Everest Base Camp Trek is the most popular trek in Nepal, attracting 30000 visitors every year. Before Sir Edmund Hillary constructed Tenzing-Hillary Airport in 1964, there were only two ways to reach Everest Base Camp. The first trekking route began in Kathmandu and took about 4-5 weeks to reach the base camp. And its alternate route started in Jiri after a long drive from Kathmandu; the trek on this conventional trail took about 5-8 days just to reach Namche. Now, modern-day trekkers are finding suitable routes based on their convenience.
Below are some of the famous trekking routes to Everest Base Camp:
EBC: The standard route
The standard Everest Base Camp Trek itinerary, which leaves from Lukla, is regarded as one of the easiest expeditions in the Khumbu region, with a 95% to 97% success rate. Beginning in Lukla, it travels through Phakding, Namche Bazar, Tengboche, Dingboche, Dughla, Lobuche, and Gorak Shep before arriving at Everest Base Camp.
14 days Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu (1,345 m).
Day 2: Flight from Kathmandu to Lukla (2,840 m), then descent to Phakding (2,610 m)
Day 3: Hiking to Namche Bazaar (3,440 m)
Day 4: At Namche Bazaar, acclimatization day
Day 5: Trekking to Tyangboche (3,860 m)
Day 6: Trek to Dingboche (4,360 m)
Day 7: Dingboche acclimatization day
Day 8: A trekking expedition to Lobuche (4,940 m)
Day 9: Reaching Everest Base Camp (5,364 m)
Day 10: Trek to Kalapatthar (5,545 m), then descend to Pheriche (4,270 m).
Day 11: Return to Namche Bazaar (3,440 m)
Day 12: Trekking downhill to Lukla (2,840 m).
Day 13: Flight back to Kathmandu (1,345 m)
Day 14: Departure day
EBC: Gokyo Chola Pass Route
The Gokyo Chola Pass Route is a much more advanced and adventurous trek route in the Khumbu region The first half of this trek follows the traditional Everest Base Map Trek. It starts with Lukla and follows through Namche Bazaar, Tyangboche, Dingboche, Lobuche, Everest Base Camp, and Kalapatthar. However, from there, this expedition deviates towards Dzongla, taking the route to Thangnak via Chola La Pass, and moving towards Gokyo Valley rather than returning via the Pherice route. This trek takes up to 20 days, passing through remote and quieter places in the Himalayas.
20-day itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu (1,345 m).
Day 2: Sightseeing in Kathmandu
Day 3: flight from Kathmandu to Lukla (2,840 m), then descent to Phakding (2,610 m)
Day 4: Trekking to Namche Bazaar (3,440 m)
Day 5: Acclimatization at Namche Bazar
Day 6: Ascend to Tyangboche (3,860 m).
Day 7: Trek to Dingboche (4,360 m).
Day 8: Acclimatization at Dingboche
Day 9: Trek to Lobuche (4,940 m)
Day 10: Lobuche to Gorak Shep (5,170 m), then hike to Everest Base Camp (5,364 m).
Day 11: Trek from Gorak Shep to Kalapatthar (5,545 m) and descend to Dzongla (4,830 m).
Day 12: Trek to Thangnak (4,680 m) via Cho La Pass (5,420 m).
Day 13: Trek to Gokyo (4,790 m).
Day 14: Ascend to Gokyo Ri (5,357 m).
Day 15: Descend to Dole (4,110 m)
Day 16: Dole to Namche Bazaar (3,440 m).
Day 17: Return to Lukla (2,840 m)
Day 18: Flight from Lukla to Kathmandu (1,345 m)
Day 19: Rest, shop, and explore the city on your own.
Day 20: Tour wrap-up and departure
Everest Base Camp with Three Passes Trek
The Three-Pass Trek is the most difficult and adventurous way to reach Everest Base Camp. It provides the best views of all the EBC routes and travels through the most isolated and wildest parts of the Himalayas This trek crosses through three mountain passes, i.e., Kongma La (5,535m), Cho La (5,420 m), and Renjo La (5,360 m), ascending through high elevations on numerous occasions.
22-day Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival at Kathmandu’s (1,345 m)
Day 2: Sightseeing in Kathmandu
Day 3: Flight from Kathmandu to Lukla (2,840 m), then descent to Phakding (2,610 m)
Day 4: Trek to Namche Bazaar (3,440 m)
Day 5: Acclimatization Day in Namche
Day 6: Namche to Tengboche (3,860 m) trek
Day 7: Trekking to Dingboche (4,360 m)
Day 8: Rest and acclimatization day
Day 9: Trekking to Chhukung (4,730 m) and Chhukung Ri (5,559 m)
Day 10: Hike through Kongma La Pass (5,535 m) to Lobuche (4,940 m).
Day 11: Gorak Shep (5,170 m) to Everest Base Camp (5,364 m) and trek back to Gorak Shep
Day 12: A climb up Kalapatthar (5,545 m) in the morning followed by a descent to Dzongla (4,830 m).
Day 13: Dzongla to Thangnak (4,680 m) via Cho La Pass (5,420 m)
Day 14: Trekking to Gokyo (4,790 m)
Day 15: Acclimatization day at Gokyo and hike to Gokyo Ri (5,357 m)
Day 16: Trekking to Lungdhen (4,380 m) via Renjo La Pass (5,360 m)
Day 17: Downhill descent to Thame (3,820 m)
Day 18: Thame to Namche Bazaar (3,440 m)
Day 19: Trekking down to Lukla (2,840 m)
Day 20: Flight back to Kathmandu (1,345 m) from Lukla
Day 21: Rest and exploration day at the capital
Day 22: Departing day
Conclusion
Mountaineers who are planning to climbing Mount Everest normally follows the standard route. Every route has its own set of adventures. Whichever route you take, you will definitely have the chance to partake in one of the world’s most renowned and iconic trekking experiences, which has at least made it to the wish list of every mountaineering enthusiast.
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