"Everest Base Camp is too crowded, suggest me an alternative!
“Everest Base Camp is too crowded can you find me an alternative?”, A German client of mine came up with this question and I couldn’t agree more....
Why go to Everest Base Camp? This question has been lingering about for decades and the simple answer has always been the same. “Because it is there!”
Everest Base Camp during the high season is often bustling with aspiring climbers, many of whom are unsure if they’ll even reach the summit. A friend of mine, who visits Nepal annually with her trekking companions, shared her frustration over the crowds. I couldn’t agree more, especially when you see images of the infamous “traffic jams” en route to the world’s highest peak.
This past spring season, more than 600 climbers—200 of them foreign—scaled Everest’s summit. Climbers from 60 countries embarked on the arduous month-and-a-half-long journey from Kathmandu to Lukla, the gateway to Everest, and onward to Base Camp.
While this influx brings a boon to local businesses—hotels, airlines, restaurants, and helicopter services—it also takes a toll on the mountain itself. Everest has evolved into a multimillion-dollar industry, but the environmental cost is significant. The trails are littered with trash, earning Everest the unfortunate nickname, “the world’s highest garbage dump.”
In a recent email, my friend expressed her desire to return to the Everest region with her group but admitted she’d rather avoid the overcrowded Base Camp trek. She asked if I could suggest an alternative that would still capture the adventure and allure of the region.
Her request inspired me to explore other possibilities, and I discovered the Gokyo Loop Trek—a hidden gem that exceeded her expectations. This alternative route offers equally stunning landscapes, thrilling adventure, and a more serene experience in the Everest region. It turned out to be the perfect solution for her and her friends.
The Gokyo Loop Trek
A " superb tour" of the famous Khumbu Valley dotted with multi-hued prayer flags, prayer wheels and intricately carved Mani stones lining hilltops and walls. Breath-taking mountain vistas are complemented by visits to Sherpa villages, homes and monasteries offering you an insight into the quiet but culturally vibrant Sherpa way of life.
The general outline of the itinerary begins with a trek from Namche Bazaar to the stunning Gokyo Lakes area. From there, the route takes a scenic detour to Phortse before continuing to Pangboche, where you'll enjoy an excursion to Ama Dablam Base Camp. The return journey passes through Thyangboche and Namche before concluding in Lukla. This trek is designed to be completed in approximately 14-15 days.
Ama Dabalam B. C. not too crowded
