Everest Base Camp Trek is probably the most sought-after trek in Nepal. And quite rightly so! There is so much to experience. The first is flying into Lukla Airport, which is quite spectacular in itself. Since we have now arrived at altitude (2,840m), the first day takes us to Phakding, about a three-hour hike away, where we can acclimatize before heading on Day 2 to Namche Bazaar (3,440m). With an average walking day of 5 hours (and some longer ones, so be prepared), a reasonable level of fitness is required.
If Everest Base Camp brings to mind climbing expeditions to the roof of the world, Namche Bazaar inevitably brings to mind the most famous mountaineer, Sir Edmund Hillary. In days gone by, and still today, Namche Bazaar was the last point to obtain supplies before heading off to scale Everest (something that takes weeks, due to acclimatization). It also lies just below the town of Khumjung, where Sir Edmund built both a school and a hospital, giving back to the Sherpa people. The school can be visited as a side trip. Meanwhile, we head towards Tengboche Monastery, the largest monastery in the Everest Region.
Over the coming days, the trail goes through yak pastures, along streams coming off the Khumbu Glacier, and through Sherpa villages until we come out at Gorak Shep. Here we are really in the mountains, in terms of spectacular views and aching legs! From Gorak Shep, it takes 6 or 7 hours to make a round-trip day to Everest Base Camp. The trail is rocky with glacial debris, as it runs alongside the Khumbu Glacier. Here we can see the infamous Khumbu Icefall, which climbers must cross to reach Camp 1, and it is perhaps the most dangerous part of their journey. For us, however, the next step is to climb to Kala Patthar (5,545m) for a stunning 360-degree view of Everest and the surrounding mountains, including Nuptse, Changtse, and Lhotse.
Trip Highlights
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Being up close and personal with Everest
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Climbing up to Kala Patthar, the viewpoint for Everest
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Visiting Everest Base Camp
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Going to the Base of World's highest mountain
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Passing through Nepal's longest Ngozumpa and biggest Khumbu glaciers
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Flying into the tiny airport of Lukla
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Meeting the famous Sherpa people in Namche Bazaar
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Hillary Museum
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Sagarmatha National Park


