All you need to know about Everest Base Camp Trek

The Everest Base Camp Trek is a trip that genuinely merges the aggregate of the best features and characteristics of the Everest region. The trekking trail experiences the ethnic towns of the Khumbu valley and requires cruising around the scenes that are incredibly exquisite and fortifying. This trek offers a trekking adventure that gets the substance of people groups' lives in the mountain. In EBC trek, you will see sublime mountain scenery on the way in like manner the staggering scene of the Everest district.

The magnificent view of the Everest locale plays out a pleasant tune to present trekkers from all over the world to savor the fine experience of trekking in Nepal which is unlike any other trekking trails of the world. On the trek, trekkers will get to see the local birds, flora, and faunas which kind of familiarizes you to their wilderness. As well, the main highlight of the journey would be the continuous companionship of the Giants Mountains like Everest, Thamserku, the Kongde RI, Ama Dablam, Tawache, Nuptse, the Kusum Kangraru, the Pumori and Makalu among numerous others. There is much more to explore than the things mentioned above. So if you are planning to trek to Everest Base Camp trek, here is all you need to know about Everest Base Camp trek. The information outlined in this article will help you a lot in preparing for the trek.

Basic information about Everest Base Camp Trek:

• Foremost, Everest Base Camp Trek is a moderate level of trekking.
• You do not have to be an experienced trekker to do this trek. If you are a person with good stamina and fitness level then you can opt for this trek.
• Good accommodation is found on the trail.
• With accommodation, there is a nice facility for internet services, meals, and bathroom and shower facilities.
• Similarly, electricity is also available.
• Two trekking permits are required and they are Khumbu Pasang Lhamu entry ticket and Sagarmatha national park passage ticket.
• The maximum height you will reach in Everest Base Camp trek is 5640m/18500 ft and it is Kala Patthar.
• The altitude of Everest Base Camp is 5364m/17594 feet.
• There is a high chance of Lukla flights taking off from Manthali Airport at Ramechap during peak trekking season i.e. spring (March- April) and autumn (September-November).
• Lukla Airport is set at a height of 2845 M/ 9,334 ft.
• Only Nepalese currency is accepted on the trek.
• ATMs are only available in Lukla and Namche Bazaar.

We will highlight all the information regarding the Everest Base Camp trek in detail in the following section.

Perfect time for Everest Base Camp Trek

Before deciding anything at all for the trek, it is very important to know when the best time to go hiking to Everest Base Camp trek is. The time frame is very important to determine initially. When you are at the place at the right time you being there becomes even more meaningful. Everest Base camp trekking is doable at any time of the year so people can visit here anytime they want.

Also, different people may have different definitions regarding seasonal beauty. Henceforth in the upcoming section, we are highlighting what the different seasons offer during EBC trek. Nepal experiences spring, summer, monsoon, autumn, and winter season sequentially. Among all these seasons the most popular time and season to do Everest Base Camp Trek is spring and autumn season. In the below section, you can find what you can expect in all these seasons.

Everest Base Camp Trek during March, April, and May – Spring Season

March, April, and May is the spring season in Nepal. It is one of the ideal times to do Everest Base Camp Trek. Spring season begins after the chilly winter season in Nepal. During this time, you will experience a moderate climate. The days are sunny and warm whereas the nights are chilly thus warm clothes are required. Also, this time of the year wildflowers will be blooming making the surrounding colorful. Similarly, it is the time for Rhododendron to bloom so you will see a forest full of rhododendrons. Besides, mountain views are awesome during this time of the year.

Everest Base Camp Trek during June, July, and August – Monsoon season

June, July and August are the monsoon season in Nepal. From August, you will experience less rainfall compared to June and July but with time and rain the weather will be rainy. Most do not suggest people do Everest Base Camp Trek in the monsoon season due to possible flight cancellation and delay. However, in the Himalayan region rainfall is not as much as it is in the Hilly or Terai region of Nepal. Hence, if you have a flexible schedule then we suggest you opt for this trek. Because the trail to Everest base camp during monsoon season is very different from spring and autumn.

This time of the year, Everest Base Camp trekking trail is less crowded and henceforth you will get an opportunity to choose your rooms at the teahouses. Besides, Mountain View after the rain is glorious as the gloomy clouds go away. The days are warm during the monsoon season since it is the summer season as well but the warm days become bearable due to rain. Rain can be a hindrance at the beginning of the journey so we suggest you travel only if you have a flexible schedule.

Everest Base Camp Trek during September, October, and November – autumn season

After the spring season, the autumn season is that time of the year that welcomes a large number of travelers in Nepal. Therefore, it is another best time to do Everest Base Camp Trek. This time of the year, trekkers will be able to see the Himalayas at their best. In this time of the year, with moderate weather and low rainfall, you will be accustomed to brilliant Mountain View and clear blue skies throughout your journey.

Everest Base Camp Trek during December, January, and February – Winter Season

Due to cold and extreme temperatures, many hesitate to opt for Everest Base Camp Trek during the winter season in Nepal. However, this time of the year you can get a phenomenal Mountain View and less crowded trail. Indeed, the weather will be cold however you'll enjoy incredible views of the hills covered in snow and the mountains. Don't forget to bring warm clothes that are suitable for the cold weather of Everest.

Everest Base Camp Trek Itinerary

After choosing the right time to do EBC trek, if there is another factor that is equally important to make a decision then it is to choose the EBC itinerary. There are several routes from where you can reach the awaited destination i.e. Everest Base Camp. Also, on the internet, you can find many Everest Base Camp Trek maps. Mapping to Everest Base Camp is a fun thing to do. And for you, we have collected all the routes to Everest Base Camp. EBC trek generally lasts to 10 – 12 days including the acclimatization days. Please go through the routes and find the one that suits you the most.

Standard trekking route

The standard trekking route to Everest Base Camp begins from Kathmandu Airport. This is the most followed Everest base camp itinerary. Please find the outline itinerary of the standard trek route of EBC. For a detailed itinerary, please go to our Everest Base Camp trek page. The trek route is customizable as per the trekker's preference.

Day 01 - Fly to Lukla and Trek to Phakding (2652m/8699ft) Walking Distance - 8 km, Duration: 3 hours

Day 02 - Phakding to Namche Bazaar (3440m/11283) Walking Distance - 10 to 12 km, Duration: 6 hours

Day 03 - Acclimatization Day – Hike to Everest View Hotel (3,962m/12995ft) Walking Distance - 3 to 4 km, Duration: 3 to 4 hours

Day 04 - Namche to Tengboche (3860m/12660ft) Walking Distance - 10 to 11 km, Duration: 5 hours

Day 05 - Tengboche to Dingboche (4410m/14464ft) Walking Distance - 11 to 12 km, Duration: 5 hours

Day 06 - Acclimatization Day- Hike to Nagarjun hill and return: Walking Distance - 5 to 6 km, Duration: 4 to 5 hours

Day 07 - Dingboche to Lobuche (4910m/16105ft) Walking Distance - 11 to 12 km, Duration: 5 hours

Day 08 - Lobuche to Gorak Shep (5180m/16990ft) - Everest Base Camp (5364m/17594ft) and back to Gorak Shep, Walking Distance - 14 to 15 km, Duration- 8 hours

Day 09 - Gorakshep - Kala Patthar (5545m/11283ft) then trek back to Pheriche (4210m/13810ft) Walking Distance - 13 to 14 km, Duration - 7 hours

Day 10 - Pheriche to Namche (3440m/11283) Walking Distance - 14 to 15 km, Duration- 7 hours

Day 11 - Namche to Lukla (2800m/9184ft) Walking Distance - 18 to 19 km, Duration - 7 hours

Day 12 - Flight from Lukla to Kathmandu

Most of the trekkers follow this trek route to EBC.

The alternative trekking route to EBC

This is known as the Classic Everest Base Camp trek. Mostly keen trekkers follow this route. It is the route used by Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay Sherpa for their summit to Mount Everest. In this route, you will not fly to Lukla Airport instead follow the trekking trail from Jiri. For a detailed itinerary, please click here. 

Important Travel Documents for trekking to EBC

For trekking to Everest Base Camp trek, you need several travel documents. Since this is a high-altitude trek, do not to miss to bring travel insurance. Travel insurance will cover the extra expenses that you incur during the trek. When purchasing travel insurance, please make sure your travel insurance covers 6000m height and emergency medical evacuation. Besides travel insurance, you also require, original passport with at least 6 months' validity. With these, you also need Nepal tourist VISA authorized by the Nepal government. And lastly, you will require trekking permits. The trekking permits are Sagarmatha National Park entry fee and Khumbu Pasang Lhamu permit. You can purchase Sagarmatha National Permit in Nepal Tourism Board. You can purchase the national park entry ticket in Monjo also if you take the classic EBC trekking route. And Khumbu Pasang Lhamu entry ticket (local entry ticket) in Lukla. Sagarmatha National Permit cost approx. USD 30 (NPR 3000) plus 13% government tax. And the Khumbu Pasang Lhamu entry ticket costs approx. USD 20 (NPR 2000).

Packing List for Everest Base Camp Trek

Having nice trekking gear adds more pleasure to your trekking venture. So packing the right trekking gears for EBC trek is very important. Here we have an assortment of different trekking equipment that is necessary while hiking EBC trek. Even if you are opting for other treks in the Everest region, this list will be helpful to you too.

Note: You can rent most of the things on the equipment and clothing section in Kathmandu.

Where to stay?

During the span of Everest Base Camp trekking, tea houses are the mode of accommodation. Everest Base Camp trekking trail is fully accommodated with nice and lovely tea houses. So you do not have to worry about not getting a place to rest and have a warm meal after a tiring day. You can find luxury as well as simple and basic tea houses on the trail. Luxury tea houses are found only in Lukla, Phakding, and Namche Bazaar. After that, the accommodation is in simple yet clean and nice tea houses.

In Lukla, Phakding, and Namche, the tea houses supports rooms with an attached bathroom with 24/7 hot running water. Both luxury and normal tea houses provide these facilities. However, after Namche, rooms with an attached bathroom with hot running water are not available. Nonetheless, accommodation is clean and perfect to rest your tired body. As you move higher, the condition of accommodation will decline and from sharing a room with other trekkers. As the altitude increases, the tea houses number starts to thin. Henceforth, rooms will be like a cabin and fitted with 2 beds. Each individual will get their bed.  Getting rooms during the peak trekking season is difficult as a large number of trekkers go hiking during this time.

Toilets on the EBC trek

Two types of toilets are available while trekking to Everest Base Camp. One is the traditional squat down type and the other is the western flushing type of toilet. The one with a traditional toilet has a bucket of water and a mug inside the bathroom to use. And, it is our suggestion to check if the flush is working or not while using western toilets. Sometimes during the winter season due to cold temperature water freezes and flush does not work.

Hot Shower and Laundry

In Lukla, Phakding and Namche, since rooms at the tea houses have attached bathrooms with hot and cold running water, taking a hot shower will not be difficult. But after Namche, you will have to take a shower unconventionally. A bucket of hot water will be given to you and you have to shower quickly before the water gets cold. It cost about NPR 200-500 depending upon the altitude. And as for the Laundry, laundry facilities are available in Lukla and Namche Bazaar. Or else, you can hand wash your clothes while on the trek.

Water during the trek

There are several ways one can access water while Everest Base Camp trek. You can purchase mineral water bottles at the tea houses which we do not encourage to do due to environmental concerns. Another way would be to bring your bottle and fill hot water at the tea houses. It cost NPR 200-400 depending upon the location. And finally, you can fill your water bottle with tap or spring water and filtrate it with a water purification tablet. About 30 min of filtering, your water will be drinkable.

Food during the Everest trek

All varieties of meals are available in Everest trek. You can find some of the beautiful café and restaurants during the EBC trek. From international dishes to local Nepalese cuisine, you will see a variety of dishes. On the same note, do taste local Sherpa cuisine too. Sherpa dishes are soupy and delicious and perfect for the Everest region. Also, vegan and gluten meals along with veg and non-veg meals are available throughout the trek. However, while ordering, please do specify your request. Some places are not familiar with gluten-free meals and vegan meals. So you may have to explain the nature of your request. They will prepare the meals as per your preference.

Electricity and Internet Services

Many ask us if they will have to bring their solar power banks and solar batteries. Or if electricity is available or not on the EBC trek. Electricity in EBC trek is available however it is limited but plenty enough to serve all trekkers. In Lukla, Phakding, and Namche, there are electricity poles hence plenty of power can be used. But afterward Namche, electricity is supplied through Solar panel. If you need to use electricity to charge your electrical device, you will have to pay some amount for the service. The price of the service ranges from NPR 200-500 per device. Also, it is advisable to bring a solar power bank if you have. Similarly, we also advise you to bring a Universal Travel Adapter. Generally, the power socket in Nepal is two round pin type. And we request you to bring the travel adapter from your home country.

And as per the internet service, it is also available in EBC trek. You can use the internet via a local sim card and by using the WIFI service of the tea house. Or you can purchase the Everest link card to use the internet. Among these three options, the most convenient one is to purchase the Everest link card. Everest Link cards are of two types: 20 GB and 30 GB with 30 days validity. The 20 GB card cost NPR 2000 and 30 GB card cost NPR 3000.

Difficulty Factor of EBC trek

Walking over 5000 M is not an easy task. There are several difficult factors too. Walking for hours itself is difficult and in case of EBC trek, trekkers need to do ascending and descending several times. Along with that, the trails are narrow and rough. So while walking, watching your footing on narrow, slippery trails is important. Among many eventful days, the most difficult day is when you hike to EBC from Gorak Shep and return to Gorak Shep on the same day. The next day is also eventful and difficult because you will hike to Kala Patthar from Gorakshep. And on the same day, you will descend to Pheriche. The trail goes through a rugged and rocky landscape. Other than that, the trail goes through a normal trekking trail. You will be sharing the trail with mules, yaks, mules, all carrying heavy loads. So when you encounter a cattle on the trail, let them go first. On the off chance that a crowd of donkey or yak draws near, move to the high side of the path to refrain from being thumped over the edge. This is not a difficult factor but you will encounter them plenty. So it is better to use the precaution beforehand.

Training and preparation for Everest Base Camp Trek

Doing prior training and preparation for Everest Base Camp trek is recommended to both rookies as well as avid trekkers. You can start training by doing exercise that increases your cardiovascular capacity. Swimming, running, jogging, brisk walking, cycling helps to increase the endurance level. So we suggest you do these activities. And finally, by the time of your trek, you should be able to cover 5 km in half-hour. We suggest you start by targeting 3 km in half-hour and increase the target gradually.

Health and Safety

For most trekkers, while hiking high altitude trek, the most concerning thing would be getting altitude sickness rather than minor sickness. Minor sickness like upset stomach, blisters, and minor injuries are common problems that can be handled with precautions. And it is the same for EBC trek as well. Strolling the path of Nepal regularly involves a lot of height gain and loss. On EBC trek, you need to get acclimatized by limiting height gain above 300m to 500m every day. Hence to avoid getting altitude sickness, walking high and sleeping low mantra is followed while trekking to EBC. Other than altitude sickness, the chances of getting diarrhea, sunburn, snow blindness, and blisters.

Additionally, the chances of getting a trekker's knee are high too. Many people suffer from knee and ankle strains. Therefore, for safety purposes, carry antidiarrheal medicine such as broad-spectrum antibiotics like Azithromycin or Norfloxacin. These medicines are available at the drug store and without a doctor's prescription also people can purchase them. Similarly, carry elastic supports or bandages or anti-inflammatories such as ibuprofen tablets and analgesic cream. And for blisters and minor cuts or wounds, carry Band-Aids and tapes.

Garbage and waste management

There is a garbage bin stationed in different parts of the trail. So you can collect your trash until you find a dumping bin. If along the way you do not encounter one then, you can throw the waste at the teahouses. All the tea houses have dustbins to collect trash. Also, you can bring a couple of extra sacks to collect the trash and dump it all at once in the nearest garbage bin. Similarly, if you have batteries bring them along with you too. Do not leave them freely as it leaks toxins. Furthermore, while trekking remembers to leave only your footprints not the waste. Most trekking trails of Nepal follow responsible tourism hence the use of plastic is discouraged.

Lukla Flight diversion to Manthali Airport

Many of you must be familiar with the news that, during peak trekking season i.e. spring and autumn, Lukla flights take off from Manthali Airport at Ramechap. This arrangement was implemented to avoid traffic congestion at Kathmandu Airport. Every year, a large number of trekkers go for EBC trek hence traffic congestion at the Airport is valid. Lukla airport is the busiest airport among the STOL runways operated from Kathmandu. Kathmandu airport during autumn is busiest since it is one of the best trekking seasons of Nepal. And to maintain a strategic distance from these congestions and limit the heap at the Airport, all the flights to Lukla are diverted to Ramechap for smooth activity.

To go alone or to go with a trekking agency

Well for the first-timer who wants to do budget traveling, this is one of the toughest decisions to take. Whether to go unguided or with a guide. If you are a rookie trekker who does not have any experience of trekking, then go through a travel agency. Because you will be at ease of knowing you are with people who have hands-on experience. There are several trekking guides about Everest Base Camp trek on the internet and many would want to follow on that. But for people who do not have experience of trekking in Nepal, it is not the safest route to take. Because things keep on changing and the internet may not have the updated information. So our simple suggestion would be to go through a reliable trekking agency who would offer you the best service.

In conclusion, these are some pieces of information, which will give you a peek about what Everest Base Camp trek looks like. We hope this article helped you in knowing all the information you should know about Everest Base Camp Trek.