Everest Base Camp Trek Vs. kilimanjaro climbing

Mt Everest and Kilimanjaro both are most popular mountains of the world. The Everest base camp is trekker’s paradise in Nepal whereas Kilimanjaro is popular for both hiking and climbing in Tanzania. You can select both of these destinations to get rid from stress and spend quality time with nature. Among countless trekking destinations in Asia, EBC trek is most popular trekking. Similarly, Mount Kilimanjaro Trek is the most common trekking and expedition in Africa. You can get enormous beauty of central Himalaya, mountains of Khumbu region and Sherpa’s hospitality in Everest region. In contrast, you can enjoy scenic routes in diverse landscapes and encounter African wildlife, Chagga or Maasai tribes, and cultures of Tanzania during the trekking to summit of Kilimanjaro. 

Mount Everest and Mount Kilimanjaro differs in every aspect regarding to geography, location, continent, landscape, culture and habit. The major difference between these two mountains are tabulated below:

Table 1: Differences between Mount Everest and Kilimanjaro

Mount Everest is a border between Nepal and China. Everest base camp trek from Nepal is moderate to challenging trek that takes you to the elevation of 5364m/ 17598.43ft. In case of Mount Kilimanjaro, there are various routes such as Machame, Lemosho, and Marangu routes leading to summit of Kilimanjaro. There is a vast different in route to Everest base camp and Mt Kilimanjaro. Based on nearest altitude, we can compare the trekking between the Everest base camp trek and Kilimanjaro. 

Table 2:  Comparison between Everest base camp trek itinerary and Kilimanjaro climbing from Machame route

Route: 

There are most popular trekking routes to EBC via Lukla, Phakding, Namche, Tengboche, Dingboche, Lobuche and Gorekshep. Alternative route to Everest base camp include descending from Cho La pass via Gokyo lake or after completing the three Everest passes. 

Kalimanjaro climbing routes varied from starting point. There are different routes to the Killimanjaro Summit. Some of them are listed below:

1. Lemosho route 

Distance: 70 Km duration: 8 days, starting point: Londorossi gate, location: western side of Kilimanjaro

2. Machame route

Distance: 63Km, duration: 6 days, starting point: Machame gate, location: Southern side of Kilimanjaro

3. Marangu route

Distance: 69km, duration: 6 days, starting point:  Marangu gate, location: Southeast side of Kilimanjaro.

4. Rongai route

Distance: 70km, duration: 6 days, starting point:  Nalemoru gate, location: Northern side of Kilimanjaro.

5. Shira route (Londorossi route)

Distance: 56km, duration: 6 days, starting point:  Londorossi gate, location: western side of Kilimanjaro.

6. Umbwe route

Distance: 51km, duration: 6 days, starting point:  Umbwe gate, location: southern side of Kilimanjaro.

7. Norther circuit of Kilimanjaro

8. Summit circuit

Accommodation

Everest base camp trekking is a tea house trekking. You can get moderate-to-luxurious tea house in the Khumbu region. Attached rooms are available in Everest region in lower elevation up to Dingboche. Accommodation in Everest base camp varied with trek packages. You can get normal to Luxurious room in Everest region but prior booking is equally important.

 Kilimanjaro climbing includes both mountain huts or camping for accommodation. The package, route and season of trekking also determine the accommodation mode. None other than camping is option for higher elevation in Kilimanjaro. 

Which is harder, the Everest base camp trek or Kilimanjaro summit?

Both Everest base camp and Kilimanjaro stand above 5000 m. elevation. The challenges to crossing the uphills and downhills and adjusting with changing atmospheric pressure is literally hard job. Comparatively, Kilimanjaro summit is harder in its summit day due to raising elevation n short period of time. In contrast, Everest base camp trek is moderate to difficult trek. The gradually rising elevation and acclimatization support adjusting your body in high elevation. There is high chance of altitude sickness in both the Everest base camp trek or Kilimanjaro summit.

Is Kilimanjaro higher than Everest?

No, Kilimanjaro (5895m/19341 feet) is not higher than Everest (8848 m/29028.87 feet). But if we think about Everest base Camp, then Kilimanjaro is definitely higher than Everest base camp trek. You will summit the peak of Kilimanjaro, whereas you will only trek to base camp and climb Kalapather during the EBC trek. 

Mount Kilimanjaro vs Everest base camp cost

The cost for trekking and climbing varied on type of services. Comparatively, Kilimanjaro climbing cost is expensive that Everest base camp trek. Mount Kilimanjaro vs Everest base camp cost can be divided into three categories.

Budget cost

 Budget cost is the minimized cost that includes shared accommodation, normal food and shared transportation during the Kilimanjaro climb. The cost ranges between 1450$ - 2100$ for Mount Kilimanjaro climb. In contrast, Everest base camp budget cost range between $1200 and $1500. EBC budget trek cost includes airport pickup and drop, Lukla flight to and from Kathmandu/Manthali, shared accommodation, normal food, guide and porter. 

Standard cost

Standard cost includes private accommodation, three meal and private transportation for Kilimanjaro climb. The cost ranges between $2600 and $44500$ for Mount Kilimanjaro climb. In contrast, Everest base camp standard cost include Lukla flight fare, transprtaion in Kathmandu, attached room for accommodation in possible place, standard meal, guide and porter. The EBC standard cost ranges between 2300$ - 2500$.

Luxury cost

Luxury cost is the expensive rate for trekking and expeditions. It includes luxury accommodation, standard meal and private transportation for Kilimanjaro climb. The cost ranges from $6,000 to $12,000 for Mount Kilimanjaro climb. In contrast, Everest base camp standard cost include Lukla flight fare, transportation in Kathmandu, luxury accommodation in possible place, standard meal, guide and porter. The EBC standard cost ranges from $4000 to $5,000. 

Best time

Best time to climb Kilimanjaro is from December to mid-March and mid – June to October. The driest season is always best for Kilimanjaro. In contrast, best time to trek Everest base camp is from mid-March to June and mid-September to December. Trekking season for Kilimanjaro and Everest base camp trek is reverse to each other.  

Preparation of Everest base camp trek vs Kilimanjaro climb

preparation methods of Everest base camp trek vs Kilimanjaro climb is almost similar but we should be more conscious about climbing equipment for Kilimanjaro climb. In contrast, Everest base camp trek preparation does not include climbing equipment. 

Everest base camp trek preparation is very important to complete the trek comfortably. It is not possible to reach Everest base camp without preparation. Short hiking to mountain is highly recommended to get the experience of the mountain environment, accommodations and risk management.

How to prepare for the Everest base camp trek?

• Walking, running or cycling for 2–3 hours a day before three months of trekking.
• Physical exercises and meditation to be mentally and physically healthy
• Medical check up to know your body condition and cure for complications
• Good knowledge of essential requirements for trekking
• Manage all required documents or book trekking via trekking company so that they will arrange all the documents
• Mountain hiking in lower elevation to experience the mountain trail
• Drink enough water, take proper rest and walk in easy pace to be safe from altitude sickness

Kilimanjaro climb preparation is equally important as that of Everest base camp. Since there are different routes to climb Kilimanjaro, it is important to choose best route for successful climbing. The shortest route may save the time but reduces the chance of successful climb. The Kilimanjaro climbing itinerary doesn’t cover acclimatization day. So, you should walk slowly and drink enough water, go to high elevation and return to low elevation to prevent altitude sickness. 

How to prepare for the Kilimanjaro climbing?

• Physical exercises, walking, running, cycling and squatting before 5 months of Kilimanjaro climbing.
• Hiking or short trekking to mountains above 3000 m.
• Drinking enough water, slow walking and taking rest to avoid altitude sickness
• Manage all the requirements, such as permits, guides and porters
• Proper packing of clothing and personal medicine
• Medical check up to know your body condition and cure for complications

Conclusion

Everest base camp and Kilimanjaro are both popular trekking destinations of Asia and Africa. Comparatively, Kilimanjaro comprises less uphills and downhills than Everest base Camp, but climbing Kilimanjaro is difficult task. Both of these destinations required proper preparation to be safe from altitude sickness. Prior booking is essential for better accommodation. We can do camping in both the Everest base camp trek and Kilimanjaro climbing. Even though tea houses are popular for accommodation in Everest region.