Everest Base Camp Trek FAQs

Namaste! People from all over the world, we are a trekking agency in Nepal located in Kathmandu. You can call us Peregrine Treks and Tour; we specialize in adventure in Nepal. Here are some Everest Base Camp Trek FAQs. Since 2002, Peregrine Treks and Tour have been organizing the best holiday packages for its client. From city tours to trekking in wilderness areas and performing yoga, we are on the continuous verge of improving our quality. We have served thousands of clients from all over the country. Gathering their feedback, most of them have rated us the best travel agency in Kathmandu.

Common Everest Base Camp Trek FAQs

  1. When is the best time to trek to Everest Base Camp?
  2. How challenging is the trek? How many hours a day do I need to walk?
  3. Do I need any training before trekking to Everest Base Camp?
  4. Is acclimatization necessary? What are the symptoms of altitude sickness?
  5. Is there any provision for Emergency medical services?
  6. What is the average size of the group?
  7. How many staffs do you provide?
  8. Can I stay overnight at Everest Base Camp?
  9. How is the accommodation?
  10. How is the food?
  11. Where can I have a shower? Do I get a hot shower?
  12. How often can I charge my phone and camera batteries?
  13. Where is Wi-Fi available?
  14. Do you provide a porter, or should I carry my luggage?
  15. How do I pack ideally for the trek??
  16. What kind of shoes do I need?
  17. Is it culturally appropriate to wear shorts or leggings?
  18. Why is tipping necessary? What is the standard rate of tipping?
  19. Where can I exchange my money?
  20. How do I know which trekking agency to book for my trip to Nepal?
Everest Base Camp Trek

Everest Base Camp Trek

15 Days Moderate
US$ 1850

Answers to Everest Base Camp Trek FAQs given by our guides:

I am Nima, a senior trekking and climbing guide at Peregrine Treks. I have summited Mount Everest, Mount Manaslu, and Mount Cho-Oyu twice. With my several years of experience in the Everest Region, I will answer a few questions which are given below:

When is the best time to trek to Everest Base Camp?

The trekking season for Everest Base Camp starts from mid-September to May. October is usually the most significant time for this trek. The views are high, and the temperature is moderate with the warm sun above our heads. Besides crowd season, many trekkers enjoy the winter season (Dec-Feb). During this season, the trails are pretty silent, with fewer visitors.

Winters are much colder, or it’s close to freezing temperatures. If you are a winter trekker, ensure your body can cope with the temperature. Pack warm trekking clothes with thermals, a down jacket, a sleeping bag, etc.

March and April return with warm temperatures and a mass of expeditors marching to summit Mount Everest. Days and accommodations could get pretty busier and hazier. However, the weather is super suitable for magnificent mountain views.

How challenging is the trek? How many hours a day do I need to walk?

This is commonly asked in Everest Base Camp Trek FAQs to us. I consider the Everest Base Camp Trek moderate. An individual with a genuine personality and passion for completing the trek can quickly achieve success. Regarding the itinerary, we must walk for 7-8 hours to reach our daily destination. We even have a few rest days. On that day, we will be going on a hike. Depending on the elevation and challenges, we will walk for 3-4 hours on hike days.

Hence, Everest Base Camp Trek is not tricky if you thoroughly prepare yourself physically and mentally. 

Do I need any training before trekking to Everest Base Camp?

It depends upon a respective individual on how seriously they take this trek. Preparing yourself physically before you trek to EBC for fourteen long days is advisable. According to your current fitness level and medical conditions (if any), you can engage in regular light exercise and hike to the hills once a week. You can also do cycling or running to increase your leg stamina and body strength. Apart from exercise, never forget to eat healthily and sleep on time.

Is acclimatization necessary? What are the symptoms of altitude sickness?

Acclimatization is resting the body at a lower elevation to help it adapt to the environment. It is a necessary phenomenon for every trekker and climber to prevent their body from attaining altitude sickness.

Altitude sickness or Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) can vary for each individual. Any person, despite their age, physical status, or body size, can suffer from AMS. However, we have adequately designed our itinerary, including proper acclimatization days at a proper lower elevation.

The most common symptoms of AMS are:

  • Headache
  • Tiredness
  • Lack of sleep
  • Loss of appetite/nausea
  • Shortness of breath
  • Cough
  • Trembling of hands
  • Swelling of the hands and face

If you feel any symptoms mentioned above, please let us know immediately. We (trekking guides) have extensive first-aid training and can effectively monitor you.

Some tips:

  • Walk at a slow and steady pace.
  • Stay hydrated. Drink enough water/ fluid.
  • “Hike high and Sleep low,” meaning we will always hike to higher elevations and return lower to sleep. In such a case, we will get enough oxygen for the body to adapt.

 

Is there any provision for Emergency medical services?

Our guide will never leave on a trek without an essential medical kit. We cannot risk the health of any individuals when there are limited medical facilities on the route. Moreover, we also carry portable altitude chambers for those individuals suffering from AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness). When there is any evacuation due to extensive adverse health conditions, Peregrine Treks provide Emergency Helicopter Evacuation; an individual must consult the agency and appropriate insurance company.

What is the average size of the group?

Depending upon the season, groups can extend up to 12 trekkers. The group can consist of individuals from different nations. Trekking with a mixed group could be an excellent opportunity to make new friends and share more travel experiences.

How many staffs do you provide?

We provide one trekking guide for every group. There will be a porter for two trekkers. If the group exceeds five people, then we provide one assistant guide. Besides, there will be a trek leader when there are more than ten members in a group.

I am Mingmar Sherpa, also a local resident of Everest Region. I have several years of trekking in my own home land, knowing the geography and culture better. Moreover, I have proficiency in Korean language which has always helped to in handling my Korean clients successfully. I am going to give Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs of Everest Base Camp Trek.)

Can I stay overnight at Everest Base Camp?

Everest Base Camp is the highest altitude we will gain on our trek, which is 5,364m. Due to the elevation, the temperature is extensively low, and our body will not get enough oxygen. Staying there overnight could result in AMS, HAPE, or HACE. Moreover, one needs a special permit to camp at EBC, which is very expensive. Hence, we do not suggest our client stay overnight at Everest Base Camp. Our Everest Base Camp trek does not stay overnight at base camp. Instead, we have a tea house to stay at Gorak Shep, a gateway to EBC.

What is the accommodation like?

Since our EBC trek is a tea house trek, you will stay at tea houses or mountain lodges daily. The tea houses are simple and have comfortable private and shared rooms. Some rooms have en suite bathrooms, whereas you must share bathrooms. We believe one should have a proper bed to sleep in no matter how long they walk during the day. So, we arrange the best possible accommodations for our guests.

What is the food like?

You might find a similar food menu on your trekking routes in tea houses. However, we guarantee you with selecting the best tea houses providing us with healthy, clean, and delicious foods. Some common foods on the menu are Nepali Daal Bhat Tarkari (lentil sauce- rice- veggies), momo, and Chowmean (Fried noodles). You can also find Wai-Wai or Rara (packaged crunchy noodles), which are delicious snacks. We advise you not to consume meats in higher elevations. There are no direct modes of transportation at a higher altitude, and it could take several days for a porter to carry meat. Most people use freezing meat, which could cause food poisoning. Hence, try to avoid meat if you can be healthy.

Where can I have a hot shower?

During the trek, you can find hot showers in the following locations: Ghat, Namche, Deboche, Dingboche, Lobuche, Dole, and Machhermo. Depending on availability, the tea house owners might charge you 300‑650 Nepali rupees.

Hello, I am Lhakpa from Solukhumbu region. Along with trekking, I am also a climbing guide. I am specialized in Mera, Lobuche and Island Peaks which are neighbouring peaks of EBC.

How often can I charge my phone and camera batteries?

On the way to EBC, you will find tea houses or mountain lodges with 24 hours of electricity. You can charge your electronics when you pause for a lunch break and reach the tea house for a night’s stay. Most of the places have two portal pluck-ins. It is advisable if you carry a universal adapter suitable for your gadget. Depending upon the distance and availability of the electricity facility, the charging stations might charge you some money. The cost can range from 200 to 300 NRS.

The following locations have electricity available:

  • Lukla
  • Ghat
  • Monjo
  • Namche
  • Deboche
  • Dingboche
  • Lobuche
  • Gorak Shep

Where is Wi-Fi available?

You can access Wi-Fi at Lukla, Namche, Dingboche, Lobuche, and Gorak Shep. However, some of them can charge you for Wi-Fi as well. 

Do you provide a porter, or should I carry my luggage?

Upon your request, Peregrine Treks provides you with a porter while booking the trip. However, one porter in every group carries the luggage of two trekkers. The maximum amount of weight one porter can carry is 30kg. So, each trekker should not pack a bag of more than 15 kg. Still, you can ask for a private porter at an extra cost.

How do I pack ideally for the trek?

Packing for the trip is always a tricky task for humans. We usually get confused about what we need and what we want. Hence, follow the guideline for packing things essential for the trek.

  • Trekking pole (one pair)
  • Hiking sandals (one pair)
  • Trekking boots (one pair)
  • A small pack of toiletries
  • Lots of Sanitizers and wet and dry wipes.
  • Down jacket (one)
  • Thermal set (one)
  • Trekking socks (three pairs)
  • Trekking pants (two pairs)
  • Quick-dry towel (one)
  • Woolen cap and gloves (one)
  • Personal first aid kit

Namaste! I am Krishna Regmi certified yoga trekking guide in Nepal. I have conducted yoga trek in various trekking destinations in Nepal.

What kind of shoes do I need?

Your legs are your assets. If you keep them happy during the trek, they will undoubtedly take you to EBC. Hence, we suggest you invest in good quality trekking shoes that perfectly fit your legs. Do not forget to gift your legs with quality socks to prevent the ankle from blisters from new shoes.

Is it culturally appropriate to wear shorts or leggings?

Every corner of Nepal is equally rich in its own culture and tradition. One common thing in every ethnic group is females cover their bodies appropriately. It applies to foreigners as well. However, there are no strict rules for wearing full-length clothing while trekking. We still suggest you wear knee-length pants and waist-level tops to be safe from people’s lousy targets.

Namaste, I am Sonam Sherpa, trekking guide is a profession that is carried out by my ancestors and now I am taking it as well. I am originally from Everest regions. I have summited Mt. Ama Dablam, Mt. Manaslu, and other trekking peaks. I am able to give answer of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) of Everest Base Camp Trek.

Why is tipping necessary? What is the standard rate of tipping?

Tipping reflects a kind gesture. Thank your guide and porter for keeping you safe and successfully taking you to your destination. The standard rate of tipping in trekking is generally 20% of your total trekking cost. However, it depends upon you on how much and whom to tip. We believe in appreciating the hard work performed by the staff and tipping them with your heart.

Where can I exchange my money?

Landing in Kathmandu, you will have a day to do your stuff, lie, change money, or go shopping. You can readily find money exchange shops in Thamel and another central touristic area in Kathmandu. There might be fewer chances of recovering money exchange offices in the Everest region. So, we suggest you exchange money in Kathmandu.

Related Post

Why Peregrine Treks?

Well, I have been working in Peregrine Treks for a long time. I have served numerous clients all these years; they were satisfied with the service. Peregrine Treks are best known for its accountability, trekking experienced guides, creating a flexible itinerary, and time-saving and optimizing expenses. All staffs and members come together for the smooth and successful functioning of travel packages. The friendly and caring nature of the Chairman to the guides and porters is very well appreciated.

Hence, choose what is best for you. Choose what is best in its field. No matter what, we welcome you to Nepal on Visit Nepal Year 2020. Nepal is a beautiful country with diverse geography and cultures. Come and explore its beauty. Join us to make Visit Nepal Year 2020 successful.

About Us

Peregrine Treks and Tour has dedicated, passionate travel enthusiasts, coming together and forming a team. Back at the office in Kathmandu, you will meet Mr. Pradip Karki, our Chairman. He does his best to help clients with bookings and inquiries. We have Ms. Jamuna Bhandari as the director. Apart from the board of directors, eight indoor members contribute to our agency’s smooth functioning and management. We have seven trekking guides. Among them, one is a professional yoga guide, whereas three are professional mountain climbing guides. Besides, two tour guides are enrolled with us as well.

Regarding trekking in Nepal, Peregrine Treks has expertise in leading the guest to complete the targeted destination. Among the trekking spots in Nepal, Everest Base Camp is the most popular and high-rated destination. Our trekking guides have a maximum number of experience leading a trek to Everest Base camp. We have answered Everest Base Camp Trek FAQs raised worldwide in this context.