Detailed Guide about Everest Base Camp Trek Difficulty

Mount Everest is located at the top of the world, rising 8850m above sea level. It is famed as the world’s tallest mountain. For this, many adventurers tried to climb it. And just as inevitably, many of them failed, even worse, nearly 250 lost their lives attempting the climb. In comparison to climbing Mount Everest, the Everest Base Camp trek is relatively safe. But even that is not 100% safe because harsh environmental conditions like high altitude, bad weather, and bump terrain still exist. These bad environmental conditions have become the biggest concern among trekkers. To help them know how hard is it to trek in Everest region, this guide will give you some useful information on Everest Base Camp Trek difficulty.

 
Everest Base Camp Trek

Part 1. How Hard Is to Trek to Mount Everest?

Though the majority of deaths reported on Mount Everest are climbers, trekkers still face a variety of risks because of this mountain’s location and altitude. Being situated at the world’s highest mountain means that trekkers have to overcome high altitude sickness. It is reported that around 3-5 people die each year on Mount Everest Base Camp trek, most of them are as a result of altitude related illnesses or underlying conditions like heart disease. Apart from high altitude sickness, trekkers might also encounter many natural disasters like glaciers, avalanches, and rock falls. To know more reasons that make Mount Everest Base Camp Trek difficulty, you can read the next part.

 
Everest Base Camp Trek Difficulty

Part 2. Why Mount Everest Is Hard to Trek?

There are many reasons that can make Mount Everest Base Camp trek difficult. The most typical one is the altitude. Apart from this, many other factors like uneven terrain, harsh weather, steep slope, long distance, the natural disaster also contribute to making Mount Everest Base Camp trek difficult.

1. High Altitude

Almost all trekking deaths in the Mount Everest are altitude related. As trekkers move higher up the mountain and their oxygen intake is reduced, their bodies are increasingly at risk of some ailments like the Acute Mountain Sickness, High Altitude Pulmonary Edema, or the High-Altitude Cerebral Edema. When symptoms of altitude sickness are detected, you need to remain where you are or descend to lower altitude. Otherwise, your life will be threatened.

 
Everest Base Camp Trek Difficulty – High Altitude

Apart from high altitude sickness, some underlying conditions can also be brought by altitude. It has been reported that some people dying from heart conditions while trekking. To ensure your safety, you’d better consult your doctor whether you should trek before embark on your trek in the Everest region.

2. Harsh Weather & Temperature

Weather conditions are extremely harsh on Mount Everest. The temperature never rises above freezing. Even in summer day (July), the average temperature of Mount Everest is around -7 degree. January is the coldest month of the year, with summit temperature around - 60 degree. In addition to the dangerously cold weather, the high wind and perception also bring danger to trekkers. During the Monsoon season (from June to September), the Indian ocean brings frequent storms and heavy cloud. Most precipitation falls during this time. From November to February, the high winds, accompanied with sand and bits of stone, pay a visit to Mt. Everest. Also, winter storms are also frequent.

For Mt. Everest’s dangerous weather conditions, we recommend you to keep an eye on the weather forecast that can help you stay safe.

Strong Snow at EBC

3. Poor Road Conditions

Though it is a trek, not a climb, trekkers still face many challenges, typically the poor road conditions. Like many other mountains’ treks, Mount Everest Base Camp trek is a wilderness trek without paved sections. And the terrain is often rocky, steep and uneven. In monsoon days, it might be muddy. And in winter, it can be covered by heavy snow. To avoid poor road conditions, we suggest you go trekking in the Everest region in the best time.

Part 3. Tips for Trekking in the Mount Everest Region Safely

Before embarking on your trek in the Everest region, make sure you know the difficulty and various risks you might encounter on the way. You’d better choose a suitable trekking route that is adapted to your ability and physical limitations. No matter which route you choose to trek, we have some safety tips for trekking in Mt. Everest region.

1. Before Trekking

• Make sure you know the difficulty and various risks you might encounter.
• Joining a tour group is better than going solo as you will have more support from the tour guide.
• Consult your doctor before the trek to ensure that your body is fit for trekking.
• Make full preparation for high-altitude sickness to ensure you know how to deal with it when it is detected.
• Pack a right trekking backpack. Don’t forget to bring important things and don’t bring too many things.
• Have a list of emergency contacts and make sure that you know how to get help.
• Keep your phone charged whenever possible, as it can be used to pinpoint your location if you are in trouble.

tent at EBC

2. While Trekking

• Give your body enough time to adjust to the high altitude. You can go to Lhasa by train or air and stay there for 2-3 to adjust to high-altitude sickness, then go to Mt Everest.
• Maintain a steady pace and take some breaks, rather than walking fast.
• Keep hydrated. Dehydration can worsen symptoms of high-altitude sickness.
• Pay attention to yaks as they might push people off the trail.

3. Conclusion

In general, the Mt. Everest Base Camp is very safe for most people. As long as you make full preparation, bring correct gear and give your body enough time to adjust to high altitude, your trek tour will be safe and enjoyable.