The tallest peak on the planet, Mt. Everest, has wielded a glorious draw for more than a century now. Everybody wants a peek of the Mt. 8,848. That is why, it is the most popular trekking destination in the whole world. Every year, more than 50,000 thousand aspiring trekkers travel to the Everest region to start on a journey to the peak’s base camp. This trek will take you right into the very heart of the high Himalayans, more so than any other teahouse trek ever will. By travelling through this timeless trail, you will be following in the footsteps of legendary mountaineers like Tenzing Norgay and Edmund Hillary. The routes are steep and the altitude hang above your head like a sword, but the feeling of accomplishment at the end of the trek is profound. Here is our list of top five reasons on why is the Everest Base Camp so popular?

The adventurous flights to and from Lukla

Like almost all journeys in the Everest region, this one too starts with a flight to Lukla from Khumbu. Although it is not the only way to access the region, it is the fastest. With a treacherous runway perched on a steep cliff, the Lukla airport has been dubbed as the most dangerous airport in the world. However, on a sunny day, this heart-pumping fact can almost be forgotten. As soon as you take off, you will be greeted by stellar central mountains including the Ganesh Himal Massif. As you hover above the verdant hills, winding tracks, scattered villages, and through the wisps of clouds, you will once again be greeted by the mountains of the eastern Nepal. Despite the notorious image, multiple flights take off to Lukla every day and the casualty rate is extremely low – almost insignificant.

You will trek through Sagarmatha National Park

Most of the trek will pass through the UNESCO-listed Sagarmatha National Park. Sagarmatha is the Nepali name for the Everest. Encircling an area of 1,148 square kilometers, the national park is home to endangered animals like musk deer, Himalayan thar, snow leopard, and black bears. It also refuges more than 118 species of birds including several exotic iridescent pheasant. The park’s altitude ranges from 2,845m to 8,848 meters, with most of the area being above 3,000 meters. The land is full of rugged terrain with deep gorges, magnificent glaciers, and colossal rocks. Trekking through the forests that are thickly populated by rhododendron, juniper, fir, and birch trees is a very enjoyable and adventurous experience in itself.

Amazing side trips to undertake

In spite of being the most desirable trekking destination in the world, EBC trek isn’t perfect. For instance, it’s one shortcoming is that you will have to trek down along the same route. However, if the adventurer in your heart just can’t be satiated and wants more, the trail conveniently offers you with a host of rare side treks that would have otherwise gone unnoticed. If you branch off from Pangboche, you can reach the base camp of Ama Dablam, also known as the prettiest peak on earth, in a day. Similarly, you can explore the Bhote Koshi Valley, and climb the Chukung Ri and Sunder Peak. Amazing, right?

 The best teahouse trek experience

The district of Solu Khumbu boasts of impressively well-maintained trails with conveniently located teahouses.  What is amazing is that you could start trekking at the crack of dawn, climb through high passes at noon, relish in the mountain views by afternoon, and be back in your teahouse for a steaming cup of tea and hot shower in the evening. You could be even amazed to see all the amenities and hospitality offered to you in such harsh and remote terrain. From internet to hot showers, warm beds to intercontinental food, the “reasonable” luxury at your disposal. On top of that, the warm hospitality and the radiant smiles of your Sherpa lodge-owners will simply elevate the whole experience by many folds!

A cultural revelation

As you trek, the stone stupas, carved Mani walls, and Tibetan style monastery will add a further layer of mystic and charm to the landscape and your journey. While you will come across countless stupas and Mani walls, few ancient monasteries on the way will take your breathe away. These monasteries are architecturally stunning on the outside and house golden statues and scriptures in the inside. One such significant monastery you will come across is Tengboche, revered as one of the oldest in the region. You can witness the rituals and even receive blessings from the monks.