Are you passionate about exploring the wonders of the Everest region? Then our article on “Everest Base Camp Trekking in Nepal” is a complete guide to help you know all about this trek.
Everest Base Camp trek is a venturesome journey that allows you to witness the great Himalayas. This tour rewards you with magnificent views of different peaks, green forests, Khumbu icefalls, glaciers, and many more.
You witness the beauty of nature and the enticing culture and tradition of the Himalayan Sherpa community. The ancient customs of the Buddhist religion in their monasteries will admire you.
You also visit several Sherpa villages on the Everest Base Camp Trail like Namche Bazaar, Khumjung, Thame, Tengboche, Dingboche, etc. These places are also the main settlements of the Khumbu region.
The trek leads you through various mountain valleys and ridges. And lets you see the lush jungles of oaks, pines, and rhododendron on the way as well. The trails will take your breath away during the spring season.
Everest Base Camp Trek leads you towards the heart of the world’s highest mountain.
Where is Mount Everest Located?
Mount Everest is the highest Himalayan mountain globally at an elevation of 8848.86 m above sea level. Everest has two base camps: the south one in Nepal and the north one in China.
Most climbers use south base camp to summit Mount Everest, so this side is a famous trekking site. Every year numerous trekkers visit the Everest region to fulfill their dream of reaching the base of the world’s highest peak.
About Everest Base Camp Trek
Visiting the Everest Base Camp lies high in the priority list of the trekkers. It is the most walked trekking route in Nepal. The journey to Everest Base Camp begins with a short yet scenic flight to Lukla from Kathmandu.
Starting from Lukla, you head towards Phakding. Then from there, you pass several settlements like Namche, Tengboche, Dingboche, and Lobuche. You acclimatize in a few of these places to adjust your body to the higher altitude.
Then from Lobuche, you ascend to the Everest Base Camp and drop down to Gorak Shep. The next day you hike to Kala Patthar and descend to Pheriche, then back to Lukla via Namche.
From Lukla, you fly back to Kathmandu, ending the Everest Base Camp Trekking in Nepal.
Highlights of Everest Base Camp Trekking in Nepal
- Trek to Everest Base Camp
- Short yet thrilling mountain flight to and from Lukla
- Astonishing views of peaks, landscapes, and many glaciers
- Hike to Kala Patthar, the highest destination of this trek
- Visit the ancient monastery of Tengboche
- Witness several peaks like Everest, Nuptse, Lhotse, Kangtega, Kusum Kanguru, Thamserku, Ama Dablam, Kwangde, and many more.
- Walk along Nepal’s biggest glacier Khumbu and Longest glaciers Ngozumpa
- Visit the Hillary Museum that showcases Sherpa dresses, utensils, art, architecture, gears, and equipment.
- Stay and acclimatize in Namche, the Sherpa capital and gateway to Mount Everest
- Walkthrough Sagarmatha National Park, the highest national park in the world
- Explore the traditional village of Sherpa and experience their traditions, culture, and hospitality
- Panoramic sight of peaks along with the sunrise view from the top of Kala Patthar
Outline Itinerary- 14 Days Everest Base Camp Trekking in Nepal
The days of Everest Base Camp Trekking in Nepal can be shortened or lengthened according to your schedule. You can find this trek itinerary available from 3 to 18 Days.
However, Exciting Nepal brings you 14 Days Everest Base Camp Trekking in Nepal.
Day 1: Welcome to Nepal
Day 2: Free Day for sightseeing and preparation
Day 3: Flight from Kathmandu to Lukla, then trek to Phakding.
Day 4: Trek from Phakding to Namche Bazaar
Day 5: Rest Day at Namche Bazaar
Day 6: Trek from Namche to Tengboche
Day 7: Trek from Tengboche to Dingboche
Day 8: Rest Day at Dingboche
Day 9: Trek from Dingboche to Lobuche
Day 10: Trek from Lobuche to Gorak Shep, then hike to Everest Base Camp and down to Gorak Shep.
Day 11: Hike to Kala Patthar then trek to Pheriche
Day 12: Trek from Pheriche to Namche Bazaar
Day 13: Trek from Namche Bazaar to Lukla
Day 14: Fly back to Kathmandu from Lukla
Everest Base Camp Trekking in Nepal- Itinerary
Day 1: Welcome to Nepal
You first arrive at the Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu. As you fly into the capital city, you get a glimpse of the beautiful Himalayas and Crowded house town.
After landing at the runway, you complete the entry procedure and head out of the terminal. Our spokesperson will be waiting for you outside to pick you up. Then they drive you to the hotel where you will be staying.
The hotel staff and crew will welcome you with garlands at the entrance. Then after a small introduction, you will check in to your rooms with help from the teams.
The remaining day is free, so you can visit the nearby local places and explore around. Later this evening, a welcome dinner is set by the company to bring each other closer.
The next day is hectic, so take a rest in your rooms.
Overnight in Kathmandu.
Day 2: Free Day for sightseeing and preparation
Today you will roam around the city and visit some of the world heritage sites located here. There are four famous heritage sites inside the city and two in the nearby towns, i.e., Bhaktapur and Patan.
You will be visiting Pashupatinath, Boudhanath, Swayambhunath, Basantapur Durbar Square, and Patan Durbar Square. After waking up, you have a healthy breakfast and begin the tour.
The tour begins in the first hour to avoid road jams during office time. You start by driving to Pashupatinath, a holy temple of Lord Shiva located on the Bagmati banks.
Then you drive to Bouddha Stupa, which is about an hour away from here. This stupa is holy grounds for Buddhist followers located 11 km away from the center and northeastern outskirts of Kathmandu.
From there, you move to Patan Durbar Square, one of the ex-palaces in the Kathmandu valley. This square lies at the center of Lalitpur city, showcasing the Newar architecture.
After that, you head towards Basantapur Durbar square, also known as Kathmandu Durbar Square. It lies in front of the old and the former royal palace of the capital.
At last, you visit the final heritage site of today’s tour, i.e., Swayambhunath. It is an ancient stupa located on top of a hill on the west side of the Kathmandu valley.
You then return to the hotel, where the guide will give a brief explanation about Everest Base Camp Trekking in Nepal. This night sleep fast as you have to begin your trip early the next day.
Overnight in Kathmandu.
Day 3: Flight from Kathmandu to Lukla, then trek to Phakding.
Flight Duration: 30 to 35 min
Highest Elevation: 2860 m above sea level
Walking Duration: 3 to 4 hours
Highest Elevation: 2610 m above sea level
Wake up early in the morning and get ready. The guide will visit and pick you up from the hotel. Then following the peaceful road, you drive to the domestic airport and catch your Lukla flight.
Boarding the plane, you buckle up your seat belt and fly towards your destination. The duration from Kathmandu to Lukla is relatively short, not even half an hour trip.
You see the aerial view of different cultural monuments, green valleys, beautiful mountains, and many more on this adventurous flight. The landing over a narrow airstrip is the most thrilling part of the Lukla flight.
After the land, you meet up with the porter and the rest of the Everest Base Camp trek crew. Then following the trails out of this town, you begin your Everest Base Camp trekking in Nepal.
Walking on the trails for hours, you arrive at Monzo, then making a descent, you walk along the Dudh Koshi river. The water in this river comes from the glacier giving it a chalky color.
Following the trail, you pass several small settlements such as Cheplung (2700 m), Ghat (2530 m), etc. Then making a slight ascend, you walk for some time and reach Phakding.
Overnight in Phakding.
Day 4: Trek from Phakding to Namche Bazaar
Walking Duration: 5 to 6 hours
Highest Elevation: 3440 m above sea level
After a healthy breakfast, you walk off north to Monzo and continue trekking uphill. Then passing several small settlements, you see compact shops and tea-houses on the way.
You then walk past Zamphuti and Benkar to reach Monjo. You walk ahead and cross a suspension bridge over the Dudh Koshi river. This day you will walk over several wooden and suspension bridges before reaching Monjo.
Monjo is a small but beautiful village in the Khumbu district. This village lies on the north side of Phakding and sits near the Dudh Koshi river valley on the south of Jorsale.
You set off north from the Monzo village and follow the trail to Jorsale, enjoying the beautiful view of mountains. Then climbing the trials, you walk through mystical forests of rhododendron and oak.
After walking for some time, you reach the checkpoint of Sagarmatha national park. You complete the necessary procedure there and head the trail towards Jorsale.
You have your lunch here in this town and make a 600 Meter ascend to Namche. Walking the steep, rough, and rugged trails, you reach Khumbu river, clean blue water.
Then crossing a suspension bridge above the river, you get a glimpse of the first snowy peak, Tabuche. You gradually ascend the trials from here and reach the first viewpoint of this trek.
Continuing your walk, you reach Namche Bazaar, a beautiful town, and hub of the entire Khumbu region. This place has several small stores, cafes, and restaurants with wifi.
Overnight at Namche Bazaar
Day 5: Rest Day at Namche Bazaar
Today is your first acclimatization in the Everest Base Camp Trekking in Nepal journey. Acclimatization is to help you adjust to the environment in higher altitudes.
During this day, you hike to a higher elevation and sleep in low areas at night. So, during your rest day, you hike up to the Everest View Hotel, the world’s highest placed hotel.
After breakfast, you walk a more straightforward path and make a steep ascend at first. Then continuing the walk, you reach Khunde, a large Sherpa village. From there, you head to Khumjung, an affluent area with good houses that gives the striking view of Mt. Ama Dablam.
Then climbing a small hill from Khumjung, you arrive at your destination. Everest View Hotel gives a splendid view of Lhotse, Everest, Ama Dablam, and many more.
You spend some time in the hotel and return to Namche. You can explore the town and hit the cafes or restaurants. This town is lively with all the tourists and locals.
Overnight at Namche Bazaar.
Day 6: Trek from Namche to Tengboche
Walking Duration: 5 to 6 hours
Highest Elevation: 3860 m above sea level
You depart early this morning towards Tengboche from Namche Bazaar. The trails today are full of unique scenarios that will blow your mind away. You will see several Buddhist monuments, stupas, and gompas along the route.
You follow the outline trails from Namche and walk across the stone steps and reach the Mongla Pass. This pass lies at an altitude of 3975 m above sea level and gives the rarest view of Mt. Ama Dablam.
Enjoying the vista, you descend the trail to Dudh Koshi River and again ascend the tracks from there. You walk through the beautiful lustrous rhododendron forests for hours before arriving at Tengboche.
After reaching the village, you check in to the tea house and hike uphill towards Tengboche monastery, the biggest Gompa of the Khumbu region. This place gives the view of Everest, Nuptse, Lhotse, Thamserku, and others.
The monastery opens till 3:00 pm and has spiritual evening chants and prayer. After engaging in the Buddhist ceremony, you watch the sunset view before returning.
Overnight at Tengboche
Day 7: Trek from Tengboche to Dingboche
Walking Duration: 6 to 7 hours
Highest Elevation: 4410 m above sea level
Today the trek continues through the luscious alpine forest, crossing several small villages en route. As you walk across the settlements, you get to witness the living style of the cheerful and friendly local people.
The trek starts by descending through the rhododendron forests and doing an uphill climb. Again you make a descend and ascend through dense groves of Birch, rhododendron, and conifer.
Walking out of the forest, you pass the Khumbila Khola Valley and move uphill to the ridgeline. The landscapes and Mt. Taboche, Mt. Nuptse, Mt. Cholatse, etc., look awe-striking from here.
You then walk downhill to Debuche and cross the Imja khoa via a suspension bridge. Thereafter, you start walking over the Pangboche trail that offers an admirable vista of the Himalayas from here onwards.
Furthermore, you visit the Pangboche monastery, an attraction of this trek as well. Then continuing the walk across Imja valley and over the Lobuche River, you do the final uphill climb to Dingboche village.
The view of the landscape changes as you reach Dingboche, with no trees and low shrubs. This village is a famous summer settlement with lots of yaks grazing over the cliffs.
The locals here grow barley, potato, and buckwheat in the fields surrounded by stone walls. These walls protect the crops from animals and winds.
Overnight at Dingboche.
Day 8: Rest Day at Dingboche
Finally, after all these hard days, you have made it over the 4000 m elevation. Your second acclimatization in the Everest Base Camp Trekking in Nepal is in Dingboche.
Dingboche is a famous rest stop for climbers and trekkers heading to Ama Dablam, Imja Tse, or Mount Everest. The village heavily relies on tourism for its income. A helicopter Pad also lies at the west of the Imja River for emergency rescues or short Everest trips.
This village is a better alternative for acclimatization due to its sunny weather and less icy winds. But there is no road transportation, only trekking trails to reach the village.
On this day, you can visit the Chukung village for an incredible Himlayan view or hike up to Nagarjuna hill, a famous sightseeing hilltop. You will also see the Dingboche monastery, a Buddhist monastery.
This village is also home to an internet cafe, making it the world’s highest billiard parlor and satellite technology. You can visit them and spend time here as well. After a tiring day, you have a nutritious dinner and go to bed. Overnight at Dingboche.
Day 9: Trek from Dingboche to Lobuche
Walking Duration: 5 to 6 hours
Highest Elevation: 4940 m above sea level
After a warm breakfast, you set off on your journey to Lobuche from Dingboche. The trek begins with the astounding view of the mighty Himalayas surrounding you from all sides.
The trekking route is more comprehensive at the start but gets narrower as you get close to Dusa. You walk further ahead and pass the first successful Everest Expedition campsite.
As you continue your trek, the route displays the majestic view of Mount Pumori (7161 m). Viewing the peak, you descend the curvy trails and cross several small streams.
After that, you climb uphill to Duglha, a small settlement showcasing the crown of prayer flags hung around the valley. You now head towards Lobuche from here by ascending over the steep terminal moraines of Khumbu Glacier.
You cross the glacier by walking in the vast boulders displayed near the glacier. Climbing them can be challenging, so be careful. Then you ascend the trail to a ridge known as Chupki Lhara that offers spectacular scenarios of mountains.
There is a memorial shrine on top of the ridge with lots of colorful prayer flags in the memories of those who died in these trails. You spend some time here and again start the walk.
From here, the trail descends to the Khumbu glacial moraines that show the splendid visits of snowy peaks. Some are Pumori, Lingtren, Khumbutse, Mahalangur Himal, Nuptse, etc.
After several hours of walking, you finally arrive at Lobuche, a Sherpa village on the foot of Lobuche Peak. This village has a high-altitude research center that allows communication during rescue operations.
Overnight at Lobuche.
Day 10: Trek from Lobuche to Gorak Shep, then hike to Everest Base Camp and down to Gorak Shep.
Walking Duration: 7 to 8 hours
Highest Elevation: 5164 m above sea level
Hike Duration: 2 hours
Everest Base Camp Trek: 5364 m above sea level
At last the day you have been waiting for has arrived. Today you visit the base camp of the world’s tallest mountain, Mount Everest. You start the trek early this morning by walking to Gorak Shep, which was once the original base camp at the 1953 expedition.
Walking the trails to Gorak Shep, you get to see the Khumbu Glacier. You do several up and down climbs in today’s track. The paths get rougher as you get nearer to Gorak Shep.
After a final gradual up and down over a large rock, you arrive at Gorak Shep. You check in to your rooms, have breakfast, and rest here for some time. Then dropping your backpack, you again begin the trek towards Everest Base Camp.
The journey to base camp has slow uphill walks through rough terrain to avoid altitude problems. As you ascend the trails, you reach the top of Khumbu Glacier that gives you the sight of Khumbu Icefall.
Walking the trails for another few hours, you finally stand at the base of Mount Everest. Reaching Everest Base Camp rushes a mixed feeling in the adrenaline of the trekkers.
The immense beauty of the peaks seen from here overwhelms you. So, rejoice in the marvelous views of Nuptse, Khumbuste, Pumori, Everest, Lhotse, and many more.
You take some pictures and explore the nearby areas, then return to Gorak Shep. These moments are memorable ones engraved in your memories for life.
Overnight at Gorak Shep
Day 11: Hike to Kala Patthar then trek to Pheriche
Hike Duration: 2 to 3 hours
Highest Elevation: 5643 m above sea level
Walking Duration: 6 to 7 hours
Highest Elevation: 4371 m above sea level
Today you wake up earlier than other days to hike up to Kala Patthar, the best viewpoint to see Khumbu Glacier, Khumbu Icefall, and Mount Everest. This place also gives the best sunrise view of this region.
During clear weather, the ray of sun shining upon the snowy peak looks magical. The whole Himalayas glow with a touch from the glimmers, feeling a piece of heaven has fallen on earth.
You also see the 360 Degree panorama view of peaks from up here. Then after capturing some moments, you head down to Gorak Shep. Staying at a higher altitude for a long time can increase the risk of AMS.
Retracing your tracks, you arrive at Gorakshep and have your lunch here. After that, you pack your bags and drop down to Pheriche, the next destination. The routes are primarily steep descents on this day.
Overnight at Pheriche.
Day 12: Trek from Pheriche to Namche Bazaar
Walking Duration: 6 hours
Today’s trek has the most extended walking duration and distance in the entire Everest Base Camp Trekking in Nepal. The trail has more steep downhill walks with equal steep ascends.
You will be walking up and down throughout the day, which is very tiring. The trials between Pheriche and Namche are busy and crowded, where you meet different porters, climbers, and trekkers.
The trail sees road traffic during the peak seasons of trekking and mountain climbing. You walk through enchanting forests with varying landscapes. You also cross several wooden and suspension bridges.
The trials are complex, but the beautiful views and diverse flora and fauna keep you motivated. After several complicated ups and downs, you arrive at Namche Bazaar.
This lively town offers wifi, hot showers, western food, cafes, and more. After check in to your hotel, you can roam around this beautiful Sherpa settlement and enjoy some quality time.
Overnight at Namche Bazaar
Day 13: Trek from Namche Bazaar to Lukla
Hiking Duration: 7 hours
You can wake up steadily as there are no earlier morning hikes or treks. After a warm and hefty breakfast, you begin your tour walking out of the town and towards Lukla.
The trails today are excellent, with enchanting views of peaks and forest trails. You slowly head down the steep routes as a slip can be fatal for your health.
Strolling and enjoying the views, you drop down to Luka, the Gateway to Everest. Now, our Everest Base Camp trekking in Nepal is coming to an end. You cross suspension bridges over Dudh Khola and walk along its bank through dense forest on your way back.
You walk past the Sherpa settlement of Monzo, Benkar, Phakding before reaching Lukla. Finally, after hours of walking, you reach your destination. Today is your last night in the Everest region, so rejoice the time.
Overnight at Lukla.
Day 14: Fly back to Kathmandu from Lukla
Flight Duration: around 30 min
Highest Point: 1400 m above sea level
Today you fly back to Kathmandu, leaving the Everest region behind. You wake early this morning to catch your flight back from Lukla. So, pack your things and double-check them.
With a window seat, you get to see the enchanting aerial view of the Khumbu region. Bid farewell to the promising Himalayas and this place you move ahead in your journey.
After half an hour, you arrive at Kathmandu airport, where we drop you back at your hotel. Get some rest, fresh up, and spend comfortable nights here.
Overnight at Kathmandu.
Different Everest Base Camp Trek Packages
EBC 5 Days- Helicopter pick up and drop
Everest Base Camp 5 days is the shortest trekking route with helicopter pick up and drop. This sophisticated package bestows a memorable and luxurious experience off the beaten paths along with a Helicopter ride.
The package offers you an opportunity to walk and explore the Tenzing- Hillary trails filled with spectacular mountains, cerulean landscape, and traditional villages. A highlight of this trek is its appealing 360 vista of the Himalayan range.
The EBC 5 Days Helicopter pick up and drop, a lavish luxury to the trekkers from arrival to departure. At first, you arrive at Tribhuvan International airport then begin your journey on the second day by flying to Lukla.
From Lukla, you walk in the Tenzing- Hillary trails till Phakding and stay the night. The following day, you trek to Namche Bazaar, passing villages like Monjo, Ghat, etc.
You acclimatize in Namche on your third day to adjust to the current altitude. During your acclimatization, you visit nearby destinations or hike around the area.
After a nice day, you take an early morning helicopter flight to Everest Base Camp and return to Kathmandu from there. The EBC 5 Days Helicopter pick up and drop is an excellent alternative for those with limited time and desperate for adventure.
EBC Trek 7 Days
EBC Trek 7 Days is one of the most popular short trekking routes for people who are low in time. It is a scenic visit to the base of the world’s highest mountain. It takes you through the traditional villages of the Khumbu region.
This EBC Trek 7 Day displays the culture and real-life of the Everest people. It allows you to roam one of the adventurous places of the world. Also, it offers the best view of several peaks such as Nuptse, Cho Oyu, Gaurishankhar, Makalu, Everest, etc.
You begin the EBC Trek 7 Days by flying to Lukla and trekking to Phakding. From there, you head to Namche Bazaar, then to Tengboche, Dingboche, and finally Lobuche.
Now from here, you trek to Everest Base Camp, spend some time there and walk down to Gorakshep, and fly back to Lukla. From Lukla, you fly back to Kathmandu on the last day.
EBC Trek 8 Days
Reaching the foothill of Mount Everest is a great adventure for many trekkers and the EBC Trek 8 days enhances this journey. It is a compact trek package with cultural experiences in a short period.
The trails of the EBC trek pass through the magnificent Sagarmatha National park. This park extensively works to protect and conserve flora and fauna of the Khumbu region.
A significant highlight of the trek is the sunrise and sunset overlooking the Himalayan ranges every day. Moreover, you also get to experience the helicopter ride from Kalapathar to Kathmandu on this trek.
You fly to Lukla, then trek to Phakding and head towards Namche the next day. Namche is a beautiful town and a well-known acclimatization stop. From here, cross several other traditional villages like Tengboche, Dingboche, and Lobuche before reaching the base camp.
Finally, arriving at the base camp feels you with overwhelming feelings. Then you return to Gorak Shep and hike to Kala Patthar early morning the following day. After viewing the sunrise and capturing the moments, you fly back to Kathmandu via Helicopter.
EBC Trek with Helicopter return- 9 Days
EBC trek with Helicopter return is a nine days trip to the beautiful Everest region. This trek is a dream of many explorers worldwide, but the 14 to 16 days trip is lengthy for many. So, EBC Trek with Helicopter return- 9 days is an alternative option.
You reach Everest Base and return via helicopter from Kala Patthar. The addition of a helicopter saves you time and energy as well. With Heli return, the challenges decrease by little.
You take an early flight to Lukla, then trek up to Phakding and then Namche the following day. You rest in this town for a day and begin your journey by trekking till Tengboche.
Then from there, you walk till Dingboche for your next rest day. After gaining some energy, the trek leads you to Lobuche, then Gorak Shep, and hike to Everest Base Camp.
After spending half an hour here, you trek back to Gorak Shep. Then the next day, you travel to Kala Patthar for a beautiful sunrise view and fly back to Kathmandu in a helicopter from there.
Short EBC Trek 10 Days
Embrace yourself in a legendary journey to Everest Base Camp, located on the foot of the world’s highest peak. You get to see the beautiful forests, glacial moraines, ancient monasteries, and vibrant Sherpa villages on this trek.
The short EBC trek 10 Days is for travelers who desire to view Mount Everest. It is the best option to fulfill one of your life goals without prior trekking experience.
First, you fly to Lukla and then trek to Phakding, staying overnight. After that, you head to Namche, then Tengboche, Dingboche, and Lobuche, the final stop before reaching Everest Base Camp.
The next you head to EBC and trek stay in Gorak Shep. From here, you hike to Kala Patthar for a stunning sunrise view and down to Pheriche. Then you retrace your step to Lukla and fly back.
Rapid EBC Trek 12 Days
You don’t want to lose this opportunity to explore and enjoy the Everest region. The Rapid EBC Trek 12 Days is on the bucket list of many enthusiastic travelers.
This is one of the captivating journeys in the world that leads to the lap of Mount Everest. This trek is a combination of nature’s beauty and Sherpa culture that mesmerizes you beyond the imagination.
First, you take the flight from Kathmandu to Lukla, then trek to Phakding. From there, you head to Namche Bazaar, the first acclimatization point. Then walk to Tengboche, then Dingboche, and acclimatize here.
After that, you walk the paths till Lobuche, then Gorak Shep and hike to Everest Base Camp and return. After a beautiful night, you hike to Kala Patthar the subsequent early morning and down to Pheriche. Then you head back to Namche, then Lukla, and fly back to Lukla.
EBC Trek via Gokyo Lake
EBC Trek via Gokyo Lake is an exciting yet challenging journey in the Khumbu region. Everest Base Camp, Cho la Pass, and Gokyo Lakes are the significant highlights of this tour.
The trek covers some of the beautiful traditional Sherpa villages of this region. You get to see several beautiful peaks along the way, such as Nuptse, Lhotse, Everest, and many more.
You first fly to Lukla, then follow the classic Everest Base Camp trail to Kala Patthar. Then you trek down to Dzongla, Thangna, and then reach Gokyo. From here, you climb to Gokyo Ri and trek down to Machhermo. Then retracing your steps, you fly back to Kathmandu.
EBC Trek with Three High Passes
EBC Trek with Three High Passes takes the longest to finish as you visit the three high passes along with other destinations. It is a better alternative for the classic Everest Base Camp Trek and spice things up.
The three high passes of this trek are Kongma La Pass, Cho La Pass, and Renjo La Pass. You also visit Everest Base Camp, Kala Patthar, the Gokyo Lakes, and many more.
After you arrive in Kathmandu, you have a day off for trek arrangement and preparation. Then on the third day, you fly to Lukla and begin your trekking journey.
Following the classic trail, you reach Chhukung and head to Lobuche crossing the first high pass. Then you head to Gorak Shep and hike to Everest Base Camp.
After that early sunrise view from Kala Patthar and down to Dzongla. Then you trek to Gokyo via Thagnak, crossing the second high pass. From Gokyo, you head down to Lungden crossing the final high pass.
From Lungden, you cross Thame, Namche, and Lukla before flying back to Kathmandu.
Best time for Everest Base Camp Trekking in Nepal
In countries like Nepal, a year goes through 4 seasons, i.e., spring, autumn, monsoon/ summer, and winter. Among these, spring and autumn is the best time for Everest Base Camp Trekking in Nepal.
Spring and autumn seasons have the primary trekking months with stable climatic conditions. However, Everest Base Camp Trekking in Nepal is possible during winter and monsoon as well.
Peak Season
Autumn and spring are the peak trekking season in Nepal. You will find the region lively and crowded with trekkers and climbers at each stop point. Both seasons have similar climatic conditions, but each showcases them in different ways.
Everest Base Camp Trekking in Nepal during Spring
March, April, and May are the spring months when trekking is famous throughout the region. During this season, you can catch occasional snow showers as the period is transitioning from cold temperature to hot weather.
As the spring season begins, it indicates the ending of the winter season. This season brings mild temperatures around the entire Khumbu region. The weather pattern starts to change by May as it transitions to the next season.
The chances of rainfall are rare during this season, so the humidity is low, and the daytime temperature is warm. But there is still a bit of chilliness during early mornings and at nights.
The weather condition is pleasant, with moderate temperature and clear visibility in spring. So, spring is the best time for Everest Base Camp Trekking in Nepal. Thus the ideal weather comes at the price of crowded routes.
The Everest region is the most colorful during spring as many routes are flanked by now blooming flowers of rhododendron. The plants and trees also begin to grow their greenery back.
Everest Base Camp Trek in March
March indicates the beginning of the spring season. It is the starting month, so the days are still short, but the temperature begins to warm gradually. By the end of March, the frozen lakes start to melt, and the closed tea-houses begin to open.
The locals who hibernated to lower areas begin to move back to prepare for the trekking season. The weather conditions are better than in February but still, there are slight chances of snow.
Read more on: Everest Base Camp Trek in March
Everest Base Camp Trek in April
April is the best month of the spring season for Everest Base Camp trekking in Nepal. The landscapes in lower regions look enchanting, with paths blooming with rhododendron and wildflowers.
The sky offers the most transparent view of Mount Everest, Nuptse, Lhotse, Ama Dablam, and more. The chances of rainfall occurrence are meager during this month.
However, in later weeks, the humidity increases covering some of the peaks. But the colorful forest paths and beautiful landscapes remain breathtaking throughout the month.
Read more on: Everest Base Camp Trek in April
Everest Base Camp in May
May is the final month in the spring season. By this month, the days are longer, and the nights are shorter. It is pretty warm and sunny during the daytime making the treks comfortable.
May is also the best time for Everest Expedition so that you will meet fellow climbers as well.
If you mark Everest Base Camp trekking in Nepal in Spring, May is one of the months. The days are longer and warmer right before the monsoon season begins.
Read more on: Everest Base Camp Trek in May
Everest Base Camp Trekking in Nepal during Autumn
September, October, and November fall under the Autumn months season with the characteristics of a perfect trekking period. You can expect colder days during the ending month, which is a small price for all the incredible vista you see of the region.
The Everest Base Camp paths are flooding with thousands of people looking forward to reaching the foot of the world’s highest peak. Autumn has the driest months in the entire year with favorable weather conditions.
According to the elevation, it might be warm during the day, but the temperature can drop to zero as the sun sets. The chances of rainfall with no precipitation are low this time of the year.
Everest Base Camp Trek in September
Autumn begins in September, indicating the end of the Monsoon period. The temperature also begins to decrease in the Everest Base Camp Areas.
There are slight chances of rainfall in the earlier week, but it slowly dies down. By the end of September, the monsoon season will have ended, clearing the skies that are blocking the mountain view.
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Everest Base Camp Trek in October
Among the three months of Autumn, October is the best time for Everest Base Camp Trekking in Nepal. The chances of rainfall are minimal during this month, so there are no cloud and fog obstructions.
Clear visibility is one of the best things about this month. Another best reason is the stable weather conditions making the Everest Base Camp Trekking in Nepal perfect.
One thing to know about this month is most of the tourist attractions are overcrowded, including Everest Base Camp trekking in Nepal. Also, the flight has a busy schedule with rising prices.
Read more on : Everest Base Camp Trek in October
Everest Base Camp Trek in November
November is the last month in the Autumn season. The daytime is warm, bright, and sunny during this month. You get to enjoy the scenic views of nature around Everest Base Camp.
The cold weather tends to rise, especially at night in higher elevations. So, be well-prepared with proper gear and equipment. You should bring along warm clothes as well.
Read more on: Everest Base Camp Trek in November
Off-Season
The Off-Season for Everest Base Camp Trekking in Nepal is in Monsoon and Winter. The first off-season begins in Monsoon due to heavy rainfalls and then in Winter due to heavy snowfalls. The region is silent and peaceful during the off-season.
Everest Base Camp Trekking in Nepal during Monsoon
June, July, and August are the monsoon months that sometimes extend up to Mid-September. This season is in full swing as the warm and moisture-filled water of the Indian Ocean causes continuous downpours.
The trails of the lower region are incredibly wet, muddy, and slippery during this time of the year. Due to this reason, the routes tend to be visited less by travelers.
The constant downpour covers the marvelous view of mountains and landscapes with dark clouds or mist or fog. So, many trekkers don’t prefer Everest Base Camp Trekking in Nepal in the Monsoon Season.
The slippery trails filled with leeches and low visibility of peaks are enough to halt several trekkers’ trekking.
However, there are low chances of heavy rainfall in higher altitudes. The sun shines about 5 hours each day throughout the season, increasing wind speed up to 16 km/hr.
Everest Base Camp Trek in June
With the beginning of June starts the monsoon season, but the downpour begins from Mid-June. However, sometimes the rain doesn’t pour until Mid-July. So, the weather in Nepal is unpredictable.
The rainfall usually begins from the mid of this month as the wind changes towards sustained precipitation. Most days start with clear skies, but the cloud and rain begin to build up with warm days.
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Everest Base Camp Trek in July
July is the next monsoon month that has a bit hotter and humid climate than in June. Slowly the flow of tourists continues to decline, so if you are a peace lover, you know which month to select for Everest Base Camp trekking in Nepal.
The heavy rain continues to fall for days, then turn in to shimmer and repeat the process. However, in the later months, the days are clear, and rainfall occurs during the evening and night.
The clear skies after the rain stop offer exceptional views of the mountains during this time. But some paths can be blocked due to landslides and muddy trails.
Read more on: Everest Base Camp Trek in July
Everest Base Camp Trek in August
August is the final month in the monsoon season, indicating its end, but still, the days are the wettest around Everest Base Camp. When trekking in this month, a disadvantage trekkers face is the obscured views of nature due to mist and fog.
But the jungles are as colorful as ever, with new species of wildflowers blooming along the paths. Another reason for the EBC trek in August will be the less crowded routes.
Read more on: Everest Base Camp trek in August
Everest Base Camp Trekking in Nepal During Winter
December, January, and February are the winter months. Everest Base Camp Trekking in Nepal during winter is best described as cold weather suitable for trekking. The days are shorter and have heavy snowfall due to which high elevation like three passes are usually closed.
However, the days will be moderately stable and dry, making the classic Everest trek possible. The weather in the lower region is bearable compared to the higher elevation.
Despite the cold, the views of peaks and valleys are breathtakingly beautiful during the trek. The areas around the Everest Base Camp are also dry at this time.
The chances of snowfall in lower elevations are rare, but there is heavy snowfall in higher areas. You can expect freezing temperatures during the early morning and night.
The wind speed increases up to 40 km/hr during the winter season. So, trekkers will be facing chilly winds adding challenges to your Everest Base Camp trekking in Nepal.
Each day the sun shines for about 7 hours, making the nights longer. It might be cold, but the views of peaks are at their best, along with plenty of space in the trails and tea houses.
Everest Base Camp Trek in December
The Winter season begins from December month with a slow drop in temperature as the days pass by. The nights are freezing around the Everest Base Camp areas.
During foggy weather, the views as well as the paths are unclear and obstructed. The winter is just beginning, so it is not as cold as the other winter months.
Read more on: Everest Base Camp Trek in December
Everest Base Camp Trek in January
By January, winter is in full swing with blue skies and breathtaking views of landscapes and mountains.
The nights and days are colder in comparison to the daytime. You can enjoy the walk in the sunny and cold weather.
Read more on: Everest Base Camp Trek in January
Everest Base Camp Trek in February
February indicates the ending of the winter season in countries like Nepal. The temperature is warm around the Everest Base Camp area during this time of the year.
The lower regions have humid and mild climatic conditions perfect for Everest base camp trekking in Nepal. The walks are comfortable under the sun while viewing mother nature.
The days are more bright, sunny, and clear with excellent visibility by the end of February. You get offered jaw-dropping views of snow-capped peaks during this month.
The weather conditions in Everest Base Camp Trekking in Nepal are unpredictable, adding fascination to the trekkers. The trek is possible even during the off-seasons. So, the Everest Base Camp trek is doable throughout the year.
Read more on: Everest Base Camp Trek in February
The temperature during Everest Base Camp Trekking in Nepal
As the weather conditions, the temperature during Everest Base Camp Trekking in Nepal is also unpredictable. The temperature range is different according to the seasons and months.
Everest Base Camp Trek Temperature during Spring
The temperature slowly increases from -10 ℃ to 15 ℃ during this spring season. The wind speed also declines to 14 km/hr with long hours of sunshine and 15 mm precipitation per month.
Temperature in Everest Base Camp Trek during March
The maximum temperature is about 7 ℃ during the daytime and -12 ℃ during the nights and mornings. Generally, the climatic condition is moderate during this time of the year.
Temperature in Everest Base Camp Trek during April
The maximum temperature ranges about 10 ℃ during the daytime and -5 ℃ during the night. The days get warmer by this time, so the climatic conditions are mild.
Temperature in Everest Base Camp Trek during May
The maximum temperature ranges about 15 ℃ during the day and 0 ℃ during the night. The days during this month are hotter while the nights are a bit cold and chilly.
Everest Base Camp Trek Temperature during Autumn
The temperature is not too cold in the higher areas nor too hot in the lower regions. On average, the temperature rises to 15 ℃ during these months. Simultaneously, the maximum temperature rises to 20 ℃ during the daytime and drops up to -10 ℃ at night.
The minimum wind speed is 14 km/hr, which is a good range for Everest Base Camp Trekking in Nepal. The sun also shines for a long hour during this season.
Temperature in Everest Base Camp Trek during September
It is warm during the daytime, with the temperature rising to 15 ℃. In contrast, it is chilly during the mornings and night, with the temperature dropping down to 2 ℃.
Temperature in Everest Base Camp Trek during October
The maximum temperature reaches 12 ℃ during the daytime and a minimum of -6 ℃ during the night. It is not very cold in the lower region and not too hot in the higher areas.
Temperature in Everest Base Camp Trek during November
The maximum temperature ranges up to 6 ℃ during the daytime, and the minimum temperature will drop to -12 ℃ during the night. As the end week comes by, the temperature slowly decreases.
Everest Base Camp Trek Temperature during Monsoon
The temperature of Everest Base Camp Trek during Monsoon ranges about 22 ℃ in the day time and -5 ℃ in the nighttime. The precipitation level also increases and reaches 190 mm during this season.
Temperature in Everest Base Camp Trek during June
The temperature rises to 16 ℃ during the daytime and drops to a maximum of -1 ℃ at night. With the sudden declines of travelers, Everest Base Camp trekking in Nepal during this month is more peaceful and quieter.
Temperature in Everest Base Camp Trek during July
The maximum temperature ranges around 15 ℃ during the day and drops to 2 ℃ during the night. The temperature is cooler in higher places compared to the lower regions.
Temperature in Everest Base Camp Trek during August
The maximum temperature continues to rise to 16 ℃ during the daytime. And the minimum temperature ranges up to 2 ℃ during the day around the Everest region.
Everest Base Camp Trek Temperature during Winter
The maximum average temperature ranges around 20 ℃ during the day and -17 ℃ at night. The highest temperature in this season is -30 ℃ at night, so be sure to pack the correct gear.
Temperature in Everest Base Camp Trek during December
The temperature ranges around 4 ℃ during the daytime and -14 ℃ during the night in December. The days are bright and clear compared to February, with a few foggy and cloudy weather.
Temperature in Everest Base Camp Trek during January
The cold temperature ranges around a maximum of 4 ℃ in the day and -17 ℃ minimum at night. The temperature becomes cooler as you cimb higher in elevation.
Temperature in Everest Base Camp Trek during February
The maximum temperature ranges around 4 ℃ in the daytime and minimum ranges around -15 ℃ at night. In higher destinations, the temperature drops below the freezing point at night.
Flight Cancellation and Delays
Flight cancellation and delays are common when flying towards the Himalayas. And to start your Everest Base Camp Trekking in Nepal, you need the Kathmandu to Lukla flight.
Sadly, the Kathmandu to Lukla flight is the only available option to begin the Everest Base Camp Trek journey. However, there are frequent flight Cancellations and Delays due to weather conditions.
The government of Nepal has still not managed to open road infrastructure till there. So, Lukla airport is the only viable gateway to Everest, and it’s location is on a rugged topography.
The Lukla airstrip is also known as the world’s thrilling airport at the height of 2860 m above sea level. The untiming fog, heavy rain showers, and strong winds are a few reasons that result in flight cancellation and delays.
Even during the helicopter tour, if the climatic conditions are not good enough for flights, they are canceled or delayed. A majority of flights cancellation and delays happen during the monsoon and winter season.
Another reason for delays and cancellations is due to the technical difficulties like lack of instrument landing system. So, sudden holdup can affect your traveling plans and itinerary.
Altitude Sickness during the Trek
If you mentioned one common Everest Base Camp Trekking in Nepal difficulties, it would be the high altitude. The effects of altitude sickness won’t be noticeable in your body until you hike above 4000 m above sea level.
You gain double altitude at the beginning of your trek as you fly to Lukla from Kathmandu. So, the increase in height can cause mild symptoms of altitude sickness in few trekkers.
With each passing day, you keep gaining altitude along the way, which is quite challenging for some people. The higher the elevation, the more uncertain the weather is.
The oxygen level keeps decreasing with each ascends towards higher altitudes. So, due to low air pressure, the air is thinner in the Himalayas, causing Altitude sickness.
As altitude sickness takes a toll on your body, the slow incline doesn’t feel so gradual, your backpack doesn’t feel so light, and the nearby resting point doesn’t feel so close.
You will gain about 600 to 800 m altitudes every day in this trek. So you will be exposed to variation in oxygen changes with altitude changes. Thus, acclimatization days are placed between the tour to adapt to the thinner air.
If the altitude sickness worsens, each step feels more burdensome, and the shortness of breath increases as you keep continuing the trek. Also, you can’t walk faster, and your sleep is disturbed along with loss of appetite.
Mount Everest Base Camp Trek Difficulty
Everest Base Camp Trekking in Nepal doesn’t require climbing experience or hardship, but still, you face several difficulties. The trek is not so strenuous that you can complete it with a positive mindset and proper planning.
Training
One of the main factors that make Everest Base Camp Trekking in Nepal difficult is the lack of training. The routes might be accessible for trekkers from around the world but completing this tour is not easy.
Without proper management and schedule, the no. of difficulties can increase for the trekkers. You need to be fit physically to complete the Everest Base Camp Trekking in Nepal.
To meet the trekking fitness level, you must do exercise and training before the actual trek. Lack of training will increase your Everest Base Camp Trek difficulties.
Slow walks with frequent stops are better for this trek to let your body adjust to the altitude change. You can complete the EBC trek without any training, but it will add more challenges.
You walk through rugged terrains and harsh landscapes, which is physically demanding. So, do not underestimate the Classic Everest Base Camp Trek and train and plan appropriately to simplify it.
Some of the recommended exercises are:
- Going on short high altitude hikes
- Practice walking up and down a hill or the stairs
- Do exercises such as jogging, swimming, cycling, etc.
- Walk continuously for at least 2 hours each day to build your stamina
- You can practice running as it helps to increase the lung capacity
Unpredictable Everest Base Camp Trek Weather
The unpredictable weather is one of the Everest Base Camp Trek difficulties. Predicting the weather conditions of the Everest region in advance is a challenge itself.
There are no methods to know the exact climatic condition of the Everest region. But with the help of past surveys, you can predict the weather change of each season.
You will feel the drastic difference in temperature during the daytime and at night in a single day. The nighttime tends to be much colder than the daytime. Among all the seasons, winter and monsoon have the most unstable weather changes.
Everest Base Camp Trek during these seasons is adamant and challenging. With unpredictable weather, the difficulty increases for the trekkers. But they also have their advantages like quieter routes, clear skies in winter, and many more.
Different ways to prevent unpredictable weather difficulties during the trek:
- Before choosing the month or season for trekking, research the current weather condition thoroughly.
- Always add extra days to your trip in case of bad weather or delay in plans.
- Always have a backup plan for the bad climatic condition
- If possible, avoid trekking during winter and monsoon.
Consumption of Improper Diet during the Everest Base Camp Trekking in Nepal
You need to eat proper food to fuel yourself for the ahead walk. So, you will be having three meals each day for the entire trip. However, the food can cause food poisoning sometimes while trekking.
Food poisoning might not seem much, but it is pretty dangerous when traveling at a higher elevation. It will make your body weaker and fragile, with high chances of altitude sickness.
The lack of proper diet and food poisoning increases the Everest Base Camp Trek difficulty for trekkers. The consumption of meat mainly causes food poisoning.
The entire Everest region is a religious area for Buddhist followers, so cutting animals is prohibited. Thus, the meat you eat is brought to the higher region from Lukla; due to this reason, the meat is not very healthy.
A list of preventive measures for food poisoning:
- Drink pure water. If you can’t find a good water source, then use water purification tablets or pills.
- Nepali cuisine is a better choice of food for this Himalayan trek. The dishes are cooked daily, making a proper diet.
- If you can, then avoid the consumption of meat.
Packing improper gears and equipment
Always make sure you are bringing along the right gears and equipment needed for Everest Base Camp Trek. Wise gear will make your trip easier. So, spending time researching the trekking gear and equipment.
Packing improper gears and equipment will make your trek more challenging. For example, you are trekking in the monsoon season, and you don’t have the right rain protection gear.
Likewise, you will need different items according to the season you are traveling in. So, trekking to Everest Base Camp requires a lot of preparation for trekkers.
Always include essential things for your trek and avoid unimportant items, as it will add weight for you. If you are hiring a porter, then they can carry about 66 pounds weight only.
P.S. If you didn’t bring your gears along with you, then you can rent them or buy them here in Kathmandu.
Routes of this trek
Usually, trekkers choose 14 Days Everest Base Camp Trek but some even select longer or shorter days according to their schedule. At a minimum, you have two acclimatization stops in these routes.
These stops are usually in Namche Bazaar and Dingboche, which means you will be spending extra nights in these places. But you won’t be resting on this day; instead, you will hike up to nearby higher altitudes and return.
However, if you choose the shorter versions like 7 Days Everest Base Camp Trek, there is no acclimatization period. So, it can be a struggle for beginners and trekkers with underlying heart conditions.
Trek’s length
The total distance between Lukla to Everest Base Camp is about 65 km. But if you calculate the walking distance to Everest Base Camp and return to Lukla via the same route, then the total length is around 130 km.
A standard Everest Base Camp trek itinerary has a total of 14 Days in this region. So to cover the total distance in 12 Days, you must roughly walk 15 km each day.
Per day covering distance might not sound much but walking it the Base Camp trail is not similar to walking in the usual paths. The EBC routes are harsh and challenging, with continuous ups and downs.
Moreover, you will be walking in rocky and steep terrain on this trip, so walking fast will be pretty difficult in these places. But it will be harsher during the monsoon and winter season.
The frequent rainfall makes the path slippery and muddy during the rainy season. In contrast, the snow-covered roads block the routes during the winter season. Due to these reasons, the length of the trek appears longer.
You can change the Everest Base Camp itinerary according to your will but not the trails. You will follow the same classic path to reach and return to the starting point.
Some of the tricks to avoid Everest Base Camp Trek difficulties are:
- Begin the trek with a healthy mindset.
- Maintain your body physically to walk for hours
- Rest often to prevent over-tiredness of your body
- You will be spending more days in the Himalayas, so keep that in mind before starting your trek.
Khumbu Cough
Not many mentioned Khumbu Cough in the Everest Base Camp difficulties, but it is inevitable. This cough is a prickly sensation in the throat due to the cold and dry mountain air.
It does not mean you will be sick, but the coughing is non-stop for the entire trek. Thus, it makes breathing hard for trekkers adding difficulty to your Everest Base Camp Trek.
So wearing a thin buff or mask is recommended to prevent the cough and don’t expose your chest to cold wind. The cough usually begins as you near the Khumbu valley and stays all the way to the base camp.
So, always have warm drinks, stay hydrated, and eat food even if you have no appetite. You can also bring along candies or cough drops which can be helpful for you.
Food and Accommodation in Everest Base Camp Trek
Every trekker has concerns about what type of food and accommodation they will be getting in this Everest Base Camp Trek. The tourist industry in Nepal is growing and trying hard to provide the best accommodation in the Everest base camp trek.
With the growing tourism industry, the no. of lodges in popular trekking routes of the Khumbu region are increasing too. So all tea houses in the trails offer proper food and comfortable accommodation.
The trip is entirely a tea house trek that provides you with a basic yet comfortable arrangement at a reasonable price. They also offer you local food which is hygienic and fresh.
Accommodation during Everest Base Camp Trekking in Nepal
The Everest Base Camp Trail gives you plenty of options according to your needs and budget. You can choose a high-class hotel in Namche or a simple one in further stops.
However, you should keep in mind that lodging is limited in higher places like Pheriche or Gorakshep. So, be ready to adjust to the home-style environment for a few days.
Accommodation at Tea Houses
Tea house trek is a great accommodation option when trekking in Nepal. These types of arrangements are slowly gaining popularity in the trekking trails. You can find different prices and qualities according to the amenities they offer.
Tea house trek gives a home-like feeling with a mixture of how the locals in the area live. These settings offer fully equipped rooms with a western facility, electricity, wifi, etc., in lower regions. Whereas they provide fundamental amenities in the higher areas.
The tea houses in the EBC trial mainly offer twin-basis accommodation. A single room has twin beds containing pillows, sheets, and blankets with a small table or chair.
They also provide you with a padlock during the night for security purposes. As for the toilets, you will find modern ones in lower regions, but you see the squat ones as you climb the altitude.
In higher regions, the toilets are not attached but separate outside the hotels in most places. Also, many tea houses don’t provide you with toilet paper rolls, so you need to bring your own.
Accommodation at Phakding
The trekking journey begins with a short flight to Lukla, but most people trek to Phakding the same day. So, your first night will be in one of the accommodations located here.
Phakding is a small settlement located in the Dudh Koshi river valley south of Monjo and Lukla in the north. This place has hotels on both sides of the river found at an affordable price. If you have a bit more budget, then you can afford more luxurious accommodations.
Accommodation at Namche Bazaar
Namche is the leading stop destination when trekking up to Everest Base Camp. This place is also great for acclimatization, where people stay for two to three days to adjust to the altitude.
Namche is worth exploring with different viewpoints above the village and nearby famous villages. Besides this, the town also offers some of the best accommodation facilities for trekkers.
Namche Bazaar is also the last place that offers modern facilities in the Everest Base Camp Trail. You will find tea houses offering luxurious to basic facilities at various price ranges.
Accommodation at Tengboche
Tengboche is a popular destination for its ancient monastery situated at an altitude of 3867 m above sea level. This monastery is the biggest one in the entire Khumbu region.
However, this place offers only about 4 to 5 hotels for travelers. So, the trails from here onwards present tea houses with basic facilities for trekkers. But some provide rooms with attached bathrooms and hot showers.
Most people stay the night here to attend the early morning prayer at the monastery the next day. Tengboche is full of crowds during peak seasons.
Accommodation at Dingboche
Dingboche is a Sherpa settlement larger than Tengboche village. The hotels here are open all year round. This place offers dozens of lodges, souvenir shops, a bakery, and even an internet cafe. This village is another acclimatization point where trekkers spend two nights.
Accommodation at Lobuche
Lobuche is the last overnight destination before you reach the Everest Base Camp. This village has limited significant hotels with basic accommodation at affordable prices.
It even gets hard to find lodges during the peak season, so you might have to share a room with another fellow trekker.
Accommodation at Gorak Shep
Gorak Shep is the overnight stop after ascending the Everest Base Camp. This place is also the best point for climbing Kala Patthar, so it is packed for most of the year.
The trekking lodges are basic whether on or offseason, so you might even have to sleep in the dining room or shared room. Do not worry; the dining will be warmer until the fire dies.
Food during the Everest Base Camp Trek
The food during the EBC trek is of outstanding quality and is primarily local. Also, you will have traditional Nepalese Cuisine like rice, lentil stew, potato curry or meat, Sherpa stew, boiled potato with chili sauce, etc. Likewise, you also get one hot drink per meal.
You have fried or boiled egg, omelet, pancake, toast, muesli, porridge, coffee, tea, Tibetan bread, and more for breakfast.
For lunch and dinner, Soups (mushroom, garlic, vegetable, tomato), fried rice, Dal Bhat, rice with curry, noodles (veg, egg, mix, etc.), spring rolls, macaroni, momo, pizza, fried potato, buff steak, chips, and many more.
Price of Food and Accommodation in EBC trek
The price of food and accommodation varies depending on the altitude and season you are visiting. The price is higher during peak season compared to the off-season.
The average price is about 2 to 3$ per night in basic accommodation. However, the price drops by 50% of the peak season rate in the off-seasons. But you need to pay extra for electricity, internet, and hot showers.
You will pay from 1 to 3$ for a hot shower depending on the altitude. As for the electricity, the tea houses bill you about 2 to 3$ per hour. If you have a plug inside your room, you can charge your device free of cost.
As for the wifi, it costs about 3 to 5$ per hour in tea houses. You can also connect through prepaid data SIM, which is cheap and available in Kathmandu.
Generally, you pay around 6 USD for breakfast and around 12 USD for meal/ dinner in Kathmandu for food. You pay around 5 to 6 USD for breakfast and 7 to 8 USD for lunch/ dinner in Everest trek.
Regular milk tea costs about 1.5 to 2 USD; hot water costs about 1 to 1.2 USD in the Everest region. As for bottled water, they cost about 1 to 4 USD in the trials but around 0.25 to 0.40 cents in Kathmandu.
Hiring Guide or Porter for the Trip
Trekkers usually debate whether to hire a guide, porter or none for the Everest Base Camp trek. Well, you need to hire one or both depending on the weight of your belonging.
However, if you plan to carry your gear and equipment, you do not need to hire a porter. But you can hire a guide as they will be your friend and companion for the journey.
Guide
Guides are people who navigate the trail for you, but they are more than that. They are a leader, rescuer, and friend who try their best to make your trek comfortable and enjoyable.
A guide will also look after you during the suffering of Altitude sickness. They will not carry your bags but will offer you help when necessary. These people have proper knowledge about the terrains and weather to give you the best experience.
The guides are good at speaking English and other languages as well. They are an excellent interpreter that helps you communicate with the locals too.
Porter
Porter are people who carry all your baggage and gears you have brought along for the trek. They take all your heavy belongings leaving you to hold only a small backpack with primary things.
Carrying less creates less tiredness for you, reducing the risk of altitude sickness. Porter is also a local resident who has walked these trails a hundred times and can help show directions.
Many porters can speak basic English and act as a trekking crew. But keep in mind, they only carry 20 to 30-kilogram loads. So, always bring less and enjoy the trek.
Luxury Hotels in the Everest region
Whether it be during short trips or trekking, people usually prefer Luxury hotels to stay overnight. Many trekkers are unaware, but there are a few Luxury hotels in the trials of Everest Base Camp.
Yes, it is right; there are a total of 3 luxury hotels that provide five-star comfort in the Himalayas of Nepal. These hotels try their best to give you comfort with modern amenities without degrading the traditional experience.
Everest Summit Lodge
The Everest Summit Lodge carefully displays the five unique properties to provide the trekkers with the best Himalayan experience. This lodge nestles along the Everest Base Camp paths offering visitors unparalleled access to the astounding beauty of this region.
The Everest Summit lodge first opened in 2002 and has been in operation since then, crossing over two decades. They provide insulated rooms with electric blankets.
The branches of this hotel in the Everest region are distributed in Lukla, Monjo, Mende, Tashinga, and Pangboche. The concept of this hotel is to stay authentic while respecting the Khumbu culture.
Yeti Mountain Home
Yeti Mountain Home is another Luxury hotel with a group of comfort lodges in Everest Base Camp trek trails. They believe in providing compassionate comfort, warm sherpa hospitality, and high-end cuisines.
There are six lodges in the Everest region, each having 11 to 20 spacious and cozy rooms with private amenities. These stays are located in Lukla, Phakding, Monjo, Namche Bazaar, Thame, and Kongde.
This luxury hotel is a family-run business by Sherpas living in the areas of Solukhumbu. They started this business from their hometown.
Everest View Hotel
Among the three stays, Everest View Hotel is the only one with no branches. This beautiful hotel is hidden between the trees on a ridge dominating the Everest ranges.
This remarkable establishment sits at an elevation of 13000 ft and is also listed as the world’s highest placed hotel in the Guinness Book. The hotel blends elegantly with its picturesque surrounding.
Sitting at this height, it shows a 360-degree view of the spectacular Himalayas. Everest View Hotel lay near Namche in Syanboche and was established in 1971.
The hotel was built with a dream to let the guests worldwide come and enjoy the bird’s eye view of peaks and appreciate Mount Everest. This establishment has Twelve rooms, and each of them provides you with a panoramic view of Everest and its surrounding.
Permits for Everest Base Camp trekking in Nepal
The Everest Base Camp Trekking in Nepal requires three permits to hike the trails, which costs about 7000 NPR/ 70 USD. These are local, TIMS, and national park permits.
The trekking trails of Everest base camp pass through Sagarmatha national park, so entry permits are compulsory. This federal park permit costs about NPR 3000/ 30 USD and is available in Kathmandu or Monjo.
Likewise, the local permits are Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Entrance permits. They cost about 2000 NPR/ 20 USD available in Lukla.
As for the TIMS permit, the government collects data of all trekkers via this card. These are one-time use cards. It is required for foreign trekkers that are trekking in Nepal. The TIMS card costs about 2000 NPR/ 20 USD available in Kathmandu.
Similar articles you may like:
- Distance From Base Camp To Everest Summit
- How Cold Is It On Mount Everest?
- How Old Is Mount Everest?
Tips to Overcome Everest Base Camp Trekking Difficulties in Nepal
The trip to the Everest Base Camp is breathtaking, but it is not an easy task; you need a lot of planning and preparation. So, written below are tips to Overcome Everest Base Camp Trekking in Nepal:
Train before the actual trek
People from Different age groups and physical ability visit the Everest region to reach the Everest Base Camp. So, trekkers must be in good physical condition for a comfortable trip.
You do not need to be an athlete to hike to Everest Base Camp, but you need enough endurance to reach there. Moreover, you can do self exercises such as cycling, running, short hikes, and many more to keep you fit.
You need to have colossal stamina and willpower to complete the trek, whether you are a beginner or a professional.
Add extra days to your trek.
Adding extra days to your trek is necessary because anything can happen in the Himalayas. Usually, the flight to and from Lukla can be delayed or canceled depending on the weather condition. You can keep the additional days at the end of the trek.
So, it would be bad if you have an international flight the next day. Also, you can add additional time to spend more time in Nepal if you don’t have a busy schedule.
Pack necessary equipment
You will be hearing time and again to pack the necessary gears for your Everest Base Camp trek. So, Always pack your bags with essential things only and according to the season, you are traveling.
If by any chance you forget a few things you can buy them in Kathmandu. This city has many trekking shops with intense competition that brings down the price. But the cost also varies according to the quality of the goods.
Get the best flight rates.
Flights are the significant expenses that increase your budget while trekking to Everest Base Camp. However, there are some tricks to get the best rate on your flight.
The price of flight decreases when traveling during the off-season. You also get various offers when traveling during the festive season, which is worth it.
Select comfortable shoes
One major tip is to bring along comfortable shoes that don’t chafe your skin and cause blisters or aching. You should always try on your new trekking shoes a week before the trek to get used to them.
Painful shoes can dampen your trekking experience. So, take your time and wear the shoes to help break them in. Also, make sure they aren’t too tight or too loose on your feet.
Pack within luggage limit
The flight from Kathmandu to Lukla has a strict weight restriction. You can pack only 10 kg/ 22 lbs weight on your main luggage, and 5 kg/ 11 lbs on your hand carry.
If you wish to bring more, you need to pay separately for the additional luggage. But it is best to stay within the luggage weight limit as you will be trekking in the mountains with that load. So, it is recommended to pack as little as you can.
Bring a travel bottle.
We mean the ones that can store both hot and cold water during your journey by travel bottles. Carrying a different bottle for different purposes can be tiring, so select a multipurpose bottle.
You can fill the water along the way or from the hotel you will be staying in. Also, you can buy bottled water on the way, but they are far more expensive than in lower regions.
P.s. You should know the hotel charges an extra price for filling hot water.
Stay Hydrated
One piece of advice for every trekker is to stay hydrated for the entire trek. Make sure to drink plenty of water and keep your bottle full as staying hydrated prevents altitude sickness.
Carry water purification tablets
If you are an allocated traveler and want to save your water money, you can fill your bottle from local streams. The source of streams is unknown, so this is when the water purification tablets come in handy.
Purification pills kill all the harmful bacteria and germs present in the water, making it safe for drinking. Or you can fill the bottle in nearby villages.
Don’t rely on Himalayan ATMs
Yes, you can find ATMs in the Everest region, but they are not well-maintained, so they crash easily, and it might be a problem if you are low on cash. Thus, it is better to take money out in Kathmandu and carry extra just in case.
Insurance for Everest Base Camp Trek
Insurance for Everest Base Camp trek is compulsory for any travelers. The tour is not explicitly challenging but it poses various risks, so you need to consider them when deciding your insurance.
Even small injuries like sprained ankles can create tension for you on the trek. So, you need to find the proper insurance policy that can cover all the environment and events associated in this trek.
The insurance should cover high altitude and AMS, accidents, illness, flights cancellation, lost baggage, and small injuries.
How to Prepare for Everest Base Camp Trek?
- Go on short hikes to higher elevation or take long walk and choose uneven hilly terrain.
- Wear daypack while hiking and slowly increase the weight
- Repeat gym workout 2 to 3 times per day for 2 weeks
- Do your training in conditions that is similar to the actual trek
- If you are buying new gears get them early and wear them before the trek
- Do cardio training for 2 to 3 times per week
- Keep aside enough time to prepare yourself
- Watch your nutrition
- Don’t push yourself hard before the trek
Packing List
When going trekking, you need to bring along various things to make the trip easier. So, the following packing list for the Everest Base Camp Trekking in Nepal.
Travel Documents
- Nepali Visa
- Travel insurance documents
- Valid Passport
- Airline tickets with itinerary
- Copy of passport (2 copies)
- 4 Passport size photo
Travel equipment
- 100-liter duffel bag
- Stowable lightweight duffel bag
- Luggage tags and locks
- Sleeping bag liner
- Electrical converter
Trekking Clothes
- Quick-dry undergarments
- Wool or synthetic t-shirt
- Long sleeve t-shirt
- Lightweight pants
- Midweight synthetic or woolen socks
- Fleece jackets
- Synthetic or down parka with hood
- Convertible hiking pants
- Fleece or insulated pants
- Lightweight rain jackets
- Lightweight rain pants
- Fleece or wool gloves
- Waterproof gloves
- Liner gloves
- Fleece or wool hat
- Sun hat
- Liner socks
- Glacier sunglasses
- Bandana, buff, or neck gaiter
Personal Items
- Snacks (energy bar, energy gels, etc.)
- Water bottle
- Water bottle insulating sleeves
- Hydration reservoir
- Camera with charger and spare memory card
- Extra battery
- Camping pillow
- Towel
- Insect repellent
- Pocket knife
- Personal first-aid
- Water purification tablets
- Cell phone and its charger
- Portable power banks
- Large garbage bags
Toiletries
- Toothbrush
- Toothpaste
- Wet wipes
- Toilet roll
- Pee bottle
- Hand sanitizer
- Sunscreen
- Lip balm
- Multi-purpose soap
- Skin lotion
- Spare eyeglasses
FAQS
Where is Mount Everest?
Mount Everest lies in the Solukhumbu district of Nepal in Province no.1 in Sagarmatha Zone.
How tall is Mount Everest?
Being the world’s tallest peak, Mount Everest lies at an altitude of 8848.86 m above sea level.
At what height does Everest Base Camp lie?
Everest Base Camp rests at an elevation of 17600 ft/ 5380 m above sea level.
How many days does it take to reach Everest Base Camp?
The trekking days mostly depend upon your schedule. If you are short on holidays, you can select the Helicopter tour or the 7 Days Everest Base Camp Trek. But if you have enough time, you can choose the 11 Days Everest Base Camp Trek or above.
How much is the price of Everest Base Camp Trek?
The cost of Everest Base Camp Trek depends upon your itinerary. You can find both budgeted or luxurious EBC treks. A luxury trek is more expensive than the budgeted one.
How challenging is the Everest Base Camp trek?
Firstly, You shouldn’t get confused between Everest and Everest Base Camp; they are different things. The Everest base camp trek is more accessible than climbing Mount Everest. You can learn more about Everest Base Camp Trekking in Nepal difficulties from above.
Is the trek suitable for every trekker?
Everest Base Camp Trek is a kind of moderate-level walk, so yes, it is suitable for every trekker. But it will be challenging and harsh for beginners as you have to walk steep ascends and descends. However, with proper arrangement, you can complete this trip.
