11 Sep 2024 Himalaya Trip
Everest Base Camp Trek is one of Nepal’s most popular and commercialized treks. There are plenty of the best things to do in the EBC trek, so hundreds of thousands of trekkers arrive in Nepal to explore the Everest region. The principal motivation for trekking in the Everest Base Camp Trek is to get closer to the highest mountain in the world, Mount Everest, at an elevation of 8849m.
Some of the major attractions of the Everest Base Camp Trek are Tenzing Norgay Hillary Airport, Lukla, Phakding, Namche Bazaar, Tengboche Monastery, Sagarmatha National Park, and Kala Patthar. So, if you plan to trek to the Everest Base Camp, visit these places. There is plenty to do during the EBC trek, which we get into. So, let’s begin.
10 Best Things to Do In Everest Base Camp Trek
Everest Base Camp Trek is a significant place for adventure in Nepal. The trekkers can explore many attractions during their treks in the Khumbu region. Besides exploring the Everest region, trekkers can also participate in different activities. There are plenty of things to do on the EBC trek, and among them, we will list the ten best things, so let’s get into it.
1. Trek To Namche Bazaar
One of the most common activities you will do during your hike to the Everest region trek is the Namche Bazaar. During this trek, you will first land in Lukla from Kathmandu, begin your trek to Phakding, and then move towards Namche Bazaar. The trek from Lukla to Namche Bazaar is one of the most beautiful trek you can experience. During the trek to Namche Bazaar, trekkers can enjoy all the fantastic and diverse landscapes, from broad fields, lush jungles, rocky ridges, and steep ascents to snowy mountains. Even on this short trek, the trekkers can see majestic views of the mountains and clear skies.
2. Flight to Lukla
One of the exciting things that trekkers must do if they want to hike Everest Base Camp is to fly to Lukla. Lukla is the gateway of Mount Everest or the Everest region in itself. To reach Lukla, they have to board a flight from Kathmandu. The majestic birds-eye views of the Everest region from the plane are a significant attraction. When you land at the Tenzing-Hillary airport and get a glimpse of tall mountains far away, you will feel the start of the adventure. You will also get the first glimpse of Mount Everest from Lukla and can click some beautiful pictures of the region.
3. Breakfast in Hotel Everest View
During your EBC hike in the region, you will reach Namche Bazaar, the first place for acclimatization. During the day of acclimatization, the trekkers will trek high and return to Namche for sleep. On this day, the trekkers can visit Hotel Everest View at an altitude of 3,962 meters. The side trek to this Hotel is worth it, as you can eat some delicious breakfast menu and click some lovely photos of mountains from very close. After reaching Hotel Everest View, you can order a delicious breakfast and enjoy the taste while clicking beautiful pictures.
4. Climb Tengboche Monastery
One of the major attractions of the EBC trek is the Tengboche Monastery. It is among the highest monasteries in the world at an elevation of 3,867 m. To reach the Tengboche Monastery, the trekkers must first trek from Namche Bazaar and then reach Tengboche, which is the small village in the region. Early in the morning, the trekkers climb the monastery to pay respect to the Buddhist culture and tradition and also get the majestic panoramic views of the mountains like Everest, Ama Dablam, Lhotse, Nuptse, Cho-Oyu, etc. Over the years, the trek to Tengboche and Tengboche Monastery has gained a reputation, attracting many tourists worldwide.
5. Hike to Nangkartshang Peak
Nangkarthsang Peak is the side trek that the trekkers can experience during their EBC trek exploration. In the EBC trek, trekkers will have a second day of acclimatization in Dingboche. Proper acclimatization is necessary to minimize altitude sickness. During the acclimatization day in Dingboche, trekkers can experience the hike to Nangkartshang Peak, which is at an elevation of 5083m. Despite being on the side treks, we recommend you do not miss this hike as you will miss one of the most beautiful views of the mountains, like Nuptse, Lhotse, Makalu, Ama Dablam, Makalu, Taboche, Kangtega etc.
6. Take a Selfie in Kala Patthar
The highest elevation of the Everest Base Camp Trek is Kala Patthar. You will reach Kala Patthar after returning from Everest Base Camp and through Gorakshep. It is located at an elevation of 5644m. Many trekkers visit Kala Patthar to see stunning panoramic views of the mountains and skies. Furthermore, reaching Kala Patthar in the morning or evening is recommended to see a fantastic sunrise and sunset view. During your trek, ensure your itinerary includes visiting Kala Patthar and clicking beautiful selfies.
7. Acknowledge the successful trek to Everest Base Camp
During your EBC trek, you will eventually reach your ultimate destination and take your first step into the base camp. Upon reaching the base camp, it is essential to acknowledge the success and feel a sense of accomplishment. You can click the pictures or do some activity to make sure this moment lasts in your memory for a long time.
8. Visit Different Sherpa Villages
During your 10 to 12- day EBC trek, you will visit Sherpa villages like Namche, Tengboche, Dingboche, Lobuche, and Pheriche. These Sherpa villages are inhabited by people who are very friendly and helpful to the local and foreign trekkers. You can learn about Buddhist culture, traditions, and cultures by exploring these Sherpa villages. These villages also have teahouses where you can stay and have some meals.
9. Shopping in Namche Bazaar
Namche Bazaar is a developed town in the middle of the isolated Khumbu region. In Namche, you will be staying for one extra day, so there will be plenty of shopping opportunities. You can buy personal items for clothing, trekking gear, equipment, and souvenirs of Nepal or Mount Everest that you can take home. Furthermore, you can visit Irish Pubs and eat delicious Western dishes and even drink alcohol, although it can cause altitude sickness.
10. Stroll around Kathmandu City
After returning from your Everest Base Camp Hike, you will have plenty of time to stroll around Kathmandu. You can also add one extra day to explore the UNESCO World Heritage site of the Kathmandu Valley, like Pashupatinath, Swayambhunath, Boudhanath, Changunarayan, Kathmandu, Bhaktapur and Patan Durbar Square. The nightlife of Kathmandu city in Jomsom and Thamel is also excellent, with different types of pubs and clubs operating throughout the night.
Preparation for Everest Base Camp Trek
The Everest Base Camp Tour might be fun, but it is also equally challenging. Before heading out for your EBC trek, you might have to prepare for the trek to make it more fun and less demanding. Preparing for the EBC trek is even more critical. There are a few ways of preparing for the EBC trek.
- Before your EBC trek, make sure you maintain your physical and mental fitness. Strengthen your cardio, legs, core, and breathing exercises.
- Hire a guide and porters to make your trek safe and secure.
- Learn about acclimatization and ways to minimize the chance of altitude sickness.
- Make sure you are hydrating yourself throughout the trek so that you don’t suffer altitude sickness.
- Make sure you pack all the necessary clothing, equipment, and gear.
Highlights of Everest Base Camp Trek
- Get stunning views of mountains like Mt Everest (8849), Ama Dablam (6,812m), Lhotse (8,414m), Nuptse (7,861m), Cho-Oyu (8,188 m), Thamserku (6,608 m), and others.
- Get the majestic bird-eye views of the mountains during your flight to Lukla from Kathmandu.
- Visit the capital of Sherpa in Namche Bazaar and buy beautiful souvenirs.
- Reach Sagarmatha National Park and get the chance to see rare animals like Himalayan Thars, Snow Leopard, Red Panda, Musk deer, etc.
- Climb Kala Patthar and see the stunning sunrise and sunset along with the panoramic views of the mountains.
- Visit Tengboche village and climb the highest monastery in Nepal, Tengboche Monastery, to get a closer view of the mountains.
- Stroll around the snowy mountains and get a glimpse of the Khumbu Glacier.
Best Time for Everest Base Camp Trek
Everest Base Camp Trek is a fun but challenging trek in Nepal. Many trekkers believe this trek is relatively easy. However, specific challenges raise the difficulties, especially for beginners. However, if you want to make the trek a little less challenging and more fun, trekking the EBC region at the ideal time is the best way. In Nepal, there are two ideal trekking seasons: Spring and Autumn. So let’s learn more about it in detail.
Spring
Spring season is among the best time to trek the EBC region. This season starts in March and ends in May, and since the early month of Spring starts just after Winter, the season is a bit chilly. During this season, the trek route is dry and covered by flowers like rhododendrons and magnolias. One primary reason for trekking in the Spring season is the mild temperature, stable weather, and clear sunny days ideal for trekking at high altitudes.
If you reach the EBC trek in April, you might find the mountaineers resting in tents preparing to climb the summit of Mount Everest. If you plan to trek EBC in Spring, make sure you book early because the trails and the teahouses are packed due to the oversurge of the crowds.
Autumn
Autumn is also considered the best season for trekking the EBC. This season starts in the middle of September and ends in November. The early part of September falls in the post-monsoon season, so the region receives mild to heavy rainfall daily. This is the ideal time for trekking because of the clear skies, crisp views of the mountains, and cold fresh air, making the trek exciting every day. The weather is colder now than during the spring season, with temperatures around -10°C at Base Camp during the day.
In late September and October, Nepal celebrates the 15-day-long Dashain festival, honoring the Goddess of Victory, Durga, with thousands of animal sacrifices. Nepal Airlines even sacrifices goats on the runway of Kathmandu airport. Despite the cold weather, the days are dry, and the views are perfect. Just like in Spring, it is wise to book early if you plan to trek the Autumn region.
Conclusion
Hence, Everest Base Camp is the high altitude trek in the lap of the Himalayas. There are lots of major attractions that the trekkers can enjoy and explore during this trek. Moreover, you can also participate in some of the activities that will make your trek even more enjoyable. We have listed some of the activities you can do during the trek, so we hope you will try all of them.
Some of the activities listed on the blog are regular, and you won’t miss them. However, some activities are outside the trek so you might miss them. Make sure you experience all of them and make your trek even more fun and unique. If you are still unsure about trekking EBC, then experience it during the ideal trekking season, like autumn and spring.
FAQs
Do you need guides and a porter during the EBC trek?
Although guides and porters are not compulsory during your trek, it is wise and recommended. Along the trek, you might encounter a few known or unknown problems that can halt your trek. Guides can help you with navigation and security, whereas porters ease your trek by carrying heavy bags.
How much money should I take on the Everest Base Camp trek?
For the EBC trek, we recommend carrying at least $30 to $50 in local currency in case of any emergencies. Everest Base Camp Trek is a costly trekking experience; however, most of the payments you will make will be made in advance. However, every day, you might want to spend money on extra snacks, food, and water or want to go shopping.
Will I lose weight on the Everest Base Camp Trek?
Yes, During the Everest Base Camp Trek, you have to trek for several weeks, and each day, you will be trekking for six to seven hours. Naturally, due to the physical intensity of the trek and climbing the high altitude, you will lose a decent amount of weight.
How much time does it take from Kathmandu to Lukla Airport by flight?
It takes about 30 to 45 minutes to get from Kathmandu to Lukla Airport by plane. Traveling from Kathmandu to Lukla was very tough before the flight mode, but it took less than an hour to reach there. You can also reach Lukla from Ramechhap airport, which takes about 15 minutes.