How difficult is Everest Base Camp trek

How difficult is Everest base camp trek? This is the most common query of all the trekkers to do before they plan and trek. Well, Everest base camp trek difficulty differs as per people’s strengths and stamina. In this blog post, we are going to access detailed information about How difficult is Everest base camp trek.

Everest base camp trek is one of the most popular trek trails of Nepal which starts from The Lukla, reaches to the base camp of the tallest mountains of the earth and Ends at Lukla. Not only the Everest there are many tallest peaks which you can see during the hike to Everest base camp that is the reason most of the trekkers go there for a hiking experience. The adventure trek will bring you through alpine forested valleys and along steep ridgelines, and goes through small local villages to above the glaciers. The diversified Khumbu land is very unique and spectacular for the trekkers to enjoy their holiday in the nature of the Sagarmatha National Park. The Everest base camp trek is full of fun and excitement because of the incredible scenery of the Himalayas, local sherpa people cultures, lifestyles, religions, traditions and their hospitality to the trekkers. The Sherpa people are the people who live in the Everest area and they are very popular for mountaineering. You will be able to see the peaks like Mt. Everest 29,377 feet from the Kala Patthar. Lhotse 27,940 feet, Nuptse 25,791 feet, Amadablam 22,349 Feet, Makalu 27,825 feet, Choyou 26,906, cholatse 21,129 feet, Thamserku 21,729 feet and many other peaks from different place ok the Khumbu but the most popular viewpoint is Kalapathar 5,643 m (18,514 ft) which is the maximum elevation that trekkers should go. That is the reason it is an adventure trek. The countless peaks and the biggest glaciers are also part of your adventurous trek of Everest base camp to Everest base camp trek is quite difficult.

How difficult is Everest base camp trek

Trekkers often ask how difficult is Everest base camp trek? It is considered one of the adventure treks in Nepal for the trekkers because of the Length, Eleations, distance and possibility of altitude mountain sickness. Everest base camp might be the dream of most of the trekkers but not everyone can make it happen to reach the viewpoint of the Kalapathar 5,643 meter, which is the highest point of the trek. The trekking trails are also not that easy because of the elevations gained each day. The accent makes it harder to do the trek. The rocky and steep trails and continuous climbs to the high elevations are hard for most of the trekkers. That is the reason we have included the difficulty of the Everest base camp trek and way to reduce the difficulty on your trek. There are many factors which is a cause of the difficulty of the Everest base camp trek which we have discussed with topic-wise.

Everest base camp trek difficulty by length and distance

The length and the distance are key factors in Everest base camp trek difficulty. The trek from Lukla to Lukla is around 130 Km by reaching the Kalapathar. If you do some sight trip then it will be more than 130 Km. The distance is needed to trek in just 8 days because 2 days trekkers do acclimatization. Basically, looking at this you will trek an average 15 Km (6-7 miles) on that rocky terrain trekking trails and the trek is also accenting mostly. So it seems it is quite harder for all the trekkers on such a high altitude trek. With acclimatization day trekkers can trek to such a high elevation on this much long distance. Every day you need to walk around 6-7 hours excluding the lunch break. The high altitude and low oxygen make it harder to walk in a high place as compared to lower elevated places. That is the reason you can not make the same speed in Gorak Shep as you do in Lukla.

Elevation and Acclimatisation

Elevation, altitude, acclimatization matters on the Everest base camp trek difficulty. Altitude is the most difficult aspect of the trek and is what makes it more difficult than your average trek. Most of the trekkers who come to trek to Everest regions are from mainly the lowlands below 1000 Meter from the sea level. This trek goes high up to 5645 Meter kalapahatthar. So it is quite a big challenge for the trekkers to be fit on such high elevations and it is unpredictable as well. When you arrive in Kathmandu you will be 1300 Meters and after you fly to Lukla you will be at 2850 Meters which is a big jump. The next destinations around the Everest trek routes are even higher than Lukla and there is no way that you can avoid the altitude. You must adjust to the altitude. Each day trek you will gain 300-600 meters elevations in 6-7 hours which is quite tough. But with proper acclimatization, most of the trekkers do the Everest base camp trek. Namche Bazaar is the first place where you would stay for acclimatization which is elevated at the 3500 Meter and Dingboche 4360 Meters. Proper hiking or sight trip produces the stamina and helps trekkers to adjust their body for such a high altitude place. You might get altitude sickness any time during your trek so you need to be very careful. Drinking enough water and being warm enough help you to be fit in a high altitude area. If you get the AMS then you must tell your guide that you get AMS then he will help you to come down or rest there depending on the situation. If you get severe AMS then it is better to come back immediately.

Weather and Temperature

Weather and temperature are also very important elements which make the trek difficult. If you go trekking on a proper and good season then it is quite easier as well you can enjoy your trek at a maximum level whereas if you go there on offseason then the temperature and weather might be not good so you should trek on the good season to take the best experience of Everest base camp trek. September last to November last is the best season to do Everest base camp trek and March, April and May are another second-best seasons to do the trek. If you are going there on a good time/seasons then you might avoid very cold and snowy temperatures as well. If there is continuous snowfall then you can not see the mountains as well so proper seasons is very important to avoid the difficulty.The temperature at the highest place such as base camp and Kalaphattar can be -10°C (10°F) or colder in the October and November in the night but during the day it can be plus. Similarly, the same temperatures measure in March and April too. Winter is very cold and snowy.

Death and Casualty

Since it is one of the most popular and adventure trek routes, minor accidents and very less death happen here. Accidents and unfortunate news from Everest Trekking are often and reach globally. The more death happens on the climbing to mt. Everest. The fewer accidents and casualties happen on the Everest base camp trek. Death happens mainly because of the Altitude mountain sickness. If trekkers are aware of the Altitude Mountain sickness then it might be fewer accidents. Falling and avalanches accidents are very rare. Every year 3-5 people die on these trek routes. If you have a good understanding of altitude and more trek information then it is very advantageous for you.

How to avoid Everest base camp trek difficulty ?

To avoid the Everest base camp trek difficulty we have some advice to the trekkers so you can overcome the trek obstacles and enjoy your trek very much. Everest base camp trek is not that difficult. Acute mountain sickness and distance are the main problems. Since the trekking route has a lot of means of communications, trekkers can get the rescue immediately if they want and if it is necessary. Well, this is just an emergency and rare case. We have some advice for you to overcome the obstacles of Everest base camp which are mentioned below.

Arrange the Good gear for Everest base camp trek

You are not just going for the trek but you are going to do one of the Adventure treks. That means you have to prepare yourself physically and mentally. The trek consists of walking on the high elevations, Rocky trails, cold and windy weather. Since it is very highland in the night it will be very cold to sleep. You have to prepare for this trek by arranging good equipment which is listed below.

Acclimatization and itinerary

Acclimatizing and the well-planned itinerary is very important to avoid the difficulty of Everest base camp trek. The Everest base camp trek duration would be 12-15 days. On those durations, you can completely do this trek without having any difficulties. You need to do 2 days of acclimatization. 1 day is in Namche Bazaar and another day is in Dingboche. This allows you to acclimatize and re-energize yourself for the rest of your trek. You can easily walk on the high altitude for 6-7 hours each day as well as you will have a less chance of suffering from AMS.
We have been organizing Everest base camp trek for a long time and we do have records that 99% of the trekkers are able to complete the trek. With a proper plan, acclimatization and with a good guide, you can make it easier. Nepal Trek Hub is here to help you to craft the itinerary very well.

Training before trek

Trekking to Everest base camp requires strength and stamina. It does not require professional training but at some level, you need to have some exercise. From our experience, you need to do some exercise to prepare for such an adventure trek.
Running: You can do some running exercise before you go to Nepal. You can either go for a morning walk in the park or even on the road as well. But it is not mandatory even if you don’t do pre-exercise you can trek.
Swimming: this is the best exercise for the breathing and body. Holding your breath and swimming helps to store oxygen that will ease short breathing in the high altitude. Gym and Yoga are also very good for the pre trekking exercise.