How Difficult is Everest Base Camp Trek?
Mt. Everest is the tallest point on the earth. Climbing up there is not a joke and it takes all the efforts and courage to step on the top of the world. Many people cannot make it to the top so at least they try their best to reach the Everest Base Camp.
The major painstaking aspect of the EBC trek is the altitude. The high altitude undoubtedly makes the going more difficult. Nature in the Everest Region is characterized by the sky touching experience, stargazing in the midnights, high mountains, steeps path, the lesser oxygen level in the air. These are the factors what makes the EBC the outstanding trek of the world that offers a lifetime experience to all the nature enthusiast.
In fact, had it not for the altitude, the EBC trek would have been the basic trek indeed. Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) should not be overlooked nor underestimated, especially at the altitudes reached in the EBC trek.
The hike begins at Lukla which lies just below 3000 meters, this height is already high enough to induce altitude sickness. The trek then gradually climbs passes via spectacular view and the steep path winds its way up to the Base camp.
On the return journey, the viewpoint from Kala Patthar is the highest point standing at 5554 meters. Slower you walk easier it will be to cope with the altitude so therefore the key to high altitude trekking is to go slow.
Another major thing to keep into account is to check the itinerary that has an acclimatization day. Make sure it is allowed. This means having at least 2 acclimatization days will make the trek more comfort to cope with the given altitude and climatic condition.
It is also equally important to think that there is no correlation between fitness levels, gender or age and altitude sickness, as everyone is potentially at risk.
Trek begins from Lukla for 65 km to the EBC and 130 km a round trip. Depending upon the trekking experience, how easily you can trek on this route. The wilderness trek and the route has no paves sections besides few areas. Almost to the Base Camp it is rough and tough ascends and descends path. However, the mesmerizing scenic beauty will help to overcome all the tiredness of the trek.
Travelling to EBC in every other seasons of the year is not possible due to its difficult and unpredictable weather. The nights are much cooler then the day time hours in the Everest region. During the day, the temperature can reach as high as 25 degrees C (77 degrees F), and only drop down as low as -20 degrees (-4 Degrees F) in less than 24 hours so the best months to trek are pre monsoon ( February, March, April and May) and post monsoon (Late September, October, November and December).
No doubt EBC trekking is difficult but not impossible.