The Everest Base Camp Trek Is For The Adventurous At Heart

Perhaps one of the most famous mountain treks in the world is the Everest Base Camp Trek. It is not only the wonder and awe of viewing Everest that makes this trek magical, but the mystic and friendliness of the Nepalese and Sherpas and the beauty of the surroundings that make it an unforgettable trip. While you do not need to be sublimely fit to make the trek, it is highly recommended that you do some training for Everest Base Camp trek and that you are in good health as there will be a lot of strain placed on your body due to the rigorous trekking and the adaptation to the high altitudes.

The Trek Itself

As the name implies, the Everest Base Camp Trek route will take you through several villages till you reach the Everest Base Camp. Depending on how you decide to do it, the Mount Everest Base Camp trek can take anywhere from ten to fourteen days, or longer, from Lukla airport which is where you set off from, depending on the actual arranged tour and the pace you want to set.

A typical itinerary would take you from the Lukla airport to Monju; you will pass through several smaller villages on the way where you can rest and eat but if you are able you should try to make it to Monju where you can spend the night. From there you would leave for Namche, spend a day acclimatizing in Namche before heading on to Tengboche, where you can spend the night. The following days you will pass through Deboche, Pangboche, Periche, Lobuche, Gorak Shep and finally the Everest Base camp. You will need to rest for a day on a couple of occasions in order to acclimatize to the higher altitudes, but there are plenty of places to see while taking a day off trekking.

What To Take With You

When booking the trip you will receive a list of recommended items and clothing to take with you. Belongings should be packed in duffel bags for ease of transportation up the mountain. You should also take a lightweight knapsack to take with you on smaller day trips. Wallet and passport will need to be kept secure, so invest in a travel wallet before leaving. You should take sufficient mountain clothing, gloves and hats are essential, as are sunglasses or goggles.

For most of the trek you will be staying in lodges in the villages along the way, so there is no need to take your 6 man tent or 3 man tent unless you are planning on hiking higher up the trail to the secondary or further base camps. You will want to take a decent down single or double sleeping bag as while blankets are supplied they are not always that hygienic. Medical supplies and first aid items are also recommended.

Group Tour Or Hiring Your Own Tour Guides?

There are pros and cons to both options. With a group tour, everything from your visas to accommodations, guides and porters are taken care of. Your Everest Base Camp trek cost is usually higher this way, though you can rest assured that everything will be prepared for in advance.

Alternatively, the more adventurous or experienced will often simply fly into Lukla, find an Everest Base Camp trek map and hire guides and porters via various lodges. It is cheaper to do this and there is more flexibility with your schedule. Providing you stick to the recommended routes and schedule you should be perfectly safe.

Booking Your Trekking Holidays

If you prefer to book your trek in advance this can be very easily done online. You will be able to choose from several different tours, ranging in difficulty and length. Costs vary, though you should expect to pay anywhere from around $3,000 to $3,800 for the tour–not counting your airfares to Kathmandu and back home.

While not for the faint hearted, any trekking holiday such as this or the also famous Inca Trail trek are well worth the money spent. The scenery is breath-taking and the camaraderie and friends made along the way will be remembered forever.

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