Everest Base Camp Trek: An Experience of a Lifetime

One of the most significant adventures that one could endeavor to undertake is the Everest Base Camp Trek. With Mount Everest being the highest mountain in the world, at 29,028 feet, mountain climbing is something that many consider a state of accomplishment once climbed. Besides that, many travelers just go to enjoy the scenery and the sunset that comes over the Mt. from the Khumbu Icefalls or Kala Patar.

The camp is based in the Khumbu Region and is the home to the Sherpa people, who are well known for their captivating culture traditions and hospitality. When one sets out to the Everest Base Camp trek, they will pass upon ancient monasteries, the Himalayan peaks, legendary mountaineers, or even the mythical Yeti. Depending on what you want, there are two main routes that will lead you to the top, both offering fantastic rewards. From the two to choose are the Gokyo Lakes trek and the Khumbu Valley trek.

If you choose to go on the Gokyo Lakes trek, you have beauty awaiting you. It is well known for the gorgeous turquois lakes that cover a vast landscape, as well as the gasping Himalayans. Many trekkers very frequently overlook this valley, which lies west of Khumbu Valley. For this reason, there are fewer people found on the course by the Gokyo Lakes which makes it a great opportunity for one to set out on the devious route. It will take you on a route of its own, departing from the main Everest Base Camp trek route, passing by many farm villages that are high up from the Dudh Koshi River. You will pass 3 splendid turquoise lakes and then you reach the village Gokyo.

Here at the village Gokyo, you have a view of four out of the six tallest mountains in the world, Lhotse, Cho Oyu, Makalu, and of course Mount Everest. If you are a trekker who has the time, you might want to explore Gokyo Valley further, as it is something that is to be marveled at and admired. As you continue your regular trek, it climbs to the top of the Himalayan pass called Cho La pass and joins back up with the regular Everest route.

What if you want to choose the Khumbu Valley trail? This trek will have you passing along the banks of the Dudh Koshi River. You are going to come across very interesting sites along this path. For instance, there is a historic Buddhist monastery that you’ll be able to tour when you reach Tengboche. Or what about the stone memorials of past climbers who had died in their endeavors to climb the mountain? On this, the Khumbu Valley trail, you will have gasping views of Mt. Everest, also called by the Sherpa people and Tebetan people “Sagamartha” (meaning head of the sky) or “Chomolungma” (meaning Mother Goddess of the Universe).

No matter the case, your journey to the Everest Base Camp Trek will be full of excitement and beauty. On average, the trip takes about 12 to 14 days of trekking and it is recommended that you stop at the village Namche Bazaar to spend a couple days before going any higher than 12,000 ft. This is for those who may not be used to the high altitude change that takes place and could very well result in altitude sickness, which is very common for many mountain climbers attempting to climb Everest. This will give climbers time to get used to the atmosphere and take in the mountain air.

Actually, one of the most important things you could probably do before trying to accomplish such a task is to take the necessary precautions and prepare properly for the journey. When you are traveling to Everest Base Camp Trek it has many challenges. So it is important that you are equipped properly and capable physically, as well as mentally.

No, the trek isn’t impossible, but because it is low in temperature and in high altitudes, you could suffer from HAPE (high altitude pulmonary edema) or HACE (high altitude cerebral edema). That is why it is important that you plan your trip out and figure everything out before diving into this once in lifetime experience. Get a guide service or local outfitters to accompany you. That way, you’ll have someone who knows what they’re doing.

Most of all, if this is your first time going on the Everest Base Camp Trek, take it slow. Why take it fast? This is a time to relax, take pictures, and enjoy one of the earth’s most captivating sites in the world.

source :nepalstravel