Every day you take a short walk. Every day you discover something new. And every day your heart is warmed by the mountains because they are very kind.
Location
This trek is in a unique area called the Khumbu region. It is a lofty place covered with snow and rocks with air that feels very fresh. The trek starts from a small place called Lukla. A short flight from Kathmandu takes you to Lukla. From Lukla, you move on foot further and further into the mountains. The area is the home of the Sherpa people who are very kind and always willing to provide assistance. The way passes through green woods, calm rivers, long bridges, and huge white peaks that resemble sugar on top.
Duration
The entire trip is 12 days long. These days are for walking, resting, watching, and enjoying. Some days are for going up and others for staying in one place to let your body get used to the air. There are no days of rushing. Each day is like a small chapter of a long and happy book.
Day-by-Day Experience
The trek begins when you arrive at Lukla. The air is crisp and the mountains surrounding you greet like old friends. You take the path to a charming little village named Phakding. Next day, you make your way to Namche Bazaar. This is like a small colorful bowl in the mountains. It has houses, shops, and people with smiling faces. You take a rest in Namche to accustom your body to the thin air. After that, you go to Tengboche, a place where there is a tranquil monastery filled with soft chanting. From there, you head to Dingboche, where the land is wider and the sky seems closer. You take rest here again to let your body become strong.
Leaving Dingboche, you make your way to Lobuche, where the mountains start to look very huge. Then it is the magical moment when you go to Everest Base Camp. The ground is full of stones and the air is thin, but you are feeling great because you have come to such a special place. The following morning you ascend to Kala Patthar, the first point from where one can view Mount Everest at such a short distance. After this, the venture comes down slowly walking through all the sweet villages again till you get to Lukla, where the trek is completed with warm tea and good thoughts.
Route
The route is quite long but not very tough. It is from Lukla that the journey starts, goes to Phakding, then Namche Bazaar, Tengboche, Dingboche, Lobuche, Gorakshep, Everest Base Camp, Kala Patthar, and at last, it returns the same way. The path is a well-known and commonly used one by friendly trekkers, yaks, porters, and guides. There are numerous swingy bridges that you cross which are suspended over rivers that are making soft water sounds. You go through woods having tall trees, pass by houses of stone, and walk over open fields where you are surrounded by mountains like giant guardians.
Natural Environment
The surroundings are full of magic. The trees are green and tall. The rivers look shiny and are very cold. The mountains are white and are shining in the sun. The sky is very blue, just like bright paint on paper. With your ascension, the trees gradually leave and the land becomes rocky and covered with snow. Even though the place is cold and quiet, it is still full of beauty. Every step unveils something new and gentle to you.
Culture
The culture you come across on the trek is a warm one and very peaceful. The Sherpa people welcome you with broad smiles. They are gentle and kind in their talk. Most of the houses have prayer flags that flutter in the breeze. The colors of the flags are the wishes of peace and strength. You find spinning prayer wheels and see monasteries wherein monks' prayers. You feel like the mountains themselves are mentoring you to be kind, patient, and strong.
Difficulty Level
This trek is neither too hard nor too easy. It is likened to climbing a long flight of stairs in slow motion. For numerous days you walk gently. The air gets thinner as you ascend and thus breathing becomes slightly slow. However, if you walk slowly and take your rest properly, your body will get accustomed. There are quite a few people of varying ages who undertake this trek and they do so by taking small, cautious steps. A guide will be there to assist you and the trail will be safe provided you heed and move slowly.
Accommodation
The places you put up are called tea houses. Tea houses are small, comfortable, and made for trekkers. They provide warm food, soft beds, and friendly people. At night, the dining room is made warm by the fire, and you drink hot tea while talking to other trekkers. The rooms are basic but are of a good standard. The toilets are simple but are kept clean. It is like living in a simple mountain dream.
Food
The food is warm and gentle on your tummy. You are served rice, noodles, soup, bread, eggs, and vegetables. The most common food is dal bhat which is the major source of energy for the trekker. One can also have tea, hot chocolate, or warm lemon water. The food is the reason why the body remains strong in the cold. Everything tastes extra good because you are having it in the mountains.
Weather
The weather at the trek changes with altitude. In the beginning, the weather is cool but later on, it becomes cold. The wind may be of high velocity. The nights are extremely cold, whereas the mornings can be bright and sunny. The months which are best for the trek usually have mild weather and clear sky. But the mountains sometimes make their own rules so it is always nice to be prepared for cold or wind.
Best Time to Trek
The most suitable time to walk this route is when the sky is clear and the day is calm. It gives you the opportunity to see the mountains without the interference of clouds. The air is very pleasant and the way is dry and safe. All these occasions make the whole journey very smooth and cheerful.
Safety
On this trek, safety means a lot. Keeping a slow walking pace, drinking water regularly, wearing warm clothes, and listening to your guide will give you safety. Your guide is very familiar with the mountain and can help you when the path is steep or the air is thin. If you take a rest when you are feeling tired and keep your stomach full, you will be safe and strong.
Conclusion
The 12 Days Everest Base Camp Trek is like a long, beautiful story that stays in your heart forever. It is a journey of gentle steps, soft winds, shiny mountains, and kind people. You walk in a world that feels peaceful and pure. When you finish the trek, you feel proud, happy, and full of memories that shine like stars inside your mind.