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For independent travelers seeking authentic experiences, Global Basecamps is a specialized tour operator that provides unique access to destinations worldwide. Unlike traditional travel providers, Global Basecamps offers a combination of unprecedented planning and extraordinary service to create the perfect journey while ensuring a positive impact on the environment, culture and economy of your destination.

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How to trek to Everest Base Camp

Jun 20, 2023 • 10 min read

From permits to teahouses, here's everything you need to know about trekking to Everest Base Camp © Mint Images / Getty Images

Top of many people's travel bucket lists, the trek to Everest Base Camp is often the first thing people think about when they start dreaming of a trip to Nepal . 

The walk takes trekkers past Sherpa villages and Tibetan-style monasteries, right up into the heart of the high Himalaya, into a breathtaking world (literally) of iconic glaciers, lakes and the tallest peaks on earth. It's probably the world's most famous trek.

But what is it actually like to trek to Base Camp? Is it something within your capabilities or budget? What should you bring? And, most importantly, can you get a proper coffee en route? 

I just returned from trekking to Everest Base Camp for Lonely Planet's Nepal guide . Here’s what I think you need to know.

What's so great about the Everest Base Camp (EBC) trek anyway?

Firstly, the mountain scenery surrounding the world's highest peak is truly spectacular. The sublime views of Ama Dablam, Pumori, Nuptse and Thamserku peaks are unbeatable and constantly change as you progress along the walk. The Sherpa villages and monasteries are fascinating places to visit and the lodges (called teahouses) are the best in the world. 

The knowledge that you are walking in the expedition footsteps of Hillary, Tenzing, Messner and others is a thrill. Anyone who has read Into Thin Air will be moved by the memorial stupas of Rob Hall, Scott Fischer and others who have lost their lives on the mountain. And then there's the fact that you will have reached the base of the world's highest peak; whether you call it Chomolongma (Tibetan), Sagarmatha (Nepali) or Everest, it’s a rush all the same.

And what’s not so great about the Everest Base Camp trek?

Well, if you force us to play devil's advocate… EBC is one of the busiest trails in Nepal. In the high season months of October and November you'll be walking with thousands of other trekkers, competing with them to get a bed, a lunch order or an airplane seat. There will be lines at checkpoints and even at moments on the trail itself. In bad weather you might be stranded at Lukla airport with hundreds of other trekkers, all trying to get on the first flight out. It's not quite the Zen-like wilderness experience you may have been imagining.

Bear in mind also that even after a solid week of walking, your view of Everest will be partial at best (for infinitely more dramatic Everest views visit the northern Everest Base Camp in Tibet ). If you trek outside of May's expedition weather window you won’t actually find much to see at Base Camp beyond a boulder hastily spray-painted with "Everest Base Camp".

If this has put you off, don’t worry; there are dozens of other fantastic treks in Nepal .

How long does it take to trek to Everest Base Camp?

The walk from the airport at Lukla to Everest Base Camp and back takes a minimum of 15 days. Several of the days are surprisingly short, but this is because you have to figure in time to acclimatize to the high altitudes.

If you can, it's definitely worth adding on a couple of extra days to this basic itinerary. Some of the most dramatic (and least visited) views are from detours off the main trail. I always add two days to visit Thame, two days to visit Chhukung and, if possible, three or four days to visit the lakes of the Gokyo Valley – probably the most beautiful scenery in the Everest region.

Be sure to also budget an extra day or two as a transport buffer. Weather-related flight delays in and out of Lukla are not uncommon (I had to wait six days for a flight to Lukla on my recent trip) so you need some buffer time if heading back for an international flight home.

How challenging is the trek to EBC?

In terms of physical effort, the EBC trek itself is not especially tough. There are only a couple of steep climbs, lasting about an hour each, and most days involve less than four hours of walking.

The thing that makes the EBC trek tough is the altitude. Base Camp is at 5600m (18,373ft) and you will need to spend one or two nights above 5000m (16,404ft). Above 4000m (13,123ft) you are going to feel increasingly lethargic and out of breath as the amount of oxygen in the air decreases. Combine this with the cold, the discomfort of being at altitude and the compounded tiredness from walking for two weeks straight, and you can see why the whole trek experience is definitely a physical challenge.

While you don't need to be an athlete to walk to EBC it is still a good idea to start a fitness regime in the weeks leading up to your trek. You'll enjoy the walk so much more if you are in decent shape.

When is the best time to trek to Everest Base Camp?

October and November bring the best weather and the clearest skies but these are also the most popular months. The second most popular season is April to early May, when spring blooms and expedition traffic bring extra interest to the trail. To avoid the crowds but still enjoy clear views, pack an extra thermal layer and come in December or March.

What can I do to avoid altitude sickness?

The majority of people who fail to reach Base Camp do so because they failed to acclimatize properly to the altitude. It's essential not to gain altitude too quickly by following the recommended overnight stops and limiting your daily altitude gain to a maximum of 400m (1312ft) when above 3000m (9843ft).

Be sure to add in acclimatization days at both Namche Bazaar and Dingboche, during which it's a good idea to hike to higher altitudes during the day, returning to sleep lower at night.

What are the teahouses like?

At lower altitudes the Everest lodges are the most comfortable in Nepal. Private rooms are the norm, many of which have private bathrooms. Showers are available at most places, though the hot water supply can be patchy. All have cozy dining rooms with tables arranged around a central dung-fueled stove. There are even a few luxury lodges along the trail.

In budget lodges, or when you get above Dingboche, things get simpler, with rooms offering little more than a collection of plywood walls, a solar light and a foam mattress. Toilets are a mixture of seats and squatters; sometimes outdoors, always freezing. A blanket is normally supplied but be sure to bring a four-season sleeping bag rated to well below 0°C (32°F).

What's the food like?

Menus in teahouses range from pasta and pizza to spring rolls, fried potatoes and soups, though the most popular meal is a daal bhaat , a set Nepali meal of rice, lentil soup and fried vegetables, normally served with a papad and pickle, and with a refill included. It's the most filling and environmentally sustainable meal you can order.

In villages such as Namche Bazaar and Dingboche you will also find bakery-cafes serving espresso and slices of delicious apple pie, plus shops selling everything from Snickers bars to bottles of beer. This is one trek where you might actually gain weight!

Can I get wi-fi or phone coverage?

Most lodges offer wi-fi, either free of charge or for a few dollars per day (at higher elevations). Above Namche Bazaar you will likely have to buy a scratch card, giving you unlimited data for twelve hours (AirCell) or a specific amount of data over a month (Everestlink). Depending on your network provider you'll likely get data and a phone signal at lower elevations, and possibly even at Everest Base Camp, but not at other high altitudes. So yes, in theory, you can Skype all your friends from Base Camp!

What should I bring?

Warm clothes are a must, and you should pack thermal underwear, a down jacket and fleece hat. Comfortable hiking boots and good, padded socks are also essential. Sun block, a sun hat with a brim and good sunglasses are important against the strong high-altitude light. 

Morale-boosting snacks like chocolate and salami are always helpful, as is a book and smartphone with mapping software like Maps.me. Bring water purification of some sort. If you forget something, don’t worry, you can buy almost anything you might want in Namche Bazaar these days (from ice axes to cans of Pringles), though at prices higher than in Kathmandu .

Do I need a porter and guide?

In terms of finding your way you don't need a guide if you are an experienced walker, as the route is clearly marked and well-trod. A guide can be useful for smoothing your way at teahouses, making sure you get your food on time and helping you pay your bill. It's important not to trek alone, so solo trekkers should find a companion or take a guide or porter.

A porter will carry a bag of around 15kg, freeing you up to pack a few extra chocolate bars and enjoy the walk with little more than a day pack. Not having the strain of carrying a full pack is worth its weight in gold for anyone over the age of 50. Trust me.

How much does the Everest Base Camp trek cost?

For a room in a lodge and three meals a day, figure on US$20–25 per person per day, a bit more if you want a room with a private bathroom and the occasional slice of apple pie. Add on another US$5 every time you want a shower. Figure on an additional US$20 per day for a porter, and US$25–30 for a guide, and budget 10–15% of that fee for an end-of-trip tip.

You'll pay a bit more to have a Kathmandu-based trekking company arrange your entire trek, and a lot more for the convenience and backup of an international trekking tour.

Do I need any permits?

You will need to buy an Everest region permit (US$20) at Lukla, as well as a Sagarmatha National Park entry ticket (US$30) at Monjo. Currently that's all you need.

How can I trek more sustainably?

With 60,000 trekkers and guides headed to the Everest region, it’s important to minimize your impact on the region. Firstly, don't buy bottled water on the trek, as the bottles are nonrecyclable and are a huge problem throughout the region. Bring a system of water purification, like a Lifestraw or Sawyer filter, a Steripen or chemical purification.

Secondly, carry all your trash out (especially batteries), and sign up for the Carry Me Back program, whereby you carry a 1kg bag of trash from Namche Bazaar to Lukla, for it to be recycled in Kathmandu.

Finally, be polite to the Sherpas and porters you meet en route, as well as your fellow trekkers. Walk clockwise around stupas and be respectful at monasteries and shrines.

How do I get to Lukla to start the trek?

Flights run multiple times daily between Kathmandu and Lukla, taking around 30 minutes. During high season however you may have to drive five hours from Kathmandu to Ramechhap airport to catch your Lukla flight there.

It's also possible to fly or drive to Phaplu and walk two days to Lukla from there, or walk from Shivalaya to Lukla in seven days as an excellent pre-trek warm-up.

This article was first published Jan 14, 2013 and updated Jun 20, 2023.

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Everest Base Camp Treks & Tours

• Walking & trekking
• Everest Base Camp Treks & Tours

The big daddy of them all, the world’s highest peak and the tallest order on many a bucket list: Mt Everest.

Of course, you don’t need to reach the summit of this iconic mountain to experience the essence of a real Himalayan adventure. Go trekking through the high passes above flame-red rhododendron forests and stunning alpine lakes and enjoy the chance to appreciate the jaw-dropping mountain scenery, as well as challenging yourself physically. Each of our treks is supported by an experienced crew, so you can let your feet do the talking and just focus on your end goal – Everest Base Camp.

Our Everest Base Camp trips

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Everest Base Camp & Gokyo Lakes Trek

19 days from 1985.

Take the ultimate trek. Walk in the Himalayas surrounded by some of the most incredible...

Epic Everest Base Camp Trek

15 days from 1416.

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Tailor-Made trips

Take four or more on an exclusive trip and tailor your itinerary

The different itineraries

While all our Everest Base Camp treks take you right to Base Camp, there are some differences. For example, if you're a nature-lover and want to see the crystal waters of the Gokyo Lakes, try our 19-Day Everest Base Camp & Gokyo Lakes Trek. If you want to immerse yourself in the local Nepalese culture, our 15-day Everest Base Camp trip might be for you, as it includes an overnight stay in the famous Sherpa Village.

19-day Everest Base Camp & Gokyo Lakes trek

15-day Everest Base Camp trek

Why choose Intrepid

Trekking experts

As owners of the largest inbound tour operator in Nepal , we have years of experience on the ground. Our English-speaking local leaders are more than just someone to make sure you don’t get lost on the trail, they are there to share their stories and insights about the culture and history of the region too.

Safety first

Your safety is our number one priority. All of our leaders are trained in Advanced Wilderness First Aid and are qualified AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness) specialists. Thanks to our specialised safety equipment and crew, our annual helicopter evacuation rescue rate is less than two per cent, well below industry average.

Local matters

All of our guides, assistant guides and porters are local to the Everest region and experienced in their field. But they’re not only trekking experts, they are your key to connecting with the local people, food, landscape and culture. With plenty of stories and tips to share, you’ll feel like an adopted local in no time.

Porter care

We are committed to ensuring respectful and fair working conditions for all trekking porters. Any leaders that join Intrepid must start out as a porter, even if they have led for another company before. This ensures that all our leaders understand the important role a porter plays on a trek.  Learn more about our Porter Policy .

Our trips don’t only include our incredible crew but also all the safety gear required to help get you to Everest Base Camp safely. All accommodation and transport is included, plus a return flight to Lukla to get you to the start of the trek.

Sustainable travel

We have a ‘bring in, bring out’ philosophy on our Base Camp treks, meaning any rubbish should be taken back to Kathmandu and disposed of there. Rubbish disposed of in villages along the trek has to be walked back to major hubs using porters or yaks, so the less we leave behind, the better.

Meet the team

We have very experienced crew, with most of our local leaders having worked with us for over 10 years. Many of our porters and assistant guides on Everest Base Camp trek are Sherpas. The term Sherpa is commonly misused by foreigners to refer to almost any guide or climbing supporter hired for trekking expeditions in the Himalayas, regardless of their ethnicity. However, Sherpas are a local ethnic group from the Everest region, renowned in the international climbing and mountaineering community for their hardiness, expertise, and experience at very high altitudes. Many Sherpas are highly regarded as leading mountaineers and specialists in their local area.

How far will I walk each day?

We walk for between four and eight hours each day, some days being more strenuous than others. Trekking is mostly done on paths, but there is the occasional rough terrain along the way, and some days will include ascents and descents of 500 metres or more. This, in addition to the altitude can account for the variation in hiking time and distance per day.

Do I need hiking boots?

Well fitted, comfortable and sturdy shoes are essential, and can make a great difference in the enjoyment of your trip. Make sure to break them in before your trip, either by wearing them on training hikes or even just around the house. The first time you wear your boots should not be on the trail!

Will I suffer from altitude sickness?

Everest Base Camp sits at 5,380m/17,600 feet. At this altitude it’s common for travellers to experience some adverse health effects – regardless of age, gender or fitness level. Everyone will adapt to the altitude and thinning air differently. This is why we always try to keep the ascent slow and steady, to allow your body to acclimatise and make your journey to the summit easier. Some pre-existing medical conditions are known to worsen at high altitude and be difficult to adequately treat on the ground, leading to more serious consequences, so it’s important that you discuss any pre-existing medical conditions with your doctor before you leave home.

Find out more about altitude sickness

What can I do to help reduce my chances of getting altitude sickness?

You can help your body to acclimatise and avoid altitude sickness by:

• Drinking plenty of water – at least four litres per day on top of other forms of fluids such as tea or soups.
• Avoiding alcohol, tobacco and substances that can interfere with good delivery of oxygen to the body or cause dehydration.
• Eating small, frequent meals high in carbohydrates.
• Taking it easy or have a regular break. Walk at a slower pace than you would at sea level and avoid overexertion.

What training should I do in preparation?

We have a number of different training guides available:

• Top training tips for Everest Base Camp
• Our trekking training guide
• 5 things to know before you trek Everest Base Camp

How can I help myself acclimatise once I am there?

Your body needs time to adjust to the altitudes and acclimatise, which will make you feel better in the long run. We have taken this into account in our Itinerary by limiting the altitude we increase daily, and by giving you extra nights to acclimatise in Namche Bazaar.

What is the accommodation like?

Teahouses are the most common accommodation style on Everest Base Camp trek. They are simple but cosy, with shared toilets and washing facilities. As a general rule, the closer you are to Base Camp the more basic the teahouses are. While the views of Everest and the surrounding Himalayas are spectacular, the amenities are understandably basic. 

Hot shower facilities are available in some teahouses for a price but occasionally a hot shower means a bucket of hot water.

Electricity to charge devices as well as paid WiFi is sometimes available. We suggest purchasing a solar charged portable charger to bring with you.

What is the food like?

Food along the Everest Base Camp trail is simple and filling. All food must be carried to your guesthouses by yaks or people, so the higher you get, the more limited and expensive your food options will be. The most common meal on the trail is Dal Bhat, sometimes served with a small side of cooked or pickled veg. Dal is lentil soup, and Baht is rice. It’s filling, delicious, and you can have free refills! You can get western style food like pizza but it’s usually quite expensive. Breakfast is typically a choice of noodle soup, porridge, fried bread, and eggs. ​

We do not include meals while trekking, allowing you to choose what you want to eat and when. We know from experience that the altitude and physical exercise can affect appetites differently.

Where do we eat on the trek?

While it’s not compulsory, our leaders will always encourage our groups to eat together to help build group dynamics over shared meals. The places your leader will recommend are usually the teahouses we use for accommodation. These teahouses have been inspected and approved by our local operations team and are continually tried and tested by our travellers, guides, and leaders that eat there.

The teahouses we sleep in do not rely on our travellers buying food and beverages for payment, as is sometimes the case with independent travellers and other operators. Intrepid pays the teahouses for the accommodation they provide to our groups and any other services they provide generates additional income for them.

How will I get clean drinking water?

It is essential to bring two 1-litre water bottles to refill along the way. While trekking, boiled or safe water is available for drinking, however you should also carry a water purification method. This could be in the form of filtered water bottles, purification drops/tablets, or ultraviolet sterilisation pens that are available in camping stores, some pharmacies, or online.

How do the porters work? Do I carry my own luggage?

The evening before you leave Kathmandu, you'll receive a duffle bag to pack all the clothes and necessities you’ll need for the duration of the trek (10 kilograms or 22 pounds maximum). Your excess luggage will be stored at our starting point hotel in Kathmandu.

Your team of porters will carry the duffle bags for you, together with the food and equipment for the trail. Keep in mind that you won't have access to these items until the end of each day, as the porters will always be ahead of the group. While hiking you will need to carry your own day pack with your water, camera, sunscreen, rain jacket, warm layers, hand sanitiser, and any other personal items.

What should I pack?

It’s important you refer to the packing recommendations in your Essential Trip Information, however, for a general guide check out our blog, ‘ What to pack for a trekking trip to Nepal ’.

Do I need to bring all my own hiking gear?

We understand that you might not own all the appropriate gear required to trek in the Himalayas. Thankfully Kathmandu has plenty of shops where you can rent or buy hiking apparel, sleeping bags, and trekking poles. While there are a few stores which sell real brand names, most sell knock offs with varying degrees of quality. Your trip leader can assist you in renting or purchasing the items you require.

When is the best time to trek?

Autumn: The most popular trekking season for Everest Base Camp runs from mid-September to November. October is traditionally the most popular time for this trek, when the views are great, the skies are usually clear, and the temperatures are not too extreme.

Winter: Some travellers prefer the colder winter months, from December to February, when the days are still sunny, but the trails are quieter. If you’re travelling over this time be sure to bring some extra layers of warm clothes.

Spring: If you go to Everest Base Camp over March, April and May you may be lucky enough to meet the people who will be attempting to summit the mountain. Mid-March to mid-May is one of the best times to see rhododendrons, Nepal’s national flower, in full bloom.

Summer: Is monsoon season, so we don't recommend trekking in June or July.

What is the weather like?

Depending on when you travel the weather can be vastly different, but it is best to prepare for all weather, as it can vary throughout the day. During the day in the earlier months of the trekking season it can get very warm and sunny, but during the winter months it can drop well below 0 degrees Celsius, so warm clothing is vital.

No matter what the temperature, or how cloudy it is, always use sun protection! The atmosphere is thinner at high altitude meaning the UV rays are more extreme. Snow can also reflect UV rays, which greatly intensifies UV radiation.

Are there ATMs along the trek?

ATMs are not common on the Everest Base Camp region. There are only two towns where you will see ATMs: Lukla and Namche Bazar. It is quite common for there to be problems with those ATMs or for them to be out of money, so we advise our travellers not to rely on them and make sure you leave Kathmandu with sufficient cash for meals and anything else you might require.

What is the difference between trekking to Everest Base Camp and summiting Everest?

At Intrepid, we offer treks to Everest Base Camp, not to the summit. Trekking to the summit of Everest can cost upwards of $60,000USD and is far more technical than the trek to Base Camp. The summit climb requires previous trekking experience and knowledge of how to climb ice, rock and use summit equipment. Base Camp, on the other hand, requires no technical trekking skills or experience and is considered much safer than summitting. The trek to Base Camp takes between seven to nine days, whereas a summit expedition takes between seven and nine weeks.

Most people who trek to Base Camp go for the experience of seeing Mt Everest, while exploring the local culture. Those who undertake a summit expedition have the primary goal of making it to the top.

Do the porters carry first aid kits?

Yes. We carry multiple, comprehensive first aid kits and our porters and leaders are fully trained on their use. We also take oxygen cylinders, oximeter, portable altitude chamber, and satellite phone. 

Are your leaders trained to recognise the symptoms of Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS)?

Absolutely! Intrepid have invested in the highest standards of training of our staff, including advanced altitude training delivered by local doctors who undergo refresher training every two years. We also train them on how to respond in the case of a moderate or severe case of altitude sickness – which will always mean organising for the affected traveller to descend immediately. During your briefing on the first evening of your trip, your leader will talk to you about symptoms of AMS and how to recognise them.

Do you carry medicine for altitude?

Yes – there are three key, potentially life-saving drugs that our teams carry on the mountain. These are Dexamethasone, Diamox and Nifedipine and they used to treat cerebral and pulmonary oedema, which are the two potentially life-threatening complications of severe AMS. Our mountain guides are fully trained on the use of these drugs for altitude related illnesses.

Will oxygen be available?

We carry medical oxygen – and when a group has four travellers or more, this will mean multiple cylinders will be distributed among the team of porters to ensure that oxygen is always quickly available in the case of an emergency. The oxygen that we carry is strictly for emergency use only – and cannot be used by clients to assist in climbing.

Do you carry Gamow bags or PACs?

Yes. We carry PACs, a portable altitude chamber, which are used for sufferers of severe AMS. When a person is suffering from AMS a descent of just a few hundred metres back down the mountain is enough to make a difference. However, a rapid descent on foot is not always possible on Everest Base Camp trek, in which case PACs are more effective.

How do your leaders communicate on the trek?

Mobile (cell) phone coverage on the mountain is improving – but it's still patchy in many areas. For this reason, Intrepid leaders carry short wave radios to allow for communication in the case of an emergency.

Who is your trekking operator in Nepal?

All our trips in Nepal are operated by PEAK DMC Nepal, which is a fully owned Intrepid Travel company based in Kathmandu.

Responsible Travel

We use porters on our treks instead of yaks to carry bags and equipment. Even though animal transport is much cheaper, we have found the animals aren’t treated well and there is no weight limit enforced while using these animals as carriers. We have a detailed Porter Policy in place, to ensure our porters are respected and treated in a dignified way.

At the end of your tour please consider donating to the KEEP Porters Clothing Bank . Contrary to the belief that porters are well-adjusted to the cold and altitude of the Himalayas, every year many porters suffer from a variety of illnesses such as altitude sickness, snow blindness, hypothermia and frostbite and some even die as a result. The Clothing Bank was set up in 2009 to provide ill-prepared porters with better clothing suitable for trekking in a mountain environment and reduce the number of unnecessary illnesses and fatalities which occur each year.

Read more about Everest Base Camp

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• ADVENTURE READY. Our travelers' favorite Base Camp Voyager roller gets a daypack sibling. This backpack for daily use is lightweight and portable and has plenty of organization.
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• THOUGHTFUL DESIGN. A new addition to our fan-favorite Base Camp Voyager line. The Base Camp Voyager Travel Pack—S is ideal for a weekend away or as your everyday travel bag.
• OUTDOOR VERSATILITY. Never Stop Exploring with thoughtful features that help you go further. A large main compartment for clothing, footwear, gear or other important items, plus the 16" laptop pocket and water bottle pockets keeps items right at hand.
• TECH SPECS: Dimensions: 28.5" x 13" x 46" (72.4 cm x 33 cm x 116.8 cm). Volume: 26L.

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You can still climb Mount Everest. Here’s how to do it responsibly.

New rules are changing the Everest Base Camp hiking experience, aiming to protect the Himalayas’ Sherpa communities and help trekkers make a more positive impact.

Rising to 29,032ft on the border between Nepal and Tibet, Mount Everest — known as Sagarmatha by the Sherpa people of Nepal — has held an almost mystical allure for climbers and hikers since it was first summitted by New Zealand’s Edmund Hillary and Sherpa mountaineer Tenzing Norgay in 1953.

But 2024 marks a significant moment in the story of the world’s tallest mountain. As mountaineers gather in Nepal for the start of the spring climbing season, they face a raft of new rules and restrictions.

Introduced by the regional government, the new Base Camp Management Procedure is intended to improve safety, support local communities and shrink the mounds of rubbish building up on Everest. From wearing mandatory GPS trackers to carrying their faeces down the mountain, climbers have more to consider than ever before.

However, only a tiny fraction of travellers to Everest actually visit the summit. Most trekkers set their sights on surrounding Sagarmatha National Park, the Everest viewpoint at Kala Patthar and Everest Base Camp — the tent village used by mountaineering expeditions, perched at 17,598ft beside the Khumbu Glacier.

Offering a fascinating insight into the world of high-altitude climbing, Base Camp is the only place where hikers will be affected by the new rules for mountaineers. Here’s what you need to know to visit Everest responsibly.

What’s changed at Everest Base Camp?

Trekkers can still end the two-week Everest trek with a day trip from Gorak Shep to the mountaineers’ tent village at Everest Base Camp, but those who wish to stay overnight may find it harder to arrange. The new rules ban commercial enterprises at Base Camp, including the bakeries and massage tents that used to cater to day-trippers; you may still be able to get a cup of tea and a bite to eat, but don’t expect luxuries.

Can I get to the summit?

Climbing Everest is a more serious undertaking than trekking to Base Camp. Around 600 people complete the perilous ascent every year, but it requires months of preparation, support from a mountaineering agency and fees of over £80,000. If you join an expedition, the team will guide you through the new climbing rules, including where to get hold of the faeces bag provided by the Sagarmatha Pollution Control Committee.

How do I support local people?

Many of the new rules for mountaineers are designed to benefit Sherpa guides and porters, and trekkers can play their part on the hike to Everest Base Camp, too. Since April 2023, it’s been a legal requirement for trekkers in Sagarmatha National Park to hire a licensed Nepali guide through a trekking agency, which provides much-needed employment for Himalayan communities (the Trekking Agencies’ Association of Nepal has a list of registered agencies). Hiring local porters and staying and eating in village teahouses, rather than camping, will also provide work for Sherpa people.

Question prospective trekking agencies to make sure guides and porters are being fairly paid (at least $21 (£17) per day for guides and $18 (£14) per day for porters) and protected by insurance to support their families in case of accidents. Poverty is a big issue in the mountains and some porters still tackle the trails in flip-flops due to the unaffordability of hiking gear; make sure your hired team have appropriate clothing and footwear.

Another option is to travel with a responsible international operator. Intrepid and Exodus are two major travel companies that use local guides and porters and have established programmes to train the next generation of mountain workers in Nepal.

Before you trek, visit the Kathmandu Environmental Education Project (KEEP) in the capital’s traveller hub neighbourhood of Thamel to learn more about responsible trekking. Visit again at the end of your trek to donate any unwanted gear; it will go to porters who need it.

How do I protect the environment?  

Climate change is causing glacial melting and flooding across the Himalayas. If you want to reduce your carbon footprint, take a bus and hike to the trailhead at Lukla, rather than flying from Kathmandu. It adds six days to the two-week Everest Base Camp trek, but will bring income to villages off the main trail.

Regardless of which route you’re trekking, try to stay in lodges that heat water and generate electricity using solar power or water-powered generators. If travelling independently, look out for this equipment as you enter villages. If joining an organised trek, mention to the agency that lodges that have taken sustainability measures are your preferred accommodation.

What can I do to help reduce overtourism?

In 2023, nearly 60,000 people visited the spectacular sweep of mountains, glaciers, Buddhist monasteries and Sherpa villages covered by Sagarmatha National Park. Although the park covers 443sq miles, most trekkers follow a well-established trail to Base Camp, via Namche Bazar, Tengboche, Periche or Pangboche and Gorak Shep. You can spread the economic benefits of tourism by breaking your trek at smaller villages and guesthouses, rather than the busy main overnight stops.

Also investigate quieter trekking routes. There are many rewarding alternatives or add-ons to the Everest Base Camp trek inside Sagarmatha National Park, including the dramatic hike to the jewel-like Gokyo Lakes and the challenging Three Passes Trek, linking three breathlessly high, prayer-flag-strewn mountain passes rising to 18,160ft at Kongma La.

Is there specific mountain etiquette?

Most Sherpas are Buddhist, so treat prayer flags and other religious objects with respect. Ask before you take photos of people, remove your shoes before entering homes or monasteries, walk clockwise around stupas and avoid pointing your feet towards people or images of Buddha. Locals dress modestly, so trekkers should do the same — shorts and T-shirts are fine for walking but avoid revealing outfits. Public displays of affection can also cause embarrassment.

Begging is common on the trails. If you want to help, donate to a local charity or approach schools or community centres rather than handing out gifts that won’t make a lasting difference. Books, stationery, toothpaste, toothbrushes and unwanted trekking gear are useful items to donate.

What can I do to protect the trails?  

Stick to them. It’s important that trekkers always follow established paths rather than hiking through undergrowth, and avoid shortcuts between switchbacks, as these can increase erosion, destabilising the slopes. Also be careful to respect nature while out in the wilderness. Don’t pick flowers, crush plants or feed wild animals that you see on the trails. It’s best to stay a fair distance away from the local wildlife, as animals can carry diseases and feeding them might make them ill or change their natural behaviour.

How can I clean up Everest?

Avoid bringing single-use plastic packaging and plastic bags onto the trails. Don’t drop litter while hiking; consider bringing an empty canvas bag so you can gather up any rubbish you find on the trails and transport it back to Lukla, which has a government-backed rubbish-removal service. Carry toxic spent batteries from equipment such as torches or GPS devices back to Kathmandu.

Throw-away plastic water bottles are the bane of the Himalayas; it’s far better for the environment to carry a reusable bottle and purify your own water with a filter pump or chemical purification tablets. Use proper toilet facilities wherever possible; if you have to go while out on the trail, dig a hole well away from water sources and fill it in when you’re done.

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What’s it like to trek to Everest Base Camp in Nepal?

Times of India TIMESOFINDIA.COM / TRAVEL TRENDS , NEPAL / Created : May 5, 2024, 15:15 IST

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Trek to Everest Base Camp in Nepal offers stunning mountain views, Sherpa culture immersion, and a sense of accomplishment. The journey spans 12-14 days through high-altitude landscapes, showcasing iconic peaks like Mount Everest, … Read more

Trek to Everest Base Camp in Nepal offers stunning mountain views, Sherpa culture immersion, and a sense of accomplishment. The journey spans 12-14 days through high-altitude landscapes, showcasing iconic peaks like Mount Everest, Lhotse, and Nuptse. Read less

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Trek to Everest Base Camp in Nepal offers stunning mountain views, Sherpa culture immersion, and a sense of accomplishment. The journey spans 12-14 days through high-altitude landscapes, showcasing ic...

15 Fantastic and Easy Day Trips From Moscow

Is the hustle and bustle of Moscow starting to wear you down? No worries. There are multiple great day trips from Moscow that will let you see a different side of Russia that you won’t find in the metropolitan area. Each day trip I’ve listed below can easily be done by train from Moscow, and there are trains every day of the week.

The area surrounding Moscow is rich in cultural attractions and natural beauty. By traveling only a short distance, one feels far away from the crowds, and lines of the sprawling Russian capital. Since Russia is undoubtedly an expansive country it may take from half an hour to two hours to reach some of the landmarks on this list (by train or car) from the Moscow city center.

You can escape to the picturesque Russian countryside, visit war memorials, battlefields, admire onion-domed churches, and get insight into the local way of life. Easy day trips from Moscow include the incomparable white-stone Trinity Cathedral in Sergiyev Posad, the spectacular Cathedral of the Assumption in Dmitrov, and the Russian military aircraft in Monino. For those who love rural tranquility, Suzdal and Vladimir are a must-see. History buffs will appreciate the Patriotic War of 1812 reenactment that took place in Borodino on the first weekend of September.

Without further ado, here are 15 best day trips from Moscow that are well worth your attention.

The Best Day Trips from Moscow

There’s a reason Moscow is one of Europe’s most enigmatic destinations. It’s got culture, class, food, history, and more, but even better, is that it is the country’s main transport hub with so many attractions within a day trip from Moscow. While you can definitely spend days or even weeks in Moscow, it can, of course, be done in just one week. What can you do in Moscow in seven days ? Well, you can do a lot if you know how to plan a trip to a place you know so little about.

If you’re ready to get out of the city a bit and soak up the culture, fresh air, and enchanting architecture, I’ve rounded up my favorite day trips outside of Moscow. I often get asked: What are the best cities to visit in Russia? And these are places that I’ve been and loved.

My Favorite Easy Day Trips from Moscow:

Dmitrov Kolomna Zvenigorod Sergiyev Posad Yaroslavl Arkhangelskoye Estate Vladimir Suzdal Korolev Borodino Patriot Park in Kubinka Melikhovo Gorki Leninskie Kaluga Monino

1. Day Trip to Dmitrov from Moscow

Dmitrov may not be as popular as other cities in Russia, but the fact that the city was founded only 7 years earlier than Moscow makes for a great day trip. This small city some 90 kilometers from Moscow is particularly beautiful in the summer. As you walk the streets you can see sparkling fountains, charming centuries-old buildings, yachts and boats transiting through the canal and, of course, the Museum-Reserve Dmitrov Kremlin.

The Kremlin (castle) is the city’s main draw. The 10m high and about 1km long earthen rampart remained behind the wooden wall and gives an idea of how the castle looked like 400 years ago. The oldest surviving building on the Kremlin grounds is the 16th-century Assumption Cathedral with a unique five-tier iconostasis.

Not far from the Kremlin there is a compact 15th-century Borisoglebsky convent. Its main building – the 16th-century Cathedral of Sts. Boris and Gleb is open to the visitors only for services of worship. In the 1930s in the convent housed a labor camp, which contained the builders of the Canal named after Moscow.

Getting There: Dmitrov sits an easy hour and sixteen minutes by train from Savyelovskiy Rail Terminal. This cheap day trip from Moscow is a great chance to soak up the historic charm to be found in Moscow Oblast.

2. Day Trip to Kolomna from Moscow

Situated to the south-east of Moscow, Kolomna is a beautiful port city on the Oka River. This is one of the oldest Russian cities in the region. So you can discover the old history in museums and monasteries. Interestingly, the city was a site for important weapon factories under the Soviet Union. Although it was opened up in 1994 Kolomna is not as popular as other day-trip destinations in the region.

Nevertheless, it is a great place to visit with friends and family where you can explore the 15th-century Kremlin made of red brick, try incredibly sweet traditional pastila (marshmallow), and visit some of the cute little churches and 19th-century mansions.

Getting There: Take the express train (commuter line train) from the Kazansky rail terminal to Golutvin station. The trip lasts one hour and forty minutes.

3. Day Trip to Zvenigorod from Moscow

This one is usually a given due to its proximity to and ease of transport from Moscow. It’s one of the easiest day trips from Moscow by train. You can easily hop on the train from the city and land right in the town of Zvenigorod where you can visit the 14th-century Savvino-Storozhevsky Monastery and sample the sparkly and refreshing kvass, a Russian specialty beverage that’s enjoyed in the summer months.

Zvenigorod is an adorable little town just under an hour away from the Moscow city and is an amazing place to visit as it will give a relaxing break from the hectic life of Moscow. Check this day trip if you don’t feel like planning.

If you have a sweet tooth, spend some time in the quirky Museum of Russian Desserts, where you can indulge in uniquely delicious treats and explore the intersection of food and culture.

Then you may want to pay the Zvenigorod Museum of History, Architecture, and Art a visit. The museum’s exposition is located on the territory of the Savvino-Storozhevsky monastery, or rather, in the 17th-century Tsaritsyny chambers, built for the wife of Tsar Alexei Mikhailovich. Stroll through the museum halls to view the permanent exhibitions, which offer insights into various aspects of Russian history. The intricate museum’s building is adorned with a decorative porch, complex patterned elements, and looks very impressive in general.

4. Day Trip to Sergiyev Posad from Moscow

If you’re looking for cheap day trips from Moscow, Sergiyev Posad is a good choice at just a few dollar train ride away. Known as a major center of pilgrimage and home to one of the largest Russian Orthodox Monastery which has been here for hundreds of years, Sergiyev Posad is a fun day trip from Moscow and can be combined with Abramtsevo Museum Estate. As the only town in Moscow Region which is included in the Golden Ring of Russian cities, Sergiyev Posad is an incredible destination for a day trip from Moscow that packs UNESCO-protected Trinity Sergius Lavra, great museums, and gorgeous architecture into one day.

Make sure you see the six-pillared Assumption Cathedral that was commissioned by Ivan the Terrible in mid-16th-century and go inside to marvel at the impressive iconostasis that features Simon Ushakov’s masterpiece, the icon of Last Supper. Enjoy a delicious lamb steak with wheat kasha, Ukha fish soup, or hand-made dumplings as you learn a lot about religious and cultural history.

Getting There: Known for its small-town charm and welcoming feel, you can get to Sergiyev Posad by train, by bus, or by car. Trains depart from Yaroslavsky Rail Terminal every thirty minutes, and the trip lasts about an hour and a half. Alternatively, you can hop on a bus at the ‘VDNKh’ metro station. A bus trip to Sergiyev Posad takes two hours on average but can be reached in 90 minutes depending on traffic. If you go by car expect to spend about an hour and a half attempting to traverse the congested Yaroslavskoye highway.

5. Day Trip to Yaroslavl from Moscow

Going from Moscow to Yaroslavl may seem like a really long day trip, but honestly, if you take the comfortable train, it only takes about four hours to reach the city, so making a Yaroslavl day trip is totally doable. Although I do recommend much more than one day in Yaroslavl, especially if it’s your first time.

Cultural tourists visiting Yaroslavl should start their exploration by strolling the historic city center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. A spacious 100-hectare area enclosed by Sobinova and Republican streets is home to most popular attractions – the 17th-century Church of Elijah the Prophet that survived almost exactly in its original form, and in contrast to it, the white stone Assumption Cathedral, restored in the 2000s.

If you walk a bit further passing the Holy Trinity sculpture and city’s foundation stone, you will find yourself at Strelka, a park on the cape, which offers panoramic views of the spot at the confluence of Volga and Kotorosl rivers. On the way back, there is a pleasant walk along the picturesque Volga embankment to the Governor’s Garden with shadowy alleys and an open-air Sculpture museum.

Getting There: Yaroslavl is about 280 km (173 miles) northeast of Moscow, so the best way to get there is to take a morning train from Yaroslavskiy Rail Terminal. A tour is also a great way to see the Yaroslavl without having to worry about driving or searching for trains. You can book a tour here.

6. Day Trip to Arkhangelskoye Estate from Moscow

Situated on the outskirts of Moscow and dates back to the late 18th-century, Arkhangelskoye Estate was the domain of the nobility for over a century until the Russian Revolution swept people who owned the estate out of the country. The estate was turned into a museum, which it remains today.

The Arkhangelskoye Estate Museum holds the largest rare-book collection. The exhibition also includes old manuscripts, historical documents, photos from the past, a vast collection of sculpture, paintings, engravings, and exceptional examples of decorative art. These art objects once belonged to Prince Nikolai Yusupov, the former owner of the estate.

Arkhangelskoye Estate is often referred to as the Russian version of Versailles because of the intricately manicured garden and beautiful 18th-century park. Famous Russian writers and poets such as Pushkin, Herzen, Mayakovsky loved to spend their free time here making long excursions in the surrounding area. Arkhangelskoye is a perfect place to appreciate the terraces decorated by delightful statues, exquisite vases, and busts.

Visitors can take tours, which introduce them to vibrant examples of Russian art and culture.

Getting There: To reach the estate it’s best to take a bus or a privately-owned minibus that departs from Tushinskaya metro station.

7. Day Trip to Vladimir from Moscow

Situated only two hours east of Moscow, Vladimir is absolutely one of the best places to visit near Moscow for a day trip. This splendid city dates back to the 12th century and has a very rich history. If magnificent Orthodox cathedrals and traditional white-stone architecture entice you, then this place is perfect for a day trip with your significant other.

First things first, you need to see the Golden Gate, which indicates the entrance into the old town. This 12th-century medieval masterpiece of military architecture is associated not only with Vladimir but with the Golden Ring tourist route itself. At the top of the gate, where once was the Church of the Deposition of the Robe, there is the Museum of Weapons. Great looking arrowheads and spear points date back to the Grand Principality of Vladimir, while the exhibition in an impressively majestic setting features a number of Batu-Khan related artifacts.

There’s a variety of attractions to put on your must-see list: the Old Believers Trinity Church right behind it, the Cathedral of St Demetrius, and Dormition (Uspensky) Cathedral. If you plan on shopping for souvenirs like birch-bark masterpieces of Kunov’s masters, drawings, carving, embossing, figures of people and animals, stop by the Lacquer Miniature, the Museum of Crystal, and the Gingerbread Museum. Many of the local attractions were added to UNESCO’s list of World Heritage sites.

Getting There: The best way to visit this area is to catch an early train from Moscow and book a full-day tour of Vladimir in advance. This one includes the town of Suzdal as well.

8. Day Trip to Suzdal from Moscow

This gem of a little medieval town perched on a hill just a 30-minute ride from Vladimir is one of those places I’ve visited and could move there permanently and be happy! It’s a charming little piece of history that also has a Kremlin and visiting it feels like stepping back in time. if you’re a culture enthusiast you’ll be glad to know there are numerous churches, five monasteries, including Spaso-Yevfimiev Monastery in Suzdal. Check them out if you want to get a real taste of the country!

pend some time shopping at the Torgovaya ploshchad (Market Square), where you can buy baskets made of birch bark, ceramic handmade plates, honey or souvenirs and, of course, grab some afternoon tea!

Getting There: Trains leave regularly from Moscow’s Kurskiy Rail Terminal to Vladimir where you can hop on a bus to Suzdal. You can also take a bus from Moscow. In this case, it might take longer and you’ll probably encounter infamous traffic jams. If you go by express train the trip takes about 1 hour and 40 minutes. There are slower trains of course, but I’d recommend going with the fast one and save a lot of time!

9. Day Trip to Korolev from Moscow

Located some 30 kilometers northeast of Moscow, Korolev has become arguably the most important space research center with skilled workers from across the Soviet Union who came here to expand the space program.

It became a leading institute dedicated to aerospace research in the country. Today, that tendency can still be clearly seen on the streets and in the buildings. When the Soviet Union collapsed, the city retained its status as the headquarters of Russia’s space surveillance network and now it hosts the Russian Mission Control Center, an analogue of the American Mission Control Center at NASA’s Space Center in Houston.

If you want to learn more about Mission Control Center and the former Russian Mir space station, book a tour with a knowledgeable guide who can clearly tell the history of this place.

If you’re not into space exploration there is also a Memorial Apartment Museum of Marina Tsvetaeva in Bolshevo. With a picturesque park next to the museum, it’s a great place for walking in the fresh air. The highlight of the park is memorial stones with quotes from Tsvetaeva’s poems.

Getting There: I’d recommend going by train. Catch one at Yaroslavskiy Rail Terminal that departs every 30 minutes to reach Bolshevo station.

10. Day Trip to Borodino from Moscow

The historic Battle of Borodino on September 7, 1812, took place just outside the small village of Borodino, about 140 km west of Moscow, and about 15 km from the nearest town of Mozhaysk. Although the French won the Battle of Borodino and went to capture Moscow, it was one of the bloodiest battles of the pre-twentieth-century that is also predetermined Napoleon’s defeat.

While it was a battlefield back then, not much remains today. It’s mostly a green and grassy field now with a few monuments of military honor, architectural objects dated back to 19th and 20th century, and fortification facilities scattered throughout the area. The largest of these is the 27-meter high obelisk located right at the heart of the former battlefield.

Every year the military and patriotic festival and theatrical performance take place in Borodino. Early September is considered to be the best for visiting. But if you just want to feel the spirit of the battle, it’s better to go at any other time of the year.

Getting there: Hop on a train from the Belorussky rail terminal, disembark in Mozhaysk, and then take a bus to the museum. The whole travel time is about 2 hours.

11. Day Trip to Patriot Park in Kubinka from Moscow

Once a Red Army tank training ground, now it’s a military Disneyland with history, structure, guns, and armored vehicles! The tank museum originally housed one of the world’s largest and rarest collections of tanks. In 2016 they combined the training grounds with the newly-created Patriot Park. Since then, some of the notable and rare items have been moved to the Patriot Park site, so you may want to combine both sites into one tour (only about 20 minutes apart).

The exhibition grounds include some very rare specimens that are must-see for any military enthusiasts out there. The staff is friendly, helpful and kind, while the museum has a small shop. As this site is part of an operating military base, they may ask you to show your passport, or provide them with a photocopy of the front pages. There are vending machines for snacks and drinks, and there are bathroom facilities. There’s plenty to see, so I recommend setting aside an entire day!

Getting there: Situated halfway between Borodino and Moscow, the best way to reach Patriot Park in Kubinka is by car. Alternatively, if you don’t want to rent one, consider car-sharing apps like Gett or UBER. The price of ride-sharing services is cheap enough to make them a viable proposition for choosing them.

12. Day Trip to Melikhovo from Moscow

Located some 80 km from Moscow, Melikhovo is one of the most important museums dedicated to Anton Pavlovich Chekhov. This renowned Russian writer and playwright acquired Melikhovo in 1892. He lived there with his parents and close relatives for 7 years before moving to the Crimea in 1899. Melikhovo is where he wrote his plays “The Man in the Case” and “The Seagull”.

The estate faded into oblivion right after the Revolution but in 1939 Anton Chekhov’s sister Maria and his nephew established a museum based on Chekhov’s place of living. The museum opened its doors to the public in 1941.

Today museum’s exhibition reveals the legacy of a celebrated writer and shows his path not only as a writer but as a doctor and public figure as well. The collection also features some of the best-known paintings by famous artists like Isaac Levitan and Vasily Polenov, who were Chekhov’s friends. When it comes to fun and educational day trips from Moscow, Melikhovo is a nice place for learning more about Chekov’s life and work.

Getting There: You can reach Melikhovo by train from Kurskiy rail Terminal. Disembark in the town of Chekhov and hop on a minibus that will get to the estate. Alternatively, hop on a bus that departs from the Yuzhnaya metro station.

13. Day Trip to Gorki Leninskie from Moscow

Once the realm of Russian nobles, Gorki Leninskie was turned into Lenin’s museum some 25 years after his death. The estate sits some 30-minute bus ride from the Domodedovskaya metro station and houses Soviet-era memorabilia and Lenin’s memorial flat recently transferred from the Kremlin, as well as his vintage Rolls-Royce.

Most people only associate this place with the name of the first communist leader. In fact, the name of the estate was first mentioned in documents dating back to the 16th-century. Throughout its history, the estate was owned by a number of prominent figures. It’s in fact one of the best museums that holds the country’s finest collection 19th-century furnishings and a unique collection of domestic items owned by nobles. Plus, ancient Vyatichi native tribe or East Slavs who inhabited a part of the Oka basin’s burial mounds and a few notable sculptures are hidden behind the avenues of lime trees in the park.

Getting There: You could, of course, hop on a bus from Domodedovskaya metro station. But it would be much easier just to use UBER or Gett. The estate isn’t that far from the Moscow Circle Road but going there by bus may involve some navigating.

14. Day Trip to Kaluga from Moscow

If you’re looking for an educational day trip from Moscow, look no farther than Kaluga! This beautiful city could really entertain you for more than just a day, but to get a taste of science, be sure to visit the Tsiolkovsky State Museum of the History of Cosmonautics. Or in other words, the Space Museum.

Visitors to the museum will learn more about the history of space exploration. In fact, this is one of the largest Space Museums in Russia, which opened its doors in Kaluga in 1967. Here you can see a prototype of the iconic MIR space station and a duplicate of the Voskhod rocket. The very same rocket that took the first man to space. There’s also a planetarium, which from the outside resembles a spaceship.

Kaluga is a totally walkable city. Make sure to spend some time strolling Teatralnaya street with the authentic 19th-century pavement that now marks the Kilometer Zero. Then walk across the 18th-century Kamenniy Most (the Stone Bridge) that somewhat resembles a Roman aqueduct. If you’re an architecture buff marvel at the Church of St. Cosmas and Damian.

It is assumed that the church was erected by one of the followers of Francesco Bartolomeo Rastrelli in 1794. The church resembles the Smolny Convent in St. Petersburg. With five church towers directed upward and six tiers of oblong windows give the exterior a sense of lightness and airiness.

Getting There: Trains from Kiyevsky Rail Terminal to Kaluga leave every 90 minutes. The trip takes about 2 hours and 35 minutes.

15. Day Trip to Monino from Moscow

Are you looking for great family & kid-friendly day trips from Moscow? If so, consider visiting the Central Museum of the Air Forces at Monino. This unique military open-air museum is home to over 180 Russian aircraft and 100 aircraft engines and the perfect place to go when your crowd is looking for a break from hectic city life. Check this tour if you don’t feel like planning.

This site was formerly an operational airbase from 1932 till 1956 and many of the Russian aviation Design bureaus have made a contribution to the operation and maintenance of the museum. Along with aircraft from the Second World War, there are the TU-95 Bear four-engine turboprop-powered strategic bomber and the TU-144 Charger a Soviet supersonic passenger airliner (which resembled the Concorde). The museum also has exhibits related to military aviation history such as the uniform of captured U2 pilot Gary Powers.

Getting There: This museum is located at Monino Town, about 30 km from Moscow. It is open on all days from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, except Mondays and Tuesdays. To get there take a train departing from Yaroslavskiy Rail Terminal and disembark at Monino station. Alternatively, hop on a bus from Schelkovskaya or Partizanskaya metro station.

Final Thoughts on the Best Day Trips from Moscow

I hope this post has helped you discover some amazing day trips from Moscow. From imposing cathedrals, mighty fortresses and monasteries, there are a lot of incredible places to visit the Russian capital, and the best part is that getting there is always ways to get around on the cheap.

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Great article for visitors in Moscow , thanks for sharing

Marie Hernandez

I hadn’t considered traveling to Moscow until NOW! Fantastic post and ideas for visitors! Thanks!

Graham Marsden

Nice to see so many options outside of Moscow, but I have to say I wish this list had a recommendation for a hike or a beautiful natural areas or national parks. Maybe the next list!

I have to admit that I knew nothing about the area surrounding Moscow. This is definitely an inspiring list of places to go.

When I read this article about Moscow. I wanted to pack my bags and get there sooner. thank you for the great write up.

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Lightyear Frontier: Best Base Locations For Camp

• Resources are gathered from specific spots in Lightyear Frontier, not randomly spawned around the map like in most farming sims.
• Choose a homestead location wisely for smooth daily collecting routines in the game, such as by building near resource-rich areas.
• Different regions like Edge Cliff, Lowland Plains, and Stepstone Peak offer unique resources and are strategically beneficial for building bases.

Lightyear Frontier is a farming sim with a focus on finding resources in the wild, and an upgrade tree that would feel more at home in an open-world survival crafting game . Unlike most games of its kind, almost every resource that would normally randomly spawn on the map or be available for farming is instead gathered from specific spots, which refill every couple of days.

Resources that spawn in predictable parts of the map include aluminum and coal, two of the game’s most important starting materials. Later on, players will be able to harvest crystals of various colors, iron, copper, and even unique alien materials. As is the case for most great mining games , a good homestead location is essential for making the daily collecting routine go smoothly. Here are the best places where players can build their home base.

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A cramped copper farming spot.

Edge Cliff, together with Pine Heights, is one of the regions of Lightyear Frontier that can be unlocked right as the game begins. But unlike Pine Heights, Edge Cliff is quite far from the game’s starting location. It’s also much more cramped than any other starting location.

Still, Edge Cliff is one of the early spots in the game for farming copper. It’s also the only location where players can find Caroots, the game’s version of carrots, an important crop that is used for producing Caroot Oil. All things considered, placing a base next to Edge Cliff comes with some benefits, even if it might be too cramped for any serious attempt at farming.

Lowland Plains

Iron, crystals, and green flat fields.

The Lowland Plains are one of the last areas that the player will unlock, since cleaning the place of its weeds requires the two Harvester Power upgrades. While this means the player will unlock the Lowland Plains and Mountainside Coast at about the same time, the two regions are actually quite different.

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Players who make their base camp in the Lowland Plains will find plenty of iron and some blue crystals, even though this is hardly the best area for farming crystals . On top of that, the Lowland Plains are also full of flat, green terrain, which is the ideal place to grow a large farm. This location also hides one of the few Pond Pitchers in the game, a plant that, once grown to full size, will create a small but replenishable source of water.

Stepstone Peak

A stable source of iron.

Stepstone Peak will likely be the third area that players unlock, requiring only one mech upgrade to be cleared of all purple ooze and noxious weeds. Once the player has rendered this zone habitable, Stepstone Peak becomes one of the best early sources of iron in the whole game. It also has a lovely pond and plenty of terrain for farming.

While it might be a bit cramped, a home in Stepstone Peak will grant players all the necessities to grow their base and then some. A nice source of iron is especially useful, as is the position on the map, which makes many other areas easy to reach.

Mountainside Coast

For a great seaside farm.

Mountainside Coast comes with a couple of major downsides. For one, it’s one of the last regions available to the player, as it requires the highest Irrigation Hose powerup. It’s also quite isolated, sharing a border with just two regions. That said, it has a large coast surrounded by plenty of potential farmland, making this region a farmer’s dream.

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Mountainside Coast also comes with easy access to a variety of materials, from Yellow Crystals to iron and coal. It’s quite far from any aluminum farming spots , but by the time players even get the chance to build here, this resource will have lost most of its usefulness.

The Northern Meadows

Good minerals and fresh water.

The Meadows is the game’s starting location, making this place a great base location for beginners . A large plain with only a handful of forests and water sources, The Meadows is also the largest area in the game and contains some of the best locations for farming. This is because it is the largest continuous flat area in the entire game, except perhaps for the Lowland Plains

Building the base camp on a large flat field is a must for those players who want to focus on building a large farm. Another necessity is the presence of a body of water nearby. Water is vital to success, at least until the Pond Pitcher, a water-producing plant, becomes available. The northern half of The Meadows has both a small lake and a beach, making it ideal for this purpose.

Pine Heights

Great early game minerals.

Pine Heights is one of the first areas that the player can unlock. Even if it’s unlikely to be the location of the player’s first base, it’s still close to The Meadows and rich in minerals like aluminum, coal, and red crystals. There isn’t too much space for farming, except for a small pond to the south, but the large fields of The Meadows are close by.

Pine Heights might not be the best location to build a main base of operation, but it might be worth placing a small homestead and a couple of crates here. This will make it easier to come over for some mining.

The Middle Meadows

Large fields and great nearby regions.

The central part of The Meadows features large fields, a small lake, some forestry, and easy access to the nearby regions of the Yellow Forest and Pine Heights. These two regions are important because of how rich they are in materials: aluminum, coal, and red crystal from Pine Heights ; Zappertwig and blue crystals from the Yellow Forest.

The Meadows are all quite similar, with the exception of the southern half, full of trees and home to a unique alien structure. Because of this, choosing between the north and the center of this region comes down to how fast they lead to other parts of the world. The north is closer to Pine Heights and some early resources, while the center more easily leads to the part of the map that unlocks later in the game.

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The Forbidden City: inside the abandoned Soviet camp of Wünsdorf

Headquarters to the Nazis and then the Soviets, the East German military camp of Wünsdorf was once home to 75,000 Soviet men, women and children. Now ‘Little Moscow’ has been abandoned – but one man keeps the memories alive

R usty keys jangle as Jürgen Naumann searches for the right one. He has 15 on one bunch, 25 on another. The last caretaker of the Red Army’s former headquarters in Germany , he has access to all the buildings in what was once known as the Forbidden City – and remains a restricted area 23 years after the last Russian troops left for good.

“You get to know the keys over the years,” Naumann says. But it still takes a while to locate the right one. A dull click, and the door creaks open to reveal a dimly lit hall with marble tiles. Naumann’s footsteps echo across the empty space as he switches on the electricity, illuminating two panoramas: one showing Soviet Moscow, the other Alexanderplatz in East Berlin, two huge photos from a world that no longer exists.

Once home to as many as 75,000 Soviet men, women and children, Wünsdorf – located about 25 miles from Berlin – was the high command for Soviet forces in Germany and the biggest Soviet military camp outside the USSR. But it also had shops, schools and leisure facilities, and was known as “Little Moscow”, with daily trains going to the Soviet capital.

After the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989, the reunification of Germany and the dissolution of the Soviet Union, it was only a matter of time before the Russian soldiers would be called home. Nevertheless, when the order came for troops and their families to withdraw, it still came as a shock to many of its inhabitants, who had come to think of Wünsdorf as home.

“It was a mad rush, withdrawal,” recalls Naumann, who was working at the time as a watchman collecting financial deposits from local businesses. “In Sperenberg [an airfield, near Wünsdorf], the shop boss was sitting in the office crying bitterly. She had two small kids. I asked, ‘What’s wrong?’ She had just received word that she had to go back to Russia the day after the next. Talk about short notice!”

Uncertainty contributed to the chaos. Soldiers had no idea where they were going, or whether they’d get accommodation. Some pooled money and bought buses so their families would have some shelter, while helicopter squadrons stripped the insides of their helicopters for the same reason.

When they departed after the final military parade, they left a vast site littered with 98,300 rounds of ammunition, 47,000 pieces of ordnance, 29.3 tonnes of munitions and rubbish, including chemicals, waste oil, old paint, tyres, batteries and asbestos. Shops were left full of electronics, radios, TVs and fridges. Families were in such a hurry they couldn’t take everything. Houses were full of domestic appliances. Even pets were left behind.

The pattern repeated itself throughout East Germany. No country outside the USSR had more Soviet troops: an estimated 380,000 soldiers and 180,000 civilians, spread across 1,062 urban and rural locations, when the union collapsed in January 1991.

They left behind a legacy of abandoned ruins. Near Wünsdorf alone, Sperenberg Airfield is still abandoned, as are airfields at Rangsdorf, Oranienburg and Schönwalde, while military camps at Jüterbog, Kummersdorf, Vogelsang, Bernau, Krampnitz, Grabowsee and elsewhere still await new purpose.

Most of the buildings in these former quasi-urban camps are off-limits, simply rotting from neglect. Authorities have bigger fish to fry: a host of East German enterprises went out of business after the wall fell, leaving a trail of vacant factory and office buildings across the country’s cities.

Wünsdorf’s military history began long before it became a Soviet garrison town. The whole area was militarised after the German Empire was formed in 1871. During the first world war, Germany’s first mosque was built here, for Muslim POWs – many of whom were coerced into fighting for Germany.

In 1935, Wünsdorf became headquarters for the Wehrmacht, the German Armed Forces. The Nazis’ entire second world war campaign was guided from the Zeppelin underground communications bunker at Wünsdorf, providing direct contact through telex to the fronts at Stalingrad, France, Holland and even Africa.

The Nazis’ buildings were of such strong construction, with walls over a metre thick, that they proved very difficult to damage – a fact evidently appreciated by the Soviets after the SS had fled. After sufficiently damaging the bunker complexes to make them unsuitable for military use according to the Potsdam Agreement, the Soviets settled in.

They immediately provided a boost to the local economy, and relations with the East Germans were good, even if locals usually needed special permission to enter what later became known as Die Verbotene Stadt – the Forbidden City.

“There were also illegal ways in,” says Naumann, who remembers how soldiers were bribed by East German consumers to be allowed in to shop at the new miniature city’s stores. “There were some things you couldn’t get outside. A lot was cheap, because the Soviets didn’t pay VAT. So cigarettes were cheap, schnapps was cheap.

“You could get in but, of course you had to be careful to be back out again punctually. So if you went in in the morning you had to be out by around 4pm at the latest. Anyone who missed it had bad luck. You’d be held for 24 hours and made to peel potatoes for the troops.”

Soviet soldiers and their families also left the garrison, to go shopping, eating or socialising in nearby Zossen. “They could party no problem,” Naumann says. “You just had to be careful. When there was ski jumping at New Year’s – the Russian athletes were still good at the time – you had to be careful when you spoke, not to go against them. You had to find a middle way, or they’d get offended pretty quickly. But it never lasted long. It was actually quite normal, just that they spoke Russian.”

When the Soviets handed the Forbidden City back to the federal government, the buildings fell into bureaucratic neglect. Weather has also taken its toll. Naumann is now the only person left, taking care of an area he estimates to be around 200 hectares. His job now is to check for damage caused by heavy rain or unwanted visitors, and to arrange for repairs. A co-worker helps out in the mornings.

“Companies come in that I have to oversee, or investors to look at the place. It’s not lonely,” he says. “But yeah, there could be a little more going on at times. It’s fine. Sometimes there’s lots to do, you don’t know where to start.”

After so many years in their service, Naumann has formed a bond with the old buildings. He speaks enthusiastically of the architecture dating back to the German empire, the workmanship, and the enduring quality of the main building’s wooden roof, now more than 100 years old.

“I don’t want to say you fall in love with it, but I’m the type who has more of a thing for older buildings,” he says. “You form a certain connection, and there’s a connection with the architecture.”

For now, the abandoned city plays host to video artists, wedding photographers or camera buffs with a penchant for abandoned buildings. Photographers can make appointments to visit for a small fee.

“When you get a ‘thank you’ from visitors for looking after the place, that it’s so well preserved, then you’re also a little bit proud,” Naumann says.

He imagines a small university could provide an ideal use for the buildings, particularly with the old swimming pool beside the main building and the theatre opposite.

The government’s regional development company is looking for suitable investors to bring the remaining buildings back to life. In the meantime, Wünsdorf also receives visits from former soldiers or guests retracing their old steps.

One woman who had performed as a child in a theatre for the Soviet soldiers came back years later to find the old stage where she danced.

Another man told Naumann that he’d worked in the communications bunker for the Nazis, where he had struck up a relationship after exchanging messages with a German woman in Stalingrad at the other end.

“They always communicated through telex at night when there was nothing going on. He said he tried to find her after the war but he couldn’t find her anymore. Probably killed or something, you don’t know,” Naumann says. “He himself sat in the bunker to the end. He sent the last telex to Berlin: that the Russians were there now.”

Russian soldiers have returned, too, including one former commander who brought her daughter. The commander stood on the stage again, took pictures and breathed it all in.

“A few of them told me that a Russian soldier is compelled once in his lifetime to go back to where they once served and fought. Many soldiers go back to Afghanistan to visit and see something where they once served,” Naumann recalls. “There was a soldier here, a Russian bear of a man – he broke out in tears.”

We stop in the former fencing hall.

“Think about it. The fencing hall!” he says. “There were soldiers running around here with sabres once, practising, training. You just have to imagine it, everything that’s happened here.”

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