Everest Base Camp Trek - 14 Days

The Everest Base Camp trek is the classic trail encircling the majestic Everest. The trail takes you to a wonderful experience of the world's highest peak and the local Sherpa community living there for centuries.

Many trekkers have dreamt of leaving footprints on the world's tallest peak. That being said, the Everest Base Camp trek is the gateway to fulfil this dream and offers the chance to create a lifetime of memories.

Trek to the World’s Wonder Everest Base Camp Trail

Everest Base Camp Trek starts with a scenic drive from Kathmandu to the town of Ramechhap. Afterwards, you take a short flight to the little mountain town of Lukla. Lukla is where everything starts. It is the main access point to visit the Khumbu region, where you can take a day off to unwind and experience the first-half beauty of the mountainous region.

Now, get ready to walk through the steep ascent and muddy trails of the lush forest beside Dudh Koshi and cross the Hillary Suspension bridge. Spin the prayer wheel and enjoy the local children playing games and women carrying doko full of grasses for the wildlife in their homes.

After the beautiful natural charm and immersive cultural experience, the trail takes you to Phakding. There are plenty of teahouses with happy faces and basic necessary supplies that give you a place to rest. 

The cold breeze, warm smiles of majestic Ama Dablam, and the sound of the Yak Bells are part of the trail that leads you to Everest Base Camp. The trail winds through the Sagarmatha National Park, one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The place is home to the diverse flora and fauna that has made it a welcoming place for the endangered species. 

The first highlight of the trail is the little hamlet town of Namche Bazar. This ancient town with a touch of modern beauty wrapped in the arms of the Everest region has a lot to offer. Wander in the lively market, visit the Sherpa museum, and enjoy breakfast with a bird' s-eye view of Everest—one of the best things to do in Namche. Aside from that, explore different cafes and try out the local and international food in the chilly climate of Namche.

As you walk the well-maintained trail, leaving behind the densely populated Sherpa community along the spinning prayer wheel, flying chorten, and the walls beautifully encrypted by Om Mane Pemba Om.

Moreover, the monasteries along the trail, like Tengboche and Pangboche, are yet another place to escape unwanted thoughts, immerse yourself in the peaceful environment, and listen to the chanting of the Lamas.

After moving through the physical challenge of uneven land surface, crossing glaciers reaching above 4000m and high surrounded by 6000m to 8000m above mountains. The final climax and highlight of the trial is the Kalapathar, where you can lose yourself in the golden rays striking the majestic Everest and showing off its snow beauty at sunrise and sunset. The views will take you out of this world.

Throughout the whole trekking trail, the white cheering smile and charm of Mt. Everest (8,848.86m), Mt. Lhotse (8,516m), Mt. Makalu (8,485m), Mt. Cho Oyu (8,188m), Mt. Nuptse (7,855m), Mt. Pumori (7,165m), Mt. Ama Dablam (6,812m), and Mt. Thamserku (6,623m) are one of a kind. 

Itinerary Outline:

1st Day: Arrival day in Kathmandu (1,300m/4,264 ft)
2nd Day: Fly to Lukla (2,840m/9,138ft) & trek to Phakding (2,610m/8,562ft) 3-4 hrs walk
3rd Day: Trek from Phakding to Namche Bazaar (3,440m/11,286ft) 5-6 hrs walk
4th Day: Acclimatization day at Namche Bazaar
5th Day: Hike from Namche to Tyangboche (3,860m/12,664ft) 5-6 hrs walk
6th Day:  Trek to Dingboche (4,410m/14,469 ft) 5-6 hrs walk
7th Day: Acclimatization day at Dingboche
8th Day: Trek Dingboche to Lobuche (4,940m/16,207ft) 5-6 hrs walk
9th Day: Trek to Gorakshep (5,164m/16,942ft) & hike to Everest Base Camp (5,364m/17,598ft) 5-6 hrs walk
10th Day: Early Hike to Kala Patthar(5,550m/18,208ft) & trek back to Pheriche 6-7 hrs walk
11th Day:  Trek back from Pheriche to Namche (3,440m/11,286ft) 6-7 hrs walk
12th Day: Trek Namche to Lukla (2,840m/9,138ft) 6-7 hrs walk
13th Day: Fly back to Kathmandu
14th Day: Departure from Kathmandu
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Day In the Lap Of Everest Base Camp Trek Trail

The early morning as you wake up to the cold breeze coming straight from the world's highest Himalayan range and views of the majestic peaks right from the room. Immersing in the beauty for a while now, you freshen up and enjoy the hearty meal. Then begins walking through the steep ascent, the lush forest on the well-maintained trail. Remember, do not rush; carry on at a slow pace.

The highlight of the day is walking through appealing scenery and flapping chorten, immersing in the natural charm and Buddhist culture of the region.

As you burn off some calories now, the body needs some energy provided by the savory lunch at the teahouses. Finally, you wrap up the day after the long hour of walking, you have a night stay at the local tea houses. The night ends with a warm and light dinner and fun interaction with fellow trekkers. The local tea houses provide the basic amenities and rooms with private bathrooms.

Trip Cost Includes:

✅ All airport and hotel transportation by private vehicle in Kathmandu as per the itinerary suggested.
✅ Deluxe twin-sharing accommodation in Kathmandu with breakfast
✅ Welcome & farewell dinner in Kathmandu (Alcoholic beverages are excluded)
✅ Kathmandu to Lukla to Kathmandu by flight
✅ Full board meal (breakfast, lunch, dinner, tea & coffee) during the trek
✅ Seasonal fruits during the trek are provided
✅ Comfortable & clean accommodation on teahouse/lodge/tent during the trek
✅ Government Registered Trek guide (English speaking, First Aid and eco trained), Sherpa porter (one porter for two trekkers)
✅ All necessary paper works, Everest region entry fee, and permits & TIMS card
✅ Four seasonal sleeping bags, Nepal Vision Treks duffel bag, and trekking map ( sleeping bag to be returned after trip completion)
✅ First aid exclusive medical kit bag
✅ All government and local taxes

Trip Cost Excludes:

❌ Visa fees (You can obtain a visa easily upon your arrival at Tribhuwan International Airport in Kathmandu so (bring accurate USD cash and two passport photographs)) International airfare to and from Kathmandu
❌ Lunch and dinner except for welcome & fare well dinner (and also in the case of early return from the mountain than the scheduled plan)
❌ Any extra night accommodation in Kathmandu because of early arrival, late departure, and early return from the mountain (due to any reason) than the scheduled itinerary plan
❌ Travel and rescue insurance

Detailed Information About Flying into Lukla

During peak trekking seasons (October-November and March-April), Lukla flights operate from Ramechhap (Manthali Airport), located 4-5 hours east of Kathmandu. In busy periods, flights may shift to Ramechhap as early as mid-September in the fall or May in the spring, depending on air traffic and aviation regulations. 

Baggage Allowance in Lukla Flight

When flying from Kathmandu to Lukla, the baggage allowance is 15 kg for checked luggage and 5 kg for carry-on luggage. There are certain charges if you exceed these limits. It is better to pack smart and light.

Tickets & Permits

To fly to Lukla, travelers need to book their tickets in advance. The cost for a one-way ticket from Kathmandu ranges from $175 to $217, as per airline and booking conditions. Passengers should also carry a valid passport and printed or electronic copies of their flight tickets when traveling

Travel insurance for Everest Base Camp Trekking

When traveling to a foreign land, one thing can be your safety. It is the travel insurance, one of the mighty saviors, to cover loss and theft, medical and hospitalization, evacuation from high altitude, and adventure activity coverage. But there are a wide variety of travel insurance policies available. You must have a keen eye to get the best possible deals.

Look closely at the fine print so that you're sure to get the proper coverage. Watch out for the event of an emergency like altitude sickness; helicopter evacuations are expensive. There are other things in the policy that trekkers should consider before getting travel insurance.

• Coverage for High Altitude: The insurance covers trekking at altitudes up to 4000m. But some policies cover above 6000m, as Everest Base Camp is at 5364 m.
• Medical Evacuation: Policies that include emergency medical evacuation are required in case of altitude sickness or accidents requiring immediate transport.
• Trip Cancellation and Interruption: Coverage should include trip cancellation and interruption to protect against unforeseen events like flight cancellations and expanding itineraries.
• Lost or Stolen Belongings: Besides, the policy should cover lost and stolen luggage.  
• Personal Liability: The insurance should include liability coverage in case of accidents that may injure others or damage property during the trek.
• 24/7 Emergency Assistance: Choose a provider that gives 24/7 emergency assistance services to help coordinate medical evacuations and provide support in critical situations.
• Specific Trekking Activities: Confirm that the policy covers trekking-related activities. Contact the insurance provider beforehand to include the adventure sports in the policy.

Permits for the EBC Trek

Reaching the heights of Everest Base Camp is no joke. It is wonderful along the trails of the appealing landscape and charming natural heritages. So to preserve the local environment the government of Nepal has allocated a certain amount of fees for the permit to walk across the Everest region. 

Nepal Vision Trek has made the package feasible with the fee of the permit included. The guide will get the permit on your behalf after you get all the required documents, like your passport. There are two different types of trekking permits such as

• Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Entrance Permit - The permit cost NPR 3000 per person. It should be paid in person in Lukla as the permit is not available in Kathmandu.
• Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit—The permit can be obtained in Kathmandu at the Nepal Tourism Board Office or from Monjo at the Sagarmatha Park Entrance Gate. It costs NPR 3000 per person.

Is Everest Base Camp Trek Right for You?

Everest Base Camp is one of the captivating journeys that winds through the scenic Everest region. But to have a successful journey it requires a lot of careful planning and preparation. To make an effective plan, there are different factors every trekker should understand. So, let us have a close look at all of these factors to make a detailed and careful preparation. 

Trek Difficulty

During the Everest Base Camp Trek major concerns are the difficulty of the Trek. The good news is that despite Everest being the world's highest peak, the trails to the trek are moderately difficult.

Regardless, the trail is non-technical and summits mountains; it is more than just walking in the park. But as long as you have good physical fitness, it is a plus point. 

The major challenge on the Everest trail is walking 6-7 hours along rugged, high-altitude terrain covering 15km. The major challenge is the altitude coverage of more than 4000m, which can ignite altitude sickness. It is a situation with common symptoms like shortness of breath, vomiting, and shortness of breath. If the situation gets worse, conditions like HACE and HAPE can become life-threatening. 

Nepal Vision Treks guides have first aid training, so they can help you provide basic medication like Diamox to alleviate the condition. Acclimatization is the best way to prevent this. Likewise, maintain your pace, be well-equipped, and stay hydrated. 

Best Time to Trek

The different seasons enhance the beauty of the trail. But spring and autumn are the best times to go on the Everest Base Camp Trek. Since the summer season welcomes the monsoon season, that makes it harder to go on the trek, at the same time, the harsh weather conditions of winter cannot be ignored. 

Spring 

As you give your warm farewell to the cold and breezy weather and welcome the greenery in nature. The birds were chirping, the pink, red, and white rhododendrons were blooming, and fauna was wandering in the beauty of nature. The trail conditions are good, the weather is comfortable, and long days are the best combination for the best time. 

Aside from the weather, the timing is perfect for trekkers to experience the festivals of the Sherpa community. Dumje falls this time as it celebrates the birth of Guru Rinpoche, a revered figure in Tibetan Buddhism. He was believed to have been born on a lotus flower.

Since it is the peak season, it is better to book the trek in advance. At this time, there is a possibility of many bushfires that can accumulate smoke, causing low visibility. Moreover, at the end of the season, the monsoon season arrives, so there is an expectation of heavy rainfall. Trekkers must understand the weather beforehand to prepare accordingly. 

Autumn 

The heavy rainfall washes off, and a fresh environment makes its way to the autumn season. The fresh breeze, vibrant atmosphere, and comfortable weather are the features of autumn. The appealing environment and the better trail conditions are perfect for trekkers. The experienced guides of Nepal Vision Treks say autumn is the best time to trek because of the beauty of nature, diverse flora, and fauna. 

Interestingly, there are different festivals, like Kumje and Gyalpo Lhosar. Kumje celebrates autumn harvests with feasting and music, while Gyalpo Losar marks the Tibetan New Year with gift exchanges, traditional foods, and lively dances.

The autumn seems to have a high number of trekkers, so it is better to book the trek early or late in the season to avoid the crowds. 

Food & Accommodation Options

The trails take you to remote areas, so the accommodation choices are the local tea houses. But in Namche, there is access to small hotels to five-star hotels, where you can stay and enjoy warm food. 

The tea houses have private rooms and shared bathrooms. The lower elevations have fully equipped tea houses with electricity, Wi-Fi, hot showers, and Western toilets, but the upper elevations have more rustic and basic tea houses.

Remember that there is a small fee for services such as wifi and hot showers. 

In general, your whole-day meal will be like this for breakfast: you can have chapati bread or Tibetan bread with curry alongside porridge, muesli, or pancakes. The good news is that there are options for vegans and vegetarians. 

However, anyone with dietary restrictions should inform the guide, who will communicate with the kitchen staff. The afternoon lunch includes variations like Dal Bhat, fried rice or noodles, Mo Mo (local dumplings), Thukpa, and spring rolls, as well as Western dishes like burgers, pasta, pizza, and potatoes.

Phone Charging Options

Since trekkers will be going to the remote region of the Himalayas, there may be concerns about whether electricity is available. But the region has access to electricity and solar panels. Depending on the tea house, there is a charging port in the room to charge the devices in your rooms. But there is a certain charge like phone, around $4-5

The camera battery costs $8-10, and the power bank costs $13-15 to charge the battery in the main dining hall. 

Internet & Wi-Fi Availability

Free Wi-Fi is available up to Namche, but the connection could be more reliable. It’s better to buy a prepaid internet card from Nepal Airlink or Everest Link, as it gives 24-hour access. After Namche, trekkers need to rely on these prepaid cards. 

The cost ranges from $5 to $10, depending on the altitude. Nepal Airlink is recommended for better connectivity.

Extra expenses for EBC trek

• Wi-Fi: $5–$10 (varies by location and teahouse).
• Battery Charging: Mobile: 500 NPR, Camera: 1000 NPR, Power Bank: 1500 NPR
• Tea/Coffee: Around 500 NPR per drink.
• Snacks (Chocolates/Chips): 500–1500 NPR (varies by altitude).
• Hot Water: 500 NPR per liter (up to 700 NPR in Gorak Shep).
• Hot Shower: $5–$10.
• Additional Meals (from menu): $8–$12 per item.
• Bakery Items: $5–$10.
• Tengboche Monastery Visit: 300 NPR.

How to Ensure Safety and Altitude Sickness on the EBC Trek?

Altitude sickness is a major concern on the Everest Base Camp trek. The guides of Nepal Vision Trek suggest these ways to help you tackle the condition effectively:

• Get yourself a water bottle and hydrate on an hourly basis with a target of 3-4 liters.
• Feed yourself nutritious food and avoid junk.
• Navigating the trail at a slow pace is the best approach; try to immerse yourself in the beauty of the journey.
• Acclimatize to the altitude to give your body time to adapt to the higher elevation.
• Diamox is an effective medication for alleviating common symptoms of altitude sickness, such as nausea, vomiting, and shortness of breath.
• In severe conditions, seek medical help as soon as possible.

Tips for First Time EBC Trekkers

Train Before Trek

Trekkers should prepare physically for a successful experience. It is advised to start training at least 3-6 months prior. First start taking the staircase and long walks. Later focus to include cardiovascular and strength training in workout for endurance and stamina.

Prepare Gear & Equipment

Plan to pack the proper gear for a comfortable trek to Everest Base Camp. Invest in high-quality gear and pack wisely. If you want to go for a budget-friendly option rent the gear from Thamel as the option ranges for less than a dollar a day.

Inhale With Nose, Exhale with Mouth

Breathing techniques are best to make your trekking experience amazing at high altitudes. Practice inhaling through your nose and exhaling through your mouth. The method is perfect to regulate breathing and maintain a steady oxygen flow.

Observe the Mountains & Sherpa Culture

Take time to appreciate the stunning landscapes and culture along the EBC trail. While the cheering white peaks will give a warm smile. At the same time, the friendly Sherpa people highlighting their culture and customs give valuable insights into their way of life and traditions.

Don’t Eat Junk Food

Try to eat a healthy diet during your trek. Avoid junk food as it causes energy crashes or digestive issues. Instead, focus on a balanced diet meal for muscle repair, and plenty of fruits and vegetables for vitamins.  

Pack Light

Pack light during your journey and aim to carry only the essentials in your backpack. Consider using lightweight gear and cloth specifically for trekking. A good rule of thumb is to keep your pack weight under 10-15% of your body weight for comfort on the trail.

Stay Hydrated

Staying hydrated is vital during the trek as high altitudes can lead to dehydration more quickly than at sea level. Drink at least 3-4 liters of water per day and carry a reusable water bottle. Besides, using water purification tablets when refilling from natural sources along the trail.