13 Oct 2023 Himalaya Trip
Everest Baes Camp Trek Overview
The iconic Everest Base Camp trek is globally popular. The trek journey begins on a flight to Lukla and then the trek commences. Pass through suspension bridges, and waterfalls in the lush green vicinity with changing landscapes. Traverse through Sagarmatha National Park and its various flora and fauna.
During this trek, visit Khumjung village, Namche, the largest Tengboche Monastery, Buddhist Monasteries, stupas, and Mane Walls. Hike to Everest View Hotel to get glimpses of the World’s tallest Mt. Everest and the surroundings. From Gorakshep, trek onward to Iconic Everest Base Camp witnessing impressive Khumbu Icefall views, and navigating Khumbu Glacier en route.
Ascend to the vantage point Kalapatthar (5550m/19209 feet) to witness up-close Everest, Lhotse, Ama Dablam, Nuptse, Pumori, and other Himalayan giants. It is truly an unforgettable experience and a sense of achievement upon completing this Everest Base Camp trek successfully is a victorious feeling.
Highlights of the EBC Trek
- Sagarmatha National Park and its various Flora and Fauna
- Pass through suspension bridges and waterfalls in the lush green vicinity with changing landscapes
- Immerse in Sherpa People’s Lifestyle, culture, and festival
- Hike to Everest View Hotel to get glimpses of the World’s tallest Mt. Everest and the surroundings
- Visit Khumjung village, Namche, the largest Tengboche Monastery, Buddhist Monasteries, stupas, Mane Walls
- Iconic Everest Base Camp itself, Khumbu Icefall, and Glacier en route
- Vantage point Kalapatthar (5550m/19209 feet) to witness up-close Everest, Lhotse, Ama Dablam, Nuptse, Pumori, and other Himalayan giants
12 Days Everest Base Camp Trek Map
12 Days Everest Base Camp Trek Itinerary
Day 01: Drive to Ramechhap from Kathmandu and Fly to Lukla, trekking to Phakding
Day 02: Phakding – Mango – Jorsalle – Namche
Day 03: Hike to Everest View Hotel to see the World’s highest Peak Mt. Everest and the other Himalayas views, visit Khumjung village, and back to Namche
Day 04: Namche – Kyangjuma – Phunki Tenka – Tengboche
Day 05: Tengboche – Pangboche – Somare – Dingboche
Day 06: You will climb to 400m to 500m Nangkar Tshang Peak for acclimatizing, back to Dingboche.
Day 07: Dingboche – Thukla – Lobuche.
Day 08: Trekking to Gorakh Shep, Hike to Everest Base camp (5364m)
Day 09: Climb to Kalapather (5550m), trek down to Pheriche
Day 10: Pheriche – Panagboche – Tengboche – Namche
Day 11: Namche – Manjo – Phakding – Lukla
Day 12: Fly from Lukla to Ramechhap, drive back to Kathmandu
Trekking permit for Everest Base Camp Trek
1. Khumbu Rural Municipality Permit
For Foreigners: NPR 2000 (Approx. USD 20)
For SAARC Nationals: NPR 1000 (Approx. USD 10)
2. Sagarmatha National Park (SNP)
For Foreigners: NPR 3000 (Approx. USD 30)
For SAARC Nationals: NPR 1500 (Approx. USD 15)
Best time to visit EBC Trek
Throughout the year, we organize treks but the best times for Everest Base Camp Treks are:
Spring (March-May):
The ideal season that offers wonderful weather, moderate temperature with clear skies, panoramic mountain views, and blossoming Rhododendron flowers throughout the trails.
Autumn (September-November):
The second-best season for the Everest Base Camp trek is Autumn. The fresh clear views, clear panoramic views, stable weather, and warm temperature make it ideal for trekkers to trek.
Winter (December-February):
The coldest season and usually not preferred due to unpredictable weather, rise in cold temperature, heavy snow, and not clear views. Additionally, less availability of teahouses with limited amenities makes it more difficult for trekkers and is only attempted by daring trekkers.
Summer (June-August):
This is a monsoon season in Nepal where heavy rainfall, cloudy weather, and unstable temperatures are experienced. High flight cancelation chances, slippery trails, cold weather, and less availability of teahouses with limited facilities are factors that make this season not favorable.
Preparation and Fitness EBC Trek
Trekking in the mountains at high elevations is very challenging. This is the iconic Everest Base Camp Trek where the maximum elevation gain is 5550 m. Also, the trekking trails are rough with steep highs and lows, not suitable for first-time trekkers. Hence, physical and mental fitness preparation is essential to experience a comfortable trekking experience and complete the trek successfully. Participate in exercises including cardio, running, jogging, swimming, cycling, etc., and build stamina. Do short hikes at your places and consult a doctor before embarking on this Everest Base Camp trek.
Accommodation and Internet facilities EBC Trek
Accommodations are basic teahouses or lodges coupled with one twin-bed private common room for 2 people. Sharing of toilet and bathroom is common. For the use of shower, laundry, Wi-Fi, hot water, and charging devices pay an additional amount. For using the internet facilities, Everest Link’s internet is available. For phone calls, buy a local SIM and networks are stable in the lower regions.
Foods for EBC Trek
We provide a full 3-course meal i.e. breakfast, lunch, and dinner during the Everest Base Camp Trek. The served foods are hygienic with options including Nepali Dal-Bhat, and continental dishes at Namche. Also, bakery and coffee are available at Namche. Non-veg foods are not recommended and food options are limited as the elevation rises.
Drinking water for EBC Trek
Natural spring water, and buying bottled water, or boiled water at lodges are drinking water options during the Everest Base Camp Treks. Always bring a water bottle to fill the water and purifying kits or tablets to prevent water-borne diseases.
How to Get to Everest Base Camp Trek?
Flight is the fastest and the best option to get to Everest Base Camp Trek. Lukla, also officially known as Tenzing Hillary Airport flight from Kathmandu is the easiest way to get there.
Note: In the months of April, May, October, and November due to air traffic in Kathmandu, flight schedules are operated from Ramechhap. Take a 4-hour drive from Kathmandu to Ramechhap and then take a flight to Lukla during peak seasons.
What to do in case of Flight cancelations from Kathmandu to Lukla?
In case of flight cancelations from Kathmandu to Lukla, there is an alternative option of Kathmandu to Lukla by helicopter which costs around USD 500 per person.
How hard is the Everest Base Camp trek?
Kalapatthar at an elevation of 5550 m is the highest point of the trek followed by Everest Base Camp at an elevation of 5364 m. The trek grade is 4 which means it is slightly harder. The other factors for the difficulty of Everest Base Camp treks are steep ascend and descend, rugged trails, daily long hours of walk, and elevation gain that may lead to altitude sickness.
Packing List for EBC Trek
- Trekking boots (If new boots are purchased, “break them in” to avoid blisters) and spare laces
- Hat (Warm), scarf, and gloves
- Trousers (Warm trousers are useful higher up in the mountains in the morning and at night.
- Running shoes, sandals, or thongs (To wear in the camp at night or when your boots are wet).
- Shorts and trousers
- Wool-blend socks, liner socks, and underwear (three pairs)
- Thermal underwear
- Sunhat
- Fleece jacket
- T-shirts (two or three) and a long-sleeved shirt with a collar (a long-sleeved shirt is particularly suitable for avoiding sunburn.)
- Laundry soap powder or bar
- Toilet paper
- Sunscreen (SPF 20+) and lip balm
- Sunglasses
- Pocket knife
- Iodine, water-purification tablets, or filter
- Insect repellent (for lower elevation)
- Stuff sacks
- Earplugs
- Backpack
- Sleeping back and silk liner
- Water bottle
- Torch (flashlight), spare batteries and bulbs
- Duffle bag
- Crampon
- Down jacket or down vest
- Camera, memory card, and battery charger (spare batteries)
- Books and magazines
- Trekking poles
- Quick-drying camp towel
- Day pack (This is a small rucksack to carry personal requirements for the day e.g. toilet items, cameras, towel, soap, chocolate bar, etc.)
- 2-4 large plastic bags to separate clean clothes from dirty ones
- Personal medical supplies
Conclusion
The Everest Base Camp trek is undeniably the most desirable. This adventurous trek embarks trekkers on a fantastic journey where they can witness changing landscapes, diverse flora and fauna, and rich Sherpa culture and their festivals and lifestyles. Traverse through picturesque villages, long suspension bridges, and lush green forests in the vicinity of towering peaks. The spectacular close-up views of snow-capped Mt. Everest and other peaks up close from Kalapatthar are magical. The victorious feeling upon reaching the iconic Everest Base Camp itself traversing Khumbu Glacier creates excitement as well as inspires trekkers to embark on further trekking journeys with strong determination.
Everest Base Camp Trek FAQs
Is prior trekking experience necessary for the Everest base camp Trek?
The Everest Base Camp trek is demanding and hence prior trekking experience is necessary and proves to be beneficial.
Is there an age restriction for this trek?
No, there is not an age restriction for this trek but being physically fit for the Everest trek is required.
Is this trek suitable for you?
Yes, this trek is suitable for you if you are physically and mentally fit and can adapt to the high altitudes.
