6 reasons why... You need to trek to Everest Base Camp
One of the most famous hiking adventures in the world, the Everest Base Camp Trek is on the bucket list of every explorer, and with good reason. This extraordinary trek presents unforgettable highlights and experiences that truly capture the Himalayan way of life and is a trip you will never forget, from the wonderful Sherpa culture to that breathtaking sight of Everest’s peaks - we can assure you that it’s worth the climb! Still need some convincing? Take a look at our reasons why this is the must-do challenge…
1) The Views of Everest
We’ll start on the most obvious of our trip highlights - that epic sight of one of the most iconic mountains in the world. Seeing those spectacular snow-capped peaks for the first time will leave you in awe. This trek will offer you some of the most magical panoramas of the Himalayas, views that cannot be found anywhere else on the planet. You will feel an incredible connection to the mountains and be astonished by their enormity.
2) The Tengboche Monastery
The trek to Everest Base Camp is as much a spiritual journey as it is an adventurous one. On your hike you will come across the traditional prayer flags, fluttering in five colours – blue for the sky, white for air, red for fire, green for water and yellow for earth, bearing symbols depicting Buddhist teachings and prayers. But the most famed and revered spiritual symbolism you will come across is the spectacular Tengboche Monastery, home to Buddhist monks who reside there and who bless trekkers for a successful journey before they embark on the rest of their adventure.
The monastery is beautifully decorated with murals and paintings and is a very peaceful, spiritual and calming stop on your epic journey.
3) Flight into Lukla
Your adventure begins before you reach the trail with the unforgettable flight to Lukla from Kathmandu. This airport is known for having a famously short runway and is perched atop a cliff, so you are treated with some extraordinary views of Kathmandu Valley and the Himalayas on your way, it’s sure to be a journey you never forget.
4) Local Guides, Sherpas and Porters
You will be accompanied on your trip by incredible Sherpas and guides, locals who are known to be some of the most friendly and welcoming people in the world and are experts at making their way up the mountain, so you will be in safe hands! Listen to their incredible stories and be amazed by their super-human mountaineering skills as they lead you to Everest Base Camp, the shared experience with them will be one you remember forever.
5) The Teahouses
Visiting the famous teahouses which cover the mountain is sure to be an experience in itself, as you get to unwind, enjoy the warmth and meet people from all around the world who are embarking on the same adventure. They may be fairly basic, and feel more like a home-stay than a hotel, but you will be surrounded by the warm and welcoming locals, enjoy some hot food and a shower and appreciate an amazing experience that very few tourists to Nepal will get to see!
6) Reaching Base Camp
Of course, the most incredible moment of this extraordinary challenge is reaching your finish line of the Everest Base Camp, undoubtedly the most significant highlight of your whole adventure. There is no better feeling than reaching your end goal and celebrating with your fellow trekkers to the backdrop of the mighty mountains. You will feel such an amazing sense of achievement and pure joy, all that hard work was worth it! The sense of accomplishment and the views of the mountains will lift your spirits after your tough climb.
