All you need to know about Everest Base Camp Trek

The trek for Everest Base Camp (EBC) also known as Steps to Heaven takes place in Nepal and not only brings trekkers close to the world’s highest peak but also allows them to witness other three of the world’s highest mountain peaks namely Mdash Cho Oyu which is at 8,201 meters, Mt. Makalu that is 8,470 meter and mt. Lhotse that is 8,516 meters. As you set on the trek you can see the gradient of landscape changing from bright green farms and meadows.

Trek 

The Everest Base Camp trek is an approximately thirteen days long round trip that requires 80 km to cover. The trek starts from the southern part of Lukla and heads towards Namche Bazaar in the North. Khumbu Icefall which is the first obstacle to climb on Everest beings from here. Heading further come Dingboche and then Lobuche. A litter further towards the East comes our destination Everest Base Camp. It was the expedition of Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay that gave birth to the Everest Base Camp when they decided to have a place at the base of the Himalayas for storage of needed equipment rather than trekking them up to the whole Khumbu Valley. The whole route is divided into 13-16 miles so that enough time for acclimatization and rest is provided to the trekkers, thus most hikes are of just 8 hours each day due to the physical challenges and breathtaking views that needed to be stopped for. After a few days of initial trekking the path levels up a little bit and losses tree cover until Gorak Shep.  If you are travelling during November and March well then snow covers are common to find.

The terrain of the trek changes gradually from green meadows and Alpine and ironwood jungles that are witnessed at the beginning to the rigid moraine at the end of the trek. 

Goodies:

Sagarmatha National Park Museum: provides a beautiful display of the Khumbu Sherpa community. The majestic view of Mount Everest and Nuptse. 

Dingboche Viewpoint: provides the panoramic view of Khumbu Glacier and Imja Khola Valley. 

Kala Patthar: though the hike to the point is hard it’s a win when on the top at 18,208 feet. It unarguably provides the best view of Mount Everest. 

Gorak Shep: Found at the base of the Kala Patthar and home to the Sherpa people, it’s a small village that seems alienated from the world with its heart-dropping views. 

Difficulties

As the trek is exceptionally hard it demands physical fitness. There are many factors that make this trek a hard one some being the rough terrain, high altitude, distance conveyed each day and acclimatization. 

Things to carry

Sunscreen And sunglasses: as sunburn happen quickly at high altitude do not forget your essentials. 

Sweaters and warm wear: the temperature at high altitudes are quite unpredictable thus one is advised to bring along proper layers to accommodate. And changing weather by rising altitude and changing days. 

Medicine: As it takes time to get used to high altitude, acclimatization is common and the exit journey is extremely difficult. And bring the required medicines. 

Cash: once on the trek you won’t be getting any ATMs nearby. And the whether it’s buying food or booking a room. The teahouses in Sherpa villages you need cash in hand. 

Batteries: At high altitude batteries drains quickly be it Kindle, camera or phone thus one is advised to bring along spare batteries. And some teahouses do allow you to charge your devices they also demand cash for it. 

Route

By air, one can fly from Delhi to Kathmandu Airport whereas via rail. And you have to depart at the Raxaul Junction in Bihar. And where you have to reach at Indo-Nepal border which is 5km away. From here you can take a bus/cab or taxi to reach Kathmandu. Once reached Kathmandu you can very fly to Lukla.

The trek for Everest Base Camp (EBC) also known as Steps to Heaven takes place in Nepal