Ebc Trek

Trip Duration 14
Max Altitude 5364M
Group Size 2 to 40
Best Time for Visit March to May, Sep to February

Trip Overview

Overview

The Everest Base Camp (EBC) Trek is a legendary adventure that attracts trekkers from all around the world. Situated in the breathtaking  Khumbu region of Nepal, the journey offers a remarkable fusion of natural beauty, cultural richness, and a sense of accomplishment. In about 300 words, here's an overview of this awe-inspiring trek: The journey commences in the bustling capital city of Kathmandu, where trekkers soak in the vibrant local culture before embarking on a short flight to Lukla, a small mountain town. From Lukla, the trek officially begins, and hikers set foot on the rugged trails that meander through picturesque Sherpa villages, lush forests, and across suspension bridges draped over roaring rivers. As trekkers ascend higher, they are greeted by breathtaking panoramas of snow-capped peaks, including Ama Dablam, Lhotse, and Nuptse, before catching their first glimpse of Mount Everest, the world's tallest mountain. The trail continues through Namche Bazaar, a bustling trade hub nestled in a natural amphitheater. Acclimatization days are an essential part of the trek, allowing adventurers to adjust to the thinning air and reduce the risk of altitude sickness. During these rest days, trekkers can explore local monasteries, learn about Sherpa culture, and relish the warm hospitality of the mountain communities. Pushing onward, the journey progresses through the tranquil rhododendron forests of Tengboche and Pangboche, with the sounds of prayer flags fluttering in the wind. As trekkers ascend the Khumbu Valley, the landscape gradually transforms into an arid and rocky terrain, and the temperatures drop significantly. Finally, after days of effort and determination, trekkers reach Everest Base Camp, situated at an elevation of 5,364 meters (17,598 feet). Here, they stand in awe of the colossal Everest, basking in the sense of achievement and camaraderie shared with fellow adventurers.

Conclusion and Summary

The return journey retraces the steps back to Lukla, where trekkers bid farewell to the Himalayan giants and fly back to Kathmandu, filled with unforgettable memories. The Everest Base Camp Trek is a challenging yet deeply rewarding experience that not only offers a glimpse into the world's highest peaks but also provides an opportunity to forge lasting connections with nature and oneself. It is a bucket-list adventure that leaves an indelible mark on the hearts of all those who undertake it.

 Trip Highlight

  • Experience the thrilling flights into Lukla, one of the world’s most dangerous airports.
  • Get a glimpse of the entire Khumbu region
  • Great opportunity to cross the three high passes of the Khumbu region in one journey
  • Prayer wheels, colorful flags, Mani stones, high suspension bridges
  • Famous Sherpa town in the Everest region – Namche Bazaar
  • World-famous monasteries and museums
  • One of the world’s highest hotels – Everest View Hotel
  • Schools from Khumjung and Hospitals in Kongde made by Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay Sherpa.
  • Khumjung Monastery is said to be famous for Yeti Scalp.
  • Ancient monastery in Tengboche
  • Nepal’s highest airport Syangboche
  • Retraces the footsteps of Sir Edmund Hillary, Tenzing Sherpa, and other countless pioneers of Mt. Everest
  • The Spectacular Close up views of Everest, Nuptse and Changtse and glimpses of the northern flank and summit of Lhotse plus Astounding Close up Sunrise Views from Kala Patthar Viewpoints.
  • Incredible views of some of the world’s highest peaks, including Mount Everest (8,848m), Cho Oyu (8,188m), Lhotse (8,516m), Nuptse (7,861m), Ama Dablam (6,812m), and Makalu (8,485m).
  • Exciting day hikes to the popular and scenic viewpoints of Everest such as Kalapatthar, Chhukung Ri.
  • Traverse past dozens of Sherpa Villages with a distinct culture
  • Highest glacier on Earth- Khumbu Glacier (4900m)
  • Get insight into the distinct Tibetan Buddhism, unique Sherpa culture, tradition, and lifestyle
  • Savor the delicious local cuisines and hospitality
  • Sagarmatha National Park: UNESCO World Heritage Sites
  • The wide range of flora and fauna
  • Vegetations Like firHimalayan birch and rhododendronJuniper and rhododendron prevail at elevations of 4,000–5,000 m (13,000–16,000 ft). Mosses and lichens grow above 5,000 m (16,000 ft) are found in Sagarmatha National Park
  • Wildlife like Himalayan tharHimalayan serow and musk deer. The snow leopard inhabits elevations above 3,500 m (11,500 ft), and the Indian leopard roams forests in lower elevations and Birds Like Impeyan pheasantbearded vulturesnowcock and alpine chough found in Sagarmatha National Park
  • Celebrate the completion of your epic journey with fellow trekkers in Lukla.
  • Reflect on your adventure over a traditional Nepali farewell dinner in Kathmandu.
  • Marvel at the resilience and spirituality of the Sherpa people as you trek through their homeland.
  • Capture breathtaking moments against the backdrop of some of the world’s highest peaks.
  • Return home with a sense of accomplishment and memories that will last a lifetime.

Itinerary

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.

In peak trek seasons (March, April, May, Sept, October, and November), Lukla flights from Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA)  may be rerouted to Manthali Airport due to traffic congestion. So, during these months, our guide will pick you up from your hotel at around 12:30 am for a five-hour drive to Manthali. From Manthali, you will take a 20-minute flight to Lukla.  In other months (December, January, February, June, July, and August), you will take a 40-minute flight to Lukla from Kathmandu.

If you want to avoid the drive to Manthali from Kathmandu, you can book a helicopter to Lukla. However, it will cost you around 550 USD extra, provided five persons share the cost.

Our journey to EBC, which begins from Lukla, will be very exciting, as it will be our 1st day of the trek. We will leave Lukla and trek through Chaurikharka village and descend to Dudhkoshi Ghat (2,530m / 8,300ft) until we reach Phakding. Today’s trek will be short and enjoyable as we will also be acclimatizing. We can spend our spare time visiting local monasteries (like Rimishung Monastery) and preparing ourselves for a long trek the next day.

  • Overnight stay at Khumbu Travel Lodge, room with attached bathroom
  • Included standard meals (Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner)

We’ll rise early this morning and dig into a hot breakfast at our lodge. Make sure to have a second helping, since we’ll be trekking for about six hours today. Our third day on the Everest Base Camp Trek kicks off with a hike through a verdant wonderland of cool, shaded woods and secret waterfalls. We’ll cross scenic suspension bridges hanging over the rushing waters of the Dudh Koshi river, and we’ll get our first good look at some of the Himalayas’ highest peaks, including snow-capped Thamserku (6,608 meters). Our path then leads into Sagarmatha National Park: a vast area of natural beauty which shares its name with the Sanskrit name for Mount Everest. After lunch, we’ll cross another series of suspension bridges before laying eyes on Everest itself. From this vantage point, the lively town of Namche Bazaar is just around the corner. We’ll pick out the best available trekking lodge for tonight’s accommodations.

  • Accommodation :Sakura/ Alpine Lodge
  • Trekking time:  5-6 hrs approx
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner (Included)
  • Max. Altitude: 3,438m/11,280ft

As we reach higher and higher altitudes, it will be important to allow time for our bodies to adjust to the thinner atmosphere. We’ll spend today in Namche Bazaar, acclimatizing to the altitude and enjoying everything that this quirky trading hub has to offer. The town is actually known for its bakeries, which deserve accolades for producing mouth-watering pastries at high altitudes. You can also visit the Sherpa Culture Museum or take a short hike to enjoy the viewpoints from Syangboche Airport or the Hotel Everest View. However you choose to spend the day, time spent at Namche Bazaar is never wasted—and you certainly won’t go hungry. Tonight, we’ll return to our lodge to enjoy a second night here in town.

  • Accommodation :Sakura/ Alpine Lodge
  • Trekking time: 2-3 hrs approx
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner (Included)
  • Max. Altitude: 3,438m/11,280ft

After fortifying ourselves with a stout breakfast, we’ll shoulder our packs and make for the narrow hilltop above Namche Bazaar. You’ll get the chance to see a unique stupa here which memorializes Tenzing Norgay and his ascent to the top of Mount Everest, along with Edmund Hillary. Before long, some of the lesser-known but tremendously impressive Himalayan mountains will soar into view—along with Thamserku and Kangtega, don’t miss the iconic triple summits of Kusum Kanguru. From here, the path levels out as it approaches the waterway of the Dudh Koshi once again. Enjoying the marvelous scenery along the way, we’ll gradually begin our ascent through leafy rhododendron forests to reach Tengboche. If you’re trekking in the springtime, the colorful rhododendron blooms are a wonder to behold. Upon reaching Tengboche, we’ll get checked in at a local teahouse. Don’t miss your chance to visit Tengboche Monastery this afternoon: the most historic and well-known Buddhist gompa in Khumbu.

  • Accommodation: Local trekking lodge
  • Trekking time: 5-6 hrs approx
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner (Included)
  • Max. Altitude: 3,870m/12,697ft

Our Sixth day on the Everest Base Camp Trek leads through the villages of Pangboche, Somare, and Dingboche. As we hike through pleasant rhododendron forest and cross a long suspension bridge over the iridescent waters of the Imja Khola river, gargantuan white mountains like Lhotse and Ama Dablam dominate the horizon. On the approach to Dingboche, we’ll also see a large number of mani stones arranged by the trailside. These are rocks painted or engraved with Buddhist mantras; you should always keep them to your right-hand side as you pass. Finally, we’ll trek across a wide expanse of terraced fields where barley and potatoes are grown, before arriving at Dingboche. We’ll pick out a comfortable lodge here to spend the next two nights.

  • Accommodation: Good Luck Lodge/Simialr
  • Trekking time: 5-6 hrs approx
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner (Included)
  • Max. Altitude: 4,360m/14,305ft

We’ve now reached the point on our Everest Base Camp Trek itinerary where our bodies need another day to adjust to the increased elevation. As always, the trekker’s maxim is “climb high, sleep low.” This means that we can safely ascend to the stunning vantage points of Nagarjun Hill or Chukhung Village before returning to Dingboche in the afternoon. Both of these day hikes afford superlative views of Makalu, Lhotse, Ama Dablam, and other Himalayan mountains. This evening, you’ll want to get a bite to eat at one of the bakeries or cafes in town. Later, watching the sunset over the windswept peaks of the mountains and the stone-walled terraces of Dingboche will make for an exquisite memory that you’ll return to again and again.

  • Accommodation: GoodLuck lodge/Similar
  • Hiking time: 2-3 hrs approx
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner (Included)
  • Max. Altitude: 4,360m/14,305ft

We’ll wake up this morning properly acclimatized and ready to continue our adventure. Today’s hike begins with a gradual climb through small villages and temporary herders’ settlements. Along the way, you’ll see familiar mountains like Ama Dablam and Nuptse, but don’t miss your chance to identify the lesser-known Kongma Tse and Taboche. Each of these peaks represents another breathtaking landmark on the proverbial road to Mount Everest. Shortly after passing through a little town called Dughla, we’ll stop to pay our respects at a series of memorial stupas dedicated to fallen climbers. Then it’s onward to Lobuche, where we’ll stop for the night. A hot meal and a good night’s sleep at our teahouse will come as a welcome reward after our hard work on today’s trail.

  • Accommodation: Oxygen Lodge/Similar
  • Trekking time:  4-5 hrs approx
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner (Included)
  • Max. Altitude: (4,910 m/16,105 ft)

Along with Namche Bazaar, Gorak Shep must be one of the most evocative names in all of the Khumbu. Merely hearing the name of this village spoken aloud conjures up images of excited trekkers, friendly Sherpas, and the spectacular massif of Everest itself. Our morning will begin with a hike along a rocky glacial moraine before arriving in Gorak Shep. We’ll stop here for a brief lunch before pressing onwards to Everest Base Camp. You’re sure to have a spring in your step as we follow the rocky path to reach our ultimate destination, with the winds of the highest mountain in the world blowing about our ears. When we arrive at base camp, it’s time to celebrate! You’ll have plenty of time to feast your eyes on the Himalayan panorama spreading out before us. Later, we’ll trek back to Gorak Shep to enjoy a triumphant meal, still basking in the glow of our success as we lay our heads to rest.

  • Accommodation: Himalaya Lodge/similar
  • Trekking time:  5-6 hrs approx
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner (Included)
  • Max. Altitude: 5,364m/17,599ft

Don’t be surprised if you wake up this morning still brimming over with excitement in the wake of yesterday’s accomplishments. We’ll make the most of this momentum by ascending to the magnificent lookout point of Kala Patthar. This short early-morning trek will allow us to enjoy 360-degree views of Nuptse, Ama Dablam, Taboche, Thamserku, and many other legendary Himalayan peaks and glaciers. From here, you can even get a better look at Everest than you did yesterday! Afterward, we’ll descend to Gorak Shep to enjoy a leisurely breakfast before setting off to retrace our steps all the way back to Pheriche. We’ve already hiked this part of the trail in the opposite direction, so this will be a comfortable and familiar route that will lead us to another cozy teahouse and another hot meal.

  • Accommodation: Pumori/ Phriche lodge
  • Trekking time:  5-6 hrs approx
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner (Included)
  • Max.Altitude: 5,545m/18,193ft

Our morning begins with a gentle descent through rhododendron woodlands as we make our way back to Namche Bazaar. We’ll trek for a couple of hours, reaching the Imja Khola river before stopping for lunch at Tengboche. Take this opportunity to get another look at the town’s beautiful monastery. While no photographs are allowed inside, the sights you’ll see will imprint themselves indelibly upon your memories. When we’re ready to start walking again, we’ll traverse green hills and windswept ridgelines to arrive at Namche Bazaar once again. You’ll have plenty of time this evening to enjoy some shopping before dinner; lots of interesting souvenirs and curios can be found here in Namche. We’ll spend our penultimate night on the Everest Base Camp Trek in another inviting teahouse.

  • Accommodation: Sakura/ Alpine Lodge
  • Trekking time:  5-6 hrs approx
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner (Included)
  • Max. Altitude: 3,438m/11,280ft

Today is our last day of adventure on the Everest Base Camp Trek. As we put Namche Bazaar to our backs, we’ll begin a steep descent through a number of small villages, including Phakding, where we spent our first night on the trail. Make sure to enjoy the stunning views of riverine valleys and forested slopes from the vantage point of multiple suspension bridges; they’ll represent your last glimpses of the scenic Khumbu wilderness. When we return to Lukla at last, we’ll share a celebratory meal as we reflect upon our life-changing experiences on the Everest Base Camp Trek. The more intrepid of our group won’t want to miss the chance to explore the quirky town of Lukla more fully—just be sure to get enough rest for tomorrow’s early-morning flight!

  • Accommodation:  Northfiled Lodge/Similar
  • Trekking time: : 5-6 hrs approx
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner (Included)
  • Max. Altitude: 2,800m/9,187ft

This is the last of your trek. After breakfast, you will fly back to Kathmandu or Manthali, depending on the trekking season. If you are trekking in peak seasons (March, April, May, Sept, October, and November), from Lukla, you will take a 20-minute flight to Manthali Airport, and we will then drive you to Kathmandu from Manthali. In other months (December, January, February, June, July, and August), you will take the 40-minute flight back to Kathmandu.

You can book a helicopter from Lukla to Kathmandu to avoid the five-hour-long drive from Manthali to Kathmandu. However, it will cost around 500 USD extra, provided you share your helicopter with four others.

We hope your flight will be a relaxing one and provide you some time to appreciate your achievement and fall back on your memories. After arriving in Kathmandu, you can return to your hotel. How you spend the rest of the day is entirely up to you.

  • Included standard meal (Breakfast)

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!

Departures & Availability

The set departure dates listed are specially quoted and specified for group joining option. Let us know if the set departure dates are not suitable for you- another dates which are suitable for you can certainly be added by us.

Check Available Dates
Start Date Price Availability

All trip prices are per person based on double occupancy, are subject to change without notice and do not include airfare. All prices and fares are quoted in U.S. dollars.

Price include

  • Flight ticket to Lukla from Kathmandu or Ramechhap including airport transfer to domestic airport taxes.
  • All Standard Accommodation and Meals during the Trek
  • Government licensed English-speaking trek leader. For more than 12 trekkers, 1 assistant guide.
  • Porter to help trekkers luggage. 2 trekkers will share 1 porter, Max weight limit for a porter- 18 kg (9 kg per trekker, weight limit). You can store non essential items in your hotel or at the FWT store.
  • Covers guides’ and porters’ wages, their meals, insurance, lodging, transportation, flight, and other necessary equipment
  • Water purification tablets for safe drinking water
  • Sagarmatha National Park entry permit fee
  • Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality fees
  • Snacks (cookies) and seasonal fresh fruits every day
  • All government, local taxes, and official expenses
  • Assistance in arranging rescue operations in case of complicated health conditions (funded by travel insurance)
  • Souvenirs – company’s T-shirt & Cap
  • Friendship World Trek Appreciation Certificate after the successful trek
  • Farewell dinner at the end of the trek

Price Excludes

  • International flight costs
  • Nepal Entry Visa Fees for multiple entries on arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport- (15 days – $25-30, 30 days- $40-50 and 90 days- $100-110)
  • Excess baggage charges (Limit is 9 kg per Person) on the trek
  • All accommodations and meals in Kathmandu, before and after the journey
  • Extra night accommodation in Kathmandu due to early arrival or late departure, or early return from the trek.
  • Personal expenses (shopping, snacks, boiled bottle water, hot (Tea/ Coffee) and cold drinks, hot shower, alcohol, Wi-Fi, telephone call, battery re-charge fee, extra porters, etc
  • Personal clothing and gear
  • Travel insurance that covers emergency high-altitude rescue and evacuation (compulsory)
  • Tips for guides and porters (recommended)
  • Additional costs incurred due to causes beyond our control, for example, landslides, weather conditions, itinerary modifications due to safety concerns, illness, change of government policies, strikes, etc.
  • All other costs and expenses not listed in the – What are included in my 14 Days EBC Tour Package?

Gears And Equipment

Trip Information

Best Time To Travel

Spring (March to May) and autumn (mid-September to November) are considered the best seasons to trek to Everest Base Camp. The weather stays dry and clear during these times, making 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 the 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.

Lukla Flight

The easiest way to reach Lukla (2840m), your Everest Base Camp Trek trailhead, 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 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 the high season (Spring- March, April, Autumn – October, November), flights to and from Lukla now operate 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.

Altitude Sickness & Acclimatization

Remember, you will be trekking to the world’s highest trekking destination, Everest Base Camp, which lies well above 5000 meters beyond 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 and 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 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 elevation level.

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%

Drinking-Water

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 Life Straw. 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 (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 uses a different sized pot). The price increases gradually as you climb higher. You pay the highest for boiled water at Gorak Shep, i.e., 4 USD. While cold water is provided free of charge, it is not advisable to drink untreated tap water.

Internet Connectivity On Everest Base Camp Trek

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.

Packing Checklist For Everest Base Camp Trek

As opposed to popular belief, you don’t need much-complicated gear and equipment for an Everest Base Camp adventure. Here’s a basic checklist of the essential items that you should not forget to bring with you during your EBC Trek:

  • A sturdy pair of trekking boots with good ankle support
  • Rucksack or daypack (30 liters) with a waterproof cover
  • Trekking pants and waterproof trousers
  • T-shirts or shirts
  • Down jacket
  • Wind/ waterproof light jacket
  • Fleece jumper or jacket
  • Inner Thermal (top and trouser)
  • 4-6 pair of socks and underwear
  • Sunglasses, sun hat, woolen cap, or balaclava
  • Inner and outer gloves
  • Headlamp, power bank, and extra batteries
  • Sun protection cream, wet wipes, and hand sanitizer
  • Towel, flip-flop or rubber sandal, toiletries
  • Water bottle and water purification tablets
  • Sleeping bag and sleeping bag liner

These are only some of the essential items. Check a more detailed packing list for trekking. Most of the trekking equipment is available on hire in Kathmandu. You can keep your baggage light by only packing the essential items and renting or buying the rest in Kathmandu. Shops in Thamel offer branded as well locally made gear and equipment.

Guide(S) & Staff Arrangements

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 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 mountain guides. They can communicate in English and have received training on wilderness first aid and crisis management.

A chief guide or trek leader will lead the trek. For every 4 trekkers, there will be an assistant guide assisting them personally. One porter will carry the luggage of 2 clients. Ensure 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 of the booking fee goes to fund the education of our field staffs’ kids.

Trip Safety

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 of 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 follow the safety protocol. He will closely monitor the client’s condition and take the required steps needed for the client’s well-being.

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 Everest Base Camp Trek

A typical day on the trail begins with a wake-up 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 enjoy clear mountains’ views, 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 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.

Entry Permits & Requirements

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 plan 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. 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.

Travel Insurance

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, proving fatal if not treated on time. Walking in 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 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 domestic and international flight cancellations and lost or stolen baggage.

Responsible Travel

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 environmentally friendly.

Everest Base Camp Trek Route Map

Everest Base Camp Trek Map

FAQS

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Lorem Ipsum is simply dummy text of the printing and typesetting industry. Lorem Ipsum has been the industry’s standard dummy text ever since the 1500s, when an unknown printer took a galley of type and scrambled it to make a type specimen book. It has survived not only five centuries, but also the leap into electronic typesetting, remaining essentially unchanged. It was popularised in the 1960s with the release of Letraset sheets containing Lorem Ipsum passages, and more recently with desktop publishing software like Aldus PageMaker including versions of Lorem Ipsum.

Traveler Reviews

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