Why Everest Base Camp Trek is so Popular?

“Because it’s there… Everest is the highest mountain in the world, and no man has reached its summit. Its existence is a challenge. The answer is instinctive, apart, I suppose, of man’s desire to conquer the universe.”- George Mallory

Everest Base Camp Trek is one of the most eminent hiking adventures in the world and is a bucket list destination for every hiking enthusiast on the planet. An escapade hike to the world’s tallest peak-Mt Everest presenting unforgettable sights of Everest’s peaks, authentic experiences of world-class peaks, unique Himalayan lifestyles, and wonderful Sherpa cultures.

At other times you look at the sceneries which look so breathtakingly magnificent and are dissimilar from any other mountain terrains you have witnessed before. Beginning the journey from lustrous green forests of pines, fir and oak, cultivated lands, and terraced field to glistening blue torrential rivers to the sterile meadows and glacial lakes amid large boulders as higher as you climb.

Sitting small airliner, having scenic beauty of the valley, green hills, rocky terrains, snow-capped peaks before you land at Lukla airstrip-one of the most enthralling landing strip of the planet.

Completing the formalities, chase the well-maintained and marked trail passing amazing decors of colorful hills, magnificent Dudh Koshi River, and exotic flora and fauna of Sagarmatha National Park encountering a glut of Sherpa residents summiting Everest Base Camp-a glacial zone situates at 5,360m above the sea level.

With some physical and mental, upon reaching Base Camp and looking up towards the clouds wrapping the top of Everest, becomes one of the proudest moments for every enthusiast. Additionally, I have enlightened why Everest Base Camp is one of the utmost termini of the world in this article below.

The view of Everest (8848.86m/29031ft)

As George Mallory said ‘because it is there, the tallest peak of the planet is just above Everest Base Camp Trek. It is the palpable highlight of the trip and the biggest proof being one of the best hikes in the world. Along with mesmerizing views of Mt Everest, trekkers get a rare chance to witness three other mountains above 8000m including Lhotse (8516/27940), Makalu (8485m/27838ft), and Cho Oyu (8188m/26864ft).

Not only them, but you also get to know the pinnacles as Mt. Nuptse (7855m/25770ft), Mt. Pumori (7161m/23494ft), Mt. Changaste (7550m/24770ft), Mt. Amadablam (6856m/22493ft), Mt. Thamserku(6723m/22057ft), Mt. Kantega( 6685m/21932ft), Mt. Kusum Khagaru (6367m/20889ft), Mt. Kongde (6011m/19721ft), Mt. Khumbila (5761m/18900ft), Mt. Twache peak(6367m/20889ft), Mt. Lingterin (6679m/21912ft), Mt. Cholaste (6335m/20784ft), Island peak(6179m/20272ft), Honku South Peak (6119m/20075ft), Lobuche peak(6145m/20160ft), Mera Peak (6461m/21197ft) Khumbu Glacier and Khumbu Icefall during their single trip which is sporadic in any other treks of the planet. You will get an incredible linking to the mountains and be overwhelmed by their enormity.

Comfortable Trekking Route

Not only are the Himalayan sceneries, but Everest Base Camp also well renowned for its comfortable trekking trails too. Well-established and marked trekking routes and never confusing paths till the ultimate point make this journey contended and enjoyable.

The fear of being lost on the way is rare. Plus numerous fellow trekkers pass each moment you just can ask them in case of confusion. Don’t worry! They are kind and helpful and show the way correctly.

Moderately Difficult

Most people imagine that to step on the base of the tallest peak, you need to be a marathon runner having a lot of climbing as well as technical skills. The truth is, you simply don’t need any. If you can walk 4-6 hours a day for 11-12 days, up and down in the elevation of 3000m+ above sea level with a light backpack, you will complete comfortably. Hiring a porter to carry your backpack makes it even easier and all there is left to worry about is your water, snacks, and camera.

During the trip, you shall have proper acclimatization (mostly in Namche Bazaar and Dingboche). It is the biggest concern for any higher elevated treks. Without acclimatizing to the surroundings, you might be caught Acute Mountain Sickness.

Actually slower you go, the better chance to escape from it and succeed in the journey. As it is certainly more attainable than you have imagined, but don’t disregard your fitness altogether for an enjoyable journey. Some physical fitness-related activities beforehand are highly recommended.

Great Combined Treks and Expeditions

Another great reason being Everest Base Camp trek one of the best treks on the planet is its connection with numerous trekking and expeditions. Mera Peak (6476m/21247ft), Island Peak (6189 m/20305ft), Lobuche Peak (6145m/20161ft), Everest High Passes Trek, Gokyo Lakes Trek, Ama Dablam Base Camp Trek, can be combined in your trek.

Alongside preparation of Everest Expedition, Lobuche Expedition can be done by staying longer in the tented camps at the base camp. Thus combining these very treks along Everest Base Camp Trek is exceptional.

Sherpa Culture and Lifestyle

Nepal is rich in its unique and fascinating culture. Every day on the trip to Everest Base Camp, you will discover something new and unlike. The Sherpa of the Everest region is the great devotees of Buddhism. Everyone pays respect to their culture and they have established chortens, gompas, or monasteries in every stops. Mane walls, prayer flags, and prayer wheels are placed here and there and everywhere.

The biggest monastery of the Khumbu region-Tengboche Monastery is on your way to the summit. Monks seem to meditate, studying and performing their rituals while passing them. Visit those monasteries, Sherpa museums, and other cultural sites and learn more about Tibetan Buddhism.

In the acclimatization days, wander around the towns and learn how these brave climbers spend their days. Interact with them, most of them under 50 understand English and learn about mountaineering and everything.

The Tengboche Monastery

As already mentioned, the Everest Base Camp trek is an adventurous journey it is also much spiritual journey as well. During your hike, trekkers frequently come across long and high mane walls, large alleys, and fluttering prayer flags in different colors that depict red for fire, blue for the sky, green for water, yellow for earth, and white for air or atmosphere.

Among these all, Tengboche Monastery is the most eminent and esteemed spiritual symbolism of the entire journey. Situated at the elevation of 3820m above sea level, is the popular stop as well after Namche Bazaar during your upward hike.

Visiting the monastery, you will be blessed by the monks who reside, study, and meditate there for your successful journey ahead. The entire monastery is beautifully decorated with murals and paintings and is very calm, spiritual, and worth visiting. This also adds a brick making the journey to Everest Base Camp one of the best treks of the world.

Enthralling Flight to Lukla

Your actual walk to EBC begins after a short but scenic flight to Tenzing Hillary Airstrip-Lukla. Lukla airport is considered one of the most enthralled airports on the earth. You will sit on the plane for 35 minutes only but the views are magnificent from the windowpane.

On the right, you will have picturesque valleys, settlements, fast-flowing rivers, and large meadows. Snowy peaks, alpine forests, rhododendron woods will be on your left side. From the narrow glazing, you will have giant views which are unforgettable making the journey even special.

Choices of Accommodation

Another affirmative aspect of Everest Base Camp Trek is the availability of lodging and meals during the trek and meals. Do not worry! You will have choices of accommodation from very basic budget teahouses to luxury lodges.

In spite of being several inconveniences, they have maintained quality as much as possible. Trekkers can choose accommodation from US$ 5 to US$400 per night. Trekkers searching luxury lodges while trekking is a perfect choice.

Sagarmatha National Park

A UNESCO World Heritage Site of Nepal, Sagarmatha National Park is the highest elevated national park on the planet. Beginning from 2835m above the sea level at Monjo, it extends up to 8848.86m at the summit of Mt. Everest.

Filled with diversity, this national park is the home of some exotic and rare flora and fauna. Vegetation includes rhododendron, birch, blue pine, juniper, and silver fir, scrub some alpine plants. It shelters varieties of wildlife including Himalayan Thar, red panda, Ghoral, Pikka (mouse hare), marten, Himalayan black bear, lynx, wolf, and snow leopard.

Additionally, it is the place for 118 species of birds where Impeyan pheasant, snow cock, snow, pigeon, blood pheasant, Himalayan griffin vulture, yellow-billed chough, and lammergeyer are the most common ones.

Everest Base Camp

Of course, the foot of Everest itself another core attraction of EBC Trek. It is the dream destination of hundreds of thousands of travel enthusiasts from the entire planet. Elevating at the elevation of 5360m above sea level, it is the perfect place for the acclimatization spot for the Everest summiteers as well.

Trekkers can reach Everest Base Camp after an 8-9 days' walk from Lukla. As Everest Base Camp has no teahouses around, you need to hike back to Gorekshep or need to organize a camping trek.

The view of Khumbu Glacier, surrounded by the mighty peaks and stepping at the base of the world's tallest peak is really a lifetime experience.

Kala Patthar

Kala Patthar(5545/18192ft) also spelled sometimes as Kala Pataar, Kala Pattar, is one of the preeminent ways for conventional hikers to grasp bizarre statures in the heart of the Nepal Himalayas.

Kala Patthar, the literal meaning translation of ‘black rock' in Nepali, is a notable milestone positioned on the south ridge of Pumori in the Nepali Himalayas just overhead Gorakshep( your last stop of Everest Base Camp Trek). Standing atop Kala Patthar, you will have mesmerizing sunrise over Everest, Lhotse, Cho-Oyu, and the entire Everest sanctuary that looks just awe.

Visiting Kala Patthar in the daytime or late afternoon is not highly recommended. You might encounter a strong flow of winds usually after 12 pm. Next, due to the hazy surrounding and cloudy atmosphere, the views might get obstructed in the late afternoons.

Final Say

Everest Base Camp Trek has a plethora to offer. What you will pick, what not depends upon you. Due to the sceneries, landscapes, vegetation, wildlife, culture, people, hospitality, religious places, mountains, uniqueness, it is the most popular destination in Nepal. Without much ado, let us embark Everest trek as the mountains are appealing to us.