Everest base camp is more than just a mountain; it is a true adventure. The route to the base camp has been called “the steps to heaven” and leads through spectacular forests, Sherpa villages, glacial moraines, and foothills. If you are active and enjoy outdoor adventures, you can easily visit Everest base camp.
About Everest Base Camp
There are many things to see at Everest Base Camp. It stretches for several kilometres and offers spectacular views of the Khumbu Glacier and Nhuptse, an icefall that flows between Everest and the Khumbu Icefall. Thousands of climbers make the trek each year.
While most trekkers turn back before they reach Everest Base Camp, anyone in good physical condition can make the trip. However, the high altitude can be a challenge, even for those in good shape. As such, it is recommended to take at least three liters of fluid per day. Moreover, climbers should avoid ascending more than 450 meters per day. In addition, acclimatization days are essential to get your body used to the high altitude. For this purpose, you may consider taking a diamox.
Another important thing to remember when planning your trip is to carry proper insurance. Since Everest Base Camp is a high altitude, it is important to have travel insurance that covers helicopter rescue up to 6000m. It is also recommended that you purchase travel insurance from your home country.
High altitude
High altitude at Everest Base Camp can be a challenge for some people. The climb from Lukla to Everest Base Camp is approximately 500 meters per day. You will need to acclimatize to the weather and to the higher elevation, which means wearing thermal gear during the night. Luckily, you can enjoy the views of Everest during this trek.
The first day of your trek is dedicated to acclimatizing to the high altitude. You’ll spend the first half of the day trekking up to Namche Bazaar. During the day, you’ll be able to relax and observe the local life. By night, you’ll be able to continue your trek to Everest Base Camp by trekking to the nearby Khunde and Khumjung Loop. You’ll pass by long-lost Sherpa villages and mystical Buddhist stupas.
Altitude sickness is a serious health condition, and should be taken seriously. Symptoms can vary from person to person, depending on age and overall health. The symptoms of altitude sickness are a severe headache, loss of appetite, shortness of breath, fatigue, and difficulty sleeping. In severe cases, you may even experience extreme dehydration.
Teahouses
If you’re looking for an alternative to traditional hotels at Everest Base Camp, a teahouse is a great option. These small bed-and-breakfast-style establishments dot most treks in the region. These accommodations provide basic services for trekkers but also have modern amenities, such as hot water, electricity, and telephones. They also have a full menu of food and beverages.
Teahouses are more basic than luxury lodges and are often shared by travelers. They usually feature a shared sleeping area, but you can bring your own tent if you don’t want to share an open space with strangers. However, be warned that teahouses are often very smokey. That’s because the main source of fuel for cooking is yak dung, which burns for a long time.
Most teahouses have internet connections, but the speed isn’t as fast as it is in cities, but you can use your phone to send home some pictures and text family. The good news is that teahouses offer free wifi, and you can even use a prepaid data sim card to connect to the internet. The Ncell Data Sim card is one such option and can get you high-speed data anywhere in the Everest region.
Permits
If you are planning a trek to Everest Base Camp, you will need to buy a permit. This is like a tourism fee that local governments can charge tourists. It can be purchased in Lukla or Monjo. The area around Everest is in the Sagarmatha National Park, and the permit is mandatory for all trekkers.
The easiest way to get an Everest base camp permit is to hire a guide, although it is possible to do this without a guide. However, if you’re planning to do this trip on your own, you will need to fill out a permit application form at the Nepal tourism broad in Kathmandu or Ratnapark, which are outside of Thamel.
Permits for Everest Base Camp are different for different parts of the mountain. You will need a National park permit and a Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality permit. In the past, you’ll also need a TIMS card, but that has been replaced by a local area permit.
