When it comes to trekking in Nepal, Everest Base Camp Trek is popular among tourists as well as locals. The Everest Base Camp attracts a large number of people, especially those who love trekking and mountain expeditions as it takes you close to the highest mountain in the world, Everest. It is an adventure that you will remember for a lifetime where you walk miles without a car and daily luxuries.
Everest Base Camp takes you to the trails of snow-capped mountains, pristine forest, pasture lands, lakes, and unique vegetations. Besides that, the unique culture, traditions, food cuisines, etc have also been tourist’s attraction these days. You will experience thrills that stretch your inner possibility which is beyond what you believed.
There are two base camps for the Everest expedition: North Base Camp, South Base Camp
The south Base camp of Everest lies in Nepal. It is found at an altitude of 5,364 meters. Similarly, Tibet has a North base camp. It is slightly at a lower altitude in comparison to the South base camp. The Everest base camp of china is at an altitude of 5150 meters.
Everest Base Camp Trek takes around 14 days including two acclimatization breaks: Namche, Dingboche. Everest Region has thrilling corners and wildest adventurous places. Few trekkers know these unexplored areas of the region. During the breaks of acclimatization, you can go for side treks. You can ask the travel guide to detour you from these places. Here, are few side treks of Everest Base Camp that are insanely hypnotizing and thrilling.
Ama Dablam Base Camp
If you want a peaceful place for acclimatization, go for Ama Dablam Base Camp. You will find deep intimacy between you and nature. It is located at an altitude of 4600 meters. You need to lead the classic way to EBC for Ama Dablam Base Camp. When you walk from Tengboche to Dingboche, you encounter a small village, Pangboche. Then, the trails to Ama Dablam starts when you take the west direction. You will need an extra day to explore the base camp area. Though it is not even above 6000 meters, it has a difficult and dangerous path for climbing.
Three Pass Trek
This mesmerizing side trek adds an extra level of adventure as you go across three high altitudes Everest passes: Renjo La Pass (5,465m), Cho La Pass (5,420m), Khongma La Pass (5,535m). The side trek also covers famous Everest Base Camp, the popular viewpoint of Everest named Kalapathar and the turquoise colored Gokyo lakes. The routes of the passes are less crowded. You will walk through rocky trails and lust green forests. In addition to that, you will see the panoramic view of the world’s eighth highest peaks: Everest (8,848m), Makalu (8,463m) and so on.
Similar to other treks, the Everest Three High Pass Trek also starts from Namche Bazar.
The Renjo-La Pass guides you to the remote area that has jaw-dropping views of the freshwater lake system and many snow-capped mountains. The upper hike will lead to the hotel built-in high altitude, Hotel Everest View.
The Chola Pass trekking has thrilling climbs on Gokyo Ri and Kalapathar. Also, you will climb on Chukkung Ri. The trek leads you through numerous villages and spiritual monasteries that introduce you to Buddhist culture and traditions. You will also encounter the biggest glacier, Ngozumpa Glacier. The best time for high pass trek is Spring.
Thame
Thame is a beautiful village where mostly trekkers stop for acclimatization breaks. It is a three hours hike from Namche Bazar. The one-way distance is about six miles. You will walk through the lush green forests of rhododendron. You can watch Monals and Tahrs. You will get to see spell-bounding views and wildlife. Likewise, you will be introduced to the unique cultures and traditions of Sherpa. On your trip to Thame, you will also find the oldest monastery, Thame Monastery. As this traditional village is escaped from the crowds, you will see few people on your way during the hike.
Kala Patthar
The name ‘Kala Patthar’ is a Nepali name for a dark black rock. It is the peak made up naturally by the coloration of rocks. Kala Patthar is a famous viewpoint in Everest Base Camp Trek. The place offers a close-up view of Mt. Everest. You do not get to see such a hypnotizing view even when you reach Everest Base Camp. Similarly, you will also get to enjoy a panoramic view of other high mountains such as Changtse, Nuptse mt. Makalu, Mt. Ama Dablam and so on. It is found at an altitude of 5,644m above sea level. You will reach Kalapatthar in about 3-5 hours trip from Gorakshep. The best time to trek to Kalapatthar is Spring.
Twin Village
Khunde and Khumjung lie in green valley. These two villages are popular by the name twin green valley. With two hours of walk, you will reach here from Namche Bazar. The valley has a magnificent view of mountains from all three sides. It is at an altitude of 3800 meters. You will get to experience how traditional Sherpa has adopted new ways of living with modern facilities in these villages. The surroundings are peaceful. There is amidst the thriving culture of Sherpa. The roofs of the houses are green. You will see the stunning view of Thamserku and Ama Dablam. You can also visit Khumjung Monastery and the cave above Khunde. If you continue the valley to Khumjung, directing the way upward will lead to Everest View Hotel. From Khunde Village you can hike for about two hours then, you will reach Khunde viewpoint. You can see a 360-degree view of both Khunde and Khumjung village.
Chhukung Trek
Chhukung village is the best place for an easy acclimatization trip. There are many tea houses and lodges. It is located in Solukhumbu district at an altitude of 4,730 meters. The land is used as pasture land for Yaks. The place offers amazing alpine floras. You will pass through juniper shrubs. If you are traveling during late spring, you will see rhododendron bloom with cinquefoils. It takes around five hours from Dingboche. The best time to travel is Monsoon.
There are many side treks of Everest Base Camp that are beautiful and amazing. The trek offers you unforgettable memories and closeness to nature. However, Ama Dablam Base Camp, Three Pass Trek, Thame, Twin Village, and Chhukung Trek are the most popular side treks to uncover the unexplored places on the route to Everest Base Camp.
