Everest Base Camp Trek

14 Days

Have you ever thought about doing something extraordinary? Do you dream about exploring the unknown? If you have ever been in any of these situations, then you are in for a treat. Nothing is more mysterious than the majestic Himalayas. Trekking in the Himalayas might sound overwhelming, but it is possible. Every year, thousands of tourists flock to Nepal to embark on a journey to the Himalayas, and all of them say the same thing: it is an experience of a lifetime.

How to Use This Everest Base Camp Guide?

This all-in-one guide includes all the information that you will need for your Everest Base Camp trek. It is a 14-day itinerary that includes a detailed itinerary along with the costs and expenditure, trekking routes, list of required items and gears, best accommodation and places to eat, useful tips, and other lots of FAQs. This guide is highly flexible and adjustable and caters to both solo and group trekkers. You will not need to refer to any other guides. So, save your time and follow this guide to fulfill your dream of visiting Everest Base Camp.

Why visit Everest Base Camp (Everest Base Camp)?

Frankly speaking, there is no other place like Everest Base Camp in the world. It is the most famous trekking destination in Nepal. Though there are a number of mountains in Nepal, none of them can match the grandeur of Mount Everest, the highest peak in the world. If you are only a beginner in the field of mountaineering and desire to see Everest in person but feel intimidated and overwhelmed, then Everest Base Camp trek is perfect for you.

You do not have to climb Mount Everest to observe the breathtaking view of the Himalayas; you get to do it from Everest Base Camp. It is a perfect place to start for aspiring trekkers. The journey to Everest Base Camp is full of adventures; you will trek along the beautiful hills and through the coniferous forests. There are magical things waiting to be unraveled, and you can be the one to do. That is the reason why Everest Base Camp is always on the bucket list of people looking for an adventure.

Trip Highlights

  • View Mount Everest and other peaks like Lhotse and Nuptse up close from the base camp which sits at 5,364 meters above the sea level, one of the highest points in the world.
  • Visit Tengboche Monastery and experience the rich culture of ancient Buddhism. It is the largest monastery in the Khumbu region.
  • Observe the magnificent Khumbu glacier from the base camp; it is the highest glacier in the world and lies on the way to the summit of Mount Everest.
  • Take a walk around Namche Bazaar, a one of a kind vibrant town in the foothills of the Himalayas where you can familiarize yourself with Sherpa’s culture and traditions.
  • Learn about the rare and exotic wildlife and vegetation of the Himalayan region by visiting Sagarmatha National Park.

How Difficult is Everest Base Camp Trek?

You do not have to be extremely fit and experienced in trekking to join the Everest Base Camp trek. If you are in decent shape and do not have any respiratory complications, you should be able to complete the trek without much difficulty. The Everest Base Camp trail is pretty easy, but the only hindrance is the altitude. Altitude sickness is very common, and it can happen to anyone regardless of fitness and health. You can take care of altitude sickness by taking medications, so there is no need to worry about the trek. With proper planning and preparation, you can fully enjoy the Everest Base Camp trek.

When to Embark on Everest Base Camp Trek?

The best time to visit Everest Base Camp is spring or autumn, the reason being the absence of rainfall. You would not want to be drenched in rainwater while trekking, would you? That’s why you should trek between April to May or October to November. During this period, you can fully concentrate on your trek without worrying about rainfall or storms. This is high time for trekkers, so if you are traveling solo, you can just follow the trail that everyone else is following. There is no need to worry about getting lost in the mountains.

14-day Everest Base Camp Trek Itinerary

You will begin your journey from Kathmandu, the capital city of Nepal. I recommend you take your time and explore the city, while you are in Nepal. It is an ancient city with amazing food culture and a rich history of art and architecture. So, take a walk around the city, before you start your trekking adventure. At the end of the Everest Base Camp trek, you will be back in Kathmandu.

Accommodation

During the Everest Base Camp trek, you will spend your night in many different places. Most of these places are run by local people who do not have any other means of making money. You can contribute to their well-being by using their services. In Lukla and Namche Bazaar, you will find decent accommodation at affordable prices. You can spend your night in any of the tea houses in Namche Bazaar. These places will give you a homely feeling.

However, as the altitude increases, your accommodations get more basic. This does not mean you get bad accommodations but the rooms are small with twin sharing beds. You will find bathrooms attached to your rooms in tea houses but in higher altitudes, the bathrooms may be squat bathrooms so prepare yourself mentally for all kinds of situations. The rooms will be clean and comfortable regardless of the size.

Everest Base Camp Trek Cost

As you have already learned about the breakdown cost of individual expenses during your Everest Base Camp Trek, you are well informed about the types of costs incurred. However, if you are trekking with a local trekking company, you will have a better opportunity at saving yourselves some cash along with having a stress free journey.

Traveling with a local trekking company like Radiant Treks, your 14 days Everest Base Camp Trek cost will range from USD 1250 based on the Everest Base Camp Trek Itinerary. This cost includes all of the transportation, food and accommodation and other costs during your trek. The detailed inclusions and exclusions are listed below for your convenience.

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Max Altitude: 2860 m

Flight duration: 40 minutes

Trek distance: 6.2 km

Trek Duration: 4-5 hours

Your journey to the Everest Base Camp starts from the capital city, Kathmandu. With a scenic flight from Kathmandu to Lukla, you will enter the Everest Region. The 40 minutes Kathmandu-Lukla flight is a rollercoaster of amazement and mesmerizing beauty. The view from the flight is incomparable to any other flight in the country. Reaching Lukla you will need the local area entry permit so get your documents ready.

With the mesmerizing views of the mountains of the Everest region along with the beautiful landscapes and the valley itself will leave you awe-inspired and eager to continue the trek. You will reach Lukla after this eye-pleasing scenic flight after around 40 minutes. The trekking part of the Everest Base Camp Trek starts now.

From Lukla, you will be taking a trek to Phakding. It is a small settlement through the trail following the Dudh Koshi River. The trail from Lukla to Phakding takes around 4-5 hours. With great views of the mountains along with the glaciers and waterfalls. Following the river bed of Dudh Koshi River, you will finally reach Phakding. You shall spend the night in the small settlement of Phakding in a tea house.

Maximum Altitude: 3445 m

Trek distance: 9.4 km

Trek duration: 6-7 hours

Today, our Everest Base Camp Trek itinerary takes us for a long walk to Namche Bazaar, one of the most famous tourist destinations in the Everest Region. Leaving Phakding with a stomach full breakfast, we will head north.

Walking uphill from Phakding with great landscapes and exotic flora and fauna, you will walk alongside the Dudh Koshi riverside. On the way to Namche, you will have to cross many suspension bridges and come across many beautiful waterfalls.

After a short walk, you will reach a small village of Monjo which is also known as the gateway to Sagarmatha National Park. You will require the Sagarmatha National Park permit to go any further. The permit can be obtained at Monjo at the entrance with all the required documents.

After acquiring the Sagarmatha National Park Permit, you will cross one of the longest suspension bridges known as the Hillary suspension bridge and finally reach Namche Bazaar. You will stay overnight in a lodge or tea house in Namche Bazaar.

Maximum Altitude: 3445 m

Trek distance: 1-2 km

Trek duration: 3-4 hours

Day 3 of the 14 days Everest Base Camp Trek itinerary is very important for all trekkers. Today is acclimatization day which means you will not advance in your trek. Acclimatization means to let your body get acquainted with the changing altitude and adapt to the altitude. This may sound unnecessary but it is a very important part of the trek.

Namche Bazaar is popular for not only its diverse cultural marketplace but also as an important acclimatization point. This does not necessarily mean that you will have to sit at the lodge doing absolutely nothing. Acclimatization day is also an exploration day as you can’t come all the way to Namche and do nothing.

The marketplace is not the only thing Namche has to offer you. You can explore the museum in Namche with great cultural importance. Apart from the destinations, you can also try on the cultural dress of the locals and take pictures. This has become a major attraction in Namche.

If you are out of things to do in Namche Bazaar, why not take a short hike to a nearby viewpoint. Within an hour's walk lies the famous historical airport of Syangboche. Syangboche airstrip, despite not being open for commercial operation, is crowded with tourists. It provides great views of the Himalayas.

With all these great adventurous and memorable activities, we will return to Namche and rest for more adventures tomorrow.

Maximum Altitude: 3975 m

Trek distance: 9.2 km

Trek Duration: 5-6 hours

With enough rest and food in our body, we shall leave Namche moving forward to our destination. From Namche, we shall advance to our next stop, Tengboche.

The trail along with the destination is rich in religion and culture. You will meet many Buddhist monasteries along the way including stupas, Chortens, and Gompas.

On the way to Tengboche, you will cross the Mong La Pass at the altitude of 3975 meters. The pass provides you with the best views of Mt. Ama Dablam and Lhotse as we descend to the Dudh Koshi.

You will reach Tengboche village after a 5-6 hours walk from Namche with an uphill climb from Dudh Koshi. The village is warped in the religious vibes of the monastery with prayer flags rustling in the winds. The Dawa Choling Gompa is one of the famous attractions of this village.

You will have to trek a while to reach the Gompa from the village but it is worth every minute.

The monastery provides the best panoramic view of the mountains like Nuptse, Ama Dablam, Everest, Lhotse, etc.

After the majestic view of the mountains and the landscape along with the monastery visit, you will return to the Tengboche village and spend the night in a local teahouse.

Maximum Altitude: 4360 m

Trek distance: 9 km

Trek Duration: 5-6 hours

The route further from Tengboche is filled with alpine forests with many small villages on the way. As we leave Tengboche and head towards Dingboche, you can enjoy the exotic flora and fauna on the way. Mainly the Rhododendron forests make your trails much more vibrant and exciting.

With great views of the mountains like Everest, Lhotse, Taboche and Nuptse on the way, you will reach Pangboche after crossing the Imja Khola. As you reach Pangboche, you can visit the Pangboche Monastery which is a popular cultural attraction of the hike.

Soon, we will reach the Dingboche village which takes a total of 5-6 hours of trekking. The picturesque village with its unique landscape and lack of trees is an exciting sight to see. Also, you can see many animals grazing in these fields along with farming fields of Potato, Barley, and Buckwheat.

With great views of the mountains surrounding you, you will enjoy your dinner and spend the night in Dingboche.

Maximum Altitude: 4360 m

Trek distance: 5 km

Trek Duration: 3-4 hours

We have reached our second acclimatization point of the 18 days Everest Base Camp Trek. reaching above 4000 meters is a great achievement in our trek. Also an important acclimatization point.

As you reach above 4000 meters, there is a high chance of you getting altitude sickness so it is very important for you to take proper precautions. With acclimatization, you can explore the Dingboche village a little more to get to know their lifestyle and culture.

Apart from exploring the village and its people, you can also take a short hike to neighbor attractions like the Chukkung village or the Nagarjuna hill. Both destinations are very popular for sightseeing. They provide you with the best views of the neighboring mountains and the villages along with the farms and pastures. These views are breathtaking from the hilltop and the village.

The short hike takes around 3-4 hours and is not very tiring. It helps to keep your body accustomed to the high altitude. You will return to Dingboche at the end of the day and spend the rest of the day doing your daily chores like laundry or get enough rest.

Maximum Altitude: 4950 m

Trek distance: 11 km

Trek Duration: 5-6 hours

Day 7 of the Everest Base Camp Trek takes you to Lobuche. The trek to Lobuche from Dingboche starts off as a wider and brighter route but later gets narrower. The trek takes you through the beautiful routes with astonishing views of the mountains reaching the ultimate altitude of 4950 meters.

Walking past the first successful campsite of the Everest expedition, we will head towards the narrower path. Through the path, we can see the glorious Pumori peak and descend to a small stream.

Crossing the stream we make our ascent to Duglha, a small village. The trails through Duglha are covered in prayer flags leading us to Lobuche. On our way to Lobuche from Duglha, we will cross the Khumbu glacier terminal moraine.

This is a difficult steep moraine but the view of the snowy peaks from the moraine is breathtaking. Finally reaching Lobuche after the highs and lows, you can now enjoy the beautiful view of the Lobuche peak itself with other neighboring mountains as well.

Maximum Altitude: 5164 m

Trek distance: 4 km

Trek Duration: 3-4 hours

Today is the last stop before reaching our ultimate destination, Everest Base Camp. today, we will walk a short distance of only 4 kilometers from Lobuche to Gorakshep.

The trail from Lobuche to Gorakshep is filled with ups and downs and the trail gets rough and steep. However, this rough trail gives you the perfect view of the Khumbu Glaciers. Slow your pace for this walk to avoid altitude sickness.

Walking on the rocky trails for about 3-4 hours, you will finally reach Gorakshep. You can enjoy your dinner and rest for the night in a teahouse in the village. Save your energy for the main event tomorrow.

Maximum Altitude: 5643 m

Trek distance: 4 km

Trek Duration: 4-5 hours

The big day has finally arrived. With the sunrise, we shall trek a few hours on a steep rocky trail and get to Kalapathar (5643m). It is one of the most popular destinations in the Everest Base Camp trek. The view point bestows the mesmerizing views of the glorious Mount Everest along with its neighboring mountains.

The hike to Kalapathar will take around an hour or a half. The view is worth the climb. From Kalapathar, we will make our descent to the Everest Base Camp. The most awaited moment of our 18 days Everest Base Camp trek itinerary has finally arrived. This will serve as a memory of great accomplishment in all our lives. With a few clicks and memories and admiration moments, we shall return to Gorak Shep for the night.

Reaching the Base Camp at an altitude of 5364 meters is not a small thing. Achieving this feat is admirable and what is even more fascinating is the view of the mountains and the glaciers. We shall spend the night at Gorak Shep and prepare for our safe and exciting return.

Maximum Altitude: 5164 m

Trek distance: 9.8 km

Trek Duration: 6-7 hours

Today, we shall start our descent from Everest Base Camp. Our destination has been met but that doesn’t end the journey. The trek still continues as we make our descent back to Lukla.

With the distance to be covered being almost 10 km, the trek will take around 6-7 hours. The trek is not as easy as it seems but it is very exciting and thrilling. Making a downhill trek is always adventurous but safety is the first priority so walk slowly.

The trail is not as steep but it is rocky so mind your step and take it easy. The air pressure will slowly start to decrease and you can feel a lot easier than before. After a 7 hour long descend, we will finally reach Pheriche and end the day at a lodge or teahouse in Pheriche.

Maximum Altitude: 4371 m

Trek distance: 14.3 km

Trek Duration: 5-6 hours

On our way back, we will retrace our steps back to Namche Bazaar, where we stopped for acclimatization on our way up. This destination is a perfect spot for us to spend the night and further our journey the next day.

At Namche Bazaar, you can easily find many tea houses and lodges to stay in. The trail may be long but the downhill trek makes it seem quick and easy. Unlike the other trails, it is a busy trail with trekkers walking around. Also, the trail has a lot of diverse flora and fauna to offer you along with the captivating landscapes.

As we arrive in Namche, we can see the Sherpas in the marketplace busy with their work. The town is always pretty crowded and busy. We will spend the night here.

Maximum Altitude: 3440 m

Trek distance: 13.5 km

Trek Duration: 9-10 hours

Today marks the very last day of our actual trekking activity although you still have a day or two left of the trip. Our trek from Namche to Lukla will be the last trek in the area for Everest Base Camp trek. The Everest Base Camp Trek route takes you back to where you started from, Lukla from Namche Bazaar.

This is one of the longest treks you have had in the whole trek. Walking for around 9-10 hours today, you will return to Lukla from Namche Bazaar. The trail takes you through a steep climb followed by a steep downhill. The trek downhill on a steep trail is scarier so take your time and mind your footing.

The way back to Lukla is amazing because of the beautiful views of the mountains. The trail takes you through Monjo, Phakding, and finally reaching Lukla. It is a long way back but the surroundings make it worth every step.

Finally reaching Lukla, you can see the beautiful sacred Dudh Koshi River along with the suspension bridges you passed to reach there. The lively environment in Lukla will lift your spirits from the tiresome walk in a few minutes. We shall rest here for the night.

Maximum Altitude: 2860 m

Flight distance: 138 km

Flight Duration: 30 minutes

An early morning flight from Lukla to Kathmandu will help you relieve all your stress and fatigue from your trek. The trek where you walked around 5-6 hours a day on average will only leave good blissful memories as you get on the flight to Kathmandu from Lukla.

The scenic flight from Lukla will let you enjoy the beautiful views of the mountains, the landscapes, the streams, and the valleys from the comfort of your seat.

The scenic flight will cure you of your fatigue or any other stress. Also, the flight will get you to Kathmandu in a matter of 40 minutes. You will enjoy your breakfast in Kathmandu and spend the day resting or exploring the city.

Maximum Altitude: 4930 m

Trek distance: 10.6 km

Trek Duration: 5-6 hours

The last day of the Everest Base Camp Trek is Kathmandu tour which is highly suggested by us but it is completely up to you. However, what's the point of visiting Nepal if you don't explore the Kathmandu Valley at all right?

Let's make the most of the trip and have some exploration tours within the Kathmandu Valley as well.

The valley has so many things to offer you starting with the great historical and cultural monuments along with the cultural food of many cultures. The blend of culture in Kathmandu Valley is the main attraction of this city. The world-renowned heritage sites are a bonus. The living goddess, the historical architecture, the art, the people, everything here has its own unique attraction so make sure to explore the city to get your fill of the city.

After a short Kathmandu tour, we shall end the trek with a special cultural farewell dinner along with the trek completion certificate and end this memorable trek with a blast.

Cost Inclusions

  • Private vehicle airport pickup and drop off
  • Standard hotel accommodation with breakfast in Kathmandu
  • Tea house accommodation with twin sharing room and attached bedroom all throughout the trek
  • Three-course meals including breakfast, lunch, and dinner
  • An experienced professional trekking guide with fluent English speaking skills
  • A porter to be shared among two trekkers
  • Two-way flight fare from Kathmandu- Lukla-Kathmandu
  • Sleeping bag, medical supplies, emergency first aid kit
  • Trek completion certificate
  • Emergency rescue services
  • Trekking permits including the Sagarmatha National Park Permit and Local Municipality entry permit
  • Trekking map
  • Government taxes and other official charges

Cost Exclusions

  • International flight charges
  • Nepal Entry Visa fees
  • Travel insurance which is necessary for the emergency rescue operation
  • Personal expenses during the trek like hot showers
  • Any kind of extra food and drinks
  • Extra baggage fee for the flights
  • Personal trekking equipments charges or rent fee

Cost and Expenditures

The living cost in Kathmandu is among the lowest in the Asian continent. You can find all kinds of accommodation and food options that fit your budget. The trekking gears are more expensive, but they are a great investment. Here you will find the breakdown of individual costs of the Everest Base Camp trek. The prices fluctuate depending on the trekking season. You might find cheaper prices during off-season trekking. This list applies to the normal trekking season.

Flight ticket

Your flight tickets for the trek includes your Kathmandu- Lukla – Kathmandu flight. For foreigners, the flight costs around USD 180 for one way and USD 360 for two ways. However, for Nepali citizens, the flight for Kathmandu to Lukla costs USD 150 and USD 280 for both ways.

Visa

You will be required to get a visa to enter Nepal. The cost of a visa depends on the length of your stay which is around USD 30 to USD 125. It is better to apply for a 1-month multiple entry visa so that you can give yourself plenty of time to enjoy your trek and not worry about visa expiration. The one month visa for Nepal costs USD 50 giving you enough time for your Everest Base Camp Trek and other expeditions in Nepal.

Permit

As for the permits required during the 14 days Everest Base Camp Trek, you will need two main permits. As you enter the Khumbu Region after Lukla flight, you will need a Khumbu Rural Municipality Entry Permit which costs around USD 30. Apart from the rural entry permit, you will also require the Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit costing around USD 20.

Insurance

You are recommended to get personal travel insurance that will cost you around $100 to 200. It is important to have insurance in case of canceled flights, sudden illness, or any kind of accident. You will be fully covered by insurance.

Equipment

Make sure you have all the necessary equipment for your trek. You can either buy them online or purchase them in person after you arrive in Kathmandu. This equipment will cost you around $500 to 1000. There are a lot of shops in Thamel that sell trekking gear and equipment.

Tour operator

To ensure an enjoyable trek, you should get connected to a tour operator; they organize and manage your trek on your behalf. Local tour operators are cheaper and will cost you around $700 to 1000. On the other hand, international tour operators will cost you around $2000 to 3000.

Food

The food is pretty affordable. You would not have to spend more than $200 to 500 on food expenses for a 14-day Everest Base Camp trek. The food you find is the normal wide range of variety you find in the cities. As the altitude rises, the food variety decreases, and the food prices go up. With the altitude, it gets more difficult to transport and preserve food.

The main food you will be having in the trek routes is the traditional Nepali dish- Dal Bhat which is easily provided within USD 5-10. As for the tea and coffee, it costs from around USD 1.5 at lower altitude and around USD 3 at higher altitudes.

List of Necessary Items

Here you will find every single item that you will need for your trip to Everest Base Camp. You can find all these items on Amazon or you can support the local sellers by purchasing them in Nepal.

Clothing

  • Long-sleeve insulated shirt
  • Insulated cargo pants
  • Waterproof insulated jacket
  • Woollen long socks
  • Trekking shoes
  • Woollen hood jacket
  • Cap
  • Sunglasses
  • Gloves
  • Hiking boots

Equipment

  • Sleeping bag
  • Trekking poles
  • Headlamp
  • Neckwarmer
  • Duffle bag

How Safe is Everest Base Camp Trek?

Compared to Mount Everest, Everest Base Camp is extremely safe. The trails are also very safe. The only thing you need to worry about is altitude sickness. However, it can be taken care of by taking necessary medications and keeping oneself warm at all times. The trek to Everest Base Camp is safe without a doubt. Even if you get seriously sick, the guides will arrange help for you. You should follow their instructions and you will be perfectly fine.

Important Information about Everest Base Camp

Distance from Kathmandu:

From Kathmandu, Everest Base Camp is approximately 86.37 miles or 139 kilometers away. It takes about 12 to 15 days to complete the trek.

Altitude:

Everest Base Camp is located at an altitude of 17, 598 feet or 5,362 meters which is one of the highest points in the world.The environment and atmosphere in this place is very different compared to Kathmandu.

Average Temperature:

Due to high altitude, the average at Everest Base Camp is about 1.4 degrees Fahrenheit or minus 17 degrees Celsius. The temperature fluctuates depending on the seasonal changes.

Time Zone:

The time in Nepal is NPT (UTC+5:45) which is 10 hours and 45 minutes ahead of that in Washington D.C. of the United States.

Cellular Network:

You have access to cellular networks at various resting points of the Everest Base Camp trek. You can get a Prepaid sim from the airport and use it at Everest Base Camp without any issue.

Internet Access:

You can buy wifi at any tea house located in many different villages. The prices are very affordable and the service is decent.

Permit:

Before you begin your trek, you are required to get the permit. The permit to trek can be purchased at the Lukla airport.

What Not to Do During Everest Base Camp Trek

There are certain things that you should not do during your trip. You would not want to spoil your trip by engaging in any kind of wrong-doings. Here are some of the things that you should refrain from doing.

  • Don’t litter during your trek; collect your trash in a separate bag.
  • The prices go up as the altitude increases; do not bargain too much from the local people.
  • Be respectful of the local culture. It is always better to ask than making assumptions.
  • Don’t rush and push yourself too much; it can have a negative effect on your health.
  • Take your time and rest if you feel exhausted at any point during the trek.
  • Always follow the route and don’t stray away. People can get lost during the trek.
  • Don’t give any kind of gifts or presents to the local kids, unless you are with a welfare organization.

Self-checkList

The last thing you need to accomplish before you begin your trip is to ask yourself if you are ready to embark on this journey. Here is the checklist to assist you to determine if you are mentally and physically prepared to go on the Everest Base Camp trek.

  • Are you able to get a visa without any issues?
  • Are you financially capable of paying for your trip?
  • Are you willing to travel to a completely different country?
  • Are you healthy without any respiratory complications?
  • Are you able to walk for an extended period of time?
  • Are you interested in having an experience of a lifetime?

If you answered ‘Yes’ to all of the questions, then you are definitely ready to go on the Everest Base Camp trek. Please make sure that you think your answers well to ensure that your trip is without any incidents.

How to Prepare for Everest Base Camp trek

You can contact any tour company that specializes in mountaineering and trekking, and they will prepare necessary documents and make arrangements for your trek. However, if you are feeling adventurous, you can do it all by yourself. Here are things you must do before you begin your trekking adventure.

  • Get your health checked and make sure you do not have any respiratory complications. You can also start brisk-walking to prepare yourself for the trek in advance.
  • Confirm with the Nepalese Embassy in your country if you need to get any kind of vaccination before entering Nepal.
  • Buy the necessary gears and equipment that are required during trekking; you can buy them online on Amazon. You can also buy them in Nepal after you arrive in the country.
  • Book your flight tickets to Nepal. The best time to visit the country is between February to May and September to December.
  • Arrive in Kathmandu and stay in Thamel which is the haven for all the trekkers. You can get trekking gears at affordable prices.
  • Book your flight to Lukla and there you can get the permit for Everest Base Camp trek; the permit does not cost more than 3$.
  • There will be a lot of trekkers following the same trail as you do, so you do not have to worry about getting lost.
  • Do not be hesitant to engage with local people during your trek; they are hospitable and will help if you need their help.
  • Forget about your worries and enjoy your trip; you will have the experience of a lifetime.

Useful Tips

Now that you have decided to go on the Everest Base Camp trek and done your research, you will find these following tips very useful. These are the things many people do not mention when they talk about Everest Base Camp trek.

  • Bring medications that will help deal with altitude sickness or any other illness that you might catch during your trip.
  • You will find internet access at a very affordable price range in almost every tea house.
  • At higher altitudes, there is always a lack of fresh produce, so locals try to preserve their food. Make sure to ask before you purchase any kind of food.
  • Make sure you have packed your tissues. The high altitude and cold breeze will attack your nostrils and you might have a runny nose most of the time, so it is better to be prepared.
  • Pack some energy bars for a quick snack when you need energy, but remember to collect your trash.
  • You may not find drinkable water at all places during your trip, so I recommend you to pack a life straw or some chlorine tablets to purify your water.
  • The toilet facilities at higher altitude might not be up to your standard, but the only thing you do is make some adjustments. This small sacrifice is worth the accomplishment that you will feel when you are at the Everest Base Camp.
Is Everest Base Camp the highest point of the trek?

Everest Base Camp is at a high altitude of 5364 meters but it is not the highest point of the Everest Base Camp Trek. The highest point that the Everest Base Camp route takes us through is Kalapathar, the famous viewpoint. It is at an altitude of 5643 meters.

How difficult is the Everest Base Camp Trek?

There are many Everest Base Camp Trek difficulties based on the time chosen by the trekkers and the routes. But the trek compared to other treks is a moderate level trek and can be completed by beginners as well.

How many hours a day should I walk during the trek?

An average of 6-7 hours a day walking is required for the trek. Somedays, you may make a short hike of 3-4 hours while some other days there may be a 9-10 hours walk. So, the trekkers must be physically and mentally fit for the 14 days Everest Base Camp Trek.

What is the total distance covered during the trek?

The total distance covered during this Everest Base Camp trek route is around 156 kilometers.

Are there any physical requirements for the trek?

There are no prior training or specific requirements for the trek. However, Everest Base Camp Trek preparations including stamina building, physical and mental preparations are to be made before the trek for a better trekking experience.

What is the best time to embark on this adventurous trek?

Everest base camp trek best time can be defined as the months with clear skies and best views along with favorable temperature and weather. So, basically, Autumn and Spring are considered the best time for embarking on this adventurous 14 day Everest Base Camp Trek.

What are the main documents required for this trek?

As any other trek, Everest Base Camp Trek requires the complete official documents for your trek to start. Your passport with six months of validity and Nepal entry visa is a must. Other than that you will need some passport photos for filling out forms for the permits as well as cash for the permits.

What are the required Everest base Camp Trek permits?

For trekking in the Everest Region, you will need certain trekking permits. The required Everest base camp trekking permits include the Khumbu Rural Municipality entry permit costing around USD 20 and the Sagarmatha National Park permit costing USD 30 per person.

Where do I acquire my Everest Base Camp Trek permits?

Your trekking company will make sure all the trekking permits are in place for your trek so you don’t have to worry. However, if you are traveling alone, you can get your trekking permits at the entry gate. You can get your Khumbu entry permit at Monjo and the Sagarmatha National Park Permit at the entry gate of the National Park itself.

Do I need to buy gears and equipment?

You can find the gears and equipment best suited for you if you get a new one yourself. However, if you do not want to buy new ones, you can rent the gears and equipment from the trekking company as well.

What kind of food and accommodation services are available in the Everest Base Camp trek?

The days you spend in the city provide you with a wide range of food and accommodation services. However, during the trek, the higher the altitude, the limited is the services. The food and accommodation in the higher altitudes get more limited to tea houses and traditional local food.

Despite the limited services, the food is nutritious and balanced. Also, the accommodation is clean and twin bed-sharing with an attached bathroom.

Is insurance necessary?

Yes, insurance is important while making high altitude climbs like this. High altitude trekking insurances and travel insurances help make your trek more secure. They will pay for any emergency rescue fees in need, so insurance during trekking in high altitudes is a must.

Can I trek solo?

Trekking solo is not impossible in the Everest Region. However, it is recommended to walk in a group or hire a guide for your own safety.

Is hiring a porter or guide compulsory?

No, you can trek without hiring a guide or a porter if you are confident that you can find your way and are physically capable of carrying your own luggage. However, hiring a porter will make your burden a lot less and help make your trek go smoothly.

How much should I tip the guide and porter?

You can tip as your heart desires but it should be at least 10 percent of the staff’s charging fee.

What happens in case of an emergency?

In case of any emergencies, your guide will call for the rescue operation and you will be rescued with the help of a rescue helicopter managed by the company and paid by your travel insurance.

Will I get altitude sickness?

It is not completely sure that you will or will not get altitude sickness. However, there is a chance of you getting altitude sickness if you are trekking above 4000 meters. So take proper acclimatization in between your treks.

What are the symptoms of altitude sickness?

The symptoms of altitude sickness include feeling nauseous, getting dizzy, headaches, and difficulty in breathing. This is caused due to your body not adjusting to the high altitude.

How can I avoid altitude sickness?

In order to avoid altitude sickness, the first step is to take proper acclimatization days and slow your pace when there is a sudden change in altitude above 4000 meters. Apart from the acclimatization, drinking plenty of water with a proper diet also helps. Avoiding any alcoholic drinks along with smoking helps a great deal to avoid altitude sickness.

Despite all this, if you get altitude sickness, you can always take medicines and suppress the symptoms.

Is drinking water easy to find?

You can find drinking water in the shops and tea houses along the way but it is expensive. It is better to carry your own water bottles and fill it in teahouses instead of buying bottled water.

Will I be able to find ATMs in the Everest Base Camp Trek routes?

You may find an ATM machine in Namche Bazaar if you’re lucky. However, it is hard to find working ATMs in the Everest Base Camp Trek routes, so it is better to carry cash with you. You can find many ATMs in the city so you should get some cash out while you’re in the city.

Is the trek safe for female trekkers?

The trek is safe for females as long as you walk in groups. In the peak season, the trails are packed with trekkers, so solo trekking is also possible. But however, during the off-seasons, it is better to walk with a guide or in a group. You can also get female guides if you want.

Are there any basic tips for beginners for the trek?

The trek is easy and achievable for beginners as well. However, there are a few useful tips for beginners. As the Everest Base Camp Trek route takes you through remote lands, the accommodations are a bit old fashioned. So, you should practice squatting as the bathrooms are mostly squat bathrooms. Also carrying a water purifier and tea bags with you will save you some cash.

What are the alternative Everest Base Camp Trek routes?

The 14 days Everest Base Camp Trek itinerary takes you through the shortest and easiest trekking route. However, you can also take a detour for reaching the Everest Base Camp through the Gokyo lakes. This route provides you with a wide range of experience of the Gokyo lakes as well as the Everest base camp. This alternative route to Everest Base Camp takes more time than the first route.

How expensive is the trek?

The trek costs you around USD 1250 per person. This includes your stay in Kathmandu and throughout the trek. Your trekking permits along with food during the trek is all covered in this cost. So it is a great deal as a professional guide along with a porter is also managed by the company.

Lastly, the 14 days Everest Base Camp Trek is an adventurous journey suitable for both beginners and experts as we, Radiant Treks, provide you with the Everest Base Camp Trek routes which are safe and thrilling at the same time. The trek is made more exciting when someone is there to take care of your needs and ensure your safety, we, at Radiant Treks, are here to take on the role to make your journey more memorable and beautiful.

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