After watching movie Unchai (Amitabh Bachchan, Anupam Kher, Danny Denzongpa, Boman Irani etc.), its my dream to go to Everest Base Camp. Due to responsibilities and busy schedule of office, it could not be possible for me to fulfil this dream. But, now I am free from my official obligations and a free bird, so its high time for me to fulfil this dream. I have collected information regarding EBC, which I intent to trek in first half on coming year 2024, sharing with you all. It may be helpful for those, who are planning for Everest Base Camp Trek. (Please do comment about this article and also tell, if you are planning in 2024).
There are two base camps on Mount Everest, North & South Base Camp. On opposite sides of the mountains i.e. South Base Camp is in Nepal at an altitude of 5,364 Meters (17,598 ft) (28°0′26″N 86°51′34″E), while North Base Camp is in China at 5,150 meters (16,900 ft) (28°8′29″N 86°51′5″E).
The base camps are undeveloped campsites at the base of Mount Everest that are used by mountain climbers during their ascent and descent. They are also visited by hikers. South Base Camp is used when climbing via the southeast ridge, while North Base Camp is used when climbing via the northeast ridge.
Supplies are shipped to the South Base Camp by porters, and with the help of animals, usually yaks. The North Base Camp is accessed by a paved road that branches from China National Highway 318. Climbers typically rest at base camp for several days for acclimatization, to reduce the risk of altitude sickness.
South Base Camp in Nepal
In perspective of Indians, who wants to do Everest Base Camp Trek, they have to trek on the south side, at an elevation of 5,364 meters i.e. 17,598 feet. This is one of the most popular trekking routes in the Himalayas and about 50,000 people make trek per year from Lukla Airport. Lukla Airport is at an elevation of 2,846 meters i.e. 9,337 feet. Trekkers have to fly from Kathmandu to Lukla to save time and energy before beginning the trek to the Everest Base Camp. However, trekking to Lukla is also possible and many of the enthusiast trekkers start their trekking from Kathmandu itself. There are no any roads from Kathmandu to Lukla and due to which, the only method of transporting large and heavy goods is by aircraft only.
Everest Base Trek Route Map from Nepal side
After coming from Kathmandu, the Capital of Nepal by flight to Lukla, climbers trek upward to the well-known Sherpa capital of Namche Bazaar, which is at an elevation of 3,440 meters (11,290 ft), following the valley of the Dudh Kosi river. It takes about two days to reach this village, which is the central hub of the area. Typically, at this point, climbers are suggested to take a day of rest for acclimatization. They then trek for another two days to Dingboche, which is at 4,260 meters (13,980 ft) before resting for another day for further acclimatization. Most trekkers use the traditional trail via Tengboche monastery, but recently, the high trail via Mong La and Phortse has gained popularity due to the amazing views it offers. Another two days takes them to Everest Base Camp via Gorakshep, the flat field below Kala Patthar, which is at 5,545 meters (18,192 ft) and Mt. Pumori.
In April 2015, an earthquake measuring 7.8 on the moment magnitude scale, struck Nepal and triggered an avalanche on Pumori that swept through the South Base Camp. At least 19 people were reported have been killed as a result. Just over two weeks later, in May 2015, a second quake struck measuring 7.3. Some of the trails leading to Everest Base Camp were damaged by those earthquakes and required repairs.
In June 2022, it was announced that the camp would be moved 200-400m lower, since the Khumbu Glacier, on which the campsite is located, is rapidly melting and thinning out, which makes it unsafe for the trekkers.
Prior to 2019, there was another way, which was through Northern Base Camp. Tourists may reach there with horse-drawn carriages managed by the government. A visit to the North Base Camp requires a permit from the Chinese government, on top of the permit required to visit Tibet itself. Access to the North Base Camp has been closed to tourists since February 2019. Earlier, such permits could be arranged via travel companies in Lhasa as part of a package tour that included hiring a vehicle, driver, and guide. The North Base Camp is accessed by vehicle through a 100 km road branching to the South from the Friendship Highway near Shelkar, at the southern foot of the 5,220 meters i.e. 17,130 ft high Gyatso La pass. The road leads to Rongbuk Monastery, with dramatic views of the north face of Mount Everest. From the Rombuk guest house, all tourists were required to take the horse-drawn carriages or small buses managed by the government to limit the traffic on the last stretch of gravel road to a marked hill at 5,200 meters above sea level, just before the climbers’ camp. It was also possible to trek up from the tourist camp, but only when properly acclimatized. The “tourist Base Camp” is located about halfway between Rongbuk Monastery, the actual climbers’ Base Camp is at the foot of Rongbuk glacier.
What should be the ideal itinerary?
- Day-1 Reach Kathmandu
- Day-2 KTM to Ramechhap to board flight for Lukla. From there trek to Phakding (the 1st trek)
- Day-3 Phakding to Namche bazar (Lunch break at Monjo)
- Day-4 Acclimatize in Namche Bazar & Stay
- Day-5 Namche to Deboche (Stay)
- Day-6 Deboche to Dingboche (Stay)
- Day-7 Stay at Dingboche for acclimatization
- Day-8 Dingboche to Lobuche (Stay)
- Day-9 Lobuche – Gorakshep – EBC – Gorakshep
- Day-10 Hiking to Kala Patthar & Descend to Pheriche
- Day-11 Pheriche to Namche Bazar (Stay)
- Day-12 Last hike, Namche Bazar to Lukla (Stay at Lukla)
- Day-13 Fly to Ramechhap & later drive to Kathmandu (Capital of Nepal)
(Above itinerary is just an idea; the actual itinerary may be decided by trekker themselves or by any reliable tour operator)
Things to Carry for Everest Base Camp Trek
- Back pack (50-60 liter)
- Head torch
- Rain cover
- Extra pair of socks
- Toilet paper & wipes
- Walking stick
- Water bottle
- Backpack with waterproof linings
- Fleece jackets and thermals
- Hiking shoes
- Lightweight quilt or blanket
- Thermal inners
- Waterproof windcheater
- Warm clothes
- Caps
- Walking shoes
- Sufficient CASH
Know Before You Go for Everest Base Camp Trek
- All foreign nationals (For Indians, VISA not required) must share their passport and visa details at the time of booking, and also upon arrival.
- Do not bring non-bio gradable materials.
- Pay heed to the instructions given by the trek leader and guide.
- Consumption of alcohol and other intoxicating substances are strictly prohibited.
- ID proof Is Mandatory (Passport, Driving License, Voter ID) Either one of them is Required.
- There are no ATMs in Lukla, so it is advised to carry enough cash with them in case of need for an emergency. And even for buying trekking equipment in Kathmandu. It is one of the best and cheapest places to buy the same.
- Tea is very expensive at Everest. But getting hot water won’t cost you much. Carry your own tea bags to be used while on the EBC trek.
If it’s sunny you might be surprised at how warm it can get during the day. Most trekkers wear t-shirts and shorts for the first few days while the elevation is still low. When the sun sets the temperatures drop quickly. Wear a warm cap while sleeping and take a Nalgene bottle (Tritan is part of Nalgene bottles which is incredible, and it’s also what makes this bottle high-quality and different from the rest. They’re safe: These bottles are BPA/BPS free, and are food-safe. The bottle can carry very hot water in it without losing its shape, can be purchased from any high-end store and also available on Amazon) filled with hot water and keep it in your sleeping bag to stay warm.
- Make sure to drink plenty of water while on the trek. Do carry extra water bottles with you at all times.
- A headache can be one of the first signs of altitude problems. Do carry suitable medications for the same. Small headaches are common and should not stop you from trekking or worry you. However, if it persists or increases, it might be advisable to ascend or even trek down.
Taking care of your skin and eyes are important. Sunburns happen much quicker at high elevation so make sure to apply sunscreen a few times a day and wear a hat. Sunglasses are a must-have.