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Is Everest Base Camp Trek Risky? Here’s What I Learned After the Trek

June 18, 2025

Olivia Flores

Last month, we completed one of the most unforgettable journeys of our lives — the Everest Base Camp trek. Standing at 5,364 meters, it had always been a dream for us to walk in the footsteps of mountaineers heading toward the highest peak in the world. But one question kept coming up before the trip: Is Everest Base Camp trek risky? After finishing the trek, I now have a clear answer — and I’d love to share what we learned on the trail.

High Altitude: The Biggest Challenge

The main challenge of the Everest Base Camp trek is altitude. You start the trek from Lukla (2,860m) and gain height slowly over the days. By the time you reach Gorakshep (5,164m) and Everest Base Camp (5,364m), your body is exposed to thin air. This can lead to Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) if you’re not careful.

We saw some trekkers have mild symptoms like headaches or loss of appetite. A few even had to turn back or be airlifted. But with proper acclimatization, drinking plenty of water, and listening to your body, most people make it safely.

Tip: Take rest days at Namche Bazaar (3,440m) and Dingboche (4,410m) to adjust to the altitude. Walk slowly — we used the phrase “slow is smooth, smooth is fast” throughout the trek.

Physical Fitness: Important But Not Everything

You don’t need to be a super athlete to reach Everest Base Camp. But a basic level of fitness does help. We hiked about 8–12 kilometers per day, often for 5–7 hours with breaks. Some days had steep climbs, especially on the way to Tengboche and Lobuche.

The key was consistency. We had trained by walking, jogging, and doing light hikes before the trip. What helped more, though, was mental strength. When you’re tired and the cold wind hits your face at 5,000 meters, grit matters more than muscle.

Weather and Trail Conditions

The trek is doable in most seasons, but March to May and September to November are the safest times. We went in April. The skies were clear, the trails were dry, and the views were glorious.

That said, mountain weather changes fast. In the evenings, temperatures dropped below -10°C, especially above Dingboche. We layered up, carried good jackets, gloves, and kept moving. Trail conditions can become slippery with snow or ice, especially near Gorakshep, so good trekking boots are a must.

Lukla Flight: A Real Adventure

One part of the journey that did feel risky was the flight to Lukla Airport. Known as one of the most thrilling airports in the world, it has a short runway nestled between hills. Our flight got delayed due to fog, and that’s pretty common. Still, the pilots are highly skilled, and the flight is short — about 30 minutes from Kathmandu.

Health and Safety Precautions

We carried a basic first aid kit, water purification tablets, and snacks. Staying healthy on the trek means avoiding contaminated water and food. We only drank boiled or filtered water and stuck to cooked meals.

Wi-Fi is available in most villages, and mobile networks (Ncell, Namaste) work in many parts. So, staying connected for help or updates isn’t too hard.

Final Thoughts

So, is Everest Base Camp trek risky? Yes, but not in a dangerous way — more in a thrilling, wild kind of way. It challenges your body, tests your patience, and pushes your comfort zone. But that’s also what makes it so rewarding.

We felt safe the entire time because we prepared well, listened to our guide, and respected the mountains. If you’re dreaming of doing it, don’t let the fear stop you. The journey is soul-stirring, and the reward is far greater than the risk.

Picture of Olivia Flores

Olivia Flores