Everest base camp trekking is a dream adventure for millions of wide-world travelers, just to catch a glimpse. As well as to stand beneath the world's tallest Mt. Everest, surrounded by the massive highest mountain range on the planet Earth.
01: The Everest Base Camp Trek.
Mt. Everest base camp trekking is one of the most popular and famous adventurous and scenic destinations in all Himalayas. The influx of trekkers and adventurers has increased over the past decades since the conquest of Mt. Everest in 1953. By the legendary mountaineers Tenzing and Hillary, the Lukla Airport is named in tribute to these heroes of Mt. Everest.
Most visitors describe it as one of the most dangerous airports, but it is not as bad as people feel it. It is a unique airstrip, where thousands of trekkers and mountaineers fly to Lukla every good season of the year.
Lukla is a popular town, due to its only airport the flight from Kathmandu and vice-versa operates every day. On a fine clear day, the flight operates from early morning till late afternoon sometimes. Lukla is located at a height of 2,805 m or 9,200 feet.
The trek to Everest base camp is more than 12 to 15 days or more. Covering a distance of 62 km and 38.5 miles one way, starting the walk from Lukla town. The trail follows through traditional Sherpa villages and walks into a nice cool forest with ever-present views of snow-capped peaks.
The Everest base camp trek is truly an adventure of a lifetime experience one can enjoy stunning sceneries, throughout the walk. From Lukla where most treks and various adventures around high Khumbu start and end.
The charm and beauty of the Everest base camp trek, besides the spectacular scenery of mountains, is the immense culture of Buddhism. As well as the warm and friendly hospitality of the native Sherpas, the highlanders of Everest, and the eastern Himalayas.
02: The flight to Lukla.
For the Everest base camp Hike, there are a few options like using the original classic route from Jiri town. As well as from the lower Solu area south of Khumbu and Everest or walk from Arun Valley via Salpa pass. But the shortest, swiftest, and shortest is taking a flight from Kathmandu to land at Lukla’s Tenzing & Hillary Airport.
The short 30 to 35 minutes, is a mesmerizing flight from Kathmandu to Lukla, facing jaw-dropping views of Himalayan peaks. Includes a grand glimpse of Mt. Everest, Lhotse as far as Mt. Makalu with an array of snow peaks. The spectacular views of the Himalayan range on flights, add more delightful moments on the Everest base camp Journey.
Lukla Airport Gateway to Everest Base Camp Trekking.
03: Enjoy the experience of once in a lifetime adventure.
Starting from Lukla, every pace of the treks is pleasant exploring traditional Sherpa villages, and glorious views of the surrounding scenery. Truly a great adventure to experience once in a lifetime with varied landscapes terrains, vegetation, and different temperatures.
As the walk leads you from cooler green hills and valleys to the higher country towards sheer mountain wilderness. The scenic trail leads you with constant views of the towering snow-mountain range from the beginning till the end at Lukla. Besides exciting views and fascinating cultures explore the villages with much to experience on this wonderful Everest base camp trek.
Like following the high route, walking on moraines of ice and glaciers toward the bottom of the world’s highest peaks. The strenuous climb up to the highest point on top of Kala Patthar with incredible views of Mt. Everest. It is worth a lifetime experience to be in the far corners of the Himalayas.
04: Respect the local cultures as a Responsible Trekker.
The Everest base camp trek is full of surprises walking into beautiful woods of tall rhododendron and pine trees. Walking from one nice village to another where all human settlements are adorned with Buddhism heritage and cultures.
On the trail coming across rows of prayer walls inscribed in Tibetan letters with religious significance and symbols. Where trekkers should respect walking in the right direction clockwise, as well as entering religious places and monasteries.
The guide will inform you about the rules and dress code before visiting the monastery interior. On walks keeping the trail as pristine as it was, carrying your litter to respective disposal sites. When trekking through villages and meeting villagers with big cheerful smiles saying ‘Namaste’ is the word for all-purpose and greetings.
05: Sagarmatha National Park, listed among the world’s heritage sites.
Everest base camp and the whole of the Khumbu area from the village of Monjo fall within Sagarmatha National Park. The park was established on July 19th, 1976 under the management of the Nepal National Parks and Wildlife Conservation Act. Sagarmatha is a name for Mt. Everest in Nepal, and the Sherpa is called Chomolungma similar to the Tibetan language also.
In both languages means a Great Mother as big as the Ocean, and the park designated in UNESCO World Heritage Site. In 1979 became the world’s first natural heritage site in Nepal, as well as the highest park on the planet. All trekkers need to obtain entry tickets before heading towards the onward journey at the National Park entry post near Monjo village.
Larja Dobhan Suspension Bridge on the way to Namche Bazaar.
06: Exciting high bridges to cross and experience.
On crossing short and longer exciting suspension bridges from Lukla to Monjo and Sagarmatha National Park entrance. After entering the park head towards the small and last settlement of Jorsalle before climbing up to Namche Bazaar. The trail heads down and up to cross over a suspension bridge above Dudh Koshi River to reach Jorsalle. A place with several Tea-Houses and a lodge with shops, a possible lunch stop, especially for trekkers walking from Phakding.
From here the walk is pleasant on the river bed crossing another bridge within lovely dense woods of rhododendron and pine trees. Climb leads up towards the last high bridge before heading uphill to Namche Bazaar. Walk across the suspension bridge above the Imjatse River, the meeting points of two rivers that join the Dudh Koshi River. After the bridge on a wide winding undulating uphill climb to reach Namche Bazaar the major hub of Khumbu villagers.
07: Namche Bazaar the capital of Khumbu and gateway to various adventures.
The climb to Namche Bazaar leads you to a scenic trail facing views of Kongde in the west and Kusum Khangkaru in the east. On a clear fine day Mt. Everest, Lhotse, and Nuptse can be seen. After completing the long climb to Namche Bazaar enjoy the comfort of good lodges, hotels, and guest houses.
Namche Bazaar is the capital of Khumbu and the gateway to various adventures around the high Khumbu region. A moderate-sized town, where locals and trekkers can enjoy various facilities, Namche Bazaar has well-stocked shops and stores.
The Himalayan town with Banks, ATMs many fancy restaurants, café, and pubs as well as fresh bakeries. An enjoyable place to have an extra day for acclimatization at 3,440m high. At Namche Bazaar, a weekly Saturday market is held, interesting to observe as well as to see the Sherpa of Khumbu.
In their traditional dress for the market day and as well as meeting friends and families. The name Namche Bazaar is due to the market held every Saturday. Where merchants and traders all types of goods for sale from crops, meats, vegetables, and other household accessories.
Namche Bazaar Gateway to Mt. Everest.
08: Hike to Namche View Point and the Park Museum.
While staying another overnight at Namche Bazaar, is a good way to get exercise to support acclimatization. Take a short hike up to a high ridge above Namche Bazaar and visit the Park Museum. Provides all information on Khumbu and Everest region from local culture, religion, and history of the Sherpa and mountaineering.
The museum is a good place to collect information and details about Everest and Khumbu, as well as flora/fauna. The museum is located amidst superb View Point, where trekkers can enjoy views of Mt. Everest, Lhotse, and Nuptse. Includes majestic Ama Dablam, Kangtega, Thamserku, and Kongde range of peaks as well birds-eye view of Namche Bazaar.
09: Hike to Everest View Hotel the first deluxe and luxury hotel in Khumbu.
Interested trekkers can enjoy a few hour's hikes uphill from Namche Bazaar to Everest View Hotel. Established in the early 1970s, listed in the Guinness Book of World Records as the highest posh / luxury hotel.
The climb of less than an hour to Syangboche, a place with a small airstrip. From Syangboche leads to gradual up to Everest View Hotel, which stands on a high ridge at 3,962 m / 13,000 feet.
Enjoy a warm cup of tea or coffee refreshment with a stunning backdrop of Mt. Everest, Lhotse, and Nuptse with Ama Dablam.
Ama Dablam, Lhotse, Everest view from Everest View Hotel.
10: Explore the traditional villages of Khumjung and Khunde.
From Namche Bazaar, trekkers can take a day hike to Khumjung and Khunde villages, located on a glacial valley. Quite different from Namche Bazaar, trekkers can explore and witness the local culture and traditional customs. A short walk downhill from Everest View Hotel, from Namche Bazaar if heading straight from Syangboche. A slow climb and descent to Khumjung, a sleepy quaint village visit the old Khumjung monastery.
Where one can witness a scalp believed to be of Yeti, from here walk to Khunde. Village with the first hospital of Khumbu built by Edmund Hillary and Himalayan Trust. The valley and its scenic surroundings offer grand views of the snow peaks range, as well as the cultures of Sherpa heritage.
11: Enjoy a tour of the famous and important Tengboche Monastery around Khumbu.
After a pleasant time of two overnights at Namche Bazaar, the walk follows a scenic trail for the first half. Afternoon climb of a few hours to reach Tengboche with its majestic monastery stands amidst lovely green forest surrounding.
Tengboche is located on a high small plateau encircled by a series of snow-capped mountains with views of Mt. Everest, Lhotse, and Nuptse. Includes close views of the soaring peaks of Ama Dablam, Kangtega, Thamserku, and Kongde Himal. Tengboche with several lovely lodges for overnight stays, having time for a tour of the famous monastery around Khumbu.
The interior of the monastery with large courtyard and inside with the main prayer hall. Adorned with large statues of famous Buddhist Gurus, saints, and an image of Lord Sakyamuni Buddha. The walls and ceiling are decorated with vivid religious paintings and murals, including a large Thangka, Tapestry of Buddha.
Tengboche Monastery is famous for Mani Rimdu Festival held at the end of October or the first week of November. As per the Buddhism Lunar calendar on a full moon time, an interesting place for an overnight stop at Tengboche.
Mani Stone, Stupa, and Tengboche Monastery.
12: Acclimatization short hike and climb to high Nangkar Tshang at Dingboche.
Enjoying a great scenic moment in Tengboche with an interesting tour of the monastery, and walking further northeast to Dingboche. Located in Imjatse Valley surrounded by towering peaks of Lhotse, Nuptse, and Ama Dablam with grand views of Island Peak. Another perfect place for acclimatization days is at the height of 4,410 m high.
On rest day take a hike up to Nangkar Tshang Hill above Dingboche settlement and Imjatse valley. The top of Nangkar Tshang ridge at approx. 5000 m high. Rewards picturesque panorama of surrounding giant peaks with views of Mt. Makalu towards the east.
13: A great respect for hoisting prayer flags and offering Buddhist scarf or Khada on the memorials and high ridges.
From Dingboche enjoying two overnights amidst beautiful surrounding, a morning walk leads towards Lobuche en route to Everest base camp. Walk gently up to Thugla, a small spot where the route of Pheriche and Dingboche joins. After lunch, a steep climb of an hour or less to the top of Thugla Pass at above 4,830 m.
A scenic spot with level ground, the area is adorned with memorials of unfortunate mountaineers. Pay respect by offering a Buddhist scarf / Khada or prayer for the departed souls of brave climbers. After a good rest, an hour or more reaches Lobuche for an overnight stop before heading to Everest base camp.
Group Photo Background Buddhist Prayer Flags.
14: Stand beneath the world’s number one Mt. Everest and enjoy the great moments with a photo session.
Start the walk towards the main goal and highlight, the adventure to Everest base camp. The trail follows through a rocky moraine above Khumbu glacier to Gorakshep, the last settlement with a lodge before Everest base camp. From Gorakshep a walk of a few hours towards the east at the end of Khumbu Valley where Everest base camp is located. The base is filled with rocky moraine and ice, glaciers with close views of massif Khumbu Ice-Fall.
Besides Everest base camp it is also the base of Mt. Lhotse world’s 4th highest peak. The views of obstructed by the peaks of Nuptse, Lhotse, however, one can enjoy the stunning arctic zone landscapes. The walk heads back to Gorakshep for an overnight halt before heading back to Lukla.
15: Add your National flags at Everest Base Camp.
Trekkers and adventurers from wide-world countries reach the foot of the world’s highest peak Mt. Everest. Enjoying the dramatic scenery similar to arctic zone landscapes, covered in remorseless fields of rocky moraine, ice, snow, and glaciers. Enclosed within towering peaks of Mt. Lhotse, Nuptse, and Lingtrin with Mt. Pumori with a range of adjoining peaks.
As well as standing close beneath the notorious massif Khumbu Ice-Fall that tumbles towards to feed the glaciers. A great exciting experience reaching Everest Base Camp at the height of 5,364 m or 17,598 feet high.
Mt. Everest also forms the boundary of Nepal and Tibet / China Nepal overlooking the Southern Face. Where a new height of Mt. Everest has been declared at 8,848.86 m or 29,031 feet and 81⁄2 inches. Was most recently been established in 2020 by the Chinese and Nepali authorities.
On reaching the famous Everest Base Camp, have time to hoist your country's national flag. As well as the flag of Nepal as a sign of respect and gratitude and feeling proud on reaching the dream destination.
Brazilian team at Everest Base Camp.
16: Observe the Khumbu Glacier and Khumbu Ice-Fall.
At Everest Base Camp enjoy the stupendous scenery of surrounding towering giant peaks, along with the dramatic Khumbu Ice Fall. It tumbles above the base camp, one of the most technical sections for the climbers en route Everest summit.
The Khumbu Ice Fall is a solid frozen huge boulder of thick ice that falls on the main route. Which is about 3 km / 1.62 miles long and tumbles head down to feed the Khumbu glacier. The Khumbu Ice Fall creates deep crevasses, where climbers have to get across climbing above steep verticals of 609 m.
The Khumbu Glacier moves at an average of 0.9 to 1.2 m / 3-4 feet, downhill. From the southern flank of Mt. Everest, Lhotse, and Mt. Nuptse each day at a distance of 15 km / 9 miles long. Eventually, it melts into a torrential river near a small settlement at Thugla. A great and exciting sight facing Khumbu Ice Fall and the glaciers at a close distance from Everest base camp.
Everest view from Kala Patthar View Point.
17: Climb on top of Kala Pathar the highest point for the closest views of Mt. Everest.
The last highlight of the adventure leads to a steep climb on top of a rocky (Black rock hill) Kala Patthar hill. A popular hilltop for the closest views of Mt. Everest, as well as the highest point of the adventure at 5,545 m. Enjoy the jaw-dropping panorama of close views of the stunning soaring peaks of Lhotse, Nuptse, and Pumori.
The best viewpoint for Mt. Everest at a close stone throw distance, enjoying taking spectacular pictures. The adventure then heads downhill to Namche Bazaar and then back to Lukla for a flight to Kathmandu.
18: Enjoy a memorable lifetime experience on Everest base camp trekking.
A great memorable experience of a lifetime on daily walks, and spending overnight in a lovely lodge, Standing at Everest base camp and Kala Patthar, As well the return journey is equally exciting heading down to Lukla, with a panoramic flight back to Kathmandu.
Our Groups at Everest Base Camp.
19: Spin a Prayer Wheel en route back, a sign of respectful gesture for an enjoyable adventure.
While on the Everest base camp trek with stunning views of high giant peaks and picturesque surroundings. Have time to pay respect to the local immense culture, on walks coming across prayer wheels. Enjoy humming the Buddhist chanting ‘Om Mane Padme Hung’ (Oh Jewels on the Lotus). As well as spinning prayer wheels as you pass through the villages and get blessed for a successful trek.
20: Safe to enjoy alcohol or local brew on the way down to Lukla.
Starting the trek from Lukla heading towards Everest base camp, trekkers are all aware of high-altitude sickness. It is also dangerous to consume alcohol products leads to dehydration which is worse on high-altitude treks. But one can enjoy all kinds of alcohol on the way back downhill in Namche or at Lukla. After being well acclimatized and completing our trek to Everest base camp.
21: Enjoy the last day trek of the adventure to Lukla.
On the return journey to Lukla, altitude drops every hour downhill, having much to enjoy the scenery. As well as local cultures which you might have missed on the way up with worries of high-altitude sickness. But on the way back it will be a pleasant walk without a problem of altitude. So enjoy the final day trek to Lukla having time to enjoy the surrounding views and immense cultural villages.
22: Get an accomplishment certificate from the respective trekking company.
After a great adventure to Everest Base Camp covering a distance of 65 km. A total of 130 km / 81 miles of 11 to 12 days from Lukla to Lukla, completing the highlight. On reaching Kathmandu from Lukla, after a short scenic flight, you will be rewarded with an accomplishment certificate. For the achievement and joining with Visit Himalaya, having enjoyable experience of exciting thrills on Everest Base Camp Trekking.
23: Be positive if the flight is delayed due to unfavorable weather conditions.
One of the major highlights after the successful trek to Everest base camp is flying on time back to Kathmandu. Sometimes the flight can be delayed due to bad and unfavorable weather, which is normal around mountainous countries like Nepal.
If the flight is delayed or leads to cancellation do not worry or panic, the company and your guide. Will do their best within their control, some time need to call for Helicopter Service also if the delay is prolonged due to bad weather.
For more information about Lukla's flight and other Everest Base Camp Trekking-related Blogs, you may like to read more here.
