If you are planning for Everest Base camp trek then you should set you mental strength right along with the gears that you need. To reach at the highest peak in the world is as hard as it can get but not impossible. However, a base camp trek to Mount Everest is a popular option for many as the up close views of the mountain ranges are nonetheless, a lifetime experience to witness.
1. What to expect during Everest Base camp trek?
Expect the unexpected if you are planning for an Everest Base Camp Trek as you will be going through some off-the-beaten paths throughout this wild trekking trail. However, the EBC trek is considered as a moderate trek which can be completed within two weeks. You will be passing through beautiful sceneries of the Himalayan region.
With a climb of 5364 metres to the base camp, you want to be physically fit and mentally motivated. The tracks to the bease camp are well maintained. Along with that, local lodges with high standard (as it can get) and to witness the livelihood of Sherpa Community is a unique mixture in this adventurous journey.
2. Everest Base Camp Trek Major Highlights
Trekking to EBC has always been adventurous. Through the green valleys to the scenic views of the high mountain ranges the base camp trek has provides a lot of surprises throughout the trail. To reach at the base of the world's highest mountain at an altitude of 5346 metres from the sea level is a major highlight in itself.
Along with that, Several other highlights include Sagarmatha National Park (A UNESCO world heritage site of Nepal), Hillary Museum and the Sherpa culture along with the livelihood of the mountains.
Kalapatthar
Kalaptthar is the highest point of the whole Everest base camp trek with an altitude of 5545 metres from the seas level. With that, it provides a fantastic view point to witness the high peak mountain ranges from the top. Many hike to the top during the morning time or by evening to see the beautiful sunrise and sunsets which is one of the beautiful scenes that you can get in the mountains. No wonder, Kalapatthar is one of the major highlights of this trek as it gives you the panoramic views of some the beautiful snow capped mountains in the world.
Tengboche Monastery
It is not just located at the highest altitude but Tengboche Monastery is also one of the biggest and oldest monastery of its kind. Located in the Everest region, it gives a perfect view of Mount Ama Dablam which is one of the beautiful mountain in the whole world. Along with that, the monastery is also surrounded by other high mountain peaks. You can find the monks who pray daily in this monastery. The monastery overall, gives a warm feeling and a prayer to your adventurous journey. It certainly should not be missed during your journey to Everest Base Camp.
Khumbu Icefall and Glacier
One of the major highlights of the EBC trek is the Icefall and Glacier which you can witness in between your journey. The Khumbu Icefall which lies between Mount Everest and Nuptse-Lhotse ridge is 12 km long. The glacier that starts from Everest Bas camp consists of large icefalls.
On the other hand Ngozumpa which lies below Mt. Cho-Oyu (World's Sixth Highest Mountain) and extends up to the Gokyo Valley is 36 km long.
To witness these amazing glaciers of Everest through our naked eyes from the lap of world's tallest mountain gives a different vibe. It has to be one of the key points of this trek.
Scenic Flights to Lukla
One of the major attraction of Everest Base camp trek is a scenic heli-tour to Lukla. Everest Heli tour can be an ambition to many as the beautiful views of the breathtaking mountains like Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, Nuptse, Ama Dablam,Pumori, Mera Prak is a dream to witness live. If it is your lucky day, you might also get to see the beautiful green valley, glaciers from up above. As much as the heli tour is thrilling and adventurous, it is equally beautiful as well. It is no doubt a lifetime experience. You can get the best out of the scenic flight during Spring/Autumn which is the best season for Everest Heli Tour.
3. How to avoid altitude Sickness?
Altitude sickness is a major problem during any trek from above 4000 metres. Here are few tips to avoid it
- Take a couple of days before reaching above 3000 metres, so that you get used to high altitudes
- A climb of 300m to 400 metres per day can be very much handy to avoid altitude sickness
- Avoid dehydration and make sure you drink enough water throughout the trail
- Smoking and drinking alcohol has a severe effect, so avoid it
- Any strenuous exercise for the first 24 hours can trigger altitude sickness, so better avoid it
- Take a day off, rest every 3-4 days to recover your body and strength
4. Training for the Everest Base camp trek
The base camp trek can be completed with no or limited expertise as per its difficulty. However, the trekkers are always suggest to be physically and mentally fit to complete this trekking trail.
Train and improve your cardio endurance, strength endurance as you might want to get ready to carry the backup along with your other gears for a long oeriod of time. Apart from that training on the elevation can come handy. If you have already climbed above 4000 metres or more than it is a bonus. This may help you avoid altitude sickness which can be very much helful for the Everest Base camp trek.
5. Food and Accommodation in Every Base Camp Trek
You can find the local lodges and tea houses at different points of the Base camp trail. The lodges are high standard and you can find tea houses every few hours throughout the trail. The food and accommodation at the Everest Base camp trail are easy to get which makes you comfortable throughout your journey. So accommodation might not be a problem for you during the EBC trek.
Talking about comfort, you might want to carry snacks on your back pack along with the drinking water. This will give youthe energy throughout the day or until you reach to the destination that you have set for the day.
6. Everest Base camp trek permits
If you wish on heading for the Everest Base Camp trek then you need to have two permits for trekking.
Khumbu Rural Municipality Permit is the first one that you will need which costs NPR 2000 per person for four weeks and NPR 2500 per person beyond that. This price is for all the foreign nationals including SAARC and NRN. However, the VAT is not applicable in this given charge.
Next is the Sagarmatha National Park Permit which you can get at the entry gate of the park or in Kathmandu at DNPWC counter- Tourist service centre.
Foreign nationals: NPR 3000 + 13% VAT
SAARC nationals: NPR 1500 + 13% VAT
Nepali: NPR 100 + 13% VAT
Children below 10 years: Free
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