The trekkers planning to visit Khumbu region might have a question on their mind what to expect on the Everest Base Camp Trek. Here are few points about what you can expect during this trek; so that you can prepare yourself mentally, physically and logistically before embarking on the trek
Thrilling Flight to Lukla
In order to follow the path of the Classic Everest Base Camp Trek, you have to take a flight to Lukla-the gateway to Khumbu region. You will have about 25 minutes flight from Kathmandu-the capital city of Nepal. You will fly over green hills and hilly settlements before landing at the tiny air-stripe at Tenzing-Hillary Airport located at the elevation of 2860m/9383ft. As the weather in Lukla is unpredictable, the flights to Lukla are likely to be delayed or cancelled; so it’s better to have a couple of contingency days while planning this trek.
Stunning Mountain Views and Sceneries
Of course, you will have breathtaking mountain views most of the time during the trek. Mt. Everest, Mt. Amadablam, Mt. Cho Oyu are the few famous mountains to name you can see during the trek. The treks also take you alongside the picturesque Dudhkoshi River and; make you walk through Juniper and rhododendron forest followed by Tundra region.
Glimpse of Sherpa Lifestyle
Khumbu region is a home for world famous Sherpa people. One can have glimpse of Sherpa life and feel their hospitality during this trek. Sherpa Museum located atop of Namch is worth visiting when you are spending an acclimatization day there.
Trekking Trail:
You will walk on the flat and switchback trails; and also on the slope path (in some portion of the trail) during the Everest Base Camp Trek. As you approach the base camp of Mt. Everest, a path full of boulders alongside Khumbu glacier will lead you ahead. The trail is not very difficult; so the trek is doable by the people of all age group having general physical fitness.
Basic Accommodation:
You will have basic accommodation in the local tea houses during the trek. You will be provided with basic bed and quilts. Also, our company will provide you with sleeping bags free of cost. You should not expect running water and hot shower every night especially after Namche Bazar. For few nights you have to use common rest rooms. Also, we suggest you to bring items of personal hygiene for the trek.
Water and Food:
Mineral water is available in almost all the places during the trek, so you should not worry about drinking water. Also, there are streams and public taps in few places for drinking water so you can carry water purification pills in case you have to use such water sources. You will be fed well in the tea houses during the trek. You will have bread, rice, soup, noodles, vegetables, Pasta among other food items in the restaurants and tea houses on the trail. We suggest you to carry bar chocolates or light snacks of your choice to energize yourself when you are weary. And, we advise you not to eat meat especially in the upper parts of the trekking route as they are carried out from Lukla (where you land on the first day) so they might have been frozen for days before you consume them. Also, drinking alcohol is not good for health in the high altitude trekking.
Medicines:
The trekking guide will carry first aid kit with basic medicines. However, if you have any special medication, you should bring them on your own. In case of emergency, you will be evacuated and airlifted to Kathmandu-the capital city of Nepal. So, your travel insurance plan must include helicopter evacuation, in case of necessity.
Acute Mountains Sickness (AMS):
One should be aware about the AMS during this trek as it is a high altitude treks. You should listen to your body and follow your guide’s instructions if you have any symptoms of AMS. Nausea, vomiting, dizziness and shortness of breathing are some of the symptoms of AMS.
We have provided the aforementioned points to make aware the trekkers what to expect during the Everest Base Camp Trek. We are glad to respond any of your queries you might have about the trek.