Everest Base Camp Trek – 16 Days

The Everest Base Camp Trek is a spectacular high altitude trek in the mountains of Nepal. Prepare for jaw dropping scenery and a unique cultural experience exploring the challenging trekking routes around the highest mountain in the world.

Everest is more than a mountain and the journey to its base camp is more than just a trek. Along a route dubbed by some as “the steps to heaven,” every bend in the trail provides another photo opportunity — beautiful forests, Sherpa villages, glacial moraines, and foothills. For active adventurers not afraid to break a sweat, our full trekking support staff will bring you close to local cultures before opening a window to the top of the world.

If you want to do the Everest Base Camp Trek, you do it in 16 days. With a rest day in Namche Bazaar and an acclimatization hike to Chhukung Valley, you are most likely to beat the symptoms of altitude mountain sickness (AMS) and your trekking to Mount Everest Base Camp will be comfortable. Cutting it shorter than that and doing it in fewer days is not only bad for your health, it also may take the joy-factor out of your experience. Let us guide you through the basics of the Everest Base Camp Trek, show you the right itinerary and get you everything else you need to do EBC the right way.

The best time of year to undertake the Everest Base Camp Trek is in the spring from February until May. The spring months are probably the most popular in the region as a whole. You might be caught in the occasional snow showers if you catch the end of the winter season, but the weather should be largely stable and dry – perfect for trekking and high altitude climbing.

Know before you go

1. This activity is subject to weather conditions on the day. If weather is not suitable for flying, the flight may be rescheduled for the following day
2. If the flight is cancelled, you can wait for next day or Alternative way to next destination
3. Check all of your necessary things to carry
4. Warm clothes and comfortable walking shoes are recommended

A few notes

As of late 2019, flights between Kathmandu to Lukla have been reduced, and I heard maybe even cancelled, due to congestion and runway maintenance at Tribhuvan International Airport. Rather than flying from Kathmandu, airlines are busing people to Ramechhap airport, which is a 5 hour drive from Kathmandu. From here, you fly to Lukla. Flight times are very fast (lasting only 12 minutes) and less likely to be cancelled or delayed due to unfavorable weather conditions. When booking your trek with a tour company, confirm your flight details between Kathmandu and Lukla.

Everest Base Camp Facts

Everest Base Camp Trek Highlights

• Primitive Highlights of Hillary Museum & Sherpa Capital Namche Bazaar.
• Visit amazing Sagarmatha National Park exploring the wilderness vast range of flora & fauna.
• Adorable beauty of Khumjung village & Sherpa culture.
• Dramatic view of the Khumbu region with breathtaking Khumbu glaciers & icefalls.
• Explore the Hillary museum, different high passes trek and majestic views of Mount Everest.
• Admire the beauty of Kala patthar along with the 360° view of the highest peak & many more.

• Plan
• Includes
• Excludes
• Price
• FAQs
• Map
• Book

Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu (1345m/4412ft)
Day 02: Trip arrangements, meeting with staff and sightseeing around Kathmandu Valley
Day 03: Short flight to Lukla (2840m/9320ft)–Trek to Phakding (2610m/8560 ft ) – approximately 3.5 hours
Day 04: Trek to Namche Bazaar (3440m/11290 ft) – Approximately 6 hrs
Day 05: Acclimatization day trip around Namche Bazaar.
Day 06: Trek to Tengboche (3860m/12660 ft) – Approximately five hours
Day 07: Trek to Dingboche (4360m/14300 ft) – Approx. 5 hrs
Day 08: Acclimatization day trip around Dingboche.
Day 09: Trek to Lobuche (4940m/16207 ft) – Approx. 5 hrs.
Day 10: Trek to Everest Base Camp (5300m/17400 ft) – back to Gorak Shep (5170m/16961ft).
Day 11: Hike up to Kala Pattar (5545m/18192 ft) then trek to Pheriche (4270m/14070 ft) – Approx. 7 hours.
Day 12: Trek to Namche Bazaar (3440m/11290 ft) – 6 hours approximate
Day 13: Namche to Lukla (2840m/9320 ft) – Approx. 6 hrs.
Day 14: Fly back to Kathmandu
Day 15: 1 Reserve day (if the lukla to Kathmandu weather will be bad)
Day 16: Final departure, or extend your tour for other activities in Nepal.

• Arrival and departure transfers to and from Kathmadu International Airports.
• 4 Nights accommodation at Kathmandu with BB Plan.
• Full day Kathmandu sightseeing tour with private vehicle and english speaking cultural guide.
• Transfers to Ramechhap Airport fly to Ramechhap-Lukla-Ramechhap for members and a guide.
• Oximeters for oxygen saturation as well as heart rates in order to avoid any risk of high altitude sickness
• Quality hot bag with filled hot water to warm your body or feet inside the sleeping bag
• Three meals a day (BLD-tea-coffee) and twin sharing teahouse accommodation during trek.
• 15 Kg Baggage allowance for trekking per person carrying by porter (s).
• Experienced trekking guide during trekking as per group size.
• National Park entry fee (Sagarmatha National Park).
• Khumbu-Pasang Lhamu Village entry permits.
• All wages and medical insurance for the guide and porters.
• First Aid medical kits for the Group and the staffs.
• Free assistance service for cargo and duty clearance in domestic flights.
• Our service charge and Government Taxes levied in Nepal.
• Wages, meals and accommodation of your guide and porters.
• Insurance and trekking gear for your guide and porters.
• Complete pre-departure information.
• 1 farewell dinner in Kathmandu

• Nepal entry visa fees
• Extra night accommodation and meals behind schedule (Foods and accommodations before and after the trek)
• All kind of beverages (coke, beers, water etc).
• Additional cost by out of management control due to the landscape, weather condition, illness, change of government policies, strikes, and physical condition, etc.
• Surplus luggage charges for domestic airport
• Personal expenses such as snacks, laundry, telephone, WIFI, hot shower on a trek.
• Travel insurance which has to cover emergency rescue evacuation from the high-altitude up to 5000 m.
• Personal trekking equipment for this trek
• Tips and Gratitudes for guide/drive.

NO.OF.PERSON	AVAILABILITY	USD PRICE	INR PRICE
2-4	Guaranteed	USD 1590	INR 72340
5-8	Guaranteed	USD 1520	INR 68740
9-15	Guaranteed	USD 1480	INR 64450

Do I need a visa? And what about passport requirements?

Visas are required in Nepal and can be purchased in cash at the airport upon arrival ($30 USD for up to 15 days, $50 USD for up to 30 days). Please keep your passport and visa with you at all times during your expedition. You must bring two (2) passport sized photos for trekking permits. Visit our how to get Nepal Visa Page for Nepal travel information. Your passport must be valid for six months after your country departure date. It should also have at least one blank page for any necessary stamps.

How much does it cost to climb Mount Everest base camp?

An average trek to Everest Base Camp usually takes 14-16 days, and costs range from about $1,600 to $1,700 USD per person. That cost includes your airfare, proper permits, as well as food, lodging, and any other accommodations at Base Camp.

Is it hard to get to Everest Base Camp?

First things first – it’s not a climb! Getting to Everest Base Camp is a trek and for most parts it’s on mountain paths with the last two days on lateral moraine. There are a couple of steep hills to tackle but the paths are zigzagged to make it easier and there is plenty of time to stop for a rest and a chat.

How dangerous is Everest Base Camp?

Altitude sickness is the main danger for trekkers on this trail. Occurrences like earthquakes and landslides are incredibly rare, and really don’t pose much threat to trekkers. People see news reports about avalanches, but these are usually much higher up beyond base camp.

Do you have any training programs for the trek?

We don’t specify detailed training programs as it is difficult to recommend a general program that applies to everyone. The training you should do to prepare for your EBC trek depends on your current level of fitness and any medical conditions. We suggest that you exercise a minimum of five times per week, an hour each time, doing activities such as hill walking, cycling, running and strength work.

How many people have died climbing to base camp?

On the low end we estimate that around 3-5 people die each year on the Everest Base Camp Trek. On the high end this number could be as high as 12-15. These numbers are estimates but out of roughly 30,000 people who do the trek yearly, this is a death rate of about 0.03%.

How long do you stay at Everest Base Camp?

Typically, the trek to Everest Base Camp takes 16 days to complete on a 130km round-trip. It takes eight days to get to Base Camp and four days to get back down, broken down overall into nine days of long trekking and three short trekking acclimatization days.

How is the Accommodation on Everest base camp trek?

The hotel/guest house accommodation is available on Everest base camp trail and mostly basic hotel/guest house accommodation are easily accommodation however some places/villages on Everest base camp trail offers luxury/deluxe accommodation ie the Lukla, Phakding, Namche offers great luxury accommodation.
We need to book the hotels/accommodation in advance if traveling in autumn and spring as these seasons are the busiest time for the EBC Trek and if traveling in other months then we can find the accommodation easily.

Do you lose weight trekking to Everest Base Camp?

Genuinely speaking, trekking up and down in high altitude for 5-7 hours per day in the Everest Base Camp Trails obviously lose around 5-6 kg weight in 11 days trek. But, how much weight you lose depends on the intake of food, water, and proper rest during the trek.

What is the best time to visit Everest Base Camp?

The most popular months for trekking in the Everest region are March, April, May, October and November, as these months are when the conditions are at their best. The spring and the autumn tend to offer reasonable temperatures, clear skies, little-to-no rain, and less chance of problematic snowfall.

Is there snow at Everest Base Camp?

The winter season at Everest Base Camp area is dry. During this season, the temperature at the lower elevation is truly bearable but, there will be heavy snowfall at the higher elevations. The average temperature ranges between max 20°C in the daytime to -17°C at the night.

How do I get from Everest base camp from Kathmandu Everest?

There are two ways to trek to Everest Base Camp , Kathmandu by bus to Jiri, followed by approximately 21 days of trekking known as the “Walk In” or Kathmandu by flight to Lukla, followed by about 14 days of trekking known as the “Fly In” .

What is the highest base camp on Mount Everest?

The ascent via the southeast ridge begins with a trek to Base Camp at 5,380 m (17,600 ft) on the south side of Everest in Nepal. Expedition members usually fly into Lukla (2,860 m) from Kathmandu and pass through Namche Bazaar.

Can you trek Everest base camp without guide?

No, you don’t try trekking to Everest Base Camp without a guide. But you don’t take a guide for good weather and easy conditions: a guide is for keeping you strong and safe in an alien land, when the conditions have turned bad.

What food should i expect to eat on the trails?

Avoid street food when you first arrive to Nepal! You do not want to begin your trek with unnecessary stomach issues. Food on the trail is rich in carbohydrates and protein since you’ll be burning calories like a champ.

How much additional money do I need per day?

It depends on your spending habits. Generally, in Kathmandu, you can allocate USD 12 to USD 15 for a lunch and a dinner. USD 12 to USD 15 per person a day will be enough to buy bottles of water, chocolates, pay for the hot shower and a few drinks during the trekking.

What is the weight limit on Lukla flight?

The airplane that operate flight to Lukla are small and the total limit of weight per person is only 15 KG including the main luggage and hand carry. You can take some Kg more by paying some extra charge however it is not guaranteed for the extra more luggage as it is available only when they have spaces available.

Do I need travel Insurance for Everest base camp trek?

Yes, Travel Insurance is compulsory for the Everest base camp trek as this is adventure trek in high Himalayas so, of course there is some risk on this trek so, you need to have travel insurance policy that covers the emergency evacuation as the Helicopter is only the means of transport you back to city/Kathmandu and Hospital in case of any accident happened on your trek or get any sickness including Acute mountain sickness.

Is the Everest base camp trek worth it?

Base camp is probably not worth it, but Kala Pattar is. In my opinion, it’s barely worth trekking to basecamp. You can’t really see the mountain itself from base camp 5500m, once you’ve acclimatized, is very do-able for a fit trekker, and the views of Everest are spectacular!.

Is trekking staff insured and well equipped?

Yes, Our Company staffs including Sherpa guide, cooks, porters and driver are fully insured and fully equipped. We do provide them quality clothes. Hence, we are totally different then other company. We are 100% local owned Company. We do care our staff very well and support society as much as we can.

What is the process for tipping?

Tipping is generally expected and culturally prevalent in Nepal; this includes in Kathmandu and on your trek. It is a gesture to personally thank the local people for their efforts and service.

If your group thinks that the local staff have done an outstanding job and you wish to demonstrate your appreciation, then a tip from the group would be greatly appreciated. At the end of the trek, your leader will collect what you wish to give and will distribute it fairly amongst the crew at a final evening celebration where each individual crew member is acknowledged and thanked.

Do you have other useful information?

We always ask that you stay safe on the trail by drinking plenty of water, eating well, and communicating openly with your guide about any issues that arise. Be sure to take care of your belongings, be respectful of your travel companions, practice your Nepali with people you meet along the way, and respect the natural landscape that you’re exploring.

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Accommodation, Food And Drink Facility

You will easily find the accommodation at each stop and there are lots of restaurants along the way for a lunch break. The lodges have private rooms for clients with indoor toilets. You even will have luxury lodges in some places with the luxury facilities. But some places have limited lodges that you need to book in advance otherwise they might be full.

Every lodge has a food menu and food items are the same. The cocks are basically trained so the taste of the same foods might be a bit different. You may try the local food also during the trek if you would like. Meet might not be fresh up in the mountain so try to be vegetarian in the trek.

How to Avoid Altitude Sickness

Trekking to Everest Base Camp takes a minimum of 11 days round trip. On average, it takes eight days to reach EBC from Lukla. This allows plenty of time for acclimatization to the higher altitudes as well as ample time to hike the necessary miles everyday. In general, once you ascend higher than 2700 meters, the chances of getting altitude sickness become much higher. Past this altitude, you do not want to ascend any more than 500 meters per day. Even adding an extra 100 meters increases your chances of getting altitude sickness. This rule goes for people of all ages, not just children.

The Mountain | Everest Base Camp Trek | Documentary

Packing list for Everest Base Camp Trek

One of the more daunting tasks you will encounter on the Everest Base Camp Trek is packing for the trek itself! To help you get a head start we have compiled an easy to navigate and complete list of what you will need for the typical Everest Base Camp Trek and similar treks in the region.

• A few pairs of Thermal tops
• Fleece jacket/pullover
• Windcheater – waterproof shell jacket one pair
• Down jacket – ( It will be provided by the company if you do not have your own)
• Comfortable Fleece/wool trousers
• Trekking pants- at least 2 pairs
• Mittens/woolen gloves
• Warm Hiking socks
• Trekking sue with spare laces
• Pair of flip flop
• Underwears & Swiming costume
• Hiking Cotton trousers/t-shirts
• Sun hat/scarf
• Sunglasses
• Sleeping bag -( It will be provided by the company if you do not have your own)
• Trekking poles (Not 100%)
• Day bag above 40 L
• 1 set- Headlamp
• Small lock for the day backpack
• Reusable water bottles- 2 letters
• Water purification tablets/ electric light
• Wash towel
• Toiletries
• Rain poncho
• Basic personal first aid kit

Getting travel insurance

It’s always better to be safe than sorry. Especially for an intense experience like EBC trek, I recommend purchasing travel insurance for your own peace of mind. There has been numerous insurance company of choice because of their comprehensive health coverage with 24/7 medical emergency assistance. As well, the process to making claims is super easy and smooth!

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