Meaning of the Trek
The trek means walking from one village to another daily. The nights are spent in small houses known as tea houses. The meals are of warm food. Initially, tall trees are seen but later snow and rocks are the only things as the altitude increases. The trek is like a mirror, showing how life is transformed up the mountain. It is comfortable and green down below, while white and cold up high. The feeling is like going to different worlds but in one trip.
Location
The Everest Base Camp Trek is located in Nepal. Nepal is a small and lovely country packed with hills and mountains. The trek is initiated from Lukla. Lukla is a place with a small airport and a short runway. From Lukla, the trek is through forests, rivers, bridges, and villages to the foot of Mount Everest. The foot is known as Everest Base Camp. It is the place where climbers live before ascending to the top of Everest.
Journey Path
The journey starts with a flight from Kathmandu to Lukla. The ride is short but seems to be like a fairy tale because the flight goes along the mountains. The journey from Lukla is by walking and you reach a place named Phakding. After that, you go on foot to Namche Bazaar. Namche is a nice and a lot of colorful village on a hill. After Namche, the walk is to a place called Tengboche where a lovely monastery is. Monks chant there, and the sound is serene like soft music. The next stations are Dingboche and Lobuche. After that, there is a place called Gorakshep. From Gorakshep, you are EBC bound. On the following morning, some people also go to Kalapatthar to witness the sunrise over Everest. It has a golden and magical look.
People on the Trek
During the trek, you come across a lot of Sherpa people. Sherpa people are not only strong but also nice. They have a warm smile. They live in the high mountains and they are adept at walking on steep paths. They support trekkers by carrying bags and giving the right direction. Besides, you also come across other trekkers from different parts of the world. Some are fast movers, some are slow, but all are glad to be there.
Food and Stay
On the trek, the accommodation is in tea houses. Tea houses are modest hotels constructed of wood. They have warm rooms and comfortable blankets. If you are feeling cold, you can take hot tea and soup. The diet is simple like rice, noodles, potatoes, bread, and eggs. Hot food is very nice when the hands are cold. Every evening is warm as you sit by the heater and chat with other people.
Walk Feelings
Walking in the mountains calms the heart. The sound of rivers is like singing. The smell of pine trees is fresh. When someone ascends higher, the air is scanty. One must walk slowly. Walking slowly facilitates one's body in getting used to the altitude. The person may be a little tired and have a slight headache. That is the normal situation when you go up to very high places. You just keep drinking water, eating warm food, and going to bed early. Every day you get up to see new mountains. They appear bigger and brighter each day.
Nature on the Trek
The trek depicts various kinds of nature. Initially, tall green trees, fresh rivers, and big rocks are seen. You go over very long bridges which are a bit of a swing. It is a bit funny but you are safe. After that, you see small bushes, yaks, and cold winds. Yaks are large and strong with long hair. They are the ones that carry heavy loads. While the journey is going upward, one can only see snow, ice, and the sky which is blue. The mountains can be compared to white giants. The earth becomes very quiet. The air is very clean and cold. At night, the sky looks like it is full of stars. It seems as if someone has sprinkled silver dust all over the place.
Everest Base Camp
While arriving at Everest Base Camp, the feeling is like you have just reached your dream. The ground is covered in rocks and ice. The snow glitter is just like tiny diamonds. One can see the bright colored flags known as prayer flags. These flags are the carriers of good wishes in the wind. From the base camp, the top of Everest cannot be seen but the feeling that it is very near is there. The time is special because so many days were walked to get to this place. Numerous people get very emotional here. Some smile. Some cry. Some stand quietly and look around. Everyone feels proud.
Kalapatthar
Next morning, people move to a location called Kalapatthar. It is a small hill near Gorakshep. The summit of Everest is very visible from the location. When the sun is about to rise, it makes the mountains look like they are covered with gold. The pink, orange, and yellow colors make the whole thing look like a drawing. The cold factor is on the higher side but the sight is so cool that one forgets the cold. A lot of trekking people believe that Kalapatthar is the most beautiful point of the whole journey.
Importance of the Trek
The journey through the Everest Base Camp is a great teacher. It instructs you to be patient, slow in walking, and to take pleasure in small things. It tells you that Mother Nature is mighty and gentle. Besides, it also delivers a message of how mountain people live a life that is simple and serene. You become thankful for warm food, warm rooms, and friendly smiles. Besides that, you are taught that big dreams require a lot of time and effort.
The End of the Trek
Once the trek is over, the return journey is on foot to Lukla and a flight back to Kathmandu. The view during the flight is of mountains and your mind is busy recalling all those lovely days. You take pride in having walked to the base of the world's tallest mountain. The memories become like a treasure in your heart. Even after a few years, the cold mornings, the hot tea, the sparkling snow, and the calm whispers of the wind will come to your mind.
Conclusion
Everest Base Camp Trek is a tale of mountains, people, and dreams. It is a story that is simple yet has great power. It is difficult but nice at the same time. It is long but full of happiness. Any person who takes this road feels a different kind of bond with nature. The trek doesn't remain just a trip but is transformed into a lovely memory that stays forever.