How to get to Everest base camp?

As you might have seen and heard a lot about the Everest base camp trek, you may have gathered lots of information regarding the specific route that goes to the Everest base camp. You may have seen different routes going to the Everest base camp on different platforms. But today here, you will explore famous possible routes that will ultimately go to the Everest base camp. Here are the possible ways to get to Everest base camp-

1. Through the Classic Everest base camp route

Trekking a trail 53 km (33 miles) long from the village of Lukla to Everest Base Camp is part of the classic or typical Everest Base Camp route.

This is the most popular and direct trekking route to get to Everest Base Camp. As it offers scenes of off-beaten roads, peak mountains, deep forests, ethnic villages, and cities, religious monasteries and stupas, steep and narrow pathways, glaciers, and much more, the EBC Trek is the most well-liked trekking route in the world. The journey to Everest Base Camp begins with a picturesque 30-minute flight from Kathmandu to Lukla.  Then from Lukla, trekkers will follow the following route –

Lukla – Phakding – Namche – Tyangboche – Dingboche – Lobuche – Gorakshep – Everest Base camp – Kalaptthar – Pheriche – Namche – Lukla

2. Jiri to Everest Base Camp

This is the traditional route to Everest Base Camp that is highly admired by individuals who are seeking to avoid the flight from Lukla, which is considered one of the world’s most dangerous flight routes. For the first time, two renowned mountaineers Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay Sherpa used the popular and exciting Jiri Everest base camp trek route in the 1950s to complete their Mount Everest expedition.

The journey to Jiri takes seven to eight hours drive from Kathmandu. Then as you reach Jiri,  you will begin your walk to Lukla, which is the starting point of traditional EBC Trek. While going through the routes of Jiri to Lukla, you will encounter the beautiful forests, terraces, farmlands, and Dudh Kosi River avoiding the crowd of hikers. Here is the brief route for this trip-

Kathmandu – Jiri – Bhandar – Sete – Junbesi – Nunthala – Bupsandada – Surkhe – Phakding – Namche Bazaar – Tengboche – Dingboche – Lobuche – Everest Base Camp – Kalapatthar – Pheriche – Kyanjuma – Monju – Lukla – Kathmandu

3. Phaplu to Everest Base Camp

Phaplu route offers trekkers a longer and more fantastic journey to Everest Base Camp. It is one of the best alternatives to get to Everest Base Camp. After a quick 30-minute flight or a 7–8-hour drive from Kathmandu, the lovely village of Phaplu is the starting point of this Phaplu to Everest Base Camp Trek.

Compared to other EBC trekking routes, the Phaplu to Everest Base Camp trip is regarded as being extremely scenic. This trekking path is ideal for those who wish to go at high elevations without taking a flight to Lukla. After you reach Phaplu via drive or flight, you will then make your way to Nunthala, Bupsa, and eventually arrive at Phakding. Phakding is the village that will let trekkers join the classic Everest base camp trek route. Hence, If trekkers want to follow this route, they can do this trek in 18 days by following this route-

Kathmandu – Phaplu – Nunthala – Bupsa Dada – Surke – Phakding – Monju – Namche Bazaar – Tengboche – Dingboche – Lobuche – Gorakshep – Everest base Camp – Kala Patthar – Pheriche – Namche Bazaar – Lukla – Kathmandu

4. Arun Valley to Everest base camp via Tumlingtar

Catching a flight from Kathmandu to Tumlingtar is the first step to getting to Everest base camp. This rarely traveled path takes around 17 days to reach Everest base camp after stepping into the Tumlingtar airport. This is a perfect way for those who want to travel for long. In total, you will do the journey for more than 20 days passing from off-the-beaten paths that go through the beautiful Makalu Barun National Park and Sagarmatha National Park. Here you will find the experience very unique and different as the bhattis (teashops) are very basic with few conveniences and simple options.

Hence, the unparalleled geographic features, pure alpine atmosphere, and ancient cultural heritage make the Arun Valley to Everest Base Camp Trek ideal for experiencing with the help and direction of knowledgeable and friendly guides. Here is the brief route for this trip –

Kathmandu – Tumlingtar – Kartikeghat – Gother Bazaar – Salpa Phedi – Guranse Bhanjyang – Sanam – Gudel – Khiraule – Nanjing Dingma – Pangom – Puiya – Manjo – Namche Bazaar – Tengboche – Dingboche – Gorakshep – Everest Base Camp – Kalapatthar – Pheriche – Kyangjuma – Phakding – Lukla – Kathmandu

5. Three Passes and Everest Base Camp

This is one of the best alternative paths to get to Everest Base Camp and is also considered one of the best treks in Nepal. On this trek, You will go through the three high passes of the Everest region. Trekking over three passes higher than 5000 meters is difficult, but the rewards are amazing, with views of Cho Oyu (8,201 meters), Makalu (8,463 meters), Lhotse (8,516 meters), and Everest (8,850 meters).

This trip also begins from Lukla, much like the classic route, but as soon as it reaches Namche, the route travels through the Bhote Koshi Canyon for several days before crossing Renjo La (5360m) and entering the Gokyo Valley. As soon as you explore the valley, you will descend to the Ngozumpa Glacier, which is one of the biggest glaciers in the Himalayas, and then cross Cho La (5400m), from where the mount Ama Dablam is magnificently visible. From here, go down to Gorak Shep and stop by Everest Base Camp. Then, once more deviating from the usual path, you will come to cross Kongma La (5535m). Here is the brief route for this trip –

Kathmandu – Lukla – Phakding – Namche Bazaar – Thame – Lungden – Gokyo – Thangnak – Dzongla – Lobuche – Everest base camp – Gorakshep – Kalapatthar – Lobuche – Chukkhung – Tengboche – Namche Bazaar – Lukla – Kathmandu

6. Gokyo Lake to Everest base camp

The Gokyo Lakes and Everest Base Camp trekking route is a popular alternative to get to Everest Base Camp. This route is one of the special in the Everest region which reveals the special jewels like Gokyo Ri viewpoint, Gokyo Lakes, Cho La Pass, and Khumbu Icefall. After the return trip, you will be then walking towards Everest base camp.

While walking through these routes, you will be able to witness the tallest mountains in the world like – Everest, Cho Oyu, Pumori, Lhotse, Nuptse, Ama Dablam, and many more. Here is a quick itinerary of the journey-

Kathmandu – Lukla – Phakding – Namche Bazaar – Dole – Machhermo – Gokyo – Thagnak – Dzongla – Lobuche – Everest base camp – Kalapatthar – Pheriche – Namche Bazaar – Lukla – Kathmandu

7. Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour

A short and easy helicopter flight around the magnificent Everest and other Himalayan mountain ranges can be enjoyed through the Everest Helicopter Tour. If you have a tight and busy schedule and can’t walk for several days then the Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour is definitely for you. Furthermore, everyone, including children, the elderly, and people with physical limitations, can take benefit of this EBC helicopter tour and fulfill their dream of seeing the gigantic Mount Everest.

The trip takes four to five hours total and visits locations of the great landmarks of the Everest region like Kalapathar, Everest Base Camp, and Everest View Hotel. Especially from the Kalapatthar viewpoint, you will get 360° panoramic views of Mount Everest, Mount Lhotse, Mount Nuptse, Mount Ama Dablam, Mount Cho Oyu, and many other mountains. Here is the brief itinerary for this trip –

Kathmandu – Lukla(via Helicopter) – Kalapatthar(Everest base camp) – Syangboche(Everest View Hotel) – Lukla – Kathmandu

Should you choose the easy route to get to Everest base camp?

Choosing the “easy route” to Everest Base Camp depends on several factors, including your fitness level, trekking experience, time constraints, and personal preferences. While the allure of a less strenuous journey might seem appealing, it’s essential to consider whether it aligns with your goals and expectations for the trek.

Opting for an easier route can offer a more relaxed and enjoyable experience for those who are new to trekking or prefer a slower pace. Routes like the Everest View Trek or shorter itineraries to destinations like Namche Bazaar provide breathtaking views of the Everest region without the same level of physical exertion or altitude challenges as the classic Everest Base Camp trek.

However, it’s important to recognize that choosing an easier route might mean sacrificing some of the iconic sights and experiences that come with the classic trek. The journey to Everest Base Camp is not just about reaching the destination but also about the adventure, personal growth, and sense of accomplishment that come with overcoming challenges along the way.

Ultimately, whether you choose the easy route or the classic trek depends on your priorities and what you hope to gain from the experience. Regardless of the route chosen, proper preparation, acclimatization, and respect for the mountain environment are crucial for a safe and enjoyable trekking experience in the Everest region.

While approaching the Everest base camp, will you get all of the facilities?

As you approach Everest Base Camp, the availability of facilities will vary depending on your location along the trekking route. In general, as you ascend higher into the Everest region, the availability of facilities decreases due to the remote and rugged nature of the terrain. Here’s what you can typically expect:

1. Lodging: Along the main trekking routes to Everest Base Camp, there are numerous tea houses, lodges, and guesthouses providing basic accommodation for trekkers. These accommodations offer a place to rest, meals, and sometimes even hot showers. However, as you get closer to Everest Base Camp, the number of lodges decreases, and facilities become more basic.
2. Food and Water: Tea houses and lodges usually offer meals such as dal bhat (rice and lentils), noodles, soups, and other simple dishes. Bottled water and other beverages are available for purchase, but prices may increase as you ascend higher into the mountains.
3. Medical Facilities: Basic medical facilities are available at some of the larger villages along the trekking route, such as Namche Bazaar and Pheriche. However, these facilities are limited, and for more serious medical issues, evacuation may be necessary.
4. Communication: Mobile phone reception is available in some parts of the Everest region, but it can be sporadic and unreliable. Some lodges may offer Wi-Fi for a fee, but the connection may be slow and unreliable.
5. Supplies: Basic supplies such as snacks, toiletries, batteries, and trekking gear can be purchased in some of the larger villages along the route. However, prices may be higher, and the selection may be limited compared to larger towns and cities.

Overall, while facilities are available along the trekking route to Everest Base Camp, they become more basic and limited as you approach higher altitudes. It’s essential to be prepared for rustic conditions and to carry necessary supplies, including water purification tablets, snacks, and appropriate clothing and gear for the challenging terrain and unpredictable weather conditions.

Conclusion

In conclusion, we want to say that, you may have heard or discovered different routes on different platforms. But you had not got the full idea of from where you could get to the Everest base camp. In this blog, we have talked thoroughly about where you can approach the base camp. We understand that giving you too much information about the ways to get to Everest base camp could overwhelm your mind.

For that reason, we have only managed to provide you with the 7 ways to approach the Everest base camp that ensures your fulfillment and the excitement of the journey. So what are you waiting for? Choose any one of these and be prepared for an unforgettable journey!