It is a fact by now that the Everest Base Camp Trekking is one of the most famous and sought-after trekking experiences, not only in Nepal but all over the world. Taking place in the beautiful and exotic Khumbu region of Nepal, the journey to the base camp of the world’s tallest mountain peak is a journey that is, unsurprisingly, filled with many virtues and exotic hallmarks. From the diverse landscape to the culturally rich atmosphere, Khumbu is a place in Nepal that is directly associated with the cerulean Himalayas of the country. The region is home to one of the tallest mountain ranges on the planet and a prime Sherpa settlement. Trekking in Khumbu to the base camp of Mount Everest is an adventure that is deemed a must-do by many trekking and travel enthusiasts.
The Everest Base Camp Trekking- An Introduction
As mentioned, the Everest Base Camp Trekking occurs in the Khumbu region of Nepal. A region in the northeastern of Nepal, the Khumbu is one of the three major sub-regions of the main Khambu and Sherpa communities of the country. Including towns and villages like Namche Bazaar, Thame, Khunde, Khumjung, Pangboche and Pheriche among many others, the Khumbu’s elevations range from 3,300 meters to the 8,848 meter summit of Mount Everest. It also includes the Sagarmatha National Park, the Khumbu Glacier and Icefall and the inclusion of the amazing Mahalangur Himalayan range. It is an alluring place of mountain inhabitants and legendary mountain climbers. Blessed by 4 eight-thousanders and over 25 different prominent Himalayas, the Khumbu is every mountaineer’s paradise. Generally, the Everest Base Camp Trekking lasts for about two weeks. It is a moderate trekking journey that can be done by people of all ages and demographics and experiences. You don’t need to have prior experience with trekking to do this journey. Albeit it has long hours of trekking per day from one location to the next, preparation for the trek before doing it helps in the success of the journey. There are various factors to consider while doing the Everest Base Camp Trekking. Here are some that warrant your attention if you are planning on doing the journey anytime soon.
Best Time to do Everest Base Camp Trekking
The best time to do Everest Base Camp Trekking is during spring (March to May) and autumn (September to December). These two seasons offer the best atmospheric features for an enjoyable and visually appealing trek in the Khumbu. Summer and winter trekking can also be done; however, they are generally not recommended because summer monsoons make the trekking trails wet and slippery while clouds block most of the Himalayan views and winters see the accumulation of heavy snow at certain paths that block further progress.
Altitude Sickness and Acclimatization for Everest Base Camp Trekking
Altitude Sickness is a common ailment that befalls trekkers who are under the Everest Base Camp Trekking. However, the progress and occurrence of the sickness is not a consistent matter. Rather, it depends from one person to the next. Trekkers who do the same trekking journey may suffer from sickness while others do not. Nevertheless, it should be considered as a plausibility. That is why appropriate preventive measures should be taken. Trekkers can take medications like Diamox for the sickness. The most important factor to consider in avoiding altitude sickness is not rushing the journey and taking proper time acclimatizing. Staying appropriately hydrated and eating well are also key factors. The trek should be done at a comfortable pace, slowly and steadily. The most popular places for acclimatization while doing the Everest base Camp Trekking are places like Namche Bazaar and Dingboche.
Equipment and Packing for Everest Base Camp Trekking
It is no surprise that bag-packing as lightly as possible is the best way to go about any adventure, and the same applies to Everest Base Camp Trekking as well. In the mountains, while trekking, trekkers can hire porters to carry the bag-packs. Generally, a porter is capable of carrying about 10 to 12 kilograms of weight maximum from a single person. Their consideration is also important while packing for the trip. Taking a heavy bag-pack with unnecessary things during the trip is strongly advised against, as not only does this create a hassle, but doing so also increases the chance of losing things.
Many shops in Kathmandu sell trekking and hiking gear and equipment. Before starting the trek, trekkers can just hire equipment from the capital itself if bringing all equipment with them from their home country is a bother. Important trekking equipment includes a good pair of hiking poles for support while trekking, a good pair of hiking boots that are comfortable to wear, and other items such as sleeping bags, warm clothes and accessories including sunglasses, warm gloves and warm caps.
Money while Everest Base Camp Trekking
It is strongly advised to have the currency exchanged for local Nepali Rupees at Everest Base Camp Trekking. There aren’t any currency exchange centers in the mountains, and thus, carrying local Nepali Rupees will make it extremely easy for you to buy and pay for things during the journey. Trekkers can have their currency exchanged at the many currency exchange centers in Kathmandu before starting the trip.
The daily spending during the trip can amount to about 10$ to 15$ or more based on the trekkers themselves. If local tour operators are used, like Escape Himalaya, then the majority of the allowance is taken care of. But extra expenses like drinking water, hot showers and buying trinkets and snacks can cost money that has to be paid by the trekkers themselves.
