There are many things to do during Everest Base Camp Trek. The Everest Base Camp Trek is one of the most famous treks in the world. It is located in the northeastern Khumbu region of Nepal. The EBC trek takes you to the base of the highest mountain in the world, Mount Everest. The pathways pass through breathtaking Himalayan scenery, passing by remote villages, tall peaks, and stunning glaciers until you reach Everest Base Camp.
The Everest Base Camp trek is challenging but worth the effort. EBC is often called the ultimate trekking destination as it offers a variety of unique experiences. From the lively atmosphere of Namche Bazaar to the peaceful Tengboche Monastery and from the green landscapes of Sagarmatha National Park to the breathtaking views from Kala Patthar, every step reveals something new. The trail is decorated with colorful prayer flags and ancient mani stones.
Table of Contents
10 Things to do During Everest Base Camp Trek
Fly into Lukla: The Most Thrilling Airport in the World
Lukla Airport is a popular destination for adventurers who want to trek to Everest Base Camp. Lukla Airport, also known as Tenzing-Hillary Airport, is a small airport in Lukla, a town in Nepal’s Solukhumbu District. It is considered one of the most dangerous airports in the world due to its short runway, steep slope, and location in the Himalayan mountains. The airport was built by Sir Edmund Hillary in 1964, started operating in 1971, and was paved in 2001.
The runway is just 527 meters long and has a steep slope of about 12%, making it very challenging for pilots to land and take off. The Lukla airport is the main entry point to Sagarmatha National Park, where Mount Everest, the world’s highest peak, is located. Because of its location and difficult conditions, Lukla Airport can only be used by small propeller planes and helicopters.
Explore Namche Bazaar: The Gateway to Everest
You can explore Namche Bazaar during the Everest Base Camp Trek. Namche, located at 3,440 meters in Khumbu Pasang Lamhu Rural Municipality, sits on a mountain slope and offers stunning views of the Himalayas from everywhere in the valley. Namche Bazaar is a key stop for acclimatization and has become a popular tourist spot over time.
Once a trading village where locals exchanged yak cheese and butter for goods from lower areas, Namche changed significantly after Tenzing Norgay and Sir Edmund Hillary’s Everest climb in 1953. The village has grown from trade to become a major tourist destination and is now the wealthiest district in Nepal. Most trekkers spend two nights here, enjoying various activities such as:
- Buying beautiful handicrafts on the main street
- Trying different foods and visiting bakeries and restaurants
- Seeing rock paintings
- Visiting the Sherpa Museum
- Watching movies in local venues
- Exploring the Namche Monastery
Visit Tengboche Monastery: Spiritual Heart of the Khumbu
You can visit Tengboche, located on a hill across the Imja Khola River, which is a popular place to stay overnight after Namche. It sits between the impressive Khumbila and the beautiful Ama Dablam mountains, making it a magical spot to visit. From Tengboche, you get breathtaking views of Himalayan peaks like Tawache, Everest, Nuptse, Lhotse, Ama Dablam, and Thamserku.
Tengboche is a key Buddhist center in the Khumbu region and has a Rinpoche who blesses pilgrims, climbers, and travelers. Tengboche Monastery celebrates the Mani Rimdu festival, a lively Buddhist celebration with religious gatherings, singing, ritual dances, and reenactments of famous stories every October. Visitors are welcome to join the celebrations, and many trekkers plan their trips around this festival.
Visit Dingboche
As you might know, acclimatization is key to a successful Everest adventure. On the Everest Base Camp trek, Dingboche is an important stop for this purpose. Dingboche, at 4,410 meters, is not just a place to adjust to the altitude. It’s also a charming village worth visiting. Besides staying in a teahouse and enjoying Thukpa, you can hike to Nangkartsang Peak for stunning views of Mt. Everest, Ama Dablam, Imja Tse, Lhotse, Nuptse, and the Imja Valley. If the hike up Nangkartsang feels too challenging, you can explore the Chhukung Valley instead, where you’ll get closer views of Island Peak and the Imja Valley.
Engage with Local Sherpa Culture
During the Everest Base Camp Trek, you can immerse yourself in the rich Sherpa people culture by:
- Visiting Local Villages: Explore sherpa villages like Namche Bazaar and Dingboche. You’ll see traditional wooden houses, vibrant monasteries, and bustling markets.
- Attending Local Festivals: If your trek coincides with a Sherpa festival, like Losar (Tibetan New Year) or Mani Rimdu, you can witness colorful ceremonies, traditional dances, and local celebrations.
- Learning About Buddhism: Visit monasteries such as Tengboche Monastery and Thame Monastery to learn about Tibetan Buddhism and see monks in their daily routines.
- Sampling Traditional Food: Try local dishes like momos (dumplings) and Thukpa (noodle soup) at teahouses along the trek.
- Engaging with Sherpa Guides: Your Sherpa guides and porters can share stories and insights about their culture, traditions, and way of life.
- Participating in Local Crafts: In some villages, you can observe or even try your hand at traditional crafts like weaving or painting.
Enjoy Morning Views From Kala Patthar
The morning views from Kala Patthar are truly amazing. From the top, you’ll see the sun rising over the high Himalayas, casting a warm golden light on the snowy peaks. As the sun rises higher, you’ll see Mount Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, and other towering mountains against a clear blue sky. The glacial lakes and rivers will sparkle in the sunlight, adding to the stunning scenery. The Khumbu Glacier below, with its rugged ice and deep crevasses, contrasts beautifully with the smooth mountain peaks. These morning views are incredible and not to be missed.
Explore the Khumbu Glacier and Icefall
Exploring Khumbu Glacier and Khumbu Icefall is a key part of the Everest Base Camp Trek. The Khumbu Glacier is the largest glacier in Nepal. It stretches over 15 kilometers and is about 2 miles (3.2 km) wide in places. This massive river of ice moves slowly down from the Western Cwm and Lhotse Face, and it is the source of the Khumbu River.
The Khumbu Icefall is a dangerous and unstable part of the glacier between Base Camp and Camp I on the South Col route. It’s created by the glacier’s constant movement, which forms large ice towers, deep cracks, and unstable ice bridges. Both the Khumbu Glacier and Icefall are impressive sights and worth seeing on your trek.
Taste Local Food
On the Everest Base Camp trek, you’ll find some popular dishes. Daal Bhat is a common meal made of steamed rice, lentil soup, and vegetable curry. It’s a staple in Nepal and is served at almost every teahouse and restaurant along the way. You can eat Momos, dumplings filled with vegetables or meat, served with a spicy dipping sauce.
You can also try Thukpa, a hot noodle soup with vegetables, meat, or egg, which is great for warming up on cold evenings. For a sweet treat, try Jalebi, a dessert made from deep-fried batter soaked in sugar syrup. In addition to these dishes, you can enjoy local snacks like roasted peanuts, fried noodles, and Tibetan bread. Don’t forget to enjoy a cup of hot Nepali tea or, if you like, Chhang, a local rice-based alcoholic drink. However, it’s best to try Chhang after returning from the base camp, as alcohol can affect acclimatization.
Visit the Everest Memorial at Thukla Pass
Visiting the Everest memorial at Thukla Pass is one of the highlights of the Everest Base Camp trek in the Everest region. This pass is 4,700 meters and is the last point before reaching the base camp. The memorial park in Thukla honors climbers who have passed away on Mt. Everest. From the Pass, you can see mountains all around you. The pass leads to the small village of Lobuche, where trekkers spend the night before heading to the base camp.
At the top of the pass, there are over 100 memorials for climbers who lost their lives trying to climb Mount Everest. A pillar in the park honors more than two hundred climbers from around the world who died, mostly due to bad weather and avalanches. The village of Dughla, at the end of the Khumbu Glacier, is usually just a lunch stop for many trekkers.
Reflect at Everest Base Camp
After reaching the Everest Base Camp, you can see the life of climbers near the huge Khumbu Glacier. The base camp elevation is 5,364 meters above sea level. The South Base Camp is in Nepal, while the North Base Camp is in Tibet. Everest Base Camp is a temporary settlement at the foot of the Khumbu Glacier, often a mini-mountain city with many mountaineers and trekkers. EBC is surrounded by some of the most stunning peaks on earth.
Each spring, hundreds of climbers from around the world gather here to prepare for their climb of the highest mountain on earth. Everest Base Camp will amaze you with views of peaks like Tabuche, Cholatse, Pumori, Lingtren, Nuptse, and more. Many trekkers face altitude sickness here, but aside from that, it’s an unforgettable experience. Get ready to see the most famous and lively base camp in the world.
Tips for Planning Your Everest Base Camp Trek
- Physical Preparation: Start training a few months in advance with regular cardio exercises like running, cycling, or swimming. Include strength training for your legs and core, and practice long hikes with a loaded backpack to get used to the weight you’ll carry during the trek.
- Permits: You’ll need two main permits: the Sagarmatha National Park Permit and the Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Entrance Permit. You can obtain permits in Kathmandu at the Nepal Tourism Board Office.
- Packing Essentials: Pack lightweight, moisture-wicking clothing for layering, a warm jacket, good quality trekking boots, a sleeping bag rated for cold temperatures, and other essentials like a first aid kit, water purification tablets, and a headlamp.
- Acclimatization: Plan your trek with rest days for acclimatization. Follow the “climb high, sleep low” rule and avoid ascending more than 300-500 meters in a day to prevent altitude sickness. Stay hydrated, eat well, and listen to your body.
- Trekking Season: The best time to trek to Everest Base Camp is during the spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) seasons. The weather is stable, and the views are clear, making for a safer and more enjoyable experience.
- Guides and Porters: Hiring a guide and porter can greatly enhance your experience. Guides provide local knowledge, help with permits, and ensure your safety, while porters carry your heavy gear, allowing you to trek more comfortably. Be sure to tip them appropriately for their hard work.
Conclusion
In conclusion, here are the essential things to know for your Everest Base Camp (EBC) trek. The EBC trek begins with a flight to Lukla, marking the start of the trek. From Lukla, you’ll follow the trek route to Everest Base Camp, experiencing a significant elevation gain. Be prepared with a good packing list and include acclimatization days to avoid acute mountain sickness.
As you hike to Everest Base Camp, you’ll pass through charming Nepalese villages like Namche Bazaar and learn about the Nepalese culture. Your trek guide will help you navigate the route and ensure you safely reach Everest Base Camp from Lukla. You’ll also get to see Everest up close and appreciate the legacy of Hillary and Tenzing Norgay, who first summited this majestic peak.
FAQs
What do you do at Mt Everest base camp?
At Mt Everest Base Camp, you enjoy the stunning views of the world’s highest peak and the stunning mountains. Many people spend time taking photos, resting, and getting used to the high altitude. It’s also a place to prepare for climbing further up the mountain if that’s your goal.
How long do you need for Everest Base Camp Trek?
The Everest Base Camp trek usually takes about 12 to 14 days. This includes time for trekking to the base camp and returning to the starting point, plus a few days for resting and adjusting to the high altitude. The trek covers a distance of around 130 kilometers, and the days are split between walking and acclimatization.
Do you lose weight doing Everest Base Camp?
Yes, you can lose weight while doing the Everest Base Camp trek. The EBC trek involves a lot of walking and climbing, which burns a lot of calories. Additionally, the high altitude can reduce your appetite, leading to less food intake.
How risky is the Everest Base Camp Trek?
The Everest base Camp Trek has some risks, mainly due to the high altitude. You might face altitude sickness, which can cause headaches, nausea, or shortness of breath. Weather can also be unpredictable, and there are steep paths and cold temperatures. However, with good preparation, proper acclimatization, and following safety guidelines, most people complete the trek safely.
What is the most difficult part of Everest Base Camp Trek?
The most difficult part of the Everest Base Camp Trek is the climb to the higher altitudes. As you go higher, the air gets thinner, making breathing harder and increasing the risk of altitude sickness. The trek also includes steep and rocky paths, which can be challenging.
