Everest Base Camp Trek is one of the popular destinations for ordinary people to catch a glimpse of the world's highest peak.
However, we also can’t deny that it is one of the most challenging and adventurous treks in the world. But you can make it with some early preparation and a bit of dedication.
Everest Base Camp Trek Difficulty level varies with different factors like trek duration, the season of the trek, your fitness level, and experience. But generally, it falls in moderate to difficult trek category.
Since it falls in moderate to difficult trek so prior trekking experience would be helpful, but it’s not necessary.
All people of different ages, shapes, and sizes can attempt Everest Base Camp Trek 14 Days successfully. But, to complete this trek without any difficulties, you must require a good level of fitness.
Besides you also need to consider some factors like altitude, elevation, weather, and budget before embarking on this adventurous trek.
Everest Base Camp Altitude
The first challenging aspect on the Everest Base Camp Trek is "altitude." It is the base camp of the world's highest peak Mt. Everest. Thus, trekkers shouldn't take it lightly.
The trek commences from the Lukla and takes you above the altitude of 3,000 m, in just two days. The highest point of the trek is Kala Patthar at 5,545 m above the sea level. Well, from here you'll enjoy the finest and close-up view of Mt. Everest.
As we ascend towards the higher altitudes, the density of air decrease, i.e., the amount of oxygen level decrease in the air. In the end, it causes altitude sickness. It affects everybody; it doesn't depend on age, gender, or fitness level.
The basic symptoms of altitude sickness are shortness of breath, headache, vomiting, nausea, and fever. The situation gets worse with the increment of the altitude. Due to this, some trekkers also have lost their lives while attempting the Everest Base Camp Trek.
The best way to deal with altitude sickness is to ascend gradually so that your body could acclimatize with changing altitude.
Thus, we offer 14 days Everest Base Camp Trek Itinerary with enough acclimatization days. During the trek, you'll spend two days including acclimatization day in the same place. We'll also follow the golden rule, i.e., "trek high and sleep low."
If you want further explore the Everest region, you can include the Three High Passes Trek, Jiri Trek, Island Peak,Everest base camp helicopter tour and Gokyo Lakes Trek on the way to the base camp.
Everest Base Camp Trek Distance
The total number of days for Everest Base Camp Trek depends on acclimatization days and the trekking routes.
The total distance during classic Everest Base Camp Trek from Lukla to Base Camp and back is 130km. The typical round trip takes around 12-14 days. The actual EBC Trek Distance is 15 km per day (average).
The average walking pace is about 5 km/hr which does not seem to bit tough. However, you need to walk over a rocky and snowy terrain which surely slows down your pace.
Everest Base Camp Trek Route combines both flat, rocky, forest, and snowy terrain.
The first few days of the trek, you have to walk through the uphill rocky path. But while returning Lukla it is mostly downhill walking, so don't worry. Luckily, our porters will help you to carry your bags so that you can enjoy your trek.
Do not hesitate to contact us if you want to trek to Everest Base Camp or other trekking routes in Nepal. We can help you to manage your trip.
Everest Base Camp Elevation
Another challenging aspect of the EBC trek is elevation, and it's obvious. Trekking to the base camp of the world's highest mountain is not a joke.
The starting point of the trek is Lukla, which lies at an altitude of over 2,600 m. Most people's bodies are not used to these altitudes. Thus, the trek itinerary must have enough acclimatization days to ensure your safety.
During the trekking period, the normal elevation gains will be range from 400-800m per day. If there is a huge difference in altitude, then the days will be followed by the rest day.
Here, the rest day doesn't signify to the sleep the whole day. Instead of taking rest, you'll get a chance to explore the surrounding areas and get adjusted with the altitude.
The highest point of the trek is Kala Patthar (5,545 m) viewing point where you'll be rewarded with the best views of Mt. Everest and other surrounding peaks.
The weather of Everest Base Camp
Weather is another important factor that determines the level of Everest Base Camp Trek Difficulty. The weather is uncertain and equally unpredictable, especially at the higher altitudes.
The northern hemisphere season pattern influences the weather of the Everest region. This region experiences four different types of seasons; spring, summer, autumn, and winter.
Due to favorable weather, the best time for Everest Base Camp Trek is autumn(post-monsoon) and spring season(pre-monsoon). During these seasons, the temperature is stable, and the mountain views are beyond imaginations!
During the spring season, with great mountain views, you'll also enjoy different species of a flower blooming along the trail in the lower altitudes.
Both seasons are peak trekking season; you can expect a lot of trekkers in the Everest Base Camp Trek Route.
Likewise, if you don't like the crowd, you can opt for the summer or winter season. Like everywhere in Nepal, summer is dominated by the monsoon in the Everest region.
During the monsoon time, the trail is muddy and slippery. Most of the trails are blocked due to landslides and floods. Also, because of unclear weather, there is a high chance of flight cancellations. All because of these reasons, most of the trekkers don't prefer to trek during this month.
Winter season is another less favorable trekking season. In the high altitudes, the temperatures drop down below freezing level especially at night and early morning. For trekking this month, you need to prepare with the right trekking gears and equipment.
However, if you seek an adventurous trek, then both winter and summer are a good time for Everest Base Camp Trek.
Budget
Everest Base Camp Trek Cost is another factor that determines the level of Everest Base Camp Trek Difficulty.
During Everest Base Camp Trek the cost of the accommodation and food increases with altitude. At the peak trekking seasons, the price for the things not only double, but increased by three times.
Do not hesitate to contact us if you want to trek to Everest Base Camp or other trekking routes in Nepal. We can help you to manage your trip.
Everest Base Camp Trek Training
Everest Base Camp Trek is NOT DIFFICULT if you follow some guidelines and prepare yourself. Before embarking on your trekking journey, you need to train your body to get fit. You can start your training program around 6-8 weeks before you leave for the journey.
Aerobic exercises like jogging, running, cycling, and swimming will help to build your endurance level. Besides this, you can join a gym to strengthen your legs and backs. You can also go for short one-day hiking that involves both an uphill and downhill walk.
Lastly, with the physical training mental preparations is also equally important. During the trekking period, you might have to face a different kind of unexpected situations like bad weather conditions, rough terrain, and physical injuries.
The best way to deal with these types of situations is to have a positive attitude and patience.
Trekking to Everest Base Camp Tips
In general, Everest Base Camp Trek is safe and doable for everyone with a bit of preparation, correct gear, and enough acclimatization days. There is a popular saying "Prevention is better than cure," so here I have listed some general tips, that will ensure a safe and enjoyable trek.
- Before embarking on the trekking journey, you need to do enough research related EBC trek itinerary, EBC trek route, and EBC weather. Lastly, choose the trek itinerary and route according to your fitness and experience level.
- Give yourself enough time for preparation. You need to take Everest Base Camp Trek Training to make your trip enjoyable and successful.
- Though you're an experienced trekker, it's better to hire a guide for your safety concern. They will guide you throughout the trek. Also, help you in case of an emergency.
- During the trek don't rush, after all, you're on vacation. Make sure there should be enough acclimatization days into your itinerary.
- Choose the right trekking operator. Make sure your tour operator is fully registered and employ highly experienced guides.
- Drinks load of water to keep yourself hydrated. Dehydration at high altitude is one of the major causes of altitude sickness. So, make sure to drink at least 3 liters of water a day.
Final Thoughts
Despite all these difficulties, thousands of trekkers visit Nepal for only one purpose "Everest Base Camp Trek."
WHY?
The answer is "Sometimes it's the journey that teaches you a lot about your destinations."
Though Everest Base Camp Trek may sound daunting at first glance, it is an awe-inspiring lifetime adventure trip.
Lastly, enjoy your journey. You'll get plenty of opportunities to embrace the natural beauty of the Everest region.
I hope this article has provided you with a brief idea about the Everest Base Camp Trek Difficulty. Further, if you want to learn about Everest Base Camp Trek and other trekking packages, feel free to contact us.
FAQs
Q1. Is travel insurance mandatory for Everest Base Camp Trek?
Travel insurance is compulsory while trekking in Nepal. During Everest Base Camp Trek injury and altitude sickness are far too common. So, it's best to pick good travel insurance. You need to choose wisely travel insurance that covers all the expenses like rescue and evacuation arrangements, loss of baggage, medical expenses, and flight cancellation.
It's always better to be safe than to be sorry later!
Q2. Is there is any chance of death during Everest Base Camp Trek?
Everest Base Camp Trek Death rate is comparatively less than summiting or attempting to summit Everest. Everest Base Camp region lies over at an altitude 5,000m above the sea level. So, there is a high chance of altitude sickness. If it is not treated on time, the consequences might be severe.
Thus, to reduce the chance of death during Everest Base Camp Trek, you shouldn't do any negligence regarding altitude sickness.
Do not hesitate to contact us if you want to trek to Everest Base Camp or other trekking routes in Nepal. We can help you to manage your trip.