Everest Base Camp Trek vs Kilimanjaro Climb

2023-02-06 | Published By: Bold Himalaya

Everest Base Camp Trek and Kilimanjaro Climb both the are most popular trekking destinations in the world. In both of these treks, you have to hike above 5000m and need a good level of physical fitness It looks some similarities between these treks some of the differences are


Kilimanjaro Climb


kilimanjaro climb in Tanzania


Tanzania, Africa is home to the stratovolcano Mount Kilimanjaro. Its summit elevation of 5,895 meters is Africa's highest peak (19,341 feet). International hikers and climbers frequently travel to the mountain. The highest peak in Africa, Mount Kilimanjaro, is a difficult but worthwhile endeavor.


There are multiple, various degrees of difficulty, ascent paths up the peak. The most well-known routes are Lemosho, Rongai, Machame, and Marangu. Physical preparedness, appropriate acclimatization, and appropriate equipment are needed for the ascent. Before starting the climb, physical and mental preparation,  hiring a respected guide, and securing the required permissions are crucial.




Everest Base Camp Trek


Everest Base Camp Trek


The Everest Base Camp Trek is a well-liked trekking path in the Nepalese Himalayas that leads hikers to the base camp of Mount Everest, the highest mountain in the world. It entails traveling through isolated settlements, verdant woods, and high-altitude passes, with breathtaking views of the Himalayan ranges & peaks along the route.


It is advised that hikers have some prior trekking experience and are physically fit because the walk is rated as moderate to strenuous in terms of difficulty. It's also critical to be ready for the difficulties of high altitude.



  • Comparison Between Everest Base Camp and Kilimanjaro Climb 


Everest base camp trek

Kilimanjaro climb

Maximum elevation

5,545 meters (18,192 feet) Kalapathther
5364 meters (17598 feet) Everest Base Camp.

5,895 meters (19,341 feet) Summit

Major Attractions

Mount Everest, Local Sherpa Villages( Lukla, Namche Bazaar, Tengboche, Dingboche) Gorak Shep, Base Camp of Over 8000m peaks such as Mount Everest, Makalu, Lhotse, Khumbu Glacier

The Marangu Gate, Mandara Hut, Horombo Hut, Kibo Hut, Gilman's Point, Uhuru Peak, The Mweka Route

Permits

Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Permit, A TIMS (Trekkers' Information Management System) card and Sagarmatha National Park entry permit

Climbers are required to obtain a permit from the Kilimanjaro National Park Authority before attempting the climb.

Total day / Itinerary 

10-14 days

5-9 days

Things to see on the trek

You will see beautiful landscapes, including lush forests, mountains streams, and terraced fields, as well as traditional villages and monasteries like Thyangboche (Oldest Monastery in Khumbu region), Sama gompa, Rachen gompa, sho gompa, Lho gompa

You will witness the change in landscape and vegetation through different ecological zones, such as rainforest, moorland, and alpine desert, as well as unique flora and fauna like giant heather, lobelia, and the Kilimanjaro Colobus monkey.

The difficulty of the trek

The trek is considered moderately difficult. High altitude sickness, Extreme Weather, and Staying at night over 5000m are the major challenges of Everest Base Camp Trek

Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro is considered a challenging hike. Challenging terrains, high altitude sickness, and lack of amenities are the main challenges of Kilimanjaro climbing

Total distance

120 km from Lukla to Everest Base Camp

40-80 km Depending on climbing Routes

Side trekking routes

Gokyo Lakes Trek, Three Passes Trek, Renjo La Pass Trek, Island Peak Climb, Cho La Pass Trek.

The Lemosho Route, Machame Route, Rongai Route, Marangu Route, Umbwe Route, and Western Breach Route

Risk of altitude sickness

Due to the high altitude of the Everest Base Camp Trek, trekkers may develop altitude sicknesses such as Headache, nausea, exhaustion, shortness of breath, appetite loss, dizziness, and facial, hand, and foot edema are just a few of its symptoms.

Mount Kilimanjaro climbers run the danger of getting altitude sickness. Acclimatizing appropriately is crucial, as is being aware of the signs of altitude sickness, which include headache, Shortness of breath, nausea, and exhaustion.

Cost

$1300 to 1500

$2000 to $4,000

Flight

Trekkers have to fly Kathmandu to Lukla to Kathmandu by small plane

No domestic flight is needed for Kilimanajro Climb.

Trekking routes

The trekking route of the Everest Base Camp Trek starts and ends in Lukla, Nepal. The route passes through traditional Sherpa villages, and lush alpine forests, offering beautiful views landscape and Himalayas, including Mount Everest. The main stops on the trek routes include Lukla, Namche Bazaar, Tengboche, Dingboche, and Gorak Shep, the Base Camp of Mount Everest, and return through the same route.

There are few routes for Kilimanjaro Climb, Marangu Route is considered the most popular route for climbing Mount Kilimanjaro. It starts at the Marangu Gate and ends at the Mweka Gate. It's a 6-day trek in total, with 5 days of climbing and a summit day on the 6th day.

The best time

Autumn (September to November) and Spring (March to May) are the main best season and winter (December to February) is also the doable season for Everest Base Camp Trek.

January to February and June to October are the best seasons for Kilimanjaro Climb.

 Weather

It is usually temperate and sunny during the trekking season, which runs from September to November and March to May. At higher elevations, though, it can get chilly and snowy at night.

The daytime temperature is relatively mild and the sky is typically clear during the spring season (March-May), but the evenings can get quite chilly. On the route to the base camp, there is a rhododendron woodland that will be in full bloom at this time.

The days are typically clear and sunny during the fall season (September to November), but the nights can get very chilly, especially at higher altitudes. The base camp can see temperatures as low as -4°F (-20°C).

The trek is typically not advised between June and August because of the risk of landslides and intense rain.

During the dry seasons of January to February and June to October, the weather is generally more stable, with less chance of rain and clearer skies. However, it's important to note that the weather on the mountain can be unpredictable, and hikers should be prepared for all types of weather conditions. It's also important to note that, because of the altitude, the sun can be intense and it's essential to wear sunscreen and sunglasses.

Facilities

Food on EBC Trek:
Available at most teahouses along the trek route, with varying availability and quality.

Accommodation:
Good facilities lodges attached bathrooms in lower altitudes and Basic lodges in higher altitudes that teahouses provide accommodation, with shared bathrooms and dormitory-style rooms. Private cozy rooms are available.

Electricity:
Available in all places typically only available in larger villages and through power generators at some teahouses.

Internet:
Most of the places works cell phone and Limited in bad weather typically in gorges and river sides

Hot shower: Available all teahouses but not always reliable and can be quite expensive as you climb high.

Laundry:
Available at some teahouses but quality and availability can vary.

Drinking water:
Available at most teahouses, either through taps or by purchasing bottles.

ATM and banks:
Available up to Namche Bazar (the second day of the trek) on the trek route, so it is important to bring enough cash for the duration of the trek.


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Food on Kilimanjaro Climb:
Most organized treks include meals as part of the package. The food provided is typically basic, with a mix of local and Western cuisine. 

Accommodation: Accommodation on the Marangu Route is in huts, which is different from other routes where accommodation is in tents. The huts have bunk beds with mattresses, but hikers should bring their own sleeping bags. There is no electricity in huts, and lighting is provided by candles or headlamps.

Electricity:
There is no electricity in the huts along the Marangu Route, and lighting is provided by candles or headlamps. It's best to bring a power bank or extra batteries for your electronic devices.

Internet:
There is no internet connection along the Marangu Route.

Hot shower:
There are no hot showers along the Marangu Route.

Drinking water:
Drinking water is typically provided by the tour operator, but it's best to bring a water bottle and water purification tablets.

ATM and banks:
There are no ATMs or banks along the Marangu Route.

Preparation required

Physical fitness and proper training

Adequate gear and equipment

Obtaining necessary permits and arranging for a guide and porters

Acclimatization and planning for altitude sickness

Researching and familiarizing with the itinerary, route, and local culture

Packing appropriate clothing and supplies physical

Physical fitness

Altitude training

Equipment and clothing

Travel Insurance

Obtaining a visa
Proper Gears 

Get a medical check-up

Packing list

Hiking boots

Warm and waterproof clothing and shoes

Sleeping bag

Headlamp or flashlight

Water bottles and water purification tablets

First-aid kit and personal medication

Sunscreen and sunglasses

Hat or beanie

Warm gloves and thermal layers

Down jacket

Rain gear

Personal hygiene items

Camera and extra batteries

Cash and credit card

Travel documents and permits

Hiking boots

Warm clothing

Sleeping bag and Sleeping mat

Headlamp or flashlight

Water bottles and water purification tablets

Sunscreen and sunglasses: First aid kit and personal medicine

Camera

Snacks

Warm hat and gloves

Passport and travel documents
Personal hygiene items

Cash or credit card
Rain Gears

Maps and guidebooks





  • Final thoughts of Everest Base Camp Trek vs Kilimanjaro Climb

In conclusion, both the Kilimanjaro Climb and the Everest Base Camp Trek are demanding and gratifying trekking experiences, yet they differ significantly in some important ways.


Since it has good terrain, fewer vertical routes, and proper accommodation in comparison to Kilimanjaro Climb, Everest Base Camp Trek in Nepal's Himalayas is easier and more comfortable than Kilimanjaro Climb even though it requires walking two consecutive days at an altitude of over 5000m.  



everest base camp trek vs kilimanjaro climb



Kilimanjaro climbs are award-winning climbs in Africa, but they are taxing and less comfortable compared to Everest Base Camp Trek. There is a vertical climb on the summit of the mountain that requires more gear than the trek to Everest Base Camp.


Both treks provide stunning scenery and a chance to push your physical limits, but they differ in terms of difficulty, length of time, and location. Before deciding between the two, it's crucial to take your degree of fitness, prior experience, and preferences into account.



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