Everest Base Camp Trek Overview
Everest Base Camp Trek is not just about reaching the base camp of the world's highest mountain. It is a journey that teaches much about a simple lifestyle, healthy eating, leadership, and endurance. Most importantly, it takes you very close to nature, fostering personal growth and a sense of accomplishment.
The Everest base camp trek explores the high Himalayan trail, specifically the Khumbu region of Nepal, ascending through dense forests, picturesque villages, and lush foothills.
Everest Base Camp Trek Highlights
- The best 16-day itinerary to the Everest base camp with ample acclimatization days
- You will have a thrilling flight in and out of Lukla Airport, the starting/ending point of the trail
- Walk through the lush forests of rhododendrons and small villages.
- Traverse the Sagarmatha National Park, which is packed with natural wonders like waterfalls, streams, rivers, forests, moraines, glaciers, and mountains.
- Get to see the daily lifestyle of the Sherpas and their culture.
- Visit ancient monasteries while trekking and come across various flora and fauna.
- Ascend to Everest base camp and Kala Patthar viewpoint.
- Witness breathtaking mountain panoramas and diverse landscapes.
- Witness diverse landscapes and mountain views, unwind, and bond with nature.
Why Everest Base Camp Trek in Nepal
There are many reasons to do the Everest Base Camp Trek in Nepal, and some of the Trek's attractions are listed below.
Walk into the Sagarmatha National Park
Everest is protected under the Sagarmatha National Park in Nepal, a UNESCO World Natural heritage site named after Mount Everest, Sagarmatha in Nepali. The park has numerous alpine vegetation, glaciers, peaks, and mountains. Sagarmatha National Park begins from Monjo, a small village from Phakding to Namche Bazaar. Villages, streams, rivers, waterfalls, lush hills, and other exotic wildlife are scattered around the park. Over 118 species of birds and much exotic wildlife are found in this park, including red pandas, musk deer, snow leopards, and more.
The 16-day Everest Base Camp Trek itinerary is within the Sagarmatha National Park, which protects the Everest region's rich biodiversity and cultural heritage.
Explore the Namche Bazaar: the tourist hub of the Everest
You might have heard about the Namche Bazaar. Namche is one of the most significant towns in the region and a tourist hub. It is situated 3440 meters (14,206 ft) above sea level.
You spend two nights in Namche Bazaar to acclimate before ascending to Everest Base Camp. This village has many modern facilities after Lukla, such as cafes, restaurants, luxury lodges, budget-friendly lodges, ATMs, museums, gear shops, souvenir shops, etc. You can do a lot of things in Namche. Explore the Everest Photo Gallery, Sherpa Culture Museum, and bustling local market. Try freshly brewed coffee and delicious bakery goods at this incredible elevation. Enjoy the weekly market if you are in Namche Bazaar on Saturday.
Explore ancient monasteries on Nepal Everest Base Camp Trail
The locals of Everest mostly follow Buddhism, and throughout the Everest Base Camp Trek, stupas, chortens, prayer wheels, monasteries, and prayer flags are spread.
Tengboche Monastery
Tengboche monastery, also called Dawa Choling Gompa, is the biggest Monastery in Everest. It is located at 3,867 meters (12,687 ft) and is surrounded by beautiful views. The Monastery has a 20-foot statue of Buddha and many murals and thangkas. During the Mani Rimdu festival in October/November, the Monastery comes alive with villagers, colors, rituals, and traditional dances. You will visit the Tengboche Monastery while you are on the way to Everest Base Camp.
Khumjung Monastery
Khumjung Monastery is situated at 3,970 meters (13,025 ft). It is one of the oldest monasteries in the Everest region, founded in 1910. This Monastery is famous for holding the scalp of a Yeti.
Nearby the Monastery is the Sir Edmund Hillary School in Khumjung, which is affiliated with the Khumsjung Monastery and contributes to the education of the local Sherpa children. On your extra day at Namche, you hike to Khumjung Village and visit the Monastery on your extra day during the Everest Base Camp trek.
Pangboche Monastery
Pangboche Monastery's origins date back to the 17th century. It is one of the oldest Monasteries in the region and an important spiritual center for the Sherpa community. The Monastery is located at 3,985 meters (13,074 ft). The Pangboche monastery also held the scalp and purported hand of a Yeti. However, the scalp was later stolen, and now the hands are only guarded there. You will have the chance to visit the Pangboche Monastery while on the Everest Base Camp Trek.
Hike to Everest View Hotel (the highest five-star hotel in the world)
Hotel Everest View is located at 3,962 meters (13,000 ft), a famous viewpoint from Namche Bazaar. Everest View Hotel is a luxury lodge, and Mount Everest is visible from all its windows. Trekkers hike here to enjoy views of Mt. Everest, Mt. Lhotse, Mt. Nuptse, Mt. Thamserku, and Mt. Ama Dablam on acclimatization in Namche.
Climb the Nagarjuna Hill
Nagarjuna Hill is an acclimatization point close to Dingboche village. It is located at 5,050 meters (16,568 ft) from sea level and offers a fantastic mountain panorama. The hiking trail is steep and rugged. Trekkers hike to Nagarjuna Hill viewpoint on the way to Everest Base Camp.
Summit the Kalapattar view Point
Kala Patthar means Black Rock. It is the highest point during the Everest Base Camp trek. There are two summits on the Kala Patthar. The highest is at 5,643 meters (18,514 ft), but trekkers only climb to 5,455 meters (18,897 ft). This place offers stunning views of Everest and many other mountains.
Kala Patthar is located above Gorak Shep and takes about two hours to reach. Trekkers usually hike to Kala Patthar to enjoy a gorgeous sunrise. The sunrise view from Kalapattar illuminates the snowy peaks, creating a breathtaking and memorable experience.
Khumbu Glacier and Khumbu Icefall
Khumbu Glacier is situated on the southern slopes of Mount Everest. You will follow the Khumbu glacier while trekking from Dughla to Lobuche village. It is a moving mass of ice and rock debris created by the collection and compression of snow over many years.
The Khumbu glacier is approximately 17 kilometers (10.6 miles) long and extends from the Western Cwm (a glacial valley) at the base of Mount Everest to the Khumbu Icefall. The lateral and medial moraines on the glacier's sides are composed of rocks and debris carried by the moving ice.
Likewise, Khumbu Icefall is one of the most famous attractions of the Everest region. It is located on the western side of the Everest Base Camp. The Khumbu Icefall is a vast and heavily crevassed icefield known for its unstable and shifting ice structures, which create a high risk of avalanches, crevasse falls, and ice collapses.
The Khumbu Icefall is a critical passage for climbers attempting to ascend Mount Everest via the South Col route. It is particularly challenging due to its steep gradient and the constant movement of the glacier.
Explore the Everest Base Camp
Everest Base Camp is the base of Mount Everest, at 5,364 meters (17,598 ft). It serves as the starting point for attempting the Everest summit, provides a temporary settlement, and allows acclimatization to high-altitude conditions before ascending further. Reaching and visiting Everest Base Camp is the final destination of our 16-day Everest Base Camp Trek.
Stay Overnight at Gorak Shep
Gorak Shep is the last settlement area before Everest Base Camp. It is located near the Khumbu Glacier at 5,164 meters (16,942 ft). Historically, this place served as the base camp of Mt. Everest Gorak Shep, which has basic tea houses that provide accommodation and meals for trekkers.
Get surrounded by an ocean of mountains dominating the skyline
During the Everest Base Camp trek, you will see spectacular mountain views, diverse landscapes, and countless hills, peaks, and mountains. You will also witness many beautiful valleys, lush forests, rocky gorges, glaciers, passes, moraines, streams, and rivers.
From the top five eight-thousander mountains- (8,849 m/29,032 ft), , Lhotse (8,516 m/27,940 ft), and Makalu (8,463 m/27,766 ft) to many other stunning peaks like Nuptse (7,861 m/25,791 ft), Ama Dablam (6,812 m/22,349 ft), Pumori (7,161 m/23,494 ft), Island Peak (6,165 m/20,226 ft), and Thamserku (6,608 m/21,680 ft).
Explore one of the remote and extreme parts of the world
Everest Base Camp trail is one of the world's remotest. With no road access, the only way to enter and exit the region is via flights and on foot. Everything in the Everest Base Camp Trek is scarce and expensive. Apart from some villages, most areas lack a stable network and modern facilities.
The weather is challenging, unpredictable, rugged, and steep terrain. There are no proper health facilities besides an introductory health post in Namche Bazaar, Lukla, and other villages. So, travel insurance with emergency air evacuation is necessary. Despite all these limitations, the surreal mountain views attract hundreds of travelers annually.
Experience the lifestyle, culture, and traditions of the locals
Everest Base Camp Trail is home to famous Sherpas and other communities like Limbu, Lama, Rai, Bhotiya, etc. The locals mostly practice Buddhism. The trail is dotted with religious posts like monasteries, stupas, prayer wheels, etc. The locals of Everest live a simple lifestyle. They are kind-hearted and friendly people.
You will surely get many opportunities to understand the life of the locals and their culture and beliefs. As you spend nights in different villages along the way, you will experience the mountain lifestyle.
Traverse through diverse climatic zones and embrace a wide range of flora and fauna
If you take the Lukla flight, your journey starts from Lukla village. From here, the trail ascends through alpine forests before going above the treeline. Above the tree line, you will traverse via glacier fields, moraines, and rocky gorges.
Likewise, as elevation changes, the climate and vegetation also change. The lower part of the Everest is warmer than the upper part. Daytime is warm and bright, whereas nights and mornings are cold. All this diversity lets you explore a wide variety of flora and fauna.
Push your limits and test your endurance
Trekking for a week or more than 10 days in the mountains is difficult. Even though the Everest base Camp trek is not technically challenging, you must walk at least 6-9 hours daily, adjust to limited facilities, and deal with varying elevations and climates. While walking to Everest Base Camp, you will test your limits and set new boundaries.
Enjoy the serenity of the Himalayas- unwind and rejuvenate
Everest Base Camp trekking trail is part of the Himalayas, and its serene and peaceful environment will let you unwind and rejuvenate. Everest Base Camp Expedition offers a unique opportunity to connect with nature.
The crisp mountain air, pine forests, and fresh environment make your visit to Everest Base Camp smooth. In Everest, you immerse yourself in the raw beauty of nature. The towering peaks, ancient monasteries, and pristine landscapes create an immersive experience that disconnects you from screens and reconnects you with the present moment.
Everest Base Camp Trek is a sanctuary for those seeking a break from the digital noise and space to recalibrate and recharge!
Challenge yourself and lose 4-5 kg by the end of Everest Base Camp Trek
Trekking to Everest Base Camp is a transformative journey. You will rejuvenate emotionally, spiritually, and physically. Your body adapts and strengthens as you trek through diverse landscapes and lush valleys to high-altitude passes.
Experience the thrilling Lukla flights
Lukla is the gateway to the Everest base Camp Trek. It is a small village with lodges, cafes, restaurants, and ATMs; you will take a 35-minute flight from Kathmandu/Manthali.
Lukla is 2,845 meters (9,334 ft) high and is known as one of the most extreme airports in the world because of its location, elevation, and short runway. The official name of Lukla Airport is Tenzing Hillary Airport.
Lukla Airport has a 527-meter-long runway, so only small, fixed-wing, STOL aircraft such as Dornier Do 228, Twin Otter, Pilatus PC-6, etc., can land there. Flying to Lukla Airport is one of the Everest Base Camp trek attractions. This flight offers breathtaking mountain panoramas and gorgeous landscapes. The thrill of landing and taking off from Lukla Airport has made it entirely known among adventure lovers!
Meet trekkers from all around the world and make new friends
On the Everest Base Camp trail, you meet the world. People worldwide visit Everest Base Camp to enjoy breathtaking mountain views and experience the life-changing Epic Everest Base Camp Odyssey.
The trekkers do not feel shy about saying hello. You have an excellent opportunity to make new friends and, if not, lifelong memories. The Everest base camp trekking route is scenic and offers many solitary moments. The difficulties will let you push your boundaries, and the beautiful landscapes will help you unwind. The Everest base camp Voyage goes beyond adventure and teaches many things.
Everest Base Camp Trek Company: Outfitter Himalaya
If you are looking for a trekking company to arrange your Everest Base Camp trek in Nepal, There are many local and international big trekking companies to book your Trek. However, if you are looking for a trustworthy local company, you are in the right place. We have worked in Nepal's tourism industry for more than two decades. Our working team is experienced, reliable, and professional. You can trek freely with us and learn a lot about the trail. Our guides are native, trained, and friendly. You'll have no issue trekking to Everest base camp with Outfitter Himalaya.
Outfitter Himalaya is one of Nepal's best Everest Base Camp Trek companies. It has successfully brought more than 2000 trekkers to Everest Base Camp. Booking Everest Base Camp Trek with Outfitter Himalaya is easy. We have both private and small group treks to Everest Base Camp.
Find the fixed departures for a small group trek to Everest Base Camp. If you prefer to go on a group trek, you can do the Private Everest Base Camp trek on any date of the year. Check availability or contact us to book.