Everest Base Camp Trek

Everest Base Camp Trek Related Information

Right Timings for the Everest Base Camp Trek

The right timing for the Everest Base Camp trek is between September to November (autumn) and March to May (spring). These are the busiest seasons for trekking too because of the most favorable weather conditions.

Spring brings the warm, bright colors of rhododendrons and a milder climate as the days progress. Autumn provides the clearest views and comfortable hiking weather with the fresh Himalayan air that has been cleaned after the monsoon rains.

From June to August, during the monsoon season, the trails can become slippery, visibility can be poor, and flights to and from Lukla are often delayed or canceled.

Winter (December to February) is also not a bad time to go for the Everest Base Camp trek, but you need to be well-prepared for the cold, and many lodges along the trail may close. However, you will be able to enjoy a less crowded route.

What is the Difficulty Level of the 14 Days Everest Base Camp Trek?

The 14 days Everest Base Camp trek is a class II medium-grade high mountain trip that has the maximum altitude of 5644 m at Kala Patthar. The total distance that you will have to cover on foot between Lukla to Everest Base Camp and back is around 130 km.

You will also spend 3 to 8 hours walking each day along the well-made trails. You will pass through numerous forests, follow the Dudh Koshi and Imja Rivers, and cross some dizzying suspension bridges.

From Phakding onwards, your trail of the Everest Base Camp trek will become steeper and more challenging because of altitude increase, thinner air, and cooler temperatures.

However, you can engage in the Everest Base Camp trek as your first mountain hiking expedition in Nepal, as the infrastructure in the Everest region is not very reliable, and the views are unmatched.

Can beginners manage the Everest  Base Camp Trek Itinerary?

Managing the Everest Base Camp trek itinerary certainly needs some strength, endurance, and stamina, but you don’t need to be a superhero either.

Older children, adults, and many elderly people have managed it so far with ease. However, you do need to be in decent shape, and if you have some experience in long hikes, the Everest Base Camp trek will be much easier.

If you have never trekked before, you can keep up with a regular exercise routine. Warming yourself up with any outdoor exercises before the Everest Base Camp trek will be a good idea.

However, if you have any medical problems, especially those connected to your heart and lungs, we suggest you get medical consultation before participation.

Altitude Sickness or Acute Mountain Sickness/AMS

Any high altitude mountain hikes have the risk of altitude sickness once you go above 2500 m elevation. Some hikers begin to feel the effects of high mountain altitude and its reduced oxygen level when they are at 3000 m.

And, once you are over 4000 m, it is common to feel your heart rate increase, your breathing get faster, feel a headache, and have trouble sleeping.

These are the general starting signs of AMS, which will go away once you adjust to the altitude. So to give your bodies a chance to adjust quickly, we have acclimatization days at Namche Bazaar and Dingboche.

To completely avoid and to help with the mild symptoms of AMS, you can get medications like Diamox (Acetazolamide) in Kathmandu. It is also very important that you drink sufficient water even if you are feeling thirsty.

Be very alert for the signs of the AMS and make sure to tell our guide and descend to a lower altitude right away.

Training and Preparation

The Everest Base Camp trek demands a decent physical shape, which you can attain through a regular exercise routine at least one month earlier before the trek starts.

These activities will warm you up for the physical demands of the trek so you can have a pleasant and full experience without getting tired. You can get such physical activity either in a gym or you can yourself engage in outdoor activities that you love, such as running, walking, jogging, playing outdoor sports, etc.

For preparing for the steep up and down trails, we suggest you do a lot of stair climbing in your building or office, and go on some real-life adventures by hiking nearby easy mountains.

Accommodation, Meals, Drinks, and Transport

You will have your stay in Kathmandu in a very comfortable hotel (three-star category) and in the mountains in traditional lodges (teahouses). In Kathmandu, you will have a double room with a private bath, shower, hot water, WiFi, and charging outlets.

On the Everest route, most teahouses are now able to meet the tourist needs, but as you gain altitude, the accommodations may get pretty basic.

After Dingboche, you will also have to adjust to the sharing arrangements of the toilet and rustic settings.

Regarding meal arrangements, all your meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner) during the Everest Base Camp trek and breakfast in Kathmandu are included in our service. However, you will have to pay for the drinks and snacks.

In terms of your traveling arrangements, we offer you private means for your domestic and international airport transfers, and your travel to and from Ramechhap. Our service fee for the Everest Base Camp trek also includes your round-trip flight tickets for Kathmandu – Lukla – Kathmandu.

Gadget Charging on the Everest Base Camp Trek

Each village on the route of the Everest Base Camp trek is now backed up by electricity from solar panels and government-supplied power. Till Dingboche, you will have a personal electric outlet in your room to charge your camera, power bank, mobile, and other electronic accessories.

Afterward, you may have to wait for your turn to use the common outlet in the dining room. Please be aware of the additional charges for this service, which you may have to pay on a per-device per-hour basis.

Mobile Service and Internet/WiFi

The two main mobile operators in Nepal are NCELL and NTC/Namaste. If you wish to have a good working mobile signal in the high-altitude region of Everest, buy the NTC SIM Card in Kathmandu. NCELL will work best in the lower areas of Khumbu.

You can get the standard physical SIM Card or go for the eSIM as well. Or, you can also choose to activate a roaming service on your home network (please inquire about the service with your local network provider), but the charges can be a bit expensive.

As for the internet, you can opt for mobile internet data through 4G of the local Nepali network. Or, you can buy the WIFI prepaid cards of AirLink or Everest Link to have internet access on the Everest Base Camp route.

For our 14 days Everest Base Camp trek, make sure your insurance  has:

• Helicopter rescue up to 5700 m
• Injury, accident, and medical care
• Mountain hiking activities that involve climbing
• Extra days during the trip
• Loss, damage, or theft of your gear and belongings, as well as trek or flight cancellations or delays.

Sharing or Group Everest Base Camp Trek

If you are an introvert or very creative and wish to create your own private journey with Mount Everest, then we offer you a private Everest Base Camp trek.

In such a private setting, you will get to choose your own Everest Base Camp trek itinerary, you can set your own pace, and decide your own overnight stops.

Yes, the price may be a bit higher than sharing your experience with someone else, but it will be entirely yours.

However, if you are an extrovert, like social interaction, want to enjoy your holidays spending less, and don’t mind sharing your timeline with other travelers, then you can engage in our group 14 days Everest Base Camp trek. And, what’s more, you can also select the group size you would like to travel with.

As for our recommendation, you can make a balance between your personal experience and your cost. Just assemble your friends and families, create your own group, and get the group discounts as well as an intimate immersion in Everest.

Permits necessary for the Everest Base Camp Trek Itinerary

For the Everest Base Camp trek, we will pay for the following two mandatory permits:

• Sagarmatha National Park Entrance Permit: It gives you the right to trek inside the protected landscape of the Park, and it will cost NPR 3000 per person (foreign), PR 1500 per person (SAARC), and NPR 100 per person (Nepali).

• Khumbu Municipality Local Area Permit: This permit will allow you to trek inside the Khumbu Valley, and it will cost NPR 3000 per person (foreign), NPR 2000 per person (SAARC), and none for Nepali.

Health & Safety

Throughout the trek to the Everest Base Camp, your well-being is of central concern. The itinerary is structured in such a way that there are sufficient days to spread acclimatization, as your body will be able to adapt by nature to altitudes in higher environments and less oxygen. It is altitude sickness that is the primary worry, and for this reason, guides monitor and check on trekkers daily and observe their state closely.

Small things do help in the trail: keep hydrated, no alcohol, and take a steady step-up at an easy pace. In case there are indications of Acute Mountain Sickness, it is important to rest or descend at the earliest opportunity since safety always comes first.

The Mission Himalaya Treks team is first-aid trained and carries some basic medical supplies during the trek. Your guides will remind you to avoid the risk of intense exposure to the sun or cold weather with sunscreen and the right layering as well.

Gradual walking and not rapid movements will ensure that there is no chance of injury. The teahouses organize safe drinking water in the form of boiled water or purification pills, and serve hygienic meals. The trek to the Everest Base Camp is safe and enjoyable if you follow instructions and trek in a responsible way.

Transportation

The Everest Base Camp trail starts with the unforgettable flight. Domestic flights from Kathmandu to Lukla are scheduled, which last approximately 30 minutes and provide excellent mountain scenery on the route.

The Lukla Tenzing-Hillary Airport is famous due to the dramatic position where it is situated and the short runway, which actually makes reaching the airport an experience. In peak trekking months, flights may operate from Manthali (Ramechhap), a few hours’ drive away from Kathmandu. All flight details and updates are shared in advance.

The transport during the trip is well planned to be comfortable and easy. The package will include airport pickups, hotel transfers, and round-trip Lukla flights. Once the trek is done, transport back to Kathmandu is also offered.

The team organizes backup plans in terms of safety and convenience in case there are any weather-related delays. Mission Himalaya Treks will take care of all your travel arrangements, allowing you to trek without transport concerns.

Travel Insurance

Before embarking on the Everest Base Camp trek, it is important to have the right travel insurance. All trekkers must have insurance covering high-altitude trekking up to 6,000 m. Even at these altitudes, there is always a low risk of altitude-affected illness or sudden health problems.

In some cases, evacuation can be required in cases of emergency. Everest region helicopter rescues are very costly, and some of them demand large upfront payments. Proper insurance cover will cover you against such expenses and will enable you to concentrate on the trek without worrying.

In taking insurance, make sure that it covers emergency medical and evacuation beyond 5,500 m. Most simple travel or credit card plans do not cover high-altitude trekking; hence, it is vital to verify the information. It is highly recommended to select an insurer that specializes in adventure traveling.

Trip cancellation, baggage damage, and flight postponements coverage can also come in handy because the weather in the mountains can disrupt schedules. It is advisable to have a printed policy and emergency contacts with you on the trek itself. When you have the right insurance, you will be financially and medically protected.

Alternative Routes

The most popular version of the Everest Base Camp Trek is the 14-day standard tour, although there are a number of other options with other experiences. The Three Passes Trek is a good option for trekkers who have more time and are physically fit to undertake it.

This is a difficult path that passes through Kongma La, Cho La, and Renjo La, and the journey is approximated to be 18 to 20 days. It goes through more peaceful valleys and offers more generous mountain scenery.

The Gokyo Lakes route is another popular alternative and takes one to a series of interesting turquoise lakes. The trail moves onward to Cho La Pass before joining the main route of the Everest again, starting at Gokyo. The people who would like not to fly to Lukla can initiate the trek at Jiri or Phaplu, hiking across the hill areas of low elevation and perhaps taking an extra week to cover the itinerary.

Depending on time, trekkers choose a helicopter return from Gorak Shep to Kathmandu on reaching base camp. The customization of routes is possible in terms of time, interests, and experience. Spring or autumn should be used because of better weather conditions and clear views.

Your Extra Expenses

The Everest Base Camp trek does not include all the key expenditures, yet several personal expenses are to be considered beforehand. Tourist visa in Nepal is payable at the airport and is typically USD 50 for 30 days. No travel insurance is provided, and this needs to be taken care of before the trip.

On the path, the food is offered, and out-of-program beverages and snacks are at your own expense. There is an additional expense on such products as bottled water, soft drinks, hot showers, and device charging, which are charged at a higher rate. The accessibility of Wi-Fi in teahouses is also provided at a fee.

In Kathmandu, the lunches and dinners are on your own, other than your farewell meal. It is considered to tip the guides and porters at the end of the trek, usually about 10 percent of the total trip cost.

Language & Communication

International travelers will find it relatively simple to communicate on the Everest Base Camp trek. The route is widely covered by guides, porters, and most of the teahouse employees who generally speak English. The local communities are mainly Sherpa, whose ancestral language is a variant of Tibetan.

The Sherpas mostly speak Nepali and understand English well. Basic Nepali phrases such as Namaste or Dhanyabad are welcomed and seen to form positive relationships on the trail.

In bigger villages like Lukla and Namche Bazaar, mobile network coverage can be had, but with limited signal coverage. In Kathmandu, a local SIM card is cheap and helpful in making calls and limited use of the internet. There is also Wi-Fi available in lodges in Namche and beyond Namche at a fee. Higher altitude makes connectivity unreliable, and the hike is an opportunity to unplug and experience nature.

Don’ts on This Trip

What to avoid is equally important as the itinerary to use in the Everest Base Camp trek. It is important not to hurry getting to the peak and never skip acclimatization days, as gradual adaptation at high levels is a must. The disregard of rest days may be a factor that exposes one to the dangers of altitude sickness. The trail should not contain alcohol or smoking, as both influence the level of hydration and oxygen. Take a party after the trek has been done.

Protect the fragile mountain environment; this means litter should not be thrown anywhere, and single-use plastics should be limited. Waste should be carried everywhere until the appropriate disposal is made. Be deferential to local culture, i.e., seek permission before taking a photograph and remove your shoes upon entering a residence or monastery.

It will be unsafe to go out alone or leave any marked trails within the remote areas. You should never exit the group without consulting your guide.

Trip Extension

The completion of the Everest Base Camp trek usually motivates the visitors to see more of Nepal. Most prefer to relax in a jungle safari in Chitwan National Park, which houses rhinos, elephants, and a variety of birds. Some people like to find the relaxed surroundings of Pokhara, where lakeside walks, paragliding, and short hikes with Annapurna are enjoyed.

Kathmandu in itself is the best cultural destination by providing guided tours to the UNESCO World Heritage sites, including Boudhanath, Pashupatinath, Swayambhunath, and the old Durbar Squares. Those who love adventure can experience white water rafting on the Trishuli River or an impressive flight around the Everest.

To help get a greater challenge, it is also possible to add a peak climb, such as Island Peak. Trip extensions are customized according to your interests, level of energy, and time at hand, and hence make your adventure in Nepal more memorable.

Photography & Drone Rules

There is no better photography dream than the Everest region, which has its dramatic mountains with colored prayer flags and another side of daily life, which is not aged with time. You may capture landscapes at will, and you will discover numerous perspectives along the track.

In regard to individuals, households, or monasteries, it is good etiquette to seek permission before clicking cameras. Even a mere show of respect is welcome in Sherpa communities, and it would be gladly accepted with a smile.

There is a strong regulation in regards to the use of drones at the Everest Base Camp area. To fly a drone within the Sagarmatha National Park, it is necessary to have a special permit from the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal and the park officials. The permits are expensive and generally not useful for individual travel use.

Unauthorized flying is liable to fines or equipment seizure. In the alternative, most trekkers prefer to use cameras. In case of obtaining a permit, it is necessary to fly the drone delicately, without disturbing people, wildlife, or buildings.

Cultural Festivals on the Trail

The Everest Base Camp trek goes through Sherpa-dominated villages and cultural backgrounds. Hiking in festival periods gives one an experience of the culture beyond the landscape. The most important festival within the Khumbu region is the Mani Rimdu, which is celebrated at Tengboche Monastery either in the month of October or November. This festival consists of masked dances, prayers, and rituals conducted by monks and has united the local communities to celebrate.

Another major festival is the Dumji, which is typically performed in June in villages like Namche and Khumjung. It celebrates the Sherpa culture through rituals, songs, and communal dinners under the leadership of Buddhist lamas.

Trekkers visiting in late winter can also lead to the experience of Losar, Tibetan-Sherpa New Year celebrations, characterized by prayers, colorful decorations of the monasteries. The experiences of these festivals are more respectful ways of adding meaning and cultural value to the Everest Base Camp trek.

Traveler tips for Nepal on the first visit

Nepal can feel exciting yet overwhelming on the first visit. It is hard to select the appropriate season. The seasons between March and May and also between September and November are clear, and the climate is favorable to trekking.

The months are trending, and it is a good idea to make flight and trek reservations. In Kathmandu, most travelers are entitled to receive a tourist visa. Carry passport photographs and money because a 30-day visa costs around USD 50. It is advisable to read your Everest Base Camp trek itinerary prior to the trek to get a clear understanding of what to expect.

It is advisable to come a day or two early to Kathmandu. This will give time to rest, adapt to the time zone, and also sightsee the city. This is also the opportunity to inspect your trekking equipment or find shopping shops in Thamel in case you need them.

Valuables should be kept secure, and in crowded places, one should be alert while traveling. Bring plenty of Nepali cash on the trek, as there are few ATMs after Kathmandu and Namche Bazaar. It will be pleasant to learn some basic Nepali greetings and respect for the local traditions.

Add Ons

Upgrade your Accommodation in Kathmandu and on the Everest Route

For our 14 days Everest Base Camp trek, we offer you standard stays in a mid-range three-star hotel. Likewise, on the Everest route, your stays will be in comfortable, normal teahouses.

But if you are after a more luxurious experience, then we also offer you an upgrade option. In Kathmandu, you can switch to stay in Hotel Marriott, a renowned five-star luxurious hotel known for its specialized services and utilities.

Along the route to the Everest Base Camp, you can decide to stay in Yeti Mountain Home, which has its chain of premium lodgings in Lukla, Phakding, Monjo, and Namche. You can upgrade just in Kathmandu, just on the Everest route, or for the whole trek.

Please note the upgrade charges below:

• Hotel Marriott: US$250 per night per room
• Yeti Mountain Home: US$265 per night per room

Upgrade with a Helicopter flight between Kathmandu and Lukla

We understand if you feel quite annoyed by the midnight departure to Ramechhap and then waiting for the Lukla domestic flight to occur early in the morning, right after you arrive in Kathmandu.

If you feel the same, then you can also choose to fly straight to Lukla in the luxury of a comfortable helicopter (private or sharing). You can take a Kathmandu-Lukla heli flight or a Lukla-Kathmandu heli flight. Kindly note that this upgrade will cost you $500 per person per way.

Cut back the trekking days with a helicopter ride from Gorakshep to Kathmandu

We totally get it if you feel worn out after about a week-long hiking activity along the tiring trail of the Everest Base Camp trek. If this is you, then you can take a heli flight straight from Gorakshep to Kathmandu at just $1200 per person.

Trips you can take after the Everest Base Camp Trek

After completing our Everest Base Camp trek adventure, you may be interested in other short trips that we offer at a very reasonable price, such as:

• Kathmandu Valley exploration guided tour at just $110 per person.
• Trishuli River rafting near Kathmandu is just $50 per person.
• Everest Mountain flight by plane at just $235 per person.
• A jungle safari in Chitwan National Park costs just $150 per person.