Nepal is famous around the world for the beautiful and glorious range of Himalayas. Every year thousands of tourists pay a visit to Nepal to have a closer look at those Himalayas because they know it is worth every effort. As known, Nepal is home to more than half of the mountains above 8,000 meters in height, and among all of them, the major attraction is the world’s tallest mountain, Mount Everest.

To conquer this tallest mountain is the dream of every adventurer around the world, if not then at least get to the base camp of the Everest. Everest Base Camp Trek is one of the popular treks in the Himalayas and thousands of trekkers visit Nepal for this destination. While in your trek to the base camp of Everest, you will see the magnificent views of Himalayas, beautiful landscapes, the gorgeous valleys, the distinctive lifestyle of people living in Himalaya areas and their unique culture, traditional and ancient temples and monasteries so this trek won’t be just limited to trek.

Everest Base Camp view

So, here the major attractions of the Everest Base Camp and this list will boost up your wish to visit Nepal for Everest Base Camp trek.

Mesmerizing views of Himalayan range

No doubt the spellbinding view of mountains will be one of the best moment of life, which you will experience in a most exhilarating way in this particular trek. As you will move on to your destination, you will witness the magnificent views of mountains like Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Cho Oyu, Ama Dablam and many other beautiful peaks.

Tenzing-Hillary Airport, Lukla

Tenzing-Hillary Airport

Frequently referred to as the most dangerous airport in the world, Tenzing Hilary Airport is located at an elevation of 9,334 ft (2,845m) and is accessible only for helicopters and small, fixed wing, STOL aircraft such as Twin Otter, Dornier Do 228, Pilatus PC-6, etc. The runway is 527m with 11.7% gradient. You might think, how an airport can be the source of attraction, but this particular airport will prove you wrong.

Named after the first climbers of Everest, Tenzing-Hillary Airport is a small airport in the town of Lukla. When you arrive here to start your trek, you will be left with amazement looking at the location of the airport in such a height and the beautiful landscape view of hills all around you.

And, Lukla itself is an attractive little town with various lodges and shops for tourists.

Namche Bazaar

Namche Bazaar

Namche Bazaar is the gateway to the Everest Base Camp and is very popular with the trekkers in the Khumbu region. Trekkers usually stay for some days in Namche Bazaar for acclimatization. Despite being far from the city area and its difficult location, Namche Bazar provides almost everything you need. There are many lodges and stores as well as some internet cafes.

From Namche Bazar, you can also visit Sagarmatha National Park headquarter. Namche Bazar is also the center of Sherpa culture as the most people residing in this areas are Sherpas. Far from any influence of the city, you will see the unique tradition and lifestyle of them. You will see the stunning glacial valley and beautiful peaks like Lhotse, Everest, Thamserku, Kangtega, etc. from Namche Bazar.

Sherpa Culture

Younger Generations of Sherpa in Traditional-Costumes

Sherpas are known around the world for their amazing mountaineering skills. They sure have that skills. Also, they have a unique set of culture and tradition, and they like to speak their ethnic language, wear traditional clothes and live in houses built out of traditional architecture. While in your trek to Everest Base Camp, you will get an opportunity to experience the culture of this unique ethnic group in Nepal.

Tengboche Monastery

Tengboche Monastery

Tengboche Monastery is another attraction of this trek. Located in the eastern Khumbu region, Tengboche Monastery is a Tibetan Buddhist monastery of the Sherpa community. It is the largest gompa in Khumbu region of Nepal. You will encounter several other monasteries too.

From Tengboche Monastery you will see the panoramic view of the beautiful Himalayan Mountains, which includes Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Ama Dablam, Thamserku, and Tawache. Also, Tengboche is the oldest Sherpa village of Nepal.

Reaching Everest Base Camp

Your ultimate destination, the Everest Base Camp itself is the major attraction of this trek. It is the point where the actual expedition towards the Everest takes place. But, hey reaching the base camp of the Everest is not an easy accomplishment as the base is located at an altitude of 5,364 meters.

It takes effort and commitment to reach the point. You must not neglect any sickness during the trek because above 3,500 meters, there is a high chance of altitude sickness and the base camp is way higher than 3,500 meters.

Kala Patthar

Kala Patthar Nepal

Kala Patthar (meaning: Black Rock) is another major attraction of Everest Base Camp trek. Kala Pattar, situated at an elevation of 5545m, is not a proper mountain but its ascent is very popular among the trekkers since it acts as the vantage point for the most accessible close up view of Mt. Everest, Nuptse and Changtse and you will also see the glimpse of the northern flank and the peak of Mount Lhotse. It takes about 2 hours to get to the top of Kala Patthar from Gorakshep, the last settlement with few teahouse loges.

Sagarmatha National Park

Sagarmatha National Park

Sagarmatha National Park is the protected Himalayas area located in the eastern part of Nepal. Your Everest Base Camp trek mostly falls in the park area. It is the first national park of Nepal which got the honor as a World Heritage Site. The park is home to hundreds of different species of flora and fauna.

You will see the park is covered with a dense and delightful forest of pine and hemlock in the lower elevations and higher elevation you will find the forest of rhododendron, juniper, birch and silver fir. Talking about the fauna, there are 118 species of birds, and there are some are mammals like snow leopard, Himalayan black bear, red panda and musk deer. If you are lucky, you may spot them wandering in the woods.

Teahouses

Tourists and horse at Thorong La pass tea house

Now, these small teahouse, which you will encounter many-many of them in your trek are the “underrated” attraction of Everest Base Camp. They will serve you to the best of their resources and skills to ease your tiredness and give some relaxation. Apart from the services, they will tell the stories of the real Nepal hidden in the smog of cities and tall buildings. The owner of teahouses have encounter stories while serving the tea, try to be friendly and ask them about their experience, with a sip of hot tea and interesting stories, your mood will certainly brighten up.

Khumbu International Library

Khumbu International Library is yet another attraction of Khumbu region except for Tengboche Monastery. The library is at the Namche Bazar. Khumbu International Library is the part of Sheri Khangba Centre. There you won’t only find the books, magazines, and videos covering all the aspects of the mountains of Nepal; you will also find information on mountains over the whole world.

References covering every continent and every mountains region of the world is available. Books relating to the biographies, expeditions, guides, historical accounts, flora and fauna, geographical and geological features of the world, their culture, history and the information on early exploration can be found too. The library is open to everyone, from locals to foreigners on a small token of fees or membership deposits.