Can a beginner in trekking can trek to Everest base camp and Gokyo Lake?
Do you have a dream of trekking on the highest mountain base in the world? If your answer is yes, then we are here to assist and suggest you the information and logistics to trek Everest base camp. If you are a beginner in trekking and trying to explore the best trekking in the world, trekking to Everest Base Camp and Gokyo Lake is a great way to get up close and personal with this majestic peak. The magnificent views of Everest, smiling local faces, and the incredible experiences of the journey creates lifelong memory for a trekker. What I am trying to explain through this blog is a beginner can trek to Everest Base Camp and Gokyo Lake. If yes, what are the precautions and information that you must possess before going to trek?
Why Everest Base Camp Trekking is Popular?
The Everest Base Camp Trekking is the best trekking route in the world which is trekked by hundred thousand plus trekkers every year throughout the world. Due to this wonderful fact also it is considered one of the most popular trekking routes in the world. This route is known for its picturesque landscapes, sky-touching Himalayas, and incredible sherpa culture. The most dangerous airstrip in high altitude also attracts trekkers to do adventure to land in Lukla airstrip. The beautiful Mountain Bazar Namche welcomes trekkers for rest and enjoys the moment. There are only a few routes to Everest base camp which follows the classic trail to EBC without crossing any passes. Altogether there are three popular passes on the route to Everest base camp, namely Cho la pass, Renjo la pass, and Kongma la pass which is a challenging one.
In the 80s, Jiri, a small hill station is considered the gateway to Mount Everest. After the construction of the Edmond Hilary airstrip in Lukla, Namche Bazar became the gateway to Mount Everest. Namche Bazaar is a bustling market town located at an altitude of 3,440 meters. It is one of the busiest trading centers of the Everest region. You can get varieties of food, clothes, trekking gear, and many other facilities similar to Kathmandu. Here, trekkers can find a variety of items such as food, clothes, and trekking gear. During acclimatization day, one can visit the historic Thami monastery or even the highest airstrip in the world Syangboche. Tengboche is famous for monasteries. You can visit the Tengboche monastery and get a blessing from the guru Rimpoche.
Either you follow the classic route of the Everest Base camp trek or combined it with Gokyo Lake Trek. Gokyo Valley comprises several lake systems which are beautiful and culturally rich in the wilder zone of remote mountains. Gokyo is in between the Renjo la pass(5340m) and the Cho-La Pass(5420m) which are considered the toughest part of Everest base camp trekking. This high mountain pass demands sound fitness and strong determination to cross dangerous snow bridges and steep slopes. For adventure lovers, this is one of the most challenging trips which result in lifelong memory and a rewarding experience to cross these passes. Because of the presence of such challenging passes, sherpa village and their culture with majestic mountain views make the Everest Base camp trek a great adventure and offer unforgettable experiences that will stay with you for life that makes this route world’s most popular among trekkers.
What are the basic types of equipment for trekking?
Trekking to the Everest region requires some of the essential items that are needed for you. Suitable and comfortable clothing which is ok in such high altitudes where temperature downs to minus at night. At the same time, appropriate gear for comfortable hiking.
The trek to Everest Base Camp and Gokyo Lake usually starts from Lukla in the Khumbu region of Nepal, passing through several Sherpa villages, including Namche Bazaar a primary trading center of Khumbu. The terrain involves moderate climbs if you follow the classic route to Everest base camp. We will have an acclimatization day in Namche Bazar (3440m) and Dingboche(4410m) with a gap of 1000m approximately. If we follow the Gokyo Lake route via Cho-La Pass(5420m) then the trekking becomes difficult so we must have the right equipment that can help to make the trekking more comfortable and enjoyable.
While you prepare for the Everest trek, you should make sure you have the following essential types of equipment and clothes:
• Hiking boots – Choose comfortable hiking boots with good ankle support. Make sure you break them in beforehand to avoid blisters.
• Clothing – Dress in layers to cope with the changing temperatures. Bring thermal base layers and waterproof outer layers.
• Sleeping bag – Choose a lightweight sleeping bag with a comfort temperature rating of -5°C (23°F).
• Water bottle – A one-liter water bottle is ideal for refilling on the trek.
• Trekking poles – Use trekking poles to provide additional stability and reduce fatigue.
• Sun protection – Sunglasses and sunscreen are essential for protection from the strong mountain sun.
• First aid kit – Bring a small first aid kit containing basic supplies such as bandages, pain relief gel, and antiseptic cream
• Headlamp – This will come in handy for evening hikes or if you’re camping along the way.
These are just some of the basics that you should consider when planning your trek to Everest Base Camp and Gokyo Lake. Besides these, If you are thinking of carrying other essentials, our expert can suggest you depending on the season that you are going to trek.
How to prepare for the Everest Base Camp trek
Preparation is key to success in every task. The good structure and appropriate planning make things easier during your trek in Everest. The trek to Everest Base Camp is an incredible adventure which is always a big dream for trekkers who love to do adventure. Everest base camp trekking demands sound fitness and strong determination as you know the tallest mountain base is one of the toughest trekking routes in the world. Trekking to EBC is challenging, but even beginners can succeed in the trek and experience the beauty and wilderness of the Himalayas. There are a few things that you must consider while preparing for Everest trekking.
Duration: If you are planning to do Everest base camp trekking, you should plan to spend at least fifteen days in Nepal. The regular trekking for EBC requires at least twelve days to complete. For preparation, at least we must have two spare days since flight cancellation is a normal phenomenon in the Everest region.
Physical preparation: You are going to trek in high altitudes in remote mountain villages. You are hiking for hours each day and sleeping at lodges/teahouses. For easy and comfortable hiking, you should allocate sufficient time to get into shape before going for a trek. You can start with light exercise in the beginning and can increase gradually for long hours to ensure your fitness. You must focus on your leg muscles since you are walking through steep terrain.
Trekking gears: Trekking gears are a very important factor in trekking at high altitudes. A good quality backpack, trekking shoes, waterproof clothing, and a sleeping bag are essential items of trekking gear. Don’t forget to take water bottles which can store hot water.
Besides these, be aware of the high altitude and weather conditions of the Everest region. Take a map along with other essentials so you don’t lose in mountains. Follow the guidelines given by the guide. Guides are experienced, follow their instructions carefully.
What are the Dos and Don'ts during the trek?
If you are a beginner in trekking and have decided to go adventure trip to the Everest Base Camp (EBC) and Gokyo Lake, you must be aware of the dos and don’ts for safe and successful trekking. This will ensure your trip is going completed in an easy node and can enjoy your time in the lap of the Himalayas. There are a few things that you should take care of while trekking in the Everest region:
1. The primary part of this trip is that you should be physically and mentally fit. With good fitness, your body can cope with such a high altitude. Be well prepared and determined for the trekking.
2. Ask about acclimatization days in your trekking plan. This is very essential to adapt to altitude since the terrain is too tough in passes like Cho la pass. To give rest to your body and maintain your pace and avoid overexertion during hiking, rest days are a must.
3. Drink plenty of water during hiking, whenever you fixed your destination to stay overnight, try to hike a little more height around lodges so that your body adjusts better to the elevation which helps to minimize the risk of altitude sickness.
4. Respect local culture and customs while you are traveling to remote mountains. Try not to give your idea on their beliefs and traditions. Just observe and understand the context.
5. Avoid drinking alcohol during hiking and follow the instructions given by your guide.
By following these guidelines, you can have a safe and enjoyable trekking experience at EBC Have a wonderful time in Everest trekking!
What are the different routes to trek Everest Base Camp ?
The regular route to Everest base camp is considered a classic route that can be completed in twelve days. Trekking To EBC from Kathmandu: Lukla fly – Phakding – Namche bazar – Tengboche – Dingboche – Lobuche – Gorakshep – EBC- Gorakshep
Return trail to Lukla and Kathmandu: Gorakshep- Kala Patthar- Gorakshep – Pheriche – Namche Bazar-Lukla – Kathmandu. Trekking to Everest Base Camp is a truly rewarding experience, and it is achievable for even beginner trekkers. There are a few routes that are combined with strenuous passes and valleys to the base camp, which offers rare snow leopards, sacred places like the monastery, and beautiful Gokyo Valley.
All trekking routes pass through Namche Bazar(a Sherpa settlement at an altitude of 3,440m.)- the gateway to Everest. Besides the classic route, the Gokyo Valley Cho la pass trek, Renjo la pass trek uses the different routes of sherpa villages. Gokyo Lake, Gokyo village, Thame, Machhermo, lungden, Dole, and finally back to Namche Bazar to complete the Gokyo Valley trek with Cho la pass and Renjo la pass. After Namche Bazaar, the trail then ascends to the Cho-La Pass, which stands at an altitude of 5,420m. From here, you will have some stunning views of Mt. Everest, before hiking to the base camp.
Another route to Everest Base Camp is via Gokyo Lake. This route passes through some stunning alpine scenery, as well as Gokyo Village, a small settlement at an altitude of 4,750m. From here you can hike to Gokyo Ri (5,360m) to enjoy some incredible views of Mt. Everest, Lhotse, and Makalu. Acclimatization day is allocated in Gokyo Valley which gives us chance to trek Gokyo Ri to check our fitness and adapt to base camp altitude. If you're looking for an adventure and a challenge, then trekking to Everest Base Camp is definitely for you! Be sure to come well-prepared for your trek and have a lifelong memory of the incredible experience.
What are the common problems during the trek?
There are a few common problems that you may encounter during your trek to Everest. The followings are very common and you must aware of them:
- Acute Mountain Sickness
- Off-beaten terrain may cause injuries and fracture
- Lack of Acclimatization days in the itinerary
How to solve the problems during the trek?
Trekking to the Everest Base Camp is always tough, even for the most experienced trekkers. For a beginner, the challenge may seem impossible to solve. Don’t worry, with the right plan and preparation, you can succeed in the Everest base camp trekking. The followings are a few checklists, you should care of:
- Fixed your Trekking route
- Maintain Physical fitness
- Plan your budget
- Define the time to complete the entire trip
- Gather Information about the weather (For more information write to us)
- Arrange Medical kits and Medicine for potential medical issues
- Bring all essential types of equipment
- Select the best tour operator with years of experience
- Eat food that is fresh and healthy
- Don’t forget to do travel insurance to cover all possible incidents
What are the things to take note of when choosing a trekking company?
Choosing the right trekking company is one of the most important decisions when going to trek Everest Base Camp and Gokyo Lake. This is especially true for beginners, as they may not be aware of the challenging terrain and potential hazards along the way. Many trekking companies offer services to Everest Base Camp and Gokyo Lake, but it’s important to do your research to make the best decision. You can go through our site for important information regarding our work, services, affiliation, and experiences.
