A Complete Guide to Everest Base Camp Trek

Trekking over the Everest Base Camp is the main goal for all those adventure trekkers. Everest’s Base camp is the world’s highest base camp, Mt. Everest (8848 meters). The Everest Base Camp trek is a breathtakingly steep elevation trek in the mountains of Nepal. Every year thousand plus trekkers travel to Everest base camp to feel and pass through the beautiful part of the Khumbu region to see the eye-catching views of the Himalayas ranges and also to experience the culture and traditions of Sherpas.

At the journey’s starting point, we will get high chances to see incredible scenery like beautiful dense forests, animals, snow-capped mountains, and a mysterious valley. On the trail, we can face different ecosystems and climatic situations. Trekking from the lush forest of rhododendron, pine, fir, juniper, etc., we can be in a treeless area with no human settlement.

Views of Himalayan mountains like Mt. Everest (8,848 m), Mt. Nuptse (7,855meters), Mt. Lhotse (8,516meters), Mt. Cho Oyu (8,201meters), Mt. Pumori (7,161meters), Mt. Makalu (8,481 m), Mt. Ama Dablam (6,812 meters), Island Peak (6,189 meters), Mt. Thamserku (6,623 meters), Mt. Kongde (6,187 meters), etc. decorate the whole trail.

Despite these different experiences, there are many things you should take care of. And also, be well prepared before moving towards the journey. Here is a complete guide to Everest Base Camp Trek that you should know before going on a trek and ideas to help you succeed.

Everest Base Camp
Everest Base Camp

Everest Base Camp Permits

Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Entrance Permit

This card is replaced with the TIMS card. The local government of Khumbu directly collects NPR 2000 per person from foreigners. Note that this card is not available in Kathmandu. If you are flying from the Lukla, you can get this card in the Lukla.

Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit

This card is available in the Kathmandu at Nepal Tourism Board Office or the Manjo at Park Entrance Gate. This permit costs only NPR 3000 per Foreigner.

The new system is implemented in the Everest Region. There is no more extended requirement of the Trekkers Information Management system (TIMS card).

Do you require a TIMS permit to Trek to EBC?

The central government of Nepal has set up the system of TIMS (Trekkers Information management systems) to collect the data of all trekkers in Nepal, and according to the Central Nepal government, the TIMS card is required before any individual can trek anywhere in Nepal.

Nepal wants you to get a TIMS permit to get the actual database of trekkers. TIMS permit costs Nepalese Rupees 2000 and is only valid for a single entry into any national park. This permit is required and checked in the Annapurna and Langtang region but not on Everest.

While hiking from the EBC, they did not ask for our TIMS at any checkpoint. It would be better to take a TIMS Card because of your and your trekking crew member’s safety. Peregrine Treks and Tours always use TIMS Card for the Everest Region Trekking.

If you hike from Jiri or Saleri to Lukla, pass through areas controlled by different local governments, and a TIMS is necessary.

Other documents for trekking permits

You should carry your passport details for Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality and Sagarmatha National Park Entrance Permit. You also need to bring passport-size photos.

Guide – We will provide an experienced and well-trained trekking guide for you.

Everest Base Camp Trek

Everest Base Camp Trek

15 Days Moderate
US$ 1850

How to do Everest Base Camp Trek?

You will have three main options on a trek in the Base camp. You can go for a trek with the agency’s contact or travel independently with the help of the porters and a guide.

  • Going on a trek with the agency’s help is the best option. If you are alone and unconfident, it is best to take relief from the best agency.
  • Visit the local agency of Kathmandu, and then they will provide you with the porters and guides.
  • You only need to book the flight from Kathmandu to Lukla. Neither every path is clear and easy for all trekkers. The area is lowly populated, so you can get many tea houses to stay in and need not book any accommodations. This is a risky and ultimately costly option.

Meals During the EBC Trek

The food will be costly because all requirements like gas rise, dal, etc., are carried by bus and yaks to the mountains. You can also have the meat according to your wish. Also, you can see the Popular food names on the list you can have. According to the incensement of elevation, there will even be an increment in the cost of accommodations and food.

In Breakfast

You can have a Set of omelets with Toast and tea with milk if you want to drink Good Espresso while hiking at the Everest Base Camp. Then you can carry Aeropress, which is light, comfortable, and great coffee while hiking. Also, you can have pancakes and Porridge, which is at the exact cost of Toast and eggs. Some everyday breakfast items are Chapati, Tibetan bread, Toast with jam or jelly pancakes, Porridge with milk or tea, and Boiled or fried egg.

If you must trek along, order the spaghetti with cheese and tomato, which portion will be significant. After hiking, you will have a tasty and heavy dinner.

Lunch and Dinner

Most tea houses serve Thupka, Chowmein, Momos, a variety of Soups, pizza, Macaroni, Rice with special curry, Sandwiches, burgers with chips, Spaghetti, spring Roll, and many more. Mainly in snacks, you will eat mostly snicker bars. Also, we can get cakes and pastries in some tea houses. To not get scurvy, we will pack two apples on the way. Dal Bhat and Tarkari are local staples and are usually unlimited; they will merely refill your rice and lentils each time you ask for them, which will be great for starving trekkers!

Exotic Dishes in Everest Base Camp Trek

You will get more and more items listed in the menus of teahouses; here are some of the items with which you may not be familiar.

Sherpa Stew (Syakpa) is known as the traditional food of the Sherpa; this is a soup dish. Which is made from homemade noodles, yak meat, potatoes, radish, spinach, carrot, and other spices?

Tibetian Bread: Flatbread will fry in oil; tasty and filling.

Springroll: It is a source of vitamins and a big deep-fried pie.

Momos: Dumplings with Vegetables, cheese, and potatoes; they will ask you for chili sauce and green sauce, which is quite good!

Mars Roll is warped and deep-fried, as the spring roll with a mars bar inside.

Pizza: Bread with tomato sauce and yak cheese. It will be crispy.

Water during the EBC Trek

As you know, everything will be expensive as the elevation increment. We can get a water bottle for rupee 100 at extreme altitudes; its cost will be 400. There are many water sources along the way, but the water is not drinkable; with a life straw, we could refill and drink on the road. They are not allowed to use water bottles, which will be just rubbish in the mountains. If you don’t like the water in the swimming pool, you cause a SteriPen UV water sterilization device, the first chlorine pill. And if you are using life straw bottles, be careful not to let the water freeze, which can damage the filter of the container.

Luxury Everest Base Camp Trek
US$ 3840

Everest Base Camp trek Accommodation

In the Everest Base camp route, the tea house accommodation is not cheaper than other lodges. The lodge cost starts from USD 10 to USD 200. We will provide a comfortable tea house during the trek.

Be kind: We understand that all travelers want to save their budget as much as possible. So the leading solution to paying fewer prices for accommodation in tea houses is to eat three meals in the same tea house. Eating your food in other teahouses is not so good while in the tea house.

Accommodation in tea houses is helpful, making you feel relief. The walls are thin, and you can hear everything. The temperature is the same as the outside. The room is packed with two beds, and enough blankets and pillows are available. We also carry light +11C sleeping bags because the weather can be so cold. There are no electricity sockets available in the bedroom. Devices will be in the dining room, which will take charge.

The tea house has a large dining hall to eat and relax with your company. A fireplace in the center of the building burns wood and yak dung. In the primary two houses, there are western toilets. You have to take your toilet paper.

Hot Shower and Electronic device charging

Shower on EBC trek: As the increment altitude increases, the cost of everything will also increase. From the Namche bazaar, we have to pay for the hot shower. The cost of the hot shower is about NPR 500. If we trek in the early season, the water will freeze in the pipes, so we must take a bucket shower where the bucket is filled with some hot water. We can pack the wet wipes and do a dry bath. Also, we can use hand sanitizer for washing hands when water or soap is unavailable.

Charging: There is light in the room, but there is no socket facility in many tea houses. So you have to pay for charging in the communal area. Usually, it takes NPR 200 per item per hour.

Everest Base Camp Itinerary

If you feel pressured while trekking with a group or want to travel with somebody close to you, many itineraries are available. We only suggest the route where there is more acclimatization. And also plan where we can walk without any problems or AMS symptoms.

Itinerary of 15 days Everest Base Camp Trek 

Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu
Day 02: Fly to Lukla and trek to Phakding
Day 03: Trek to Namche (3,438m/11,280 ft): 11km, 5 – 6 hours
Day 04: Acclimatization Day in Namche
Day 05: Trek to Tengboche (3,870m/12,694ft): 10km, 5- 6 hours
Day 06: On towards Dingboche (4,360 m/14,300 ft): 9km, 5 – 6 hours
Day 07: Acclimatization in Dingboche
Day 08: Trek to Lobuche
Day 09: Lobuche to Gorak Shep – Everest Base Camp (5170 m/16,961ft) visit Everest Base Camp (5364 m/17,594 ft): 13km, 6-7 hours
Day 10: Gorak Shep to Kala Patthar (5,545m/18,192ft) to Pherice (4,288m/14,070ft): 16km, 7-8 hours
Day 11: Periche to Namche Bazaar via Tengboche
Day 12: Namche to Lukla Trek (2,860m/9,186ft): 19km, 6 – 7 hours
Day 13: Flight back to Kathmandu
Day 14: Experiencing Kathmandu
Day 15: Farewell

Other

View of Mount Everest from Kala Patthar
View of Mount Everest from Kala Patthar

Packing list for Everest Base Camp Trek

Packing your bags according to the requirement is the most important part of trekking. To tackle the many obstacles in the journey, be comfortable, and always be ready, you must have the essential trekking items. If you follow the details mentioned in this blog, you do not have any point of regret. Your wet bag includes clothing, trekking gear, personal supplies, generic medications, and a first aid kit. A more in-depth packing list for Everest Base Camp Trek is as follows:

Clothing

  • Light thermal inner wears
  • Fleece jacket or pullover
  • Set of Undergarments
  • Winter hat
  • T-shirts (preferably sweat-soaking)
  • Wind-stopper jacket
  • Waterproof jackets and trousers
  • Trekking Shorts
  • Sun hat or scarf
  • Lightweight, long trousers/pants
  • Lightweight thermal gloves
  • Insulated jacket with attached hood
  • Thin, lightweight (inner socks)
  • Warm fleece hat or light balaclava
  • Thick warm wool hiking socks
  • Heavy down jacket
  • Waterproof shell mittens/gloves (insulated liners recommended)
  • Heavyweight pants (for high elevations)

 Equipment/gears

  • Camp sandals
  • Sunglasses with UV protection
  • Water bottles
  • Sleeping bag (rated to 0 degrees recommended)
  • Tent
  • Headlamp
  • Silk Liner
  • Trekking Poles
  • Trekking boots
  • Sleeping pad/mat

Personal Supplies 

  • Multipurpose soap
  • Face and body moisturizer
  • Nail clippers
  • Lip balm
  • Sunscreen
  • Medium-sized towel
  • Face/body wipes
  • Toothbrush/Toothpaste
  • Throat lozenges
  • Hand sanitizer

General Medication 

  • Bandage for sprains
  • General painkiller
  • Antibiotic tablets
  • Blister medication
  • Oral rehydration salts
  • Diarrhea medication
  • Plasters/Band-Aids
  • Iodine or the water filter
  • Antiseptic cream for cuts
  • Antibacterial throat lozenges
  • Diamox (for altitude sickness)

Plus, you can take personal belongings such as a camera, cards, books, and anything that will entertain you during your spare time. Remember that it is the best idea to make your baggage low-weight. So don’t carry the things which are unnecessary while trekking.

If you forgot to bring any essential elements, don’t worry about it. You can either rent or buy it in Nepal at reasonable prices. There are many stories in the different locations of the major cities. You can easily find the things you want in stores at reasonable prices with good quality.

ATM and Money Exchanging Facility

ATMs, money exchange, and the banking system in Namche and Lukla are available. It is best to carry enough money before heading towards the Everest Base camp from Kathmandu because sometimes ATMs may not be working. And you may have a financial problem on the trek.

Everest Base Camp Trek with helicopter return
US$ 2690

Hiking to EBC from Kathmandu

Lukla lies in the most adventurous Himalayan mountain with no roads leading here; most trekkers fly from Kathmandu to Lukla to start their journey to the EBC trek. The flight from Kathmandu to Lukla is known as one of the scariest trips in the world because, in the Lukla flight, helicopters land on inclined land. The journey to Lukla is so expensive. If you want to save money, then you can use the landed vehicle, skipping.

While moving to the EBC through the Lukla flight is too expensive and frustrating because there are maximum chances of canceling the trip because of the fundamental issues. We have heard much news that people spent about 20-30 days waiting for the Lukla flight. So we want to suggest you follow the land transport to Lukla. So walking out of Lukla is an off-the-beaten trail distance of your trek; it also takes that flight venture out of the comparison.

From Lukla, we will walk smaller from there. We will make an uncomfortable jeep from Salleri to Kathmandu. And while camping from the Salleri from Kathmandu. We can reserve the automobile from Kathmandu to Salleri. Salleri is only 265 km away from Kathmandu and only takes 8 hours. If you want to save your money, you can go to Salleri on local buses that go to Salleri every day from Kathmandu.

There is also a different option you can take a bus to Jiri, which will take about 9 hours. Still, from here, the trekking route does not pass through Lukla to EBC, but it follows another trek like Salleri – Ringmo – Kharikhola – Puiyan – Phakding – Namche Bazaar. An excellent way to hike is by walking the Jiri to Namche Bazaar. EBC route on the way up and using the course to Salleri on the way down.

Learn more on “Everest Base Camp Trek Distance.”

Altitude sickness

The EBC Trek is known as one of the adventure and challenging treks compared to other treks. Every trekker faces many obstacles in this trek. Among many obstacles, altitude sickness is also one of them. Altitude sickness is also one of the major problems of the EBC trek. Altitude sickness can be affected by a lack of oxygen due to low air pressure. It is one of the subjects which all trekkers should know.

The risk of getting altitude sickness increases with the increase in altitude; it is mainly affected when you are 2,400 meters above sea level. The atmosphere around and above this altitude contains lesser and lesser oxygen as the altitude gradually increases. Thus, human bodies can find it hard to adapt to the changing oxygen levels.

What is the reason behind altitude sickness?

Altitude sickness happens to a person who ascends altitude at a fast pace. This Everest Base Camp Trek takes you through verifying ups and down. If you can’t maintain a pace that supports your body’s ability to acclimate to the atmosphere, you can be a victim of altitude sickness.

The main reason for altitude sickness is acclimatization. If you trek, hike, or run day by day, your body can suffer, and when you go to a higher altitude, you can easily be a victim of altitude sickness. Because of your weak strength, you can fly with this sickness, and may you suffer more.

Some indications of altitude sickness are vomiting, headache, nausea, and highheadedness. Additional symptoms include cough and gray, pale, or bluish skin tone. You can see symptoms of altitude only around 12-24 hours of altitude ascension. And the symptoms of altitude sickness vary according to altitude level. Following proper acclimatization can lessen their symptoms within one or two days.

What is the solution to altitude sickness?

Altitude sickness is a sickness that cannot use in the area. Once a person is affected by altitude sickness, they must be taken to a lower altitude immediately for a positive result—the descent measures option to prevent altitude sickness.

You will not have to face altitude sickness if you can take proper acclimatization. The main thing is that you should keep the proper pace and pattern. It is more important to notice that you must not exert more pressure on your body by overestimating your abilities.

You should be calm and hike carefully and slowly. Pushing can cause more pressure on your body as you ascend altitude in less time and cause you to get sick. Take a short real-time when hiking toward a higher altitude, reducing the chance of getting sick.

Another good tip to avoid altitude sickness is to be hydrated throughout the trip. You should drink about five liters of water daily: do not dry out and fall weak. Keep a first aid kit and medication such as Diamox, which can help you speed up the acclimatization process. But be sure you only take such medication with your doctor’s permission. And another main thing is ignoring the symptoms of if you are getting some disturbance in your health information, the staff immediately.

Chhorten in Everest Region
Chorten in Everest Region

Insurance for the Everest Base Camp Trek

We will try not to consider what can go wrong when attacking a new adventure. Traveling and hiking in remote areas and at higher altitudes have many risks. So, insurance is essential on any higher altitude trek. Altitude sickness is widespread, and since there are no roads on this mountain and facilities of any immediate hospital service. So we must take injured trekkers to the hospital by evacuated helicopters, which is very expensive. Always read the paper correctly and be sure you buy the correct and original policy. Be adequately covered for evacuation, injury, trip days, and cancellation.

Guides and porters

It is not such a pleasant idea to hike independently on the EBC trek because it is the most adventurous trek with many risks. There is a risk of road, communication, accommodation, location, altitude sickness, etc. So we want to recommend you to be connected with the local agency. If you trek with a good travel agency, you do not have to worry about the abovementioned risk. The company can manage everything according to your necessities and demands.

We will recommend you meet our guides before the trek. Then you can check if he speaks good English if you test them and if you get along. We have talented guides who have already climbed Mt. Everest; they are highly knowledgeable.

  • Be sure you are using a registered guide
  • Full insurance of the guide
  • Two people can share one porter if you don’t make him carry more than 20 kg.
  • You can budget about $30 per day for a guide, which can share among the four trekkers, and $ 20 per day for porters.

Tipping the porter and guide in EBC

Please remember that valuable tips for the guide and porter are highly expected. The guides will help you in every trek step, which will help you a lot. Also, they will give mental strength to complete this trek. And on the other hand, the porters were an older man who was too weak. Their way of life is only carrying the goods of travelers. And you have to pay a tip to the guide and porters.

Hiking to EBC via Gokyo Lakes

Hiking to Everest Base camp from the Gokyo lakes is known as one of the fantastic side trips. Six spectacular glacier lakes are located between 4,700 meters and 5000 meters in the beautiful Sagarmatha National Park and Mount Everest. And three or four days to your itinerary, challenges yourself by hiking. Here we can climb the hardened Gokyo Ri peak for spectacular panoramic views of famous mountains like Tabouche, K43, Nuptse, Cholatse, and Everest. Also, the renowned glacier lakes cross the beautiful and challenging Cho la Pass. Go to EBC and Gokyo Lakes with Intrepid Travel.

How to explore Everest Base Camp with Gokyo Lakes

If you want to hike to Everest base camp from Gokyo Lake, then there are three choices for a route.

  • Hike to Gorak Shep primary and go to the Gokyo lakes on the way back. Hike to Gokyo Lakes primary and later on to Gorak Shep and EBC.
  • Hike up and down to Gokyo Ri, supported by trekking to Everest Base Camp, in which case you will not trek over Chola pass.

Trek to EBC initially followed by Gokyo lakes.

When we return from Gorakshep, we will go to Dzongla after passing through Lobuche rather than walking to the Namche bazaar through Pheriche. We will go over the Cho La pass and complete the circular route to Namche Bazaar by trekking via Machherma and Dole.

Trek to Gokyo first, followed by EBC.

First, we will hike to Namche Bazaar instead of Tengboche, then head west via Dhole and Macherma toward Gokyo lakes. Though the route is circular, joining the main trek up to Gorakshep, you have not gone up and down similarly.

Gokyo Lakes Trek

Gokyo Lakes Trek

13 Days Moderate
US$ 1450

Climb Island Peak also trek to Everest Base Camp.

If you want to add a couple of days to your EBC trek itinerary, you can do some real mountaineering and climb a peak in the Himalayas above 60000m. Nepal’s mountain most often climbed is Island Peak (6,189m/20,305ft), known in Nepal as Imja Tse. It is a real climb, adventure, and severe mountaineering; it does not mean trekking; technical skills and equipment are required to climb this peak. The peak is considered the perfect choice for a novice climber because it is not very professional, but it requires some mountaineering skills since it is considered climbing on ice, and snow is involved.

Island Peak is usually ascended as part of an Everest Base Camp trek expedition as a three-day extension. Before we summit, the climbing crew will teach us the mountaineering skills required to climb the Island peak. We should receive ladder training and practice selling and jumbling. We should be physically fit and master these skills during training before the final ascend. Be confident and prepare your sharp mind.

Island Peak Climbing
Island Peak Climbing

Please don’t take this climb as the lights; it is dangerous. And mastering a 6000m peak in the Himalayas is an outstanding achievement; pick a company with a good reputation for this excursion. Before you join this trip, you should be healthy. Climbing Island Peak is not a cheap tour; you should expect to pay between $3000 to $5000 for a 19 to 23 days tour, including trekking to Everest Base camp, Trek training, and climbing the Island Peak.

Everest base camp trek difficulty

The total distance of the EBC trek is 130 km.

Talking about the Everest Base Camp Trek Difficulty, we will walk more and less than 15 km per day for about two weeks. The trek has ups and downs, and the roads are not flat walking surfaces. This EBC trek doesn’t require super fitness. The altitude sickness is quite a severe difficulty in this trek as our journey starts at 3000m and climbs 2400m further to reach base camp at 5365m.

Mainly, your problem with the EBC trek is influenced by a porter who can make it much more comfortable here and season; it is more challenging if you are cold and miserable. We will walk for 4 or 6 hours for 12 days and have an acclimatization day. If you are fit, you can do this carrying your backpack. And having porters makes it even easier.

Best time for Everest Base Camp Trek

There are mainly two different seasons for trekking to EBC. The best time for the Everest Base Camp trek is in the pre-monsoon season through March, April, and May, and the post-monsoon season from late September, October, and November.

Post Monsoon: Best Time for EBC Trek

Post-monsoon is one of the best seasons. Post-monsoon starts from late September to November. It is the month with less haze and clouds. In this period, it will provide better views of these spectacular mountains. This period is colder but a great time to hike to Gokyo Lakes. A post-monsoon season for trekking, but October is one of the busy months that will disturb us while trekking, meals, and tea houses.

December- February is still possible but very cold, up to 30 centigrade at night. There will be falls of snow on the trail. There will be fewer crowds, but there will be proper equipment.

Pre-monsoon: Best Time

This month will be stiff and mostly stable, which will be great for trekking. Most trekkers choose the month of Feb-may for the excellent trek.

The march will have an attractive landscape; I prefer the spectacular snow-covered mountains. This season is also one of the cold months. In February, there is not a lot of snowfall in Chola pass at 5420m on the way to Gokyo Ri, which will make us enable its hour over the Gokyo lakes. If you want to enjoy the Everest Base Camp Trek, you can visit every month.

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Conclusion

The Everest Base Camp trek is a trek of a lifetime. However, you have to consider many factors before starting your trek there. It will be the most fantastic trekking experience if you are well prepared.

We hope this complete guide to Everest Base Camp Trek helps you plan your trip well. Furthermore, if you have any questions or queries regarding this trek or any other trek in Nepal, please get in touch with us. We will be happy to help you organize this trek for you.

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