Mount Everest is Earth’s highest mountain above sea level, located in the Mahalangur Himal sub-range of the Himalayas. The China–Nepal border runs across its summit point. Its elevation of 8,848.86 m was most recently established in 2020 by the Nepali and Chinese authorities. Mount Everest being the highest peak of the world, every trekker has a dream of getting at least once in their lifetime.
Everest Base Camp trekking starts and ends in Lukla, where sits the worlds’ dangerous Tenzing Hillary Airport. The trekking trail winds through culturally rich Sherpa villages such as Phakding, Namche, Dingboche, Pangboche, Pheriche and Lobuche. All along the trail you will enjoy breathtaking views of worlds’ tallest Himalayan peaks Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Cholatse, Cho Oyu etc. Especially the visit to 300 years old Tengboche Monastery that unravels the unparalleled beauty of Ama Dablam.
BEST ATTRACTIONS
- The wonderful journey to the Everest Base Camp kicks off with a scenic mountain flight to Lukla with magnificent views of the Eastern Himalayan peaks. Named after the first people to successfully summit the Everest, Tenzing Hillary Airport (One of the world’s most dangerous airports)remains the arrival center for trekkers and mountaineers destined to trek and climb the world’s highest peak.
- Traversing through Dudh Koshi valley on the way to the base camp, you will arrive at this beautiful Sherpa village of Namche Bazaar. You will explore ancient villages of Khumbu region including Pangboche, Lobuche, Phortse, Dingboche and the Khumjung, where you discover a monastery supposedly housing ‘Yeti Scalp’.
- A UNESCO listed World Natural Heritage Site, Sagarmatha National Park is a major highlight on your Everest Base Camp trek. It is a protected area for a wide range of Himalayan flora and fauna, spread over 440 square miles of area. Walk through the rhododendron and pine forests where you can see various endangered animals and birds including Himalayan Thar, Musk Deer, Lophophorus (the national bird of Nepal), snow leopard, red panda and many more.
- The famous vantage point of Mount Everest, Kala Patthar offers you the most accessible and close-up views of the world’s highest peak. The highest altitude on your trek at 5545 meters, provides you with breathtaking views of the Himalayan peaks including Pumori, Changtse, Lhotse, Nuptse, Ama Dablam, Lingtren, Khutse, Thangsherkhu and Taboche in addition to Everest. These stunning views from the top of Kala Patthar are simply mesmerizing and make your trek absolutely worthwhile.
LEVEL OF DIFFICULTY
It is said that difficult roads often lead to beautiful destinations, this can be said for this trek too. The journey leads person to reach a calming state of mind, yet there are various obstacles present before reaching the destination. The difficulty level of the Everest Base Camp is moderate. The trekking time two weeks. Even though the Everest Base Camp Trek requires no prior trekking expertise, it is suggested that the trekker should be determined and be physically fit. The weather is harsh, therefore the trekkers must take cautions and carry basic medications or first aid with them.
HOW TO GET THERE
The easiest and most popular way to get to Everest region is by plane. Private airlines operate daily flights from Kathmandu to Lukla. During peak seasons, air seats are scarce. Another option to reach Lukla is to drive from Kathmandu to Jiri and then trek all the way to Khumbu.
BEST SEASON
The best time to visit Everest Base Camp is either side of the late-May to mid-Sep monsoon season. Late Sep-Nov and Feb-May are the main trekking months with fairly stable conditions, good visibility and temps at Base Camp getting up to about -6°C.
However, a helicopter tour can be taken any time the weather is good outside of monsoon season. Winter shouldn’t be off the table, either; as long as you’re prepared for cold temperatures, you’ll be treated to crystal-clear mountain views.
