After planning for a year nine months and six days I capitalized my dream trek to Everest Base Camp Trekking (EBC). I studied various articles, series of writings and blogs regarding Everest Base Camp Trekking and due to this, I mapped my mind to the base of the tallest tower of the worldMount Everest (8,848m). But, trust me, I find EBC trekking something more than what I read in black and white. TRUST ME!
How did I get to Everest Base Camp?
Everest Base Camp Trekking in this part of the world is thrilling from the very first moment when you get in flight to Lukla. It is a scenic flight of around half an hour. Lukla Airport, also known as Tenzing-Hillary Airport is one of the beautiful airstrips of the world. The airport was designed and built by Sir Edmund Hillary. He along with Tenzing Norgay Sherpa was the first to scale Mount Everest in 1953.
Lukla was the starting point of my trek. My guide Raju told me that I will be continuously walking for 10 days including an acclimatization day. Here below is my everyday itinerary:
Where is Everest Base Camp?
The Everest Base Camp Trekking of Nepal is located in the south. The similar base camp is located in Tibet at north but in comparison to both the sides, the base camp at Nepal side is more popular. The splendid view of mountains from south side gains upper hand over north part.
The everyday route to Everest Base Camp starting from Lukla
- Lukla to Phakding
- Phakding to Namche Bazaar
- Acclimatization at Namche Bazaar
- Namche Bazaar to Tengboche
- Tengboche to Dingboche
- Dingboche to Lobuche
- Lobuche to Gorakshep to Everest Base Camp to Gorakshep
- Gorakshep to Pheriche via Kalapatthar
- Pheriche to Namche Bazaar
- Namche to Phakding to Lukla
Some facts about Everest Base Camp
Everest Base Camp Trekking is the first camping site for Mount Everest climbers. They set up their first camp here before scaling Mount Everest.
Everest Base camp is located at an altitude of 5,364m and from here you get astounding view of other mountains like Mt. Ama Dablam, Mt. Cho Oyo, Mt. Lhotse, Mt. Nuptse, Mt. Makalu, Mt. Cholaste, Mt. Tawache and above all Mount Everest—tallest peak of the world.
Kalapatthar is another site located near Everest Base Camp and from here you get the true picture of Mount Everest and other mountains. It is a site where you are surrounded by mountains in 360 degrees.
Some facts about Mount Everest
Everest Base Camp Trekking was British Surveyor team was the first who measured the tallest peak of the world in an early 19th century. The team concluded its survey after 50 years since the initiation of the project listing Mount Everest as the tallest peak of the world.
Mount Everest has no definite name earlier. Different people inhabiting the Everest region used to refer it with a different name.
Later, the peak got its name Mount Everest and it was given by Andrew Waugh in the memory of George Everest who (George) was a Surveyor General of India then.
Qomolangma is the Chinese name of Everest but in reality, Everest has no name in Chinese and the word Qomolangma is Tibetan.
Sagarmatha is the Nepali word of Everest.
Best destination to see Mount Everest while on EBC Trek
To get a close view of Mount Everest I recommend Kala Patthar as the best site. It is at a walk-in distance from Everest Base Camp. From the base camp you just witness the tip of Mount Everest.
Arranging trek to EBC
There are lots of trekking agencies in Nepal. But I recommend Info Nepal Trek and Expedition as an ideal organization for trekking in Nepal. It is a professional organization with lots of experienced personnel. It arranges all minor details smoothly so that the trekking becomes a matter of joy and passion. It is very much concerned with the safety of trekkers.
To book your EBC package just visit the site of Info Nepal Treks and Expedition and fill up the form listed in contact us section. The organization will get back to you.
Best time for EBC Trek
October, November and December is the best time for EBC trekking. Many foreigners visit Nepal for trekking during this time.
February, March and April are also best months for Everest Base Camp Trekking. The blossoming of rhododendrons during this time cover the entire green hills into red and this is truly mesmerizing.
Necessary equipment and gears before going for EBC Trek
The list of things dictated at the website of Info Nepal Treks and Expedition is more than enough. I had copied the
same things here for your easiness:
Nice trekking is directly proportional to perfect bag pack. Hence, right things have to be bagged to make your trekking a peace of mind. Minor negligence in your packing lists could result in fatal incident ruining your entire package. It is also necessary for trekkers to prepare psychologically.
General items
- Sleeping bag
- Duffle bag
- Body Wear
- Down Jacket
- Full sleeve Tee-shirt 2 pieces
- Expedition thermal tops (Lightweight)
- Pullover jacket
- Windproof jacket
- Waterproof jacket
- A pair of synthetic sports bra for women is must
Head and neck
- Beanie like a woolen hat which covers or protects the ear
- Woolen neck warmer oir muffler
- UV protecting Sunglass
- Sunscream (40 spf)
- Lip balm (20 spf)
Hand
- Liner gloves—a pair—synthetic or woolen)
- Heavy warm gloves —a pair
- Shell gloves to keep hands dry—a pair
Legs
- Hiking shorts (a pair)—nylon (quick drying type)
- Synthetic underwear (4 numbers)
- Synthetic long underwear (2 pairs)
- Smooth shell trouser(a pair) with full zips from top to bottom
- Trekking trouser four pieces with zip on knees
- Hard shell waterproof trouser (a pair).
- Jeans or cotton trouser (a pair)
Feet
- Liner socks—4 pairs—synthetic
- Heavyweight socks—3 pairs
- A pair of Lightweight socks
- Medium or lightweight trekking boots—a pair
- Light trekking sneakers—a pair
- A pair of trekking gaiters to protect feet from stones
- Sandals—a pair
Equipment
- Steel made crampons—a pair
- Mountaineering axe—a piece
- Two pieces of D-shaped locking carabiners
- Two non-locking carabiners
- A pair of expedition gaiters
- A neck gaiter
- Good quality headlamp
- Extra batteries (Lithium batteries for long-lasting functioning)
- A pair of poles with cord (good quality)
- Swiss knife
- Torch/headlamp (with spare batteries)
- Toiletries/soap, Toilet paper, Sunblock
- Travel Towel, Wet-wipes
Medicines
- Excedrin
- Imodium or Pepto bismol
- Diamox also was known as Acetazolamide 125/250mg to prevent altitude sickness
- Bandage, waterproof tape, anti-infection ointment
- Water purifying iodine tablets
- Toilet kit including paper, plastic bag, hand towels, sanitizer and soap
Optional but useful things
- Binoculars
- Lens camera
- Books
- Mobile charger
- Chocolates etc
