If you’ve decided to trek the Everest Base Camp, you’ve probably heard a lot about preparation. It’s important to be prepared for the conditions on the mountain, as thirty to fifty percent less oxygen reaches muscles at high altitudes. The best way to prepare for this trek is to put your muscles under more stress every day at sea level by gradually increasing the weight of your backpack.
Day 8 of Everest Base Camp Trek
Among the most iconic treks on the planet, the Everest Base Camp trek is one of the toughest and longest. The hike from Lukla to Base Camp takes about 12 days, while the Gokyo Lakes trek may take more than that. The long trek allows trekkers to properly acclimatize to the high altitude and minimize the risk of Acute Mountain Sickness.
The journey from Lukla to Namche is filled with spectacular views of the mountains. The Rapid Everest Base Camp Trek passes through the UNESCO-listed Sagarmatha National Park and passes alpine forests and the rare sight of the Himalayan goat Thar.
Itinerary for Everest Base Camp Trek
There are several important considerations when planning an itinerary for your Everest Base Camp Trek. First, you need to consider the best time of year for you. While summer months are best for a trek, winter and autumn months can also be fantastic. For the best views, try to make your trip during the monsoon season, from June to September. You can also opt to start your trek from Salleri in the Lower Everest region, which is less crowded.
Another thing to consider when planning your Everest Base Camp Trek is weather conditions. In the winter, temperatures can be a bit lower and the trek is less popular than in the summer. Also, teahouses in the region will be more plentiful and accommodating.
Weather conditions during Everest Base Camp Trek
The Everest Base Camp area experiences varying weather conditions throughout the year, from mild spring temperatures in April to frigid winter temperatures in December. Temperatures typically range from four degrees Celsius in the daytime to a chilling minus eight degrees in the evening. This means that there are no predictable conditions during your trek, but you should still be prepared for any weather conditions that may arise.
It is important to study the wind chill factor and strength of winds before deciding when to trek to Everest Base Camp. Winds can be extremely gusty and chilly during the winter months. The northern jet stream migrates southward during the winter months, bringing high winds to the region. The winds pick up in late September and peak in March.
Getting to Everest Base Camp
Getting to Everest Base Camp on a trek can be a challenging and rewarding experience. It is important to ensure that you have the proper travel documentation. While a permit is not necessary to visit Everest Base Camp, it is important to know that you will need one to access conservation areas. There are also a number of teahouses that can only accommodate a limited number of visitors.
You can choose to trek to Everest Base Camp independently or take a package tour. While an individual can hike the route, an organized tour is much easier and less expensive. You can also hire local agencies to help organize trek staff and transport.