If hiking, trekking, and mountaineering are your passions, trekking along the Everest Base Camp must be a surreal experience. The scenic beauty of the magnificent Himalayas will surely take your breath away. The way to the camp is also excellent, as it takes you past the serene monasteries, Sherpa villages, and other unique views. It’s a visual pleasure indeed. When you plan to travel to the Everest Base Camp, you must keep several things in mind, such as the price, the challenge levels, and much more. That’s what we will discuss here. Read on to know more.
Where is the Everest Base Camp?
Mount Everest has two base camps: the North Base Camp in Tibet and the South Base Camp in Nepal. Our topic of discussion will be the one situated in Nepal. This basecamp lies within the Sagarmatha National Park. On average, the Everest Base Camp takes 12-14 days to complete. The camp begins and ends at the small mountain town of Lukla.
Everest Base Camp – A Detailed Insight into the 12-Day Itinerary
As mentioned above, it will take an average of 12-14 days to cover Everest Base Camp. Here is a brief insight into a 12-day itinerary.
Day 1: Arrive at the Kathmandu Airport (Tribhuvan International Airport) and spend the night at a hotel
Day 2: Fly a 30-45-minute flight from Kathmandu to Lukla. The other option is to drive from Kathmandu to Ramechhap, which takes around 4-5 hours. From Ramechhap, it takes 25 minutes to fly to Lukla. Upon reaching Lukla, you may begin trekking to Phakding at a height of 2620 m. It takes up to 3-4 hours from Lukla. However, some travelers may take a little longer to reach Phakding. To reach Phakding, you have to cross the Dudhkoshi valley.
You even have to cross a stream, over which lies a suspension bridge. You can see the KusamKanggru from the bridge, one of the most challenging terrains to explore. The trail continues to the ghat, and after crossing a ridge, you will reach Phakding, where you may reside overnight and acclimatize yourself for the challenging trek ahead.
Day 3: Trek to Namche Bazaar to acclimatize yourself. It is essential to take a rest before a challenging trek. It will eventually help your body adjust to high altitudes. Resting at Namche Bazaar for a day enables your body to adapt to the increased altitude and even minimizes the risk of altitude sickness as you climb higher. You can even visit the colorful markets and wonderful villages Mamche boasts of and purchase pretty artifacts, trekking equipment, and much more.
Day 4: Your next destination from Namche Bazaar is Tengboche. It takes around 5-6 hours to reach this destination. The picturesque view of the areas surrounding Tengboche is a delight to watch. The most excellent highlight of your trek to Tengobche is that you visit the Tengboche monastery, which gives you a panoramic view of the mighty Himalayas. You can spend the night at Tengboche.
Day 5: The following destination is Dingboche. You descend through a lovely forest and cross the Imja Khola River. You then trek through the Pngboche village. It’s relaxing and has spectacular mountain views that will leave you in awe. You’ll even get perfect mountain views from here. This one is a simple hike, taking not more than 3-4 hours.
Day 6: Once you reach Dingboche, you’ll have to spend another day of acclimatization. It’s a short hike that will allow you to enjoy breathtaking views of the Ama Dablam mountains and the Lhotse-Nuptse ridge. As you acclimatize, you get plenty of relaxation time and even the scope for day trips to different locations.
Day 7: Next on the list is Lobuche. It will take around 5 hours on average. You will come across various points that offer mesmerising views of the surroundings. As you trek to Lobuche, you will eventually enter a high-altitude area and tread past a rocky terrain. You will even witness the picturesque view of the Thamserku and the Ama Dablam mountains.
The Lobuche trek route goes through Thukla Pass, which is also considered the trek’s highest point. You will get a glimpse of the Khumbu Icefall and the Khumbu Glacier. You will also find lodges and tea houses for refreshments and accommodation on your way.
Day 8: After Lobuche, your next destination is Gorak Shep, from where you’ll be heading towards the Everest Base Camp. On your path to the Everest Base Camp, the final stationary settlement you’ll come across is Gorak Shep. You’ll find amenities like a mountain shelter and a mountain hotel. The journey takes 6 to 8 hours. You’ll start feeling the altitude factor from here even more than before.
This is the point where many might experience symptoms of altitude sickness. That’s why you need to be more careful. You will have to trek an average of 15km. You’ll have to cross a rocky terrain along the Khumbu Glacier to get to the Base Camp. Enjoy the beauty, and capture the memories on your phone.
You can have lunch at the base camp while admiring nature’s beauty. Many prefer to spend a night at the main camp, enjoying the mightiest peaks. Once that is done, you may prepare to trek downhill to Gorka Shep and spend a night there at the guest house.
Day 9: Once you’ve achieved a trekking spree at the Everest Base Camp, your next target is to begin trekking to Kala Patthar, where you get a close-up view of Mount Everest. It’s a rocky terrain and quite a tough climb. However, the end result is quite rewarding, as you get a glimpse of Mount Everest. After you’ve trekked Kala Patthar, it is time to descend downhill and reach Pheriche. On average, this hike will take around eight to nine hours. You can stay at a guesthouse overnight.
Day 10: From Pheriche, you will again go to Namche Bazaar, which will take seven to eight hours. It’s time to unwind after a strenuous trek and relax for a while. You can put up at a guesthouse for an overnight halt.
Day 11: The trek is eventually coming to an end, and it is time to return to Lukla, where it all started. It will take seven to eight hours on average. It includes an overnight stay at a guest house.
Day 12: It marks the end of an adventurous trek. From Lukla, you fly to Kathmandu, which takes around 35 minutes. You could also get to Ramechhap from Lukla, which is a 20-minute flight. Some prefer to drive to Kathmandu from Ramechhap, which takes 5-6 hours.
How long does it take for the Everest Base Camp Trek?
The trek from Lukla to Everest Base Camp and vice versa will take an average of 12 days. Depending on how much time you take to acclimatize, it may also take as much as 15 days. The total elevation that you have to cover is 5364 m. So, keeping that in mind, you must keep some days to acclimatize to give your body the much-needed rest.
Read Also: Nepal Travel Advice
Is the Everest Base Camp trek challenging?
When we mention Everest Base Camp, the first thing that comes to mind is something challenging and mammoth that you must explore. It’s not as scary as it sounds. The trek has steep climbs, lasting no more than an hour. On most days, the walk doesn’t last more than four hours. The fact that makes the EBC trek challenging is its increasing altitude, above 5000 m. So, in those days, experiencing altitude sickness is quite common. For instance, when trekking to Namche Bazaar, approximately 75% of the climbers may experience altitude sickness in some form.
If you experience altitude sickness during the trek, it is advisable not to climb any further. Breathe deeply in every few minutes. In this way, you can lessen the carbon dioxide levels in your blood. Moreover, the most convenient way to reduce the incidences of altitude sickness is by descending to a lower level. That way, it will help you feel better and lessen your discomfort.
It’s not that the EBC Trek is only meant for athletes. However, you must be physically and mentally fit to trek along the Everest Base Camp. If you have any existing cardiorespiratory issues or other ailments, talk to your healthcare provider before starting the trek.
What is the most favorable time to go to EBC Trek?
October and November are the perfect months to go trekking to the EBC. There will be clear skies and favorable weather conditions. Another good time to trek the EBC is during spring, March-May. You can come here in winter as well – December and January. However, be sure to wear more warm clothing then, as it could get really cold.
How to avoid altitude sickness?
It has been seen that most people who don’t acclimatize well cannot complete the Everest Base Camp Trek. It is advisable not to attempt to reach high altitudes soon. Instead, you must make proper overnight stops instead of trying to get to your destination soon. If you are above 3000 m, limit your daily altitude gain to about 400m.
When you are at Dingboche and Namche Bazaar, add acclimatization days. This prepares your body for the strenuous hike that follows. You must also hydrate well and rest immediately if you experience altitude sickness symptoms. Some common signs include headache, insomnia, vomiting, lessened performance, breathing difficulty, etc.
How are the teahouses?
The teahouses trekkers may encounter on the way to the Everest Base Camp are a relief. They are small bread-and-breakfast accommodations mainly located on the trekking routes to the EBC. Initially, they started as simple shelters. Currently, the teahouses offer basic amenities alongside tasty food to give you pleasure amid the challenging adventure.
You will get single beds, hot meals, electricity, wi-fi, toilets, etc. You’ll also interact with the local people and meet fellow trekkers. You’ll get several lip-smacking delicacies like noodle soup (thukpa), dumplings (momo), spring rolls, fried potatoes, pizza, and pasta. In most teahouses, you will find the quintessential Nepalese dal-bhaat, a delicious and nutritious option.
Can you get phone and wi-fi coverage on your way to the EBC?
In most lodges, wi-fi services are free or at a nominal cost. At Namche Bazaar, you may purchase a scratch card with an average 12-hour unlimited data package. The NTC and NCell offer several 2G and 3G options.
The Everest Link Card provides better access in the Himalayan region. Depending on the network offer you choose, you will likely get a signal on your phone in the low-altitude areas and even at the base camp.
What should you carry at the Everest Base Camp Trek?
There are weight restrictions, and you shouldn’t carry heavy luggage while trekking at the Everest Base Camp. Many trip planners restrict your baggage limit to 10-15 kg (22-33 pounds). Yet, you must make it a point to bring your essentials for your convenience. Here are a list of what you must carry along:
- Waterproof jacket
- Waterproof trousers
- Lightweight down jacket
- Lightweight trekking trousers
- Hiking shorts (when trekking in summer)
- Thermals (top and bottom; preferably made of Merino)
- Thick gloves (waterproof)
- Glove liners
- Sunglasses
- Sun hats
- Waterproof hiking shoes
- Additional warm layers: extra thermal set (to walk in and sleep in), trekking socks, and gaiters (especially if you go to EBC in winter)
- Power bank
- Charging cables
- Universal plug adaptor
- Hand gel
- Wet wipes (biodegradable)
- Toilet paper
- Sunscreen
- Medications (pain killers, anti-inflammatory medicines, anti-diarrhoea medicines, throat lozenges, rehydration sachets, blister plasters, vaseline (that you can rub on the feet to lessen friction), altitude sickness medicines (upon a doctor’s prescription)
- Sleeping bag (apt for four seasons)
- Bag liner
- Pillowcase (if needed)
- Head torch
- Travel towel
- Trekking poles
- Water bottles (two with a capacity of one litre each)
- Duffle bags or rucksacks
- Crampons (which you can attach to your footwear to travel in the snow during winter)
- Duffel back or rucksack with a capacity of approximately 65 litres
Do you require a guide and a porter on your way to the Everest Base Camp Trek?
If you are an experienced walker, you won’t require a guide as the routes are distinctly marked. However, a guide ensures that your trek is hassle-free and you get the ultimate comfort you need during your teahouse stay. However, as per the latest rules by the Nepal government, taking a licensed guide on the EBC trek is mandatory.
There isn’t any mandate to take a porter along. However, if you hire a porter, he’ll help you carry your baggage, relieving you of much weight. A porter on the EBC Trek will charge you $20-$25 on an average per day.
Conclusion
If the EBC trek is on your bucket list, it’s time you put your dreams into action. When you take all the precautions and follow the required guidelines, your trek is sure to be successful. Every year, over 40,000 people trek to this location, and you indeed wish to be one of them. Right? So go for it and have a HAVE A HAPPY JOURNEY!
FAQs – Everest Base Camp Trek
On average, the Everest Base Camp trip may cost $1200-$5000, including transportation, lodging, guides, permits, and food. For instance, a room and three meals daily cost $20-$25. The cost will be more if you opt for private bathrooms. If you hire a porter, it will cost $20 a day. A guide will charge you $25-$30 on average. The cost will be higher if you choose any trekking company in Kathmandu to arrange your trip.
If you take a physical effort to count, the difficulty level of the EBC trek isn’t much. The trek has some steep climbs that don’t last more than an hour. Most days you won’t have to walk for more than four hours. It’s the increased altitude that makes the EBC Trek appear challenging.
Yes, the EBC trek is suitable for beginners. However, you must be physically and mentally fit. Make sure you research well, carry all the necessary amenities, and hire a licensed guide and a porter to help you throughout the trip. Acclimate well and try to cover only a little distance quickly. It may hurt your health.
The standard time for the Everest Base Camp trek is an average of 12-14 days.
If you’re trekking to Everest Base Camp, you’ll be delighted to know that the trip has a success rate of around 90%. That’s quite a high percentage.
No, according to the latest regulations of the Nepal government, solo trekking isn’t permitted. You have to take a licensed guide.
According to the data collected from the climbers, many have found the Kilimanjaro trek to be harder than the Everest Base Camp trek. The EBC Trek has a success rate of 90%, while for Kilimanjaro, it is only 45%.
Yes, you’ll need to purchase a permit at Lukla for $20. You will also need to buy a permit to visit Sagarmatha National Park, which will cost $23. Another permit to buy is the Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality permit, which costs $20 per person.