The Complete Guidebook for Everest Base Camp Trek

Updated on August 21, 2024

One of the best trekking destinations in Nepalis the Everest Base Camp trek. We offer a 14-day trek to Everest Base Camp package, and it is considered one of the most thrilling and adventurous treks in the world. We got to experience amazing mountain views, glimpses of the Sherpa people, and Sagarmatha National Park, and visit high-altitude Buddhist monasteries while traveling for 14 days in the Everest Base Camp. The Everest Base Camp Trek is for both rookie trekkers and adventure-loving trekkers. The 98% success rate of our trek to the Everest Base camp has attracted a lot of trekkers in the Everest Region.

We also have a 30-minute scenic flight to Lukla from Kathmandu. After reaching Lukla, we start our trekking journey by heading to Phakding. You have to cross the highest Hillary Bridge and climb uphill to reach Namche Bazaar's glorious part of Everest Base Camp Trek. The trail of Everest Base Camp is composed of amazing viewpoints, villages, monasteries, and glaciers, which will surely make you awe for a moment.

You have the opportunity to dive into Tibetan culture at a high altitude, which is unique and amazing. During your journey, rhododendron woods and gigantic views of the Himalayas will welcome you to the Everest Base Camp area. The gigantic views of the world's tallest peak, Mount Everest, will surely take your breath away. You have to travel to places like Lukla (2840 m), Phakding (2610 m), Namche Bazar (3440 m), Phortse Village (3810 m), Dingboche (4260 m), Duglha (4620 m), Lobuche (4190 m), Gorakshep (5140 m), and Kalapatthar (5545 m) until you reach the final destination, Mt. Everest base camp (5364 m).

The dream of millions of people all around the world is to do the Everest Base Camp trek, so here we are offering you a secure and amazing trip. The classical and unique destination of the Everest Base Camp trek has captured the hearts of all trekkers and non-trekkers in the world. You will see the stunning view of snow-capped mountains like Mt. Everest, Mt. Lhotse, Mt. Cho Oyu, and Mt. Makalu, followed by stunning landscapes, distinct remote cultures, and lifestyles. You will reach the foothills of the highest peak in the world, Mount Everest, which is located at a distance of 8848.86 meters from sea level.

People started making their dreams when Sir Gorge telescoped Mount Everest for the very first time. Gorge was the first person to recognize the highest peak in the world and portray it on the world map in 1856. When Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay Sherpa successfully climbed Mount Everest in 1953, trekking to Mount Everest started becoming familiar.

Everyone in the world who has dreamt of traveling to the lap of the world’s highest mountain is welcome in our beautiful country, Nepal. Some Himalayas that are above the distance of 8000 meters are Ama Dablam, Nuptse, Pumori, and Thamserku, which are visible to our naked eyes during our trek to the Everest Base Camp region.

You will be amazed by the distinct lifestyles and rituals of the Sherpa indigenous community, which is famous for living at high altitudes and climbing the world’s highest mountains. They are very friendly people, and you will be amazed by their hospitality during your stay in tea houses and lodges. Besides them, you will also have the opportunity to learn the culture and rituals of other ethnic groups like Rai, Limbu, and Gurung while enjoying their local delicacies. During your trek, you will see historic Buddhist monasteries and stupas, like Tengboche Monastery.

As theroute to Everest Base Camp is preserved under the Sagarmatha National Park, you will be lucky enough to see distinct flora and fauna on your trail. You will surely enjoy your time on this trek by clicking on pictures of sunrise and sunset, beautiful scenery, natural beauties, and diverse flora and fauna. You will witness the only snow-capped mountain that is visible from Khumbu Glacier and Kala Patthar, and it will make you come back shortly.

Highlights

Witness an aerial view of the Khumbu region during the flight to Lukla.
There is a chance to explore several species of flora & fauna while trekking in the Sagarmatha National Park.
Explore Namche Bazar, the famous Sherpa capital city of Nepal.
Chance to know the rich culture and tradition of the Sherpa community.
Explore the Tengboche monastery, which is the biggest monastery in the Khumbu region.
Head to Everest Base Camp, the base of the world's highest mountain, Mt. Everest.
Hike to Kala Patthar.
Observe a gorgeous sunrise and a 360-degree view of Everest.
A glimpse of panoramic views of Mt. Everest, Mt. Lhotse, Mt. Makalu, Mt. Cho Oyu, Mt. Nuptse, Mt. Thamserku, Mt. Pumori, Mt. Kongde, and so on.
UNESCO World Heritage Site exploration includes Pashupatinath Temple, Swyambhunath Stupa, Boudhanath Stupa, and Patan Durbar Square.
Explore several high-suspension bridges over the deep gorges and rushing rivers.
a thrilling climb to the base of the world's highest peak, Mount Everest.
Breathtaking views of mountains, hills, and magical landscapes.
Cultural and farewell dinner in Kathmandu.

What Can You Expect From the Everest Base Camp Trek?

You can expect an amazing and unseen landscape, followed by witnessing the world's highest peak and exploring Sagarmatha National Park.
You will witness the unique Buddhist temples and stupas while walking through valleys of fir and deodar allowed by a hike to historic moraines and gleaming glaciers.
You will explore the world's highest Himalayas, like Lhotse, Nuptse, Pumori, and Ama Dablam.
The Khumbu Mountain slopes will certainly take your breath away.
During your trip, you will explore and learn about the life, culture, and customs in Khumbu.
Your stay in tea houses and lodges of ethnic groups like Sherpa, Tamang, and Rai will make your stay fruitful.
You will explore and learn about culture in the oldest Buddhist temple, Tengboche Monastery.

Are you suitable for the Everest Base Camp Trek?

You will be suitable for the Everest Base Camp trek if you have the willpower, the willingness to put effort into every condition, and the passion for hiking. You will experience the finest and most gratifying journey through your passion. If you are willing to hike while experiencing stunning scenery and have the power to learn and dive into the culture and traditions of other people, then you are suitable for hiking in the Everest Base Camp region. You will visit the historic gumbas and monasteries and get the opportunity to meet local guides and teahouse owners while witnessing mani stones along the way.

Your wish to try a more difficult trek will be completed in the Everest Base Camp region. If you have already done the Annapurna Base Camp Trek and the Annapurna Circuit Trek, it will be much easier for you. You have to be ready for all the challenges and obstacles during your trek to the Everest Base Camp region. If you are willing to walk for more than 6 hours a day, the hike will end with an amazing view of Mount Everest.

How to Get Prepared for the Everest Base Camp Trek?

The preparation for the Everest Base Camp trek is listed below:

Carry a comfortable bag that must weigh at least 6 kg to include all your necessary things during the hike.
Increase your strength and endurance capacity before you have to walk more than 6 hours a day.
Schedule a workout that includes walking up and down hills while wearing a backpack that is packed with 6 to 12 kg at least once a week.
Start working out, start weightlifting, and walk with your hefty rucksack to be fit if you want to successfully reach Base Camp and avoid upsetting fellow trekkers.
Mentally aware of the challenges and obstacles.

EBC namche

What is the best season to go to Everest Base Camp?

The best seasons to go to Everest Base Camp are spring and autumn. Every year, many visitors visit Nepal to the Everest Base Camp. Many tourists come in both the summer and winter seasons.

Spring season: The spring season starts in Nepal in March and lasts until May. Due to the clear sky and fresh environment, many people enjoy hiking in high-altitude areas like Mount Everest. The clear sky makes the rhododendrons and Himalayas more appealing. Due to the seasonal changes, the hill area is covered with flowering plants, which will add to the beauty of the heavily flowing river banks.
Autumn: In Nepal, September, October, and November fall in the autumn season. Autumn is considered another best season to hike in the Everest region because of the clear and beautiful sky and warm weather. The snowfall at higher altitudes adds beauty to the trek, which attracts visitors from all around the globe.

What type of food or meal is found during the EBC (Everest Base Camp) Trek?

The type of food that is found at Everest Base Camp is enriched with carbohydrates and proteins. The local people of the lodges and tea houses provide you with hygienic and balanced diet foods. Most people like the all-famous Nepalese traditional food, Dal Bhat. Dal bhat is rich in both carbs and protein and served alongside lentils, beans, and pulses in a soup with seasonal veggies.

You can also order your choice of delicacies like Momo (dumplings), locally grown Barley, buckwheat, Millet, and Corn Roti (Bread), noodles, sandwiches, bakery products, Noodles, spaghetti, macaroni, pizza, lasagna, curry meals, fried rice, tea, coffee, and more. Roti, which is made of high-fiber grains such as buckwheat, millet, and barley, is loved by foreigners. Hot drinks like green tea, lemon tea, hot lemon, ginger tea, and garlic soup will boost your immune system and protect you from colds. Items like dairy food, alcoholic beverages, caffeinated beverages, and hot chocolates should be avoided at high altitudes.

What kinds of accommodation are found in Everest Base Camp?

The accommodation in the Everest Base Camp trek area is high-end with an affordable price range. The accommodation at the EBC region is very customer-friendly in terms of money and services. Let’s start with the teahouses; they provide a comfortable bed and mattress with pillows, electric blankets, and a charging cable in the room. One can use the hot and cold showers while paying an extra charge. Most of the rooms are made for two travelers and have two single beds.

If you have a problem sharing a room, you have to inform us beforehand so that we can arrange a single room for you. The bathroom is attached to the room at a lower elevation but as soon as you hike to a higher altitude, the bathroom is found outside of the tea house.

Requirement of Travel Insurance for EBC Trek

There is a minimal amount of danger of altitude sickness in the Everest Base Camp Trek. You may suffer from mild altitude sickness. As this trip is around dense forests, there are chances of accidents, illnesses, floods, landslides, or abrupt climatic changes. So, you have to come with appropriate guidance and you must have travel insurance as well.

The travel insurance must cover medical and emergency extradition, as well as high-altitude helicopter rescue and evacuation costs. When you are ready to book a trip with us, please kindly submit us comprehensive insurance paperwork. In an emergency, we will quickly rescue you by using your insurance.

How can I prevent altitude sickness during the Everest Base Camp Trek?

Altitude sickness can be prevented in many ways. First of all, let's talk about altitude sickness, which is often known as acute mountain sickness (AMS). It is an illness that occurs when people are not adequately acclimatized to high altitude. The following steps should be taken to minimize altitude sickness at high altitudes:

Many trekkers hiked throughout the day to complete the trial for that day. So, they exhaust themselves by walking too much, which should be done correctly by taking a rest at a certain distance.
Return to a lower altitude area, which will not only prevent altitude sickness but also aid the body in recovering exhausted muscles and adjusting to the shifting oxygen levels after hiking at high altitude in the daytime.
Avoid consuming alcohol, smoking cigarettes, or tobacco during the hike, as it dehydrates you, which results in tiredness and fatigue, followed by altitude sickness.
Increase your intake of warm water every half an hour of walking. It would help if you drank 500 mL of water every half hour.
Even though you lose your appetite, avoid walking on an empty stomach. Try to increase the liquid food intake, which helps to stop altitude sickness.
Always be ready for a hike and keep a positive mindset.
Make yourself busy talking with your fellow trekkers and guide them to avoid dwelling on your bad thoughts.

Packing list for the Everest Base Camp Trek

The following things should be included in the packing list for the Everest Base camp Trek:

Puffy down jacket, Four-season (zero-degree)
sleeping bag Daypack (35–45 liters recommended) with rain cover Sleeping bag liner
For the upper body: Sun hat or cap, knitted hat/Beanie Scarf or neck gaiter, Headlamp, and Sunglasses.
Torso: Technical fabric base layer (light for warmer months, heavy for colder months), Technical fabric short (2) and long sleeve (2) shirts, Waterproof, windproof shell Fleece jacket or pullover.
For the lower body: Technical fabric base layer (light for warmer months, heavy for colder months), Hiking pants (2), Comfortable pants for inside the teahouses,
Waterproof/windproof outer shell pants, Hiking shorts. Hands: Wool or technical fabric liner gloves; Hard-shell outer gloves.
Feet: Wool or technical fabric warm socks; hiking socks; liner socks; trekking or hiking boots; Ice Cleats or micro spikes; casual shoes, and Gaiters.
You can bring optional things on your own, like a Power bank or extra batteries, Cameras and mobile phones, cards or books a bottle or pee funnel for women, Trekking poles, a Whistle, and a Thermos for hot water.

How long does it take to hike to Everest Base Camp?

It takes a total of 14 trekking days to complete a round trip of 130 km to the Everest Base Camp, including rest and accommodation days. The trekking days can also vary depending on personal physical fitness, weather conditions, rest days, and the pace of the trekker.

How hard is the trek to Everest Base Camp?

The trek to Everest Base Camp is quite hard. The most difficult part of the hike is the trek from Pheriche to Namche Bazaar. This part is the most lengthy and steep hike and you have to walk in the Hillary suspension bridge. The second difficult trail is trekking from Dingboche to Gorakshep. At last, the trek of 5,545 meters (18,192 feet) up to Kalapatthar, going to base camp, and returning from there is the third difficult part of this trek.

What are the permits for the Everest Base Camp Trek?

The Everest base camp trek requires a permit for hiking, as it is the hike toward the world's tallest mountain. It is protected under the Sagarmatha Conservation Area Project and is also enlisted as a UNESCO Heritage Site. The hikers at the Everest Base camp require three passes under Nepali government law. Passes and permits like The Sagarmatha National Conservation Permit, the Pasang Lampu Rural Municipality Permit, and the Trekkers' Information Management System (TIMS) Permit are needed for the Everest Base Camp trek.

Quick EBC Trek Itinerary

The quick EBC trek itinerary is given below:

Day 01: Spend a night in a hotel room after arriving from the international airport in Kathmandu (1,400 m).
Day 02: Take a 35-minute flight from Kathmandu to Lukla. Then hike for 3 to 4 hours to reach Phakding and spend a night in a guest house.
Day 03: Hike for 6 hours to reach Namche Bazaar from Phakding. The total distance to Namche Bazaar is around 9.4 kilometers.
Day 4: EBC Acclimatization or Rest Day. Hike to Everest View Hotel and then move back to Namche.
Day 05: Trek to Tengboche for 5 hours, which has a distance of 3860 from Namche, and then spend a night at a guesthouse.
Day 06: Trek to Dingboche village for 5 hours. The walking distance is approximately 9.1 kilometers, approximately.
Day 07: EBC Acclimatization Day or rest day. You may also hike to Nagerjun Hill and return to the guest house for a night's stay.
Day 08: Trek from Dingboche to Lobuche, which has a distance of 19 km. Overnight at a guesthouse.
Day 09: Trek from Lobuche to Gorakshep and Everest Base Camp. Head back to Gorakshep again for 8 hours. Overnight at a guesthouse.
Day 10: Trek from Gorakshep to Kala Patthar, followed by walking back to Pheriche, which takes more than 7 hours. Overnight at a guesthouse.
Day 11: Descend from Pheriche to Namche, which has a distance of 3440 m and you have to walk for 7 hours. Overnight at a guesthouse.
Day 12: Descend from Namche to Lukla by hiking for 7 hours. Overnight at a guesthouse.
Day 13: Fly back from Lukla to Kathmandu
Day 14: Farewell and drive to Kathmandu Airport for final departure.

What are the alternative routes to Everest Base Camp Trek?

The Everest Base Camp trek starts after landing at Lukla Airport. Lukla Airport also known as Tenzing Hillary Airport, is one of the most dangerous airports in the world because of its small runways and unpredictable weather conditions. It is located at an altitude of 2,840 m above sea level. Due to frequent flight cancellations and delays, you can take an alternative route to reach Lukla. They are:

A. From Jiri

The popular alternative route to reach Lukla is via trekking from Jiri. You will drive for 7 hours to reach Jiri from Kathmandu in a private jeep or bus. Jiri is a small town located in the Eastern part of Nepal. Then, you will start hiking to the Khumbu region while exploring the mesmerizing scenery and attractive villages of the Himalayas. You will hike along the Classis Everest Base Camp trail at Phakding via popular places like Namche Bazaar, Debuche, Dingboche, Lobuche, and Gorakshep. It will be a longer trek where you will get an opportunity to be a part of local communities, explore rare vegetation and wildlife, view the beauty of towering peaks, and so on.

B. From Salleri

Salleri is an alternative route to reach Everest Base Camp Trek. It takes 8 to 9 hours to reach Salleri from Kathmandu via public vehicle. You will cross beautiful towns like Taksindo, Paiya, and Surke on the way to Salleri. It adds more trekking days with an off-the-beaten-path, which makes this route the "Best trek for Adventure Travelers.” While crossing several rivers, suspension bridges, forests, and exotic terrain, you will reach Okhaldhunga, Nepal, via the Sunkoshi River. Then, you will hike to Taksindo, Kharikhola, and finally arrive in Ringmo Village. You will reach Everest Base Camp within 18 to 19 days while hiking over a distance of 130 km. Then, you will cross Paiya, Surke, and Phakding to reach Namche Bazaar, a gateway to the Everest Base Camp trek.

C. Fly from Manthali Airport

Manthali Airport is located in Ramechhap district. The total distance between Kathmandu and Ramechhap is 146 km. If we don’t find a flight to Lukla from Kathmandu, then we choose this option as this airport operates daily flights. It will take only 17 minutes to reach Lukla from Manthali airport. Manthali Airport handles flights to Lukla mainly so this may cause traffic and result in flight delays. Ramechhap is a 7- to 8-hour drive from Kathmandu via private bus, jeep, or car.

Is a solo trip possible for Everest Base Camp Trek?

Solo trekking on the Everest Base Camp Trek is possible, but we do not recommend it. The EBC trek will be difficult to navigate after you reach Namche Bazaar. The less busy and diverse path will make you lost in the wild. The number of villages becomes smaller as you trek higher, and you might feel helpless if anything comes along the way.

There are high chances of landslides and soil erosion at higher altitudes, so you won’t have any idea about this disaster-prone area. Stay cautious. If you travel in a group or with a guide, you will be safe from these disasters and other accidents. During the Everest Base Camp trek, you may face altitude sickness, normal injuries, and other problems. If you hike with a local guide and in a group, there will be people to help you and guide you safely until you reach the destination.

Trekking with a guide will be helpful; you will know the necessary information regarding trekking routes, mountains, local communities, languages, cultures, and practices. If you have done the Everest Base Camp trek before and have an idea about all these problems, then you can do a solo trek.

How are the facilities of Internet, Electricity & Mobile Network?

In most of the teahouses, you can find the electricity generated from the solar panels. Charging facilities may be available; it is better to carry a power bank for your convenience. In terms of internet facilities, you can get internet facilities, just like charging facilities, in the lower altitudes. However, it may be difficult to find reliable internet facilities. For telephone facilities, buy a local sim card before going for the Everest base camp trek. Just keep in mind that the local SIM card may not work in some places.

How cold is it at Everest Base Camp Trek?

The Everest Base Camp trek is normally cold. You will experience warm and slightly moderate temperatures in the lower region. Then, you will start feeling cold during the second half of the trek, with freezing temperatures on the mountain plateau. The temperature ranges from 1 to -15 degrees Celsius on the base camp. Make sure to bring base layers, mid-layers, and a down jacket for hiking. Near the base camp, you will experience icy winds, so bring all the necessary coverings to avoid catching a cold.

How much does it cost for an Everest Base camp trek?

The Everest Base Camp trek is a journey that takes around 10 to 14 days normally. The cost for the Everest Base Camp trek ranges between $1500 to $3000. This cost includes all domestic flights, trekking permits, full board meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner), a professional guide, porter, and accommodation, followed by a certificate of journey completion.

If you are traveling in a group with fixed dates, then there will be a discount depending on the size of your group. Traveling in a group comes on the budget side, while private and tailored treks are more expensive. The luxury trek will be more expensive due to terms of service and upgrades in accommodation.

Tips You Should Follow as a Beginner for the Everest Base Camp Trek

The Everest Base Camp trek is the most difficult if you are a beginner. Even though it is difficult, it can be completed under proper guidance and with a positive attitude. You should follow the 12 tips for trekking in the Everest Base Camp region as a beginner are given below:

Train ahead of time: The trek to Everest Base Camp is open for all ages with physical abilities. The person's physical condition adds a plus point to the completion of the hike. The average person can do the hike and you shouldn’t have to be a triathlete for the trek. You must have endurance capability along with good physical shape. So, to get in good shape, you must train ahead of trekking time.
Trek via Phortse: The trek to Everest Base Camp consists of two routes. One route is via Tengboche to Everest Base Camp, which is the classic. Another is via Lukla to Phortse Thanga and finally into the trail of the Everest Base Camp. It is the second way to go to the Everest Base Camp, and it is a very time-consuming route along with a beautiful, lesser-traveled trail. You can explore the beautiful scenery, which will take you far away from the crowded route of the classic trail. The memorable landscape of the trek will surely make you visit the Tengboche Monastery on the way back.
Break in Your Shoes beforehand: The next thing you should be prepared for is your new trekking shoes before hiking. Make sure to wear it for more than two weeks so that it will not pinch, rub, or stress your feet during the trek. We all know that new shoes cause blisters, chafed skin, and aching feet, which will cause some tension in the trek, so wearing them beforehand will minimize the problem. You can also wear it in your town and the best breaking-in happens off pavement.
Stay within the luggage limits. You have to stay within the luggage limits. You can only bring 10 kg of weight for the main pack on the flight from Kathmandu to Lukla. You can bring a carry-on of 5 kg but if you bring more weight, you have to pay an extra charge. It will also create difficulty while trekking and you have to remove everything to find one item. Being overweight can cause tiredness and fatigue to you as well as your partner, which will make you late.
Use a professional trekking company: You can hike in the Everest Base camp region by hiring a personal guide or porter and doing it on your own and via a professional trekking company. The best option is to do it via a trekking company. They will help you organize your things and make your trek memorable. This aids in flight delay navigation, emergency services, communication challenges, and so on. You will explore the culture and values of the local guide while trekking via a trekking company like ours, Mystic Adventure Holidays. You will get a variety of benefits by traveling with us.
Read the terms of service: The terms of service provide you with general guidelines on how the trekking company handles emergencies during the trek. The trekking company will cover everything you need to know regarding the unfortunate things that could happen in the journey and how they overcome and deal with the problem. Our trekking company will assure you that we will do everything to make you safe no matter what happens and all of our treks have been successful until now.
Prepare for flight delays: The flight from Lukla to Kathmandu or Kathmandu to Lukla has a high chance of delays. As we know, the climatic conditions of mountains are very uncertain, and they are vulnerable, so flight delays occur most of the time. So, lack of good visibility and weather changes are the reasons behind the changes we all know that Nepal is a developing country and sometimes there is a loss of communication at the airport, which causes flight delays. Only the lucky ones do not have to experience it and get a flight immediately. You have to have some energy bars, books, and magazines to pass the time in the case of flight delays.
Bring Playing cards and books: During your trek, you can spend your free time in a hotel by reading books and playing cards. Make sure to have some with them, as the internet service is slow in the tea houses. If you want to stay away from technology, playing cards will help you.
Prepare for cold and rain. The Everest base camp trek is full of challenges and obstacles. You have to deal with adverse climatic conditions as well. The climatic conditions in the lower altitude are warm throughout the day. So, you have to wear T-shirts and shorts in the daytime and the temperature begins to fall at high altitudes and night. Make sure to bring a warm hat and thermals to stay warm. Bring a thermos to fill with warm water for chilly temperatures. The weather at the high altitude is changeable every time so bring a poncho.
Know your headache: The Everest Base camp trekker suffers from headaches, which are considered the first signs of altitude sickness. Sometimes headaches are minor and you shouldn't worry about them, but you have to mention every headache to your travel guide. If you began experiencing adverse headaches, it might be the symptoms of altitude sickness.
Make sure to stay hydrated and eat enough. You have to walk throughout the day so make sure to stay hydrated all day. You have to pay $1 for one one-liter water bottle and the price of water increases as you head upwards. Buying water bottles will produce litter and to save money, make sure to bring chlorine or iodine tablets. There is availability of flowing stream water and you can drink it by chlorinating it. There is the availability of tea houses and lodges at every resting point. So, you can order the meal of your choice in the lodge. We provide three meals a day on the trek and a hot drink with each meal. You can eat traditional Dal Bhat, which comes with dishes like rice, dal, a vegetable, papad (fried bread), and pickles. During the trek, make sure to avoid meat and follow the vegetarian option. Eating eggs and yak cheese will replace the protein in the meat on the trip.
Get enough sleep: As the trekking in the Everest base camp is quite long, you have to walk throughout the day. So, you have to have a good night's sleep; otherwise, your next day will be ruined. The teahouse and lodges are crowded and the thin walls of bedrooms easily enter the noise. So, if you have trouble sleeping in a noisy environment, then bring some foam earplugs for a good night’s sleep. Bring a sleeping bag and thermals for insulation and a -20 degree Celsius sleeping bag is highly recommended.