Important Information
- Visas are purchased upon arrival from most countries, including the U.S. Check here for list of countries that require visas in advance.
- Upon entry, you will need to have:
- Passport, which must be valid for at least another 6 months and have at least two blank visa pages
- Photocopies of personal information on passport
- 2 extra passport-size photos (1.5 in X 1.5 in with a white background)
- Airline tickets showing departure date
- Completed and signed Nepal visa application form, which could be completed online before you travel
- Proof of accommodation (we will supply)
- Proof of having paid Nepal visa fee (which you pay for in cash upon arrival)
- Proof of travel insurance (see below)
- Travel health insurance – All travelers into Nepal and traveling with Scenic Nepal Treks must provide proof of travel health insurance that covers emergency search, rescue, treatment, and other expenses (Costs between $50-150/pp and available from many companies)
- Bring dollars, pounds or Euros in cash for purchasing Nepalese visa ($30 for 15 days, $50 for 30 days) at Kathmandu airport, for paying for restaurants and hotels, for gratuities, snacks, and to purchase your own drinks and gifts
- Bring Credit cards, Bank/ATM/Cash machine cards for withdrawing funds from cash machines (have a photo of your cards)
- You need to Back up yourself with US$ 5k to 6K , in case of Emergency Evacuation and medical Your insurance will tell you to pay in front and claim later
Lukla Flight & Challenges
Lukla airport is suited at 2,846 meters, which is a very high elevation if we consider other runways around the world. The unstable weather causes most flight delays and cancellations from/to Lukla. Sometimes the flight gets canceled even at the last minute. Therefore, in such a case, we will book you the next available flight.
If the situation gets out of control, then you can opt to trek from Lukla to Jiri and drive back to Kathmandu from there. It may take another few days and you also have to get Gaurishanker Conservation Area to permit.
*Note: All the additional expenses incurred while getting back from Lukla to Kathmandu via Jiri should be covered by the trekkers themselves. The company will not be responsible for any additional charges.
Everest Base Camp Trek difficulty
Everest Base Camp Trek is a moderate grade trek that involves 6 to 7 hours of walking every day. A trekker has to be physically fit to go on Everest Base Camp Trekking. Previous trekking experience is not needed, but good health and stamina are necessary.
Everest Base Camp Trek route follows rugged, steep, and rocky trails. Most of the trek goes through dense forests and crosses old suspension bridges. There are numerous ups & downs throughout the trek, which can make it tiring for some trekkers.
Other than the rugged route, the Everest region is not so developed. Facilities above Namche Bazar are limited. In case of an emergency situation, you may have to air evacuate. Likewise, you will not get modern comforts most of the time and have to live a very simple life for a handful of days.
Acclimatization and Altitude Sickness
Everest Base Camp Trek 14 Days ascends above 5,000 meters. It means there are chances of altitude sickness if you do not acclimatize. Our Everest Base Camp Trek itinerary does have ample rest days that reduce the risk of altitude sickness.
Altitude sickness or acute mountain sickness is a common illness, trekkers usually see during a trek in the Himalayas. It is important to control AMS symptoms at the early stage to avoid air evacuation. A little care during the trek will keep you away from high-altitude sickness.
Symptoms of altitude sickness:
- difficulty in breathing
- nausea and vomiting
- dizziness
- headache
- loss of appetite and insomnia
Inform the trek guide if you see any of the above symptoms. It may get cured with relevant medication or after spending some time at the lower elevation. As per your condition, the team leader will decide whether you can move further or not.
Preventive measures of altitude sickness:
- You are requested to follow the guidelines of the team leader and cooperate with him to tackle the situation smoothly during altitude sickness.
- Take your time and get enough rest before gaining any more elevation. Your symptoms must go away for you to trek further.
- Drink at least 2 liters of water and eat a balanced diet to maintain your energy. Keeping yourself hydrated will also help to avoid AMS.
- Do not drink alcoholic drinks or smoke as it dehydrates the body.
- Make sure to include ample rest days in your itinerary.
Everest Base Camp Trek Solo/Private/Group
If you want to do Everest Base Camp Trek solo, then contact us anytime. We organize custom trips for travelers who want to explore the Himalayas on their own terms. During the solo trek, you will be accompanied by a professional guide and a native porter.
Likewise, if you want, you can also join our Everest Base Camp Trek fixed departure dates and trek with travelers from all around the world. Or, go on Everest Base Camp Trekking with your group.
Best time to do Everest Base Camp Trek
Spring and autumn are the two major peak seasons for Everest Base Camp Trek 14 Days. The months from March to May and October to November fall under these two seasons. Thousands of trekkers explore the beauty of the Khumbu region at this time of the year, so you may find the trail a little bustling.
Spring and Autumn
The moderate climate and stable weather make trekking in the Everest region in spring and autumn heavenly. The cozy days and crisp hints of cold in the air at night and morning refresh your body. The temperature ranges from 10°C to 0°C. As the sky is clear most of the time, the views are breathtaking.
In spring, you can see the trail bloomed with rhododendrons. Whereas in autumn, the colorful fallen leaves decorate the entire trail. Moreover, if you are lucky, you may also get to be part of the biggest festivals in Nepal.
Winter (November to February)
Trekking to Everest Base Camp in winter is possible, but not many people trek at this time of the year. The temperature drops below -10°C, and extreme cold will increase the challenges. Likewise, the heavy snowfall can block the trekking route and increase the chance of avalanches.
If you are trekking in the early winter, then the winter challenges will be slightly low. The views of the mountain in the winter are the best. Weather can get unstable.
Everest Base Camp Trek permit
- You will need Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Entrance Permit and Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit to go on Everest Base Camp Trekking. You can get these permits in Kathmandu or at Monjo.
- Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Entrance Permit cost: Nrs 2000 per person
- Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit cost: Nrs 3000 per person
- Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit cost for SAARC nationals: Nrs 1500 per person
*Note: All the permits are included in the Everest Base Camp trek package cost, so you do not have to worry about it.
Accommodation
During the trek to Everest Base Camp, you will spend nights in the lodge. The best thing about trekking in the Khumbu region is you can find accommodation budget-friendly to luxurious. Our Everest Base Camp Trek package includes nice twin sharing rooms. If you want a single room, then do let us know at the time of booking.
The rooms are small and clean. The washroom may or may not come attached to the rooms. The bed will be quite comfortable, but it gets cold at night and morning, so do carry a sleeping bag.
Food during the trek
You will eat three meals a day during the Everest Base Camp Trek. The breakfast option has toast, egg, oatmeal, muesli, porridge, soup, tea, coffee, sandwich, etc. Whereas lunch and dinner have dal bhat tarkari, curries, veggies, chapati, Tibetan bread, momo, pasta, pizza, burger, noodles, thukpa, thenduk, etc.
Drinking water is available in the lodge. You can refill your water bottle freely. Some trekkers also carry water purification tablets to double purify their water. The meals are offered as per the menu of the lodge, so the menu can differ slightly from one place to another. Also, the western dishes might not have the same taste because of limited spices.
Trek Responsibly
- Do not leave your litter behind or throw trash on the trail.
- Some high-quality Nepali brands manufacture almost the same quality of trekking clothes and gear at affordable prices. Give them a chance and buy locally.
- Use sustainable and eco-friendly products as much as possible during the trek.
- Carry reusable water bottles.
- Buy from local vendors and help promote Nepali art, crafts, clothes, etc.
- Respect locals and their culture.
Trekking Insurance
Everest Base Camp Trek 14 Days is a high altitude journey, therefore travel insurance is needed to book the trip. Your travel insurance should cover air evacuation up to 6,000 meters and medical bills. Travel insurance will be your lifesaver in an emergency. As you will be traveling in a remote area, the lack of basic infrastructures makes the trek risky.
You can also add flight cancellation and theft/loss of personal property in the travel insurance if you want. You cannot buy travel insurance in Nepal, therefore get one in your home country and double confirm all the clauses.
Everest Base Camp Trek Safety
Your safety is our topmost priority during the trek. As you will be trekking with our experienced and professional trekking guide, there is nothing to worry about during the Everest Base Camp Trek. He will take care of your needs and make sure the trek goes smoothly.
Moreover, our trekking guides are trained to tackle medical emergencies in the Himalayas and are certified, first aid providers. So, you will be trekking with a reliable partner with us.
Last Minute Booking for Everest Base Camp Trek
We always recommend having a couple of weeks at least on your hands before the beginning of EBC Trek. You can prepare your body and mind for the journey. But if you want to book Everest Base Camp Trek 14 Days at the last minute, then we do have a provision for it.
You have to pay 100% of the package cost and show us the necessary documents to confirm the booking. After getting the confirmation notice, you will have 24 hours to deposit the payment and prepare for the trek. Our team representatives will help you with everything.
Travel Tips (electricity, internet, ATM, luggage, tipping, personal expenses)
- Extra batteries or a solar charger will come in handy during the trek. You can charge your device at the charging stations in the lodge, but it may cost a few bucks.
- WiFi or cellular data both will be unstable on the trail, especially at the higher elevation. There are internet cafes in Namche Bazar, where you can use the internet.
- No ATM above Namche Bazar, so withdraw enough cash to use throughout the trek. You may need money to buy extra beverages, snacks, or other services.
- Each trekker has a weight limit of 10 kgs for duffel bags. The duffel bags are carried by the porters during the trek.
- You can keep extra clothing or luggage in the hotel's locker room free of cost while trekking.
- Tipping is not mandatory but highly appreciated. It is up to you and your satisfaction level from the service offered by the crew members. You can tip USD 2 to the driver, USD 5 to the tour guide, and USD 100 to the guide/porter.
- Any additional expenses like beverages, snacks, tips, souvenirs, travel insurance, etc, are not included in the package cost.
Equipment & Packing List
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.
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)
- Light and expedition weight thermal tops
- Fleece wind-stopper jacket or pullover
- Waterproof (preferably breathable fabric) shell jacket
- Down vest and/or jacket *
- 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
- 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 if you are having Porter ( 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 depressant.
- 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
