Everest Base Camp Trek Difficulty – A Comprehensive Guide to Travel Everest Region

When we think of the journey to Everest Base Camp, we think of the dramatic view of the tallest peak in the world, Mount Everest, and the mesmerizing surroundings of the other snow-capped beauties. However, this thought is often followed by the question, “How difficult is the trek to Everest Base Camp?”

To answer, the Everest Base Camp trek is challenging but immensely doable. In other words, it is pretty complex, and you will feel proud once you have accomplished it. Yet again, it can be easily achieved if you are fit and healthy. The difficulty of the trek also depends on your fitness level and the time of the year you are trekking.

The Everest Base Camp trek is not even the most challenging in Nepal. Hence, most trekkers and travelers take this journey lightly, thinking the route is only to the base camp and not the summit. Later, it can be a brutal move if you are not prepared physically and mentally for the trip.

But as we have said, the Everest Base Camp trek is challenging for multiple reasons. From the trekking region, duration, altitude, and climate to many others, all these factors can be conquered with patience and endurance during the journey.

This article will list factors, including the safety tips to help you overcome this challenge.

What Makes The Everest Base Camp Trek Difficulty?

Well, there is no single reason to pinpoint why Everest Base Camp is hard. The journey gets complicated due to the collective challenges you will have to face. Furthermore, it is not just about the physical challenges but also includes the mental challenges.

Trekking Duration And Distance

While many routes lead to the Everest Base Camp, the classic track is around 130 km long. Indeed, you can also take the shortest route, which is only 53 km. However, you will miss out on some significant attractions along the way.

To take the classical route, you must trek around 9 to 11 km daily. Generally, you will walk around 6 hours on average each day. Some of the lengthy trekking days during the journey include the path from Namche Bazaar to Tengboche, Dingboche to Lobuche, Lobuche to Everest Base Camp via Gorak Shep, Gorak Shep to Kala Patthar to Pheriche, Phercihe to Namche Bazaar, and Namche Bazaar to Lukla.

This journey will take you 14 to 15 days to complete. If you think a two-week trip is nothing special, think again! It is two weeks at a high altitude with unpredictable weather conditions.

Trekking Route And Terrain

The trekking route to Everest Base Camp takes you through the varied landscapes of the Everest (aka Sagarmatha) region, from lush green forests to blossoming hills, steep ascents, glaciers, and rugged tracks. This trek requires you to walk along the mountain path most of the time, with an occasional path alongside a river.

You will trek through multiple suspension bridges, dense forests of pine and bamboo, and many more. Often, the trails get slippery, which may be hard to tackle.

As you follow the route, the trek starts from Lukla, the gateway to the Everest region. To reach Lukla, you can take either a flight or a bus. The flight is the best choice if you want a quicker option. As soon as you reach Lukla, you will start the hike to the valley of Phakding.

You do not have to trek right after landing in Lukla, as the initial hike is quite beginner-friendly. From this point onward, the trek gets challenging as you climb vertically to reach Namche Bazaar. From Namche Bazaar to Phakding, you can expect rocky roads all the way.

After reaching this point, you will enter the remote region, which requires you to trek 10 to 12 hours on average most days. You will pass through significant villages such as Tengboche, Dingboche, and Lobuche here.

You will reach the destination, and then you can hike up to Gorakhshep and Kala Patthar.

Altitude Levels

One of the significant challenges of the Everest Base Camp trek is the high altitude. You will start this trek at an elevation of 2,846 meters in Lukla and reach 5,555 meters in Kala Patthar by the end.

From Kathmandu (at an altitude of 1,400 meters), you will have an elevation gain of 1,455 meters in just a 30-minute flight to Lukla. To some, this sudden change in altitude may get harsh.

However, from that point, you will slightly descend to Phakding, lying at an altitude of 2,610 meters. From then onwards, the trek will continue uphill. Initially, you will climb to Namche Bazaar (at an altitude of 3,440 meters).

Following it, the various touchpoints of your journey include Tengboche (at 3,860 meters), Dingboche (at 4,410 meters), and Lobuche (at 4,940 meters). Now, you reach the Everest Base Camp, which is at an elevation of 5,364 meters. Moving on, you can climb further to view the surroundings and the peaks better. To move further, you will have a short descent to Gorakshep (5,164 meters) and ascend to Kala Patthar (5,555 meters).

Almost every day, you ascend 600 to 800 meters or more, and the air starts depleting similarly. Indeed, this trek’s elevation variation is quite drastic, as you will climb to a high elevation quickly. Therefore, this journey can tire you out quickly.

Unpredictable Weather Conditions

The higher your altitude, the more unpredictable the weather conditions will be. This is one of the reasons that makes the trek to Everest Base Camp challenging, as even the clear weather in the Everest region can get cloudy with upcoming rain or storms.

The most important thing is that this unpredictable weather prevails even during the peak seasons: Spring (March, April, and May) and Autumn (September, October, and November). Additionally, you will have to suffer from extreme cold during nighttime and bright sunlight during the day.

After the sun goes down, the trail gets freezing. For instance, the nighttime temperature of Gorakshep is -15ºC (or 5ºF) even during the peak seasons. Furthermore, the rooms are not heated as well.

Likewise, the sunlight gets highly bright during the daytime with solid winds. If not equipped with the proper gear, the bright sunlight might bring unrepairable damage to your body.
Limited Facilities

The Everest Base Camp trek is high altitude and passes through remote areas, so you should not expect luxury amenities. However, teahouses and lodges do offer fairly lovely accommodation options.

However, all these accommodation services are limited to regular beds, shared areas, common washrooms, and communal dining halls. Similarly, you must arrange the toiletries, such as soap, towels, toilet paper, etc.

Some shared services, such as charging electronics, Wi-Fi, hot showers, and so on, will cost you extra.

Now, if you look into your food options, you will find that they are limited, and it might be a challenge for you if you have any dietary restrictions or dislikes. The Everest Base Camp trail is challenging, so the options are limited to mainly high-carb foods.

Hence, you must be flexible about what you eat. Some food options include Daal, Bhaat, ra Tarkari (Lentils, Rice, and Curry), pancakes, potatoes, bread, pasta, and many more.

Cleanliness And Hygiene

When we say hygiene and cleanliness can be challenging during the trek, it speaks for your personal and surrounding environment. With limited resources, you might go days without a decent shower.
As you ascend higher, the water you usually get is frozen, and almost every amenity is shared. Hence, you should consider carrying tons of toiletries if you are a clean freak.

Moving on, the trail to Everest Base Camp has limited restrooms, and often, these restrooms are not appropriately managed. The Khumbu Cough When you travel to a higher elevation, you will usually suffer from the Khumbu cough due to the dry and thin air in the region. This cough is mainly caused by cold air, as the humidity level drops significantly as you ascend above 4,000 meters.

This condition will irritate you, especially at night, as the prolonged spasms of cough will leave you breathless. Anyone suffering from a breathing problem must consult their respective physician before embarking on this journey.

The Khumbu cough causes discomfort at the back of the throat, which may cause redness and, eventually, loss of voice. Some of the symptoms of this include headache and loss of appetite.

Acclimatisation And Less Oxygen

The higher the altitude you climb, the lower the oxygen level. During the Everest Base Camp trek, the journey will cover two altitude regions: extreme altitude, from 2,500 meters to 3,500 meters, and death zone, which covers 3,500 meters to 5,500 meters.

While every trekker reacts differently to various altitudes, generally, most people start having discomfort from an altitude of 2,600 meters. Indeed, your body will slowly begin to adapt to the changing surroundings as you give time to ascend; however, some people may not be able to adapt.

These often lead to sleeping discomfort, headaches, breathlessness, and occasional flu.

Altitude Sickness

As mentioned above, every traveler and trekker has different stamina and fitness levels, which means they react differently to the altitude they are in. Some may start discomfort even at an altitude as low as 2,800 meters, while others will be standing fine even at 4,000 meters.

In general, most people start to suffer from altitude sickness from 3,000 meters. The primary reason is that travelers try to ascend quickly without giving their bodies time to recover or adapt to their surroundings. Dehydration and extreme exertion also contribute to it.

Altitude sickness can be grouped into three categories: Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS), High Altitude Cerebral Oedema (HACE), and High Altitude Pulmonary Oedema (HAPE). The symptoms of altitude sickness start as mild; however, if not taken care of, they may deteriorate and transition to something severe.

Some of the symptoms of altitude sickness include the following.

● Headache
● Fatigue
● Nausea
● Vomiting
● Dizziness
● Loss of appetite
● Lack of sleep
● Shortness of breath
● Ataxia (lack of coordination)

Later, when altitude sickness worsens, it transitions to HACE, which causes a fluid buildup in the skull. As the situation degrades, you will suffer from hallucinations, coordination loss, and loss of consciousness.

If left untreated, the condition will cause HAPE, which occurs when fluid builds up in the lung cavity. As you reach this stage, you will feel your chest tightening and experience extreme shortness of breath, suffocation, hallucinations, and cough with mucus.

It would help if you always carried a Diamox to mitigate the symptoms of altitude sickness. However, this medicine has no cure; it only quickens the acclimatization process and prevents the syndrome’s onset.

Furthermore, you do not need a prescription to take this medicine, but it is advisable to seek medical advice beforehand. Likewise, a pregnant woman or anyone suffering from liver or kidney issues should not take it.

Mental And Health Challenges

The Everest Base Camp trek requires physical exertion and quickly provides mental stress if unprepared. This issue occurs in both manageable and unmanageable circumstances. It is not only about the weather, trails, budget, or other factors you may not have control over.

The journey is full of risks, even in the decisions you make. Before starting this journey, you should accept that it may not go how you want. Some get warm and sunny days while others might experience a cloudy phase, and yes, it all can be unpredictable, even during the peak seasons.

Similarly, even experienced travelers might get down with food poisoning or the Khumbu cough, while a beginner traveler might be sound. Not to mention, there is still the possibility of spraining your ankle or might just get brushed with a little scratch.

Moving forward, these unpredictable weather seasons can result in a few hours of flight delays or even cancellations. This is more common during the winter and monsoon season due to foggy days, which result in less visibility. These delays may occur at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu and Tenzing-Hillary Airport in Lukla.

Some of the other factors for your journey ending abruptly may include;

● Not being able to trek due to harsh weather conditions. You might get stuck in one spot due to natural causes, too.
● Suffering from altitude sickness might make you descend to the lower region without completing the trek.
● Getting injured and having to leave the trek incomplete.

All these factors may push your journey to an end even before the trip ends. Hence, you should be open to all factors that may appear and be cautious with the trip.

At times, many travelers have to abruptly discontinue the trek they have been dreaming of for months. You must prioritize your safety and descend or get emergency assistance when such circumstances occur.

Challenges Faced During Everest Base Camp Trek In Different Seasons

As we have mentioned before, the Everest Base Camp can be quite challenging due to the unpredictable weather seasons, as even sunny days may suddenly bring rain and clouds.

Trekking During Peak Seasons

The peak seasons for trekking to EBC are Spring (March, April, and May) and Autumn (September, October, and November). During these months, you will experience sunny days, mild temperatures, and clear skies.

However, prices during these seasons hike up and are usually higher than usual. Additionally, due to the large crowd, you must book everything in advance, including flights, accommodation, and rides. If you delay it until the last date, you may not get one and must deal with multiple hassles.

Also, any travelers seeking solitude during their journey should consider switching their timelines.

Trekking During Dry Seasons

The off-seasons for the EBC trek are Summer / Monsoon (June, July, and August) and Winter (December, January, and February). The climate conditions are harsh, with heavy rainfall during the Monsoon season and heavy snowfall during the Winter season.

Indeed, trekking becomes extremely challenging during these months due to slippery paths and obstructed views. However, most thrill seekers consider it a thrilling adventure. Furthermore, most of the paths in the hilly regions during the Monsoon season get blocked by landslides, and similarly, the mountainous paths are obstructed by avalanches during the Winter season.

Not to mention, the flights often get delayed or canceled for days due to foggy and cloudy weather. Hence, you might also get stuck in a single spot for a long time.

Everest Base Camp Trek Difficulty as per the  Route

Not all the routes to Everest Base Camp are equally tricky. Some days, you will pass them quickly, while others struggle to reach the next point. Hence, below are the touchpoints during the Everest Base Camp trek with a generic difficulty level you may face.

Lukla Airport (2,846 meters) to Phakding (2,610 meters)

● Trekking Distance: 6.2 kilometers with 1,445 meters of ascend
● Difficulty Level: Easy 4 hours of trek
Phakding (2,610 meters) to Namche Bazaar (3,440 meters)

● Trekking Distance: 7.4 kilometers with 789 meters of ascend
● Difficulty Level: Strenuous 6 hours of trek
Namche Bazaar (3,440 meters) to Tengboche Monastery (3,860 meters)

● Trekking Distance: 9.2 kilometers with 430 meters of ascend
● Difficulty Level: Easy 5 hours of trek
Tengboche Monastery (3,860 meters) to Dingboche (4,410 meters)

● Trekking Distance: 12 kilometers with 490 meters of ascend
● Difficulty Level: Difficult 5 hours of trek
Dingboche (4,410 meters) to Lobuche (4,940 meters)

● Trekking Distance: 8.5 kilometers with 580 meters of ascend
● Difficulty Level: Strenuous 5 to 6 hours of trek
Lobuche (4,940 meters) to Everest Base Camp (5,364 meters)

● Trekking Distance: 15 kilometers with 424 meters of ascend
● Difficulty Level: Strenuous 8 hours of trek
Everest Base Camp (5,364 meters) to Kala Patthar (5,555 meters)

● Trekking Distance: 9.6 kilometers with 381 meters of ascend
● Difficulty Level: Strenuous 6 hours of trek

Everest base camp trek difficulty | Solo Vs. Guided Travel

While both solo and guided trekking have pros and cons, solo trekking is more strenuous.

The primary difference between solo and team travel is freedom, which is divided into multiple categories. If you trek solo, you can manage your timeline according to your schedule without following others’ preferences. However, it is the complete opposite if you trek with a group, as you already have a fixed itinerary schedule with details.

On the other hand, traveling solo also involves taking on all the responsibilities, from your safety to all the arrangements you must make for the journey. Sometimes, this may create a big hassle, and you may forget important required details. Hence, trekking solo will not completely open your mind, as you will even have to manage the details necessary for the journey.

Moving on, none of these responsibilities will be on your shoulders as the team and guide will look after it. Everything needed, like booking and documents, will all be managed beforehand.
Safety is one of the most important factors to remember. Safety is a huge concern when traveling solo, as you have never been to the place before and have no idea what will happen. Additionally, the mountainous region has unpredictable conditions, and being alone might cause big trouble when you are sick.

However, if you have a guide or teammates, they will help you immediately. The local guides are well-versed in the region and know every nook and corner, giving you a rich experience.

Training For The Everest Base Camp

While the trek to Everest Base Camp is challenging, it does not require an extraordinary fitness level. However, proper training and preparation are a must for all travelers.

During this journey, you will walk through varied landscapes and terrain for 5 to 6 hours daily. Additionally, you will not simply be going for a walk but carrying a heavy backpack.

Here, physical fitness is a must for the success of the trek, and every traveler must have a plan to speed up the journey progressively. You can research to understand the training requirements and follow accordingly or have a trainer help you build your stamina with a structured training plan.

Cardiovascular / Aerobic Training

This training helps you to train your body to work well even with less oxygen. Some cardio workouts that contribute significantly include running, jogging, stair-stepping, biking, and swimming. The best way to start this training is with 3 to 4 sessions of 30-minute activity at moderate intensity.

Before the training, you must have a gentle warm-up with stretching of the muscles, such as your lower back, calves, hips, and hamstrings. It would help if you practiced with free weights, backpacks, or gym machines.

Strength Training

It helps you build muscles and strength in the core, upper back, shoulders, and legs. This training will help you ascend to a higher level, as the free weight training will give you a feeling similar to carrying a backpack.

You should do this training for 30 to 40 minutes once a week with compound exercises such as squats, lunges, step-ups, dips, pull-ups, rows, deadlifts, bench presses, push-ups, and overhead presses. It would help if you built a foundation for more challenging workouts in the initial days.

Hiking Practice

One of the best preparations for the Everest Base Camp trek is to hike around your area. You can start with a short hike and progressively go for a long one, which will help your body get used to long walks.

This activity will help you learn more about your body and the points where you have difficulty. Over time, this will help you build your endurance. You can always start this journey every once a week.

If you choose a place for the hike, ensure it is uneven and rocky with multiple steep ascents. Ensure your hike is 5 to 6 hours long and you carry your backpack.

Apart from all these preparation options, below are some other tips.

● You should buy your gear early, such as hiking boots, backpacks, trekking poles, and clothes. Try wearing them on your hike and observe if your body is comfortable with them. This will help you adjust your gear.
● Give yourself enough time to prepare your body before the trek. At least start training 8 to 12 weeks before the journey.
● Build your nutrition plan and take more calories and protein to keep your body healthy and fit.
● Always start and end your trekking days with basic 5 to 10 minutes of stretching. This will help your body adjust to the long journey. Additionally, stretching can help you sleep better and efficiently prepare for the next day after a long day.
● Before embarking on this journey, give your body time to relax. Do not overstrain yourself with challenging exercises, but always stretch.

Safety Precautions During The Everest Base Camp Trek

It would help if you took multiple safety precautions to overcome these difficulties while accomplishing this challenging trek. Including these safety tips during the journey will complete your trip.

Check out the tips mentioned below to enhance your EBC experience

● Make sure you gradually ascend during the trek, allowing your body to adapt.
● EBC trek is not all about hiking all the time. Take time out of your schedule to stop, rest, and enjoy the moment.
● Hydration is the key to your journey. Always drink plenty of water throughout the trip.
● Book your trek with an experienced trekking company, local guides, and porters. This will free you from the burden of small responsibilities. They will also be present to take care of your health and safety. Having a porter will also help you share your backpack weight.
● Pay for your insurance before starting this journey. It will help you cover the medical expenses and serve you with emergency helicopter rescue and medical assistance. Let your agency access your emergency contact information to quickly connect with people during emergencies.
● Be sure to check the weather conditions every day before you start the trek.
● Pack your clothes according to the season you are traveling in. Always dress in layers to adapt to changing weather conditions by adding or removing layers.
● Carry rain gear and wind protection covers. Please wear a windproof jacket.
● Pack yourself a thermal layer to insulate against the cold. Additionally, always carry a beanie, gloves, and neck gaiter.
● To have a sound sleep, bring a quality sleeping bag. Likewise, carry a backpack that will not strain your back and all the necessary items.
● Bring a satellite phone, as the higher altitudes do not have cell coverage.
● Ensure you carry a first aid kit with necessary medications. It will help you during minor injuries and ailments.
● Regularly check your body for signs of discomfort. Whether it be fatigue or other health concerns, you should let your body rest.

Packing List for Your EBC Trek

● Down jackets
● Sleeping bag
● Daypack
● Hiking boots
● Inner thermals
● Socks
● Camp shoes
● Sweatpants
● Hiking shirts
● Neck gaiter
● Gloves
● Beanie
● Fleece jacket
● Wind jacket
● Trekking pants
● Adjustable shock absorbent trekking poles
● Sunglasses
● Water bottle
● Flashlight
● Sunscreen
● Lip Guard
● First aid kit
● Mobile chargers and adapters
● Painkillers

Travel Etiquettes To Follow

Trekking to Everest Base Camp and being close to the world’s highest peak is a privilege. Hence, as a traveler, you should be responsible for your journey and try to minimize your impact on the environment.

● Do not litter. Regardless of how small the trash is, dispose of it properly.
● Stay on the designated path and do not wander off.
● Observe the wildlife from a distance without disturbing them.
● After making a campfire, always ensure that they are extinguished completely.
● Be respectful of the local culture and tradition.
● Do not take pictures without permission, and be polite while asking.
● Use reusable water bottles.

In A Nutshell for Everest base camp trek difficulty

The Everest Base Camp journey is a moderately challenging trek, and the real challenges start from Dingboche. As long as you have made the correct preparations and are physically and mentally ready for this journey, it will be one of the most cherished memories of your life.

It is not just about physical stamina and fitness level; it also hugely depends on your mental stability. Therefore, before any trek, remember to do a light 5 to 10 minutes of stretch every day. Additionally, meditation and yoga also help a lot. Happy Journey!!