Top 10 Fun Facts About the Everest Base Camp Trek – Things You Should Know!

Sagarmatha National Park is the highest-altitude national park in the world.

The Sagarmatha National Park is anationnal park located in the Solukhumbu District of Nepal and is renowned as the world's highest national park. It was established in 1976 and covers 1,148 square kilometres of land area. The park harbours Mount Everest, Earth's highest mountain with an altitude of 8,848.86 meters, known as Sagarmatha in the Nepali language. It was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979, especially for the superlative and exceptional natural beauty that encompasses dramatic mountains, glaciers, deep valleys, and majestic peaks like Mount Sagarmatha, the world's highest.

The park houses some of the world's tallest mountains such as Lhotse (8,516 meters), Nuptse (7,861 meters), Makalu (8,485 meters), Cho Oyu(8,188 meters), and Ama Dablam (6,812 meters). It is a famous destination for trekkers and climbers, especially those interested in Everest Base Camp trekking. The park is also famous for its rich biodiversity, ranging from rare animals such as the snow leopard, red panda, and Himalayan tahr to plants that are unique to high-altitude areas, including rhododendrons and junipers.

From Everest Base Camp, Mount Everest is not visible

It’s surprising but true—one of the major Everest base camp trek fun facts is once you finally get to Everest Base Camp, you cannot see the actual Mount Everest! This is simply because of the unique position and geography that surrounds it. The Everest Base Camp lies at the very foot itself on a flat glaciated area, while towering peaks such as Nuptse and Lhotse obscure the direct view of Everest Summit from here.

Your first trekking view of Mount Everest is from Namche Bazaar, the largest Sherpa town along the trail. You see it from great spots like Tengboche Monastery and various other viewpoints along the way. However, you cannot see Everest from Base Camp itself, though in good conditions, one might get a chance to see just the peak of Everest. But don’t worry, this doesn’t mean you’ll miss out on incredible views of the world’s tallest mountain. There are several viewpoints near Everest Base Camp where you can clearly see Mount Everest answering the question of many - what makes Everest base camp special.

The journey to Everest Base Camp starts from the most dangerous airport in the world, Lukla Airport.

The journey to the Everest Base Camp (EBC) trek starts at Lukla Airport, also known as Tenzing-Hillary Airport. It is considered one of the most dangerous airports in the world, making it one of the top 10 reasons to do the Everest Base Camp trek for adventure seekers.Lukla is a small mountain town in Nepal and serves as the gateway to the Everest region.

The airport is famous for its unique location and was rated the world’s most dangerous airport for over 20 years by the program Most Extreme Airports on The History Channel in 2010. Daily flights operate from Kathmandu or Ramechhap to Lukla. Flying to Lukla airport is amongreasons to go on a ebc trek.

Lukla Airport is located at an elevation of about 2,900m. The runway is situated on the face of a mountain, with a 600m drop-off at one end and a solid stone wall at the other. The runway is 9,400 feet above sea level and sits on a 2,000-foot cliff. While it may sound scary, thousands of flights land here safely every year! The airport is named Tenzing-Hillary Airport in honour of the first people to climb Mount Everest.

Namche Bazaar has the world’s highest Irish Pub

One interesting fact about Everest Base Camp is that Namche Bazaar has the world's highest Irish pub, located at an elevation of 3,450 meters. This is one of the most remote and highly situated Irish pubs anywhere in the world. Offering a clash of traditional Irish pub culture with the stunning beauty of the Himalayas, it's a popular stop for trekkers on the way to Everest Base Camp.

It is also the favorite hangout place for trekkers after a tiring day hiking. One can have one cold drink, listen to some music, and enjoy a warm and hearty meal in a well-lit and warm atmosphere. From Irish Whiskey to Locally brewed beers to International Brands, all are available. The favorite Irish Pub Drink, Guinness is also served.

Kala Patthar is the best spot to see Mount Everest up close

The Kala Patthar is a famous viewpoint in the Everest region for seeing Mount Everest up close. At 5,545 meters (18,192 feet), it’s a highlight of the Everest Base Camp trek. From here, you can enjoy clear, unobstructed views of Everest and surrounding peaks like Lhotse, Cho Oyu, Pumori, Nuptse, Makalu, and more showing why Everest base camp trek is a bucket list for many travelers.

While one cannot distinctly see Mt. Everest from Everest Base Camp, Kala Patthar provides an excellent viewpoint from which the iconic, black, pyramid-shaped peak rises above everything. Most trekkers prefer to visit Kala Patthar in the early morning because the golden light of sunrise paints the peak of Everest. It is also a very rewarding afternoon climb, though, with great views. The hike to Kala Patthar is steep and challenging; it takes 2-3 hours. It is one of the best viewpoints for taking memorable photos of Mount Everest and the surrounding Himalayas.

There are two base camps for Everest

One of the Everest base camp trekking fun facts, which few know, is that Mount Everest has two main base camps, one on each side of the mountain. One South Base Camp is in Nepal, and one North Base Camp is in Tibet/China. These camps are starting points for those climbers who try to reach the summit.

The South Base Camp in Nepal is at 5,364 meters (17,598 feet) above sea level. It is more popular and easier to access than the North Base Camp. The North Base Camp in Tibet is at 5,150 meters (16,900 feet). While it’s less visited because special permits are needed from the Chinese government, you can drive most of the way there, making it physically easier to reach. However, it is more difficult to climb from the northern route up to the top. The weather conditions are harsher, and en-route rest stops are few and far between.

You can find the Yeti Scalp in Khumjung Monastery

One of the interesting facts about the Everest Base Camp trek is that Khumjung Monastery, located in the Sherpa village of Khumjung in Nepal’s Khumbu region, is home to what is said to be a Yeti scalp. This artifact has been kept in the Buddhist monastery for many years and attracts trekkers and visitors from around the world.

The Khumjung monastery is 3,790 meters high or approximately 12,434 feet. Inside the monastery, it carefully preserves a dome-shaped scalp in reddish-brown color, kept under a locked case that the monks show for visitors when they want and are willing to offer a little donation. In such a way, donations go to take care of this monastery and maintain its traditions, adding this stop for those who seek adventure in the region of Everest.

Traffic Jams of Mules and Yaks, Not Vehicles

In the Everest region, however, there is a very different form of traffic jam, without cars or trucks, but rather long lines of mules and yaks jamming up the mountain trails—one of the many things to know before visiting Everest Base Camp. These "traffic jams" are an important part of life in the Himalayas because these animals are the main way to transport supplies. Since most parts of the Everest region have no roads, everything from food and fuel to building material and trekking gear depends on these diligent beasts of burden.

Yaks are particularly useful above 3,000 meters since it is naturally accustomed to the thin air and cold. Below this altitude, mules and dzopkyos (a hybrid of a yak and a cow) are more commonly used. Trekkers often have to wait a few minutes while a group of 20-30 loaded animals passes by on the trail.

There is also a special rule in the Everest region called the "yak lane rule." If you happen to meet a yak or mule on the trail, always step to the mountainside, not the edge. This is because sometimes yaks are unpredictable and may bump into you by accident, so the mountainside is the safer option.

Tengboche Monastery in the Everest region is the largest monastery in Nepal

The Tengboche Monastery, also known as Thyangboche Monastery, was built in 1916 and is located at an altitude of 3,867 meters (12,687 feet above sea level). It's the biggest and most important monastery of Tibetan Buddhists in the Everest portion of Nepal. This monastery is special for several reasons: firstly, its fabulous position and spiritual atmosphere. The monastery is placed uphill, with splendid views of Mount Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, and Ama Dablam.

The monastery is a great stop for trekkers and climbers who are on the way to Everest Base Camp. A great number of trekkers visit this monastery in order to take the monks' blessings for a safe journey. Amazingly, this monastery gave famous mountaineers like Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay a good omen in advance of successfully scaling Everest. In the morning, at 6 AM, the monastery is filled with the sounds of horns and drums as the monks perform their morning prayers, thus adding to the serene and spiritual ambiance of the monastery.

The Everest Base Camp trek has its own bakery circuit

One of the Everest base camp trekking facts that most don't notice is that it often features a bakery circuit series of bakeries along the trek route that offer delicious baked goods at high altitudes. These have now become the favourite part of the trek as it gives trekkers sweet treats after long, tiring hikes.

From Lukla onwards, fresh bread, cookies, and muffins are available from bakeries. In Namche Bazaar (3,440 meters), the famous Hermann Helmers Bakery sells everything from apple strudel to chocolate cake, making it a popular stop during acclimatization days.Further up is Tengboche Monastery, at 3,867 meters, famous for its apple pie, reportedly the best available on the trek. The bakery there is run by monks and gives trekkers the opportunity to enjoy fresh pastry with great views of Everest and Ama Dablam. Even at Lobuche, 4,940 meters above sea level-one of the highest parts of the trek-there is the Lobuche Bakery. It's a challenge to bake at high altitude, yet they have fresh bread and pastry every day.

FAQs

How dangerous is Lukla Airport for Everest Base Camp trek?

Lukla Airport is considered one of the most dangerous airports in the world due to its short runway and unpredictable weather. The landing and takeoff may feel a little risky, but flights are handled by experienced pilots who are trained to navigate the terrain.

Do I need special permits for Everest Base Camp trek?

Yes, you basically need two major permits for the Everest Base Camp trek: the Sagarmatha National Park Permit and the TIMS card, or Trekkers' Information Management System. These can be obtained in Kathmandu or at the park entrance.

How many days does it take to complete Everest Base Camp trek?

The Everest Base Camp Trek usually takes about 12 to 14 days, including acclimatization days. The exact number of days may vary based on your pace and health conditions.

What is Kala Patthar and why should I visit it?

Kala Patthar is a viewpoint near Everest Base Camp. The best views of Mount Everest and surrounding peaks can be seen from here. This is a major destination for trekkers to see Everest up close and take great pictures.

How do you handle altitude sickness on an EBC trek?

To handle altitude sickness, go at your own pace, drink lots of water, and take rest whenever needed. Acclimatization days are very important for your body to get used to higher altitudes. If the symptoms related to altitude sickness such as a headache or nausea start, then go down and see a doctor immediately.

Is there WiFi and internet connectivity during the Everest Base Camp trek?

Yes, there is WiFi available in some tea houses along the trek, but it can be slow and expensive. You may also find some areas with mobile network coverage, but very limited as you ascend to higher altitudes. for more info; Wifi and Internet on EBC Trek

Conclusion

Everest Base Camp Trekking is not only about the world's highest mountain, but also it is a full-of-adventure route, representing natural beauty, cultural experience, and amazing comfort in this part of the world. From ancient monasteries and cozy bakeries to "traffic jams" of yaks and lively pubs, there are many fun facts about Everest Base Camp trekking to uncover.

Apart from all the challenges, it is the warm hospitality, rich traditions, and magnificent mountain life that make this trek unforgettable for adventure seekers, cultural enthusiasts, and nature lovers. If you are looking for the Everest Base Camp trek, then the 12-day itinerary is perfect to explore these fun experiences in Everest Base Camp. For an amazing adventure in the Himalayas, contact Himalayan Recreation.