Tanya Roy
Tanya has always been an adventurous child, exploring the depths of the seas in Tamil Nadu, Andaman, and Goa, and enjoying activities like swimming and scuba diving. Nowadays, she identifies herself as a Himalayan Traveler, with the Himalayas being her true passion. For her, nothing else compares. Solo traveling gives her a sense of fulfillment similar to meditation, and she thrives in the outdoors, free from any constraints. After backpacking for a while, she discovered her true calling in trekking and aspires to witness the world’s highest mountains, although she has no intention of climbing them out of respect. She has a list of all the base camps she wants to visit. Inspired by the book “Wild,” Tanya dreams of hiking the Pacific Crest Trail solo at some point. She enjoys writing about her travel experiences and connecting them to a way of life, believing that “Life is either a daring adventure or nothing at all.”
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Landlocked between Tibet and India, Nepal is one of the most stunning and serene countries in Southern Asia. It is known for housing eight of the highest summits in the world, including the gigantic Mt. Everest, which is said to be bordered with the birthplace of the creator of Buddhism, Lord Gautama Buddha. Remarkably, the spectacular spiky mountains, swaddled in the Kingdom of Gorkha,Bring the enchantment to the area, accompanied by the vibrant hues of Buddhist customs and heritage.
Trekking in the High Mountains of Nepal
When arriving in Nepal, the grandeur of the country is immediately apparent. It is renowned for being the birthplace of legendary mountaineers like Tenzing Norgay and Pasang Lhamu Sherpa. Throughout the years, Nepal has become a perfect choice for those who love mountains and nature. The thrilling experience of trekking through stunning mountain landscapes allows for an exploration of both the Nepalese way of life and the hidden wonders of nature.
Some of the Himalaya’s most stunning and accessible trekking destinations with jagged trails include Upper Mustang, Gokyo Lakes, Everest, Dhaulagiri Circuit, Nar Phu Valley and AnnapurnaThe two treks that have become popular and well-known among hikers are the traditional Everest Base Camp (EBC) and Annapurna Base Camp (ABC). For those who love adventure, these treks are a must-do in order to have the ultimate experience in the Himalayas.
EVEREST BASE CAMP: The Ultimate Adventure!
EBC is the place where the most thrilling and daring dreams turn into reality. The grand Mount Everest lies in the abode of splendid nature and it wholeheartedly welcomes adventure lovers from across the globe to scale its height. A journey through dense forests, glacial pools and Sherpa villages is truly an incredible experience.
The exclusive Everest Base Camp trek is known for providing the impressive views of the world’s highest snow-clad mountains. The trail accompanied by the beautiful Himalayan ranges begins from the beautiful town of Lukla and it takes you to EBC through terraced landscapes and striking river valleys, Namche Bazaar, pine forests and suspension bridges. Moreover, you will come across the several wonderful Everest high passes, gushing River Dudhkoshi, tranquil Imja Tse Valley and stunning Buddhist monasteries.
However, the thrill and excitement of reaching EBC are comparable to the exhilaration of conquering the summit of Mt. Everest, known as the ultimate adventure.
Maximum Height: 5642 m
Trek Time: 14 Days
Distance Covered: 97 km
Level: Easy to Moderate
Start/Finish: Lukla/Lukla
Trek Style: Tea House
Nearest Airport: Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu
ATM Point: Namche Bazaar
Kathmandu>Lukla> Phakding>Namche Bazaar >Tengboche >Lobuche>Gorakshep>Everest Base Camp>Kala Patthar>Namche Bazaar>Lukla>Kathmandu
- Experience the breathtaking panoramic views of the majestic Everest, Thamserku, Lhotse, Nuptse, Ama Dablam, and other snow-capped mountains.
- Walk through the forests of pine and cedar along the River Dudh Kosi
- Explore the lifestyle of the people residing in Thame and Khumjung villages
- Hiking the peaks like Imja Khola, Chhukung and Nangkartshang
- Spend a night on a hilltop surrounded by the Khumbu glacier
- Enjoy a splendid view of sunrise against the Everest from Kala Patthar
When is the optimal period for trekking to Everest Base Camp?
Because of its significant altitude, the climate in EBC remains severe and chilly all year round. The optimal periods for embarking on the trekking adventure are either from March to May or from September to December.
March to May:During this time, the weather remains enjoyable, making it an ideal period for embarking on a trek. The path is also less slippery due to the melting snow in the spring season. This is the main reason why this location becomes crowded with trekkers at this time. It is worth mentioning that you can appreciate unobstructed views of the mountains.During the daytime, the temperature typically varies between 8°C and 18°C, while at night it ranges from -15°C to 4°C.
September to December: During this particular season, enthusiastic hikers embark on a challenging journey. It is worth mentioning that hiking at this time can be difficult due to the presence of snowy and slippery trails, as well as steep slopes. Additionally, there are only a few fellow trekkers encountered along the way, and the temperature drops below freezing at night, while during the day it ranges between 12°C and 18°C.
ANNAPURNA TREK: A Thrilling Journey Through The Deepest Gorges!
The Annapurna trek is well-known for its high passes, deep gorges, stunning hills, and narrow slopes, making it a popular choice among young trekkers. Starting from the picturesque village of Besisahar, the trek concludes at a specific point within the striking Annapurna range. The trail follows the River Marshyangdi and leads to the beautiful lake town of Pokhara, offering exceptional views of the Annapurna and Machapuchare ranges. The highest point reached during this trek is Thorong La, standing at an altitude of 5,415 m. It is worth noting that in 1950, Maurice Herzog and Louis Lachenal achieved a historic feat by scaling the Annapurna range at a height of 8,000 m.
You will need to traverse different suspension bridges, rivers, waterfalls, and tea houses. During this journey, you will encounter unique plants and animals that will provide stunning scenery for your camera.
Maximum Height: 5415 m
Trek Time: 15 Days
Distance Covered: 82 km
Level: Moderate to Difficult
Start/Finish: Kathmandu
Trek Style: Tea House
Nearest Airport: Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu
ATM Point: Besisahar and Jomsom
Kathmandu>Besisahar>Bhulbhule>Jagat>Dharapani>Chame>Pisang>Manang>Yak Kharka>Thorong Phedi>Muktinath>Jomsom>Pokhara>Kathmandu
- Reaching the source of River Marsyandi, Tilicho Lake, which is situated at an altitude of 4919 m
- Experiencing the journey across Thorang La Pass and reaching Phulchoki Valley is truly one-of-a-kind.
- The breathtaking sights of upper Mustang and the vibrant green scenery of Manang are a visual delight.
- Discover the nearby markets and acquire incredible mementos at affordable rates.
- A sacred bath in the steaming pond of the most famous temples of Hindus, Muktinath, which is believed to vanish all the sins of pilgrims
- Crossing the deep gorge and river of Kali Gandaki gives you a spine-chilling experience
- Experiencing and becoming acquainted with the way of life of kind-hearted residents brings great joy.
Gear Up: The Best Time To Take This Adventure
October and November are the months when a number of adventure enthusiasts undertake this trek. Notably, the valley experiences heavy snowfall except December to April. Mid-April to May is another time to head on this trek as a trekker can enjoy the perfect picturesque views of Annapurna and Dhauladhar ranges.
October and November:During the daytime, the temperature typically varies between 10°C and 18°C, while at night it ranges from -12°C to 4°C.
Mid-April to May:During the daytime, the temperature typically varies between 12°C and 20°C. At night, it ranges from -5°C to 8°C.
Please assess your physical fitness!Both EBC and Annapurna treks require moderate physical fitness as you have to climb at altitudes higher than 5,000 m and that too for 6-7 hours daily. Also, due to lack of oxygen at height, a trekker is likely to face breathing issues. Thus, mental and physical fitness is a must to undertake the trek.
It is advised to start exercising at least a month prior to the trek. You should increase your walking speed and stamina. Notably, you have to carry a medical certificate to ensure your physical fitness levels, and a disclaimer certificate stating that you’re voluntarily undertaking the trek.
Check The List: Trekking Essentials
- Trekking shoes/trekking pole
- Warm clothes/extra pair of woollen socks
- LED flashlight/headlamp with extra batteries
- Camera/raincoat/gloves
- Sunscreen lotion/sunglasses/lip balm/mosquito repellent
- Water bottles/energy drinks and bars
- Emergency medical kit
How can one arrive at Kathmandu?
The epic treks to Annapurna and Everest Base Camp commence from Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal. Kathmandu has excellent air connectivity with India, particularly from major cities such as Mumbai and New Delhi. However, flight availability is subject to weather conditions and the time of year.
You can reach Kathmandu by train as well. To take the train, you need to get to Gorakhpur in Uttar Pradesh. Additionally, since 2014, the Delhi Transport Corporation has been offering a direct bus service from Delhi to Kathmandu. There is also a luxury Volvo bus that departs daily at 10 am from Ambedkar Stadium Bus Terminal at Delhi Gate. This bus covers a distance of 686 km in 30 hours, passing through Agra, Kanpur, and the Sunauli border in Uttar Pradesh, before reaching Nepal.
For a traveller’s eyes, nothing could be more fascinating than enjoying a sight of the stunning temples and striking gompas, consisting of multi-coloured prayer wheels and fluttering flags against the regal Himalayas in Nepal. Also, on these trekking expeditions, you will get an opportunity to explore the charming rustic hamlets, snowy landscape, magnificent glaciers, and a wide variety of wildlife. After completing these treks, you will surely come back with a whole new experience that will remain entrenched in your heart for a lifetime!
