Everest Base Camp is one of the most popular and adventurous trekking destinations in Nepal. This trek will take you to the base camp of the world’s highest peak, Mount Everest. Following the footprints of Tenzing Norway Sherpa and Edmund Hilary, the first ones to climb the Mount Everest is itself a matter of gratitude.
Trekking along the waterfalls, Buddhist Monasteries, and Sherpa Communities will make your journey to the Everest Base Camp incredible. Similarly, hiking up to the Everest Kala patthar which stands at an altitude of 5545 meters will give you a life-threatening experience.
There are many attractions of the Everest Base Camp due to which it is a favorite trekking destination among different trekkers all around the world. The cultural diversity, diverse flora and fauna, lush jungles, snow clad mountains and the scenic beauty of the Everest region make Everest Base Camp one of the dream treks for many enthusiastic trekkers.
Before you start your journey to the Everest Base Camp, let me present you the major attractions of the Everest Base Camp that will amaze you.
10 Things About Everest Base Camp that will Amaze you
1. You Can Take Helicopter to the Base Camp
Reaching to the Everest Base Camp via helicopter will give you an immense opportunity to explore the Everest region of Nepal. Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour is an exciting adventure that is suitable for the ones who want to avoid the trekking hassle to the Everest Base Camp.
The helicopter tour starts from Kathmandu to Lukla and you will stop at the Everest Base Camp/Kala Patthar. Kala Patthar is a viewpoint from where you will be able to explore the Himalayan ranges more closely. Flying over some of the tallest mountains and captivating villages of the Everest region will surely take your breath away. So, this is an alternative for you if are someone who dreams to reach to the Everest Base Camp but fear of walking for hours.
2. Thrilling Flight to Lukla
Your wonderful journey to the Everest Base Camp starts from a scenic flight to Lukla from Kathmandu. Lukla is one of the dangerous airports in the world because of its location and short runaway in the hilltop. This makes the airport quite adventurous and thrilling. The runaway of the Lukla Airport is one of the shortest in the world.
Lukla Airport is also known to the name Tenzing- Hillary Airport after the people who successfully climbed to the peak of Mount Everest. This 40 minutes flight to Lukla will give you an immense opportunity to explore the scenic view of the magnificent mountains along with some beautiful landscapes of Nepal.
3. Sagarmatha National Park
Sagarmatha National Park is one of UNESCO World Heritage sites and is one of the major highlights of the Everest Base Camp Trek. Sagarmatha National Park is the World’s Highest National Park whose protected area contains a wide range of Himalayan wild flora and fauna and covers an area of 440 square miles.
The park includes eye-catching views of the Dudh Koshi and Bhote Koshi rivers and is composed of the large terrains and Georges of the beautiful Himalayas ranging from Mount Monjo at an altitude of 2854 meters to the highest peak Mount Everest at 8848 meters. The meandering landscape of the park is home to any endangered plants and animals. Snow leopard and musk deer are one of those species. The beautiful scenery that the park offers will add more worth to your journey to the Everest Base Camp.
4. Tengboche Monastery
Tengboche Monastery is the largest monastery of the Khumbu region of Nepal also known to the name Dawa Chiling Gompa. Tengboche Monastery is one of the leading Buddhist sites in the Khumbu where Rinpoches live. Rinpoches are Buddhist Monks who often give blessings to the travelers and trekkers who visit the Tengboche Monastery.
Tengboche Monastery is one of the major attractions of the Everest Base Camp trek which sits atop a hill across Imja Khola. The monastery hosts a festival called the Rimdu festival which is a popular festival among the Buddhists. This festival is celebrated with dances, songs, and enchantment of the legends. Along with the Tengboche Monastery, the Tengboche village itself is a very beautiful village which is surrounded by rhododendron woods. The sight of Ama Dablam and Mount Everest look extremely beautiful from this village.
5. Sherpa Culture Museum and Pyramid International Laboratory
Sherpa Cultural Museum is a private museum in Namche that preserves ages old artifacts and historical photographs of the Sherpas. The photographs comprise of the ones who submitted to the peak of the Mount Everest. The museum is owned and maintained by a local Photographer of the community.
Another interesting place to visit while trekking to the Everest Base Camp is the Pyramid International Laboratory of the Khumbu Region. The research center was built in a typical Nepali lodge style. It is located at an altitude of 5050 meters at the base of the Mount Everest. The site offers the International Scientific Community to study the climate, environment, human philosophy and geology in a remote mountain protected area. The location of the Pyramid International Laboratory is very eye-catching.
6. Namche Bazaar
Namche Bazar is a popular mountain town in the Everest region which offers you with the views of magnificent mountain ranges such as Thamserku, Kongdi RI, and of course the Everest. The town is famous as it is the Himalayan Gateway to Nepal and its land topography provides a worldly aura of the Himalayan scenery.
Namche Bazar is Thriving market town where you can find almost everything from Tibetan Artifacts to trekking and climbing equipment. You can buy some souvenirs for your friends and family from the local market of Namche Bazar. The place is famous homemade yak cheese and butter. Namche Bazar is a place where many trekkers stay for acclimatization. You can find many restaurants, coffee shops and bars in this place where you can rest and enjoy the scenic beauty of the region.
7. A pleasant walk to Everest Base Camp and Khumbu Icefall
Reaching the Everest Base Camp is the ultimate destination your trek. As you walk towards the Everest Base Camp, you will see yourself surrounded by some of the World’s tallest mountains just above you. This experience will amaze you to the core of your heart.
To reach Everest Base Camp, will walk along the beautiful Khumbu Glacier and icefall which will make your journey even more exciting. Along with this, you will get to see some glimpses of the surrounding peaks such as Mount Nuptse, Pumori, and Khumbuste. The close-up views of the Mount Everest are one of the mesmerizing parts of the trek.
8. Everest 3 High Pass Trek with Gokyo Lake
Trekking to the Everest Base Camp along with the Three High passes and Gokyo lake is thrilling and challenging than ever. You will cross the three passes such as Khogma La Pass, Cho La Pass, and Renjo La Pass which are at the altitude of 5535 meters, 5420 meters, and 5340 meters respectively.
Crossing these passes are one of the most difficult parts of the Everest Base Camp trek. You need to be physically fit and daring in order to cross these passes successfully. You will experience a thrilling adventure when crossing these passes. Similarly, along the way, the beautiful lakes of Gokyo are eye soothing where you can take photographs and capture your moments.
9. Teahouses and Accommodation during the Trek
Many trekkers all around the world are amazed by the fact that the teahouses in the along the Everest Base Camp provides a satisfying facility even in such a mountainous region. They will provide you with a comforting accommodation and food facility after a tiring journey. The facilities they provide are quite simple but proper. You can find some varieties in the local food items which are tastier than ever.
You can rest in the teahouses and interact with the local people. This will give you an opportunity to know about the culture, lifestyle, and tradition of the Sherpa community. At high altitude, temperatures gets below 0 degree so carrying a sleeping bag is recommended.
10. Spectacular views from the Kala Patthar
Everest Kala Patthar stands at an altitude of 5545 meters which gives you a perfect viewpoint of the Mount Everest along with other surrounding peaks. Kala Patthar is an optional hike from the Everest Base Camp for the ones who want to climb the peak and grab a sight of the Mount Everest which may not be visible from the Everest Base Camp.
Along with the Everest, the site will provide you with the spectacular view of the mountain ranges such as Lhotse, Pumori, Changtse, Nuptse, Ama Dablam, Lingtren, Khutse, Thangsherkhu, and Taboche. Many trekkers trek to the Kala Patthar to view the early morning sunrise across the Himalayan ranges. The stunning views you get to see from the Kala Patthar is just amazing which will make your trek to the Everest Base Camp absolutely worthwhile.
11. Hotel Everest View
Hotel Everest View is one of the highest placed hotels in the world. The hotel sits at an altitude of 13000 feet which offers you with the 360 degrees view of the mountain peaks of the Everest region.
Hotel Everest View is a perfect place for the ones who want to explore the beautiful villages and the rugged landscapes filled with the forest of rhododendron just outside your window. You will be provided with five-star food and accommodation according to your comfort in this hotel. With a view of Mount Everest from every room, you can engage yourself in this mesmerizing scenery in luxury.
Awesome Article! very intresting and informative with amazing pictures. Thanks for sharing.