Everest Base Camp Trek Details

The Everest Base Camp (EBC) Trek is the most incredible adventure trek which has a good reputation for being the best trekking on the planet. The trekkers will prepare to embark on the most incredible adventure of their lives. You’ll walk across a small village on the mountain, which offers breathtaking views. This is the Everest region, where the ancient culture of society meets unrivaled natural beauty. Every year, it attracts adventurers from all over the globe. This is one of the most challenging trekking routes among the highest mountains in the world.

Everest region is lies in the Sol Khumbu District, is famous for Khumbu glaciers, paradise mountain ranges and forest area, variety of wild creatures and monasteries. The extra day in Namche bazaar & Dingboche help you good acclimatization to accomplished the Everest Base camp. Beyond the expectation landscapes, tourist to this region will find extraordinary experience of Sherpa lifestyle by discovering museums and monasteries along the trail.

The deep combination of natural beauty, interesting culture and very warm Nepalese welcome from the locals of the Everest region, really makes the Everest Base Camp trek one of the planets best unexpected memory. Here I am going to give you the information about itinerary, food, altitude sickness, packing list and many more.

Everest Base Camp Trek Route Overview

I have been working as a trekking guide in Nepal from the last eight years. I have done lots of trekking in Nepal. Here, I am going to give you trekking information about Everest Base Camp (EBC). I hope the information that I give you here will be good enough.

Country: Nepal
EBC Trek Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging.
Length of Trek: 12 to 15 Days
Trek Style: Tea House
EBC Trek Distance: 125 Km / 78 Miles
Accommodation: Basic Standard Guest House
EBC Trek Altitude: Base Camp 5364 m / Kala Patthar 5550 m
Best time to go EBC: Spring (March, April, May) & Autumn (September, October, November)
EBC Permit: Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit & Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Entrance Permit
EBC Trek Route: Lukla – Phakding – Namche Bazaar – Tengboche – Dingboche – Lobuche – Gorakshep – EBC.
Start From: Lukla, 35 minutes of flights from Kathmandu.

• Awe-inspiring mountain views from the plane’s left side/window;
• The World’s Most Extreme Airport – Tenzing Hillary Airport in Lukla.
• The swing bridge, which is made up of several long suspensions.
• Several stupas, which are curved erections used for meditation, can be found.
• Mani stones are carved and drawn with Buddhist scripts.
• A prayer wheel is a metal cylinder-shaped disk mounted on a spindle.
• Rivers, pine trees, snow-capped mountains, small waterfalls, and other natural wonders
• Namche Bazar, the largest Sherpa settlement area, and the peaks that surround it.
• The Sagarmatha National Park Museum has stunning views of the mountain range and its snow-capped peaks.
• Beautiful views of mountain peaks, snow peaks, glaciers and other ice formations.
• Mount Everest base camp, Mt. Everest itself
• Tengboche Monastery – Oldest and important monastery in Everest Region.

Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu

Arrival at any time. Take a drive from taxi up to your Hotel from outside Airport (Cost around Rs.1000).

Day 02: Fly to Lukla (2800m, 30min) and trek to Phakding (2600m, 3 hours)

Wake up early morning according to Lukla flight time. You are required to be at airport one hour before departure. Complete formalities inside the terminal. There after, take a flight for 35 minutes to Tenzing-Hilary airstrip at Lukla.
Breakfast at Lukla. Again, continued walk up and down by clockwise round to Mani stone and chorten and reached Phakding. Along the trail pass the rhododendron and pine forest, capture Mountain view like Karyolung (6511 m), Nupla (5885 m) and Gongla (5813 m) etc.

Day 03: Trek to Namche Bazaar (3440m, 5 – 6 hours)

7:00 am: Breakfast
8:00 am: Trek to Namche Bazaar; Namche is a heart of Khumbu. This village was built an ancient valley is the Largest of all Sherpa settlement. The major attraction of Namche bazaar is Sherpa culture Museum, Sagarmatha National Park Head Quarter, Entrance Chorten, Namche Monastery.

Day 04: Acclimatization day in Namche bazar

7:00 am: Breakfast
8:00 am: Acclimatization day, explore the Namche Bazaar and go to hike 300 m uphill to make a body acclimatize on the high height which enable comfort for tomorrow. Enjoy watching top of the world Mount Everest.

Day 05: Trek to Tengboche (3860m, 5 hours)

7:00 am: Breakfast
8:00 am: Trek to Tengboche for 5 hours from Namche. Stroll little up and meet wide trail for few hours and descend down through the pine forest for an hour and head up to Tengboche for 2 hours. There is a Tengboche monastery which was established around 1915 AD. Inside this monastery, 60 monks are living at the age from 8-year-old beginners to 80-year-old reincarnate Rinpoche.

Day 06: Trek to Dingboche (4400m, 5 hours)

7:00 am: Breakfast
8:00 am: On this sixth day of Everest base camp trek, we had to cross the tree line. Trail goes through rhododendron forest following dudh koshi river. Actually, the contracted trail lead from the right side through Debouche. Then move towards dingboche by walking on gradual trail, crossed the tree line and move further by viewing height peaks. Subsequently, Yak and Nak on crumple path before getting Dingboche. O/N stay at Lodge.

Day 07: Acclimatization day Explore the Nagarjuna height.

7:00 am: Breakfast
8:00 am: Acclimatization day, go to Nagarjuna height 300 meter up for the adaptation your body in to high height. Explore 360-degree view of mountains. From this top of hill, we see an outstanding view of Tabuche, Lhotse, Amadablam, Nuptse, Peak 38 (7590 m), Baruntse (7152 m), Thamserku, Island peak (6189 m), Makalu (8485 m), and Amphula (5630) etc. We see identical lovely birds like Himalayan Ravan, Himalayan vulture, common Kestrel, etc.

Day 08: Trek to Lobuche (4900m, 5 hours)

7:00 am: Breakfast
8:00 am: A trail lead through little upwards like half an hour through stupa and smoothly walked into grassland where no trees area. After walking slowly but surely, we touch at Thukla for the lunch break. Later, passing memorials part we again walk for around more than 1 hrs. bit by bit and arrive at Lobuche.

Day 09: Trek to Gorakshep (5150m, 5 hours) and Hike to Mt. Everest Base Camp (5364m) , then back to Gorakshep.

6:00 am: Breakfast
7:00 am: Final day of accomplishing the Everest Base Camp. Which will make feeling proud to be excited near to the top of the world. After breakfast, start trek to Gorakshep for 3hrs over the wide trail from the mid of two rocky hills with the view of Khumbu glacier and mountains. Go to base camp after lunch and back track for the rest night to sleep at Gorakshep.

Day 10: Trek to Pheriche (4100 m, 6 hours)

7:00 am: Breakfast
8:00 am: Just trek for 3hrs to Pheriche which lies in a valley, surrounded by rocky hills and mountains. But the town (Pheriche) is very much windy and better for summer settlement. The mountains that we see from Pheriche are Amadablam, Thamserku, Kangtega, Tabuche, Cholatse and Lobuche peak (6119 m).

Day 11: Trek to Kyangjuma (3600 m, 6 hours)

7:00 am: Breakfast
8:00 am: Follow a different trail up to Syomare. The trail leads efficiently down and uphill by crossing Iron Bridge. Descending trek. From 4250 m we descent to 3600 m. Stop at Tengboche for lunch. Over again descent to fungki tenga. Cross the suspension bridge and head few minutes upwards by-passing rhododendron and pine forest and arrive at Kyangjuma.

Day 12: Trek to Chumoa (2800 m, 5 hours)

7:00 am: Breakfast
8:00 am: Today again the trail moves gradually downwards followed by Dudh Koshi River, Mani stone, chorten and stupa, & reach at Namche bazaar. Again, follow same trail descending highly through rhododendron and blue pine conifer trees, crossing suspension bridges, and showing national park permit and rounding clockwise prayer wheel, we reach at Chumoa guest house for O/N.

Day 13: Trek to Lukla (2900 m, 4 hours)

7:00 am: Breakfast
8:00 am: Trek back to Lukla a place from where trek began. A day very soon the trek close to end.

Day 14: Fly Lukla to Kathmandu (1350m, 30min)

8:00 am: Wake up early according to Lukla – Kathmandu flight time. Be at the airport 1 hour before & complete certain formalities inside terminal. The flight will be 35 minutes to Tribhuvan International Airport.

Day 15: Departure at any time

Departure as per your wish time. Need to be at the airport 3 hours before departure .

Read EBC Trek Itinerary for more details information.

Everest Base Camp Trek (14N/15D) = 2 Nights Kathmandu – 1 Night Phakding – 2 Nights Namche Bazaar – 1 Night Tengboche – 2 Nights Dingboche – 1 Night Lobuche – 1 Night Gorakshep – 1 Night Pheriche – 1 Night Kyangjuma – 1 Night Chumoa – 1 Night Lukla

You may also like to learn more about Everest Base Camp Trek Map.

Actually, there are many options to trek to Everest base camp (EBC). Firstly, you have to make a clear plan to do EBC Trek; whether you prefer to go through a local agency, an international agency, or independently, it’s your choice. If you are newbie or a beginner, then prefer to go guided tour through the agencies.

Life is very important then the money you choose. A person who have already been to high altitude time and again; can try with independent with the support of only guide and porters.

Other options are: you have three key choices to get to Everest base camp; booking via a national agency, an international agency, or an independent (recruiting only a porter and guide). Going alone at high altitude is not recommended.

If you are in group and planning together with your friends and family & have good connection then could recommended to take part for solo trekking to Everest Base Camp.

If you suffer from altitude symptoms, and nobody is there for your support, traveling alone at high altitude can even cause death within a few hours. So, be alert at any time and plan accordingly. If you need any assistance for your services, feel free to contact your agency or inform your guide.

Things to Know while Trekking to EBC.

Definitely, running tour company has nothing to do with business at all if they don’t have ideal team leader or guide that motivate their clients or visitor to come back and tell their friends about the company they work for.

If you’re seeking for a competent and trustworthy company for Everest Base Camp Trek to help you plan an outstanding vacation for your family, special group, or couple, you’ve come to the perfect place. For your EBC trek, I am here to take care of all of your needs in a competent and effective manner. I can assist you in realizing your dreams and ensuring a stress-free, genuine, and above-and-beyond vacation.

If you’re not sure what to do, where to go, or how long to stay, I can help you plan the perfect trip, including adding as many activities as you want and anything else you need. For example, top sightseeing tours, excursions, and activities as desired, as well as all necessary transportation services.

We are the socially responsible tour & trekking guide in Nepal and guarantee the value of our work. We never offers the cheapest package option for our clients. Because, we count the ton of value for the services we provide.

You can also read about the Everest Base Camp Trek companies if you’re not trusting us & looking for other national and international good companies.

Many national and international companies have offered the EBC trekking package at different prices. Actually, the package costs will be determined according to the types of services the agencies provide. There are many booking platform organizations like Bookmundi, Tourradar, etc., where different agencies take part in selling Everest trek packages with variable costs.

My recommendation while choosing Everest base camp trek packages; try to see the services that included in your cost provided. I would suggest to choose the best agency that have good review as well.

Here is all you should know before planning for the EBC trek that may help you to create your own Everest trek cost package for great experience in your life.

Transportation
Airport arrival and departure transfers
Air transportation from Kathmandu–Lukla–Kathmandu

Meals (Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner)
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner

Note: Different individuals have their own ways of spending the money on their choice of food. So, it is not compulsory to add the meals to your all inclusive EBC trek package cost.

It will be much more freedom if you skip the meals in your EBC trekking in Nepal package.

Everest National Park Permit
Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit
The Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Entrance Permit

Accommodation:
3-Star Hotel Deluxe Room in Kathmandu 2 Nights
Basic Lodges During EBC Trekking 12 Nights

Guide & Porter:
English Speaking Certified License Guide for 15 Days
Porter for trekking bag carriage – 1 Porter for 2 Trekkers

How Much Does EBC Trek Cost?

If you choose to trek from any other agency, the average price per person will differ from the low to high season rate. The price ranges from 1250 USD to 2980 USD/PP. This is the price that different companies offer in the online market. The price is also determined according to the type of the destination and the lodges you prefer to choose. Another is that the price is also determined according to nationality. For example, the Everest base camp trek for Nepali and SAARC countries’ nationalities (EBC Trek Cost for Indians) is quite cheaper. Regarding to the foreign nationals, SAARC Countries Nationals have some limitation in the flight fare & permit cost. All other cost are similar to normal for everyone.

Extra miscellaneous expenses that arise amid the trek does not cover in your Everest base camp trek cost when you book from any other local or foreign agencies. For instance:

• Expenses for personal nature such as bar bills, mineral waters and Laundries etc.
• Insurance
• Tipping or Tips
• Additional expenses which may arise due to circumstances beyond control of yourself or organization such as Landslides, strikes, delays etc.

Actually, budget is king during trekking in Nepal. Try to carry an emergency fund for the Everest Base Camp Trek. You must be confident that you will be able to cover all of your expenses for transportation, flights, accommodation, meals, etc. in your estimated budget for the 12 night/13 day Everest Base Camp Trek. The best way to save money is to travel to Lukla by land rather than by air. If you are looking to travel with perfection, feel free to ask a few questions before trekking to EBC:

Guides and Porters Service for EBC Trek.

Are you looking to hire a guide and porter for Everest trekking in Nepal? Then it’s best to find it in Kathmandu. There are many local agencies that offer only guide and porter services. Let me know if you need me for the EBC trek guide.

Only Guide Service

If you want to hire an EBC trek guide from KTM, You will have great opportunities to learn about your guide. If you want to hire a guide from Lukla, you can save money on the expense of the guide flight from Kathmandu to Lukla. But you won’t know about the guide’s capacity to speak the language.

Must Know About EBC Trek Guide Service Before Hiring

• Be sure that your trekking guide is Government of Nepal-licensed.
• Able to give right information about the places and monitors your fitness in high altitude.
• Your guide should cover by Insurance.
• Can arrange for you to stay in a Hotel amid the trek.
• Knowledgeable & friendly EBC trek guide.
• A guide that does not create any complications that may arise amid the trek.

Only Porter Service

Hire a porter for your trek services, if you don’t need any more details about the locations and people talking with you. They may not be able to communicate in English and may be ignorant about the trekking trail. They just hold your belongings at the back. If you’re just trekking with a porter, you’ll have to arrange your own hotel, lodging, and other facilities.

Must Know About Porter Before Hiring for EBC Trek

• It is strong enough to hold up to 15 kilograms of luggage.
• Must able to deliver the luggage without hesitation.
• Able to speak simple English (at least broken English).
• Confidence to understand what the guest is saying.
• Able to tackle the emergency situation that arises amid the trek.

Tipping Porter and Guide on EBC Trek.

In Nepal, there is not any general ritual of Tipping. Due to the western influence all guide & porters they expect a good tip from you. Definitely, it’s difficult to know when and how much to tip. I think tipping is way of expressing gratitude for excellent service. The level of satisfaction with the guides and porters, facilities varies depending on the service receiver. If you are dissatisfied with their operation or considering it terrible, you will practically avoid tipping.

However, it is essential that if they provide you with excellent service, it is preferable to tip them. The majority of travelers are confused by the tipping amount. The hikers are unsure how much to tip and are fearful of either offering too much or not enough.

Actually, the porter and guide are really the heroes of the mountains. They struggle very hard for tourist services. Even your family could not help you that much as the guide and porter do for you in the mountains. They always try their best to provide service to their guests. Hence, your tips are the major source of income for them. My recommendation for tipping a guide is as your happiness and for a porter is also the same.

The cost of the food in the EBC trek is quite expensive, comparable to those on other common trekking routes like the Annapurna Base Camp trek, Annapurna Circuit Trek, and Poonhill Trek. I will recommend that everyone who wishes to go to Everest base camp should estimate the food cost per day at 45 USD, which will be 15 USD per meal, which could be enough for their economic success.

Actually, food cooked by tea houses is good enough that meet the standard of foreign guest. But the quantity is quite filling and simple decorating. The fact that the porters and yaks bring all food stuff up the mountain.

Avoid meat to eat during EBC trek. The quality of meat is not good. Because, meat is carried from downwards of Lukla or from Kathmandu & carried by porter for the several days without refrigerated.

Popular Food at Everest Base Camp Trek

Although, in the mountains there are animals that live in the area, such as Yak & Nak – there meat is famous for steak dish – but the locals religions forbid to slaughter of animals in the region. Therefore, all meat come from lower solo Khumbu or from Kathmandu & carried up the mountain. So, avoid the meat to eat in EBC treks.

Breakfast

Everybody know that the most important meal of the day is particularly, a morning breakfast. When you are going to EBC, there have a wide range of breakfast choices. If you are looking for a breakfast option during the trek then there are variety of popular classics such as porridge and muesli to hot choices omelets, boiled egg or pancakes, as well as tea with milk to continental breakfasts.

Some other breakfast options in Everest base camp trek: Oat or Champa Porridge, Toast with jam & honey, cheese tomato omelets, Chapatti with Jam and Honey, Tibetan bread with Jam and honey, French toast etc.

Tea Break

After your morning meal, you will hike for around 2 hours in to the breathtaking Himalayas. Thereafter, you will stop for the tea break that will make your body acclimatize or recharge. Actually, timing will be depending on where you are on the trek.

If you are hiking through a village with a teahouse, your guide will stop you there and offer with the menu basically for some tea or simple snacks. At that time, you can have some of your favorite home baked cakes or delicious special coffees. Chocolate brownie, Apple pie, carrot cake, cheese cake are among of my favorites.

Lunch

Around midday, you will arrive at the place to have your lunch. There are a variety of choices for the lunch meal during the Everest base camp trek.

After a full day of hiking, people often feel hungry and would like to have with quantity and flavor. Maybe you would like to taste spaghetti with cheese and tomato that come in generous quantities. Dal vat which comprises of Rice, Dhal Soup with vegetable potatoes curry.

If you are feeling hungry, dal vat is a good option. When your plate is finished, they will refill your rice, dhal soup, & curry. Simply, you need to tell them if you need more. You don’t need to pay the extra price for adding rice and dal soup.

Except above all, you may prefer spring rolls, momo, sandwiches, etc. Another common option for lunch is Sherpa Stew. This tastes like a curry flavor (vegetable stew). It’s a perfect choice for a lunch that’s easy on your stomach when served with bread or chapati. It gives you a healthy protein boost in your body.

Dinner

Almost all Nepalese eat Dal Bhat for dinner. The phrase define itself “Dal Bhat Power, 24 Hour!”. Actually, when we order for the Dal Bhat – a variety of curried vegetable and potato dishes, rice, spicy pickles, poppadum’s’, yoghurt, and/or fresh chilies is commonly served in city area and some tea houses in the mountains.

Dal Bhat provide all of nutrients you need after a day hiking & it always comes with unlimited refills until stomach get full. You could also order a plate of Nepali Chowmin, fried potatoes dish, fried Rice etc.

Food on Everest base camp trek timing would normally for breakfast at 7:00 am. There will be no fixed time to have lunch which will be around 12:00 to 14:00. And very early dinner will not long after 19:00.

Common food that are available on most of the tea houses menus: Dal Bhat, Chapati, Pancake, Macaroni, Momos, Burger, Potato Chips, Pizza, Sherpa stew, Spaghetti, Thukpa, Sandwich, Spring Roll, Egg etc.

Do remember: Do not forget to carry your favorites snacks too like chocolate bar, snicker, mars, mint, cookies etc. There will no fixed time to have your lunch. Buy and carry some lemon or fruits in the city or in the mountains to avoid becoming scurvy along the way.

Everest Base Camp Trek Foods – You may not be acquainted

Dal Bhat is a popular Nepali dish of steamed rice with lentil soup that has been incorporated into Sherpa cuisine due to the abundance of rice in Solukhumbu. It’s a popular breakfast and dinner option.

Lentils come in a variety of colors and sizes, but Sherpas choose the black and red versions. While black lentils are said to be tastier, red lentils cook faster. Lentils also have a high protein content, making them an ideal addition to a predominantly vegetarian diet.

Sherpa Stew: Also known as Shakpa (traditional sherpa food). Ingredients (dried or fresh meat if it’s available, – potatoes, carrots, spinach, garlic, onions, karela, a couple of chilies, turmeric powder, salt flour). Heat Oil at bottom of a pot, chopped all and boil until all ingredients are fully cooked.

Tibetan Bread – It is also known as Gurung bread on some menus is a fantastic little creation. Dip it in honey or soak it in your tea

Actually, it is fried and mildly sweet and sticky. This is the ideal way to resume the day in the morning. All will benefit from the simple, warm bread comfort – we all need comfort from time to time, and it always comes in the form of something sweet and bready.

Momos – A dumpling items of food. Try veg Momo or cheese or potato with a little tomato sauce or chili sauce, which is very tasty.

It is very expensive to buy the water on EBC trek. As the altitude rises, everything gets more costly. A cost for mineral water during the trekking is around NPR 100 to NPR 500 ($1 to $5). My recommendation for the drinkable water is to be refill. Because, plastic bottle causes an environment problem.

Therefore, we request that you buy LifeStraw bottles or Steri PEN-UV water purifying products that are suitable for every type of climate. While using a filter type of bottle, be careful of freezing temperatures at high altitudes, which might damage your filter.

Moreover, I suggest you to carry some purification tablet or drops or filter. Every tea house provides you plenty of fresh tap water. Whereas you can refill and put some drops or tablet per liter; that will enough for drinking while on the hike. There is a lack of water supplies in Gorakshep.

So, you need to buy mineral water for drinkable purposes only in places where there is a lack of drinkable water. But, try to skip the plastic mineral water bottles while trekking to EBC. This is also good for the world because you won’t be using too many water bottles, which will otherwise end up as trash on the mountain!

There are many teahouses along the route to Everest base camp. Every tea house offers a twin share accommodation. The cost of accommodation on EBC trek is not very expensive.

Actually, the price for the room are different in some of the lodges that may offer you with attached bathroom. So, it is very difficult to say how much could it takes for the accommodation during EBC trek. It all determine according to the type of trip you prefer; Luxury or Average or Budgeted.

But, the accommodation in Lobuche & Gorakshep is same type of it. There you will find common shared toilet facilities. This rate is based on the assumption that you can eat there. The major source of income for tea house is that you have to intake some food from the same lodge.

I appreciate that budget traveler tries to save small amount of dollar they can. Meanwhile, tea houses earn very little money from room they provide. The only way for them to make money is that you have to eat there. So, bringing everything with yourself and asking only for accommodation is not a good idea.

Types of Accommodation During EBC Trek

Almost every teahouse along the Everest Base Camp Trek route have basic standard accommodation with two single beds. Actually, room have thin wall made up of single plywood. You can hear the sounds of next room easily. The temperature of room is quite cold. But you can get a plenty of blanket during the off season if needed. Otherwise, at least couple of blankets will get.

However, you have to bring your own sleeping bag that cover up the temperature for -20 degree. If you are couple, assist each other to push two bed & make it together for warm hug sleep. In your room or at bathroom, there is not any electric hole or plug that you can charge your device. You have to go at dinning hall and must pay to charge your device. Read details about the Everest Base Camp Trek Accommodation.

Dinning hall is big where to enjoy breakfast/lunch/dinner as well interact with other visitors. A fireplace in the middle of the dining hall burns firewood and mostly yak dung. Most of the tea houses have western style common share toilet facilities with common share bathroom for Hot shower.

During the Everest base camp trek there will be various other unforeseen expenses will arise. Hence, when we climb up the mountains, the whole thing becomes more costly. Unforeseen expenses that arises in the mountains are as follows:

Lukla is a starting point of the Everest base camp trek. Firstly, you have to book a flight for Lukla from Kathmandu. According to flight tickets time, you need be at the domestic airport of the Kathmandu one hours before departure. Flight to Lukla will take 35 minutes from Ktm airport.

Flying from Kathmandu to Lukla – Tenzing-Hillary Airport is the most convenient way to begin the EBC trek. Lukla Airport is the extreme airport in the world. Flight is so much thrilling experience.

There are only three airlines (Tara Air, Sita Air & Goma summit airlines) that operates the flight from Kathmandu – Lukla – Kathmandu. A flight fare for the foreigner is USD 360 for two-way (Air Fare subject to change according to season).

You love the mountains & if wished to stay on the Himalaya region for few days then you easily can change your flight time while returning from EBC trek. You can change your flights time free of cost and can stay for some lay over days in the mountains.

While booking a flight to Lukla for EBC Trek

My recommendation is to book a first flight that runs early morning. Because the later flight may get canceled due the heavy wind blow near Lukla airport. Rarely, may have to stuck one of the either place due to the inclement weather conditions.

During the flight, you will be allowed to carry 10kg of luggage and 5 kilograms of hand luggage. Airlines will charge an extra fee if your baggage is heavier than required. I hope you will not carry more than you can lift or carry.

Meanwhile, if you have lots of luggage that are not necessary for Everest base camp trekking, you can be stored at the Hotel of Kathmandu. Your hotel will not charge for you to store your unnecessary stuff that does not require for the trek. Do not forget to carry the things that are require for only the EBC trek.

Trek to Lukla from Kathmandu

Lukla, one of the famous mountain town is the gateway to the Everest Base Camp (EBC). The only easy way to reach there is by flights. But, the flight from Kathmandu to Lukla costs a lot of money.

As we know that wind causes many flights between Kathmandu & Lukla to be canceled, and many trekkers like us has to wait for a day into and out of Lukla or Kathmandu. It will be miserable waiting into an out of Lukla for some layover days without doing nothing.

As a guide I have faced a lot of problem of flight cancellation due to inclement weather, and’ has waiting in Lukla for 5 days. Because, there was not any options of taking flight from Lukla (Even helicopter).

Cheapest Way to Trek Everest Base Camp

Another alternative way to reach at Lukla is by hiking through Salleri for two days. In fact, there is a road way facilities from Kathmandu to Salleri which is 267 km.

If you have few days more; than one of the cheapest options to do EBC trek is by taking a drive from Kathmandu to Salleri & hike to Lukla. Only the things to manage is to get tickets of Bus and Jeep from Kathmandu. If you have small group of friends then better reserve a private jeep up to Salleri.

Nowadays, Jeeps travel directly from Kathmandu to Bupsa. It is close to Lukla, so the trek from Bupsa to Lukla takes just 5 hours of walk.

The best way to save money on the Everest Base Camp trek is to travel from Kathmandu overland instead of flying.

At last, my group & we all decided to trek down to Salleri and driven back to Kathmandu. Due to heavy rainfall, the road was full of muddy & the jeep drive was not so comfortable. But, while travelling from Kathmandu to Salleri, I suggest to reserve a jeep with small group of friends and take a drive to Salleri and trek to Lukla for 2 or 3 days.

Jiri to EBC Trek up to Namche Bazaar

Another alternative option is by taking a bus from Kathmandu to Jiri (10 hours) and trekking for 8 Days to Namche bazaar. Trek Jiri to Namche on the way up and the Salleri route on the way down is a great way for EBC trek.

Jiri to EBC Trek Outline Itinerary:
Day 01: Drive from Kathmandu- Jiri- Bhandar. (9 to 10 hours.) 02: Trek to Sete village (4-5 hours) 03: Trek over Lamjura pass to Junbesi (6-7 hours) 04: Trek to Nunthala (5-6 hours) 05: Trek to Khari Khola Village (5-6 hours) 06: Trek to Surkhe (5-6 hours) 07: Trek to Phakding (4-5 hours) 08: Trek to Namche Bazaar (5-6 hours)

Actually, the Everest lies in Sagarmatha national park. In order to visit every national park of Nepal; you are required to buy entry permit. Hence, National park permit of EBC trek is very essential which can be purchased along the way at Monjo. Now, you don’t require to buy TIMS cards for the Everest trek. Instead of TIMS card – You must pay local entry permit (NRs. 2000) available at Lukla which is called Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Entrance Permit.

• The Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit (USD 30 + 13% Government tax) is available on the way at Monjo.
• Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Entrance Permit – Available at Lukla – Cost NRs 2000

Do I need a TIMS permit for EBC Trek?

In the past year, TIMS (Trekkers Information Management Systems) was compulsory for Everest Base Camp Trek. Now, EBC Trek does not need TIMS cards anymore. As of 2018, the TIMS card has been replaced by the Khumbu Rural Municipality Permit. This decision was taken in favor of the locals, as they are the ones who will make profit from the Khumbu permit, which will help them increase their standard of living.

It is said that if there is a will there is a way. When you start your journey there will be number of challenges comes before arriving at the destination. Therefore, we should overcome such challenges with calm state of mind and must bring a will to accomplish the final rewards of your physical and mental effort.

Actually, Everest Base Camp trek is a moderately challenging. Two weeks is usually needed for this trek. To do this trek, you must be physically & mentally fit. A months of regular cardio exercise can help you a lot to do this EBC trek. It will be more difficult if you are in cold and snowy.

How Hard is EBC Trek?

Moreover, a total EBC trek is 125 kilometers which meant you hike about 12 Kilometer a day for around two weeks. The hiking will not be smooth, there is a lot of up & down; this is actual characteristic of trekking in Nepal.

Although, the trail along the trek is not so much difficulty that you need an extreme training, the altitude makes it very difficult. You will begin to trek from 2860 meter to 5364 meter above the sea level (Everest Base Camp).

The Everest Base Camp Trek difficulty is determined by your backpack gravity. Thus, it is must better with porters. Because, you hike for 5 to 6 hours every day (depends on your pace of walk) in average for 12 days including acclimatization days.

If you are physically fit then it’s your choice to take a porter for your baggage carriage or carry by your own.

The best season for trekking to this Everest region is normally in spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November). You can go for EBC trekking all time of the year, more or less people trek in all season. It is pretty hard to predict about the weather of mountains. It changes in 15 to 20 minutes.

However, many trekkers do not prefer coming in the winter period. Because of the cold weather conditions and snowflakes. But in December – January – February in winter season also, we see trekkers trekking along to EBC. So, it is hard to say which season is best time to trek to EBC.

I say rainy season (June – July – August) is not a good time for trekking to EBC. You must prepare for the cold at all times of the year for the EBC trek. The night gets very cold and you will have to carry some extra clothes to keep you warm all the time.

Best Time For EBC Trek

March | April | May is called the blooms of the flowering period. At this time, you can enjoy most of the trees and flowering shrubs blossoming. Mostly, Rhododendron; the national flower of Nepal, creates color and beauty for the surrounding environment. Additionally, the views are excellent if you plan a post monsoon adventure compared to a pre monsoon trek. Just because the rain and wind clear the atmosphere of dirt and dust from the surfaces.

September | October | November (Autumn) is the time of the grandest festival season in Nepal and the best time for trekking in Nepal. Many foreign tourists come to visit Nepal in the autumn season compared to other months of the year. In this period, the sky will remain clear and the temperatures will be mild and moderate.

When we begin our journey, we think that there will be everything fine. Never think about what could go wrong. But you know, when trekking to remote area there will not any facilities of health and easy access of transportation. Definitely, you will enjoy spectacular views and fascinating mountains culture. You know altitude sickness is nearly normal to everyone in EBC trek. In case of danger, you might need emergency helicopter evacuation which is very costly.

Therefore, it is vital to have a complete travel insurance ahead of your trekking adventure. If possible, try to cover loss of Luggage, cancelation, personal effects. But never forget to cover emergency evacuation and repatriation, medical related expenses, personal accident and liability in your travel insurance. There are some recommended companies that cover & protect up to 6000 meters whereas Everest base camp is at 5364 meters.

It takes a couple of minutes to get a quote, and you can buy it online even though you are still driving, regardless of where you live or where you are right now. It is not too expensive to carry out a policy for the length of your EBC trek.

Some Best Travel Insurance Companies for Everest Base Camp Trek

For worldwide:

1. World Nomads

2. Global Rescue

For Australian/New Zealand citizens:

1. Cover-More Travel Insurance

2. Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance

3. 1 Cover Travel Insurance

For Malaysia/Singapore citizens:

1. AIG Travel Insurance

2. AIA Berhad

For UK Citizens:

1. British Mountaineering Council (BMC)

2. Dog Tag UK

3. Adventures Insurance

4. Campbell Irvine

For USA/Canada Citizens:

1. Travel Guard

2. IM Global

3. Tugo

For Europe:

1. Europe Assistance

2. IHI Bupa

Altitude Sickness – Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) is common at high altitude, especially in mountainous countries like Nepal. Those who ascend rapidly above 3000 meters suffer from AMS. Breathlessness, nausea, vomiting, headache, fatigue, loss of appetite, sleeplessness etc. are initial symptoms of this disease. Drinking adequate liquid is necessary to keep balance your body with higher elevation.

Though your guide is well trained regarding this issue. But you shouldn’t hesitate to consult and share your condition with them. Never try to medicate yourself. If you ignore, serious symptom can occur which can even cause death within a few hours. Even though, expert mountaineers get affected from AMS.

In this Everest base camp trek, we will start from Lukla (2860 m) and go to 5364 meters above sea level at base camp. Therefore, there is a higher chance of getting altitude sickness. Hence, never ignore the symptoms of altitude sickness that arise amid the Everest base camp trek. If you’ve had just a minor headache, then that is not a big issue, but be aware that AMS is perilous. We have seen a lot of trekkers die on EBC when they ignored & continued on themselves.

How to avoid AMS ?

• Don’t think it will be serious. Take it easy.
• Drink at least 4 to 5 liters of water per day. – Stay Hydrated
• Do not move rapidly above 3000 m – Meant to be don’t climb fast.
• Acclimatize your body with proper amount of rest.
• If you get severe problem. Tell your guide and his or her decision will be final.
• Drugs – Diamox is used by a large number of trekkers. Diamox avoids AMS by helping as a respiratory pain reliever at high altitudes where air pressure is limited and oxygen is scarce. When you take Diamox; your body will give sign of tingling sensation.

Kathmandu is the capital city of Nepal. Definitely, people should stay at the Kathmandu before and after the Everest base Camp Trek. The best places to stay in Kathmandu is Thamel which is a hub of touristic facilities. Many international travelers would like to stay in Thamel before & after the trekking or tour in Nepal.

There are hundreds of restaurants, travel trekking agencies, pubs, bar, disco, Star hotel to budgeted tourist standard hotels are available in Thamel. However, you find mix of western and Nepalis style music platform restaurants and pubs inside the Thamel.

Recommended Hotels inside the Kathmandu

Economical: Bag Packer’s Lodge |Hotel Jamba | Gurung Lodge | Homestay
Tourist Standard: Hotel Serenity | Manang Hotel | Hotel Vaishali | Traditional Comfort
Luxury: Oasis Kathmandu Hotel | Hyatt Regency | Hotel Dwarika’s | Hotel Marriott’s

Recommended Restaurants in Kathmandu

Thamel House (Nepali Food) – Thamel
K2 Restaurant (Steak House) – Thamel
Road House Café (Italian food) – Thamel
Third Eye Restaurant (Indian Food) – Thamel
Krua Thai Restaurant (Thai Food) – Thamel
Bricks Café (Multi Cuisine) – Lalitpur

If you are looking to have a peaceful trekking into the Everest Region then EBC via Gokyo lake trek is one of the best to avoid the crowd. This is one of the thrilling and exciting off-the-beaten-path adventure trek in Sagarmatha national Park. The trek provides the excellent view of Everest Himalayas and Lakes as well the Nepal’s Largest Glacier; Ngozumpa. Actually, in this trek you pass two most beautiful valleys of Everest region; Gokyo & Khumbu.

The route offers fascinating views of Mt. Everest, Cho Oyu, Makalu, Lhotse, Ama Dablam, Nuptse, Pumori & Tengboche Monastery – One of the largest monasteries in Khumbu Region of Nepal. Besides these along the way dense forest of Rhododendrons, Juniper, Pines, Beautiful streams & waterfalls, Sherpa settlements etc. Off course the Gokyo lake itself, as well as moraines, rocks & cracks.

EBC via Gokyo Lakes Itinerary

If you choose to trek to the EBC and Gokyo Lakes, you’ve three routes to choose from:

Option 01: Kathmandu – Lukla – Phakding – Namche Bazaar – Dole – Machermo – Gokyo Lakes – Gokyo Ri – Tragnag – Cho La Pass – Dznogla – Lobuche – Gorakshep – Everest Base Camp (EBC) – Same way back to Lobuche & trek to Pheriche – Tengboche – Kyangjuma – Chumoa – Lukla. 02: Kathmandu – Lukla – Phakding – Namche Bazar – Tengboche – Dingboche – Lobuche – Gorakshep – EBC – Lobuche – Dznogla – Cho La Pass – Tragnag – Gokyo Lakes – Gokyo Ri – Follow back & trek to Machermo – Dole – Namche Bazar – Chumoa – Lukla 03: Kathmandu – Lukla – Phakding – Namche Bazar – Dole – Machermo – Gokyo Lakes – Gokyo Ri – Reroute back to Phungi Tenga followed by Machermo & Dole – Trek Tengboche – Dingboche – Lobuche – Gorakshep – Everest Base Camp – Same way back to Lobuche & trek to Pheriche – Tengboche – Kyangjuma – Chumoa – Lukla.

If you are interested to stay in the mountains and willing to climb up a bit high above 6000 meters. Island peak 6,189 meter is just perfect climb for you along the way to Everest Base camp (5364 m). It is best for those looking for a more adventurous experience than just daily trekking.

The trekking to EBC with Island peak begins with 35 min flights from KTM to Lukla. The journey passes through Sherpa villages as the itinerary followed by Lukla – Namche Bazaar – Tengboche – Dingboche and others. During the journey you will admire the Himalayas in front of you. Chance to see and enjoy stunning and famous peak Mount Everest, Ama Dablam, the Kongdi RI, the Thamserku, Lhotse, Nuptse etc.

Island Peak is most frequently climbed mountain in Nepal, also known as ImjaTse Peak. To ascend this mountain, you need specific climbing tools & some perfect skills of mountaineers. This is a true climb, not a trekking or hiking. Definitely, you need some technical skills to play on hard Ice and snow. Before begin summit, your climbing master will teach and show you the skill you need.

EBC with Island Peak Climbing Outline Itinerary

After your successful ascent, the views of the surrounding Himalayas from the peak are breathtaking. If you have a real passion to climb this island peak, don’t forget to go through the perfect agencies who have good recognition in the market with wonderful reviews. The Everest base camp trek with Island peak is around 19 days to 23 days.

Kathmandu-Lukla-Phakding-Namche Bazaar-Tengboche-Dingboche-Lobuche-Gorakshep-Everest Base Camp-Hiking Kalapatthar-Back to Dingboche-Island Peak Base Camp-Summit Island Peak (6189 m)-Chhukung Valley-Reroute back to Lukla followed by the same way.

Our complete Everest Base Camp trek packing list article has more information about the gear and clothing that need for the EBC trek.

A well-made waterproof and windproof jacket is essential! When it was quite chilly, I wore this and layered it with a fleece and a thermal vest. Look at their top-rated waterproof, 700-down filled down jacket. It must be light, warm, packable, and breathable. You may also like to read it: The Best Jacket for the Everest Base Camp Trek

Plan on carrying a comfy & warm sleeping bag with you, you should be sure to take one. You may also like to read best sleeping bag for Everest base camp trek.

Actually, bottled water is pricy, and the cost rises as you ascend the mountain. Also, purchasing water bottles causes a great deal of plastic pollution. Better yet, you can buy the water purification tablet or drops or filter to purify the water that is available from the tap or any other source along the trail. For instance; life straw water filter, SteriPen Aqua UV Water Purifier, potable aqua tablet etc.

Waterproof best boots for the Everest Base Camp Trek that are comfortable and regular fit. Central Rubber outsole designed for grip & lightweight breathable ankle support boot is good.

Other More Essential Gear List for EBC Trek

Bring a versatile and warm neck gaiter to protect your ears, neck and chest from sunburn as well as from cool wind and bad weather conditions.

Wet Hand Wipes that must be Skin Antibacterial Formula, killed 99.99 percent of germs. Skin-conditioning aloe Vera is added to make it hypoallergenic. Ideal for removing dirt and stains quickly. Convenient and portable.

You need a comfortable and best backpack for the Everest base camp trek that is useful for the multipurpose where you can attach various items depending on the gear you need to take.

A universally compatible power bank that works with a variety of devices, including the iPad, Apple Watch, Air Pods, Samsung Galaxy, and most other smart phones, tablets, Bluetooth gadgets, and more. It can be charged 6 to 8 times, removing the worry of running out of battery power. Suitability for travel and other indoor & outdoor activities; (Recommended: 25800mAh-Ultra-High Capacity Fast Phone Charging). Because you have to pay for charging the battery along the route to EBC, which is very expensive.

Don’t forget to put polyester microfiber travel towel. The most useful microfiber towel for travel packing has to be the rapid dry travel towel, which can hold up to five times its weight in water.

Head Lamp or torchlight or flashlight is very essential during the EBC trekking. Electricity blackouts are common during trekking. Therefore, you are required to carry Super Bright Head Lamp, Waterproof, Adjustable, and Comfortable Flashlights. Read the complete Everest base camp trek packing list.

Annapurna vs Everest, which could be a better region to do trekking in Nepal? If you are planning to trek in Nepal for the first time, definitely you may have curiosity about which trek is best for you. There are many well-known trekking destinations that have their natural beauty & importance. However, the most prominent & must-visit region of Nepal is Annapurna & Everest.

Hence, it will be very difficult to decide the same way for various people. Different individuals have their own opinions and desires. Every traveler, sooner or later, chooses both Annapurna and Everest. The reason is that most people end up hiking both. Because trekking in Nepal, once will not be enough. Both regions are regarded as the world’s top hikes.

On the one hand, the Everest region has Mount Everest (Sagarmatha in Nepali)—it’s famous all over the world due to its highest mountain. Your friends might also think that you are going to climb and raise a flag from the top of the world.

On the other way, Annapurna is more diversified, lower in elevation, and has a beautiful rhododendron forest with fewer tourists which is easily accessible from Pokhara (A beautiful lake city where you can enjoy many adventure activities & there are many things to do in Pokhara Nepal).

Moreover, if you are looking for a more green and peaceful route with an average elevation, then the Annapurna Region has many options. such as-

• Annapurna Base Camp Trek
• Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek
• Annapurna Circuit Trek
• Mardi Himal Trek
• Khopra Danda Trek Route
• Annapurna Dhaulagiri Community Trek
• Best Short Annapurna Trek Route In Nepal

Human beings are unique creatures formed by nature, and each individual thinks in various ways. Because everyone’s desires, interests, and capabilities are different. Now, which part do you think is the most popular? Everest vs Annapurna Trek!!

Since the early 1950s, travelers have been attracted to the Nepalese Himalayas, which stretches from Green Mountain to the high Himalayas. Adventurers are captivated by the Himalayas’ exceptional remoteness and the possibility of hiking among some of the world’s most breathtaking mountains. Some of the most popular places to go trekking are the areas around Everest and Annapurna.

When it comes to Everest Base Camp Trek alternatives, there are numerous options available in both the same location as well as distinct places. Some hikers prefer to pursue an alternative journey in the same region like the Everest region, while others want to experience a new kind of landscape on their next trekking adventure in a different part of Nepal. Definitely, any travelers wish to see more of Nepal than Everest Base Camp. Because Nepal has lots of trekking routes, deciding which one to take will be simple if you know what you want to get out of the journey.

After thinking about what travelers want and need, I’ve made a list of other places to go trekking in and around the Everest region as well. All of these trekking places can help you get the most out of your vacation for Nepal.