Everest Base Camp trek is one of the most popular trekking in Nepal. The trek takes you to the base camp of Mount Everest and the summit of Kalapathar (5545m). Everyone like to reach there and see the world’s highest mountain just in front of their eye but most of the novice walkers ask how difficult is the Everest Base Camp trek? Can I do this trekking? What is the Everest Base Camp trekking difficulty level?
More than 30,000 tourist go for the Everest Base Camp trek and more than 200 climbers attempts to climb the world’s highest peak every year.
Everyone has the dream to climb Everest, many people dare and very few get success. Everest region is still not linked by road transportation, the only way to see the world’s highest peak including other several peaks is by trekking through Khumbu valley from Lukla airport. Kathmandu to Lukla flight is the best and shortest option to reach at the trekking starting point, Lukla (unless you can afford a helicopter!). Normally trek to Everest Base Camp treks about two weeks. You need to walk along the trekking trail to reach at the base camp and ascend the Kalapathar. For a novice trekker the time of walking in high altitude is much but don’t panic though, the trekking is very achievable one!
Everest Base Camp trek requires no climbing expertise, no technical skills and not necessary to have previous experience. You have determination and basis fitness level, you can easily complete this trekking. We have several examples of completed this trekking of young and old age, overweight and underweight people.
There are some factors to be considered before you start your trekking, this EBC trekking is easy for you. First gather some basic ideas about the length, altitude and fitness level require for the trekking, then you can achieve successful Everest Base Camp trekking without any difficulty.
Everest Base Camp Trek Length
Everest Base Camp trekking route is about 65 km long in length (round trip about 130 km). The trek starts after the 30 minutes scenic mountain flight from Kathmandu to Lukla.
In normal condition a human can walk average 5 km per hour speed. To complete this 130 km long trekking route, it’s not so difficult job. During the standard trekking of 12 days you will walk average 15 km every day. Your all gear will be carried for you by porter, so you are free to walk on your comfort.
But the trekking route is not linear one, the routes is zigzag and many ups and downs. So walking in the rocky, steep and narrow path, your walking will be fairly slow. Sometimes the path might be covered with snow. So keep in mind that the long trekking route can be complete in slow and gentle walk.
Altitude Sickness and Health
The most important part of this Everest Base Camp trekking is altitude. While trekking ascends you will gain altitude on every steps. But trekking from the lower part and altitude gradually increases, your body will be acclimatize with the elevation, so there is less chances of Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS). You need to be prepare to avoid the situation.
The key idea to avoid the AMS is trek slow, drink plenty of water. But sometime you might caught by the Acute Mountain Sickness which should not be taken lightly nor underestimate. It is suggested to take care of your health and find out the symptoms on your own.
If you are novice walking in the high altitude, take 2 days for acclimatization during the trek. Standard trekking itinerary gives acclimatize day on Lukla and Dingboche which reduces the risk of the AMS. During the rest days you can explore around without wasting your time. Once you reach at the altituide of 5545 meters at Kalapathar, you can return to Lukla within 3 days. It takes 9 days to reach EBC but takes only 3 days to return.
It is better to seek professional medical advice before the Everest Base Camp trek and research about the altitude sickness, symptoms and treatments to be fully aware about it.
Be aware, there is no proven correlation between altitude sickness and fitness levels, gender or age – everyone is potentially at risk.
Training and Fitness Level
Not specific fitness level or training is requires for the Everest BC trek. Although good level of fitness will surely make the trek comfortable. Normally a person who can walk 4/5 hours a day can complete this trekking in easy way. The important part of this trekking is altitude, so keeping the altitude different each day walking in mind, you walk slow and steady.
Having some basis level trekking for fitness is worth for the trekking. So build your strength of walking up to 7 hours a day. You can prepare before 6-8 weeks before for the trek.
You are suggested to plan a training as
- Walk several time in a week building up the distance slowly until of 5 hours
- Strength training at the gym heavily focused on your legs. Squats are a great option.
- Aerobic exercise builds up your endurance for those long days. Good aerobic exercises include jogging, swimming, rowing etc.
- Jogging daily for an hours is advisable
Summary
For a physically fit and determined person, Everest Base Camp is not so difficult. Basis preparation for the trekking makes your trekking easy and successful one. Hope this article has given you the enough idea about the Everest Base Camp trek difficulty and given useful suggestion for the preparation. Good Luck!
