Everest Base Camp Trek

Mysterious and Exotic, Nepal holds prime position in the imagination of every mountain lover and trekker in the world. It is home to the bulk of the Himalaya and of course Mt. Everest, planet Earth’s highest peak. In fact, of the world’s 14 highest peaks, 8 are in Nepal. It is also the birthplace of Buddha and home of the famed porters and mountain climbing Sherpa. This mixture of mountains and ancient culture make Nepal a magical land of superlatives and an absolute delight for trekkers..

Himalaya means Abode of the Snows and of course the main purpose of any self respecting pilgrimage to Nepal is to reach out to the Himalaya. To touch a piece of these wild and jagged abodes. To feel their power. And of course, to walk among the high peaks and deep valleys. To trek. And Nepal is perhaps one of best places in the world to do just that. Considering that 80% of the villages of Nepal are not connected to roads, walking is the way everybody and everything (carried by porters) gets around. So as a result trekking is just natural here.

There is probably no other trek that offers as much classic Himalayan scenery step after step, day after day than the trek to the foot of Mt. Everest. In addition to the fantastic vistas, there are rewarding visits to the villages along the trails. Most of the culture is Buddhist Sherpa. There are some Migrant Hindu Nepalis who work in the shops and guest houses. Plus you will probably see traders who have ventured from Tibet to the markets in Namche and even further south

Starting at Lukla the trail winds through pine forests and the beautiful xxx valley. After a steep climb to Namche bazaar you enter a more alpine type environment. Beyond Tengboche the villages are essentially only locally inhabited in the summer only although the guest houses will be open and staffed during the trekking season. But from here on you are in the high altitude Himalayas

There are two primary destinations for the average trekker. Everest Base camp at 17,500 feet is the stepping off point for most mountaineering expeditions to summit Everest is one. The other is perhaps more impressive from a trekkers standpoint, it is a small chunk of rock nestled at the foot of Pumori Mountain overlooking Everest Base Camp. This modest piece of earth is called Kala Pataar (translated as Black Rock) and its top sits at 18,200 feet and commands stunning views of Mt. Everest, the surrounding massif, Everest Base Camp, The Khumbu Glacier and finally the famous Khumbu Ice Fall--which are all part of one of the most breathtaking 360 degree panorama's available in the world! At least to those traveling on foot without rope and ice axe.

Fundamentals

Days Trekking: 12
Distance: 92km 57mi roundtrip
Maximum Elelvation: 18,200ft Kala Pataar 17,500ft. Everest Base Camp
Starting Elevation: 9,400ft
Approximate Elevation Change: 13,900ft one way
Price Range Independent: $300-700
Price Range Outfitter: $1200 - 3,500
Challenge Level: Difficult

Orientation

The Himalayan range crests across northern Nepal sharing the border with Tibet. The Solu Khumbu Region which is home to Mt. Everest is 200 kilometers east of the Nepali capital of Khatmandu. Lukla is at the meeting point of the Himalayan foothills and the Himalayn Range. The trail winds north towards the Basecamp. Everest itself saddles the Border between Nepal and Tibet.

Highlights

  • Full-on daily Himalayan spectacular
  • Tantalizing views of Mt. Everest - the highest mountain on Earth
  • See many of the places that made Everest mountaineering famous including Everest Base camp, Namche Bazaar, Climber memorials and get good looks at the Khumbu Ice Fall, Hillary Step and the Yellow Band.
  • Sunday Market in Namche Bazaar
  • The famous Buddhist Temple at Tengboche
  • Festivals at Tibetan New Years in the Spring and Fall Festival

When to Go

The prime trekking seasons in Nepal are fall and Spring. Fall in Nepal is October to early December and the Spring season runs from mid February to mid April. Fall offers clearer skies and more crowds on the trails. Spring presents a greater possibility for dusty or hazier skies Spring also gives you a chance to see the spectacular Rhododendrun Trees in bloom.

Guided vs Independent Treks

Nepal is perhaps the birthplace of the independent tea house trek. In the “old days” before guided treks, travelers ventured forth into the mountains going from village to village and staying at the same little tea-houses where locals stopped for a night rest and a cup of tea on their own journeys to and from their homes in the mountains. more...

Access / Local Information

Kathmandu is the gateway for most Himalayan Treks. The Du is an easy flight from Bangkok, a little longer from Hong Kong and a puddle jump from New Delhi, India. You can also cross in to Nepal by land from India. more..

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