Climbing to Mount Everest Base Camp is on many a bucket list. It’s an attainable goal that’s not nearly as dangerous as summiting the peak, but rather offers an intensive trek through magnificent countryside, Sherpa villages, farm lands and awe-inspiring views.
Choosing Your Route To Base Camp
There are a few options to choose from when it comes to the great trek to base camp. We haven’t covered all of them but these are definitely some of the best options to choose from.
The “Classic” Base Camp Route
- Duration: 13 to 14 days of trekking
- Starts in: Lukla
The traditional route is the most popular as it is the most direct and fastest route to take. It takes you from the Kukla valley through picturesque villages, terraced landscapes and quaint farmlands before reaching the Namche Wall. A rest day or two can be taken in Namche where you can adjust to the altitude and take in the local flavour of the town.
You will follow the course of the Imja Khola river up to the Sherpa village of Dingboche. A few more days trekking will lead you to the Kala Pathar mountain, which looks down over Everest Base Camp and the most astounding views never to be forgotten.
The Route From Jiri
- Duration: 19 – 21 days of trekking
- Starts in: Jiri
This route meets up with the traditional base camp route, but has a good five days in front of it for the trek from Jiri to Lukla. This trail is very quiet and is often touted as the most beautiful part of the journey simply because it’s not crowded with hikers. It can be a taxing journey as the trail is undulating up and down multiple hills and valleys. Once the trail reaches Lukla, the traditional route is taken.
The Route From Tumlingtar
- Duration: 21 – 23 days of trekking
- Starts in: Tumlingtar
This route to base camp starts in Tumlingtar, a small village that is about nine days away from Lukla. Like Jiri, this is another slower route that provides trekkers with a different view of Nepal and a quieter, more personal journey with less interference from crowds of hikers.
It’s a rugged hike with few comforts and it’s also very taxing. Even so, it’s incredibly beautiful, passing through villages, farms and crossing the paths of many welcoming locals. As it’s at the base of Everest, the weather is warmer on this route, so it’s advisable to bear that in mind when packing.
For me, and my then 12 year old son, the moment we reached the top of the hill at Tengboche Monastery and got our first real view of Everest through clouds that had mocked us for days was one we’ll never forget. It wasn’t just a highlight of that trip but of or whole 4+ years of full time travel. It was just my elder son and I, my 10 year old had had enough and my husband, Chef, graciously agreed that I could have this moment. He knows how special the mountains are to me and I’d always dreamed of Tengboche. On this trip we hadn’t even planned on trekking, we’d arrived in Kathmandu with no gear and 2 kids but mountain fever grabbed us and we had to go for a ” little walk”. We were satisfied and thrilled to get to Namvhe Bazaar, another dream destination, we never thought we’d get as far as Tengboche with children and street shoes. At that point we had to turn back, But my son and I are back in the Himalayas in the spring to go all the way to Everest Base Camp. What’s my favourite route? Any route! That mountain is magic and we’ll get there any which way we can. – Alyson Long, World Travel Family
Tips For Planning Your Trip
When to go:
The best time to hit the trails and head forth on your trek is either March, April, May or further into the year from September to December. December gets really cold and late May is the beginning of the monsoon season.
Budget:
The longer you take to trek to base camp, the more expensive your overall trip will be, so if budget is a concern then perhaps you should opt for one of the less time-intensive routes.
Porters:
If you’re not as fit as you’d like to be when you embark on your journey, perhaps you should consider hiring the services of a porter to help you with your backpack. They are experienced in the trails, generally very honest and kind, and are only too happy to help for their daily rate.
Guides:
Guides are only really a requirement if you are very unsure of the route you’re taking. The really beneficial part about hiring a guide is the deep, personal and local insight that can be given throughout various steps of the trek. This information is invaluable and probably won’t be found in any tour guides.
Handy Equipment and Essentials
The most important thing you could ensure you have with you is a trusty pair of worn-in hiking boots. Spending hours trekking everyday requires absolute comfort and superior quality. Coupled with that you’ll need a number of pairs of thick, dry socks to prevent blistering or chaffing. Make sure you have Band-Aids or Elastoplast available in case you do encounter a blister or two.
It’s also a good idea to have a second pair of shoes to wear when the day’s hike is over. Opt for light sneakers that will provide comfort and protection.
Don’t forget your sleeping bag! Relying on the assurances of lodges along the way could result in you being cold and uncomfortable. It’s always best to be over prepared rather than underprepared when embarking on a journey of this magnitude.
