Planning to do an Everest base camp trek and yet have no idea about where to start?
This Everest Base Camp Trek Guide and Information will help you in not only planning your trek to the Everest region but also in knowing the region you are going to tread and in knowing what you should expect on the trek.
Everest Base Camp trek is a bucket list adventure for many people. Many get to tick off their bucket list adventure with safety and in a responsible way while many are unaware of where to start. To help you plan your journey to Everest base camp smoothly we have created this complete guide to Everest base camp trek which will cover all the important aspects of trekking to the Everest region.
P: s: Following we have covered the most important aspects of the trek which we believe will help you in accomplishing your goal. However, there are many aspects which we have not covered and it’s all due to personal preferences as to what one likes and dislikes.
Knowing The Region You Are Going To Tread?
1. Introduction:
Everest Base Camp – the journey to the base camp of the world’s highest mountain. The most popular trek in Nepal in the whole 2,400km stretch of the Himalayas offers experiences, unlike any other Himalayan treks. Closeup view of the highest mountains, spectacular sceneries throughout the journey, an insight into rich Sherpa cultures, old monasteries, etc. are some highlights you will encounter on this trek. Geographically located in the northeastern part of Nepal, this region alone welcomes thousands of trekkers/climbers every season. The standard Everest base camp trek is 130km long from Lukla to Everest base camp and back.
2. Trek grade:
Physically challenging due to the higher elevation above [5000m/16,400ft], involves daily trekking of approximately 6–8 hours. No previous trekking experience is required but you should be moderately fit and must enjoy walking and adaptable to high altitude conditions. The maximum elevations on this trek is [5,545m/18,193ft] at Kalapathar and [5,364m/17,559ft] at Everest base camp while the maximum overnight elevation is [5,140m/16,864ft] at Gorakshep. Your journey will begin from Lukla [2,800m/9187ft] and you reach an elevation of [5000m/16,400ft] in eight days including two rest and acclimatization days at Namche and Dingboche.
3. Start/End place:
The starting/ending point of Everest base camp trek is Lukla which sits at an elevation of [2,800m/9187ft]. 30 mins of flight on small aircraft connect Kathmandu and Lukla. Nepal only has one international airport at the moment which is Tribhuvan International Airport situated at Kathmandu. Arrive in Kathmandu’s airport and fly to Lukla to start your trek.
4. Best time to come:
In general, the best time to visit the Everest region is Spring (March to May) and Autumn (Sept to Nov). Weather is more stable at these times of the year. Spring season provides an opportunity to interact with the climbers heading to summit Everest and you also get to see the tent city at the base camp of Mt. Everest. Autumn the post-monsoon season is the busiest time of the year. Avoid Monsoon season (June to August) as the fights will be affected due to poor visibility and also who wants to trek getting caught in rain? Read more about the best time to visit Nepal for trekking.
5. Climate:
The best seasons to trek to the Everest region are Autumn (from mid-September till the end of November) and Spring (beginning of March until mid-May). Temperatures will drop considerably as you ascend higher every day. The nights are cold (between -10C to 5C) and the days are sunny and hot (between 10C to 20C). Mornings are usually clear, with clouds building up in the afternoon and disappearing at night.
Planning Your Trek
Now that you have a general idea of the trek, it all comes to the planning of your trek now. Below we have listed some important points you should consider while planning your trek.
Important note: It’s always better to book a guide before rather than looking for one in Kathmandu.
1. Choose independently or guided:
First thing, plan whether you wish to trek independently or guided. It is much safer and easier to trek with a guide if you are alone and are not comfortable doing an unassisted trek. Going through organized trekking will have everything arranged for you before your arrival. However, if you wish trek independently it is completely safe to trek on your own too. Everest base camp trek is one of the most popular/busiest trekking trails in the world. You will meet several people along the way and in the teahouses, you will stay. If you can’t afford but yet need someone to assist you, you can always request for a guide only.
2. Find a reputable company:
If you have decided to go through an agency, find a reputable one who you can trust. The Internet can be a valuable tool for you to evaluate them, check reviews and experiences. Consider recommendation at first if any of your known have travelled to Everest base camp before as they will have beforehand knowledge and will be able to suggest you. Make sure that you choose a reliable travel agency with a lot of credibilities. Inquire about the route thoroughly, the guide’s experiences, the teahouses you will be living in and much more. It may seem tedious, but you wouldn’t want to take any chances!
3. All-Inclusive Service:
Our special itineraries include everything from airport to airport. We can provide you with any type of accommodation from budget to 5 star. So please tell us the category of hotel you want to book or your preferred hotel name. If you want to stay in a hotel with all facilities, we will provide you with a 3-star hotel in Kathmandu. Also you can mention all additional services apart from those mentioned in the itinerary.
4. Travel companion/private or group:
Travelling is always fun when it’s with the Nepali people you love the most. If you have friends/family doing the trip. Travelling in a private group allows you and your friends/family members more advantage when it comes to decision making. If you are solo traveller then perhaps trip will be as good as travelling with friends.
5. Route Variations:
Everest region alone has many trips from trekking just to the base camp, doing the high passes or climbing 6000m peaks or 8000m peaks. For Everest base camp trek, the eventual goal is the same for everyone – reaching Everest Base Camp but the ways to reach a goal can be different. The itinerary varies as per the number of the day available to you with the standard duration of 12N/13 Days trek to 11N/12 Days at minimum. We advise you not to do the trek if you are in a hurry or have limited time as that leads to shortening the itinerary and will eventually lead to altitude sickness. Always keep 2 rest and acclimatization days at Namche and Dingboche before heading higher up.
6. Include contingencies day:
Always keep a day for contingency after your trek. Weather, Flights, Illness, etc. can all lead to jeopardizing the itinerary and having a contingency day after the trek will allow you time to cope up with that. If all goes well then you can use that day to explore the capital city, Kathmandu.
7. Places to cover on the trek:
Make sure that the places you wish to visit are covered in the itinerary. If not, you can always request to amend the itinerary. If possible, we would be happy to cover your places of interest.
8. Book your flight:
We advise you to book your flight tickets at least 3-4 months before your trip date. Nepal has only one international airport with a fair amount of flights operating. During peak season time the flight gets full and the ticket will only be available at high fare mostly. Booking the flights early will avoid the chances of non-availability and high fares and also you get to travel on your desired dates.
9. Visa and passport:
Kindly ensure that you hold a valid passport with at least 6 months validity remaining. Visa for Nepal can be obtained at the Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu on arrival or at the diplomatic consulates or missions abroad.
10. Get the right insurance to cover emergencies:
It’s mandatory and highly recommended for all our clients to have travel insurance that will cover emergency evacuation and medical expenses. Please ensure that your insurance covers the level of activity you are undertaking. More Details: Travel Insurance
11. Buy/rent proper trekking gears (try before actual trip):
Your whole trip could end miserably if you have not gotten yourself proper trekking gears. You will not have to spend a whole lot of money or get everything new for the trek but you will need to make sure that your gears are adequate and of quality. Before embarking on the trip, make sure that your gears such as (Boots, Jackets, Socks, Sunglasses, Water Bottle, etc) are in good condition and will not break in the middle of the trek. You also need to make sure that your clothing is proper and warm enough as it will be cold up in the mountain. If getting trekking gears in your region is a problem then you can also get it in Kathmandu after your arrival. There are entire areas dedicated to just trekking gear shops. From branded to local clothing, you can find a wide variety of selection. On our trip, we provide every participant with a warm down jacket, sleeping bag, and waterproof duffel bag.
12. Consult your doctor before leaving if you have any past medical conditions:
Seek medical advice with your doctor before leaving for a trip if you have had any medical conditions before or have any ongoing treatments. Tell him about the trip you are undertaking in detail.
13. Bring the medicines you need:
On a trek, we carry a comprehensive medical kit, supplementary oxygen system, and satellite phone for an emergency purpose. You are encouraged to bring your medications too but please tell your leader about the medication you are taking and use the medications only if you are confident. Avoid sleeping tablets in higher altitudes.
14. Training for the trek:
Now that the planning for the trek has been completed, it’s now time to train yourself for the trek. Read on how to train for Everest Base Camp Trek. How to train for EBC Trek
In Kathmandu
Kathmandu is the capital city of Himalayan country, Nepal and is Nepal’s only international airport. After your arrival at the airport in Kathmandu, you will be transferred to your hotel. There will be a trip briefing and the rest of the time is free for you to explore and do any last-minute shopping.
1. Get briefed:
After your arrival in Kathmandu, you will be briefed on all the important aspects of the trek and Kathmandu. Equipment checking will be done at the same time too. If your flight arrives late and you happen to miss the briefing, your leader will find a time to make it for you.
2. Last- minute shopping in Kathmandu:
Make sure you have all the things required for the trek and if you happen to miss or forget anything Kathmandu is the last place you can get it. You can also get any missing items on the trek but at double the cost of Kathmandu.
3. Change money in Kathmandu:
On a trek, you will need local currency for your expenses and exchanging here in Kathmandu will get you a good conversion rate.
4. Carry a route Map:
Carry a trekking map so that you will have an idea of the places you are visiting. The map will also help you in identifying the terrain, mountains, and places.
5. Permits:
Make sure that your permit has been sorted out. You will require two permits to trek to Everest base camp and both permits can be obtained at Lukla. If you are travelling guided through an agency then your permits will be sorted out before your arrival
On The Trek
After all the planning and preparation, the journey to the base camp officially begins when you board the STOL plane to Lukla or Ramechhap Manthali. Start your trek on the day you go to Lukla.
1. Always follow the leader’s advice:
Always follow your leader’s advice on the trek as he knows the best. Every evening before or after dinner, your leader will debrief about the day and will brief you about the tomorrow journey. You should also tell your leader if you have any health issues. On trek beside the leader, a group of staff (Assistant Guide and Porters) will be assisting you.
2. During the walk, find and follow your pace:
Remember slow and steady wins the race. The main important thing during the walk is to find your pace and continue the walk. On and Off pace of walk will get you tired easily so build a rhythm and follow it rather than moving faster and taking breaks frequently. Every morning before you begin the day’s walk, allow 15-20 mins to walk slowly as that will warm up your muscle and helps you greatly for the day’s walk.
3. Maintain hydration:
Avoid dehydration at all cost as that leads to various illness which will affect your journey. Drink plenty of water and carrying hydrating supplements/ORS will be beneficial. Drink at least 3 litres of water per day or better at least hydrate yourself until your urine is clear and odourless.
4. Proper layers of clothing:
Check the weather forecast for the day and dress accordingly. During the day as you walk, the body temperature will rise and you will not need to put on thick jackets. Wearing a proper layer of clothing will minimize excessive sweating, getting cold and protects from wind. Carrying a fleece/winds topper in your backpack is a must.
5. Bring a buff, cap and good sunglasses:
Yeah, it can be uncomfortable to breathe with the buff put on but this will greatly help you in moisturizing the air you inhale. The air is cold and dry in the mountain thus wearing a buff prevents you mainly from getting cough and sore throat. Cap and Sunglass are another important thing you need for the trek and you know why it’s needed.
6. Start early:
The morning weather is great for a walk as it will neither be hot nor cold. Starting early morning not only provides a good temperature for a walk but provides you enough time during the day for the walk, clearer views and helps you to avoid rainfall too. In the mountains, the clouds will usually start to build up from late afternoon onwards as the temperature rises and if there is a chance of rainfall it will much likely be after late afternoon.
7. Keep at least 2 acclimatization days at Namche & Dingboche:
Allow at least 2 acclimatization days at Namche and Dingboche. Remember the golden rule of acclimatization – Climb High Sleep Low. During these acclimatization days climb higher and retrace back for overnight. This will allow your body to adapt with the altitude more efficiently and also exposes your body to a higher altitude to prepare for the coming days.
8. Let the Yak/Dzopkyo pass first especially at the bridge:
Yak and Dzopkyo (Crossbreed of Yak and Cow) are frequently encountered during the Everest trek. These breeds are used for transportation purposes. Always let them pass first and while giving them way do not stand near the cliff as they may knock you off with the loads they are carrying. And on bridges let them pass first as the bridges are narrow.
Teahouse/Lodge
1. Accommodation:
Trekking in (Mt. Everest region) does not require great logistics in accommodation as many lodges vary from luxurious to clean and friendly lodges along the trail. Most teahouses/lodges have basic rooms, usually a bed with a pillow and a blanket. The rooms are very simple but comfortable to sleep from fatigue. All of them have electric lights and all have a spacious dining room-lounge. Please note that hotels at high altitudes (Lobuche, Gorkshep, Jongla) are basic and a sense of adventure is required. It is more cost-effective to stay in a lodge than on a camping trek.
2. Meals:
Meals are available on every teahouses/lodge you will stay. You will find a variety of foods that you can try during the trek. Breakfast and dinner will be at the teahouses/lodges where you will stay and lunch will be along the way.
3. Drinking Water:
Drinking water is available at every stop and teahouses/lodge you stay. A bottle of water (1 Liter) will cost from 1$ to 2.5$ as the altitude increase. Hot water can be purchased at a relevant cheaper rate. We strongly advise you to carry a water bottle and fill it with boiled water rather than buying bottled water to minimize the plastic waste. You can also add a water purification tablet on top of the boiled water. Bring 2 bottles of 1 litre so you will have enough water during the day’s walk.
4. Electricity/Charge:
Electricity/Charing option is available on Everest trek and you will need to pay to charge your electronic devices. Every room will have electricity but not a charging port. You will need to charge your devices at the dining area and need to pay for the charge per device with the cost ranging from 1$ to 2.5$.
5. Internet/WIFI:
Internet facilities are available throughout the trek and you can buy internet data from the teahouses you stay.
6. Shower:
A hot shower is available on every teahouse on the trek at an extra cost of 1$ to 2$. Remember to keep ventilation while taking a shower to let the airflow as there have been cases of people fainting inside the shower due to more toxic gases released from gas geysers shower. Taking shower higher above from Dingboche is not advisable.
7. Toilet:
Most of the teahouses in the Everest region especially higher above from Namche have common sharing toilets. The toilets are western-style but there will not be a toilet paper so carry toilet paper and hand sanitizer always in your backpack. Rooms with attached bathroom are available on Everest trek but at limited places and limited hotels.
8. Altitude sickness:
Click here to know about the altitude sickness in detail – ways to identity, prevention, and medication. Check: altitude sickness
Additional Tips
- If your sleeping bag/blanket is not warm enough, ask for an extra blanket at the hotel.
- Bring power bank as the charging cost will be levied on per device
- Ask your guide or at the ticket counter for left side seat on KTM-LUKLA flight and right side on return LUKLA-KTM flight for the mountain views.
- To dry clothes/socks more efficiently at night, put it underneath the blanket or mattress.
- Fill your bottle with hot water before you go to bed and put it inside the sleeping bag for additional warmth.
- You can also use the same water the next morning to brush your teeth and to wash your face.
- Allow the first 15-20 mins of walk to do it slowly as it warms up your body and prevents from getting tired easily.
- Avoid meat at higher places as the meats are not fresh and are refrigerated only. Only consume bakery items if it’s prepared the same day.
EBC Trek Equipment Catalog
We encourage you to get all equipment for the trip and kindly ensure you check and try every equipment. Check out equipment list
Everest Base Camp Trek Itinerary
All the itineraries follow the same approach, acclimatization and route to the base camp. However, the itineraries vary due to the total number of duration, trekking days and helicopter fly-out option instead of walking back the same way.
Everest Base Camp Trek
Everest Popular Trek
Everest Kalapatthar Trek
Everest Base Camp Heli Trek
[We hope this Everest Base Camp Trek Guide and information will help you plan your trek. Please feel free to mail us at info@alpinetrav.com. If you have any questions or need more information on any aspects of the trek]
AlpineTrav Treks & Expeditions is an adventure travel company in Kathmandu, Nepal founded by local alpine experts with extensive experience in trekking and mountaineering in the Himalayas.