Safe Holiday Adventure
+977-9849116284 | info@safeholidayadventure.com
  Ask to Expert

Top 9 Highlights of Everest base camp trek

July 1, 2020

Top 9 Highlights of Everest base camp trek

Main Highlights of Everest base camp trek

The Khumbu region in Nepal is a treasure trove of mountain massifs and a land inhabited by Sherpa people, providing plenty of unique experiences to explore. However, while there are numerous things to see and do, some of the key highlights of the Everest Base Camp trek should not be missed.

The trek to Everest Base Camp is an internationally renowned adventure, situated in Solukhumbu, Nepal. It’s not just a walk, but an opportunity to explore the unique traditions and cultures of the Sherpa people.

The journey is punctuated with rest and food stops, and along the way, trekkers cross the Dudh Koshi river, trek past local villages, farmlands, suspension bridges, alpine zones, and Buddhist Chorten.

The journey starts with a 30-minute flight from Kathmandu to Lukla, followed by a 6-hour ascent to Namche Bazaar, where trekkers spend two nights acclimatizing. The journey then continues to Tangboche, Debuche, Dingboche, Lobuche, Gorakshep, and eventually to Everest Base Camp, following the itinerary and guidance of the experienced guide.

The best months to embark on the Everest Base Camp trek are October, November, and March-May, as they offer safer and easier conditions for tourists. During the trek, trekkers stop at guest houses and lodges for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. It’s a demanding adventure, and so physical fitness and mental preparation are essential for a successful journey.

The trek takes nearly two weeks in the high-altitude region, which can be quite cold, so it’s crucial to pack warm clothes before embarking on the trek. Trekkers are advised to bring only what they will need during the journey, and the rest can be stored in a hotel in the city.

Many trekkers have questions about the difficulty of the Everest Base Camp trek, the major highlights, accommodation, and food in the lodges. Thus, Safe Holiday Adventure has compiled relevant topics on Everest Base Camp and provided answers to these common questions.

At least, few major highlights of the Everest base camp trek shouldn’t miss while trekking in the Everest region.

1. Lukla – A beautiful Sherpa town & gateway of Everest trekking

Lukla

Take on at Lukla airport

The Tenzing Hillary airport in Lukla is a must-visit highlight of the Everest Base Camp trek. Located in the Solukhumbu district of Nepal, Lukla is a popular Sherpa settlement in the northeast of Kathmandu. At an altitude of 2,860 meters, it sees hundreds of trekkers fly in and out each day.

Lukla is primarily a Sherpa town with a population of around 1200, although there are other people who run businesses here as well. It is also famously known as the Tenzing Hillary airport, serving as the main gateway for visitors to Everest.

Many trekkers around the world fear the Lukla flight, which is their first challenge in reaching Everest. While it was listed as one of the world’s most dangerous airports in 2009, it has now been updated with modern equipment and technical services, making it a lot safer. The airport is only 575 meters long and narrow, but experienced mountain pilots make it a smooth ride.

If you have forgotten to buy any trekking gear or financial necessities, Lukla is the perfect place to sort it out. There are plenty of shops selling trekking gear, but it’s worth checking the prices in different stores before buying. Bargaining is not commonly practiced in the mountains, but you may be able to get a good deal by comparing prices.

2. Explore Sherpa’s culture and traditions

Stupa in Everest trek

One of the main reasons that the Everest base camp trek is such a popular adventure trip is the opportunity to explore the unique Sherpa traditions and cultures that are deeply rooted in the region. The Sherpa people have a rich history and have developed their own way of life, language, and customs that have been passed down through generations.

One of the most important cultural events in the Sherpa community is the Mani Rimdu festival, which is celebrated once a year. This festival is a colorful and vibrant celebration of dance, music, and prayer that takes place at the Tengboche Monastery, which is one of the key landmarks on the Everest base camp trek.

In addition to the Mani Rimdu festival, the Sherpa people also celebrate other important festivals such as Losar and Dumje. These festivals provide a unique opportunity for visitors to experience the local culture and traditions, as they involve singing, dancing, and feasting with the Sherpa people.

Another interesting aspect of the Sherpa culture is their unique professions and skills. The Sherpa people are renowned for their mountaineering skills and have been instrumental in assisting climbers in their attempts to conquer the world’s highest peak, Mount Everest. They also have other traditional professions such as farming, yak herding, and trading, which reflect their close connection to the land and the mountain environment.

Overall, the Sherpa people are known for their warm hospitality and welcoming nature, making them a highlight of any Everest base camp trekking experience. Visitors can immerse themselves in the local culture and learn more about the traditions and customs of this unique community while on their journey through the Khumbu region.

3. Everest base camp- world tallest mountain,

Mount Everest trekking

The Everest base camp is the climax spot of the Everest base camp trek/trip. There are many eye-catching natural and cultural attractions, but the base of Mount Everest is probably the best highlight ever.

The Everest base camp is an 8-day journey from Lukla and stands at 5364 meters. The Everest base camp is the main spot for the Everest climbers. They camp there for their climbing preparation. Likewise, the EBC is the final destination of the Everest base camp trekkers.

The heavenly-made EBC is located outside the permanent camp, as it is a two-hour walk away from Gorakshep. It is the last settlement of the Everest Base Camp trek. People who reach the Everest base camp have unbelievable experiences of high mountains, the formation of Ice-fall, the glacier, and the sky-touching giant Everest Massif.

From the campsite of the Everest base camp, you are rewarded with a spectacular view of Pumori, Lingdern, Nuptse, Changgatse, and Khumbutse. The view of Everest is not clearly seen from the base camp. But while you are walking gradually towards Gorakshep, there are few spots from where you can observe Mount Everest.

The Everest base camp is really crowded during the season of the expedition. In the months of April, March, and May, there will be hundreds of Everest climbers, guides, porters, and Sherpas, and they all camp at the base of Everest. Next, during the peak trekking season in Nepal, the Everest camp will be busy. For example, trek during the autumn season (September to November) and spring (March to May). In these seasons, the weather and temperature are suitable for trekking.

In summary, visiting the Everest base camp is a must-do adventure for trekking enthusiasts. The base of Mount Everest is not only breathtaking but also an opportunity to witness the hard work and dedication of the climbers and Sherpas who attempt to reach the summit of the world’s highest mountain.

4. Hillary Museum and Sagarmatha National park Photo gallery:

Serpa museum/sagarmatha museum

If you’re planning to trek to the Everest base camp, then a visit to the Hillary Museum is a must. Situated atop Namche Bazaar, the museum and Sagarmatha photo gallery offer unexpected insights into the mountain people and their professions. This museum is open all day and is accessible to all trekkers and climbers.

Named after Sir Edmund Hillary, this museum is a historical relic of the Khumbu region. Visitors frequent this museum and photo gallery for research purposes, as it sheds light on many superstitions and old cultural phenomena.

Inside the Hillary Museum and photo gallery, you can discover and learn so much about the Sherpa community. The visit offers a wealth of knowledge on local Sherpa culture, architecture, lifestyle, traditional agriculture, handmade utensils, the history of mountain climbers, and more. The museum features a vast collection of old photographs of the Khumbu region that showcase a wealth of information that’s hard to believe.

After touring the Hillary Museum, you can also visit the nearby Sagarmatha national park photo gallery. Here, you can gain additional information, primarily about the Khumbu region and Imja valley. During the visit, you can also acclimate to the altitude and witness stunning views of Mt. Ama-Dablam, Mt. Lhotse, Mt. Everest, Thamserku, and other adjoining peaks from the gallery spot.

5. The Namche Bazaar-3450 m

Namche Bazaar, nestled in the heart of the Khumbu region, is a well-established town that attracts a lot of tourists due to its modern infrastructure and traditional charm. The town has undergone significant development in recent years with the construction of new guest houses and luxury hotels to accommodate the influx of visitors. With over 50 guesthouses and various other amenities such as ATMs, pubs, bars, restaurants, bakeries, shops, and a monastery, Namche Bazaar has everything to keep tourists happy and entertained.

Despite the growing popularity of Namche Bazaar, it still retains its cultural identity and is primarily populated by the local Sherpa people. The town boasts stunning views of the Kongde, Thamserku, and Kusum Kangaroo mountains, which make for a picturesque backdrop to the colorful and bustling streets.

Namche Bazaar is the first stop for most trekkers on their way to Everest base camp, Gokyo trek, or climbing expeditions. Due to its high altitude, trekkers need to spend at least two nights acclimatizing here to prevent altitude sickness. The town is also an excellent place to purchase any necessary equipment or supplies before setting off on a trek.

One of the unique features of Namche Bazaar is its Saturday market, which has been a traditional way of selling and buying goods for generations. Every Friday afternoon and full Saturday, local vendors set up their stalls at the edge of town, offering a wide variety of goods ranging from fresh produce to traditional handicrafts. The market is a great place to witness the local culture and to mingle with the friendly Sherpa people.

Overall, Namche Bazaar is a fascinating and vibrant town that combines modern amenities with traditional values, making it an ideal stopover for trekkers and travelers exploring the Khumbu region.

For More info:  Fact about Namche Bazaar.

6. Tengboche:

Gomba at Tangboche

When trekking to Everest Base Camp, a must-visit spot is Tangboche, which is situated on top of a hill at 3,890 meters and is a great place to view the Everest massif. On the fourth day of the trek, the trails take you to this stunning location, offering valley views on both sides.

One of the main attractions of Tangboche is observing the chanting ceremony, which takes place in the morning and evening at the renowned oldest monastery in the Himalayas of Nepal. The monks chant and pray here every day, making it a peaceful spot to experience both the cultural and natural aspects of the region.

During the Mani Rimdu festival, which is usually held in early November or October and is determined by the Buddhist lunar calendar, the monastery is even more spectacular to visit. This is the perfect time to experience the local culture and traditions.

The Tengboche Monastery is the largest in the Himalayas of Nepal, and from here, visitors can see the breathtaking views of Mount Everest, Ama Dablam, Thamserku, and other adjoining mountains of the Khumbu region. If you’re trekking in the Everest region, Tangboche is a beautiful spot to make unforgettable memories.

7. Sagarmatha National park

Sagarmatha National Park, located in Nepal, is a protected area that covers a vast area of 1,148 square kilometers. Its name is derived from the Nepali word “Sagarmatha” which translates to “Everest” in English. The park is not only home to the world’s tallest peak, Mount Everest but also serves as a sanctuary for rare and endangered wildlife species and plants.

Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site, the park features diverse ecosystems, including glaciers, snow-capped peaks, rocky terrain, and forests. The region is home to numerous animal species such as Himalayan Thar, Himalayan black bear, Blackbuck, Deer, and the elusive snow leopard.

Visitors to Everest are required to have a permit to enter the park, which can be obtained in Monjo. The park entry fee is $33 for foreign tourists and $15 for mountain guides. Porters are charged a fee of 50 Nepali Rupees. Before and after the trek, visitors must check in and check out at the Sagarmatha National Park office in Manju.

If you’re planning a visit to Nepal, a trip to Sagarmatha National Park is a must-see. The park offers breathtaking views of the surrounding peaks, an opportunity to experience rare wildlife, and a chance to explore Nepal’s rich biodiversity.

8. Gigantic Khumbu Glacier

Khumbu icefall

Khumbu Glacier is located between Lhotse and Nuptse. It is northeast of Nepal.

The Khumbu Glacier is an impressive natural wonder that originates from Everest base camp, located on the edge of Douglas. It is one of the largest glaciers in the world, stretching over 12 kilometers long. As it descends from the massif Khumbu ice-fall, it is also the highest glacier in the world. The views of the Khumbu Glacier from the Kalapathar hill station are simply breathtaking. The glacier is characterized by numerous small ice lakes, movable rocks, and extremely cold temperatures.

The Khumbu Glacier finally terminates at Lobuche where it begins to melt, and the water flows down to the Imja Valley and eventually to the Dudh Koshi River. Sadly, the remains of some of the climbers who lost their lives while attempting to summit Everest are resting inside the Khumbu Glacier. In fact, statistics show that around 15% of those who have attempted to climb Mount Everest have died.

Despite the dangers, the Khumbu Glacier remains a popular destination for thousands of visitors every week. Its stunning beauty and impressive size attract nature enthusiasts, adventure seekers, and scientists alike.

9. Food during Everest base camp trek

When trekking in the Himalayas, you can expect a variety of tastes and cuisines. In the Everest Base Camp trek, you will be pleasantly surprised by the quality and freshness of the food. The kitchen is clean and the trained cooks serve your food quickly. As food is important for trekkers, the menu is available during the trek where you can order your meals.

The food options are varied and include Indian, Tibetan, Chinese, Italian, and local Sherpa and Nepali cuisine. You can enjoy and experience the local Sherpa food or Nepali Dhalbhat set. Some of the other options on the menu are:

  • Nepali Dhalbhat set served with rice, dhal soup, vegetable curry, pap-dam, and pickle
  • Dumpling food (Momo)
  • A variety of soups
  • Fried rice, fried noodles, pasta, pizza, sizzler, and bread
  • Bread, instant noodle soup, cereals, fried eggs, egg and chicken curry, and more
  • Selected cold drinks are available at guesthouses and along the trails
  • Alcoholic drinks are also available, but it’s recommended to avoid them above 3500 meters for safety reasons.
  • During the Everest Base Camp trek, you don’t need to carry any food as you can easily find food options along the trails.

If you are still more curious about the Everest base camp trek, you have information here EVEREST BASE CAMP TREK FAQs.

© 2024

Safe Holiday Adventure Pvt. Ltd.

P.O.Box: 20065
Nayabazar-16,Khusibu,Kathmandu, Nepal
Cell: 00977 9849116284
Email: info@safeholidayadventure.com, safeholidayadventure@gmail.com


Trip Advisor Trust Pilot

We are associated with

Nepal GovernmentNTBTAANNMAKEEP

We accept