Everest Base Camp Short Trek is known to give you all the adventure just in short amount of time. Short Trek is widely popular among tourist that lasts for 8 to 10 days in a short frame of time you will trek through watching the views of mountains like Everest, Ama Dablam, and Lhotse. Although this trek seems easy when you hear the word short trek but this trek is physically challenging yet rewarding. Short Trek is suitable for the adventure seekers who are determined, fit, focused and time conscious.
Season that Offers Best in Short Everest Base Camp Trek and When to Go
There is always an ideal season to visit specific place to get more exposure with safety assurance. Spring March to May offers you wildlife and lush villages in the routs with crystal clear visibility. Autumn September to November guarantee your safety with dry trials along the route with insane natural beauty. Both seasons are peak seasons to do short trek in Everest Base Camp with easy access of helicopter return but monsoon and winter season is not recommended as Monsoon is very risky with high complication of landslides and flight cancellation as well as winter is very cold especially above altitude of 4000 meters.
Difference in Weather According to Elevation
During peak trekking seasons weather is mid especially at Lukla. As you start to ascend at higher elevation weather condition and temperature significantly changes and drops. Above the altitude of 5000 meters day time are basically sunny with high wind condition. Even if the forecast says weather will be clear sometimes weather doesn’t goes according to forecast news you should always be prepared about unpredictable weather condition. Pack layered clothing suitable for cold weather.
Classic Route a Short Itinerary for Everest Base Camp
Domestic flight from Kathmandu to Lulka will be your first day from here you will start your journey. To continue your climbing to Namche Bazar trekking through Pakding is necessary you will probably take rest at Namche Bazar then from there you will take a trial that leads to Tengboche and Dingboche. From there you can expect reaching to the destinations like Lobuche, Gorakshep, and finally to the Everest Base Camp. You will take a flight from helicopter to descend back which saves lots of time of walking that typically takes you 3 to 4 days.
Major Highlight of Everest Base Camp and Scenic Stops
You are near Sagarmatha so of course the major highlight of this trek is the view of highest peak of the world. Your first track Namche Bazar is one the stops that is filled with trekkers as this place is known as the golden gate to Himalayas. You will see trading systems in Himalayan region. Spiritual pause to Tongboche Monastery is soul reveling experience with snowcapped mountains surrounding the monastery. If you want to enjoy the glimpse of sunrise over Mount Everest then Kala Pathhar is the right destination. Khumbu Glacier will give you the sense of natural beauty and achievement. Every stops are instagram worthy.
Altitude Challenges and Acclimatization
You will perform short acclimatization as you have less time to get to your destination. Acclimatization is very essential part of the journey whether it is short trek or longer trek altitude sickness can happen regardless of any altitude. To detect altitude sickness you have to know symptoms like headache, short breathe, vomiting and so on. Taking high carbohydrate meals and staying hydrated is the key to be safe from fatal disease like altitude sickness. Don’t rush your days everything will be smooth. Resting at Namche Bazar is only an acclimatization place during this short trek.
How to Prevent Yourself from Altitude Sickness
Altitude Sickness is a fatal disease caused due to raise in atmosphere pressure and altitude. Here are some of the tips you can follow to be safe from altitude sickness. Always be aware about the symptoms keep in touch with your doctor take the medicines recommended by doctor. Stay hydrated don’t take drinks like alcohol and coffee. Stay at lower altitude area don’t push yourself if you feel uncomfortable or uneasy.
Foods and Accommodation Facilities at the Base Camp and Other Routes
Teahouses and menus offered by them are very basic you will get offered with limited food option most of the time you will be offered with Dal Bhat, noodles and fried rice. Though Teahouses are basic it feels warm and welcoming. Even though food might be basic but it will full your appetite as the proportion of food you are served with is enough to fill your stomach for full day. Rooms have wooden bed, blankets shared rooms and bathrooms. Internet and hot shower will cost you extra. At last you will share your dining with unknown faces.
Physical Demand Knowing the Route Before You Go
Walking 5 to 8 hours a day is mandatory without this you can accomplish your trek in short amount of time. 5 to 8 hours of walk through up and down hills in rocky path, suspension bridges and icy patches is physically demanding. Proper physical training is one of the important factor to peruse Everest Base Camp Short Trek. Always remember to carry out your training session’s months before trekking. Practice cardio exercise and hike to high elevation areas to build more experience.
Packing for Short Trek What Should You Do to Pack Smartly
Nights are cold and on days winds are high so packing down jacket for night cold and quality wind sitter for day is very important. At the altitude above 5000 meters and 4000 meters UV rays are very high due to direct sunlight and it can cause skin and eye irritation so pack sunglasses, gloves and sunscreen. A boot with proper hold in slippery terrain is mandatory. Keep a bottle that can fit up to 3 to 4 liters of water with water purification tablets along with that keep other medication with you.
Difference between Guide Trekking and Individual Trekking
Guide trekking is a safe trekking as you will travel with a person who knows better about landscapes, terrain, accommodation, culture and routes they can help you navigate the place and gave better knowledge in altitude sickness and medication techniques. Individual trekking is risky it’s not recommended but if you want adventure then you can try doing individual trekking but remember there is a certain types of risk. You might not know the routes you will twist and turn on the roads wasting your time. Lastly porters are also important to ease your trekking.
Cost needed to do Short Trek in Everest Base Camp
Whole short take cost depends on your services cost can range up to 1500 dollars to 3000 dollars. Sagarmatha National Park Permit and Khumbu region fees are necessary for short trek. Some packages includes the cost of domestic flight from Lukla. Helicopter charges are costly when you are returning back charges becomes higher as helicopter return flight is very expensive. Wi-Fi, hot showers and accommodation cost are charged separately and cost of tea houses varies from each other cost of meals are higher than lower areas.
WIFI and Connectivity along the Trials
You can get WIFI or internet access at the tea houses but you have to pay certain price for it. Some of the reliable internet option is Everest Link cards. As you go higher and higher internet connection will lose its access especially route after Dingboche. Some local SIMS like NCELL and NTC works at the area like Namche Bazar the connection is hard to get. You might not be able to update your family members.
Helicopter Return Its Advantage and Disadvantages
There are both advantages and disadvantages of Helicopter return. Advantages are you can save time and your energy if you take helicopter ride from Gorakshep or from Pheriche. This return will give you the experience of both trekking and flight through the mountain scenario along the way. You will get the air view of glaciers, rivers and mountain snow caps. But helicopter return trek have disadvantages too as return depends upon the weather conditions if the weather condition is not fine you have to delay your flight costing you more for accommodation it waste your time. Helicopter return is expensive than trekking. You can’t expect to do budget friendly trekking at Everest Base Camp.
Local Culture and Sherpa Hospitality
Everest region is influenced by Sherpa Community you will see teahouses owned by Sherpa people. Locals are understanding and very welcoming if you respect them they will respect you even more.
Conclusion
Everest Base Camp Short Trek is ideal for busy trekkers who want to escape from their daily corporate life. With this trek you can feel burden of trekking and comfort of returning back from helicopter. Two sides of this short trek make this trekking adventurous. This trek will leave a foot print on your memories forever. If you want to try Short Trek in Everest Base Camp try consulting your trusted agency. So, get ready to take your next step.
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