Trekking to the Base Camp of the world’s highest peak, Everest Base Camp, was always part of my dream. When I decided to do this trek with one of my friend, I was super excited and nervous at the same time because this was my first ever trek in Everest region. I still remember the night before the flight to Lukla. I didn’t sleep because I was so excited. I kept checking my backpack every five minutes. My trekking gear for the trek to Everest Base Camp was ready. And, I was also all set to explore Nepal’s Himalayan ranges.
Kathmandu to Lukla Flight Experience
The next morning, I woke up early and reached the airport at 6 am sharp. My flight was at 6:15 am. Then the announcement came saying, Flight delayed due to weather. Then we waited around two hours. We met other trekkers there, too, who were heading to Everest Base Camp. In a few minutes, we became friends. When the weather got cleared our flight operated. It took around 30 minutes to reach Lukla from Kathmandu. The views of white peaks and rivers seen from the flight was so magical.
Trekking Route: Lukla to Phakding
Our trek started right after we stepped out of Lukla airport. The trail from Lukla to Phakding was mostly downhill, passing small local villages with stone houses and fluttering prayer flags.
I was walking in the Khumbu Region for the first time. Everything looked new. The air was fresh, and the trekking trail looked beautiful too. Nepali people were so kind. I met many trekkers along the way, every one of them was helpful and some of them even became my good friends.
What I learned this day is we should not rush and it’s better to walk slowly, taking a deep breath and letting your body adjust to altitude naturally.
Namche Bazaar to the Gateway of Everest
The next few days took us to reach Namche Bazaar. Namche Bazaar is the main hub of the Everest Base Camp trail. The trail also starts getting tougher when you reach Namche Bazaar. But the reward is definitely worth it. Namche Bazaar is a vibrant village full of life. It has bakeries, coffee shops, trekking stores, and even WiFi. Bakeries of Namche Bazaar are famous all over. We stayed here for two days to explore this place and also for acclimatization.
I still remember spending time in Namche Bazaar. Sitting outside a cafe, drinking lemon tea and watching the stunning mountain views. It felt so peaceful and magical.
Higher Trails and Everest Base Camp
From Namche Bazaar, the trail took us to Tengboche, Dingboche, and Lobuche. I started to feel the thin air. Head started aching, i was tired, and was losing appetite. This was a clear symptom of altitude sickness. My guide and my friend were with me. They suggested walking slowly and drinking plenty of water helped me a lot.
When I felt better, we again started walking, the scenery changed, trees disappeared, and finally on the Ninth day of walking, we reached Everest Base Camp (5,364m). I can’t explain this feeling. All the walks felt so worth it after reaching there. There were no crowds, just silence and icy mountains. I felt so small, proud, and alive after reaching there.
The Return Journey
When we started our descent, my body felt lighter but my heart stayed in Everest Base Camp only. I was attached to Nepal’s mountains, tea houses, cold mornings, and the laughter with other trekkers in such a short amount of time. When we reached Lukla, I already started missing mountains. But with a heavy heart and a promise to return, I took a flight to Kathmandu from Lukla and returned.
Tips for First-Time Trekkers to Everest Base Camp
If you’re planning your first trek in Nepal experience, especially to Everest Base Camp, then here are some tips that might help you:
- Train your body. Do short hikes before the trek because it helps more than you think.
- Walk slowly. Altitude sickness can hit anyone. Rest, hydrate, and acclimatize properly.
- Pack light but smart. Warm layers, sunscreen, a power bank, and a water purifier are musts.
- Carry Nepali cash. Most tea houses don’t take cards.
- Expect Lukla delays. The weather can delay your Lukla flight, so stay prepared.
- Stay positive. The trek is long, but every step brings new beauty.
Conclusion of Everest Base Camp Trek
My Everest Base Camp trek wasn’t perfect. The flight was delayed, my leg hurts, I lost my powerbank, and the sun burned my nose. But none of these mattered when I stood at the Base of Everest. This was definitely one of the best things that i’ve done in my life.
Trekking in Nepal taught me many things, the best adventures aren’t always smooth they’re the ones that test you, humble you, and change how you see life. So if you’re also dreaming about the Everest region trek, go for it. Mountains of Nepal welcome everyone with a big heart.
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