Everest Base Camp
Everest Base Camp trek is quite simply the classic trek in Nepal. High in the priority list of trekkers, it is one of the most visited regions in the Himalaya. The two-week trek starts and finishes at Lukla, an airstrip to the south of the region and is the ‘Gateway to Everest’.
Everest base camp (EBC) refers generally to two base camps on opposite sides of Mount Everest. South Base Camp is in Nepal at 5,364 metres, while North Base Camp is in Tibet, China at 5,150 metres.
The base camps are rudimentary campsites at the base of Mount Everest that are used by mountain climbers during their ascent and descent. South Base Camp is used when climbing via the southeast ridge, while North Base Camp is used when climbing via the northeast ridge.
On Everest Base Camp Trek, one can experience astounding mountain views, get glimpses of the life of the world famous mountain climbers (the Sherpas), enter Sagarmatha National Park, a world heritage site and tour high altitude Buddhist monasteries.
South Base Camp in Nepal
The Everest Base Camp trek on the south side is one of the most popular trekking routes in the Himalayas. About 40,000 people per year make the trek there from Lukla airport. Trekkers usually fly from Kathmandu to Lukla to save time and energy before beginning the trek to the base camp. However, trekking to Lukla is possible. There are no roads from Kathmandu to Lukla. As a result, the only method of transporting large and heavy goods is by plane.
From Lukla, climbers trek upward to the Sherpa capital of Namche Bazaar, 3,440 metres, following the valley of the Dudh Kosi river. It takes about two days to reach the village, which is the central hub of the area. Typically at this point, climbers allow a day of rest for acclimatization. They then trek for another two days to Dingboche, 4,260 metres before resting for another day for further acclimatization. Another two days takes them to the Base Camp via Gorakshep,the flat field below Kala Patthar, 5,545 metres and Mt. Pumori.
You may also like: Ka-Nying Shedrub Ling || Tibetan Buddhist Monastery in Kathmandu