Everest Base Camp Short Trek

• NHT is a trusted company with a 99% success rate. Most clients are repetitive due to our core values of transparency and honesty.
• The company is run by co-founders Ganga Thapa and Balaram Thapa, with over three decades of professional and hands-on experience in the field. 
• The company has won the Travelers’ Choice Trip Advisor Certificate.
• NHT has been serving clients like family members since 2009.
• The NHT professional guides are trained from TAAN and NATHM and have 10+ years of experience. 

March to early May and September to November are the most suitable times for trekking in Nepal. You can consider treks from December to February to evade too many people on the trails, but the temperatures are colder. We would recommend you not to choose the time from June to August, as it is the rainy season, and mountain views are obscured by clouds. Also, there is a high chance that fights to Lukla can be delayed. Trekking routes, too, can be wet and slippery, creating risks while walking. However, if you have a time constraint and can only trek in winter or monsoon, please write to us, and we will respond accordingly.

We strongly recommend a qualified guide during the trek. In remote areas like Everest Base Camp, the guides help to resolve urgent problems that may arise unpredictably. Besides keeping you on the right track on the Everest Base Camp route, they create alternative plans to ensure the success of your trek. We recommend a well-trained guide. Attend an orientation given by them.

Yes. Some are fluent, but everyone can converse well in English. They will also assist with communicating with local people.

No. However, the experts recommend cardiovascular exercises, gym workouts, and hiking practice before ascending the Everest zone. You should eat food with enough protein, carbohydrates, and essential vitamins and minerals to support your physical training. The trek preparation is crucial for avoiding altitude sickness and remaining in good condition.

Yes. The Nepal Hiking Team supports solo female travelers wanting to hike the Everest Base Camp with individual consultation, guides, and porters. For more security, travelers can opt for NHT’s trustworthy partners in lodging and food.

The local teahouses serve various fresh and nutritious meals along the trails. You can get a mix of local and international cuisine. Nepali Dal-bhat is a good choice because it is a good source of carbohydrates and protein. If you’re vegetarian or require gluten-free meals, we can accommodate your diet choice during the EBC Trek.

Please review : Food during Short Everest Base Camp Trek for more information.

Teahouses at lower elevations usually have western-style toilets and good water supply. Bathrooms are generally shared and only luxury lodges have attached bathrooms at lower elevations. Teahouses higher up have the Asian style toilets. 

You will find teahouses, lodges, and guesthouses along the EBC trails and they offer comfortable rooms. Note: usually, two trekkers occupy a room. 

You can buy mineral water or boiled water in the teahouses. On the trails, you can get water from public taps or springs, but you must treat it with water-purifying tablets. Bottled water pollutes the environment, so we possibly suggest you use treated water, as it will help to keep the Everest region clean.

Besides, as you go higher, the cost of bottled or boiled water increases.

Note: You can use water purification tablets that our guide will carry on the trek.

Yes, you must make a 20% deposit of the total cost to confirm your Everest Base Camp Trek with us.

In order to book your trip with us, please follow these guidelines step-by-step. 

First, you must check the itinerary on our website, as recommended in our email correspondence. We can also customize the itinerary as per your preferences and requirements. 

If the itinerary meets your needs and requirements, please contact us to learn about its availability. Also, check our departure dates.

Upon confirming with us, you now need to complete your reservation form either via the departure date (book now bottom) or by sending us a direct booking link.

After that, you can deposit 20% of the total cost and pay the remaining amount once you arrive in Kathmandu (either by card or cash in US dollars). You will receive a payment link via email.

We have a simple and straightforward cancellation policy. If you are required to cancel your trip, please send us a trip cancellation request, and we will process it. Keep in mind, the 20% deposit is non-refundable. However, we do offer the option to reschedule, allowing you to apply your deposit as a credit for a future trip that better fits your schedule. 

You can pay your remaining balance either in cash or with a credit card. However, with credit cards, we charge a 3.5% fee, so we recommend you pay in cash if possible. 

In the 14-day package, there are only two nights of accommodation in Kathmandu with no preparation day and reserve days. If you have only a short period of time in Nepal but still want to trek to the base camp, then the 14-day EBC trek package will be your best option.

Meanwhile, at the 16-day Everest Base Camp, there are four nights of accommodation in Kathmandu, with preparation and a reserve day. A reserve day will be beneficial if any flight cancellations occur from Lukla to Kathmandu. You can choose the 16-day Everest Base Camp Trek package if you have a more extended time period.

Yes, you can stay overnight at Everest Base Camp. This requires an extra day in your itinerary and includes spending a night in tents pitched during the base camp in association with a group that organizes the expedition. This option is only possible for private EBC tours, and the minimum number of passengers in this case is two. There is an additional cost of $450.00 per person, which covers meals and permits.

We must emphasize that staying at the base camp can be unsafe due to the high altitude. AMS usually occurs at night, and coming down from the camp could be highly challenging due to the rough ground and icy glaciers. So, we strongly suggest against spending the night at Everest Base Camp.

Nowadays, most of the flights to Lukla have been redirected from Ramecchap. Especially during the peak season, it has become necessary, as flights from Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) to Lukla often face air traffic holds, delays, and an increased risk of cancellations.

Ramechap/Manthali Airport is 132 km from Kathmandu, approximately a 4-hour drive away.

If the flight gets canceled or delayed, the options are to take another flight the next day or reschedule a flight from Ramechap and stay the night there. FYI, we only fly to Lukla when the weather is clear and in favor of travel. Thus, we advise you to keep a couple of extra days in the itinerary for this situation so that you can return home on time if unpredictable weather or emergencies occur. If available, we can also arrange a helicopter to Lukla, which will cost extra.

Tipping your guide and porter is a great way of expressing your thanks and appreciation. They have worked hard to provide you with a wonderful and fulfilling trek and were your key companions in times of joy and difficulties. Though not compulsory, we recommend tips to trekking staff, a common and practiced norm in Nepali culture.

Yes, you can if you have booked a private trek with us. The private trek is highly flexible, unlike group treks, and we can customize your itinerary to your preferences and requirements. 

Yes, there will be extra costs like for showers, extra snacks, charging of electrical devices, Wi-fi, etc. Also, in case your Lukla flights get canceled or you decide to hire a helicopter, you must have funds in cash or on a credit card. Tips for guides and porters are also extra costs.

You should carry extra cash for other expenses (showers, Wi-Fi, snacks, mineral water, etc) on your trek. NRS. 18000-20000 (Roughly US$ 180-200) per person is a good amount and teahouse/lodge owners accept only Nepalese currency.

Yes, most of the places in Nepal facilitate the convenient use of credit cards. Locations such as Kathmandu, Lukla, Phakding, and Namche Bazaar are well-equipped with ATMs, simplifying cash withdrawals for trekkers. Utilizing a credit card is not only practical and secure, but it also means carrying less cash.

There’s no age restriction for anyone considering trekking in the Himalayas. If you are moderately physically fit, you can do any of our treks. We have different packages for all age groups, and we can personally design a package to suit your needs and requirements. You don’t need to feel worried about your plans not working because of the age limit. 

You do not require prior trekking experience. As long as you prepare well, you can complete trek to Everest Base Camp. You will walk six to seven hours daily, so we advise you to take up physical training such as cardiovascular exercises, gym workouts, and hiking to nearby hills. You should also eat nutritious diets, which have a good protein and carbohydrate base supplemented with vitamins and minerals.

We ensure that females can trek solo accompanied by our guide. The local people in the Himalayas are also welcoming and hospitable. Besides, our guides are alert and aware of our guests during the trek, so feel confident that solo female trekkers are safe in the mountains.  

Yes, you can join a group as a solo traveler. We organize several small group-joining treks, so you don’t need to worry about your planned trek being disrupted. The departure dates are guaranteed, and you can be assured that they all occur on the specified dates. 

The Everest Base Camp trek is challenging in terms of distance and acclimatization. With good preparation, you can expect to walk 6-7 hours a day.

The trek to Base Camp is 80.8 miles (roughly 130 km) long. We trek via Luka – Namche – Dingboche – EBC – back to Lukla. It sounds quite daunting, but it is achievable, as you will cover approximately 15km (9.32) a day. We complete our trek with an eleven-day walk. The shortest walk of the hike is about 3 - 4 km a day, and the longest would be 20 km of the journey. 

If you are planning a trek, it is advised to prepare physically at least a couple of months ahead. Cardio exercises such as running, jogging, distance walking or swimming are highly recommended. Also, hiking near your place is a good way of building up your stamina, strength, and endurance.

You should have a physical health examination before going on the Everest Base Camp trek if you are unsure about your physical condition. If you suffer from serious health problems that impact your breathing, coordination, balance, or other functions, you must consult your physician and get feedback. 

First-Aid Kits are essential on any trek, and our guides always carry them. The kits have all the required medication, including an oximeter. So, you should carry your own medicines.

During your ascent on the EBC Trek, you may get the Khumbu or hacking cough. Many trekkers get it when they are continuously hiking at high altitudes.

So, it’s important that you

• Keep your neck, mouth, nose, and chest protected,
• Cover your mouth and nose with a buff,
• Ensure your chest and neck are kept warm,
• Use a scarf or balaclava to protect your neck when you sleep at night
• If needed, suck throat lozenges
• Make sure you’re drinking warm water, and
• Adopt a slow pace while taking regular breaks.

Yes, you will get enough time to acclimate on the EBC Trek, as the itinerary has been carefully planned to prevent Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS). It commonly happens at upper altitudes, and, as a trekker, you need to walk at a steady pace so that your body can gradually adapt to the higher altitude. 

If you experience any symptoms such as headache, nausea, dizziness, vomiting, or shortness of breath, you must immediately inform your guide. They will quickly assess the situation and decide the best steps for you. Sometimes, you will be taken to a lower altitude to lessen the symptoms. 

Our guides will also be checking your oxygen level regularly with an oximeter. Upon advice, you can take Diamox for altitude sickness. 

Our highest priority during a trek is your health and safety. Our guides will be monitoring you closely, observing any signs of altitude sickness, etc., and measuring your oxygen level regularly. They will have first-aid kits and rescue equipment and, with their phones, can contact the office team in Kathmandu in emergencies. 

During the trek, if you get sick, we will arrange for you to take a day’s rest. But if you can’t continue the trek, our guides will arrange for you to be taken to Namche, Pheriche or Lukla, where the nearest healthcare center or clinic exists. If the situation is serious, however, a helicopter will transport you to a hospital in Kathmandu. 

Our guides have undergone comprehensive first-aid training and are experienced in high-altitude rescue. Be assured that you are in safe hands to confidently and comfortably enjoy your trek. 

Vaccination are not require but you can refer to CDC Standard vaccinations are normally recommended. Please look up the CDC link (https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/traveler/none/nepal. You need to inform us if you have any previous medical conditions when you make the deposit. 

Yes, you must have travel insurance when you are trekking in Nepal. Even though you’ve prepared well for the EBC Trek, you may encounter situations where you’ll need to use it. Ensure you have it before arriving in Nepal, and it covers your trek’s maximum altitude with an emergency helicopter evacuation.  

You should pack depending on the season you choose to trek in Nepal. Make sure you don’t pack unnecessarily, and please review this link general checklist for the equipment checklist.

We advise you to bring suitable hiking boots. You need to wear them a couple of times before the trek so that you don’t get blisters and feel comfortable wearing them. A pair of slippers will also come in handy.

Note: We recommend that the hiking boots fit the microspikes and crampons while walking on snow or ascending and descending.

We offer a down jacket, duffle bag, and sleeping bag as complimentary items for the trek. So, you don’t need to rent or buy them.  

The maximum weight the porter can carry is 25 kgs for two people at one time. So, please ensure your trekking gear is packed accordingly.

Your day pack should be as light as possible. We recommend a 20-22 L day backpack. You can carry your passport, medicines, phone, charger, water bottle, etc.

The baggage allowance for Lukla’s flight is 15 kg max per passenger, which includes the pack for the porter and your day pack. Please note that during the trek the weight limit for a porter is 25 kg for two trekkers.

Yes, you can leave your luggage in the hotel when you’re on the trek. You can have it back after returning from the trek.

You'll see one of our staff at the Tribhuvan International airport. He'll be easily spotted as, he'll be holding a “Nepal Hiking Team” display board. In case you have difficulty finding him, please do call us at our emergency contact numbers: 0977-98510 58678 (Ganga) or 0977-9851058667 (Balaram).

Note: Please be attentive and cautious on the arrival outside the arrival building. People here may offer to help you with your luggage or transportation and ask for money. Wait for our staff to pick you. They will never ask for money.

Getting your visa for Nepal on arrival at the airport is possible. Depending on the rush, it takes about 20 minutes to an hour. Please note you need to fill up the application form online before you arrive at the entry point.  

Important Notes

• The immigration office at the Kathmandu airport is open 24/7.
• To apply for a visa in Nepal, you need to have a passport with a validity of at least six months and your passport needs a blank page for the visa stamp.
• You can pay visa fees either by cash or credit card. 
• Please remember that travelers (citizens), namely from Nigeria, Eswatini, Ghana, Afghanistan, Zimbabwe, Somalia, Cameroon, Iraq, Syria, Ethiopia, Liberia, and Palestine, must obtain a Nepal Visa before arriving in Nepal. They are NOT eligible for an ON-Arrival visa.
• Indian citizens do not need to apply for visa for their trip to Nepal.

Please visit Visa Information on our website, which provides detailed information (visa application, visa fee structure, etc.)

We will arrange for you to stay at a comfortable and centrally located 3-star hotel. Located on the outskirts of Thamel, usually, we use Woodapple Hotel and Spa or similar and has easy access to closeby markets and restaurants. However, if you have any particular hotel (4 – 5 star category) in mind, please let us know, and we’ll do our best to meet your needs.

Yes, you can book extra hotel nights in Kathmandu. Generally, three-star hotels charge US $55 for double/twin rooms and US $50 for a single room. We recommend the Woodapple Hotel and Spa, which is located on the outskirts of Thamel and convenient for shopping and eating out.