The Everest Base Camp Trek Guide is filled with all the important information that will benefit new trekkers wanting to explore the region.
Everest Base Camp Trek is one of the most popular in Nepal. They can be easy to some and challenging to others. If you don’t have trekking experience, then this Everest Base Camp Trek Guide will help you find all the information necessary before going on your excursion.
Everest Base Camp Trek offers stunning trails through forests, rhododendron settlements, glacial moraines, and woodlands. During the journey, you can also visit Sagarmatha National Park, where you can see many different kinds of plants and animals, some rare and only found in the Himalayas.
Furthermore, you will see beautiful mountain views, including Mt. Everest, Ama Dablam, Cho-Oyu, Lhotse, and Nuptse. He will also pass through several exceptional small settlements in a Sherpa village, where you can meet local people and experience their hospitality.
Hence, the Everest Base camp trek is an experience mixed up with fantastic adventure and cultural immersion. However, you can experience even more fun if you know what you will do when you get there. Hence, our complete Everest Base Camp Trek guide is just for you.
How do you get to Everest Base Camp from Kathmandu?
The Everest Base Camp Trek is an exciting 14-day experience in Nepal. You will begin by flying into Kathmandu, followed by Lukla, a small mountain village. The trek will take you through several villages, forests, and beautiful mountains. This will help your body adjust to the altitude. The route is designed to be easy on your body. You will get to see some stunning scenery along the way. The trek is carefully planned to ensure your safety and enjoyment.
You’ll reach Namche Bazaar, a Sherpa trading town, and then continue to Everest Base Camp, stopping at Gorakshep. The next day, you will reach Kala Patthar, the highest point in your EBC trek, where you can take photos of beautiful mountain ranges. Finally, you’ll retrace your steps, flying back to Kathmandu from Lukla on day 13.
EBC Trek Duration and Hike daily
The Everest Base Camp Trek is fun and pleasing; however, make no mistake, it is challenging. What makes this trek a bit difficult is its total duration, around 130 km from Lukla to the base camp.
This trek will take you from Lukla, Phakding, Namche, Tenboche, Dingboche, Lobuche, and Periche. Regarding the itinerary, Hillary Steps Trek has prepared a unique 14-day trek package where you will visit several amazing places in the Khumbu region.
You must cover 130 km for 14 to 15 days, and within these days, at least two days are separated for acclimatization. Hence, you must cover at least 9-10 km daily. During this thrilling EBC trek, you must hike for seven to eight hours daily.
Best Time For Everest Base Camp Trek
If you plan to travel to the Everest region, choosing the right time to visit is vital to ensure an enjoyable experience. The success or failure of your trek largely depends on the timing of your visit. During the peak season, you can expect pleasant weather, comfortable temperatures, clear mountain views, and beautiful trails.
However, if you visit during the off-season, you may face challenges such as heavy rainfall, snowfall, and natural disasters. Therefore, carefully considering the best time to visit Everest Base Camp is crucial.
Spring
Spring is among the best season for trekking in Nepal. The month from March to May falls in the Spring season. During this season, the weather is pretty warm, and the temperature is also mild. Spring season starts after the end of the winter season, so there will be less chance of rainfall.
Since the days are sunnier, it starts to get reasonably warm, which is impressive for climbing peaks. The favorable weather, temperature, blooming trails, and crystal-clear mountain views appeal to trekkers worldwide.
Hence, Spring is the busiest season for trekking. The trail to Everest Base Camp, hotels, lodges, and tea houses are very overcrowded during these three months.
Autumn
Autumn is another popular season for trekking EBC. Many trekkers argue that Autumn is the best season for trekking in Nepal. September – November falls in the Autumn season. During Fall, the skies are clear, the weather and temperature are favorable, and there are only occasional chances of rainfall in the early days of September.
Autumn is a bit chillier than SprinSpringe; it passes the monsoon, leading to winter. However, mesmerizing mountain views and clear skies are more than enough compensation for the cold nights. As November passes, the high altitude starts getting snowfalls and snowstorms, so plan your trek accordingly.
Monsoon
Trekking during the monsoon season, which runs from June to August, can be challenging because of the muddy and slippery trails. However, at higher altitudes, the rainfall tends to be less. So, if you’re ready and willing to bear the wet weather, you can still go for the Everest Base Camp Trek. Just be extra careful.
Also, trekking during the monsoon season can be a peaceful experience with less disturbance. In the mornings, you can see spectacular views of the Himalayas.
However, if you don’t like getting wet in the rain, you can go on a rain shadow trek. These treks occur in areas with little rainfall, like Upper Dolpo and Tsum Valley Trek, but the Everest region doesn’t fall in the rain shadow area.
Winter
Winter is considered the best off-season trek for Everest Base Camp. You will suffer from harsh cold weather throughout the entire trek. Even the days are chillier, whereas the temperature falls below freezing at night.
Many experienced trekkers can trek in the winter season, but if you are a beginner, we recommend you avoid this season. Pack several vital items, such as winter jackets, boots, snow gear, ropes, etc. However, like Monsoon, the trails are less crowded, so if you want a peaceful trek, this might be your season.
How challenging is the trek to EBC?
Everest Base Camp Trek is not very hard, as it falls in the difficulty level of easy to moderate. If you decide to trek in the peak season, you don’t need any experience in trekking or skills for mountain climbing.
It is a hike at a high altitude, as you have to trek daily for several hours through rugged terrain. The risk of altitude sickness will linger as you trek at high altitudes. Furthermore, at least two days must be separated for acclimatization to avoid mountain sickness.
Some factors can cause difficulty during your EBC trek, so let’s look at them.
What are the Difficulty of Everest Base Camp Trek?
Altitude Sickness
Altitude sickness, also known as Acute Mountain Sickness, is a common problem when trekking at high altitudes. The air gets thinner, with less oxygen, which causes symptoms like headache, dizziness, nausea, and fatigue. If you experience these symptoms, it is important to take action immediately. If possible, go down to a lower altitude as soon as possible. This will help prevent serious consequences.
Altitude sickness can be avoided by gradually ascending and allowing your body to adjust to the changing conditions over several days. To acclimatize, spend some time at lower altitudes before gradually ascending to higher elevations. This will give your body time to adjust and help prevent altitude sickness.
Daily Trekking Hours
As mentioned earlier, the EBC Trek is long. You must cover 130km within 14 days, and the daily trekking hours range from six to seven hours, undoubtedly making you tired and exhausted. Along the trail, you will encounter various steep climbs, curvy roads, bumpy rocks, and snow-capped peaks.
Since the roads are not flat and you have to trek several hours daily, this trek will be physically demanding. So, before trekking, increase your physical fitness and endurance.
Weather and Climate
Trekking in Nepal is fun and thrilling if you choose the proper time. Weather and climate can raise or lower the difficulty of your trek. Favorable weather conditions make your trek fast, give you opportunities to click beautiful photos, and lower your chances of getting injured.
However, if you choose bad weather to trek, your path might be blocked by snowfalls, heavy rainfalls, floods, blizzards, or avalanches. There is also a huge risk to life and property if you trek in dangerous weather.
Rough Trails
The rough trails are another factor that makes the EBC trek significantly difficult for trekkers. Steep ascents, descents, and rocky paths are very common as soon as you land from the flight to Lukla.
You will pass through several streams, rivers, wooden or suspension bridges, and vast landscapes. Make sure you are trekking in proper weather so that blooming flowers, green vegetation, and dense forests accompany you.
Food and Accommodation We get during the Everest Base Camp Trek
Food and Accommodation are essential during your EBC trek. The popularity of this trek has grown significantly over the years, so more lodges, hotels, and tea houses have been established. In the city area, like Kathmandu, you can choose accommodation in three- to five-star hotels.
But as you climb altitude, you will reach remote villages where you will only find teahouses. Teahouses are small houses with few rooms with twin beds. During the overcrowded season, you may have to share your room and toilet with other trekkers.
Regarding food, there are many options on the menu in city areas like Kathmandu. You can have local Nepalese foods like Dal, Bhat, and Curry or get various Western cuisines. Throughout the trek, you will get three meals daily: breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
In the secluded villages, you will get local Nepali food and some Western dishes in teahouses, such as Pizzas, Burgers, Dumplings, stews, or Steaks. We recommend not drinking directly from the tap or water handles.
We recommend you carry water purification tablets or only drink filtered and boiling water, which you can ask from the teahouses for additional costs.
How much does the Everest Base Camp trek cost?
Various factors determine the cost of Everest Base Camp:
- Two nights accommodation in Kathmandu (Hotel Thamel Park with Breakfast)
- 11 Nights Standard Accommodation in During the Everest Base Camp Trek
- All Standard meals (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner/the main course) during the trek
- Free Pick up/Drop off from the International airport and domestic airport by private vehicle
- Both ways, Kathmandu to Lukla and Lukla to Kathmandu by flight with airport tax
- Sagarmatha National Park Fees
- Pasang Lhamu municipality fees
- Professional & Government licensed holder English Speaking Trekking Guide
- Porter (2 trekkers: 1 porter)
- Staff costs, including their salary, insurance, equipment, food and accommodation, etc
- Sleeping bag (if Needed)
- Trekking Map
- First aid kit
- Cookies & seasonal fruits every day
- All Government and Local Tax
Hence, the total cost for the 14 days Everest Base Camp Trek is USD 1,450
How cold is it at Everest Base Camp?
If you’re planning to visit Everest Base Camp, you must be prepared for the different temperatures you’ll encounter. During spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November), daytime temperatures range from 10°C to 20°C.
However, temperatures can drop significantly at higher altitudes and at night. In fact, during the winter months (December to February), nighttime temperatures can drop as low as -10°C to -20°C.
Important Packing List for the Everest Base Camp Trek
- Upper Body: Insulation, Thermal base layer, fleece, warm jacket, trekking shirt
- Toiletries: Quick-drying towel, toilet paper, Toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, Shampoo, small mirror, nail cutter
- Essentials: Trekking pole, sleeping bag, towels, raincoat, water bottle, Backpack or day pack
- Gaiters, crampons (if needed) Slippers, thermal leggings underwear, thick socks
- Head: Ear warmers, beanies, scarf, sunhat, Headlights, spare batteries
- Gloves, waterproof jacket, Lightweight T-shirt
- Personal Accessories: Money, camera, phone, watch, Power bank, extra camera batteries
- Face: UV sunglasses, sunscreen, dust masks, lip balm, Face/body wipes
- Legs & Boots: Trekking pants (2 pairs), waterproof jacket, Trekking boots, sports shoes
- Extras: Diary, pen, books, Extrapassport copy, photos, binoculars, first aid kit
Permits Needed for Everest Base Camp Trek
To be able to trek Everest Base Camp Trek you need some important permits.
Sagarmatha National Park:
- SAARC Nationals NPR 1500/person
- Foreigners NPR 3000/person
Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Fee
- SAARC Nationals NPR 1000/person
- Foreigners NPR 2000/person
Trekkers Information Management System (TIMS)
- Foreigners NPR 2000/person
- Foreign Officials & their families NPR 500/person
- SAARC Nationals NPR 1000/person
Conclusion
Hence, Everest Base Camp Trek is quite an amusing but slightly challenging trekking destination in Nepal. If you are confused about trekking in the Everest region, our comprehensive guide will make your trek easy.
You will get all the necessary information about the trek, such as its difficulty, best seasons, costs, food and accommodation, and others.
