Reaching the summit of the highest mountain in the world is not an easy feat. But then again nothing ambitious and foolhardy ever is. If success came easy in life, then it would not be called success. Nor would it be worthwhile the attempt. To accomplish anything, one needs to be willing to give, a little more than usual, and the greater the ambition, the more you have to give.
But we are a tenacious bunch, hence why we have been able to put a man on the moon. With skill, courage, and determination we have traversed the world and conquered the sky, the earth, and the oceans. The invention of writing, the internet, and antibiotics have altered life as we know it, and on the 10th of December 1948, the Declaration of Human Rights was adopted by the UN General Assembly, which declared all men (and women) to be equal and free to pursue their own right to happiness.
It is in our nature to make possible the impossible. Therefore, despite the herculean strength and effort, alongside the time (70 days) and expenses ($30,000-$70,000), required to climb Mount Everest, around 800 plus individuals attempt to climb the summit annually. Many fail and some failures are fatal, but the hold Mount Everest continues to have on our dreams, our goals and our imagination persist. For mountaineers, Mount Everest is the ultimate goal.
However, you don’t have to be a mountaineer or necessarily climb the summit to enjoy Mount Everest. The Himalayan trek to the foot of the highest mountain on Earth, otherwise known as Everest Base Camp, is a slightly less demanding and more achievable alternative for amateur climbers and intrepid adventurers who wish to get close to the rooftop of our world.
Trekker in Everest region. Image by : Range finder
The trek is considerably less in duration (2 weeks) and expenses ($1000-$2500) but the experience is still as rich and rewarding. The route will first take you through the heart of the Khumbu region where you will be able to acclimatize and appreciate the local culture, before taking you further up past smaller villages until you reach the base camp. Alongside the local Nepali culture, you will also have plenty of opportunities to experience the unique Sherpa culture by visiting monasteries and museums along the way. You will share your journey with fellow like-minded trekkers, porters and plenty of yak and cattle herders, while every step of the way the most breath-taking and grandest views on Earth will serenade you in all its beauty.
Image by - Range finder / FLickr
Nevertheless, the trek, although not as difficult as the climb to the summit, is not a walk in the park. To put this into perspective: Everest summit is 8,850 m, while Everest Base Camp is 5,340 m high and in any book 5,340 m is still steep! Furthermore, the length of the trek is around 40 miles, therefore, to arrive at the base in lieu with the schedule, trekkers will be required to walk three to six hours every day at high altitude (it is recommended that all trekkers prepare by doing some form of cardiovascular training several times a week two to six months before their expedition).
Everest Base Camp. Image by : Eriani
But the trek is not a competition, therefore the pace will not be brisk. Rather, the route to Everest Base Camp is a route especially created for personal enjoyment. If you enjoy walking, then your days will be filled with walking for the sheer pleasure of it. If it’s adventure that you seek, then the climb through stunning forests, rivers and swaying suspension bridges should more than satisfy your fearless soul. Whether you live to accumulate unique experiences, or live to accomplish personal achievements, the fact that the trek to Everest Base Camp takes you to the base of the highest mountain in the world should surely be worth the attempt. And who knows, once you get there you might even decide to attempt for the summit!
Everest seen from Everest Base Camp
The world is your oyster. Work hard, dream big and succeed.
If you do have any more questions, please ask us below in the comment section or you can email us at bookings@namasadventure.com and our team will get back to you as soon as they can.
Stay well. Challenge yourself. Dare great things and live your story.
Written by Dina Rai.