“Great things are done when men and mountains meet”, quoted William Blake, an English Laureate. Intrigued by this quote, many courageously curious men and women strode toward the almighty elevation of Everest. They still do and in numbers greater than ever! Mount Everest is outrightly the supreme pride of Nepal. The flock of trekkers from around the world, which the Everest region welcomes every year is a full-proof justification of this claim. This also speaks for the quintessential asset of the Everest Base Camp Trek. The journey towards the foot of the world’s highest peak already sounds like a feat. In addition to lofty peaks and heavenly panorama, the trek to Everest Base Camp has so much more and so many grandeurs loaded in its domain. No topography on earth is an abode of mountains than the Everest Region. Anywhere you stand on the trail, you will find the backdrop painted with dramatic mountain views. The very topography makes this region rich in exotic mountain wildlife ranging from vegetation to animals and birds. Furthermore, the lively Sherpa residency gives life to this rugged terrain. The ethos of these guardians of the Himalayas is legendary. You’ll be fascinated by the spiritual energy encompassed by the colorful prayer flags and stone-built monasteries. Furthermore, cruising along the bosom of hills, over the rivers, and across the passes can be challenging. But this very challenge shall reward you with mystical mountain virtues. After all, the best view comes after the hardest climb! Here are the Top 10 Reasons To Do Everest Base Camp Trek!
Lukla Flight
Lukla flight is probably the best starter for your adventure in the Everest Base Camp Trek. Flight to Tenzing-Hillary Airport at Lukla from Kathmandu is the shortest and most popular way to start on the base camp trek. You will be captivated by the excitement as soon as you board the flight. As the flight takes off, leaving chaotic Kathmandu, you will be in the middle of arresting hills and mountain sights in no time. Tighten your seat belts for 30 minutes and you will have a thrilling landing at the mountain town of Lukla (2,860 meters). The rapid change in altitude within an interlude will take you to your first thin air of the trek. Following the packed full of adrenaline in a short flight, are the odds of flight cancellations and delays. Abiding by the demanding topography of Lukla is a rustic airport with a short runway dropping towards a gorged valley at the end.
Himalayas
The Khumbu region, where Everest lies, is an abode to four of the ten tallest mountains in the world: Mt Everest itself (8,848m), Mt. Lhotse (8,516m), Mt. Makalu (8,481m) and Mt. Cho Oyu (8,201m). These are the dominators of the northern Himalayas. Additionally, the imposing peaks of Mt. Thamserku, Mt. Tawache, Mt. Nuptse, Mt. Pumori, and Mt. Kangtega among others rule the horizon. You will not have to long for the sight of the snow-white peaks once you reach the altitude. Mountains are what you go for and mountains are what you will get - one after the other! You can keep your expectations as high as they can get because, in your pursuit of Mt. Everest, its neighbors will tag along.
Kala Patthar
‘Kala’ in Nepali translates to black and ‘Patthar’ translates to rock, so the name ‘Kala Pathar’ literally stands for black rock. As suggested by its name, Kala Patthar is a giant blackish rock tapered towards the top, giving it a peak-like formation. This bulky formation is a perfect vantage for an up-close view of Mt. Everest and Pumori. To experience the golden hour at Kala Patthar, you need to hike up early morning from Gorak Shep. If you are a sunset person, you can opt for the evening hike instead. Heads up! The sight at this vantage is to die for.
The Everest Base Camp
The Everest Base Camp is readily the predominant highlight of the Everest Base Camp Trek (Obviously!). While the base camp is the rudimentary campsite for climbers during their ascent and descent, this will be the trekkers’ Hillary Step. Here you can witness the sight of glacial moraines and the sight of the Khumbu icefall at the edge of Khumbu Glacier. For the mountain sight, Khumbutse and Lingtren mountains will be on display. If you happen to meet pumped-up climbers who are ready to ascend, you might want to wish them luck. And if you meet the ones back from the summit, pat them for their victories deeds. After exploration of the base camp, you will get back to Gorakshep.
The Khumbu Icefall
One epic sight visible from the base camp is the dramatic sight of the Khumbu Icefall. This icefall is located at the head of Khumbu Glacier and the foot of Western Cwm (flat glacial valley basin) at an altitude of 5,486 meters. The site is a majesty to the southern slope of Mount Everest.
Tengboche Monastery
Tengboche Monastery is the largest of its kind in the Khumbu region. Set in the beautiful village of Tengboche in Khumjung, this monastery is locally known as Dawa Cholling Gompa. This monastery holds immense importance among the Sherpa community following Tibetan Buddhists and it is respected as the spiritual hub of the entire Khumbu region. The monastery gets jubilant with prayer flags and miniature stupas at the periphery during the 3-day celebration of the Mani Rimdu festival.
Mani Rimdu Festival
Mani Rimdu Festival is the major festival of the Khumbu region. This holy festival of Tibetan Buddhists is celebrated with great joy for three days in October full moon. It takes place at Tengboche monastery. Buddhist monks disguised as godly characters in colorful attire perform dances and dramas for the celebration. This will be one exotic cultural experience.
Rhododendron
If you trek the Everest region during the spring season, the pastel pink, vibrant white, and ruby red of the rhododendron will have the forests embroidered in vibrancy. The sight of usually verdant hills blooming in the colors of rhododendron will be mesmerizing.
The Himalayan Villages
As you walk along the trail in Everest Base Camp Trek, you will be stopping by beautiful Himalayan villages either for a quick rest or for a soothing night. First stop, Lukla. This will be the gateway to your trek. You stop by Namche, Tengboche, Dingboche, Lobuche, and Gorakshep for the coming nights. Each of these villages is enchanting with its own stature.
The Sherpa People
If you think Mr. Bean is funny, you’ll be laughing alongside the smart humorous Sherpas, the resident and the guardians of the Everest region. Their world is bound, but their bounded world will feel larger than life for trekkers from all around the world. Not only will your heart warm in the cold, but they’ll also make you feel at home. Also, time travel to ancient times by listening to their stories about their legendary ancestors. Aren’t you already craving the Everest Base Camp Trek? Come to a conclusion and make a plan right now. This decision (even if it’s a whim) has the potential of becoming the best decision you would ever make. The trails await your happy feet!
