Punam Phuyal
The true answer to “Is the Everest base camp trek dangerous?” is false. The Everest Base Camp trek is safe. It is mountain hiking for 11 days where you can encounter the amazing snow-capped peaks along with Mt. Everest. The highest peak in the world, “Sagarmatha,” is the attraction point of EBC trekking, but the reality is we cannot see good view of Mount Everest from the base camp. The mesmerizing beauty of Pumori, Nuptse, Lobuche, Tabuche, and Cholache are dominant over little portion of Everest view from base camp.
Everest Base Camp trek is an adventurous trek that starts from Lukla. We should cover a distance of 130 km from Lukla to Lukla within 11 days. Walking around 112.5 km daily at high elevation may increase challenges, but we can safely reach base camp and return without difficulties.
There are different myths and facts about the Everest trek, but we are trying to address the most common nine misconceptions that are misleading trekkers to choose the trek as a dream adventure.
Top 9 myths about Everest Base Camp trek
Reality: Everest Base Camp trekking is for both beginners and experienced hikers. People of any age with proper preparation can go to Everest Base Camp. If we are beginners, EBC trek preparation is very essential. We can easily complete the trek with proper guidance. If you want something shorter? Try the Everest Panorama Trek
Reality: There is fake publicity as EBC trek is super expensive and super remote, but in reality, the EBC trek is neither expensive nor remote. The Everest Base Camp trek cost varies from 1000 USD to 1550 USD in a budget trek, whereas the luxury EBC trek cost varies from 2000 USD to 4000 USD. The local trekking company gives you the best price.
On the other hand trek is never a super remote trek. In reality, it is the most developed trekking route where we can get all sorts of facilities based on lodging and food. We can get western, Indian, and Nepali food throughout the trek route. There is bar, restaurant, medical, markets, Atm, museum, and luxury hotels in Namche bazaar. We can get electric blankets, hot water showers, and room heaters during the luxury trek.
Reality: Fancy gear is your choice, but it is not compulsory. We can minimize our budget by hiring the jacket, boots, sleeping bags and other gears in Thamel. The layering of clothes is better than wearing thick jackets. We can pack a minimum of four pairs of clothes to complete the trek. Ideally, we can separate dress for walking and resting in tea house so that same dress can be worn many times during the trek. It saves expenses in miscellaneous.
Reality: The entire EBC trek is not very cold. We experience cold nights in high altitude but days remains sunny. The temperature remains moderate from mid-March to mid – May and mid-September to mid-November.
Reality: We can carry small bags with our very important things like camera, phones, power banks, money, water bottles, and medicines during the trek. Porter will carry our bag and leave it in the tea house everyday. It is highly suggested to pack 10 kg to 12 kg bag during the trek.
Reality: We can do solo Everest base camp trek. Having guide and porter makes everything easy but it is not compulsory. Taking Lukla flight tickets, permits and following the route is possible for all trekkers worldwide.
Reality: We never stay overnight in Everest Base Camp. Gorekshep is the last settlement for accommodation on the route to Everest Base Camp. Therefore, we will stay overnight in Gorekshep after visiting Everest Base Camp. The distance between Everest Base Camp and Gorekshep is 3.3 km, and it takes around an hour to reach base camp from Gorekshep. We will stay for an hour in base camp. After taking photos and videos, we will return to Gorakshep for having food and nightstay.
Only the Everest expedition team can settle their camp and stay in Everest base camp. Even some trekking company offers settling camps and staying overnight in Everest Base Camp, which is very expensive.
Reality: The EBC trek route is a crowded route where sometimes we have to wait our turn while walking as well. The large number of trekkers and mules carrying load makes the trekking route busy with noise. So, the reality of the EBC trek route is crowdy, noisy rather than peaceful.
Reality: Everest Base Camp trekking route is moderate with a well-managed path where we donot remain unsafe. The small child can also reach EBC. The high elevation resulting in altitude sickness makes trekking difficult for some trekkers but walking slowly, drinking plenty of water, and taking hygienic food helps to reduce altitude sickness as well. Do you want something shorter or beginner-friendly trek? Try the Everest Panorama Trek
We should be absolutely fine without any health issue for Everest base camp trek. There should be good trek preparation before starting the trek. The trekkers should be healthy and able to walk 6, 7 hours daily on uphills and downhills of Everest terrain.
Everest Base Camp (EBC) trek is an adequate trekking that inholds some challenges like altitude sickness and cold nights. Besides, we can explore the mind-blowing views of mountains and landscapes of Khumbu region. The beauty of Mahalangur range, Sherpa snd Sherpa’s culture, villages along with Sagarmatha National Park.
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