar (5,643 m) then it would not become a very useful trek. Always know your body. Observing the sunrise from Kalapathar (5,644 m) is astounding. Therefore, please don’t miss out on this moment. Lots of trekkers opt not to hike the hill and miss out on the most iconic moment to see Everest up close.
Return Trek
The return trip to Lukla from Everest Base Camp is on the same trail. Even if it is on the same trail the experience is different. My experience of guiding trekkers on Everest proves that a return trip is always mesmerizing. The altitude decreases and trekkers will start to breathe better. The scenery looks outstanding when you return. Don’t miss out on these enjoyments. A return trip is always blissful. Apart from this information, the Everest Base Camp Trek Route is full of mountain vistas. You can get the sight of more than a dozen of mountains.
If you have any difficulties planning for the Everest Base Camp Trek please feel free to contact our travel planners. We will surely try our level best to knit hassle-free trekking for you.