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Everest base camp trek is an adventure that will take you to one of Nepal's highest places. The Everest Base Camp Trek is a popular trek in the Solu-Khumbu region of Nepal that takes you to the base of the world's highest mountain, Mount Everest (also known as Sagarmatha in Nepal) through villages, climb mountains and see wildlife in their natural habitat. The trip begins in Kathmandu, where you'll board a plane for Lukla airstrip where it all began about 70 years ago when Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay first climbed Mount Everest.
The trek starts in Lukla, a small town in the Solu-Khumbu region, and takes you through beautiful landscapes, forests, and small villages before reaching the base camp. Along the way, you will have the opportunity to experience the culture and way of life of the local Sherpa people and to visit monasteries and other cultural sites.
The trek involves walking for 5-7 hours a day on rough trails at high altitudes and can be physically demanding. It is important to be in good physical shape and to acclimatize properly to avoid altitude sickness. This comprehensive beginner guide to Everest base camp trek assist you to plan your adventure holiday with the complete information that you need to know.
Day 1: Fly from Kathmandu to Lukla (2,804 meters/9,199 feet), which is the starting point of the trek. The flight takes about 30 minutes.
Day 2: From Lukla, you will start your trek to Phakding (2,652 meters/8,701 feet), which takes about 3-4 hours.
Day 3: The next day, you will trek to Namche Bazaar (3,440 meters/11,283 feet), which takes about 6-7 hours. Namche Bazaar is the main village in the Solu-Khumbu region and is a good place to acclimatize before continuing the trek.
Day 4: From Namche Bazaar, you will trek to Tengboche (3,870 meters/12,694 feet), which takes about 5-6 hours. Tengboche is home to a beautiful monastery that is worth visiting.
Day 5: From Tengboche, you will trek to Dingboche (4,410 meters/14,468 feet), which takes about 5-6 hours. Dingboche is another good place to acclimatize before continuing the trek.
Day 6: From Dingboche, you will trek to Lobuche (4,940 meters/16,207 feet), which takes about 5-6 hours.
Day 7: From Lobuche, you will trek to Gorak Shep (5,170 meters/16,961 feet), which takes about 5-6 hours. Gorak Shep is the last stop before reaching the base camp.
Day 8: From Gorak Shep, you will trek to the Everest Base Camp (5,364 meters/17,598 feet), which takes about 3-4 hours and back to Gorakhsep for overnight.
Day 9: The next day, you will trek to Kalapatthar (5,545 meters/18,192 feet), which offers breathtaking views of Mount Everest and the surrounding peaks. From Kalapatthar, you will return to Pheriche (4,288 meters/14,070 feet), which takes about 6-7 hours.
Day 10: From Pheriche, you will trek back to Namche Bazaar, which takes about 6-7 hours.
Day 11: From Namche Bazaar, you will trek back to Lukla, which takes about 6-7 hours.
Day 12: From Lukla, you will fly back to Kathmandu.
This itinerary is just a rough guide and can be modified according to your preferences and the availability of lodges along the way.
The cost of the Everest Base Camp Trek depends on various factors, including the duration of the trek, the route you take, the mode of transportation, the type of accommodation, and the type of meals you choose.
On average, the cost of the Everest Base Camp Trek ranges from $1,500 to $3,000 per person. This includes the cost of the flights from Kathmandu.
To trek to the Everest Base Camp, you will need to obtain a trekking permit from the Government of Nepal. There are two types of permits you can get: The Sagarmatha National Park Permit and the local tax permit.
The Sagarmatha National Park Permit is required to enter the Sagarmatha National Park, which is home to the highest mountain in the world, Mount Everest. The cost of the permit is NPR 3,400 (about $30) for foreign nationals and NPR 1,500 (about $15) for SAARC (South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation) nationals.
The local tax permit is required for all trekkers either national or international. The local tax cost is about NPR 2,000 (about $20) for foreign nationals and NPR 1,500 (about $15) for SAARC nationals.
You can get the National Park permits and the local tax permit card in Jorsale office which lies in Solu Khumbu disctrict. Jorsale lies in between Lukla and Namche which is a starting point of trekking in Everest region.
Note: The cost of the permits and the local tax permit is subject to change, so it is advisable to check the current rates before starting the trek.
During the Everest Base Camp Trek, you will stay in lodges or tea houses. These are basic accommodations that offer a bed, blankets, and basic toilet facilities. Most lodges also have a dining area where you can have meals. The cost of the lodges varies depending on the location and the facilities offered. On average, you can expect to pay about $5 to $200 per night for a lodge room.
The best season to trek to the Everest Base Camp depends on your preferences and the type of weather you are comfortable with.
The trek can be done throughout the year, but the peak season is from September to November and from March to May. These are the best months to trek as the weather is usually clear and dry, and the views of the mountains are spectacular. The shoulder season (December to February) is also a good time to trek, as the weather is cooler and the crowds are lesser. However, the nights can be very cold, and the trails may be slippery due to the snow.
The monsoon season (June to August) is not a good time to trek as the trails are wet and slippery, and the views of the mountains are obscured by the clouds.
The Everest Base Camp Trek is considered moderate to challenging, depending on your physical fitness and acclimatization.
The trek involves walking for 5-7 hours a day on rough trails at high altitudes. The highest point of the trek is Kalapatthar (5,644 meters/18,517 feet), which can be physically demanding.
It is important to be in good physical shape and to acclimatize properly to avoid altitude sickness. It is better to get a guide and a porter to help with the trek. You can check trip grading information for more details about grading information and difficulty level.
This map is just a rough guide and the actual route may vary depending on the itinerary and the availability of lodges along the way.
Whether the Everest Base Camp Trek is worth it or not depends on your personal interests and goals. If you are an avid trekker and enjoy challenging hikes in beautiful landscapes, then the Everest Base Camp Trek is definitely worth it. The trek offers a unique opportunity to see some of the highest peaks in the world, including Mount Everest, and to experience the culture and way of life of the local Sherpa people.
However, if you are not an experienced trekker or are not comfortable with physically demanding activities at high altitudes, then the Everest Base Camp Trek may not be suitable for you. The trek involves walking for 5-7 hours a day on rough trails at high altitudes, and can be physically demanding. It is important to be in good physical shape and to acclimatize properly to avoid altitude sickness.
During the Everest Base Camp Trek, you have the option to hire a guide and a porter to help with the trek. A guide is a professional who has extensive knowledge of the trek route, the local culture and customs, and the natural history of the region. A porter is a local person who carries your luggage and other belongings during the trek.
Hiring a guide and a porter has several benefits:
It is important to choose a reputable guide and porter service and to negotiate the terms and conditions before starting the trek. It is also advised to hire a guide and porter through a reputable trekking agency to ensure that they are trained and qualified and that they follow ethical practices.
The trek involves walking for 5-7 hours a day on rough trails at high altitudes and can be physically demanding. It is important to be in good physical shape and to acclimatize properly to avoid altitude sickness.
While the Everest Base Camp Trek is not a technical climb, it does require a good level of physical fitness and endurance. If you are a beginner trekker or are not comfortable with physically demanding activities at high altitudes, then the Everest Base Camp Trek may not be suitable for you.
However, if you are in good physical shape and are willing to train and prepare for the trek, then it is possible for a beginner to do the Everest Base Camp Trek. It is recommended to start with shorter and easier treks to build your endurance and to get used to the high altitude. You should also consult with your doctor and get a thorough medical check-up before starting the trek.
It is also recommended to hire a guide and a porter to help with the trek and to ensure that you have a safe and enjoyable experience. A guide can provide valuable insights and information about the trek route and the local culture and customs, and can help you navigate the challenges of the trek.
At high altitudes, the air is thin and contains less oxygen, which can make it harder to breathe. As you ascend to higher altitudes during the Everest Base Camp Trek, you may experience shortness of breath and other symptoms of altitude sickness, such as headache, dizziness, nausea, and fatigue. These symptoms are caused by the body's inability to get enough oxygen to the muscles and the brain.
To reduce the risk of altitude sickness, it is important to acclimatize properly and to take it slow as you ascend. It is also recommended to drink plenty of fluids, eat a high-carbohydrate diet, and avoid alcohol and tobacco. If you experience severe symptoms of altitude sickness, it is important to descend to a lower altitude and seek medical attention.
During the Everest Base Camp Trek, you may be able to use your phone to make and receive calls and texts, depending on the coverage and the service provider.
In Nepal, there are several mobile phone service providers that offer coverage in the Solu-Khumbu region, where the Everest Base Camp Trek takes place. These include Nepal Telecom, Ncell, and Smart Telecom.
However, the coverage can be patchy and may depend on the location and the time of year. In some areas, you may not have any coverage at all, while in other areas, you may have good coverage. It is advisable to check with your service provider before starting the trek and to inquire about the coverage in the Solu-Khumbu region.
It is also recommended to bring a satellite phone or a satellite messaging device as a backup, in case you are unable to use your phone or you have an emergency.
It is not allowed to fly drones around the Everest Base Camp or in the Sagarmatha National Park, which is home to the highest mountain in the world, Mount Everest (also known as Sagarmatha in Nepal).
The Sagarmatha National Park is a protected area and drones are not allowed within its boundaries. Flying a drone in the park can disturb the natural environment, the wildlife, and the local communities, and can also pose a safety risk.
In addition, flying drones at high altitudes can be challenging due to the thin air and the strong winds. The batteries may drain faster and the drones may not perform as well as at lower altitudes.
It is important to respect the local laws and regulations and to protect the natural environment when visiting the Everest Base Camp and the Sagarmatha National Park.
Here is a list of essential equipment that you should consider bringing on the Everest Base Camp Trek:
This is just a general list of essential equipment for the Everest Base Camp Trek. The actual items you need may vary depending on the season, the duration of the trek, and your personal preferences. It is important to do some research and to pack appropriately for the trek. Get a complete information by checking the link about trekking equipment checklist.
Overall, the Everest Base Camp Trek is a challenging but rewarding adventure that offers a unique opportunity to see some of the highest peaks in the world and to experience the culture and way of life of the local Sherpa people. If you are an avid trekker and enjoy challenging hikes in beautiful landscapes, then the Everest Base Camp Trek is definitely worth it.
Trekking Team Group
Chaksibari Marg, Thamel, Kathmandu(Opposite to Investment Bank)
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