How difficult is the Everest base camp trek
Many trekkers who have traversed the mountains of Nepal concur that the Everest Base Camp trek is among the most challenging in the world due to the numerous challenges faced by hikers from the start of the trek until they reach the base camp.
The first difficulty you’ll face while trekking to Everest base camp is “the altitude.” The world’s tallest peak, Mount Everest, has a base camp here! Therefore, potential trekkers should simply not consider it a joke. In just two days, this trek will raise you above the elevation of 3000m to an altitude of 5,364m.
What’s more upsetting is the view of Mount Everest from the base camp, which is completely obscured by other mountains. After all your efforts over the last few days, you will not want to go back without seeing it.
If you are up for it, you can still enjoy the best, unobstructed view of Mount Everest, but this requires an altitude higher than the base camp, which means climbing up to Kala Patthar (5,545m).
Furthermore, if you intend to walk the three high passes, Renjo La, Cho La, and Kongma La, on your way to the base camp, prepare to walk at altitudes of 5,338m, 5,380m, and 5,535m, respectively. All of these altitudes necessitate a great deal of physical and mental strength.
By the way, how does the altitude become a challenge?
Well, in a number of ways!
Altitude:
The density of the air decreases as we ascend toward base camp, as does the amount of oxygen in the air. As a result, altitude sickness develops, affecting both mental and physical functioning. Most trekkers experience shortness of breath, headache, nausea, vomiting, and fever, which worsens as altitude increases.
As a result, some trekkers have died while attempting the Everest base camp trek. In addition, most trekkers suffer from high-altitude cough, which is caused by humidity, high altitude, and moisture in the lungs. This type of cough is extremely dry and unpleasant, and it may last the entire journey.
Weather and Temperature:
Another difficulty caused by altitude is the unpredictable weather and extreme temperatures. The weather in this part of the country is completely dependent on the regular northern hemisphere seasonal pattern and cannot be predicted. Furthermore, depending on the weather and altitude, the temperature can drop dramatically at night, even falling below freezing in the winter.
During the winter, the average temperature at the base camp is -17 degrees Celsius, which is accompanied by heavy snowfalls and high chilling winds. Evenings in other seasons are usually chilly, with temperatures dropping below zero degrees.
Budget:
Furthermore, the altitude puts a strain on the budget. The cost of food and lodging, as well as other amenities, rises with altitude. It not only doubles but actually triples in price. As a result, it’s always a good idea to have some extra cash on hand in case you need to buy something.
Everest Base Camp Trek Trail
Another thing that most Everest base camp trekkers face is ‘the trail.’ The majority of the trail is up and down for the trekkers, with some of the ups and downs being very steep.
The path is either rough, rocky, or gravel-strewn, with lots of loose rock that shows no mercy to your feet, or it is icy and slippery. The trail is occasionally occupied by herds of yak, which must be avoided because these yaks do not mind pushing trekkers off the edge.
The trail passes through cliffs, high passes, and a suspension bridge built high above the river, which may be difficult for people who suffer from vertigo or acrophobia.
Nonetheless, some days of the trek require 8-9 hours of walking per day, which may sound moderate for a regular hiker, but for someone who has never walked more than the length of their driveway, the trek will undoubtedly cause them to give up before reaching their destination.
Despite these challenges, this location on the planet attracts tens of thousands of adventure trekkers each year. Why? The answer is self-evident. Pain is the sweetest pleasure. When you get there, the view gives you every reason to smile, forget the pain, and be proud of your accomplishment.
