Everest Base Camp Trek is not just about reaching the foothill of the world’s tallest mountain. It is an amalgamation of high-altitude topographical experience and people’s cultural understanding. Too many superlative activities do make it an exciting prospect of finding the inner self of your traveling desires. On this Journey of Lifetime, you’ll experience the base camp life of Mt. Everest climbers and wonder at the gorgeous views from Tengabouche Monastery, Kala Patthar, trek to the Khumbu Icefall, and engage yourself with the friendly Himalayan Sherpa people of Nepal and Namche Bazar. There are always people asking what is Everest base Camp Trek? Here we are trying to provide as much information as possible on the environment when you are on a trek and some things that you will need to pack along for your trekking.
“Avoiding danger is no safer in the long run than outright exposure. Life is either a daring adventure or nothing.” ― Helen Keller
Table of Contents
What is Everest Base Camp Trek in Nepal?
Everest Base Camp is located on the south side of Mount Everest an altitude of 5360m. And hiking up to Base Camp is known as Everest Base Camp Trek. It is one of the most popular high-altitude treks in the Himalayas. This is where you can experience Mountain Sherpa people & Yaks, and breathtaking Peaks above 6000 meters including Mount Everest and Mount Ama Dablam, and more.
What is the best season to do Everest Base Camp Trek?
Everest Base camp trek can be done at any month of the year. However, we highly recommend you to do a trek between September and May. Generally, from June onwards until the end of August it’s Monsoon season with lots of rain showers and unpredictable weather.
Everest Base Camp (5360m/ 17594 ft)
How long does it take to hike to Everest Base Camp?
In general, it is 11 Days total hiking from Lukla to Lukla including 2 Rest Days during the trip. (8 Days going and 3 Days coming down.) There is a daily flight from Lukla to Kathmandu. So the total days of the trip from Kathmandu to Kathmandu are 12 Days.
What is the maximum altitude we get to?
Everest Base Camp is located at 5360 meters. However, for those who wish to set their foot on Kalapthhar, you will be reaching 5500 meters and that will be the highest point for you with the best view of Mount Everest. Please do take note that you will not be able to see Mt Everest from Everest Base Camp.
How difficult Everest Base Camp Trek is?
It is remarked as a moderate trek which is not very difficult and not also easy. The trail goes slightly up which is easier compare to Annapurna Base Camp.
Lukla Airport, Your gateway to Everest Base Camp
What are the trip highlights of Everest Base Camp Trek?
Local Town of Namche bazaars - a Popular Sherpa People Town
Panorama view from Syangboche including Mt. Everest 8848m
Sherpa people and culture
Closed view of Thamserku, Amadablam & Pumori
Sunrise view from Kala Patthar including breathtaking views of Mt. Everest
Everest base camp an altitude of 5360m
Khumbu glacier, one of the biggest glaciers in the Himalayas
What is the shortest duration of Everest Base Camp Trek?
If you have limited time, the EBC trek can be shortened to 10 days from Kathmandu to Kathmandu. However, if you would like to take a Helicopter down which can make your trip within 9 days from Kathmandu. It is highly recommended to have 14 Days Everest Base Camp trip if you are able to make it.
Is there any age limit to do Everest Base Camp Trekking?
there is no age limit but you should be physically healthy, fit, and able to trek.
Hikers from New Zealand at Base Camp.
What kind of Accommodation we can have during the trek?
You will have a basic Lodge which is also known as Tea Houses. You will get a private twin sharing room throughout the trek but sometimes at Gorakshep, our last destination can be crowded during peak season. So with limited Tea Houses, it might be chances to share rooms with the others. However, rest assured that we will try our best to provide our clients with the best option.
Are there WI-FI available during the trek?
Yes, there is Wi-Fi but not as strong as in the city. You will need to pay extra, USD 3-5 will be charged per device for unlimited use.
What are the meals provided during the trek? Is western food available during trekking to Everest Base Camp?
With Scenic Nepal Treks, you can have 3 meals per day per your choice from the menu. Choices of food run from Nepali, Thakali, Indian to Western.
How is the toilet and room facility during Everest Base Camp Trek?
You will have western-style sharing toilets at 80 % of the places. You will have a private twin sharing Room which you will be using with your/Group partner. Please expect a very basic room with 2 beds.
Is there a heating system available inside the room?
No, you will not have a hitting system in your Room. However, the fireplace is available in the common dining area.
Tengboche is the largest monastery in the Khumbu region at an altitude of 3,867 meters (12,687 ft
Should I tip to guide and Porter? If yes, how much it should be?
Tipping is not compulsory, but they do expect it from you. You can give them whatever amount that you feel comfortable with the quality of services they had provided throughout the trek. They sure will be enlightened with the token of appreciation from you.
Is drinking water easily available during the trek? How safe it is to drink tap water?
You can refill your water at the Lodge or restaurant. It is very safe to drink. Optionally you can also have tap water with purification tablets. Refilling water will cost you about USD 2 to USD 5, depending on where you are.
Is there a laundry facility during the trek at the hotel?
No laundry service during the trek. You may do your laundry at Kathmandu after the trek.
How can I charge my phone and camera? Is there any charging facility during the trekking to Everest Base Camp?
Yes, you can charge your phones and other gadgets at the tea houses with charges ranging from USD3- USD 5 per device. Normally the charging point is located at the tea house’s reception counter.
Yaks are the Legend from the Everest region
Is it necessary to have acclimation day during the trek? How many days?
Yes, it is important to have acclimation day during the trek. This is to allow your body to adapt to the rising altitude. 2 Days is sufficient for a 12 Days Everest Base Camp trek.
What happens if I get sick in the mountain?
General headaches and coughs are very normal in the mountain. But if you feel very sick then you have to stop to ascend and proceed to make your way down to lower altitude. The representative of Scenic Nepal Treks will be kept in touch with your guide for the entire trip.
Do I need to bring medicine for Everest Base Camp Trek?
Yes, we encourage you to bring your own medicine from home like the ones we provide might be different which might not be suitable for you.
How often do people get altitude sickness?
Actually, nobody knows who may get altitude Sick because altitude sickness is very unpredictable. Sometimes our Local Guides and Porter also get suffered from it. Let’s say 95% of trekkers do this Everest Base Camp Trek successfully.
How do I avoid altitude sickness, basic tips?
No Cigarette or alcohol while going up
Walk slowly
Drink 4 Ltrs water per day
Do not skip acclimatization day
Do not take Diamox before you feel something
Do I need Insurance for this trek? Where I can make it?
Yes, you need to have good Insurance for trekking. You can buy in your own Country. Please make sure your Insurance Covers Emergency Evacuation and hospitals. A credit card or sufficient cash (approximately USD 3,000 - 5,000) is required for any emergency evacuation by Chopper.
What kind of weather can I expect during trekking? How cold does it get?
It depends on which month you are doing this trek. If you are doing it in winter can be less than -15C outside at night. Daytime is warm while walking.
What is the packing limit on the plane to Lukla?
Lukla Flight allows you only 11 kg for your bag. So please you can leave all unnecessary kinds of stuff in Kathmandu which you do not need during trekking. The hotel has a store Room.
What is the equipment list for Everest Base Camp Trek?
This list is a guideline to help you pack for your adventure. Also, understand that the items listed below will vary a little according to the season and the trek duration. The weight limit for your luggage is 15 kg. This is the Checklist for Everest Base Camp Trek.
Important documents and items
Valid passport, 2 extra passport size photos, airline tickets
Separate photocopies of passport, visa form (easily obtained at Kathmandu airport), proof of insurance
Dollars, pounds, or Euros in cash for purchasing Nepalese visa at Kathmandu airport, for paying for restaurants and hotels, for gratuities, snacks, and to purchase your own drinks and gifts
Credit cards, Bank/ATM/Cash machine cards for withdrawing funds from cash machines (bring a photocopy of your cards), traveler's checks, etc.
Head
Bandana or headscarf, also useful for dusty conditions
Warm hat that covers your ears (wool or synthetic)
Headlamp with extra batteries and bulbs
Sunglasses with UV protection
Prescription sunglasses (if required)
Upper Body
Polypropylene shirts (1 half sleeve and 2 long sleeves)
Gore-Tex jacket with hood, waterproof and breathable
Hands
1 pair of lightweight poly liner gloves.
1 pair of lightweight wool or fleece gloves
1 pair of mittens, consists of 1 Gore-Tex over mitt matched with a very warm polar-fleece mitt liner (seasonal)
Lower Body
Non-cotton underwear briefs
1 pair of Hiking shorts
1 pair of Hiking trousers
1 pair of lightweight thermal bottoms (seasonal)
1 pair of fleece or woolen trousers
1 pair of waterproof shell pants, breathable fabric
Feet
2 pairs of thin, lightweight inner socks
2 pairs of heavy poly or wool socks
1 pair of Hiking boots with spare laces (sturdy soles, water-resistant, ankle support, “broken-in”)
1 pair of trainers or running shoes and/or sandals
Cotton socks (optional)
Gaiters (winter only), optional, “low” ankle high version
Sleeping
1 sleeping bag (Scenic Nepal Treks will provide you)
Fleece sleeping bag liner (optional)
Rucksack and Travel Bags
1 medium rucksack (50-70 liters/3000-4500 cubic inches, can be used for an airplane carryon)
1 large duffel bag ( Scenic Nepal Treks will Provide you)
Medical
Small, personal first-aid kit. (simple and light)
Aspirin, first-aid tape, and plasters (Band-Aids)
1 skin-blister repair kit
Anti-diarrhea pills
Anti-headache pills
Cough and/or cold medicine
Anti-altitude sickness pills: Diamox or Acetazolamide
Stomach antibiotic: Ciprofloxacin, etc. Do not bring sleeping pills as they are a respiratory depressants.
Water purification tablets or the water filter
1 set of earplugs
Extra pair of prescription glasses, contact lens supplies
Toiletries
1 medium-sized quick-drying towel
Toothbrush/paste (preferably biodegradable)
Multipurpose soap (preferably biodegradable)
Deodorants
Nail clippers
Face and body moisturizer
Female hygiene products
Small mirror
Personal Hygiene
Wet wipes (baby wipes)
Tissue /toilet roll
Anti-bacterial handwash
Trekking to Everest Base Camp is one of the highly recommended treks in Nepal if you are an adventure lover. There are different trekking trails in Everest Region including Everest Gokyo Lake Trek and Island Peak Climbing. These different trips offer you different kinds of experiences of culture and adventure.
I, Dipendra is an Adventure Specialist and founder of Scenic Nepal Treks and working in Mountain Travel and Tourism for more than a decade.
I have been leading different Hiking groups from all around the World to the Himalayas including Everest Base Camp, Annapurna Base Camp, and many more. Follow me for my adventure on Facebook and Instagram
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