How hard is Everest Base Camp Trek?
We often get asked how hard is the trek to Everest Base camp and how it compares to other well-known treks of Nepal.
First of all let’s know about Everest Base Camp
Everest Base Camp trek is a lifetime opportunity to witness world heighest peak Mount Everest (8,848.86 m — New Height) and other towering mountains in the everest region.
View from Kala Patthar, on the other hand, is well worth it. 5500m, once you’ve acclimatised, is very do-able for a fit trekker, and the views from there of Everest and surrounding peaks are spectacular!
How Hard is to walk to Everest Base Camp
Getting to Everest Base Camp is completely a trek not a climb. Estimated journey of EBC trek is 130 Km from Lukla(The Gateway of Everest Region). There are a couple of steep hills to tackle but the paths are zigzagged to make it easier and there is plenty of time to stop for a rest. Terrain can be slippy sometimes with ice, but there is no need for any technical equipment or skills. As it is basically a long trek at altitude, trekkers need to walk approx 13–15 Km per day. A Person with reasonable fitness can achieve this feat.
You will have to carry a backpack weighing around 5+ kilograms for hours. But, you can hire a porter as well.
Prior to trekking be prepared mentally and physically.
Aerobic training includes the training for your heart, lung, and blood cells.. You can include the following activities in your travel plan:
- Regular jogging/running/Cycling
- Training at the gym focusing your legs
- Involve in outdoor sports such as soccer, cricket
- It is also good to have the cardio-training for 2–3 months before the trek.
Acclimatization
Altitude: the vast majority of people should be OK if they follow the guidelines and do not ascend too fast/soon.
If you feel unwell during the trek, notify your guides and monitor your symptoms carefully.
Acute mountain sickness can progress to pulmonary edema (fluid in your lungs) or cerebral edema (swelling of your brain). If it is not treated on time, these can be fatal.
So, it is highly recommended spending 1–2 days in Namche Bazaar and Dingboche. On the acclimatization day, you’ll go for light hiking. This will help with acclimatizing to the higher altitude.
Best Time to visit Everest Base Camp
Everest Base Camp Trek can be done throughout the year but to get most out of it you have to select the best months,
Spring (March, April and May) and Autumn (September, October, November) is the main trekking season in Nepal. The reason behind is clear, sunny & pleasant weather. And most importantly you can enjoy the Himalayan vista than other season.
Monsoon (Jun, July, August) — This is generally a monsoon season in Nepal, You need to carry your rain gears and be ready for slippery trails.
Winter (December, January, Feburary) — At this time it can be extreme cold with strong cold winds, icy pathway, snowfall, and temperatures reach minus degrees. If you love this season then it might be the best option for you.
Originally published at https://annapurnatrekking.com on January 26, 2021.
