The Everest Base Camp Trek is indeed the ideal activity for people who respect nature and have a feeling of spirituality within them. The climb to Everest Base Camp is not as difficult as the phrase implies. Anyone with average fitness levels may complete this strenuous hike. The Everest Base Camp Journey requires neither technical expertise nor climbing prowess because it is just a long trek at a high altitude. Even while the Everest Base Camp Trek is not very tough and is fully achievable for people who have the most basic fitness, there are still a few things to consider before you go out on your own.
Kala Patthar, which is located at an elevation of 5545 meters, is the highest point of our climb. However, most of the places we stop at on our trek are not higher than 5000 meters. As a result, the Everest Base Camp trip’s average altitude range is between 4000 meters and 5600 meters.
Going to Everest base camp is an adventure of a lifetime. The Sherpa communities and way of life, as well as the stunning environment, are the primary draws of the walk. The trek is not too difficult because of the well-planned and maintained paths. However, because of the frequent elevation gain at the higher level, some people can find it challenging. As you approach the base camp, the going will become harder so the more elevation you gain. Your walking pace will slow down as you go to higher elevations, and then you’ll realize that the air is growing thinner. Because of the increasing altitude and the low oxygen level, the trek will be more challenging. However, the issue may be handled with almost any effort.
Challenges you could face when hiking to Everest Base Camp
Altitude sickness
After starting at Lukla at 2600m, the route leads you to a breathtaking level of 5,550m on Kala Patthar. Altitude sickness starts to develop in people who are susceptible when they quickly go to heights over 2500 meters. The altitude, by far this journey’s most challenging component, makes it tougher than a typical trip that is the same length. Trekkers should be mindful that living at a high altitude might make breathing difficult or cause them to feel out of breath. You must limit your daily activity to 500 meters and have sufficient rest every 1,000 meters if you want to successfully finish this tour. Therefore, altitude sickness problems might have grave repercussions even if they are slight. However, you may easily minimize them if you manage them correctly or take precautionary actions.
Length of the hike
Many would-be hikers are concerned about the length of the trek. The ideal trek takes 12 days, not including the days in Kathmandu. Following your arrival at Lukla’s airport, the trek will take you 130 kilometers to complete (80 miles). To achieve Everest Base Camp, travelers may find it difficult to walk for more than 5 hours per day and close to 10 kilometers (or perhaps more) each day. Once you examine the terrain and the fact that you are frequently moving higher and gaining altitude, you can understand how the walk becomes a bit more challenging. But as we’ve already said, if you have a strong commitment to doing it and a well-thought-out plan, you can finish the world’s best trek.
Climate and weather
The weather in the Everest area is quite variable and changes with altitude. Whereas the climate in the lower reaches is often predictable, it is far more unpredictable at higher elevations. A gleaming, beautiful sky could turn into a gloomy, dark one in a matter of minutes. Hurricane-force winds are a category of strong winds that can occur at any time. A huge concern exists from such erratic and catastrophic weather conditions. But the weather is significantly influenced by the seasons.
The weather is wonderful and pleasant during the fall and spring seasons. The superb sights of the Mountains are made possible by the favorable weather in March through May and September through November.
Both the cold and warm months can see extreme weather. The winter months of December through February are quite cold, while the summer is rainy. Nepal experiences its wettest months from June to August; as a consequence, Everest’s areas also experience wet weather, making the path treacherous and muddy.
The trek becomes arduous and taxing during the hot summer days, adding to the heat. In contrast, winter outings are quite chilly and call for considerable preparation and planning to remain warm. Around Everest Base Camp, avalanches are much more likely to happen during the winter storm, hurricane, and monsoon seasons.
Prepping for the trek to Everest Base Camp
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle always has many benefits for you, and it is crucial for you when it concerns the EBC trip. Your physical and mental well-being will be tested during the walk. Exceedingly low pressure and the high altitude might provide difficulties. Prepare your body to endure those arduous hikes and high elevations. Trekking is the finest preparation for your ascent to Everest Base Camp. Go for a walk, a ramble in your town, or discover some local trails outside. Additionally, you may use treadmills and stair climbers at the gym to improve your leg strength. Lastly, engaging in cardiovascular exercise such as jogging, swimming, or sprinting will increase your stamina and increase your body’s ability to pump oxygen, allowing you to sustain yourself more readily at higher altitudes.
Conclusion
The most well-liked treks in the Himalayas are to the Everest region. The Everest Base Camp Trek isn’t as terrifying, but it is always challenging to walk higher up in the Himalayas. The Everest Base Camp Trek requires little technical expertise or climbing prowess because it is just a long journey at altitude. The EBC Trek is one of the journeys you may attempt if you’re dedicated and passionate. Trekkers from 17 to 70 years old have finished it successfully. Gather the required supplies in advance and adhere to the best practices that have been demonstrated and adopted by the mass of trekkers to keep your journey more fun and safe.