Frequently Asked Questions all about Everest Base Camp Trek which you need to know before you go.
Everest base Camp trek is an unforgettable expedition into the most mountainous corner of the world. First conquered by Tenzing Norgay and Sir Edmund Hillary in 1953, Everest Base Camp has traditionally been the ultimate goal for trekkers.
The trek is dream destination to all trekking enthusiast to explore the village, immerse with culture and meet the friendly Sherpa people and visit monasteries and stupas. This information will give you an answer of all the questions of the people who are planning to undertake the journey of life time of Everest Base Camp trek.
What is Everest Base Camp Trek?
A trek to the base of highest mountain of earth is called Everest Base Camp trek.
Where is Everest Base Camp trek?
Everest Base Camp trek is located in Khumbu region of Nepal Himalaya.
Can you see Everest from Kathmandu?
There are some point around Kathmandu where you can see Everest but because of pollution people don’t see it. During pandemic of COVID when country was lockdown for longer time, Mt Everest was visible once again, even though it is 200km away.
How long is Everest Base Camp Trek?
Depending on the time and interest, the trek can be made in various time frame. The most practical and highly recommended duration is 13 days Kathmandu to Kathmandu or 17 days Nepal arrival to departure. Here is the short itinerary. However if some people have short time they can also make shorter using heli flight return from Base Camp. If someone has longer time you can also make Everest base Camp and Gokyo trek together crossing the Chola Pass. This will takes 21 days. You can also make Everest Base Camp with three high Passes such as Renjo la, Cho-la and Kogma-la. This is known as Three high passes of Everest trek.
Day 01: Arrival and transfer to hotel/ evening welcome dinner with culture programe. Day 02: Full day sightseeing tour of Kathmandu Valley Day 03: Fly to Lukla (2640m) & trek to Phakding about 5 hrs. Day 04: Trek to Namche Bazar (3440m), about 7 hrs. Day 05: Acclimatization day/explore around Thamo or Synboche. Day 06: Trek to Tengbuche (3860m), about 6 hrs. Day 07: Trek to Dingbuche (4410m), about 5-6 hrs. Day 08: Acclimatization day/ explore Chhukung Ri (5100m), about 6 hr. Day 09: Trek to Lobuche (4910m), about 6 hrs. Day 10: Trek to Gorakshep (5140m), explore Everest Base camp (5364m) about 8 hrs. Day 11: Climb to Kala Patthar (5550m) & trek to Pheriche (4240), about 7 to 8 hrs Day 12: Trek to Phortse (3680m), about 6 hrs Day 13: Trek to Monjo (2840m), about 6 hrs Day 14: Trek to Lukla (2850m), about 6 hrs Day 15: Fly back to Kathmandu/Hotel. Day 16: Day at leisure/ reserve day in case of flight cancel/Hotel Day 17: Drive to Airport for return flight
How many Kilometers / Miles is Everest Base Camp trek?
The whole Everest trek is 130 Kilometers/ 81 miles. You will be walking about 13 Kilometers a day as we will have two rest day for acclimatization.
How high is Everest Base Camp Trek?
The maximum height of Everest Base Camp Trek is 5550 Meter / 18208 feet at Kalapathar, a vantage point where every trekkers go to enjoy sunset and sunrise view with amazing Everest and other Himalaya. The Base camp is itself is just 5364 meter or 17598 feet.
How difficult is Everest Base Camp trek?
Everest Base Camp trek is not a difficult trek. If you are healthy and physically fit, anyone can do it. However you need to prepared yourself a bit before undertaking this journey if you are not active person. There are no technical elements to the journey; the key is not to rush and to take your time. If you are positive and know you are going to trek for this much, then you can push your body. Often trekking difficulty is 70% mentality. It requires no prior trekking experience or mountaineering skills of any sort. We have seen people from all walks of life, shapes and sizes completing the trek!
How many hours a day do you walk in Everest Base Camp Trek?
We will be walking 6-9 hrs depending on the day. Some days are shorter and some days are longer.
What is the accommodation on Everest trek like?
Whilst on trek you spent night in lodges/tea houses owned by local Sherpa. The Nepalese trekking lodges also known as 'tea-houses' are simple, friendly and atmospheric. As they are far from the nearest road is it not surprising that they are simple establishments as everything must be carried up by porters or animals. Most of these lodges have heated dining areas which are often attractively decorated. Bedrooms tend to be quite basic and are unheated with wooden beds and foam mattress. You will need a sleeping bag. Most of the places you can get a room with attached bathroom if you prefer to trek a bit comfortable way but you can also get cheaper version, just the common room. There is also possibilities going high-end in few places like luxury accommodation of Yeti Home or Summit Mountain lodge which are knows as the luxury lodge in Everest region.
Is there Telephone / cell phone available in Everest Base Camp Trek?
Many part of the trek, cell phone is working, however not everywhere as networking doesn’t comes in several places where you have to walk in a Gorge. Local phones are also available often.
Is there Wi-Fi / Internet available in Everest Base Camp Trek?
Wi-Fi and Internet are available most of the place with extra money to buy on the spot. However they are not cheaper. It cost you about 10$ for 10GB working only on that hotel where you stay but if you want to buy internet, working everywhere (not only in one particular hotel) it cost you 30$ for 10GB.
Where can I have a shower on Everest Base Camp Trek?
You can take shower in a Teahouse. If you want to take hot shower you have to pay 5-8$ per shower depending on the area. The higher you go the more expensive it is. If you take an accommodation with attached bathroom then you can take shower inside your room and doesn’t cost extra.
Where can I exchange my money for Everest Base Camp Trek?
Money can be exchange in Kathmandu before flying to Lukla. You can also exchange in Namche and Lukla but the course of exchange is not good. Many hotels, on the trek can also accept US$ and Euro without any problem but we highly recommend you to exchange all money that you need for trek in Kathmandu. You can also withdraw money from ATM but that has a limitation of each day. You can also use ATM in Namche and Lukla sometimes.
When is the best time to go on an (EBC) Everest Base Camp Trek?
The best time to trek on the Everest Base Camp is either in Spring (Mid Feb- May) or in Autumn ( Late Sept-Nov). These months either side of the summer monsoon season are neither too hot in the foothills nor too cold in the higher elevations and they offer the best conditions for trekking. Pre-monsoon is the best time to see the colourful blooms of the wild flowers. The post-monsoon months usually offer the clearest skies and the most settled weather. At either of these periods you will encounter a wide range of daytime temperatures during your trip from approximately 25ºC in Kathmandu to approximately 14ºC at 3000 metres, and approximately -1ºC at Everest Base Camp. The ‘real feel’ temperature in the middle of the day will be much warmer than this but at night in the rarefied air the temperatures can drop very quickly and get much colder. Trekking during winter is also perfect as we have mostly sunny days but there will be plenty of snow on the trail and it will be very cold. The temperature may go -1 to -15 degree.
How much does it cost to trek to Everest Base Camp? Why cost are so different?
The cost of the trek is depending on quality of the service of operators and their experience and reputation and the size of the group. There are more than 500 operators, individual guides who operate this trek. Some include food and some don’t. The standard cost of the trek from 1500-3000$ for 17 days holidays without international flight. If you just take a guide, Porter and lukla flight then the cost will be much cheaper. Do not chose the cheaper version because they do not pay well to their guide and porter, they chose the cheaper accommodation, try to cut down your service anywhere possible to be able to save some money. The cost of the trip should be well balanced so that it will be good for customer, operator, employee, community and the environment.
Can one trek to Everest Base Camp independently?
If you are experience trekker, flexible with time, able to carry your backpack yourself in high altitude, want to take some risk and ready to solve problem yourself if arise then you can do this trip independently. If you have limitation of time, not able to carry your backpack, never trekked Himalaya alone before, not ready to solve the problem if you are sick, met accident, flight cancellation etc, need help of finding accommodation and recommendation on what safely eaten then we highly recommend you to make a trek through operator. It is safer and everything is taken care by the operator, so only thing you have to do is walk, eat hearty meals and enjoy the scenery. People often don’t come to make this trek again and again so when you make once, make it with a company that can make this holiday memorable and lasting for whole life.
Do you need good shoes during Everest Base Camp trek?
Yes, you need good shoes for Everest Base Camp trek preferably High-top hiking boots with water proof which will keep you warmer, dryer, and help you feel a little sturdier on your feet. But, if you know you won't be encountering any snow or ice, the lightweight runners be also ok. Depending on the season of trek; in winter you can wear high ankle, during Autumn or Spring you can wear mid to high ankle and during summer low cut to mid cut ankle shoes are perfect. But please do not use new shoes. Use them many times before you head to Himalaya.
What kind of Bag do we need for Everest Base Camp Trek?
You need to carry two bags for Everest Base Camp Trek. One is day bag of 30 liters which you will be carrying yourself with some snacks, water, camera, one jacket and first aid kits. The second kitbag is bigger and you will keep everything here and carried by porters. The big bag should be waterproof.
30 Litre of Rucksack Trekking BagTrekking Kit Bag
What kind of training should I do before trekking to Everest Base Camp (EBC)?
It makes a lot of sense to spend some time before coming on a trekking holiday getting some additional exercise. The fitter you are, after all, the more enjoyable you will find the experience. We suggest that you adopt a weekly exercise regime leading up to your trip. Regular hiking in hill country is the best training but jogging, squash and swimming are also good for developing cardio vascular fitness and stamina. Note that you will encounter a lot of steps on the trail while ascending and you might wish to tailor your exercise to take this into account. Whatever your preparation you should make time to spend at least a few days prior to your trip making long walks in hilly country.
What should I pack for the Everest Base Camp trek?
Here are some guide line for Everest base camp trek equipment checklist to pack:
Hiking boots
Socks
Trekking trousers
Waterproof over trousers
Underwear
Baselayer shirts
Casual shirt and/or T-shirts
Fleece jacket or warm jumper
Waterproof jacket
Warm jacket (down)
Sunhat
Warm hat
Sunglasses
Gloves or mittens
Daypack 30 litres
Headtorch and spare batteries
Sun protection (including total bloc for lips, nose etc.)
Water bottles 1 Litre x2 ( one for hot and one for cold)
Sleeping bag (comfort rated -10°C)
Washbag and toiletries
Toilet paper (you can also buy this in the lodges if necessary)
Antibacterial handwash
Small towel
Selection of dry bags (to keep trek bag contents dry)
Small padlock (to lock trek bag)
Basic First Aid Kit including: antiseptic cream, throat lozenges, diarrhoea treatment (Imodium), altitude (Diamox), painkillers, plasters and blister treatment, insect repellent, and re-hydration salts (Dioralite). Glucose tablets and multi-vitamin tablets.
The following items are optional:
Trekking poles (recommended)
Trainers or similar
Spare laces
Shorts
Thermal baselayer - leggings
Sleeping bag liner
Travel clothes
Camera
Pen-knife (remember to pack sharp objects in hold baggage) Read the full details of equipment that are needed for almost every trek on Trekking Equipment Checklist.
Will I get altitude sickness on Everest Base Camp Trek?
If you do not check your itinerary and try to go faster then there are big chances of having an altitude sickness. We therefore recommend you to check your itinerary properly before booking a trip. DO NOT RUSH and never plan a trek to finish in short window. There are many disadvantage. You will get sick, may not complete your trek, may miss international flight and also life threatening. Normally a trusted tour operator include few acclimatize days in Kathmandu, Namche and probably in Dinboche which gives you enough time to acclimatize your body. They have experience and able to make your trek safer without altitude sickness. Check Altitude Sickness to read full details about the problems that can be faced on high altitude trekking.
Which permit do I need for Everest Base Camp (EBC) Trek?
You need to pay Sagaramatha National Park entrance fee, which is about 35$ and fee for the village development committee about 10$. If you are doing trek through the operators they arrange all permit and already included on their trek cost.
How cold does it get at Everest Base Camp?
Everest Base Camp has a climate that is characterized as a mountain plateau climate, It can be cold throughout the year. The average temperature is -5 to -15 degrees Celsius, depending on the month of the year. It can get much colder in mid-winter Dec-Jan and a bit warmer in June-July.
Is Everest Base Camp safe?
If you are not doing the climbing the trek to Everest Base is extremely safe. However it still poses a variety of risks because of its location and altitude. Being situated at the base of the tallest mountain in the world means that trekkers can often get altitude sickness.
Is there more than one Everest Base Camp?
There are actually two official base camps of Everest, one on the south side which is located in Khumbu Nepal, and one on the north side in Tibet. The most famous Everest Base Camp you have heard and can trek to is located on the south side in Nepal.
Can you drive to Mt. Everest Base Camp?
You can only drive to Northern Everest Base Camp located in Tibet side. You have to trek from Lukla to get to Southern Base Camp of Nepal side which will takes about 7-8 days of walking.
Which is harder Kilimanjaro or Everest Base Camp?
Many people agree that Kilimanjaro is harder than Everest Base Camp because of summit night. While there are many aspects of the Everest Base Camp trek that are harder than Kilimanjaro, the general feeling of the people is that Kilimanjaro is the harder among them.
Can I charge my camera batteries and mobile phone during Everest Base Camp trek?
Yes, you can charge your camera and cell phone in almost everywhere on the Everest trek. Some places you have to pay nominal charging cost.
What is the food like on the trek?
Typical meals provided in the lodges will include some Nepali dishes and some international cuisine like pizza and chips. However as a responsible travelers we encourage you to eat local food whenever possible because this will help the local economy and these local foods are always fresh. Breakfast will usually be porridge, eggs, bread, lunch will be a simple meal like noodle, rice, pasta, potato, bread and dinner will be consisting of soup, main meal. You can also get Apple Pie, pudding and cakes for desert.
What is the average size of the group on Everest Base Camp Trek?
The average group size of the group on Everest Base Camp trek is from 2- 20 people, however, companies can operate solo trekkers and also the bigger groups of students, associations and clubs.
Is it very steep on Everest Base Camp Trek?
Comparing to many others treks in the Himalaya Everest Base Camp trek is much easier compare to trails, up and down and duration of trek each day. However there are some steep on some days.
Can I leave my excess gear in Kathmandu during Everest Base Camp Trek?
Yes, you can leave your excess baggage at any hotel in Kathmandu during Everest Base Camp Trek without any cost. You can even leave some valuable documents in a hotel lockers without any problem.
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