The Everest region is home to the tallest mountain in the world, Mount Everest (8848m). The foothills of Mount Everest provides you with the opportunity to trek the incredible landscapes of the region. The 360-degree view of the entire Mahalangur Himalayan range from various viewpoints along the trail is quite enchanting.
Everest base camp trek on a budget is a great experience as well. You will get to experience lush forests, green hills, and serene water streams at a reasonable price. Kalapatthar (5643m) viewpoint provides you with great views of Mt. Everest and other snow-capped mountains of the region.
The trek also lets you experience the culture, heritage, and lifestyle of the local Sherpa community. The ancient Sherpa culture influenced by the Tibetan community is quite fascinating. The warm hospitality and welcome of local people will make you fall in love with the place.
Mount Everest region also has a great diversity of rare flora and fauna. Sagarmatha National Park is home to Snow Leopard, Himalayan Tahr, Red Panda, and other wild animals. Eco-friendly budget tourism will help the environment significantly and protect the rare and endangered wildlife of the region.
The budget of the trek can get reduced significantly by various measures. You can choose your fooding and lodging, along with a guide and porter. You can customize the trek itinerary and then manage your cost by optimizing your expenses. Read on to know more about budget Everest Base Camp Trek in detail.
Highlights of Budget Everest Base Camp Trek
- An adventurous scenic mountain flight from Kathmandu to Lukla.
- Awe-inspiring views of snow-capped mountains of the Mahalangur Himalayan range
- Experiencing the incredible culture, heritage, and lifestyle of the Sherpa community
- Passing through dense forest and vegetation along the trail
- Gorgeous view of sunrise from various points along the trail including Kala Patthar
- Opportunity to spot rare wildlife of region including HimalayanTahr, snow leopard, and others
- We will provide you with everything you need for the trek including the necessary permits.
- Pilgrimage of the famous Tengboche Monastery
- The warm hospitality of the Sherpa community along with teahouses
Budget Everest Base Camp Trek Route
The Everest Base Camp trek starts with a scenic flight from Kathmandu to Lukla (2860m). This adventurous flight takes around 35 minutes and you can observe stunning views of snow-capped mountains and green hilly landscapes. Lukla airport is one of the smallest airports in the world with just 500m runaway.
After arriving at Lukla, you will start your trekking adventure to Phakding (2652m) where you will spend a night at a teahouse. You will then trek to Namche (3445m) the next day and acclimatize for a day there to adapt to high altitude conditions. The acclimatization process is essential when it comes to high-altitude treks like EBC trek!
Thus, the acclimatization process helps you tackle altitude sickness with ease. The acclimatization day can get spent strolling around Namche Bazaar and its various restaurants, cafes, hotels, bars, and souvenir shops. You can also go to Everest View Hotel from where you can observe the snow-capped mountains of the Mahalangur Himalayan Range.
For acclimatization, you can also go on an optional hike up to Khumjung village and the Khumde viewpoint from where you can observe stunning panoramas of the Himalayas. After acclimatizing for a day at Namche Bazaar, you will start your trek to Tengboche (3860m). You will pass through dense pine forest and cross a few rivers during your hike from Namche to Tengboche.
Tengboche is a spiritual settlement with the famous Tengboche monastery and incredible Sherpa and Tibetan Traditions. There are prayers twice a day in this famous Tengboche Monastery. The soothing Buddhist chant will enchant your soul and enhance your spirituality.
The trek will then take you to Dingboche (4410m) where you acclimatize for a second time. The acclimatization takes you to Nagarjun hill from where you can observe the Khumbu mountain range. The trek will pass through Lobuche (4940m) the next day. Finally, you will trek to the original base camp of Gorak Shep and then Everest Base Camp (5380m).
After visiting Everest Base Camp and observing the bustling atmosphere with climbers and mountaineers, you will descend back to Gorak Shep. You will then hike up to Kala Patthar (5643m). The Kala Patthar viewpoint provides you incredible views of the tallest mountains in the world.
The golden rays of the sun falling upon silver mountains including Mount Everest is an experience of a lifetime. You will then trek back to Pheriche (4371m) retracing back the same steps we took earlier. From Periche, we will trek back to Namche Bazaar and then to Lukla from where we will take an adventurous flight back to Kathmandu.
Best Season for the Everest Base Camp Trek
The ideal time for the Everest Base Camp trek is Spring (March-May) and Autumn (September – November). These months provide you with stable weather conditions. You can observe beautiful natural landscapes including the snow-capped mountains of the Mahalangur Himalayan region in a clear blue sky.
Spring also means that lush Rhododendrons bloom along trails along with other wildflowers. Autumn is also a time for many cultural festivals in the country so it is a great time for cultural exploration. But trails can get quite packed with fellow trekkers during trekking seasons.
Off-season treks are ideal for Everest Base Camp trek on a budget as there are many discounts available for trekkers. However, off-season treks in Monsoon are quite challenging as trails get slippery due to heavy rainfalls. There are landslides and avalanches along trails in monsoon seasons.
The EBC trek in winter brings heavy snowfall and free temperatures. This trek is ideal in early and late winter. The weather in the Everest region is unpredictable at all times. Hence, you should check weather forecasts before starting on your trek.
Budget Everest Base Camp Trek Difficulties
EBC trek is one of the most challenging treks in the world. Some sections are quite difficult whereas some are quite moderate. Altitude sickness is one of the major difficulties in this EBC trek. Proper acclimatization along with regular rest essential to tackle altitude sickness along trails.
Trekkers need to trek for around 5 to 6 hours a day. Besides that, the rugged terrains of the region and steeply trails are quite challenging as well. Cold freezing temperatures especially at night are one of the major challenges of EBC trek. You should pack well for the trip with proper trekking gear and warm clothes.
There are mental challenges in this trek that are well along with physical challenges. Therefore, you need to be motivated along the trail and also keep a positive attitude. You need to be self-motivated to keep trekking and reach your final destination of Everest Base Camp.
Food and Accommodations on Budget Everest Base Camp Trek
There is a decent facility of food and accommodation while trekking Everest Base Camp. The trails of the EBC trek are remote as there are no means of transportation. All food materials need to get transported through either a porter or a yak. Hence, food prices are quite high in the Everest region. The local dish of “Dal Bhaat” is quite common along the trail.
Trekkers will get served “Dal Bhaat” twice a day. You can also get some western and international cuisine like pasta, burgers, pizza, noodles, momos, and others. Besides that, there are some bakery items along with tea houses too. For breakfast, you will get served bread, eggs, and porridge.
Tea houses along trails provide you with twin beds, a warm blanket, and a pillow. In peak seasons, you will have to book in advance as teahouses can get packed. Some tea houses also offer free accommodation if you eat at the same teahouse.
Cost of Budget Everest Base Camp Trek
The Budget Everest Base Camp Trek is a specially designed package with a shortened itinerary and comes under a budget. However, budget EBC Trek is a flexible package and trekkers can explore the region at a reasonable price. The cost of a budget EBC trek ranges around US$1,000 to US$1,500 based on itinerary, length, and facilities.
Guides and Porter Cost
The Everest Base Camp trek on a budget is ideal with a professional guide and porter. The trekking guide assists you and helps you travel along trails in navigation whereas porters assist you in carrying your luggage.
Guides cost around US$20 to US$30 per day on the EBC trek whereas porters cost around US$20-US$25 based on the weight of your luggage. Similarly, some porter-guides work both as porters and guides and cost less which makes it ideal for budget trekkers.
Food and Accommodation
Accommodation in the Everest region can range from extravagant hotels to local tea houses and lodges. However, the remote settlements only have tea houses with basic facilities. Tea houses are cozy, comfortable, and cheaper in comparison to hotels. These teahouses are available at US$3 to US$5. It comes with two beds, a clean sheet, a pillow, and a warm blanket.
Food items along the Everest region do not have much variety. You can have the typical Nepali food of Dal Bhat, which includes rice, dal (pulses), lentils, vegetables, Gundruk, pickles, meat, and others. The healthy and carbohydrate-rich dish is one of the best foods for trekking in the tiresome rugged trail.
Trekkers will get these meals twice a day and cost around US$25 to US$30. You can also have bread, porridge, and boiled eggs for breakfast and another cuisine like a noodle, burger, momo, pasta, pizza, and others. Tea, coffee, and other beverages are available too but budget travelers can also carry their tea bags, and coffee powder, if they want to save costs.
Transportation cost
Everest Base Camp trek requires a domestic flight to and from Lukla. It costs around US$140 however, the price fluctuates based on time of travel. Budget Everest Base Camp trek also has the flexibility of driving from Kathmandu to Jiri and then trek to Lukla to save costs.
Cost of trekking gears
EBC trek is a challenging high altitude trek that requires appropriate trekking gear. Winters and night time are extremely cold hence warm clothes are a must. Insulated boots, woolen gloves, puffy jackets, and others help you tackle the extreme weather of Everest Base Camp. Crampons provide a good grip and help you walk along the slippery trail.
However, you can also rent the equipment to save costs. There are shops around Thamel in Kathmandu, and that will help you rent a tent, trekking poles, sleeping bag, down jackets, backpack, and other trekking gear. Some of the trekking gear required for the trek is available at a reasonable cost too.
Travel Insurance Cost
Travel insurance is essential for a high altitude trek. It covers various conditions like canceled flights, medical emergencies, theft, and others. Everest Base Camp also has a risk of altitude sickness. It also helps you in case of emergency evacuations required for the trek. The travel insurance cost starts from US$150 to US$200.
How To Reduce The Cost of Everest Base Camp Trek?
Some of the tips that help to reduce Everest Base Camp Trek cost are as follows:
- Packing only your essentials will reduce your luggage weight and subsequently reduce the overall cost of the trek.
- Group trekking is relatively cheaper in comparison to solo trekking as you can get maximum discounts on your accommodations.
- Trekkers can also carry water purifying tablets during the trek. You can put these water purifying tablets after filling up your bottle in teahouses.
- Bargaining helps you get the best deals.
- Trekkers can also carry a portable power bank so that you can charge your electronic gadgets without any charging costs.
- Many Trekkers can carry tea bags and coffee powders that help to minimize the costs of drinks and hot beverages.
- Trekkers should eat at the same accommodation facilities to get maximum discounts. Some tea houses along trails also offer free accommodation for such trekkers.
- Renting trekking gears and equipment will cost around the US $1 – $10 per item and you can find them in shops around Thamel.
Day 01: Flight from Kathmandu to Lukla, and Trek to Phakding
Day 02: Trek from Phakding to Namche Bazaar
Day 03: Trek from Namche Bazaar to Tengboche
Day 04: Trek from Tengboche to Dingboche
Day 05: Trek from Dingboche to Lobuche
Day 06: Trek from Lobuche to Gorak Shep and then Trek to Everest Base Camp
Day 07: Trek from Gorak Shep to Kala Pathar and then Trek to Pheriche
Day 08: Trek from Pheriche to Namche Bazaar
Day 09: Trek from Namche Bazaar to Lukla
Day 10: Trek from Lukla to Kathmandu
Budget Everest Base Camp Trek Itinerary
Day 01: Flight from Kathmandu to Lukla, and Trek to Phakding
Flight Duration: 40 to 45 minutes
Trek Duration: 5 to 6 hours
Maximum Altitude: 2860 m
After breakfast, our representative will pick you up from the hotel and transfer you to Tribhuvan International Airport. We will board a domestic flight to Lukla which takes around 35-40 minutes to complete.
The adventurous flight to Lukla will provide you with incredible views of snow-capped mountains. The flight then lands at Tenzing Hillary airport in Lukla. The narrow airstrips in Lukla airport make it one of the most dangerous airports in the world. After landing at Lukla, we will start our trek to Phakding.
The trek starts on a descending trail alongside the Dudh Kosi River. The serene waters of the glacial Dudh Koshi river are quite enticing. We travel along flat roads that move up and down a lot and arrive at Phakding after a trek of a few hours. We will stay overnight at a teahouse in Phakding.
Day 02: Trek from Phakding to Namche Bazaar
Trek Duration: 3 to 4 hours
Max Altitude: 3445 m
We have our breakfast early in the morning and then trek to Phakding to Namche Bazaar. Similarly, we trek through various villages and settlements along trails in an uphill path. We pass through Zampatti and Benkar village settlements to arrive at Monjo. Moreover, we will then cross a suspension bridge over the Dudh Koshi river.
Monjo is a village settlement north of Phakding which is also an entry point of UNESCO listed world heritage site of Sagarmatha National Park. We will then show our entry permits and then follow the trail that leads us to Jorasele.
We continue trekking along rhododendrons forest from where we can observe snow-capped mountains from various points along trails. The trails then move uphill 600-meter on a steep and rugged trail to arrive at Namche.
The beautiful trail crosses the Khumbu river and we can observe Tabuche for the first time along the trek. We will arrive at Namche after a few hours of trekking. Namche is the commercial hub of the region with many hotels, bars, restaurants, cafes, and souvenir shops. You will spend the night at a lodge in Namche.
Day 03: Trek from Namche Bazaar to Tengboche
Trek Duration: 5 to 6 hours
Max Altitude: 3975 m
After having breakfast early in the morning, we trek from Namche Bazaar towards Tengboche. We can also observe majestic views of snow-capped mountains from various viewpoints along the trail. You can also visit various Gompas, Stupas, and Buddhist monuments along the trail.
We follow the contour and then take stone steps to arrive at Mongla Pass (3975 m). The view of Mt. Ama Dablam is one of the advantages of trekking along this trail. We descend gradually to arrive at the Dudh Koshi River. We continue our trek for a few hours to arrive at Tengboche Village.
The Tengboche monastery is an important Buddhist monastery of the entire Khumbu region. You can take part in evening prayers and chants in the monastery that will liven up your soul. Tengboche's viewpoint also provides you with a great view of the Himalayan vista and we will spend the night at a local lodge in Tengboche.
Day 04: Trek from Tengboche to Dingboche
Trek Duration: 5 to 6 hours
Max Altitude: 4350 m
After breakfast, we will pass through the lush landscapes of alpine forests of serene waterfalls along the trail. You will trek through the enchanting forest of Birch, Rhododendron, and Conifer forests. We will also cross Khumbila Khola valley and arrive at a ridge top from where we can observe magnificent views of Mt. Nuptse, Mt. Cholatse, Mt. Taboche, and others.
We then cross Imja Khola towards Pangboche trail. We will trek on an uphill path to arrive at Dingboche village with a different landscape as you move high in elevation. Dingboche is a herders settlement and in summers you can find them grazing their yaks over the cliffs.
There are various crops including potato, barley, and buckwheat crops that get protected by stone walls. We will spend the night at a lodge or a teahouse in Dingboche.
Day 05: Trek from Dingboche to Lobuche
Trek Duration: 5 hours
Max Altitude: 4950 m
After breakfast early in the morning, we will start our trek along a scenic trail with Himalayan vista. The trek opens up to Dusa as we continue descending and we can also observe stunning views of Mt. Pumori.
We then cross a stream to arrive at Dughla. From the village of Dughla, we will then ascend to Lobuche which gets located at the endpoint of Khumbu Glacier. We then arrive at Chupki Lhara ridge from where you can observe snow-capped mountains.
There are colorful prayer flags and stones in this ridge which is in memoriam of climbers and mountaineers who perished in mountains. The trail then leads us to Khumbu glacial moraine as we reach Lobuche where we will spend the night at a teahouse.
Day 06: Trek from Lobuche to Gorak Shep and then Trek to Everest Base Camp
Trek Duration: 7 to 8 hours
Max Altitude: 5364 m
After seven days of trekking, we will finally ascend to Everest Base Camp today. We will trek early to arrive at Gorak Shep, which is a frozen sandbed and also the original Everest base camp. The trail is slippery and challenging with many ups and downs.
We will return to Gorak shep to have lunch and continue our trek on a rough uphill path to the magnificent Everest Base Camp. After trekking for a few hours, we arrive at the Khumbu Glacier, and we can also observe the Khumbu Icefall from a viewpoint.
After a rough trek at a rugged path, we arrive at the base camp of the highest mountain peak in the world, Everest Base Camp (5364 m). You can observe the bustling atmosphere of climbers and mountaineers preparing for their journey.
You can experience the atmosphere and then take incredible pictures. We will return to Gorak Shep from EBC and then stay overnight at a teahouse in Gorakshep.
Day 07: Trek from Gorak Shep to Kala Pathar and then Trek to Pheriche
Trek Duration: 7 to 8 hours
Max Altitude: 5554 m
We will trek before sunrise which takes around 3 to 4 hours to arrive at Kala Pathar. Kala Patthar's viewpoint provides you with the best views of Mt. Everest. The gorgeous views of golden sun rays falling upon mountains are enchanting.
So, after spending some quality time at Kalapathar, we will return to Gorakshep. We will then trek back to Periche using the same route that you have trek earlier. We will stay overnight at a teahouse or lodge in Gorakshep.
Day 08: Trek from Pheriche to Namche Bazaar
Trek Duration: 7 to 8 hours
Max Altitude: 3440 m
Trekkers will start their return trek from Pheriche to Namche Bazaar on an earlier taken route. The trail first takes downhill then there are steep ascents as well. We will trek through forested trails, and diverse landscapes spotting various flora, and fauna of the region.
After trekking for a few hours, we will arrive at Namche. We will stroll around Namche and observe its incredible atmosphere and then stay overnight at a lodge.
Day 09: Trek from Namche Bazaar to Lukla
Trek Duration: 7 to 8 hours
Max Altitude: 2860 m
We will start our trek from Namche to Lukla early in the morning. We will continue our trek along the steep trail and cross the majestic Dudh Kosi river through various suspension bridges.
The trail then passes through the river bank as we follow a trail that leads you to village settlements. Finally, we will arrive at Lukla after a trek of a few hours and we spend the night at a lodge.
Day 10: Trek from Lukla to Kathmandu
Trek Duration: 7 to 8 hours
Max Altitude: 2860 m
We will take a scenic flight to Tribhuvan International airport in Kathmandu as our budget Everest Base Camp trek comes to an official end. You can observe beautiful aerial views of the snow-capped mountain for one last time. Our representative will pick you up from the airport and transfer you to a hotel.
Final Say
Everest base camp trek is one of the most loved treks in the world. It is challenging, adventurous, and takes you to the base of the highest mountain in the world. While you can take a luxurious package that will provide you with incredible facilities and comfort.
But these treks are relatively expensive. However, if you want to trek at a reasonable price tag with basic facilities, then Budget Everest Base Camp Trek is ideal for you. I hope you learned about various aspects of this budget EBC trek in detail through this article.
Trip Cost US$ 1120 Per person
Cost Includes:
- Your entire stander Meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner) during the trek, A Cup of Tea/ Coffe During the Breakfast.
- Tea House hotel accommodation during the trek.
- A highly experienced, helpful and friendly government license holder Guide, his food, accommodations, salary, insurance, equipments, and medicine.
- Round Trip flight fare Kathmandu - Lukla-Kathmandu for member and Guide.
- Kathmandu & domestic airport taxes in Kathmandu and Lukla airport for Group and crews.
- Medical supplies, first aid kit box, including Oximeter and pulse meter checker.
- Arrangement of Emergency Helicopter service (paid by your Travel Insurance company). If in case.
- Sagarmatha National Park permits.
- Trekking route map.
- Check in Baggage 10 KG and Hand carry 5 KG, (Kathmandu-lukla-kathmandu)
- TIMS (trekkers’ information management System.)
- All ground transportation as per the Itinerary.
- All our government taxes.
- Official expanse.
Cost Excludes:
- Your travel insurance. Recommended.
- International air fare.
- Nepal entry visa fee.
- Items of a personal nature such as alcoholic drinks, cold drinks, laundry.
- Personal trekking Equipment.
- Hotel in Kathmandu.
- Extra baggage check in during the flight(Kathmandu-lukla-Kathmandu) if more than 15 KG, 01 USD per KG extra, can pay directly to the airline.el night in Kathmandu.
- Activities in Kathmandu.
- Porter carrier if you need ( 165 USD ) per perter.
- Trekking equipment.
- International airport pick up and drop.
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FAQs- Frequently Asked Questions
Trekking to a new place can always be nerve-wracking disregard of the number of times you might have done it. Every place has its own culture, non-verbal norms and values, government policies and so on.
Having even the basic knowledge about the place can boost your confidence and give you a positive anticipation of the experience you can gain from the place.
If you are looking forward to trek in Nepal, this article will indeed be of great use to refer to. Answered below, are some of the most frequently asked questions about trekking in Nepal.
1. Is trekking difficult?
The difficulty level of the trek entirely depends upon the trek you chose.
If you happen to be trekking for the first time, or your physical condition does not permit you to (because of age or other medical conditions) you can always look for easy treks.
Easy treks have shorter number of days, less distance to be walked in a day, and relatively lower altitudes. You do not have to have prior experience or knowledge to trek to these places.
If you are adventurer and are looking for some thrill, you have plenty of options to choose from. Difficult treks have longer number of days. You will have to walk for 5-7hrs a day on an average and these treks are mostly situated in high altitudes. These treks also demand a good level of physical fitness.
Unlike other product, trekking is not about more for better. The difficulty level has got nothing to do with the experience you can gain from a trek.
Go for what you want to and what your physical ability will allow you to. Do not push yourself too hard. Trekking is not a competition. Its relaxation.
2. Is trekking expensive?
This entirely depends upon how much you are willing to spend on your trek. You can trek luxuriously by spending lavishly or you can backpack. It all depends upon how much your bank balance allows you to.
You will get accommodation for as less as 3-4$ per night, or you can pay up to 60-1004 per night for luxury resorts. On an average, you will need not more than 10$ for a meal. If you are looking for economical places, you can eat 3 meals for 10$! But eating at such places come at a great cost of low hygiene rate.
Bottom line: Nepal is not an expensive place when it comes to tourism. It is probably one of the places you can have the most economical luxury trek comparing to what a luxury trek would otherwise cost in your country!
3. What preparations should I make before trekking?
It is always a good idea to involve yourself in doing physical exercises before trekking. Not that you have to be all athletic and muscular to trek. An average level of physical fitness will make the journey less stressful.
Ending up with sore muscles, blisters, joint pain, and back pain can be very discomforting while trekking. This is unlikely to happen if you exercise beforehand.
Start exercising at least a month before the trek. You can do cardio exercises like running, jogging, long walks, cycling and swimming. Carry a light backpack along with you to get used to it. Gym work out can be a good option too. Just don’t over-do it.
If you are going on an easy trek, you need not be very physically fit. But prior exercising is still a good option. You will only make your journey more comfortable.
4. What are the things I need to pack?
There are a long list of things you will need for trekking. The things you carry can affect the entire experience of your journey. So make sure that while purchasing any gear, make no compromisation on the quality or the brand of the equipment.
Some of the equipments are listed below:
- Lightweight trainers/shoes for wear in lodges.
- Waterproof jacket.
- Waterproof trousers.
- Fleece jacket.
- Down jacket.
- Fleece/sweater
- Light-weight fleece or wool vests.
- Long or short-sleeved shirt; often more comfortable to wear than a fleece vest or T-shirt.
- Warm hiking trousers.
- Underwear.
- Warm hat (can be purchased in Kathmandu for a couple of pounds).
- Wide rimmed sun hat.
- A good quality Ultra-light Backpacking Sleeping Bags that is comfort temperature up to -15 degree Celsius.. It is not necessary to carry ultra-light backpacking sleeping bags but ultra-light will reduce the backpack weight. Check out Best Backpacking Sleeping Bags Under $100 and best Ultra-light Backpacking Sleeping Bags.
- 2 – 3 pairs good quality walking socks.
- Warm gloves or mitts.
- Large rucksack or Duffel bag. (55 to 70 liters)
- Rucksack liner or thick bin bag.
- Day sack. (25 to 40 liters)
- Dark sunglasses.
- High factor sun-cream.
- Lip balm preferably with sun bloc.
- Ear plugs. (Walls in lodges are very thin)
- Head torch/torch and spare batteries.
- 1 liter 2 water bottle.
- Water purification kit. (On trek you will need to drink 3 – 4 liters of fluids each day)
- Toiletries.
- Small hand towel. (Do not bring large towel. They are bulky and heavy)
- Toilet paper. (You can buy poor quality paper along the route)
5. Do I need special permission to trek?
You will not need trekking permits in any of the treks in the Everest region, the Annapurna region and also in the Langtang region. But you will have to pay entry fees while entering a conservation area or a national park.
Trekking permits are a must for trekking in the restricted regions. The permits are available for purchase in the department of immigration located in Dillibazaar, Kathmandu. For further information, refer to-
http://www.taan.org.np/pages/trekking-permit-fees
6. Is drinking water easily available?
Availability of drinking water is not the problem. The problem is the cost of it at higher altitude. As you gain height, the price of water rises up to 2-3$ per liter.
An alternative way of getting drinking water is by having your water bottles filled in tea houses. Tea houses will provide you boiled water for about 0.4-0.7$ per liter. They are completely safe for drinking.
Therefore, do not forget to take at least two water bottles with you.
7. What kind of food is available during trekking?
Food is not of any concern while trekking. You will get all kinds of cuisines. For breakfast, tea houses will provide you with eggs cooked in your preferred style along with pan cakes, bread butter, roti, and so on.
Various other dishes like pizza, pasta, momo, chowmein and many more are also available. The most preferred dish is Dal Bhaat. It is a typical Nepali meal. Rice is served with vegetable curry, lentils, tomato chutney and meat curry. The best part- an extra helping will no cost you extra! The meal is highly nutritional. It will also keep you fueled for long walks.
8. What kind of accommodation should I expect?
Accommodation depends upon the type of trekking you are going for. There are two types of trekking
1. Tea house trekking:
You will be spending your night in tea houses. Tea houses are local lodges and hotels. They are small and comfortable enough. Most rooms are shared with two small cots that have mattress, pillows and sheets. If you need spare blankets, you can always ask for it. The rooms have attached bathroom, western flush designed and shower. You will have to pay for hot shower and electricity.
Dormitories are also available and a very low cost of about 3-4$ per night. These come with common toilets and bathrooms.
The cleanliness of the rooms may not live up to your expectations. Bring your own pillow if possible. Conjunctivitis is a common case you might fall sick of.
2. Camp treks
In this type, you will spend your nights in tented camps. Such treks mostly lie in the restricted regions. These regions do not have enough facilities to accommodate many people.
9. What are the risks associated with trekking?
Trekking is an extreme sport and does come with a lot of risks. Some unavoidable risks are avalanche, heavy rainfall, earthquake, landslide and other such natural calamities.
You might fall and injure yourself or catch some viral flue. The deadliest risk of trekking is AMS or Acute Mountain Sickness. This sickness occurs when a great altitude is gained and the body fails to adjust to the changing pressures associated with it. Anyone can fall a victim of the sickness and if not treated in time, it can be fatal.
10. How to avoid Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS)?
There is absolutely nothing you can do to prepare your body for altitude sickness. But yo can take few precautionary measures to avoid it. They are-
- Attain height gradually and slowly
- As you cross over 2000meters, reduce your number of walking hours and walk slow
- Drink plenty of water
- Take ample rest. Take more rest if you feel like your body is asking for it
- Eat high caloric food
- Avoid smoking or drinking
11. How to diagnose AMS?
In order to detect AMS, you need to be aware of the symptoms of them. They are-
- Headache
- Nausea and vomiting
- Dizziness
- Tiredness
- Loss of appetite
- Upset stomach
- Feeling unsteady
- Shortness of breath
- Increased heart rate
- Difficulty sleeping
If you notice any of the symptoms, take immediate precautionary measures such as:
- Do not climb any higher for the next 48 hours
- Descend to a lower altitude if possible
- Take complete rest until you feel well
- Do not exercise
- Do not smoke
- Drink plenty of water
- Take external oxygen supply if necessary
- Take anti-sickness medicines
If you see no further improvement in your heath within the next 48 hours, you will have to be deported to Kathmandu in a helicopter. Therefore, do not forget to issue and insurance that will cover you helicopter reuse cost.
12. Do I need a guide/porter to trek?
There is no such hard and fast rule that you must have one. But it is highly advisable to travel with them. Some of the treks cannot be trekked without a guide most of them are the restricted ones.
A guide is someone who will help you with navigations. He will also have a better idea about the places to live in and eat at can negotiated prices for you. They will also help you during medical emergencies.
A porter is someone who will carry your load for you so that you can enjoy long walks.
In case you hire them, you are entirely responsible for providing them with trekking gears, food and accommodation and other medical facilities.
Guide/porter as also available these days. These are people who play the role of both a guide and a porter. Hiring them will save you from bearing an additional cost.
13. Can I trek solo?
To some places, yes. But trekking solo in the restricted area is completely forbidden. You will have to trek in a group.
A lot of people trek solo in Nepal and have thoroughly enjoyed. Trekking solo has its own benefits. You will not have to adjust your schedule according to anyone. You can also follow your own route as you wish to. Also, finding your way, especially in the non-restricted regions, is very easy. The routes are well marked and pretty straight.
Nepal is completely safe for solo trekkers. But you will also have to be a little more careful while travelling alone.
14. What is the difference between trekking independently and trekking with an agency?
Trekking independently means trekking without an agency. You can hire a guide or a porter if you want to. You may also have a trekking partner. But the entire journey depends upon the way you want to take it.
In treks organized by agencies, they will have a well-planned schedule designed for you which you will have to strictly follow. Most of the times, you will be travelling with a group. The agency will also provide you with a guide and a porter. Trekking with an agency will be a little more expensive than trekking independently or solo.
15. Which is the best season to trek in Nepal?
Every season as its own charm. However, the best seasons are spring lasting from April to May and autumn lasting from September to November.
In these two season, Nepal sees the maximum number of tourists who come to trek. These are the busiest months of the year. The weather is highly pleasant and favorable for long walks. The trails are blossoming with fresh leaves and flowers. The clear skies allow you to get a great view of the magnificent Himalayas.
Conclusion
The above information covers up almost everything you need to know about trekking. If you happen to have any queries, please feel free to leave a comment below or inbox us at [email protected]
