Location
The place for this trek is the Khumbu region. It is a world of snow-covered mountains, green forests, tiny villages, and people with a smile on their face. Your journey begins in a small place called Lukla. You reach Lukla by a short airplane flight from Kathmandu. As you take off from Lukla, the mountains gradually get closer to you. They are tall like huge protective figures. The Khumbu region is a home valley of the Sherpa people. They live comfortably in the mountains and trekkers can be assured of their safety and friendliness. There is never a dull moment in nature here as she interacts with the wind, sun, and snow.
Duration
The trek extends to 11 days. These 11 days are hours to be spent in walking, resting, looking, feeling, and enjoying. On a few days, you go up. On some days you are permitted to remain in one place thus getting the body acclimated to the thin air. Although the trek has a small number of days, every day seems to be full and magical. They do not hurry. They simply go slowly like a small kid discovering the earth with big eyes.
Day-by-Day Experience
The first day is when you fly to Lukla and take a calm walk to a village called Phakding. After that day, you move to Namche Bazaar which can be described as a colorful mountain town full of shops, houses, and friendly people. Namche is located like a bowl between the hills. Here you spend time letting your body get used to the height. Moving on, you reach Tengboche where a tranquil monastery is situated on the top of a hill. At the monastery, monks in their soft voices make prayers that lead to warmth in one's heart.
Your path then leads to Dingboche, where the earth seems to be more open and broad. Mounts are taller and more closely located. Here you take a rest to keep your body strong. After Dingboche, your journey continues to Lobuche, where the terrain is rocky and cold. Then the day of magic arrives when you get to Everest Base Camp. It is a spot from where adventurers who want to climb Mount Everest start their journey. When the ground is loaded with climbers' tents during the climbing season, it is still a very special place even without tents. You are there feeling great and happy.
The following day, you get up early and move to a viewpoint known as Kala Patthar. Close-up view of Mount Everest can be got from here. The mountain looks massive, powerful, and serene. After viewing the sunrise on the mountains, you get back through the same villages and then finally Lukla. When you are done, it is like you treasure a full cup of tea.
Route
The way is from Lukla through Phakding, Namche Bazaar, Tengboche, Dingboche, Lobuche, Gorakshep, Everest Base Camp, and Kala Patthar and then it comes back to the same way after having a glance at the best views. You enter woods with the presence of high trees. There are long suspension bridges which slightly swing with the wind you cross. Besides rivers, fields, and small stone houses, you also see giant mountains which resemble sugar and are white in color. The path is very much apparent and daily used by a large number of trekkers. It seems like a safe path made by nature and humans together.
Natural Environment
The natural environment of this trek is like an illustrated book that shows the story of the walk. At the beginning, the reader is presented with green woods that are full of birds and flowers. While going further up the slope, one notices that the trees are smaller. The land ultimately becomes open, silent, and rugged. The mountains start appearing very high and snow-covered. The rivers on the trek are icy and glinting like silver. The air is sanitizing and fresh. The sky looks bright during the day and is loaded with stars at night. Throughout the trek, mountains appear to be loving giants who are watching over their home and will never let anything bad happen to it.
Culture
The culture and way of life of people living in mountain villages during the trek is full of love and peace. The Sherpa people live simple and happy lives. They welcome visitors with their big smiles and warm hearts. There are prayer flags which flutter gently in the wind. Their colors carry the prayers of love, peace, and strength. You see monasteries where monks are sitting quietly and praying. The sound of their soft chanting is like a lullaby for the mountains. The culture along the way teaches you to be gentle, patient, and thankful.
Difficulty Level
The trek is neither too difficult nor too simple. It can be compared to climbing different flights of stairs but slowly. As you rise higher, the air gets thinner and hence, your breathing becomes slower. At times your legs will be fatigued, however, if you keep your steps small and take a rest when necessary, you will be able to do it without any problem. The trek is accomplished by people of different age groups. A slow pace, drinking water regularly, keeping warm, and following your guide's instructions are the secrets of success.
Accommodation
You stay in small houses called tea houses. These tea houses are simple but are the kindest and coziest. The rooms have small beds and blankets to keep the guests warm. At night people come together in the dining room where a warm fire is burning. Everyone drinks hot tea and tells stories. Although the rooms are simple, they give a feeling of safety. The toilets are basic but are kept clean. Remaining in tea houses is similar to staying in small mountain homes that are full of love.
Food
Food that you get on the trek is warm and keeps your body strong. Rice, noodles, soups, eggs, bread, and vegetables are among the foods that you eat. Dal bhat is the most common meal and it is the one that provides the most energy. Along with it, you drink hot tea, hot chocolate, and lemon water to keep warm. Eating in the mountains becomes quite a special thing as everything tastes great when one is walking in cold air.
Weather
The weather keeps changing as one goes higher. At the beginning, it is cool and is of a gentle nature. Higher up, the air is cold and at times windy. The nights are very cold. The mornings are sometimes bright with sun rays. There are some months when the sky is clear, thus giving the chance of having better views of the mountains. However, mountain weather can change very quickly and this is why you should always be prepared with warm clothes.
Best Time to Trek
The ideal time to undertake this 11-day trek is when the days are sunny, and the sky is clear. These conditions make it easier to walk the path. The mountains can be seen clearly without any clouds covering them. The good weather enables you to take full advantage of every step of your journey.
Safety
Being safe is a very important factor in the trek. It can be done by taking a slow walk, drinking water, eating warm food, and dressing properly. Your guide leads you to the right track and keeps an eye on your health. If you are out of energy, you take a rest. When you are feeling cold, you wear more clothes. Trekking becomes safe and enjoyable if you are taking these simple steps.
Conclusion
It is a great pleasure for a lifetime to do the 11 Days Everest Base Camp Trek. It can be described as a story of little steps, huge mountains, mild winds, and loving people. The story teaches one to be patient, courageous, and gentle. At the end of the trek, you find yourself strong and proud. What you take home with you are memories of snowy peaks, starry nights, and the kind love of the mountains along with tea houses that were warm in every way. This is the kind of journey that makes your heart smile every time you think of it.