The Everest Base Camp Trek: Challenges and Difficulty Level

Everest Base Camp Trek is the most popular and highly demanded trek. This trek takes us to the foot of the world’s highest peak, Mount Everest (Sagarmatha), which stands tall at 8,848.68m. In 1856, Mt. Everest was added to the global map, but hiking has been well-liked since 1953 when Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay Sherpa successfully reached the summit.
You can also witness the Khumbu Glacier, the world’s deepest glacier. In addition to witnessing breathtaking Himalayan vistas, you will have the opportunity to learn about the Sherpas, an indigenous community of the Khumbu region, and their way of life, culture, and customs. Sherpas are well-known worldwide for their bravery in climbing the peaks, including Mt. Everest.
The Everest Base Camp trek allows you to push yourself outside your comfort zone, experience the local Sherpa culture, and witness breathtaking views of the spectacular Himalayan range.
Continue reading to learn more about what it takes to reach Everest Base Camp.
Detailed History of Everest Base Camp
Tenzing Norgay, a Nepalese sherpa, and Sir Edmund Hillary, a New Zealand climber, became the first people to reach the summit of Mount Everest on May 29, 1953. They started climbing from a camp they set up near Khumbu Icefall, which is now known as the Everest Base Camp. As they reach Mount Everest’s summit, all the later trekkers follow the same trail. The base camp’s facilities and infrastructure were improved to accommodate climbers, support staff, and researchers. There were more climbers and trekkers because of the assistance of the sherpas and trained guides.
Everest Base Camp Trek Difficulty
Though it is somewhat challenging, trekking in the Everest region is achievable with the correct mental and physical preparation. This journey’s most challenging trail is the path from Lobuche to Gorakshep to Everest Base Camp. This Everest Base Camp trekking trail is the most difficult due to the rocky, uneven trails, stones, and a considerable altitude increase leap.
Distance of the trek:
There is no vehicle to Everest Base Camp, so we need to walk a lengthy trail about 65 km from the Lukla Airport. We will travel along the Dudh Koshi Valley on rocky, slippery (somewhere), and snowy (during seasons) terrain that will slow down the pace. The trek timeline is about 12-15 days, and we will trek for about 9 days, meaning we have to walk 15 km a day for about 4-5 hours. Walking 15km a day feels lengthy and more challenging each day we move forward. For our return, we must follow the same trail.
Irregular trail pattern:
The trail to the camp is more like a thrill. To reach Everest Base Camp, you will pass through forests, suspension bridges, streams, rivers, and rocky trails. Also, rain and snow may make the paths slippery during the monsoon and winter. The paths may become slick as you go higher, and the elevation gain may make you lightheaded.
Massive Rise at Altitude:
Our journey to Everest Base Camp, the start of the trek, begins in Kathmandu. Kathmandu is about 1310m from sea level, Lukla is at 2,845m, and base camp stands at 5,545m at Kalapatthar. As you ascend, you may feel breathing difficulties, resulting in headaches and exhaustion. Acute mountain sickness and other altitude-related issues are also possible. Thus, proper acclimatization is essential to prevent serious health issues.
Local Accommodation:
As you rise in altitude, accommodations may become problematic. You may not have a place to sleep and must share with other tourists.
Also, you will not find lavish facilities in the higher spots but warm and cozy accommodations with local hospitality. You should lower your expectations before commencing the trek and enjoy the food and accommodations provided by the teahouses available along the way.
Unpredictable Weather:
The weather here is unpredictable, making the trek more challenging. Though you can trek all year round, there are a few months, March to June and September to November, where you will get the best trek experience and the breathtaking views.
No matter how much you rely on weather forecasts, there is always a risk that something may go wrong since the weather in the Himalayas is unpredictable. Therefore, you should be packed with the required equipment and clothes.
Also, other minor factors can make the trek challenging, like
- Improper Diet
- Flight Delays due to unfavorable weather conditions
- Physical training and mental preparation
Everest Base Camp Trek – 18 days Outline
Day 01: Arrival
Day 02: Drive from Kathmandu to Ramechap and fly to Lukla (2850 M AMSL) and a trek to Phakding (2640 M AMSL).
Day 03: Trek from Phakding to Namche (3450 M AMSL)
Day 04: Rest Day at Namche
Day 05: Trek from Namche to Tengboche (3860 m AMSL)
Day 06: Trek from Tengboche to Pheriche (4280 m AMSL)
Day 07: Rest day at Pheriche
Day 08: Trek from Pheriche to Lobuche (4940 m AMSL)
Day 09: Trek from Lobuche to Gorakshep (5170 m AMSL) to Kalapatthar (5545 m AMSL) and return to Gorakshep
Day 10: Trek from Gorakshep to Everest Base Camp (5400 m) and return to Lobuche
Day 11: Trek from Lobuche to Dingboche
Day 12: Trek from Dingboche to Tengboche
Day 13: Trek from Tengboche to Namche
Day 14: Trek from Namche to Phakding
Day 15: Trek from Phakding to Lukla
Day 16: Flight from Lukla to Ramechapp and drive to Kathmandu
Day 17: Free day in Kathmandu
Day 18: Flight to onward destination
You can find the detailed information about this itinerary here:
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A Few Practical Pointers for the Everest Base Camp Trek
- Keep vital medications and first aid supplies with you.
- Maintaining adequate hydration during the height significantly reduces your risk of altitude sickness.
- Avoid excessive smoking and drinking throughout the trip.
- Although it may be cold at high altitudes, the sun’s effects are much more apparent, so always wear sunglasses and sunscreen.
- Take time acclimating to the altitude; don’t rush or push yourself; enjoy the experience.
- Observe local customs and culture with respect.
- When allowing yaks and mules to pass by, you should stand on the mountainside rather than on the slopes of steep hills, paths, or waterways
- It’s safer to be at your destination before nightfall, so take breaks when necessary and follow the day’s plan.
- If you experience any pain or difficulty, let the expedition team leader and the guides know.
Conclusion
Trekking to the Himalayas is much more complicated. There can be any reason that makes it difficult to reach the desired destination. Most trekkers prefer to trek during the best season. Still, whatever season you are trekking in, you must always be prepared for anything, such as carrying micro spikes for snowy paths, looking for avalanches and curveballs falling from the mountains, or strong cold winds and snowfalls.
This Everest Base Camp trek is complex, and it’s recommended that you consult your guide or contact Euro Asia Treks anytime to learn more about trekking to Everest Base Camp with guidance and suggestions. Every trekker gets to experience something different from the trek they are performing, and regardless of the difficulties and challenges, you should enjoy the journey and explore the Himalayas.
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