By Admin 
Overview:
For years, the Earth’s highest peak, Mount Everest has been a popular destination to Adventurers. A trek to the base of the mountain, it is a challenging but memorable journey of a lifetime. A person seeking to challenge oneself for a high-altitude trek or a memorable adventure towards the base of Mount Everest, the journey itself is serene. It’s not just about reaching the destination but also the scenery and sightseeing that the vast landscape has to offer on the way.
The snow capped adventure that awaits a person is a life changing experience. Every year, thousands of Trekkers and mountaineers arrive at Everest to make their way to the top or for most of it they are heading towards Everest Base Camp.
This guide is designed to help and prepare for the trek and answer all the essential questions before embarking the journey of EBC:
Why Everest Base Camp Trek?
Everest Base Camp trek is a scenic view through Nepal’s Khumbu region. This region goes across lush green valleys, rugged trails, Ancient sherpa villages and Buddhist monasteries.It is located at an altitude of 5,364 meters itself is a rare experience to indulge oneself in the beauty of snowy Mountain.The feeling of achievement at EBC is a feeling like no other.
But why EBC and not something else? It’s simple: the Everest Base Camp trek is iconic. It’s not just about getting close to the highest point on Earth but also about the rich cultural and natural beauty of the Himalayas accompanying every step.
Trekking Routes: Long and Short Everest Base Camp Trek
A Standard trek to Everest Base Camp takes 14 to 16 days depending on variables such as adjustments a person has to make in the high-altitude along with the weather. The trail starts with a flight from Kathmandu to Lukla, from where it winds through Namche Bazaar, Tengboche, Dingboche, and Gorakshep, up to the final destination-EBC.
However, for those people who are short on time, there is always an option for a short Everest Base Camp trek. Basically, the short version is a compact version that will take roughly 9 to 12 days, and if one is adjusted well to high altitude, it is meant for the fit trekker only. This is a great option if a person would want to complete the beautiful journey of the trek without spending weeks. One must keep a note that this more intensive itinerary will involve longer hours of hiking and faster ascents in some cases, which may increase the risk of altitude sickness.
What to Expect on the Trek
The trek to Everest Base Camp is satisfying but very exhausting.
Below are some stages you might expect on your journey, starting with the time spent between Lukla and Namche Bazaar:
- Fly to Lukla: The trek starts on gentle grade and easy strides through some picturesque villages.The trail follows Dudh Kosi River valley and crosses several suspension bridges before arriving at Namche Bazaar. Known as the gateway to Everest, Namche is where the majority of trekkers will stop to adjust with the high altitude..
- Namche to Tengboche :
After the adjustments and familiarity with the weather in Namche, the trek continues with breathtaking views through pine forests and alpine meadows. Tengboche is basically famous for Tengboche Monastery and offers great views of Ama Dablam, Nuptse, and then to Everest.
- Tengboche to Dingboche
As the altitude gets higher, the landscape gets harsher but beautiful. Dingboche is another stop, and panoramic views of some of Earth’s highest peaks.
- Dingboche to Gorakshep and Everest Base Camp:
Not least but last! You will hike along the trail from a small village Lobuche, on a glacial trail to Gorakshep. This place is considered the last stop before Everest Base Camp. The route to EBC is both challenging and thrilling from here onwards as you cross over the Khumbu Glacier. You will finally reach the site, the foot of mighty Everest, surrounded by towering icefalls and peaks.
- Optional: Kalapatthar
Many trekkers get up early to climb to Kalapatthar for the kaleidoscopic view of a sunrise over Everest and neighboring Himalayas. Although it is not really part of the Base Camp trek, it is considered to be the best spot to watch Everest with our eyes.
What Makes the Short Everest Base Camp Trek Different?
This short trek reduces the days, which means less time for adjustments and longer hours of walking each day. It is usually undertaken by those trekkers who are experienced or have a habit of living in high-altitude with a very active life. For those who are new to the trek they should adjust themselves prior, probably by doing shorter high-altitude treks or training in a similar environment.
This route is quicker, but it’s riskier due to rapid ascent and fewer rest days. If a short form of the trek is chosen, particular attention has to be paid to altitude sickness. It is necessary to consult with a guide or an organizer of treks in order to work out the itinerary that fits one’s fitness and experience level.
Preparation for Everest Base Camp Trek
Besides bookings of flights and packing, the following few factors need to be considered in preparation for the Everest Base Camp trek:
1. Physical Fitness and Training
Everyone does not have to be a fitness lover or a mountaineer to do the trek but definitely should be in good shape. A mixture of aerobics such as jogging, cycling, or swimming with strength training is a way to develop stamina for spending long days in the mountains. Additionally, a person who has already done hikes prior with a loaded backpack can find it less challenging.
2. Acclimatization
Adjustments in the higher areas are the key to avoid altitude sickness. In other words, the golden rule is to ascend slowly, giving time for the body to adjust with the gain in altitude. During a standard trek, trekkers usually stay for days at Namche and Dingboche. On this trek, where time is limited, trekkers must be super fit, prepared for high altitudes.
3. Packing List
The Weather in the Himalayas is always unpredictable.There are certain things one must compulsorily carry.
- Waterproof jacket
- Thermal layers, woolen caps
- Waterproof Jacket and trousers
- Trekking boots, warm socks
- Trekking poles(sticks) for support
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen
- High-energy snacks
Trekkers can bring their goods according to necessity.
Altitude Sickness and Safety
But one very important reality of the trek to Everest Base Camp is altitude sickness. Symptoms can be anything from mild headaches and nausea to severe conditions. To mitigate risks, follow these safety tips:
- Hydrate: Drink plenty of water-3 to 4 liters a day.
- Slow Down: Go up slower and listen to your body.
- Medication: This would include taking with you altitude sickness medication such as Diamox but only without taking from a doctor.
- Descent: If the symptoms persist or worsen, one should immediately go to lower altitudes.
Accommodation and Food on the Trek
A lot of tea houses are found along the EBC trail. Most of them offer simple accommodation and meals. These facilities may be basic, but they have the basic things to keep you comfortable. Be prepared to have a diet of Dal Bhat-lentil with rice-noodles, momo-dumplings-and bread. The cost of food becomes much more expensive as you go higher due to transportation costs, and so it is better to bring some snacks with you.
When to Trek: Best Time for Everest Base Camp
The best times to do the Everest Base Camp trek are during the pre monsoon: from March to May and post-monsoon : from September to November. These two seasons offer clearer skies and more stable weather. These are the peak months to visit on the Everest Base Camp trek route. Hence, booking accommodations ahead is very necessary, especially for the short Everest Base Camp Trek, time starts to become a great deal more critical.
Conclusion
The trek to the Everest Base Camp is a life changing experience.If you want the best weather in the most beautiful views, the perfect time is spring season (March to May) and autumn season (September to November).These seasons have stable weather conditions, great visibility and an easy time at high altitudes. However, the adventure could be an ideal choice in winter (December to February) as well if you prefer a more easy, less crowded and peaceful experience, just of course be ready for the cold. A trek to EBC means standing right at the foot of mighty Everest: it is not about the arrival at the base of a tall mountain, it is about every step that brought you there.