Everest Base Camp
Very few people in the developed world will not have heard of Mount Everest, the giant of the Himalayas and the tallest mountain known to man. Hundreds of people have dreamed of climbing the beast however very few actually make it. It is possible though, and relatively easy, to climb just the first section of Everest - up to the base camp - and a lot of Nepal Adventure Tours now run climbing expeditions that do just that.
Everest base camp was first used during the successful expedition of Hilary and Tenzing in 1953. Since then, virtually every climbing expedition up the great mountain has stopped off at the base camp, as it is the perfect height for acclimatisation.
Making the Climb
Trekking Nepal is probably going to be a once in a lifetime experience - and missing out on the Everest Base Camp should not be an option.
Most Nepal Adventure Tour companies run a variety of treks that last from 16 days through to 28 days, depending on the routes taken to the camp and back again.The easier route starts from Lukla and travels up the Khumbu Valley before reaching the base camp at 5500 metres. If you prefer something a bit more challenging though, you can always try ascending via the Gokyo Lakes and the high Cho La Pass. This route takes an additional 5-7 days and a bit more determination.
On the way up, you'll see some of the most amazing views of the Himalayas imaginable. You'll also make side excursions to see traditional Buddhist monasteries and get a glimpse of true Sherpa life in the mountains.
As you get closer the view of Everest gets progressively more inspiring and many climbers report that the trek takes on a life of its own.
Many of the tour operators offer the option of continuing up to Kala Patar, a nearby peak that provides the ultimate view of Mount Everest and the surrounding mountains. The trek only takes a few hours and is definitely a highpoint of the entire trip.
When to go
The path up to the Everest base camp is very smooth regardless of when you go. The peak months however are February to June and October to December as it is then that the best views of Everest are to be seen. You won't need any technical climbing experience and there's no scrambling involved; in fact there aren't any rocky ridges or worrying sections at all.
Not surprisingly, you will need to be relatively fit, but this is really the only requirement for completing the Everest base camp trek and fulfilling a life long dream.
Trekking Nepal - Routes to Everest Base Camp