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Home > Adventure Travel > The Ultimate Guide To Walking The Everest Base Camp Trek Independently

The Ultimate Guide To Walking The Everest Base Camp Trek Independently

by Noelle Kelly | Last updated Mar 16, 2022 | Published on Mar 15, 2016 | 172 comments

Finally, a place where all your questions about doing the Everest Base Camp trek independently, solo, without a guide or porters or without joining a tour group, are answered.

Doesn’t it cost sooo much? Do you have to be really fit? Don’t you need mountain climbing experience? Isn’t it dangerous? Do you need a lot of gear/equipment?

I remember being so nervous and having so many questions like these when we were planning the Everest Base Camp trek. We were heading to Nepal for three months after finishing our contracts in Korea with our good friends Mike and Linda, another Irish couple who we met during our two and a half years teaching English in Iksan. Brian and Linda, the more adventurous sides of both couples, were all guns blazing “We are definitely doing it!”, “It’s a once in a lifetime opportunity!”. Mike and I, the less adventurous side of both couples, were apprehensive, to say the least.

A friend of Linda’s parents had done the EBC trek a couple of times and she had picked their brains a bit while at home that Christmas and it was definitely doable. They had also walked the Camino de Santiago a few times and cycled around Australia so we knew they were fit, outdoorsy, adventurous people.

We, on the other hand, had never done an overnight hike and our greatest mountaineering achievement to that point had been climbing Hallasan, South Korea’s highest peak, a whopping 1,950,m (6,398 feet) which took all of 8 hours round trip with steps and railings all the way – Korean style!

But Linda’s friend’s parents assured her that four healthy, able-bodied twenty-something-year-olds would have no problem hiking to EBC, especially with guides and porters.

Table Of Contents

Hiking The Everest Base Camp Trek Solo, Without A Guide

But we wanted to take on the trek to Everest Base Camp independently . It was important to us to do it ourselves, carry our own bags, have flexibility and save ourselves lots of money in the process.

We researched online, asked questions on forums and contacted people who had done it before. The information was scattered everywhere and we couldn’t find a single comprehensive, complete guide to trekking to Everest Base Camp independently, so we wrote this guide to show you how straightforward  and  affordable it is to take on the Everest Base Camp trek independently.

Let’s get started on answering all those questions we had and you no doubt have too.

Everest Base Camp Trek Difficulty

Do you have to be really fit? Don’t you need mountain climbing experience?

Fitness And Experience

We thought we needed to be fit so we had planned that after three weeks at home in Ireland over Christmas we would spend the final two months in Korea finishing out our contract training up for EBC by hiking the nearby mountain weekly. Well … that never happened and we ended up spending the two months enjoying the home comforts of winter which generally involved eating, drinking and being lazy while it snowed outside! We figured we’d get fit on the hike, and we did!

So that answers that question – any able-bodied person in reasonable physical shape can hike to EBC, even if you’ve never done an overnight hike before.

How Much Does The Everest Base Camp Trek Cost?

Doesn’t it cost a fortune?

A lot of people ask us how we afforded to hike to Everest Base Camp or say that they can’t afford it when they’re planning a trip to Nepal. Let us just say now, it is one of THE cheapest things we have ever done on our travels. The cost of living in Nepal is very low and you can easily backpack while enjoying a very comfortable lifestyle – eating in nice restaurants, having coffees, sightseeing and staying in a private room, all for the grand total of about €20 a day.

Guided Tours To Everest Base Camp

Yeah sure, if you Google ‘hike to Everest Base Camp’ you will find tour companies willing to take you on an all-inclusive package for crazy money compared to what you’ll spend on the ground yourself. Consider that they have to pay guides and porters, the teahouses and your meals and cover all their overheads and still make a profit. In the end, we chose to forgo guides and porters and do it totally independently, carrying our own packs and finding our own way and this cut our costs hugely! Even aside from costs, we’re so happy we did it this way, it felt so much more adventurous than having our hand held throughout the experience.

If you do feel more comfortable having company and want to hire a guide/porter it costs anywhere from €15-€50 a day depending on their experience. And remember you’ll have to pay for their flights to/from Lukla also. The cheapest way to hire a guide is to wait until you’re in Lukla, this way you can have a mini interview to see if you get along well and you save on the cost of their flight.

Our Everest Base Camp Trek Budget

We spent less than €15 a day each overall which included the price of the flight from Kathmandu to Lukla which was an awesome experience in itself! If you include the things we bought or rented, the TIMS permit and entrance fee to Sagarmatha National park, we would say it still averages out at €25 a day ABSOLUTE maximum. This is taking into account that we hiked in the region for 22 days, adding on an extra 5 days to take in Gokyo Lake. We also chose to fly into Lukla and walk out as far as Shivalaya where you can take a bus back to Kathmandu and this saves half the cost of the flight. 5 days extra walking to save €120 may sound crazy but this can equal 6 days of spending money backpacking in Nepal!

Most people walk in from Jiri or Shivalaya and fly back from Lukla as the Jiri to Lukla part trains you up for the walking further on the trail. This section is the toughest part as you are constantly going up and down cutting through the valleys even though you are at a lower altitude.

How To Plan For The Everest Base Camp Trek

Preparation on the ground in nepal.

After spending some time in Kathmandu and going up to the  Tibetan border at Kodari, we had procrastinated enough. We were all apprehensive about the trek to EBC but we had been in Nepal for over two weeks now and we had to stop putting it on the long finger.

When we went to rent gear at Shona’s Alpine rental store the extremely friendly owner and British climber Andy Griffeths put us all at ease by saying something that definitely put Mike and me at ease anyway – “It’s as simple as following the yellow brick road!”

He also told us to switch our plan of walking in from Jiri and flying out of Lukla to the opposite – fly in and walk out to beat the crowds! With his experience (the man is the real deal – he has summited Lhotse 8,516 m/ 27,940 ft, the fourth highest peak in the world and lost sight in one eye in the process!) we took his advice and weren’t going to argue.

He and his wife, who is Shona, were a wealth of information on what to expect. We asked loads of questions; whether or not we needed guides and porters, what to bring, what to wear, and anything else you could imagine. He even gave us the great tip of not to shower after Namche as we’d never get our hair dry at that elevation and would get sick unless we sat by the fire in the teahouse until dry. Also, you have to pay for hot showers on the Everest trek so it keeps the costs down. Yes, we didn’t shower for 10 days – gross, I know, but it’s all part of the experience! As a girl with oily hair, I recommend bringing dry shampoo and a bandana – they’ll be your best friends!

He also had another great tip – to put our socks or any other damp clothes in our sleeping bags at night or under our clothes to get them to dry from body heat which helped us a lot. They were so helpful and so fair, they didn’t try to sell us unnecessary things – they spelled out exactly what we needed. He was the one that assured us we could carry our own gear and wouldn’t need a guide, which again dramatically reduced our costs.

You can rent/buy everything you need from them and we highly recommend their store, it really is a one-stop shop for anyone planning the Everest Base Camp trek.

Storage Of Large Luggage While You Trek

All guesthouses and hostels in Kathmandu and Pokhara will store your large luggage free of charge while you trek in Nepal provided you’ve been staying with them beforehand. We stayed in Family Peace House in Paknajol before we left Kathmandu and when we came back and our things were safe and secure with them for three weeks. Brian even stored his things in massive black bin liners (so secure!) as he brought his own backpack.

Before The Trek

Organising the necessary permits for the ebc trek: update 2020.

One of the most important items you need before trekking anywhere in Nepal is a TIMS (Trekkers’ Information Management System) card. Both Individual trekkers and trekkers going with an organised group need to purchase a TIMS card as it is a record of your trek kept for your safety. Individuals pay $20 and get a green card and those going with groups pay $10 and receive a blue card. You can collect your TIMS card at the Nepal Tourism Board in Kathmandu at Pradarshani Marg, Kathmandu 44617 . You need your passport and two passport photos which you can get taken in Thamel if you don’t have some already. There is also an office in Pokhara so you can pick up a TIMS there as well. If going trekking again in the Annapurna or any other region in Nepal, keep in mind that you do have to get a separate TIMS every time. You also have to be present in person if applying for a green independent TIMS card. If you’re applying for an organised blue TIMS card you do not have to be there in person – the tour company can collect it on your behalf.

You also need an entry permit for the National park. On the Everest Base Camp trek, you can pay for your entry permit at the entrance to Sagarmatha National park at Monjo. Just show your passport and TIMS and it costs 3000 NPR + a new 13% tax =3,390 NPR (around €30). Simples! It’s also interesting to see the board they have up with the numbers of tourists who pass through each month.

For other areas in Nepal, you need to have an entry permit to trek in the conservation areas in advance from the National Trust for Conservation which you can also pick up at the Tourism Board for 2,000 NPR (around €20) and two passport photos. You also need individual permits for each conservation area visited if your trek passes through more than one area.

Everest Base Camp Trek TIMS And Fees: Update 20 20

From October 1st, 2017, there is now an entry fee of 2,000 NPR on each foreigner visiting Khumbu region , which Everest Base Camp is a part of. This is a local government entrance fee imposed in the Solukhumbu district and cannot be paid in advance. It can be obtained only in Lukla for both organised and individual independent trekkers. You do not need a photo for this permit. Because of this new charge, a TIMS card is not required for independent trekkers going from Lukla to EBC. It seems organised trekkers still need one as it covers basic insurance for guides and porters, however, it’s a little unclear. It’s best to ask around on the ground in Nepal.

If you’re trekking from Jiri to Lukla and on, certain areas are protected under the Gaurishankar Conservation Area Project (GCAP), so you’ll need to get the GCAP entry permit for this area in advance. It costs Rs 2000 for both organised and independent trekkers and you have to get this permit from the Tourism Board in Kathmandu. If you are trekking independently, you’ll need two photos and the application form. If you want to save time, you can  download, print and fill out this application form here  and take it to the  Nepal Tourism Board in Kathmandu at Pradarshani Marg, Kathmandu 44617  with your photos and cash.

Note that you may still need the TIMS card for this portion of the trek, as there are TIMS checkpoints on route from Jiri to Lukla.

Flying From Kathmadu To Lukla: Update 2020

Due to renovation works to Tribhuvan International Airport’s (TIA) runway, flights from Kathmandu to Lukla were being diverted from TIA to Manthali Airport in Ramechhap from April 1st as an alternative route until June 30th 2019. However, taking into consideration the convenience for passengers and public demand, the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN) has decided to continue with regular flights on the Ramechhap-Lukla route even after the completion of the runway rehabilitation works of Tribhuvan International Airport.

As per the official notice issued by the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN), all Airlines are required to operate flights to Lukla from Manthali Airport, Ramechhap starting the trekking season of October 2019.  This is also applicable for March, April and May of 2020.

CAAN has decided to allow airline companies to operate regular flights on the Ramechhap-Lukla route. Manthali Airport, Ramechhap is 4-5 hour drive from Kathmandu. While the drive is a bit of a hassle, chances of delays and cancellations from Manthali Airport are very low as the only air traffic from that airport is to/from Lukla.

Everest Base Camp Trek Independently – Route Options

When it comes to the Everest Base Camp trek there are a number of route options depending on how much time you have or want to spend trekking in the region. Most people fly in and out of Lukla and trek from there and back, the round trip taking between 11-15 days depending on your speed, fitness and how you feel at altitude.

For us, it took us 9 days to reach Everest Base Camp from Lukla and it would have taken us 3 days to get back to Lukla but we didn’t go directly back. We took all the safety and acclimatisation stops recommended at Namche and Pheriche on the way up, even taking an extra stop in Dughla. This additional stop was because when we were in Pheriche another group coming down told us they heard about a death in Lobuche due to altitude sickness. We didn’t want to take any unnecessary risks and so that added on an extra day.

You can also take a bus to Jiri or Shivalaya and hike from there and fly out of Lukla. This takes about 21 days and the hike in from Jiri will toughen you up for the higher altitudes.

You can also go seriously hardcore and hike from Jiri return over 26-28 days.

We ended up trekking to Everest Base Camp from Lukla and going down via Gokyo over the Cho La Pass and walking back to Shivalaya which took us 22 days in total.

Best Time Of Year To Trek To Everest Base Camp

Peak Season: October – November

Most people take on the Everest Base Camp trek during October and November when the weather is the most pleasant and there’s the best chance of clear skies. This is Nepal’s peak season as it is considered the best time to go trekking.

Note: When you reach Everest Base Camp at this time of year there may not be any tents there as the climbers and expeditions usually aim to summit in May.

Second-Highest Season: (March) April – May

The second-highest season is from April to the end of May as t his is the end of the dry season and the second-best time of year to go trekking. At this time you’ll see the spring flowers and the yaks carrying up supplies for the climbers who summit Everest and there will definitely be tents at Base Camp. If you trek in late February and March you’ll be in ahead of the rush.

We did our trek at the end of March and we had amazing weather. When we were coming back down, the amount of people going up against us was quite a shock! I can’t imagine what it must be like in October/November.

Apparently, during the high seasons, there is a rush to get to teahouses every day and a chance of having to walk on to the next village for a bed or bunk up in the common room. Thankfully with  Andy’s wise advice, we were slightly  ahead of the rush so we didn’t experience this panic for beds.

Winter: December – February

You can hike in December, January and February too but be prepared for bitterly cold temperatures especially at night and a lot more snow at higher altitudes, which may cause cloudy skies and scupper your views of Everest. Others report incredibly clear skies at this tie of year.

Summer and Monsoon Season: May – September

From the end of May to June is the summer season so it can be uncomfortably hot and humid and due to this from June to September, it is generally not advised to hike in the region as the summer monsoon can cause landslides – not ideal trekking conditions!

What To Pack For The Everest Base Camp Trek

Do you need a lot of gear/equipment?

No, you don’t need much else other than a good set of hiking clothes, shoes/boots and a good backpack to trek to Everest Base Camp.

Everest Base Camp Trek Packing List

The bare minimum you’ll need is:

• a backpack with a good waist belt and comfortable straps. You will be carrying it every day for up to eight hours so it is essential that the shoulder straps and waistband are comfortable. We recommend the ones that open out like a suitcase over the top loader style backpacks, simply for convenience when packing and unpacking. We travel with the Osprey Farpoint 70 Litre backpack  now. You won’t need a separate day bag and 50-70 litres capacity will be plenty.
• a rain cover for your backpack, not only handy for keeping your gear dry when it rains but also to protect your backpack from dirt, dust, rips and tears on the trail.
• thermal layers  for underneath your clothes at higher altitudes. Two top layers and one bottom layer should be enough.
• a fleece , preferably a microfleece to save space.
• a windbreaker or rain jacket .
• a pair of windbreaker or rain pants .
• a well broken-in pair of hiking shoes or hiking boots (We prefer hiking shoes).
• comfortable hiking pants (I, Noelle, prefer to wear running leggings as I find them more comfortable).
• a good pair of polarised sunglasses with a hard case , carry a backup pair in case you lose or break one pair.
• a hat – any hat will do but a  Sherpa hat will help you blend in with the locals and more importantly, the ear flaps will keep your ears warm at higher altitudes. You’ll see these on sale everywhere in Kathmandu. They’re cheap, depending on your haggling skills and make a great souvenir from Nepal. We still have ours.
• two pairs of gloves, one  light wool or fleece pair and  one pair for snow .
• hiking socks – at least two pairs.
• quick-drying, comfortable underwear  – at least 5 pairs.
• Ladies – a sports bra , if possible two.
• Men – compression shorts if you’re prone to chafing down there, remember you will be walking 6+ hours a day you definitely don’t want ire!
• a high SPF facial sunscreen, we used the Zinka Stick type  as it is really long-lasting and doesn’t sweat off. We recommend an SPF of 50 or higher if you can get it, even if it’s cloudy the sun is very strong and the wind can burn your face too.

Tip:  Don’t forget to put sunscreen on the backs of your ears – mine got burnt one day-ouch!

• basic toiletries like deodorant and moisturisers, as well as feminine hygiene products, wet wipes, toilet paper and lip balm. We find Carmex  to be the best in harsh weather conditions.
• a muffler/ neck warmer  which will be mainly used to protect your face from the wind, but can also be used as a hat or a headband. Definitely, an extremely useful piece of gear.
• a sleeping bag is essential – women seem to need 4 season sleeping bags and men, 3 season sleeping bags . (Jealous of men and their naturally warmer body temperature!).
• a sleeping bag liner – preferably silk, which is more expensive but silk is the best material to keep out bed bugs, needs to be washed less frequently, dries quickly, insulates in cold weather and is breathable in warmer conditions.
• a down jacket for the evenings – us girls also rented down jackets for sitting around in the evenings, but we never wore them hiking.
• a money belt for cash, your passport, conservation permit and TIMS.
• a durable water bottle, we love the Nalgene water bottle with the narrow mouth  and water purification drops or tablets.
• a basic first aid kit with plasters, an a nti-blister stick , a mixed pack of blister plasters like Compeed , in case you get any blisters on your feet, painkillers, antibiotics for potential stomach upsets or infections and Diamox tablets for altitude sickness. You’ll find all of these over the counter in Kathmandu.
• a good headlamp is essential for very early starts or at night to go to the loo in the teahouse when the generator is off, as unpleasant as it is getting out of your sleeping bag in the dead of night if you’ve got to go, you’ve got to go, so you’ll need to be able to see what you’re doing – hands-free!
• a quick-drying towel .
• a deck of cards, a book or kindle , a notebook and a pen.
• an up to date map of the region and a guidebook .
• a comfortable change of clothes for the evening. Trust me, you’re going to want to get out of your sweaty hiking gear for a bit!
• a  decent camera or smartphone with chargers and/or spare batteries to capture all the amazing sights you’ll see along the trek !

Tip: Bring flip-flops to let your tired feet breathe in the evening. We love Ipanema flip flops for both men and women as they are made from  100 per cent recyclable PVC, they are really flexible and durable, they can get wet without becoming soggy and dry off quickly so can be worn in the shower. The women’s “Ana” range have an a natomic footbed which is super comfortable! They’ve been our flip-flops of choice since we first discovered them in 2008!

Optional:  Something to sleep in. I’m pyjama obsessed but couldn’t spare/justify the space in my backpack so I usually wore a long-sleeved top and leggings at night which were part of my change of clothes for the evening. Brian slept as he normally does in boxer shorts – even at the highest, coldest point. (He is definitely part wolf!)

You can rent or buy all of these from Shona’s store mentioned above if you don’t want to buy them. I rented a small backpack, a sleeping bag and a down jacket for the grand total of less than €2 per day. I’m sure his rates have gone up a bit since 2012 but even if they’ve doubled it’s still minimal.

A change of clothes for the evening is nice to feel comfy and wet wipes will become your best friend! Bear in mind that whatever you bring you’ll have to carry on your back every day so that should make you eager to keep your weight to a minimum. I think my backpack started off at 10kgs and at the end (when the snacks were gone) it was 8kgs. Brian’s was more at 12kgs as he had the camera, spare batteries and he carried my sleeping bag too – what a gent!

Water And Snacks

We chose to bring Nalgene water bottles we bought at Shona’s and iodine tablets to cut down on costs as bottled water gets expensive the higher you go as it has to be carried up. We also bought some snacks like dark chocolate, granola bars and trail mix in Shop Right Supermarket in Kathmandu and carried them with us as once you are at a high altitude your metabolism revs up and you will pay €5 (expensive for anywhere, insane for Nepal!) for that Snickers bar or €5 for a plate of chips! (Did it – #sorrynotsorry!)

Did I mention that you can eat whatever you like with no consequences at high altitude and you’re walking carrying 8-10kgs for 8 hours a day? It’s great! #TheEverestDiet

Is It Dangerous? Dealing With Altitude

As with anything in nature, it can be dangerous – even driving a car or crossing the road can be dangerous on any given (unlucky) day but if you pay attention to the weather, nature and your body and follow all the safety precautions you should have no problems.

That being said you should be very aware of High Altitude Sickness (HAS). Anything above 3,000m is considered a risk for HAS and the height of Everest Base Camp is 5,380m, so you’ll spend a significant amount of your hike within a 3,000m – 5,550m altitude. There are acclimatisation days built into the schedule in Namche and Pheriche where your body adjusts to the altitude before you go higher. You should definitely take these acclimatisation days! There is also another optional acclimatisation day in Dughla , which we chose to take also.

Some signs and symptoms of HAS include headaches, difficulty sleeping, breathlessness, loss of appetite, nausea and general tiredness. Some symptoms are less serious than others (like HAFE: High Altitude Flatulence Emission- it’s real, really!) but seriously, if you feel unwell it is advised to get to a lower altitude as soon as possible.

Our Tips For Avoiding Altitude Sickness On The EBC Trek

Our tips are to go slowly and not hike to high or too fast in one day. The general rule is not to ascend more than 400m in one day. Another rule is “Hike high, sleep low”, so if you pass a higher point on your hike that day from where you’ll sleep you should be all good. On the acclimatisation days, you should hike to a higher point that day to help your body adjust. The local cure of garlic soup can help with headaches and altitude symptoms. It might sound horrible but it’s really nice… if you like garlic and more importantly, it’s effective. Some people bring Diamox tablets to help with altitude sickness but if you can manage without taking them you’re better off but it’s still advisable to bring them.

The Himalayan Rescue Association has an aid post in Pheriche run by volunteer doctors from around the globe. They give daily talks and demonstrations about altitude sickness and it’s believed to be the highest hospital in the world!

Do You Need Travel Insurance?

While it’s obviously not a legal requirement to complete the trek, you may feel a little more at ease if you have a travel insurance policy that covers the most dreaded, and most expensive, eventuality – helicopter evacuation.

If you do need emergency helicopter evacuation on the trail and you don’t have insurance that covers this, it can cost up to $5,000, not including your medical expenses, which can bump the final bill up to $10,000. If you don’t have a travel insurance policy, this needs to be paid upfront before the helicopter will be dispatched. So you’d have to trek with a credit card with a limit of at least $10,000 on you or have someone on speed dial willing to wire you that amount at any moment!

Or you could just take out some travel insurance for the trek for peace of mind.

We recommend  World Nomads .

They are one of the few travel insurance companies to offer reasonably priced policies with coverage for activities such as hiking/trekking at heights of up to 6,000 metres on recognised routes, with a $625 excess for helicopter evacuation in Nepal. Be sure to read all the terms and conditions of your policy to be sure. You can even take out the insurance with them if you’re already on the road or just for the period of time you’ll be trekking.

What To Expect On The Everest Base Camp Trek

Teahouse accommodation on the everest base camp trek.

Everest Base Camp is a teahouse trek which means that there is accommodation along the way as these routes are the only way for the people who live in the Khumbu region to get from A to B. Most teahouses offer basic double occupancy rooms for 100 Rupees (€1) per person per night. It is then expected that you’ll eat all your meals at their teahouse for getting your bed so cheap. Toilets and bathroom facilities will be communal and basic.

There will also be a communal living room area which has a stove where everyone will eat their meals and relax in the evening as this is the only heated space. (Keep an eye out for what they use to fuel the fire!) Each village or stopping point has a few teahouses. As we were early in the second peak season we never had to worry about not getting a bed for the night and often had time to check out all teahouses and choose our favourite. We have heard that in the higher seasons people get their guides to book ahead or leave really early to get a bed. They will squeeze you into the common area if all comes to all. I assume prices of beds go up in the higher seasons and they can go up at higher altitudes too. We may have paid 200Rs (€2) per person in Gokyo but this is off the main Everest Base Camp trail and so receives fewer trekkers.

Update: I have heard reports of the teahouses now charging 200Rs and going up to 300Rs higher up on the trail around Lobuche and even 500Rs at Gorak Shep and Gokyo. This could have been in peak season so it might be different from our experience. In late 2018 a new 500Rs minimum charge was introduced after Namche Bazaar. As of the 2020 season so far, this minimum charge was only randomly being enforced. If you are on a package trek with a guide this will not affect you. If you are trekking solo then it may affect you so be sure to get a receipt for any payment you make.

You will be walking for six to eight hours a day so be prepared – if you don’t like walking you might want to rethink this adventure! The distance covered each day is not huge due to the altitude involved and you have the acclimatisation days to rest up a bit. We found the Jiri to Lukla section to be the hardest as you are cutting up and down through the valleys instead of just ascending so it’s gruelling going up and down, up and down. With that said, the main trail is generally quite gradual and well-maintained.

Food And Facilities

There is quite a selection of food on offer in the teahouses. You can have porridge or eggs and toast for breakfast, fried rice or chow mein for lunch and Dal Bhat or veg curry and rice for dinner. It’s a good idea to stick to veggie options after Namche as meat has to be carried up so it might not be the freshest. You can get Snickers, Mars and cans of Coke all the way if you want them. They also have Snickers rolls and Mars bar rolls, which are kind of like a chocolate bar in pastry – they’re heavy going but they are delicious! Things do however get steadily more expensive as you go higher. Eggs, potatoes and rice, in particular, get more expensive the higher you go as someone has to literally carry them up there.

You can even get beers and rum on the trek. It’s not advised to drink on the ascent because it puts more stress on your body and can make you more susceptible to altitude sickness but on the descent, you can! We waited until we got back to Namche to have a celebratory drink in the highest Irish bar in the world (not Irish owned!). Other than that one drink, we didn’t drink on our hike at all, except for one wet miserable night in Paiya (Rum and black tea make a surprisingly nice combination!). And you can be sure we had a celebratory drink on our last night in Shivalaya !

Namche Bazaar  is the last ‘big’ town on the trail and has everything you could need – a post office (apparently the highest in the world!), ATMs, chemist, cafes, restaurants and even bakeries where you can buy freshly made apple pie! There are also all kinds of souvenirs and trekking gear for sale so you can buy anything you forgot here. It’s two days walk from Lukla and eight from Jiri.

On the main trail, there was usually a small village between your night and lunch stops to grab a snack and a cup of tea and go to the loo. Off the main trail over towards Gokyo, the villages were more spread out so you had to have your own food and snacks. Also, be prepared for Asian squat toilets and some basic outhouse long-drop toilets on the trail. Sometimes you’ll just have to find a rock to pop a squat behind if nature calls!

You can buy bottled water all the way on the trek but again, it starts to get quite expensive the higher you go as someone has to carry it up there. It’s cheaper and much more environmentally friendly to carry a reusable water bottle. As mentioned earlier, we were on a budget and on Andy’s advice, we chose to buy Nalgene water bottles in Kathmandu and used iodine drops and iodine tablets to purify water collected from streams along the way. Higher than Lukla this is advisable, however, lower than Lukla, not so much. You can still do this but there is more chance of contaminants in the water at lower altitudes with more animals and people around.

Be aware that iodine doesn’t kill everything and we both got bugs after Lukla. Giardiasis we think – it was not fun walking with this! Also, we think that after nearly three weeks the iodine maybe started to have an effect on our bodies too.

Entertainment

Apart from Namche and at a stretch, Lukla, every village on the trail is pretty tiny and consists of just a couple of teahouses so you have to entertain yourself the old-fashioned ways – good old conversation, reading and playing cards did the trick for us.

Definitely, bring a deck of cards with you. Most evenings we were in bed at 9 because you’re so wrecked (and there’s not much to do anyway). You’re up the next day early to start your walk to get the most light out of the day and also, the bad weather generally comes in later in the day.

Teahouses generally don’t have TV’s and we didn’t carry laptops with us on the trek. We also didn’t have smartphones at the time and didn’t bring and any electronics other than our cameras. I’m sure if we did it again this would be different as we’d just have to share with our followers on SnapChat or Instagram along the way! But we loved the simplicity involved at the time. Eat breakfast – hike, eat lunch – hike, eat dinner – sleep, repeat!

Don’t forget to go out and look at the stars on a clear night, it will blow your mind – entertainment sorted!

Charging And Photo Storage

When we trekked to Everest Base Camp, you had to pay the teahouse to charge phones, camera batteries, laptops etc. I’m sure this is still the case. To save on costs, we had two extra batteries for our camera and saved the batteries by not looking back over our pictures in the evening. We didn’t have to charge our batteries once. In addition to this, we brought multiple SD cards for our camera to store our photos on. Whatever you choose to do, be sure to have your camera ready as you will get some amazing photos on the Everest Base Camp trek .

It’s important to bring some basic first aid supplies like plasters and some disinfectant wipes or antibacterial cream with you. You can buy most medicines and antibiotics over the counter very cheaply in Nepal so bringing a few doses of broad-spectrum antibiotics for things like stomach bugs, traveller’s diarrhoea or chest infections is a good idea. Compeed plasters are also a very good idea as you’ll more than likely develop at least one blister on the way. Hand sanitiser is also very handy for those calls of nature in the wilderness. Oh, and that reminds me, bring toilet paper too!

Tip: Toilet paper, wet wipes and hand sanitiser are essential items!

Wifi / Internet

There were internet cafés in most villages on the way up – even in Gorak Shep! It was quite expensive though I think €0.10 per minute before Namche and €0.25 per minute after. There was free wifi in cafes in Lukla and the last of the free wifi was in Namche Baazar. We didn’t use the internet anywhere along the trail, so I have no idea about how good or bad it was.

We survived 23 days off the grid – seems hard to imagine now with our online work but we loved it; totally disconnected, immersed in nature and that’s what this is all about. We didn’t even see a motorised vehicle for 22 days – amazing! There’s also good mobile phone reception up there should you need it.

Certificate Of Completion

There is a little post outside of Namche on the Lukla side where you can buy a certificate of completion to say you reached Everest Base Camp. As far as I remember it cost 1,000 Rs. but I’m not sure and can’t find any info on it anywhere online. We bought the certificates anyway, even though there’s nothing to stop anyone from just going as far as Namche and buying the cert without going to Base Camp. Still, it’s a nice memento of the trek.

Our Exact Everest Base Camp Trek Itinerary

We spent 23 days trekking in total, choosing to add on the option of descending via Gokyo Lake while on the trail taking in two of the three passes in the region, Cho La and Renjo La. We also walked from Lukla out to Jiri rather than flying out of Lukla.

This is our exact itinerary:

Day 1: Lukla to Phakding Day 2: Phakding to Namche Day 3: Acclimatisation Day in Namche Bazaar

Read more: Everest Base Camp Trek: Day 1 to Day 3, Lukla to Namche Bazaar

Day 4: Namche to Tengboche Day 5:  Tengboche to Periche Day 6:  Acclimatisation Day in Periche

Read more: Everest Base Camp Trek: Day 4 to Day 6, Namche Bazaar to Periche

Day 7:  Periche to Dughla Day 8: Dughla to Lobouche Day 9:  Lobouche to Gorak Shep to EBC

Read more: Everest Base Camp Trek: Day 7 to Day 9, Periche to Everest Base Camp

Day 10 : Gorak Shep to Kala Pattar to Dzongla ( Read more ) Day 11: Dzongla to Dragnag (via the Cho La Pass) ( Read more ) Day 12: Dragnag to Gokyo Day 13: Gokyo to Lumde (via the Renjo La pass) Day 14: Lumde to Namche Bazaar

Read more: Everest Base Camp Trek: Day 12 to Day 14, Dragnag to Namche Bazaar (via Renjo La Pass)

Day 15: Namche Bazaar to Lukla Day 16: Lukla to Paiya Day 17: Paiya to Karikhola

Read more: Everest Base Camp Trek: Day 15 to Day 17, Namche Bazaar to Karikhola

Day 18: Karikhola to Taksindu Pass Day 19: Taksindu-La to Junbesi Day 20: Junbesi to Kinja

Read more: Everest Base Camp Trek: Day 18 to Day 20, Karikhola to Kinja (via Taksindu Pass)

Day 21: Kinja to Bhandhar Day 22: Bhandar to Shivalaya Day 23: Shivalaya to Kathmandu

Read more: Everest Base Camp Trek: Day 21 to Day 23, Kinja to Shivalaya and back to Kathmandu

Notably Hard Days

After Lukla, the trail mostly ascends gradually with two hard days of straight incline coming into Namche Bazaar and Tengboche. Apart from that, it’s pretty easy. Just a lot of walking. The only days that really stand out as particularly hard are coming into Namche and Tengboche because it’s so freaking steep.

Also, the day we got to Everest Base Camp, we were so excited that we didn’t eat anything in Gorak Shep. We just dropped our bags, had a cup of tea and a tiny bit of chocolate and headed on not realising it was a two and a half hour walk. This was also a hard walk not because of the incline but because it involved constantly clambering up and down over boulders. Everyone else said they felt the altitude coming into play here and found it harder to breathe, but I personally didn’t notice a huge difference. As I have mild asthma, I joked that everyone was now experiencing how I breathe all the time!

Myself and Brian hung on and explored around the base camp for an hour walking up to the new base camp as well, checking out the tents and using the “facilities” (think hole in the rocks with a basic tent made from some tarp and wooden beams over it!) This was the highest altitude we had experienced to date and the trip back to Gorak Shep was a nightmare. We felt so weak and sick as we hadn’t eaten before setting off.

When we arrived back to the teahouse our friends Mike and Linda, who had headed back before us, thought we looked green in the face. We had no appetite either, despite the physical exertion. It was the only time I experienced any kind of altitude sickness. Brian had some headaches in Dughla and had taken painkillers and Diamox which helped. We both took them again in Gorak Shep and after forcing ourselves to eat some food, chilling by the fire in the teahouse and getting a good night’s rest we were good to go the next morning.

A Typical Day On The Everest Base Camp Trek

On a typical day on the trail, we usually woke up at 7 am, got dressed, packed up our backpack and had breakfast in the teahouse. We normally started walking from around 8 am, stopping somewhere to eat a snack mid-morning. Then we used to take a long lunch in a village along the way around 12 or 1 for about an hour and a half or two to rest up a bit. At lower altitudes, we loved to take off our shoes and give our feet a break. This was at the beginning, however, when we were at a lower altitude, so the days were warmer and our socks were fresher too!

We then used to walk on to our decided finishing point where we would arrive around 4 or 5. We’d freshen up (which involved what we lovingly started to call a “wet wipe shower”, a roll and spray of deodorant and some dry shampoo for my luscious locks) change into our one set of evening clothes, wooly socks and flip-flops and hang out in the teahouse common room, eat dinner, drink tea, chat and play cards.

Then it was always early to bed around 9:30 or 10 pm.

Our Highlights Of The Everest Base Camp Trek

Flying into lukla airport.

Flying into Lukla is a once in a lifetime experience in itself! Even if you don’t fly in our out of Lukla, take a wander around and look at the runway and “airport” there. If you have a fear of flying maybe don’t! The runway is very short and is inclined – the end of the runway is a sheer drop off the side of the mountain! Lukla itself has a few café’s and pubs – we saw a fake “Starbucks” and some Irish and Scottish pubs – I guess no one is checking copyright up here!

Acclimatising And Relaxing In Namche Bazaar

As I mentioned before, Namche is the last big town on the trail and has a lot of shops and cafes. Some people just hike as far as here for the first glimpse of Everest . It’s a short walk away and you can do some day hikes around the area. Syangboche airstrip is nearby where some people fly to begin the hike and some supplies get flown in here too. In nearby Khumjung is the Hillary school which was set up by Edmund Hillary in 1961 for the kids in the area.

Soaking Up Spiritual Vibes And Views At Tengboche

Tengboche is home to the famous Dawa Choling Gompa, the largest Gompa in the Khumbu region. Everest expeditionists usually visit this monastery to light candles and seek blessings from the gods for good health and safe mountaineering as it’s considered the gateway to Everest. The views of the Himalayas from here are incredible with Everest, Nuptse, Lhotse, Ama Dablam, Tawache, and Thamserku in panoramic view. John Hunt, the leader of Hillary’s Everest expedition in 1953 was one of the first mountaineers to visit the monastery and described Tengboche as “one of the most beautiful places in the world” and we agree.

Panoramic Himalayan Views On Top Of Kala Pattar

Kala Pattar was without a doubt the highlight of our trek. It may be called the Everest Base Camp trek but it should be called the Kala Pattar trek. The360 degree panoramas of Everest and the Himalayas from this peak are incredible. Keep going to the very top (5,550m) of the little craggy peak and stand in awe of your surroundings – it’s just incredible! From Everest Base Camp, you can’t actually see Mount Everest but from up here you sure can and it feels like you’re on top of the world.

Crossing The Cho La Pass (Optional)

Still one of our greatest adventures to this day , the Cho La Pass is an optional alternative route up or down from Base Camp. We chose to add this on as we were enjoying the trek so much that we decided to extend our route to take in the stunning  Gokyo Lake as well, which offers a different vantage point of Mt Everest. It’s considered the most difficult pass in the region and we can fully understand why. It’s difficult to see and find the trail on this part as it’s not part of the main trail. We used to look for holes in the ground from hiking poles to see if we were going the right way!

The Cho La pass itself is essentially a glacier and is has some crevasses in parts and either side of it is craggy rocky terrain. An early start is essential to avoid the sun melting the ground beneath you. It is advised to hire a guide for this part of the trail and in hindsight, we should have. You can hire a guide in Dzongla or Dragnag just to take you over the pass. Apart from the difficulty and fear factor involved, the scenery is breathtaking here!

Walking Out Through The Valleys From Lukla To Jiri (Optional)

This part of the trail is the most physically challenging as you are cutting up and down through the valleys as opposed to a steady incline. We felt this was a very rewarding part of the trail as there are more people living in the area so there was more chance to interact with and meet locals. This section also feels a little less worn than the main trail, something which we always enjoy, but you don’t have the same incredible mountain views to pull you through the tough days.

We met a local man one day with bandages all over his hands. Asking him what happened, he told us how he was walking home from the hospital in Kathmandu which involved a five-day walk and a 12-hour bus trip just to go to the hospital. And the same again to return – crazy!

So there you have it. A complete guide to everything you need to know about trekking to Everest Base Camp independently. Even if you choose to use a guide for this adventure , we hope you will find this guide useful. So go ahead and get your hiking shoes on and start planning. You won’t regret it, we promise!

Over To You – Have You Trekked To Everest Base Camp? Would You?

Anything else you’d like to know? Just hit us up in the comments below and we’ll try to help you as best we can.

Additionally, if you’ve recently completed this trek and have anything to add or have updates on any recent changes for fellow trekkers who want to do the Everest Base Camp trek independently, please feel free to leave a comment!

Happy trekking and namaste!

Noelle is a pescatarian foodie, travel junkie and a massive dog person. She’s a self-diagnosed chocoholic and loves tea, coffee and red wine. She also loves to do yoga and therefore is the sensible, grounded one in the relationship! Noelle loves to really get to grips with the culture of a country and the mindset of the people. She also enjoys picking up a few words in the local language wherever she is and, of course, sampling the local food!

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172 Comments

Wonderful & very informative article. I think these tips and advice are much helpful. Great Sharing, Thank you for such detailed description of the destination. All the pictures are gorgeous. Excellent Explanation.

This is great information about Everest Base Camp Trek, For one who is planning to visit EBC, this blog will help them to prepare step by step so, this is like a mirror of Everest Base Camp, thank you for sharing such an informative article.

Well crafted article.

Quick question regarding the flight from Kathmandu to Lukla. Were you able to book a relatively last minute flight while in Kathmandu? I’m sure it’s advisable to book a flight much farther in advance, however, I can’t plan so far ahead. I’ve heard you can go to travel agencies in the Thamal district and book a flight. Did you book relatively last minute? How was that process.

thank you for the informative post, will definitely comeback for more.

Thank you for all the time, effort and expense you invested into in your post. I read it all, including the Q&A at the end. It is helping me immensely. I arrived here in Ktm 3 weeks ago and had no inclination of going to EBC. That is until I was clearly inspired during my morning ‘quiet time’ to make the trek. I’m 65 years old with considerable alloys implanted in my body, from my cervical spine to my fibula and am a little hesitant, however resolved to do make the climb. As I write this, it is Nov. 4, 2021. Since I decided to make the trek, I’ve visited 4 Trekking Agencies in Thamel and your post far outreaches the needed information that I acquired by all 4 agencies put together. I just called Shona’s and it sounds like it is definitely under new management. I hope they are as good as the Griffiths sounded. My paramount reason for the trek is to make a declaration (Isaiah 40:9) in grafting in Tibet. I plan to make the trek soon. How necessary is it to read “Nepal, The Lonely Planet”? Thanks again.

Such a nice article about the world highest peak Mt Everest base camp trek. Thank you for sharing.

such an incredible blog, a Great destination, as always. Thank you so much for sharing your travel blog. keep sharing, your positivity is infectious.

Hiking to Everest Base Camp is one of the best in the World, thank you so much for sharing it

I have been so many times walking to the Everest base camp trek, I really likes the Himalayas, Glaciers, Landscape, Nature,

Can you tell how many mountains be seen in this trail… It would be nice if you provide the heights of the mountains also.

There are countless mountains to be seen on this trek as you’re in the Himalayas! We provided the heights of the most notable peaks – Everest and Kala Pattar.

Hi David, Greetings from Peregrine Treks and Tours!

It would be better to join with registered trekking company based in Nepal. If you are interested to go with your friends, we will provide a guide only which cost is USD 20 per day and this includes accommodation, salary, and insurance. Also, you do not need to pay our guide’s flight ticket. We are happy to give your answer, if you have.

Thanks Pradip. Hope this is helpful for you David. 🙂

I have one question people say Everest trek is best either it’s autumn & spring but m stuck among these seasons which one is perfect for the views and all. I do photography want revealing views of landscapes can you suggest which month is best for me. appreciate if anybody could help

Spring or Pre-Monsoon season occurs during the dates of March to May. This is the time when the cold from the winter (Dec – Feb) decreases and the temperature just starts getting warmer and pleasant. As the fog clears up, you will be able to get the best views of the magnificent scenery. The trekking trails all over the country are laden with vibrant mixes of red, pink, and white offering surreal experience along the trek. Everest base camp trek is also interesting at this time of year due to the expedition as Spring is the favoured season for Everest summit climb.

The autumn or post-monsoon season occurs during the dates of September and November. This is when the rain settles and the weather gets dry. As the cold starts rising the days become shorter. But again, the skies start clearing and you get the best possible views. Most people prefer this time for trekking as the trails are dry and it’s easier to walk. The Post Monsoon season brings a stable high pressure, giving clear skies, sunshine, warm days and cool nights.

I hope this helps.

Thanks so much, Passang, I think you answered that better than I could have!

I’m glad that Passang answered this – much better than I could have! 🙂

Hi, I’m looking into going to EBC with a friend, but we want to have private guides. Where can we look online to hire the necessary crew to accommodate us and our needs?

Thanks David

Hi David, I would say the best place to research would be on the Lonely Planet forums here , there is some great information about finding a guide. There are loads of different threads other than just this one as well. There are loads of agencies you’ll find online too where you can hire a guide but you will get much better value on the ground in Nepal. This book by Lonely Planet might be good for researching and planning your trek also – Trekking in the Nepal Himalaya

Best of luck with the planning!

heading over to trek to EBC solo for xmas, thanks so much this info is such a great help as I had been on the fence about wether I should give in and join a tour company!

Hi Fiona, That’s amazing! So glad we could help you go on this adventure! How did you get on?

Trekking to basecamp is our future plan but by reading your article we instantly want to go there, like the way you present every thing on detail like advantages and disadvantages on every aspect. Hopefully this article would help every trekkers who want to be independently on the base camp. Again thanks for posting such amazing article.

Thanks for your kind words! 🙂

wow, nice article- had fun reading it. You just remained me of my Everest trek back in 2018. I did Gokyo lake though earlier I had planned for Everest three pass but later decided to do Gokyo lake trek. It has an exhausting walk but does worth I could barely feel my knees but inside I was smiling. Trekking in the Himalayas was one hell of a memory.

Thanks for your comment Josec, Ya we will never forget trekking in the Himalayas – so incredible!

Probably there is so much research with this article and it’s so readable article. Thank you so much for sharing these kinds of information and exploring the places.Hope to see more and more places in your upcoming articles.

Thanks Marchus! A whole lot of research and an on the ground, real-life experience of actually doing the EBC trek ourselves too! 🙂

Since autumn 2018, rooms are now sold at fixed prices when upper than Namche Bazar: -500Rs at Pangboche, Pheriche, Dingboche, Chhukhung. – 700Rs at Lobuche and Gorakshep. Same prices for solo trekkers. Fixed pricing initiated by the local Khumbu Pasang Lhamu administration, but not officially.

Thanks so much for the update FabGreg. 🙂 It’s so hard to keep up to date with all the changes happening there!

Although I fear highs but this information will definitely benefit the lovers of adventure and I will tell my father about this article 🙂

Thanks Axel!

LOVED this post!. Thank you for sharing all your information. It’s definitely very useful and productive. I am going to use this as a reference. Thank you again.

Hi Abhishek. We’re delighted to hear that you found our post useful. Best of luck with your trip! 🙂

That’s a great article, thank you so much, this is helping us a lot as we are planning our trip in Nepal. It just answer all the question you have in mind, very very exhaustive. Thank you again.

No problem at all – we’re delighted to hear that the post was useful for you. Have a great trip to Nepal and if you have any questions, that we haven’t answered above, just let us know 🙂

Wow, that is a so much information! So glad I read your website! The 3 of us girlfriends are planning on doing the Marathon race in May 2019. Reading your website will help me a lot on what to do and expect while doing the EBC trek. It will be a chance of a lifetime!

Hi Luisa, We’re so glad that this post helped you! That’s amazing! It will be such an incredible experience and what a place to do a marathon. Best of luck to you and your friends!

Noelle and Brian – Great job, this post..! So thoughtful and kind of you. I’m planning mine in March 2019 and would request further guidance as below. I am considering solo but have asked a cousin of mine and also a friend who are interested if they can make it the same time so there’s companionship.. I am considering a porter to help me enjoy it more and to contribute more to local economy. (1) From altitudes on the (very helpful..!) interactive map on the first day to Phakding is it overall downhill and if so, can one try to go all the way to Namche so there’s net altitude gain on day1? Or would that be risky? (2) If I took a guide/ porter I imagine you pay for their accommodation + meal + for their effort – any suggestion how much that should be? I reckon guide/porter is the same (one) person – is that correct? (3) For late-March would a sleeping bag good for upto -7 degrees be ok or should it be for colder than that (4) Should one try for first flight to Lukla from Kathmandu? Is there any advantage doing so? Would be very grateful if you can help with these. Best wishes for your next adventure.

This was such a good read! Myself and my boyfriend are planning our trip at the moment! Like yourselves we are wanting to do it independently, We are arriving in the first week of April. Do you think we will struggling to find ourselves accommodation at this time of year? This is the only worry we have and the decider between going it alone (which we would prefer) or going with a tour / guide!

Thanks 🙂 Katie

Hi Katie, Thanks so much. We’re so glad that you found this post helpful for planning your trip. I’d say you will be okay to find space in teahouses along the way in early April. We hiked for 23 days from March 19th so we would have been on the lower end from Lukla to Jiri in early April. We did notice it was a good bit busier when we were going back down from EBC than when we were going up but when we went up the teahouses were fairly quiet, with lots of space. You are going to have such an incredible time, it’s such an epic experience! 🙂

Hi There, Amazing guide – was looking sth like that. I Hope to manage it by myself as You did. But the problem, unfortunately is a money. Could You advise about full amount wich for sure have to be spent for trek: i mean fees, entrances, etc. I plan no guide and sleep in my tent all way up and down. Low costs as much as possible. Don’t have a lot of resources but lot of dreams. Looking Forward hearing from You! Again, nice job!

“Don’t have a lot of resources but lot of dreams.” – that’s awesome – what a positive attitude! 😀

If you hike independently you can do this trip on a budget. We spent about €15 on average (per person) and that included our flight from Kathmandu to Lukla.When you include the things we bought or rented, the TIMS permit and entrance fee to Sagarmatha National park, we would say it still averages out at €25 a day ABSOLUTE maximum.

We hope this helps and you have a great trip! Safe Trails! 🙂

Greetings of the day, can we just camp in our own tents rather than just lodging in the tea house in nights. and we are planning to start our trek from jiri to everest base camp. is that a best idea..? and have you seen anyone just camping in their own tents from jiri to ebc. your reply is greatly appreciated.

Hi Maheshwar,

We didn’t see anyone camping from Jiri but we did further up along the trail. They were mostly part of large guided groups though. I’m not 100% sure but I think it would be fine. You may have to pay a small fee to camp in the grounds of a teahouse as I’m not sure if free camping is allowed within the national park.

One of the huge beauties of this trek is the fact that you can stay and eat in teahouses and you don’t have to carry heavy camping gear and cooking equipment. For the effort of carrying the gear and setting up your tent each evening it may not be worth the €2 saving each day but of course, it’s your choice. Just find out first whether or not you’re going to have to pay to pitch your tent anyway!

Hi Friend Noelle I am Aabeejjeet from India. I plan to go Everest base camp in end of this November 2019. I want to go solo…no one with me only me .(May be with someone if any one join me) as present plan Single even no guide with me. Can you tell me is it possible? If yes i willing to do it. I have 15 to 20 days Can you tell me what should itinerary? What permits needed and from where should i get permits? What minimum cost need from Katmandu – Everest- Katmandu.

Hi Aabeejjeet, Sorry for the delay in replying. Did you go to EBC in November? How was it? All of the answers to your questions are already answered in this post about trekking solo to EBC, how long it takes as well as our exact detailed itinerary and how and where to get the permits needed as well as a rough estimate of our costs. Hope this helps!

Noelle Kelly. Thanks for reply. I am happy to say that I done my Solo Everest base camp trek successful exactly 1yr (365 days ) back on 4th December 2019 I was at Everest base camp. I will happy to share my experience with you. You may text me on my whatsapp number 9270033440. I Open to all if anyone need advice about EBC.

Hi Aabeejjeet,

That’s amazing! Thanks for sharing and we’re so glad that you had an incredible trip! 🙂

Hi guys, Awesome post – we’ve found it really helpful for planning our upcoming trip (next month). I’ve just realised I’ve ballsed iOS nd didn’t specify that we wanted altitude cover when I booked our travel insurance through World Nomads, and I’m not able to add it on – grrrr. While trying to solve this problem, I noticed a tiny asterisk fine print point on their site – apparently you need to be hiking with an approved professional, guide or operator. Did you guys have that caveat, or is that new? Cheers, Sam

Apologies for terrible phone-based typos. *ballsed up and…

Sorry for the delay in replying! You guys have probably well and truly finished your hike by now! How did it go?

I’m not sure about this exclusion then as it was six years ago now but it may have been there then too. In our travel insurance article we stress how important it is to ALWAYS read the fine print in your insurance policy as we have noticed so many exclusions for different things along the way. Thanks for pointing this out! 🙂

hey there!! this is great thanks for sharing !! Did you have any issues finding a tea house to accommodate you? we are going as a group of 5 and based on your info I think we will go around the same time of year. Also when finding a guide there are prices online for $1000USD per person, if we book when we get there do you know if they may just charge the $1000 USD for the group? we don’t need porters. ONE more question ! sorry .. how did you choose the route that you took? are you happy with it?

No, we had no issues with finding teahouses and there were four of us together on the main part of the trail. I would say if you find a guide when you get to Nepal it will be considerably cheaper than any price quoted online. The number of people shouldn’t really matter, up to a reasonable point of course (10 or 20 people would probably cost more) as the guides charge a daily rate. This also depends on your haggling skills too of course. 🙂

We chose our route by reading the information in the Lonely Planet Nepal guidebook and we added on going down via Gokyo when we were on the trek as we were loving it so much. We were really happy with our route.

Happy trails!

Amazing information. I liked the GPS graph of height and distance walked… The photos are also unique and convey a very different story. Keep us the great work. If you visit Leh Ladakh in India, it will give you tons of opportunity for photos and exciting perspectives.. All the best.

Thanks so much! We’re so glad you enjoyed this post. We actually visited Leh, Ladakh shortly after Nepal and loved it, such an incredibly beautiful place!

Thanx for sharing your experience. I just need a clarification that does I need to take camping tent and sleeping bag for the EBC trek. If yes then why. I can get a room in a teahouse with bed and blankets right??

Hi Prabhat,

There are blankets and beds in the teahouses so you don’t need to bring a tent at all. You only need to take a sleeping bag if you think you will be cold with just a blanket. We both brought sleeping bags and we used them every night as well as the blankets but it’s up to you – if you think you’ll be warm enough with just a blanket. Hope this helps!

Thanks a lot for sharing your wonderful experience. I’m looking forward to this trip with my dad this May. I was looking for some encouragement for traveling independent and found this gem. Thanks again for your wonderful words.

Adventure is out there!

Hi Abhimanyu,

We’re so glad our post has helped you. Enjoy the hike in May – you and your dad will have an unforgettable experience together.

good to hear your experience about Nepal

Thanks Deepak,

We really loved spending three months in Nepal and the trekking is incredible!

Fantastic post. In fact, out of everything I have read/watched re the EBC, this has post has been my favorite. Independently, I also determined that Shonas was the place to go for trekking equipment. I’ve seen them listed on other blogs and I’ve never seen anything but the best said about them. We are actually planning on doing this mid April with our 9 and 11 year old Sons. We are a full time traveling family and have been looking forward to this and preparing for this for quite a while. I debated having a porter and a guide for a long time but I’m now convinced that given enough precautions we can do this. We are a treking family and have done many hikes, some very difficult hikes, even when the kids were younger. We will definitely take the above average amount of acclimatization days.

Thank you so much! We’re so so happy that this post has helped you out when planning this epic experience.

We actually met a family on the Annapurna Base Camp trek (which is a bit shorter and at lower altitude) who were travelling with two daughters who were then about the same age as your sons. They had taken a year off work and school to travel homeschooling the girls on the road too. The travel experience seemed to give the girls great life experience as I’m sure it is for your sons too. They absolutely loved the trekking and were also trekking independently and were not big hikers beforehand as far as I remember. If you guys are experienced trekkers I’m sure you’ll have no issues. Going slowly and allowing for extra days if needed should be fine and only add to this incredible trek.

You guys will have such an amazing time! Do be sure to comment again to let us know how you get on.

Namaste and happy trails!

Hey! Just wanted to give an update that we are in Kathmandu and just supplied up at Shonas. Looks like Andy and Shona are nearing retirement but Shonas will live on under new management. Still, the place to go for all your supplies. We head to Luka on the 20th. Just re read this post to make sure I am not forgetting anything. It really is a comprehensive piece. So thankful you wrote it. We will give an update when we are well into it.

I forgot to tell you that we did end up finishing the trek with the 9 & 11year old reaching the top of Kala Pattar and the EBC all the while carrying their own packs. Don’t want to spam your blog but we filmed it all and it’s on our channel. youtube.com/wherethejones

Your blog post was THE post that gave us the most info and confidence to do this with kids.

Wow! That’s so incredible!

We had a look at your video, and it looked so, so amazing! It really, really makes us want to go back and do it all over again. What an incredible achievement for the boys. We’re beyond thrilled that we helped you and your family to tick this epic item off the bucket list!

Namaste and happy travels! 🙂

We started our trek on Jan.1 in Lukla and made it to Kala Pattar on Jan.8 . and back to Lukla on Jan.11. We ended up going to Pheriche because it was closer than going to Dingboche. We acclimated one day in Namche and did a short hike from Pheriche to Dukla on the 2nd acclimation day. Everything was good till we arrived at Gorek Shep where we spent 2 nights. We lost our appetites and could not get a good night sleep. We found that other hikers had similar problems. Glad to have not gotten sick from high altittude. Both Gorek Shep and Pheriche were very cold after the sun goes down. Several people from the organized tours were medivaced by helicopter from Gorak Shep from illness due to altitude sickness. One good thing about going independent is that you can go at your own pace. When you go in a tour group, it is easy to go at a faster pace to keep up with the group and end up tiring yourself out.

We heard in advance that Kala Pattar was very windy and cold. We got there around 11:45am and had the place to ourselves. The wind was light, blue sky, not a cloud in sight. Our pictures came out similar to the ones on the postcard. Glad we left later in the morning unlike other hikers who opted to leave at 3am in the morning to catch the sunrise but warned of the extreme cold temps. at that time.

Glad we went independent like you two, this trek its probably the hardest thing my son and I will ever do. but it is also very rewarding, thanks again for sharing all your information.

We’re so happy that you guys had a great experience on the EBC trek! It sounds very similar to ours – we also went up Kala Pattar later in the morning around the same time as you and had picture-perfect clear blue skies. The groups that went for sunrise on our same morning had no views due to clouds.

Happy to provide you guys with the information to have a such an unforgettable experience together! 🙂

Hello, i really enjoyed your guide, I will probably backpack next year 3 months together with my best buddy, in the annapurna region and then also the ebc trip. One thing i am really concerned about, is the backpack. I have no idea which size i will need. Can you tell me, how many litres your backpacks had? or maybe u got some tipps for me?

We will do it solo, without porter, and about that i found in the internet suggestions between 35l (sounds really small) up to 85l. So not very helpful, because everyone was recommending something different. We will do the default lodge trekking as you, so the only bigger things we have is the sleeping back, and maybe a down jacket, except that we may have 1-2sets more tshirts, socks, underwear etc but no real clumbsy stuff like tents etc.

For me 65-70litres doesnt sound to bad, but i really dont know. Because i got almost no experience in that stuff, and as mentioned above, in the forums everyone says different things.

Thanks for your advice Best regards from germany

I currently favor the Osprey Aether 70 70l, 2,3kg but yeah, i dont know about the size, and also there are people who say, they swear to ultra light traveling backpacks with max ~1kg weight… As you see, i am completly confused, and dont really know what to think 😀

I know there’s so much information out there it can be stressful and confusing trying to make a choice.

I rented a backpack from Shona’s in Kathmandu because my own backpack at the time wasn’t suitable (it was one of those silly ones with wheels!) and I think it was 55Litres. It was one of their own backpacks which they make themselves so it wasn’t branded. It was perfect for the trek and I had my own rain cover.

Brian had a 65L backpack, a ‘Highlander’ brand at the time. We have no idea how much the bags themselves weighed.

We were both fine with these, though Brian did have to carry my sleeping bag as my bag was a little small. I think a 70L Osprey would be perfect to carry a sleeping bag and down jacket and your clothes, etc. We both have the Osprey Farpoint 70L backpacks now as our main travel bags and they’re great!

I just googled the model you said the Osprey Aether 70 and it looks ideal. If it’s a little empty you’ll be happy to have the extra space available to you.

The most important thing is that the backpack you choose is a comfortable fit, has a waistband, and can be adjusted to your requirements.

We hope this has helped you!

We are actually going to Germany to Cologne at the end of March for a month. Our first time visiting Germany! 🙂

Hello, thanks for your detailed answer! I also think the 70l are very good, and if we have a bite storage left… then we can still buy some more souvenirs at the end of the trip. 😛 2 strong, young boys, our shoulders will survive a little bit bigger backpack.

But as i have still a lot of time left till the trip, i will first gather all other equipment together, pile it up and then finally decide, whats the best solution.

Yeah, a really good weight lifting system is the most important for me, and i won’t save up on that, because thats something you could only regret if you go 3 months hiking.

— Nice to hear that, i was also only once in cologne, as i life in another part of germany. I am sure you will like it, because its a nice city and there are some nice buildings and other stuff. But i also have to admit, that it isn’t something really over exciting compared to other EU/GER Big citys in my opinion. 😀 But maybe i just say that because i am very familiar with the german atmosphere and style, so dont pay me to much attention at that point. 😀

Glad to have helped you sort this issue out! Extra space certainly won’t be an issue.

Looking forward to checking out some other parts of Germany while we’re in Cologne too!

I’ve just been reading this in Kathmandu planning my own independent trek to EBC. I can’t tell you what a great resource you’ve made. Great info, relatable for the average traveler and I love how you cover the little details! (Where to find apple pie, essential nature of the wet wipe!) Your photos are incredible too.

Happy travels!

HI Nick. Thak you so much – We’re delighted you found the post useful and hope you’re enjoying your time in Kathmandu! We hope you enjoy your trek, it’s such an incredible experience – enjoy every moment! 🙂

Hey Noelle and Brian

First of all, congratulations on finishing up on EBC and checking that off your bucket list. I am glad that you have not only created a ultimate guide for trekking this piece of Himalayas independently, but also have made effort to respond to people in real time (almost). I wish that you guys have more time and resources to continue on your other endeavors. I plan to go to EBC (independently) sometime next April, and this definitely is a wonderful start and confidence breather for me. Even after six years (almost) you have memories of that trip to such detail and Im sure that itself speaks volumes of the experiences you might have had all through your “Trek”. Looking forward to this one and thanks for the post/help and time.

Thanks so much for your lovely comment. Yes, the EBC trek made a huge impression on us as it no doubt will on you too! It’s still one of our most loved travel memories!

We’re so glad that this post has helped you to plan your own trek on to Everest Base Camp!

Have a great trek in April!

Hi Noelle and Brian,

I did the solo and independent trek to Tengboche 2016 and absolutely loved it. Thanks again for your wonderful guide. Would like to take my son and go to EBC around the first week in January next month. Your EBC trek said you took 9 days to go from Lukla to EBC, how many days would you estimate it would to return to Lukla if we came back the same way? We intend to stay at the tea house along the way and not carry camping gear. Let us know if this is a feasible itinerary ( I did ok not acclimatizing on the last trip so did not include any this time ):

Day 1: Lukla to Phakding Day 2: Pahkding to Namche Day 3: Namche to Tengboche Day 4: Tengboche to Pheriche ( is one day adequate?) Day 5: Pheriche to Dughla Day 6: Dughla to Lobouche Day 7: Lobouche to Gorak Shep to EBC Day 8: Return to Lukla (how many day total ? )

Are their adequate teahouses to stay in after Tengboche?

Thanks again for you guide and help.

We’re so glad our guide has helped you out!

Your itinerary sounds perfect, however, I would highly recommend taking the acclimatisation days in Namche and Pheriche if you can fit them in at all. If you wanted to save some time you could go from Periche to Lobouche in one day as that is only a suggested safety stop not a recommended one and would only take about four hours walking in total, so that pulls back one day. The Pheriche stop is probably more vital than the Namche one as your body will be at much higher altitude than ever experienced before and because you were okay before doesn’t mean you will be again. You will also need to consider your son’s acclimatisation too.

It took us five hours to get from Tengboche to Pheriche so I think one day is definitely enough for that part.

There are enough teahouses after Tengboche and January is not a high/popular hiking season so the teahouses shouldn’t be busy. Do be prepared for much colder weather in January however.

Definitely, do allow enough time to hike up Kala Pattar as this is the highlight of the whole trek in our opinion offering panoramic views of Everest and the Himalayas.

It should take you three days to get back to Lukla if you went up Kala Patter in the morning and then started to head down. Friends of ours made it back down to Namche from Gorak Shep in one day but they said it wasn’t ideal and their feet were blistered etc. after such a long day. They only pushed so hard as they needed to reach an ATM to get cash in Namche. So if you didn’t hike Kala Pattar and were prepared to just walk as much as you could each day back to Lukla you could reach Lukla in two days but I think three days would be more enjoyable and gives you time to go up Kala Pattar too.

Best of luck, Have a great trip with your son!

Thank you for your recommendation, we will take another acclimatization day and also go to Kala Pattar. Another question for you, you guys went from Tengboche to Pheriche and stayed at Pheriche. I noticed many tours opted to do the Tengboche to Dingboche and stayed in Dingboche. Which route do you recommend recommend since we’re there for a day acclimatizing, thanks again.

Sorry for the delay in getting back to you. You guys are probably having an awesome trek already!

We decided to stay in Pheriche because The Himalayan Rescue Association has an aid post there run by volunteer doctors from around the globe. They give daily talks and demonstrations about altitude sickness every day and it’s also believed to be the highest hospital in the world! It makes for a useful and informative way to pass some time on your acclimatisation day.

You can also walk over to Dingboche to check it out as part of your acclimatisation day walk too if you’d like!

Hope you guys are having a great trip! 🙂

Hi, thinking of trekking to base camp independently mid November, just wondering if i go there, will there be spots to sleep in the tea houses or do they ever get booked out? like how do you know if there is gonna be any space ? should i bring my own tent? thanks

As it’s not the main trekking season you should have no trouble getting a spot in the tea houses. Even if they are full they still try to accommodate people by letting them sleep in the common areas, etc. In some teahouses, they will call ahead to a teahouse in the next village for you if you’re worried about not having a place, but I think in mid-November you should be fine.

Best of luck with your trek!

hi Noelle, thanks for the tips! also awesome guide 🙂 Just also wondering ive seen alot of people posting that the guides are roughly around $20 a day, my cousin is thinking of coming with me, is that $20 a day each or would that be between the 2 of us? thinking it may be a bit safer to hire either a guide or porter to help with our trek thanks again

Hi Carlos, I think that would be $20 between the two of you. You can hire a guide/porter in Lukla for better value too! Are you guys trekking now? Namaste!

Hey guys! Amazing post. Answered a lot of my questions. A friend and I are doing the trek independently in November. The only thing bothering me is the chance of getting seriously ill from altitude sickness…we are taking our time with the trek, taking 3 or 4 acclimitization days on the way…also bringing diamox just in case….should I still be worried about it? I made the mistake of reading too many stories online about deaths due to altitude sickness. Scares the shit out of me!

Thanks so much, we’re so glad that this post helped you out! Altitude sickness is obviously an ongoing concern and a justified fear!

If you have 3-4 acclimatisation days built in, you should be fine! Even by allowing some time in Kathmandu before you go trekking, your bodies will be adjusting to the altitude there, as the city is at an elevation of 1,400m.

We took three acclimatisation days on the way up to EBC and the absolute bare minimum recommended is two – one at Namche and another at Pheriche. If you’re going to take your time and allow enough days to rest, you guys should be fine. Just remember to “hike high and sleep low”, meaning the place where you sleep shouldn’t be the highest point you’ve reached/crossed over that day. This is usually the case naturally without having to worry about it too much. After you reach 3000 metres your sleeping altitude should be no more than 300 metres to 400 metres higher than the previous day’s sleeping altitude. Again this is usually the case anyway if you follow the usual overnight stops on the trail. Even on your acclimatisation days, you should go on a short walk up to a higher point as this gives your body the best chance to get used to the altitude. And if you do feel unwell take an extra rest day and/or go back down to a lower altitude and you should feel better. It’s more than likely that you’ll feel some very mild symptoms of altitude sickness, like a headache, as most people do, but if you listen to your body you’ll know if it’s becoming a more serious concern. The people who end up dying from altitude sickness are the ones that ignore the symptoms and push on higher anyway determined to reach their destination. Maybe these people are rushing and don’t have the time to allow for extra days and are not willing to go down if they feel unwell because of time constraints. The Himalayan Rescue Association’s daily talks and demonstrations about altitude sickness at the aid post in Pheriche will really put your mind at ease too, or freak you out more 😉 but we found it was really great to have more information from them too and it’s good way to pass some time on your rest day.

I hope I’ve put your mind at ease about altitude sickness! Have a great time in November, Nepal is amazing – you’ll love it! Namaste and happy trails! 🙂

Really useful tips and information for backpackers and budget travelers, it helps them to trek to Everest without guide. I love the idea of independent travel. Thanks for sharing information i like the picture where you are standing at the top of kalapatthar, in-front of Pumori. Great pictures too thanks for sharing.

Thanks Shankar,

We loved our time trekking in the Everest region and visiting Nepal!

Gotta go up there in next april. looking forward for the trip. thank you again for sharing the tips

No problem Shawn, we’re glad we could help! Enjoy Nepal! 🙂

Noelle, this is amazing! really informative post for all levels of trekkers to Everest base camp, day to day activities, information with picture really useful thanks for sharing.

Thanks so much Shankar! 🙂

One of the most popular trekking destination in the world, i have been trekking with group more than 500 times but never feel bore to go EBC. i enjoy every steps in this areas because every steps offer you unique and marvelous views. please make a plan to do it.

We couldn’t agree more. It’s definitely one for the bucket list and something you’ll never forget. Such an incredibly beautiful place. We’d go back and do it all over again in a heartbeat!

Hi Noelle Kelly i want to go solo trip for Everest Base Camp and don’t want to go with guide and all so and all time i go solo without guide so is there safe for solo person ? and also want to know that if i don’t want to use by flight for Lukla Airport because i want to go by walk and trek so is there any way for walk or trek base camp directly from Salleri/Phaplu ?

Thank you ! Dharamesh.

Hi Dharmesh, So sorry for the late reply to your comment! I must have missed the notification about it and only noticed now! 🙁

I think the hike is quite safe to do solo, especially so for a solo male hiker. My only worry would be if you fell and sprained an ankle or some unlikely accident like that that there would be no one with you to help. The trails are busy enough with locals and someone would come along eventually but maybe carry a mobile phone to be safe. There are notice boards in Kathmandu and online forums where you can connect with other solo trekkers who are looking for company if you’d feel more comfortable with other people.

Yes, there is a trail from Phaplu too, it takes about 4 days to reach Lukla from there and it joins up with the main Jiri-Lukla trail just before you reach Lukla. From there it’s the same route on to EBC. Happy trekking and Namaste! 🙂

Useful and informative! Climbing to EBC is on my bucket list and I hope to climb on Sept-Oct, 2018. Thanks Noelle Kelly! Keep writing and sharing!

Thanks so much Rakesh!

We really hope you get to check it off the bucket list next year!

This was a fantastic guide! Stunning pictures too. Do you have any idea whether it is possible to simply camp along the way? Either pitch a tent or simply bivvy under the stars. Are there any regulations surrounding that? Thank you!

Thanks Stan, we’re glad you found our guide helpful. In relation to camping, many of the tea houses have outdoor areas where you can erect a tent or set up a bivvy sack. With that said, it’s extra equipment to carry and given that the teahouses are so cheap, most people will choose to sleep in the comfort of the guesthouses. Mostly it’s organised groups that camp as it guarantees they will have enough space for all the members of their group – porters walk ahead and set up the tents before the hikers arrive. If you want the experience of camping in the Himalayas though, by all means, go for it! Have a great trek! 😀

Such a fantastic post guys! Thank you so much for sharing & being so incredibly detailed! We so want to do EBC but had been unsure whether it was beyond our limits – some people we have spoken to said it was the hardest thing they’d ever done and this really put us off! It’s great to know that it is accessible to anyone and that you can do it alone! What an achievement! Hopefully you’ll see us doing it some time soon! X

Hi guys, We’re so happy to hear that this post has helped and inspired you! That’s one of the main reasons we put this post together – because people were always asking us about it and how it was possible etc., how expensive it was, thinking it was so far out of their reach. Hope you guys get to do it soon! Safe travels! 🙂

I was thinking about staying a night at Everest Base Camp. I sort of want to climb to the top of Everest but know that realistically that’s not going to happen so this would be my next best thing. Do you have an idea of how I could arrange this in March/April? earlier n the thread you seem to recommend against it. Is it not a place that is good to hang out at?

Hi Bronwyn. Sleeping at Everest Base Camp itself is possible but it depends on the season – however, we don’t recommend it – altitude sickness, the cold and changeable weather are all serious considerations here and it is not something to be taken lightly! We would recommend staying at Gorak Shep.

Climbers tents are set up during March/April so if you are there then you might be lucky enough to be invited to stay at the tents, but you can’t bank on it. If you are planning on staying there we recommend bringing a lot of water, food and obviously plenty of warm clothes, thermal layers, down jacket and a four season sleeping bag. And please don’t attempt this alone or without consulting with a local – also, be sure to let someone know of your plans.

Best of luck with your trip – hope you have a great time in the Himalayas! 🙂

Hello It is beautiful article regarding to Everest base camp and Cho la pass trekking. I just like to update trekking permit fees (specially Sagarmatha national park permit cost) is increased to NRs 3490 from NRS 2000 and TIMS fees is still same.

Thank you so much for letting us know about the fee increase. 🙂

Hej, great blog. I have a question. Can you pay for teahouses and food with US dollars or they want rupees?

Hi Andraz, Thanks so much! We carried Nepali rupees when we did the trek so I’m not sure if US dollars would be accepted but maybe! Safer to just bring rupees I think! Have a great trek! 🙂

Hi Thank you for sharing your experience and making it seem very doable for a novice. I am fit but a little unsteady due to early Parkinson’s. Trekking in the Himalayas has always been on my bucket list so need to do it sooner rather than later. A friend who has trekked regularly in Nepal has offered to take me with him next year on the Gokyo trek. Clambering over rocks is not an issue but narrow trails with steep drops would be a challenge (probably manage with poles). I was keen to get some feedback on the paths and surfaces as this would be my main obstacle. I have walked on trails in the bush and on moors without difficulty. Thanks.

Hi Gunvant, I’m so sorry to hear about your early Parkinson’s and good on you for taking the chance to do the things you’ve always wanted to do! The trails on the main EBC trek would not be very steep or narrow but there’s a part of the Cho La pass that was quite narrow when we crossed. This may be different when you visit due to weather conditions as it was an icy verge so maybe it was more melted on the day we crossed. Most of the paths on the main EBC trail are wide enough to get yaks or horses through, with the Gokyo trails being a little narrower in parts. I don’t remember many steep drops except maybe a bit going up and down from the two passes as you’d expect. I think if you have walked on trails in the bush and moors you’ll probably be okay with the surfaces there. The trails are mostly gravel or stone paths with some grassy verges. It might be good to ask your friend as he’ll know your comfort level and the trails in more detail if he treks in Nepal regularly so he can probably make a better judgment. I hope you get to tick trekking in the Himalayas off the bucket list! 🙂

Dear Noelle Thanks for being such a great sport and providing an invaluable service. I feel confident I can manage it given your description. Warm Wishes Gunvant

Hello, Fantastic blog.. so useful.. and amazing photos.

Can I ask what camera/lens you carried with you on the Everest trek to take such wonderful photos?

Paul, Cork.

Hi Paul, Thanks so much for the compliment. A fellow Cork man! 🙂 At the time we were shooting with a Panasonic Lumix G series and the kit lens with an added telescopic lens (45-200mm) – it was a micro four-thirds camera so it was a bit smaller/lighter than a standard DSLR. We found this to be a great option for travelling and especially trekking. Now we have traded this camera for the Canon EOS 70D with the EFS 18-55mm lens and EFS 55-250mm telescpoic lens which we’re now using for all of our travel photography.

Many thanks for the your very informative reply re your photographic equipment.

Hope all is well in Oz.

Hi, what a great read! I’ve just added you guys on Facebook My question is how hard is it finding your way? Are there signs or is some basic map reading required? Or is it really so busy as to just follow everyone else? Thanks

Thanks for adding us on Facebook and sorry for the delay in replying to you. It really is quite easy to find your way, ‘follow the yellow brick road’ was a phrase said to us by the mountaineer Andy that we mentioned in this article. The main trail to EBC is quite obvious and is the only trail. It’s a good idea to bring a map and there will be some basic map reading. There aren’t many signs as far as I remember.

It depends on the time of the year you do the trek as to how busy it is but you trek during the main seasons of March/April and October there will be other trekkers, guides, porters and local people up and down the trail. The mountaineers who attempt to summit Everest every year attempt to do so in May so the supplies and equipment for them are walked up by porter and yak so March/April sees a lot of action on the trail because of this as well as being the second busiest season for people to do this trek. Happy planning and do let us know how you get on! 🙂

Hey, love reading your stories. Just one question really did you pre-book the flight into Lukla?

Cheers Will

Thanks so much! Yes, we booked the flight to Lukla about a week or two beforehand through a local tour operator in Kathmandu. We spent some time going in and out of different tour agencies to get an idea of the best price because at the time all of the smaller Nepali airlines that fly the route to Lukla weren’t on Skyscanner or similar booking sites. 🙂

Hi, When exactly did you do your trek?

Im planning on the mid March 2018 and can you tell me what the weather was like and how cold it got at night?

I heard that the only way to get good accommodations is to have it booked thru hiring a guide/porter. Good accommodations could include western toilets, cleanliness, possible heat sometimes. Any comments on this?

What were your experiences with the tea houses and can you recommend any?

Also, without a guide did you feel you missed any cultural or geological information that enriches the trip or where you able to pick up enough information to feel connected to your location?

Thanks so much. I was afraid to do the without a guide but I am thinking more on doing it your way.

Hi Kass, We did the trek from the 19th of March to roughly the 10th of April in 2012. It got coldest at night at the higher altitudes. Still, we were very warm in our sleeping bags and I slept with a long sleeved top and leggings and socks on in a four season sleeping bag on the coldest nights. Brian had a three season sleeping bag and slept only in his underwear but he is more warm blooded than me. Once you’re in your sleeping bag it gets very cosy – the worst is if you have to get up to go to the toilet during the night and leave the cocoon of your sleeping bag! Most teahouses even provide blankets to put on top of your sleeping bag if you need more layers. The weather was very clear and sunny most days. We had one or two days where we had some bad weather but it usually passed quickly. We even walked in a snow storm as we crossed the Renjo-La pass but this is on the Gokyo trail so if you do the main EBC trek you won’t cross over high passes like that where the weather getrs more erratic. We did the trek independently and always had adequate accommodation without booking ahead. Most places are very clean, have toilets, many will have Asian squat toilets, some had western toilets and all have heating in the common area but remember, they are basic accommodations. We loved staying in teahouses and we used to just check out the different ones in a village when we arrived (if there was more than one) and pick the one we liked the most. We can’t really remember the names of any in particular to recommend at this stage, sorry! We felt we were able to pick up enough information ourselves along the way without a guide and we had a Nepal guidebook for information too. You can always chat to other people’s guides and porters in the teahouses in the evenings and the families who run the teahouses too, so you’re still always interacting with local people all the time. I hope this helps. You will love the experience either way you choose to do it! 🙂

Hi Noelle, Im also very interested in any info about doing the trek, i am probably going to do the trek by myself around the end of Feb, so any info would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

Hi Dean, Sorry for the delay in getting back to you. We were working in a remote part of Australia the past few months with terrible internet connectivity so catching up on everything online now. Did you do the trek in February? How did you get on?

Thank you for continuing to share even nearly five years later, bet you are itching to go back and do it again. A mate and I are trekking in early March hoping to get on the track before the masses. Looking to hire an English speaking guide/Sherpa which we intend on hiring in Lukla, keen to provide a job to the locals and get an insight into their culture. Do you have any recommendations of who we should use? Can Shona’s Alpine rental in Kathmandu assist with that?

cheers Graham

Hi Graham, So sorry for the delayed response to this. We were in rural Australia for the last few months with terrible internet connectivity. I realise you are probably mid-trek now! We hope you got sorted and I’m sure the people at Shona’s sorted you guys out. We wouldn’t have had a recommendation for a local guide in Lukla anyway. You’re probably having an awesome trek as I write this! Please let us know how you got on! Namaste!

Still have a few questions and am hoping you will reply. We already got our tickets to Lukla but am still wondering what hostels you might know of that will store some of our gear while we are trekking, as well as if you would recommend a map or gps?

Hi Spencer, Sorry for the delay in replying! We’ve been having some internet connectivity issues here in rural Australia! The hostel we used when we were in Kathmandu was Family Peace House, here’s their website http://www.familypeacehouse.com and it says in the facilities tab that they provide free luggage storage so I guess they will still store your bags. We also had a lot of gear when we went as we were also on a year long trip so you guys should be fine! We only used a map when we did the trek but if you have a GPS I guess there’s no harm in bringing it along. I’d still recommend bringing a real map as well though as there might ne connectivity issues in the mountains so better to be safe than sorry. You guys will love the trek – I’m slightly jealous right now and would do it again in a heartbeat! We’re so happy thay this post was uselful to you and helped you out! Have a great time in Nepal and happy trekking! 🙂

Me and a few buddies are planning to do the EBC trek solo, starting in April 2017, we are going to have a lot of gear because we will be backpacking through Asia for a year-and-a-half, do you know what hostels in Katmandu will store extra luggage of ours while we are doing the trek? Also, would you recommend a GPS, or would a map do just fine? One last question, haha, how much was the ticket from Katmandu to Lukla?

Thank you for this guide it was extremely informative and really helps put my mind at ease!

Thanks for excellent guide for EBC.

I am going to use this as reference.

I am going solo but going to hire guide-porter so I can give some employment to local people.

Thanks for writing this guide for EBC.

I am going to use this as reference. I am going solo but going to hire guide-porter so I can give some employment to local people.

Hi Hom, I’m so glad that you’ll use this post as a reference. And it’s great to give some employment to local people too. Well done! Enjoy the trek! 🙂

Thank you for sharing all the info! It’s definitely very useful as my friend and I are heading there in September 2017! (Will try to do it independently after reading your post!) May I ask if there is a map showing the location of all the tea house or accommodation along the trail? Again, thank you very much for sharing all these with us!

Hi Cayden, I’m so glad this post was helpful to you. You’ll love the trek! Yes, as far as I remember the map has a legend showing the number of teahouses in each small settlement along the way. You can buy the maps in Kathmandu. You’re so welcome for the info – happy to help fellow adventurers! 🙂

LOVED this post! My husband and I want to go end of March this year. We read that the government started requiring hikers to have guides in 2014. Did you have any troubles with that at all? We would love to do it on our own! Looks like an adventure of a lifetime!

Hi Britanny, So glad that you enjoyed this post. We did the hike in March 2012, there are always rumours that they’re going to start making guides mandatory but so far they haven’t to my knowledge. It really is the adventure of a lifetime! 🙂 Best of luck!

Guides have been mandatory on the trek since 2014- not sure how enforced or enforceable this is though

Hi Jimmy, Yeah, I’ve read that it is technically a requirement to have a guide but that it’s not really enforced or a legal requirement. You can still obtain a TIMS card as a free individual trekker from the Nepali tourism board and enter into Sagarmatha National Park too, so I guess they’re not enforcing the mandatory rule for whatever reason. Thanks for your input and I’m sure someday they might make it a requirement. We really hope not though!

Hi Noelle, thanks a lot for explaining how to do the trek without a porter. I’d much prefer it that way but am a bit concerned with the safety, since I’d be on my own. Am scheduled to arrive at Kathmandu on Nov 26 and stay until Dec 13. Plan on visiting Shona’s to get some tips and extra gear for the way. Was it easy to find the Permit Office? Was the trail always easy to find once you reached Lukla? Did you have any difficulty to find accommodation for the evening stops? Did you plan ahead at which small town to spend the night? Is it possible to sleep at EBC or is it safer to visit but sleep somewhere else? As for the size of the back pack, I have a 90ltr but think it might to be big, even if I dont fill it up. What do you think? Should I try to borrow or rent a 60ltr one instead? How do people usually treat Altitude Sickness (any tea or aspirin that people recommend?) Once again, thanks a lot for taking the time to help trekkers trying to enjoy such a beautiful adventure. Kind Regards.

Hi Carlos, I’m so glad that you found this post helpful! 🙂 Shona’s is a great place to get started – they’re full of great information, extremely helpful and you can rent or buy everything you’ll need for the trek from them. As for the permit office, it’s right on the trail at the entrance to the national park so it’s very easy to find. The main trail is fairly obvious and easy to see the way from Lukla. We didn’t have any difficulty with accommodation at all and in November/December, I’m sure you won’t either as it’s not a very popular time to do the hike. The main seasons are April and October and we did it at the end of March and had no problems. You may have to keep an extra eye on the weather as it’s likely to be colder when you do the trek so definitely rent a warm four season sleeping bag and jacket for the evenings if you don’t have your own. We usually planned how long we were going to walk for each day and where our stop for the night would be. We pretty much followed the itinerary laid out in the Nepal Lonely Planet book for the hike. I’d say it definitely won’t be possible to sleep at EBC in Nov/Dec as they only set up the tents there for the climbers who summit Everest in May. You’d be better off to sleep at Gorak Shep because of the altitude and there are no teahouses at all at EBC so you’d have to have your own food, water, etc. Besides, Gorak Shep is the start point for Kalla Pattar which steals the show from EBC in terms of views anyway! As for the backpack, yeah, I think 90litre will probably be too big, but as you said, you could always bring it and not fill it up too but you can also rent smaller backpacks so that’s completely up to you. I’m sure the extra space could come in handy if you need to pack more warm layers of clothes for winter time. Altitude sickness is definitely a real concern. If you notice any serious symptoms, descend as fast as you can and they should get better. You can buy Diamox in Kathmandu which helps with the symptoms too. Nepali people swear by garlic soup to cure all ailments and the milder symptoms of altitude sickness. It definitely works and tastes nicer than it sounds – especially if you like garlic. Best of luck with your adventure and do get in touch if you have any more questions. Happy trekking! 🙂

Hi Noelle and Brian, Thank you for sharing all your information. I always like to go independent when traveling but hesitated for this region until I read your article. Let me know approx. how long it takes to hike from Lukla to Namche and then to Tengboche and then back to Lukla. Do you think 4-5 days is adequate. I am also planning to go solo, is it safe and are there signs and trails clearly marked. Thanks for your help.

No worries, so glad you found this post helpful! 🙂

There weren’t many trail markers at the time when we did the trek but the main trail is a fairly wide, obvious path. There are locals in the small villages you pass through that you can ask the way too. If it’s a busy time for trekking there will be porters carrying goods up and down to the teahouses, as well as trekking groups with guides. It’s very safe especially if you’re hiking at a busy time like April/May or October, there’ll be so many people!

It took us two days to get to Namche, where we had to take an acclimatisation day for safety to get used to the altitude and then it took only a day to get from Namche to Tengboche. So that was four days. You can easily make it back to Lukla from Tengboche in a day as you can go faster when you descend. So I think your plan of 5 days would be perfect! You’ll really enjoy it!

Happy trekking and Namaste! 🙂

Hi Noelly , I am planning to do this trek by myself (SOLO) and I want to know if easy to find the way , Does the route have signs? , it easy to find where to sleep?. I hope you can reply , I will be more than happy to have your help. cheers Elisa From Perú ( now in Germany)

There weren’t many trail markers at the time when we did the trek but the main trail is a fairly wide, obvious path. There are locals in the small villages you pass through that you can ask too. If it’s a busy time for trekking there will be porters carrying goods up and down to the teahouses too. As well as groups with guides. We just used a map when we did the trek and it was easy to find the way until we went off the main trail when we descended via Gokyo, it was a little more difficult to see an obvious path. When you reach the small villages they all have teahouses and to find somewhere to sleep is no problem. You can even call ahead from the last teahouse and reserve if it’s not a really busy season for trekking.

Hope you enjoy the trek! We can’t wait to visit Peru! 🙂

Hi Noelle, what about the general orientation and waymarking on the trail? Is there any? I plan to do the trek solo in December, there won’t be many hikers around that time. Did you use GPS on your way? Or a map and following the markers (if there are any) was enough?

Thank you for your time, wishing you many great journeys! Artur

There weren’t many trail markers at the time when we did the trek but the main trail is a fairly wide, obvious path. There are locals in the small villages you pass through that you can ask too. Yeah, there probably won’t be many other hikers in December and maybe some snow on the ground might make the trail hard to see so maybe GPS would be a good idea. We just used a map but I’d say with GPS you couldn’t go wrong.

Hope you enjoy your trek! 🙂

Hi Noelle, thank you for all the helpful info – it’s exactly what I had been looking for! My husband and I are off to Nepal in November and hoping to do a very similar trip. I just wondered which map you found the most useful on your trek? Thanks so much

Hi Beatrice,

I’m so glad that you found this post helpful when planning your trip to Nepal. I’m sure your husband and you will love it there! We bought a map of the Sagarmatha National Park as far as I remember – it could have been specific to the Everest Base Camp trek but I think we used a map of the whole park. There are loads of maps for sale in Kathmandu anyway so you’ll easily pick them up there when you arrive.

Happy trails! 🙂

Your guide is awesome, thanks for all the helpful Info. My bf and I are wondering What insurance company you guys used for your everest trip ? We are trekking independently the three passes route and struggling to find an insurance company that will cover us trekking without a guide… Any help would be much appreciated!

Thanks so much – glad you found this guide useful! We always use World Nomads when we travel, they are one of the only travel insurance companies that will cover you for altitudes higher than 4,000m. They are known as the adventure travel insurance company . Afterwards, however, when we read the fine print in detail we discovered that we were not covered when trekking without a guide! The Cho La pass is supposedly the hardest pass of the three. As a workaround, you could hire a guide for just this section which in hindsight may have been a good idea as it was a bit sketchy, or try to follow some trekkers with a guide in front of you if there are any!

Hope you enjoy the trek! 🙂

this is amazing! thank you!

So glad you find it helpful Leo! You’re welcome! 😀

So inspired by your incredible journey. I am really keen to trek EBC this December. Solo. Might even explore CLP if I feel good after EBC. I know there are concerns about safety trekking alone. I might just hire a porter guide at Lukla. I am fit. 57yo. What is your advice on this?

Hi Willie, So sorry – I must have missed your comment on this! Did you do EBC in December?

Brian and Noelle are great, It is so useful information about Hiking to Mount Everest Base Camp, keep on posting and promoting Nepal Tourism. best of luck!

Hi Surya, Thanks so much for your kind words! Namaste! 🙂

I must thank you for this post..

I’m heading to Nepal on the 4th of August and you have convinced me to do it independently now. Im so excited.

What makes it better is ye are Irish and from Cork like myself ( well, I’m from Waterford but claiming Cork as my home now 😀 )

Thanks guys

Hi Darren, We’re so happy you found this post helpful and thrilled we convinced you to do it independently! You won’t regret it – it’s an incredible trek! Kala Pattar is the icing on an already amazing cake! Enjoy! P.S. Bring a marker or a pen to sign the big rock that says Everest Base Camp when you get there, we didn’t have one so guess we’ll have to go back! 😉 Oh, and an Irish/Cork/Waterford flag if you’d like that picture – we also didn’t have one then so will definitely have to do it again! 😀

Hi Noelle!!!! Relly nice and very usfull your post. My friends and I, we are planning to go to the Everest Base Camp. If it is ok, I would like to ask you for some detail.. We have some questions you have, with or without guide?, we are going on October, I affraid it could be difficult to find beds in the teahouse, do you know if it possible to make some reservatiosn in advance? Thank you really much for your post!! Adelina

Hi Adelina, I’m so glad you liked the post and find it helpful. We heard that it was possible for guides to book places ahead of time but we went without a guide. We also did the trek at the end of March right before the second busiest period so we didn’t have to really worry about this. October is the busiest month for people to do the trek but maybe after the earthquake last year, not as many people are visiting Nepal as before. I would definitely wait until you are in Kathmandu to organise a guide if you choose to use one as you will get better value on the ground than booking ahead online. In some teahouses, you might be able to ask the owners to call ahead to the next village to book for you because a lot of the teahouse owners have relatives in the next village and will recommend you to stay with their sister/brother if you’d like in the next place anyway, so maybe that’s possible. Worth a try! Have a great time in Nepal! You’ll love it there. If you have any more questions, get in touch! Happy trekking, Noelle

Awesome post. I love the idea of independent travel. What about buying flight tickets from Kathmandu to Lukla. I am thinking arriving late September 2016. Can I just buy the air tickets when I arrive in Kathmandu? Bugeting total of 28 days from San Francisco to EBC and then back home. Thanks

Hi Chandu! Yes, we bought our tickets from Kathmandu to Lukla when we arrived in Kathmandu – it works out much better value than booking them from abroad. Shop around a bit to find the best price. Have a great trip! 🙂

Great post, we did the Tibet Side a year ago. Have had lots of offers to hit this side but none have worked out with our schedules. Makes me want to clear everything and just go. Travel ON!

Hi David! Thanks for your comment. We would absolutely love to visit Tibet too and think that it would be really cool to have experienced both sides of Everest. Someday! 🙂

Great guide. I’ve done Annapurna circuit a few years ago and I’m thinking about doing EBC along Gokya in November. Don’t want crowds tho! I think I might know your friends too if they are from Tuam! Thanks for the info!

Thanks Robbie. We’re so glad you found this post helpful. November should be less busy alright, although it will probably be colder at altitude. That’s mad – they are from outside Tuam, Abbeyknockmoy. Small world! 🙂

Noelle, this is amazing! I honestly had no idea that it was reasonable to hike to base camp without a guide, but now that I know it is, it’s definitely on the list. Thank you SO much for putting this amazing guide together!

Hi Liz, thanks so much! I’m so glad that this post will come in handy and that it’s added something extra to your wanderlust list! 😉 It’s such an incredible experience – we highly recommend it to everyone. You’ll love it! Hope you have a great time whenever you go to Nepal, and if you need any more information on anything, give us a shout! 🙂

Thank you very mach for your advice!… May be later I will have more questions!!

No problem Adelina, happy to help! 🙂

Hiking to basecamp has been on our to-do list for so long. Like you we want to do it independently. So glad you put this guide together. Thanks.

Hi Tim! No problem! I’m so glad you’ll find this guide useful. The EBC trek is definitely a bucket list activity! Hope you guys have a great time when ye go to Nepal. And if you need any more info be sure to get in touch! 🙂

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The Ultimate Insider’s Guide to Trekking Everest Base Camp

Hiking / Camping / Tour Companies , HIKING and CAMPING TIPS & TRICKS , TRAVEL | 0 comments

At 8,848 meters, 29,029 feet above sea level, Mt. Everest is the tallest mountain in the world, towering over the surrounding peaks in the Himalayas mountain range on the border between Nepal and Tibet.

Even if you’re not a diehard mountaineer, you can still explore this beautiful region of Nepal with a trek to Everest base camp (EBC).

Not only will you get lifelong bragging rights for completing the trek to base camp, but it’s also a beautiful trek in its own right. Amazing vista can be seen passing through the Sagarmatha National Park and the awe-inspiring Himalayas .

Although the trek takes about two weeks, it’s surprisingly accessible and has been completed by many first-time trekkers.

Everest Base Camp: A Brief Overview

Since the first successful summit in 1953 by Sir Edmund Hillary and Sherpa Tenzing Norgay, the imposing peak has attracted decades of adrenaline-seekers wishing to add their name to the list of successful summiteers. A good portion of these climbers never returned .

Despite the intimidating statistics, the sister trek through the picturesque Khumbu Valley to the base camp used by professional mountaineers is an attainable goal for many people.

Located at an altitude of 5,361 meters, 17,590 feet above sea level, you don’t need fancy equipment or mountaineering skills to reach EBC. Certainly, it takes just a positive attitude and a reasonable level of fitness.

There’s a sense of camaraderie and a tangible buzz in the air as the adrenaline of the would-be Everest summiteers infects everybody around them.

The scenery at these altitudes is breathtaking and varied, ranging from rhododendrons and pine fields to rivers; suspension bridges strung with prayer flags; glaciers, lakes, valleys, high mountain passes, and finally, the spectacular Himalayan mountain peaks!

The Sagarmatha National Park is home to rare animal species such as snow leopards and red pandas – though it’s very unlikely you’ll encounter them. You’ll frequently have to step aside (to the uphill side!) as you encounter yaks on the trail.

Whether you choose to follow the traditional EBC route or one of the alternative trails, it’s guaranteed to be an experience you’ll never forget.

In contrast to most multi-day treks where you’d be camping in a tent, trekkers to base camp stay in cozy tea houses. You can find several available in a range of budgets, which function as both hotels and restaurants.

The trek is dotted with Buddhist monasteries and tiny villages almost all the way up. The relaxed pace of the trek allows plenty of time for you to explore the villages and get to know the local Sherpa culture.

Mt. Everest is increasingly covered in garbage left behind by the hordes of people who have set out to conquer its lofty heights. When you go, please respect the environment and do your best to minimize waste.

The most popular time of year to do the Everest base camp trek is between February and May – the pre-monsoon season.

During these spring months, the weather is typically warm and dry and the mountains will be ablaze with colorful rhododendrons.

This is also peak season and while you’re unlikely to have the trails to yourself, you’ll enjoy a buzzing atmosphere at the tea houses on the way. This is also when most Everest climbers make their summit attempts.

The summer months bring the monsoon rains, resulting in slippery trails and a heightened risk of landslides. If that doesn’t deter you, the leeches and foggy weather might! It’s not recommended to attempt the trek in the summer.

It can also be difficult to fly into Lukla during the monsoon. Indeed, this is a good time to pick the Jiri trek over the classic EBC trek.

If you want fewer crowds, try going in September or October, the post-monsoon months, when you have the highest chance of clear skies, although temperatures are slightly colder.

You can even do the trek in the winter but be prepared for sub-zero temperatures most days and lots of snow.

Whenever you go, make sure you pack for unpredictable weather in case a snowstorm takes you by surprise.

Trekkers interested in the local culture might want to plan their trip dates around traditional holidays with celebrations in Kathmandu, such as Holi (February/March) or Indra Jatra (September).

Another thing to consider when planning your trip is flight prices, which can vary considerably. Check flights before booking as this might have a huge impact on when you want to go.

Lastly, be aware that it might be harder to find tour operators who provide treks in off-season months. Also, some of the paths might be closed.

Conversely, if you want a stab at actually sleeping in Everest Base Camp, then late spring is your best option. It will be rare to find tour operators who might be able to wrangle this.

Everest Base Camp Packing list

If this is your first multi-day trek, don’t forget to budget for all the equipment you’ll have to take with you.

You can choose between renting or buying your gear. Hikers who plan on doing more multi-day treks might want to invest in their own equipment.

If you’re doing a two-week trek, it makes more sense to rent your sleeping bag and down jacket. For trekkers who plan on trekking for a whole month, it makes more financial sense to buy.

The neighborhood of Thamel in Kathmandu offers plenty of options for buying and renting. However, the products on offer may be of questionable quality.

Further on, Namche Bazaar is a last-resort option if you find you’ve forgotten to pack any essentials. If you keep your receipts, then talk it over with the shop when buying. Some shops will buy your gear back from you, at the end of your trek, for a reduced price.

Almost everything available for sale along the trek has been carried up the mountain, either by yaks or people. This means things get more expensive the higher you go.

Packing strategically. This means bringing the items you can’t live without while avoiding overloading your backpack. Whether you hire a porter or decide to go solo, somebody will be lugging your things up the mountain. Indeed,think twice before including unnecessary items like an extra book or five spare shirts!

Aim to pack around 10kg if you’re carrying everything yourself, and 20-25kg if you’re getting help from a porter. Don’t forget that your water adds extra weight. Try packing your bag with full water bottles, to get a more accurate idea of how much you can bring.

This list is aimed at trekkers who will be sleeping in tea houses every night. Be aware that if you don’t book early enough, the tea houses may be sold out in high season.

If you think you might end up having to camp, Then you’ll need more supplies not covered on this list. Such as a winter insulated tent , sleeping pad , etc.

What to Wear

The clothes you pack will depend on which season you’re visiting in. Make sure you have enough clothing to keep warm, especially in the evenings.

Layers are crucial, as temperatures and weather conditions will change drastically between day and night and as you ascend and descend in altitude.

Tea houses often only heat the common areas, and then only in the evenings, so bring warm clothes for lounging around at night.

The higher you get, the less likely you are to have power in your tea house, or only for a few hours as they’re run off solar power .

Base layers: Your base layer should be comfortable and moisture-wicking. Stay away from cotton; go for merino wool or synthetics .

Pack a long-sleeved shirt (avoid short sleeves as you’re more likely to get sunburnt) and long underwear, if only for the cold evenings.

Fleece mid-layer: You’ll probably be putting this on and taking it off with every mountain pass. Indeed, try to find one that will fit easily into your day pack.

Outer layer: Get a down jacket with a good warmth-to-weight ratio, as you’ll be carrying it much of the time.

Waterproof windbreaker and pants.

Hiking pants: Well-insulated trekking pants , or trekking pants that can turn into shorts. 

Waterproof hiking boots. We can’t stress enough how important it is to break your hiking boots in properly before your trek.

Don’t forget to bring a pair of comfortable sneakers or sandals for the evenings and for bathroom runs.

Socks: Woollen hiking socks are worth the investment – bring a few pairs that can handle very cold temperatures for the higher altitudes, and look for flat seams and padded spots to reduce blisters.

Sock liners and Vaseline are two other good ways to prevent blisters . You should also bring a pair of warm socks for base camp.

Gaiters: These will be especially useful during the rainier months.

Gloves : Pack a thin pair of “inner” gloves and a very warm pair of outer gloves. There will be at least one or two days where your fingers will freeze otherwise – for example, the day you summit Kala Patthar.

Scarf/balaclava/buff: The trail to EBC gets infamously dusty, provoking the “ Khumbu cough ” that plagues many hikers. A buff or something similar will keep you warm as well as provide you with a layer to breathe through to minimize the amount of dust in your lungs.

Beanie and sun hat , preferably with neck cover, to protect against the sun .

Underwear and sports bras: You’ll probably be reusing these, so get good-quality, non-cotton ones.

Accessories

Drinking water: Most tour operators provide purified water. Avoid bottled water, as this is expensive on top of being an environmental disaster.

We recommend bringing two big reusable water bottles (or a water bladder for drinking on the go). Tablets take a while to work and it’s nice to have one water bottle ready to drink while the other one is getting purified.

You can also fill a bottle with hot water and sleep with it in your sleeping bag if you’re cold during the night. If you’re purifying your own water, bring water purification tablets , LifeStraw , or a Steri-pen. But remember, these need charging, and charging on the trail costs money.

You may wish to add flavor enhancers to your water. Unfortunately, at Gorak Shep the water is very mineralized so you’ll need to buy bottled water.

Showering: Whether or not you shower is up to you. Expect to pay around $5 for a hot shower. Some people rely on wet or backpacking body wipes , especially since wet hair is no fun in negative temperatures!

Sunglasses: The combination of snow and altitude is brutal on your eyes, so invest in good polarized sunglasses with wraparound arms.

Sleeping bag : The teahouses will provide blankets and pillows but you’ll want your own sleeping bag and pillowcase.

Find a mummy sleeping bag rated to -20° C – or colder, depending on the season. Consider bringing a silk liner , especially if you’re renting your sleeping bag.

Toiletries: Sunscreen , SPF chapstick (this is better than lip balm as there’s no need to smear it on with your grubby fingers), quick-drying towel, tissue, baby wipes, period supplies, compressed toilet paper tablets or biodegradable toilet paper (remove cardboard and keep in ziptop bag), hand sanitizer, toothbrush and toothpaste, etc.

Always bring toilet paper with you. Most bathrooms are squat toilets and are located only in villages.

Tip : wet wipes are more expensive than toilet paper on the trail, so if you have to choose, stock up on wet wipes and buy toilet paper when you run out.

Shewee: Ladies, you’ll be glad not to have to pull your pants down in the freezing high-altitude weather. If you need to pee, then I recommend using a portable pee device, like PeeBuddy Reusable Female Urination Device . You stand and use the portable pee funnel, so you don’t need to squat.

If you get your period on the trail and you’re not comfortable with using the DivaCup, another good option is to keep used pads/tampons in a ziptop bag and dispose of them in the next garbage can.

Personal first-aid kit: Bring diarrhea meds, altitude meds, antibiotics, ibuprofen, paracetamol, aspirin, bandaids, blister plasters, tape/trekker’s wool, Vaseline, cough drops (to beat the Khumbu cough), cold medicine, rehydration salts.

Tour operators should provide the rest. Don’t forget to get your travel vaccines before you go.

TSA approved padlock for your luggage.

Backpack: What you pack your gear in will depend on whether you’re using porters. Most porters prefer you to pack your things in a soft-sided duffel bag. Check with the tour operator in case they provide these for you.

If you have a porter, then you’ll only need a daypack for yourself. If you’re not hiring a porter, then bring a collapsible daypack anyway in addition to your backpack. This is so you can leave your big backpack in the tea house during the one-day acclimatization hikes.

Try to get a backpack with straps for hiking poles and zippers to open it from the sides. Not to mention, you won’t have to dig everything out of your bag whenever you want to access something.

Dry bag or plastic cover for your backpack and daypack to prevent water ingress.

Hiking poles : These are a must! All the treks listed here will take you uphill, downhill, uphill and downhill again. Hiking poles will save your knees, and they’ll come in handy on slippery trails during the wet season.

Headlamp or flashlight : You’ll be glad to have this in the evenings after the power goes out, and during early-morning or late-night hikes. Remember to bring extra batteries.

Trekking map: If you’re going independently, a good trekking guidebook is essential – Lonely Planet is highly recommended.

Ziptop bags: These always come in handy for protecting electronics, etc.

Camera or GoPro with memory card and extra batteries.

Money: There are ATMs at select points such as Lukla and Namche Bazaar. But these have low daily withdrawal limits and high commission fees. What’s more, they have been known to take money out of your account without actually dispensing it to you.

Since currency exchange rates on the trail are sky-high, it’s best to bring a stash of local rupees with you. You’ll need rupees to pay for meals, showers, tips, etc.

Wi-Fi: A good option for staying connected is to buy a local sim card. It will give you data to about 4000m altitudes, and sometimes in EBC itself.

You can also check Everest Link for Wi-Fi data packages. The connection is supposedly available in most teahouses along the way, but it can be slow and unreliable so don’t depend on it too much.

Top Tip : Beware of phone updates. These will eat through your Wi-Fi and data limits before you realize what just happened!

Entertainment: EBC treks usually only schedule a few hours of hiking a day, to allow you time to acclimatize. Bring books, a Kindle , cards or other games for the many hours of downtime. Certainly, bring a journal so you can remember this once-in-a-lifetime experience!

Solar charger : Many teahouses offer power points where you can charge your devices for a nominal fee. Also, don’t forget to bring an adapter. It’s a good idea to bring your own solar-powered charger and extra batteries to minimize costs.

Tip : Keep batteries, base layers , and anything else you don’t want freezing in your sleeping bag with you overnight. Keep your phone in flight mode to save power.

Important documents: Bring printouts of your travel insurance information. And make sure one of your travel buddies knows what to do and whom to contact in case of an emergency.

Bring your passport, visas, money, etc. – I always keep these documents in a zip-top bag.

Trekking solo? Bring a safety whistle , compass , pocket knife , & duct tape, especially on the less-crowded trails

High-calorie snacks: These will make a huge difference to your experience. Snacks are exceedingly expensive on the trail, and they provide welcome calories on tough trekking days.

You’ll have to decide how many you want to bring and which ones you want to buy along the trail.

Cloth bags : Many trekkers use these to separate dirty laundry and organize different outfits.

Earplugs: You’ll be glad for these when the tea houses are alive with the sound of Khumbu coughs.

A Note on Trekking Insurance

Be very careful when purchasing travel insurance, because regular policies usually stop covering you once you ascend higher than 3,000m/9,840ft.

At these altitudes, you have a higher chance of getting Acute Mountain Sickness. Also, there’s a pretty good chance you’ll have to be airlifted out to a hospital for injuries . To clarify, injuries like a pulled muscle or twisted ankle at sea level can be more serious at higher altitudes.

Because of these higher costs and risks , insurance companies will charge you a premium for high-altitude trekking insurance.

Luckily, there’s no shortage of insurance companies that offer travel insurance specifically tailored to Everest Base Camp trekkers.

When purchasing a policy, make sure you’re covered for trekking up to altitudes of 6,000m/19,685ft. In addition, ensure it has search and rescue costs, preferably by helicopter.

Don’t forget to check if you’re covered for different travel-related illnesses (and make sure you get your vaccinations before going!).

It’s also nice to have compensation for delayed or canceled flights and repatriation in case of death (hopefully you won’t be needing this one).

Check the clause about lost, stolen or damaged luggage to see if it will cover most of the cost of your hiking gear.

If you’re traveling in winter or shoulder season, then check for trip cancelation insurance. This is to ensure you’re covered if your trek is canceled due to weather.

You’ll likely have other considerations depending on your personal situation. Don’t just take our advice for it – remember to do your research, ask questions and read the fine print of your travel insurance policy before you purchase.

I always keep my travel insurance information handy while on the trek. Additionally, I pass it along to someone else in my group. This is so they know whom to contact in case of an emergency.

Some travel insurance providers require you to confirm with them before ordering a helicopter. Check out this option on getting trekking travel insurance for more information.

How to Avoid Altitude Sickness

Most tour operators organize a relaxed trekking schedule and follow the mantra “climb high, sleep low”. In essence, this is to avoid the risk of altitude sickness.

Take it slow – once you finish hiking for the day you’ll have a lot of dead hours in the teahouse. For this reason there’s really no point in racing there.

It’s important to respect the acclimatization days. The acclimatization hikes are designed to help you adjust to tomorrow’s altitude.

Try to drink 3-4 liters of water a day, as dehydration will make the altitude sickness way worse. It also goes without saying that you shouldn’t drink caffeine or alcohol or smoke during your trek.

If you can, then cut out these vices about a week before you start hiking. So that you won’t suffer from withdrawal headaches.

Many people swear by Diamox as a preventative drug against AMS. It’s your choice whether to take this or not. I personally found the tingling fingers and toes to be very off-putting, but it probably helped me acclimatize.

Altitude sickness is unpredictable and doesn’t discriminate based on fitness or age. Listen to your body and descend immediately if you think you have signs of Acute Mountain Sickness.

Check out our article on altitude sickness for a more detailed overview.

Choosing a Tour Operator

Every year there are rumors that the Nepali government will make it compulsory to go with a guide.. But so far, it’s still possible to undertake the trek to EBC on your own.

Unless you’re going in high season, you’ll can drop in at tea houses and get a bed without a reservation.

Independent trekkers can choose whether to hike all by themselves. While others choose between ring a porter, a guide, or a guide and a porter. A guide will speak some English and can help with booking accommodation. However, a porter probably won’t speak English and will only carry your bag.

You can also hire one person who acts as a guide and a porter. Another upside to hiring a guide is that you’ll be providing someone with a job. And in turn, you’ll get to immerse yourself in the Nepali culture.

Alternately, you can opt to join a guided trek with a tour operator. While this is pricier, it’s a good choice for people who have never done such a long, high-altitude trek before.

Tour operators typically arrange flights, airport transfers, accommodation, visas and permits, porters and guides. Western tour operators will usually charge more, but provide a more trustworthy service. You can expect to pay about twice as much for a Western tour operator.

Check to see if your tour operator is registered with the Trekking Agencies Association of Nepal (TAAN). TAAN regulates trekking agencies in Nepal to ensure fair treatment of employees, respect for local communities and preservation of the environment.

The Kilimanjaro Porters Assistance Project mission is to improve the working conditions of porters. They advocate for fair treatment and wages, lend free mountaineering clothing, and encourage them to work for only ethical companies. Through providing education and training opportunities, guides and porters have received classes on porters rights, Leave No Trace and are certified in First Aid.

Please make every effort to ensure the porters and guides are dressed properly, stay within the weight limit including their own luggage. Also, ensure they have adequate sleeping arrangements and insurance and are paid a fair wage.

It’s better to go with companies that employ their porters and guides full-time instead of freelance because there’s a better chance the company is providing them with benefits, sick days and health insurance.

Tipping is always a tricky subject and suggested rates will depend on whom you ask. Aim for around 15 percent of salary (if you’re traveling in a group, this number refers to the total pooled tip) per porter and/or guide, and adjust accordingly.

The classic Everest Base Camp trek winds through the Khumbu valley; once reaching Everest Base Camp, you’ll retrace your steps back down to Lukla for the return flight to Kathmandu.

If you’re interested in escaping the crowds or doing circular routes that don’t involve retracing your steps, there’s a variety of alternate routes to choose from.

You can also opt to tack small detours onto your classic EBC trek. This is especially doable if you’re traveling independently or in a small group.

You shouldn’t have any trouble booking your trek, even on the classic EBC trek.

Classic Everest Base Camp trek

The classic Everest Base Camp trek takes about 14 days, including time in Kathmandu before and after.

From Kathmandu, you’ll fly into Lukla Airport (2,860m/9,383ft) with its famously short runway – try to sit on the left side of the plane so you can catch your first views of Mt. Everest.

It’s a good idea to leave yourself a few buffer days, as Lukla flights are often delayed due to weather. Flights should be included in your tour price; otherwise they’re about USD 300, plus USD 100 for your guide’s ticket.

From the airport, you’ll trek to Phakding for the night.

The next day you’ll set out from Phakding and follow the Dudh Koshi River, crossing suspension bridges and pine forests until you reach the Namche Bazaar (3,440m/11,286ft), in the Sagarmatha National Park UNESCO World Heritage Site .

Namche Bazaar is the region’s principal trading point, so use this opportunity to stock up on supplies you might have forgotten. If you’re there on Saturday, then don’t miss the market. From here you can also catch a peak of Everest.

You’ll take a day to acclimatize in Namche Bazaar – you can make the most of the Wi-Fi, stock up on any supplies you forgot, check out the Sherpa museum or just tool around the village.

The day after you’ll follow the former Tibet-Nepal trading route via Thame to Tengboche. These villages are known for legendary views, where you can visit one of the region’s biggest monasteries .

Next you’ll hike through Phangboche to Pheriche while admiring the views of Ama Dablam. You might be interested to know that Pheriche is where the Himalayan Rescue Association makes its base – but hopefully you won’t need to use this information! 

Most people stay in Pheriche for a day to acclimatize and visit local attractions like the Imja Lake or Dingboche village, which boasts views of Lhotse and Island Peak.

Now that you’re rested, you’ll be ready to tackle the trek to Lobuche, which features a 600m/1,969ft elevation gain. You’ll skirt the perilous Khumbu Glacier and witness the many memorials to sherpas and climbers who perished in their attempt to climb Everest.

From Lobuche you’ll set out towards Gorak Shep, which is the world’s highest permanently inhabited village.

Finally, it’s time to push on through the moraine towards Everest Base Camp! Since actual summiteers of Everest have priority, don’t expect to spend too long there or even be allowed inside the base camp itself.

But don’t worry, the adrenaline-filled atmosphere extends all the way down to the trekker stop point! From here you’ll go back down to Gorak Shep for the night.

You can’t actually see the peak of Mt. Everest from Everest Base Camp, so the next day you’ll make a steep ascent up to the summit of Kala Patthar (5545m/ 18,192ft) to catch amazing views of Everest, Nuptse (7,861m/25,791ft) and Lhotse (8,516m/27,940ft).

Most groups try to do this at sunset on the same day as they reach EBC, or at sunrise the next morning, when Mt. Everest sometimes turns pink in the early-morning light.

Forging on ahead, you’ll descend to Dingboche or Pheriche, and from there past Tengboche and back to Namche Bazaar the next day. Keep an eye out for the massive fields of wild rhododendrons if you’re visiting in the spring!

Your last day of trekking will take you back to Lukla, where you’ll spend the night before catching the flight to Kathmandu.

• Pros : Comparatively gentle altitude profile, can be done independently
• Cons : Have to retrace steps on the way down, can be crowded
• Length : ~130km (12-14 days)
• Highest point : Kala Patthar (5545m/ 18,192ft)

Gokyo Lakes Trek 

The Gokyo Lakes Trek is popular for its beautiful glacial lakes , nestled in the quiet Gokyo valley.

Like the classic Everest Base Camp trek, the Gokyo Lakes trek starts at Lukla, breaking off towards the northwest at the Namche Bazaar.

This trek is considered slightly more challenging than the classic EBC trek, with steeper ascents and more time spent at high altitudes.

It takes 2-3 days longer, detouring around some of the most crowded sections of the classic base camp trek but still finishing at Everest Base Camp.

You’ll see glacial lakes and summit Gokyo Ri (5,357m/17,575ft) where you’ll earn views of Everest, Lhotse and Cho Oyu (8,201m/26,906ft).

Fly into Kathmandu, spend a few days acclimatizing and then take another flight to Lukla. The next day, you’ll trek down through the Dudh Koshi Valley to Phakding past several Buddhist sites.

Hiking through pine forests and along the Dudh Koshi River, you’ll cross several suspension bridges including the Hillary Suspension Bridge. After entering the Sagarmatha National Park, you’ll continue hiking until the Namche Bazaar.

You’ll then separate from the classic EBC trek and head northwest towards Dole along the Dudh Koshi valley. You’ll get some of the first views of Everest, Lhotse and Ama Dablam today.

The next day brings a steep climb towards Machhermo, which is populated with yaks in the summer.

Allow yourself a day to acclimatize and enjoy views of Ngozumpa Glacier (the biggest glacier in the Himalayas). Once you’ve enjoyed the glacier, trek to the Gokyo lakes and you’ll eventually reach Gokyo village. If you are tired by now, you’re in luck because this is where you’ll bed down for the night.

This is another popular time to take an acclimatization rest day and explore the surrounding lakes, or summit Gokyo Ri, which stands almost 5,500m/18,045ft above sea level.

Stop to take in the stunning views of Everest, Lhotse and Cho Oyu, then continue back down to the Ngozumpa glacier and on into Dragnag.

The next day is a tough one. You’ll traverse Cho La, one of the “Three Passes” (5,420m/17,782ft), cross a glacier and then spend the night in Zonglha. 

Joining up with the classic EBC trek, you’ll stop for a moment of reflection at the memorials to sherpas and climbers who perished in their attempts to climb Everest, and then continue on to Lobuche for the night.

From Lobuche, you’ll skirt the Khumbu glacier, hiking up past Gorak Shep and finally you’ll reach Everest Base Camp! Enjoy it while it lasts, because the priority at EBC is the Everest summiteers, especially in the spring months.

You’ll hike back down to Gorak Shep alongside views of the Khumbu icefall . Part of the highest glacier on Earth, the icefall’s deadly crevasses, unstable seracs and unpredictable avalanches have taken dozens of lives.

The next day you’ll hike up Kala Patthar, with more views of Everest and the neighboring mountain peaks, and then down to Dingboche along the classic EBC route.

It’s time to return to Namche Bazaar. The day after you’ll hike back to Lukla through the Dudh Koshi valley, and then fly into Kathmandu.

Because the trek is longer, expect to pay more than you would for the classic EBC trek. Trekkers are advised not to attempt this trek independently, due to the increased difficulty and the fact that there are fewer people on the routes.

Like the classic EBC trek, the best time to go is during spring or fall. Because the trek isn’t as popular, you shouldn’t have to worry about crowds for most of the way, so feel free to go during peak season.

• Pros : Fewer crowds, more challenging, more sights, get to summit a peak, see the world’s highest freshwater lake system, prettier landscapes than classic trek, circular route so no need to retrace steps
• Cons : More expensive than classic EBC trek
• Length : ~220km/136 miles (16-17 days, including a few days in Kathmandu before and after)
• Highest point : Kala Patthar (5545m/18,192ft)

Jiri to Everest Base Camp 

This old-school route mirrors the route taken by the first Everest summiteers in the 1950’s, starting with an 8-hour bus ride from Kathmandu to Jiri instead of flying into Lukla.

From Jiri, you’ll pass through the towns of Sete, Junbesi and Numtala in the Solu Khumbu region.

After reaching Lukla, you’ll join up with the classic EBC trek, passing through Phakding, Namche Bazaar, Tengboche, Pheriche and Gorak Shep.

In total, the Jiri route takes about 5-6 days longer than the classic route.

Jiri route trekkers will have the chance to spend a lot more time with the locals. You’ll also spend more time at low altitudes – the route starts at just 1,800m/5,905ft above sea level – meaning landscapes will forests and streams with actual running water.

Much of the trek is off the beaten path, with fewer crowds than the EBC classic trek.

Tool around Kathmandu for a day and then take an 8-hour (190km/118 mile) bus ride, following the Sun Koshi River to Jiri and then Shivalaya.

The next day, you’ll cross a suspension bridge over the river and then explore several tea houses. Go through the Deorali Pass, taking a moment to check out the prayer flags and decorated walls, and then head down to Bhandar for the night.

From Bhandar, you’ll walk through fields and forests before embarking on a steep descent t

owards the village of Kenja. Uphill again, you’ll traverse the Lamjura Pass and arrive at the town of Sete.

The next day, you’ll return to the Lamjura Pass and pass through magnificent fields of pine trees, magnolia and rhododendrons. Without a doubt, you’ll appreciate the stunning mountain views. Next,hike down the other side and you’ll arrive at the town of Junbesi.

Back into the forest, you’ll see Mt. Everest for the first time. You’ll then cross the Ringmo Khola suspension bridge and arrive at the village of Ringmo with its gorgeous Tibetan architecture. Another forest and you’ll be at Nunthala.

In the morning, you’ll head out towards the Dudh Koshi River, crossing another impressive suspension bridge on your way to Bupsa.

The next few days will take you to higher altitudes as you pass through forests with monkeys and several small villages.

Arriving in Lukla, you’ll join up with the classic EBC trek. After reaching Everest Base Camp, you’ll summit Kala Patthar for the obligatory views of Mt. Everest at dawn and then return through Gorak Shep, Namche Bazaar and finally Lukla, for your flight back to Kathmandu.

Like the classic Everest trek, the Jiri route is best undertaken in spring or fall. Caution: some parts of the Jiri trek may be closed in the winter, so we don’t recommend going during this season.

The Jiri route is only slightly more difficult than the classic Everest Base Camp route, due to its longer duration.

The average day of hiking comprises 5-6 hours, covering about 15km/9 miles. On the bright side, due to the more gradual ascent compared with the classic trek, you’re less likely to get altitude sickness.

• Pros : More authentic, less touristy, chance to see Solo Khumbu landscapes (terraced farmland, forests, Dudh Koshi river, sherpas), gradual acclimatization
• Cons : 8-hour bus ride (but scenic!)
• Length : ~250km/155 miles (22 days, of which 18 days of trekking)
• Highest point : Kala Patthar (5,545m/ 18,192ft)

Three Passes Trek 

As you might infer from the name, the Three Passes trek takes you across three high mountain passes (all higher than 5,000m/16,400ft). Thus, making it more difficult than the classic EBC trek.

After reaching Namche Bazaar, the Three Passes trek splits off from the classic trek. This takes you towards Thame and the Nangpa Valley. The trek takes around 19 days in total, of which 14-15 will be spent trekking. Getting a guide is highly recommended.

After flying into Lukla from Kathmandu, you’ll work your way down to Phakding.

The next day will take you across several suspension bridges on the way to Namche Bazaar. You’ll be there for a day of acclimatizing. After which you’ll split off from the classic EBC route and head to Thame.

Crossing the Bhote Koshi river, you’ll reach Lumde and catch your first good views of the mountain peaks. The next day, you’ll tackle the first pass.

The Renjo La (5,360m/17,585ft) lies near the Dudh Koshi valley and will reward you with views of Everest. Then you’ll pass the Gokyo lakes and the village of Gokyo, where you’ll summit Gokyo Ri and catch sight of Cho Oyu.

After spending some time acclimatizing in Gokyo, you’ll walk across the Ngozumpa Glacier. This is Nepal’s largest glacier, and you’ll then spend the night in Dragnag.

The next day is notorious. You’ll traverse the next pass, Cho La (5,420m/17,782 ft), which has a glacier and prayer flags at the top. On the other side of the pass lies Zonglha.

Joining back up with the base camp trek, you’ll visit Lobuche and Gorak Shep and take in views of the Khumbu Glacier, Everest, Lhotse and Nuptse.

You’ll explore Everest Base Camp and summit Kala Patthar before retracing your steps back through Gorak Shep and Lobuche.

The trek keeps on going, past the Kongma La pass (5,535m/18,159ft), down into the Chukkung valley and up to the summit of Chukking Ri (5,550m/18,209ft) with more mountain views.

You’ll trek through Dingboche, with its views over the Khumbu Valley. Eventually, you hike down through the rhododendron fields and the village of Khumjung, ending back at the Namche Bazaar.

From here you’ll cross the Dudh Koshi, following the classic EBC route back down to Lukla.

This trek can also be done backwards; it’s up to you whether you want to head clockwise or counter-clockwise after the Namche Bazaar.

Many people recommend doing the trek counter-clockwise to avoid crossing the difficult Renjo La Pass right off the bat.

You’re best off doing this trek with a tour operator, as it’s quite off the beaten path.

• Pros : See a little bit of everything, uncrowded trails, challenging elevation profile
• Cons : Riskier terrain than classic EBC trail, long stretches with no facilities
• Length : ~21 days (150km/90 miles)
• Highest point : Chukking Ri (5,550m/18,209ft)

Island Peak (Imja Tse)

Experienced trekkers who wish to try their hand at mountaineering might be interested in summiting Island Peak (6,189 m/20,305 ft).

To master the glaciers and icy headwall during the ascent of these peaks, you’ll need to use crampons, an ice ax and potentially a ladder and ropes to cross the crevasses, depending on the weather.

Tour operators claim you can learn these skills on the fly, but it’s better to have some prior mountaineering experience before you tackle these routes, which are significantly more challenging.

That being said, Island Peak is a relatively “easy” climb as far as climbs go, so it’s a good option if you’re looking to expand your repertoire. 

Since a detailed itinerary of Island Peak is outside the scope of this article, be aware that the general packing list doesn’t include the specialized mountaineering equipment you need for this trek.

Likewise, ascending Island Peak takes you above 6,000m and will probably not be covered by standard travel insurance providers, so check with your local mountaineering association for options.

Practical Information

What will I eat? How much will the trip cost? These are the questions most frequently asked.

As a general rule, the tea house lodgings themselves are very, very cheap with the condition that you eat dinner and breakfast in the same lodge.

This is where your costs will really add up – food is very expensive – so check with your tour operator when booking to see if meals are included.

Food on the trek is repetitive but nourishing. The meals are carb-heavy – think pasta dishes, dahl baht or “sherpa stew” with veggies and noodles.

What other trek offers the convenience of stopping in at a tea house or bakery for a hot lunch or freshly baked pastry? Just be prepared for stretches where you won’t see a tea house for several hours.

Hot drinks are readily available, and a popular treat is a deep-fried Mars bar. Don’t leave without trying one!

Most people recommend going vegetarian during the trek. Sagarmatha National Park has a no-kill policy so all meat has to be carried up by porters or yaks and is never very fresh, so there’s a real risk of getting sick.

Much of the garbage that’s disposed of in the villages ends up getting burned on-site, which really makes you consider the impact of your waste.

Before wantonly throwing plastic into the garbage cans, try to reduce what you use and pack out as much as you can.

The budget for your trip will vary widely depending on whether you’re trekking independently or going with a tour operator.

If you are booking with a tour operator, the flight price and permit prices should be included – usually you’ll have to pay for your guide’s flight as well.

Tour prices run from about USD 1000 to 3000 depending whether you go local or get a Western tour operator.

Budget around USD 400 for the flight from Kathmandu to Lukla Airport, including your guide’s ticket. If you go independently, consider getting help from a local agency for buying your flight tickets.

Flights have a way of being overbooked and you’re more likely to get on the plane if a local agent is vouching for you. On this note, factor in a few buffer days for your flight from Lukla back to Kathmandu, in case of weather or overbooking delays. 

Nationals of all countries except India will need a visa to enter Nepal, which costs USD 25 for 15 days, USD 40 for 30 days and USD 100 for 90 days.

You’re best off getting the 30-day visa even if your trek is only scheduled to take two weeks, as weather and other factors might extend the trip unexpectedly. For the most part, you can get your visa when you land in Nepal.

It used to be mandatory to purchase a Trekkers Information Management System (TIMS) card, but the laws on this are constantly changing and there is a new local tax being charged, so check before you go unless your tour operator is arranging paperwork for you.

You will need a Sagarmatha National Park entry permit, which you can get ahead of time or at Monjo, when entering the park.

The price of the permits will normally be included in the trip price if going with a tour operator. Bring several passport photos for the permits.

All Set: Are You Ready?

The name “Everest” may sound intimidating, but this is actually one of the more approachable multi-day treks out there.

If you have a reasonable fitness level and are comfortable walking uphill for several hours a day carrying a heavy backpack, then you should be able to complete the trek. The key is to go slowly to avoid altitude sickness.

You don’t need special mountaineering know-how or an incredible level of fitness. The hike to EBC is a relaxed one, as hikes go.

The pace is slow, to allow you the time to acclimatize, so you’ll have plenty of free hours to peruse the village cafés, tuck into a slice of apple pie and snuggle up with a good book or make friends over a game of cards back at the teahouse.

That being said, of course it’s a good idea to prepare for the trek by hitting the gym in the months prior to your departure, and plenty of practice hikes starting two months before you go.

Don’t forget to practice hiking with a heavy backpack on! Check out this article for more tips on preparing for an uphill hike .

In total, the trek is around 130km/81 miles round trip, with an elevation gain of 2,685m/8,809ft between Lukla (2,860 m) and Kala Patthar (5,545 m).

It’s usually done in just under two weeks, including rest days for acclimatization. The outward leg will take longer and you can expect to trek 5-6 hours per trekking day, covering an average of 15km/9 miles.

The hike from EBC back to Lukla will go much faster since you’ll already be acclimatized.

Plenty of people with no prior trekking experience manage to complete the EBC trek and you can too! Like any non-technical trek at altitude , the key is a proper pace, a decent level of fitness and most of all, a good attitude!

Have you been trekking in Nepal? Let us know about it in the comments section below!

Disclaimer : This post is for information only and is not intended to replace the advice of an experienced guide. Always do your research and check with local weather stations, etc. before attempting to undertake treks in the wild. Distances are approximate and routes may vary depending on your tour operator.

Photos via Depositphotos.

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Everest Base Camp Trek – Nepal’s Most Famous Trek

Asia , Nepal

The Everest Base Camp Trek is one of the most popular and best treks in Nepal .

Home to four of the six highest mountains in the world – Mt. Everest (8,848 meters), Mt. Lhotse (8,516 meters), Mt. Makalu (8,470 meters) and Cho Oyu (8,201 meters) – the Everest (or Khumbu) region affords trekkers the opportunity to hike in one of the grandest and most awe-inspiring trekking areas in the world. 

Trekkers get to retrace the footsteps taken by Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay on their historic Everest expedition in 1953.

On this page, you will find a comprehensive and impartial guide to the Everest Base Camp Trek.

Everest Base Camp Trek

Ebc hike overview.

In this detailed Everest Base Camp trek article, you will find information on the typical route and its variations; a day-by-day itinerary breakdown of the trek; practical information on accommodation, meals, permits, equipment and insurance; as well as guidance on the best time to trek Everest Base Camp.

Key Highlights

Highlights on the trek include: unforgettable mountain views from Kala Patther , including Mt. Everest; the chance to see the famous Everest region Sherpas and Sherpa town – Namche Bazaar; sightseeing in the Sagarmatha National Park – a World Heritage Site; glimpses of the highest Buddhist monasteries in the world; and a sneak preview into the inner workings of the base camp to the world’s highest mountain.

Everest Regional Map

The Everest Base Camp trek is situated in the Everest, or Khumbu region of Nepal (see map below). It is the most popular trek in the region, if not the country.

EBC Recommended Map

This map is one of the better representational schematics of the Everest Base Camp trail (we believe it is from GlobeTrekker but can’t be certain as there are many maps scattered across Google Images).

The map above shows the classic Everest Base Camp trek running up from Lukla to Namche Bazaar and then veering North-east up to Periche / Dingboche. From Dingboche / Periche the trail turns North-west to Lobuche before heading north gain to Gorak Shep. From here Everest Base Camp can be seen to the East and Kala Patthar in the North-west.

The map also shows the route to Island Peak in the East, via Dingboche and Chhukung, and the Gokyo Lakes in the West.

Please Note:  The above recommended map is not to scale and should not be used as an accurate representation of the Everest Base Camp trek route. We provide links below to excellent maps of the Everest region.

EBC Trek Itinerary

Most trekkers fly from Kathmandu to Lukla Airport to begin their Everest Base Camp trek. The ‘classic’ or typical route follows straight up the Khumba Valley and through the Sagarmatha National Park to Everest Base Camp.

Variations via Gokyo Lakes or Chhukhung Valley are also popular (see the variations section below).

The typical Everest Base Camp trek duration is between 14-16 days (including transfers between Kathmandu and Lukla). The trek itself (excluding sightseeing in Kathmandu and transfers) usually lasts about 12 days with acclimatisation days at Namche Bazaar and Pheriche.

Here is a brief overview of a typical itinerary on an EBC trek, with approximate trekking times and altitudes.

Day 1: Arrive Kathmandu

Arrive in Kathmandu. Rest and tour Kathmandu (often your tour operator will have pre-organised tours around Kathmandu).

See more in our guide on things to do in Kathmandu . 

Day 2: Fly Kathmandu to Lukla. Trek to Phakding

Fly from Kathmandu to Lukla (expect a slightly scary landing at Lukla but rest assured the pilots are very experienced!). Weather can sometimes be a problem, so delays are common.

The flights afford great views of the Everest region, so have your camera ready. Try to sit on the right side of the plane to see Mt Everest. Upon arrival you will be transported to the trailhead and take a relatively easy trek from Lukla (2,800 meters) to Phakding (2,652 meters).

Namche Bazaar, Khumbu District

Day 3: Trek from Phakding to Namche Bazaar

Phakding (2,652 meters) to Namche Bazaar (3,440 meters) via Monjo (2,840 meters) and the beginning of Sagarmatha National Park. Weather permitting you might get your first glimpses of Mt Everest from the steep trail to Namche.

Day 4: Acclimatisation in Namche

This is usually a rest acclimatisation day in Namche (3,440 meters). If you are lucky enough to be in Namche on a Saturday, then make sure to visit the weekly market. Most operators will encourage you to take an acclimatisation trek to the Everest View Hotel (3,880 meters) where you can have lunch and capture views of Mt. Everest.

Day 5: Trek from Namche to Tengboche

Trek from Namche (3,440 meters) to Tengboche – also written Thyangboche (3,860 meters), home to the largest gompo (a Buddhist ecclesiastical fortification of learning). The trek is an undulating one which provides great views of   beautiful mountains including Everest, Nuptse, Lhotse and Ama Dablam. Some treks go via Thame to visit the Thame Monastery, before continuing to Tengboche.

Day 6: Trek from Tengboche to Periche

Trek from Tengboche (3,860 meters) to Periche (4,280 meters) via the town of Pangboche. The Himalaya Rescue Association are based here, and it is well worth visiting them if your operator hasn’t already organised a tour.

Day 7: Acclimatisation day in Periche

Periche (4,280 meters) is usually used as the location for your second rest and acclimatisation day. Depending on your operator you will likely visit the Tshola Tsho Lake and then take a short trek towards Dingboche (4,360 meters) where you will get great views of the south face of Mt. Lhotse and Island Peak.

Day 8: Trek from Periche to Lobuche

A fairly long and steep trek from Periche (4,280 meters) to Lobuche (4,940 meters) via the Khumbu Glacier. You will see Sherpa Memorials built of stone cairns in remembrance to the many Sherpas and climbers that have died climbing Everest.

Day 9: Trek from Lobuche to Gorak Shep

Trek from Lobuche (4,940 meters) to Gorak Shep (5,170 meters) where you will have lunch and then onto Everest Base Camp (5,364 meters).

Most treks are not allowed to stay at Everest Base Camp without specific permission. The rules and regulations have changed around this issue over recent years, so it is worthwhile checking with your tour operator. 

Visits to the icefall require mountaineering permits and are usually not part of a standard Everest Base Camp trek. After visiting Everest Base Camp you will return to Gorak Shep for the night.

Kala Patthar

Day 10: Trek from Gorak Shep to Kala Patthar and EBC (Return to Dingboche)

A trek from Gorak Shep (5,170 meters) up the steep slopes to Kala Patthar (5,554 meters), a peak west of the Everest Base Camp which affords the best views of Mt. Everest, Nuptse Nup II and Changtse; as well as the northern flank and summit of Lhotse. You will leave Gorak Shep early to reach Kala Patther before the clouds roll in.

On a typical Everest Base Camp trek, Kala Patthar will be the highest altitude you will reach. It is also home to the worlds highest webcam – Mount Everest Webcam. From Kala Patthar, you then descend all the way back to Dingboche (4,360 meters). 

Day 11: Trek from Dingboche to Namche

Trek from Dingboche (4,360 meters) to Namche (3,440 meters) via the rhododendron forests around Tengboche.

Day 12: Trek from Namche to Lukla

Trek from Namche (3,440 meters) all the way back to Lukla (2,800 meters) – a long and tiring walk to finish what is an incredible Himalaya trek.

Day 13: Fly from Lukla to Kathmandu

Fly from Lukla to Kathmandu. 

EBC Route Altitude Profile

Above is an altitude profile chart for a typical Everest Base Camp hike. The highest peak is Kala Patthar, at a staggering altitude of 5,554m. 

Everest Route Variations

Below are typical route variations for the Everest BC hike. 

Gokyo-Ri glacier

Gokyo Lakes

The Gokyo Lakes or Gokyo Ri Trek is a fantastic variation on the Everest Base Trek. The route begins in Lukla and follows the traditional EBC trek itinerary for the first three days up to Namche Bazaar. Here it veers off to the North-west via the towns of Dole and Machemo, up to the stunningly beautiful Gokyo Lakes . The trail then ascends Gokyo Ri (5,483 meters) and traverses Cho La Pass (5,420 meters) before joining back up with the classic base camp trek at Lobuche.

The variation adds 2-3 days to an average Everest Base Camp trek but provides an excellent opportunity to avoid the crowds on the busy everest trail, as well as gives one the opportunity to trek up and down on different routes.

Chhukhung Valley

The Chhukhung Valley sits east of Dingboche and provides an alternative and longer passage to Lobuche than the traditional Everest Base Camp trail. Trekkers stay a night in Chhukhung (4,730 meters) before returning to Lobuche via Kongma La Pass (5,535 meters), an epic Himalayan pass .

Island Peak headwall

Island Peak

Island Peak is one of Nepal’s 33 trekking peaks. Standing at 6,189 meters, Island Peak is a real challenge in terms of altitude, but only requires beginner level climbing skills (you will need to be comfortable with ice axes and crampons though). Most climbers use the traditional Everest Base Camp trek to acclimatise for Island Peak. 

Returning from Everest Base Camp, you can either trek to Cchukhung via Dingboche from Lobuche or veer South-east from Lobuche traversing the Kongma La Pass to Cchukhung (4,730 meters). From here you can trek to Island Peak Base Camp (5,120 meters) in preparation for their trek / climb up to Island Peaks summit. The summit typically takes 2 days and the total trip, including Everest Base Camo, between 18-20 days.

Everest Base Camp Trek FAQ

How much does the ebc trek cost.

Like many treks in Nepal, there are three ways you can plan your Everest Base Camp trek. See more in our guide on a detailed breakdown on the cost of an Everest Base Trek . 

Below are four options for Everest Base Camp treks and their estimated costs.  

Independent Trekking

Here you organise your trek. You will need to get yourself from Kathmandu to Lukla (a flight is the fastest and easiest; there are buses but these are rather unpleasant). You can employ the services of a porter or guide in Lukla or indeed in Namche, but it is important to note that as an independent trekker, it is illegal to use a guide or porter that is not licensed as a trekking agent through TAAN, or affiliated with a licensed trekking agent. You will need a Green TIMS card (costing NPR 2,000), money to buy food and water, a reliable and accurate map, and negotiations skills to book teahouse accommodation.

The estimated cost for an independent trek excluding flights is between $500-$800. 

Local Tour Operator 

There are many local tour operators in Kathmandu who organise guided Everest Base Camp treks. Generally local Nepal trekking companies are quite good. You will join a group of trekkers (up to 15 people) and have a team of porters, assistant guides and lead guides (who can speak English) of a similar size to the trekking group.

It is important to check that your local operator is a licensed trekking agent. We recommend shopping around and asking for recommendations from other trekkers. The cheap local operators tend to be the least reliable, often only providing tent accommodation or access to old and poorly run teahouses. Their ethical standards towards staff and the local environment may not be to the highest standard as well. 

The estimated cost for an Everest Base Camp trek organised by a local tour operator is between $800-$2,000.

Western Run / Operated Tours

There are many Western run companies that offer Everest Base Camp treks. Most of these Western companies have their own ground teams or strong relationships with the best local tour operators who they outsource their on-the-ground operation to, whilst managing the overall tour experience.

The best Western companies own their on-the-ground operations. Expect a well-run tour with either a Western guide or a very well-trained local guide who understands the subtle service nuances expected of a Western trekker. 

The estimated cost for an Everest Base Camp trek organised by a Western run tour operator is between $1,200-3,000.

Everest Climbing Expedition

A fourth option of joining an Everest climbing expedition is also possible. Major climbing operators like Adventure Consultants, Jagged Globe or Alpine Ascents usually offer Everest Base Camp trekking spaces on their Everest climbing expeditions. Securing a trekking space can be a little pricey but offers one an incredible insight into an Everest expedition as well as the chance to spend a night or two at Everest Base Camp.

If you think a base camp trek is expensive, wait till you hear how much it costs to Climb Mount Everest !

Are permits required for the EBC trek?

Yes, there are two permits you require for standard treks from Lukla to EBC. They are:

1. Trekkers Information Management System (TIMS Card)

TIMS cards are issued by the Tourism Agency Association of Nepal (TAAN). There are three different types:

• Organised TIMS Card (Blue in colour, USD 10). If you are trekking with an organised tour these will be arranged for you. You will need to provide your passport number and one passport photograph
• Individual TIMS Card (Green in colour, USD 20). If you are trekking independently (without support) you will need to get one of these TIMS cards from the Nepal Tourism Board in Kathmandu
• SAARC Country TIMS Card (Red in colour, USD 3). These cards are for nationals from the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation, i.e. India, Bhutan, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Maldives, Bangladesh and Afghanistan.

2. Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit  (USD 30 + 13% Govt. Tax)

The Sagarmatha National Park or Solukhumbu is the region through which the EBC trek runs. A National Park entry permit is required to enter Sagarmatha. Permits can be acquired at the first checkpoint along the route, north of Lukla called Monjo. The cost is US$30 + 13% tax for trekkers using a trek operator or agency, as well as for independent trekkers. Permits can also be acquired in Kathmandu, but we recommend getting it in Monjo as it is more straightforward.

For treks from Jiri to Everest Base Camp, there is another permit required called the Gaurishankar Conservation Area Project permit. It costs US$20 (no discount for independent trekkers or SAAEC nationals). The checkpoint is at at Shivalaya (just after Jiri). We recommend getting the permit in Kathmandu before departing as the cost is double if they have to issue the permit in Shivalaya.

As a rule of thumb, we recommend bringing at least 4 passport size photographs for all your permit requirements.

When is the best time to trek to Everest Base Camp?

The best time to trek Everest Base Camp is during the dry and warm months of September through November of March through late May / Early June.

The monsoon rains arrive in mid-late June and get into full swing for the months of July and August (as seen in the average rainfall map below). The route is really too wet for trekking and you would be better placed to explore treks in rain shadow areas like the Upper Manang, Mustang, Annapurna or Dolpo region.

December, January and early February are very cold. Treks run during these periods but be prepared for freezing temperatures and possible snow flurries. The upside is that the route is a lot quieter than in the peak seasons.

The chart shows average temperatures and rainfall in Nepal (data from 1960-1990 compliments of the Climate Change Knowledge Portal at the  World Bank ). 

Is altitude sickness a risk on the Everest Base Camp hike?

Yes, altitude sickness is a risk on the Everest Base Camp route. The trek takes one from a moderately high altitude, 2,800 meters in Lukla, to high altitude, over 5,300 meters at Everest Base Camp and over 5,500 meters at Kala Patthar. At these higher altitudes, the body needs to have acclimatised to the lower saturation of oxygen in the air in order to avoid the symptoms of altitude sickness (or what is sometimes referred to as Acute Mountain Sickness – AMS).

The good news is that a typical Everest Base Camp hike has a slow ascent profile which maximises the amount of time available to acclimatise. Nonetheless, every year 100s of people suffer altitude sickness symptoms and some need to cut their trek short due to more severe complications.

How difficult is the Everest Base Camp Trek?

The difficulty of the Everest Base Camp Trek is relatively low. It should be noted that the Everest Base Camp trek requires no climbing expertise and there are certainly no technical climbing sections. With determination and a basic fitness level, you should be able to trek the route. We have seen old and young, overweight and underweight complete the trek – all with a smile on their face!

With that being said, there are certainly some factors that should be considered prior to your trek, such as altitude, length and  training that will enable you to better understand what you are getting yourself into before deciding.

What gear do I need for the EBC Trek?

One of the most frequent questions that we get asked is what gear should be packed for an Everest Base Camp trek.

To make your life a lot easier we have written a very detailed  Everest Base Camp packing list  article. The list is fairly exhaustive but includes all the absolutely necessary items of clothing and  outdoor gear  that you should bring with you.

You will have the opportunity to either buy or rent gear in Kathmandu, Lukla or even in Namche Bazaar, but in general we recommend you bring with you the main items (i.e.  hiking daypack , hiking boots, warm down jacket, sleeping bag and  sleeping mat ,  trekking poles , appropriate trekking clothes, headgear and  headlamp and gloves etc.)

What travel insurance do I need for the EBC hike?

Trekking Everest Base Camp comes with obvious risks. We recommend you get travel and trekking insurance for all treks in Nepal .

On the Everest Base Camp route, you will reach a maximum altitude of 5,416 meters, so it is important you choose an insurance package that covers you up to that altitude.

Are there any recommended guidebooks for the Everest Base Camp Trek?

Absolutely. There are some great guidebooks and trekking maps to choose from when doing the Everest Base Camp Trek. 

The classic EBC trail itself is well-worn, but there are many smaller yak trails that can confuse people.

We recommend taking a detailed trekking map. The region is sparse, and it is possible to get lost in the many valleys that lie on either side of the main trail. The most recent Lonely Planet Trekking in the Nepal Himalaya provides the most up to date information and maps of the region.

Sian Pritchard-Jones and Bob Gibbons’s book: A Trekking Guide to Everest is also rather good.

For a more general guide to Nepal, you may want to check out the Nepal Lonely Planet Travel Guide .

Are there any other hikes in Nepal you would recommend? 

Yes, there are many other hikes in Nepal that I love.

Some of the most popular alternative Nepal trekking routes are the Annapurna Circuit Trek , the  Langtang Valley Trek  and the  Manaslu Circuit Trek . If you're looking for some easy Nepal hikes , then check out the Poon hill hike or the Royal hike . For short Nepal hiking routes see the Helambu hike , which is near Kathmandu. 

Continue browsing

See more information on  Nepal . Or check out these other Everest/Nepal articles:

• Best Climbing Mount Everest Tips
• Food on the Everest hike
• Internet Access on EBC hike
• Everest Base Camp Trek Deaths and Statistics
• Best Places to Visit in Nepal
• What to Expect in Nepal Tea Houses

About the author 

Mark Whitman

Mark has trekked extensively in Asia, Europe, South America and Africa. He founded Mountain IQ in 2014 with the sole aim to be the best online information portal to some of the most popular mountain destinations around the world. When not writing for Mountain IQ, Mark is out exploring the outdoors with his wife!

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Nice article. Full of true information and very supportive for new trekkers.

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How to trek to Everest Base Camp

Jun 20, 2023 • 10 min read

From permits to teahouses, here's everything you need to know about trekking to Everest Base Camp © Mint Images / Getty Images

Top of many people's travel bucket lists, the trek to Everest Base Camp is often the first thing people think about when they start dreaming of a trip to Nepal . 

The walk takes trekkers past Sherpa villages and Tibetan-style monasteries, right up into the heart of the high Himalaya, into a breathtaking world (literally) of iconic glaciers, lakes and the tallest peaks on earth. It's probably the world's most famous trek.

But what is it actually like to trek to Base Camp? Is it something within your capabilities or budget? What should you bring? And, most importantly, can you get a proper coffee en route? 

I just returned from trekking to Everest Base Camp for Lonely Planet's Nepal guide . Here’s what I think you need to know.

What's so great about the Everest Base Camp (EBC) trek anyway?

Firstly, the mountain scenery surrounding the world's highest peak is truly spectacular. The sublime views of Ama Dablam, Pumori, Nuptse and Thamserku peaks are unbeatable and constantly change as you progress along the walk. The Sherpa villages and monasteries are fascinating places to visit and the lodges (called teahouses) are the best in the world. 

The knowledge that you are walking in the expedition footsteps of Hillary, Tenzing, Messner and others is a thrill. Anyone who has read Into Thin Air will be moved by the memorial stupas of Rob Hall, Scott Fischer and others who have lost their lives on the mountain. And then there's the fact that you will have reached the base of the world's highest peak; whether you call it Chomolongma (Tibetan), Sagarmatha (Nepali) or Everest, it’s a rush all the same.

And what’s not so great about the Everest Base Camp trek?

Well, if you force us to play devil's advocate… EBC is one of the busiest trails in Nepal. In the high season months of October and November you'll be walking with thousands of other trekkers, competing with them to get a bed, a lunch order or an airplane seat. There will be lines at checkpoints and even at moments on the trail itself. In bad weather you might be stranded at Lukla airport with hundreds of other trekkers, all trying to get on the first flight out. It's not quite the Zen-like wilderness experience you may have been imagining.

Bear in mind also that even after a solid week of walking, your view of Everest will be partial at best (for infinitely more dramatic Everest views visit the northern Everest Base Camp in Tibet ). If you trek outside of May's expedition weather window you won’t actually find much to see at Base Camp beyond a boulder hastily spray-painted with "Everest Base Camp".

If this has put you off, don’t worry; there are dozens of other fantastic treks in Nepal .

How long does it take to trek to Everest Base Camp?

The walk from the airport at Lukla to Everest Base Camp and back takes a minimum of 15 days. Several of the days are surprisingly short, but this is because you have to figure in time to acclimatize to the high altitudes.

If you can, it's definitely worth adding on a couple of extra days to this basic itinerary. Some of the most dramatic (and least visited) views are from detours off the main trail. I always add two days to visit Thame, two days to visit Chhukung and, if possible, three or four days to visit the lakes of the Gokyo Valley – probably the most beautiful scenery in the Everest region.

Be sure to also budget an extra day or two as a transport buffer. Weather-related flight delays in and out of Lukla are not uncommon (I had to wait six days for a flight to Lukla on my recent trip) so you need some buffer time if heading back for an international flight home.

How challenging is the trek to EBC?

In terms of physical effort, the EBC trek itself is not especially tough. There are only a couple of steep climbs, lasting about an hour each, and most days involve less than four hours of walking.

The thing that makes the EBC trek tough is the altitude. Base Camp is at 5600m (18,373ft) and you will need to spend one or two nights above 5000m (16,404ft). Above 4000m (13,123ft) you are going to feel increasingly lethargic and out of breath as the amount of oxygen in the air decreases. Combine this with the cold, the discomfort of being at altitude and the compounded tiredness from walking for two weeks straight, and you can see why the whole trek experience is definitely a physical challenge.

While you don't need to be an athlete to walk to EBC it is still a good idea to start a fitness regime in the weeks leading up to your trek. You'll enjoy the walk so much more if you are in decent shape.

When is the best time to trek to Everest Base Camp?

October and November bring the best weather and the clearest skies but these are also the most popular months. The second most popular season is April to early May, when spring blooms and expedition traffic bring extra interest to the trail. To avoid the crowds but still enjoy clear views, pack an extra thermal layer and come in December or March.

What can I do to avoid altitude sickness?

The majority of people who fail to reach Base Camp do so because they failed to acclimatize properly to the altitude. It's essential not to gain altitude too quickly by following the recommended overnight stops and limiting your daily altitude gain to a maximum of 400m (1312ft) when above 3000m (9843ft).

Be sure to add in acclimatization days at both Namche Bazaar and Dingboche, during which it's a good idea to hike to higher altitudes during the day, returning to sleep lower at night.

What are the teahouses like?

At lower altitudes the Everest lodges are the most comfortable in Nepal. Private rooms are the norm, many of which have private bathrooms. Showers are available at most places, though the hot water supply can be patchy. All have cozy dining rooms with tables arranged around a central dung-fueled stove. There are even a few luxury lodges along the trail.

In budget lodges, or when you get above Dingboche, things get simpler, with rooms offering little more than a collection of plywood walls, a solar light and a foam mattress. Toilets are a mixture of seats and squatters; sometimes outdoors, always freezing. A blanket is normally supplied but be sure to bring a four-season sleeping bag rated to well below 0°C (32°F).

What's the food like?

Menus in teahouses range from pasta and pizza to spring rolls, fried potatoes and soups, though the most popular meal is a daal bhaat , a set Nepali meal of rice, lentil soup and fried vegetables, normally served with a papad and pickle, and with a refill included. It's the most filling and environmentally sustainable meal you can order.

In villages such as Namche Bazaar and Dingboche you will also find bakery-cafes serving espresso and slices of delicious apple pie, plus shops selling everything from Snickers bars to bottles of beer. This is one trek where you might actually gain weight!

Can I get wi-fi or phone coverage?

Most lodges offer wi-fi, either free of charge or for a few dollars per day (at higher elevations). Above Namche Bazaar you will likely have to buy a scratch card, giving you unlimited data for twelve hours (AirCell) or a specific amount of data over a month (Everestlink). Depending on your network provider you'll likely get data and a phone signal at lower elevations, and possibly even at Everest Base Camp, but not at other high altitudes. So yes, in theory, you can Skype all your friends from Base Camp!

What should I bring?

Warm clothes are a must, and you should pack thermal underwear, a down jacket and fleece hat. Comfortable hiking boots and good, padded socks are also essential. Sun block, a sun hat with a brim and good sunglasses are important against the strong high-altitude light. 

Morale-boosting snacks like chocolate and salami are always helpful, as is a book and smartphone with mapping software like Maps.me. Bring water purification of some sort. If you forget something, don’t worry, you can buy almost anything you might want in Namche Bazaar these days (from ice axes to cans of Pringles), though at prices higher than in Kathmandu .

Do I need a porter and guide?

In terms of finding your way you don't need a guide if you are an experienced walker, as the route is clearly marked and well-trod. A guide can be useful for smoothing your way at teahouses, making sure you get your food on time and helping you pay your bill. It's important not to trek alone, so solo trekkers should find a companion or take a guide or porter.

A porter will carry a bag of around 15kg, freeing you up to pack a few extra chocolate bars and enjoy the walk with little more than a day pack. Not having the strain of carrying a full pack is worth its weight in gold for anyone over the age of 50. Trust me.

How much does the Everest Base Camp trek cost?

For a room in a lodge and three meals a day, figure on US$20–25 per person per day, a bit more if you want a room with a private bathroom and the occasional slice of apple pie. Add on another US$5 every time you want a shower. Figure on an additional US$20 per day for a porter, and US$25–30 for a guide, and budget 10–15% of that fee for an end-of-trip tip.

You'll pay a bit more to have a Kathmandu-based trekking company arrange your entire trek, and a lot more for the convenience and backup of an international trekking tour.

Do I need any permits?

You will need to buy an Everest region permit (US$20) at Lukla, as well as a Sagarmatha National Park entry ticket (US$30) at Monjo. Currently that's all you need.

How can I trek more sustainably?

With 60,000 trekkers and guides headed to the Everest region, it’s important to minimize your impact on the region. Firstly, don't buy bottled water on the trek, as the bottles are nonrecyclable and are a huge problem throughout the region. Bring a system of water purification, like a Lifestraw or Sawyer filter, a Steripen or chemical purification.

Secondly, carry all your trash out (especially batteries), and sign up for the Carry Me Back program, whereby you carry a 1kg bag of trash from Namche Bazaar to Lukla, for it to be recycled in Kathmandu.

Finally, be polite to the Sherpas and porters you meet en route, as well as your fellow trekkers. Walk clockwise around stupas and be respectful at monasteries and shrines.

How do I get to Lukla to start the trek?

Flights run multiple times daily between Kathmandu and Lukla, taking around 30 minutes. During high season however you may have to drive five hours from Kathmandu to Ramechhap airport to catch your Lukla flight there.

It's also possible to fly or drive to Phaplu and walk two days to Lukla from there, or walk from Shivalaya to Lukla in seven days as an excellent pre-trek warm-up.

This article was first published January 2013 and updated June 2023

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Trek to Everest Base Camp

Everything You Need to Know About Trekking to Everest Base Camp

Jason Maehl / Getty Images

Everest Camp II

Trekking to Everest Base Camp in Nepal's Sagarmatha National Park is the adventure of a lifetime. Although actually climbing Mount Everest is out of reach for many of us, anyone with enough grit and good enough fitness can reach EBC and the Khumbu Icefall, the starting point for climbing Mount Everest. (You’ll need an $11,000 permit and some serious equipment to go any higher from there!)

The Himalayan scenery here is unrivaled on earth. Snowy sentinels will witness your struggle toward the top of the world , while stupas, prayer flags, and Sanskrit tablets will remind you of the spiritual significance of the area. Sadly, the numerous memorials to hikers who perished along the trail underscore the seriousness of your undertaking.

You’ll battle freezing cold, thin air, weather changes, and your own body as you ascend. Once at Everest Base Camp, you won’t even get to see the famous mountain itself unless you take a day to climb Kala Patthar (18,519 feet), an adjacent prominence that affords views of the “Holy Mother” when weather permits.

Read on for our complete guide to the Everest Base Camp trek, with information on what to pack, when to go, EBC tours, and more. Note that we’ll only cover getting to South Base Camp in Nepal, not North Base Camp in Tibet .

What to Expect

Trekking to Everest Base Camp involves hiking between lodges (or “teahouses”) found in villages along the trail. Some days may only consist of four hours or so of uphill trekking, depending on how much elevation is gained that day. Sometimes, you’ll have the option of pushing on to another village higher up—but no matter what, you will never gain more than 1,312 feet (500 meters) in a day.

Once above the tree line, the common rooms in your lodges will invariably be heated by yak dung-burning stoves. Weary hikers will hang around these stoves, warming themselves and socializing before retiring early to their unheated rooms. The shared toilets are sometimes located in snowy outhouses.

The village of Namche Bazaar (11,290 feet) is considered the last fully “civilized” stop on the trek to Everest Base Camp. Here, trekkers can enjoy treats from a German bakery while watching screened documentaries. You’ll find last-minute gear and souvenirs for sale along with the last ATM on the trail. You can even indulge at the “highest Irish pub in the world” on your way down after a successful trek!

When's the Best Time to Trek to Everest Base Camp?

The best time for trekking to Everest Base Camp is in either spring (March to May) or fall (September to November). If you want to see the camp in full form with climbers, support teams, and film crews, you’ll need to time your trip with spring climbing season, usually late April or early May. This is also the busiest time to be in Nepal .

For less traffic on the trails, consider making your trek to Everest Base Camp in September or October. Unfortunately, this means hiking in cooler weather with even less daylight than usual.

Avoid making the trek during monsoon season in summer. Humidity reduces beautiful views at lower elevations, and snowfall closes trails at higher elevation.

Adisorn Fineday Chutikunakorn / Getty Images

Should I Book a Tour or Go Independently?

There are three options for completing a trek to Everest Base Camp:

• Book a group tour and have all arrangements made for you.
• Make the trek to Everest Base Camp independently .
• Arrive in Nepal, then hire a guide and/or porter yourself.

No matter which option you choose, try to spend an additional day at Namche Bazaar. The extra time at 11,290 feet reduces some of the effects of elevation later; you’ll enjoy a better overall trekking experience and suffer less. The extra day isn’t “wasted”—many day hikes around Namche Bazaar provide beautiful views while giving your body time to adjust. Your chances of successfully reaching Base Camp vastly improve if you spend more time at Namche Bazaar.

Everest Base Camp Tours

Although the most expensive option by far, having everything organized before you arrive provides peace of mind. You’ll be taken care of all along the way, with access to better safety measures such as supplemental oxygen. Bigger companies use yaks to take your gear ahead; you’ll find it waiting for you in your teahouse room at the end of each hiking day.

You can book an Everest Base Camp tour online from home, or if time permits, do so after arriving in Kathmandu . Booking on the ground through a Nepalese agency saves money and better helps the local economy. You’ll find trekking agencies on every corner in Thamel, but unfortunately, not all are reliable. Choose a reputable agency that’s a member of the Trekking Agencies’ Association of Nepal . You can see in the member directory how long an agency has been in operation, and hopefully, make a better informed decision.

Independent Trekking

First, independently trekking to Everest Base Camp doesn’t necessarily mean solo trekking. Trekking alone in the Himalayas is dangerous no matter your experience level. A simple slip or unexpected weather change could keep you from reaching the next teahouse before temperatures plummet at night.

Independent trekkers can save a lot of money by foregoing organized tours and simply teaming up with other trekkers they meet along the way. (Everyone you meet in the lodges is going in one of two directions: up or down!) The well-marked trail to Everest Base Camp is busy during peak trekking seasons, giving you the best chance of meeting new friends who match your speed and fitness level.

Going independently does carry some risk, of course. You’ll be responsible for your own well-being and making important decisions. On the other hand, you’ll be able to set your own pace and make adjustments based on how well your body acclimatizes. A majority of hiker deaths on the trail each year occur when people in group excursions are suffering from Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) but don’t speak up. They fear slowing everyone down, or don’t want to forfeit reaching Everest Base Camp.

If guiding yourself, pick up a good trail map in Kathmandu. Don’t rely solely on electronic devices for making survival decisions! You’ll also need to store your luggage at a trustworthy guesthouse or hotel in Kathmandu. Locking duffel bags and padlocks can be purchased in local shops; some owners will buy them back once you return from your trek.

Hiking Guides and Porters

Rest assured: Your pack is going to feel heavier at 15,000 feet than it does at home! Even as an independent trekker, hiring a local guide and/or porter are options. Hiring directly ensures money goes to the Sherpas instead of a Western tour agency that managed to rank well online. Expect to pay between $15 to $20 a day for a porter or $25 to $30 a day for a guide.

You’ll need to negotiate terms and contingencies before hitting the trail. Paying up to half of the porter’s fee up front is common, and you will also be expected to tip guides and porters after the trip. Finalize details and other expenses to avoid a potential disagreement. The agreed daily rate should include their meals, drinks, and accommodation so you aren’t asked for money later.

Guides will approach you on the street in Thamel, however, you should hire only a credible and licensed guide through either a trekking company or your accommodation. You may still be able to hire a porter later on the trail by speaking to the staff at your lodge.

How Much Does It Cost to Trek to Everest Base Camp?

The cost of trekking to Everest Base Camp depends entirely upon your needed level of comfort. One indelible rule holds on the trail: Prices rise as elevation rises. That 50-cent candy bar from Kathmandu is worth $7 at 17,000 feet!

Extremely basic accommodation in teahouses can be found for as low as $5 per night. You’ll be expected to have your meals where you stay. A hearty Nepalese meal of dal bhat can be enjoyed for $6 or less, but expect to pay much more for Western food. A can of Coke can cost up to $5; remember, it’s heavy and had to be carried up by a porter.

Other luxuries add to the cost of life on the trail. A (somewhat) warm shower can cost $5. Charging electronic devices and accessing the internet, if available, cost several dollars an hour, and the solar charging systems are often slow and provide only a weak charge. Depending on your food and drink indulgences, plan to spend $20 to $30 a day living on the trail. This excludes any fees you pay to porters and guides.

If not already covered, your greatest expense will be the short flight to and from Lukla. The 30-minute flight can cost around $180 each way.

Do You Need a Permit for Everest Base Camp?

You’ll need at least two permits for trekking to Everest Base Camp. Your tour organizer will probably provide these, but you’ll need to arrange them yourself if trekking independently.

• Sagarmatha National Park Permit: Get this at the Nepal Tourism Board office in Kathmandu (approximately $25).
• Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Permit: You will get this permit from a checkpoint in Lukla; it isn’t available in Kathmandu (approximately $17).
• Gaurishankar Conservation Area Permit: You only need this permit from the Tourism Board if doing the longer trek to Everest Base Camp from Jiri instead of flying to Lukla (approximately $17).

The permit system changed in 2018. Disregard any information you read elsewhere about needing a TIMS card for the trek to Everest Base Camp.

Greg Rodgers

What to Pack

Kathmandu, particularly in Thamel, has more than enough outfitting shops for gearing up. Unfortunately, those same shops are stacked with counterfeit gear that probably won’t survive the hardships of the trek. Sifting through the piles of used gear in dark shops requires patience. Prices are inflated, so put your game face on and start haggling !

If you booked a guided tour, find out what your tour company plans to provide (e.g., hiking poles, down jackets, etc) before shopping. Consider bringing mission-critical items from home so that equipment failure doesn’t affect your experience. For instance, you’ll need quality sunglasses to prevent eye injury. Sunglasses for sale locally may have “UV Protection” stickers on them but don’t offer much actual protection.

• Good hiking boots. You should invest in high-quality, waterproof hiking boots and break them in properly before you leave home; painful blisters can ruin an otherwise-excellent trek.
• Lightweight sleeping bag. Rooms along the trek are unheated. Lodges provide weighty blankets for the freezing nights, but you'll appreciate having a layer between you and the unwashed bedding. Even a lightweight silk “sleep sheet” will do the trick.
• Alternate footwear. After removing your muddy hiking boots, a pair of lightweight shoes or sandals comes in handy for wearing around lodges and shared bathrooms.
• Water purification: As elevation increases, so does the cost of bottled water and need to reduce plastic waste. You’ll be drinking more than ever to counter dehydration in the dry air. Although there are many options, the two-bottle, chlorine dioxide system from Aquamira is a reliable solution.
• Trail snacks: Candy bars and nuts provide a much-needed boost to energy and morale while on the trail or in the lodge.
• USB power bank: Keeping batteries charged in the extreme cold is a challenge. If you plan to use a phone for photos or communication, you’ll want to bring along a rugged power bank.
• Diamox tablets: Diamox (acetazolamide) is medication for countering the dangerous effects of AMS. Guides should have some on hand, but independent trekkers will want to buy Diamox to carry. Beware of fake tablets for sale in Kathmandu. Purchase only from legitimate pharmacies—not from shops—and discuss how to use them.

If you won’t be taking your poles and other gear home after the trek, consider giving it directly to the Sherpas you meet in Lukla.

John Elk III / Getty Images

How to Get There

Fly into Kathmandu's Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM) and plan to spend a few days resting and preparing for the trek. Unless you’ll be starting the trek in Jiri—which requires a seven-hour bus ride and an additional five to seven days of trekking—you’ll need to book a flight to Lukla.

Taking the small prop plane from Kathmandu to Lukla (LUA) is one of the scariest and most scenic aviation experiences many travelers will have. Although not the highest airport in the world , weather and visibility changes have caused enough crashes at Tenzig-Hillary Airport in Lukla to earn it the title of “most dangerous airport in the world.”

The trek to Everest Base Camp begins in Lukla and finishes at the infamous Khumbu Icefall!

How Dangerous Is Everest Base Camp?

Although frostbite and rock slides are hazards along the trail, the biggest danger—by far—comes from the high elevation. Once symptoms of AMS begin (severe headache and nausea), you need to descend as soon as possible. Ideally, you’ll ascend slowly enough to minimize altitude sickness in the first place.

The CDC recommends never gaining more than 500 meters in one day and taking a rest day for every 1,000 meters gained. Whenever possible, you should descend to sleep at a lower elevation than the highest point reached during the day. Track and do the elevation math as though your life depends on it.

The high elevation and thinner air introduces additional risks. For one, your body will increase its production of red blood cells, causing excessive urination; be sure to drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration. Many trekkers will also experience the dry, hacking "Khumbu cough" from panting heavily in the thin air and breathing in the dust of the region. You can cover your face with a bandanna or balaclava for some protection. The cough usually goes away after time. Ultraviolet rays, too, are more damaging in the thinner air, so protect your skin, lips, and eyes by applying high SPF sunscreen and lip balm, wearing long sleeves, and donning sunglasses.

Finally, yak trains always get the right of way! Never share a bridge crossing with one, and always pass them on the “inside” of the trail. Startled yaks are unpredictable and sometimes knock trekkers off the trail.

Additional Tips

• Take your stocking up on snacks seriously. Pack candy bars, even if you wouldn’t ordinarily indulge at home. You’ll experience strong cravings at higher elevation. Hikers are willing to spend $7 or more for Snickers bars near Everest Base Camp!
• The weather in the Himalayas changes quickly and unpredictably. Flights to and from Lukla frequently become delayed by a day or two, maybe longer if a winter storm system sets in. Add some buffer days to your Kathmandu itinerary just in case this happens.
• Before retiring to bed, ask your teahouse staff to pour boiling water into your bottles and use them as bed warmers. Fair warning: They’ll probably be frozen next to you in the morning!
• Sleep with your phone and any batteries in the bed with you. Your body heat will protect battery life a little.
• Weight limitations imposed by airlines that fly to Lukla are strictly enforced. If an airline says 33 pounds (15 kilograms), that includes all baggage , stowed or carried. Don’t risk having to forfeit gear in Kathmandu Airport because you’re a pound or two over the allowance. You can stuff some items into your pockets, within reason.

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Mount Everest Base Camp Trek: EBC Trekking Guide For Nepal

The Mount Everest Base Camp Trek in Nepal is one of the world’s best bucket list hikes. In less than 2 weeks, you can trek to the foot of Mt Everest and other snowy peaks in the Himalayan mountains.

The good news is that it’s not a super difficult hike, and you don’t need a big budget to do it. The EBC trek is worth it for the fun and accomplishment alone, but you also get views of the Himalayas that are out of this world.

This travel guide will explain how you can do the Mt Everest Base Camp hike independently (with or without a tour guide), along with a recommended packing list and everything else you need to know before you go!

Best Everest Base Camp Tours

First of all, if you’d rather skip the hassle of planning your own EBC Trek, Klook has Everest Base Camp Tours starting as low as $900 USD for a full 12-day trek.

You may be able to find something cheaper than this once you land in Kathmandu, but booking online with a vetted tour company has some big advantages, and the reviews on their website are very positive.

We’ve used Klook for lots of tours and activities around the world, and they’re great! Highly recommended.

Book Now: Everest Base Camp Tours

When To Do The EBC Trek

The Mt Everest region has 4 different trekking seasons:

• March – May: High season. Best weather, with stable temperatures and bright sunny days, but the trails can get crowded. During these months you may share the EBC trail with pro climbers on the way to go summit Everest.
• June – August: Monsoon season. There’s a lot more rain during these months, and the trails are mostly empty.
• September – October: Clear days and busy trails. This is one of the most popular trekking seasons.
• November – February: Coldest season, but the weather is stable and dry. The trails are mostly clear.

I trekked in early February, and even though it was nice having the trail mostly to myself, the cold in the evenings and mornings was straight up misery.

My home state of Missouri can get very cold in the winter, but the cold has just never been my thing. If I could go back and change it, I would definitely do my Everest Base Camp hike later in the season.

Everest Base Camp Weather

Temperatures on the Mt Everest Base Camp Trek can range from 5 °C (40 °F) to 20 °C (70 °F) depending on month, and as low as -30 °C (-22 °F) at night during the winter months.

If you trek during the warmer months (Mar-May and Sep-Oct), the cold is not a big problem and shouldn’t be hard to cope with. Winter is a different story. Your snot will freeze in your nose at Gorak Shep.

Sunshine is key for winter trekking in Nepal, and thankfully you should have lots of sun in most months outside of the monsoon season. On my February hike, I often found myself shedding all my layers while trekking because I was heating up in the sun.

If you do your Everest Base Camp hike during the winter, the biggest issue is staying warm in the evenings and at night. For this, you’ll definitely want a top quality down jacket and sleeping bag.

All About Everest Base Camp Trekking

My everest base camp itinerary.

• Day 1: Kathmandu to Lukla to Benkar .
• Day 2: Benkar to Namche Bazaar .
• Day 3: Namche Acclimatization Day .
• Day 4: Namche to Deboche .
• Day 5: Deboche to Pangboche .
• Day 6: Pangboche to Dingboche .
• Day 7: Dingboche Acclimatization Day .
• Day 8: Dingboche to Thukla .
• Day 9: Thukla to Gorak Shep .
• Day 10: Everest Base Camp .
• Day 11: Kala Patthar to Gorak Shep to Pheriche .
• Day 12: Pheriche to Namche .
• Day 13: Namche to Lukla .

If you ever need motivation to keep going on the Everest Base Camp hike, just look at how much the porters are carrying!

Mount Pumori as seen from the Kala Patthar viewpoint, just a short distance from Mt Everest Base Camp.

Ama Dablam, one of my favorite mountains on the Mt Everest Base Camp Trek.

EBC Trek Packing List / Gear

This isn’t a complete list of everything to bring on a Mt Everest Base Camp Trek, and you may have to change things up a little depending on what month you go, but these are just some of the basics.

You can find most of this gear in Kathmandu, but in my opinion you’ll get higher quality and a wider selection if you order online.

• Beanie: I only wore this at night, but it definitely helped keep my ears warm.
• Down Jacket: Bring the biggest, warmest DJ possible. This is your most important piece of gear. You can use it as an extra cover at night.
• Fleece Sweater: This is the only jacket you’ll need to wear while trekking most days, especially if it’s sunny.
• Shirts: Something comfy with quick dry material.
• Trekking Pants: Something lightweight and breathable.
• Thermal Underwear: May not be needed if you trek in the warmer months.
• Gloves: I only wore these at night, but they definitely helped keep my hands warm.
• Socks: Merino wool is best for staying warm and stopping moisture.
• Headlight: Smart to have at least a small one, just in case.
• Tumbler: 1 liter water bottle to refill daily on the trek.
• Sunblock: It’s easy to sunburn at high altitudes. A small bottle is plenty.
• Sunglasses: Good for snow. May not be necessary unless you plan to hike a mountain pass like Cho La.
• Hat: I wore old faithful throughout the hike.
• Watch: An altimeter watch would be fun to play with here.
• Camera: Duh. You can’t do the Mt Everest Base Camp Trek without taking lots of pictures.
• Power Bank: Bring a big power bank and you might only need to recharge it once on the whole trek.

Everest Base Camp Trek Cost

For a 13 day trek, I paid about $21 USD per day for food, drinks, and room. Porter/guide was an extra $25 per day, although it’s not a requirement. Flights to Lukla were $330 return, but again not a requirement if you hike in.

You can read the sections below for more info on the daily trekking costs and what you get for your money. It’s not a very expensive trek, all things considered!

Keep in mind, these numbers are from 2020. They’ll go up a little over time. Exchange rates may also vary, so check the latest rates .

The flight to Lukla from Kathmandu is $165 USD each way. You can shop for flights to Lukla at Skyscanner.

If your budget is tight or you have extra time, you can skip this flight by hiking from Jiri to Lukla rather than flying. It only adds a couple days to the itinerary.

Guide / Porter / Solo

You can do the EBC trek with a guide, porter, OR independently (solo).

A guide will show you the way to Mt Everest Base Camp and help with lodging, navigation, advice, taking pictures for you, etc. A porter-guide will do these same things and also carry a 20 kg (45 lb) pack for you.

A porter or guide is NOT a requirement to do this hike, especially if you go in the warmer months when you may not need as much gear. In 2023, they were supposedly introducing a guide requirement for EBC, but so far that has not been enforced at all, thankfully.

With that said, there are some good advantages to hiring a guide, and it’s pretty cheap by Western standards. A porter is only $15 or $20 USD per day, and a porter-guide is $25 per day. A popular arrangement is to hire one porter for two hikers, splitting the cost and still making things easier for both of you.

In the end, this all depends on your budget and hiking preferences.

Hiking Fees

If you’re hiking EBC independently, you’ll need to be aware of two fees you have to pay near the start of the trek.

There’s a local government tax that they’ve now started collecting in Lukla. This one is currently 2,000 Rupees ($17 USD).

There’s also an Everest park fee/ticket you have to pay at the Sagarmatha National Park entrance just beyond the small village of Monjo, Nepal. This one is currently 3,500 Rupees ($30 USD).

No TIMS card is needed anymore for independent hikers. That fee has been retired for the Mount Everest Base Camp Trek.

Accommodation & Amenities

Throughout the Everest Base Camp hike, you’ll stay and sleep at small guesthouses along the way, called teahouses.

This is where you get your meals and drinks for the trek, along with the occasional amenities like showers, charging, or WiFi. The teahouses start out decent, but quickly get more shabby as you go further up the trail.

You have to pay for everything you use, of course, and the prices get quite high as you go, because everything has to be hauled up on the backs of the poor porters.

Guesthouses

The teahouses on the EBC trek are cold and dingy, with drop toilets and cracks in the walls. Don’t expect luxury.

Most rooms are free as long as you buy your meals there (the meals are how they make their money). If you stay at a lodge and don’t eat there, you’ll be expected to pay for the room.

In some cases, I was charged 500 Rupees for a room on top of my meal costs. I’m not sure why some teahouses do this and others don’t, but I never paid more than 500 Rupees for a room, and most were free with the meals.

Food & Drink

I’m happy to report that the food and drinks on the Everest Base Camp hike are top notch, especially after you’ve worked up an appetite trekking.

You have western food choices, or the standard local staples like veggie fried rice, steamed momos (dumplings), and mushroom soup. Everything was hot and fresh. Meal prices for these ranged from 250 to 750 Rupees depending on altitude. Not too bad.

For drinks I tried hot chocolate, lemon/apple/mint tea, and occasionally bottled water for my tumbler. These ranged from 100 to 400 Rupees. If you want to avoid plastic bottles, there’s usually boiled water available and this is safe to drink too.

Getting enough water on the trek is never a problem. Just fill up a 1 liter tumbler in the morning, and this will last you until evening, especially since you’re likely to pass more tea houses along the trail as you’re hiking throughout the day.

Showers are only available at a few lodges, depending on the season and how high up you are, and they cost 600 to 1200 Rupees. In the winter, water higher up will be frozen most of the time.

I never had a shower on my February EBC trek, and that seems to be the norm (although I got one or two opportunities in Namche). Yes, it’s gross. I could smell myself by trek’s end, and it wasn’t pretty.

But aside from the fact that I hate to fork out money for something as basic as a shower, I also never really got close to other people for very long on the trek, so I didn’t feel too guilty about it.

Most days were cold enough that the thought of stripping down for a shower was not really appealing, either. Your best bet is baby wipes and deodorant.

WiFi / Cell Service

WiFi costs anywhere from $5 to $10 USD per day if you buy it from the teahouses.

Alternatively, you can buy a 10 GB/30 Day Everest Link WiFi card in Namche Bazaar and use this for the entire EBC trek. During my Mount Everest Base Camp Trek the WiFi was down across the whole region, so unfortunately I wasn’t able to use either of these options.

I bought an Ncell local SIM card in the Kathmandu airport and had 3G service for half the days of the Everest Base Camp hike. Coverage is still improving in the area, so if you need to stay connected I’d definitely bring a local SIM.

Electricity

All of the teahouses on the way to Mt Everest Base Camp sell outlet charging for electronics, and the prices range from $2 to $10 USD for a full charge, depending on how far up the trail you are.

The key is to bring a big power bank and then use this to charge all of your other electronics (phone, camera, etc). I did this and only paid once to recharge my power bank on the whole trek.

How Much Cash To Bring

Everything you buy during the Everest Base Camp hike (meals, WiFi, charging, etc) will have to be paid for with cash. Credit cards won’t work. There are no ATMs outside of Lukla and Namche Bazaar (Days 1-4), and even the ATMs there are not reliable.

What this means is that you’ll have to withdraw enough cash (Nepalese Rupees) at an ATM in Kathmandu to cover your entire trek. The ATM fees will bite you, and I hate to carry large amounts of cash, but it’s not really avoidable here.

All up, I spent about $20 USD (2,400 Rupees) per day on the Mount Everest Base Camp Trek, and never spent more than $25 USD in a single day. With that said, I didn’t splurge on WiFi, showers, charging, or alcohol. The only things I bought were the bare necessities: room, food, and drinks.

If you hire a porter/guide, you don’t need to factor that into your daily cash carry. That’s paid before the trek starts. But do reserve a little cash for a decent tip.

Mount Everest Base Camp Trek Difficulty

I’m not going to lie, this is a difficult trek. And if you do it in the winter like I did, it’s even harder. With that said, if you are in decent shape, determined, and obey the guidelines for altitude sickness prevention (more on that below), then you’ll have no problem reaching base camp.

There is a lot of elevation gain and loss on this hike. At times near Lukla, the constant ups and downs will make you feel like you’re hiking a roller coaster, but the trail is never too steep or dangerous. After Namche, it’s mostly a slow uphill plod.

This trek has been completed by old seasoned hikers in their 70s, and young kids in their pre-teens. It’s also been flunked by healthy 20-30 somethings who try to push through it quickly without enough acclimatization to altitude.

Patience and discipline are key for trekking to Everest Base Camp. Slow and steady wins the race here.

Trekking Distance

The one way trekking distance from Lukla to Mt Everest Base Camp is about 65 kilometers (40 miles).

That means the total roundtrip distance of an EBC Trek is about 130 kilometers, even if you don’t do any of the detours.

Don’t let that scare you off. It’s a lot of hiking, but every step is worth it.

Altitude Sickness

By far your biggest danger on the Mount Everest Base Camp Trek is altitude sickness, also known as Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS).

No one is immune to this, and it doesn’t matter how fit you are. If you gain altitude too fast, you can get sick and in some cases even die. Plenty of people have died from AMS on the EBC Trek.

The problem is that overzealous hikers push the envelope on this hike all the time, and a lot of them end up needing a very expensive helicopter evacuation to lower ground.

The best way to avoid altitude sickness is to go slow . At altitudes above 3,000 meters (10,000 feet), don’t increase your sleeping elevation by more than 300-500 meters (1,000-1,500 feet) per night.

Every 1,000 meters (3,000 feet) you should also spend a second night at the same elevation. If you get a bad headache, dizziness, or nausea, descend to a lower altitude until you feel better. As long as you follow these general guidelines, you shouldn’t have any issues.

You can take Diamox (acetazolamide) on the trek for extra AMS prevention. This medication can be found in Kathmandu or Namche. I bought mine in Namche and it seemed to help my headache and slight foggy feeling. I didn’t have any side effects aside from the usual tingling toes/fingers.

Everest Base Camp Altitude

The Mount Everest Base Camp altitude is 5,364 meters (17,598 feet). At this elevation, there is 50% of the oxygen at sea level.

However, most treks also go to Kala Patthar, a viewpoint even higher than base camp where you can get the best views of Mount Everest.

The elevation at Kala Patthar is 5,644 meters (18,519 feet). From there, you’ll be rewarded with an incredible panorama of Mount Everest and other icy peaks like Pumori, Lhotse, and Nuptse.

Happy travels!

If you’d rather skip the hassle of planning your own EBC Trek, Klook has Everest Base Camp Tours starting as low as $900 USD for a full 12-day trek.

You may be able to find something cheaper than this once you land in Kathmandu, but booking online with a vetted tour company has some big advantages, and the reviews on their website are very positive for this Mt Everest Base Camp tour.

More Nepal Travel Tips

Hopefully you were helped by this guide for the Everest Base Camp Trek. Let me know in the comments below if I can help answer any questions.

Don’t forget to check out my complete Nepal Travel Guide with tips, info, photos & more!

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So much useful detailed information.

Thanks for the straight forward information. Beautiful photos

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The Ultimate Everest Base Camp Trek Itinerary: How to Get from Lukla to Everest Base Camp

Are you planning a trip to Everest Base Camp? Sitting at 5 380 m, the EBC trek in Nepal is one of the most iconic hikes in the world and tops any adventurer’s bucket list!

But walking over 130 km from Lukla to Everest Base Camp is tough! Mentally, physically and emotionally. Every day of your expedition will push you to your limits.

The reality is that no matter how intense your preparation is, it’s not your fitness levels or even your age that will determine whether you reach Everest Base Camp. It’s about how your body adjusts to a higher altitude.

Some people struggle, others don’t. This is why the acclimatization schedule in your Everest Base Camp trek itinerary is so crucial.

After successfully reaching base camp, I put together this comprehensive guide which includes step-by-step details of the best Everest Base Camp route to take, including the trekking time, the highlights, the best tea houses, how to deal with altitude sickness and so much more!

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When to plan your Everest Base Camp Trek itinerary

April to May (Spring) and October to November (Autumn) are the most popular hiking months in Nepal offering perfect conditions for your Everest Base Camp trek.

But these months also attract scores of travelers looking to take on the Himalaya mountain ranges and so the trail does get busy.

Everest Base Camp Trek Route

If you follow my Everest Base Camp trek itinerary, you’ll need 12 days to start and return to Lukla. You will reach Everest Base Camp on day 9 which is enough time for your body to adjust to the higher altitude.

Day 1: Kathmandu to Lukla to Phakding

Day 2: phakding to namche bazaar, day 3: namche bazaar (acclimatization day), day 4: namche bazaar to khumjung, day 5: khumjung to phortse, day 6: phortse to dingboche, day 7: dingboche (acclimatization day), day 8: dingboche to lobuche, day 9: lobuche to gorak shep to everest base camp to gorak shep, day 10: gorak shep to kala patthar to pheriche, day 11: pheriche to namche bazaar, day 12: namche bazaar to lukla.

I did not take altitude sickness medication such as Diamox but I walked slowly, extremely slowly – probably the slowest anyone’s ever walked to EBC. This Everest Base Camp trek itinerary offers the best acclimatizing schedule to allow your body to naturally adjust to a higher altitude.

The start of your Everest Base Camp itinerary: Kathmandu

Your first few days in Nepal will be in the capital city, Kathmandu. Sitting at 1 400m above sea level, it’s recommended to spend at least 2 days here.

This allows your body to get used to the higher elevation, especially if you’re coming from sea level.

Kathmandu is a dynamic city with a rich culture and tradition, and you can easily spend a few extra days exploring if you have the time. Most tour operators include a day excursion to the nearby sights and temples within the city.

Make sure you stay in Thamel. It’s the hiking hub of Kathmandu with lots of eager trekkers choosing to base themselves here.

You can buy all your Everest Base Camp hiking gear in Thamel so don’t worry if you’ve forgotten something behind. Or if, like me , you arrived in Nepal with no hiking gear – only a pair of hiking boots! Thamel has got you covered.

Altitude: Kathmandu (1 400m) – Lukla (2 860m) – Phakding (2 610m).

Trekking time: 3-4 hours | 7,4 km.

Difficulty: Easy with only a few uphill sections.

Highlight: Flight into Lukla.

Overview: The first day of your Everest Base Camp trek itinerary will start bright and early with a flight out of Kathmandu to the infamous Tenzing Hillary Airport in Lukla. From there, you’ll hit the ground running and hike just over 3 hours to Phakding, your stop for the night.

Tea house: Royal Sherpa Resort.

The day has finally arrived – The first day of your Everest Base Camp itinerary!

The flight from Kathmandu to Lukla is only 36 minutes but it relies heavily on the weather. Even if there’s slight cloud cover, the flights are delayed or worse, canceled. Lukla Airport is one of the most dangerous airports in the world after all.

My flight with Summit Air was due to leave at 9 am, but we only left after 3 pm due to the weather conditions. The planes are tiny, and you’re allowed no more than 15kg of luggage – in total!

The flight itself was thrilling but not as frightening as I anticipated. Although I did freak out every few minutes when there was a slight bump.

Lukla to Phakding

Once you’ve arrived in Lukla, grab a quick bite to eat before starting the afternoon trek to Phakding.

This section from Lukla to Phakding is an easy one and it’s the perfect introduction to the Himilaya mountain range. It’s an incredibly scenic trail that hugs the mountain and runs alongside a stream.

You’ll pass through several villages and will set your sights on the first yaks and mules of your Everest Base Camp trek.

Before you know it, you’ll have reached Phakding where you’ll spend the night in your first tea house. Don’t get too used to these comfortable conditions though. The further up you go from Lukla to Everest Base Camp, the more basic the amenities become!

Tip: There are ATM’s in Lukla (and Namche) but draw cash in Kathmandu as a back-up.

Tip: There’s cell reception (NCell) in Phakding and most tea houses offer free power to charge up your phone or camera here.

Tip: Try to eat well during the first few days as you’ll start losing your appetite from day 3 of your Everest Base Camp itinerary. Remember: “Dal Bhat Power – 24 Hour”

Altitude: Phakding (2 610m) – Namche Bazaar (3 440m).

Trekking time: 7-9 hours | 10,4 km.

Difficulty: Easy for the first section, steep and difficult for the second half.

Highlight: The views from the suspension bridges.

Overview: Day 2 is when the real hiking starts! You’ll begin with a slow hike before climbing a steep section leading to Namche Bazaar, one of the most iconic stops on your Everest Base Camp trek itinerary.

Tea house: AD Friendship Lodge.

Day 2 is one of the most picturesque days of your Everest Base Camp trek itinerary. But you have a long day of hiking ahead of you so try to leave Phakding by 08:00 am.

The first part is an easy trek alongside pine forests and the excitement will begin to set in as you pass fellow trekkers making their way back down from Everest Base Camp to Lukla.

The glacial rivers are an impressive sight and you’ll cross several suspension bridges throughout the course of the day. These offer gorgeous views but they’re also terrifyingly high! Take in these beautiful surroundings as the landscape changes dramatically over the week.

After lunch, there is a sharp gain in elevation and the easy path suddenly becomes steeper. Take it slow to allow your body to adjust to this higher altitude.

En route to Namche Bazaar, you’ll also get your first glimpse of Mount Everest (If the weather conditions are on your side). You’ll also need to sign in at a checkpoint.

Namche Bazaar

Namche Bazaar is a picturesque village with a lively atmosphere. It’s the main trading center of the Khumbu region and a sherpa village. From Namche Bazaar it starts to get chilly but luckily there are plenty of tea houses with fireplaces to warm you up.

Tip: After you’ve arrived in Namche, pop into Hermann Helmers for their chocolate carrot cake. It’s life-changing!

Tip: Take a warm shower in Namche ($5) as it’s the cheapest you’ll find for the next 10 days!

Tip: Avoid eating meat after Namche Bazaar. Just think of it being carried up the mountain, during the heat of the day with no refrigeration. Don’t do it!

Day 3 of your EBC trek itinerary is your acclimatization day, a supposedly “rest day” to allow your body to slowly adjust to the high altitude. But that doesn’t mean you’ll get to sit inside and relax all day. Today, you’ll do an acclimatization hike to Everest View Hotel.

Altitude: Namche Bazaar (3 440m) – Everest View Hotel (3 880m) – Namche Bazaar (3 440m).

Trekking Time: 3 hours | 2.5 km.

Difficulty: The path itself isn’t too difficult, but with the elevation gain, you’ll begin losing your breath quickly.

Highlight: Watching Everest documentaries at Liquid Bar in Namche Bazaar (3 pm or 7:30 pm).

Overview: A short hiking day to Everest View Hotel and back, followed by free time to explore Namche Bazaar.

Even if you’re not feeling up to it, it’s important to get out and hike to a higher point, before coming back down to sleep at a lower altitude.

Today is also your second chance to get a glimpse of Mount Everest if you didn’t the day before. The trek is a tough one, and if you have not yet felt any symptoms of the higher altitude, you’ll soon begin to experience them.

Tip: There are many pubs and bars which show Everest documentaries. Make sure you watch one during your time in Namche Bazaar (But don’t drink alcohol on your way up – save that for when you return).

Route: Namche Bazaar (3 440m) – Khumjung (3 780m).

Trekking time: 4 hours | 4 km.

Difficulty: Moderately easy as it’s a short trekking day but from today the cold sets in.

Highlights: Playing card games in front of the fire, wrapped up in my sleeping bag because it was so cold.

Overview: You’ll go off the standard trekking route from Namche to Khumjung.

Tea House: Hill Top Lodge.

This is where most Everest Base Camp trek itineraries differ. From Namche Bazaar, there are two routes you can take both of which link up again in Dingboche on day 6 of your trek.

The first option (and most popular) is from Namche to Tengboche, before reaching Dingboche .

The second option (and my chosen route) is from Namche to Khumjung and Phortse which are on the other side of the river.

I chose the Khumjung route as it’s the less popular option. As a result, the hike isn’t as crowded, yet it offers the same sweeping views of the valleys below. But don’t worry, you’ll still get to experience the Tengboche route on your way back down from Everest Base Camp to Lukla.

Today was the first day that I layered up as it did get quite cold. You’ll pass a small local hospital as well as the famous Sir Edmund Hilary School before arriving in the small village of Khumjung.

When you get to Khumjung you’ll notice the change in the landscape. It’s far more arid and drier, with very few green luscious trees.

Tip: Ensure you have a pack of playing cards and a book with you. They’ll come in handy on short trekking days like today.

Route: Khumjung (3 780m) – Phortse (3 900m).

Trekking time: 6 hours | 7 km.

Difficulty: Although there isn’t much altitude gain today, there are still many sections where you walk downhill, before climbing back uphill so this constant up/down is strenuous.

Highlights: Today was the first day I began to feel the effects of the high altitude and I lost my appetite.

Overview: The trail from Khumjung to Phortse is incredibly scenic and you’ll walk alongside all the Himalaya giants.

Tea house: Phortse Resort.

Day 5 of your Everest Base Camp trek itinerary will start with a 2-hour climb to Mongla (3 975m). You’ll then go back down to 3 800m which is the elevation of your next stop, Phortse.

You’re still on the “quieter” route so enjoy this path as it gets busier from tomorrow when you head to Dingboche.

Today is the day I started to feel the effects of altitude sickness and by the time I reached our lunch stop, I had lost my appetite and a terrible headache was setting in. I wrote this detailed guide to how hard Everest Base Camp is and it includes these moments where i felt horrible!

There is also a considerable drop in temperature – It was 4 degrees celsius when we started walking today. The pipes in Phortse were frozen and the guides start to give you hot water in the evening which will be your drinking water from here on out.

Tip: When you’re given hot water in your drinking bottles, put one inside your sleeping bag to act as a hot water bottle.

Tip: I took a headache tablet at lunchtime and after a good night’s rest, I was feeling much better. If you’re not feeling well, don’t be afraid to take a pain killer but make sure you communicate with your guide so that he knows to keep an eye on you.

Altitude: Phortse (3 800m) – Dingboche (4 360m).

Trekking time: 8 hours | 9 km.

Difficulty: Today is a long, tiring day and breathing is difficult. The first few hours are tough, followed by an easier trek as you get closer to Dingboche.

Highlights: Arriving in Dingboche – today was a hectic day and I was so happy when it was over!

Overview: You’ll trek the entire day with a constant gradual incline until you arrive in Dingboche, where our EBC itinerary will meet up with the others who are coming from Tengboche.

Tea house: Sonam Friendship Lodge.

Today is a long trekking day!

When I woke up on day 6, I was feeling fit and strong (unlike the afternoon before) . I was extremely aware of how sick I had felt yesterday and despite feeling better, I took precautionary measures and walked extra slow with many breaks.

The first 5 hours involve constant uphill climbs, followed by downhill treks, before going uphill again! You’ll eventually pass the tree line, and the entire landscape becomes bare and rocky and resembles a desert.

Today you’ll be surrounded by all the Himilayan giants: Ama Dablam, Nuptse, and Cholatse, with unspoiled views of Mount Everest.

Throughout the day you’ll hear the sounds of helicopters making emergency rescues as trekkers begin struggling with the higher altitude and need to be taken back down to Namche Bazaar from Everest Base Camp. It’s quite scary to see how frequently people require this emergency assistance!

Luckily, the final stretch to Dingboche after lunch isn’t as tough as the section before.

Tip: There’s no cell reception as you get closer to Dingboche so enjoy the next few days going off the grid.

Tip: On day 6 of our Everest Base Camp itinerary, a few trekkers started taking altitude sickness medication as a precautionary measure. I didn’t take Diamox but my guide had in case I needed it. As always, be cautious of the altitude.

Tip: You’ll lose your appetite, but order boiled potatoes to get some food into your stomach.

Today is the last of your acclimatization days so you’ll spend a second night in Dingboche. Again, it’s important to do an acclimatization hike from Dingboche .

Altitude: Dingboche (4 360m) – viewpoint (4 900m) – Dingboche (4 360m).

Hike time: 3 – 5 hours | 3 km.

Difficulty: Short, but steep climb so take it slow and steady.

Overview: Today is a short acclimatization hike to a viewpoint and back.

Highlight: Views of the Chukhung Valley and Island Peak.

I woke up on day 7 of my EBC trek and I was feeling terrible. The Khumbu cough had really set in, I was freezing cold, my nose was constantly running and I was beginning to lose my voice.

When you reach Dingboche, the luxuries of warm water, comfortable beds, and flushing toilets are long gone, and this is when the mental challenge begins. But listen to your body and be honest with your guides about how you’re feeling.

During my time in Dingboche, a porter from a different tour group (who had hiked to EBC many times before) had gotten sick and had to be airlifted back to Lukla. This was a harsh reality of the effects of high altitude climbing and how it can happen to anyone, no matter your experience, fitness level, or age.

Dingboche Acclimatization Hike

Today you’ll go on an acclimatization hike to a viewpoint overlooking the Chukhung Valley. Going to this higher altitude, and then returning to Dingboche will make you feel so much better (as it did for me). So, gear up, pack your day bag, and head outside for a few hours.

The acclimatization hike from Dingboche to the viewpoint is pretty steep and rocky, but you’ll be hiking at a much slower pace than the previous days. All around you, you’re surrounded by towering mountains and peaks, and it’s a sight you won’t easily forget!

Once at the viewpoint, you’ll have the best views of Ama Dablam and Island Peak, as well as the symbolic prayer flags.

I added Island Peak to my Everest Base Camp itinerary (and I HIGHLY recommend you do the same). It’s 4 extra days of trekking after you’ve reached Everest Base Camp, and it was one of the best and most thrilling experiences of my life!

Tip: After returning from your acclimatization hike pop into Cafe Himalaya Bakery to watch their daily Everest movie.

Altitude: Dingboche (4 360m) – Lobuche (4 930m).

Trekking time: 7 hours | 10.7km.

Difficulty: Hard! The section from the bottom of the icefall to the Everest memorial is brutal. It’s steep, and it’s far.

Highlight: The climb to the Everest memorial. It’s painfully steep and I struggled!

Overview: As you leave Dingboche, the first part of your trek is relatively easy. Until you reach Dukla! This is where the trail becomes steep. From there it’s an excruciating 2-hour climb before the path becomes flat again. You’ll walk alongside the Khumbu Glacier, the longest glacier in Nepal.

Tea house: Sherpa Lodge.

I kept a day-to-day journal of my Everest Base Camp trek itinerary, and in it, day 8 is highlighted (in capital letters with several exclamation marks) “ The hardest day EVER! ”

And thinking back to this day, it really was!

The first 3 hours include a gradual incline before crossing to Dukla which will be your lunch stop for the day. Enjoy the break, because you are going to be hating life for the next 2 hours – it’s a killer of a climb. Breathing at an altitude of over 4 500m doesn’t make it any easier!

You’ll pass many trekkers who are making their way back from Everest Base Camp. I was shocked to see the condition most of them were in. Many people were even getting carried down by mules! They looked like they had really taken strain – coughing, no voice, chapped lips, and no energy.

I was hoping and praying that wouldn’t be me in a few days (but unfortunately, it was – except I didn’t need to be carried down!)

Everest Memorial

At the top, you’ll reach the Everest Memorial for climbers who’ve lost their lives in their attempt to reach the summit of Mount Everest. There is a somber mood, and I get goosebumps thinking about all those climbers and their families.

From the memorial, it’s about a 1-hour trek alongside the Khumbu Glacier to Lobuche. This last section is far easier than the previous one. Again, take it slowly!

Tip: At this stage, everyone is feeling the effects of the altitude and the cold. You’re not alone! Just keep pushing through, it’s nearly over! (says me who wanted to turn back countless times) .

Altitude: Lobuche (4 930m) – Gorak Shep (5 160m) – Everest Base Camp (5 360m) – Gorak Shep (5 160m)

Time: 10 hours | 12 km.

Difficulty: Moderate with a steep climb towards Gorak Shep and an easy trail to Everest Base Camp. The difficulty lies in hiking time and the high altitude.

Overview: Today is the day you reach Everest Base Camp! You’ll arrive in Gorak Shep, drop off your bags and have lunch before departing north along the Khumbu Glacier to Everest Base Camp.

Highlight: It should be reaching Everest Base Camp, right?

Tea house: Buddha Lodge

Whilst the previous day’s hike from Dingboche to Lobuche was certainly the toughest and most physical section, getting to Gorak Shep, and then on to EBC and Kala Pattar were the most emotionally and mentally challenging sections of my entire Everest Base Camp trek itinerary.

Your day will start with a moderate hike leading to Gorak Shep from Lobuche. After about an hour into your hike, the path becomes steep with numerous boulders to pass. Whilst it isn’t a strenuous climb, the altitude will affect you and you’ll be walking very slowly.

Gorak Shep and Everest Base Camp

You’ll reach Gorak Shep at lunchtime where you’ll drop off your bags and prepare for the afternoon hike to EBC.

You don’t actually stay at Everest Base Camp. Gorak Shep is your base with the closest tea house to EBC.

After lunch, you’ll trek to Everest Base Camp. The path is made of rocky sections and loose stones. You’ll be exhausted at this point. But the adrenalin rush will keep you going. The excitement to finally reach Everest Base Camp will get you to the end.

Arriving at base camp is surreal. You can see the Khumbu Icefall in the distance, one of the most notorious sections leading up to the Everest summit.

It’s an eerie feeling reaching Everest Base Camp but absolutely gorgeous standing at the foot of the highest mountain in the world.

You’ll then make your way back to Gorak Shep which is where you’ll spend the night.

The reality

The most vivid memory I have of my entire Everest Base Camp trek is sitting in the tea house in Gorak Shep after returning from Base Camp.

The communal area of more than 60 people was quiet. You could only hear the sounds of loud coughing. There were no celebrations by those who had made it to Everest Base Camp and the atmosphere was not jovial.

Everyone was feeling sick and looking worse for wear. People were being helivaced from Gorak Shep to Lukla, others were on oxygen. You could see trekkers struggling to take a bite of their food.

I was so emotional because I was just so incredibly exhausted. You could sense that everyone was at their breaking point and had been pushed to their limits. Including me.

Tip: Don’t rush! Remember that you’re breathing in air with 50% oxygen. Many trekkers get excited as they’re so close to Everest Base Camp, but you still need to be careful. From what I saw, several people got sick and had to be put on oxygen AFTER they’d successfully reached EBC, perhaps this is because they’d taken it too fast.

Altitude: Gorak Shep (5 160m) – Kala Patar (5 643m) – Pheriche (4 370m).

Trekking time: 7 hours | 13 km.

Difficulty: This day is difficult, only because of Kala Patthar! The rest is easy as you’ll be going down the mountain to a lower altitude.

Highlight: Everything about the trek up to Kala Patthar. The 5 am wake-up call, the ice-cold temperatures, the steep trail, the incredible view!

Overview: The day starts with an early morning trek to Kala Patthar for the best views of Mount Everest. After returning to Gorak Shep, you’ll head back down to Pheriche.

You can’t actually see Mount Everest from Everest Base Camp or Gorak Shep as Lhotse sits in front of it and blocks the view.

This is why people trek to Kala Patthar, which is a nearby viewpoint next to Gorak Shep.

Be prepared for a long and tiring day! Just when you thought it couldn’t get any tougher, day 10 of your Everest Base Camp trek will really push you to your limits.

Sitting at 5 643m, Kala Patthar is a small, rocky peak with a rewarding view of Mount Everest, Changtse, Lhotse, and Nuptse.

Your morning starts with a 5 am wake-up call as you prepare to hike to Kala Patthar. Some trekkers choose to skip this part of the itinerary because they’re too sick and just do not have the energy to make it to the top.

The main goal is Everest Base Camp, right? You’ve made it!

You don’t have to climb Kala Patthar. Listen to your body and if you’re not feeling well, don’t do it! I was incredibly slow, fatigued, and sluggish and only got about ¾ of the way to the top before our guide advised that we turn back.

If we didn’t, we’d fall behind on the day’s schedule.

After climbing Kalla Patthar, we arrived back at our tea house at Gorak Shep at about 9 am, had a quick breakfast then began our long trek past Lobuche and on to Pheriche.

My day hadn’t got off to a good start and I was feeling very weak hiking Kala Patthar, but as soon as we began our downhill climb, I regained my strength and felt like a different person!

Tip: If you’re feeling sick at Gorak Shep, make sure you monitor this but the moment you go to a lower altitude, you will feel stronger.

Tip: If you’re continuing to Island Peak, you can check out my Island Peak guide. To sum it up, from Gorak Shep, you’ll go to Dingboche ( and not Pheriche as this route goes) . After spending the night in Dingboche, you’ll go in a different direction to Chukhung and Island Peak Base Camp.

Altitude: Pheriche (4 280m) to Namche Bazaar (3 440m).

Trekking time: 14km | 8 hours.

Difficulty: Easy but a long day of hiking.

This day (and the next) are particularly long and you’ll want to get off the mountain ASAP!

You’ll be running down from Pheriche to Namche Bazaar as it’s so much easier to breathe as the elevation decreases. You’ll also be craving a hot shower, clean clothes, a proper meal, and a warm bed.

Soon, you’ll hit the tree line once again, cross over suspension bridges, and pass scores of mules.

After every corner, you’ll think you’ve reached Namche Bazaar, but it’s further than you expect, and the trail seems to go on forever. On your way down you still have sections where you climb up and down (yes, more climbing), but there’s no altitude gain so who’s complaining!

You’ll pass Tengboche, which is home to the largest monastery in the Khumbu region and the village where most trekkers stop on their way up the mountain (But we chose a different route on this Everest Base Camp trek itinerary).

Altitude: Namche Bazaar (3 440m) – Lukla (2 860m).

Trekking time: 18 km | 8 hours.

Difficulty: Same as yesterday! A long day of hiking.

You’ve made it to the last day of your Everest Base Camp trek itinerary! Today you’ll retrace your steps from Day 1 and 2 (except this time you’ll cover the same distance in 1 day, and not 2!)

You’ll also see other trekkers ascending to EBC looking bright-eyed and bushy-tailed. If only they knew what was in store for them over the next few days! You’ll smile at them, and offer words of encouragement, but deep inside, you’ll just thanking your lucky stars that it’s them going up, and not you!

Enjoy your last lunch on the mountains in the village of Phakding before taking on the last section to Lukla. Spend the night in Lukla where you’ll celebrate with a delicious meal and a few cold beers!

Last day of your Everest Base Camp itinerary: Lukla to Kathmandu

On the last day, you’ll be ready to say goodbye to the mountains! Once again your flight isn’t guaranteed to leave on schedule so one last bit of patience is required.

After I landed in Kathmandu, I went straight to my hotel, had the best hot shower EVER, ordered takeaways, hopped into bed, and didn’t leave my room for 24 hours! Those 24 hours of doing nothing were absolutely incredible!

Pictures speak a thousand words! After going through my EBC trek itinerary, check out my photo diary with includes all the highlights of my trek to Everest Base Camp.

Is Everest Base Camp trek worth it

Absolutely – But it’s not easy! From the terrifying flight into Lukla to the long trekking days, freezing cold tea houses, weeks with no showers, dealing with altitude sickness, and all the aches and pains that come along with it – It’s brutal.

But the experience is incredible and you’ll gain memories that will last a lifetime!

Should you plan your Everest Base Camp Itinerary with a tour or not

This one’s debatable!

In 2014 I summited the highest mountain in Africa, Mount Kilimanjaro . For this trek, you have to book a tour through an organized trekking company. I thought the same would apply to Everest Base Camp and wrongly assumed that attempting to conquer EBC independently was only for broke backpackers or highly experienced hikers.

I was wrong! You can definitely navigate the Everest region without a guide and many people do so.

However, I don’t regret booking through a trekking company, Mountain Monarch . Here’s why.

Why I booked my EBC trek with a tour group

Firstly, I added Island Peak to my Everest Base Camp itinerary. For this extra section of the trek, a guide is required. Whilst Everest Base Camp requires no technical climbing, Island Peak does and it’s intense.

If you’re up for the challenge, I highly recommend you add Island Peak to your Everest Base Camp tour. You can read about my climb to Island Peak here!

Secondly, I had previous experience with high altitude climbing and if it wasn’t for my skilled guide, I wouldn’t have made it to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro. As with Kili, getting to Everest Base Camp is tough and reality is that it can be fatal. You need to pace yourself. Many people are put on oxygen and need assistance and those who trek independently don’t have immediate access to these emergency services.

And lastly, the fellow trekkers that I met on my Everest Base Camp tour were the best teammates anyone could ask for. I loved the support, the humor, the motivation, and having a small group of people who were there for me through thick and thin. As you get to the end of your Everest Base Camp trek, you’re going to need all the support you can get.

Final thoughts on how to plan a trek to Everest Base Camp

Trekking to Everest Base Camp is tough. Looking back, there are so many moments where I was thinking “ Why the F$%# did I sign up for this ” and “ With this money, I could’ve spent an extra 3 months backpacking instead of putting myself through this torture “.

But, challenging myself, my mind, my body – and crushing my goal and STILL going on to summit Island Peak – man, you cannot beat that feeling!

Are you planning a trip to Everest Base Camp? Looking for more information on how to get from Lukla to Everest Base Camp? Drop me a question in the comments section below!

Psst… Looking for epic adventures to add to your bucket list? Check out my other posts!

• Complete Guide To Island Peak Climbing in Nepal
• The Perfect Everest Base Camp Packing List
• 10 Things You Need To Know For Your Kilimanjaro Trek
• Everest Base Camp Trek Difficulty: 11 Key Things You Need To Know
• Everest Base Camp Trek with Island Peak Climbing: My Highlights and Photo Diary

Hi, I'm Carryn. I’m an adventure travel blogger trying to figure out my way through life by traveling and exploring. Join me as I share my travel guides and tips for life abroad. Find out more about me here .

Backpacking Indonesia: 26 Things I Wish I Knew

Everest base camp trek difficulty: 12 key things you need to know, 24 thoughts on “the ultimate everest base camp trek itinerary: how to get from lukla to everest base camp”.

Wow! Sounds like such an adventure. I loved reading your in depth post about your Everest base camp itinerary. It sounds like there is so much that goes into preparing but definitely sounds like you had the adventure of a lifetime.

Thanks Ann. It sure was an adventure I’ll never forget!

Ok, this post was epic – so much information I have to save it. Thanks for sharing!

Thanks Laura! Glad you found it helpful.

this is absolutely breathtaking! i honestly don’t know if I would ever be prepared to do this myself, but your day by day break down was really helpful!

Thanks Claire! Looking back at the photos I’m still in shock that I managed to get to Everest Base Camp!

Amazing. What a trek and journey for your mind, body and soul!

It was indeed!

This is epic! Im going in April and I’m so excited. Ive done Annapurna base Camp and loved it so I’m sure ill love this too!

Hi Emma, Good luck for your trek! I’d love to hear how EBC compares to Annapurna.

So interesting to read about your experience! I’m going to Nepal soon to do the Annapurna base camp and mardi Himal. They have a lower altitude but I’m still a bit nervous because of the altitude sickness 🙆🏼‍♀️

Hi Nina, I’m sure you’ll love it. Just take your time and don’t be afraid to walk super slow (like I did)!

WoW! This sounds like one amazing trip and one I’m sure that you will never forget! Really inspiring

Thanks Lori. EBC tops my bucket list so now I’m looking for the next adventure to conquer!

Wow! This sounded so intense! What an experience to say that you’ve done it.

It was tough, but everyone goes through a different experience. I thought about turning back so many times, but I’m so glad I stayed strong and kept going!

Wow! What an incredible experience, I don’t know if I’m ready for it but you definitely gave me some things to think about, thanks for sharing!!

Thanks Meghan!

Amazing!!! Wonderful recap! EBC isn’t easy! That was my first dance with altitude! Need to get back to do Island Peak!!!

Hey Bridget, Island Peak is incredible and I’m so glad I added it to my Everest Base Camp itinerary. Congrats on making it to base camp!

BADASS! I love that you mentioned a longer itinerary to acclimatize (is that the right word? lol) naturally and a way to get off the beaten path for this popular trek! I hope to make the Everest Base Camp Trek in the coming years and this is definitely a guide I will come back to help plan (: AND CONGRATS on killing it on this hike! So epic!

Hay Aaren, thanks for the kind message! I’m so stoked that I made it to base camp. And you can to! If you ever decided to trek to EBC, let me know!

Congrats on choosing the High Scenic Trail via Mong La and Phortse instead of the crowded Tengpoche route 95% of trekkers use. The best kept secret in Khumbu is finally leaking out!

About helicopter traffic: Google [helicopter rescue scam Nepal] and be educated. Multimillion dollar business now, thousands of EBC trips destroyed every year with this insurance fraud.

Hi Petrus, Agree – the less crowded route is far better!

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Everest Base Camp Trek – Ultimate Guide For 2024

Written By: The Planet D

Adventure Travel , Nepal

Updated On: January 5, 2024

Trekking to Everest Base Camp is different than other treks around the world. Nowhere else on earth will you experience trekking as you do in Nepal and nowhere quite compares to the majesty of the Himalayas. Villages dot the landscape filled with restaurants, markets, bazaars, and tea houses (mini-hotels) where you can stop for lunch, buy supplies, and have a piece of apple pie while surrounded by the highest mountains in the world.

Every hundred meters or so there is a hotel, restaurant, or cluster of buildings making up a small village. The villages are stunning reminding us of something out of the Swiss Alps on steroids. Well-built lodges and brick homes line the trail with the magnificent setting of the Himalayas draped in the back.

Table of Contents

Trekking to Everest Base Camp

What is it like trekking to Everest Base Camp in Nepal? The EBC Trek is life-changing, it’s exhilarating, and it is challenging. We share everything you need to know from planning your trek to Everest to packing for your trip. This guide to the Everest Base Camp Trek breaks down each day. So sit back and take a journey with us through Nepal’s legendary Sagarmatha National Park.

Everest Base Camp Trek Itinerary

On the map, the Everest Base Camp trekking route distances look fairly easy to hike from village to village through the Khumbu Valley. Eight days may seem like it would be more than enough time to cover a mere 63 km (39 miles) one way, (128 km return) but with several sustained days in a row above 4000 meters (13,000 feet), the walk is slow and steady.

It is important not to push too fast to avoid altitude sickness which is a very real possibility. When trekking to Everest base camp, expect to hike anywhere from 7 – 17 km (4.5 – 10 miles) per day with the entire trek taking 12 – 14 days.

Hiring a Guide for the EBC Trek – Mandatory

In April 1, 2023, Nepal has banned solo trekking. Foreigners must hire a guide for treks in high-altitude trekking regions of national parks. According to the Kathmandu Post in March “ solo or independent trekkers have to mandatorily hire a guide or a porter before setting off to Nepal’s mountains.” However, after an updated article in the Kathmandu Post, it seems that the Everest Region is an exception. Before booking, we would check with local companies and authorities as rules are constantly changing.

Book Locally

Many people book ahead of time with a tour company located outside of Nepal such as Intrepid Travel or GAdventures, but we hired locally and it saved a lot of money.

Plus, you know your money is going directly to the local economy and you have a more intimate experience by trekking with a local guide. We spent a couple of days in Kathmandu looking for a guide to Everest and found Simrik Real Nepa l owned by Kathmandu resident Dipendra Simkhada.

Dipendra planned the entire trip for us, and all we had to do was wait for him to pick us up at our guesthouse in Kathmandu to take us to the airport to board our Tara Air flight to Lukla Airport. Book your Trek to Everest Base Camp with Simrik Real Nepal – A Locally owned and operated tour company, Simrik is located in Kathmandu.

Kathmandu – The Hub of Nepal Treks

We spent a few days in Kathmandu picking up supplies and doing some sightseeing before trekking to Everest. We suggest not spending too long here as it can be very polluted in Kathmandu and by the time we were ready to trek, I was already quite congested.

Our recommendation is when you arrive in Kathmandu, only spend two to three days to get yourself organized and instead do your sightseeing at the end of your trek. Read more: Top Places to visit in Kathmandu, Nepal

Day 1: Fly from Lukla Trek to Pakhding

Flights to Lukla no longer leave from Tribhuvan International Airport (Kathmandu Airport)  in Kathmandu due to congestion. Flights are now out of Ramechap airport which is a 4 1/2 hour drive from Kathmandu. You can book private helicopters from Tribhuvan International Airport.

The flight from Ramechap airport is much shorter than the flight from Tribhuvan International Airport. Flights to Lukla are only 12 minutes so more flights can get through when the weather is clear making flights less likely to be canceled or delayed for too long.

The flight to Lukla is a scary flight and is considered one of the most dangerous in the world. We flew from Kathmandu but flights now are much shorter from Ramechap. I think I would like it better as we sat at the front of the plane and saw the pilot’s instruments constantly flash “ obstacle ahead. ” It looked as if we were about to crash into a mountain at any time. Read all about our flight to Lukla and watch the video here

Watch Us Fly to Lukla Airport

The Lukla airstrip at Lukla Airpot is a short landing strip at only 525 meters (1,729 feet long.) Built on the side of a mountain it is also a very steep grade that is needed to slow the planes down quickly. Needless to say, we held our breath during the landing.

We survived that flight, but it was the flight back to Kathmandu I was nervous about. Taking off on that short of a runway was a hair-raising experience. One false move and we’d drop thousands of feet into the valley below. Lukla Airport is actually called Tenzing Hillary Airport named after the first two men to summit Mount Everest.

Hiking from Lukla to Pakding

The trek begins officially in Lukla. Lukla is a busy town with plenty of accommodation, shops, and eateries. If you forgot anything for your EBC trek, you can pick up supplies in a pinch. But we suggest purchasing all your gear in Kathmandu. It is much cheaper.

From Lukla, we immediately started our Everest Base Camp hike. After a quick snack and a cup of tea in Lukla, we set off on an easy three-hour trek along trekking trails that were easy to follow weaving through villages, crossing rivers, and stumbling over stony paths.

Entering Sagarmatha National Park

A permit is needed to hike to Everest Base Camp as it is located in Sagarmatha National Park. We checked in with the national park headquarters and Dipendra took care of everything. He had all our paperwork in order so all we had to do was start walking through the beautiful Khumbu Valley to make our way to Everest base camp.

Sagarmatha National Park has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1976. At 1148 square km (443 square miles) in area, it is one of the most beautiful places we have ever visited.

We felt giddy stepping through the welcome gates located just outside of Lukla. This was it, we were following in the footsteps of the great adventurers of our time. It was awe-inspiring to hike through the Khumbu region surrounded by the Himalayas.

As we hiked out of Lukla, Dipendra pointed out the surrounding jagged white peaks named Kwangde, Mumbu, and Kishumkongara. At 6000+ meters, (19,000+ feet) these are the “little guys” of the world’s highest mountain range. It wouldn’t be long until we were among the famous 8000-meter (26,000 feet) peaks.

Our first day was filled with a relaxing walk while learning about the Khumbu region. It was quite early in the day, so we had plenty of time to take our time to learn about the customs of climbing and learn the names of the mountains found in this beautiful region of Nepal.

For the rest of the day, we followed the Dudh Koshi River Valley at a steady but leisurely pace to the village of Pakding. Temperatures were warm and the first day of trekking was comfortable. Lukla to Pakding actually has an elevation loss, so it is a good introduction to hiking through the region as we had a lot of downhill trekking.

After about 5 hours, we came to our first night on the trek where we spent the night in a comfortable teahouse in the village of Phakding.

Our First Night on the EBC Trek

The accommodation in Pakding was a quaint little hotel/teahouse that looked like a cottage. The wood-burning stove smelled delicious as it warmed the restaurant while they prepared our meals.

Our porter “Sher” carried all our supplies including the sleeping bags that we borrowed from our trekking company. We each rented a sleeping bag that was included in the price of our EBC trek. The beds were comfortable and Dave and I had private rooms. Some tours use dorm rooms but we had private rooms. Toilets were shared, but everything was clean and comfortable. The rooms were clean and we slept like rocks snuggled up in our thick down sleeping bags.

Heated Lodges – Teahouses on the EBC Trek

During the EBC Trek, you don’t stay in tents. You stay in charming teahouses with cozy beds, wood-burning stoves, and fully stocked restaurants that serve dinner.

The teahouses are a welcoming sight after a long day of trekking helping to make the trek to Everest one of the most memorable experiences of our lives. If you are planning to trek to Everest Base Camp in Nepal, read on for all the information you’ll need to help you prepare.

The main lodges of each teahouse we stayed in during the first half of our EBC trek were cozy and warm. At the lower elevations, woodstoves burned wood in the dining room and common areas and our rooms were a comfortable temperature with heating as we were wrapped up in our sleeping bags. We ate hearty meals of pasta and meat and enjoyed a relaxing night soaking in the amazing day we just had on the mountain.

• From Lukla – Elevation 2869 meters (9,350 feet)
• To Pakding – Elevation 2610 meters ( 8563 Feet)
• Length – 7.7 km (4.78 miles)
• Elevation loss – 79 meters (259 feet)
• Duration – 3 Hours

Day 2 – Pakding to Namche Bazaar

On day two, we checked in at another gate of the Mt. Everest park headquarters to show our documentation. We had to show our passports and give them extra passport photos to go into the log. (So make sure you have extra passport photos with you) Once we signed in, we were officially in the Khumbu region and officially on our way trekking to Everest Base Camp.

We covered a lot of terrain on day two making it the longest day of the Everest Base Camp trek. The trail up the mountains was steep and challenging but it was a memorable day.

Day two of the EBC trek was a hike of almost 10km (6.2 miles) with an elevation gain of 800 meters (2624 feet). But throughout the hike, there was a lot of elevation loss mixed in so it felt like a lot more.

We would lose elevation as we descended into the valley only to have to climb back up again to a higher elevation. Today was a lot of fun though because we crossed several suspension bridges over Dudh Kosi River Valley.

Suspension Bridges on the way to Everest

If you have a fear of heights, crossing suspension bridges may not be your favorite moment, but the suspension bridges while trekking to Everest Base Camp are well constructed, made of steel, and in excellent condition.

I was nervous about the suspension bridges. The Lonely Planet Guide said, “ Grit your teeth and climb onto a drooping suspension bridge floating at a dizzying height .” That sentence freaked me out.

I had built the suspension bridges of the EBC trek in my head as something monstrous. But by the time we reached the first bridge, I wondered what all the fuss was about. Once I crossed my first bridge, my confidence was up and I was ready for anything the Everest trek was ready to throw at me.

Donkey Trains

Today we also started to see a lot of donkeys, cows, and goats taking supplies to the villages. Traffic can get very heavy on the Everest Base Camp hike. When animal trains go by, make sure to get out of their way and stay to the side.

They are loaded down with heavy gear and they have a mission to keep on walking until they are done. They can easily nudge you right off the side of a cliff as no matter what is in their way, they just keep walking.

The trail is a highway, but instead of transport trucks or trains carrying cargo, people and farm animals carry everything from lumber and building supplies to food and kitchen appliances.

Safety Tips on the Everest Base Camp Trek for yaks and donkeys

• Important Tip: When a yak, donkey, or cow train passes you during the EBC trek, be sure to stand on the mountainside of the trail so they can’t push you over the edge !
• It is better to be squished into a mountainside than to go tumbling over the edge!

Final Stretch to Namche Bazaar

Right after crossing the last bridge, the hardest part of day two of trekking to Everest base camp started The last push of the day consisted of 2-hours straight uphill to Namche Bazar.

We were drenched with sweat but the air was cool. Whenever we stopped for a break, we would get a chill so we just kept on chugging away.

Large tour groups passed us quickly, only to be caught a few minutes later as they rested. We realize that we were the tortoise and they were the hare! Slow and steady is the way to climb at high altitudes and in the end, we made it to Namche Bazaar with plenty of time to spare in the day.

Arrival to Namche Bazaar

We checked into the security post and cringed when we found out that our lodge was an uphill walk for another 20 minutes. Rest had to wait a bit longer.

When we arrived at our accommodation, we were thrilled to see our porter Sher’s smiling face. He had already checked us in and put our bag in our room. We immediately went for a nap and then did a little walking around town in the evening to do some shopping and grab a bite to eat before turning in for an early night.

There are plenty of shops and restaurants at Namche Bazaar, this town is bustling and we spent two nights of our EBC Trek here which was awesome.

Pakding – Elevation 2610 meters ( 8563 Feet) Namche Bazaar – 3440 meters (11,286 feet) Elevation Gain – 830 meters (2723 feet) Distance – 10km (6.2 Miles) Duration – 6 hours

Day 3 – Acclimatization Day at Namche Bazaar

We had two glorious days at Namche Bazaar. Dipendra chose great accommodation for us throughout our EBC trek and we had a good rest in this splendid teahouse where we enjoyed delicious pasta, meats, and of course dhal baht. We spent the morning enjoying coffee and doing a bit of shopping.

What to do in Namche Bazaar

We explored Namche Bazaar and checked out its many shops. The streets are packed with shopping stalls and markets. We searched for gear that we missed getting in Kathmandu and got some great deals. We were surprised the prices weren’t inflated at Namche Bazaar.

We bought some down booties to keep our feet warm at night, a couple of sherpa hats, and a warmer set of gloves. The Everest Bakery was a highlight with delicious apple pie, fresh coffee, and WiFi. We had two pieces each!

But we took it very easy, making sure to stay hydrated and to eat enough food to stave off altitude sickness. Namche Bazaar is located at a high altitude of 3440 meters (11,286 feet). We already saw a woman suffering from altitude sickness. She was having her blood pressure taken and heart rate monitored and when she got up, she was staggering as she leaned on her guide.

Her Everest base camp trek had already come to an abrupt end. It reminded us to relax because the days ahead were going to be tough. So we went back to our teahouse to relax and prepare for the rest of our journey

The Acclimatization Hike for EBC Trek

Most high-altitude treks have at least one acclimation day . The Everest Base Camp trek is no exception. An acclimatization day consists of hiking to a higher altitude and then coming back down to sleep at a lower elevation. It gives your body a chance to adjust to the altitude but you don’t stay for long.

As you will be constantly gaining altitude on the Everest Trek, it is good to have at least one day to climb higher and sleep lower to help prevent altitude sickness.

Our acclimation hike took us to the Everest View Hotel. With an elevation gain of only 400 meters, it wasn’t too much higher than our hotel in Namche Bazaar, but it is enough to help acclimate to the high altitudes. Everest View Hotel offers amazing views of Mount Everest (hence the name). Plus it holds the Guinness book of world records as the highest hotel in the world.

It is not an easy day off though. Just walking through town takes your breath away. As we made our way up the steps, I wondered if I should have just stayed in bed and skipped the viewpoint to relax. When we started the climb I was breathing heavily just walking up a few flights of steps. We hadn’t even left Namche Bazaar and I was pooped!

Once we got on the trail, things became easier. The steep grade gave way to a sloping trail and I started to feel better. After one and a half hours of climbing, we reached what has to be the world’s highest airstrip at 3700 meters (12,139 feet). We arrive just in time to see a small plane take off.

First Views of Mt. Everest

It was here that we got to see our first breathtaking views of Mt. Everest and the surrounding mountains. We hiked a bit farther and there it was, standing quietly behind the other highest peaks of the earth. 

Lhotse, Changri, Ama Dablam, and Nuptse surround the mighty Mount Everest, the world’s highest peak. At 8414m (27,604 feet), 6027m (19,773 feet), and 7861m (25,790 feet) they are the little sisters of this sacred mountain. Mount Everest stands at 8848 meters (27,716 feet).

The deep Khumbu valley views were magnificent. The river wove far below, carving through the panorama of the white mountain tops. We walked a narrow trail snaking along the side of a steep mountain and suddenly realize “this trek has become real.” We were high in the Himalayas and one false move could mean catastrophe falling into the abyss below.

The sky was a deep blue and the white summits reached toward the billowing clouds. The view was so awe-inspiring it brought me to tears. Everything was so crisp and clear. During the EBC trek, you feel as if you could reach out and touch heaven.

The clouds rolled in quickly so it was time to go. The weather conditions change quickly on the Everest base camp hike, so it is good to have the experience of a guide leading us through all terrain and conditions. We went back to Namche Bazaar to relax and gain strength for the rest of the trek.

Namche Bazaar – Elevation – 3440 meters. (11246 feet) Everest View Hotel – 3880 meters (12,730 ft.) Elevation – Bounce of 440 meters (1443 feet) Duration – 3 hours return Elevation Gain – 0 km

Day 4 – Namche Bazaar to Tengboche

We awoke earlier than usual on Day 4. Two large group treks (Intrepid Travel and G Adventures) had checked into our lodge and we didn’t want to have to compete for service or breakfast. We also didn’t want to have to wait in line for the bathroom.

Lodges become more and more sparse as you go higher on the Everest Base Camp Trek and fewer toilets are shared between more people. Up until now, we hadn’t encountered crowds of people. It had been pretty quiet on the mountain and we liked it that way.

Luckily, we were a day ahead of the other tours. They had to stay in Namche Bazaar for another day to acclimate to the high altitudes, So we moved on to enjoy our EBC Trek free from crowds of people – for now.

Tenzing Norgay Memorial Stupa

During day 4 of the EBC trek, we hiked along trails clinging to the side of the mountain. The narrow trekking trails along this route were a little scary. They wound along the edge of the cliff with nothing but a sheer drop to the abyss into the Khumbu Valley. But we kept our wits about us putting one foot ahead of the other until we reached the Sherpa Monument.

Tenzing Norgay Sherpa monument was erected by the Norgay family. It is a stupa honoring Tenzing Norgay Sherpa and all the Sherpas that risked their lives to help climbers reach the summit of Mt. Everest.

All treks pass this monument and it is an important stop on the journey to pay respect to the famous Sherpa of the Everest region. In case you don’t know, Tenzing Norgay Sherpa was the first man to summit Everest along with Sir Edmund Hillary.

What is a Sherpa?

Sherpas are the unsung heroes of Mt. Everest. They do all of the hard work and technical work on the mountain. They carry the heavy loads, set the ladders and ropes to cross the Hillary Step and Khumbu Icefield for mountain climbers, and they take care of setting up camp while climbers and trekkers catch their breath and try to survive life on the world’s highest peak.

Difference Between a Sherpa and a Porter

Sherpas and porters are very different from one another. We learned that a Sherpa is actually the name of an ethnic group from Tibet. The original mountaineers hired Sherpas as their guides in the Himalayas and the world has now adopted the name for porters in the Everest region. If you aren’t born into the Sherpa ethnic group, you cannot be called a Sherpa. Porters are porters and Sherpas are Sherpas.

We were told that some porters, especially commercial porters carry up to 60kg (150 pounds) of supplies and gear to businesses located along the EBC trek. That is a lot of weight and we were very surprised. When climbing Mount Kilimanjaro , porters had a mandatory weight limit of 35kg. (77 pounds).

Dipendra told us that they get paid per kilo so some people push it too far. The Nepalese are a strong bunch but this is a lot to carry at such a high altitude no matter what shape you are in.

We kept our pack as light as possible at around 22kg (48 pounds) for Sher and we even felt bad about that! We have heard there is a 30kg (66lb) limit for Everest, but judging by what we saw other porters carrying on the Everest Base Camp hike, people were pushing it well beyond that.

We saw men carrying stacks of plywood with heavy white sacks loaded on top. We saw men carrying propane tanks, doors, and huge packs. What could people possibly need on the EBC Trek that they packed their packs so full? Read more: Packing List for Everest Base Camp Trek

Approaching Tengboche

The final push of our EBC Trek day 4 was to Tengboche Monastery. It was a tough yet steady 2-hour steep climb. We are now gaining altitude climbing above the tree line. We put our heads down and huffed and puffed our way up. We didn’t stop for any photos or videos and were surprised to cut the climb down to just one and a half hours.

We reached the prayer wheels of Tengboche Monastery just in time for light snow to start falling. We made it into our camp at Tengboche by 1:30 pm and had the entire afternoon to ourselves at 3900 meters (12795 feet). This is an excellent place on the Everest Base Camp hike to have some extra time to relax as there are a few special things to see and do.

Tengboche Monastery

We warmed our feet with our new down booties that we bought at Namche Bazaar and changed into some dryer clothes before heading off to see the monks chant at Tengboche Monastery. Our guide Dipendra told us that this is the most important monastery in the region. All climbers summiting the mountains stop at this monastery to be blessed by the monks.

We were allowed to watch the ceremony and to take in the warmth and blessings from the monks. It is a sacred place and all climbers and trekkers stop here before continuing up the mountains.

The footprints of Lama Pagna Dorje from the 16th century are embedded in solid stone in front of the monastery.  A place where he mediated and raced through the Himalayas riding the wind with his mind.

Apparently, he sat on this stone for so long, his feet left their mark. He spent years traveling the world through the power of his mind and we believe the story. Especially after our yoga experience in Goa India. He predicted that a monastery would be built here and surprise surprise…here it is.

The View from Tengboche Monastery

The view is magnificent from Tengboche Monastery. The valley is wide and opens up to massive rolling hills giving way to the highest peaks on earth. Plus it has a clear view of Mt. Everest and the surrounding mountains.

We were told that Sir Edmund Hillary came back to survey the peak of Mount Everest from this spot because the view is so clear of the mountain and we can understand why.

Accommodation – Basic Tea Houses at Higher Altitude

At this high elevation of the EBC trek, accommodation became very basic and rustic. We felt like true adventurers as we sat by the fire warming our feet and bonding with our fellow trekkers over our shared experience by candlelight.

There were 10 of us staying in this teahouse. All are sharing electricity to charge our camera batteries. Meals were now vegetarian and wood stoves were heated by yak dung. At this high altitude, meat cannot be transported fast enough to stay fresh and regular wood is scarce, so yak dung it is.

When we went to bed, our room was freezing. Rooms are not heated at higher elevations. We had our own room, but I sometimes wonder if sleeping in a dorm would have helped with more body heat. The temperature easily dipped down to -10 Celcius (14 degrees Fahrenheit) and our plywood walls didn’t offer a lot of comforts.

We tossed and turned all night long trying to keep our noses warm in our sleeping bags wearing our down jackets, thick socks, and thermal mid-layers.

It was so cold the scoop bucket for the shared squat toilet froze over forming a patch of ice to form on the floor. It was a slippery trip to the outhouse. Sadly, we always have to pee a lot during the night when sleeping at high altitudes so we visited that toilet a lot.

Hot Tip: Pay for hots showers at lower elevations You won’t regret it! We realized that we should have paid the 250 Rupees for the hot showers offered at the accommodation in Namche Bazaar. Now that the weather was so cold there was no way we could face a bucket bath in a freezing shed. Dave and I set a new record in these mountains of Nepal, 9 days without a shower!

Namche Bazaar – Elevation – 3440 meters. (11246 feet) above sea level Tengboche – 3860 meters (12664 feet) Elevation Gain – 420 meters (1378 feet) Distance – 9.3 km (5.77 miles) Duration – 3 hours (without stopping) 5 hours for photos, lunch and rest.

Day 5 – Tengboche to Dingboche

Day 5 of the EBC Trek was freezing!  We had an early wake-up call and morning came too quickly on the Tengboche leg of the EBC Trek. But, we awoke to a winter wonderland of fresh snow at the Tengboche Monastery and clear views of Lhotse peak.

The snow from the night before made for more incredible views on the hiking trails. As we started out from the lodge, the sky was crisp and clear, showing Mount Everest in all its glory. It was stunning, and in between gasping for air, we admired the view.

Today we walked to higher altitudes and saw our first trains of wooly yaks.  Yaks cannot survive at low altitudes because it is too warm for them, so you don’t see yaks on the Everest Base Camp hike until at least 3000 meters. (9800 feet) They are beautiful.

Yaks on the Trek to Everest Base Camp

Woolly yak trains were more frequent and by day five of the EBC Trek, we had our system perfected to give them the right of way without letting them nudge us off the mountain.

As we said earlier, it is important to give yaks space. They will run you right off the mountain if you are in their way. Be sure to stand on the mountainside as they pass so you don’t get knocked over the edge. The yaks of the Everest Base Camp trek, have only one thing on their mind. To get to their destination.

On this day, signs of expeditions going up to summit Everest started to go by as large groups of yaks carried giant loads of climbing gear. It is exciting to think that we were walking the same route as so many great mountain climbers, like Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay Sherpa.

The Trek from Tengboche is breathtaking

I conquered what little fear of heights I had left this day. Some of the narrow paths on the route dropped sharply into the deep valley below. Soon we found ourselves walking along the ledge not thinking at all about the dangers below. We hiked for a couple of hours before stopping for tea at a restaurant in Pangboche.

There are shops, teahouses, and restaurants along the route so we could buy lunch along the way and one of the more popular stops is in the village of Pangboche. After a tea stop in Pangboche, we met a sweet lady that walked with us all the way to the village of Dingboche. Her name was Yangshou and she waited for us as we struggled up hills and crossed the suspension bridge over the Imja Khola River.  

Her cute laugh and quiet prayers helped to pass the time. She stopped to talk to everyone on the trail while we plugged along. She’d fall far behind when she chatted with friends, only to quickly catch us and then scoot by us with ease. She must have enjoyed our company because we really slowed her down. “ Yangzhou, we will always remember your smiling face!

We spent the night in the village of Dingboche and wished that we had another night here. It is from here that you will see beautiful views of Island Peak and Lhotse, but it is also a good spot for another acclimatization day.

Tengboche – 3860 meters (12664 feet) above sea level Dingboche – Elevation – 4410 meters. (14468 feet) Elevation Gain – 550 meters (1804 feet) Distance – 10.8 km (6.71 miles) Duration – 3 hours (without stopping) 5 hours for photos, lunch, and rest.

Day 6 – Second Acclimatization Day at Dingboche

This is a day that most people spend acclimating to the high altitude. We did not do this day, but you should! So we are including it in the guide because it is a very important day when trekking to Everest Base Camp. If we were smarter, we would have spent 2 nights in the village of Dingboche where we would spend a day hiking up to Nagurjun Hill.

This is the best place for climbers looking to summit Everest, Ama Dablam (6812m), Lobuche peak (6,119 m), or Island Peak to do their acclimatization day. Dingboche is a small village in the Khumbu region with only a few guest houses, so it is a good time to relax, replenish and rejuvenate for the next push.

If we had brought our Lonely Planet Trekking in the Nepal Himalayas (which we forgot in Kathmandu and kicked ourselves about it every day) we would have realized that we should have taken an extra day to acclimate in Dingboche.

Dipendra was flexible so he would have easily added another day onto our trek, we just didn’t know any better to ask about it. Lucky for us, we felt strong, but other groups were complaining of headaches and dizziness.

In the end, we wish we spent the extra day here. Some people even spend two days here climbing to the surrounding peaks. We did suffer after reaching base camp and I believe that is because we didn’t spend time acclimatizing here.

Had we stayed, we would have done some light hikes to gain altitude and then come back down to rest at a lower elevation. Many people who are set to climb Island Peak or Kala Patthar stay here for a few days to get some practice climbs in.

Dingboche – Elevation – 4410 meters. (14468 feet) above sea level Nangkartshang Peak  – Altitude – 5050 meters (16568 feet) Climb – 640 meters (2099 feet) Distance – 10.8 km (6.71 miles) Duration – 4 hours Elevation Gain – 0

Day 7 – Dingboche to Lobuche

We walked with fellow trekkers we met at our guesthouse Martin and Richard from Slovakia during the morning hours. They carried their own packs and after watching them struggle, we were happy we hired a porter. (note: As of April 2023, you can no longer trek independently in Nepal) They were really starting to feel the altitude and we eventually left them behind.

We enjoyed our day taking photos of the stunning clear views of the Everest region. It may be a little colder trekking in Nepal at this time of year (Early March), but the skies are clear and blue. When we came across a small cluster of houses, we felt like we had entered the Kingdom of Middle Earth. Little Hobbit houses lined a valley with giant peaks looming overhead.

We had a front-row seat to some of the most breathtaking views on earth. An entire panorama of the mountains standing proudly overhead, reaching up to the deepest blue sky that I have ever witnessed. The scene took our breath away. The mountains looked more imposing with each corner we turned and we could not believe that we were fulfilling our dream of hiking to Everest.

We had to knock on the door to see if Bilbo Baggins happened to be in. Sadly, he wasn’t home. I ended up singing Leonard Nimoy’s Ballad of Bilbo Baggin s for the rest of the day. A bad idea since I only know a few words.

Weather Conditions

The wind picked up and we put on our outer layers for the first time. We were thankful to have them as we staggered through the high gusts. Weather varies greatly in the Everest Region and before you know it you can have inclement weather so be prepared with your layers. The sun can be shining one minute and then wind and clouds roll in the next.

After lunch, we faced quite the scramble up a steep hill littered with boulders. It looked like a tough climb, but we moved with ease and quickly made it to the top. Where we found our strength, I do not know.

Sherpa Monuments

At the top of the hill is a very moving sight. Several monuments and stupas are erected, honoring Sherpas and climbers that have lost their lives on Everest. The most notable of these is  Babu Chiri  Sherpa .

Babu Chiri Sherpa was the former world record holder of the fastest ascent of Everest, the most number of ascents up the mountain, and the quickest back-to-back summits of 2 in less than 2 weeks. He tragically lost his life on his 11th attempt when he fell into a crevasse.

It was a moving experience and a strong reminder to not take things lightly on Everest, even if you are only trekking to Everest Base Camp. It is still a serious trek.

Dingboche – Elevation – 4410 meters. (14468 feet) above sea level Lobuche  – Altitude – 4940 meters (16207 feet) Elevation Gain – 530 meters (1738 feet) Distance – 17.6 km (10.9 miles) Duration – 4 to 5 hours

Day 8 – Morning – Lobuche to Gorak Shep

Day 8 on the Everest Base Camp Trek takes you to 5000 meters (16404 feet). How did we feel at 5000 meters? Terrible. Before entering Nepal, I had been suffering for a few weeks in India. The pollution of Kathmandu didn’t help and my congestion was worse when I started the climb. I thought it would clear up in the fresh air, but it intensified with each increase in altitude.

Every morning my cough got worse and my nose was stuffed up to the point of being unbearable. Today, I felt the effects of the congestion and couldn’t catch my breath. It didn’t help that we had gone into such a high altitude. The air is thin and cold.

Dave suffered his first symptoms of altitude sickness when reaching 5000 meters as well. He had a slight case of diarrhea and wasn’t happy about having to wait for the toilet in the teahouses. I think many people were suffering from the same symptoms.

Our was a slow climb to Gorak Shep. We stopped regularly to catch our breath and today we took more breaks than usual. Luckily it was only a couple of hundred meters in elevation gain so we made it to our guest house in Gorek Shep by 12:30.

Lobuche  – Altitude – 4940 meters (16207 feet) above sea level Gorak Shep – 5164 meters (16942 feet) above sea level Elevation Gain – 224 meters (734 feet) Distance – 4.3 (2.6 miles) Duration – 4 Hours

Day 8 – Afternoon: Gorak Shep to Everest Base Camp

We took a break at Gorek Shep before making out way to Everest Base Camp. We sat in the sun marveling at the fact that we made it this far. After eating a hearty lunch of vegetarian Sherpa stew (Dal Bhat) on the terrace, (yes, we ate outside in the warm sun above 5100 meters) we set out for Everest Base Camp. The sun was shining brightly and it was quite pleasant outside so we were very excited.

We were lucky and had clear skies. Up until today, the clouds had rolled in by early afternoon every day. Today the sun shone and the skies were blue until sunset. So, it was our perfect morning to make the push.

The trek to Base Camp from Gorak Shep is an easy one. It’s two hours of walking with only a small elevation gain, and we made it with ease. That break for lunch really helped our spirits.

Reaching Everest Base Camp

People can summit Mount Everest from Tibet, but the main Everest Base Camp expedition route is in Nepal, and it is busy when the season is in full swing. Even those climbing to the peak of Mt Everest hike the route we took along the Everest Base Camp trek.

We arrived just a week or two before the season, so it was still quiet on the mountain. In fact, we were the only people at Base Camp that afternoon. We saw another group coming down on our way up, but once there we had it all to ourselves. It was thrilling.

To reach Everest base camp, you will hike out from nearby Gorak Shep and then hike back the same day to spend the night in the village. You do not spend the night at base camp.

Khumbu Glacier

The Khumbu Glacier is the first thing to come into view, and it is unbelievable to think that we are actually standing there. The Khumbu Glacier is the largest glacier in all of Nepal and is famous for the Khumbu Icefall. This treacherous sheet of ice is the most dangerous obstacle that climbers face when summiting Everest.

We witnessed an avalanche that reminded us just how precarious the climb to Mount Everest is. It is an intimidating sight and I cannot imagine having the courage to cross that field of ice. Climbers walk across ladders that shift and move as the ice is alive and constantly settling. It has taken many lives, and we were happy to look at it from afar.

With an elevation of 7600 meters at its source, the Khumbu Glacier is the highest glacier in the world and the Khumbu Icefall is one of the most dangerous portions of the climb to the summit of the world’s highest peak. We were happy to look at it from afar.

Everest Base Camp’s elevation is 5,364m (17,598 feet) so you will feel the high altitude. But, if you have taken your time you should feel pretty good. We had been at this elevation now for a while and stayed hydrated, so we could enjoy the experience.

We stood at a rock covered with prayer flags announcing that yes, we had made it to Mount Everest Base Camp at 5364 meters. We stayed for almost an hour taking videos, celebrating, and snapping photos. If you can bear it, don’t rush the experience, take it in and enjoy every minute. This will be the only time you’ll see it.

Trekking to Everest may be more exciting later in the season when Everest expeditions are there, but we really liked having base camp to ourselves. There wasn’t a soul on the mountain except for the three of us. We stayed for almost an hour taking videos, celebrating, snapping photos, and marveling at the massive Khumbu Glacier. Can it really be true that we are here? It felt like a dream.

We finished our climb about two weeks before the high season began and we wouldn’t have it any other way. We stood at a rock covered with prayer flags announcing that yes, we had made it to Everest Base Camp.

When it’s high season, base camp is filled with expeditions and tents spanning the valley. We only saw one expedition so far. They may have been here to climb Island Peak as base camp is also a place to acclimate for that peak.

We started to make our way back to Gorak Shep from Everest Base Camp at about 3:30 pm. Even though it was an easy trek back, there are narrow paths atop high ledges and it just so happens that while we were walking back, an ice bridge broke off after I stepped on it leaving Dave with a sticky situation of having to take one giant leap over a gorge. We made it back to Gorak Shep safely but it was a reminder just how dangerous the Himalayas can be.

Back to Gorak Shep

By the time we made it back to Gorak Shep, the excitement of reaching Everest base camp had worn off. We had reached our final destination Base Camp, but there was still a lot more trekking to go.

We were happy to have seen it, but we were exhausted. We felt the same when we climbed Mount Kilimanjaro. The thrill of reaching your destination is over and there is nothing more to look forward to, but there are still so many days to go.

That night I had serious sinus congestion and felt like I was suffocating in my freezing bed. It was quite scary to already be short of breath because of the altitude and then be completely congested. I really was terrified. Our guide Dipendra brought me hot tea all night and I slathered myself in Vicks Vaporub but nothing helped me to breathe easier.

I was afraid as we had the Gokyo Lake trek ahead through the Cho La Pass. We were also planning to trek up to Kala Pattar for the best views of Everest in the morning. I hope I could make it but I was also dreading the day ahead. I barely slept a wink but I finally drifted into a not-so-peaceful slumber.

Gorak Shep – 5164 meters (16942 feet) above sea level Everest Base Camp Elevation – 5,364m (17,598 feet) above sea level Elevation Gain – 200 meters (656 feet) Distance – 3.5 km one way (2.1 miles) Duration – Three Hours Round Trip

Alternative Gokyo Lake Via Cho La Pass

The next morning after a terrible night, we gave up our plans of climbing Kala Patthar and then on to the Gokyo Lakes and Cho La Pass trek. Even though I wasn’t feeling dizzy, nauseous, or lightheaded anymore, the sinus congestion was really getting to me. At altitude a cold can turn serious quickly, you just can’t take a chance when altitude is involved.

But, if we were going to trek on, this would be the next stop. It is supposed to be beautiful and if you are feeling up to it, we highly recommend it. This makes the trek much more interesting as you get to take a different way back to Lukla.

Cho La Pass: Altitude 5420 meters (17,782 feet) Gokyo Ri: 5357 Meters (17,575 feet) Gokyo Lakes: 4,700–5,000 m (15,400–16,400 ft)

Day 9 – The Descent and Kala Patthar

Kala Patthar is a hill above Gorak Shep that offers the best views of Everest and is a must-stop on anyone’s Everest Base Camp trekking route. We had planned to climb to the summit of Kala Patthar, but my congestion was so bad, that we decided it was safer to get to a lower elevation quickly.

Kala Patthar is a quick two-hour trek to add to your descent back to Lukla. It is a good option if you are feeling up for it as it gives a great view of Mt. Everest. Make sure to start early morning before dawn as there is still a long day of trekking after summiting Kala Pattar. Plan on another five or six hours to your next overnight stop at Pheriche.

Kala Patthar to Pheriche – Afternoon

By the time you reach your accommodation at Periche, you should be feeling a lot better. Dave and I find that we are fine in the 4000-meter ranges of altitude and experience very few symptoms of altitude sickness. It is at 5000 meters and above that, we start to feel our symptoms. Periche is a much more manageable 4371 meters.

Kala Pattar: 5643 metres Pheriche: 4371 Meters Altitude Loss : 1272

Days 10 to 11 – The Descent from Everest Base Camp

It took us two days more to trek back from Everest Base Camp to our final destination on the EBC Trek. I started feeling better on the second day as the dryness of the Everest base camp disappeared. My sinuses cleared and soon I was breathing easily. I started to feel guilty about turning around, but in hindsight, I know it was the right choice. You never want to take a chance with altitude sickness.

Even though we were heading down, there is still a lot of altitude gain as the EBC trek doesn’t continuously go downhill. I was feeling really fatigued and we still had a tough couple of days ahead of us. But knowing there was light at the end of the tunnel made everything easier.

It takes a lot of mental stamina to climb back down as the euphoria of reaching the Everest base camp has worn off, but we made the most of it, by chatting with other trekkers and getting to know our guides better.

During our decent we could actually take our time to smell the roses or should I say enjoy the trekking trail that ran through the stunning rhododendron forest.

Rhododendrons are beautiful flowering plants that bloom in different shades of pink, red, white, and purple. The rhododendron forest is particularly prominent in the areas of Phakding, Namche Bazaar, Tengboche, and Dingboche which we really didn’t notice until we made our way down the mountains.

We followed the route we came up with, but it was much faster and we stayed in different villages. The beauty of booking organized trips with a local guide is that our guide Dipendra knew the routes like the back of his hand, so he could change accommodations easily to suit our speed.

Day 12 – Lukla

We were back in Lukla early on day 12 of our EBC Trek and had an evening booked in a guest house here to catch the first flight from Lukla back to Kathmandu in the morning. As much as we loved our trip to Everest, we were excited to be moving on to explore more of Nepal.

The accommodation was pleasant with a lovely restaurant, hot shower, and warm and cozy beds. It was a great way to end the trip.

Day 13 – Return To Kathmandu Flight from Lukla Airport

It is very important to give yourself an extra cushion when booking your return flight not only home from Kathmandu but from Lukla. We stayed overnight in Lukla on the final night of our trek and booked a flight to Kathmandu for first thing the next morning.

It is not uncommon for flights to be canceled or delayed flying out of Lukla Airport. Weather conditions change quickly. So give a bit of a cushion when booking your flight home from Nepal after you’ve finished your trek to Everest Base Camp. Many a traveler has missed their connecting flights home from Kathmandu because of delays in Lukla. It is safer to plan to spend a night or two in Kathmandu after your trek.

We were delayed an entire day. Even though we were booked on the first flight from Lukla, the weather made us wait until near sunset. We were the first (and only) flight out that day, so everyone else who was waiting for their flights all day was stuck another night.

It was a bumpy flight back to Kathmandu and we almost wished that we didn’t make it on the flight. The turbulence was so bad, I was sure we were going to drop out of the sky.

Everyone on the flight was silent as we were tossed about dropping huge amounts of elevation at a time. But we landed and we have never been so happy to arrive in Kathmandu. We kissed the ground, thankful to have trekked to Everest Base Camp, but vowed to never do it again.

Accommodation – Tea Houses on Everest Base Camp

The main lodges of each teahouse we stayed in during the first half of our trip were cozy and warm. At the lower elevations, woodstoves burned wood in the dining room and common areas and our rooms were a comfortable temperature as we were wrapped up in our sleeping bags.

But as we ventured higher, the stoves were less abundant and instead of wood, they burned yak dung. You heard me, Yak Dung. Wood can’t burn in thin air, so they use yak dung to heat the teahouses at high elevations. Rooms are not heated so when we went to our rooms, we had to wear hats, thick socks, puffy coats, and long johns.

There were charging stations at the accommodation for electronics and we paid by the hour for electricity.

• We highly recommend taking a portable USB charger to charge your own electronics.
• We also used a solar USB charger that recharged during the day as we hiked.

Meals on Everest Base Camp

Because we booked an all-inclusive Everest Base Camp trek with Simrik Real Nepal tour company, all meals and snacks were included with our accommodation. Each evening, hearty meals were served that included pasta, rice, or Dal Bhat. Dal Bhat is the staple food of Nepal consisting of lentils, vegetables, steamed rice, and curry.

For the first few days, meat was served at meals, but as you climb higher, meals turned to vegetarian as it is more difficult to get the meat up the mountains.

Prayer Flags and Prayer Wheels – EBC Trek Etiquette

We saw many prayer wheels, prayer flags, and prayer rocks (mani stones) all along the trail to Everest. Everest is a sacred mountain and these monuments help give luck to the climbers on the mountain. There are customs to be followed when approaching prayer rocks or prayer wheels.

How to properly trek around prayer Wheels and Prayer Rocks

• When approaching a prayer rock, it is important to walk to the left of the prayer rocks (mani stones) in a clockwise direction. The stone on the right means you are on the “right hand of God.”
• When using prayer wheels, you walk along and spin them to ask for blessings for the climb ahead.
• Sherpas and locals spin prayer wheels saying the mantra “ Om Mani Padme Hum” giving blessings to the climb ahead.
• The prayer flags have prayers and mantras written on them which are believed to carry messages of positivity and to spread goodwill and compassion they are carried by the wind.

Altitude Sickness

Altitude Sickness is a very real possibility on the EBC Trek. On average 3-5 people die each year doing the trek to Everest base camp. Make sure to keep an eye out for signs of Acute Mountain Sickness. Acute Mountain Sickness is life-threatening and early symptoms include nausea, headache, and vomiting. It can lead to death. The Best way to alleviate symptoms is to go down to a lower elevation.

If you start to feel dizzy, have a pounding headache, or if you start to vomit go down to a lower altitude as quickly as possible. Take your time climbing, stay hydrated, and listen to your body.

Drink plenty of fluids, try to eat, and rest regularly. It is better to walk slowly and steadily rather than rushing at high altitudes. And when you get to your accommodations each day, relax as much as possible.

It can be dangerous trekking to Everest Base Camp from falling off the mountain to succumbing to altitude sickness. Some people have simply disappeared. Hiring a guide is a good option (and now the only option) for safety and it is very important to look for signals of altitude-related sickness.

But the Everest basecamp trek isn’t nearly as dangerous as climbing to the summit of Mt Everest. In 2019, 11 people died while trying to summit Mount Everest.

The village of Lukla is located at a high elevation so you will feel the effects of the thin air as soon as you land. The elevation of Lukla, Nepal is 2869 meters (9,350 feet). We were short of breath and already feeling fatigued upon landing. So instead of immediately starting our trek, we had a hot breakfast at one of the many restaurants in Lukla.

Travel Insurance for Everest Trek

We always travel with travel insurance on our travels, but hiking to Everest Base Camp will not be covered by regular insurance providers. It is highly recommended to get supplemental comprehensive travel insurance that offers trip cancellation insurance, and medical evacuation insurance.

Medjet is a good option for medical evacuation insurance and is a good addition to your regular travel insurance. There is a very real possibility of altitude sickness and we knew of two people that needed helicopter rescues during our trek.

World Nomads offers specific Everest Base Camp Insurance. You can check them out to get a quote. I would suggest a combination of World Nomads travel insurance and Medjet medical evacuation insurance. Regardless of what travel insurance you choose, be sure to call them directly to ask for specific advice about trekking to Everest Base Camp.

For a trip like Everest Base Camp, you will want to make sure to have trip interruption and trip cancellation insurance as well as lost luggage. This is a trip of a lifetime, so make sure you have a backup plan.

Can you Trek Independently to Everest Base Camp?

As of April 1, 2023, Nepal has banned solo trekking. Foreigners must hire a guide for treks in high-altitude trekking regions of national parks. According to the Kathmandu Post in March, “ solo or independent trekkers have to mandatorily hire a guide or a porter before setting off to Nepal’s mountains.” However, after an updated article in the Kathmandu Post, it seems that the Everest Region is an exception. Before booking, we would check with local companies and authorities as rules are constantly changing.

Regardless, we loved hiring a local guide to make oure experience richer, to support the local economy and to feel safer hi

• Our all-inclusive Everest Base Camp Trek through the Simrik Real Nepal included return flights from Lukla, food, lodging, guiding, and all permits and paperwork.
• We didn’t have to search for accommodation at the end of each day of trekking
• We had English-speaking guides and a porter.
• We had our own room, but you can also share rooms on the EBC Trek
• We never worried about the cost of meals. They were all prepaid.
• And our guide (Dipendra) and porter were part of the package for the trip.

Costs for Everest Base Camp Trek

Prices can vary greatly for trekking to Everest Base Camp. You can contact Simrik Real Nepal for up to date prices.

• Booking with an international agency can cost from $1800 – $5000 USD
• Booking with a local agency and be anywhere from $1400 – $2500

W hen is the Best time to Trek to Base Camp?

The high season for treks is April to May and October to November. We climbed in early March and felt that it was the perfect time of the year. The weather was beautiful, the skies were clear and the official climbing season hadn’t picked up yet. So we had a lot of the mountain to ourselves. We had heard stories of how busy the trail is, but at this time of year, it was quite deserted.

But a week and a half after our trek started as we made our way back to Lukla, it was already busier. We saw a lot of parties climbing up and the trail was getting congested. I can only imagine how packed the trails are during the high season.

What to Pack For Your Everest Base Camp Trek

Layering is extremely important when trekking to Everest Base Camp. This is a quick guide for clothing but we wrote a complete packing guide for base camp here .

Make sure to have a day pack to carry the important items and layers that you will need for your day of trekking for the entire trek. Your porter will carry everything else.

• 2  quick drying long sleeved  base layer shirts
• 2 trekking shirts short sleeve
• 2 Thermal Base Layer – 2 leggings/2shirts
• 2 liner socks
• 3 pairs of  woolen blend trekking socks
• 2 pairs of trekking pants with zip-off bottoms
• 2 fleece sweaters – one lightweight, one heavier
• Outer windproof jacket and pants
• 2 water bottles to fill regularly
• Steripen or Lifestraw – this is great for purifying water
• Portable USB Charger
• Basic First Aid Kit – A first aid kit is important to have but your guide, they will have one as well.
• Warm sleeping bag. If you don’t have a sleeping bag rated to below zero, we recommend renting one from your guding company.

Treats and Medication

• Tang – I was glad we packed Tang for our water. It made it taste better, keeping us well-hydrated. We didn’t really want to drink just water, but the Tang (which we bought in Kathmandu) was actually delicious. Gatorade or another electrolyte-replenishing drink is a great idea.
• Diamox – (You can buy this in Kathmandu without a prescription) I highly recommend using Diamox tablets for altitude sickness as well. We met so many people suffering from headaches, dizziness, and fatigue and they weren’t taking anything. We’ve always used Diamox when climbing to altitude and it has worked beautifully for us.
• Chocolate – When we were feeling ill, we were happy to have chocolate to eat. It was the only thing that we could eat at times.

How to Get Fresh Water on An Everest Trek

We recommend two refillable water bottles per person that can be refilled along the way. You can fill up anywhere for free along the Everest Base Camp route, but make sure you have a SteriPen or some other form of water purification with you. We love the SteriPen for purifying water, see our review here.

You can also use the LifeStraw or water purification tablets , but once we discovered the SteriPen , we never went back. See our complete Packing a Travel First Aid Kit here

Do You Need Climbing Experience for Everest Base Camp Trek?

There is no need for any technical climbing experience to make it to Everest Base Camp. If you are relatively fit, it is very doable. But it is a full two weeks at a sustained altitude of over 4000 meters.

We didn’t train for our Everest Base Camp Trek but we had been to altitude before and had spent a lot of time backpacking leading up to the months prior. It’s good to know how your body reacts to altitude. We suggested doing a couple of treks above 3000 meters (9000 feet) to see how your body reacts.

Hot Tips for Trekking to EBC

• Keep your camera batteries close to your body when not in use. The cold and altitude really eat up battery life, so you will want to keep them warm for as long as you can.
• Bring USD, ATM Fees are high and you are limited to the amounts you can take out of the ATM, so have ISD to exchange instead.
• Pack handi wipes and Gold Bond Powder – it’s a lifesaver when you can’t get hot showers.
• See our Full list of Everest Base Camp Tips here.

How to Get to Everest Base Camp

There are daily flights to Kathmandu International Airport from international hubs around the world.

Where to Book Your Everest Base Camp Trek

We booked our trek in Kathmandu with Local Guide Dipendra of Simrik Real Nepal.  If you are looking for a local guide he is an excellent choice with nearly 20 years of experience in the mighty Himalayas.

Prices for the Everest base camp trek cost can vary depending on where you book. Group tours booked in North America will charge more. Ranging from $1500 – $5000 USD

You can save a lot of money by booking a local guide as you will cut out the middleman prices. Having a local guide let us know our money was going directly to the Nepal economy. Check with Simrik Real Nepal for current prices.

How Much to Tip Guides and Porters for an EBC Trek

Guides and porters in Nepal do not make a lot of money and rely on tipping. When we take tours of any kind, we (ourselves) tip 15% – 20% but that is a part of our culture in North America, we are quite large tippers and realize that others are not comfortable with that. We’ve done a lot of research and gone by what our tour companies have suggested on other tips, what we feel is a fair tip and what the average is across the internet.

For tipping in Nepal we have broken down the cost for a guide and porter.

Guide – Tipping – 10% – 15% of the total cost of the trip. We find this the easiest to figure out. If you paid $2000 for your trek, the lead guide should receive $200 – $300

Guide per day – Some suggest $10 – $15 per day per person for guides – For a 14 day trek that means you would tip your guide $140 – $210.

Porters per day – $5 – $10 per day per person for porters. – $70 – $140 for your porter.

We like to start at 15% of the total cost of our trips to give to the guides and then pay the porters a daily fee of $10.

If you can afford to trek to Everest Base Camp, you should be able to tip your guides and porters who have worked so hard accordingly.

Daily Life in the Everest Region of Nepal

While trekking to Everest we passed through many picturesque villages. The people are friendly and life goes on as it would in any community in Nepal. People do well in the Khumbu Region and they respect the tours passing through because the tourists are what keep them going. 

There is electricity from the water that they harness from the Imja Khola River and Dudh Kosi River; two rivers that run through the trek. They also have solar power for electricity as well. There are schools, fresh running water, televisions, a health clinic, and bars.

That is not to say that life is all roses. It is a remote region of Nepal and it is difficult to get any supplies in. Food and equipment need to be carried into villages on foot. Porters carry heavy loads on their backs and women and children also do the heavy lifting. Everything needs to be carted in by hand or by animals. Check out our tips for climbing to Base Camp

How Long Does it Take to Trek to Everest Base Camp?

The Everest base camp trek takes 12 – 14 days to climb including two acclimatization days. Treks can be done in 11 days and it is not uncommon for trips to take 15 days to allow for more acclimatization.

How Difficult is it to trek to Everest Base Camp?

Trekking to Everest Base Camp requires good fitness. You spend several days at a sustained altitude of more than 4000 meters (16,404 feet). Altitude sickness is a genuine possibility, it is important to take your time, stay hydrated, and listen to your body.

Can you trek to Everest Base Camp on your own?

As of April 1, 2023 the government states that all high altititude treks require a guide, but then after some backlash, they made an exception for the Everest region. However, we highly recommend hiring guides and porters . You can trek the region yourself carrying your own packs and gear, but you have a much better chance of making to base camp (and enjoying the experience) if you hire guides.

How Long is the Everest Base Camp Trek?

The trek is 63km (39 miles) each way . 126 km (78 miles) round trip from Lukla. Expect to hike anywhere between 7 to 17 km per day.

And that is a day-by-day breakdown of our experience on the Mount Everest Base Camp Trek. If you plan ahead and understand what to expect on the EBC Trek, you will be sure to have an amazing journey.

It’s an experience we’ll never forget and highly recommend it to everyone. The Himalayan Mountains are the most beautiful and spiritual place on earth and this trip will change your life.

Read More about travel to Nepal and things to do in Kathmandu before your trek

• Flight to Lukla
• Packing list for Everest Base Camp
• Remarkable Everest Base Camp Trek in Photos
• 30 Tips for Trekking to Everest Base Camp
• Nepal Travel Guide
• Top 6 Places to visit in Kathmandu, Nepal
• Where to Eat in Kathmandu – Eight Great Spots to Indulge After Your Trek
• The Ultimate Travel Songs Playlist to Inspire Wanderlust

Dal Bhat photograph courtesy of Wikimedia – I don’t know why we never took a photo of our Dal Bhat. We ate it nearly every day while trekking to Everest Base Camp. You’ll either learn to love it or despise it.

• Inca Trail – Machu Picchu Hiking Tips – How To Hike the Inca Trail
• Complete Guide to Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro – How Hard is It?
• Top 13 Best Treks in Nepal to Help you Choose The Right Trek for you
• Trolltunga Hike – Trekking to Norway’s Most Famous Landmark
• The Complete Guide to Climbing Mount Fuji

Travel Planning Resources

Looking to book your next trip? Why not use these resources that are tried and tested by yours truly.

Flights: Start planning your trip by finding the best flight deals on Skyscanner

Book your Hotel: Find the best prices on hotels with these two providers. If you are located in Europe use Booking.com and if you are anywhere else use TripAdvisor

Find Apartment Rentals: You will find the cheapest prices on apartment rentals with VRBO . 

Travel Insurance: Don't leave home without it. Here is what we recommend:

• Allianz - Occasional Travelers.
• Medjet - Global air medical transport and travel security.

Need more help planning your trip? Make sure to check out our Resources Page where we highlight all the great companies that we trust when we are traveling.

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About The Planet D

Dave Bouskill and Debra Corbeil are the owners and founders of The Planet D. After traveling to 115 countries, on all 7 continents over the past 13 years they have become one of the foremost experts in travel. Being recognized as top travel bloggers and influencers by the likes of Forbes Magazine , the Society of American Travel Writers and USA Today has allowed them to become leaders in their field.

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53 thoughts on “Everest Base Camp Trek – Ultimate Guide For 2024”

Beautiful article! You have shared a thrilling journey with us till the end. It will definitely be useful for us trekkers. Thanks for the great pictures, videos, and useful tips!

This is a fantastic and unique post! After reading it, I learned a lot about Basecamp that I didn’t know before. Excellent article! That is true adventure, and conquering Mount Everest is without a doubt the goal of all hikers around the world. Keep up the excellent work. Thank you for providing this information.

Wow, the content has got all the details about the trek. Thank you so much for sharing your Journey experience of Everest Base Camp Nepal.

Hi There, Great Article! That’s the real adventure and especially climbing Mount Everest is the dream for all hikers across the globe without any doubt. Keep up the good work. Thanks for sharing.

Wow, the content has got all the details about the trek. Thank You so much for writing such an efficient article on Everest Base Camp Trek.

That’s the real adventure and especially climbing Mount Everest is the dream for all hikers across the globe without any doubt.

Thank you for taking the time and effort to produce such an awesome post with amazing pictures. Loved reading all your posts, really good insights here into Everest Base Camp ! Looking forward to read more.

Nice article on trekking best of luck for your new journeys

Dear Dave and Deb Namaste It is really beautiful article regards of Everest base camp trek in Nepal. Your article provides a lot details of the EBC trek. I’m sure your blog helping lot to organize other trekkers.

Excellent article. Everest Base camp is in my bucket list but I haven’t attempted because I’m prone to sickness quickly. Reading this article has triggered the interest even more. Thank you so much for explaining in detail about EBC trek. I hope One day I too can share my experience 🙂

Hey, I love trekking, I went last month with my friends in Nepal after reading your blog the memory are refreshed Thank you for sharing

Namaste, Dave and Dave, Thank you so much for sharing your Journey experience of Everest Base Camp Nepal. And also glad to read that why not support the local economy by hiring a guide and porter… I salute to your positive view. Visit Nepal anytime.

It is very interesting to read this Everest base camp trekking. I love trekking and i am excited very to do this base camp trekking once. Thanks for sharing.

This popped up in my inbox I love the way you break down your travel itinerary this way. I’m one of those people that love to know every detail of a place before travelling there myself. Another place to add to the list, thanks to you guys! Beautiful photographs.

Thank you for taking the time and effort to produce a terrific blog of your trek to EBC. I really appreciate being able to experience what it is going to be like before I actually arrive.

Everest is the highest mountain. It is at the Zenith. Most of the people just a dream of it.Very useful information. Thanks for sharing with us.

Excellent article !! Thanks for sharing such a great informative post it really helpful and amazing so keep it up and all the best………….

this was just amazing… keep sharing

The post was very informative. If you love adventure and treks you should definitely visit Nepal, it’s gonna be a life time experience. This post will really help people who are planning their next trek to Everest base camp. If you are planning your next trek to Nepal, North Nepal Trek can help you to make your trek much easier and will give you unique experience.

All of your photos are just awesome. Information is perfect.

Such an awesome post with amazing pictures. Thanks for sharing your experience with us.

This is really a very good blog post and thanks for sharing it with the community

It’s an informative post and I was thinking how you backpack for the weather? There are many things that somewhere can’t be cope at altitude like a sickness. I remember I scare when I attempt sky diving in Dubai. It’s was a wonderful experience but I have a fear of altitude places.

I have read about it but never tried. I am glad that at least i am reading such an informative article that clearly shows experience of treking over there. It might so much exciting and filled with happiness because seeing something like that would always be more of fun and achieving some of our own. Would love to try it once for sure!

Hi guys. Nice blog. Very informative. I just wonder, how did you prepare for the weather? How did you acclimatise so that you can cope with thr danger of altitude sickness? It is the ine thing that scares me to try to trek on high altitude places. To climb Kilimanjaro and to reach the EBC are in my bucket list. I’m hesitant because of my fear that I might die from cold temperature and altitude sickness.

Dress in layers, and drink plenty of water. You will want to bring DIamox with you and take it. You can get it in Kathmandu, or go to a travel clinic before leaving home. You won’t die from cold temperatures at Base Camp if you have a proper guide, and dress properly. The real dangers are if you are summitting Everest, that’s when you can get into problems, but Base Camp is very doable for anyone that is physically fit. If you don’t have the gear, you can buy winter coats, boots etc in Kathmandu. But we do recommend breaking in your boots beforehand, so you should buy those before you leave home and wear them a lot. Get warm, waterproof breathable boots with wool socks and bring several pairs. We have a guide to winter base layers to avoid the deep freeze here: https://theplanetd.com/layering-tips-for-cold-weather-travel/

Loved reading all your posts, some really good insights here into EBC! You mention putting your hair in braids, why is that? Is it because of the sweat? Is it windy so it gets knotted up? Just curious as I am doing this trek in a week and am open to all tips ?

Yes, hair can get really matted due to wind, dryness and lack of showering. The Braids kept it from matting up like dread locks. Have a great time!

Long hair can get very matted almost like dread locks. It’s becuase there aren’t a lot of chances to shower after Namche Baazar, the wind, sweat and dryness from altitude really takes its toll on both hair and skin and the braids, keep the hair from matting and breaking off.

Great read! Just curious. what time of year did you go to avoid the masses of tourists?

Thanks for sharing articles and videos it will be helpful to all people those wants to go Mount Everest.

This is just amazing and knowing each and every experience that we will have while travelling is another aspect that made me read this article fully. I am in Dubai now on a trip and would surely try to visit this place i could. I should consider the right time and other things roo. I must thank you for this wonderful piece.

Such a great journey you have shared from start to finish and your presentation is also impressive. I would love to follow these things when I will go for a camp tour.

Regards, Ronit

Your Video is superb, I feel your treking experience in this article. worth to read it.

Wow what an wonderful place is this. Want to trek this place in my life.

Great article, thanks, surprised at the early time of year you did the trek, but sounded ideal – any other good write-ups or links discussing the pros and cons of going in the spring vs fall? …weather, landscape, crowded w/ other trekkers, festivals, etc Thanks!

I am looking forward for this kind of base camp.

What an excellent post!! Thank you so much for an informative article and personal feel. This is very helpful and inspiring for my upcoming trek to Everest Base Camp.

There is so great view in pictures.it’s useful and helpful for the trekkers .i like these types of views .and tourist are also love these types of views.

Anyways amazing photos and love the videos! really gives you a feeling how it is there and must be just thrilling. Looking forward to read more about your travels.

Nice Articles and sharing a good details of Everest base camp and amazing photos. I will try to go this year Nepal and go to Everest Base Camp.

Great post. I am doing the Everest Base Camp trek in October. I completed the Annapurna Circuit in 2012 and loved it. Nepal is a such a lovely place and the people are amazing. Thanks for sharing!

Wow congratulations on your trip and everything looks really cool. I would love to do the same! Did you train a lot before you went there? Did you prepare physically? I don’t know how fit I have to be to be able to take on such a travel. Anyways amazing photos and love the videos! really gives you a feeling how it is there and must be just thrilling. Looking forward to read more about your travels.

Hi Marus, we didnt’ train a lot before. We were traveling a lot though. Before heading to Nepal we spent 4 months traveling Sri Lanka and India. We did a yoga retreat and a lot of hiking and walking, but we didn’t do any proper training. We were in relatively good shape. It’s mostly just a long uphill hike. The difficulty is being at altitude for a sustained amount of time. It affects everyone differently. Some people can be in tip top shape, but not do well at altitude and vice versa. So, it’s best to take it slow and steady, drink plenty of fluids and pay attention to how you are feeling.

All your photos are simple awesome and your posts are speaking a lot of useful information. Thank you for sharing this article.

Thanks for your beautiful video. I fell a little up lifted seeing this. I believe one of the prayer flags is for a lady I knew. Inspiring. I wish I would have done adventurous things like this when I was young. Young people don’t put off adventure.

I’m glad I read this. This is something I have always wanted to do but have been a little nervous to think about doing it when the climbing season is in full swing. The time of year you went and the company you chose make a lot of sense! Thanks for sharing.

The views are amazing!! I love adventure, but I would definitely need to build up my stamina to do the Everest Base Camp trek. It looks like it was an awesome experience for you!

Wow, what a beautiful experience. Your photos are amazing!

-Siggi The Voyaging Viking

Amazing! Can’t wait to check this off my list!

Thanks for writing this.

Thank you for sharing these helpful tips. Your post has given me some great ideas. Thanks again for the valuable information!

Everest Base Camp Trek: The Ultimate Guide

Jackson Groves

Posted on Last updated: August 10, 2023

Categories NEPAL , HIKING

Mt. Everest is the highest mountain in the world and trekking to the base camp is no easy feat either. It’s a journey through some of the most spectacular mountain views but also through a number of beautiful villages along the way. The Everest Base Camp Trek takes anywhere from 9 to 15 days depending on your route and itinerary but also how well you acclimatize.

In this article, I will cover everything you need to know about the logistics of the Everest Base Camp (EBC) trek but I will also share with you my experience on each day of the trek. A short journal entry with a vlog from my experiences from each day will give you an idea of what to expect and you can see how the journey went for me. After sharing my experience, I will then include all of the information you need to know in this complete guide about trekking to Everest Base Camp.

BEST TREKKING COMPANY IN NEPAL

Interested in trekking in Nepal or doing the Everest Base Camp Trek? I recommend booking your trek with Himalayan Masters , which is the company I use for all of my treks in Nepal. Use my code  JACKSON5  when you book to receive a 5% DISCOUNT .

Table of Contents

EVEREST BASE CAMP TREK DETAILS

• Distance : 120 km round-trip from Lukla to Base Camp and back to Lukla (You will fly to Lukla from Kathmandu)
• Days required : 12 -14 days
• Total Incline : (Undulation) – 6015 m
• Total Decline :(Undulation) – 5821 m
• The highest point on the trek : 5640 m/18 500 ft, this is actually at Kala Patthar, which you will hike to in the morning after reaching Everest Base Camp. This is where you get the best views of Mount Everest.
• Difficulty : It’s hard for an average hiker but the altitude is definitely more difficult to manage than the distance with several rest days and acclimatization days.
• Permits : Your tour operator will take care of these but in case you do the trek independently it’s good to know that you will pay a Local Government fee and Sagarmatha National Park permit, which totaled together cost about $40-$50
• Cost per day : This will depend on your tour price and whether you do the trek with a group, a porter, a guide, or independently. Somewhere between USD $40 (without flights) $60 per person per day with all meals, transport, and guides included.
• Guide : It isn’t required but highly recommended. You can do the Everest Base Camp Trek in a few different ways such as by yourself with no guide, with an experienced guide or in a group with a guide.
• Accommodation : Guest Houses, also known as Tea Houses along the way where you will sleep in a comfortable bed and have access to showers (extra charge) and restaurant facilities. Very comfortable accommodation and great after a long day of hiking.

TRY THE 3 BEST TREKS IN NEPAL

Manaslu Circuit : My personal favorite 2-week trek through Tibetan villages and stunning scenery. Less crowded and more authentic.

Annapurna Circuit : The most beautiful & scenic 2-week trek in Nepal although can be crowded at times.

Everest Base Camp Trek : The most iconic 2-week route reaching the famous (EBC) Everest Base Camp at 5,300m.

BOOKING A GUIDE FOR THE EVEREST BASE CAMP TREK

The Everest Base Camp Trek doesn’t require a guide but it’s great to have a guide managing the logistics such as directions, tea-houses, distances, medical issues, and the overall organization. I’d say 90% of trekkers go with a guide. I highly recommend booking with Himalayan Masters which is one of the top trekking companies when it comes to the Everest Base Camp Trek. I’ve trekked many different routes in Nepal with them and I’m a big fan of their attention to detail.

The trek costs around $1500 USD with Himalayan Masters as of 2022 and includes all transfers, accommodation, meals, drinks, permits, and even the hotel stay before and after the trek at a high-quality hotel. I honestly had a great time on this trek and I can wholeheartedly recommend Himalayan Masters.

You can use my discount code ‘ JACKSON5 ‘ for 5% off the total price of your trek with Himalayan Masters which is a pretty handy saving.

Email: [email protected]

TOP 3 PLACES TO STAY IN KATHMANDU

• Ultimate Luxury: The Dwarika’s Hotel – Luxury, Spa-service, Pool
• Best Value : Aloft Kathmandu Thamel – Swimming Pool, Gym & Great Restuarant
• Budget Choice: Hotel Jampa is easily the top cheap hotel in Kathmandu

MY EXPERIENCE ON THE EVEREST BASE CAMP TREK

I’d like to share with you my experience and photos from my two weeks of trekking to Everest Base Camp. I hope you enjoy recounting the journey as much as I did.

Day One, Two & Three: Kathmandu to Lukla to Phak Ding to Namche

Day one began with an incredible flight from Kathmandu to Lukla. Unfortunately for me, I had come down with food poisoning the night before the trek so it was a rough start for me but I decided to battle on. The flight gives you incredible views of the Himalayas before you touch down at Lukla Airport, one of the most famous and scariest airports in the world. The landing strip is on a downwards slope and gives passengers a heart-in-mouth moment on take-off and landing.

After landing, we had a quick coffee and look around Lukla before making the short and relatively flat trek through the villages and forest to reach Phak Ding. Day one is a short trek but you have made your way up pretty high even just by landing at Lukla Airport so it is not a bad idea to take the first day easy, given that your biggest battle on this trek will be the altitude, not the distance or speed.

Day Two for me was actually a day of recovery in Phak Ding where I spent the entire day sick in the guesthouse. There is usually one day scheduled on your itinerary for sickness or rest day so I had used mine early!

Day three was a tough day as I was still recovering but we made the climb up to Namche, which is a winding climb through the forest and out above the tree line. Namche  Bazaar is located at an altitude of 3450m inside the Sagarmatha national park, a UNESCO world heritage site and it is actually known as the last frontier for trekkers and climbers before the trek to Everest Base Camp starts to get serious.

Day Four & Five: Namche to Tengboche to Dingboche

Day four is a big day of climbing. Namche Bazaar is 3,440 meters and Tengboche is 3,860 meters but the constant undulation on the trail means you will climb almost 900 meters of incline throughout the day.

The day begins by following the valley wall as you get some great views of the Everest mountain range out in front. The path then heads down into the valley floor as you lose a lot of elevation. However, you will then cross over the river and gain all the elevation back as you approach Tengboche where you will stay for the night.

Expect to have views of the mighty mountain Ama Dablam as well as Lhotse, Nupste, and even the peak of Mount Everest. Interestingly this will be one of the best views you have of Mount Everest until you reach Kala Patthar in a few days’ time.

On day five of the Everest Base Camp trek, you say goodbye to the village of Tengboche and head towards Dingboche. It is a stunninng day as you voyage through the valley as the glacier river flows down below while snow-capped peaks loom in the distance. Along the trek, you will stop for tea in the village of Pangboche with lots of views of Ama Dablam mountain .

The elevation gain on day five is 700 meters and the entire journey will take about 5-6 hours at a moderate pace. Dingboche is 4,400 meters above sea level so it’s common to start to have a couple of symptoms of altitude sickness at this stage of the trek.

When you leave Tengboche, you begin a descent into the beautiful forest and can enjoy the shade as you pass through the village of Deboche. After you pass through Deboche, the trail gains some elevation and you will cross a suspension bridge, which guides you to the left side of the valley. Ama Dablam is still in view as you navigate the steep sections of the incline.

Day Six & Seven: Chuukhung Ri Acclimitization and Dingboche to Lobuche

Day six was an acclimatization day up to Chukhung Ri viewpoint, which was actually one of my favorite days. Because we would stay a second night in Dingboche, we left our bags in the tea house and did the climb up and down Chukhung Ri to help our bodies adjust to the altitude. The idea is to hike high and sleep low, which helps the body adapt.

Chukhung Ri is actually at 5500 meters, which is more than 1000 meters above Dingboche. This is a steep climb and you don’t need to go all the way to the summit. However, with spectacular views, isolation from other hikers, and a good chance to help your body adapt to the altitude, it’s a great day excursion with incredible scenery.

On day seven of the Everest Base Camp trek, we hiked from Dingboche to Lobuche, which is actually the second-highest village on the entire trail. Today is also the first time we will see the Khumba Glacier, which is one of the highlights of the trip.

The total elevation change for day seven is 500 meters in altitude but you will climb 600m in total for the day taking into account a few downhill sections on the trail. It’s a shorter day taking just four hours to reach Lobuche from Dingboche.

Day Eight: Lobuche to Gorak Shep to Everest Base Camp

On day eight of the Everest Base Camp trek, it is finally time to reach Everest Base Camp. From Lobuche your first trek to Gorak Shep, which is the highest village you sleep at throughout the trek.

Gorak Shep is a small village, and it’s the closest to Everest Base Camp is also the closest village to Everest Base Camp. Basically, you will trek to Gorak Shep, have an early lunch, and drop off your bag before doing the round-trip trek to explore Everest Base Camp. Then you will return to Gorak Shep where you will stay the night before heading to the nearby Kala Patthar in the morning.

The journey from Lobuche to Gorak Shep is along a rocky path, which slowly gains elevation as you walk next to the Khumbu Glacier. From Gorak Shep to Base camp, you will reach an altitude of 5,364m, which won’t be the highest on the trek as you will go higher the next morning at Kala Patthar.

When you leave Gorak Shep you walk next to the Khumbu Glacier with the Everest Mountain Range looming behind. The glacier is covered in dust and rocks due to the sediments, which have been falling from the surrounding peaks over the last years.

The trail continues alongside the glacier until you reach Everest Base Camp. It’s interesting because you actually can’t see Mount Everest from the base camp, which surprised me but the surrounding peaks are still very impressive and dramatic. Depending on if you come during the climbing season or off-season will alter how the base camp looks. I visited in the low season so there were no tents set up and it was pretty barren.

The trail continues past some Sherpa prayer flags as the rocky terrain leads you towards the famous Everest Base Camp rock, which is covered in hundreds of prayer flags. We’ve made it!

Day Nine: Kala Patthar

The highlight of the Everest Base Camp trek was the climb up to Kalapathar (also spelled out as Kala Patthar). It’s a 5,540-meter peak, which looms over the small village of Gorak Shep where you have just spent the night. It’s worth the freezing wake-up call in the morning as it is one of the best spots in Sagarmatha National Park to take in the views of Mount Everest.

It’s only a 3-kilometer round-trip trek from Gorak Shep with 300 meters of incline but at such high altitude, it can be quite difficult. I suggest starting 1.5-2 hours before sunrise so you are at the summit when the morning glow begins. After enjoying the sunrise with epic views of the cloud-filled valley and Mount Everest, we began the trek back down to Lukla.

It would take us another two days to reach Lukla, which is less than normal but going down is much easier.

Day Ten & Eleven: Heading back down

Heading back down is now at the pace of your choosing. We were keen to get back to Kathmandu so we took just two days to head back down the mountain. With altitude sickness no longer an issue, you can really make some good time.

If you are ahead of schedule you can keep going to the next village as there are no pre-made bookings. Heading down is a great feeling as you have accomplished reaching the base camp and you can now just breathe in the mountain air and enjoy the descent.

EVEREST BASE CAMP TREK: THE ULTIMATE GUIDE

In this section of the blog post, I will share with you the logistics and everything you need to know about trekking to Everest Base Camp.

HOW TO TREK TO EVEREST BASE CAMP

You have a few different options depending on your experience and requirements:

• Book a package through an agency to join a tour group
• Do the trek independently (not with an agency) but still hire a guide and/or porter
• Do the Everest Base Camp Trek entirely independently

If you are alone and don’t want to do the trek independently then it is a great idea to join a group. There are lots of free time and chill moments at the teahouses to play cards and chat with your group.

Doing it entirely independently means you are in charge of all the logistics and it can be quite stressful if you aren’t experienced at managing all flights, maps, costs, negotiations, food, language barriers, first-aid and more.

BOOKING AN EVEREST BASE CAMP TREK IN ADVANCE

These are the most popular routes and are organized by the top tour companies who have a global reputation.

The Everest Base Camp Trek doesn’t require a guide but it’s great to have a guide managing the logistics such as directions, tea-houses, distances, medical issues, and the overall organization. I’d say 90% of trekkers go with a guide.

I highly recommend booking with Himalayan Masters which is one of the top trekking companies when it comes to the Everest Base Camp Trek. I’ve trekked many different routes in Nepal with them and I’m a big fan of their attention to detail.

CHOOSING THE RIGHT TOUR AND A GUIDE

Trekking to Everest Base Camp can be done without a guide although I suggest hiring one. Here are 3 reasons why:

• Directions : The route isn’t incredibly hard to follow but there are many twists and turns I would have missed had I not had a guide. The route is available on many maps and map applications but it isn’t a clear trail throughout and some previous experience following a trail in a foreign country would be necessary.
• A guide is relatively cheap to hire : Included in your trekking package will be a qualified guide. However, in your package is also meals, accommodation, flights, etc. The guide him or herself will only cost $10-15 per day.
• When things go wrong : My guide helped me through food poisoning, altitude sickness and was as much a nurse as a guide. I rarely get sick at normal heights but altitude sickness is uncontrollable. I am pretty fit and it still smashed me hard. You can go it alone and be fine but it’s comforting to have a guide there when you come into trouble, especially with altitude sickness. My guide had seen it all before so his calm made me feel better about feeling sick for four days straight.

If you think you will get a guide like the majority of people on the Everest Base Camp, you have a lot of options and things to consider. Pictured below is my guide, Lapsang, who was a legend and someone who became a good friend. When I left Nepal he waited at the bus stop for two hours with me and gave me a Nepali scarf as a gift.

I suggest going with a small group of friends. We saw a few big groups and it looked like a Contiki tour compared to the experience I had with just myself and my guide. Only get a porter if you really need it. You should be able to carry your bag for 4-5 hours of trekking each day.

My guide, Lapsang Tamang, had done the trek multiple times as a porter and now many times a guide. He said he has lost count but somewhere over 20 times, he has been hiking the Everest Base Camp Trek. The best thing to do is to contact my guide and arrange to meet him first in Kathmandu so you can chat and decide if you want to go ahead. You will be together for 12 days after all!

You can directly contact my guide Lapsang by emailing him here: [email protected]

Lapsang is an awesome guy and I had too many chai tea hangouts with him before and after the trip. Lapsang and I became friends during the trip and afterward, we went bungee jumping, cooked Dal Bhat at his apartment, and visited Swayambunath Temple.

EVEREST BASE CAMP PACKING LIST

I had no winter clothes or even trekking shoes before getting to Kathmandu and bought it all for under $200 brand new (Likely fake North Face). But just as a guide you can get all the gear new for under $200. Bargaining/second hand etc. may help you get it a bit cheaper but this was one time I didn’t want to be so tight with money then freeze my ass off later on top of a mountain.

Keep in mind you won’t be doing any washing. Clothes that dry quickly and are lightweight are key. I showered once… Here is a list of what I took:

• 2 pairs of pants that rip off into shorts ($15 each in Kathmandu) (Super Safari style but actually handy in this situation.)
• 2 long sleeve quick-dry material shirts ($10 each in Kathmandu)
• 5 Pairs of Thermal North Face socks ($2-3 per pair in Kathmandu)
• 1 Fleece pants and sweater. ($25 for top and bottom in Kathmandu)
• 1 Thermal Lycra long sleeve and pants ($20 in Kathmandu)
• 5-6 pairs of quick-dry underwear
• 1 huge waterproof down jacket (Rented for $1 a day in Kathmandu)
• Beanie ($1 in Kathmandu)
• Neck Buff ($2 in Kathmandu)
• Gloves ($5 in Kathmandu)
• Water Purification pills and 1L bottle
• Camera gear and electronics (Not necessary but up to you. Obviously I carried a lot)

All of this should fit into a backpack no bigger than 50L and be less than 15kg. I used my 60L backpacking bag because I didn’t want to buy a new bag for a two-week trek. It worked out fine and weighed about 13kg including all of my lenses, chargers, and power banks.

What are my favorite pieces of trekking gear?

There are six pieces of gear that I simply never forget when I go trekking. These are five items that I using right now and this list gets updated every year! Here are my trekking essentials.

• Arcteryx BETA AR Rain Jacket : This is my go-to rain jacket. It’s super light, folds down into a tiny ball, and protects brilliantly in a storm. This one never leaves my backpack.
• Salomon X Ultra 3 Mid GTX Hiking Boots : For the best ankle support, waterproofing, and durable exterior I’m a fan of tough but light hiking boots like these Salomons for my adventures.
• Black Diamond Head Torch : I can’t tell you how many times, I’ve arrived back from a hike unexpectedly late. I always keep this lightweight but strong headtorch in my bag for the unexpected.
• Darn Tough Socks : These are the most comfortable hiking socks I’ve ever worn and last for years. They also have a lifetime warranty and you just send them in with a hole and they replace it no questions asked.
• Osprey Atmos AG 65L Backpack : I’ve never had a more comfortable 65L pack than this one. I got it in the Navy Blue and have trekked with it through many a mountain.
• Bl ack Diamond Trekking Poles : They might feel weird at first, but on a long trek with incline and decline you’ll begin to love these.
• Grayl GeoPress Water Filter Bottle : I’ve used this for three years. It filters your water with one press and you can drink directly from it. Never buy a plastic water bottle again!

EVEREST BASE CAMP TREK COST

I paid $900 USD for my package all the way back in 2016 but you can expect to pay anywhere from $1400 to $2500 these days.

What’s included in the package for trekking to Everest Base Camp:

• Taxi from Thamel to Kathmandu Airport
• Flights from Kathmandu Airport to Lukla Airport
• Flights from Lukla Airport to Kathmandu Airport (Regular price $320 round trip)
• Breakfast, lunch, and dinner from the guesthouses you are staying at. I could pick anything on the menu, which had western options or Nepali options. You can eat pancakes, pizza, and burgers or you can go for the 24-hr Nepali Power Dal Bhat. I could also choose any hot drink with each meal.
• Your guide throughout the trip.

What’s not included:

• Water. You can buy bottled water like me if you are playing it safe. It is $1 per bottle at a lower elevation and $3 per bottle at the highest elevation. Or lots of people use purification tablets and they seemed to be fine.
• Electricity

EVEREST BASE CAMP TREK: WIFI/ELECTRICITY AVAILABILITY.

Wifi: Costs anywhere from $3 to $10 to use wifi at the guesthouses. Buy a Ncell Sim before you go. Ncell works at 50% of the guesthouses. Electricity:  You will have to pay anywhere from $2 at low elevation to $8 at high elevation to charge your power banks, cameras, and phones. The key is to get a fat power bank. Pay to charge that then charge everything from your power bank. My power bank lets me charge my phone and four camera batteries before it would be done.

EVEREST BASE CAMP TREK: BEST TIME OF YEAR

This is an interesting question. Do you want snow, reliable weather or to get away from crazy crowds?

February to May – Peak season, clear bright days, very busy trails, lots of people attempting Everest ascent June to August – Monsoon season, no crowds and empty guesthouses September to October – Most stable and clear weather, trails are quite busy November to January – Coldest period, can reach -25, some routes closed

I trekked in the first week of June and was lucky to escape the rain. I didn’t get wet once. Normally it rained in the afternoon or at night if at all but we trekked in the morning and usually only heard the rain as we slept. The trails were open and some days we didn’t even see anyone.

My guide showed me a photo of Namche on a busy morning and I couldn’t believe it. The path looked like the start of a marathon. After seeing that I was so glad to have gone in the off-season.

EVEREST BASE CAMP TREK TEMPERATURE

During June when I trekked it was sunny in the days and I actually wore shorts every day. However as I mentioned above about when the best time to be trekking to Everest Base Camp is, it can get very cold at high elevations during November to January (-20 to-30)

EVEREST BASE CAMP TREK DIFFICULTY

Trekking to Everest Base Camp takes some serious effort. But do you need to be in great shape to complete the journey? The simple answer is NO.

You can go at a slow pace, your own pace, and still make it to Everest Base Camp. In fact, going slow will help you to acclimatize better. I am all about speed but this is not a race. Some days we only trekked for just over three hours but we gained 500m in altitude so we rested for a day and then went again in the morning.

Having said all of that you should be able to walk 10-15 km in a day. Be able to walk up intense inclines for at least an hour. Be able to carry a bag while doing all of this unless you plan to hire a porter.

It’s hard to measure if you are ready. It isn’t like a marathon or anything else you have ever done most probably. I didn’t train at all and was fine. I’m in pretty good shape and played sport my whole life. There were people on the trail who were overweight and going incredibly slow but they were right there with us at base camp to celebrate the achievement.

EVEREST BASE CAMP ALTITUDE

The base camp is 17,600 ft or 5,380m. However, you will probably also trek to Kala Patthar, which looks over the base camp. Kala Patthara is 5,644m high.

EVEREST BASE CAMP TREK DISTANCE

The distance from Lukla the first town to Everest Base Camp is 38.58 miles or 62 kilometers. Most people take 8-9 days trekking to Everest Base Camp and 3-4 days trekking back to Lukla. It took 8 days to trek to Base camp and two days to trek out.

EVEREST BASE CAMP ITINERARY

Your itinerary will vary depending on your speed and your guide. However, most people follow a somewhat similar trail and timeline. This was my timeline. Note that I spent one extra day in Phak Ding due to sickness. Most people spend that extra day in Namche.

• Day 1.  Kathmandu flight to Lukla Lukla to Phak Ding (3-4 hrs)
• Day 2. Phak Ding rest day (sickness)
• Day 3.  Phak Ding to Namche (5 hrs)
• Day 4.  Namche to Tenboche (4 hrs)
• Day 5.  Tenboche to Dinboche (3 hrs)
• Day 6.  Dinboche to Chukhung Ri (2.5 hrs) Chukhung Ri back to Dinboche (1.5 hrs) (Acclimatization day)
• Day 7.  Dinboche to Lobuche (3 hrs)
• Day 8.  Lobuche to Gorak Shep (2 hrs) Gorak Shep to Everest Base Camp (1.5 hrs) Everest Base Camp to Gorak Shep (1.5 hrs)
• Day 9.  Gorak Shep to Kala Patthara (2 hrs) Kala Patthara to Gorak Shep (1 hr) Gorak Shep to Tenboche (7hrs)
• Day 10.  Tenboche to Lukla (8 hrs)

I hope you enjoyed my guide to the Everest Base Camp Trek and you have a great adventure.

HAVE YOU READ MY OTHER NEPAL BLOGS?

I’ve been lucky enough to have many awesome adventures in Nepal, which you can check out below where I’ve listed some of my favorite blog poss from Nepal.

• The Most Iconic route: Everest Base Camp Trek
• The Most Scenic Route: Annapurna Circuit Trek
• My Favorite Trek in Nepal: Manaslu Circuit Trek
• An Easy Nepal Trek: Langtang Valley Trek
• A great beginner peak: Island Peak Climb (6,165m)
• My Favorite Climb in Nepal: Climbing Ama Dablam (6,812m)
• My first 8000er: Climbing Manaslu (8,163m)
• My toughest climb in Nepal: Climbing Makalu (8,463m)
• Where to stay: 16 Best Places to Stay in Kathmandu

Tuesday 31st of October 2023

Sunday 17th of September 2023

So much informative articles which helps people to trek Everest Base Camp Trek

Inge Winkler

Saturday 3rd of June 2023

Hello, thank you for posting all the great infos, this will be very helpful for us. Could you please update me if the requirement of a Professional Guide is in place now or is there a way around it. Thank you so much in advance. Happy Trails, Inge

Sunday 18th of June 2023

I believe you need a guide now to trek anything above 3000m

Monday 21st of November 2022

Thanks for sharing such an adventurous trip experience with us. I read your blog. It feels like I was personally enjoying this trip.

Friday 12th of August 2022

Hi Jackson,

This was a helpful and informative guide. Kudos!

I had a small suggestion: You could have a small sections box right in the beginning and link each sub-section directly to the relevant content below, for ease of navigation!

EVEREST BASE CAMP TREK

EVEREST BASE CAMP

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THE ESSENTIAL GUIDE

In this guide we cover everything you need to know about the Everest Base Camp Trek in Nepal. This includes suggested itineraries and practical information about accommodation, costs, what to pack, independent vs. guided treks, transport, and more. We also offer a route map with GPX download for use on the trek. And along with this written guide, we also share ‘silent hiking’ films that work well as a visual guide to the trail.

A chance for an adventurous and exciting journey, the Everest Base Camp Trek serves up spectacular scenery and gets you close to the world’s highest mountains, and as one of Nepal’s best known treks, it attracts people of all ages and experience levels. The trek ascends to high altitude (5000 m +) and is challenging, but it is achievable with a sensible itinerary that includes proper acclimatisation. Read on to discover more and start planning your own EBC trek.

Use the drop down menu below to jump to each section of this guide

TABLE OF CONTENTS

EVEREST BASE CAMP TREK OVERVIEW

EBC TREK FILMS

EVEREST BASE CAMP MAP & GPX DOWNLOAD

ELEVATION PROFILE & 3D ROUTE MAP

EVEREST BASE CAMP ITINERARIES

• THE CLASSIC EBC TREK
• EBC TREK VIA KHUMJUNG & PHORTSE
• EBC VIA KONGMA LA (5514 m)
• EBC AND GOKYO LAKES TREK
• BUFFER DAYS

EVEREST BASE CAMP TREK SUMMARY

• LULKA TO NAMCHE BAZAAR
• NAMCHE ACCLIMATISATION DAY

NAMCHE BAZAAR TO DINGBOCHE

• ALT. ROUTE VIA KHUMJUNG & PHORTSE

DINGBOCHE ACCLIMATISATION DAY

Dingboche to everest base camp.

• ALT. ROUTE VIA KONGMA LA

EVEREST BASE CAMP TO LUKLA

• ALT. ROUTE VIA CHO LA & GOKYO LAKES

BEST TREKKING SEASONS

HOW TO GET TO LUKLA

HOW TO GET TO LUKLA WITHOUT FLYING

EVEREST BASE CAMP TREK PERMITS & FEES

TREKKING INDEPENDENTLY

TREKKING WITH A GUIDE (& PORTER)

RECOMMENDED TREKKING AGENCY

ACCOMMODATION ON THE EBC TREK

FOOD ON THE EVEREST BASE CAMP TREK

SAFE DRINKING WATER

WIFI, PHONE SIGNAL & CHARGING

EVEREST BASE CAMP TREK COST & BUDGET

MONEY & ATMs ON THE EBC TREK

WHAT TO PACK FOR THE EBC TREK

ALTITUDE AWARENESS & AMS

TRAVEL INSURANCE

GETTING TO NEPAL

NEPAL TOURIST VISAS

Nepal visa on arrival process.

WHERE TO STAY IN KATHMANDU

BUDGET KATHMANDU ACCOMMODATION

Mid-range kathmandu accommodation, high-end kathmandu accommodation.

MAPS, GUIDEBOOKS & APPS

*Some of the links in this post are affiliate links – if you purchase a product or service via these links, we may earn a small commission  at no extra cost to you . This helps offset the cost of running this blog and keeps us travelling so that we can continue to produce great content for you. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. We greatly appreciate your support!*

• DISTANCE | 120 -143 km depending on route taken (incl. acclimatisation/day hikes)
• DURATION | 12 – 15 days depending on route (incl. flying to/from Lukla)
• START/END | Lukla
• PERMITS REQUIRED | Khumbu Trek Card 2000 NPR; Sagarmatha National Park Fee 3000 NPR (SAARC nationals 1500 NPR / Nepali nationals 100 NPR)
• TREKKING SEASON | Best Seasons: April to Mid-May , October to Mid-November ; Shoulder Seasons: March, Late May, September, Mid-November to December ; Avoid: June to August, January to February
• TREK DIFFICULTY | Moderate (challenging if including Kongma La or Gokyo Lakes)
• ELEVATION GAIN/LOSS | +/- approx 7600 metres (Classic EBC Trek incl. acclimatisation/day hikes)
• MAX ALTITUDE | 5611 m (Kala Patthar) 
• GUIDE MANDATORY? | Khumbu Pasanglhamu Rural Municipality has stated that it is NOT mandatory to trek with a guide in the Khumbu region
• ACCOMMODATION | Teahouses/Guesthouses in villages along the trail
• TREK COST | $35 – $144 USD  per person, per day (budget independent trekker to fully inclusive package)
• RECOMMENDED TREKKING AGENCY | Himalayan Masters , Quote HOGG5  for 5% discount

DISTANCE 120 -143 km depending on route taken (incl. acclimatisation/day hikes)

DURATION 12 – 15 days depending on route taken (incl. flying to/from Lukla)

START/END Lukla

PERMITS REQUIRED Khumbu Trek Card 2000 NPR Sagarmatha National Park Fee 3000 NPR (SAARC nationals 1500 NPR, Nepali nationals 100 NPR)

TREKKING SEASON Best Season April to Mid-May October to Mid-November Shoulder Seasons March, Late May, September Mid-November to December Months To Avoid June, July, August January and February

TREK DIFFICULTY Moderate (challenging if including Kongma La or Gokyo Lakes)

ELEVATION GAIN/LOSS +/- approx 7600 metres (Classic EBC Trek incl. acclimatisation/day hikes)

MAX ALTITUDE 5611 m (Kala Patthar)

GUIDE MANDATORY? Khumbu Pasanglhamu Rural Municipality has stated that it is NOT mandatory to trek with a guide in the Khumbu region

ACCOMMODATION Teahouses/Guesthouses in villages along the trail

TREK COST $35 – $145 USD  per person, per day (budget independent trekker to fully inclusive package)

OUR RECOMMENDED TREKKING AGENCY Himalayan Masters , Quote HOGG5  for 5% discount

EVEREST BASE CAMP TREKKING FILMS

Get a sense of the Everest Base Camp trekking route in our ‘silent hiking’ style ambient films.

EVEREST BASE CAMP TREK MAP & GPX DOWNLOAD

MAP & GPX DOWNLOAD

We have created a detailed Everest Base Camp trekking map to accompany this guide. It shows the Classic Everest Base Camp trekking route along with the alternative routes outlined in this guide, going via Khumjung and Phorste, Kongma La, and Cho La and Gokyo Lakes. The main side/acclimatisation hike options are included too, and the overland route between Salleri and Lukla is also marked.

Detailed stats and an elevation profile are included for each route section. Guesthouse settlements and tea shops are also marked, as well as key sights and practical info such as checkpoints, hospitals, and transport hubs. Guesthouses as per our own trek itinerary are marked, including info about prices and services, phone numbers (where possible), and a copy of the menu. Photos are included with almost every pin. 

You can use the digital map online, or download it for offline use with a mapping app such as Organic Maps, Maps.me or Gaia GPS. This is very helpful for navigation assistance on the trail. It allows you to quickly pinpoint key places and services along the way and calculate distances and elevation differences between destinations.

Note that while we’ve tried to be as accurate as possible when recording and mapping the route, changes on the ground are inevitable (especially on routes crossing glaciers) and this map should not be solely relied upon for navigation.

EVEREST BASE CAMP TREK ELEVATION PROFILE

ELEVATION PROFILE

The image below shows the elevation profile of the Classic Everest Base Camp trek, starting and ending in Lukla. The route shown here includes the various acclimatisation and side hikes as outlined in the suggested itinerary below. Elevation is displayed in metres and distance in kilometres.

3D ROUTE MAP

Watch our 3D relief map video to visualise the landscape and get a sense of the Everest Base Camp trek.

EVEREST BASE CAMP TREK ITINERARY

ITINERARY OPTIONS

There is more than one trekking route to Everest Base Camp . In this section we outline the Classic EBC trek itinerary, but also include three alternative itineraries which enable you to vary your route on the way to and from Base Camp and see much more of the Khumbu region.  

We have created an overview table for each of the Everest Base Camp trek itinerary options. These include trekking distances and approximate trekking times for each day (excluding lunch stops, breaks, etc), as well as stats on elevation gain/loss and sleeping altitude. For each itinerary the assumption is that you will fly into Lukla on the morning of Day 1 and start trekking. You will need to add 3 – 5 days if you plan to travel overland from Kathmandu to Lukla or vice versa. 

It is also possible to combine the following itineraries to create your own alternative EBC trek. For example, you could trek via Khumjung, Phortse and Kongma La on the way to EBC, or you could include both Kongma La and Gokyo Lakes. A few minor possible alternatives along the way are noted below each itinerary, such as alternate overnight stops.

If viewing the itinerary tables on a mobile device or tablet, scroll to the right to see the full table or flip your screen to landscape mode

CLASSIC EVEREST BASE CAMP TREK ITINERARY

A classic Everest Base Camp trek itinerary is 11 nights/12 days, following the exact same route on the way to and from EBC. If you have limited time, this is the shortest itinerary you can follow while sticking to safe altitude ascent rates.

DAY 1 ALT. INFO*

*Alternatively, continue to Monjo (2830 m)  where fewer  people stay overnight  (a further 5.1 km, approx 2 hours trekking time) . Doing this means the trail will be less busy for both your Phakding to Monjo section, and the Monjo to Namche section the following morning.

DAY 4 ALT. INFO**

**Alternatively, continue to Pangboche (3950 m)  where fewer people stay overnight (a further 4.2 km, approx 1.5 hours trekking time). Pangboche is a lovely village with fantastic views of Ama Dablam, and there are many guesthouses. Tengboche, on the other hand, only has two guesthouses and it can be difficult to get a room here in peak season. Continuing to Pangboche also means the trail will be less busy for both your Tengboche to Pangboche section, and the Pangboche to Dingboche section the following morning.

DAYS 8 & 9 ALT. INFO***

***On days 8 and 9 the classic itinerary that most people follow is to visit EBC after lunch at Gorak Shep, then hike up Kala Patthar in the dark for sunrise the next morning (when it is bitterly cold). If you swap these two around as per the above suggested itinerary, you are guaranteed to have a less busy experience at both EBC and on the trail up Kala Patthar. As the skies are usually clearer in the morning you are also likely to have better views at EBC, however it is possible that the views from Kala Patthar will be obscured by afternoon clouds. If you’re lucky and have clear afternoon skies, then you will be treated to a fiery sunset glow on Everest and the surrounding mountains. If you hike up Kala Patthar in the morning, your mountain views will be brief as the sun rises directly behind Everest and you’ll soon be looking directly into the sun.

ALTERNATIVE EVEREST BASE CAMP TREK ITINERARY VIA KHUMJUNG AND PHORTSE

Our first alternative Everest Base Camp trek itinerary is 12 nights/13 days. This itinerary follows a different route between Namche Bazaar and Pangboche on the way to EBC, by trekking via Khumjung and Phortse. The overall difficulty of this route remains moderate, and the additional day allows you to explore more of the region and gives more time for acclimatisation. It’s also a great option for avoiding crowds during the peak trekking seasons, as far fewer people trek this alternative route.

DAYS 9 & 10 ALT. INFO**

**On days 8 and 9 the classic itinerary that most people follow is to visit EBC after lunch at Gorak Shep, then hike up Kala Patthar in the dark for sunrise the next morning (when it is bitterly cold). If you swap these two around as per the above suggested itinerary, you are guaranteed to have a less busy experience at both EBC and on the trail up Kala Patthar. As the skies are usually clearer in the morning you are also likely to have better views at EBC, however it is possible that the views from Kala Patthar will be obscured by afternoon clouds. If you’re lucky and have clear afternoon skies, then you will be treated to a fiery sunset glow on Everest and the surrounding mountains. If you hike up Kala Patthar in the morning, your mountain views will be brief as the sun rises directly behind Everest and you’ll soon be looking directly into the sun.

EVEREST BASE CAMP VIA KONGMA LA TREK ITINERARY

Our second alternative Everest Base Camp trek itinerary is 13 nights/14 days. This changes the route taken between Dingboche and Lobuche on the way to EBC by crossing a high pass called Kongma La (5514 m). This section is more challenging than the rest of the route, but it offers incredible scenery and the chance to explore much quieter sections of trail than you’ll experience on the classic EBC route.

DAY 8 ALT. INFO**

***There are two viewpoints on the Chukhung Ri acclimatisation hike, the lower one (5380 m) which most people visit and the higher one (5516 m) which involves a tough and steep climb towards the end.

DAYS 10 & 11 ALT. INFO****

****On days 8 and 9 the classic itinerary that most people follow is to visit EBC after lunch at Gorak Shep, then hike up Kala Patthar in the dark for sunrise the next morning (when it is bitterly cold). If you swap these two around as per the above suggested itinerary, you are guaranteed to have a less busy experience at both EBC and on the trail up Kala Patthar. As the skies are usually clearer in the morning you are also likely to have better views at EBC, however it is possible that the views from Kala Patthar will be obscured by afternoon clouds. If you’re lucky and have clear afternoon skies, then you will be treated to a fiery sunset glow on Everest and the surrounding mountains. If you hike up Kala Patthar in the morning, your mountain views will be brief as the sun rises directly behind Everest and you’ll soon be looking directly into the sun.

EVEREST BASE CAMP AND GOKYO LAKES TREK ITINERARY

Our third alternative Everest Base Camp trek itinerary is 14 nights/15 days. This varies the route taken between Lobuche and Namche Bazaar on the way back from EBC, by crossing a high pass called Cho La (5368 m) and descending via the spectacular Gokyo Lakes. Again, this route is more challenging than the classic or first alternative EBC itineraries we suggest, due to the extra distance and overall elevation gain. However, it is a highly rewarding trek which includes some of the most spectacular locations in the Khumbu region. The sections of trail that you must repeat on the way to and from EBC are kept to an absolute minimum on this itinerary.

IMPORTANCE OF BUFFER DAYS

Building in buffer days to your Everest Base Camp itinerary is highly recommended, especially if you plan on flying to/from Lukla. Flights are regularly cancelled due to poor weather conditions, sometimes for a number of days. If everything runs smoothly, it takes half a day or less to get to/from Lukla at the start/end of your trek. However, if flights are not operating, it can take up to 3 days to travel overland from Kathmandu to Lukla, using a mixture of buses and jeeps, and by trekking too. Therefore, it’s wise to have at least 3 or 4 days between the end of your planned trek itinerary and any international flight. This would allow you time to get from Lukla to Kathmandu overland if necessary.

Of course, a delay could also happen at the start of your trek while trying to get to Lukla, and this might leave you struggling to catch up with your original itinerary. Having a couple of buffer days built in will mean you don’t have to drastically alter your itinerary, avoiding the need to walk extra long distances to save a day or skipping places because you don’t have time.

Buffer days also allow you to alter your itinerary on the go more easily. For example, if you get sick and need to spend an extra night somewhere,  or the weather is bad and you want to wait it out before continuing your trek, then you have the extra days on hand.

It’s worth knowing that should everything go to plan and you don’t need to use any buffer days during your trek, it’s straightforward for a trekking agency to change the date of your flight, bringing it forward a few days for example. However, this is not so easy if you have booked your flight online, independently.

OUR RECOMMENDED TREKKING AGENCY

We partnered with  Himalayan Masters for our Langtang Valley, Gosainkunda, EBC and Everest Three Passes treks, and found them to be professional and committed to a high level of service

To enquire about booking your own trek, get in touch via email at [email protected] and mention the code HOGG5 to get a 5% discount off the cost of your trip

ROUTE SUMMARY

LUKLA TO NAMCHE BAZAAR

The first two days of the Everest Base Camp trek are repeated in reverse on the final day of the trek. With only one route connecting Lukla and Namche Bazaar, unfortunately there’s no avoiding this. 

This section of the trek passes through numerous villages and teahouse settlements, the last of which is Jorsale, shortly beyond the entrance to Sagarmatha National Park. There are five suspension bridges to cross, including the 125 metre high Hillary Bridge, and numerous smaller fixed metal bridges. The Khumbu Trek Card Registration desk (where you get your Khumbu Trek Card and pay your Sagarmatha NP entrance fee) is shortly beyond Lukla, and there are further checkpoints at Toc Toc, Monjo, and just before Namche Bazaar.

The route follows a mixture of wide stone paths, riverside paths, and forest trail, with plenty of up and down along the way. There is one notable ascent, a 700 metre climb immediately after crossing the Hillary Suspension Bridge, on the last stretch before Namche. This section is a pleasant couple of days and a good introduction to the trek, with greenery and the chance to see colourful rhododendrons and blossoms in spring, plenty of scenic river views, and a definite buzz thanks to all the people coming and going and the numerous villages dotting the trail.

With only one route up and down to Namche, traffic jams are common along this section, with trekkers, porters, and pack mules, yaks and their handlers all sharing the same trail. Bottlenecks are particularly common at suspension bridges and on the steep climb up to Namche. Be sure to wait on the side of the trail without a drop-off when letting pack animals pass, and don’t start crossing a bridge if you can see them coming in the opposite direction – let them cross first. Finally, stick to the left side when walking by any mani stones, mani walls and prayer wheels, as it’s both common practice and culturally appropriate.

For more detail about this section of the route, see Days 1 and 2 of our Everest Three Passes Route Guide .

The Hillary Suspension Bridge as seen from the valley floor, with the old bridge still in place below

NAMCHE BAZAAR ACCLIMATISATION DAY

It’s important to acclimatise properly throughout your Everest Base Camp trek. This allows your body time to get used to the ever-increasing altitude as you ascend to 5000 metres and above. Building in rest days, staying well hydrated, and going on acclimatisation hikes (where you climb higher during the day but sleep lower at night) are all good ways of helping your body acclimatise.

Unless you are already acclimatised (for example you have been at altitudes of 4000 metres and higher within the previous week), spending a second night at Namche Bazaar is highly recommended and this is standard on virtually all Everest Base Camp trek itineraries. You should do this even if it seems like you feel physically fine. 

The most common destination for an acclimatisation hike from Namche Bazaar is the Hotel Everest View (3880 m) , where you can get lunch or a drink and enjoy fantastic views from the terrace. It takes around 3 hours to hike up to the hotel and back down again. A must-visit on the way is Sagarmatha Next , a learning / experience / visitor centre and gallery championing waste management solutions for the Khumbu region. 

Morning view over Namche Bazaar from the northeast

Morning view of Namche Bazaar from the northeast

For a longer hike and the chance to see more of the local area, doing a loop via Khumjung is a great option. Khumjung is the largest Sherpa village in the region, with an impressive monastery and a school founded by Edmund Hillary in 1960. The original classroom is now the Sir Edmund Hillary Visitor Centre , another great place to visit and learn about the Khumbu region. The loop hike (including Hotel Everest View) is around 7.5 km, and you should allow up to 5 hours for the hike. It’s also possible to include a visit to Khunde village, home to another monastery. This would extend the loop route to around 9.1 km and you should allow up to 6 hours.   

If you plan to overnight at Khumjung on day 4 of your trek, following the ‘Alternative Everest Base Camp Itinerary’ outlined above, you might want to opt for a shorter Namche acclimatisation hike. Hiking 100 metres up to the helipad on the western side of the village is a good choice. There is an excellent view over Namche from here, where you can see it curving around the sloping hillside in amphitheatre-like fashion.

Various Namche acclimatisation hiking routes are marked on our EBC Trek map .

CLASSIC ROUTE VIA TENGBOCHE

This two-day section of the Everest Base Camp trek offers fantastic mountain scenery and a beautiful trekking trail, passing through forest and open hillside. There is one notable big climb between Phunki Thanga and Tengboche but otherwise the trail is mostly straightforward, with just a few short steep sections, and plenty of flat, undulating, or gentle climbs. There are a handful of small villages along the route, two suspension bridges, a checkpoint at Phunki Thanga, and an impressive monastery at Tengboche which is well worth visiting (daily 7am – 8am, 9am – 11am, and 1pm – 5:30pm, monks chanting at 3pm). After Pangboche you are more or less above the treeline, surrounded by imposing mountains and expansive views.

For more detail about this section of the route, see Days 4 and 5 of our Everest Three Passes Route Guide .

Trekkers pass through Shomare on the way to Dingboche, with the twin peaks of Ama Dablam rising behind

Trekkers pass through the village of Shomare on the way to Dingboche, with the twin peaks of Ama Dablam rising behind

ALTERNATIVE ROUTE VIA KHUMJUNG AND PHORTSE

This three-day route section follows an alternative trail between Namche and Pangboche before joining the classic Everest Base Camp trail for the final stretch to Dingboche. Opting for this itinerary allows you to vary your route on the way to and from EBC and take advantage of much quieter trails. Plus, the extra day allows for a slower ascent pace, which is a good option for anyone who knows they are slow to acclimatise or prefers to follow a more cautious itinerary.

This route climbs initially to Khumjung, the largest Sherpa village in the region, then stays above the ‘Classic EBC’ route to Pangboche, offering fantastic views throughout. There is a small guesthouse settlement at Mong La (3970 m) which is the highest point on the way to Phortse, a scenic village with a number of guesthouses, local homes, and the Khumbu Climbing Centre . 

There is plenty of up and down on this section of the trek, with some notable climbs to Khumjung, Mong La, and both before and after Phortse. However, this route is not considerably more challenging than the ‘Classic EBC’ route, especially as it is split over three days instead of two. 

Spending two nights at Dingboche, a sizeable village situated at 4300 m, is advisable in order to ensure you ascend to very high altitude at a safe rate. Going on an acclimatisation hike is also an important part of acclimatising to such altitudes, and Nangkartshang Peak (5039 m) is a great option. This hill rises to the north of Dingboche and there are fantastic views throughout the climb, especially of Ama Dablam. There is an obvious path all the way to the rocky top, which is festooned with prayer flags and spacious enough for plenty of people. The 766 metre climb should take around 2.5 – 3 hours, with the descent about half that. It’s advisable to start early (around 7:30am) for the best chance of clear views and calm conditions. 

After a 760 metre climb, people rest and enjoy the views at the prayer flags on Nangkartshang

For a longer and less busy acclimatisation hike, a great option is the side hike up the valley to the east of Dingboche to Chukhung Village and Chukhung Ri, a viewpoint situated at 5380 m. The views from Chukhung Ri are fantastic, looking back down the valley and across to an impressive ice wall, and you’ll be surrounded by numerous majestic snowy peaks including Lhotse, Nuptse, Island Peak and Ama Dablam. Allow up to 8 hours for this return hike.

Plenty of outstanding views to appreciate while hiking up to Chukhung Ri

Plenty of outstanding views to stop and appreciate while hiking up to Chukhung Ri

Whichever acclimatisation hike you decide to do, ensure you have plenty of water, snacks, and warm layers with you.

For more detail about these hikes, see Day 6 (Nangkartshang) and Day 8 (Chukhung Ri) of our Three Passes Route Guide.

CLASSIC ROUTE

If you’re following the Classic EBC route you’ll trek from Dingboche to Base Camp over 2 – 2.5 days, spending a night at Lobuche and then at Gorak Shep. From Gorak Shep you’ll do a return hike to EBC. Most people also include a side hike to Kala Patthar, the highest point of the trek at 5611 m, where you can get a view of Mt Everest (which isn’t actually visible from Base Camp.) 

The route heads up the valley to the northwest of Dingboche, climbs to Thok La pass, then heads northeast, running parallel to the Khumbu Glacier all the way to Base Camp. It’s a gradual ascent for most of the way, but at these altitudes (4300 m – 5300 m) even a gentle climb can take your breath away. The climb to Thok La on the way to Lobuche, the short but steep climb on the way to Gorak Shep, and the undulating rocky glacier section immediately before Gorak Shep are among the most challenging sections.

The views are wonderful throughout and the final sight of Everest Base Camp, encircled by soaring peaks, is a memorable one. This is especially true if you’re trekking during the peak climbing season, when a sea of tents sprawls across the glacier at the foot of the Khumbu Icefall – seen from the trail, these tiny yellow dots emphasise the enormity of the surroundings even more.

First sight of Everest Base Camp from the trail

Posing for the obligatory photo on the ‘EBC Rock’

Seen from the Kala Patthar trail about 30 minutes before sunset , the clouds part to reveal the summit of Mount Everest (8849 m)

Lobuche is a small settlement of guesthouses on the edge of the Khumbu Glacier, a very busy spot where everyone going to and from EBC stops for food and/or spends the night. Gorak Shep is even smaller, busier, and more basic with just four guesthouses and no good water supply. 

For more detail about this section of the route, see Days 10 and 11 of our Everest Three Passes Route Guide .

ALTERNATIVE ROUTE VIA KONGMA LA

This alternative route to Everest Base Camp is a three day trek between Dingboche and Lobuche, via Chukhung, Chukhung Ri and Kongma La. At Lobuche you rejoin the classic route for the final section to Gorak Shep, Kala Patthar and EBC. This is part of the Everest Three Passes trek and is a challenging but very rewarding addition to the EBC trek. With far fewer people trekking this route compared to the Classic EBC route, you can expect the trail to be much quieter.

The route follows  a gently ascending trail up the scenic valley to the northeast of Dingboche before reaching the small guesthouse settlement of Chukhung. It’s advisable to spend two nights here, using the extra day for an acclimatisation hike to the spectacular viewpoint of Chukhung Ri (5380 m) before crossing Kongma La the following day. The scenery around the village is very dramatic, as are the views seen throughout the hike to Chukhung Ri, with Ama Dablam rising to the south, Island Peak to the east, and Lhotse and Nuptse to the north, along with countless other peaks and the dramatic ice wall of the Chukhung Glacier.

The trek to Kongma La (5514 m) involves a long ascent but other than a couple of short steep sections, it’s mostly a steady climb, and the landscape is striking. From the pass you have incredible 360 degree views and you can see all the way down to Lobuche, a small cluster of buildings on the far side of the rocky Khumbu Glacier. The descent is somewhat steep and slippery at first due to loose dirt, shale, and small rocks, but becomes less steep as you work your way down to the eastern side of the glacier. The final section, crossing the glacier itself, involves plenty of up and down as you work your way across jumbled rocks and around small glacial lakes; on the other side, a final downhill stretch leads to Lobuche.

For more detail about this section of the route, see Days 7 – 9 of our Everest Three Passes Route Guide .

On the final approach to Kongma La

The Classic Everest Base Camp trekking route follows the same trail on the return to Namche Bazaar, covering the distance in three days with overnights at Pheriche, Namche, and Lukla. As you drop in altitude more oxygen flows through your blood and the physical strain on your body reduces. This combined with the fact that you no longer need to think about acclimatisation enables you to cover a much greater daily distance than on previous days. The return section of the trek is not all downhill however, and three 17 – 19 km days in a row can be very tiring!

ALTERNATIVE ROUTE VIA CHO LA AND GOKYO LAKES

An alternative route connects Lobuche and Namche Bazaar via Cho La and Gokyo Lakes. This turns your trek into a loop hike commonly known as the Everest Base Camp and Gokyo Lakes trek. Following this route over six days, you’ll cross Cho La (5368 m), a high pass to the west of Lobuche, descend from the pass and traverse the rocky Ngozumpa Glacier to reach Gokyo and a string of brilliant blue lakes, then follow the Gokyo Valley back to Namche where you’ll join the trail to Lukla. The route takes in some of the best scenery in the Khumbu region and is a fantastic alternative to the Classic EBC trek, although definitely more challenging with the addition of the high pass. 

This route diverges from the classic trail a little south of Lobuche, working its way around a hillside to the northwest to reach the small guesthouse settlement of Dzonglha. The ascent to Cho La on the next morning is initially gradual, after which there are a couple of steep sections and the crossing of an icy glacier (microspikes recommended) just before the pass. The descent starts off steeply (aided by a fixed metal rope) before becoming more gradual as it works its way down the valley to the guesthouses at Dragnag (Thangnak). On the following morning* you have to cross the Ngozumpa Glacier, the largest glacier in Nepal, with a rocky, undulating trail passing small glacial lakes to reach Gokyo on the other side. The descent onto and climb off the glacier is quite steep.

*If you are looking to save a day it is possible to continue to Gokyo after crossing Cho La, without spending the night at Dragnag (Thangnak). It will very much depend on your energy levels and the weather conditions on the day.  

Trekkers crossing the icy glacier towards Cho La (5368 m), the rocky dip ahead

Gokyo, a medium-sized teahouse village, sits on the western side of the glacier, on the shores of Dudh Pokhari, or Gokyo 3rd Lake. The setting is beautiful. You can visit the 4th Lake on a side hike to the north, and climb the steep trail to Gokyo Ri early the next morning for some of the most impressive views in the region. The return to Namche Bazaar is via the Gokyo valley, following the Dudh Koshi river. A good option is to break your journey at the small village of Dole, then continue beyond Namche to overnight at Monjo before the final stretch back to Lukla. 

Early morning at Gokyo

Beyond Dole the trail descends towards Phortse Tenga, then climbs to Mong La, on the same route as outlined in the ‘Alternative Route via Khumjung and Phortse’ section. From Mong La it’s possible to descend all the way to Sanasa and take the same trail back to Namche that you followed on the way to Tengboche, or stay higher and follow a trail to the large Sherpa village of Khumjung before descending to Namche. The route between Namche and Lukla is the same as at the start of the trek. 

For more detail about the Everest Base Camp to Gokyo section of the route, see Days 11 – 15 of our Everest Three Passes Route Guide .

SEE MORE FROM NEPAL

Everest Base Camp Trek: The Essential Guide

Everest Three Passes Trekking Route Guide

Everest Three Passes Trek: The Essential Guide

Gosainkunda Helambu Trekking Route Guide

Gosainkunda Trek: The Essential Guide

Langtang Valley Trekking Route Guide

Langtang Valley Trek: The Essential Guide

What To Pack For Trekking In Nepal

Upper Mustang Trek: The Essential Guide

Upper Mustang Trek Itinerary: A Day By Day Account

Annapurna Circuit Trek: The Essential Guide

Annapurna Circuit Trek Itinerary: A Day By Day Account

Manaslu Circuit Trek: The Essential Guide

Manaslu Circuit Trek Itinerary: A Day By Day Account

Everest base camp trekking season.

TREKKING SEASON

Like many treks in Nepal , the peak seasons for trekking the Everest Base Camp route are April to mid-May and October to mid-November . These months typically offer the best chance of both clear skies and warmer temperatures, although weather patterns are becoming increasingly unpredictable in Nepal and across the world, so you should still be prepared for snow and colder temperatures during these periods.

The spring trekking season coincides with the Everest climbing season , so the Khumbu region is very busy with helicopters and yaks transporting supplies to Everest Base Camp. If trekking at this time, you will have the chance to see base camp fully set up with all the tents, and there is a great buzz about the place. Outside of the climbing season, there are no tents or any other infrastructure at EBC.

Trekkers crossing the moraine-covered glacier between Lobuche and Gorak Shep on a clear skies spring morning

Trekkers crossing the moraine-covered glacier before Gorak Shep on a clear spring morning

In autumn, expect less wind and higher temperatures than in spring, while in late March and April, blooming rhododendrons and other spring flowers are a beautiful sight at some lower elevations.

The shoulder seasons are March, May, September and mid-November to December. During these times it can be much quieter on the trail. There is typically cold weather in March and December. In March there is a high chance of lingering or fresh snow. December typically has sunny weather and clear skies throughout the day. In late May and early September there is a higher chance of early or lingering monsoon rains and cloudy skies.

The summer months of June, July, and August coincide with the monsoon season . Trekking during this period means lots of walking in rain, muddy trails, leeches, and poor visibility with clouds obscuring the surrounding mountains. Many guesthouses close during this period, and it is not a good time to trek. Flights to and from Lukla are likely to be cancelled regularly and for days at a time.

The winter months of January and February are considered too cold by most to trek and many guesthouses are closed.

PLAN A TREK IN THE LANGTANG VALLEY

PLAN YOUR LANGTANG VALLEY TREK WITH OUR COMPLETE GUIDE

DETAILED TRAIL NOTES AND OTHER INFO FOR THE LANGTANG TREK

Lukla is the gateway for all treks in the Khumbu region, including Everest Base Camp, Everest Three Passes , and Gokyo Lakes. Nestled in the mountains at 2855 m, the closest dirt-road access is approximately 1 day’s walk away, with a tarmac road 3+ days’ walk away. The majority of people arrive in Lukla by air, landing at the small runway or helicopter pad at Tenzing-Hillary Airport (LUA). If you prefer not to fly, it’s possible to get to Lukla overland in 3+ days, by taking a bus/jeep then trekking on foot.

FLYING TO LUKLA

Flights to Lukla operate year-round from either Kathmandu or Ramechhap/Manthali (approx 4 hours’ drive from Kathmandu), although cancellations and delays are common as flights can only run in favourable weather conditions. The flight time is 30 minutes from Kathmandu, and 15 minutes from Ramechhap/Manthali. The Lukla runway is just 527 metres long and is sloped at an 11.7% gradient, making taking off and landing challenging for pilots and a little daunting for passengers.

Flights are operated by Tara (Yeti) Air , Summit Air , and Sita Air , with each company using small 15 seater twin propeller planes . Flights usually only operate in the morning, when the skies are clearer and there is less wind. There is a weight limit of 10 kg checked baggage + 5 kg hand baggage . The cabin is not pressurised and it’s very noisy. There are no assigned seats. For the best mountain views, try to sit on the left while flying to Lukla and the right on the return flight.

During peak trekking and climbing seasons , Lukla flights operate to and from Ramechhap/Manthali in order to ease congestion at Kathmandu Airport. The dates change annually, but this is roughly April 1st – May 20th and September 20th – November 20th . See below for how to get from Kathmandu to Ramechhap/Manthali.

The runway at the Tenzing-Hillary Airport in Lukla, sloped at an 11.7% gradient and just 527 metres long

The runway at Tenzing-Hillary Airport in Lukla, on an 11.7% gradient and just 527 metres long

Flight tickets cost $180 one way from Kathmandu and $152 one way from Ramechhap/Manthali . You can book online directly with the airline, or via an agency in Kathmandu. If you are booking an inclusive trekking package, for example with our recommended local trekking agency Himalayan Masters , your flight will be organised for you. Booking the earliest possible flight time is best as clouds tend to move in and the wind picks up through the morning, with later flights more likely to be cancelled. Note that agencies sometimes have access to earlier flights than are available to book online.

It is free of charge to change your flight date (in advance by calling the airline or in person at the airport) and it’s a good idea to reconfirm the day before you fly to avoid being bumped onto a later flight. Again, if you have booked through a trekking agency, they can take care of any flight changes and reconfirmations for you. This makes the whole process much more straightforward than if you have booked independently (especially if you’re trying to make changes while trekking with limited phone service or internet connection).

Be aware that it can be a bit chaotic at the airport and being bumped onto a different flight time and/or standing around confused about what’s happening is pretty normal. The situation is certainly easier to manage if you are with a guide, who will be used to the process, speaks the local language, and will take care of everything for you.

FLYING TO PHAPLU/SALLERI

Sometimes when flights can’t depart for Lukla, there is an option to fly to Phaplu (2 km north of Salleri) instead. From Phaplu it’s possible to trek to Lukla in about 3 days, or you can take a jeep as far as Thamdada (subject to road conditions) and trek the remaining distance to Lukla in 1 day.

See stages 2 and 3 in the ‘how to get to Lukla without flying’ section below for more details.

HOW TO GET FROM KATHMANDU TO RAMECHHAP AIRPORT (MANTHALI)

You can get from Kathmandu to Ramechhap Airport (RHP) (also known as Manthali) by public bus, shuttle bus, or private car. The journey takes around 4 hours.

Public buses depart between approx 0600 – 1100 from Ratna Park (also known as Old Bus Park) near Thamel, costing approx 600 NPR  ($4.50 USD). The journey takes around 4 – 5 hours. You will need to spend one night at a guesthouse in Manthali before flying to Lukla the following morning. There are guesthouses within walking distance of Ramechhap Airport. You can just show up and buy a bus ticket on the day. Buses arrive at the Manthali Bus Park .

Shuttle buses depart from the Thamel area of Kathmandu at 0130 and 0200, allowing you to fly to Lukla the same morning. They also depart at 1100, if you prefer to travel during the day and spend one night in Manthali before flying to Lukla. The journey takes about 4 hours. You must make a reservation in advance. You can do this via a local agency, ask staff at your accommodation to help, or book online via Viator or Get Your Guide . Tickets cost up to $30 USD.

A private car costs approx 14000 NPR ($100 USD), which can be shared by up to 4 passengers. The road condition does not require a jeep/4×4 vehicle. The journey takes about 4 hours, with door-to-door service. You can book a private car via a local agency or ask staff at your accommodation to help organise it.

For the return journey from Ramechhap/Manthali to Kathmandu you must pre-arrange your shuttle transfer or private car transfer. If travelling back to Kathmandu by public bus, you should be able to get one from the Manthali Bus Park after arriving on the flight from Lukla.

HELICOPTER TO LUKLA

It is also possible to fly from Kathmandu to Lukla by helicopter. Helicopters can often fly in weather conditions that would ground twin propellor planes, they are generally considered safer, and they operate out of Kathmandu Airport year-round (unlike planes which only depart from Ramechhap/Manthali during peak season). Flying by helicopter is considerably more expensive though, costing around $500 USD one way per person (assuming there are enough people to fill five seats). You can book via a local travel or trekking agency, or book online in advance via Viator .

Morning mountain views on the helicopter ride to Lukla

Morning mountain views on the helicopter ride

It’s possible to get to Lukla without flying by using a combination of bus and/or jeep and trekking. This takes 3 – 5 days. Eventually there will be a road built all the way to Lukla, but for now the closest you can possibly get by jeep on a dirt road is Thamdada (1 day walk to Lukla), and by bus or jeep on a sealed road is Salleri/Phaplu (3 – 4 days’ walk to Lukla). Buses and jeeps stop for food and toilet breaks along the way. As the road between Salleri/Phaplu and Thamdada is unsealed, its condition can vary greatly depending on how much rain there has been. Sometimes it’s not possible to drive all the way to Thamdada, and you may only be able to reach Bupsa, Kharikhola, or Adderi.

Although it may be possible to get all the way from Kathmandu to Thamdada in one day, we do not recommend this as it means travelling on a dirt road with challenging hairpin bends and steep sections in the dark. Instead, it’s advisable to spend one night in Salleri where there are lots of guesthouses and travel to Thamdada the following day. At Thamdada, there is a guesthouse (Kare Hotel) at the jeep stop and two more approximately 25 minutes’ walk from the jeep stop. Additionally, there are many more guesthouses at Paiyu, which is around 2 hours’ walk away. It’s also possible to stop shortly before Thamdada to stay at a guesthouse in Kare (approx 1 hours’ walk to Thamdada).

The trekking route from Salleri to Lukla goes via Ringmu, Nunthala, Kharikhola, Bupsa, Kari La (Thamdada), Paiyu and Surke. Common overnight stops are at Nunthala, Bupsa, and Surke, after which you join the classic Lukla (or Cheplung) to Namche Bazaar route. There is a lot of elevation gain and loss on the Salleri to Lukla trekking route, so expect plenty of tiring up and down. The driving route from Salleri to Thamdada goes via Adderi and joins the trekking route shortly before Kharikhola.

KATHMANDU TO LUKLA OVERLAND STAGES

Step 1 // drive kathmandu to salleri/phaplu.

9 – 12 hours travel time (mostly sealed road); Phaplu is about 2 km north of Salleri

B us is approx 1700 NPR ($13 USD); departs from Chabahil Chowk (approx 0430) or from Koteshwor Chowk (approx 0500); no advance booking required

Shared Jeep is approx 2600 NPR ($20 USD) per person; d eparts from Chabahil Chowk and Koteshwor Chowk ( approx 0500); b est to reserve seat in advance (ask local travel agency or accommodation staff)

Private Jeep is approx $280 (can be shared between up to 7 people); d oor-to-door service, depart any time in morning; b ook via a local travel/trekking agency

STEP 2 // DRIVE SALLERI/PHAPLU TO THAMDADA (or Bupsa, Kharikhola, Adderi or elsewhere depending on road condition)

6 – 7 hours travel time (unsealed road)

Shared Jeep is approx 2600 NPR ($20 USD) per person; d eparts approx 0600; b est to reserve seat in advance; (ask your accommodation owner to book when you arrive in Salleri)

Private Jeep is approx $235 (can be shared between up to 7 people); d oor-to-door service, depart any time in the morning; b ook in advance in Kathmandu via a local travel/trekking agency

STEP 3 // TREK THAMDADA TO LUKLA OR CHEPLUNG

You can bypass Lukla itself and join the trail to Namche at Cheplung instead (you can get your Khumbu Trek Card from the checkpoint at Toc Toc as you will not pass the checkpoint at Lukla). There is a lot of up and down on this section. It is possible to cover the distance over two days if you prefer, staying at a guesthouse along the way (for example at Chheubas or Surke). The route and villages/guesthouses along the way are marked on our map .

To Lukla: 13.3 km | approx 7 hours trekking time | +1870 m / – 1744 m

To Cheplung: 13.9 km | approx 7 hours trekking time | +1785 m / – 1825 m

EVEREST BASE CAMP TREK PERMIT AND FEES

PERMIT AND FEES

You need two permits for the Everest Base Camp trek. Both are issued locally in the Khumbu region so you don’t need to organise permits in advance in Kathmandu. You will need your passport and the fee in cash in Nepalese rupees.

Keep your permits in a safe place as you will need to show them at various checkpoints during the trek.

KHUMBU TREK CARD

Issued at checkpoint (Lukla or Toc Toc)

C an register in advance online (not mandatory)

SAGARMATHA NATIONAL PARK FEE

(1500 NPR SAARC nationals/ 100 NPR Nepali nationals)

Pay at checkpoint in Lukla or NP entrance beyond Monjo

TREKKING EVEREST BASE CAMP INDEPENDENTLY

The Nepal Tourism Board announced on March 9th 2023 that as of April 1st 2023, all international trekkers in Nepal are required to hire a licenced trekking guide and obtain the TIMS card through an authorised trekking agency registered with the government of Nepal.

However, the Khumbu Pasanglhamu Rural Municipality has confirmed that it is NOT mandatory to trek with a guide in the Khumbu region. This means that you do not need to have a guide for the Everest Base Camp trek , or indeed for any other trek in the region such as the Gokyo Lakes or Three Passes treks. We have included copies of the official press release from April 2nd 2023 and an info card from September 2023 stating that a guide is not mandatory in the Khumbu region. You can check the Khumbu Pasanglhamu Rural Municipality Facebook page for any further updates.

PROS AND CONS OF INDEPENDENT TREKKING IN NEPAL

While having a guide in the Khumbu region is not mandatory, this does not mean that trekking to EBC independently is the right decision for you, especially if you are an inexperienced high altitude trekker. If you are thinking about doing the Everest Base camp trek without a guide, here are a few thoughts on the pros and cons of independent trekking in Nepal. 

This is the cheapest way to trek to Everest Base Camp. You won’t have to pay for anything extra beyond your daily food and accommodation costs, permit fee, and transport to/from the trailhead.

You have complete freedom and flexibility. You can choose how long to trek for each day, what route to take and where to stay. If you like somewhere, you can choose to stay an extra day without having to consult anyone else or consider their needs.

It is easier to enjoy a bit of ‘alone time’ on the trail. If you are trekking with a guide or group it can be harder or more awkward to branch out and enjoy walking alone with your thoughts.

You’ll likely have more interaction with locals. If you are trekking with a guide it is common practice for them to deal with everything at your guesthouse and act as a go-between. It’s normal for your guide to take your order, bring out your food, and settle up the bill on your behalf, which means you may have little interaction with the owner or staff yourself. But, you’ll be doing all that by yourself if you trek independently.

With freedom and flexibility comes more responsibility and the need to do more research, preparation and daily planning. You will need to spend time organising things both on and off the trail. You will need to sort out all the logistics like your permit, transport, and accommodation by yourself, and be confident in your route planning and navigation. 

You are more vulnerable in an emergency situation or if you get sick. This is especially true if you are trekking solo. You should prepare as best you can with a comprehensive medical kit, emergency contact numbers at the ready, and ideally an emergency communication device like the Garmin inReach .

In peak trekking season you may find it harder to get a room. Many guesthouses prefer bigger groups with organised companies and will give preference to them over independent solo trekkers or those in small groups. Guides with existing local contacts often call ahead to book rooms, something which isn’t as easy for independent trekkers with no personal contacts. Tengboche, Lobuche, and Gorak Shep all have limited accommodation options and it’s not uncommon for guesthouses here to be full during the peak seasons. 

You miss out on all the insights a knowledgeable, English speaking guide can offer. Your understanding of the region, and Nepal in general, is likely to be much broader after spending two weeks in the company of a Nepali guide rather than going it alone.

This is the cheapest way to trek the Everest Base Camp. You won’t have to pay for anything extra beyond your daily food and accommodation costs, permit fee, and transport to/from the trailhead. 

You have complete freedom and flexibility. You can choose how long to trek for each day, what route to take and where to stay. If you like somewhere, you can choose to stay an extra day without having to consult anyone else or consider their needs. 

It is easier to enjoy a bit of ‘alone time’ on the trail. If you are trekking with a guide or group it can be harder or more awkward to branch out and enjoy walking alone with your thoughts. 

In peak trekking season you may find it harder to get a room. Many guesthouses prefer bigger groups with organised companies and will give preference to them over independent solo trekkers or those in small groups. Guides with existing local contacts often call ahead to book rooms, something which isn’t as easy for independent trekkers with no personal contacts. Tengboche, Lobuche, and Gorak Shep all have limited accommodation options and it’s not uncommon for guesthouses here to be full during the peak seasons.

TREKKING EVEREST BASE CAMP WITH A GUIDE (AND PORTER)

TREKKING WITH A GUIDE (AND PORTER)

Although not mandatory, many people choose to do the Everest Base Camp trek with a guide, and often with a porter too. If you are an inexperienced high altitude trekker we would absolutely recommend hiring a guide for this trek, but even if you are experienced, trekking with a guide is a great option. Not only can a guide be invaluable when it comes to your safety, a guide can also enrich your experience on the trail, giving you the opportunity to learn more about the history, culture, and geography of the land. Hiring a porter to carry your bag will put less strain on your body, making your trek much easier and perhaps allowing you to better enjoy the surroundings. Hiring a guide and/or porter also provides jobs and supports the trekking tourism economy.

One guide can accompany a maximum of five trekkers. A porter shouldn’t be asked to carry more than 25 kg, ideally no more than 20 kg. If you pack appropriately, one porter can carry two trekkers’ bags. Ensure that your guide and porter have appropriate clothing and equipment for the trail, including warm clothing for high altitudes (a down jacket, hat, gloves), boots, sunglasses, and waterproofs.

WHAT TO EXPECT WHEN TREKKING WITH A GUIDE

If you are doing the Everest Base Camp trek with a guide you may meet them in either Kathmandu or Lukla. If you meet in Kathmandu, you will travel to the trailhead together and return to Kathmandu together at the end. Professional guides in Nepal are both licenced and insured, and will speak English (sometimes other languages too).

During your trek a guide will walk with you on the trail, suggest the best spots to stop for lunch, and take you to their recommended overnight accommodation. At busy times, they may call ahead and pre-book a room for you. They will act as your go-between at each guesthouse, arranging your room, taking your food orders, and settling the bill. It’s normal for a guide to run through the following day’s itinerary each evening, giving you an overview of the trail, trekking time, and any other relevant information.

A guide can help with many practical things, provide insight into local culture, and be a good companion on the trail

Your guide will always be around at your guesthouse, but they won’t stick by you constantly. You will have plenty of freedom to hang out in your room or the dining room, read your book, chat with other guests, play cards, etc. Guides sleep and eat in the same guesthouse as you, always in a separate room. A guide’s meals and accommodation are usually provided free of charge by guesthouses in exchange for their trekking clients’ custom. If a guesthouse is busy, your guide may share a room with other guides or be obliged to sleep in the dining room.

WHAT TO EXPECT WHEN TREKKING WITH A PORTER

If you’re doing the Everest Base Camp trek with a porter, you will usually meet them locally at the start of your trek. It is not common for porters to travel with you from Kathmandu due to the expense of getting to/from the Khumbu region. Trekking agencies usually have a pool of porters that they work with regularly and can arrange a porter as part of any trekking package. As porters usually do not speak English, your guide will communicate and organise the day-to-day logistics with your porter during the trek.

Porters often go at their own pace so you won’t always trek with them. It’s common to pack your bag and have it ready for them before breakfast, and for your bag to already be in your room when you arrive at your guesthouse for the evening.

A porter putting in the hard work on the Everest Base Camp Trek

CONDITIONS FOR PORTERS IN THE KHUMBU REGION

Conditions for trekking porters across Nepal are far from ideal, however they are particularly poor in the Khumbu region. Unlike in other trekking regions, guesthouse owners in the Khumbu do not permit porters to sleep or eat in their guesthouses alongside trekkers and guides (with the exception of a rare few based on our own experience). Instead, porters sleep and eat at designated Nepali hotels or porter shelters in each village or teahouse settlement in the Khumbu region. Also, unlike in other regions, porters in the Khumbu must pay for their meals, with a large proportion of their daily wage being spent on food.

The conditions in which porters sleep, often in one dormitory-style room with up to 100 or more porters, are much more basic than those experienced by trekkers and guides in guesthouses. Sometimes porter accommodation is full, and porters must walk to a different village to find available accommodation, returning to meet their trekking clients in the morning. This is especially common at Lobuche and Gorak Shep, where limited accommodation means that porters often have to walk for hours, back to Thukla or Pheriche to spend the night before returning early the next morning.

You can read more in the informative paper ‘ Uphill Struggle: Impediments and Facilitators to Porter Health in the Khumbu Region ’ by Nate Barott (2018).

Porters stop for a break at Lawi Schyasa, between Namche Bazaar and Tengboche on the Everest Base Camp trail

HOW TO ORGANISE AN EVEREST BASE CAMP TREKKING GUIDE (AND PORTER)

The easiest way to arrange a trekking guide is via a trekking agency . You can book an inclusive Everest Base Camp trekking package which covers your transport, entrance fees, guide (and porter), accommodation costs, and three meals a day. Alternatively, you can pay for a guide (and porter) only, and then pay-as-you-go for your accommodation, food, transport, and entrance fees (although this involves more day-to-day hassle than opting for an inclusive package).

Choosing a trekking agency is often the trickiest part as there are thousands of registered agencies in Nepal and the quality of service can vary greatly between them. Many trekkers will choose a guide or agency based on a trusted recommendation from a friend or fellow trekker, and this is a good approach. An alternative option is to visit a number of trekking agencies in person when you arrive in Thamel (Kathmandu) to get a feel for a company that you like, or to contact agencies online in advance.

Having trekked with three different agencies and three different guides on three visits to Nepal, our best experience has been with Himalayan Masters . We partnered with them for our Langtang , Gosainkunda Helambu , and Everest Base Camp and Three Passes treks, and found them to be very professional, committed to a high level of service, and competitively priced.

We really appreciate the fact that Sandip, the agency owner, is super flexible when it comes to itinerary amendments that don’t just follow the norm. He’s also a problem solver and what we’d call a real ‘go-getter’, a trait that’s highly valuable to his clients, whether he’s retrieving a swallowed bank card from a Thamel ATM in record time, or fixing logistical issues when things go wrong last minute at 2am (both real life examples experienced by us or fellow Himalayan Masters clients we met on the trail!).

We’d also highly recommend our Himalayan Masters guide, Govinda Rai, who we spent over a month trekking with in Nepal. He is very professional, taking care of everything you would expect from a guide, but also tailoring his suggestions and advice specifically to his clients, resulting in a more enjoyable trekking experience overall. We quickly came to trust his choices for lunch stops and accommodation as we felt they were always among the best options available. His knowledge of the trail was excellent, and his advice on trekking times for each day (based on our own pace) was spot-on, making it easier for us to plan our itinerary and make on-the-go changes as we saw fit. And on a personal level, we found Govinda to be easy-going, friendly, and an all-round great person to spend time with.

Govinda, o ur Himalayan Masters guide

Govinda, our Himalayan Masters guide

We also met a number of other Himalayan Masters guides while out on the trail, including Dipak who we chatted with lots, as our Langtang Valley trek itinerary coincided for three nights at the same guesthouses. From our interactions with Dipak, and positive feedback shared over dining room chats with his two trekking clients, we’re confident that Himalayan Masters are working with great guides across the board.

In addition to our guide, Govinda, we’d also highly recommend our porter, Prakas Tamang, organised last minute for us by Himalayan Masters. He knows the trail inside out, portering on the Everest Base Camp route, along with various others in the Khumbu region, multiple times a season. We felt he went above and beyond his role as a trekking porter, especially when breaking trail for us in snowy conditions while crossing Ngozumpa Glacier and Renjo La.

To  discuss planning your Everest Base Camp trek you can get in touch with Himalayan Masters at [email protected]  and you’ll get a 5% discount off your trip cost by using our code HOGG5 .

HOW ABOUT TACKLING THE MANASLU CIRCUIT?

DAY BY DAY ACCOUNT

ACCOMMODATION ON THE EVEREST BASE CAMP TREK

Accommodation.

Accommodation on the Everest Base Camp trek is in the form of guesthouses, also known as teahouses or lodges. These can be found regularly along the trail in local villages (such as Namche Bazaar and Dingboche) or in guesthouse-only settlements (such as Lobuche and Gorak Shep). In general, the standard of accommodation is decent on the EBC trek, but it becomes more basic at higher altitude, with accommodation at Gorak Shep (5160 m) the most basic (and the toilets the most unpleasant) of the whole trek.

The accommodation at Gorak Shep (5160 m) is the most basic on the Everest Base Camp Trek, but the mountain views are spectacular

Guesthouses provide both accommodation and meals, and you are expected to eat dinner and breakfast at the guesthouse you sleep at. Lunch is usually at a different guesthouse along the trail, unless you arrive early at your destination for the day.

Rooms are basic, but comfortable. They usually have two single beds, although some places will have rooms sleeping three, or just one. Beds always have a sheet-covered mattress, a pillow with a pillowcase, and a blanket. We have seen plenty of bedding hanging out to dry which would suggest sheets, pillowcases, and blankets do get washed, however there is no guarantee that they will be freshly laundered for each guest. Personally, we always trek with our own sleeping bag and silk liner, using the blanket over our sleeping bag for extra warmth at higher altitudes.

There is always a light in the room, powered by mains electricity or solar. Often there is a small table, some hooks on the wall, and a bin, and there is almost always a window with curtains. Some guesthouses will have charging sockets in the room, but this is not always the case. There is no heating in guesthouse rooms, only ever in the main dining room.

DINING ROOM

Every guesthouse has a dining room where you can eat your meals, drink tea, and hang out. There are usually tables and benches around the perimeter of the room, with plenty of plastic chairs for huddling around the central stove. Expect to see a display cabinet of snacks and sundries for sale (eg. chocolate bars, biscuits, Pringles, toilet paper, soft drinks), and often a Buddhist prayer altar, too. The dining room is the only room with a stove. This is usually lit in the late afternoon or early evening as the sun goes down and it starts to get cold, making it nice and cosy.

The dining room of Mountain Paradise Lodge in Dragnag/Thangnak on the Everest Base Camp and Gokyo Lakes Trek

The dining room of Mountain Paradise Lodge in Dragnag/Thangnak, a small teahouse settlement on the Everest Base Camp and Gokyo Lakes Trek

TOILETS AND SHOWERS

There are usually rooms with attached bathrooms (ensuite) available as far as Dingboche. After Dingboche, rooms with shared (common) bathrooms are generally all that is available. If you have an attached bathroom this will usually have a toilet, sink (not always), and shower. Shared bathroom facilities normally consist of separate toilets and shower rooms, with a sink outside, although sometimes there is no dedicated sink and you’ll need to wash your hands/brush your teeth at an outdoor tap.

Toilets may be sit-down or squat style. Toilet paper is never provided , so you’ll need to pack your own and buy more as you go. Do not flush toilet paper down the toilet, always put it in the bin next to the toilet (this may be an old tin can, a cardboard box, a plastic container, or such like.) Sit-down toilets will likely have an automatic flush, although at higher altitudes in cold weather, the pipes can freeze and you may need to flush the toilet using a bucket of water. Squat toilets never have an automatic flush; you always need to flush using the scoop and bucket of water provided.

A gas shower is usually available although sometimes the water is solar heated. If neither are available, guesthouses can provide a bucket of hot water which you can use to wash. You can expect to pay up to 800 NPR for any kind of hot water shower at guesthouses between Namche Bazaar and Lobuche. There are no shower facilities at Gorak Shep.

COME JOIN US ON INSTAGRAM

FOOD AND DRINK

Every guesthouse serves meals and you are expected to eat dinner and breakfast at the guesthouse you are sleeping at, otherwise the cost of the room will be much higher. There are also a few bakeries, coffee shops, and tea shops along the route where you can pop in for treats.

Every guesthouse has a menu, and the options for breakfast, lunch, and dinner are similar at each. Prices increase the higher you go as food and fuel needs to be transported further via porters or pack animals, resulting in additional costs. Meat is on the menu at most guesthouses (usually buffalo, yak, or chicken), but it’s advisable to stick to vegetarian food; meat is not usually fresh or kept refrigerated and the chance of getting an upset stomach is much greater if you eat it.

EVEREST BASE CAMP TREK MENU

Click into the slider to see a typical example of a menu on the Everest Base Camp trek. This menu is from Dingboche, where prices are more expensive than at lower altitudes but fairly representative of prices above 4000 m.

We have included photos of the menu from every guesthouse that we stayed at on the Everest Base Camp trek in our accompanying map .

Breakfast dishes include porridge, muesli, eggs, Tibetan bread (a kind of fried dough), chapati (flat, unleavened bread), and pancakes . Honey, jam, peanut butter, apples, chocolate sauce, and yak cheese are common accompaniments on offer.

Breakfast options are generally priced between 300 – 1200 NPR (approx $2 – $9 USD), depending on location and item.

LUNCH AND DINNER

Dal Bhat is a ubiquitous Nepali meal , eaten twice a day by many locals. It consists of plain rice, a lentil soup, veggie curry, papad (poppadom), and some sort of pickle. Depending on the veggies available, you may also get saag (spinach) or something similar. Everything is served on a big plate, and you can get free refills of each item (apart from the papad!).

There are always free refills of rice, dal and curry with  Dal Bhat , giving rise to the familiar catchphrase ‘Dal Bhat power 24 hour’

With Dal Bhat , t here are always free refills of at least the rice, dal and curry, giving rise to the familiar catchphrase, ‘Dal Bhat power 24 hour’

Other options include various soups (some fresh, some from a packet), basic pasta dishes (usually fried), fried rice, fried noodles, boiled or fried potatoes, and momos (steamed or fried dumplings). Ingredients more or less revolve around eggs, cheese, potatoes, carrots, cabbage, onion, garlic, and tinned tuna.

Lunch and dinner options are generally priced between 350 – 1200 NPR (approx $2.5 – $9 USD), depending on location and item.

Various hot drinks include black/green/milk/masala/mint/ginger lemon honey tea, instant coffee, and hot chocolate . You can order a single cup or a small/medium/large thermos (called ‘pots’). Cups or pots of hot water are also available.

Soft drinks like Coke, Fanta, and Sprite are available to buy at each guesthouse shop, along with bottled water (although we recommend purifying tap water to drink instead of buying bottled water). You can also buy beer (bottles/cans) and small bottles of Khukuri rum , however it’s best to avoid alcohol at higher altitudes as this dehydrates you and makes acclimatisation more difficult.

Hot drinks are on average about 80 – 350 NPR per cup ($0.60 – $2.60 USD), or up to 800 – 3000 NPR per large pot ($6 – $22 USD). Soft drinks are about 300 – 600 NPR ($2.30 – $4.50 USD), bottled water is about 100 – 500 NPR ($0.75 – $3.80 USD), and beer is about 800 – 1200 NPR ($6 – $9 USD).

SNACKS AND DESSERTS

You can buy chocolate bars, biscuits, and Pringles at most guesthouse shops. Other snacks like popcorn, papad, prawn crackers, yak cheese, or french fries are often available on the menu, and you can usually get desserts like apple, Snickers, or Mars spring rolls/fritters/pies/momos.

A typical example of what’s on sale in guesthouses 

A fairly typical example of what’s on sale

Prices for Snickers/Mars start from 300 NPR ($2.30 USD), packets of biscuits start from 100 NPR ($.75 USD), and Pringles start from 600 NPR ($4.5 USD). Desserts range from 350 – 900 NPR ($2.70 – $6.80 USD).

BAKERIES AND COFFEE SHOPS

You’ll find bakeries and coffee shops (some with even proper coffee machines!) in various villages along the Everest Base Camp trekking route. These include Namche Bazaar, Tengboche and Dingboche. Common bakery treats include brownies, cinnamon buns, and apple pie. A few bakeries in Dingboche also show mountain-related films every afternoon.

Coffee costs around 300 – 400 NPR ($2.20 – $3 USD); bakery treats are usually around 400 – 600 NPR ($3 – $4.5 USD).

FANCY THE BIGGEST TREKKING CHALLENGE IN THE KHUMBU REGION?

PLAN YOUR TREK WITH OUR GUIDE

TRAIL NOTES AND OTHER INFO

SAFE DRINKING WATER ON THE EVEREST BASE CAMP TREK

Bottled water is available to buy along the trail, however a much better option (environmentally and economically!) is to treat tap water and drink this instead. Come prepared with a refillable water bottle and/or water bladder , and a method of treating the water to make it safe for drinking.

The cheapest option is to use water purification tablets . You drop these into the water, wait about 30 minutes, then your water is safe to drink (although it can have a strange taste due to the active chemical in the tablets, ie. iodine or chlorine). You can buy these easily in supermarkets and outdoor shops in Kathmandu.

Our preferred method of water sterilisation is to use a Steripen Ultra in conjunction with a filter . The filter screws onto the top of our Nalgene water bottle and ensures any weird floaty bits or particulates are filtered out. Then we stick the Steripen into 1 litre of water for 90 seconds and the UV light sterilises the water, making it safe to drink immediately and with no change to the taste. The Steripen Ultra model is rechargeable via USB, so we can charge it using our solar panel, power bank, or an electrical socket. We always carry water purification tablets as an emergency backup, although we’ve never had to use them during 6+ years of using the Steripen.

Other common sterilisation methods include a Lifestraw , Grayl , Water-To Go , or a squeeze filter system .

As pipes can freeze overnight at higher altitudes, be sure to fill water for the following day before going to bed . There is usually a tap where you can fill your water bottle, but if not your guesthouse owner/staff can fill it for you from their water storage container.

The only place on the Everest Base Camp trek where it is not possible/advisable to drink the local water is at Gorak Shep . There is no good water supply here. The local guesthouses have to fill water from a questionable spring and store it in containers for use in the kitchen. Given the scarcity of water and the effort involved to carry it to the guesthouse, staff will not fill your bottle for you. The only option is to buy bottled water (500 NPR) or do as we did and carry enough water with you from Lobuche. Given the poor water supply and likely less than ideal hygiene standards at high altitude Gorak Shep (5160 m), it is not uncommon for people to get sick here. We would advise caution with what you order, perhaps avoiding hot drinks (which may not have been properly boiled).

WIFI, PHONE SIGNAL, AND CHARGING ON THE EVEREST BASE CAMP TREK

WIFI, PHONE SIGNAL, AND CHARGING

Nepal Telecom SIM cards work best on the Everest Base Camp trek. With NTC you’ll have a phone signal and usually a data connection for most of the trek between Lukla and Pangboche . You’re unlikely to get much of a signal beyond here.

WiFi is available at most guesthouses and bakeries along the trail. Between Lukla and Pangboche the usual WiFi cost for unlimited use at a guesthouse is around 300 NPR ($2.30 USD), although sometimes it’s free. Beyond Pangboche you can connect to the internet via Airlink . To do so you buy a card with an individual access code and this costs 600 – 700 NPR for 24 hours. Poor weather conditions can affect WiFi connectivity so there are no guarantees it will be working 24/7.

Most guesthouses run off solar power, and free in-room charging isn’t usually available. Instead you pay per device , charging in the dining room. Prices increase the higher you go, with one phone battery full charge costing between 200 – 800 NPR ($1.50 – $6 USD), and a power bank full charge costing between 1000 – 2000 NPR ($7.60 – $15 USD). Some guesthouses do offer free in-room charging (and a hot shower) if you are paying for a more expensive room with an attached bathroom. Depending on how many devices/batteries you need to charge, paying for the more expensive room can sometimes work out better value overall. Some coffee shops (notably in Dingboche) offer free phone charging with the purchase of food or drink.

One of the cafes in Dingboche offering free phone/battery charging for customers

It’s definitely a good idea to pack a power bank (or two, depending on your usage), enabling you to charge your phone and batteries on-the-go. A portable solar panel allows you to charge your devices for free in sunny conditions, and may be worth buying if you’ll continue to use it on future trips.

EVEREST BASE CAMP TREK COST AND BUDGET

COSTS AND BUDGET

The cost of your Everest Base Camp trek will very much depend on how you choose to trek (independently or with a guide), how many people you share the costs with, how much you eat and drink, and how often you want to have a hot shower, connect to the internet, or charge your devices.

EVEREST BASE CAMP TREK BUDGET SUMMARY

An inclusive Everest Base Camp trekking package with a local agency such as Himalayan Masters (quote HOGG5 for a 5% discount! ) usually works out at around $125 per day . This normally covers your accommodation during the trek in a mixture of rooms with attached and shared bathrooms, three meals and three hot drinks per trekking day, a guide and porter, internal flights, all airport transfers, all permits, and a couple of nights accommodation in Kathmandu. You will need to pay for any extras during your trek such as hot showers, charging devices, WiFi, and snacks – budget about $20 per day to cover all of this. You should also budget for a tip for your guide and porter.

An independent trekker with a mid-range budget (travelling without a guide or porter) could expect to pay around $50 – $55 per day on the EBC trek. This would cover flights to and from Lukla, your permits, accommodation in a mixture of rooms with attached and shared bathrooms, three meals and three hot drinks plus one treat a day (such as a Coke, Snickers, or real coffee), connecting to WiFi, charging a power bank, and having a hot shower every other day, and charging a phone or camera battery every day.

The minimum that we estimate a budget independent trekker could spend on the Everest Base Camp trek is about $35 per day . This would mean trekking without a guide or porter, opting to travel overland by public transport (minimum 16 days required Kathmandu to Kathmandu), sharing a twin room and using shared bathroom facilities every night, eating three simple meals a day with no snacks or treats, and not paying for any WiFi, hot showers, or device charging.

DETAILED EVEREST BASE CAMP TREK BUDGET

Below is a complete breakdown of the average costs for an Everest Base Camp trek. This should allow you to plan your budget according to your own style of trekking. We have calculated these costs based on the actual prices charged at each guesthouse we stayed at, averaged out over an 11 night/12 day itinerary as outlined in our Classic Everest Base Camp Itinerary table above .

TRANSPORT COSTS

Flight: Kathmandu < > Lukla; $180 (one way) 

Flight: Ramechhap  < > Lukla; $152 (one way)

Helicopter: Kathmandu < > Lukla; $500 (one way)

Kathmandu to Ramechhap

Local Bus: Kathmandu < > Ramechhap; 600 NPR ($4.50) (one way)

Shuttle Bus: Kathmandu < > Ramechhap; $30 (one way)

Private Car: Kathmandu < > Ramechhap; 14000 NPR ($100) (one way) (cost can be shared among 4 people)

Kathmandu to Salleri

Local Bus: Kathmandu < > Salleri; 1700 NPR ($13) (one way)

Shared Jeep: Kathmandu < > Salleri; 2600 NPR ($20) (one way)

Private Jeep: Kathmandu < > Salleri; $250 (one way) (cost can be shared among 7 people)

Salleri to Thamdada

Shared Jeep: Salleri < > Thamdada; 2600 NPR ($20) (one way)

Private Jeep: Salleri < > Thamdada; $235 (one way) (cost can be shared among 7 people)

PERMITS/ENTRANCE FEES

2000 NPR ($15) Khumbu Trek Card

3000 NPR ($23)   Sagarmatha National Park Fee (1500 NPR SAARC nationals / 100 NPR Nepali nationals)

Twin Room with attached bathroom: 1000 – 1500 NPR ($7.50 – $11) per night (cost can be shared between 2 people)

Twin Room with shared bathroom: 500 – 1000 NPR ($3.80 – $7.50) per night (cost can be shared between 2 people)

11 nights twin room with shared bathroom average cost 750 NPR ($5.70) per night (cost can be shared between 2 people)

11 nights twin room with attached bathroom where possible average cost 1200 NPR ($9) per night (cost can be shared between 2 people)

3 x meals with hot drinks, average 3150 NPR ($24 USD) per person, per day

Costs based on 1 x chapati with omelette (breakfast) + 2 x dal bhat (lunch and dinner) + 3 x masala tea per day

It will cost extra if you want to have soft drinks, snacks, desserts, etc.

For a detailed look at food prices, check out the menus for each guesthouse we stayed at in our Everest Base Camp map

Average 500 NPR ($3.80) per day (if using wifi every day)

PHONE/CAMERA BATTERY CHARGING COSTS

Average 400 NPR ($3) per day (if charging one phone or camera battery every day)

POWER BANK CHARGING COSTS

Average 550 NPR ($4) per day (if charging one power bank every day)

HOT SHOWER COSTS

Average 550 NPR ($4) per day (if taking a hot shower every day)

TREKKING GUIDE

$20 – $30 USD per day (cost can be shared with up to 5 people)

$18 – $25 USD per day (max weight carried 25 kg, cost can be shared between 2-3 people)

GUIDE AND PORTER TIPS

Guides and porters rely on tips to supplement their daily wage and it is expected that you tip at the end of your trek

Recommended minimum amount is:

500 NPR ($4 USD) per person, per day for guides

400 NPR ($3 USD) per person, per day for porters

For larger groups, tip 10% of total tour cost to be split between all trekking staff

Average 500 NPR ($3.80) per day  (if using wifi every day)

PHONE/CAMERA BATTERY CHARGING

Power bank charging, money and atms on the everest base camp trek.

MONEY AND ATMs

You will pay for everything in cash on your Everest Base Camp trek. It is best to bring all the cash you need from Kathmandu , in Nepalese rupees . There are ATMs in Lukla and Namche Bazaar, but we advise you to think of these as emergency ATMs only and not to rely upon them. It’s a good idea to have a mixture of large and small bills, as guesthouses, shops, and bakeries don’t always have change.

ATMs in Nepal have maximum withdrawal limits (usually 35,000 NPR) and your bank card is also likely to have a max daily withdrawal limit . Be sure to plan ahead and start withdrawing cash a few days in advance. If this is not possible, for example you plan to depart for Lukla soon after arriving in Nepal, you will need to have enough foreign currency (USD is best) to exchange for Nepalese rupees.

If you are trekking independently you will need to carry quite a lot of cash. You will need less cash if you choose an inclusive trekking package as your guide will pay for accommodation and food during the trek, but you will still need enough to cover daily expenses such as hot showers, snacks, and device charging. You should also ensure you have enough cash to tip your guide and porter at the end of the trek, as one or both may not be returning with you to Kathmandu.

PLAN YOUR JOURNEY ON THIS CLASSIC NEPAL TREK

WHAT TO PACK FOR THE EVEREST BASE CAMP TREK

WHAT TO PACK

Everything you need for your Everest Base Camp trek is covered in our dedicated packing guide, What To Pack For Trekking in Nepal , so be sure to check this out for a complete rundown. You can also download our Nepal Packing List , a useful online or printable checklist for your trek.

In a nutshell, you will need layers suitable for trekking in warm and cold conditions and dry clothes for the evening, gear which you will use on the trail and at your guesthouse, any relevant electronics , hygiene and first aid items, and a few essentials such as cash , emergency contact details , your travel insurance documents, and your passport . We would highly recommend carrying microspikes (crampons) for crossing the icy glacier at Cho La, and in case you encounter any other snow or ice during the trek.

If you arrive in Nepal without the appropriate gear for trekking, you can buy and/or rent everything you need in Kathmandu (either fake or genuine items). Some trekking agencies provide gear free of charge to clients. Himalayan Masters , for example, provide sleeping bags, down jackets, trekking poles, water bottles, purification tablets, caps, T-Shirts, and a duffel bag if you’re trekking with a porter.

There are also lots of trekking shops in both Lukla and Namche Bazaar , with others dotted along the trail in various smaller villages. You can buy genuine gear from the likes of Icebreaker, Osprey, and Black Diamond at Sherpa Adventure Gear stores in Namche. There is also a branch of The North Face in Namche. Most other shops sell counterfeit/cheap gear.

You can leave any excess luggage at your hotel in Kathmandu and pick it up when you return from your trek.

WHAT TO PACK FOR YOUR TREK

Download our handy Nepal packing list to print or fill in digitally using a PDF reader

ALTITUDE AWARENESS AND AMS

Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) , also commonly referred to as Altitude Sickness, can affect people at heights of around 2500 m and above . It can affect anyone regardless of age, physical fitness, or other factors. The higher you go the less oxygen there is, and it takes time for your body to adjust. Symptoms of AMS, such as headaches, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, fatigue or loss of appetite, can occur when your body is not properly acclimatised to being at a particular altitude.

The highest sleeping altitude on the Everest Base Camp trek is at Gorak Shep (5160 m). The highest point you are likely to trek to is Kala Patthar (5611 m) . These altitudes are considered ‘ very high altitude ’ in trekking terms.

AMS can develop into the life-threatening conditions of HACE or HAPE, therefore symptoms of AMS should never be ignored. Read up on the causes, symptoms, and treatments for AMS prior to your trek – it could save your life or that of a fellow trekker! We have found the altitude.org website helpful, along with the PDF booklet about Travel at High Altitude (available in a number of languages) produced by Medex . A number of other medical websites, such as the NHS , are also good resources.

In a nutshell, the best way to avoid developing AMS (or the life-threatening conditions of HACE or HAPE) is to follow medically advised best-practices . This includes ascending slowly, sleeping no more than 300 – 500 metres higher than the previous night, taking a rest day for every 1000 metres ascended above 2500 m, staying well hydrated by drinking lots of water, and going on acclimatisation hikes where you can climb high but return to sleep at a lower altitude.

Ascending at the correct rate and doing acclimatisation hikes like this one (Nangkartshang) will help your body adjust to high altitude properly

Ascending slowly and doing acclimatisation day hikes like this one (Nangkartshang) will help your body adjust to high altitude properly

If you develop AMS symptoms, do not ascend any higher. Rest, drink water, eat something, take paracetamol and ibuprofen to help with the pain, and assess whether your condition is worsening or improving. If it is worsening, you should descend to a lower altitude immediately. If it is improving or staying the same, rest at the same altitude for a night and allow your body more time to acclimatise before ascending.

Acetazolamide (Diamox) is a tablet that can be taken as a preventative to AMS, or as a treatment to help reduce the symptoms. It helps to speed up the acclimatisation process by causing you to breathe deeper and faster, resulting in higher oxygen concentrations in the body. It usually comes in tablets of 250 mg and the dosage is 125 mg twice a day. You can speak to a medical professional prior to your trip about taking Acetazolamide (Diamox). It is available to purchase over the counter at pharmacies in Kathmandu and trekking guides will often carry it in their first aid kit. Common side effects of taking Acetazolamide (Diamox) are tingling fingers, lips, and/or feet.

Note that many guides and locals will advise you to eat garlic soup as a remedy to AMS, but there is no medical evidence to support this notion.

TRAVEL INSURANCE FOR TREKKING IN NEPAL

You will have the chance to trek up to 5611 m on the Everest Base Camp trek. Trekking to this altitude is NOT automatically covered by most travel insurance providers , but you should be able to pay extra for an add-on ‘activity pack’ or such like which will cover you for trekking at such heights. When choosing your travel insurance policy, it’s also wise to ensure you have Search and Rescue cover and Medical Evacuation cover included.

Always check the inclusions and exclusions of your policy carefully. Some travel insurance providers have specific exclusions or conditions when it comes to trekking in Nepal. For example, the excess for helicopter evacuation may be considerably higher for Nepal than elsewhere. This is due in part to a scam in recent years whereby trekkers who become ill are pressured or encouraged to fly out of the mountains by helicopter for medical attention, with unscrupulous guides, helicopter companies, doctors, and even some trekkers themselves, profiting from the scam.

You should also make a note of the correct procedure for medical emergencies and the insurance company emergency contact number. Add this information to your phone, and keep a written copy with you while trekking.

Whether you are currently in your home country or are already travelling, two travel insurance policy providers that can cover you for trekking in Nepal are World Nomads (for residents of 140+ countries) and True Traveller (for UK and EEA residents only). We have purchased travel insurance policies from both of these companies on numerous occasions and have found their policies to be comprehensive, and their online claims and extension processes straightforward.

If you still need to organise your travel insurance, we’d suggest getting a quote from each to see which suits you best.

Click the links below to get a quote

Click the links to get a quote.

It’s possible to travel overland from India to Nepal, crossing the border at Sunauli. The route and details are described in this post on Seat 61 .

The easiest way to get to Nepal is by flying and this is how the vast majority of people arrive. A number of different airlines operate flights to Nepal’s only international airport, Tribhuvan International Airport, on the outskirts of Kathmandu. There are very few long distance direct flights to Nepal, so you can expect to transfer somewhere in Asia or the Middle East, depending on your direction of travel.

It’s best to book your flights at the earliest possible opportunity . During busy times, such as the peak trekking seasons in spring and autumn, flights are often fully booked.

CHECK FLIGHT OPTIONS HERE

Arriving at kathmandu airport.

There is a money exchange booth next to the visa payment counter , prior to passing through immigration. There is an ATM next to the visa payment counter too, however it is unreliable. More ATMs are available after passing through immigration, but it’s best to have some cash with you just in case.

You can arrange a SIM from NCell or Nepal Telecom at arrivals , and SIM cards are also available from many small shops in Thamel.

AIRPORT TAXI

A taxi from the airport to Thamel costs approximately 800 – 1000 NPR ($6 – $7.50 USD) and takes between 15 – 30 minutes depending on traffic and the time of day. There are prepaid taxi counters at arrivals, or you can negotiate a fare with a taxi driver outside (there are no metered taxis). You need to pay cash .

PLAN YOUR TREK TO UPPER MUSTANG

Tourist visas are available on arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport and at all land border crossings that are open to foreign travellers .

While tourist visas on arrival are available for many foreign passport holders, citizens of some countries are required to get a visa prior to arrival, while those from SAARC countries can get their visa free of charge.

See the Nepal Immigration website for more details.

NEPAL VISA ON ARRIVAL

There are three Nepal tourist visas available and three things you must have to get one on arrival:

• 15 Days – 30 USD
• 30 Days – 50 USD
• 90 Days – 125 USD

WHAT YOU NEED

• A passport valid for at least six months
• At least one blank page in your passport
• The visa fee in cash (US Dollars is best)

The Nepal tourist visa on arrival process is as follows:

• Go to the machines to the right as you enter the arrivals hall. You’ll need your passport details and hotel address . After filling in the required details on the screen, take a photo of the confirmation page on your phone (the printer doesn’t work).
• Next, you need to pay for your visa at the desk on the left as you enter the arrivals hall. You can show the confirmation on your phone. They want a cash payment for the visa. A sign indicates that a number of currencies are acceptable, including EUR, GBP, CAD, USD, AUD, JPY, KRW, AED, SGD, THB, MYR, CHF, DKK, QAD, SAR, CNY, HKD, KWD, and BHD. Note that they will NOT accept Bank of Scotland GBP notes, only Bank of England notes. You cannot pay in NPR. The sign says they accept card payments, but they will refuse and advise you that you must pay cash. If you insist hard enough, then they’ll send you to the desk on the far left to pay at a card machine with a $1 surcharge. The machine can be temperamental and the payment may fail to go through a few times. Also, it’s treated as a cash advance from your credit card, not a transaction, so you’ll probably be charged a cash withdrawal fee by your credit card company. After paying for your visa you’ll get a receipt .
• Take the receipt of visa payment, your passport , and boarding pass for your flight into Kathmandu to the immigration desk and get stamped through.

RECOMMENDED KATHMANDU ACCOMMODATION

Thamel is the main tourist hub in Kathmandu , with plenty of restaurants, bars, shops, and services aimed at trekkers. Here are some recommendations for accommodation before and after your Everest Base Camp trek, with something to suit all budgets.

Flock Hostel | Dorm and Private rooms, modern design, close to Thamel, rooftop bar and terrace, restaurant

Zostel Kathmandu | Dorm and Private rooms, terrace, bar, restaurant, close to Thamel

Flying Yak | Dorm and Private rooms, modern design, central Thamel, bar, terrace  

Yakety Yak | Dorm and Private rooms, sleek modern design, rooftop terrace, bar, restaurant, central Thamel

Bag Packer’s Lodge | Budget private rooms with shared or private bathroom, rooftop terrace, restaurant, central Thamel location

9ine Thamel | Sleek minimalist design, central Thamel, excellent restaurant 

Nomad Hotel | Tasteful modern design, short walk from Thamel, restaurant and terrace

Oasis Kathmandu Hotel | Good location in Thamel, restaurant, generically ‘nice’ decor

Kathmandu Aagantuk Hotel | Good location in Thamel, restaurant, generically ‘nice’ decor, some rooms with balconies

Hotel Roadhouse | Stylish Modern design with heritage feel, central Thamel, popular restaurant on ground floor

Dalai-La | Central Thamel, courtyard restaurant, artistic Nepali design

Hotel Thamel House | Classic heritage style with lots of brick and wood, leafy courtyard restaurant, central Thamel

Kathmandu Marriott Hotel | Sleek and minimal design, walking distance to Thamel, Nimsdai store on-site

Aloft Kathmandu |  Modern design, Thamel location

Baber Mahal Vilas – The Heritage Hotel | Heritage boutique hotel invoking a range of historic styles 

The Dwarika’s Hotel | 5* luxury heritage style hotel, half-way between airport and Thamel

SEE MORE KATHMANDU ACCOMMODATION HERE

Everest base camp trek maps, guidebooks and apps.

MAPS, GUIDEBOOKS AND APPS

You can easily pick up trekking maps of the Khumbu region in Thamel, Kathmandu, with many shops selling them. Check that your map covers the full Everest Base Camp route, plus the section to the south as far as Salleri if you’re planning to travel overland to Lukla (or plans change at the last minute and you need to trek instead of fly!).

Good guidebooks for the Everest Base Camp trek specifically, and the Khumbu region and Nepal in general, include A Trekking Guide to Everest: Everest Base Camp, Gokyo Lakes, Thame Valley, Three High Passes, Classic Everest, Arun Valley by Sian Pritchard-Jones and Bob Gibbons (available in paperback or kindle), Cicerone’s Trekking Everest: Base Camp, Kala Patar and Other Trekking Routes in Nepal and Tibet , Lonely Planet’s Nepal Guide , the Lonely Planet Trekking in the Nepal Himalaya guide, and The Rough Guide to Nepal .

We would also suggest having a mapping app on your phone that can be used offline . Our favourite is Organic Maps ( iOS / Android ) (very similar to Maps.me, but with less ads) which is easy to use and has a straightforward interface. You can download maps for the area beforehand and use it offline with the GPS on your phone. Our Everest Base Camp Trekking E-Map includes a KML file with the various routes and all relevant places pinned, which can be imported to Organic Maps or Maps.Me for easy navigation and planning.

We also use the Gaia GPS app ( iOS / Android ) when we want more detailed topographical info, ensuring that we’ve downloaded the relevant map region online in advance. Again, our Everest Base Camp Trekking E-Map includes a GPX file download of the routes and key places, which can be imported directly into your app.

THANKS FOR READING!

If you’ve found this guide helpful, please consider leaving us a small tip. Your support is greatly appreciated and helps cover the costs of running this blog.

Kim and Del Hogg

If you’ve found this guide helpful, please consider leaving us a small tip.

Your support is greatly appreciated and helps cover the costs of running this blog.

That’s it for our guide to the Everest Base Camp trek. We hope you found it useful. If you’ve any thoughts or experiences to share, or any questions about this trek, drop them in the comments below.

ORGANISE YOUR TRIP

Still not sorted your travel insurance it’s not too late get a quote now, liked this guide pin it for later, 3 leave a reply.

Wow, there is nobody ever who even talks about the Sherpa Porters in the region. Exactly, the porters have difficulty in getting the right accommodation and good food. I really love the way it has been explained in this guide. They should be paid more and they should have as good facilities as the guides. They are superhumans.

Thanks Naresh, we were happy to highlight this issue. Ultimately, porters do a valuable job and we believe that both they and trekking guides should be well treated and provided for.

This guide is truly the most comprehensive and accurate I have come across in over 30 years! Still I would like to make a few comments: – about guides and trek packages: some guides want to have total control and not just act as helpers and fixers. Getting a trek package which does not include food and lodgings helps in this regard, as you as the paying client are responsible to pick the lodge to the stay at and also can eat anything from the menu, or nothing in some cases, without the guide having anything to say about it. …  Read more »

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• Apr 16, 2024 Apr 16, 2024
• TranquilKilimanjaro

The best seasons for the Everest Base Camp trek are pre-monsoon in March through May and post-monsoon from late September to early December. During these times, the temperature is mild and the sky is generally clear. However, the Khumbu is lovely all year round. Ever-changing Himalayan weather is always a factor to consider when booking a trek. Cancellation of flights into Lukla is a common problem during the winter seasons. During winter, the Khumbu is very cold and the higher regions can be prone to heavy snowfall. It can also get very hot during the summer months; there is a higher chance of monsoon rain and the trails can become unwalkable due to landslides. Always check the Lukla flight status if trekking to the region in unfavorable weather.

The Everest Base Camp trek is one of the most famous trekking adventures in the world. Traveling through the villages and high mountainous regions of Nepal offers a glimpse of life experienced by the local people in their quaint villages. There are two options for reaching Everest Base Camp: the first is a high altitude trek that ascends to EBC, the second is to fly into Lukla airstrip and trek up the Khumbu valley. The trek from Lukla is a more gradual ascent, which is fine for those not wishing to ascend to higher altitudes too quickly. The fastest means is to fly into Gorak Shep, allowing you to ascend to Base Camp the very same day. All routes are virtually the same once into the Khumbu region.

1.1. Overview of the Everest Base Camp Trek

The approach is from the town of Jiri or from an airstrip at Phaplu. These are reached by a splendid ten-day march from Kathmandu or, if time is short, by flying to Lukla, the Swiss-built landing ground in the Dudh Kosi valley at 9300 feet. From here, there is a direct route to the base camp, but this is not recommended for it affords no time for proper acclimatization. This Lukla route has been heavily traveled by trekking and commercial expedition groups of late, and it is often mistakenly thought to be the normal route to the mountain. But the trails from the town of Jiri or from the airstrip at Phaplu lie well to the west of the main Khumbu-Imia Tse valley system and offer a much more pleasant and less hurried journey to the higher reaches of the mountain, through a country where a lively and cultured people still follow their traditional way of life. This simple village life, set in a monsoonal environment and in villages ringed by terrace cultivation, is a way of life rare in the Himalaya today and becoming more rare as increased contact with the outside world is realized through the building of schools and the establishment of trade in shop goods from the lowlands. This would indeed be a tragedy to lose what is the eye of rural Nepal.

In this chapter, an attempt has been made to give a brief sketch of the eleven days’ journey to the Southern base camp in the heart of the Khumbu region, which lies in the shadow of the great Khumbu Icefall and in sight of the famous West Ridge of Everest. This approach has been selected because it is the only one which offers a reasonable guarantee of success to a party attempting the ascent of the mountain by its Western face. Furthermore, the route through the Solu Khumbu is a natural entry to the mountain for it leads from the south of peak older over the Nangpa La or Cho La into Tibet. It is through this region that Nepal has granted permission for an approach route to the South Col and has agreed that all further mountaineering in the Everest Himal should be directed from the South. Our use of the trail up the Dudh Kosi and Imia Tse valley via Tengpoche to the base camp has in fact resulted from negotiations with Her Majesty’s Government of Nepal, who have strongly supported our expedition in the belief that this may lead to schemes for the exploration of the whole Everest region benefiting the people of the Khumbu.

1.2. Importance of Proper Preparation

All treks to any destination have to be prepared in advance for various reasons. Trekking to Everest Base Camp takes a lot of input and exhaustive preparation. It is a once in a lifetime experience, so trekkers should maximize the potentials of reaching their personal goals and experiencing the sights and cultures to their maximum. It is only through proper preparation that abilities are maximized and negative impacts on treks are minimized. Individuals who have quality treks have a high level of confidence in their abilities and gear, which comes from knowing what to expect and being well prepared for the conditions. In terms of safety, preparation for treks will lessen the chances of injuries and mishaps and increase the chances for a safe and enjoyable trip. This is very important for trekkers on the Everest Base Camp trek, which involves difficult terrain and a high altitude. A well-known saying in the outdoor world is that “failing to prepare is preparing to fail”.

1.3. Best Time to Trek to Everest Base Camp

Autumn (i.e. September to November) is the best time to do the Everest Base Camp trek. It has a number of clear advantages: the days are still warm and the nights are not too cold. The visibility is good and generally it isn’t too windy. The main aim for most people on the Everest Base Camp trek is the ascent to Kala Pattar and its fantastic view of Everest. As this is a trekking peak, it is far better to be there in good weather. It is much quieter in the autumn than the spring, and a lot of people now prefer to trek in the Everest region at this time of year. The monsoon is just ending in September and most of the snow has melted from the high passes, although the high passes, notably the Kongma La, are not recommended until later in the season. The temperature at night will be anywhere between -5 to 5 degrees Celsius and in the day 10 to 25 degrees Celsius. An important fact is that Lukla flights are less likely to be delayed by bad weather in the autumn. In the last few years, Lukla has been experiencing bad visibility during the monsoon which results in flights being delayed or cancelled. This is obviously not an ideal way to start the trek. The spring is the second best time to do the Everest Base Camp trek. It is considerably warmer than autumn and things are beginning to grow, giving the hillsides a beautiful green colour. Magnolia and rhododendron will be in full bloom. The disadvantages are that the mountains are more likely to be hidden by cloud and Lukla flights are often cancelled by bad weather, most notably the build up of heat during the day creating the dreaded ‘afternoon cloud’. The best conditions for the high passes would be from late May to early June, before the monsoon; however, it is not recommended to aim for this as the best conditions are not always guaranteed.

1.4. Physical Fitness Requirements

Trekking to Everest Base Camp, physical fitness is very important but it is not everything. You will be able to complete this trek successfully even when you fall short on stamina or strength. But physical fitness is very important and it is a good idea to indulge in a physical fitness plan before your arrival to the Khumbu region. People with heart or lung disease should consult a physician before attempting this trek. Older adults can contact a certified physical therapist or fitness trainer to help them with a strength and conditioning plan. Establishing a good strength and conditioning program will help to ensure that you are physically prepared to complete this trek. The strength and conditioning program will consist of a weekly rotating workout routine lasting between 6-12 weeks before departure to Nepal. The objective of this strength and conditioning program will be for participants to establish a minimum level of fitness so that they can ultimately enjoy the trek and complete the planned itinerary of 6-8 hours of walking per day. When establishing a workout routine the first couple of weeks should be developed around walking at an easy pace with no gradient on a treadmill or easy walking around the neighborhood for at least 1 hour two times per week. The importance of this exercise is to help condition the lower body joints and muscles and to establish a base level of fitness. A lower body workout at the gym can be done immediately after the walk consisting of leg press, leg curls, and lunges all at an easy pace with higher repetitions and lower weight. The next step is to add a light backpack starting with 10 pounds and eventually working up to 20 pounds. During the week alternate a 3-mile hike on hilly terrain with the treadmill walk and continue with the gym workout twice a week. By the end of the 6-12 weeks, participants should be walking on the steeper terrain for 6-8 hours carrying a 15-25 lb backpack. This will prepare the participant for the trek in Nepal. However, the most sport-specific training you can do for a trek is to trek! Any chance you get to hike should be taken, it is a good idea to establish a few weekend backpacking trips. Listen to your body; conditioning is designed to minimize soreness and maximize strength and cardiovascular health. Note that few sore muscles are probably to be encountered regardless of the level of fitness ! Flexibility can be maintained during the strength and conditioning program, it is important not to lose any flexibility that you currently have. This can be done for 10-20 minutes 3-5 times per week after the walk or gym workout with a few yoga poses or stretching all major muscle groups to the point.

2. Planning Your Trek

When planning your trek , whether alone or with friends, you will have the option of either using a local Nepali trekking company or organizing the trek from your own country. The advantage of arranging everything in your own country will be the cost, as the local companies push the prices up for food and accommodation, with the knowledge that they will make a substantial amount from the commission of the goods that you purchase at your destinations. The advantage of using a local company will be more money going directly into the local economy and a guide who knows the area well and can point out interesting sites that you wouldn’t notice without some local knowledge. For both options, knowledge of where to go and what to take can be obtained from the Lonely Planet trekking guide for Nepal. If you have chosen to use a local company, they will organize all the permits required for the trek. Permission to enter the Sagarmatha National Park and the permit to go to the Khumbu region around Everest are essential for any trek to the E.B.C. and these you can obtain in Kathmandu, either from the Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation or directly from the national park gates. It is also a good idea to get a Trekker’s Information Management System (TIMS) card, which is a small card issued by the trekking associations to control trekkers, making sure that they remain safe and that their trek does not have a negative impact on the environment or the people. This is a new system that is being used by the government in an attempt to make trekking safer for independent trekkers.

2.1. Choosing a Trekking Agency

We have done a price and service comparison between budget, moderate and high end trips ceremonies offered by About Himalaya trekking. This is a reputable provider with good online prices. This scenario is for a 14 day EBC trek, the price for US citizens based on 2 persons per trip is as follows:

The number one factor is cost. Your budget will direct you to a lower end or higher end provider. It’s possible to trek independently for as little as $10 a day, staying in very cheap guesthouses and eating plain local food. At the other end, some of the more luxurious providers offer all kinds of western food, and guided tours of the entire region. Don’t assume that a higher price means a better trip, many of the cheaper providers are owned by guides with many years of experience.

Choosing a trekking agency requires some research and can be a bit of a daunting task. Your decision as to which company to go with will have a direct impact on your overall experience and the amount of memories you take home with you. There are a few important things to consider in making your decision.

2.2. Obtaining Permits and Documents

You can hire a guide or porter (or both) and also trek independently. Independent trekkers will have to arrange a TIMS card and Sagamartha National Park entry permit through the Nepal Tourism Board and respective authorities at the park entrance. If you are trekking with a trekking company, this will be organized for you. Contact the Trekking Agents Association of Nepal (TAAN) in Kathmandu for the TIMS card and the National Parks office in Bhrikutimandap. Costs can vary and it is often cheaper to arrange permits through a local Nepali trekking agency. Always carry 2 passport photos, a photocopy of your passport and some form of ID when obtaining permits. TIMS is a must for your safety. You cannot trek to an area that is out of the Annapurna, Langtang and Mt. Everest regions without a TIMS card. A new system implemented this year is the Trekkers Information Management System which records your details and intended trekking plans in Nepal. The system’s key aim is to help you trek safely and ensure rescue in case of emergency. It is highly recommended though it is not compulsory for other trekking destinations. For any trek in the Everest region, you will also need to purchase a Sagamartha National Park Entry Permit. This can be obtained in Kathmandu or Monjo (the entry point to the park). The card can be bought at the Nepal Tourism Board in Kathmandu and in Monjo you will be required to pay the fee and exhibit your park entry permit.

2.3. Packing Essentials for the Trek

The weight limit for Lukla flights is 15 kg per person and this includes your hand luggage. If your baggage exceeds this weight, you may have to pay an extra charge for the cargo.

We would suggest you not bring a large bag to the Everest region. You can get a porter to comfortably carry a 15 kg load, and if a few kilos can be transferred to your day pack, you can walk at a nice pace. However, if you have no one to carry your bag, we suggest you travel at the most lightweight.

When you are trekking in the lap of the Himalayas, especially to the Everest Base Camp, you need to be prepared for any kind of weather, and that can change dramatically at any time. You could experience blazing sunshine in the morning and snowfall in the evening. If you are not prepared, this can affect your trek and even your life. So here is a complete guide for any trek in Nepal, the packing essentials.

The goal is to create a concise yet coherent text web page for the section “2.3. Packing Essentials for the Trek” that delivers concrete, specific, factual (where needed) information relevant to the title for the section.

2.4. Acclimatization and Altitude Sickness

When in higher altitudes, it is important to recognize the symptoms of AMS . Mild symptoms include headache, nausea, loss of appetite, and fatigue. These symptoms should be taken as a warning sign to either rest or descend. If a person has mild AMS, they should not ascend until the symptoms have resolved.

– If possible, make slow and gradual ascents when trekking. Allowing a greater time for acclimatization decreases AMS . – As a rough guide, above 3000m, you should not sleep at an altitude which you have ascended to that day. You should, if possible, descend to a lower altitude to sleep. The “climb high, sleep low” maxim helps prevent AMS . – Drink plenty of fluids, staying well hydrated helps acclimatization. – Avoid sedatives and alcohol and do not undertake strenuous exercise. – If you are feeling unwell, it is important to not ascend until feeling better. – There are various drugs to prevent and treat AMS. Discuss this with a doctor.

When planning for any trek in Nepal, it is crucial to prevent the onset of Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) . Because of this, you should follow the simple guidelines listed below.

2.5. Communication Facilities and Internet Access

The disadvantage of GSM is that they offer limited coverage and quality of service. Although it has network coverage all the way up to Everest Base Camp, call quality is acceptable up to Namche Bazar but call clarity goes down with increased altitude. Voice calls can be made with a satellite phone for about USD $3 per minute with quality depending on weather in the form of delay and echo. The base terminal and Iridium are the most reliable satellite services often working indoors. Pricing is about USD $2 per minute. Incoming and outgoing email is possible at all locations with an internet café. Pricing is as low as 15 rupees per minute in a trekking lodge for a yahoo account and $8 per minute at the Everest Summiteers Association for an HTML account. Availability and speed of the connection will vary and slow down considerably above Namche. Wi-Fi is available at the Italian Pyramid and the newer Khumbu Resort in Lobuche, but comes at a steep price of USD $5-6 per hour. You can also purchase an Ncell 3G SIM card that offers decent 3G coverage all the way to Everest Base Camp. Video call can be made using this service and the pricing is about USD $1 per MB. Keep in mind that power sources for charging might be limited at some locations. An alternative means of communication is to rent a Sherpa and pay his daily wage to send and deliver email on your behalf when you are without internet service.

3. Route and Itinerary

There are many side-trip options in the lower sections of the trek. For those with time, a night at Thame, the home of the famous Sherpa climbers, is a rewarding stop. At Khumjung, another interesting option is the Sir Edmund Hillary Hospital and further up from Pangboche, 30 minutes beyond the main trail, is the monastery at Ama Dablam. All of these stops are beneficial for proper acclimatization. In the case of a side-trip, it’s best to trek high and sleep low.

The classic route for the Everest Base Camp trek is to start at the bazaar town of Lukla. Located a few miles south of the main Khumbu trail, Lukla was the airstrip built in the 1960s by Sir Edmund Hillary and his friends. While the landing is exciting the first time you see it, it’s a good idea not to think about it on your return flight! The trail wanders through the Trakashing and Ghat valleys, north of Lukla, and ascends to the main trading center of the region in Namche Bazaar. With a day of acclimatization here, an excursion to Thame, the home of many famous Sherpa climbers, is recommended. The trail to base camp splits just above Namche Bazaar with the right-hand trail leading to the Gokyo lakes. The classic and alternative trails link at Phortse Tenga and from there the trek enters the Khumbu valley. The approach starts to get that ‘big mountain’ feel and after nine days on the move, we arrive at EBC.

3.1. Classic Everest Base Camp Trek Route

The trek runs through the Khumbu Valley, typically up the Dudh Kosi river, which it follows and crosses via a series of high suspension bridges. On the way to Namche, it passes through Jorsale (2805m) and Monjo (2835m), the entry point to the Khumbu Park with its interesting police check post. There are a few alternative routes to Namche, an old and perhaps neglected one trekking further up the Hinku Valley. Those who fly into Lukla and are pressed for time can make it to Namche in a single long day. Namche Bazaar is the main center of the Khumbu region and there are many things to do in and around the village. This rest day provides an ideal opportunity to acclimatize to the high altitude. Recommended side trips include a visit to Thami, a village that is about an hour’s walk from here or a visit to Khumjung, the largest village in the Khumbu area. Take it easy and drink lots of fluids, there are a few internet cafes in Namche and it’s a good idea to inform friends and families of your safe arrival via email.

3.2. Alternative Routes and Side Trips

This trip offers numerous opportunities to recreate the trekking routes to the base camps of the early Everest expeditions; to explore the picturesque monasteries at Thame, Khumjung, and Pangboche; and to visit the homes of Sherpa people in this high region. If you want to avoid the crowds on the main route into Khumbu, an alternative trekking route starts in the roadhead at Phaplu and follows the quiet trail through rice and maize fields, and forest to the spectacular monastery at Chiwong. From Chiwong, the route links with the classic trail at Seto and continues on to Base Camp. This route is not a soft option as it involves a long and at times steep climb to reach the main trail from Seto.

3.3. Recommended Itinerary for the Trek

It is wise to include some rest days into any itinerary. This will not only aid acclimatization but will allow you to take a break in an idyllic setting to read a book or explore a village. Remember that while trekking, your body requires more sleep than usual, so don’t plan too many long days. High altitudes and low temperatures make for some early nights!

A ten-day itinerary is provided here that has been used many times with a 100% success rate. This itinerary allows for a great acclimatization schedule plus the time to make the customary hike to Kala Pattar (5545m) for superb views of Everest.

There is no “one size fits all” itinerary for the Everest Base Camp Trek. Times can vary dependent on fitness, the time taken to explore en route, and individual acclimatization schedules. Allow a minimum of 9 days, not including flights to and from Lukla. At least two additional days will be necessary to acclimatize along the route. If your schedule is tight, it is possible to fly in and out of Lukla to reduce the trekking time. This is not recommended, as hasty ascents can be dangerous. On the way down, however, this may be a good idea.

3.4. Teahouses and Accommodation Options

Teahouse food and accommodation are cheap and represent good value to trekkers. The idea of staying in teahouses is that it will provide business to the local communities. This would be the case. However, there has been a great influx of lowland Nepalese from places such as Bhandar, Okahaldunga, and the Terai regions who are running teahouses and trekking operations. These people are not from the Sherpa communities in places such as Phakding and Lukla and have contributed to a loss of revenue for the upper Khumbu communities as most lowland Nepalese will commute back to their home communities at the end of the trekking season. This has meant that money earned from higher altitude communities has been ironically wasted on transport costs and much money has gone into the pockets of travel agencies in Kathmandu and other major cities. This has been detrimental for the traditional Sherpa villages and other cultural communities because the schools, hospitals, and general infrastructure in the lower Khumbu region have been very poor and the trend is that this will not improve unless the above situation changes.

Teahouses are essentially small hotels and very much the staple form of accommodation on the Everest trek. A teahouse is the Nepalese version of a guest house. They are basic in nature, simply a room with a bed, blankets, and basic facilities. Most bathrooms are shared and toilets can be either the modern sit-down style or the Asian hole-in-the-ground style.

4. Trekking Experience

There are so many aspects of the trek and the trekking experience, so I will elaborate on ways to relate to the trek in a general sense. One main and general way is to always move slow up that trail. This means to ascend at a pace that will allow you to breathe comfortably and be able to carry on a conversation. It sounds easy, but the trails are grueling and the inclination makes it very difficult. Many experienced trekkers have a tendency to use the trek as a fitness speed march and often suffer from altitude-related problems because of this. The Nepalese have a saying “bistari bistari,” which when translated literally means “slowly slowly.” This is the ideal pace for getting the most out of your amazing trek to EBC. Another aspect of trekking in Nepal is to limit the amount of time spent exposed to the harsh rays of the sun. Many times, trekkers will start early in the morning and head for their next destination while the sun is still low in the sky. Often by early afternoon when the sunshine is at its hottest, they will have reached their destination for the day and will spend the remainder of the time resting and relaxing. By this stage in the day, the temperature will be dropping, getting cooler and more comfortable by the minute. Afternoon sleeping and evening time dancing will always be enjoyed more in the warmth of a setting sun in the cool Himalayan air.

4.1. Daily Routine and Trekking Hours

The daily routine and typical hours of trekking are relatively similar from day to day during your trek. The guidelines in the itinerary would have given you an indication of the distance to be covered each day. Trekking usually begins around 8 a.m. or 9 a.m. Before setting off, porters and yaks will probably overtake you as they need to get ahead to set up food and accommodation for the end of the day. They usually move very quickly and it is most likely that you will see little of them throughout the day, unless of course they have stopped for the day! You will then begin to trek for 3 or 4 hours until you stop for a lunch break. This can be anywhere from a teahouse in a village to a spot on the side of the track. (Remember to order your lunch as soon as you stop, it can be another 2 hours until it is ready!). After another 3 or 4 hours walking you will stop for the night at a teahouse in a village or at the teahouse of a popular stopping place for trekkers. During most of the trek a typical day’s walking is from 5 to 7 hours in total. This may not seem very arduous but the duration of the day’s activity takes many trekkers by surprise. The total trekking time, however, is irrelevant as it is the height gain that is the real test.

4.2. Meals and Hydration on the Trail

Another nice treat is a selection of trail food from apple pie to Pringles, it may be good to have a few of these on standby as they can meet a sweet tooth or a craving for comfort food. A selection of powdered energy drinks can also be good for the hard days of trekking.

Good hydration is important for trekking , so we recommend trekkers to consume liquids at least 3-4 litres of a day. This includes tea, coffee, soft drinks, hot lemon and water.

With increase in may increase the quality, which can be observed through decreasing freshness. We suggest the wider variety of meals, stay at the traditional dal bhat as much as possible since it is fresh and the best value of meals on the trail.

The best part of daily routine for trekkers, especially those stepping into Nepal, is the food. Meals are included in the cost of the trek and value up to a full stomach of dal bhat (rice and lentils), vegetables, soups, momo, pancakes, tea porridge etc. The food is absolutely delicious and of growing variety.

4.3. Challenges and Tips for Overcoming Them

Altitude sickness has three forms: mild, which is normal at high altitudes and usually involves a headache, loss of appetite and slight tiredness. This should be ignored, and on most occasions will disappear after a small amount of paracetamol and a good night’s sleep. The second form is High Altitude Cerebral Edema (HACE), of which the key symptom is ataxia, or the inability to walk in a straight line. If this occurs then an immediate descent to lower altitude is necessary. The third form is High Altitude Pulmonary Edema (HAPE), this is a build up of fluid on the lungs and can be fatal, in the event of any coughing up of pink, frothy sputum, an immediate descent is also necessary. Symptoms of both HAPE and HACE also include increasing tiredness and breathlessness even at rest. Although these are quite severe illnesses, they are preventable and will not affect any of the group who are prepared to take the trek slowly and listen to the advice of the guides. During both of our acclimatization periods we will have a talk about these illnesses to ensure everyone is aware of the symptoms. A key method of prevention is drinking lots of water, so it is essential that everyone fills up their water bottles at every opportunity. On the rest days it is also important to keep warm to aid the acclimatization process, so it is likely we will have lunch in teahouses in the village we are staying at. This will also give us a good opportunity to gain an insight into the Sherpa way of life. In the case of any altitude related sickness, it is vital that the life insurance policy details are known and the helicopter rescue can be arranged. However, to reiterate, this will not be necessary with a slower ascent and our guides’ experience.

Altitude Acclimatization The biggest obstacle to any trek that goes above about 3500m is acclimatization to the altitude. Altitude affects people differently and acclimatization is unpredictable in terms of who it will affect and who it won’t. Rapid ascent is the most common cause of altitude sickness and since we have so many days to get to Base Camp, this can be easily avoided. Saying that, the first of our two rest days will be at Namche Bazaar and the second at Dingboche. On these days it is likely we will go for an ‘acclimatization walk’ – meaning we climb to a higher altitude and then descend again, this is to aid the process of our bodies making more red blood cells and is a key method of preventing altitude sickness. On the second rest day, we may also go even higher, maybe to around 5000m just to aid the acclimatization process more.

There are numerous barriers along the trail to Everest Base Camp, but with a bit of knowledge and the right preparation, they can all be overcome. Below we have outlined some of the common obstacles along the trail and given advice on how to combat them. This information is not intended to scare participants, just to prepare them. With the right mindset and ample preparation, most of these obstacles will present little problem.

4.4. Weather and Climate Conditions

Trekking in the Himalayas has specific weather patterns and generally very quick-changing conditions. In spring, from March to May, the temperature is warm and there is a lot of flowering rhododendrons. In summer, from June to August, the temperature is hot and it is very rainy with the monsoon coming up from India. September to November is the best trekking season; the weather is stable with lots of sun and clear skies. The average temperature is around 20 degrees Celsius and it is a time when the mountains are least covered by cloud. In summer, the average temperature is 18-20 degrees Celsius with longer days. In winter, the temperature inside the houses is similar to that outside (about 5 degrees above or below freezing) whilst outside it is much colder. It is common for there to be snow on the ground and also to experience snow and rain. Finally, it is important to be flexible in your plans. Be prepared to change plans if the weather looks threatening. High passes and base camps all have a big potential of danger from bad weather. In the worst case scenario, hang out in a Sherpa village for a few days and effectively you will get to experience more of the local culture!

5. Cultural and Natural Highlights

Buddhist monasteries and stupas – The Sherpa culture is closely linked to the major religion of the region, Tibetan Buddhism. It’s estimated that the Himalayas are home to over 6,000 monasteries. Most villages will have a local monastery, often home to monks who are also Sherpas, and these are well worth visiting. The monasteries are a focus for the village, often housing various artifacts in the form of thangkas, statues, and religious scriptures. Monasteries serve as the focal point for religious festivals, which are a time of great joy and celebration for Sherpas. The two most important festivals are Losar, the Tibetan New Year, and Dumje, which honors Guru Rimpoche, who is credited with introducing Buddhism to Tibet. Art and culture are very much alive in these Buddhist communities, expressed through dance, music, and drama, with age-old rituals still enacted. At some monasteries, the monks (Lamas) perform rituals and prayers, and it can be a spiritually uplifting experience to witness these. Step outside of the busier trekking trails and touristic areas, and you may get lucky and find some religious festivals are still colorfully celebrated. Even though the Sherpas have regularly been in contact with Western culture since the first treks to Nepal, their life in outlying villages has changed relatively little, and a visit to these faraway monasteries can give insight into traditional Sherpa culture. Access to these trails and monasteries has improved with the building of new tea houses, making these hikes ideal for those wishing to avoid the busier areas and gain a better understanding of Sherpas and their religion.

Sherpa culture and traditions – The Sherpa people are a major ethnic group in the Everest region, of Tibetan culture and origin, located primarily in the Solukhumbu district. Due to migration from Tibet, it is thought that the language, culture, and traditions are an adaptation of the original Tibetan culture from Kham in Eastern Tibet. The Sherpa people are highly regarded as elite mountaineers and experts in their local area. Living at high altitudes, their lifestyle is conditioned by the mountains, and there are several unique cultural aspects of the Sherpas. Since the very first successful summit of Everest by Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay Sherpa in 1953, the Sherpa people have been recognized for their help to foreigners in their attempts to summit the mountain. Tenzing himself was a Sherpa and has played a large role in why the Sherpas are so highly regarded in the mountaineering community. Their wealth and pride lie in their mountains, as the main source of income in the Khumbu is working for expeditions. This can be extremely lucrative; a good high altitude porter can earn 10 times the national average wage in Nepal doing this work. Also, many Sherpas are employed on the trekking trails as guides and tour leaders. With the creation of the Sagamartha National Park, providing some Sherpas with a chance to run tea houses and lodges, the Khumbu area now has a wide range of different job opportunities for the younger generation.

5.1. Sherpa Culture and Traditions

Unfortunately, many Sherpa youths are leaving their mountain villages to pursue an education and occupation in the cities of Nepal, so it is becoming less common to see traditional Sherpa dress in day-to-day life. However, traditional dress can still be seen in the villages during festivals and special occasions. Sherpa festivals are numerous and throughout the trekking year, there’s probably a festival occurring somewhere that you will have the chance to witness. Choose a helpful and knowledgeable guide and ask them if there’s any festivals happening during your trek. The two most common, Losar and Dumje, are celebrated in the monasteries with song, dance, horse racing, and the consumption of chang (millet beer).

Traditional Sherpa villages are the centre of Sherpa culture. These are often composed of flat-roofed stone houses, with a large mani stone (prayer stone) in the centre of the village. Each home has a walled enclosure or Chosar, and at the upper end of the village, there will often be one or more gompas (monasteries). Every Everest trek route will have ample opportunity to stop in at a teahouse for tea and experience the hospitality of the Sherpa people. This is an ideal setting to talk to your guide and porters about their culture and learn from them.

Sherpa culture and traditions are a subject of fascination to many who have trekked in the Everest and Khumbu regions. Many trekkers and mountaineers have been inspired by the hospitality and warmth of the Sherpa people and have been intrigued by the monasteries and traditional villages. The Sherpa people are of Tibetan heritage and are renowned for their incredible strength, in both the climbing world and in their everyday life. Before the Chinese occupation of Tibet, Sherpa, which means “eastern people”, used to be a way of identifying an inhabitant of the Rolwaling valley, which is just west of the Khumbu region. People of other ethnic groups, such as Tamang and Thami, were later included under the umbrella term “Sherpa”, because of their migration to the Khumbu region.

5.2. Buddhist Monasteries and Stupas

On the way, trekkers will be able to notice various mani stones and prayer wheels that are carved intricately with prayers and paintings of deities. Mani stones are large rocks that are carved with the Padme Hum mantra, whilst prayer wheels are large cylinders inscribed with prayers and are spun round in a clockwise direction. Both of these ways are considered to be ways of spreading the prayers in an outward direction. It is a rule to always keep the mani stones and prayer wheels to your right and walk around them in a clockwise direction. It is also forbidden to step or climb onto these stones and wheels. If you are to take photographs of these, always ask the local people if they are comfortable with the act. In Tengboche, trekkers will find the most famous and the oldest monastery in the region. On the way down from Pangboche to Phortse, lay the beautiful Thame gompa which has recently been renovated. Visitors are welcome to these monasteries and gompas however it is important to remember not expect to just go into the main prayer room. This is the most important point of any gompa or monastery, and permission is not often granted for curious tourists due to the beliefs that letting anyone in to the room may anger the gods. It is polite to always walk around the chorten, mani wall or the gompa in a clockwise direction.

5.3. Flora and Fauna of the Everest Region

The area of the Sagarmatha National Park and the Khumbu region is one of the world’s most unique and varied biological zones. The sub-alpine and alpine plant life is sparse, with the vegetation getting more luxurious as we descend to the south where the area meets the Dudh Kosi river. The northern regions of the park are extremely dry areas, which are much less interesting in comparison to the southern areas. Here, the forests, which actually include pine, rhododendron, and birch, are home to many different species of birds and other wildlife . The colourful rhododendron, national flower of Nepal, blooms during the spring and gives the hills an attractive appearance. In the forested areas, you will see troops of the rhesus macaques, and if you are lucky, you may spot a Himalayan tahr on a steep slope at the forest edge. As we continue down the trail past Namche, the thick vegetation lessens, and we move into an area of alpine scrub, which is largely grazing land for the large population of yaks and a few herds of musk deer. Above Thyangboche, we enter the higher altitude areas, which contain very few plants. Here, there are snow pigeons, some yaks and musk deer past Pangboche, and on the way to Dingboche, you may see some brilliantly coloured impeyan pheasants. The highest altitude areas around and above the treeline are home to many birds of prey, and the large lammergeyer is frequently seen soaring above. Both the musk deer and wild deer are present in these areas, although they are very shy, and you are unlikely to see them.

5.4. Scenic Views and Landscapes

Language in the Khumbu cannot accurately describe how beautiful the region is. The forested hills of pine and bright rhododendron flowers are to be seen to be believed. Villages are picturesque and the farmers working in the fields give the impression that things have not changed in a hundred years. Above the tree line, the landscape changes to provide stunning views of the high peaks. The trail goes deep into the Sagarmatha National Park. This is a good place to see the Himalayan Thar. The aim of reaching the village of Dingboche might not be accomplished as this section passes through the alpine desert with large boulders scattered around and only small shrubs as an alternative to the high passes. Ama Dablam At 6,280 meters, Dingboche is a good acclimatization stop before moving higher up the valley. From here, the views of Ama Dablam are quite spectacular. This section goes right through the middle of the park adding an extra hour to a long day in order to stop at Dzongla. It is quite common to see yaks here. This tough, exciting section will make the 8th day a memorable one. An early start gives time to cross the Cho La and arrive at the village of Thagnag. A rest day can be taken here or possibly a trip up the valley.

6. Safety and Emergency Procedures

Trekking in the Himalayas is full of adventure and excitement, but it’s not completely risk-free. We fully believe that the trek is an excellent adventure for people who can manage and accept the risks involved. Trekking with a guide who is both experienced and qualified in dealing with the acclimatization problems at high altitudes can minimize many of the risks. We are located in the same premises as the Himalayan Rescue Association Aid Post at Pheriche (4240m), staffed by western medical doctors and assisted by local health workers. This post is open only during the two trekking seasons of spring and autumn. They are able to provide a medical evaluation, diagnostic and curative services to trekkers and local people, a range of health education programs, and various communication facilities. With cell phone service now in place over 90% of the trek, in any emergency, we can rapidly get advice on your problem and coordinate your evacuation or rescue with CIWEC Clinic Travel Medicine Center in Kathmandu. With comprehensive travel medicine services situated in Gairidhara, near the British and Japanese Embassies, they are able to provide up-to-date and high-quality medical care to all those seeking their service. This includes travel medicine consultation (pre-travel advice, immunizations), outpatient primary and secondary health care services. A single phone call from the HRA aid post can be directly linked to the doctor on duty at CIWEC in an emergency situation.

6.1. Trekking with a Licensed Guide and Porter

Trekkers often wonder if they should hire a local licensed guide and porter. It is recommended to hire a licensed guide. They teach you about the mountain, the people, the culture, and take care of the necessary accommodation along the way. Many guides speak English, others can communicate quite well. They are all trained and licensed by the government. Most of the guides have completed a Kathmandu-based training program. You can also do this trek with a guide and a group joining the expedition. Hiring a private guide who has no previous trekking experience can be of little help and may not ensure safety. A Kunde Hospital report (2001) stated that one of injuries among trekkers resulted from not having a guide. If you hire a guide from Kathmandu, the flight will be paid for. Guides expect to be paid a daily rate of about US$ 10-20 . Costs can often be more and depends on the negotiations. Guides are responsible for their own food and accommodation. They can be a great asset to the trekker and can help you get in contact with various trekking agencies. If you request, guides can provide their past trekking experience and a reference. This can be used to determine their level of knowledge and suitability for your trip. Always be cautious and should consider all options. Whether you believe to hire a guide or not, make sure you are well informed and prepared. Always purchase insurance before departing for Nepal and have a contingency plan in the event the trip does not go as planned.

6.2. First Aid and Medical Facilities

It is better to be safe than sorry. No one wants to think about a medical emergency or injury, but being prepared is essential. Health and altitude issues are a major topic and a comprehensive guide or a medical professional with experience in high altitude medicine is required. First aid given at the right time can make a large difference and help to reduce the possibilities of any long-term effects. Although many western medicines are available in Nepal, it is a good idea to take some essential items with you to have a reliable supply. These include headache tablets, stomach and digestion medicine, Diamox or similar for acclimatization, a course of broad-spectrum antibiotics, and a general-purpose first-aid kit. Although a risk carries on trekking to higher altitudes, altitude-related problems are preventable and present the acute mountain sickness (AMS) which has been known to affect some people at around 2500m. Symptoms can include headaches, nausea, dizziness, and a loss of appetite. It is essential that further ascent is not allowed with any person suffering from AMS. If these mild symptoms are ignored, they can lead to severe symptoms and a potentially life-threatening condition.

6.3. Emergency Evacuation Options

Some travelers have no insurance, and others have companies that are unwilling to meet the costs of an emergency evacuation. In this case, it is wise to register and obtain a Medivac membership from AMREF Flying Doctors . AMREF is a not-for-profit company that provides quality healthcare in some of the most remote areas in East Africa. AMREF has an extensive evacuation plan in collaboration with many helicopter agencies in Nepal. When a member suffers a critical illness or injury and is unable to get to a suitable medical facility, AMREF will be contacted by the attending physician. They will evaluate the needs and resources of the patient and then dispatch a medical team to bring the patient to the necessary facility. If a referral is given for air evacuation, AMREF will provide additional ground transportation to get the member to the nearest airport that can handle a Medivac flight. The member will then be flown to an international standard medical facility in Kathmandu. Upon request, an AMREF representative will accompany the member until their arrival at the hospital. Coming in at just $25 USD for a two-month membership, a Medivac plan from AMREF is a great investment and could potentially save tens of thousands of dollars.

In the situation of an emergency, there are two primary means of getting a client to safety. Both helicopter and horse are widely used in Nepal. However, the most frequent and effective method is via helicopter. Some of the tour operators and trekking agencies in Nepal have purchased private helicopters for the sole purpose of mountain rescue. These helicopters are well-maintained and prepared to fly in the extreme conditions of the Himalayas. Though a helicopter ride can be expensive, it is well worth it when your or someone else’s life is on the line. Depending on the company and the rescue, the price will range from approximately $3000-$6000 USD per hour. Most insurance companies require all documentation and receipts of the rescue in order to reimburse the client. So, make sure to get all proof of payment if you intend to reclaim the costs of the evacuation. Note that some cheaper insurance companies may hesitate to cover the costs of a helicopter rescue. Therefore, it is wise to purchase insurance from a reliable source such as the companies recommended above.

7. Everest Base Camp Trek: A comprehensive guide

This provides well-deserved details to each concept, topic, and process that there is to be known. It is an essential guide to follow for anyone who wishes to trek to Base Camp. There is no doubt that the information provided in this guide is accurate and reliable, making it safe and easy for trekkers to understand what it takes to trek and what’s in store for them on the journey. With thorough examination through the guide, we have concluded that any trekker, new or old, will be able to pursue this journey with ease using the guide as a reference for their decision making. From integrative travel details to cultural backgrounds, scenery, and food that will be encountered along the way, EBC Trek Guide simply covers it all. Now that you have reached the conclusion of the guide, you are most likely highly enthused to book your flight and trek to Everest Base Camp. It is only inevitable that you will enjoy every moment of this exhilarating journey. On a personal note, your experience will be incredible and overwhelming. The beautiful scenery and storytelling guides of the Sherpa people enrapture a sense of joy and tranquility throughout the journey. By the time you reach the enigmatic destination of Base Camp, you will be feeling on top of the world both metaphorically and literally. This is your time to absorb the surroundings; soak it all to memory before you initiate your trek down the trails of the Khumbu back to Lukla.

7.1. Reflections on the Everest Base Camp Trek

Trekking to Everest Base Camp has been an excellent experience, and the trek back down just as exciting as the trek up. This is spoken in the words of Morgan Steele, my hiking partner for the majority of the trek, while he sipped on a large bottle of San Miguel beer at the Café Danphe in Lukla. He and I had returned from EBC to Lukla in 8 nights instead of the 10-12 that most hikers take, and Morgan was so confident that we’d saved so much time that our flight wouldn’t leave without us, that he indulged in drinking beer on our final day. The reflections from both of us during our trek down from EBC to Lukla were shared by most, but not all of the same thoughts. On the way down, the plan of seeing loved ones and familiar places were at the top of everyone’s lists. While trekking up, it was typical to have grand thoughts in every aspect of the trek, when they daydreamed of reaching EBC, exploring many other regions of Nepal, and planning further treks and expeditions in the Himalaya, or possibly even Everest itself. When time and energy allow these thoughts to turn into things spoken, it was typical that someone would propose a return to EBC, and the next destination or trek would be used as a secondary goal and an excuse to go to EBC and do what has been left undone.

7.2. Continuing Your Adventure in Nepal

The possibility to continue your adventure exists to a great extent, and it is capped only by the limits of your imagination and time. You might wish to indulge in the solitude of trekking through the countryside, scaling the heights of another mountain, fly-fishing in an isolated stream, rafting some of the wildest rivers in the world, taking a mountain bike down a hair-raising descent, or challenging your skills in and around the magnificent Annapurna region. Interested and talented amateur botanists may want to join one of the many plant hunting expeditions. Your guide can be of considerable help in linking you up with something to match your aspirations. It is not hard to find a trek to go somewhere in Nepal, as this is the classic land of trekking. With the exception of a few security areas, the possibilities are virtually endless, from an adventurous sortie into remote corners of the far west and north, to base camp treks around the Annapurna and Everest mountains, to the more easy going and even luxurious valley and ridge treks in the middle hills. And at the end of a trek or a day’s outing, the unchanging delight is to be offered the chance to meet and press the hands of those less fortunate and make someone’s day a little bit brighter for having seen you. It is also a simple matter to combine a program of trekking with other outdoor activities. Wet and dry river-rafting provides a very refreshing contrast to a trek, and can be done in various regions, and at various intensities, with trips lasting from 1 to 12 days. Pilots of proven experience now conduct scenic mountain flights and air tours over the Himalaya. High-altitude ballooning has become another option in the Kathmandu valley, with regular trips over the mountains offered provided there is no conflict with environmentalists and the danger of fire from exposed rocks is eliminated. With few tourists yet many tourist attractions, these are only a few of Nepal’s potentialities. For now, the main resource remains always the chance to interact with the country and its people, trekking and excitement only being the channels.

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14 Days Everest Base Camp Trek

DISCLAIMER: This post might have links to travel services and products that we enjoy. We might make a commission from it at no extra cost to you.

Everest Base Camp Trek, or EBC, is the most popular hike in Nepal and amongst avid trekkers. I just finished my EBC trek this second week of April 2023, and I can’t recommend this hike enough.

As a non-serious trekker, I was mindblown by the physical challenge and incredible feeling I experienced throughout the trip – it’s something a person should try to conquer at least once in their life.

It took me a year to prepare for this trip, and I learned much throughout the process. I was able to find out what was accurate and not while on the trail of the Khumbu Region.

This article about 14 days of Everest Base Camp Trek will help decide if this trip is for you, plan your hike, and help you visualise what to expect on the trail. This guide will also assist you in deciding whether it’s possible to trek on your own or if you must book a tour.

On the other hand, we have 3 itineraries for 2 weeks in Nepal if you don’t want to do any trekking or hiking during your trip.

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE EVEREST BASE CAMP HIKE

Before you book your flight, tour, or anything, you should know a few things and keep them in mind. This will help you find out when to go, how much to budget, visa and permits to prepare, what to pack, and trekking etiquette.

Everest Base Camp Trek Difficulty

I understand this is one of the number one questions for people wishing to hike to the Everest Base Camp. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced hiker, it can be hard to say the difficulty level of this trek. After all, it’s the highest base camp in the world.

The simple answer is that it’s challenging to trek the Everest Base Camp. I would rate it 7/10 on a difficult leve l. But there are a lot of things to take into consideration.

First, I’m not a highly experienced trekker . I’ve done lots of day hikes but only a handful of treks, which are no more than 3 days.

Second, the terrain itself was pretty alright . Lots of up and down, rocky terrain, muddy (and slippery when it’s wet/got snowed on), and hills.

Third, the most challenging is the thin air and elevation sickness . It doesn’t matter if you’re super fit or have good cardio. Each body could react differently on high elevation when not used to it. People who live in high elevations, such as Colorado (US), Cusco (Peru), Bogota (Colombia), and La Paz (Bolivia), have some advantages.

Fourth, are you carrying your own packs ? Carrying all your bags will definitely affect your performance. Having a porter will help you a lot, plus having a guide means they will arrange accommodation and food on your behalf. This means once you arrive at each town, you can simply get cleaned up, eat, relax, and try to recover.

The bottom line is if you’re an experienced trekker, you’ll probably find this trip at around 5/10 difficulty level. For people not as experienced, somewhere around 7 or 9 out 10 , especially for those who are trekking right out of their couch.

To give some perspective , before this trek, I exercise 6x a week. This includes a 2km run, strength/weight, and jumping cardio. When I started training, I added a 10K hike a week, lap swimming, stair climbing, and 10K steps a day.

Now that my trek is over, I would still say that the Everest Base Camp trek difficulty was 7/10 for me . If you get a private guide and porter, they can create a slower itinerary to give you some time to recover. For example, an extra day in Namche or an extra day in Dingboche – could help a lot (minus the possibility of elevation sickness)

Before arriving in Nepal or booking/planning your trek

Below is the information that will make your trip a little hassle-free, and make sure you don’t come to Nepal during the off-season when the trails are closed.

When is the best time to go to Everest Base Camp

There are two great and popular times to trek the Everest Base Camp. If you want to see and meet summiteers, go during the summit season between April and May. This is a popular time to do the trek because it’s not too cold, little chance of rain, and the sky is 90% clear. But, it gets so busy (especially by May) that the teahouses are often full, and the trail is very busy.

The other fantastic season for trekking the Everest Base Camp is between September to December. You will surely not have any rainfall, and the sky will be much clearer. Although it can be a lot colder and although it’s not summit season, the teahouses can still be quite busy.

You can’t hike the Everest Base Camp trail from June to August during typhoon season. Not only will heavy rains make your trip awful, but the National Park will be closed, the trails are not open, and there will be no teahouses to stay at in the Khumbu region.

Are 2 weeks enough for Everest Base Camp Trek

Yes. 14 days for the Everest hike is tight but possible. If you only have this much time for this trip, don’t plan to see other places in Nepal except Kathmandu. You will have just enough time to go to shops to rent trekking equipment and bring it back at the end of your trip before you have to catch a flight home.

I personally had 30 days in Nepal, which allowed me to know I could extend my trip if something happened while on the trail. Luckily, I finished unscathed and could head to Pokhara and check it out.

What is the average cost for 14 days Everest Base Camp Trek

2 weeks after my EBC trek, I sat down and did the math. Since I booked a tour that covered my food, accommodation, guide, porter, and permits. I spent about $50 on the trail for water, hot drinks, and some snacks.

I spent USD 1,500, excluding flights from home and back. This amount includes travel and medical insurance for the entire trek, including the required helicopter evacuation above 5,000 m.

Visa and trekking permits

I paid for a 30-day visa on arrival, which was $50 . I applied online before my flight landed. This means I didn’t have to waste my time in the queue at the visa machine. This is highly recommended if your flight lands during the day because the queue to the machine, payment, and stamp could take an hour, or more.

The visa requires you to provide your personal details, flight details, and the address of your first hotel in Nepal. If you sign up for the visa in advance, you don’t need to print it, keep a digital copy with you, and you’ll show it to the immigration officer. Make sure to bring a passport-sized photo and cash (USD, GBP, EURO). There’s an ATM there if you need it.

There are multiple “permit stops” where you must show your trekking permit. This is because the licenses for locals are different for foreigners. Also, various permits depend on your end destination.

I received 2 permits, one from Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality and the other for Sagmantha National Park. The total cost was 5,000 NPR or around $38. These fees were included since I was on tour and didn’t have to stand in line. My tour guide handled everything for me.

The first “permit post” is right as you leave Lukla. Then, there’s another major post as you enter Sagmantha National Park (from Phakding to Lukla). Another small one when you’re about to enter Namche and another one between Namche and Tengboche.

Travel, medical, and evacuation insurance

For trekking to EBC, securing insurance for evacuation with a helicopter is a must. You must have this since whether you’re on tour, going independently, or contracting a guide. Not because it’s required but because if you do need to be evacuated, it will cost you a minimum of $5,000 for the service.

There’s also a rumour that it might be required in the near future. From what I saw during my trek, loads of people were evacuated by helicopter, horse, or donkey. The evacuation is required if you hurt yourself physically or suffer from high altitude sickness.

Getting this insurance will cost you somewhere between $100 to $500, depending on the company you sign up with. It’s totally worth it than risking paying $5,000 or paying $200 a day for the horse service.

My only issue about getting the insurance is that because it’s for “extreme sports”, many of the insurance companies only secure based on nationality. For example, an insurance company based and registered in the UK will only insure the Brits. The same goes for Australia, US, and Europe.

Insurance companies from my own home country (Philippines) don’t even know what “high altitude rescue” means or have nothing in place for that. After scouring through websites, sending dozens of emails, and waiting for weeks, I found IMGLobal , which has no nationality restrictions.

I paid $115 for a 15-day coverage. Make sure to choose “ iTravelInsured Travel LX “, which is specifically for extreme sports or activity and has no altitude limit.

When getting evacuation insurance, most of those don’t come with medical insurance. This means your insurance is only covering the helicopter cost itself. You’ll most likely be dropped off at a hospital in Kathmandu. The medical cost in Nepal is reasonable for a foreign person, but I still recommend you simply get medical insurance as well.

What to pack for the EBC hike

You want to think of layers than packing heavy or thick jackets. One guy in our group has 2 fleece jackets and a medium-thickness puffy. I had one, but my down jacket (puffy), one thick and heavy. A girl in our group only packs two sets of clothes. She was wearing the same thing the entire time and the other set for “sleeping in”.

Plenty of people on the trail went with merino wool. But I couldn’t do it. Not for the first layer as it gets me so itchy, especially when I start sweating. I recommend a synthetic for the first layer (that touches your skin), then merino wool for the other layers.

You can check my packing list for 14-day Everest Base Camp hike to give you an idea. I also listed my friend’s (men’s) packing list. You can also get this free printable packing list specifically for this trek.

Yes, please!

Do you need a hiking pole for EBC

I would say yes. It gets steep and slippery when it gets muddy and snowy, and when it’s time to go back down. Having hiking poles helps with your knees, ankles, and also quads. But it takes practice, so it’s best to try it at home so you have time to get comfortable.

While on the trek

Now that you know when to go, what to pack, and about trekking permits, it’s time to learn about what to expect while on the trail. This includes food and drinks, internet/wifi access, how to pay for goods and services, and, most importantly, walking etiquette.

Going slow or fast

It doesn’t matter how fit or good of a hiker you are – you must GO SLOW as you ascend. This is because no one can predict how your body will react to the elevation, especially if you live in a sea-level area.

During my trek, I saw physically fit people struggling. I saw people who were covering 2 villages in one day abandoning their trek due to AMS (altitude mountain sickness). I’m assuming you already know that this is a 2-week trek.

No one will judge you for being slow. You’ll notice that other people are being slow themselves. Along the trek, you’ll find people from different groups coming together as they find the pace that works for them – join them.

There’s no reason to go too fast; you’ll only hurt your chance of finishing the trek. You might have some advantages if you come from a high-elevation place such as Cusco or Colorado. You’ll most likely feel any AMS symptoms until you’re past Namche Bazaar.

Take your time, take some incredible photos, and admire the views. If you still have good energy after Gorakshep, you can sprint down to Lukla.

AMS and Diamox

DISCLAIMER : I am not a doctor or a person practising medicine in any shape, way, or form. I’m only sharing what I experienced during my trek. Please consult your doctor for any questions you may have regarding altitude sickness medicine and altitude mountain sickness .

AMS is more than short of breath. It’s also when you’re tired only an hour into the day’s trek. But what’s more concerning is the headache. This is when your brain is swelling due to a lack of oxygen.

This is why going slow and taking as much air into your body is more important than covering distance. Once you get a headache crawling at the back of your head, you might have to call it quits and ask for a helicopter rescue.

Before you take Diamox or any other altitude sickness pill, you should speak to your doctor. I didn’t take any during my trek, even though I had a headache for nearly a week. For the first 2 days, paracetamol with codomol was able to ease the pain away.

But eventually, the pain was coming off stronger, and I had to take paracetamol a few times a day. The pain never reached the back of my head, though, so I didn’t feel like I needed to take Diamox.

A guy in our group took it the day he arrived in Kathmandu, as his doctor prescribed him. The side effects were similar to the actual symptoms. So, for almost 5 days into the trek, he was feeling sick, had diarrhoea, headache, and lost his appetite. He stopped taking it and eventually felt a bit better.

On the other hand, the girl in our group also started with Diamox from Kathmandu and never had any side effects or even major symptoms of AMS apart from fatigue and shortness of breath.

I can’t tell you what will work for you, so please talk to your doctor.

What to eat and drink

Regarding food, all teahouses serve meals with a pretty good menu. You’ll find a breakfast section, lunch/dinner or warm meals. Both locals and international dishes are available such as pizza and pasta. But don’t expect the taste to be anything Michellin star-worthy. The food is decent and keeps your fuel up.

Although meat is available up to Namche Bazaar, it’s still not recommended. Namche is 2-3 days away from a proper town. This means the meat has to travel for that long (without freezing the meat). In my opinion, it’s not worth the risk. Getting food poisoning is the last thing you want to do on such a long trek.

For protein sources, you can get eggs in teahouses. Or pack protein bars, protein powder, and nuts with you. I also recommend packing some jerkies.

When it comes to drinks, bottled water, carbonated drinks, and even beer are available. There are “convenient stores”, in each town (except Tengboche and Gorakshep) that sell candy bars such as Mars, Bounty, and Kitkat, beer, bottled water, rain jacket, and other hiking items.

Bottled water costs somewhere between 100 NPR to 500 NPR ($1 to $5) as you climb up. Most people refill their water bottles or bladder water in the teahouse before leaving. Then you can drop Aquatabs on it and wait for 30 minutes to cure. Once you’re in Gorakshep, drinking tap water is not recommended, and you must buy bottled water instead.

Internet access

I was amazed that there was mobile reception up to Tengboche Monastery. I bought a local sim card and purchased 28-day data. It worked pretty well for Phakding, Namche, and Tengboche. But the signal was either non-existent or super patchy from Dingboche, Pangboche, Pheriche, Lobuche, and Gorakshep.

In those towns, you can purchase a 24-hour card from the teahouse. The internet providers that exist up there are AirLink and EverestLink. Basically, you bought the card and put the code from that card as a login pass. Only one device per card. Meaning you and your friend cannot share the same code. If you try to use it for another device, it will say something like, “This code has been validated/used”.

While you are in Kathmandu or before you start your hike, look for a shop that sells Ncell and get one with a data package. From the airport, 40GB of data valid for 28 days was 1,400 NPR ($14). We bought that for my friend. I got mine in town around Thamel and paid for 28GB for 28 days for 800 NPR ($8).

We actually stayed in Nepal for 30 days. When the data expired or ran out, I returned to where I got my sim from and asked the guy to help get an extra 3 GB for 150 NPR ($1.5). When buying a sim card, you must bring your passport and a passport photo .

Walking etiquette

During the walk, there are a few things you need to keep in mind so everybody can use the trail and you don’t get hurt, and nobody gets hurt.

In Nepal, they walk and drive on the left. So, naturally, people walk on the left. You’ll see this big black rock with carved Tibetan script on them. You must walk clockwise (on the left) and go around it . The locals believe it means good luck but also show respect for the mountains or nature. Whether you believe it or not, respect the local’s culture and tradition and follow the rules.

The Everest Base Camp trail is full of international people. This means that it’s okay if you want to walk on the right side (as long as you walk on the left for the rock), especially if the wall is on the right and you’re on a cliff.

If you’re going slow or don’t plan to sprint, walk on the side and not in the middle of the trail so the other people coming can come swiftly and safely. If you want to pass other people, wait until the terrain becomes wider so you can take over safely, and you don’t push other people.

Porters walk fast, it’s important to give way to them . And due to the way they carry the packs, they can’t look further than a step ahead of them (they often look at their feet). To avoid tripping a porter or them bumping onto you, stay on the side and don’t block the middle.

If you hear the porters coming, step aside. If you see the porter coming and there’s a tight space, step up on the rocks to give way and tell the people in front of you, “porters coming”, so they can step aside too.

If you’re the one who wants to pass other people, say “excuse me” or ask politely. Everyone is tired and wants to get to each destination.

Loads of animals are on the trail; they are more impatient, faster, and much stronger than a porter or other human. For this reason, you always give way to the animals passing through. The animal you see are horses, cows, mules, donkeys, and the famous yaks, native to the Himalayas.

They are easy to spot (or hear), though. All the animals wear bells , so you will actually hear them coming at least 100 metres away. Animals always have a shepherd or herder with them to help keep them in line and ensure they won’t cause trouble or accidents.

These animals transport food and goods to the mountains from the main towns and back. When they are passing the trail, not only must you step aside, but you must keep the side by the wall . This is because you’ll never know how the animal will react. You don’t want them accidentally hurting or pushing you off the cliff.

And finally, don’t forget to show some kindness to the locals and other trekkers. A nod, small hello, good morning, or a namaste greeting goes a long way and shows good manners. And always say thank you .

Toilets and water refill

Along the trail are plenty of little towns where you could ask if you can use their bathroom. Usually, it’s free, some have donation boxes, but you must ask first. At the same houses, you could ask if you can refill your bottle or buy bottled water from them.

There were only a few times the people in our group had to walk out of the trail and hide in the bushes if they needed to relieve themselves. The people in our group were also happy to share water, medicine, and even chocolates.

Payment mode

In some towns, such as Namche, you can pay with a card if they have internet access. But in general, cash payment is the norm. Namche Bazaar is the last place on the trail where an ATM machine is available. If you run out of local cash and your card is not working, you might be able to change your currency (USD, GBP, EURO) at the reception area of the teahouse.

Porter and guide tipping

I calculated my tipping as 10% of the cost of the tour. This is per staff. The minimum recommended is $10 a day. I know two people in our group did a $15 a day. To clarify that, we have 3 staff on our tour, 1 guide and 3 porters.

If the tour is 14 days and you’re doing $10 daily, that’s $140 for each staff member. This doesn’t mean that the tour company is not paying the porters or guides. Tipping is expected and recommended because the minimum wage in Nepal is less than $100 per month.

If you’re hiring a porter directly, you must pay $20 a day plus cover their meals. Bring extra aqua tabs to share with your porter and guide.

The guide usually makes more money than the porters since they have more responsibility. Even though we had 3 porters and only 1 porter was carrying my pack, I tipped all the porters because they helped me carry my day pack when I struggled during the acclimatisation days.

I didn’t mind shelling out extra money because I’d seen with my own eyes how physically demanding the job of a porter is. I wouldn’t have made it without injury and extra energy if not for the porters.

Other basic travel tips

Although you can’t book the teahouses online, some of these travel sites can be very helpful when planning your trip to Nepal. Especially for accommodation in Kathmandu, bus and flights between cities, and travel insurance, which is a must if you’re doing the trek.

EVEREST BASE CAMP TOUR OR GO INDEPENDENTLY?

Shortly after opening the international border post-COVID19, Nepal Tourism Board has decided to require all foreign trekkers who are going higher than 4,000m to hike with a licensed guide. This means that a hiking guide must accompany everyone who wants to trek Everest Base Camp.

The reasoning given by the board was to ensure the trekker’s safety due to climbing numbers of people getting lost on the trail, getting injured, getting sick (trying to climb the elevation too fast), and worse, fatality.

Note that you don’t need to book a tour to get a guide. There are still independent guides you can hire to do your trek.

Personally, I went with a tour company. Originally, we planned to go by ourselves and get an independent porter. But then the rumour of the policy change was coming in, and there was much confusion about when it would be implemented or if a tour company would be required. To make things easier, we decided to simply go with a tour company so we don’t arrive there and be asked to turn around or book a last-minute tour.

During our hike, we met loads of people hiking on their own. Some finished their trek, and others had to abandon. The same goes for those with guides or on tour, and some had to quit the hike, while others were lucky enough to finish. We were one of those lucky ones.

My main point between booking a tour and going alone or having a contracted tour and porter are:

Pros and cons of being on a tour

Pros and cons of going without a guide, pros and cons of independent guide/porter, pinned map of top things to see in everest base camp hike.

Click the icon on the top right to enlarge the map. Credit: map data: Google

14 DAYS EVEREST BASE CAMP TREK ITINERARY

There are dozens of itineraries for Everest Base Camo Trek out there. But one thing I couldn’t find was a clear idea of what to expect from a day-to-day hike. I’m not much of a video person since I can read faster than watching videos. So, browsing through Youtube was not very appealing to me.

Below is an account of what you should expect during a trek to Everest Base Camp for 2 weeks. I try to be on point as much as possible. You’ll find the elevation numbers, gains, and calculations. You’ll also get some ideas about what the terrain looks like and which days will be the most challenging as well.

There’s also information on how long trekking days are regarding distance and hours.

Day 1: Kathmandu

You can spend a day gathering everything you need, such as renting or buying a sleeping bag, down jacket, gloves, hat, and fleece pants. I rented the sleeping bag and down jacket for $1 (100 NPR) daily. That totalled $28 for both. I then bought a traditional Tibetan wool hat lined with fleece for $6 (600 NPR).

I also bought winter gloves for $8 (800). Finally, I stopped at the pharmacy to buy aqua tabs suitable for 1 litre since the only one I found back home was 20 litres. The pharmacist offered me if I wanted paracetamol with codeine, and I was surprised that it was available over the counter.

Day 2: Kathmandu to Lukla to Phakding

During busy summit season, the flight from Kathmandu to Lukla is diverted to Manthali (Ramachep), which requires 5-6 hours on a van from Kathmandu. You might get lucky enough, and your tour company can still get you a flight from Kathmandu, but it’s rare.

Once you arrive in Lukla, you can buy some water or refill your water before you start your trek. It’s an 8 km trail with a 219 m loss. Lukla is 2,804 m and Phakding is 2,610 m. That will take you around 3-4 hours. Before leaving Phakding, you’ll also get your permit (you won’t miss it), and the queue and waiting can be long.

Day 3: Phakding to Namche Bazaar

The hike was 10 km, taking around 5 hours and 30 minutes. We took a lunch break before we reached the famous Hillary Bridge. From the viewpoint of the bridge, it’s a long 4 km uphill which combines steps and rocks.

This is also the trail where you’ll see a glimpse of Mount Everest Peak if you’re lucky enough. The viewpoint is around 2 km from Hillary Bridge, and you won’t miss it because there’s a toilet at that rest stop.

When you leave Phakding, there’s a checkpoint for your permit. Then there’s another busier checkpoint when you enter Sagarmatha (Everest) National Park, where you need to get another permit, and the soldiers will check them thoroughly. The wait was around 30 minutes. Another checkpoint is around less than a km before you enter Namche Bazaar.

Day 4: Namche Acclimatization Day

Day 4 is an acclimatisation day. It’s a climb from Namche Bazaar to Everest Hotel Viewpoint. It’s a 440 m climb with endless steps. It took us around two hours for a roundtrip, including a stop at Tenzing Norgay Memorial, which has an amazing Everest Mountain view. Namche Bazaar is 3,440 m, and the Everest Hotel Viewpoint is 3,880 m.

Namche Bazaar has many stores if you need other items or want to buy snacks. You can also visit the highest Irish Pub, and there are a few ATM machines here if you need more cash.

Day 5: Namche to Tengbonche Monastery

This hike is brutal. It’s the trail many would remember where the real challenge starts. We also woke up Namche covered in snow. The trail leaving the Bazaar town was slippery due to snow and mud.

Namche is at 3,441 m, Tengboche is at 3,860, and the distance is 9 km. It’s only a 419 m gain. But about a bit over halfway, you’ll go down the hill for about 700 m to Tashinga. You’ll take a lunch break. But from there, after crossing the Bridge King, you’ll start uphill for around 2 km and end up right at the top of the hill where Tengboche Monastery is located.

So, in reality, you gain 2 km and 400 m gain. It took us around 6 hours. If you go at a 1.5 km per hour speed, you’ll make it before sunset, considering that you left around 8 AM. There are no shops in Tengboche, but teahouses are selling candies, water bottles, and even beer.

Day 6: Tengboche to Dingboche

This is the day when you can really start to feel the thin air. Tying up your shoes or simply climbing a set of stairs will get you out of breath. The mobile reception also has stopped working at Tengboche, but you can buy data access at your teahouse.

Tengboche sits at 3,860 m, and Dingboche is at 4,350 m. The hike on its own was actually lovely. There are flat and wide terrains, but you’ll notice there are now fewer trees and more rocks. The trek took around 6 hours, and we covered 11 km. The elevation gain is 490 m.

We took a break at Shomare for lunch, while some groups stopped at Pangboche. Visit the monastery and attend a traditional Buddhist prayer. It lasts for 3 hours, but people can come and go quietly anytime if they’re curious to see, learn, and experience it.

Day 7: Dingboche Acclimatisation Day

You are now halfway through the trip, but not the trail of 14 days Everest Base Camp trek. This is the part where people no longer want to stay in their rooms because it’s freezing cold. Everyone hangs around the dining room because it’s warm and comfortable.

The acclimatisation day was another exhausting one. We climbed Nangkartshang Peak, which is 5,083 m. From Dingboche (4,350 m), that’s a 733 m gain. You are entering the 5,000 m range now, and every step becomes a challenge, and your body feels heavy.

It took us around 3 hours for a 3 km roundtrip. This time, there are no steps but plenty of slippery slopes. The trek also becomes technical because the terrain becomes narrow, and it gets even steeper and rockier past 4,500 m.

Many people would only climb up to 4,900 m because that’s the same elevation as Lobuche. But if you have the energy, go for the peak. At this point, you’ll also start feeling really cold and sleeping with your winter jacket, fleece pants, and even multiple layers of wool socks.

Day 8: Dingboche to Lobuche

This is a hard day. Leaving Dingboche is through a hill, but it flattens until you reach the bottom of Thukla Pass. It is a pass that leads to the top of the hill where the famous memorial sites are located.

This doesn’t mean the dead bodies are there. It’s just where people pile up rocks to make a beautiful memorial; add the name of the people who died in the Everest region from trekking.

Before you climb the pass, you can take a break at this little oasis, where you can also refill your water and use the toilet. The pass is steep, rocky, and has lots of steps, so take your time.

Dingboche is at 4,350 m and Lobuche is at 4,910 m. It took us around 7 hours to cover 18 km with a 560 m gain.

Day 9: Lobuche to Gorakshep to Everest Base Camp

This is easily the longest hike on this 14 days Everest Base Camp trek. Not only you’re going to a new village, but this is also the day you’re reaching the base camp.

The distance between Lobuche to Gorakshep was around 3 km, which took us 2 hours because of thin air, exhausted muscle, and also because there’s another steep hill. The melted ice churned the soil into the mud, making it a slippery and dangerous trail.

The trail between Lobuche to Gorakshep starts on nearly flat ground with a slight inclination. The terrain is vast and rocky. The paths are scattered, so you don’t have to be behind someone. After the steep hill, you’ll pretty much trek through rocks along a hillside.

Once you get to Gorakshep, you can have a lunch break, use the toilet, and have a chance to make your day pack even lighter. Then from Gorakshep to the base camp was another 3 km. This is another path through the hillside with rocks on the ground. This took another 2.5 hours.

THE BASE CAMP : People first line up for the famous “Rock” that says “Everest Base Camp 5,365m”. If you have the energy and the time, you can walk around, and the expedition tents are around 200m to 300m from the rock.

Soak up the view from here, where you’ll see glacier caverns, the moving Khumbu Icefall, and of course, the great Mount Everest.

Once you’re done, it’s time to hike back the 3 km to Gorakshep, which is another 2.5 hours. Ideally, this day will take around 8-9 hours, depending on how much time you plan to spend at the base camp. The elevation gain is 455 m. Lobuch is 4,910 m, Gorakshep at 5,180 m, and the Base Camp is at 5,365 m.

Congratulations! You have reached Everest Base Camp, 5,365 m(17,600 feet), where the oxygen level is around 63%.

Day 10: Gorakshep to Kala Phattar to Periche or Pangboche

Before you start your trek down, you will be hiking to Kala Phattar, which is 5,555 m, higher than the Base Camp. Don’t feel bad if you decide to skip it; many do. As it’s better to keep your energy on a long 3-day trek.

If you decide to do the trek, you must start at 4 AM, so you’ll be back in Gorakshep around 6 AM to have breakfast, pack your stuff, and start the main trek. You should also remember to bring your headlamp for Kala Phattar and keep your pace steady since it’s rocky and dark.

It’s time to make your way back to civilisation, and that starts by saying Goodbye to Gorakshep and reaching either Periche or Pangboche. This depends on your tour guide or tour company. Periche is one of the last drop-off points for helicopters to bring supplies or pick up people for rescue.

This is also where you’ll see lots of Naks (the female Yaks). It’s a village in a valley where you can view the Ama Dablam. You’ll pass Thukla pass again; in case you didn’t have the chance to see the memorial, you can do it today.

Pheriche is 4,200 m. If you do the Kala Phattar hike, that’s a 375 m gain. Gorakshep to Pheriche is around 15 km and will take 7-8 hours. Add 2 hours or more if you’re doing Kala Phattar and even more if you’re going to Pangboche.

Day 11: Pheriche or Pangboche to Namche Bazaar

Today is a 20 km trek from Pheriche to Namche. At this point, you’ll see how easier it is to breathe, and you’ll find trees and other life forms gain. The trek will take around 7-8 hours. You’re most likely to stop at Tashinga, the bottom of the hill, after you pass Tengboche Monastery to have lunch.

If you arrive no later than 4 PM in Namche, you can even enjoy a hot shower at your guesthouse. Now that you’re descending down, it’s safe to drink alcohol. Visit the Irish Pub, Yeti Bar, or Liquid Bar for some Sherpa craft beers, play pool, and enjoy music to celebrate your feat.

Day 12: Namche Bazaar to Lukla

Your last trek day is another 20 km hike. Surprisingly, it should take less time than the previous day. However, you must keep in mind that from Phakding to Lukla is an uphill trail with lots of steps and people.

The lunch break will be in Phakding. This is also the day that you’ll cross the Hillary Bridge one last time. But during the entire trek, you’ll cross about 5 suspension bridges.

When I got to Lukla, I wasn’t so tired. But I could feel that my big toes had gone numb. It’s been 6 weeks since I finished the trek to the day I’m writing this. The sensation on my left big toe is now 100% back, while the right is still only 90% back.

There’s also an Irish Pub in Lukla, and there are cafes and cosy coffee shops you can check out. It’s also your last chance to buy a souvenir from the Khumbu Region if you want to do some shopping. Your bags are much lighter now, so you don’t have to worry about the weight limit for the flight.

I also recommend you invite your porter/s for a nice dinner. You can personally thank them for their hard work and help during the trek. Buy them a nice dinner, have some drinks, and don’t forget to hand in the tip.

Day 13: Lukla to Kathmandu

Depending on whether you’re flying with a regular plane or helicopter from Lukla, you’re flight will leave sometime in the morning. You will reach Kathmandu in under an hour if you’re with a helicopter.

For those with regular planes, you will land in Manthali (Ramachep) and from there, your tour company will drive you to Kathmandu, which will take around 6 hours. There’s a lunch break around halfway through.

If you didn’t fly from Manthali to Lukla, you should know that this can be a bumpy road due to construction. So, take some motion pills for a comfortable ride.

Day 14: Kathmandu

If you arrive in Kathmandu before 6 PM, try to return your rented items the same day so you don’t have to waste the next day doing that. If you plan to go to places in Nepal, you can use this day to arrange buses, flights, and tours.

My tour company took our group on a farewell dinner where we enjoyed watching traditional Nepali dances. We had the best Dal Bhat, drank Nepali drinks, and ate tasty desserts. On our last day, we also received a certificate for finishing the Everest Base Camp trek from the tour company, which was so sweet.

MUST-TRY NEPALESE DISHES, DRINKS, AND SNACKS

During your 14 days Everest Base Camp trek, you’ll see that the food menu in teahouses is massive. There are local dishes and also Western. But I recommend you try at least a few Nepali or Himalayan food. Also, local meals are more affordable if your tour doesn’t include food.

Here’s a list of fantastic dishes to try on your trek:

• Dal Bhat – is a traditional Nepali food. There’s also a running joke of “dal bhat power”, because this is the dish that porters consume during the entire trek.
• Sherpa stew – noodle soup and lots of vegetables
• Tibetan bread – fried bread with burnt sugar on top

SUMMARY OF 14 DAYS EVEREST BASE CAMP TREK

This trek is challenging whether you’re a pro hiker or a beginner. You’ll find something that will challenge you. This means that this is an amazing trip for pretty much everyone. The views alone along the trail are worth every penny and every step.

The beautiful Himalayas are nothing like anywhere in the world. If you have the time, money, and dedication – go for it! Just remember to go slow and enjoy the views.

This trek will forever be one of the hardest things I’ll ever do as a traveller. I grew up in a city that is not walkable at all. When I started backpacking, I hated it when we had to walk during a tour or explore a city; it was never my thing.

Eventually, day hikes grew on me, and I’m the first person to recommend a walking tour to anyone. Even with a turn of events when it comes to walking, I never imagined that I’ll ever sign up for a 14-day trek this hard. I questioned myself during the hike why I was doing it. I could have gone to Thailand and drank Pina Colada all day.

But then I’d look up from my feet, and the views are just incredible. It’s like staring at a picture, but at the same time, you can hear it breathe, dance, and speak to you directly in words that no one else could understand.

I hope that my experience of 14 days Everest Base Camp trek has been helpful for you in deciding if this trek is for you and visualising what to expect.

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Everest Base Camp Trek 7 Days

Every long-distance trail in Nepal is holistically famous for its sweeping views, exquisite landscapes, and heart-warming villages. They are gorgeous with classic rugged trails made for hiking, stunning little towns, and rolling hills.

But, despite all the wonders, no hiking destination can stand the charm and sublimity of Everest Base Camp. With unparalleled beauty and heavenly landforms, it’s the most eloquent trekking site.

Everest Base Camp Trek 7 days is a perfect way to hunker down the remote villages, ancient monasteries, and endless wild forests. The old hamlets and buzzing streets will surely draw the attention of yours but not as much as the quiet meadow and hemlock.

In spring, the woods cheer up with a blooming Rhododendron all through the valley. As usual, Everest Base Camp Trek 7 days commence with a short flight to Lukla from Kathmandu and an uphill trek to Phakding.

From here, the trek perks up as the next stop is Namche Bazaar, the gateway to Everest. Most of the trail leading towards Namche climbs upward, making it quite annoying for hikers. Following the zigzagged trail, we’ll pass historic landmark Tengboche and Dingboche which is on the other side of the river.

Walking along the edge of the valley, we’ll proceed towards Lobuche and make a climb over the rocky moraine in order to reach Gorak Shep. From there, our trail walks on a rugged route boulder to wind up at Base Camp.

Standing at a height of 5,360 meters , you’ll get an incredible view of Mt. Everest as well as Nuptse and Ama Dablam. Apart from the fabulous experience of climbing Everest Base Camp, you’ll also get to explore Himalayan wildlife and vegetation.

Highlights of 7 Days Everest Base Camp Trek

• Picturesque flight to and fro Lukla airstrip
• Closer shot of Mt. Everest and Khumbu Glacier
• Colorful valleys and verdure to skim through
• Paying a visit to ancient monasteries and Chortens that epitomize Tibetan culture
• Deep insight into Sherpa’s people lifestyle and custom
• Glimpses of rare wild animals like Himalayan Serow and Ungulates

Best time for Everest Base Camp Trek

Everest Base Camp Trek 7 days is a well planned-out vacation arranged for hikers who are pressed for time. Given just a week of an excursion, it barely matters which season of the year you’re trekking. Regardless of that, the best time to visit the region has to be spring.

It has got the most fabulous weather with greener pastures and quiet outdoor space which you can explore anytime. The valleys are blissful and so is the mountain with no snowfall or heavy rain. Temperatures in spring are as low as 17 Degree Celsius making the region warm enough to traverse.

You can also make a visit to the base camp in autumn as it too has mild weather, perfect for trekking. Autumn days are warm and sunny while the nights are slightly cold with a temperature falling below – 6 Degree Celsius.

Even the coldest day of the season at Everest Base Camp has a temperature of 14 Degree Celsius. This certainly makes it easy for the hikers to reach the base camp as the trails are in great condition.

With autumn rolling around, there are multi-colored leaves dangling on the trees throughout the forest. The sight of shimmering snow peaks, unique landscapes, and serene lakes looks fantastic during September and October due to the clear sky.

Monsoon and winter are definitely not a great time for Everest Base Camp Trek 7 days. Winter’s foggy weather and heavy snowfall cause frequent delays in flights and even cancellation. The morning views are not so great either with mist looming all over hills and mountains.

Thankfully, the days are clear in winter with moderate climate and temperature around 4 Degree Celsius. With a high humidity and temperature over 30 Degree Celsius , monsoon experiences hot weather but the rain bothers hikers. The continuous downpour makes the unpaved trail slimy so you have to be extra while doing Everest Base Camp Trek in monsoon.

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Difficulties of Everest Base Camp Trek

1. altitude sickness.

When has the altitude sickness not caused trouble to hikers especially beginners advancing; Everest Base Camp. It’s the source of problems like headaches, acute nausea, and rapid pulse which is a preliminary symptom of mild altitude sickness.

These acute conditions aren’t severe in onset but if ignored, they can turn vicious and cause hypoxemia. It mostly happens when you travel to a high altitude too fast without letting the body de-stress.

Most trekkers who don’t have a history of climbing high altitudes are more likely to suffer from acute mountain sickness during EBC trek . Thereby, if you’ve no early experience of hiking then train yourself and take a couple of short treks before the base camp.

Acclimatization is the best way out to prevent altitude sickness so let your body get proper rest after every extreme hike. Drinking enough water will also help you resist the sickness and scramble the base camp easily.

2. Temperature and Weather

Temperature and Weather is another significant obstacle for trekkers climbing Everest Base Camp. They increase the difficulty level based on which time of the year you’re traveling. If it’s winter, climbers will indeed experience adverse weather backed by heavy snowfall and storms.

Compared to all seasons, it’s the most inhospitable time to visit Base Camp due to the frigid climate. Temperature is below -17 Degree Celsius in winter which leaves trekkers shivering or wrapped around warm clothes.

Without crampons, it’s really hard to get a grip on a snowy trail stretched up to 5,360 meters. The same goes for Monsoon whose filthy trail makes it awful to navigate the way to Base Camp. They too will need a pair of wear-resistant trekking poles to prevent slips on the slick route.

3. Long-drawn Trails

The trails you will find during your 7 Days Everest Base Camp Trek are not just rugged but also long-winded. It stretches up to 80 miles starting from Lukla airstrip to Base Camp which is perched at the foot of Khumbu Glacier . The route winds course through several quaint villages, roaring rivers, and suspension bridges.

Trekkers will be walking through dense forests, past stunning monasteries, and valleys for almost 2 weeks to reach the camp. The trail after Gorak Shep is steep and meanders through terminal moraines alongside glacial ponds. This is sure enough to give hikers a tough time outpacing the trail.

4. Accommodation

Another trek difficulty that you may encounter during a 7 days base camp hike is arranging accommodation . Unlike high-end cities, accommodation on the trail is limited to lodges and guesthouses. You’ll find family-run teahouses after reaching a higher elevation where the rooms have basic facilities. They are convenient to dwell in compared to some cheap priced hotels. Teahouses in the Everest region come with basic amenities that include a bed, pillow, and a woolen blanket.

You may also like:

• Lukla to Everest Base Camp Trek 12 Days
• Everest Base Camp Luxury Lodge Trek
• Everest Base Camp Short Trek 9 Days Itinerary

Preparations and Essentials for Everest Base Camp Trek 7 days

Since the Everest Base Camp Trek 7 days doesn’t last more than a week, the preparations are pretty mediocre. You won’t have to spend days and weeks shopping or training a month before the hike. Trekkers can easily rely upon exercise that increases core muscle strength and keeps you fit and strong.

Stability is the key element for the successful excursion of Everest Base Camp. So, you need to keep up with your pace from the start of the hike till reaching the camp. Everyday workout routine and trail running will be enough to resist the 40 miles trail.

Keeping yourself in good shape is indispensable for hiking. But in all that you can’t stress your mind or put it on an immense task force. You must let your mind relax before and even during the trek. Carry all the needed gear so that you don’t have to stress while on the road.

Essentials equipment needed during Everest Base Camp Trek 7 days

You won’t need a lot of equipment to do Everest Base Camp Trek 7 days in comparison to a round trip which means the pressure is on. You need to be careful about what you pick as the tools are meant to ease your hike instead of increasing load. Keep the load as less as you can including some of the essentials down below:

Clothing and footwear

• Waterproof jacket and pants
• Lightweight trekking pants
• Moisture-wicking t-shirts
• High-insulated mountaineering boots
• Camp shoes and woolen socks

Miscellaneous

• Camera with extra batteries
• First aid kit
• Hand sanitizer and toiletries
• Water purifier

Similar articles you may like:

• Everest Base Camp 16 Days Itinerary
• Tour Cost For Everest Base Camp Helicopter
• Everest Base Camp Trek In September

Day 01: Arrive in Kathmandu, Transfer to Hotel

Like you asked, we’ll pick you up from the airport on First day of 7 Days Everest Base Camp Trek. Our officials will be there shortly before your flight lands at the aerodrome. After a brief introduction and warm welcome at the arrival, they’ll transfer you to the hotel.

Since the scheduled flight was too long, we’ll let you be on your own and meet directly in the evening for small talk before commencing the trek. You can meet the crew member and also take a short tour of the city in your spare time.

There are oodles of fantastic restaurants and hotels in the city where you can find all the cuisine to choose from. Their service is pretty great for the money. To get some rest after a hectic day, you shall return to the hotel.

Day 02: Fly from Kathmandu to Lukla and Trek to Namche Bazaar

Maximum Altitude: 2,610 meters

Flight Distance: 138 km

Trek Distance: 9 km

Flight Duration: 40 minutes

Trek Duration: 4 hours

We’ll be pushing hard to finish the trek on time if not taken a lead from start. So, on the first sunrise, we’ll drive to TIA and board the flight to Lukla. The flight is short enough to be completed within 40 minutes. Till then, you can enjoy the staggering view of mountains, rocky valleys, and precipitous cliffs.

Upon reaching Lukla, you’ll have a short break to eat breakfast and meet the porter. Sometime later, we’ll start the trek to Namche Bazaar by ascending the steep hills and ridgeline. The trail has us walking through a small settlement and entering Sagarmatha National Park .

The path into the park is intriguing with the lovely view of Dudh Koshi River and scads of suspension bridges. After fleeting Jorsale, the trail rises steeply upward, taking climbers at least 3 hours to finish.

There is no downward walking from here so you need to be careful while scrambling the trail. After hiking an entire day, we’ll finally reach the Sherpa town nestled at 3,440 meters. The atmospheric pressure in the air starts to get low after Namche so we’ll give our body proper rest for the rest of the day off in the village. Overnight stay in a lodge.

Day 03: Trek from Namche Bazaar to Tengboche

Maximum Altitude: 3,440 meters

Trek Distance: 9.2 km

Trek Duration: 4-5 hours

After Namche, it’s time to move to our next station Tengboche, the most popular town in the Khumbu region . Since the trail begins with an upward climb, we’ll take a slow and steady pace before stepping up.

Clambering the path from the side of a hill and over the wooden bridge, we’ll reach a small shop at Phunki Tenga. You shall be able to get a delicious brunch here and retrieve the energy lost in 2 hours of ascent.

It’s impossible to speed walk from here as the oxygen in the air starts to drop. Finally, after walking 5 hours on the trail, we’ll finally arrive at Tengboche. During our stop here, we’ll visit the Tengboche monastery, explore the wonderful village, and interact with locals. You’ll be spending the night at a teahouse in Tengboche.

Day 04: Trek from Tengboche to Dingboche

Maximum Altitude: 4,410 meters

Trek Distance: 10.8 km

Trek Duration: 3-4 hours

Half of our Everest Base Camp Trek 7 days has been already completed which means we’re not too far off from scrambling the camp. Therefore, without wasting too much time, we’ll start scrambling the foothills.

It’ll take us anywhere from 3 to 4 hours to pass through the forest and steppes before reaching the village. We’ll spend most of our day walking along the river valley and narrow stone trails.

After stopping at a teahouse on the way and having lunch, we’ll continue our journey through a steppe stone path. Following a small trek route over the gorge, we’ll proceed towards Chukhung Valley and eventually arrive at Dingboche . Overnight stay in a teahouse at Dingboche.

Day 05: Trek from Dingboche to Lobuche

Maximum Altitude: 4,940 meters

Trek Distance: 17.5 km

Trek Duration: 5-6 hours

After breakfast, we’ll head back to the trail and slowly climb the edge of the hill. The path leading to Lobuche is 11 miles long, most of which is steep. The views below Chukhung valley are intriguing with a spouting river and gorge.

You can also get a sight of Island Peak at the end of the valley. Walking the trail to Lobuche often drives people exhausted due to rising altitude and low oxygen levels in the air. Once we climb down to Pheriche village, the trail rambles on a wooden bridge over the river drained out of Khumbu glacier.

At Dugla, we’ll stop by a local shop for lunch, then continue an uphill walk for almost an hour. In-between the time, you’ll get to watch the marvelous view of Mt. Pumori, Gyachung Kang, and Changtse. We’ll rest at a teahouse in the night.

Day 06: Trek to Everest Base Camp and Trek to Gorak Shep

Maximum Altitude: 5,360 meters

Trek Distance: 8 km

The day we all had been waiting for so long is right here. Today is the day of remembrance as we’ll be finally climbing all the way to the base camp today. After breakfast, we’ll leave for the craggy trail to Gorak Shep . Although the course is not too long, the steppe climb will make it exhausting for the hikers.

The trail walks over boulders and glacial streams before climbing rocky moraine dunes. After reaching the small settlement perched at the brink of a frozen lakebed, we’ll take a little time off and have lunch. Before it’s too long, we’ll proceed with the trail walking ups and downs for about an hour and a half.

After getting to the base camp, you can have a glimpse of Mt. Everest, sweeping landscapes, and icefall just to yourself. We’ll descend back to Gorak Shep for our overnight stay.

Day 07: Early morning Hike to Kala Patthar and Helicopter flight to Kathmandu

Maximum Altitude: 5,643 meters

Trek Distance: 1.2 km

Trek Duration: 1 hour 30 min

Today is the last day of the Everest Base Camp Trek for 7 days. So, to bid farewell in style, we’ll take a short walk up to the top of Kala Patthar. Expecting to see the beautiful sunrise, we’ll be climbing the mountain before dawn.

The trail leading toward Kala Patthar is steep and therefore takes somewhere from 1 to 2 hours to finish the trek. The view of Everest and its nearby mountain from atop the peak is astounding. You’ll also be able to take a glimpse of glacial lakes and moraines from the mountain.

After the sightseeing is over, we can board the flight which our crew members will land at the crest of Kala Patthar. Within an hour’s flight from the black mountain, we’ll arrive at Tribhuvan airport.

FAQs – 7 Days Everest Base Camp Trek

1. Where is Everest Base Camp located?

Everest Base Camp is nestled at an altitude of 5,360 meters in Solukhumbu district. It sits right at the foot of Khumbu Glacier, surrounded by a bunch of epic mountains. The base camp is approximately 99 miles far from Kathmandu and takes a flight up to Lukla airstrip.

2. How much does it cost to charter a flight to Everest Base Camp?

The cost of flight to Everest Base Camp trek ranges from US$4000 to $4500USD per person. But, if the shuttle is avant-garde and has a capacity to hold a maximum weight of 250 kg then the price will see a hike anywhere from US$ 4400 to US$5100.

3. What is the maximum height where the helicopter can fly in the Himalayas?

Commercial helicopters like Eurocopter AS350 Squirrel can hover up to 25,000 feet high in the Himalayas. It has an excellent lifting power with the capacity to incline 1,500 meters high per minute. The twin-engine STOL Let L-410 Turbolet can contain 1 ton of cargo containers.

4. Do we suffer from altitude sickness if we travel the Base Camp from a flight?

Short-takeoff-and-landing aircraft can fly up to 10,000 ft. high which means the passengers taking direct flight are quite likely to suffer from altitude sickness. Trekkers immediately start to show symptoms like dizziness and shortness of breath after reaching the height. This generally happens because the hikers don’t have enough time to adjust to the atmospheric pressure of high altitudes.

5. Is it safe to do Everest Base Camp Trek 7 days through the flight?

There is no need to be anxious about flying to Everest Base Camp through aircraft or have a second thought because our pilots are highly trained. They have been in the profession for too long and know pretty well how to handle the worst off.

6. Are children allowed on flight?

Of course, children are allowed to board the flight to Everest Base Camp but only under the vigilance of parents. They aren’t able to fly solo which is why guardians have to make sure that the kids are comfortable in the flight.

7. Do you provide oxygen on the flight?

It’s our responsibility to ship all the flight attendees safe and sound. Therefore, in order to do so, we always carry supplemental oxygen in flight so that the passenger in need can use it. If you feel any kind of dizziness or headache as a symptom of altitude sickness then you can certainly use bottled oxygen.

8. Will I be able to do 7 Days Everest Base Camp Trek alone?

You can surely climb Everest Base Camp Trek alone but just when you can navigate the track well enough. If you’re not aware of the course then it’s better not to travel alone. We recommend that you hire a pro guide who can read you the trail and help reach the base camp without causing any trouble.

9. Can a solo traveler take the flight for Everest Base Camp Trek 7 days?

Without a doubt, solo travelers can take a flight to Everest Base Camp but it will cost them a lot. To reduce the price, you can instead travel in a group and rift the fare in equal proportion. If you’re having trouble finding a group, we can even help you seek in the traveler.

10. When is the right time to visit Everest Base Camp?

The perfect time for Everest Base Camp Trek 7 days in October and April. These two months endure mild weather with a temperature above 0 Degree Celsius. The views are absolutely breathtaking with a clear sky, green meadows, and full swing wildflowers.

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Quick links, how long is the trek from lukla to everest base camp, where can hikers stay while traveling from lukla to everest base camp, can any level hiker travel from lukla to everest base camp is it safe.

Located in the Himalayas lies the world-renowned trek from Lukla to Everest Base Camp, a journey that draws adventurers from across the globe. This 130 km (77 miles) round trip trek is a challenging but rewarding experience, showcasing the natural beauty of the region and offering a glimpse into the daily lives of the local Sherpa people.

The trek from Lukla to Everest Base Camp typically takes 13 days, starting from Kathmandu. Before embarking on this journey, hikers must train to prepare for the rigorous terrain and high altitude. This is especially important given the risks associated with being at such high altitudes for an extended period.

The trek from Lukla to Everest Base Camp is an unforgettable journey that offers a glimpse into one of the world's most breathtaking regions. With proper training and a sense of adventure, anyone can tackle this challenging but rewarding trek and come away with memories to last a lifetime.

• Lukla to Everest Base Camp is 38.5 miles.
• This entire hike should take people between 11 and 14 days in total.
• Many hikers between these two spots spend 8–9 hours walking daily.

For people wanting to take on Everest Base Camp from Lukla, this will be the journey of a lifetime. This trek between the two spots is approximately 38.5 miles, usually taking hikers 11–14 days. One thing to note, this trek is 38.5 miles either way: totaling 77 miles. According to past hikers, people will begin their eight-day hike from Lukla to the Everest Base Camp and then four days to trek back to Lukla. Some may want to hang out at Everest Base Camp for a couple of days, so that will add time to the entire voyage.

Luckily, the scenery between these notable hiking locations offers unparalleled views of the surrounding landscape, giving adventurers insight into the Sherpa people. Another detail to remember when traveling between Lukla and Everest Base Camp is that most people recommend hiking for 8–9 hours daily to keep the schedule at 11–14 days.

Some people even skydive from Mount Everest : so the adventure doesn't need to stop at the ground.

Related: 10 Stunning Himalayan Hiking Trails That Are Not Everest (Or Even Close)

The Best Trekking Route To Everest Base Camp

When it comes to the best route for those trekking to Everest Base Camp, people want to take The Classic Everest Base Camp trek. This path is the most direct route from Lukla to the 18,192-foot peak of Kalapatar. Hikers will also get the best view of Mount Everest from here, so that's perfect for those wanting to snap a few photos.

However, here are some alternative routes and timelines that one could take to get to the Classic Everest Base Camp Trek:

• Jiri to Everest Base Camp (19–21 days trekking)
• Tumlingtar to Everest Base Camp (21–23 days trekking)
• Gokyo Over Cho La Pass (17–18 days trekking)
• Lukla to Tengboche (around 7 days trekking).

The trek from Lukla to Everest Base Camp is 38.5 miles each way, totaling 77 miles for hikers. Therefore, to finish this trek in 11–14 days, hikers must spend 8–9 hours daily on the move.

• Hikers can stay between Lukla and Everest Base Camp in teahouses, lodges, and campsites.
• Phakding lies between Lukla and Namche Bazaar, making it a great stop along the way.

Trekking from Lukla to Everest Base Camp will have a few lodging opportunities between the two destinations. Generally, past hikers recommend stopping in Phakding, which takes roughly 3 to 4 hours to walk from Lukla. Along this trail, people can stay in lodges or teahouses, which will be primitive and won't be a "typical" experience. The road to Everest may be daunting, so preparing for this journey is crucial .

To explain these teahouses/lodges , they are houses with usually more than two floors but sometimes only one, with dozens of rooms. This could be a fun way to meet other adventure seekers along the way to Everest Base Camp (and back), so don't be afraid to start a conversation.

The trail between Lukla and Everest Base Camp is globally visited, so there will be people from all different cultures and countries to enjoy this with. These ten Everest Base Camp facts may be fun to know before the journey.

Related: Mt Everest: The History & Story Behind The World's Tallest Mountain

In general, if someone is healthy and regularly hikes, they should be able to handle the walk from Lukla to Everest Base Camp. One thing to keep in mind, however, is that this trek isn't easy but isn't nearly as challenging as taking on Mount Everest. The entire region is known for its high elevation and chilly weather, which may be difficult for some hikers.

There are many things to see and experience at the base of Mount Everest , so people don't need to take on the summit to have a memorable experience.

According to trek guides , the Everest Base Camp area is far easier for hikers than other areas, especially when compared to Everest: often considered one of the more dangerous journeys on Earth. It may be helpful to train before heading to Lukla and then to Everest Base Camp, taking on hikes near where someone lives. For example, if there are mountains nearby, that could be a great way to train for this Nepal adventure.

Going to the gym and using machinery at an incline may also help prepare someone for this, although nothing beats getting outdoors. If there is any hesitation with taking on a trek from Lukla to Everest Base Camp, it might be worth consulting a doctor and ensuring people's health is good enough to head to the mountains.

These are ten essential tips for anyone traveling to Everest Base Camp that are worth reading.

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Walk Of The Himalaya

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Everest Base Camp Trek: A Comprehensive Guide to Trekking in the Himalayas

The Base Camp Trek is one of the most popular treks in the world, offering breathtaking views of the Himalayas and the majestic Mount Everest. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience that requires physical fitness and mental strength. In this comprehensive guide, we will cover everything you need to know about the Base Camp Trek.

Overview of the Trek (Everest Base Camp Trek: Full Guide)

The Base Camp Trek starts from Lukla and takes you through the beautiful Khumbu region. The trek takes around 12 to 14 days, depending on the route you choose and your fitness level. The trek provides an opportunity to explore stunning landscapes, glaciers, snow-capped mountains, and the lush green valleys of the Khumbu region.

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The trek also offers an opportunity to interact with the locals and learn about their culture and traditions. The locals are mostly Sherpas, who are the indigenous people of the Khumbu region. The trek is not only physically challenging but also mentally stimulating, as it requires patience and perseverance to complete.

Best Time to Trek

The best time to do the Base Camp Trek is from March to May and September to November. During these months, the weather is clear, and the skies are blue, providing stunning views of the Himalayas. The temperature during these months is mild, making it comfortable for trekking.

However, the weather in the Himalayas can be unpredictable, so it’s always a good idea to check the weather forecast before starting the trek. Avoid trekking during the monsoon season, as the trails can be slippery and dangerous.

Permits Required (Everest Base Camp Trek: Full Guide)

To do the Base Camp Trek, you need two permits: the Sagarmatha National Park Permit and the TIMS (Trekkers’ Information Management System) Card. These permits are required to ensure the safety of trekkers and to preserve the natural beauty of the region.

The Sagarmatha National Park Permit costs and the TIMS Card costs should be planned earlier. You can obtain these permits from the Nepal Tourism Board in Kathmandu or from the Trekking Agencies Association of Nepal.

Physical Fitness Required

The Base Camp Trek is a physically demanding trek that requires a good level of fitness. You should be prepared to trek for 6 to 8 hours a day, carrying a backpack of around 10 to 15 kilograms. You should be physically fit to handle the altitude, as the trek involves ascending to an altitude of 5,364 meters.

It’s recommended that you do some physical training before starting the trek. You can do activities such as jogging, cycling, or swimming to improve your endurance and stamina.

What to Pack (Everest Base Camp Trek: Full Guide)

Packing the right gear is essential for a comfortable and safe trek. Here are some essentials that you should pack for the Base Camp Trek:

• Clothing: Bring warm clothes, including a fleece jacket, gloves, and a hat, as the temperature can drop below freezing point. Also, pack a rain jacket and waterproof pants, as the weather can be unpredictable.
• Footwear: Trekking boots with good ankle support are recommended for the Base Camp Trek. Make sure to break in your boots before starting the trek to avoid blisters.
• Backpack: A backpack of around 50 liters capacity is recommended for the Base Camp Trek. Make sure your backpack is comfortable and fits well.
• Sleeping Bag: Bring a good quality sleeping bag that can handle temperatures as low as minus 10 degrees Celsius.
• Trekking Poles: Trekking poles can help reduce the strain on your knees and provide stability while trekking.
• First Aid Kit: Bring a basic first aid kit that includes bandages, antiseptic cream, and painkillers.
• Water Bottle: Bring a reusable water bottle and a water purification system, as it’s important to stay hydrated during the trek.
• Other Essentials : Don’t forget to pack a headlamp, sunglasses, sunscreen, and a camera to capture the stunning views.

Accommodation and Food

Accommodation during the Base Camp Trek is mostly in teahouses, which are small lodges run by local families. The teahouses provide basic facilities such as a bed, a shared bathroom, and a common dining area.

The food in the teahouses is mostly traditional Nepalese cuisine, such as dal bhat (lentil soup and rice), momos (dumplings), and noodles. The teahouses also serve Western-style food such as pizza and pasta. It’s important to stay hydrated during the trek, so make sure to drink plenty of water and other fluids.

Difficulty Level

The Everest Base Camp Trek is considered a moderately difficult trek. The trek involves hiking at high altitudes, which can be physically demanding and can require a good level of fitness. Altitude sickness is a common concern among trekkers, and acclimatization is crucial to avoid it.

The trek also involves long hours of hiking, often on steep and rocky terrain. Trekkers will have to navigate through narrow paths, suspension bridges, and rocky steps. The trek also includes some challenging ascents, including the climb to Kala Patthar, which is at an altitude of 5,545 meters.

Despite the challenges, the Base Camp Trek is doable with proper preparation, training, and acclimatization. Hiring a guide or joining a group trek can also help make the trek more manageable and enjoyable.

Tips for a Successful Trek (Everest Base Camp Trek: Full Guide)

Here are some tips that can help you have a successful and enjoyable Base Camp Trek:

• Trek Slowly: Trekking slowly is key to acclimatizing to the altitude and avoiding altitude sickness.
• Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water and other fluids to avoid dehydration.
• Pack Light: Pack only the essentials and avoid carrying unnecessary items that can add weight to your backpack.
• Stay Warm: Dress in layers to stay warm, as the temperature can drop at night.
• Interact with Locals: Interact with the locals and learn about their culture and traditions.
• Hire a Guide: Hiring a guide is recommended, as they can provide valuable insights about the trek and ensure your safety.

The Base Camp Trek is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that offers stunning views of the Himalayas and the majestic Mount Everest. The trek requires physical fitness and mental strength, but the rewards are worth the effort. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about the Base Camp Trek, from the best time to trek to the essentials you need to pack. Follow these tips and guidelines to have a successful and enjoyable Base Camp Trek.

For these kinds of treks, you will need to prepare a lot because you can face difficulties during the trek. You will need a travel guide for this trek; you can easily get guides at a very reasonable price at “ ALPINE CLUB OF HIMALAYA .” It is a trustworthy company that will help you to find a good and trusted, experienced guide for the trek.

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Everest Base Camp Trek – A complete Guide

For Everest Base Camp Trek, take a short spooky flight above the mountain hill to Lukla, and follow the footsteps of legendary trekkers and climbers to achieve this uniquely distinctive and iconic adventure journey.

Everest Base Camp Trek Facts

• Required Trip Duration : 12 days
• Trek Difficulty: Moderate
• Highest Altitude : 5545m (Kalapathar viewpoint)
• Distance : 120 km/75 miles
• Accommodation: Teahouse
• Guide and Porter: Both are not mandatory. You can go independently or can hire a guide and porter to support you and make your trip easy and joyful
• Required permits: Local government tax and Sagarmatha National Park Permit
• Best Time to Trek to EBC : March to May(Spring) and September to November(Autumn)
• Start and End Point: Kathmandu to Kathmandu

Highlights of EBC Trek

• Explore lifestyles and culture of Local sherpa communities
• Astounding mountain views of Towering peaks including the highest Mt Everest (8848m), Lhotse (8,516m), Makalu (8,463m), and Cho Oyo (8,201m)
• Explore Sagarmatha National Park, Mani wall, Gompas, Prayers flags, Prayers wheels, and high suspension bridges
• Visit Ancient Tengboche Monastery – the biggest monastery in the region
• Highest glacier on Earth – Khumbu Glacier
• Diversity of flora and fauna along with wildlife – Colorful Pheasants, Musk Deer, Himalayan Thar, and Snow Leopard

Everest Base Camp Trek Overview

Everest Base Camp Trek has been a goal of thousands of novice, independent and anxious trekkers all around the world. Here you can get the genuine and honest facts of this trek before you come to achieve it. So, feel easy to ask if you have any queries regarding this trek.

In this article, you’ll get general ideas of the overview of Everest Base Camp Trek along with itinerary, health requirements, packing list, permits, and frequently asked questions. Indeed, this article is especially for backpackers who want to trek to Everest Base Camp on their own path.

Basically, Mt Everest has two base camps – one is on the Nepal side and another is on Tibet, China side. But Everest Base Camp Trek is a wonderful trip that begins from Lukla to approach Mt. Everest closer to reaching Everest Base Camp (5364 m) and Kala Pathar (5545 m). It literally means the trek lies in Nepal and reaches to South Base Camp of Mt Everest. This iconic journey leads you through a few Sherpa villages in Khumbu, offering the beauty of the Sagarmatha National Park. Meanwhile, you will be delighted with a mesmerizing view of the dignified mountains above 8000 m. Mt Lhotse, Mt Nuptse, Mt Cho Oyu, Mt Makalu, and Mt Ama Dablam are the major peaks that you can observe on this trek. You can also observe the customs and traditions of Local Sherpa people along with their lifestyle.

The trek covers a distance of 130 Kilometers beginning and ending in Lukla. To find out more, you can visit our article Everest Base Camp Trek Distance .

To reach Kalapathar is this trek’s ultimate destination, which is elevated 5545 m above sea level. Therefore, Everest Base Camp Trek is also known as Everest Kalapathar Trek .

The trip begins from Kathmandu, however, the trek starts from Lukla. Alternatively, one can choose Jiri to EBC route to avoid the Lukla flight. But it requires 4-5 more days than Lukla to EBC route.

If you don’t wish to do such a long exhausting journey but want to see Mt Everest from closer, then Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour can be another best alternative way to see Mt Everest for you.

Check out 5 different trekking itineraries for Everest Base Camp

Everest Base Camp Trek Route Map

Below, you can view an overall map of Everest Base Camp Trek.

There are several maps you can get on premium online. Instead, you can buy it after you arrive in Kathmandu.

Click here to see the pictorial map

Detailed itinerary of EBC Trek

Day 01 arrival in kathmandu (1350m/4429feet).

If you have booked your trip with us or any tour operator either local or international, there will be one of their members to pick you up as per your and the tour operator’s understanding. If not, then you can find a Taxi there. But you have to do an agreement on the price before getting into the Taxi. Meter is rarely used by them.

We can suggest you book a hotel around Thamel as there are many hotels that range from Budget to Standard level. If you arrive in Kathmandu earlier, then you can even visit around Thamel .

Elevation Gain: 1310 m

Day 02 Fly to Lukla (2880m/9448feet), then trek to Phakding (2610m/8563feet)

Flying in a short scary domestic flight to Lukla and following the bank of Dhudhkoshi River crossing a few quizzical suspension bridges, you arrive at a small Sherpa Village called Phakding by 2-3 hours walk. Here it will be your first mountain overnight.

Either your tour operator will arrange the flight ticket for you or you should purchase the tickets at the airport. However, the ticket can be unavailable during peak trekking and climbing seasons. So, it would be better to buy tickets earlier either through a travel agency or directly from the airline’s website. Basically, the Lukla flight ticket costs around 280 USD which includes a return ticket as well.

There are chances of cancellation of Lukla’s flight due to bad weather. So, we recommend you make a flexible itinerary as much as it is possible. Having one or two spare days would be better.

Elevation Gain: 2880 m Lukla, and 2610 m Phakding

Day 03 Trek to Namche Bazaar (3440m/11286feet)

Today, you will be trekking through some local villages like Monjo, Jorsalle, etc till reaching Namche Bazaar – The biggest Sherpa town in the region. You can cut your lunchtime in Monjo as many trekkers do. From here, you will be entering Sagarmatha National Park which is home to many endangered wild animals. It has been also enlisted in UNESCO WORLD Heritage Site.

You will take a steep hike to Namche Bazaar after passing Jorsalle. It will take you 2 hours approx to reach Namche Bazaar. You will have enough time to visit Namche Bazaar and see the small markets.

From Namche Bazaar, the Everest Three High Passes Trekking route separates and moves toward Thame village which follows the path to Renjo La Pass, while the EBC route goes to Tengboche.

Elevation Gain: 3440 m

Day 04 Acclimatization day in Namche Bazaar

Reaching 3440 m altitude above sea level, anyone could suffer from altitude sickness problems. So, Namche is a great stop for acclimatization for Everest Trekkers. It will offer an opportunity to explore the village from near.

In addition, many love to hike to Everest View Hotel to see a glimpse of Mt Everest and the surrounding mountains. You can chill here by having a cup of tea or coffee ; you also can snap awe-inspiring pictures of Mt Ama Dablam in the foreground while Mt Everest will be in the background if the sky is crystal clear. Besides that, the hotel provides WiFi that enables you to contact your relatives and share how you are feeling.

Day 05 Trek to Tengboche (2860m/12664feet)

Today, you will be heading toward Tengboche, the home of one of the largest monasteries in Khumbu i.e Thyangboche Monastery. It is a mixture of great architecture and color that has a history of over 500 years.

Elevation Gain: 3860 m

Day 06 Trek to Dingboche (4410m/14468feet)

On the 6th day, either you will head to Dingboche or Pheriche. The way follows the same path until it reaches Worshyo Village. It then separates – one way goes to Pheriche and another to Dingboche. I always advise choosing Dingboche when you are going toward EBC. If you are coming down, then staying in Pheruche would be good. From Dingboche, Ama Dablam mountain is very closer. A way goes toward Chhukung from Dingboche that traces a path to Island Peak Climbing . However, the next day, we will not take our path to Chhukung because the EBC trek moves toward Lobuche.

In fact, the EBC route from Dingboche or Pheriche, both meet at the same point i.e Dughla, then approach the Lobuche where you will spend your 7th overnight stay at the mountain.

Elevation Gain: 4410 m

Day 07 Trek to Lobuche (4940m/16207feet)

As I already mentioned that your path from Pheriche or Dingboche meets at Dughla village, and head toward Lobuche having extraordinary scenery of mountains. Within 5-6 hours, you will be at Lobuche village.

Elevation Gain: 4940 m

Day 08 Trek to Everest Base Camp (5364m/17598feet)

From Lobuche, you walk through a rough rocky terrain path passing Gorakshep. You will spend 40 minutes approx in EBC enjoying and collecting the view of Nuptse, Lhotse, Pumori, etc mountains. Thereafter you come back to Gorakshep for an overnight stay.

Elevation Gain: 5364 m

Day 09 Kalapathar Hike (5545m/18192feet) and trek back to Pheruche

Approximately 2 hours hike to Kalapathar will wonder you today when you reach there. Kalapathar is the optimal viewpoint of Mt Everest and its neighboring mountains. After spending 30 minutes, you then will come down to Gorakshep and may have lunch before moving down to Pheriche.

Elevation Gain: 5545 m

Day 10 Trek back to Namche Bazaar

When you will be coming down to Namche via Tengboche, keep your camera ready to capture beautiful photos of rhododendron forests.

Day 11 Trek back to Lukla

You will walk approximately 6 hours today to come back to Lukla. Then you may celebrate the night with your team as you succeed in the EBC trek.

Day 12 Fly back to Kathmandu

Take a short flight from Lukla to Kathmandu in the morning and the rest of the day will be on your hand. You can spend how you want to. You may visit around Thamel or may go for 1-day heritage sightseeing in Kathmandu valley.

Everest Base Camp Transport

Generally, you will take either taxi or a private vehicle to go to Tribhuvan International Airport as it is the only airport that conducts a Lukla flight. However, the roads of Kathmandu are very congested, so as you can say it is badly regulated and has the poor condition of transportation. In case you choose to trek Everest Base Camp via Jiri Route, then you need a standard vehicle and driver for all your transfers. In the monsoon season, the hilly roads of Nepal are prone to landslides and accidents.

Foods and Accommodation for EBC Trek

Unlike the luxury hotel in a city like Kathmandu, you will not get a wide variety of meal menus during the Everest Base Camp Trek.

You get to have a few options of food while Dal Bhat Tarakari will be the favorite of many people as it is also a common and national meal in Nepal. Dal Bhat is provided by a teahouse that also serves as accommodation for trekkers. Basically, they provide a twin-shared room with separate beds. Likewise, some lodge base teahouses do also provide hot showers, and can also serve laundry service charging a small fee.

What type of hotel can we find in Kathmandu city?

There is a wide variety of hotels ranging from 2 star – to 5-star in Kathmandu valley. Even you can get a very normal hotel around Thamel – a tourist center of Kathmandu.

Is it possible to book a tea house room by yourself?

It is a little bit hard to book a teahouse room in advance by an independent trekker. There are a few reasons behind these conditions:

• Trekkers might not have enough contact information about the teahouses
• If trekkers try booking the room by contacting teahouses, there is no guarantee of room booking. Because it is a remote area where almost all of the teahouses do not have an online booking system. So, they can’t be sure whether it is an original or fake booking.

On the contrary, trekking companies and guides do have more and better relationships with teahouses. Hence, they can arrange teahouses in a better way.

Note: You can’t expect high facilities in the tea house.

EBC Trek difficulty and health requirements

It is considered to be a moderate trek although it accesses Kalapathar which is 5545 m above sea level. Nevertheless, you should not take it so easily as many people have got altitude sickness while trekking in Everest.

To overcome the chances of altitude sickness , you need to do some physical activities at least 10-15 days prior to the trek. It would have been far better if you have already hiked some mountains. It may be applicable for those people who have been living just close to the height of sea level.

Basically, you need to be physically and mentally fit to trekking to Everest Base Camp. It does not require any mountaineering skills as it only passes through terrain land and hikes to the steep hill.

Kathmandu to Lukla Flight Cancellation

Since the classic Everest Trail begins from Lukla, we need to take a short flight to Lukla from Kathmandu. It only takes 40 minutes approx to arrive at Lukla from Kathmandu. Nevertheless, no one can be 100% sure about the weather in the Himalayas. It might be changed anytime. Consequently, the Lukla flight may be canceled or can not be landed on Lukla.

Therefore, I would like to suggest everyone add 1 or 2 spare days in order to ensure your trekking on Everest. Alternatively, there is the possibility of helicopter service in a group joining spending some money. The helicopter service charges may range from $300 to $500 for each of the members. In a helicopter, there will be a maximum of 5 members at a time.

Everest Base Camp Trek Permits

The basic required permits for Everest Base Camp Trek are listed below:

Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Entrance Fee

Sagarmatha National Park Entry Fee

• TIMS (Trekking Information Management System) fee

The first two permits are now the must-require permits. However, about the third permit – TIMS, there are a lot of controversies still going on. But you are allowed to trek just having Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Entrance and Sagarmatha National Park Entry permits.

You can’t get this permit in Kathmandu. It is like a replacement of a TIMS permit which is directly collected by Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality. It can be obtained either in Lukla or in Monjo Village.

Cost: Rs 2000 per person

It is another must-required permit that can be obtained in Kathmandu at Nepal Tourism Board or in Monjo village just prior to entering the National Park.

Cost: Rs 3000 per person

Note: If you are planning to trek from Jiri to Everest, then you need an additional permit i.e Gaurishankar Conservation Area Permit. Because you will be passing through Gaurishankar Conservation Area which also costs Rs. 3000 and it also can be obtained in Kathmandu.

What documents are required to issue Everest Base Camp Trek permits?

It is enough to have valid passport details to issue the permits to trek to Everest. But all permits are only for a single entry and once the permits are issued, they can not be refunded.

FAQs of Everest Base Camp Trek

How safe is it to trek to Everest Base Camp?

Safety concern on EBC Trek depends upon a variety of aspects. But In comparison to Everest Climbing, Everest Base Camp Trek is very safe. However, it still poses some risks due to the high altitude as written above.

Apart from the geographical scenarios, the political situation also matters in your safety zone while you are traveling to a particular place.

Before 2008, there used to be a Maoist problem – a form of a political party. But now they are also a part of the Nepali Government. After the comprehensive peace agreement, they are now in parliament. So that this problem no longer exists.

What to pack for trekking in Everest Base Camp?

Normally, you need to bring basic hiking gear, such as walking poles, hiking boots (preferably shoes), lightweight t-shirts, hiking pants, a down jacket, sleeping bags, and so on. For detail about the gears, just click here .

What is the Best time to trek to Everest Base Camp?

Basically, trekking in EBC is open all the time year. However, March to May and September to November are the best time to trek in Everest Base Camp because, in these months, the weather and climate in EBC become as good as a trip requires.

Why hire a local guide for Everest Base Camp Trek?

An interpretive local guide will enhance your valuable time in the mountain. They are very knowledgeable about mountain conditions, weather, avalanches, and other potential hazards. In order to keep you safe on the mountain, they will be passionate about sharing their knowledge of your surroundings.

Is Travel Insurance necessary for Everest Base Camp Trek?

To protect your travel investment, you must have travel insurance for Everest Base Camp Trek ; it should cover helicopter evacuation and medical repatriation. Although it is a moderate trek, it goes up to 5545 m above sea level. In such conditions, some trekkers can suffer from high altitude sickness which can be life-threatening too. Sometimes, trekkers need helicopter rescue. So, if you have travel insurance, it will save you money.

Will there be access to any communication medium in Everest Base Camp?

Definitely, you can take Nepali SIM cards – NCELL or NTC. It often works in most areas. You can enable Internet Data Service on your sim card which makes you unable to communicate with your international friends. In remote areas, the data service of NCELL is better than NTC. Otherwise, Paid WIFI service is available in some of the teahouses. They take nearly $1 USD to use the internet service.

“But keep in mind not to forget to bring a power bank for your mobile phone” Although teahouses do have the facility of electronic device charging, they may charge a few amounts for it.

Is a private trip possible for Everest Base Camp Trek?

Yes, you can book your private trip. But it may cost a little bit higher than the group trek. Almost all of the trekking agencies do organize private trips to Everest Base Camp.

Is it necessary to hire a guide and porter to trek to Everest Base Camp?

No, it is not compulsory to hire a guide and porter for Everest Base Camp Trek. However, a guide and porter can be good company for the whole trip as they will take care of you; help you to get safe, and get better teahouses and food. They can give detailed information and safety precaution about the trail and region. Even some of the guides and porters entertain tourists by singing and dancing.

A Porter will carry your luggage weight of up to 15 – 20 kg. It is not a joke to carry that much weight in such a king of rough trails and altitude.

Note: In Nepal, a guide is a must only for those trails which lie in certain areas called restricted zones by the government of Nepal. Such as Manaslu Circuit Trek , Upper Mustang Trek, etc.

Do I need a porter for the trek to Everest?

I never say that a porter is a must needed for the EBC trek. However, having a porter may let you enjoy the trip twice better than a porter-less trip. A porter will carry your luggage and let you enjoy your journey pleasantly.

Small earnings from you become helpful for them and it improves the income of local communities of the mountain area.

How much does it cost to hire a guide and porter?

The basic salary of a guide ranges from USD $15 – $25 per day. Likewise, it costs $12 – $15 per day to hire a porter. If you buy a complete package trip from a trekking agency, then they will provide a guide and porter accordingly.

Is natural water drinkable on Everest Trail?

We don’t suggest you drink tap water or any water from natural streams. However, you can use a water purifier if you really want to drink that. Instead, mineral water can be found in teahouses on the trail but that is nearly 10 times more expensive to buy than in Kathmandu.

What is the right cost to trek Everest Base Camp?

The cost of an EBC trek varies on the trip type, trekking trails, and the trekker’s own behavior. But the best reasonable cost of Everest Base Camp Trek is about $1400 – $1600. This cost can cover all your food, accommodation, guide and porter, permits, and domestic flights to Lukla. Follow this link for a detailed cost estimation of the Everest Base Camp Trek .

How much does it cost to trek to Everest Base Camp for Indians?

For Indians, it is not the budget of Everest Base Camp Trek that far different than any other nation. However, Indian nationals will get Kathmandu to Lukla flights at a cheaper price than any other nationals. And Sagarmatha National Park Entry fees are only Rs 1500 for an Indian citizen, whereas it costs Rs 3390 for each person.

Can I sleep at Everest Base Camp?

No, you can’t sleep in Everest Base Camp. There is no tea house in Everest Base Camp. On the other hand, trekkers are not allowed to stay at base camp. Only climbers who are summiting Everest can stay at Everest Base Camp.

Do I need to take Oxygen on this trek?

Generally, it is not necessary to take oxygen for this trek. You just need to walk at your own pace and should not get horrid while trekking to Everest Base Camp. However, a well-managed trekking company always brings oxygen as a medical backup to ensure first-aid support for their clients.

What is the temperature at Everest Base Camp?

The weather and temperature of Everest Base Camp are extreme. It ranges from 20 degrees Celsius in summer to -5 degrees Celsius in winter in the daytime throughout the year. But at night, it can reach up to -20 degrees in winter and 4 degrees in summer.

Once you reach Lukla, you will feel a decrease in temperature in the air as you are already at the height of 2800 m above sea level. Again when you go up and up, then the temperature further drops.

Is there any age limit to trek to Everest Base Camp?

Not exactly, the government of Nepal has not defined any age limit for Everest Base Camp Trek. All can plan to trek to Everest Base Camp. However, considering the high altitude and difficulty level of the trek, it is most probably best doable for those who are 14 to 65 years old.

Is there road access to South Everest Base Camp?

There are only trekking trails that take you to the Everest Base Camp. The road access has not reached to Khumbu region yet instead it only reaches the Solu region.

Can Everest Base Camp Trek be an educational trip?

Yes, it can be an educational trip because Everest Base Camp Trek is not only an adventure journey, but it also covers cultural and traditional aspects of the Khumbu region, Nepal. The region is the home of Sherpa communities. Throughout this journey, travelers can explore a few Sherpa inhabitants and the museum of Khumbu Region – Sagarmatha National Park Museum. Moreover, you can study the lifestyle of mountain people before and now.

How to book Everest Base Camp Trek?

To book Everest Base Camp Trek, you can contact us . We provide budget and luxurious both sort of Everest Base Camp Trek. We assure you that you will definitely love our service.

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Inca Trail to Machu Picchu Vs Everest Base Camp Trek

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About  

Welcome to Mountain IQ’s Everest Trek Guide, the web’s most authoritative information portal on trekking to Everest Base Camp .

Our mission as a free information website is to:

1. To provide up-to-date and comprehensive information on trekking in the Khumbu region and specifically to Everest Base Camp, so that your experience is as fulfilling and safe as possible.

2. To promote responsible tourism to Nepal so that the natural environment and local communities that depend on tourists are positively impacted by your visit.

3. To promote safe and responsible trekking experiences in Nepal, with a particular emphasis on ensuring porters and guides are treated fairly and ethically

Our site is maintained by a network of expert contributors, all of which have trekked extensively in Nepal and to Everest Base Camp (some of which have guided treks to EBC). Contributors to the site are volunteers, and are not paid.

If you are interested in contributing your knowledge and experience to the site please contact us .

Getting Started

There is a wealth of information on our site, so to help you get started either check out this page or view our site map .

Wishing you a safe adventure to Everest Base Camp,

EBCTrekGuide.Com Team

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Everest 2024: Weekend Update April 7: Climbers on the Trek

Welcome to the Everest 2024 Weekend Update. The Everest spring season is on track. Hundreds of people are advancing towards Everest Base Camp on the Nepal side of the Mountain. The Tibet side remains quiet, as teams will not arrive for at least another week. There are a few snags here and there, but nothing serious at this point.

Each weekend during the season, I’ll post a “Weekend Update” summarizing the main stories from the past week and what we can expect coming up.

Big Picture

One Everest climber checked in with me, reporting from the trek to EBC, “We’re in Pheriche now, about 14k feet, and all has been good so far. We’ve been fortunate with mostly clear skies for the past week.  I am doing an acclimatization hike this morning to about 16/17k, then rest this afternoon, and morning to Lobouche base camp tomorrow.”

As of April 5, 2024, Nepal has issued 264 climbing permits to 30 teams for 15 peaks, 130 of which are for Everest. I still expect the 2023 record of 478 Everest permits to be broken this year. Don’t be fooled by the low number at this point, as there is a trend for teams to arrive later and later for Everest. Some start with Annapurna; others just arrive later and thus get their permits later. A decade ago, an Everest expedition was eight weeks long. Today, it can be as short as three, but most are now around six weeks. It will pick up.

I’m not too concerned about this delay and expect the route to be through the Icefall soon. History shows the route is through the ‘fall between April 2, as in 2017, and as late as April 16, like in 2010. Look for the first teams to arrive at EBC around April 15 and enter the Icefall a few days later. Sherpas will establish Camps 1 and 2 in the Western Cwm as soon as the Icefall route is in.

Some teams are taking helicopters from Kathmandu to Lukla. The usual poor weather will ground fixed-winged flights. Nepal will also limit some domestic flights out of Tribhuvan International Airport due to congestion, capacity or construction. You just never know, so some trekkers and climbers fly from Ramechhap, a small airstrip 140 km (85 miles), five hours drive from Kathmandu.

Many teams are acclimatizing on Lobuche East, nearly 20,000 feet, to eliminate one trip through the Icefall.

The volunteer Doctors who will staff  Everest ER on the Nepal side have set up their “ER Tent” and are already treating patients for minor problems like upper respiratory infections, cuts and sprains. The more serious problem will begin once people reach a serious altitude, i.e., above 20,000 feet, but altitude can hit anyone anytime. This organization provides a great service to the locals, including porters, Sherpas, and foreign climbers, who are asked to pay a nominal fee of $125 for the season—quite the bargain for a qualified and quality service.

On the Nepal side, many climbers and trekkers will continue their six to eight-day journey, taking in the sights and changing their lives as they experience the majesty of the Khumbu. Meanwhile, Sherpas will finish building tent platforms at Everest Base Camp, aka EBC,  and preparing their team’s base camp for the next few months. There is similar activity on the Tibet side at Chinese Base Camp, aka CBC, where staff pitch tents and prepare for the climbers’ arrival.

The terrain at CBC is dramatically different from that at EBC. CBC is on a flat expanse of dirt that is often windblown, compared to EBC, which is pitched on the moving Khumbu Glacier. The latter melts throughout the season, occasionally requiring tents to be moved to more stable ground. Both sides offer stunning views—the Icefall from EBC and one of the most impressive sights in the world, Everest North Face, from CBC. There are no bad views!

However, the Chinese government banned helicopters on the Tibet side, so even though it’s windier, it is much quieter than the never-ending helicopters flying in and out of EBC. They are supposed to be curtailed this season, but I’m doubtful anything will change, and it’ll continue to be an airport.

Some teams will have their Puja ceremony, where a Lama from a local Monastery performs a ceremony to ask the Mountain Gods permission to climb, forgiveness for damaging the mountain, and safety for all involved. This is a solemn ceremony that, for many, marks the beginning of the climb. I’ll discuss it more when they begin.

Other 800ers

There’s lots of activity on Annapurna and Dhaulagiri. This week, we can expect the weather-dependent first 8000er summit of the season.

Nepal Permit Update

As of April 7, 2024, Nepal has issued 264 climbing permits to 30 teams for 15 peaks. This is the current tally for the 8000ers:

  Everyday Everest

A new podcast series during the everest 2024 climbing season..

Based on my 2020 Virtual Everest series, I’ll have a twenty-minute updated episode of the story a few times a week for the next two months. Everyday Everest follows a fictional team of nine climbers and their personal Sherpas from leaving home, trekking to base camp, acclimatizing, and finally, on their summit push. The story’s protagonist, Harper, sets the tone for the story when she tells her husband, Marc, “Honey, I’m going to climb Everest.”

You can listen to Everyday Evererst on Spotify ,  Apple Podcast , Breaker , YouTube, Pocket Casts , RadioPublic , Anchor , and more. Just search for “alan arnette” on your favorite podcast platform.

Here’s to a safe season for all on both sides.

Climb On! Alan Memories are Everything

Here’s the video  podcast version of this weekend’s update:

You can listen to #everest2024 podcasts  on Spotify ,  Apple Podcast , Breaker , YouTube, Pocket Casts , RadioPublic , Anchor , and more. Just search for “alan arnette” on your favorite podcast platform.

Previous Everest 2024 Season Coverage Posts

• Everest 2024: Snag in the Icefall Route
• Everest 2024: Blessings on the Trek to Tengboche Monastery
• Everest 2024: The Namche Hill
• Everest 2024: The Trek to EBC Begins
• Everest 2024: Weekend Update April 1: Season Underway, Lost Legends
• Everest 2024: Leaving Nothing Unsaid
• Everest 2024: Climbers to Watch
• E verest 2024: Who’s Climbing This Year?
• Everest 2024: Icefall Doctors Mark Season Start
• Everest 2024: Nepal’s “GPS Chip” Plan Has Major Problems
• Everest 2024 Coverage: Are Luxury Operators Being Targeted by Nepal?
• Everest 2024: Interview with Garrett Madison on his “Aconcagua Ambush” and the Upcoming Everest Season
• Everest 2024 Coverage: WAG Bags Finally Required on Everest
• Everest 2024: Welcome to Everest 2024 Coverage

Why this coverage?

Preparing for Everest is more than Training

If you dream of climbing mountains but are unsure how to start or reach your next level, from a Colorado 14er to Rainier, Everest, or even K2, we can help. Summit Coach is a consulting service that helps aspiring climbers worldwide achieve their goals through a personalized set of consulting services based on Alan Arnette’s 30 years of high-altitude mountain experience and 30 years as a business executive. Please see our prices and services on the Summit Coach website .

Everest Season Special through May 31, 2024: 10% discount on all plans. Mention Everest 2024.

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Everest 2024: Everyday Everest Podcast Series Part 6–Into the Icefall

Everest 2024: Tibet Climbs in Peril

Everest 2024: everyday everest podcast series part 5–arrival at base camp, 2 thoughts on “ everest 2024: weekend update april 7: climbers on the trek ”.

Hey, on EverestER, you have them treating “springs”. Is that a typo for “sprains”? I saw this in a previous report, but didn’t figure out that time what you probably meant.

Thank you for doing these. I always enjoy the early reports as from a trekker or climber, as well as the reports of current news. Very nicely done.

Thanks yup typo. I’ll correct.

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Discovering the Majestic Heights: A Guide to 6 Exceptional Treks in Tibet

April 17, 2024.

Nestled amidst the towering peaks of the Himalayas lies a land of unparalleled beauty and spiritual significance—Tibet. Renowned for its breathtaking landscapes and rich cultural heritage, Tibet offers adventurers a plethora of trekking opportunities that promise to leave a lasting impression. In this guide, we'll embark on a journey to uncover six exceptional treks in Tibet, each offering its own unique blend of awe-inspiring scenery and cultural immersion.

Mount Kailash Kora Trek

Our journey begins with the sacred pilgrimage of the Mount Kailash Kora Trek. Revered by multiple faiths, including Hindus, Buddhists, Jains, and Bonpos, Mount Kailash holds a special place in the hearts of pilgrims worldwide. The trek around this holy mountain, known as the Kora, offers not only physical challenges but also spiritual rewards. As you circumambulate the majestic peak, adorned with prayer flags and ancient monasteries, you'll feel the palpable energy of devotion that permeates the air.

Tingri to Tibet Everest Base Camp Trek

Next on our list is the Tingri to Tibet Everest Base Camp Trek, a journey that brings you face to face with the world's highest peak. Starting from Tingri, a quaint town nestled in the Tibetan plateau, the trek winds its way through rugged terrain and high-altitude passes before culminating at Everest Base Camp. Along the way, trekkers are treated to panoramic views of snow-capped peaks, vast glaciers, and pristine alpine landscapes, making it an unforgettable experience for adventurers and nature enthusiasts alike.

Gama Valley Trek

For those seeking a more off-the-beaten-path adventure, the Gama Valley Trek offers a rare glimpse into the remote wilderness of Tibet. This relatively lesser-known trek takes you through lush forests, serene meadows, and picturesque Tibetan villages, providing ample opportunities for cultural immersion and wildlife spotting. Keep an eye out for elusive Himalayan wildlife such as the snow leopard and Tibetan antelope as you traverse this hidden gem of the Himalayas.

Ganden to Samye Trek

Steeped in history and spirituality, the Ganden to Samye Trek follows in the footsteps of ancient pilgrims on a journey of enlightenment. Beginning at the iconic Ganden Monastery, one of Tibet's most revered religious sites, the trek leads you through high mountain passes, pristine alpine lakes, and remote nomadic settlements before concluding at the historic Samye Monastery. Along the way, immerse yourself in the teachings of Tibetan Buddhism and gain insight into the profound wisdom that has guided pilgrims for centuries.

Shalu to Nartang Trek

For a taste of Tibetan culture and architecture, look no further than the Shalu to Nartang Trek. This scenic route takes you past ancient monasteries, traditional Tibetan villages, and intricately decorated stupas, showcasing the rich artistic heritage of the region. Highlights of the trek include the picturesque Shalu Monastery, renowned for its unique fusion of Tibetan and Indian architectural styles, and the historic town of Nartang, home to one of the oldest printing presses in Tibet.

Nyenchen Tanglha to Namtso Lake Trek

Our final trek takes us to the azure waters of Namtso Lake, one of the highest lakes in the world and a sacred site for Tibetan Buddhists. The Nyenchen Tanglha to Namtso Lake Trek offers a challenging yet rewarding journey through rugged mountain terrain, high-altitude passes, and pristine alpine landscapes. Along the way, soak in the stunning views of snow-capped peaks reflected in the crystal-clear waters of Namtso Lake, and witness the raw beauty of Tibet's untamed wilderness.

In conclusion, embarking on a Tibet tour offers adventurers the opportunity to explore some of the most spectacular landscapes and cultural treasures on earth. Whether you're drawn to the spiritual significance of Mount Kailash, the rugged beauty of Everest Base Camp, or the cultural heritage of the Ganden to Samye Trek, there's something for everyone to discover in this mystical land. So pack your bags, lace up your boots, and get ready for the adventure of a lifetime in the majestic heights of Tibet.

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In a world inundated with modern medical marvels, the wisdom of ancient traditions often gets overlooked. However, Ayurveda, the ancient Indian system of medicine, has stood the test of time for thousands of years. Ayurveda, which translates to "the science of life," emphasises the use of natural remedies, including herbs, to promote holistic well-being. In […]

Nestled amidst the towering peaks of the Himalayas lies a land of unparalleled beauty and spiritual significance—Tibet. Renowned for its breathtaking landscapes and rich cultural heritage, Tibet offers adventurers a plethora of trekking opportunities that promise to leave a lasting impression. In this guide, we'll embark on a journey to uncover six exceptional treks in […]

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The Ultimate Guide to Trekking to Everest Base Camp

Take the Everest Base Camp Trek with High Camp Adventure and set off on an incredible adventure through the breathtaking Himalayas. Explore the fascination of the well-known Everest Base Camp Trek , where amazing vistas, cultural immersion, and personal victories await you at every turn. Everything from the breathtaking views of Mount Everest to the energetic Sherpa communities along the route is included in our extensive guide. With our carefully planned programs, which include lodging, permits, and experienced guides, climbing Everest is not only feasible but also incredibly satisfying. Come along with us as we walk you through the highlights of this once-in-a-lifetime adventure, guaranteeing that your trip to the top of the globe will be unforgettable.  

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