Below are a few Reasons Why You Should Trek to Everest Base Camp:
Great Choice for Trekkers, Nature Lovers, and Photographers:
Everest Base Camp Trek is an amazingly great choice for trekkers, nature lovers, and Photographers. It supplies a great variation for trekkers from easy to extreme trekking. It is certainly a challenge for anyone who seeks to go the extra mile to compete themselves. Besides, it gives you the experience of genuine wilderness trekking into the Himalayas.
EBC trek is not just a trek into the wilderness, it is also a spiritual journey that takes you to the divine sanctuary. It offers you to be in the serenity of the alpine environment and enjoy the divine majestic mountains.
The region of Everest is still untouched by the roadway progression, and it is very rich with the Sherpa culture. So, anyone doing EBC doesn’t miss the cultural aspects of the region, which have been very well retained for ages. Furthermore, the views in the Everest region are simply unbelievable, which delivers photographers ample opportunity for great shots.
In Kathmandu:
Initially, we start our Everest Base Camp journey from KATHMANDU, the Capital city. The lively activities and the busy city traffic that you would witness once you exit the international airport capture anyone’s interest. Shortly after, you will be transferred to your hotel in Thamel, a town hub at the heart of the city.
Your half-day city sightseeing tour of the world heritage sites gives you a lot of insight into Nepal's history and the Tragic 2015 earthquake. Kathmandu, also known as the ‘City of Temples’ OR the ‘City of Glory’, is unique on its own. The city has so much to offer to travelers from far and wide in abundance.
Soon, you start adjusting to your jet lag and prepare for your awaited adventure to the base of the world's highest mountain. However, before you even think of getting to EBC, the thing that matters most to everyone is the thrilling flight to LUKLA, which is indeed a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Lukla: The Gateway to Everest
NOTE: Flight to Lukla largely depends on the time of year you are doing the EBC Trek. If you are trekking in the months of March, April, May, October, and November, then all flights will operate from the Manthali Airport in Ramechhap District. Manthali is 132km away from Kathmandu. Only during the slack season and off-season period, flights to Lukla operate from Kathmandu directly.
The most thrilling experience of the EBC Trek is flying to the Lukla Airport, a small mountain airport hidden way beyond the high mountain terrain. As we take off on a small Twin Otter plane, we cruise into the mountainous valley piercing into the high clouds with an extraordinary view.
Eventually, after a short flight, we land in the inclined airstrip of Lukla Airport. Many trekkers and mountaineers are of the opinion that landing and taking off from the small airport of Lukla is one of the most fascinating experiences of all.
Soon, we get to the most attractive settlement of Lukla. Lukla is a very lively town with all the planes flying in and out, which would be more of a festival. Soon we head out through the town with ample guest houses, bakeries, local shopping stores, bars, etc. Now, we enter the buffer zone following the Dudh Koshi River Valley along the rich, fertile area of Chaurikharkha (yak pasture).
From the very beginning, the influence of Tibetan Buddhism is perceived with all the prayer flags, prayer walls, prayer wheels, and prayer stones with the inscription of Tibetan Buddhist chants. After 4 hours of walking, we get to our first destination of Phakding.
Namche Bazaar: The Sherpa Capital:
After the overnight stay at Phakding, we head out to Namche Bazaar. Namche is the Sherpa Capital of the Khumbu region, situated at 3,440 m/11,286 feet. Despite its remote setting, Namche Bazaar has ample teahouses from basic to super luxury, bakeries, cafes, Trekking equipment shops, Banks, ATM, Health Posts, even pubs and museums.
The town is beautifully but naturally designed, which will fascinate you to be there time and again. There is no clear interpretation of what the name NAMCHE actually applies to or symbolises. However, many believe that in the Tibetan language, NAM means HIGH and CHE means HEAVEN. So, it could possibly mean HIGH HEAVEN, which appropriately fits the way Namche Bazaar appears.
Furthermore, some are of the opinion that the word Namche may refer to Hidden Valley or the Horse Shoe, in which way the landscape of Namche appears. Doesnt matter what may the name applies to, but the fun of being at Namche Bazaar is away from the world.
The town is an ideal stop for acclimatization on your approach to Everest Base Camp. It is certainly a very charming, unbelievable, and very captivating experience to be in a mountain paradise miles away from maddening city life and vehicles.
During the acclimatization day, Trekkers go on an acclimatization excursion high up to the hill of Syangboche or Hotel Everest View. From any of these points, the view of mountains like Everest, Lhotse, Thamserku, the iconic Amadablam, etc, is simply amazing.
There is likewise a local market held in Namche on Fridays and Saturdays where you can buy merchandise from Local Traders who set up their stalls in the Square. Actually, the Namche Bazaar was a significant meeting point for Nepali and Tibetan traders during ancient times, especially during the Salt Trade Era.
Traditional Phortse village: The Most Picturesque Village in the Region:
Situated at an elevation of 3,950 meters / 12,959 feet, Phortse Village is a gorgeous-looking settlement nestled at a plateau that is very quiet and not very commercial. The village of Phortse is considered one of the most picturesque and traditional Sherpa village in the region. While doing the Everest Base Camp Trek, we actually have the best village stops for overnight stays that give you the authenticity of the EBC Trek.
Trek to Phortse Village actually offers travelers a detour, skipping the commercial and regular overcrowded EBC trail. It is indeed very pleasing to be in a different valley away from the crowded regular EBC route and be on a more serene and beautiful route.
As you observe the village of Phortse from the other side of the valley, it appears as a stunning terraced plateau with traditional houses. You will start imagining the feeling of being there in a few hours time. Crossing the Gokyo River, trekkers or climbers walk through the Rhododendron forest to the fertile land of Phortse. As you walk this trail, due to its serenity, there is a high probability of Musk Deer sightings and Pheasants.
This small settlement provides travelers with a great view of soaring snow-capped mountains. The stunning natural surroundings of Phortse are very enchanting. It is an ideal place to stay overnight in the serene mountain environment skipping the commercial EBC trail.
However, gradually Phortse is being recognized by most companies as an alternative route simply for the reason of its fascinating ambiance of being there.
Alpine Dingboche 4410 meters / 14,470 feet:
Trek from Phortse to Dingboche offers travelers a highly elevated trail that supplies anyone with a delightful trekking experience and a stunning landscape view. This newly introduced trail that skips the regular route to Tengboche Monastery is one of the most charming trails in the region.
As you walk this newly introduced trail, you will get an aerial view of the Dudh Koshi river valley and the local settlements, including the Tengboche Monastery. Gradually, the green, lush valley starts transforming into an alpine setting with rugged trails and alpine shrubs.
Despite being away from the tree line, travelers get very close to the grandiose mountain view, which is simply mind-boggling. Eventually, following the glacier river and the Himalayan meadow, we get to yet another beautiful settlement of Dingboche, situated at the height of 4,410 m/14,470 feet.
Dingboche is very well fenced by the lofty peaks at 360°. It is a town where most trekkers and climbers spend yet another acclimatization day, giving their bodies the fundamental time needed to adapt to this thin air. The excursion offers glorious views of Lhotse (the 4th highest mountain in the world), Makalu (the 5th highest mountain in the world), Amadablam, Island Peak, and many more.
Your time spent at Dingboche will be loaded with acclimatization activities, village exploration, and fresh coffee in one of the bakeries is something not to be missed.
Thukla Pass Monuments 4,800 meters / 15,748 feet:
From Dingboche, we now steadily advanced towards our main goal of Everest Base Camp. However, as we proceed towards Lobuche, we cross Thukla Pass, which is, obviously, the most noteworthy highlight while doing the EBC trek.
The Thukla Pass is situated at an elevation of 4800 m / 15748 feet high up in the rugged mountain terrain plateau that gives anyone the most elegant view of the high snow mountains and the Cholatse Lake.
Thukla Pass is loaded with memorials dedicated to all who met with a tragic death or incidents in several mountains in the Everest region, including Scott Fischer. Being at this point sometimes generates a feeling of sadness and grief.
Despite it being a place of Everest's tragic monuments, it’s very delightful with the most amazing panoramic view. The moment we spend at Thukla Pass to take a break or for a quick picture and breathe normally before heading out to Lobuche is sensational.
Tonight our sleeping elevation shall be 4,940 meters / 16,210 feet at Lobuche Town, which is higher than Mount Blanc, the highest mountain in Europe.
The Everest Base Camp 5,364m / 17,598 feet:
Ultimately, after all the hard work and struggle, arriving at Everest base camp, the gateway to the world’s highest mountain, is certainly very satisfying. It’s a moment of pride and achievement. Walking over the boulders and terrain with absolutely no sign of trail other than yak tracks, and finally walking over the active glacier of Khumbu ice-fall is sensational.
In the midst of thin air, to witness the pinnacles of Khumbu ice-fall and all the expedition tents is truly rewarding. Standing close to a sign that reads Everest Base Camp 5364 meters / 17,598 feet makes anyone emotional about their accomplishment.
This beautiful feeling of fascination and motivation turns out to be too enormous to hold. The thrill of standing under the shadow of the highest mountain in the world is so profound and unbelievable. The blue sky, the towering mountain surrounding you, and the pride of your success are certain to inspire and make anyone live their life full of confidence and a positive mindset.
The ascent of Kala Patthar 5,545 m / 18,192 Feet:
After the victorious ascent of Everest Base Camp, we truly need to conquer Kala Patthar, 5545 m / 18,192 Feet, the highest point of the entire EBC trip. The view from the summit of Kala Patthar is simply phenomenal. Both sunrise and sunset views are equally very rewarding.
Standing at the summit of Kala Patthar is like touching the roof of the world. This rocky trekking peak, which can be translated as ‘BLACK ROCK’, offers the most spectacular panoramic mountain view.
Climbing Kala Patthar is really challenging, which involves high altitude, extreme chill, and steep ascent over loose rocky terrain. However, the moment you look around from the summit, all your struggles will melt away. It will be worth and effort.
The entire mountains and the alpine landscapes around creates an amphitheater that will leave you speechless. It is truly said that the ascent of Kala Patthar beginning of the transformation of ordinary travelers into future mountaineers.
Famous Tengboche Monastery:
Heading back down to the treeline really makes a difference. You will breathe a sigh of relief to get back down to a lower elevation with more oxygen to breathe. The overnight stay at Tengboche Monastery, situated at 3,867 m/12,687 feet, is something very spiritual.
Tengboche Monastery holds a fascinating history and significance of Tibetan Buddhist philosophy. The legend behind the construction of the monastery is unique, and your local group leaders are always very pleased to recount the legend.
However, Tengboche Monastery offers travelers a 360° view of the royal mountain, including Everest. The visit to the monastery to hear the mantra (religious chants) and light a butter lamp is of great spiritual value. Being here for a day and enjoying the serenity of the divine setting is something nowhere to be found.
Putting Together:
The Everest Base Camp Trek is undoubtedly the most popular trek that should be on your bucket list. It is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that takes travelers through the historic trail to the base of the world's highest mountain. Now Everest Base Camp has become a premium destination that you can visit EBC all through the year, from January to December.
It is a world heritage site with awe-inspiring mountain views and picturesque landscapes, and it introduces you to the Tibetan Buddhist culture. It is an experience not found elsewhere. Every year, thousands of trekkers and climbers from far and wide come to attain their long-cherished dream to stand at EBC.
Additionally, the legend states that the quest for Everest has been there since the early 1920s. The future states that the quest is equally permanent and will never cease.
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