Which Route Will You Trek To Everest Base Camp?
A trek to Everest Base Camp can provide you personal satisfaction, breathtaking views, and a new found love for the Himalayan culture and landscape. With several common routes to arrive at Base Camp, it can be difficult to determine your ideal option. Whether you opt for the classic Everest Base Camp trail or a longer trek, you’ll be certain to create memories of a lifetime.
Here are five questions to consider as you choose your route.
1. How much time do you have?
The ideal total trekking time should be 17-18 days. Although some travel companies offer 12-day, round-trip treks from Lukla, I strongly advise clients to take at least 13-14 trekking days, plus time in Kathmandu on arrival and departure. This time frame accounts for flight delays, which are not unusual, as well as acclimatization and rest days as you climb higher in altitude.
2. What is your travel budget?
The longer you’re on the trail, the more expensive your trip will be. Accommodations vary, too. Do you want to camp at night, sleep on a platform in a teahouse, or on a real bed in a luxury lodge? Likewise, budget can act as a large factor in your trip. Carefully consider budget as you look into how to trek to Everest Base Camp.
3. What are your interests?
Many travelers coming to Nepal are seeking the classic photo of the tents and flags at Everest Base Camp, but other travelers may want to spend more time getting to know the people on their way.
Some routes just visit Kalapatar and skip the cluster of tents at Base Camp altogether. (BTW: There aren’t any good views of Mt Everest from Base Camp and it is lower than Kalapatar.) Other routes climb high above villages or settlements, or through towns and villages and by schools, libraries and monasteries.
Take time to determine what you’re looking for in your trek to Everest Base Camp and select a route and guide based on these requirements.
4. Do you like freeways, blue highways, or dirt roads?
There is a trekking equivalent for each preference. You’ll leave feeling more satisfied and accomplished if you’ve selected a route that aligns with your preference.
5. How fit are you?
Which trail you take largely determines your required fitness level. Active people who can hike comfortably all day will have no problem on the Classic Everest Base Camp Trail. Furthermore, this route doesn’t require any climbing skills at all. You won’t even need crampons and an ice axe, so you can pack lighter and feel prepared with a base level of fitness.
