Everest Base Camp Luxury Trek

The Everest Base Camp Luxury Trek is moderately challenging in terms of difficulty level, requiring good physical fitness. The trek involves climbing steep inclines, crossing thrilling footbridges (suspension bridges), and adjusting to the thin air.

One of the major challenges is altitude. The trek reaches a maximum altitude of 5,455 meters at Kala Patthar. The trekking trails of the Everest region are rocky and uneven in some sections, requiring good balance and sturdy footwear. Weather conditions can vary widely, with temperatures and potential snow adding to the difficulty. Last but not least, some trekkers might experience a persistent cough (Khumbu cough) due to the dry and thin air at high altitudes in the Everest zone.

No, you don't need prior trekking experience to do a luxury Everest Base Camp trek. Our 16-day trek is designed to accommodate a variety of fitness levels. However, you should prepare physically and mentally for the trek. With multiple days of acclimatization to adapt to the surroundings of the Everest region, premium-quality accommodations, and a well-planned itinerary, this Luxury Everest Trek is suited for everyone.

The best time for a luxury Everest Base Camp trek is during the spring season (March to May) and autumn season (September to November), as these months offer the most stable weather with clear skies, providing the best views of the Himalayas and making for a comfortable trekking experience.

During these peak seasons (spring and autumn), generally, trekkers can experience less cloud cover, allowing them to witness stunning views of mountain peaks.

The temperatures are mild even though cold at high altitudes; it is quite much easier to trek during these seasons compared to winter or summer.

NOTE: The luxury trek can be done in winter and summer, but you need to be flexible on adding extra days for possible delays.

The booking procedure is simple and direct:

First, review the given itinerary provided above. If you are satisfied with the given description, you can proceed to the next step. If you are not satisfied and want to make some changes, you can freely contact us.

Select book this trip and then check the available departure dates. If you do not find your preferred dates, you can contact us for the changes. We will arrange the dates depending on the situation.

After this, simply fill out the booking form with a 20% deposit of the total amount.

If you need to cancel your trip for whatever reason, simply send us a cancellation request, and we will process it promptly. Please note that the 20% deposit is non-refundable.         

However, we understand that plans can change. We offer a flexible rescheduling option, allowing you to apply your deposit as a credit toward a future trip that better suits your schedule.

Before signing up for the trip, please read our booking and cancellation policy carefully to avoid misunderstandings.

Yes, Nepal offers on-arrival visas on arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) for most countries. This visa is a tourist visa that allows multiple re-entries. To ensure a smooth process, here’s what you need to do:

• Fill Out the Visa Application Form in Advance (Up to 15 days before arrival): Complete the online visa application form before arriving in Nepal.
• Eligibility: Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your arrival date.
• Visa Fee: You can pay the visa fee in USD, other major currencies, or by card at the immigration counter.
• Processing Time: The process typically takes up to an hour, depending on the number of travelers.

For more information and to access the online visa form, visit our Visa Information Page before your trip.

No, we, the Nepal Hiking Team, don’t book any international flights. We’re a professional travel agency focused on organizing tours and trips in Nepal.

Yes, Travel insurance is mandatory for the trek. The insurance must cover injuries, emergency Helicopter evacuation, and trekking over 5000 meters. For every high-altitude trek in Nepal, Travel insurance is a must.

If you are having trouble choosing trustworthy insurance companies, here are some of the recommended travel insurance lists for travelers from different countries.

Yes, we Nepal Hiking Team (NHT), provide complimentary airport pickup and drop-off services for all their treks. 

For Airport pickup

• A representative from NHT will meet you at the gate of Tribhuvan International Airport.
• Look for a staff member holding a "Nepal Hiking Team" display board outside the terminal hall.
• Be cautious of people who approach you outside the departure area and offer to help with your luggage or transportation.
• Our NHT staff will not ask for money for their services.
• They will help with your check-in and escort you to your hote.

For Airport drop-off

• On the last day of your trip, NHT will drive you to the airport 3 hours before your flight.

Vaccinations are not mandatory. While no immunizations are strictly "necessary" for an EBC Luxury Trek, it is highly recommended to consult a travel doctor or check recommended by health authorities (CDC) and get vaccinated against common diseases like Hepatitis A, Typhoid, Tetanus, and possibly Japanese Encephalitis, as these are prevalent in Nepal where the EBC trek takes place.

Always check for the most up-to-date recommendations based on your travel itinerary and health status.

Yes, you can buy a local SIM card in Nepal at airports, mobile network stores in Kathmandu, convenience stores, and authorized resellers.

You can buy these SIM cards:

• Airport: You can buy a SIM card at the airport, just outside the arrival terminal.
• Mobile network stores: You can buy a SIM card at official mobile network stores in major cities like Kathmandu and Pokhara.
• Local shops: You can buy a SIM card at local shops in Thamel.

Documents for Local SIM: To buy a SIM card, you'll need your passport, a passport-sized photo, and sometimes your visa copy. You'll also need to fill out a form in the shop (Shop owners can help you).

Activation process: Once purchased, the SIM card needs to be activated by following the provider's instructions. Activation usually happens within a few minutes.

Local SIM card providers: Nepal has two major mobile providers, Nepal Telecom (NTC) and Ncell.

For a luxury Everest expedition in the Everest region, you should pack warm clothing, trekking boots, a backpack, toiletries, and first aid supplies. You should also consider packing a sun hat, buff, and trekking poles.

Clothing

• Trekking shirts: Lightweight, breathable shirts made of nylon, merino, or quick-drying polyester.
• Layers: Pack layers that you can take on and off as the weather changes.
• Headwear: A sun hat to protect your face from the sun and a woolen hat to keep your head warm.
• Buff: To protect your neck from the cold and block dust.

Footwear

• Trekking boots: High-quality, waterproof boots with good ankle support
• Trail shoes or sandals: Comfortable shoes to wear in tea houses or during leisure time
• Gaiters: To keep snow, mud, and small rocks out of your boots
• Trekking socks: Made of merino wool or synthetic materials to wick away moisture and provide cushioning

Other items include comfy backpacks, personal medications, Toiletries items, Lip balm with sunscreen, Instant-hot water packs, and Trekking poles. Check out the complete guide on the packing list for Everest Luxury Trek.

Yes, we do provide some complimentary gear for trekking, including a 70-liter duffel bag, a four-season sleeping bag rated for -20°C, and a down jacket, all of which need to be returned after the trek, essentially providing essential items for colder altitudes on most treks.

Apart from these, we also provide you with a hand map of Everest Base Camp, a T-shirt, and a Cap.

There is no official age limit for the Luxury Everest Base Camp trek.

The trek is achievable for someone with a basic level of fitness and a good mentality. It is one of the most sought-after trek destinations in the world. We have successfully organized treks to Everest for participants as young as 5–7 years old and individuals in their late 60s and 70s.

To prepare for an Everest Base Camp luxury trek, you should train your body and mind, acclimatize to altitude, and pack wisely.

For physical training, we recommend all the trekkers go hiking at least once or twice a week on uphill trails. Engage in regular exercise (Cardiovascular training) such as walking, biking, or swimming.

During the acclimatization day in Namche Bazaar and Dingboche, spend your time on short hikes around higher altitudes. While trekking, pack wisely, minimize excess weight, drink plenty of water to stay hydrated, and eat a properly balanced diet to fuel your body

Apart from these preparations, maintain a slow pace. If you are not flexible with the itinerary, customize it according to your preference, add multiple rest days, and be aware of altitude sickness at higher altitudes where the air is thinner.

To prevent altitude sickness during an EBC luxury trek, the most crucial factor is proper acclimatization by gradually ascending, staying well-hydrated, avoiding alcohol and smoking, sleeping at lower altitudes whenever possible, and considering preventative medications like Diamox if recommended by your doctor; always listen to your body and consult your guide if you experience any symptoms.

Some of the major strategies to prevent mountain altitude sickness on Everest are

• Gradual Ascents is the most. We highly recommend following our well-structured itinerary with built-in rest days at Namche and Dingboche to allow your body to adjust to the thinner air.
• Even if you aren’t thirsty, drink plenty of water throughout the day to avoid dehydration. Avoid consuming both alcohol and smoking, as it can dehydrate your body and further reduce oxygen levels.
• Walk at a slow and steady pace, follow your guide's instructions, and don’t overexert yourself.
• Be aware of early signs of altitude sickness like headache, nausea, dizziness, fatigue, and shortness of breath, and descend if necessary.
• If you need to take medication, first, consult your doctor about taking Diamox (acetazolamide). It is one of the preventative measures against AMS.

If you experience altitude sickness symptoms like headaches, dizziness, nausea, or shortness of breath, follow these steps:

Inform your trekking guide. Rest and monitor. Our trekking guide will take you to nearby facilities for evaluation and treatment. In severe cases, a heli evacuation will be arranged through our head office.

Additional Safety Measures

Our guides are trained in first aid and carry an oximeter to regularly monitor oxygen levels and heart rate beats even if you feel fine.

If a group member becomes unwell, the group continues the trek while an assistant guide or trekking staff assists the unwell individual.

Yes, Diamox is commonly used to prevent altitude sickness, but consult your doctor beforehand to ensure it’s safe.

Usage Guidelines

• Start taking Diamox from the first day of the trek (e.g., Phakding).
• Recommended dosage: 250 mg after dinner before bed to manage symptoms proactively.

Precautions

• Mild side effects may include tingling in hands, lips, or cheeks.
• Stay hydrated, as Diamox increases water needs.
• Our guides carry Diamox and other first-aid supplies to provide additional support if needed.

The difference between these treks lies in the upgraded accommodations and services. In the Luxury package, you stay at a 5-star hotel in Kathmandu for four nights, luxury lodges in Lukla, Monjo, and Namche, and the best available teahouses for the remaining journey. Whereas, in a standard package, you get to stay at a 3-star hotel in Kathmandu and normal teahouses while trekking.

Both the Standard and luxury treks in Everest follow the same routes with slight changes in the location of stay. In the luxury package, you stay at Monjo and Deboche instead of Phakding and Tengboche for better accommodation facilities. However, this will not affect your trekking journey.

Note: The lodges and teahouses you stay during the luxury trek provide a hot shower in each teahouse, drinking water, internet, and charging facilities free of cost. Unlike the Everest Luxury package, the hot showers might be limited to the standard package and require additional costs.

In Kathmandu, you stay at a 5-star category hotel with top-notch service and luxury lodges in Lukla, Monjo, and Namche. After Namche, you get to stay at the best teahouses available for the remaining journey.

Note: There is an en suite bathroom available in each teahouse except in Lobuche and Gorakshep. However, the bathrooms are clean and well-managed. There is a hot shower available for the entire Everest Base Camp Luxury Lodge Trek.

Toilet and hygiene facilities on the Everest Base Camp trek vary by location, with basic facilities being the norm.

Teahouses along trips to Everest's Base Camp offer both Western-style toilets and squat toilets, but the number of squat toilets increases as you ascend.

Toilets

• Squat toilets: The most common type of toilet (Asian-style) on the trek, with a bucket of water for flushing
• Western-style toilets: Found in some teahouses and lodges at lower elevations.
• Composting toilets: Found at various points along the trail to reduce waste disposal on the ecosystem.

If you need to use a toilet while trekking, let your guide know, and they will direct you to the nearest facility. In case there are no teahouses nearby, choose a private spot behind a tree or bush and help yourself.

Tips

• Bring enough toilet paper or biodegradable alternatives
• Carry a zip lock bag for packing out used toilet paper
• Be careful about transferable diseases when using toilets
• Wash or sanitize your hands properly after using the toilet

Yes, laundry services are available during a luxury Everest Base Camp (EBC) trekking, primarily offered by tea houses along the trail, although the quality and accessibility might vary.

Most commonly, this means hand-washing facilities where you can wash your clothes yourself, with some tea houses providing a paid professional laundry service for a fee.

Most laundry options are found in larger settlements like Namche Bazaar.

Due to limited laundry access, it's recommended to pack enough clothes to last the duration of the trek.

During Everest Base Camp Luxury Trek, you can expect to find hearty, simple meals like Dal Bhat (rice with lentil soup, aachar, and vegetables), momos (Tibetan dumplings), noodles, pasta dishes, potatoes, chapati or bread, omelets, pancakes, and a variety of tea and coffee; with most options being vegetarian, though some meat choices may be available depending on the location and altitude. You can choose any item from the menu on your own.

Important considerations:

• Meat availability: While some meat options may be available, they can be more expensive and less fresh at higher altitudes.
• Vegetarian focus: Most food choices are vegetarian.
• Altitude impact: As you climb higher, the variety of food options may decrease.

Yes, luxury Everest treks offer vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free meals.

We offer travelers to choose meals from the menu, based on their dietary preferences. Vegan options include green vegetables, potatoes, and other plant-based dishes, while our guides can arrange gluten-free meals to meet your requirements.

If you have severe allergies or specific dietary needs, please inform us in advance.

Yes, drinking water is available throughout the Everest Base Camp trek. You can find water at teahouses, buy bottled water, or boil water yourself.

Avoid tap water and untreated water from natural sources. You can buy water purification tablets or filters in Kathmandu or Namche Bazaar. 

To promote sustainable trekking, we recommend avoiding bottled water purchases to minimize plastic waste and help preserve the region's pristine environment.

The cost of an Everest Base Camp luxury trek can range from $2,600 to $4,000 per person, depending on the number of people and the services included.

According to our standard 16-day Luxury Everest Trek for solo travelers, the cost is $2625, but the cost per person varies depending on the number of people in the group.

Detail Cost Price for Everest Luxury Trekking

• 1 Pax ->US$ 3550
• 2 - 5 Pax->US$ 2625
• 6 - 10 Pax->US$ 2475

Tipping a guide and porter is a part of acknowledging the hardships of the guide and a porter throughout the trek. There is no fixed amount for the tip. The tipping culture is based on the quality of service and the satisfaction level. You can tip as much as you want as a gesture of appreciation for their hard work.

Credit cards are accepted in some places (Hotels, restaurants, and larger stores) in Kathmandu and other major towns, but cash is essential in remote areas. Popular tourist areas like Thamel have a higher likelihood of card acceptance.

While in the trek, card payment options become scarce as you trek higher. In Lukla and Namche, you can use these services, but they may not always be reliable.

Tips for using credit cards in Nepal

• Verify with your card issuer about international usage and potential fees.
• Have Nepalese rupees in smaller denominations to ensure you can make payments easily.
• Keep some cash for smaller purchases or when visiting remote areas.

Yes, we offer private Luxury Everest trips for those seeking a more personalized and flexible experience. For groups of two or more people, booking a private trip comes at no extra cost. Solo travelers requesting a private trip will incur additional costs.

These trips are available year-round, allowing you to create your own schedule instead of following the fixed departure dates listed on our website.

Private trips are highly recommended for couples, families, and seniors, offering a more relaxed trekking experience. They allow you to walk at your own pace and enjoy a journey tailored to your preferences.

Yes, you can customize the Luxury Everest trek itinerary to your interests and preferences. Every itinerary is flexible; you can add stops, side trips, and guided day tours. We are more than happy to meet your needs if you have any!

We recommend adding buffer days for jet lag recovery and potential flight delays due to the weather conditions. One reserve day each in Kathmandu, before and after the trek, is advisable.

An extra buffer day helps with jet lag recovery and flight delays due to weather conditions. Having one reserve day in Kathmandu before and after the trek provides flexibility in case of unexpected travel disruptions.

Yes, you can fly to Lukla by Heli with an additional charge depending on the time of travel. With a Heli flight, you can skip 4 to 5 hours of early morning drive to Ramechhap during peak season. This provides a comfortable beginning and a personalized experience for the Everest Base Camp Luxury Trek.

Staying at the EBC is not part of our standard itinerary of Luxury Everest Base Camp as there are no lodges and guesthouses available. For the stay, you need a camp setup and careful planning with adjustments. As it is at a high altitude of (5,364m), we suggest minimal time spent at the base camp because it increases the chances of AMS. 

If you still want to stay at the base camp, we advise you to pre-inform us for the service. Remember that this option is only possible for private EBC Tours with an additional, which includes meals and permits for the stay.

You need to be mentally prepared for the flight cancellation in Lukla before trekking, as the weather there is quite unpredictable. If you are wondering what to do if this happens to you, here are some of the optional things you can do:

Arrangements for a comfortable stay at Lukla are managed, which takes additional costs of stay. Then, you are connected to another available flight the next day, depending on the situation.

There is a Heli option for departure based on the situation and availability. An extra cost is needed for the Heli flight.