Trekking to Everest Base Camp is a rigorous walk through lush green dense forest, steep country trials and challenging climbs. Even though it is not a technically difficult climb, you should be able to handle the challenge if you're in good enough physical and mental shape. It is a hard, high-altitude trek that takes ten days or longer.

Though Everest Base Camp Trek is completely safe for both beginners and experienced trekkers, it is a high Himalayan journey, and it demands dedication, strong mentality, and physical strength. The journey to the lap of Everest is riveting through its forthcoming obstacles that need to be dealt with carefully and precisely.

We discuss some of the reasons why trekkers might consider Everest Base Camp a difficult trekking journey.

Length of the Trek & Daily Trekking Hours

The Everest Base Camp trek distance is 130 kilometers. Each side is 65 kilometers. You will trek 9 to 11 kilometers daily on average. Some days include long distances up to 15 kilometers. Likewise, the daily walking hours during the Everest Base Camp trekking is 6 hours on average.

Commencing with a scenic flight from Kathmandu to Lukla, the trail unfolds with stops at captivating destinations such as Namche Bazaar, Phakding, Tengboche, Gorakshep, Dingboche and many more. Throughout these destinations trekkers are treated to a visual feast of beautiful mountains, diverse vegetation and landscapes that shift with each step.

The longest days are when you trek from Namche Bazaar to Tengboche, Dingboche to Lobuche, Lobuche to Everest Base Camp via Gorak Shep, Gorak Shep to Kala Patthar to Pheriche, Phercihe to Namche Bazaar, and Namche Bazaar to Lukla.

Below is shown the distances between various locations along the Everest Base Camp trail, alongside the corresponding duration required to reach each destination:

Altitude

Starting from Lukla at 2600m, the trek takes you to a soaring height of 5,550m at Kala Patthar. Every day you will gain about 400-800m, trekking for 5-6 hours. With this height comes Altitude Sickness, a sickness induced by high altitude if not properly acclimatized. Our bodies are not used to high elevation and are thus prone to Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS).

Altitude Sickness can be grouped into three categories: Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS), High Altitude Cerebral Oedema (HACE), and High Altitude Pulmonary Oedema (HAPE). The symptoms of altitude sickness start as mild; however, if not taken care of, they may deteriorate and transition to something severe.

Some of the symptoms of altitude sickness include the following.

• Headache
• Fatigue
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Dizziness
• Loss of appetite
• Lack of sleep
• Shortness of breath
• Ataxia (lack of coordination)

Later, when altitude sickness worsens, it transitions to HACE, which causes a fluid buildup in the skull. As the situation degrades, you will suffer from hallucinations, coordination loss, and loss of consciousness.

If left untreated, the condition will cause HAPE, which occurs when fluid builds up in the lung cavity. As you reach this stage, you will feel your chest tightening and experience extreme shortness of breath, suffocation, hallucinations, and cough with mucus.

Elevation Gain

One of the most challenging aspects of this amazing trekking experience is the elevation gain on the inclining route. Commencing the adventure from the Tenzing Hillary Airport at Lukla (2,845 meters), the highest altitude of this trekking experience is Kala Patthar (5,643 meters).

The maximum altitude gain for the Everest Base Camp trekking is around 2,798 meters, although it won’t be imminent the elevation inclination is a significant and challenging factor. The general trekking route covers about 400- 800 meters of altitude gain with enough time for acclimatization at the higher altitude.

Here’s a preview of the day-to-day itinerary of our trek and the Everest Base Camp Trek elevation:

Terrain

The Everest Base Camp trekking route is rugged and steep in some places. The trail starts through lush rhododendron and magnolia forests and ascends to boulder fields and glacier moraines. Until you reach Everest Base Camp and Kala Patthar, it is mostly uphill walking with a few descents. You will follow uneven cliff sides as well and walk along glaciers.

Steep Ascents

The trek to Everest Base Camp contains many steep climbs and descents, particularly as you get closer to base camp. These steep paths can be physically demanding and require considerable fitness and resilience. The altitude can also make breathing hard, adding to the complexity. Regular physical exercises, such as hiking, jogging, or cycling, are suggested to enhance cardio and leg strength to prepare for the trek. It's also critical to take frequent breaks and to listen to your body, slowing down or relaxing as needed. 

Remote Rugged Trails

If you have been living in luxury all your life, you cannot start to imagine how remote these mountain landscapes can be. During the trek, you will obviously miss your warm bed, flushing washroom, and cell reception. These 12 days will be quite sweaty, dirty, and stinky. Remoteness is the major Everest base camp difficulty.

Climate

The climate of the high Himalayan region is dynamic, as weather fluctuation is common in high-altitude regions. The trekking to Everest Base Camp can be done in 4 seasons throughout the year. 

This includes Spring, Autumn, Monsoon, and Winter. While the climatic conditions during Spring (March to May) and Autumn (September to November) are perfect with no risks of precipitation and extreme coldness, Monsoon (June to August) and Winter (December to February) like to add challenges to your journey. Necessary measures should be considered regarding the climate of the Everest region during such time as it imposes numerous challenges along the way.

Extreme coldness in the Himalayan region may impose frostbite and hypothermia, while rainfall invites slippery mud and snowy tracks. On top of that, weather fluctuations delay or postpone your trekking time and create a partial layer of fog that hinders you from enjoying the clear beauty of mountainous landscapes. Moreover, rainfall invites blood-sucking insects like leeches and reduces the clear visibility during your walk. It is important to share some of your interests in observing the trails as well while you’re relishing the stunning views of the mountains.

Furthermore, climate change invites rockfall, snowfall, landslides, floods, and avalanches in extremely high altitudes. Though your trek to EBC will be safe and secure with proper monitoring and planning, it is crucial to observe sites and areas and take necessary advice from an experienced guide. The weather can be clear and sunny to rainy, windy, and snowy in just a short span of time. All these aspects add thrills to your trekking journey, while its crucial to pack your bag heavily to deal with such climatic changes, especially if your trek is during winter and monsoon.

It is very essential to prepare yourself with insulated, waterproof, and windproof clothes, sturdy hiking boots, and essential trekking gear. On top of that, please go through the weather forecast of the Everest region and prepare accordingly for the sudden weather changes.

Unpredictable Weather

The Khumbu region, also known as the Everest region, is famous for its unpredictable and challenging weather conditions. Even during the peak trekking seasons, the clear skies can suddenly give way to rain, strong winds, or snowfall. This unpredictability requires a proper Everest Base Camp trek plan and backup.

Likewise, as you gain elevation, you can feel the daytime warm, whereas mornings and nights are relatively cold. You have to prepare for all kinds of weather and temperatures. Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) are the two primary seasons for this trek.

Winter (December to February) and summer/monsoon (June to August) are off time. The offseason has the worst weather conditions. You cannot predict anything. The Lukla flight is mostly delayed or canceled too. Therefore, very few trekkers trek to Everest base camp in winter and summer/monsoon.

Oxygen Deficiency

The oxygen saturation in air drops low as you move higher in altitude. Oxygen deficiency is a major problem while doing mountain climbing expeditions. Most mountain climbs, especially the eight-thousands, need you to carry supplemental oxygen. Without an oxygen tank, you would not survive a mountain climb.

But oxygen deficiency is not a grave issue on lower trekking trails of Everest Base Camp. However, it does not mean you should ignore it. Oxygen deficiency could occur even in Base Camp treks for special needs people.

If you are prone to certain conditions that could cause shortness of breath, ensure supplemental oxygen. Although the base camp routes are not very high, trekkers must trek up to above 4000 meters.

Physical Fitness

The Everest Base Camp trek is an adventure of a lifetime that requires a significant amount of physical fitness. The trek can last up to three weeks and involves long hours of walking on steep hills and rugged terrain which can be challenging even for those who are physically fit. Climbing to high altitudes can also take a toll on the body, making it more difficult to breathe and leading to symptoms such as headaches, dizziness and nausea. Therefore, physical fitness plays an essential role in determining the success and enjoyment of the Everest Base Camp trek.

Training before the trek is essential for improving physical fitness. This can involve regular cardiovascular exercises, such as running, hiking, or cycling, to build endurance and stamina. It is also essential to work on strength training, focusing on the core, legs, and upper body to improve the ability to carry the weight of a backpack and navigate difficult terrain. Trekkers should also practice hiking in high altitudes to get accustomed to the effects of thin air on their bodies.

Training

It is recommended that before setting out to the foothills of the tallest mountain in the world, you should be used to walking approx 4km- 7km per day or at least a few hours of hiking each day.

Natural terrains are an ideal option for training your body to ascend and descend throughout the variation of altitudes. But, if it is not possible where you live, walking on trade mills or running building your stamina and endurance capabilities will also just work fine.

Experienced trekkers and mountaineers suggest that the best way to prepare for a high-altitude trek is through training hikes.

Training hikes on the natural terrain provide the best simulation of diverse landscapes in the Himalayan region of Nepal. Also, it is the perfect opportunity to break and check the comfort ability of your hiking boots, the inspection of hiking boots is a very significant factor, it determines the experience of your whole experience.

Also, add a rucksack or backpack to your training hikes, this way you will get used to carrying your stuff while trekking through the rugged paths of the mountain (you can skip it if you plan to hire porters to carry all your stuff). You can also add cardio and strength training exercises to your regime, the stronger you feel the more you stay confident and motivated. It is not necessary for you to be in top shape for the trekking, but it is inevitable that the fitter you are, the less oxygen your muscles need to move.

On the other hand, you cannot train for the altitude, the oxygen density is 50% less in the Everest Base Camp region compared to the sea level. The trick to mastering the acclimatization process is taking a slow pace and not rushing, eating well, staying hydrated, and getting a good night’s sleep.

Mental Preparation

The Everest Base Camp trek is physically demanding and mentally challenging. The journey takes you to higher elevations, where the air is thin and the landscape is rugged, making it a cardiovascular endurance test. At the same time, the trek necessitates mental grit and resilience to handle the mountain environment's physical demands and unpredictable nature.

Completing the Everest Base Camp trek includes a strong mentality. The walk requires a lot of mental resilience. It is critical to mentally prepare yourself for the difficulties you'll encounter on the expedition. Visualize completing the trek skillfully, and start preparing yourself for the problems you will face. It is critical to stay upbeat while on the trek. Maintaining a positive attitude can assist with navigating the trek's psychiatric problems and motivate you to proceed on your trip.

Keeping in touch with fellow travelers can help you stay motivated and positive. Sharing your tales and difficulties with others can make you feel less lonely and overcome the trek's mental challenges. When trekking to Everest Base Camp, it is essential to accept your restrictions. This can be difficult because the trek requires considerable mental and physical endurance. Taking your limitations, on the other hand, can assist you in remaining inspired and conquering the trek's cognitive difficulties

Accommodation

As you reach the higher altitude, you will slowly experience the habitat getting thinner and transportation getting almost close to impossible. This directly corresponds to the limitations of food, tea houses, and lodges. You might also have to make your own camp and stay at some places if you visit in the off-season, as most of the tea houses and lodges will be closed because of extreme temperatures.

This might cause difficulties while visiting the Everest Base Camp, so trekkers must be more cautious and prepared. Furthermore, the cost of food and accommodation also gets higher as much as you ascend because of difficulties in transportation and habitation. Therefore, the trekkers must carry essential snacks and liquids to keep them energized and hydrated throughout the journey, even if the accommodation and food are limited

Limited Food Options

This trekking is a well-organized trekking destination in Nepal. There are choices of food in lodges and tea houses. But the taste of the food is quite different than the city restaurants. For some people, the food will be best but some people do not like the food according to Raj Bala Treks & Expedition’s past experiences of trekkers and their feedback.

Normally the meat at a high altitude is not fresh because they bring the meat from Kathmandu by flight and are carried from Lukla by porters in the daytime when the temperature is very hot. Instead of meat you can order food like mushroom egg, vegetable, cheese soup is much better than meat.

Sometimes your lunch and dinner place is far between when you are hungry. Please we suggest you put some dry food and bars for the day trekking.

The Toilets

Again, if you’re used to a certain level of comfort this can be difficult. Teahouses have squat toilets which are sometimes outside the main building. At altitude, you have to pee A LOT (even at night) so going can be an annoyance. Do squats prior to the trip to prepare for the toilets. It’ll help your legs feel more stable. On the route, you may have to go behind large boulders as there aren’t always toilets available when walking. Everyone else does it, so it’s not as awkward as you would think.

Khumbu Cough

Khumbu cough is a common respiratory infection in the Khumbu region of Nepal, especially among hikers or trekkers. The name comes from the Khumbu Sherpa people who live in this region. 

Khumbu cough is a dry, non-productive, hacking type of cough that can get severe and last for up to four weeks. Coughing often brings about a feeling of choking or even gagging, which produces no phlegm or mucus. In some cases, a sneeze may also be produced.

There are a few different causes of Khumbu cough. The most common cause of the condition is the "coughing tick", which is the larva of a midge fly that feeds on human and animal respiratory secretions, causing irritation and infection. Other, less common causes include viral infections such as influenza and bacterial infections including group A Streptococcal bacterium and certain other strep strains (Streptococcus pneumonia).

There is no specific treatment for Khumbu cough, except for supportive care. Resting and drinking plenty of fluids are important. Pain relievers can also help, such as ibuprofen or paracetamol (acetaminophen). Cough suppressants are not recommended since they can reduce the cough reflex, causing damage to the airway. Antibiotics do not work in this condition and they may cause bacterial resistance.

In a few cases, coughs have been linked to altitude sickness, particularly if the illness was accompanied by some other symptoms. Symptoms include nausea and vomiting, as well as a general lack of energy and inability to focus. In extreme cases, victims may also experience breathing difficulties and shortness of breath, especially at altitudes above 5000 m.

Flight Delays to and from Lukla

Known as the most dangerous airport in the world, the Lukla Airport is situated in a wonderful valley surrounded by high mountains. Due to this reason, landing and taking off from Lukla is quite difficult and technical. The airport also has a single short runway making it even more dangerous yet thrilling. However, that is not much of a danger as the pilots have special milestones to fly in that airport.

The main challenge here is the constantly changing weather and the delays in the airport. The weather in the area can be unpredictable and is likely to change every few hours resulting in flight delays or cancellation. Usually in the monsoon months like June to September, the weather may not allow for the take-off since the visibility may not be as good. However, flight delays cannot be guaranteed in other seasons as well.

Flights have been cancelled and the travelers have been stranded in the airports waiting to fly over to Lukla or head back to Kathmandu for many days. During such situations, we choose to fly our clients in a helicopter  as far as possible. During these situations, full coverage insurance including air ambulance also comes in handy as you won’t have to be stuck in the dilemma of the unknown. The flight delays to and from Lukla therefore fall in the list as one of the most difficult and unpredictable things during the EBC trek.

Cultural Differences

The Sherpa people live in the Everest region, with distinct lifestyles and cultures. Trekkers must respect their oral customs and be willing to adapt to their lifestyles. When visiting temples or other religious sites, it's important to dress conservatively and cover your shoulders and legs. It is also critical to honor the Sherpa way of life, intimately connected to the environment.

Trekkers should avoid littering and be aware of the local flora and fauna. Understanding and respecting different cultures can enrich the expertise. Still, it can be difficult for trekkers to be mindful of this lifestyle.

In summary, the Everest Base Camp trek is considered difficult due to various factors such as high elevation, burdensome weather requirements, steep inclines, long distances, basic accommodations, remote location, and cultural barriers.

Mule and Yak Caravans choking the Trail

The caravans of Mule and Yak caravans are a common sight in the Everest region. 

Yaks themselves are an important part of the local Himalayan household, used for various purposes. The snowy mountainous environment of the Khumbu is quite suitable for these amazing creatures. Their presence is a prominent part of the famous Everest Base Camp Trek.

You will be sharing the trail with pack animals which are used to transport items from Lukla to villages situated in the higher reaches. It can be unnerving at times to walk in the midst of a great herd rushing towards you from the opposite direction. Always stop and let the pack animals pass. Keep to the side of the mountain, instead of the exposed side. Don't try to pet or touch the animals.

In conclusion, the Everest Base Camp trek is undoubtedly a challenging endeavor that requires physical fitness, mental resilience, and careful preparation. The combination of high altitudes, rugged terrain, and long days of trekking makes it a demanding adventure. However, with the right mindset, proper acclimatization, and adequate training, this trek is achievable for individuals with moderate fitness levels and a determination to succeed. CONTACT US for proper trek planning and preparations.