Everest base camp trek is an adventure of a lifetime, for anyone who have always dreamed soaring above the clouds. The EBC is a fairly difficult climb and one does not require prior mountain climbing experience. But you have to be fit for this expedition as the base camp lies at about 5,365m making in the highest base camp in the world.

EBC Trekking Trail

You journey begins from Manthali in Ramechhap district, about 4-5 hrs drive from Kathmandu. The best way to start your expedition is to fly from Manthali airport to the Tenzing-Hillary Airport in Lukla.

Tenzing-Hillary Airport

The runway in Tenzing-Hillary Airport is steep and considered by many to be the most dangerous in the world. The flight here is an adventure on its own, but if you would rather not take the risk, then walking to Luka is a good option. The trail to Lukla takes you on the ‘off-beaten track’ and adds another experience to your trekking.

Unfortunately, Everest Base Camp trekking is very popular to the point that it gets impossible to avoid crowds unless you trek in the winter or go off on a side trail. Your actual trek to EBC starts from Lukla, however. Walking is fairly easy here through this Dudh Koshi valley.

Namche Bazaar

A gentle two-day trek up the valley leads you  to the famous Namche Bazaar. This bustling mountain town is the heart of Khumbu region. Namche Bazaar is an ancient valley and is also the largest of all the Sherpa settlements. Most people take a day off here to acclimatize and also take this opportunity to do ther shopping for the journey ahead.

After Namche Bazaar, Phakding and Monjo are two other popular stopovers. A little further from Monjo is the Jorsale checkpoint, which is the entrance to the Sagarmatha National Park (Everest National Park). As you gain altitude, you will find that the mules are replaced by yaks. These yaks are transporting food and other goods to the city. Sometimes you may have to wait a while for a train of these mountain beasts to pass on the narrow path.

The trail follows the valley of Imja Khola and gives you spectacular views of Khumbila, Nuptse, Thamserku, Kangtega, Cholache, Kangtega and Ama Dablam mountains, with the giants Lhotse and Everest dominating the skyline. Sagarmatha (Everest) National Park region that is now established as a World Heritage site. Animals such as musk deer, the Himalayan tahr, the ghoral, the serow, the wolf, and the Himalayan black bear may be spotted by trekkers in this region.

Deep inside the National Park is a small Himalayan village known as Gorek Shep. This is the last resting spot for most trekkers before making the final trek to Everest Base Camp. Gorak Shep was the original base camp for climbers in the 1950s before moving closer to the mountain base, just below the infamous Khumbu Ice Fall.

The trek along the glacier to base camp can take up to 5 hrs. These are treacherous grounds and travellers must make this walk cautiously as the risk off the ice breaking can be great. But don’t let that deter you as getting to the base camp will make you among only a handful of people to be able to boast of reaching the top of the world.

Everest base camp  trekking is one of the top trekking routes around the world for people who are in search of beautiful mountains and hills.

This trek is  extremely famous  among western traveler as it includes a lot of adventure and cultural aspect.

This trek is mostly done around the lower altitudes which makes it more flexible for people of any age group.

Everest base camp treks are usually of 15days but this package makes it possible within 5days because of helicopter, also it covers all the touristic  areas nearby Everest region within short period of time with little bit of luxurious travel.

 Additionally, Experiencing different Himalayan(sherpas) culture and tradition is plus point of this trek.

On the whole, this trip leads no traveller unsatisfied as it is worth every penny because of the places and experience it offers.

Gokyo Lakes trek or Gokyo Ri hiking is a relatively new trekking route that was opened as an alternative to the classical Everest region treks. This trek is for those who like to walk to Everest without the physical exertion of reaching all the way to the base camp or crossing any high passes.

Gokyo Lakes

The Gokyo valley is made up of six fresh bodies of water, located at an altitude of more than 4,700m to 5,000m. The pristine turquoise water of Gokyo lakes are the highest freshwater lake systems in the world and one of Nepal’s most memorable sights. The lakes are sacred to both Hindus and Buddhists alike, and also have been designated as wetlands of international importance.

Gokyo Ri (5357m)

Gokyo Peak, or known locally as Gokyo Ri is a 5,357 m (17,575 ft)-high peak in the Khumbu region located on the west side of the Ngozumpa glacier.

Embarking on this trekking offers you an exceptional chance to witness gigantic Himalayam ranges like Mt. Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, Cho Oyu, among others. And other remarkable views of Ama Dablam (6,856m) and Thamserku (6,608m) will have you spellbound.

Namche Bazaar – Gateway to Mount Everest

The first part of the trek, i.e to Namche Bazaar, follows the same path of the Everest Base Camp expedition. Namche Bazaar is a vibrant market that is the biggest Sherpa settlement in Nepal.

Here, you will be able to experience the heart of the trekking culture in Nepal. It is from Namche Bazaar that you branch off the main trail and make way to the quaint village of Phortse Tenga, Machhermo and Dole.

Machhermo

The Machhermo village is located at an altitude of 4,465m/ 14,645ft and is lies at the southside base of a steep hillside. This hillside shelters the village from harsh winds blowing from the north that this region is prone to. On the west side of Machhermo, you can witness a grand rocky amphitheater.

Gokyo Ri and Lakes

The route to the Gokyo lakes is a relatively less frequented route and so offers the travellers an unadulterated insight into the local village life.

On the eastern side of Gokyo Ri is Ngozumpa glacier that is probably the most noteworthy marks of the trek. This gigantic glacier is the longest icy glacier in Nepal. From Here, you get spectacular views of icy rivers, icy glacier debris, mountain peaks and the dazzling turquoise waters of the Gokyo Lakes.

On the southern tip of the Ngozumpa Glacier is an alternative trekking route that will lead you over Cho La pass where it meets with the main Everest Base Camp trail. Spending an extra day at Gokyo Ri gives you the time to pay a visit to the 5th and 6th lake is located in a high alpine bowl at the foot of Cho Oyu mountain.

Spending an extra day at Gokyo Ri gives you the time to pay a visit to the 5th and 6th lake is located in a high alpine bowl at the foot of Cho Oyu mountain.

The route itself ends at Gokyo Ri and travellers usually retrace their steps back to Namche Bazaar where travel stories are swapped over a hot cup of steaming Everest coffee. Each stop in this unspoiled Gokyo Lakes Trekking has its own charm and offers a unique experience to travellers that no other trekking offers.