Although you might have been dreaming to trek to Everest base camp, had you ever thought about these interesting facts about Everest base camp trek?
The base camp of the highest mountain on earth has different significance to the travelers there. For some, the base camp is where there actual journey starts from, and for some, it is their destination. We will talk about more interesting facts like these about the adventure in this blog today.
Top Interesting Facts about Everest Base Camp Trek
Trek to Everest base camp is one of the most sought after trekking adventures in Nepal. Knowing about these interesting facts about Everest base camp trek will keep you aware about what to expect.
Flying to one of the most Adventurous Airports
The trek starts after an adventurous flight to Lukla from Kathmandu. Lukla airport is a small and tricky airport to land and take off because of its location. The airstrip is nestled in a mountainous surroundings that make a narrow gorge. Only small twin-otter planes fly to Lukla airport which gives you a thrilling flying experience.
Your trekking journey becomes even more adventurous and exciting because of the short flight that you need to take to Lukla.
Home to the Sherpa Climbers
You must have heard about the Sherpa people if you are a trekking and climbing enthusiast. Everest region and the route to the base camp is the home to these amazing people. The Sherpa community have been living off the trekking and climbing adventures. They are the amazing climbers who have an unbelievable adjustment ability in the high altitudes of the mountains.
As a trekker to the Everest base camp, you will get to know these people and their lifestyle in the mountains.
Everest Base Camp: Destination for some while Origin for others
The base camp of the highest mountain on earth is a dream destination for trekkers while it is the place to start their real adventure for climbers. Yes, you read that right. Trekking to Everest base camp and climbing to the summit of the mountain are two different adventures.
Many people confuse trekking with climbing but after reading this fact, your confusion will go away even if you have any. For the climbers who are on Everest Expedition, the base camp is the origin of their real climbing adventure. But for the trekkers, it is the destination.
Altitude above 5,500 meters
When you go on this trek, you will reach Kalapatthar are the highest altitude of the trek. As you stand at Kalapatthar and enjoy the glorious mountains in the surroundings, you will stand at the elevation of 5,545 meters above sea level.
It makes this trek a real high altitude trekking adventure where you need to prepare yourself physically and mentally.
Two Acclimatization Days on the Trek
As a trek that goes over 5,000 meters from the sea level, this trek uses two extra days on the way up towards the base camp. The acclimatization days are useful and helpful in adjusting with the changing elevation and thinning air as you reach higher.
Thus the trek takes two full days to acclimatize at Namche Bazar and Dingboche. These days are essential part of the adventure. Not only this trek but other high altitude treks, like Three High Passes Trek, also use extra days to acclimatize.
We hope that you loved reading these interest facts about Everest base camp trek.
Let us know if you have any more questions about the adventure or trekking in Nepal in general.
Author: Step on Himalaya
Date: 12th December, 2021