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Everest Base Camp Trek is an unforgettable adventure that takes you to the base of the world's highest mountain, Mount Everest. Trek to Mount Everest Base Camp and marvel at the grand sights of the Himalayas. Snow-covered mountains unfold at every bend, offering ample opportunities for great photography. As you trek along the ancient trail, discover charming old Buddhist Monasteries looming above Sherpa settlements. Walk beneath the shadows of four of the six highest peaks in the world and test your endurance.
Our 14 Days Everest Base Camp Trekking itinerary offers you a fascinating teahouse trek. The first day of your trek involves an easy hike from Lukla to Phakding. Stop by the picturesque Sherpa settlements of Namche, Tengboche, and Pangboche en route to EBC. Interact with the locals and experience their unique culture. The highlight of this trek is your visit to the base camp of Mt. Everest. If it’s a climbing season, meet mountaineers at EBC trying to scale Mount Everest. Moreover, the incredible hike up to Kala Patthar (5550m); the highest point of the trek; is sure to fuel your imagination. The frozen walls of Mount Pumori, Ama Dablam, Everest, Nuptse, and Lhotse surround this stunning viewpoint. Stand beneath some of the highest peaks in the world and celebrate your achievement with your team.
This trek is perfect for anyone yearning for an epic journey to the base of the world’s tallest mountain. Let our experienced local trek leader lead you on one of the most memorable journeys you will ever undertake! Before you take this trip it's important for you to prepare and train yourself physically and mentally. Do some cardio, jog, climb stairs, and go hiking.
If you are looking for a challenging route then our Gokyo Lakes Gokyo Ri Renjo La Pass Trek -14 days, Everest Three High Passes Trek - 20 days or Everest Base Camp Trek with Gokyo Lakes- 18 days, might just be right for you. If you are strapped for time but still want to visit EBC, we recommend our popular Everest Base Camp Heli Trek-11 days, Everest Base Camp Short Trek Heli Return-12 days, and Everest Base Camp Gokyo Lakes Helicopter Trek - 8 days.
On arrival our representative will meet you at the airport and escort you to your hotel. After checking in, meet your trek leader and other team members. A briefing on your upcoming adventure will follow. Clear your doubts if you have any. Check your gear, do some last minute shopping or stroll down Thamel, a prominent tourist hub.
We recommend you to schedule your arrival to Kathmandu in the morning or during day time. This will give you ample time to rest and recover from jet lag before you begin your Everest Adventure. Note you have an early morning flight to catch for Lukla tomorrow. Arriving early (to Kathmandu) will also allow you to attend the pre-trek briefing.Overnight in Kathmandu.
Today you fly to Lukla. Your Everest adventure begins with a thrilling flight to Lukla, a charming mountainside Sherpa settlement. Once in Lukla meet the rest of the crew. Sort out your belongings, pack your gear, and begin your trek.
Walk through Chauri Kharka village and descend towards the Dudh Koshi river. The scenic trail follows the bank of the river until Phakding(2,610m), a small Sherpa village nestled in the verdant Dudh Koshi Valley. En route, you get a glimpse of Khumbila, a sacred peak worshipped by the Sherpas. This is one of the few unclimbed peaks in the Khumbu region as no one is allowed to step on this sacred peak.
If you are not too tired, stroll around the village and interact with the locals or head to one of the cafes and enjoy a hot brew or a drink. Overnight in Phakding.
Set off to Namche Bazaar, better known as the “Sherpa capital” of Nepal. The track crosses over the milky glacial river of Dudh Koshi. Walk above a suspension bridge, and the beautiful pine forest up to Monjo. You get to cross several suspension bridges including the famous Hillary Suspension bridge! Get your permits ready for a check after approaching the entrance to Sagarmatha National Park.
Trek further down alongside to Dudh Koshi River up to Jorsale where we have lunch. After some rest, it is a bit of a tough climb up the hill till Namche Bazaar, the economic hub of Everest Region. Brace yourself as you catch the first glimpse of Mount Everest in all its glory from a vantage point known as Tope Danda. Overnight in Namche Bazaar.
Spend a day at Namche Bazaar. This is your first acclimatization day. As you reach higher your body needs to get acclimatized to the thin air at higher altitudes. Known as the Sherpa capital, the settlement is the economic hub of the Everest Region.
Here you will find some of the best bakeries, cafes, restaurants, shops, and the only ATM at this altitude in the Everest Region. Namche’s ‘Saturday Market’ is famous throughout Khumbu. Traders from all over Everest Region come to Namche to sell their wares at the Saturday Market. Mingle with the genial locals or hike up to any of the vantage points for incredible views of the Himalayas.
You can take an early morning hike to Sagarmatha National Park for a mesmerizing Himalayan sunrise. Watch the sun rays lighting up the snow-covered peaks of Mount Everest, Ama Dablam, Thamserku, Kongde, and Lhotse. Want to know more about Himalayan culture?
Head to the Sherpa Culture Museum and get an insight into Sherpa traditions and culture. An uphill ascent to Everest View Hotel via Shyangboche Airport serves as a good acclimatization climb while offering you close up views of Mount Everest, Thamserku, and Ama Dablam.
If you feel like it, you can hike over to Khumjung and Kunde villages. Visit the very first school in the Everest Region established by Sir Edmund Hillary in Khumjung. Khumjung Monastery, which is more than 400 hundred years old, has on display what is believed to be the scalp of Yeti, the abominable snowman. You can also visit the Hillary Hospital in Kunde. Overnight in Namche Bazaar
Today’s trail offers breathtaking views of the Himalayan ranges. Everest, Nuptse, Lhotse, Ama Dablam, Thamserku, and Kwangde are some of the Himalayan giants you will see while you trek. The walk through juniper and rhododendron forests with the giant peaks looming overhead makes this a memorable hike.
Today’s trek ends at the Sherpa village of Tengboche. One can enjoy a close view of Ama Dablam, renowned as one of the most beautiful peaks in the world, from Tengboche. Tengboche Monastery, the largest Buddhist monastery in the Khumbu region, looms over the village.
Visit the monastery and feel the calmness of the place descend over you. Listen to the trance-inducing hum and chants of the monks. Moreover, the golden rays of the sun brushing over the snowy mountains, including Ama Dablam and Thamserku, during sunrise and sunset is not to be missed. Overnight in Tengboche.
You cross over to the plains and the Imja Khola (River) towards Pangboche. The village has the biggest as well as the highest permanent settlement of Sherpas in the region. The typical Sherpa village ambiance and the local food will keep you amused! In the afternoon head towards Dingboche. You can enjoy inspiring views of Island Peak and Ama Dablam. Overnight in Dingboche.
We take a day off in Dingboche to acclimatize to the high altitude. This is your second acclimatization day. A popular stop for trekkers and climbers headed to Mount Everest, Ama Dablam, or ImjaTse, there’s a lot to do here.
After breakfast take an acclimatization hike to Nagarjun Hill(5100m) that lies close to the village. It is an upward hike with no technical sections. There may be some loose rocks and you may have to watch your step as you scramble on some sections. But no technical climbing is required and apart from the altitude, there's nothing you need to worry about.
Named after a Buddhist hermitage that lies on the hill, Nangkatshang or Nagarjun is one of the best viewpoints in the Khumbu region. One can enjoy incredible 360-degree views of Makalu, Lhotse, Ama Dablam, Kantega, Thamserku, etc. The best views are of Ama Dablam (one can see the whole mountain, from the base to the summit) and Island Peak. You can also get a close-up view of the Imja glacier from here.
In the late afternoon, you can take rest or stroll around the village. Overnight in Dingboche.
Continue on over craggy mountain terrain to reach Lobuche, a small settlement with outstanding views of Lobuche, Pumori, and Nuptse. Because of the high altitude, you may find walking a bit difficult. En route stop for lunch at the small village of Thukla (4600m).
At Thukla Pass we stop by and pay our respects at the memorial stupas built in honor of mountaineers who lost their lives while climbing Mount Everest. Among the stone memorials, the ones dedicated to alpinists Scott Fischer, Rob Hall, and the record-breaking climbing Sherpa Late Babu Chiri Sherpa stand out. The ill-fated Everest expedition where Scott Fischer and Rob Hall lost their lives have been described in John Krakauer's book "Into Thin Air" and has been made into a feature-length movie named "Everest".
From the trail, one can view the peaks bordering Nepal and Tibet. Lobuche is made up of a small number of local homes and teahouses offering basic facilities. The nights are going to get colder, so it is wise to cover yourself up as you are now almost three miles above sea level. Overnight in Lobuche.
Today your dream of getting to the base of the world's highest peak turns into a reality. Yes, today's hike takes you to EBC, the destination you have been dreaming of since the start of your adventure!
Though challenging and tough, today's walk is one of the most memorable walks in your entire journey. As the elevation rises and the oxygen level drops, you find yourself getting weaker physically. Take it slow and steady and follow your guide. It takes only a couple of hours to reach Gorak Shep. Once there grab some refreshments, leave your heavy stuff at your teahouse and hike up to Everest Base Camp.
Walk alongside the Khumbu Glacier. There are loose stones and gravel and you should be careful where you step. The stunning Khumbu Glacier and icefall, located on the slopes of Everest will leave you awe-struck. At the final ascent to the Everest Base Camp, the views are out of this world; an ideal place to take ‘selfies’.
If you happen to make this trek during the climbing season, you may get the chance to meet some famous climbers or celebrities attempting an Everest ascent. Later, return to Gorak Shep. Overnight in Gorak Shep.
Note: As Kala Patthar lies towards the west the sunset views are pretty amazing from this vantage point. If the weather is clear and you feel like first heading to Kala Patthar then you can intimate your guide. You can visit EBC on Day 10. But do let your guide make the final decision, as he is the only expert who can determine the best course of action.
After breakfast head towards Kala Patthar, the most popular viewpoint in the Everest Region. Kala Patthar is the highest point of your trek at 5550 meters. Since the summit of Mount Everest is not visible from Everest Base Camp, trekkers usually hike to Kala Patthar to get a close-up view of the world’s tallest peak.
Kala Patthar is surrounded by icy walls of Mount Pumori, Everest, Nuptse, Lhotse. Enjoy a 360-degree view of these Himalayan giants. Watch the fiery rays of the sun lighting the rocky pinnacle of Mount Everest from atop the Kala Patthar. Later, return to Gorak Shep and head down towards Pheriche. Overnight in Pheriche.
It is comparatively an easy downhill trek from Pheriche to Tengboche. After an hour of scaling a hill, by late afternoon you will reach Namche Bazaar. Soak in the experiences and take a good night’s rest. Overnight in Namche.
Today's walk brings you to Lukla again. After breakfast, trek towards the Hillary Suspension Bridge and then through several local villages till Lukla. In Lukla you can celebrate your conquest! This would officially be your last night in the mountains. We are sure you will experience the joy and celebrate the bonds that you have made. Overnight in Lukla.
The scenic flight from Lukla to Kathmandu is like a dessert after a heavy dinner. After landing in Kathmandu you will be escorted to your hotel. Take rest or go shopping for souvenirs. There are shops around the vicinity of your hotel selling handicraft items and locally made trinkets and clothes.
Ason, the oldest market in Kathmandu also lies a few hundred meters from your hotel. You can shop for spices, tea, brass statues, and decorative jars in this market. If you wish to take a guided cultural tour do let us know.
In the evening, celebrate the completion of your adventure with a complimentary farewell dinner. Overnight in Kathmandu.
This is your last day in Nepal. Our representative will drop you off at the airport three hours before your flight is scheduled to depart. Let us know if you wish to explore more of the Himalayas. We have a vast array of itineraries to amazing destinations for travelers bitten by the travel bug, just like you!
You can change this itinerary, services, accommodation, duration of this trip etc.to suit your needs and budget. The choice is yours. Let us help you tailor your perfect holiday.
Farewell Dinner at the end of the trip
During your Everest Base Camp Trek, you spend 2 nights in Kathmandu at a 3-star hotel - Oasis Kathmandu Hotel or Thamel Boutique Hotel. These hotels are centrally located in Thamel, Kathmandu’s tourist hub. The rooms have comfortable beds with en suite bathrooms and air cons. Other amenities include an in-house restaurant, café, bar, and free wi-fi.
While trekking you will be staying at the best available teahouses. These are run by locals and are a source of livelihood for Sherpa families.
At Lukla, Phakding, and Namche you will get rooms with attached bathrooms and can enjoy free hot showers. Beyond Namche, the lodges will have only basic facilities – bed, shared washroom, and a communal sitting and dining area.
The rooms have thin walls and are not insulated. Most rooms have two single beds with a small table in between. The beds come with mattresses, pillows, and blankets. Using your sleeping bag and pillow liner will be more hygienic. Layer your sleeping bag with the blanket for warmth as it can get quite cold during the night.
Carry toilet paper rolls as most teahouses’ toilets don’t have toilet paper rolls. You will have to pay extra for using the wi-fi hotspot and charging your electronic devices. To save on cost, you can bring extra batteries.
Accommodation is arranged on a twin-sharing basis. A single room will be available on request, at an added cost. It’s possible to get a single room in Kathmandu and at lower elevations while trekking. But at higher elevations, there are very few lodges and single rooms are not available during high season.
During your stay in Kathmandu, breakfast will be complimentary. There are many multi-cuisine restaurants and eateries around Thamel which serve good food. From fine dining options to budget eateries, you will be spoilt for choice. On your last night in Kathmandu, we invite you for a complimentary farewell dinner at an authentic Nepali restaurant.
On the EBC trail, enjoy full-board trekking. Meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) and accommodation costs are already included in the package. While breakfast and dinner will be served at the lodge you will be staying at, lunch will be taken at a teahouse en route.
If you are gluten-intolerant, we advise you to bring your own gluten-free snacks and extra food as there will be limited gluten-free food options at the teahouses.
The meals served at the teahouses are fresh and hot. Items on the menu include the traditional Nepali and Tibetan fare like dal-bhat (rice, lentils, curry), momo, Tibetan bread, etc. as Indian and continental dishes (chapattis, apple pie, pancake, pizza, mac & cheese, noodles, etc.).
At breakfast, you can expect bread, eggs, hash brown, cereal or porridge with tea or coffee. During lunch and dinner, you can choose from the extensive menu. Nepalese traditional meal of ‘Dal-Bhat’ (rice, lentil soup, curry, and pickle) with unlimited refills is the most filling and energy-giving.
We urge you to stick to vegetarian foods as the meat served on the trail could be several days old and not safe for consumption. As slaughtering animals is not allowed in the Khumbu Region due to the Sherpa’s Buddhist belief of not harming a living being, meat is transported from the lowlands by porters. It takes a couple of days for the meat (unrefrigerated) to reach the Sherpa settlements.
If you feel you need your dose of protein, you can bring ready-to-eat canned tuna or sardine. These are readily available at departmental stores in Kathmandu. It is advisable to stay away from alcohol and carbonated drinks while trekking, as these, will adversely affect your body’s acclimatization process.
Find information on visa, detailed itinerary, what's included, gear list and everything you need to know about this adventure in this PDF.
Choose your own travel dates and book your trip online through our safe and secure online booking portal. Once you have booked and paid, it's 100% confirmed that your trip will run on schedule.
We have more than 23 years of experience in planning adventure holidays in the Himalayas. Our trips are fully-supported and we offer personalized service to our clients. The care and attention that we put in your trip ensures that your holiday is more enriching, satisfying and successful. When you travel at your personal timeframe with your own group it's guaranteed that you will have the trip of a lifetime.
Spring (March to May) and autumn (mid-September to November) are considered as the best seasons to trek to Everest Base Camp. The weather stays dry and clear during these times which makes it ideal for trekking and enjoying unobstructed views of mountains. The days are warm and the nights chilly. On the downside, however, these are peak seasons and the trails get crowded and busy.
During spring, the hillsides are verdant and covered with wildflowers, including rhododendron blooms. It is also the climbing season and the EBC is transformed into a tented city filled with climbers and Sherpa guides.
Autumn is the most popular season for trekking to Everest Base Camp. With the end of wet monsoon season which clears the skies of dust and impurities, you can enjoy crystal clear views during this season. Timing your trek around October will allow you to experience the most important festival in the Everest region, Mani Rimdu. This festival is held in the monasteries of Tengboche, Chiwong, and Thame.
You can also opt for a monsoon or winter trek if you want to avoid the crowds. You can enjoy some off-season discounts at teahouses which remain mostly empty during these times. But you should be ready to face some discomforts (rain, snow, and extreme cold) if you take to the trail at these times. The flights also get frequently canceled during these times due to bad weather and poor visibility.
The easiest way to reach Lukla (2840m), the trailhead of your Everest Base Camp Trek is via a flight. One of the highest and most extreme airports in the world, flying to Tenzing-Hillary Airport in Lukla has its own challenges. The chief among them is the weather.
The airport is built on a narrow plateau, over a steep cliff. Navigating the plane along the short and narrow runway is difficult when strong winds whip across the mountains. Surrounded by some of the highest peaks in the world, the weather here is unpredictable and changes frequently. It would be clear and sunny one minute, and the next moment the clouds will appear and everything will turn hazy. Flights operate only when the weather is stable and visibility clear.
The chances of your Lukla flight getting canceled cannot be ruled out. If this happens your EBC Trek may get extended by a day or two. So come prepared and keep buffer days so that you may not miss your international flight.
If there is a long delay due to bad weather, we will try to secure a space for you on a helicopter flight. The cost for the heli flight is not included in the trip price and should be borne by you.
Due to congestion at the Kathmandu airport during high season (Spring- March, April, Autumn - October, November), flights to and from Lukla now operates from Manthali Airport in Ramechhap. The airport lies 132km (4hrs 30mins drive) from Kathmandu.
However, airline companies operate their first and last flights directly from Kathmandu and Lukla (KTM-LUKLA-KTM). If you book your trip early, we can try to secure a place for you on the direct flight to or from Lukla. It will be easier and more comfortable to fly directly from Kathmandu to Lukla and vice versa, instead of making that additional journey to Ramechhap.
Helicopter Flights to Everest Region will operate from Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu.
Remember you will be trekking to the world’s highest trekking destination, Everest Base Camp which lies well above 5000 meters beyond the sea level. Here there is less oxygen in the atmosphere which will make breathing a bit difficult.
To let your body get used to the thin air, you need to walk slowly, steadily, and keep your body hydrated. If you try to hasten and walk fast to reach your destination in less time, chances are you may suffer from AMS or Acute Mountain Sickness.
AMS symptoms like dizziness, headache, nausea, shortness of breath, fatigue, etc., are seen at elevations above 2000 meters. Usually, these symptoms occur once you reach Namche or beyond Namche.
Taking Diamox and a good night’s rest may work for mild cases. Drinking plenty of fluids (water, tea, soup, etc.) and keeping your body hydrated will also help to keep the sickness at bay. One should take the necessary precautions to ensure that the condition does not worsen. But if the symptoms worsen, one may have to return to a lower elevation and get medical help.
There are clinics at Lukla, Namche, and Pheriche which offer basic care for minor ailments. In the worst-case scenario, an air evacuation will be arranged, where the patient will be flown to Kathmandu to receive medical aid. AMS, if untreated or ignored can take your life.
On a high altitude trek like the trek to EBC, acclimatization is very important. Your body needs time to get used to thin air which can be done by resting at a lower altitude before reaching a higher level of elevation.
Our experts have included two days in the itinerary for acclimatization. During your trek, you will be spending extra days at Namche (3440m) and Dingboche (4410m) to acclimatize successfully before trekking further.
Here are the altitudes and oxygen levels at some of the major stops en route to Everest Base Camp:
Places | Altitude | Oxygen Level |
Lukla | 2,840m/9,318ft | 0.73% |
Namche | 3,440m/11,286ft | 0.64% |
Dingboche | 4,410m/14,469ft | 0.58% |
Lobuche | 4,910m/16,109ft | 0.53% |
Gorak Shep | 5,140m/16,864ft | 0.52% |
Everest Base Camp | 5,364m/17,598ft | 0.5% |
Kala Patthar | 5,500m/18,209ft | 0.5% |
It is important to keep your body hydrated on the trail as dehydration also causes AMS. One should drink at least 3-4 liters of fluids daily.
We dissuade you from buying bottled water as it adds up to the thrashing problem in the mountains. Moreover like everything else, bottled water is also expensive in the mountains.
We highly recommend you to carry a reusable water bottle with you, one that can hold hot water. You can use one with a steri pen or an inbuilt filtration system like LifeStraw. You can also use water purification tablets to treat the water. While the water in the mountains tends to be pure and without impurities, it’s better not to take chances and filter or treat the water before drinking.
Using chlorine or iodine tablets to treat the water may alter its taste. You can add flavored electrolyte powder (which readily available at pharmacies in Kathmandu) to mask the bitter chemical taste. Adding electrolyte to your drinking water may also be beneficial as the minerals (sodium, potassium, magnesium, etc.) you lose while walking gets replenished.
Teahouses offer boiled drinking water at an additional cost. It can cost anywhere between 1 USD to 4 USD. Up to Namche, you may have to pay around 1 USD per liter or pot (every teahouse use a different sized pot). The price increases gradually as you climb higher. You pay the highest for boiled water at Gorak Shep, ie, 4USD. While cold water is provided free of charge, it is not advisable to drink untreated tap water.
Despite being the world’s highest trekking trail, internet connection (though erratic and irregular at some places) is available in the Everest Region.
You can connect with your loved ones while trekking, post updates, and upload pictures on social media. Wi-fi is available at all teahouses up to Gorak Shep. While it is free at some cafes in Lukla and Namche, most teahouses will charge you extra for using their Wi-Fi hotspot.
It will be cheaper and easier to get a Ncell (a private telecom company) sim card in Kathmandu and purchase internet data that could last you for your entire trip. The company offers 3G connectivity up to Everest Base Camp (5364m).
Everest Link, another local internet provider also offers paid internet access on the trail. You can purchase the username and password at any of the teahouses or shops along the trail.
As opposed to popular belief, you don’t need a lot of complicated gear and equipment for an Everest Base Camp adventure. Here’s a basic checklist of the most essential items that you should not forget to bring with you during your EBC Trek:
These are only some of the essential items. Check a more detailed packing list for trekking. Most of the trekking equipment are available on hire in Kathmandu. You can keep your baggage light by only packing the most essential items and renting or buying the rest in Kathmandu. Shops in Thamel offer branded as well locally made gear and equipment.
Everest Base Camp Trek takes you to the highest trekking trail in the world. Having an experienced local guide accompanying you will enrich your trip in so many ways. Trekking with a person who has in-depth knowledge of the mountain will also keep you safe and secure.
When you book an EBC Trek with us, we pair you up with one of our local guides. All our guides have an experience of more than 10 years and have a vast knowledge of the area you are visiting. They have completed the trekking guide course and have the required government license to work as a mountain guide. They can communicate in English and have received training on wilderness first aid and crisis management.
The trek will be led by a chief guide or trek leader. For every 4 trekkers, there will be an assistant guide assisting them personally. One porter will carry the luggage of 2 clients. Make sure that your luggage does not exceed 15 kg, as the porter can only carry a weight of 30 kg.
We believe in the ethical treatment of our staff. All our Guides and Porters are provided with weather-appropriate gear and clothing to battle the harsh weather in the mountains. Before the start of a trek, we ensure that our mountain guides are fully insured. They are given fair wages and treated with respect.
We seriously follow the guidelines set by IPPG (International Porter Protection Group) and offer assistance to porters to develop other skills. A portion from the booking fee goes to fund the education of our field staffs’ kids.
We ensure the safety of our clients by following all safety protocols during the trip. The Everest Base Camp Trek itinerary has been designed by travel experts and veteran guides who have guided several groups to Everest Base Camp innumerable times.
To prevent AMS, the required number of rest days has been added to the itinerary. Our guides always carry a first-aid kit and pulse oximeter (to measure the oxygen level in your blood) with them. The guides assigned to you have more than 10 years’ experience and know what steps to take during an emergency. They are well-trained in wilderness first aid and crisis management.
If a client shows symptoms of AMS and needs to descend to a lower elevation, an assistant guide will escort him/her and will follow the safety protocol. He will closely monitor the client’s condition and will take the required steps needed for the well-being of the client.
If he/she feels alright after a night’s rest, the guide will escort the client back to join the group. But if the condition worsens, the client will be escorted down to Lukla or get airlifted to Kathmandu for expert medical aid.
A typical day on the trail begins with a wakeup call at around 6 AM by your guide. Freshen up and get ready. Pack your belongings and head to the dining area for breakfast by 7 AM. Check your luggage for the final time and fill your water bottle, before you hit the trail by 8 AM along with your guide.
To avoid walking in the heat and to enjoy clear views of the mountains, you make an early start. En route, there will be short breaks to enjoy the views and take photographs. You stop for lunch at a local teahouse around noon or mid-day. After a quick rest of about an hour or 40 minutes, you get back on the trail and continue till you reach your overnight stop.
Upon reaching the stop for the night, you head to your teahouse, check-in, and have some rest. Tea with some light refreshments (cookies or biscuits) will be served at 5 PM. As the rooms are not insulated, you can warm yourself by the heater or stove in the communal area.
Exchange stories or play cards with other trekkers and sherpas till dinner is served (around 7 PM). After dinner, your guide will brief you about the next day’s trek – the route you will take, difficulty, where you will stop for lunch, etc. Afterward, retire for the night and have a well-deserved rest.
On average you may have to walk 6 to 7 hours daily. The trek to Phakding is the shortest and the easiest, while the hike to Everest Base Camp from Lobuche on the 9th day could possibly be your toughest. On Day 10, a hike to Kala Patthar for the sunrise view is scheduled. So you will have to wake up before 4 AM to reach Kala Patthar before sunrise. Your guide will share the details regarding the hike during the after-dinner briefing on Day 9.
The permits you need for the Everest Base Camp trek are – 1) Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit, and 2) Khumbu Rural Municipality Entrance Permit. Unlike other treks in the Nepal Himalaya, you won’t be needing a TIMS (Tourist Information Management System) card.
Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit can be obtained from the Nepal Tourism Board’s Office in Kathmandu or at the park’s entrance gate in Monjo by paying NRS 3000. For citizens of SAARC countries, the fee is NRS 1500. You need to fill out the permit form and show your passport or a copy of your passport.
To get the Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Entrance Permit, you need to be in Lukla. You have to pay NRS 2000 for the permit at the rural municipality counter which lies at the edge of the village.
If you are planning to trek to Everest Base Camp from Jiri, you will be required to pay the Gaurishanker Conservation Area Project Entry Permit fee of NRS 2000 too. The permit can be obtained from the Nepal Tourism Board’s office in Kathmandu before the start of your trek.
You won’t have to worry about queuing up to get the permits as the company or our guides will arrange all the permits for you.
For Everest Base Camp Trek, you need a good travel insurance policy that offers you coverage for all activities and altitudes included in your itinerary. The highest altitude you reach is 5,550 meters and your travel insurance should offer you suitable coverage up to this elevation.
Though we take your safety as our number one priority, we cannot rule out mishaps and emergencies that may occur at this altitude. There is less oxygen in the environment and trekkers usually suffer from Acute Mountain Sickness, which could prove to be fatal if not treated on time. Walking on a treacherous mountain environment also exposes you to physical injuries. Therefore make sure that your insurance covers the cost of all injuries and emergencies that you can possibly face during this trekking adventure. Your insurance policy should especially cover the cost of helicopter evacuation and hospitalization in case of an accident or medical emergency as these happen to be quite expensive. Check for vaccination requirements as some travel insurance policies makes it mandatory to immunize yourself before you leave your country.
Before you decide on a policy, be mindful and don’t forget to read the fine print. It would be advantageous for you also to choose a company that offers insurance cover on both domestic as well as international flight cancellations and lost or stolen baggage.
Travel responsibly and try to limit any negative impact on the environment. Limit the use of plastic and be mindful of throwing waste in the mountains. When you trek with us, you will be supporting local communities (from the guides and porters to teahouse owners). We as a company support sustainable tourism and patronize local businesses. We partner with service providers who work towards saving the environment. As an active member of KEEP (Kathmandu Environmental Education Project), we make sure that our trips are environment friendly.
When you are up in the mountains in Nepal, we would suggest you to be ready for anything. Weather forecasts for Lukla are never correct and different sources will give you different information. If it is a really bad day in terms of weather, the airlines will themselves cancel the flight and you might have to wait till the weather clears. Yes, flying in high altitude is never easy, even on a clear sunny day, the plane might face turbulence because of the wind blowing from the mountains. But overall the flight to Lukla is very exciting and it’s an experience that you will never forget
These are the best months to do this trek, as the weather is mild and the temperatures range from 12 to 15 degrees. The skies generally remain clear and the days are pleasant and warm. You can expect an occasional spring shower and hazy weather during spring. The mountain views are stunning in September, as there is more snow on the mountains. Nights can be freezing as the temperature dips after sun down.
If you have booked a package with us you won’t be spending much as accommodation and 3 meals are already included in your trip price. You may have to personally pay for items like beverages and drinks, extra snacks, hot showers, electronic device charging, wifi etc. USD 20 to 30 (NRS 2000-3000) per day will suffice.
You can either buy bottled mineral water or fill up a reusable water bottle with boiled or sterilized water. During the trek, the teahouses or lodges serve you bottled and filtered water which is generally safe and have to be paid for. A liter of water would cost anything between 1 to 4 USD. As you go higher the cost of all commodities, including water, increases. But do note there is no dearth or scarcity of drinking water at teahouses. We encourage our guest to use iodine and other purifying agents to treat the water before drinking. You need to drink at least 3-4 litres of water each day to stay hydrated at higher altitudes. Keeping your body hydrated helps you to keep away the symptoms altitude sickness.
No, the company won’t provide drinking water or any extra drinks or beverages other than the ones that are specified in the trip cost.
While tipping is not mandatory it is a nice way of showing your appreciation to the people who have helped you enrich your holiday experience. It all depends on how far you are pleased and satisfied with their services. There is no fixed amount, but many of our clients offer 8-10 percent of the total tour price as tips.
You need to be in good shape and have an ability to walk 6 – 7 hours uphill and downhill per day. This trek is suitable for passionate trekkers. Positive attitude, excellent health, and strong determination are required for successful finish. Past hiking experience would be an asset but no technical skill is required for this trip. Besides, it is advisable to trek with a highly reputed trek operator like us, with experienced guides who can help you with significant mental preparation with a personal touch.
Regarding the difficulty, the only challenging factor is the altitude. Our Everest Base Camp trek itinerary provides ample time for acclimatization. Neither ropes nor ice picks are needed for this trip and no vertical climbs are involved. Novice travelers in a good physical shape, who exercise regularly, has positive attitude and has healthy heart and lungs can easily complete this adventurous trip.
As Everest Base Camp is situated at a high altitude of 5,364 metres, you spend only 1 to 2 hours at the base camp. Since the base camp lies at the foot of the world’s tallest mountain Mount Everest, the hike to EBC is probably the highlight of your trek. Though one cannot view the summit of Mount Everest from the base camp (as the mountain is too huge) you can get close up views of the massive walls of Everest, Khumbutse, Lingtren and Nuptse. The Khumbu Icefall appears spectacular. Though the icefall lies close to the Base Camp, it is not possible explore it as you need proper climbing gear to walk on it. But you get to explore the actual base camp of the Everest expedition groups. During climbing season, it is like a mini city of tents and you get to meet mountaineers (sometimes celebrities too!) from different countries attempting to summit Mount Everest. After taking pictures and soaking in the magnificent views you descend down to Gorak Shep again. Please do note the visibility of mountains depends on the weather. If it’s foggy you may not get good views of the mountains.
No, we do not spend the night at Everest Base Camp as there are no teahouses or lodges there. Moreover it is advisable and more comfortable to spend the night at a lower elevation. After enjoying the views we trek down to Gorak Shep and stay overnight at a local teahouse.
No, the summit of Mount Everest is not visible from Everest Base Camp. Rising above 8000 metres, the mountain is just too gigantic to be viewed in its entirety from its base. The summit of Everest can be viewed from Kala Patthar and from places en route to EBC. If you want to view Mount Everest without having to trek to Everest region, you can do it by driving to Nagarkot, taking an Everest Mountain Flight and an Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour. The best view you get of Mount Everest is from Kala Patthar.
In all our Everest Treks the teahouses that we use have western toilets. In luxury lodges and teahouses in the lower elevations the rooms come with attached bathrooms and hot showers. At higher elevations the facilities may be a bit basic and you may have to share the bathroom with other travellers. Please do note that in case of extreme cold, the water in the toilet basin may freeze and you may have to use an Asian (also known as ‘squat’) style of toilet that is located outside. Please do carry toilet paper rolls with you at all times. It is important that you carry enough rolls of toilet paper and hand sanitizer while trekking.
You need to have local currency to purchase items on the trail. While Lukla and Namche in the Everest Region may have lodges that would accept payment with cards, we strongly advise to carry enough local cash with you to buy essential items en route. You can exchange your currency at any of the money exchange centres in Kathmandu or use your credit or debit card at the local ATMs to get local currency.
You can store it at your hotel (most hotels in Kathmandu have storage facilities) or you can leave it at our office.
Yes, wifi hotspots are available on the Everest Base Camp trail. But please do keep in mind, due to the mountainous terrain the network maybe erratic. Often times the signal gets lost or the strength is poor.
No. of People | Price per person |
---|---|
1 - 1 | USD 2500 |
2 - 4 | USD 1930 |
5 - 8 | USD 1860 |
9 + | USD 1780 |