Everest Short Trek is a scenic trek to Khumbu region that starts from Kathmandu or Ramechhap. Short trek comes to life when you take flight from Kathmandu to Lukla at 2860 meters then reaching to Namche Bazaar at 3440 meters by trekking through the route that crosses the village like Phakding. In Everest Short Trek you will explore the villages like Lukla and Namche Bazaar, enjoy the cultural and spiritual places, stay at cozy teahouses and explore other stunning mountains. In this blog you will get to know what you will do on 4 to 6 days Everest Short Trek.
Overview of Lukla
Lukla is a small village located at the Khumbu region at 2860 meters also known as a gateway to base camps and mountains like Everest Base Camp and Everest, Lhotse and many more. Lukla not only have scenic beauty or Himalayas but it also have the most famous and thrilling airport named after Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay that is Tenzing Hilary Airport. Taking off from this airport is a trilling and most exciting experience. Lukla is a well-developed town where you will see well established lodges, bakeries and other local product. This city is influenced by Sherpa Community.
Overview of Namche Bazaar
Namche Bazaar also known as the acclimatization town of trekkers located at the height of 3440 meters in Khumbu region. This town is also known as a gate way to amazing mountains like Everest. Scenic beauty of Himalayas like Kongde Ri, Thamserku and Mt Everest is the view that should not be missed out if you visit Namche Bazaar. This city is also developed as you can find good lodges, bakeries, ATMs, cafes and even local products. Most of the trekkers spend their rest days on the lodges of Namche Bazaar. This city is the major highlight of this Everest Short Trek.
Why Should You Choose the Lukla to Namche Bazaar Trek?
Lukla to Namche Bazaar Trek is a beginner friendly trek with no hyper altitude gain. This trek will give you the same taste of trekking to Everest Base Camp offering you nature filled with lush villages, forests, suspension bridges and culture. Lukla and Namche Bazaar both cities are highly influenced by Sherpa people giving you an opportunity to taste Sherpa hospitality. Walking through the routes filled with local culture, traditional villages, lush forests and suspension bridges feels like a total adventure. You will get a close up view of Everest with no physical pressure.
Breakdown of 4 to 6 day itinerary
If you are short on time or just a beginner who wants to explore Khumbu region near Everest and other mountains then this 4 to 6 days trek is best for you as you can gather all the experience from culture to nature. Your day 1 begins by taking a flight to Lukla and trekking to Phakding and day 2 starts by trekking from Phakding to most exotic city in Khumbu region Namche Bazaar. On day 3 you will explore every part of Namche Bazaar and even hike to Everest View Point Hotel or Khumjung. On Day 4 you will return back to Lukla after trekking back from Phakding. On day 5 you will return back to Kathmandu safe and sound from the flight. You can even take this trek slower by extending 1 day and making this trek 6 days trek where you can rest well in the city you liked the most. This short trek is flexible, energy saving and time saving best for vacation.
What to Expect on Route?
You will walk through rhododendron forest, spiritual places, Sherpa village and pine forest. Trekking for 4 to 6 hours is mandatory in this type of trek. If you are scared about route conditions, then it’s surprising that road conditions in both cities are well managed and properly developed making this trek suitable for every trekkers and non-trekkers. Before the final push to Namche Bazaar you will cross the famous Hillary Suspension Bridge. Temperature might change expect day time mid and nights to be chilly and sometimes cold. Prayer flags, local life and views of mountains are the major highlights of the routes. Altitude gain is not much but be hydrated as altitude sickness can occur without any ring bell.
Lodging, Meals, and Budget Tips
Lodges and teahouses can be found at easily on Namche Bazaar and Lukla. Teahouses and lodges offers you basic rooms with shared bed rooms and shared bathroom. Namche Bazaar lodges and teahouses are more developed as you get hot showers, internet facilities, and heated dining rooms. For meals you will get served with Daal Bhat, soups, noodles, Tibetan bread, tea, coffee and pancakes. Average cost of meals will be between 6 to 10 dollars based on what you picked. Rooms cost 5 to 20 dollars per person also depending on room quality. If you are doing solo trekking then whole trek will cost you 25 to 47 dollars per day. If you hire guide or porters this whole trekking cost you 350 to 600 dollars. Always keep your ATM card with you.
Which Season is best for This Trek and Weather Condition?
March to May Spring season and September to November are the best seasons to do Everest Short Trek as the views are clear and the routes are filled with greenery and colors. But the major disadvantages of these seasons are packed routes, lodges and teahouses. As Lukla and Namche Bazaar are the major acclimatization city and the gateway to base camps for trekkers, during this season trekkers highly demand popular trekking destination. Winter season is also best for trekking in Namche Bazaar but the weather condition is cold. Mornings and nights are extremely cold. Winter season is not fit for you if you are looking forward to enjoy nature. Monsoon season is all about rainfall, flight delays and leeches and this season should be avoided by trekkers.
Permits and Entry Requirements
Before taking off to the trails you need to consider having two major permits and they are Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit and Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Permit. These permits can be obtained from the cities like Kathmandu, Lukla and Monjo. About the cost Sagarmatha National Park Permit costs you 3000 Nepali rupees per person. Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Permit will cost you 2000 rupees per person this permit was introduced in 2018. If you are travelling through an agent or a company then permits are provided by them. Permits are usually checked in checkpoints so always carry photocopies of your permits and a photo size picture of yours.
What to Pack for the Trek
You should always pack light and smart. To be prepared for your trek you should pack layered clothes, warm sleeping bag that helps you to warm you up at the temperature of 0 degrees to -10 degrees, down jacket, trekking boots, gloves, sunscreen, lip balm, sunglasses, hat, hand sanitizer, and reusable water bottle. To drink clean water bring water purifying tablets staying hydrated will help you to fight with altitude related issues. If you are conscious about altitude sickness bring medication recommended by your doctor. Pack nuts and other protein related food to keep your stomach and energy full during your trek. Always pack photocopies of your permits and passport size photo of yours. Your permits are checked at every checkpoints especially and Monjo.
Staying Healthy and Safe
Risk of altitude sickness is low at the short treks and lower elevation but it’s not impossible to get infected. To be safe from altitude related issues remember to drink 3 liters of water daily as hydration eradicate the risk of altitude sickness. Know your symptoms soon if you feel dizzy or have other symptoms visit nearby medicals or take medication recommended by your doctor. Eat carbohydrates and protein foods at the lodges in Lukla and Namche Bazaar. Hire a local guide who knows basic first aids. Before setting off you should be mentally prepared about the consequences. If possible carry basic first aids essentials like bandages.
Conclusion
Short Everest Trek from Lukla to Namche Bazaar is more than just a trek. This trek offers you all the highlights that are offered by high altitude trekking. From the views of Himalayas to the in depth dive to cultural and local lifestyle this trek is filled with experience and adventure. Whether you are trekking solo or with a guide this whole trek is a budget friendly trek full of facilities. Within a week you will visit to pine forest, rhododendron forest and spiritual places. Within a week you will explore culture, traditions, hospitality, lodges, views of Himalayas and one of the famous and thrilling airports and suspension bridges. Remember to taste every authentic foods and bakery items. Buying local products will help local people and local businesses. Are you ready to spend your weeks of Everest region and cities like Lukla and Namche Bazaar?
Article Source: https://hillsherpatrekking.com/trip/short-everest-base-camp-trek/
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