Mount Everest, the world’s highest mountain, allures numerous visitors around the world just with its name. The beauty within the peak itself along with the other mighty peaks, stunning terrain, glaciers, and so on are more the reasons to trek Everest Base Camp.
After the successful attempt at its summit by Hillary and Norgay, the herds of trekkers and climbers visit the Everest region. However, just summiting Everest is not only the reason to visit.
The lovely Sherpa people with their warm hospitality, picturesque Himalayas, charming villages, the experience while immersing in the unique culture, etc. are what you can expect during the Everest Base Camp Trek.
Here, we’ll look into the ‘Top 7 Reasons to Trek Everest Base Camp’ in a detailed manner. From the historical significance of Namche Bazaar to the breathtaking views of Kala Patthar, you’ll be satisfied by the end of this blog.
1. Scenic Flight to Lukla Airport
Lukla Airport is the starting point for anyone planning a trek to Everest Base Camp. Since there aren’t any roads to this region, most trekkers take a scenic flight from Kathmandu. The aerial view of the mighty Himalayas, rivers, valleys, and more during the 25-30 minutes flight is a stunning start to begin a journey.
Lukla Airport also commonly known as Tenzing-Hillary Airport is a domestic airport. It is situated in the Lukla town of Nepal in the Solukhumbu district at an elevation of 2,845 m (9,334 ft).
Though the flight to Lukla lets you immerse in the Himalayan scenery, the airport is considered one of the most dangerous airports in the world. The following factors make it one of the riskiest airports:
- Short runway length of only 1,729 ft (527 m) with an 11.7% gradient
- Surrounded by high, steep terrain with a steep drop-off at one end of the runway
- Low possibility of a safe go-around on a missed approach due to the terrain
- High-altitude location, which affects aircraft performance and landing/takeoff
While reaching Lukla can be the dangerous part of the Everest Base Camp Trek, there are always flight delays or cancellations due to weather unpredictability. Moreover, the monsoon season is when flight cancellations occur about 50% of the time due to lower visibility.
This is why, only professional pilots who are trained specially and with experienced ones are allowed to land at the Lukla Airport based on the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal requirements.
2. Sagarmatha National Park
Everest Base Camp Trek has been the major attraction worldwide which takes place in the Sagarmatha National Park. Annually, over 30,000 visitors are drawn to this majestic destination.
The Sagarmatha National Park is the first national park of Nepal listed in the UNESCO World Heritage Site. Situated in the upper Khumbu region, the park serves as the home to the tallest mountain in the world, Mount Everest.
Beside Mt. Everest, you’ll be enchanted by the panoramic vistas of mountains such as Ama Dablam, Lhotse, Nuptse, Thamserku, and many more during the visit to the park.
Trekkers can have excellent experience with scenic landscapes, glaciers, high-altitude lakes, and deep valleys of the park.
In addition, Sagarmatha National Park is a perfect haven portraying biodiversity. From numerous rare animals like snow leopards, red pandas, and Himalayan brown bears to more than 1,000 species of plants, the park is an eco-friendly shelter.
While the park is one to nature, the region is dominated by the Sherpa culture. Over 6,000 Sherpas live within the park alongside preserving their traditional way of life depending on agricultural and trade-based livelihoods.
3. Namche Bazaar
For trekkers and climbers heading to Everest Base Camp, Namche Bazaar is the first acclimatization stop along with villages like Khunde and Khumjung. The town lies in a unique horseshoe-shaped hilly settlement of the Khumbu region at an elevation of 3,440 m (11,286 ft).
Namche Bazaar is a major tourist hub of the Everest region and also acts as the administrative center. The town exists with Nepalese officials, a police post, a bank, and headquarters for Sagarmatha National Park.
After the Everest ascent by Hillary and Norgay in 1953, Namche has changed from a traditional trading post into a busy tourist hub. This is thanks to numerous trekkers and climbers allured to the Everest.
Due to this, Namche Bazaar has upgraded with modern amenities like communication facilities, internet cafes, bakeries, restaurants, and much more. The best thing for trekkers and climbers is that a Saturday market is held in Namche for selling trekking/climbing gear and local products.
For those who want to learn about Sherpa culture, one can visit the Sherpa Museum in Namche. The museum provides insights into Sherpa culture, expeditions, and achievements, including a “Hall of Fame” gallery.
Other attractions include the Sagarmatha National Park Visitor’s Center, Namche Monastery, and the Syangboche Airport, an unpaved airstrip used mainly by helicopters and STOL aircraft.
4. Tengboche Monastery
Tengboche Monastery is among the most popular Tibetan Buddhist monastery in the world. The monastery falls along the route to the Everest Base Camp at an elevation of 3,867 meters (12,687 ft).
Lama Gulu was the one who established the monastery in 1916. But because of earthquakes and fires, it has been destroyed and rebuilt several times.
The Tengboche Monastery is encircled by stunning peaks including Ama Dablam, Thamserku, and Everest, and is situated inside the Sagarmatha National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Since the monastery is a central hub for Sherpa culture and traditions, visitors can grab the opportunity to discover their spiritual, economic, and daily life practices.
On the other hand, Tengboche is famous for hosting the annual Mani Rimdu festival which takes place for 19 days. Buddhist rites, music, dances, and enactments are performed during the celebration. You grow attached with the local Sherpa community as a result.
As a prominent spiritual and cultural site along the Everest trekking route, Tengboche Monastery is considered a must-visit destination for those trekking in the Khumbu region.
5. Kala Patthar
Kala Patthar is the main highlight of the trek to Everest Base Camp. It is a vantage point situated at an elevation of 5,545 meters (18,192 ft). You get the closest view of Mount Everest from Kala Patthar despite the fact that Everest cannot be seen directly from the base camp.
Standing in this viewpoint is like a dream where you are surrounded by the captivating Himalayas. Trekkers get to witness the 360-degree panoramic view of mountains including Everest, Nuptse, Lhotse, and Changtse
And the best part is enjoying the sunrise over the mountains. The play of light and shadows creates a magical, golden colour on the Himalayan peaks.
Kala Patthar is also home to the world’s highest webcam, installed for research and climate monitoring purposes.
6. Everest Base Camp
The final destination for trekkers visiting Everest region is the Everest Base Camp which lies at an elevation of 5,364 meters (17,598 ft). It serves as the gateway to the tallest mountain in the world, Mt. Everest.
It is a dream come true to reach the Everest Base Camp. Trekkers feel delightful and relaxed finally accomplishing the goal while witnessing the epic beauty.
Many travel advisories and publications have elaborated Everest Base Camp as one of the major tourist attractions worldwide. As a matter of fact, the base camp offers stunning natural scenery, with snow-capped peaks, avalanches, and a sea of prayer flags.
Standing at Everest Base Camp is considered the main goal of the Everest trekking experience, leaving trekkers with a deep sense of peace and accomplishment.
7. Sherpa Culture and Lifestyle
With the term ‘Everest’ the word Sherpa goes hand in hand. Whether it be a Sherpa guide leading to the summit of Everest or residing in the Everest Region, Sherpa comes to mind when the discussion is related to Everest.
Interacting with the Sherpas and immersing in their unique culture is considered a highlight of trekking in the Everest region.
The Sherpas are a Tibetan ethnic group largely dominating the Khumbu Region. They are renowned for their warm hospitality and expertise in mountaineering. They play a crucial role in serving as guides and porters for Everest trekkers and climbers.
Their culture is vastly different from the typical Hindu culture which is most of Nepal. Sherpa culture is a direct influence of Buddhism which can be seen reflected in their religious practices and traditions.
You can see Buddhist monasteries and gompas along the Everest trekking trails built by Sherpas. This represents their entire spiritual and community life.
Moreover, festivals like Lhosar (Tibetan New Year) and Mani Rimdu are celebrated by Sherpa people with dances and rituals at the Tengboche Monastery.
Likewise, traditional Sherpa attire includes the long, sash-tied Chhuba robe for men and the floor-length Tongkok dress for women, though Western clothing is increasingly common.
Pravin Baniya, a local and licensed tour and trek guide in Nepal, is dedicated to providing exceptional experiences and expert guidance in exploring the stunning landscapes and cultural wonders of the region.