A Journey to the Roof of the World – Everest Base Camp Trek

The Everest Base Camp Trek is one of the world-renowned trekking trails, and it is located in the eastern part of Nepal. Trekking to the base camp of the world’s highest place is not only walking. It means following the path to heaven. Each step moving forward closer to this gigantic peak will allow you to give a pose for lifetime memorable photos.

The Everest region is in the eastern part and the Solukhumbu district of Nepal. This trek is also called the Khumbu Trek. This world-class trek offers a mesmerizing view of the world’s highest mountain peaks and other snowy peaks in the surroundings.

Everest has different Names. In the Nepali language, it’s called Sagarmatha, Sagar means sky, and Matha means head. And in Sherpa or Tibetan Language, it’s called Chomolungma, which means the goddess mother of the world. All these names refer to one of the significant things in the world.

Walking to the lap of the world’s most valuable Mountain Is called the Everest Base Camp Trek. Trekking to the Base camp of this giant peak is not only about witnessing beautiful nature. Also allows getting into the culture of the Sherpa people, who live in the high alpine areas of Nepal.

“IT IS NOT THE MOUNTAIN WE CONQUER. BUT OURSELVES” SIR EDMUND HILLARY

The Sherpa people are known as one of the strongest and toughest people from the Himalayas. They can easily ascend to any mountain peak in the world. That is why so many Sherpa people have world records for climbing mountains all over the world.

Hiking into the UNESCO World Heritage site Sagarmatha National Park is a full package. Nature, culture, traditions, and flora and fauna; these are all things that are going to be seen at one time while doing the Everest Trek in Nepal. Naturally, mountains and landscapes, culturally, the Sherpa people and their culture, costumes, and traditions. Protected varieties of trees and animals in the National Park.

Classic Everest Base Camp Trek Itinerary

Day 1	Fly to Lukla and trek to Phakding 2610 m
Day 2:	Phakding or Manju to Namche Bazar 3440m
Day 3	Hike to Everest View Hotel (3880m) and trek down via Khumjung Village
Day 4	Namche to Tengboche 3870m
Day 5	Tengboche to Dingboche 4410 m
Day 6	Dingboche rest day
Day 7	Dingboche to Labuche 4910m
Day 8	Labuche to Gorekshep 5160m and Hike to Everest Base Camp 5364m
Day 9	Hike to Kalapatter and back to Pheriche 4371 m.
Day 10	Pheriche to Namche Bazar
Day 11	Namche to Lukla 2860m
Day 12	Fly back to Kathmandu.

This is the 11 Nights 12 Days trekking itinerary, which is the normal itinerary for the Everest Base Camp Trek. However, it can be changed according to your time and plan to explore the Everest region. Because in this area, many other trekking trails can be added to this itinerary.

Best time to do the Everest Base Camp Trek

The Everest region is open for all seasons for trekkers. So the choice is yours when to trek in there. Although there are some seasons that are the best time to do the Everest Base Camp Trek. 

Spring season (March, April, May)

This season is the king of the seasons and the best trekking season in Nepal. Not that cold and not that hot, and the perfect weather condition to make your journey to your dream project.

Autumn season (September, October, November)

The Autumn season is the second-best trekking season in Nepal. This period also offers the best views, even though this is a festive season; so travel during this season is a full package to make a trip to Nepal.

Summer season (June, July, August)

The summer season is not that nice to trek in the Himalayas of Nepal. Because this is the rainy season, and walking while raining is not a pleasant job. Also, most of the time, not an excellent mountain and landscape view. Although this time the atmosphere will be greenery.

Winter season (December, January, February)

The winter season is very good for mountain scenery and playing in the snow. However, the frozen season is not that nice because everything will be frozen. Getting water is the most demanding task in the upper part of the region. And of course, heart-biting cold is another disadvantage of this season.

Require Permits to do the EBC Trek.

Everest Base Camp Trek is inside the Sagarmatha National Park. That is why, before embarking on the journey to the base camp of the world’s highest place need to buy a national park entry permit. Which can be purchased in Kathmandu (Nepal Tourism Board Bhrikuti Mandap) and on the way to the base camp at Lukla or Manju Village (At the National Park Office)

Local Government Tax also needs to be paid at Lukla, along with the National Park entrance permit. For that, you need to have your original passport at the checkpoint.

Also need to have a TIMS Card. Unfortunately, nowadays there is no checkpoint for this, and it’s good to have because it is the insurance for Nepali staff traveling with you. And the local government will charge the local tax to go up to Everest Base Camp. You have to pay along the way to Namche Bazar from Lukla.

Food and drinking water during the Everest Base Camp Trek

Everest Base Camp Trek is a world-renowned trekking route. During this trek, food and drinking water are easily available at the lodges and shops along the way. These are the basic and most needed items available at each teahouse. And here is a breakdown.

All the guest houses have a standard food menu that offers various food, local food, Nepali food, Western food, desserts, and snacks. Here is the famous trekking slogan about food: “Dal Bhat Power 24 Hour.” These are the Common Meals Available at each guest house.

1: Nepali Dishes:

• Dal Bhat (Lentil, Rice, Seasonal Vegetable Curry, Pickles, Papadam). Rice, Dal, and Curry can be refilled as long as you are not full.
• Momo (Dumplings) Veg, Egg, Cheese, Mix, and some places, meat (Chicken)

2: Local Food:

• Thukpa (Noodle Soup)
• Shyakpa (Sherpa Stew)
• Tsampa (Roasted barley flour)
• Tibetan Bread (Fried Bread)

3 Western and American Dishes

• Porridge/Musli with honey or fruits
• Pasta noodles, fried rice, sandwiches, burgers (basic style)
• French fired, Rosti, Fried potato
• Pizza, Pasta, Spaghetti
• Pancakes, toast, omelets, fried eggs

4 Snacks and Desserts

• Cookies, Mars Bars, Snickers, Pringles
• Apple Pie, Puddings, Custard

Note: As we trek up to the base camp of the Mt. Everest, your appetite will usually decrease. So it is better to stick to easily digestible foods.

Drinking Water during the Everest Base Camp Trek

• Bottled Water: is available in most of the villages en route to EBC, and it costs 2$ to 4$ depend on the place.
• Boiled water/ Hot Water: Every teahouse will offer it, as altitude increases, the price of the boiled water also increases
• Purification Options (Recommended): Water purification tablets (Iodine, Chlorine, Dioxide), UV Purifiers (SteriPEN), and Portable Filters(Lifestraw, Sawyer)

Important Water Tips

• Do not eat meat after Namche Bazaar (If possible, don’t eat meat during the whole trek, especially going up.
• Don’t drink water directly from the tap and streams.
• Drink 3 to 4 liters of water per day to avoid altitude sickness.

Places That Can Add to the Everest Base Camp Trek.

Gokyo Valley

Gokyo Valley is another outstanding place in the Everest region. The Gokyo Lake, Nomochungma Glacier, Gokyo Ri, and the Cho Oyu are the must-visit places of the Gokyo Valley. To reach this photogenic land, there are different options first one is a direct way via Dole and Machhermo. The second option is to pass the Renjola via Thame. And last but not least option is to continue the Everest Base Camp trek to Zongla and pass Chola to reach the Everest Base Camp. 

Kongma La Pass

Kongma La Pass is the highest pass of the Everest Three Pass Trek. Adding this site to your journey to Everest Trek means expanding the thrilling adventures in your journey. The elevation of Kongma La Pass is 5550m above sea level, and the highest pass in the Everest region. 

Chhukung Ri.

Chhukung Ri is the perfect viewpoint of Everest, Nuptse, Makalu, and many more snow-capped peaks. Located in the backdrop of the world’s tallest ridge offers the best surrounding views. The top of this viewpoint is 5546m above sea level.

Phortse Village

Phortse village is an isolated village in the Everest territory. Visit this beautiful village while trekking to Everest Base Camp, which means extending your trip for one more night in this heavenly land. This can add to your itinerary while waking up and coming back from EBC

Other treks can be added to the Everest Base Camp Trek.

Inside the Sagarmatha National Park, there are many trekking trails that can be added to the EBC Trek. The first one commonly added by trekkers is Everest Base Camp via Gokyo Lake. This trek is called the Everest Base Camp and Chola Pass Trek. At the same time, there is another trek called the Renjola Pass Trek that can be added. And there is another trek which is known as the longer version and harder trek in the Everest region. That trek is called the Everest Three Pass Trek and also the Everest Circuit Trek.

Important Notice for domestic flights to and from Lukla

Nepal has only two international airports, and Kathmandu Airport is the busiest one. So that, the air traffic will be very busy in Kathmandu airport during the peak trekking season from March to April and September to October. 

Due to the air traffic congestion at Kathmandu Airport, the flights to Lukla for the Everest Base Camp Trek will operate from Ramechhap (Manthali Airport). So a trekker has to first travel to Manthali and then fly to Lukla and the same way back to Kathmandu. 

To fly from Manthali, first need the drive to Manthali. There is shared transportation from Kathmandu, but that transportation will operate at night time between 1 to 2 AM. Or you can travel by private transportation as well. But I suggest taking one more day to travel at night. However, when flying back from Lukla no need to spend a day there. Possibility to drive back on the same day to Kathmandu. 

Flight operations from Manthali Airport from these dates and still continue.

Spring (March 1 to May 31, 2023) 

Autumn (September 1 to November 30, 2023).

How hard is the Everest Base Camp Trek?

Trekking to Everest Base Camp is categorized as a moderate type of trek in Nepal. This trek can be done by anyone who is physically fit and mentally strong. It doesn’t mean that the Everest Trek is an easy trek. Spending nights more than 5000m above sea level is very tough, especially for breathing. Also, walking above 5000m will result in shortness of breath and harder to walk. Check here for more details about how difficult the Everest Base Camp Trek.

Special Note.

This trek can be done by everyone who is physically and mentally strong. However, better to have a previous walking experience in the Himalayas. Highly recommended to have the best travel insurance while trekking to Everest Base Camp. Because there are not the best medical facilities available in the Everest region.

If something is wrong needs to be rescued by a Helicopter, and that costs a huge amount. And the weather conditions of the mountain always fluctuate. Therefore, flying in and out of Lukla is not always certain. You may need to take an extra option, which may be an unexpected cost for you.

FQA (Frequently Asked Questions About Trekking to Everest Base Camp?

1: How long does the EBC Trek take?

The standard duration of the Everest Base Camp Trek is in between 12 to 14 days. 8 days up, including 2 acclimatization days and 3 to 4 days down to Lukla and Kathmandu.

2: How do I get to the Everest Base Camp Trek?

The normal trek starts from Lukla, so most of the trekkers fly from Kathmandu to Lukla. But because of the air traffic during the busy season, flights operate from Ramechhap Airport (Manthali Airport). Which takes a 4 to 5 hour drive from Kathmandu – Manthali – Kathmandu. Or you can fly directly from Kathmandu to Lukla by Heli (Chopper)

3: Do I need any permits to do the Everest Base Camp Trek (EBC Trek)

Yes, you need to have two different permits: the Sagarmatha National Park Permit and the Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Permit

4: Where do I get a Permit for the EBC Trek?

You can get a national park entrée permit in Kathmandu at the tourism board office, and also along the way in Lukla and Manju. Local Government permits you to buy at Lukla.

5: How much it cost for the EBC Trekking permit?

The national park permit will cost 3000 rupees per person, and the Pasang Lhamu Municipality Permit costs 3000 rupees.

6: How much does the Everest Base Camp Trek Cost

The cost depends on how you would like to do the EBC trek. Approximately it costs:

Budget Everest Base Camp Trek Package: $800 to 1000

Mid-Range Everest Base Camp Trek Package: $1500 to 1800

Luxury Everest Base Camp Trek Package: $2000 ++++

Includes: Trekking Permit, Guide/Porter, Food, Lodge, Flight, etc.

7: Do I need a guide and porter for the Everest Base Camp Trek?

Solo trekking is allowed in the Everest region, unlike in some parts (Manaslu, Mustang, Kanchenjunga, and some parts of the Annapurna, where a guide is mandatory. However, highly recommended to take a guide and porter.

8: Is altitude sickness a concern during the EBC Trek?

Yes, it is. The elevation of the EBC is 5364m (17598 ft). And need to sleep at 5180m at the Gorekshep. So that while ascending to EBC, you will have 2 acclimatization days. Common symptoms of altitude sickness are Headache, Nausea, and Fatigue. Medication for altitude sickness is Diamox (You must consult a doctor before taking it)

9: What is the accommodation like during the trek to EBC?

Tea houses, lodges, and some places have luxury hotels. Most of the places are inside a toilet room to a basic room with a shared toilet. As long as you go high, the lodges will be basic.

10: What kind of food is available while trekking to Everest Base Camp?

Basic Nepali food the Western and American food are available at every lodge. The cost of the food will rise with altitude due to the transport costs.

11: Is there electricity and WIFI en route to Everest Base Camp?

Yes, there are, but you need to pay a certain charge to use both. And the WiFi in the guest houses will be slow and unreliable.

12: Which Mobile SIM has coverage during the EBC Trek?

Mainly in Nepal, there are two SIM cards available, Ncell and Nepal Telecom (NTC). If you are doing the Everest Base Camp Trek, then you can use both Ncell and NTC. Note: These sims don’t work all the whole village after Tengboche.

13: What’s the best time to go to EBC?

The best time to go to EBC for trekking is during the Spring season (March to May) and the Autumn season (October to December). During these seasons skies will be clear and the temperature will be perfect for the trek.

14: What is the right limit for a flight to Lukla?

You can have a total of 15 kg. Around 10 kg of baggage and 5 kg of hand carry per person. Extra baggage will be charged per kilo.

15: Are there showers and toilets inside the room?

There are some hotels that offer an attached room, but most of them have no inside shower so a shower need to pay around $3 to 5.

16: Is the water safe to drink?

No, it is not safe to drink water directly from the tap and streams. So that you have to follow purification methods or buy mineral water.

17: Distance between Lukla and Everest Base Camp/ How far is the Everest Base Camp from Lukla?

The distance between Lukla and Everest Base Camp is around 65 KM. From Lukla to EBC, and EBC to Lukla, in total around 130, kilometer trekkers have to walk to do the Everest Base Camp Trek.