Trekking to Everest Base Camp, Nepal travel

The Everest Base Camp is actually two base camps located in the Mount Everest . These camps are on opposite sides of Mount Everest. South Base Camp at an altitude of 5364 meters located in Nepal and the North Base Camp with an altitude of 5545 meters located in Tibet. South Base Camp can be accessed only by trekking and supplies are usually transported Alyuda sherpas with yaks. The North Base Camp has vehicle access, at least in the summer months. This trip to Nepal and in particular Everst Base Camp has been one of my best experiences with a backpack. And not just because the place is reached, which both had read and had caused much intrigue me, but how to get there.Besides being an extreme point, Everest hides much magic behind each of its nearly nine thousand meters . Sagamartha, which in Nepali means "forehead of heaven" - or Chomolungma - "Mother of the Universe" in Tibetan, are two of its biggest names. The mountain was first climbed in 1953 by Edmund Hillary (Neozalandés) and Tenzing Norgay (Nepali). Since then, about five thousand people have risen to the top of the world (and about 500 have lost their lives there).

Some people claim that Everest is the highest mountain on Earth , but the volcano Mauna Kea in Hawaii (10.203m rising from the ocean). Nor is the summit of Everest the point farthest from the center of the earth, honor that belongs to the Chimborazo volcano in Ecuador, for two little feet. What nobody can argue is that its peak-to 8848m above sea level is the highest point of the planet and therefore the coveted goal of thousands of climbers from around the world.

While climbing Mount Everest is in the hands of very few, which itself is available to all is the way to the base camp of the mountain. This is a unique journey, challenging and very complete. It is also the perfect place to unwind. Of course, this is a remote place - he had never taken so long to get somewhere, but to everyone.The most common form of this trip is to fly by plane from Kathmandu to Lukla at 2860m. Once we landed there, the asphalt of the runway will be the last we see in several days: no more roads and tracks. The only thing ahead is a path of stones. Broken ground so that not even a mountain bike can break through.

From Lukla takes about a week to reach the base camp of Everest. The trek is not too hard in terms of miles of the stages, but it is true that there are ledges demanding and we have to be careful with altitude. It is very important to go slowly and stop two nights 3500m and 4200m just about to acclimatize well. Acclimatization is the process by which our body produces extra red blood cells to adapt to the reduced availability of oxygen is at higher altitudes.When you do not acclimatize properly, it appears the so-called " altitude sickness "or altitude sickness. To avoid this, it is best to ascend very slowly (it is recommended not to sleep 600m higher than the previous night) and rehydrate much. A slight headache is a normal symptom. If pain increases or worsen symptoms (dizziness, nausea, vomiting, severe pain) it would be advisable to lose altitude until symptoms subside. Altitude sickness is not treated in time can become pulmonary or cerebral edema, which often is synonymous with death.

Accommodation along the entire route is widely used through simple "lodges" or "tea houses". Generally, slept free and we paid for our dinner and our breakfast (about 6 € for both meals). If you pay the accommodation, prices range between 0.5 € and 2 € maximum (two people). You see, this is a really cheap trip. I also surprised by the friendliness of the people Serphos, always attentive and respectful .

Once you reach the Everest base camp, you can not see the top of the highest mountain in the world. And for that a week of walking?, You may ask. Do not be alarmed. Icefall itself Khumbu glacier you will plug in sight, but

You can walk up to the summit of Kala Patthar, a 5550m peak from which you can enjoy magnificent views of Everest, Lhotse and Nuptse.To make the trek more complete, you can cross the mountain pass "Cho" and visit the village of Gokyo with its lakes. From Gokyo Ri you can enjoy magnificent views of Everest. You can also extend the trek from Lukla to Jiri walk -5 days extra, something that we did and highly recommend it: a green landscape with areas of rainforest, and passes through towns with lots of authentic charm.