The Unique Ways to Experience Everest Base Camp of Nepal
Everest Base Camp Trek is a lifetime experience for many travelers. Undoubtedly this trek has long been the best trek in the world. If you’re a trekker, chances are you have done this trek already. And you must have done it from Lukla. What if I say that there are unique ways to Experience Everest Base Camp? Well, let’s look into the ways one can experience EBC differently.
The Everest Base Camp Trek route from Lukla is the standard trek route, but this route has become overcrowded. Starting from Kathmandu, flying to Lukla is what the majority of trekkers do to explore the base camp of Everest. But there are alternatives to it. Check the following option to experience Everest Base Camp very few people do.
Take The Alternative Route Of Jiri
Like I said earlier, most people fly to Lukla Airport from Kathmandu and hit the trail through Namche Bazaar to Everest Base Camp and they miss out on the lower Solukhumbu region. Very few people do know and take the alternative route via Jiri. This route takes you off the beaten path and is the remote trail to the base camp of Mount Everest.
Take a jeep to Jiri and walk for two or three days to Lukla. Or you can fly to Phalpu and start the trek from there. The downside of trekking through this route is that it adds a couple of days. So if you have more days on hand, you can opt for this route.
Take a Side Trip to Pikey Peak and Dudh Kunda
The lower Solukhumbhu region lets you trek to Pikey Peak and Dudh Kunda. By taking the route through the lower Solukhumbu region, you can go for side trips to these two beautiful destinations. Arguably, these two treks are the best in the lower Solukhumbhu region. Pikey Peak is one of the best viewpoints in Nepal. And Dudh Kunda Lake is a sacred lake to both Buddhist and Hindu religions.
Remember to consider these side-trips only when you have extra days in your hand. In that sense, you can always customize your trek. It will be worth an adventure to do one of these treks with Everest Base Camp. Unlike the popular EBC trek via Lukla, these treks are less-crowded and reward an amazing trekking experience.
Combine with Gokyo Lakes Trek
Did you know that you can traverse Gokyo Lakes with Everest Base Camp? Well, now you know and you can always opt to add the Gokyo Lakes trek with Everest Base Camp Trek. You can complete the trek in about 18 days, crossing Cho La Pass, and exploring two popular landmarks in the Everest region.
You can hike up to Everest Base Camp and Kala Patthar and later descend to Gokyo Lakes. En route, you cross Cho La Pass, one of the highest passes in the Everest region. It is imperative to know that the trek traverses a challenging terrain. So, ensure that you are ready for the trek.
Hop on a Helicopter to the Everest
If trekking is not your cup of tea or if you are short on time, you can board a helicopter to the Everest Base Camp. Combining a heli ride can be a great way of experiencing the Everest Base Camp trek. Some trekkers fly from Kathmandu to Everest Base Camp and get back to Kathmandu in just a day. But trekking halfway to Namche and riding to Everest Base Camp is a unique way. This will also save you some money.
Stay at Luxury Hotel
Most trekkers stay at teahouses and very few trekkers love to experience the luxury hotel in the Everest region. This option is for you only when you have enough budget to stay at luxury hotels. If you want comfort and luxury, you can choose a more upscale hotel in the Everest region like Yeti Mountain Home. Staying at a luxury hotel in the mountains is relatively expensive but worth the experience.
Trek in Winter Season
This option is not recommended at all, but for exprienced trekkers, it is ideal to do. For a unique experience with a great deal of preparation, it will be worth it. Some trekkers have done it already. You can too. But you need to be prepared for extreme coldness and unfavorable trekking weather. In winter, very few trekkers embark on an adventure to the base camp, and hence the trail will be less crowded.
Training and Tips
Everest Base Camp trek is graded as a moderate walk in the Himalayas’ foothills. These Tips For A Successful EBC Trekking for anyone with little to no experience can do this trek as it does not demand technical mountaineering skills. However, you must be in good health to walk for at least 5 hours a day on the rugged terrains.
Exercising for a couple of months before the adventure is the best advice for you. The best exercises are walking, jogging, swimming and cycling. Try finding hiking trails near your place and hike frequently. You can practice walking in your hometown carrying 5 kg backpack. Exercising helps you build your stamina and boost your endurance level to walk in the mountains.
Keep in mind that you have to be mentally ready for the adventure to Everest Base Camp. Everest Base Camp takes you to a soaring height of over 5545m. So you have to be mentally prepared before making a commitment to trek to the base camp of the highest mountain in the world.
Do a bit of research regarding the accommodation in the teahouses, food options, and weather conditions. There are many EBC trek vlogs on YouTube that will help you gain insights into the daily trekking in the Everest region. Besides, there are amazing blogs to read and prepare for the trek.
