Best Things to do During The EBC Trek

Trek Overview 

The Everest Base Camp Trek is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that will lure you with its magnificent surroundings, cultural immersion, and deep sense of achievement. With the highest mountains in the world, a wide variety of cultures, including the authentic Sherpa culture, and the unmatched experience of standing at the foot of Mount Everest, you will feel as though the entire world is at your feet.

If you know what to expect and what not to miss during the trek, your entire trekking experience can be upgraded significantly. Through this article, you will become aware of the highlights that make your journey ten times more adventurous. 

Thus, if you are planning to complete the Everest Base Camp Trek in the future, here's a list of the top 7 things you can do, which are suitable for both novice and seasoned hikers.

Take a Thrilling Flight to Lukla Airport

Although most of the trekkers will take a flight to Lukla at the beginning of the trek, some people still travel by jeep instead.

We recommend taking the flight as it is more convenient and faster.

The scenic flight from Kathmandu to Lukla is one of the most thrilling aspects of the entire trek. Lukla serves as the primary gateway for many treks in the Khumbu region. 

Tenzing-Hillary Airport / Lukla Airport is the most dangerous airport in the world, located at a high altitude, and only a few pilots are eligible to fly the planes to and from here. So you will definitely be terrified yet excited at the same time. 

This 30-minute flight rewards you with a mind-blowing Himalayan view with interesting landscapes while flying above the clouds. This is basically a trailer for what you are about to witness during your journey. 

Aside from scenic flight, upon landing in Lukla, you can explore the traditional Lukla village, which is full of lodges, local home stays, gear shops, and tea houses. It also serves as a trekking hub for trekkers before they start their journey. 

Purchase Prayer Flag Rolls

Prayer flags are colorful flags that represent different elements, i.e., white for air, blue for sky, red for fire, green for water, and yellow for Earth. This is the flag that you will be seeing all over the Everest region throughout your journey. 

This is a great way to leave behind a small sign of your achievement in reaching EBC. Make sure to buy a few small rolls and place them as you go over passes, such as the Chola Pass or Renjo La Pass. You can also put these over the memorials for climbers who died on the mountain and pray in remembrance. 

This is a great way to make your journey more personal and memorable. Seeing your flag flutter with the rest of the old flags against the mighty mountain landscapes truly gives you a deep spiritual and emotional experience. This way, you are also showing a gesture of gratitude to Mother Nature while marking a symbol of your presence in the sacred region. 

Make sure to take a few moments for reflection on your journey as you leave your presence on the trail. 

Acclimatization in Namche Bazaar 

Acclimatization in Namche Bazaar is a must-do thing during your EBC Trek. Most of the agencies include acclimatization in the itinerary; however, if you are heading solo, it's always better to stay one extra day and explore the village.

Namche, the heart of the Khumbu region, is a crucial place for acclimatization in your journey to EBC. This is a humming hub for traders, tourists, and hikers as well. 

Situated at 3,440m, Namche is a strategic point to rest after the initial ascent from Lukla. This prevents altitude sickness further along the journey. 

During your stay, you can explore the vibrant market, restaurants, shops, etc of Namche Bazaar. You can buy local souvenirs & handicrafts, taste authentic cuisines, try hot Belgian waffles, and interact with locals. There are several viewpoints near the region, like Hotel Everest View, which can be reached by short acclimatization hikes. 

Explore the Sherpa Culture and their Lifestyle 

Sherpas are known throughout history as the Guardians of the Himalayas. They are renowned for their Himalayan resilience, hospitable manner, and Tibetan Traditions. The locals provide homestay and teahouse facilities to cater to tourists and enhance their trekking experience. 

During your visit, you will get to see their strong community bond and deep respect & care for elders. Sherpas view mountains as sacred homes to deities. So they show a profound spiritual connection to these mountains. 

If you manage to visit here during autumn, you will get a chance to witness unique festivals like Mani Rimdu and Lhosar (Tibetan New Year). These festivals are celebrated, expressing their rich cultural heritage, filled with prayers, masked dances, and traditional feasts. The rituals honor Mother Nature and the mountain spirits, who they believe are their protectors. 

Visiting Tengboche Monastery - The spiritual heartland of the Everest Region

In your journey to Everest Base Camp, a spiritual retreat awaits you at the Tengboche Monastery, which is one of the oldest, largest, and most significant Buddhist monasteries in the Khumbhu region. You will feel at ease in the middle of the Himalayas at the Tengboche monastery, which is renowned for its breathtaking architecture, calm atmosphere and unrivalled backdrop of Mt. Ama Dablam. 

Additionally, you will be able to learn more about Buddhism here. The Tengboche monastery, which is 3,867 meters high, is one of the greatest locations to witness a ceremony or just be there and take in the monks' chants, the flapping of the prayer flags, and the mesmerizing sounds of the prayer wheels.

The famous Mani Rimdu festival is celebrated here by the locals. 

It is one of the most unique experiences that you can witness here. The ancient rituals, traditional dances and deep religious significance bring the monastery to life. Intricate carvings, murals, statues, and architecture make the complex of the monastery a major attraction for visitors. 

Visiting Khumjung Village - The Village of Cultural Treasure 

Khumjung Village is one of the most underrated yet “worth the visit” places during your Everest Base Camp journey. It is located in a glacial valley around the high Khumbu region with small stone houses adorned with fluttering prayer flags. This village is quite unique from other villages in the region, which are turned into commercial places for tourists. 

This isolated village from mainstream trekking trails holds historical significance, values, and traditional ways of living. You will get a chance to observe the true culture and traditions of Sherpa costumes. Generally, visitors stop in Namche Bazaar for a climatization and only a few visit Khumjung Village. So if you are looking for less crowded spots to rest, this is your place. 

During your stay at Khumjung Village, you can visit a 500-year-old Buddhist Gompa, the only monastery that keeps a supposed Yeti scalp. Besides that, you can also visit the famous Hillary school established by Sir Edmund Hillary. 

Your visit to Khumjung Village will enhance your trek with cultural richness and make your experience exclusive. 

The Climb to Kala Pathar - The Pinnacle of the Everest Base Camp Trek

Kala Pathar is a black rock, not an actual mountain, but its location at an altitude of 5,545m high makes it one of the remarkable landmarks in the Khumbu region that offers the best 360° views of majestic snow giants, including Everest, Nuptse, Lhotse, Changtse, and a glances of the northern flank. 

What's interesting is, the panoramic view of Mt. Everest from Kala Pathar is comparatively better than the EBC itself. You will get to experience high-altitude trekking without any climbing hassle. Most importantly, you will be rewarded with the most precious golden sunrise view over Mt. Everest and the surrounding peaks. 

This photogenic site is totally worth the risks you take and efforts you make, overall making your trek to Everest Base Camp unforgettable.

In Conclusion, 

On your journey, you will realize, while making these short, incredible and memorable visits, you have reached your ultimate goal. Besides all the other highlights and activities throughout your journey, reaching the Everest base camp will always be your best part of the journey. 

The overwhelming feeling of accomplishment as you stand and observe the Himalayan beauty of Everest region is unmatched. The completion of your journey is a reminder of how far you have come because not many people can make it to the base camp, even if they have the best physique, the best gear, or the best team; some had to return due to unforeseen circumstances.

There are many other things that you can do to enhance your EBC trekking experience. Like: 

• Taking a selfie on the top of Kala Pathar
• Exploring the Sherpa museum
• Getting the accomplishment certificate at the checkpoint below Namche
• building stone pyramids whenever you get a chance on the trail
• leaving handwritten marks at the base camp
• bonding with locals
• buying souvenirs and so on. 

 

Are you planning your next adventure to Everest Base Camp? 

Let us know in the comments, and feel free to reach out to us on www.hikingbees.com for more information. 

 

Happy Trekking!!