Mount Everest Base Camp– But wait, before this, let us tell you what a view it is from the top of the world and the highest mountain on earth. But we all know not all cars go up there or flights land there. The way up to the top is definitely not easy and is a tough climb. Mt. Everest is the highest mountain in the world, at 8,848.86 meters above sea level. It’s situated between Nepal and China. It’s also part of the Mahalangur Himal sub-ranges.
It’s in the Mighty Himalayas, and it’s also at an International border between Nepal and the Tibetan Autonomous Region of China. It grows 0.1 inch annually due to tectonic plate movement. Known as Sagarmatha in Nepal, which has a beautiful meaning. “Peak of Heaven” and the Mother Goddess of the World by the Tibetans(Chomolungma).
The peak was formed around 60 million years ago. It resulted in a collision of the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates. Do you know who submitted it first? It was back in 1953 that Sir Edmund Hillary, along with Tenzing Norgay, climbed the peak and created history. Sir Edmund was awarded the Queen Elizabeth 2 award. Tenzing was honored by The George Medal and Padma Bhushan. In the year 2003, India gave the highest adventure sports award as Tenzing Norgay National Adventure Award, in his honor.
There are 2 main routes on the Southeast ridge from the Nepal side, which a absolute standard route, and the Tibetan side, which is known as the North Ridge from Tibet, are gateways to Mount Everest Base Camp. The area above 8,000 meters is a place with very limited oxygen and is also called “ a death zone”.
At the top are sub-zero temperatures. It can drop many times to -80 F and -62 C. The wind can speed upto 100 mph. It was named after Sir George Everest. Sherpas are the king here, and it’s their home to them. The expert mountaineers, guides, and porters.
They are well adapted and have the deepest cultural connection to the mountains. They have always been a great help and the backbone of a climber. They carry all logistics with great valour and strength. They fix ropes, help in setting up ladders, and also carry adventure gear. Their main role is to provide safety and build trust. About 7,563 climbers have reached the summit, whereas till now about 13,700 have summited to reach the top multiple times, like climbers and Sherpas.
Not all can summit the Everest, but can fulfill their dream to have a close look at the Magnificent. Oh! Yes thats absolutely possible from Mount Everest Base camp.It’s also an opportunity to meet so many professional climbers, and you might bang into some really famous ones. Known as EBC, its short form, the Mount Everest Base Camp is definitely not an easy one either. A high-altitude trek for sure. It’s around 5,364m thats 17,598ft.
It’s in our very own Land of Himlayas, “Nepal”. It’s at the very base and foot of Mt.Everest. It’s a base camp for mountaineers who assemble here to go to the top. Its take 12 days to reach. A journey and trek of 2 weeks to the gateway. You can get a view of Lhotse, Nuptse, and Pumori. Filled with flora and fauna, you can visit the UNESCO site Sagarmatha National Park. You will encounter several Sherpas and experience their culture. There are 2 base camps. One in Nepal and the other in Tibet.
What an Experience - Everest Base Camp
Well, The South base camp is more accessible and popular. You can reach here from Lukla. You will meet many climbers at the Basecamp resting after their descent. As they try to get accustomed to the changes in oxygen levels and altitudes. They need to rest and recover before they head back home. During summers there are many to come for climbing expeditions. Whereas October and November are for the best weather.
Well, this trek is definitely a difficult one too, and needs fitness. Extra care needs to be taken for acclimatization to that altitude. Well, you need to fit to do this and not get even close to any altitude sickness.
Namche Bazaar is always bustling as it’s a trading hub and an important place for acclimatization, and the best halt for Everesters. It’s known as the gateway to the high Himalayas. From Wifi to cafes, markets, lodges, and bakeries. The best and world’s highest Irish pub you will definitely want to visit.
You will also traverse the rocky and famous Khumbu Glacier. You can get a click of the panoramic Mt.Everest, Nuptse, and Ama Dablam.
How to prepare for Everest Base Camp.
Climbing mountains is definitely a yes but this one you will need good amount of training and fitness. From Cardio to strengthen your legs, you will also have to make your core stronger. Your stamina and endurance needs to be built to hike this one. It takes about 5 to 6 hours walking and hiking.Mental mindset is the most powerful, and only your mindset will keep you going. You will need about 3-4 months of training in hill and stair climbing, ideally with some weight on your rucksack. You have to shop in some adventure gear stores and pick the right layers, shoes, and attitude-friendly clothes.
Living in your city with good breathing and oxygen is far more different than up here which is 50% less. You will have to learn to survive and acclimatize here. Hydration is super important so keep sipping hot drinks and water. Its height here is around seven thousand six hundred ft. Mt Everest has only 33 % less oxygen above sea levels.
You need to book wisely with a known and reputable trekking company. You will need proper guidance by hiring a guide and a porter, too.It costs around $800 to a $5000. It also depends on the services you need. You will need a good stay of $2500- $3000 per person, a helicopter $4000 -$5000 per person, and essential needs. All this sounds so exciting! Everest Base Camp trek is next on your list isnt it! But don’t forget to get the necessary permits for the same.
