Everest Base Camp Trek Difficulty: What Makes EBC Trek Difficult?

Everest Base Camp Trek is one of the most thrilling and satisfying treks in Nepal. Trekking towards the base camp of the world’s highest mountain is not free from difficulties.

Everest Base Camp Trek Difficulty can be categorized into various parts. It can be the altitude, length, training, food and accommodation, and a few others. Though Everest Base Camp does not require technical/mountaineering skills, it is better if you have some basic understanding and knowledge of trekking.

The views you get from this trek are unbelievable. The 360° view of mountains like Everest, Lhotse, Cho Oyu, Nuptse, and many more can be seen so close. If you want an even more precise picture of Mount Everest and surrounding mountains, places like Kala Patthar, Tengboche, and Gokyo Ri are excellent viewpoints.

Short Everest Base Camp is one of the most challenging endeavors in Nepal, but with proper preparation and training, you can conquer it. The trip to Everest Base Camp is usually completed within two weeks, or it can be customized according to your requirements.

Having some earlier knowledge about the Everest Base Camp Trek difficulty is better. This article helps you understand the challenges you might encounter while on this Everest Base Camp Trek.

Everest Base Camp Trek Difficulty Factors

Length of the Trekking

The total distance you will cover in this EBC Trek is approximately 130 kilometers. You have to walk for 5 to 6 hours daily, covering 13-15 kilometers daily.

If you are a first-time trekker, it would be tough to cover these distances at such high altitudes. The trek from Lukla to Everest Base Camp passes through uneven, rough, rocky trails. It is tough to achieve this enormous task if you do not have a moderate fitness level. If you can’t go far but still want to see Mount Everest up close, you can also travel to EBC helicopter tour.

The trek towards Everest Base Camp does not require ropes, stairs, ice axes, etc. Having a guide or porter makes your journey more comfortable and decreases difficulty.

High altitude trekking

One of the significant factors contributing to the Everest Base Camp Trek Difficulty is high altitude. You will start the journey from Lukla at 2860m and reach Kala Pattar at 5545m.

Most trekkers consider the summit of Mountain Everest at 8848m difficult but not Everest Base Camp Elevation at  5380m. This attitude is also challenging to achieve because you may suffer from Acute Mountain Sickness(AMS). You always have a threat of altitude sickness while traveling anywhere from 2500 to 3000m.

Trekking without any acclimatization and ignoring the initial symptoms can lead you to severe cases of altitude sickness. In such cases, you should consult with your guide and follow the itinerary. Drink lots of water and keep your body hydrated. Please don’t ignore the acclimatization day because it is included in the plan to help you adapt to the changing environment.

Training or preparing yourself

Before heading towards the Everest Base Camp journey, you must make yourself up for upcoming rough trails. At least you need to have a moderate fitness level and start this in a couple of months.

Training helps you develop physical and mental strength to summit the Everest Base Camp. Exercise is a great way to train yourself and strengthen your body for this tough trek.

There are various forms of exercise, like running, swimming, cycling, jogging, and a few more. These exercises are better, but if you want to go to the gym for training, it is also fine. You will have better focus, and you can also develop thigh muscles for the uphill trek.

Short hikes are another way to prepare for the Everest Base Camp Trek. It makes you practical; you will have experience hiking and better understand how your body functions in such situations.

Weather conditions

The weather conditions also affect the difficulty level in Everest Base Camp Trek. The best seasons to travel are Autumn and Spring. It is the season of colors and greenery.

If you plan to travel in the rainy or winter season, the trekking conditions might worsen. The Autumn season (September to November) and Spring season (March to May) are the most popular Everest Base Camp Trek seasons.

The days are long and shiny, whereas nights are chilly, but there is less or no chance of rainfall. It would be best to carry functional trekking boots and warm clothes to protect yourself because the weather at this altitude cannot be predicted; it changes frequently.

In winter, the temperature can go below –25°C (Gorakshep), and the trails might be closed due to extreme snowfall. These are your options for trekking in the Everest region, but it is best to choose autumn or spring because these seasons provide a moderate climate and temperature.

Guides/Porters

Hiring a guide and porters is always a good idea because traveling alone carrying all those heavy bags can get you in trouble. You can also lose track of trekking trails; guides provide you with the necessary information throughout the trek to Everest Base Camp.

Medical emergencies or slippery trails can create some extra trouble, so it is better to travel with guides. They also provide medical assistance; altitude sickness can get you sober.

Carrying your massive back for almost two weeks is not an easy task to accomplish. Dehydration and enervation can cause you to suffer from altitude sickness, so bringing one porter helps you in this trek.

Why is it Difficult to Trek to Everest Base Camp?

• You must continuously walk for 5 to 6 hours daily for the next two weeks.
• Uphill and downhill treks of 16 to 20 km daily are not easy.
• You are carrying your backpack while walking these distances.
• The oxygen level decreases to 60% less than the average sea level.
• There is always a chance of altitude sickness.

Tips to Decrease Everest Base Camp Trek Difficulty

• Keep your body hydrated.
• Be confident and believe you can do it.
• It is better to bring your own small first aid kit.
• Be careful and watch the weather forecast for your trekking week.
• Acclimatization day is essential in high-altitude treks, so don’t skip it.
• It would be best if you did not take alcoholic beverages because it causes dehydration.
• Carry chocolates, snickers, and snacks; proper food intake is beneficial.
• Medical and emergency evacuation insurance helps in the worst-case scenario.
• Early booking for accommodation is necessary because, during the tourist season, you may not find suitable rooms.
• Proper consultation with a genuine trekking company helps fulfill all legal requirements.
• Do not eat uncooked or half-cooked food, as it can create problems.

Similar articles you may like:

• Everest Base Camp Trek Without a Guide
• Salleri to Everest Base Camp Trekking
• Namche Bazaar to Gokyo Trek
• Everest Base Camp Lodge Trek