Everest Base Camp Trek

World Alpine Treks is a Nepal-based trekking company specialising in Himalayan adventures. Our team is made up of experienced Nepali guides, trek leaders, and logistics specialists who have spent years on these trails. We are fully registered with the NTB, TAAN, and NMA and are committed to responsible, sustainable trekking that supports local communities and preserves the mountain environment.

Booking with us is straightforward. You can reach us through our website, by email, or via WhatsApp, and our team will guide you through the process from start to finish. Once you have chosen your package and confirmed your dates, we will send you a booking form and a deposit invoice. Your spot is secured once the deposit is received.

We accept bank transfers, credit and debit cards (Visa and Mastercard), and Cash on USD, EURO AUD, or NPR. You can deposit of 20% to confirm your booking, with the remaining balance can pay upon arrival in Kathmanu on Cash. All transactions are processed securely, and we will provide receipts for every payment made.

We collect only the information necessary to plan and manage your trek safely and legally. This includes your full name, passport details, nationality, emergency contact information, and any relevant medical history or dietary requirements. We do not share your personal data with third parties and store all information securely in line with applicable data protection standards.

We aim to keep our policy fair and transparent, understanding that travel plans can change.

If you cancel more than 60 days before departure, you receive a full refund minus the deposit. Between 30 and 60 days, 50% of the trip cost is refunded. Between 15 and 30 days, 25% is refunded. Cancellations less than 15 days before departure are non-refundable.

In cases of force majeure, such as natural disasters, government restrictions, or extreme weather, we offer a full credit toward a future trip. Travel insurance covering trip cancellation is strongly recommended.

Our standard EBC packages include airport transfers in Kathmandu, all accommodation during the trek (teahouse twin-sharing), all meals on the trail (breakfast, lunch, and dinner), an experienced English-speaking guide, a porter for up to 10 to 12 kg of your luggage, all necessary permits (Sagarmatha National Park permit and KPLMP), Kathmandu to Lukla return flights, a pre-trek briefing, a first aid kit, and a pulse oximeter carried by your guide throughout the trek.

The following are not included in our standard packages:

• International flights to and from Kathmandu
• Nepal visa fees (approximately USD $30 to $50, depending on duration)
• Travel insurance (mandatory — must cover helicopter evacuation)
• Personal trekking gear and clothing
• Extra meals, snacks, and drinks beyond the included meal plan
• Personal porter beyond the included luggage allowance
• Tips for guides and porters
• Wi-Fi charges and device charging fees at teahouses
• Hot showers along the route
• Any costs arising from early departure, medical evacuation, or itinerary changes due to personal reasons

Each porter carries a maximum of 25 kg total, which is typically shared between two trekkers. Your allocated luggage allowance with a shared porter is 12 kg per person for your main duffel bag. You will carry your own daypack (recommended 20 to 30L) with your water, snacks, layers, camera, and other daily essentials. If you have more luggage than the allowance, we can arrange a personal porter at an additional cost. We ask all clients to pack responsibly — overloading porters is something we take seriously as part of our ethical trekking policy.

The Lukla flight operates on small aircraft with strict weight limits. The standard allowance is 10 kg of checked luggage plus 5 kg of hand luggage per passenger. Excess baggage can be carried at an additional charge per kilogram, subject to availability. We strongly recommend packing only what you need for the trek and leaving non-essential items in secure storage at your Kathmandu hotel, which we can arrange for you.

Our standard group departures have between 2 and 12 trekkers, led by a senior guide with additional assistant guides for larger groups. We keep group sizes intentionally small to maintain a safe pace, allow for proper acclimatization monitoring, and preserve the quality of the experience. If you prefer complete flexibility and a bespoke itinerary, we also offer private departures for individuals, couples, families, and corporate groups.

Yes. All our lead guides are well English speakers with formal trekking guide certification from the NATHM. Beyond language, our guides are trained in wilderness first aid, altitude illness recognition, and cultural interpretation. They are the most important part of your EBC experience.

Absolutely. We love working with trekkers who want to go beyond the standard itinerary. Popular extensions and add-ons include the Three Passes Trek (Kongma La, Cho La, and Renjo La), a visit to the Gokyo Lakes, an Island Peak climbing add-on, additional days in Kathmandu for cultural sightseeing, a Chitwan National Park safari, or a Pokhara extension. Get in touch with our team with your dates and interests and we will build a customized itinerary around you.

For peak season departures in October and November, we recommend booking 3 to 4 months in advance. Lukla flights are limited, and group spots fill quickly during this period. For the Spring season (March to May), planning 2 to 3 months is generally sufficient, although planning earlier is always recommended. If EBC is on your bucket list, the best time to book is as soon as you have confirmed your dates.

All accommodation on the EBC trek is in teahouses — locally run guesthouses offering twin-share rooms with a foam mattress, pillow, and basic blankets. They range from comfortable and warm in the lower villages to small, cold, and very basic near base camp. Every teahouse has a dining room where trekkers gather for meals, hot drinks, and the social rituals that make EBC so special. 

Yes, in the lower and mid-altitude sections of the route. Lukla & Namche Bazaar has several well-appointed lodges with heated rooms, en-suite bathrooms, proper restaurant menus, and Wi-Fi. Tengboche and Phakding also have better-than-average options. However, above Dingboche — which is where the high-altitude experience truly begins — even the most expensive lodges are basic. 

Yes, but with significant limitations. Most teahouses offer paid Wi-Fi, with the best connectivity in Namche Bazaar and a few mid-altitude villages. Above Dingboche, the signal is slow, expensive, and frequently unavailable. Wi-Fi charges typically run NPR 300 to 600 per session or per day. 

Yes, at every teahouse along the route — but at a cost. Charging fees are typically NPR 200 to 500 (USD $1.50 to $4) per device per charge, with solar power as the primary source at higher elevations. On cloudy days, charging capacity is reduced. We strongly recommend carrying a high-capacity power bank (20,000mAh or above) to reduce dependence on teahouse outlets and ensure you always have battery for your camera and emergency communication.

Hot showers are available in Namche Bazaar and some lower villages, typically costing NPR 300 to 500 (USD $2 to $4). Above Namche, showers become solar-heated, intermittent, and less reliably hot. Above Dingboche, most trekkers abandon full showers and manage with wet wipes and targeted hygiene until they return to lower altitudes. 

Teahouse menus are surprisingly varied in the lower and mid sections of the trail, typically offering dal bhat, pasta, noodles, soups, eggs in various styles, porridge, pancakes, Tibetan bread, momo (dumplings), and fried rice. As you gain altitude, menus simplify and prices increase. Dal bhat — rice, lentil soup, vegetable curry, and pickles — remains the most nutritious, reliable, and filling option at every altitude and is almost always available in unlimited quantities for one fixed price.

Yes, throughout the entire route. The standard teahouse menu is largely vegetarian by default, as meat quality and freshness become unreliable at higher altitudes due to yak transport times. Dal bhat, vegetable noodles, vegetable fried rice, egg dishes, pancakes, porridge, and soups are all available everywhere. We inform our teahouse partners of any dietary requirements in our groups in advance, and vegan options are increasingly available in the lower sections of the trail.

Wi-Fi charges vary by teahouse and altitude, but you should budget NPR 300 to 600 (USD $2 to $4.50) per session or per day. In Namche Bazaar, some lodges include Wi-Fi in the room rate. Above 4,000m, prices increase and availability decreases. If you need reliable internet for work or communication, Namche is your last realistic opportunity.

Yes, bottled water is available at teahouses throughout the route, but it becomes progressively more expensive as altitude increases — from around NPR 80 to 100 at lower elevations to NPR 200 to 400 near Gorak Shep. Single-use plastic bottles are also an environmental problem in the Khumbu, where waste removal is extremely difficult. We strongly encourage our trekkers to use a reusable bottle with purification tablets or a filter, or to purchase boiled water from teahouses in their own bottle — far cheaper and far more sustainable.

There is no mains electricity on the EBC trail — all power comes from solar panels, small hydroelectric systems, or diesel generators. Teahouses use this power for lighting and limited device charging, though capacity is reduced on cloudy days. At base camp itself, expedition teams bring their own solar and generator systems. A high-capacity power bank is your most important piece of electronic kit on this trek — charge it fully before leaving Kathmandu and top it up at every opportunity.

The two best seasons are post-monsoon (October to November) and pre-monsoon (March to May). October is our top recommendation — skies are at their clearest, temperatures are manageable, the trails are in excellent condition, and the mountain views are outstanding. November is equally good but colder. Spring (March to May) is warmer and offers blooming rhododendrons in the lower valleys, though April and May occasionally see afternoon cloud build-up and pre-summit expedition activity on the mountain.

Winter trekking (December to February) is possible for experienced, well-equipped trekkers who are prepared for extreme cold, but we do not generally recommend it. Temperatures at altitude drop to -20°C and below at night. Many teahouses above Namche close for the season. Lukla flights are less reliable due to cold-weather fog. If you are determined to trek in winter, we can arrange it with appropriate preparation — contact us, and we will be honest about what to expect.

Trekking during the monsoon (June to August) is not recommended and we do not operate standard departures during this period. The trails become slippery and muddy, leeches appear in the lower forests, cloud regularly obscures mountain views, and the risk of landslides on certain sections increases. Rain can make the experience genuinely miserable.

At base camp (5,364m) during peak trekking season (October to November), daytime temperatures average 0 to 5°C and drop to -10 to -20°C at night. Wind chill can make it feel considerably colder. In spring (March to May), daytime temperatures at base camp are slightly warmer at 5 to 10°C, with nights still dropping below -10°C. In the lower valleys — Namche and below — temperatures are far more comfortable, typically 8 to 15°C during the day and just above freezing at night in peak season.

Yes, snowfall can occur at Everest Base Camp (5,364m), especially in late autumn and winter. During October and November, light snowfall is possible above 4,000m, but the main trekking trails usually remain open. In winter (December to February), heavier snowfall and colder temperatures can affect trail conditions. Experienced guides monitor weather patterns and adjust plans when necessary to ensure safety.

Yes, snowfall can occur at Everest Base Camp (5,364m), especially in late autumn and winter. During October and November, light snowfall is possible above 4,000m, but the main trekking trails usually remain open. In winter (December to February), heavier snowfall and colder temperatures can affect trail conditions. Experienced guides monitor weather patterns and adjust plans when necessary to ensure safety.

Mountain weather is inherently unpredictable and conditions can change rapidly at altitude. A clear morning can turn into a snowstorm by afternoon, and vice versa. In the Khumbu, weather patterns are generally most stable in the early morning — which is why we start trekking early and aim to reach each day's destination before afternoon.

Mountain weather is inherently unpredictable and conditions can change rapidly at altitude. A clear morning can turn into a snowstorm by afternoon, and vice versa. In the Khumbu, weather patterns are generally most stable in the early morning — which is why we start trekking early and aim to reach each day's destination before afternoon.

A fully guided 14-day EBC package with World Alpine Treks typically costs between USD $1,400 and $6,500 per person, excluding international flights. This covers all accommodation, meals, permits, Lukla flights, guide, and porter. Budget independent trekkers can complete EBC for USD $1,100 to $1,300 all-in (excluding international flights).

We recommend carrying USD $600 to $800 in Nepali Rupees from Kathmandu to cover all on-trail expenses including extra meals, hot drinks, snacks, charging fees, Wi-Fi, hot showers, and tips. Budget around USD $35 to $55 per day for personal spending on the trail. Withdraw cash in Kathmandu before departure — ATMs in Namche Bazaar exist but frequently run out of cash and have daily withdrawal limits.

The Kathmandu to Lukla return flight costs approximately USD $440 to $500 per person for foreign nationals. This is included in our trekking packages. Flights operate on small aircraft (Twin Otter or Dornier) and are subject to weather conditions. In some itineraries, a helicopter transfer is used as an alternative — we will advise based on conditions and your chosen package.

Compared to many adventure destinations globally, EBC is a reasonable value for what it delivers. The on-trail daily costs are modest once you account for accommodation and food. The larger expenses are international flights, travel insurance with helicopter evacuation cover, and gear. If you already own good trekking gear, the overall cost drops significantly. We believe the experience — two weeks in the Himalayas, reaching the foot of the world's highest mountain — is exceptional value for what it costs.

How much should I tip guides and porters?
Tipping is an important part of trekking culture in Nepal and a meaningful contribution to your guide and porter's livelihood. Our recommended tipping guidelines:

Tips are given at the end of the trek, ideally in an envelope, directly to each person. You are, of course, free to tip more based on the quality of your experience — and we can assure you, a great guide earns every rupee.

We rate EBC at 7 out of 10 — moderate to challenging. It is not a technical climb and requires no mountaineering skills, but the combination of altitude, daily trekking duration, remote terrain, and cumulative fatigue over two weeks makes it a genuine physical and mental undertaking. 

It is challenging for beginners, but it is absolutely achievable with the right preparation. We have guided many first-time trekkers to base camp. The key factors for beginner success are choosing a 14 or 16-day itinerary (more acclimatization time), hiring a guide, using a porter to reduce pack weight, completing at least 3 months of dedicated training beforehand, and — most importantly — being willing to slow down and communicate openly about how you feel.

You should be able to hike comfortably for 6 to 8 hours over uneven terrain on consecutive days before attempting EBC. This means having a solid aerobic base, reasonable leg strength, and the mental stamina to push through fatigue. You do not need to be a runner or gym-goer, but you should be consistently active.

We recommend a minimum of 12 weeks of structured training before your departure. Start with 3 to 4 cardio sessions per week and gradually build to 6 to 8 hour weekend hikes with a loaded pack. Include leg strength work (squats, lunges, step-ups) and core training throughout. The single most effective training tool is back-to-back weekend hikes in weeks 9 to 12 — this simulates consecutive trekking days and prepares your body for what EBC actually demands. 

Age is not a barrier. We regularly guide trekkers in their 60s and 70s to Everest Base Camp, and some of the most composed, resilient trekkers we have had on this trail have been older clients. What matters is cardiovascular health, joint health, and attitude — not age. We recommend a pre-trek medical check for anyone over 55, and a longer 16-day itinerary to allow more recovery time between stages. Being honest with your doctor and with us about your health history is the most important step.

Fit teenagers (typically 14 and above) can attempt EBC with parental guidance and our support. However, we do not recommend EBC for younger children. The altitude (over 5,000m at base camp) poses genuine physiological risks for developing bodies, and the daily trekking hours are demanding for young legs. We are happy to advise on family-appropriate alternatives.

On a typical day you will trek for 5 to 8 hours, covering 10 to 14 km depending on the stage. Some days are shorter — acclimatization days involve easier 3 to 4 hour hikes. The longest and most demanding days are the climb from Phakding to Namche Bazaar (steep, 800m ascent), the stretch from Dingboche to Lobuche at high altitude, and the final push from Gorak Shep to Base Camp and Kala Patthar. 

Yes — honestly, it is. The physical demand comes from the daily mileage, the altitude, the weight of your pack, the cold, and the sheer length of the trek. By the time you reach the upper Khumbu, every climb feels slower and harder than it would at sea level, even for fit trekkers. 

Everest Base Camp is the staging ground used by mountaineering expeditions attempting to summit Mount Everest — the world's highest peak at 8,849m. Located in Nepal's Khumbu region at an elevation of 5,364m, it sits at the foot of the Khumbu Icefall and serves as the operational hub for climbers during the spring expedition seasons. 

The Nepal side of Everest Base Camp sits at 5,364 metres (17,598 feet) above sea level. The Tibetan side (North Base Camp) is higher at 5,150m, but the Nepal route is the one trekkers take and the one our packages cover.

The Nepal side of Everest Base Camp — which is what trekkers visit on our itineraries — is located in Nepal, within the Khumbu region of the Solukhumbu district. It falls inside Sagarmatha National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The mountain itself straddles the border between Nepal and Tibet (China), but the trekking route, all the villages along the way, and the base camp itself are entirely within Nepal.

This surprises many first-time trekkers — at base camp itself, you cannot see the summit of Everest. The camp sits beneath the Khumbu Icefall and is surrounded by moraines and ridgelines that block the summit view. The best view of Everest on the entire trek is from Kala Patthar (5,644m), a rocky peak above Gorak Shep that we climb on a separate morning. From there, the south face of Everest and its iconic pyramid summit are fully visible — especially at sunrise, when the light is extraordinary.

Technically yes. The trail itself has no formal closure, but extreme winter conditions (December to February) make the trek genuinely difficult and potentially dangerous, with many teahouses shut, Lukla flights unreliable, and temperatures dropping to -20°C or below at altitude. The monsoon season (June to August) brings heavy rain, slippery trails, and poor visibility. 

Our standard EBC itinerary is 12 days from Kathmandu to Kathmandu, including the Lukla flights and all trekking days. We also offer a longer version with additional acclimatization time, which we recommend for first-time high-altitude trekkers or anyone who prefers a more relaxed pace. 

Two permits are required to trek to Everest Base Camp. The first is the Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit, which grants access to the national park surrounding the Everest region. The second is the Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Permit issued by the local government. Both are mandatory, and both are handled by our team when you book a guided trip with us.

No. The TIMS card is not required for the Everest Base Camp trek. In the Everest region, the Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Permit replaces the TIMS card system. Trekkers also need another Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit for EBC trek. 

For the Everest Base Camp trek, the Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit can be obtained at the Nepal Tourism Board office in Kathmandu or at the park checkpoint in Monjo. The Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Permit can be obtained either in Lukla after you land or at Monjo on the trail. 

For the Everest Base Camp trek, the Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit can be obtained at the Nepal Tourism Board office in Kathmandu or at the park checkpoint in Monjo. The Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Permit can be obtained either in Lukla after you land or at Monjo on the trail. 

Both the Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit and the Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Permit costs NPR 3000 each (Approx.USD $22). The total cost will be NPR 6000 (Approx. USD $44).

Legally, yes — Nepal does not currently require foreign trekkers to hire a guide for the EBC route. If you are an experienced solo trekker with previous high-altitude experience, going without a private guide is possible — but we still recommend at hiring a local guide for the trek.

To obtain your permits, you will need a valid passport, passport-sized photographs (2 copies), a copy of your passport photo page, and permit fees of NPR 3,000 in hand.

Payment methods for permits vary by location. We recommend always carrying cash when dealing with government permit offices in Nepal, as card payment availability is inconsistent and systems occasionally fail.

Altitude sickness in some form affects a significant proportion of EBC trekkers — estimates suggest mild AMS symptoms occur in 70% of people trekking above 3,500m. Most cases are mild (headache, fatigue, poor sleep) and resolve with rest and proper acclimatization. 

At 5,364m, the atmospheric pressure is approximately 50% of what it is at sea level, which means you are taking in roughly half the oxygen with each breath compared to at sea level. 

Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) typically presents with headache (the most common symptom), nausea or vomiting, dizziness or lightheadedness, fatigue and weakness, loss of appetite, and disturbed or poor quality sleep. These symptoms usually appear within 6 to 12 hours of ascending to a new altitude. If symptoms are mild and do not worsen overnight, rest and hydration are often sufficient. If symptoms worsen or you develop confusion, loss of coordination, or breathlessness at rest — signs of HACE or HAPE — descent is immediate and non-negotiable.

• Ascend slowly — never gain more than 300 to 500m of sleeping elevation per day above 3,000m
• Follow our acclimatization day schedule at Namche (3,440m) and Dingboche (4,410m)
• Drink 3 to 4 litres of water per day throughout the trek
• Avoid alcohol, sleeping pills, and heavy sedatives, especially in the first week
• Eat well — even when appetite is reduced, keeping calorie intake up supports acclimatization
• Consider Diamox (acetazolamide) as a preventative — consult your doctor before the trek
• Tell your guide immediately if you develop symptoms — never hide how you feel

EBC carries real risks that should be respected, but it is not an extreme danger zone. The primary risks are altitude sickness (AMS, HACE, HAPE), hypothermia, and falls on icy or rocky terrain. These risks are significantly mitigated by proper preparation, a well-paced itinerary, experienced guides, and comprehensive travel insurance. 

Our guides carry satellite communication devices and are trained in wilderness first aid and altitude emergency protocols. In the event of a medical emergency, we will assess the situation, stabilise the trekker, and arrange helicopter evacuation if required. Helicopter rescue from the Khumbu region is well-established and can reach most points on the trail within 1 to 2 hours under good weather conditions. This is why comprehensive travel insurance covering helicopter evacuation is mandatory for all trekkers joining our trips.

There is no full hospital on the EBC trail, but there are important medical facilities along the route. The Himalayan Rescue Association (HRA) operates a staffed altitude sickness clinic in Pheriche (4,371m), which provides consultations and treatment for altitude-related illness. There is also a basic health post in Namche Bazaar. For serious medical emergencies beyond altitude sickness treatment, helicopter evacuation to Kathmandu is the standard response. 

Yes, with the right preparation and support. EBC is not an extreme expedition — it is a well-established trekking route with teahouses, medical facilities, and rescue infrastructure. Beginners who train properly, choose a guided itinerary with acclimatization days built in, and approach the trek with patience and honesty about their condition succeed every season. The key risk factors for beginners — underestimating altitude, pushing too hard too early, or hiding symptoms — are all within your control.