Everest Base Camp Trek “Hidden Gem Amidst Worldly Giant Peaks Of The World”

Everest Base Camp Trek is considered to be one of the most fulfilling treks in the world for it is adventurous, tranquil, and amusing all at once. Stationed in the higher section of Sagarmatha National Park in the Everest region, it bestows travelers with a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to set foot on the base of some of the highest massifs standing on earth: Mt.Everest(8848.86m) and Mt Lhotse (8516). The whole Everest region comprises some 300 mountains that are as gigantic and picturesque to look at. Everest Region caught its attention after the first summit of Mount Everest back in 1953 by Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay, and to this day is regarded to be one of the biggest adventure feats achieved by humans.

Our trek begins with a venturesome flight to one of the most thrilling airports in the world, Lukla Airport, also known as, Tenzing-Hillary Airport. Lukla airport has become one of the best attractions in itself for its dare-some location at an altitude of 2840m. Lukla (2840 meters) stands as a small town that caters to modern amenities and the trekking needs of the trekkers on their way to Everest. The trail then follows through the Dudh Koshi river with twists and turns along the river-cut hills until it reaches Namche Bazaar(3440m).

Namche Bazar, despite being remotely located, fascinates tourists for its exotic and dense amphitheater-styled settlement location overlooking Mt.Thamserku(6623 meters). The trek then follows through small Sherpa settlements of Tengboche(3860m), Pangboche(3985m), Dingboche(4410m), and Gorakshep (5164m) until it reaches a narrow valley with rock boulders, sand, and river deposits all flowing down from the famous Khumbu glacier. The base of the highest mountain on earth then comes before your sight. If you are luckily trekking this region during the Spring time, you will see camps of the climbers endeavoring for the summit of Everest.

Sunset View over Khumbutse, Lhola, Everest, and Nuptse West Face.  

The aura of the Everest region is distinct and it provides an alluring environment for the trekkers as it is home to some of the rarest species of plants and animals that survive in the elevation. The occasional sight of Himalayan Monal, Musk Deer, Snow Leopard, Himalayan Tahr, and other animals is not uncommon during the trek after you cross through Namche Bazaar. Entitled Sagarmatha National Park back in 1976, the diverse availability of flora and fauna across this national park makes it a perfect haven for naturalists and researchers. Sagarmatha National Park has been considered one of the best stargazing destinations by national geographic for its amazing night sky. Make sure to spot a star or planets when you elevate above Namche Bazaar as there are numerous discoveries to be made here.

The upper section of the Everest region known as the “Khumbu region” is inhabited by the Sherpa people. Popular across the globe for their audacious climbing abilities and sustainability at high altitudes, Sherpa people live an interesting life that is distinct from what you’d find in other places of Nepal. The Sherpa people are one of the most hospitable groups of people. They have a Tibetan-like culture and lifestyle. Their prominent festival “Manirimdu” is a series of celebrations and processions for nineteen consecutive days which is held in October every year. If you are planning for your Everest Base Camp Hike in October you might as well book your dates to match this festival.

Crossing the Suspension bridge on the way to Everest Base Camp Trek

How difficult is Trek to Everest Base Camp?

The trek to Everest Base Camp is considered Demanding Grade for it traverses through the Khumbu valleys of Everest highlands. The final stop of the trek, Everest Base Camp stands at 5364 meters making it uninhabitable for humans. The elevation provides for thin air with low oxygen content and pressure making it difficult for trekkers to breathe.

Over 30000 people make it to Everest Base Camp each year which includes people of all shapes, sizes, ages, and fitness. With a level of preparation and a can-do attitude, Everest Base Camp is moderately difficult. Our team at Visit Himalaya Treks has designed the itinerary for the Everest Base Camp trek such that the trek makes a gradual ascent with proper acclimatization so as to make it comfortable for you.

Can a beginner person trek to the Base Camp of Everest?

Yes, the trail to Everest Base Camp starts from Lukla and gradually ascends through small Sherpa settlements along the way before reaching the base camp. We had successfully lead the trek for beginner trekkers to Everest Base Camp before. It is paramount to note that a moderate level of fitness is demanded in a trek. Our guides are exceptionally professional and well-trained for any sort of emergencies and uncertainties that may occur during the trek. A beginner trekker needs to understand that hydrating and walking at a slow consistent pace is the key to high-altitude trekking. A gradual adaptation to the high altitude is needed to successfully complete Everest Base Camp Trek.

How long time required for Everest Base Camp Trekking in Nepal?

On average, Everest Base Camp which initiates and ends in Lukla is completed in 17 days arriving in Kathmandu Nepal to depart from Kathmandu. It's the most ideal period of time with a proper itinerary to provide trekkers with enough time to acclimatize to higher altitudes. That being said, we can tailor make your itinerary to suit your needs. Our standard 17 days itinerary includes an average of 5-6 hours of trekking every day. On top of the trekking days, you will need a day or two while in Kathmandu for preparation and sorting out your gear and apparel for the trek. If there is a limitation of time, you may opt to finish the Everest Base Camp Trek in the time period as a short time period.

How much does it cost to trek Everest Base Camp?

The Everest Base Camp Trek Cost is relative to the hotel you choose for your stay in Kathmandu. The trekking trails some Places deluxe Accommodations are available and using those deluxe accommodations makes the trip cost different. Using an average stander Accommodation while on a trek, we Visit Himalaya treks offer USD 1800 for 17 days Everest Base Camp Trek package. The basic package includes a stay in hotel 3* stander while in Kathmandu. You may opt for a higher or lower-end hotel in Kathmandu depending on your preference which will differ in the cost of the package.

Namche Bazaar Gateway to Mount Everest Base Camp.

Everest Base Camp Trek Itinerary.

We create our Everest Base Camp trek itinerary carefully which involves 2 Acclimatization Days during the EBC trip. We have a full-day Acclimatization Day at Namche Bazaar on our 3^rd day of the trek. During this acclimatization day, we will guide you to Namche Viewpoint for a spectacular view of Himalayan peaks like Thamserku, 6606 meters, Kangtega 6685 meters, one of the most beautiful mountains in the world mount Ama Dablam 6812 meters, Nuptse west face 7861 meters, Lhotse 8516 meters, Mount Everest 8848.86 meters and Tabuche Peak 6367 meters.

After enjoying the Himalayan view, you have to visit the Sherpa Museum. Once visiting the Sherpa museum we will continue hiking up to Syangboche Hill 3720 meters to gain elevation. Continue to visit Everest View Hotel for an excellent view of Everest and Ama Dablam with a hot cup of tea at Everest View Hotel. Continually we will visit the hidden villages Khumjung and Khunde village located in Lape of holy mount Khumbila (Khumbu Yul Lha) 5761 meters. After visiting all this beautiful we will go back to Namche Bazaar evening stay overnight and prepare for the next day's adventure to Tangboche monastery.

2^nd acclimatization day we include in the itinerary is Dingboche 4410 meters. Our 2^nd acclimatization day pushes us to get to Everest base camp height of 5364 meters and Kala Pattar's highest point of the trek elevation of 5545 meters. During our 2^nd acclimatization day, we will hike to Nangkar Tshang Hill elevation of about 5000 meters. This hike is good warm-up acclimatization for the next day and further up to EBC Kala Pattar.

A typically day-by-day short itinerary,
Day 01: Arrive in Kathmandu. (1338 meters)
Day 02: Sightseeing and Trek Preparation.
Day 03: Fly to Lukla (2810 meters) and trek to Phakding. (2610 meters)
Day 04: Trek to Namche Bazaar. (3440 meters)
Day 05: Acclimatization Day at Namche Bazaar.
Day 06: Trek to Thyangboche. (3860 meters)
Day 07: Trek to Dingboche. (4220 meters)
Day 08: Acclimatization Day at Dingboche.
Day 09: Trek to Lobuche. (4910 meters)
Day 10: Trek to Gorakshep. (5180 meters)
Day 11: Climb Kala Patter (5545 meters) and trek to Lobuche. (4900 meters)
Day 12: Trek to Thyangboche. (3860 meters)
Day 13: Trek to Namche Bazaar. (3440 meters)
Day 14: Trek to Lukla. (2810 meters)
Day 15: Fly back to Kathmandu.
Day 16: Free day at Kathmandu.
Day 17: Departure.

View from Namche Bazaar View Point.

Everest Base Camp Trek difficulty.
Considering the grade level of the trek as a general rule of thumb, Everest Base Camp Trek is considered a moderately difficult trek. It's a gradually ascending trek that lasts for nearly two weeks so there is ample time to acclimatize to the high altitude. It's been found that humans experience altitude sickness after elevating above 3500 meters, our stay during the Everest Base Camp trek in such altitudes is for more than 5 days, with stopovers above Namche Bazaar. So, if you can acclimatize properly and obey commands as provided by your guide, you should be fine during your trek.

What type of Accommodation availability the Everest Base Camp trek route?
The trek to the base of Everest traverses through small quaint Sherpa settlements in the Everest region of Nepal. The trail up until the final stopover of Gorakshep is facilitated with teahouses that are run by the natives of the region, Sherpas. These teahouses provide very basic accommodation facilities with limited modern amenities for the trekkers. These teahouses usually have rooms with twin beds which come with a foam pad, pillow, and blanket. Most teahouses will have an attached bathroom but as you ascend higher on your trek, they have common bathrooms which you will have to share with other guests residing in the hotel.

As far as heating is concerned, teahouses during your trek are set up with a Bukhara stove (an iron cylinder fitted with a chimney duct, in which a log fire is lit). This stove is set up in the dining area of the teahouse where you can sit around savoring the warmth of a log fire.

Tengboche Monastery on the way to Everest Base Camp Nepal.

What type of food is served during the Everest Base Camp Trek?
Owing to the remote nature of the region, food supplies in the Everest region are either flown by Plane or by helicopter or carried all the way on the back of a mule and People. Everest region lies right on the Nepalese border with Tibet in the north. The food habits of the Sherpa people in the region have been largely influenced by the Tibetan walk of life. Every Tea House serves the traditional Nepali meal Dal Bhat (rice and lentils), as well as a variety of different food items, such as rice, vegetables, noodles, potatoes, and soup. Some Nepali versions of Western food such as pie, pasta, and French fries are also available. Soft drinks, snacks, and beer are available in most of the Tea Houses and trailside restaurants. And of course, Nepali milk tea is served everywhere.  Hence, Nepalese and Tibetan dishes are served in the teahouses during your Everest Base Camp Trek.

Is there electricity at Everest Base Camp?
There is a smooth power supply in the Everest region. The lower stretches of the Everest Base Camp Trek are powered by hydroelectricity which is convenient for charging your electric gadgets and appliances. As you ascend higher in the trek, the teahouses use solar electricity which might limit the supply, especially during the evenings. There are no charging sockets available in your room in most of the teahouses during Everest Base Camp Trek except for a few high-end lodges.

You can charge your electronic devices in the dining area where an extension cord is provided for a small fee. Make sure to carry a power bank with you so your devices don't run out of juice.

Is there Phone and Internet service on the Everest Base Camp trek?
The teahouses located along the trail of Everest Base Camp Trek mostly have wifi and internet facilities available. However, you will have to pay extra usually (Rs.200-300) for a one-time connection to the wifi during your stay. Please take note that, the internet connections in those regions are not reliable and are disrupted most of the time.

Cellular networks are available in the Everest Base Camp Trekking route  all the way up to the base camp. Owing to several power outages and other technical reasons, the network is also disrupted. The lower region of the Everest Base Camp trek is facilitated with stable internet and cellular connection while the upper section of the trek especially after Tengboche faces several disruptions time and again.

Everest Base Camp 5364 meters & Expedition Camp.

How long is the Everest Base Camp Trek distance?
Our usual Everest Base Camp trek begins after our flight to Lukla (2840m) from Ramechhap or Kathmandu. You will then trek through small Sherpa settlements until reaching your last point of the trek, Everest Base Camp (5364m). This trek requires 12 ideal days requiring you to walk at an average pace of 15km/hr every day. As per the itinerary, it takes a total of 8 days for the ascent including 2 acclimatization days at the base camp including acclimatization days and 4 days of descent to return to Lukla. During this 12-day journey, we will cover about 130 kilometers distance Lukla to Everest base camp and back to Lukla.  The itinerary may be modified based on your requirements and necessity. Our team at Visit Himalaya is ready to create a tailor-made itinerary based on your requirements. During our Everest Base Camp journey, we will complete about 130 kilometers from Lukla to Everest Base Camp and back to Lukla.

What type of Gear you will need for Trekking to Everest base camp Nepal?
Before traveling, it’s always a big question of what to pack, and what to unpack, especially when you are doing multiday trekking and hiking in the Himalayas. We suggest you some gears you will need while trekking and hiking in Nepal. Please visit the given link for gear list details for Everest Base Camp Trekking. 


Enjoy a short clip of the Everest Base Camp Trek Video here.