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 with 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.

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 or Manju
Day 2:	Phakding or Manju to Namche Bazar
Day 3	Hike to Everest View Hotel and trek down via Khumjung Village
Day 4	Namche to Tengboche
Day 5	Tengboche to Dingboche
Day 6	Dingboche rest day
Day 7	Dingboche to Labuche
Day 8	Labuche to Gorekshep and Hike to Everest Base Camp
Day 9	Hike to Kalapatter and back to Pheriche
Day 10	Pheriche to Namche Bazar
Day 11	Namche to Lukla
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 under 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 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.

Places can visit during this 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 that 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. 

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.