Table of Contents
- The best time to do treks in Everest
- Gateway to Mount Everest – Namche Bazaar
- Everest View Hotel
- Religious Tengboche and Tengboche Monastery
- Yaks
- Sherpa - local people
- Food and Accommodation
- Wi-Fi / Internet
- Shower Facilities
- Drinking Water
- Everest Trekking Gear
- How is the Trail?
- Why is taking a guide and porter essential?
- View along the Way
- Traditional Wood Heater
- Gorak Shep - Last Resting Spot
- Kala Patthar
- Khumbu Glacier and Khumbu Icefall
- Everest Base Camp
The best time to do treks in Everest
The best time for Everest trekking is from March to May or September to early December when the weather is best suited to trekking. The spring months are the most popular time to trek to Everest Base Camp and other treks combined with it. March marks the end of winter and the beginning of spring, so the weather begins to warm by day but can still be chilly as the sun goes down.
The night-time weather in March can be pretty cold and showery, so take warm layers and good waterproofs. In spring, you will find yourself trekking to base camp alongside many climbing teams attempting to climb the mountain. The monsoon season Trekking in Nepal is between June and September. During this time, the weather is hot. It rains almost every day with occasional thunderstorms in the evening, and is not a good time for trekking. September to early December is warm and dry, with much warmer evenings. These months are when the air is clear, and the sunshine is bright, so spectacular views of the vast Himalayas region are guaranteed.
Flight to Lukla For the Everest Region Treks
The flight to Lukla is the most spectacular flight you will ever take. The first views of the vast Himalayas region are breathtaking. You will take off from Kathmandu and head right into the heart of the mountains to begin your journey on this 35-minute flight. The plane is a very comfortable 16-seater with a great view from all angles.
Here you will get your first glimpse of snow-capped mountain peaks on the horizon and green pastures below, the majesty of Nepal. As your excitement mounts towards the end of the flight, the famous Tensing-Hilary airport will suddenly emerge out of the side of the mountain, seemingly out of nowhere. This is one of the busiest airports in Nepal, with a runway of only 527m in length and an elevation of 2845m. Above sea level, you may wonder how the plane will ever land! With professional pilots on board, you will experience an incredibly safe and smooth flight. From here, you will walk to Phakding (2610m) and spend your first night in the Himalayas.
Gateway to Mount Everest – Namche Bazaar
After breakfast at the guesthouse in Phakding, you will set out towards the trading post of Namche Bazar (3440m). Namche is a crossroads to various trekking locations where you will meet other trekkers heading to different hiking areas. It is also the unofficial capital of the Khumbu region of Nepal. It has many shops and is a great place to purchase any gear and food you may require for your treks around Everest. It is a bustling place, with warm and inviting coffee shops, several bakeries, a beauty salon where you can wash your hair, and even a late-night bar with live music. It is the most spectacular location, surrounded from every angle by snow-capped hills.
The vision of frozen waterfalls and hillsides will take your breath away, and it is gorgeous. Be prepared for the steps, they are steep, and you have to climb to get anywhere in Namche, but the views as you climb are most definitely worth the effort. On a hill overlooking this charming town, you will see Syangboche Airport (3,748 m), the closest airport to Everest. This is now purely a cargo depot and no longer used as a passenger airport. Despite its popularity, this Sherpa town retains its ancient culture, traditions, and heart-warming hospitality.
Everest View Hotel
During the day of acclimatization at Namche Bazar, visiting the luxury assets of Everest View Hotel is a must. Opened in 1971, Hotel Everest View has been listed on the Guinness Book of World Records (2004) as the Highest Placed Hotel in the world at 13000ft. It is above Namche Bazaar, hidden on a ridge in the Sagarmatha National Park, overlooking the Everest range.
The hotel offers 360 degrees view of awe-inspiring peaks. From the terrace, you will have a clear view of Mount Everest. The climb is very steep, but on the way up, you will pass the famous Sherpa Museum and the new recycling hub for the Khumbu Region. You can see artifacts and clothing from the Edmund Hilary and Sherpa Tenzing expedition to the top of Mt Everest in 1953 at the Sherpa culture museum. You will also know that it has been built with traditional Sherpa design and architecture. It has all the old and forgotten Sherpa artifacts in their original place, resembling the Sherpa way of life in the past before tourism in this area began.
Religious Tengboche and Tengboche Monastery
Tengboche (Tyangboche) is a village in Khumbu, located at 3,867 meters (12,687 ft). Tengboche Monastery (also known as Dawa Choling Gompa) is one of the Khumbu region's largest and oldest Buddhist monasteries. It was built in 1916 by Lama Gulu and had strong links to its mother monastery, the Rongbuk Monastery in Tibet. In 1934, it was destroyed by an earthquake and subsequently rebuilt. It was damaged again by a fire in 1989 and again rebuilt with the help of volunteers and the provision of foreign aid. Tengboche has a panoramic view of the Himalayan mountains, including the well-known peaks of Tawache, Everest, Nuptse, Lhotse, Ama Dablam, and Thamserku.
It is an outstanding example of Tibetan architecture and the oldest monastery site in the Khumbu region. Sherpa people visit it often, and the lamas are very welcoming. Visiting this most revered place is a must on the way to Everest Base Camp.
Yaks
The Yak Yaks (Bos grunniens) are both domestic and wild animals found at the higher ranges of the Himalayan mountains. Yaks are mammals that are native to Tibet and the Himalayan Mountains in Nepal but can adapt to different terrains. Yaks are mainly found in high altitudes because of the thick shaggy coat that they have and their inability to fend off a lot of diseases that are normally found in warmer climates.
Yaks are sure-footed animals that can travel over dangerous snow-covered grounds easily while carrying as much as 100 kg, and they are also excellent swimmers. They are often used for agricultural purposes by local farmers for plowing fields. They are well adapted to high altitudes as they have a slower rate of respiration than other animals due to the larger amount of red blood cells that they have to take in oxygen. As a domesticated animal, Yaks also provide clothing, milk, fibber, butter, meat that is low in cholesterol, and nutritional support very similar to that of the bovine.
Sherpa - local people
Sherpa's are a Nepalese ethnic group numbering around 150,000. They are renowned for their climbing skills and excellent strength and stamina at high altitudes. The term Sherpa or "sherwani" derives from the Sherpa language word shear (east) and pa (people), which refer to their geographical origin in eastern Nepal.
Well-known for being guides to Westerners who want to climb Mt. Everest, the highest mountain in the world, the Sherpa has a reputation for being hard-working, peaceful, and brave. You will meet many Sherpa people on any of the Everest treks in Nepal, and they are indeed all of those things described. Most Sherpa groups follow Buddhism and have temples high in the mountains where they can perform rituals, ceremonies, and cultural celebrations. They also have a rich heritage and culture. Preserving local traditions and the way of life is a key priority for those that live in the Khumbu Region.
Food and Accommodation
If you are into the Everest region treks, the guesthouses are almost like small hotels but with a much more homely feeling. Most have a restaurant area where you can meet other trekkers and enjoy a little warmth from the stove while you eat or enjoy a beer in the evening before sleeping. The beds are very comfortable, and quilts and pillows are provided. With both a sleeping bag and the quilt, you will have a warm place to sleep, ready for the next day's trek.
Most have western flushing toilets too. Despite the extensive menus and various food offerings, the food is pretty much the same but is both hot and delicious. The traditional favorite is Dhal Bhat, and it is always all you can eat, so if you're super hungry, this is always a good option. The food is tasty, freshly cooked, and well-presented. No matter the quality of the guesthouse, the friendly spirit of the local Nepalese people is always present, and they will do their very best to make you feel welcome and comfortable.
Wi-Fi / Internet
Up until 2010, there was zero mobile coverage throughout the Everest region. However, thanks to the Nepalese telecommunication company Ncell, 90% of the Nepalese population now has mobile 3G or 2G signal and internet access. In terms of actual computer internet, there is very little. There are no free Wi-Fi hot spots in any place after Namche. There are several internet cafes along the route. There is one in Lukla and several in Namche Bazaar. After that, several dotted along the way, including a good one in Gorak Shep. However, these internet cafes are unreliable, and the signal is often poor/lost. Most guest houses will offer Wi-Fi. However, this will come at a cost that is usually more expensive than an internet cafe. Everest Link provides internet service along the route, this is the most cost-effective option, but there is limited availability. You can purchase access to Everest Link for the duration of your treks while at Lukla. Be aware, though, because the entire region is provided by the same provider, and when Everest Link goes down, all Wi-Fi along the route also goes down.Shower Facilities
At lower altitudes, most of the guesthouses provide hot shower facilities during the early stages of the Everest treks. The showers available are heated by solar power, so if it has been cloudy for a couple of days, hot water may not be available. Hot water showers are chargeable with an extra cost of around $4 to $7 for each use. The exact cost of the hot shower depends upon the locations at Everest treks. If you want to shower at a lower price, then you can get a bucket shower in many lodges in lower elevations which costs around US $2 to US $5; but again, in the higher villages, the price may be higher. If you do not wish to pay for a shower, then you can carry wet wipes to clean the body. A sponge wash or wet towel wash could be other options to minimize the expense of hot water. As the Everest Base Camp area lies in a remote area with high altitude and low temperatures, taking a hot shower might be an extravagant luxury. It is also not advisable to take a shower on a daily basis, especially as you get higher and the temperatures drop.Drinking Water
Drinking plenty of fluids during the Everest treks is an important aspect of maintaining your body's hydration level and avoiding altitude sickness. Around 3 to 4 liters of fluid is recommended for daily intake while trekking. Bottled water– Although this is the most convenient option, they are not tested for quality and are not environmentally friendly. Since January 2020, the local government of Khumbu has banned plastic bottles in the Everest Region to cut down on pollution, so it is best you carry your own water bottle and re-fill it. Boiled water is the safest and most convenient option. Most guesthouses will serve it, and it is great to ward off the cold. Cold untreated tap water is free and not recommended. You can purchase a Sterilization – This easy and effective solution kills 99.9% of bacteria, viruses, and protozoa using UV technology and can hence turn tap water into safe drinking water easily. Make sure to read the directions carefully and use the pen for the required duration. Water purification tablets or chemicals like chlorine dioxide are commonly used. They are easy to carry and inexpensive to buy. However, they are not as effective as UV filters or boiled water and need a few hours to act. If you choose to use this method, it would be best to purify your water for the next day before going to bed.Everest Trekking Gear
The most important item on your kit list should be your boots; 3 seasons all-terrain boots are an absolute must. Because of the variety of terrain covered, they will need to be strong, flexible, and warm, as well as offer good ankle support. A good waterproof layer will also be required, which you will use on the upper reaches of Everest treks. Good base layers are an important requirement if you are undertaking treks, usually in higher elevations like Everest. Also, it is required to bring light but warm mid-layers for when the temperature drops. Gloves will be required for most of the Everest treks, a thin pair of liner gloves can be worn during the warmer days, and a warm thermal pair for when the temperature drops. The best clothing is either wool or synthetic materials used in layers, which is quick-drying and holds heat. It is better to have lots of layers available, building up from lightweight base layers to thicker, warmer outer layers. See our Comprehensive Equipment Checklist!How is the Trail?
The walking terrains in the Everest region are extremely varied. Most of the walking is on either solid trails or rocky paths. Most of the paths are along a well-established waymarked trail. The paths tend to become rockier the higher the altitude. A lot of uphill walking is involved, and most of these paths are clearly 'stepped.' The trail is signposted and solid underfoot and sees a steady stream of walkers throughout the season. All this combines to make it very hard to get lost. The trail can be seen and followed on Google Maps, All Trails, and other web/apps. You will hike through traditional Sherpa villages where you can interact with the local Sherpa population and beautiful forests of fir and rhododendron and cross breathtakingly high suspension bridges with some of the most spectacular views of glacial rivers and valleys in the world. The Khumbu Valley also hosts some of the highest mountains in the world, making this the most incredible hiking experience.Why is taking a guide and porter essential?
Hiking around Everest is about experiencing a significant part of the world and seeing it at its best without organizational and logistical distractions. The guide and porters will help this to become a reality with a warm smile, plenty of guidance, and kindness. A guide will organize all your accommodation, food, logistics, and permits. They will also plan your route, giving you enough rest days to place you on an excellent acclimatization plan giving you the best chance to enjoy the trek.
The incredibly strong porters will carry your large backpack or duffel bag containing the kit required for your trip. The porters will have you watching them in awe as they race past you carrying 20 – 40kg of your equipment up the mountain so your bags will be at your accommodation waiting for you to arrive, sometimes several hours later. The limit for each bag usually is 12 kg, enough things to pack for 12 days of hiking. The guide and porters will help you learn more about the culture and history and enable you to interact with more local people along the way. You will find that all porters and guides are very passionate about their part of the world. They will eagerly point out all the highlights, history, and landmarks you see along the treks around Everest.
View along the Way
One thing guaranteed when doing the Everest Base Camp Trek or any other trek is that you will wake up to a completely different but no less spectacular mountain view each day. The weather and light conditions can make the same stunning view look very different. Along with the captivating view of four eight-thousanders, including Mt. Everest, Lhotse, Cho Oyu, and Makalu, the most fantastic attractions of the EBC trek are a genuine ambiance of mother nature mixed with unique Sherpa culture.
After five days trek, you will reach Tengboche. This area offers the most amazing views of Ama Dablam, considered by many to be the world's most beautiful mountain, its iconic shape helps it to stand out as one of the never forgotten images of this trek. Likewise, because of its location above Gorak Shep and its height, Kala Patthar will offer you the best views of Everest, Nuptse, and Lhotse. It is worth the extra effort to climb and get a more prominent and closer view of Mt Everest, Nuptse, and Chhangtse.
Traditional Wood Heater
Every guesthouse has a communal hall, which is also the dining hall. This is where all the trekkers, porters, and guides congregate in the evening for food and warmth after a long day on the mountain. There will be a Traditional Heater in the Dining Hall, full of either yak dung cakes or wood, creating a warm, welcoming, and cozy environment. The heater is in the form of a log burner, usually in the center of the room. This is, more often than not, the sole source of heat in the building, and because of the scarcity of fuel required, it is only lit in the evenings. The higher the altitude, the less readily available wood becomes, so the only option to power these burners at lengths is yak dung cakes. They are a great heat source, but supply is limited, and they are made by hand. One dung cake of average size gives 2100J worth of energy. Other local words for dung cakes are Goitha, Uple, Kande, Gosse, or Thepdi.Gorak Shep - Last Resting Spot
Close to Everest Base Camp, you will cross Gorak Shep (5,164m), the last Himalayan settlement before Everest. This is the final and highest stay point for most trekkers on their trip to Everest Base Camp. Most journeys will pass through Lukla to Namche Bazaar, Tengboche, Pangboche, Dingboche, Lobuche, and Gorak Shep. Gorak Shep was the original Everest Base Camp used by the Swiss mountain climbers in their attempt to climb Everest in 1952.
Later the camp was moved closer to the mountain, just below the Khumbu Icefall. Gorak Shep to Everest base camp distance is 3.5 kilometers. Walking from Gorak Shep to Everest base camp is the most exciting part of any other walk around the region. The main highlights are the magical landscapes, close-up views of Khumbu Icefall, Khumbu Glacier, and the base camp of the highest peak. No doubt that treks around Everest is undoubtedly tricky, but every hard step is worth it.
Kala Patthar
Kala Patthar, meaning 'black rock' in Nepali, Hindi, and Urdu, is a notable landmark located on the south ridge of Pumori in the Nepalese Himalayas above Gorakshep. Although not a proper mountain, the ascent of Kala Patthar is very popular with trekkers in Mount Everest since it provides the most accessible close-up view of Everest. Due to the structure of the Everest Massif, its high summit is blocked by Nuptse from much of the surrounding region.
The views of Everest, Nuptse, and Changtse are spectacular from Kala Patthar, with glimpses of the northern flank and summit of Lhotse. Late sunset is the best time to take this optional hike, as you will see the most spectacular view of the surrounding mountain peaks, lit up like gold. It is a short but steep climb at the end of an exhausting day, but it has the most significant reward imaginable. Kala Patthar, near Everest Base Camp, remains the top viewpoint in Nepal. It offers the closest view of Mount Everest without serious mountaineering skills.
Khumbu Glacier and Khumbu Icefall
The Khumbu Glacier is followed for the final part of the trail to Everest Base Camp. The glacier starts in the Western Cwm near the base of Everest. The glacier has a large Khumbu Icefall at the west end of the lower Western Cwm. This icefall is the first significant obstacle among the more dangerous on the standard south col route to the Everest summit.
It is also the largest glacier in Nepal and has elevations ranging from 4,900m to 7,600m, making it the highest glacier in the world. The glacier is just constant. Everything is grey! It looks dormant, but the sound of shifting shale and moving ice will let you know that under all that stone lies a 'living' glacier, ever moving and cutting into the mountainside. It is the most magnificent sight if you have never seen a glacier before.
Everest Base Camp
The last civilization spot before Everest Base Camp is called Gorak Shep. It's a three-hour round hike from EBC. Most people spend one night at Gorakshep to visit the Everest base camp and the following day at Kala Patthar for sunrise views. The lap of Everest is the most beautiful and exciting place on Earth.
Everest base camp is such a fantastic place. The base camp is nothing but rocks, ice, and glacier. But being there is an outstanding achievement for everyone. It offers a beautiful view of the Khumbu Icefall and Khumbu Glacier. Khumbu Glacier is Nepal's biggest glacier and the world's highest glacier. The Khumbu Icefall starts a few meters away from Everest base camp hard to believe that Khumbu Icefall is significantly more robust.
