Everest Base Camp Trek

Arrival in Kathmandu

Our trek package included complimentary airport transfers as part of our commitment to delivering a wonderful trekking experience. Upon arrival, you will be greeted by one of our dedicated representatives, who will hold a World Alpine Treks signboard to ensure prompt identification and a warm welcome. Our representative will then escort you to your hotel accommodations in a private, well-appointed vehicle, ensuring a comfortable and seamless transition from the airport to your hotel. 

Once at the hotel, our team will provide a brief overview of your itinerary while the hotel staff handles your check-in process efficiently. This will allow you to familiarize yourself with the upcoming journey while the hotel formalities are taken care of seamlessly. Following this, you will have the opportunity to relax and acclimate to your new surroundings, ensuring you are well-rested and prepared for the adventure ahead.

Nepal Tourist Visa 

Obtaining a tourist visa for Nepal is pretty easy. All foreigners, except Indian nationals, will need a visa to enter Nepal; however, you cannot get a visa on arrival if your country is not listed among those that require a visa before arrival.

There are several ways to get a tourist visa. One, you can apply for a tourist visa from the nearest embassy or consulate office in Nepal, or you can apply for an On-Arrival Visa by filling up an online application form. To access the details, please click HERE.

Requirements for a Visa 

• A valid Passport with a validity of at least six months before arrival in Nepal.
• A filled-out visa application form.
• Entry Visa Fee - USD 30 for 15 Days, USD  50 for 30 Days, and USD 125 for 90 Days.

Visa Extension

• 3 USD per Day (minimum 15 days)
• 5 USD per day as a late fine in the case of a delay
• An additional 25 USD for a Multiple re-entry facility

Lukla Flight Information

The flights to Lukla take off from Kathmandu’s Tribhuvan International Airport as well as from Ramechhap’s Manthali Airport. However, during peak trekking seasons, which are from March, April, May, September, October, and November, flights to Lukla only take place from Ramechhap airport.

The decision was taken to cater to the traffic congestion at Kathmandu’s airport and to lessen the delays and risk of flight cancellation. The flight duration from Kathmandu to Lukla is about 30 minutes, but from Ramechhap Airport, it is about 10 minutes. Furthermore, the weather in the Himalayas is erratic and can shift rapidly. Thus, flying from Ramechhap to Lukla is more favorable, hence flights were rerouted to Ramechhap’s Manthali airport.

Our team at World Alpine Treks will secure the earliest flights possible for our clients to ensure a seamless journey.

Reaching Ramechhap

Due to flight diversion, an additional destination has been included in the itinerary for travelers heading to Everest. Now, it has become a standard practice to travel to Ramechhap to catch the flights to Lukla.

To get to Ramechhap, we will start early, waking up at around 1 AM on the third day. A private vehicle will be ready to take you to Manthali Airport, located 83 Km east of Kathmandu. The journey to the airport typically takes about 4 hours from Kathmandu.

The airport is located in a scenic location by the bank of the Tamakoshi River, offering travelers a glimpse of the unique geography of Nepal.

Accommodations

Our trek package includes three-star accommodation services in Kathmandu at the tour price. However, if you wish to upgrade your accommodation to the offered ones, then we shall comply with your request at an additional cost.

In the Everest region, trekkers can upgrade their accommodation in Lukla, Phakding, and Namche Bazaar. Beyond this, you continue the trek with standard tea houses with comfortable rooms and delicious warm meals.

As per what a standard tea house would look like, they are basic guest houses or lodges that offer simple rooms with twin beds, communal dining areas, and shared facilities such as bathrooms and basic washing facilities. Some tea houses offer amenities like hot showers and charging stations for electronic devices at an additional cost. They also serve delicious warm meals, but with limited menu options.

Regarding luxury lodges, few are available on the trails of the Everest region. These lodges offer rooms with better amenities and services. These lodges have rooms with attached bathrooms offering amenities such as hot showers, western toilets, and possibly internet access. Moreover, these lodges offer a more extensive menu with a variety of cuisine options, including local and international dishes.

Overall, the main difference between the two types lies in the level of facilities and services. Luxury mountain lodges offer a higher level of services to travelers seeking a more upscale trekking experience, while normal ones provide basic accommodation and services.

Acclimatization Days

Also known as a rest day, an acclimatization day is an important part of an itinerary where you are scheduled to take a break while hiking in the high-altitude areas. It is a part of an itinerary because it is essential to allow trekkers to adapt to the reduced oxygen levels at higher elevations.

When trekking in high-altitude areas, we should be cautious of how our bodies are accommodating to changing surroundings. Our body should physiologically adapt to function effectively in low-oxygen environments, thereby reducing the risk of altitude-related illnesses such as acute mountain sickness (AMS), High-Altitude Pulmonary Edema (HAPE), and High-Altitude Cerebral Edema (HACE).

During a trek like Everest Base Camp, there are two separate days allotted for acclimatization. One in Namche and one in Dingboche. Both places were carefully chosen as rest spots because these places are at perfect altitudes to acclimatize.

On the acclimatization day, trekkers particularly do not have to engage in any activities. However, we would rather suggest staying active than staying idle. For instance, while trekking EBC, on the acclimatization day in Namche, one could go for short hikes to Syangboche airport, and Everest View Hotel, or stroll around the market, exploring cafes and shops. Similarly, while in Dingboche, one could opt for a short hike to Chukkung Ri or Nagarjun Hill to have picturesque scenes of the Himalayas.

Overall, the whole point of acclimatization is to allow the body to adjust to the altitude. It is crucial not to hasten the journey in the rush to finish the journey quickly. Proper acclimatization is necessary to minimize the risk of altitude-related illnesses and to enhance the trekking experience.

Foods on the trail

Nutritious meals are important for high-altitude treks. Hence, we ensure that healthy meals are provided throughout the journey. Similarly, we request travelers to inform us of their dietary restrictions while making confirmation of the trek. Given that the Everest base camp trek involves high-altitude areas demanding consideration of energy, we prioritize providing ample nutritious foods in the trekking region. However, we would like to inform you that food choices may be limited at higher elevations.

Our Everest base camp trek packages include all three meals- breakfast, lunch, and dinner during the trekking portion. For breakfast, you can find boiled eggs, cereal, oats, bread, jam, and butter, along with a traditional breakfast that includes vegetable soups with rotis. 

As for meals, we recommend trying traditional dishes like Dal, Bhat, vegetable curry, and local pickles. They are rich in carbohydrates and thus will offer sufficient energy for the walk. For health reasons, we would discourage having non-veg meals as they are difficult to digest in higher elevations. Along with traditional dishes, one can also find pasta, noodles, porridge, omelets, and more Western cuisines. 

And as for dinner, similar choices to lunch are available at the teahouse.

Electricity

Electricity is available on the Everest trails of Nepal. However, it is important to keep in mind that the availability of electricity is limited, but enough to serve all. Electricity in the Himalayan trails is produced through hydropower projects and solar panels. In places where hydropower electricity is not available, which often is the higher altitude areas near 4000 meters above sea level, electricity is accessed through solar panels.

In lower trekking altitudes, electricity is freely available. However, in higher altitudes, one would have to pay some amount to get their electronic gadgets charged. Usually, charging costs would come to around Nepalese rupees 200-500, depending upon the altitude. Nevertheless, it is highly suggested to finalize the price before using the service, and if possible, it would be even better to bring your power bank.

Also, the most common types of electric sockets and plugs are the Type C and Type D sockets. These operate on a standard voltage of 230 volts with a frequency of 50 Hz. Moreover, it is highly advised to carry universal travel adapters for Type C plugs to ensure compatibility with electrical outlets.

Phone, Internet 

Wi-Fi and Internet are available on the trekking trails of Everest Base Camp. May not be available throughout the trail, yet service will be available for a good amount of the journey. There are various ways one could access the internet on the trail. You can buy local SIM cards or connect to the Wi-Fi available at the teahouse.

For anyone considering staying online consistently during the journey, buying a local SIM card would be the most convenient option available. You can purchase NTC (Namaste) or Ncell sim cards upon your arrival at the airport or a shop near your hotel. They are easily available to purchase. While buying the SIM card, you may purchase any of the internet plans that suit you the most. Normally, it would cost you no more than 1000-2000 Nepalese rupees. Buying a SIM card is pretty reliable as it would allow you to be online or call anyone as you wish.

Besides these two options, you have one more option to stay connected while doing any treks in the Everest region. You can find Everest Link, which is a telecommunications company based in Nepal that provides internet and Wi-Fi services. They have a network of Wi-Fi hotspots and internet access points in various locations along the trekking routes. There are different plans available for buyers to purchase, and it would cost around 2000-3000 Nepalese rupees.

And lastly, it is important to note that the internet or Wi-Fi connection quality may not meet the standards of the urban areas.

Attached Bathroom & Hot Shower

Bathrooms and toilets along the trekking routes of Everest base camp differ as per the trekking trail, and it very much depends upon the teahouses you stay at as well. Some premium teahouses in lower elevations, such as Lukla, Phakding, and Namche Bazaar, offer rooms with attached bathrooms and hot water running.

However, most teahouses are standard and offer basic amenities like rooms, food, bathrooms, electricity, and showers. They offer shared bathrooms with squat-type toilets. In some teahouses, you can find Western types of toilets as well. They may not seem luxurious, but they are convenient for trekkers on the trail.

Hot showers may not be readily accessible in every teahouse, but in instances where they are unavailable, one can request one for an extra fee. Typically, this service costs between 300 to 500 Nepalese rupees, varying based on the altitude. Staff will typically heat a bucket of water and provide it for showering in the bathroom upon request.

Best Trekking Season 

Everest Base Camp Trek is one of the most loved trekking trails in Nepal. Many have the trail on their bucket list, so most do not want to mess up their experience by traveling at the wrong time. So, for anyone hoping to visit Everest Base Camp, here’s a glimpse of what every season looks like on the trail:

Autumn (September-November)

One of the best times to do the Everest Base Camp is from September to November during the Autumn season. During this day, the skies are clear, the weather is stable, and the temperature is moderate. As it is post-monsoon season, trails are pretty much dry, and visibility during this time is excellent.

According to temperature data, during this time of the year, the maximum temperature typically ranges from 7 to 17 °C during the day, while the minimum temperature drops to about 2 °C or below at night.

While clear skies and excellent visibility for mountain views, stable weather conditions, moderate temperatures ideal for trekking, and vibrant autumn foliage are a few of the advantages of trekking in this season, there are some cons as well.

One of the disadvantages of trekking to EBC during the autumn season is the high number of trekkers on the trail. This will result in crowded trails and, of course, teahouses and lodges.

Winter Season (December – February)

Winter is another beautiful time to explore Everest, but this beautiful season brings its challenges. It is the coldest time of the year, so expect to see thick snow levels and icy trails. Besides the challenges of extreme cold, the season offers some of the greatest vistas of the Himalayas. Visibility is excellent at this time of the year, and the crowd-free trials.

The maximum temperature around this time of the year ranges around 4 °C during the day, while the minimum temperature can drop to -20 °C. Hence, you must be well-equipped with proper clothing and gear.

It is the least popular time for trekking to Everest Base Camp, so anyone who prefers solitude would be able to enjoy the solitude of the mountains. Also, you get a new look at the mountains, other than their rocky self. Stunning mountain vistas are a bonus of trekking at the Everest Base Camp during the winter months.

With pros, there are some cons, one should not ignore. It gets extremely cold at this time of the year. So, besides cold, the limited availability of teahouses and lodges in higher elevations is another disadvantage of trekking in this season. Also, the trails get snowed, making trekkers' journeys challenging.

Spring Season (March-May)

Spring is another ideal time for the Everest Base Camp trekking besides the Autumn season. During this time, trails get vibrant with blooming rhododendrons and stunning mountain backdrops. As it is the post-winter season, the weather starts to warm up, hence offering perfect weather temperatures for trekking.

According to temperature data, during this time of the year, the maximum temperature typically ranges from 10-15 °C during the day, while the minimum temperature drops to about 0 °C to -5°C at night.

The weather at this time of the year is mild. It is neither too cold nor too hot. Along with favorable weather conditions, the blooms of rhododendrons are another specialty of this season. Similarly, clear skies offer breathtaking vistas, and there are fewer crowds compared to autumn.

However, there is a possibility of rain showers, especially in the lower elevations. Also, as the weather gets warmer, the snow starts melting, which makes the paths slippery. Hence, carefulness is required.

Summer/Monsoon Season (June-August)

Summer coincides with the monsoon season. It is the wettest and hottest time of the year, but a beautiful time to observe nature’s abundance. Hills gleam with flowers and lush greenery.

As per temperature, during this time of the year, the maximum temperature in the Everest region would be 10 -15 °C during the day, and the minimum temperature would be 5 °C at night. 

During this time of the year, there is high precipitation, thus cloudy skies may sour the experience. Nevertheless, the view when the clouds clear is one of the most spectacular. Besides that, flourishing vegetation and crownless trails are some of the perks of trekking at this time of the year.

Muddy trails, rain, mist, and flight cancellations are some of the cons of traveling around the monsoon season. Hence, it is highly suggested to travel with a flexible schedule if you would like to trek EBC during this time.

Altitude Sickness

Altitude sickness is a type of mountain sickness that can occur when hiking at a higher elevation. It is caused when our body is unable to acclimatize to the lower oxygen levels and atmospheric pressure at high altitude areas. There are 3 different types of altitude sickness categorized based on their levels of severity.

1. Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS)

It is one of the mild forms of altitude sickness. If treated immediately, trekkers can complete the trek without any delay. However, if ignored, it can result in something more serious.

Common symptoms of AMS include tiredness, nausea, dizziness, loss of appetite, and headaches. These symptoms can be treated with medication. However, one should not just ignore these symptoms.

2. High-altitude pulmonary edema (HAPE)

It is another type of mountain sickness, but a more serious one. In this type, fluid is collected in the lungs, and it can be very dangerous. It is one of the main causes of death as well.

The symptoms of HAPE are similar to AMS, so one can ignore the seriousness and may think medication can solve the issue. However, the situation can quickly escalate to seriousness as symptoms change to shortness of breath, dry coughs, severe headache, confusion state, and loss of coordination.

During such conditions, seeking immediate medical attention is required. Delay in medical attention can lead to life-threatening events, so it is very important to be mindful of a patient's condition.

Nevertheless, it is a treatable condition, so one should not be entirely scared of it. However, it is quite important not to exhaust our bodies while hiking at high elevations.

3. High Altitude Cerebral Edema (HACE)

HACE is another serious version of altitude sickness. In this type, fluid is collected in the brain and thus is life-threatening. This happens when our body is unable to adapt to low oxygen levels at higher elevations.

Symptoms of HACE include severe headache, which won’t be treated with medication, confusion, irritability, hallucinations, loss of balance and coordination, and blurred visio,n along with symptoms of AMS but a bit more severe.

Just like HAPE, immediate medical attention is needed. Alongside, descending the patient to a lower altitude is also equally important.

Prevention of Altitude sickness

The following are the ways to prevent altitude sickness while hiking the high-altitude trekking areas of Nepal.

• Do not miss the acclimatization days
• Do not rush the journey
• Constantly hydrate yourself
• Say no to smoking and drinking while hiking
• Take medications
• Drink plenty of garlic soup 

Travel Insurance

Travel insurance is highly recommended for trekking in the Everest Base Camp. It is one of the most important travel documents every traveler must have. While it may not be a mandatory travel document to enter Nepal, it is still essential to purchase insurance if you are considering trekking at higher altitudes. The Everest base camp trek is in remote areas and is at high elevations. Hence, it involves health risks such as altitude sickness and injuries, which can be financially stressful. Additionally, travel plans can be disrupted due to various reasons such as flight cancellations or personal emergencies. Therefore, to cover such events, travel insurance can come in handy.

Nevertheless, it is very important to keep in mind that you purchase a nice insurance plan. The Everest base camp trek ranges over 5000 meters in elevation. Hence, you must make sure their insurance covers an altitude of 6000 meters, has emergency medical treatment, and evacuation by helicopter. These are essential provisions to have in your travel insurance while Everest Base Camp trekking.

Money Exchange

It is highly suggested to exchange your currency for Nepalese currency while trekking to the Everest base camp. In Kathmandu, you can shop using their credit/debit card or even with dollars, but it is not the same case everywhere else.

Trekking trails in the Everest region only accept Nepalese currency, so before you embark on the trek, do not forget to exchange your currency. Besides, bring enough cash that will last you for the duration of your journey. ATM or card services are rarely available on the trail.

Required Permit

Permits are essential if you wish to trek to Everest Base Camp. The necessary permits are the Sagarmatha National Park permit and the Khumbu Pasang Lhamu municipality permit. Usually, these permits are prepared by trekking agencies that travelers are traveling with, so trekkers may not worry about how to access them.

Nevertheless, one can access the Sagarmatha National Park permit from the Nepal Tourism Board office in Kathmandu or the entry checkpoint in Monjo along the trekking route. The permit fee is payable in Nepalese Rupees (NPR) and is subject to change. Currently, the permit fee is USD 30 (3000 Nepalese rupees).

A Khumbu Rural Municipality Entry Permit can also be gained from the Nepal Board Office in Kathmandu. The permit fee for foreign travelers is USD 20 (NRP 2000).

Trekking permits are essential, and traveling without them will result in monetary fines for the travelers. These permit fees go into the maintenance of the trails, and the authority makes proper use of them as well.

Typical Trekking Day

A typical day on the Everest base camp trek follows a well-established routine. Generally, the day begins around 6 in the morning, with trekkers waking up and freshening up before enjoying a hearty breakfast. 

After breakfast, we begin the trek and walk for about 3-4 hours with breaks in between to take a rest and enjoy the surroundings. Around noon, you will stop at a teahouse along the trail for lunch, where you can choose from a variety of options. Teahouses are accommodating to dietary restrictions and will often prepare meals according to trekkers' preferences. 

Following lunch, the journey continues, with breaks in between as needed, until the destination for the day is reached in the late afternoon. Upon arrival, you will settle into your accommodations at the teahouse and enjoy a hearty dinner. While this routine provides a general overview of a typical trekking day, it's important to note that each day may bring new experiences and variations. Some days may require waking up earlier than usual for new experiences or to reach a specific destination. Thus, expect unique experiences every day you are walking the Himalayan trail.

Our Guiding Team

Our team of experienced and skilled guides and porters will assist you through your journey. Our guides hold government licensing for mountain trekking, hence are trained and government-authorized. Proficient in intensive wilderness first aid, responsible tourism, effective communication, and professionalism, they are dedicated to ensuring a seamless journey. Beyond their commitment to smooth operations, they are enthusiastic advocates for Himalayan landscapes, investing deliberate efforts to promote their beauty. Recognizing their dedication, we ensure fair compensation and comprehensive care for our team members, considering them integral to our operations and deeply valuing their hard work.  

We also prioritize the safety of our team members, providing them with the necessary gear and training to ensure their safety. We also strive to provide a safe and secure working environment, with zero tolerance for any form of harassment or discrimination.

Alternative Trekking Route

Apart from the traditional trekking path leading to Everest Base Camp, numerous alternative routes present distinctive adventures and viewpoints of the Everest area.

1. EBC Trek with Chola Pass & Gokyo Lakes

One of the exciting trekking routes besides the classic Everest Base Camp Trek is the EBC - Cho La Pass - Gokyo Lakes trek. This journey includes visiting one of the most beautiful lakes in the world, seeing the largest glacier- Ngozumpa glacier, and crossing one of the most exciting mountain passes- Cho La pass (5420 m) alongside the majestic backdrop of the Everest massif. It is an incredible journey that lasts for about 3 weeks and offers one of the most breathtaking experiences for trekking admirers.

2. Everest Base Camp with Three Passes Trek

Everest Base Camp with Three Passes trek is an exhilarating trekking route in Nepal, offering both challenges and rich rewards. This adventure involves exploring iconic landmarks such as the Gokyo lakes and Ngozumpa glacier, as well as crossing three formidable mountain passes: Kongma La (5306m), Cho La (5420m), and Renjo La (5345m). Additionally, trekkers have the opportunity to visit Everest Base Camp and ascend Kala Patthar. Despite its physical demands, this journey promises incredible experiences and breathtaking vistas.

3. Everest Base Camp with Heli Return Trek

Another captivating way to experience the Everest region is through the Everest Base Camp Trek with Heli Return. Following a similar itinerary to the classic EBC trek, this option eliminates the need for trekking back on foot. Instead, trekkers conclude their journey with an unforgettable helicopter ride, offering a bird's-eye view of Everest Base Camp and the majestic hike to Kala Patthar.

End of the trek

To make your journey smooth, our team will arrange a drop-off service when it’s time to depart. It is part of our complimentary airport transfers included in our trek package. One of our representatives will meet you at your hotel approximately three hours before your scheduled flight time. They will accompany you to the airport, ensuring a hassle-free transition, and bid you a safe journey back home.