Everest Base Camp is a real paradise located high among the clouds. It is a popular trekking route in Nepal, where legendary climbers Tenzing Norgay Sherpa and Sir Edmund Hillary took their first steps in 1953.
The Everest Base Camp trek, Annapurna Base Camp, Annapurna Circuit Trek, and Ghorepani Poonhill climb are among the world’s most famous trekking routes.
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Everest Base Camp Trek is a dream for any trekker or explorer worldwide who wants a once-in-a-lifetime experience in Nepal’s Himalayan region. This trekking route, which follows in Mount Everest’s legendary footsteps, has much to offer trekkers.
You can see Mount Everest, the World’s tallest mountain, and Mt. Lhotse, Makalu, Cho Oyu, Island Peak, and Ama Dablam. Trekkers will find this difficult, but the views of the surrounding hills, ice falls, glaciers, and scenic beauty are worth it.
Why Should You Trek to Everest Base Camp?
1. The Breathtaking View of Mount Everest:
The most exciting part of the trip is seeing the incredible view of Mount Everest, one of the world’s most famous mountains. You’ll be amazed when you see those majestic snow-covered peaks for the very first time.
On this hike, you can see some of the most beautiful views of the Himalayas, which you won’t see anywhere else in the World. You can feel a strong connection with the mountains and be mesmerized by their massiveness.
2. Monastery of Tengboche:
The journey to Everest Base Camp is also a spiritual experience. You will see traditional prayer flags in blue, white, red, green, and yellow, representing the earth, air, sky, and fire. These flags contain prayers and Buddhist teachings.
However, the most renowned spiritual site you will encounter is the magnificent Tengboche Monastery. Buddhist monks give trekkers safety blessings here. While you are on your amazing adventure, you can take a rest in the monastery. It is covered with stunning paintings and murals where you can find peace.
3. Lukla Fight:
Your trip starts with an exciting flight from Kathmandu to Lukla. Lukla Airport is popular for its short runway and its location on a high cliff. The plane reaches Lukla after 30 to 45 minutes of flying at an altitude of about 2,860m (9,383 ft).
On the journey to Lukla, you’ll get to see beautiful views of Kathmandu Valley and the Himalayas.
4. Sagarmatha National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site:
The trekking paths of the EBC Trek go through Sagarmatha National Park. Sagarmatha National Park became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979 for its natural beauty.
Trekkers must show their Park Permit card at the Monjo Check Point to get in the park. There are numerous plant and animal species in this park, including endangered species such as the snow leopard and red panda.
Sagarmatha National Park was established to protect the mysterious Himalayan land’s wildlife and endangered species due to its natural resources. It covers 1,244 square kilometers and includes valleys, lakes, glaciers, and snow-capped summits like Mount Everest.
5. Sherpas, Porters, and Local Guides:
During your trip to Everest Base Camp, amazing Sherpas and guides will accompany you. You’re in good hands with these friendly natives’ mountain navigation skills.
You will also get an opportunity to explore traditional mountain Sherpa villages. As the Sherpas will guide you to Everest Base Camp you can listen to their Sherpa culture, and intriguing stories, and admire their climbing Everest skills.
6. Teahouses:
You can have a unique experience just by exploring the popular tea houses on the mountain. In this place, you can relax enjoy the warmth, and meet other travelers from around the world.
Although they are basic and feel more like living in someone’s home than a hotel, you’ll be surrounded by friendly Nepalese. You can have hot meals and be able to enjoy an experience that not many tourists get to have in Nepal.
7. Amazing View From Kala Patthar:
Kala Patthar is a mandatory stop on the way to Everest Base Camp for its breathtaking view of Mount Everest. From there, you can also get a wide view of Mounts Lhotse, Nuptse, and Changtse, as well as the whole Everest area.
Kala Patthar gives you a great, close-up look at Mount Everest. Hikers usually hike to Kala Patthar early morning or evening for sunrise and sunset views. It shows the beauty of the region.
8. The Everest Base Camp Hike:
The main attraction of this journey is the hike to Everest Base Camp (EBC). Mount Everest, which is the tallest mountain in the world attracts dreamers and climbers who wish to see it up close.
You can start your trek with breathtaking views of the snow-covered Himalayas, Sherpa valleys, monasteries, vivid sceneries, and glaciers. You will always cherish your journey because of the exciting route and wonderful teahouses
9. Namche Bazaar:
Namche Bazaar is a major highlight of Everest Base Camp. Before entering Namche Bazaar, you have to cross Hillary Suspension Bridge.
Namche Bazar is also known as the Sherpa’s capital, which offers a variety of facilities including markets, lodges, restaurants, banks, ATMs, shops, and more. It is a popular tourist hub and is also a great place for altitude acclimatization for trekkers.
Know More: Everest Base Camp Trek for Beginners
10. Khumbu Glacier and Ngozumpa Glacier:
Khumbu Glacier is the largest glacier in Nepal which is located between Mt. Everest and Mt. Nuptse-Lhotse ridge. It is also known as the world’s highest glacier which starts from the Everest Base Camp and can be seen from the world’s highest base camp and Kala Patthar.
Ngozumpa Glacier is the longest glacier which is about 36 kilometers long. It lies below the world’s sixth-highest snowy peak Mt Cho Oyu. You must visit the viewpoint of Gokyo Ri to enjoy the breathtaking views of Ngozumpa Glacier.
11. Three Great High Passes:
One of the main highlights of Everest Base Camp is three great high passes, also known as the Everest circuit trek. It covers the entire trekking route in the Everest region.
This trek includes crossing three high passes including Kongma La, Cho La & Renjo La, and reaching the world’s highest Mt. Everest base camp. The route starts through remote valleys like Thame and Marulung and passes through Gokyo Lakes Trek, Kala Patthar, and Everest base camp.
Outline Trek Itinerary of Everest Base Camp
| Day | Outline Itinerary | Elevation |
| Day 1 | Arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu and transfer to hotel. Stay overnight at a hotel. | 1,400m |
| Day 2 | Flight from Kathmandu to Lukla – 35 minutes or drive to Ramechhap/Manthali – 5 to 6 hours and a 20-minute flight to Lukla, and then trek to Phakding (2,610 m) – 3 to 4 hours. Stay overnight at a guest house | 2,840 m 474 m |
| Day 3 | Trek to Nanche Bazaar from Phakding – 5 to 6 hours. Overnight in a guesthouse. | 3,440 m |
| Day 4 | Acclimatization Day at Namche Hike to Hotel Everest View and back – 4 to 5 hours. Overnight in a guesthouse | 3,440 m 3,880 m |
| Day 5 | Trek from Nanche Bazaar to Tengboche- 5 to 6 hours. Overnight in a guesthouse. | 3,860 m |
| Day 6 | Trek starts from Tengboche to Dingboche – 5 to 6 hours. Overnight in a guesthouse. | 4,410 m |
| Day 7 | Acclimatization Day. Hike to Nangkartsang Peak and back for 4 to 5 hours. Overnight in a guesthouse | 5,083 m |
| Day 8 | 5 to 6 hours trekking from Dingboche to Lobuche. Overnight in a guesthouse. | 4,910 m |
| Day 9 | Trek to Everest Base Camp And then back to Gorak Shep – 8 to 9 hours. Overnight in a guesthouse. | 5,364 m 5,190 m |
| Day 10 | Early morning Hike to Kala Patthar And then, down to Pheriche – 7 to 8 hours. Overnight in a guesthouse. | 5,555 m 4,240 m |
| Day 11 | Trek from Pheriche to Namche Bazar – 7 to 8 hours. Overnight in a guest house. | 3,440 m |
| Day 12 | Trek from Namche Bazaar to Lukla – 7 to 8 hours. Overnight in a guesthouse. | 2,840 m |
| Day 13 | Return flight to Kathmandu- 35 minutes or Ramechhap/Manthali – 20 minutes from Lukla, followed by a 5 to 6 hours drive. Stay overnight at a hotel | |
| Day 14 | Taken to the International Airport for your Final Departure |
Alternative Routes to Everest Base Camp Trek
Everest Base Camp Trek via Ramechhap – Manthali is one of Nepal’s popular treks. It is situated in the Khumbu region, which has some of the world’s highest peaks. The path you take takes you through several fascinating landscapes and habitats.
The journey begins with a drive from Kathmandu to Ramechhap, followed by a flight to Lukla. The flight takes you through the Himalayan mountain range, villages, rivers, and other stunning scenery.
You will arrive in Lukla and travel to Namche Bazar, which is the gateway to the Everest region. As you go on the trek, you will pass through several locations including Tengboche, Dingboche, Lobuche, and Gorakshep before arriving at Everest Base Camp.
Everest Base Camp Trek via Ramechhap – Manthali is also the most difficult trek. It requires a lot of walking and is unsuitable for people who cannot walk for multiple days. As a result, higher elevations can be dangerous if you are not cautious.
Highlights of the Trek
- Start your trip to Everest Base Camp, which is at the base of the great Mt. Everest.
- The views of the Himalayas from above on the way to Lukla are breathtaking.
- You can experience the wild in Sagarmatha National Park.
- Many people come to the Everest area through Namche Bazaar, which is also a hub of culture.
- Spend time with the Sherpa people and learn about their lively culture and traditions.
- From Hotel Everest View you can see the mountain range very well.
- The peaceful feelings inside the beautiful Tengboche Monastery.
- The hike to Kala Patthar (5,555 m) and Nangkart Shang Peak is stunning.
- Amazing views of many peaks, including Cho Oyu, Lhotse, Nuptse, Thamserku, and Mt. Everest.
Useful Information
Permits and Fees
The permits and fees of Everest Base Camp are as follows:
- Khumba Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Entrance Permit:
The Khumba Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Entrance Permit is a new permit that is given out by the Khumba region’s local government.
Cost of Khumba Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Entrance Permit:
There is a fee of NPR 2,000 per person for the first four weeks and NPR 2,500 per person for staying longer than four weeks. The fees for permits do not include VAT.
- Everest Base Camp Trek Permit to Enter Sagarmatha National Park
Everest is one of Nepal’s most important regions. Therefore, the national park protects all the flora and fauna as well as mountains. So, we must issue a license known as Sagarmatha National Park (SNP) Permit to visit the area.
The National Park Committee issues SNP permits under the supervision of Nepal’s government. This Everest Base Camp permit is priced differently for foreigners, SAARC nationals, and Nepalese.
Cost of SNP Permit:
- Foreigners: NPR 3000 per person + 13% VAT
- Residents of SAARC: NPR 1500 per person + 13% VAT
- Nepalese: NPR 100 per person + VAT of +13%
Children under the age of 10 are eligible for a free National Park Permit for Everest. Additionally, fees must be paid in Nepalese currency.
Additional Permit for Jiri to Everest Base Camp
When you begin your trek from Jiri, the trail passes through the protection zone. It will take about 8 hours to travel from Shivalaya to Kinja. So, get an additional permit for the Everest Base Camp trek, known as the Gauri Shankar Conservational Area Permit (GSCAP).
Accommodation and Food for Everest Base Camp Trek
The EBC trek includes several days of hiking in difficult conditions so finding proper accommodation and food is essential for trekkers.
Tea houses:
Tea houses, also known as guesthouses or lodges, are simple accommodations along the Everest Base Camp Trek route. They offer trekkers an affordable and easy way to rest after a day of hiking. Locals run tea houses, giving people an insight into the traditional mountain lifestyle.
Types of Tea houses:
Tea houses differ in size, quality, and services. Some tea houses offer private rooms, while others provide shared dormitories.
Most tea houses have a common dining area where you can eat local, or even Western dishes while socializing with other people. Some tea houses have Wi-Fi, hot showers, and charging facilities, while others have more fewer services.
Food:
Traditional Nepalese Food:
During your trek, you will most likely come across Nepalese food, which is flavorful and spicy, making it an excellent source of energy. Some traditional Nepalese foods you can expect to find along the way are dal bhat, momo, and thukpa.
Western-Style Food:
If you’re looking for more familiar choices, many tea houses and lodges along the Everest Base Camp serve Western dishes. Some of the options you could find include pasta dishes, sandwiches, and omelets.
- Snacks and Beverages:
There are plenty of snacks and beverage options in the Everest Base Camp trek, such as trail mix, chocolate, energy bars, tea, coffee, and water.
Where to Stay in Kathmandu?
Kathmandu has a variety of hotels and lodging options to suit all budgets and preferences. The best places to stay in Kathmandu are:
- Thamel: Thamel is a popular tourist area with a variety of hotels, guesthouses, restaurants, bars, and shops. It is an excellent choice for travelers looking for a lively and comfortable location.
- Boudha: Boudha is near the Boudhanath stupa, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Kathmandu’s most popular tourist sites. Boudha has a more calm and spiritual atmosphere, with numerous guesthouses and hotels.
- Patan: Patan is a historic district located south of Kathmandu, with many traditional Newari buildings and temples. Patan is a wonderful option for tourists interested in history and culture. There is also a variety of guest houses and hotels available.
- Lazimpat: The Lazimpat area is close to the royal palace and has several luxury hotels and restaurants. It is a fine option for travelers looking for a more elegant and peaceful environment.
Conclusion
People consider Everest Base Camp in Nepal as a once-in-a-lifetime experience. The paths are challenging, but they are worth it. This well-known hiking route takes you through stunning mountain landscapes, offering views of Mount Everest and surrounding peaks.
The trek to Nepal’s Everest Base Camp is among the best hikes worldwide. People consider it an unforgettable experience. Sure, it’s tough, but that’s what makes it worth the effort. Everest Base Camp lies in the Himalayan region of Nepal. So, you should go to Everest Base Camp.
