Everest Base Camp Trek Guide

Everest Base Camp trek

Mount Everest is the tallest mountain on Earth. It is located in Nepal, the land of mountains and centuries-old cultural heritages. Climbing Mount Everest is not possible for most humans, but trekking to its base camp is definitely achievable for many.

The journey is adventurous, exciting, and immersive. With Everest, the trekkers get to see many other stunning Himalayan mountains, the lifestyle of Sherpas and other mountain communities, diverse landscapes, and rich flora and fauna.

The Everest Base Camp trek is one of the most famous treks in the world. Thousands of trekkers do this trek every year. Therefore, the trekking route is well-established, and the services are great.

As per your budget, you can complete the Everest Base Camp trek at a reasonable cost or experience the unbelievable luxury side of the Everest region. Imagine luxury lodges with ensuite private washrooms and 24/7 hot running water, helicopter flights, and fine dining.

The amenities and comfort of luxury lodges make the Everest Base Camp trek even more achievable. The adventure is still there. You only compromise less.

On the other hand, the affordable Everest Base Camp trek makes this world-class trekking destination approachable for everyone. Whatever your budget may be, this trek will truly change your life.

Everest Base Camp trek itinerary

Everest Base Camp trek is generally a 14 or 15-day adventure in the Himalayan region in Nepal. The 14-day itinerary is most famous, but it does not usually include a full day in Kathmandu.

If you are planning to buy trekking clothes and gear in Kathmandu or are interested in exploring the historical sites of Kathmandu, a 15-day Everest Base Camp trek itinerary will suit you the best.

Note that there are also 10-day and 12-day Everest Base Camp trek itineraries available for travelers who are on a short holiday. We have shared our top Everest Base Camp trek itineraries below:

Everest Base Camp trek with helicopter return

Are you looking for a short Everest Base Camp trek itinerary? Do you want to skip the return trek to Lukla? Then, the Everest Base Camp trek with a Helicopter returnpackage is best for you.

It is a 10-day trip. You will have two acclimatization days. After exploring Kala Patthar, you will fly back to Kathmandu the same day. It will save you three days of walking, which is around 65 km.

Luxury Everest Base Camp trek

The luxury Everest Base Camp trek is one of the most expensive Everest Base Camp trek packages. It includes overnight stays in luxury lodges, helicopter flights, and five-star accommodation in Kathmandu.

If you want to experience the opulence of the Himalayas, a luxury adventure is suitable for you. The comfort of a luxury trek increases the success rate by 50%, so choose wisely.

Everest Base Camp trek with Gokyo Lakes

The Everest Base Camp trek with Gokyo Lakes is best for trekkers who want to explore the untouched corners of the Everest region. The Gokyo Lakes are one of the highest lakes in the world.

There are six Gokyo Lakes, spread between 4,700 meters and 5,000 meters. The Everest Base Camp trek with Gokyo Lakes is more challenging and adventurous. You can do this trek with or without crossing the Cho La Pass.

*Note: Cho La Pass crossing is only recommended to trekkers with previous experience.

Jiri to Everest Base Camp trek

The Jiri to Everest Base Camp trek is ideal for trekkers who wish to avoid any kind of domestic flights during this trek. So, if you want to do the EBC trek without the Lukla flight, this is the itinerary for you.

It is a 26-day trip that starts with a long and a little bumpy ride from Kathmandu to Jiri. From here, you will hike to Phakding in seven days. We can also customize the no Lukla flight itinerary to be shorter if you want.

*Note: By doing the Jiri to Everest Base Camp trek from Jiri, you will get to explore the lower, untouched part of the Everest region. 

Everest View trek

The Everest View trek is the easiest and shortest trek in the Everest region. It goes up to Namche Bazaar and includes a hike to Hotel Everest View. Some itineraries may also ascend to Tengboche village.
Also known as the Everest Panorama trek, it is ideal for

• Beginner trekkers who are not sure whether they can reach Everest Base Camp
• Trekkers on a short vacation
• Trekkers who want to see Mt. Everest but are not interested in trekking to EBC
• Trekkers who have high altitude issues

Everest Base Camp helicopter tour

The Everest Base Camp helicopter tour is the easiest, most comfortable, and shortest trip. It is a 4-5-hour day tour from Kathmandu to Everest Base Camp.

Previously, you also got to land at Kala Patthar, but nowadays it is not allowed. However, you still land for 15 minutes at Lukla and around half an hour at Hotel Everest View Hotel for breakfast.

If you want to see an aerial view of Mt. Everest and the grandeur of the Himalayas, the Everest Base Camp helicopter tour is recommended. Guaranteed full window seat, spacious helicopters, experienced pilots, and a safe trip. 

Everest Base Camp trek permit

Tourists have to get the Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality permit and the Sagarmatha National Park permit for the Everest Base Camp trek. Usually, these permits are included in the EBC trek package cost.

However, if you plan to trek without a travel agency, you can obtain both permits from the Nepal Tourism Board Office in Kathmandu. The permits cost USD 20 and USD 30, respectively.  

Nepal travel visa

Nepal provides an on-arrival travel visa to travelers from many countries. It is a quick and easy process. Make sure you have the required documents and visa fee (in USD) ready upon landing at the Tribhuvan International Airport.

You can check the details of the on-arrival visa on the official site of the Nepal government. Note that travelers from a few countries are not eligible for an on-arrival visa.

Alternatively, you can visit the Nepalese Embassy or Consulate Office in your country to obtain the Nepal travel visa.

Everest Base Camp trek guide and porter

It is common to trek with a guide and a porter. It makes the Everest Base Camp trek safe and doable. A guide is there to show you the trail, introduce you to the locals and the region, motivate you when you doubt yourself, and ensure your safety.

You will learn a lot from your guide. Likewise, a porter helps with a duffel bag. It makes walking uphill and downhill on the rugged terrain of the Himalayas safe. With the help of a guide and porter, the journey becomes immersive.

*Note:

• One porter carries a duffel bag for two trekkers. Each trekker gets a 9 kg weight limit.
• Guide and porter are included in the Everest Base Camp trek package.
• Tipping guides and porters is customary in Nepal. So, kindly budget at least 15% of the package cost or USD 200.

The Lukla flight

Lukla is the gateway of the Everest region. It connects Everest to the rest of the world. Flying is the quickest way to reach here from Kathmandu. You can reach here in 30 to 35 minutes by flight. The helicopter flying duration is 45 minutes.

Lukla Airport, also known as Tenzing-Hillary Airport, is famous for its location and short runway. Only small propeller planes and helicopters can fly in and out of this airport.

The airport is known to be one of the most dangerous airports in the world. However, for us, it only adds to the adventure of the Everest Base Camp trek.

Things you should know about the Lukla flight:

• Lukla flights are operated from Kathmandu airport between December and February (winter) and June and August (summer/monsoon).
• Between March and May (spring) and September and November (autumn), Lukla flights are operated from Ramechhap Airport. It takes 4-5 hours to reach this airport from Kathmandu.
• To catch the Lukla flight from Ramechhap Airport, you have to leave Kathmandu by 1 or 2 AM.

*Note: Lukla airport is not like a normal airport. It is situated at 2,860 meters above sea level. Likewise, propeller aircraft are small, and landing and taking off from a very small runway is also not common. All these factors have given Lukla Airport a dangerous airport title.

Helicopter flights

If you are not sure about the commercial Lukla flight, consider a helicopter flight to Lukla. It is less nerve-racking and much more comfortable.

A helicopter flight from Kathmandu to Lukla usually costs between USD 500 and USD 800 per person. Shared flight is cost-effective than chartering the whole helicopter.

Airport pick up and drop off

If you trek with a local trekking company like us, you do not have to worry about traveling to and from the airport and hotel. Our team will be readily available to escort you in a private vehicle.

Solo travelers can hail a cab at the airport. Likewise, taxis are also easily available in Thamel and most parts of Kathmandu. 

Everest Base Camp trek weather, temperature, and best trekking time

You can do the Everest Base Camp trek throughout the year. However, some seasons have better climate and weather conditions than others.

Weather and temperature along the Everest Base Camp trek route

Weather and temperature vary as the elevation changes during the Everest Base Camp trek. As you ascend from Lukla to Everest Base Camp, you will notice a drastic change in climate and vegetation.

In Lukla, the average temperature in spring and autumn (peak trekking seasons) ranges between -3°C and 10°C. Whereas the temperature drops below -10°C during the winter season.

Compared to Lukla, the average temperature in spring and autumn at Everest Base Camp is 15°C to -10°C. In winter, the temperature drops below -25°C at EBC.

The daytime is warmer compared to nights and mornings. You may feel hot while hiking but cold while resting. So, trekkers must layer their clothes properly and take off the outer layer as needed.

As the elevation rises, the climate gets colder and the vegetation becomes sparse.

Best time to trek to Everest Base Camp

Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) are the best times to trek to Everest Base Camp. These two seasons have stable weather and a moderate climate, which makes trekking pleasant.

Therefore, hundreds of trekkers from across the world visit Nepal to do the Everest Base Camp trek in these two seasons. The mountain views and landscapes are also excellent in these seasons.

The cons of trekking during the peak time are crowds and packed lodges. April and October are especially the finest times of the year for trekking in the Himalayas, and also the most crowded period.

If you are expecting empty trails, then spring and autumn may not be the best time to do the Everest Base Camp trek. You may try trekking at the start or end of these seasons.

What is the offseason?

Winter (December to February) and summer/monsoon (June to August) are considered the offseason for trekking in Nepal. It is because the weather is very erratic in these two seasons, and the trail condition is also not good, especially during the monsoon.

Unstable weather highly affects the Lukla flights. It leads to frequent delays and cancellations. Because of these reasons, trekking activity gets very low during the offseason.

Everest Base Camp trek in winter (December to February)

As we have mentioned above, winter is an offseason for the Everest Base Camp trek. The Everest region gets very cold during winter. Snow falls mainly above Lobuche village.

Below Lobuche village, snowfall has drastically decreased in recent years. Apart from the cold, gloomy weather, mountain views on some days.

However, the sun keeps the daytime warm and bright on most days. If you love winter, then the Everest Base Camp trek could be one of the finest winter vacations for you.

The trails are empty, the prices of accommodation and food are low, and the winter landscape and tranquility are brilliant. Even though winter is considered an off-season for the EBC trek, we highly suggest it.

Everest Base Camp trek in summer/monsoon (June to August)

Unlike winter, the weather and climate between June and August are truly very unpredictable. Heavy rainfall in the monsoon not only affects the Lukla flights but also makes the trails slippery and muddy.

Unless you love teeming vegetation, rainfall, monsoon scenery, and do not mind muddy trails, trekking to Everest Base Camp in the monsoon is quite challenging physically and mentally.

Everest Base Camp trek in summer/monsoon is possible, but with additional precautions and preparation.

Accommodation and food on the Everest Base Camp trek

Two types of accommodation are available on the Everest Base Camp trek route- basic lodges and luxury lodges. The Everest Base Camp trek route is highly commercialized, so you can find decent facilities.

In villages like Lukla, Phakding, and Namche Bazaar, you will have many more services than in the villages at the higher elevations. The higher you go, the fewer and more costly the services will be.

Basic lodge accommodation

Basic lodges are simple lodges with twin-shared rooms and common washrooms. Basic lodges are affordable. Rooms are small but clean and cozy.

Usually, standard Everest Base Camp trek packages include basic lodges. Services like hot showers, WiFi, and charging cost extra money in basic lodges.

Luxury lodges

Luxury lodges are high-end accommodations for trekkers along the EBC trail. These lodges are expensive, but the service and comfort are top-notch.

Rooms are well-designed and spacious with private washrooms. Amenities such as charging, WiFi, and hot showers do not cost extra money.

Services in the lodges

Hot showers, WiFi, and charging services cost extra money in the standard lodges. Trekkers have to pay these expenses by themselves because these are their personal expenses.

You can expect to pay USD 5 to USD 7 for a hot shower, USD 2 to USD 3 for charging, and up to USD 5 for WiFi. Wet wipes are helpful for days when you can't shower, and extra batteries and power banks are also recommended.

Toilet

Western-style toilets are available in many places along the Everest Base Camp trek route. Likewise, squat toilets are also available in many old lodges.

Trekkers should pack toilet paper, hand sanitizer, soap, etc. Likewise, while hiking, you can use the toilet at your lunch spot.

Food

The standard menu on the Everest Base Camp trek route includes dal bhat, thukpa, noodles, momo, chapati, soups, stew, fried rice, curries, Tibetan bread, etc.

In villages like Lukla and Namche Bazaar, you will also find options like burgers, pizza, briyani, confectionery items, pastries, etc. Eggs, chicken, fruits, oats, muesli, bread, etc, are also widely available.

Drinking water and beverages

Boiled drinking water is readily available throughout the trail. Likewise, plastic water bottles are also found everywhere. Carry water purification tablets for backup.

Boiled water is cost-effective and also not harmful to the environment, so we recommend that trekkers drink it instead of buying expensive plastic water bottles.

Likewise, several types of tea, coffee, energy drinks, and local alcoholic drinks are available. While ascending, avoid alcoholic drinks because they dehydrate the body and increase the risks of altitude sickness.

Accommodation and food tips for the Everest Base Camp trek:

• Carry a sleeping bag for additional comfort and warmth.
• If you are picky about your bedding, pack a bedsheet and pillow cover to use during the trek.
• Pack power banks and spare batteries for backup.
• Taking a shower daily during the EBC trek is not a viable option. So, pack wet tissues to keep yourself refreshed on days you can't take a shower.
• Carry toilet paper, soap, and hand sanitizer in your daypack in case you have to use the washroom while hiking.
• Avoid eating meat or at least check the meat condition above Namche Bazaar. The refrigeration system is not reliable at higher altitudes.
• Pack snacks for the trek. Everything is expensive in the mountains.
• Drink soups and ginger-honey teas daily. It will help in acclimatization and also provide extra hydration.
• Electrolytes are highly recommended for an instant energy boost and quick hydration during the trek. It is better than energy drinks. 

Everest Base Camp trek difficulty, duration, distance, and map

EBC trek difficulty

Everest Base Camp trek difficulty is considered moderate as per Himalayan standards. However, depending upon the fitness and past trekking experience of the trekker, the EBC trek can get more or less challenging.

Rugged terrain, high altitude, and long uphill/downhill walking make the Everest Base Camp trek difficult for many trekkers. However, with the right pace, mindset, itinerary, and support, this trek is very achievable.

EBC trek duration

During the Everest Base Camp trek, you will walk 6 hours a day on average. Some days can get longer or shorter.

Everest Base Camp trek distance

From Lukla to Everest Base Camp and Kala Patthar, you walk around 65 kilometers. After exploring Kala Patthar, you will descend to Lukla, walking around another 65 kilometers. So, in total, the Everest Base Camp trek distance is 130 kilometers (65 kilometers each side).

Everest Base Camp trek map

You can find maps in all of our Everest Base Camp trek packages. Below, we have attached the famous 14-day Everest Base Camp trek map:

Previous trekking experience

Previous trekking experience is not a must for the Everest Base Camp trek. However, having it is highly recommended. You can do a few-day hikes or a short trek before starting the EBC trek. It will help you experience high altitude and uphill walking on rugged terrain.

Everest Base Camp trek for beginners

Every year, hundreds of beginner trekkers do the Everest Base Camp trek successfully. It all depends on your preparation and support. If the Everest Base Camp trek is your first trekking adventure, then make sure you are trekking with a local expert.

Health and safety during the Everest Base Camp trek

The Everest Base Camp trek is an adventurous but safe trip in the Himalayas. If you are well prepared for the trek and supported by a reliable trekking company like us, you do not have to worry about anything.

Altitude sickness

Above 2,500 meters, the oxygen percentage and air pressure are different. As you ascend higher, both deplete. Trekkers who are not used to high altitude may find it challenging to adjust to the environment, which leads to altitude sickness.

Therefore, we include acclimatization days in our Everest Base Camp trek itinerary as well as follow other measures that help avoid altitude sickness.

Symptoms of altitude sickness are vomiting, headache, difficulty breathing, trouble sleeping, loss of appetite, nausea, and dizziness. It is important that you take first aid if you see these signs before ascending further.

Not every trekker suffers from altitude sickness, and your age and fitness have nothing to do with it. It all depends on how well and quickly your body can adjust to a high altitude environment.

By ascending slowly, maintaining your pace, keeping yourself hydrated, and taking acclimatization days, you can reduce altitude sickness during the Everest Base Camp trek.

Khumbu cough

As you ascend, the air gets dry and cold. If you do not cover your mouth, it can irritate the lining of the respiratory tract and lead to a Khumbu cough. By covering your mouth and keeping yourself hydrated, you can reduce the chances of a Khumbu cough.

Getting hurt or sick during trekking

During the Everest Base Camp trek, you will walk on uneven, rugged terrain. Likewise, you will experience diverse climates on a daily basis. So, if you are not walking carefully or are not well-dressed, you may get hurt or sick.

Use trekking poles and sturdy trekking boots. It will help you maintain balance and avoid ankle sprains. Likewise, drink warm water as much as possible and wear proper clothes.

Even after doing everything, if you get hurt or sick, your guide will provide you with first aid and help you recover.

Insider tips:

• Listen to your body and do not push it unnecessarily.
• Do light stretching before starting the hike and after ending the walk.
• Stick to the wall side when passing by yaks or mules on the way.
• Eat ample food and keep yourself hydrated. You have to be in condition to walk 6 hours daily.
• Get enough rest daily.
• If you have any food allergies, make sure to inform your guide and be attentive to what you eat.
• If you have any medical condition, visit your doctor for a consultation before the trek starts.
• Most importantly, make sure you are fit and ready for the journey. 

Everest Base Camp trek packing list

You have to be smart when packing for the Everest Base Camp trek. Overpacking is not recommended because you have a 9 kg duffel bag weight limit and a 5 kg day pack weight limit (if you are trekking with a travel agency).

At the same time, you have to pack all the things that you may need during the Everest Base Camp trek.

We have shared our top packing tips for the Everest Base Camp trek below, and also shared a well-curated packing checklist.

EBC packing tips:

• You can buy all trekking-related clothes, gear, and essentials in Kathmandu at an affordable price.
• Renting option is also available for gear like sleeping bag, trekking poles, day pack, etc, in Kathmandu.
• Pack ziplock bags to store dirty clothes.
• Pack extra pairs of underwear, socks, and pants.
• Pack two beanies (use one during hiking and one while sleeping).
• Get a water bladder for the trek. It will make drinking water easy while hiking.
• Use a balaclava at high altitude to protect your mouth, ears, and face from dry wind and dust.
• Pack a good moisturizer and high SPF for the journey. Make sure to reapply SPF to avoid sunburns.
• Do not bring brand-new trekking shoes. Get your shoes early and get used to them to avoid blisters during the trek.

Everest Base Camp trek cost

A standard Everest Base Camp trek costs USD 1,200 to USD 1,850 per person. The EBC trek costs vary from one trekking company to another, depending on their itinerary and service. Likewise, the luxury Everest Base Camp trek costs between USD 2,500 and USD 5,500 per person.

Usually, the package price includes the following things:

• Your accommodation in Kathmandu and during trekking
• Breakfasts in Kathmandu and three meals a day during the trek
• Everest Base Camp trek permits
• Two Lukla flights
• Guide and porter
• The company's service charge and taxes

In addition to that, the trekking company provides the following services as complementary:

• Airport pick up and drop off
• First aid kit with oximeter
• Duffel bag to use during the trek

Trekkers have to take care of the following expenses during the EBC trek:

• International flight tickets to/from Kathmandu
• Nepal travel visa fee
• Lunch, dinner, and bar bills in Kathmandu
• Travel insurance for the Everest Base Camp trek
• Tips for the guide and porter
• Trekking clothes and gear
• Shopping and souvenir
• Personal expenses like extra food and drinks, charging, WiFi, and a hot shower during trekking
• Emergency fund

Conclusion: Your Everest Adventure Awaits

Everest Base Camp trek is not as complex or scary as you may think. There is definitely a lot to prepare and arrange for the trek, but the journey is worth all the effort you put in.

We recommend trekking with a local Nepali trekking company like us, Adventure White Mountain, for the best experience. Trekking with a local company makes the journey a lot easier and hassle-free.

In addition to that, you will have someone to rely on, talk to, and learn about the region. We welcome travelers from all around the world for the Everest Base Camp trek.

We hope this blog will help you a lot while preparing for the Everest Base Camp trek. If you need any support, feel free to talk to us anytime.