Short Introduction of Everest Base Camp for Senior Citizens
The Everest Base Camp Trek is one of the legendary treks not only in Nepal but in the whole world. It is a dream of many trekkers to conquer Mount Everest, or up to Base Camp. You can make your dream come true even if you think you are too old for this, as there is a comfortable itinerary made only for the Everest Base Camp Trek for Senior Citizens. This trek is full of fun and adventure, but you can still conquer it with the right preparations.
This journey gives you an opportunity to witness the world’s highest mountain, at an elevation of 8,848 meters, from very close points. This journey can bring thrills as well as joy in your life. This trek starts with the scenic mountain flight up to Lukla, from where you can see the different gorgeous snowy mountain ranges such as Ganesh Himal, Langtang Himal, Shisha Pangma, Cho Oyu, Lhotse, Pumori, Ama Dablam, Gaurishankar, and many more.
The trek to Everest Base Camp is a blessing to your eyes, and every sweat drop is worth it. As we know, Mount Everest lies in the Khumbu region, which is home to many drop-dead gorgeous mountain ranges, which include Mt. Lhotse (8,516 m/27,940 ft), Mt. Ama Dablam (6,812 m/22,349 ft), Mt. Cho Oyu (8,188 m/26,864 ft), Mt. Nuptse (7,861 m/25,791 ft), and Cholatse (6,440 m/21,130 ft), along with Mount Everest itself (8,849 m/29,032 ft).
This region has mostly Sherpa villages, so you can immerse yourself completely into the culture and tradition over there. You will be entering the zone of Sagarmatha National Park, so you will get to witness the wide variety of wildlife as well as biodiversity. You can get the opportunity to see the wild animals and wild birds, such as Himalayan thar, colorful pheasants, and deer. You will see the big waterfalls along the route and the big dense forests at the lower part of the trek, which adds beauty to your trekking.
Most Appealing Places during Everest Base Camp
The Everest Base Camp journey provides you the most memorable experience of your life with its beauty, historical significance, and unique cultural experiences. There are many appealing places while trekking to Everest that may leave you speechless; let’s briefly discuss.
Namche Bazaar
Namche Bazaar is the gateway to Everest Base Camp, which is also known as a vibrant and famous tourist hub during this trek. It is a lively, bustling city, situated at an altitude of 3,440 meters, and a main stop point for the trekkers.
This town provides great facilities like shops, pubs, restaurants, and a Saturday market. You can find Irish Pub and other pubs there, and fancy coffee shops. It is a perfect place to acclimatize, and this place also has a hospital for acute mountain sickness, or altitude sickness.
Everest View Hotel and Khumjung Village
Everest View Hotel is the hotel situated at an elevation of 3,880 meters, which provides you with mesmerizing views of mountain ranges such as Ama Dablam, Lhotse, and Everest. You can grab a cup of hot coffee, hot chocolate, or any hot drink and enjoy the beautiful views with every sip.
You can also hike up to Khumjung Village, which is known for its ancient monastery with a Yeti scalp decorated inside. It is undoubtedly a great place to experience Sherpa culture and adjust to higher altitudes.
Nagarjuna Hill
Nagarjuna Hill is the day hike during the acclimatization day at Dingboche. It is situated at a height of 5,100 meters above sea level, which provides the captivating views of Mount Ama Dablam, the first glimpse of Mount Makalu, Lobuche Peak, Taboche Peak, and many more snowy peaks. Some trekkers go halfway up there, while others reach the top of this hill to enjoy the scenery.
Kala Patthar
Kala Patthar, which stands at an elevation of 5,545 m/18,192 ft, is the most famous and last trekking point of this trek, which is reached after walking around 3 hours from Gorak Shep. You can also visit Everest Base Camp and come back to Gorak Shep and walk uphill to Kala Patthar. This place is mostly famous for sunrises and sunsets and golden-colored Mount Everest, which you can see from the nearest point. You can get the closest view of Everest and many more snowy mountains without climbing them.
How difficult is the Everest Base Camp Trek for seniors? How to prepare for it?
The Everest Base Camp can be considered a level of moderate to challenging when it comes to difficulty. It might be a bit difficult for senior citizens because of the age and problems arising during old age. Due to aging, some problems like joint pain, breathing problems, and reduction of stamina can happen. So, it is necessary to know how to prepare for the trek to Everest for 18 days.
You can start by doing light physical exercises at the start, 5 to 6 months prior to the trek. You should start focusing on the exercises like jogging, walking, and running. If you can, start training yourself well physically. Do focus on the exercises of leg strength with squats and lunges. Prepare yourself by going to the hikes almost every day to the nearby areas of your place, or if possible, go to the elevation gaining hikes.
Do not forget to prepare yourself mentally as well as physically. Do yoga for flexibility and peace of mind. Meditation also helps in relaxing your mind and body. If you are on any medications, consult your doctor before going on any trek. Even if you are not on any medications, consult the doctor for the trek and go for a regular health checkup.
Is trekking to Everest Base Camp safe for senior citizens?
If you prepare with proper precautions, the Everest Base Camp trek is safe for senior citizens. This 18-day itinerary is designed in such a way that it contains proper rest and acclimatization days, which reduces the trek difficulty and risk of altitude sickness.
Senior citizens should do the following things to ensure a safe trek:
- It is suggested to travel with a licensed trekking agency that has experience guiding elderly people.
- You should stay hydrated and eat nutritious meals during the trek.
- You should consult a doctor before the trek and carry essential medications and first aid supplies.
- Listen to your body and take breaks whenever necessary, and ascend slowly and gradually.
Condition of Trekking Trail and Important Acclimatization for Senior Citizens
The condition of the trekking trail to Everest Base Camp is well maintained and in use for a long time by the trekkers of every age group. The trekking paths are a bit rocky and muddy somewhere, and mostly stairs. If you are a senior citizen, you should look after your pace and walk slowly and gradually. Be careful while you are walking in the steep areas, suspension bridges, and rocky areas.
Acclimatization is very important while it comes to trekking, and being a senior citizen, it is important to have a proper acclimatization while you trek to mountains. This safe, 18-day Everest Base Camp Trek for Senior Citizens includes acclimatization days and everyday short hikes to make your trek easier. This way you can also adjust to the high altitude and help your body adjust to the lower level of oxygen.
How do senior citizens cope with altitude?
It is suspected to cause altitude sickness to the senior citizen when you are not properly prepared both physically and mentally. It is very necessary to be fit both ways. Due to aging, sometimes your body cannot adjust to the high altitude easily, but you can still cope with the altitude by doing the following things:
Gradual Ascend and Acclimatization
Your body needs proper rest, so acclimatization is very important. Beside this, you should walk slowly so that you do not face many physical challenges. Be prepared for a bit of the difficult situations with mind and body. Do not ascend more than 500 to 700 meters in a day while you are trekking at high altitude.
Stay Hydrated
Staying hydrated can help you avoid altitude sickness. You need to walk for a few hours a day, and you will be sweating, so you should drink plenty of water to stay hydrated. Garlic soup is a game changer, so have garlic soup even if you are okay to avoid altitude sickness.
Listen to your body
It is necessary to listen to your body; if you feel any signs of altitude sickness, like fatigue more than other days, headache, nausea, vomiting, etc., then tell your friend or guide so that they can help you in minimizing altitude sickness. If necessary, you should descend down to avoid this.
Consult with Doctor
You should consult with your doctor even if you are not on any medications, and it is good to carry a few medicines that you require during the trek related to digestion problems, headaches, and altitude sickness.
What age group of senior citizens can trek to Everest?
The Everest Base Camp trek is viable for senior citizens of age up to 80 years, but it totally depends upon their lifestyle and stamina. If you are healthy and physically strong enough to walk for an hour or more, you can successfully complete the Everest Trek with the good preparation that is suggested to you. You should go check up and take suggestions from the doctor as well so that you can know your endurance and capability.
Why should senior citizens choose a licensed trekking agency?
It is very important for not only senior citizens but all trekkers to choose a licensed trekking agency for your trek from where you can get good suggestions and care when you are here in Nepal. You should find a reputable trekking agency where they treat you like their own and help you throughout your trekking period.
It is all about your safety, as they can help you by providing experienced guides to recognize your difficulty and provide assistance. They provide you with a porter for your ease and support to carry your heavy bags so that you can hike without burden of load. You will be provided senior-friendly accommodation for your comfort if you book early during the peak season. You do not have to take any pressure of taking permits as well because they will arrange all of your necessary things that are required; it is just that you need to provide your documents.
Why should elderly people choose us for this trek?
We, the Nature Excursion Pvt. Ltd. family, always believe in the saying of our ancestors, “Atithi Dewo Bhawa,” which means our guests are our gods. We focus on making your trek as per your preference and full of fun.
We provide a senior-friendly trek to 18-day Everest Base Camp, which can be flexible according to your wishes with proper acclimatization and slow pacing. Many years of experienced guides will help you during your journey to ensure your safety and comfort. Our guides are trained in first aid and altitude sickness medications, so we provide you with medical help whenever you need it. We prioritize you and provide senior-friendly services with your comfort.
The benefits you get from us while you join for the Everest Base Camp Trek for Senior Citizens for 18 days are:
- Complimentary airport pick-up and drop-off services
- Sleeping bags, duffel bags, and down jackets (to be returned after trek)
- Company t-shirt
- Certificate of appreciation upon trek completion
- Experienced mountain guides for a safe and enjoyable trek
- Medical assistance and helicopter evacuation in emergencies (covered by your travel insurance)
- First-aid kit and oximeter for health monitoring during the trek
- Free luggage storage throughout the trek
- Special farewell dinner at the end of the trek
- A well-organized, safe, and fun trekking experience
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