Everest Base Camp Trek. You must have heard of it, dreamt of it or been there. Been there, done that?- You’re ready to skip this blog. Or let’s find the top 10 reasons to trek to Everest Base Camp.
Table of Contents
1) Lukla Airport
Did you know Lukla Airport is one of the most dangerous airports in the world? If not the most dangerous airport in the world. But it is the starting landmark to Everest- the trek starts with a scenic flight to Lukla from Kathmandu. To the point of no surprise, it is a small and busy airport in all of Nepal.
Perched on the slope of the mountains at 9000 feet, Lukla airport has 1,500 feet long, and 65 feet asphalt paved runway. The inclined runway is short with 527m length that leads to difficulty in landing and take-offs. However, there are many flights to and from Lukla every day (at least 40 flights in a day).
The flight is undoubtedly thrilling and rewarding- the incredible sights of the Himalayas, including Everest, will surely surprise you. The flight duration is about 30-45 minutes from Kathmandu. And it is the fastest way to Lukla when we talk about Everest Base Camp trek.
2) Namche Bazaar
Did you know that there’s an Irish Pub in Namche Bazaar, the world’s highest Irish pub? Namche Bazaar is the Sherpa town, and we can say, the unofficial capital of the Khumbu region. It is also called the “Gateway to Everest.”
Namche Bazaar is the Disneyland for trekkers and mountain climbers- it is a colorful market at 3,440m selling everything from trekking gears to Tibetan artifacts and souvenirs. If you forgot to buy something in Kathmandu (for your trek or expedition), you could have them in Namche Bazaar. You can have beers or whiskey, but after the completion of your adventure.
Namche Bazaar bestows stunning views of the Himalayas and brims with hotels, restaurants store, pub, cyber cafe and host a colorful market every Saturday. Namche Bazaar also serves as an acclimatization spot for EBC trek. Make sure you visit the Sherpa Cultural Museum.
3)Tengboche Monastery
Did you know that the Tengboche monastery is the largest monastery in the Khumbu region of Nepal? A Tibetan Buddhist monastery, Tengboche monastery at 3,867 m, is perched on the lap of Ama Dablam. It is one of the prominent monasteries in Nepal.
Tengboche monastery welcomes hundreds of trekkers every year. It hosts a 9-day Buddhist festival-colorful, Mani Rimdu festival every October (autumn). If you want to indulge in this festival, make sure you trek in autumn.
En route to Everest Base Camp, Tengboche is one of the important stopping points. There are enough lodges and guest houses for trekkers to rest overnight. On your way to the Tengboche monastery, you can admire spectacular views of Everest, Nuptse, AmaDablam, Tawache, Thamserku, and Lhotse.
4) Sagarmatha National Park
Did you know Sagarmatha National Park is the first national park that was declared as a UNESCO World Heritage Site? Established in 1976, Sagarmatha National Park is one of ten UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Nepal. The park is home to some of the endangered animals like snow leopard, musk deer, red panda, Himalayan black bear, to name a few.
Sagarmatha National Park is also an abode to more than 100 species of bird, a true paradise for bird-watching at such altitude. Himalayan monal, blood pheasant, red-billed chough, etc. are some birds one can see. The park boasts pine, oak and rhododendron forests.
From the park, you can enjoy awe-inspiring views of towering peaks like Lhotse, Cho Oyu, Thamserku, Nuptse, Amadablam, and Pumori. The diverse landscape, rugged terrain, and massive rocks will surely excite you. The pleasant hike to Sagarmatha National Park adds excitement for your further adventure to Everest Base Camp.
5) Kala Patthar
Did you know that Kala Patthar is the highest elevation of Everest Base Camp trek? Kala Patthar (meaning black rock) at 5,643m is the vantage point in the Everest region to marvel at the breathtaking closeup view of Everest and surrounding peaks. You can enjoy 360-degree views of mountains, including Everest, Changtse, Lhotse, Pumori, and Nuptse.
Kala Patthar is an optional hike, but most of the travel agencies include it on the itinerary of Everest Base Camp trek because it is worth it. You will need to hike for about 2 hours from Gorak Shep. Once you are at Kala Patthar, the views of the Himalayas are otherworldy.
It is not hard to climb Kala Patthar, but the weather can contribute a lot. But rest assured that every step is worth it. To get most out of the hike to Kala Patthar, make sure you catch the sunrise or sunset view over the Everest.
6) Tea Houses
This reason may not be as convincing as above or every other reason, but trust us, it is equally countable among the top 10 reasons to trek to Everest Base Camp. Do you know the meaning of tea house trekking? Hold on! we will reveal it for you (in case if you don’t know.)
Tea house trekking involves trekking during daytime and resting at tea house overnight. En route to Everest Base Camp, there are several tea houses owned by local people; you will sleep and eat at one of them. They serve basic refreshments like tea, dal bhat, local food (home-cooked meals), and normal room at a minimal price.
The rooms are basic and clean with a wooden bed, a thick blanket, and a pillow. Some tea houses offer western menus, and most of them have wifi and charging outlets. Overall, the tea house trek is a good opportunity to experience the local lifestyle.
7) Picturesque Sherpa villages and their culture
Do you know the meaning of “Sherpa?” Sherpa means “people from the East.” The mountain dweller, Sherpa are the guardian angels of the Everest.
Everest is home to Sherpa people and boasts picturesque Sherpa villages. If you are going for a trek in Everest region-be it Gokyo trek or the popular Everest Base Camp trek-you will meet Sherpa people and get fascinated by their enticing culture.
You will trek with them, eat and sleep with them. Once you step in Lukla, you will meet Sherpa people, some being your porter and many of them your crew. The Sherpa town, Namche Bazaar, and Lukla, Dingboche, Gorak Shep, all these villages are home to Sherpa people.
8) Dal Bhat Power 24 hours
What? Dal Bhat Power 24 hours? We heard you. Eating Dal Bhat every day on your way up to Everest Base camp may sound absurd for you. But you will love and want for the Dal Bhat every day; after all, it is the fuel to conquer the soaring height and the most popular meal in Everest and all of Nepal.
It is the staple food in Nepal. Everyone knows that. Don’t you? Dal Bhat is the healthy meal for your adventure to Everest Base Camp. If you are concerned about foods, you need not worry- there are plenty of options.
There’s no denying that you will love Dal Bhat and understand the meaning of “Dal Bhat Power 24 Hour.” The tea house serves you with a large metal tray full of rice, lentil soup, vegetable curry, pickles, and papadum. Sounds healthy? Yes, it does.
9) The base camp of the highest mountain in the world
Everest Base Camp. Period. Imagine stepping on the base camp of the highest mountain in the world, conquering the height of 5,380 m.
Traverse lush rhododendron forests, cross several suspension bridges, rest at many villages, trek for at least 2 weeks, and reach the base camp of Everest. Share the trail with Yaks and legion of trekkers who are on the quest to reach Everest Base Camp. Share stories with Sherpa and indulge in the local lifestyle.
Everest Base Camp bestows incredible views of Everest. It is a symbol of victory, hope, and dream for thousands of avid travelers. Perhaps, the trek to Everest Base Camp is the finest adventure in the world.
10) Mountains, Mountains, and Mountains
Last but not least, we have mountains on our list of top 10 reasons to trek to Everest Base Camp. For your every step in the Everest region, you will be rewarded backdrop of some of the highest mountains in the world. Imagine walking along the rugged trail dominated by Everest and some other highest peaks. That’s Everest Base Camp trek for you.
Marvel at the 4 of the 6 highest peaks in the world- Everest (8,848m), Cho-Oyu (8,201m), Lhotse (8,516m), and Makalu (8,481m). Besides, there are some 6000m and 7000m peaks on your way to EBC. You will be awarded photography opportunities at every bend.
From your scenic flight to Namche and Everest Base Camp, the majestic mountains accompany you. En route to Namche, catch the first glimpse of Everest. Every day, on your way, mountains, mountains, and mountains…
Comment below, if you have some other exciting reasons to trek to Everest Base Camp.
