May 16, 2024
KATHMANDU – On travel guides and bucket lists, one destination that echoes is the Everest Base Camp.
Situated at 5,364 metres from sea level, the starting point of the journey is a 45-minute plane ride away to the world’s most dangerous airport, Tenzing–Hillary Airport, from Kathmandu.
Once in Lukla, the journey begins. Theoretically, the distance from Lukla to the base camp can be covered in three days by foot. Practically, it isn’t possible since the walk is a tedious one on treacherous grounds.
That is why the trek is covered in phases. On the first day, travellers walk from Lukla to Manjo, a small settlement in the Khumbu region. After spending a night, they continue their journey to the famous Namche Bazaar, which is located at 4,340 metres.
From Everest aspirants to those wishing to witness the majestic Himalayas up close to porters and guides earning a living, you encounter numerous stories on your walk to the Everest base camp.
While some travellers return to Namche from Syangboche on the third day, others prefer to halt in Khumjung.
On the fourth day, travellers are greeted by a view of the mighty Everest and other mountain ranges from Tengboche. It is advisable to halt and acclimatise by visiting the Sherpa settlements or hiking to nearby destinations.
We conquer an elevation of 4,400 metres at Dengboche on the fifth day and 5,100 metres at Nangkartshang Peak on day six.
A week into the journey, travellers inch closer to the base camp. While some descend to Lebuche, at 4,940 metres, to spend their night, others find accommodation in Gorakshep, situated 5,180 metres from sea level.
On the eighth morning, we reach the base camp.
The walk back to Lukla typically begins on day nine. It takes travellers two days to descend and by the twelfth day, we’re back in the hustle and bustle of Kathmandu.