Mount Everest is iconic. It has attracted climbers throughout the ages. Although the first recorded attempt to scale the mountain didn’t come until 1921, and success took another 32 years and the intrepid Edmund Hillary and Sherpa Tenzing, it has always held a special place in Nepalese culture and religion. Viewed as the ‘Mother of the World’, even before the idea of climbing it became remotely feasible, people were attracted to the mountain’s base. So, there’s little wonder that trekking to the Everest Base Camp has become such a popular bucket list challenge.

But while the achievement of completing such a trek is an obvious attraction, few people think about the other draws. The Everest Base Camp trek is full of wonders. And these are our five favourites.

The Most Incredible Sights of the Everest Base Camp Trek

Khumbu Ice Fall

The Khumbu Ice Fall is known to be the most dangerous stretch of Mount Everest. A river of slow-melting ice, its edges remain stationary, while its centre moves up to 3 feet a day. And it has, sadly, taken many lives. But from the distance that you will be viewing it from, it is spectacular. And unlike anything else you will ever see in your life.

Namche Bazaar

Known as ‘the Sherpa’s Capital’, Namche Bazaar is the gateway of the Everest Region. Given the altitude – 3,440 meters above sea level – it is surprisingly populated and well-equipped. Boasting everything from lodges and restaurants to banks, post offices, and cyber cafes. It’s also uniquely picturesque, providing amazing views of Thamserku, Kongde RI, and other mountains. While you might be embarking on this trip to embrace the wilderness, a bit of home comfort on day four is almost always welcome. And it’s a great way to acclimatise to the altitude.

Thyangboche Monastery

The largest monastery in the Khumbu region of Nepal, the Thyangboche Tibetan Buddhist monastery (AKA Tengboche and Dawa Choling Gompa) lies within the Sagarmatha National Park. It rests on a hill at the confluence of the Dudh Koshi and Imja Khola rivers, with Mt. Ama Dablam looming gorgeously behind. Originally built in 1916, the monastery has suffered a series of disasters and been rebuilt more than once. But that doesn’t stop it from being one of the most important of the sacred areas in the region.

Kala Patthar

Located at an altitude of 5,545 meters Kala Patthar is the highest point of the Everest region trek and boasts some of the most spectacular panoramic views. Not only of Mount Everest, but its close neighbours, Lhotse, Nuptse, Makalu, and Cho-Oyu. Some say that Kala Patthar is even more worth the effort than the Everest Base Camp itself.

The suspension bridge near Ama Dablam

The journey to the Everest Base Camp will take you across some breath-taking suspension bridges, but the one near Ama Dablam has to be the most famous, impressive, and – let’s admit it – frightening! You will feel your heart in your mouth as you cross the Dudh Kosi river. But it is worth every knee-trembling step. Equal parts exhilarating and breath-taking, it’s a journey that will live long in your memory.

The trek to the Everest Base Camp is unlike anything even the most experienced of hikers will have undergone. Bringing incomparable sights, not least of which being the view of the mountain itself. It is hard work. It is daunting. And it is most certainly challenging. But it is also totally unforgettable.

Check out the full itinerary of our next Everest Base Camp trek.