Mount Everest has two base camps, the South and the North. The South base camp is located in Nepal and is 5,364 metres below the summit, while the North base camp is located at 5,150 metres. Both base camps offer spectacular views of the mountains and have different levels of security. Read on to discover more tips for trekking to Everest Base Camp.
Trekking to Everest Base Camp
If you are planning on trekking to Everest Base Camp, there are several things you need to know before you start. First of all, it is important to keep a steady pace. This will help you acclimatise to the altitude safely. Also, you will need to take frequent rests, so you will not feel tired and you will also need to drink plenty of water. You will also need to avoid alcohol.
Secondly, you need to know that there are various options for you to climb the mountain. For example, the classic route will take you through the Khumbu Valley, the Sagarmatha National Park, and the Three Passes. In addition, you will pass through Gokyo Lakes and the Everest View Hotel, which is the highest point on earth.
Next, you need to choose your itinerary. It is important to consider your destination and the length of your trip. Most international travelers will land in Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal. If you are traveling independently, you should plan to spend a day or two in Kathmandu. You should also take time to get your bearings and sort out logistics.
Trekking to Everest Base Camp via Gokyo Lakes
The Everest Base Camp Trek is a classic route that passes through the Gokyo Lakes in the northwest of the Himalayas. This route gives trekkers more time to interact with the local Sherpa people and spend quality time with nature. It passes through the towns of Dole and Machhermo, as well as the Sagarmatha National Park. The trek also includes scenic flights over the region.
Gokyo Lakes are located in the Sagarmatha region of Nepal, between 4,700 and 5,000 meters above sea level. They are among the highest freshwater lakes in the world, with Thonak Lake being the largest. The region surrounding Gokyo Lake is a Ramsar site, and there are luxury hotels in the area.
The Gokyo Lakes are a spiritual destination, as well as a physical challenge. You will need to cross the Cho La Pass, which is considered one of the Three Passes in the region. You will also pass through Kala Patthar, one of the most famous viewpoints in the region.
Trekking to Everest Base Camp via Pheriche
The trek to Everest Base Camp via Pheriché starts with a steep ascent through lunar-like landscapes and ends in a rhododendron forest. From Tengboche to Dingboche, you’ll be at approximately 14,470 feet (4,410 m). You’ll also see the massive Ama Dablam peak and descend through a narrow valley to reach Dingboche, the final base camp.
You’ll spend 16 days hiking through the Himalayas and experiencing one of the most breathtaking mountain vistas in the world. This trek also provides the opportunity to trek through Sagarmatha National Park, one of the World Heritage sites. You’ll also get to see glimpses of some of the world’s highest Buddhist monasteries.
There are many options for the route to Everest Base Camp. You can start your trek in Lukla, which is about two and a half hours. From there, you can go to Namche Bazaar and then continue your trek through the Khumbu region to Lobuche. From Lobuche, you can get a glimpse of Everest from Gorak Shep in the east or the north-west.
Avoiding crowds on Everest Base Camp
During the peak trekking season in Nepal, it’s possible to avoid crowds at Everest Base Camp by taking alternative routes. While you’ll still find plenty of other trekkers on the mountain, the trek will be less busy and the weather will be more stable. You’ll also find less heat haze and clearer views. But you should plan ahead: April and May are the busiest months for travel to the Everest region. However, this also means that the base camp will be packed with animals and porters.
Getting a permit for the Everest Base Camp trek is vital, as the trek takes you through Sagarmatha National Park. Permit prices vary depending on nationality. Foreign nationals will need to pay NRs 3000 per person. In addition to a National Park permit, you’ll also need a Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality permit. This is required for all trekkers and is a mandatory requirement for entering the region.
Another way to avoid crowds is to travel during off-season. If you visit in the fall, there are less visitors than during the summer. Moreover, it’s much cheaper to find accommodation during off-season.