Everest Base Camp Trek is the best trekking choice of entire Himalayan journeys in Nepal. The name ‘Everest’ alone is enough to explain its grandeur. Thousands of travelers from all around the globe head-on towards the foot of Everest as their ultimate destination.
They believe that nothing is so perplexing and bewildering than standing at the base of the tallest peak of the planet-Mt. Everest (8848.86m/29031ft above sea level).
Life becomes complete when you get a chance to witness the great Mt. Everest rising above all minor ranges. Himalayan scenery here is unsurpassed on earth. Snowy sentinels will witness your struggle toward the Khumbu region.
The spectacle of several snowy peaks that you will bump into in this journey will leave you enthralled. Four of the top ten tallest peaks including Mt. Everest (8848.86m), Mt Lhotse (8516m), Mt. Makalu (8485m), and Mt. Cho Oyu (8188m) are gotten closely.
Apart from them, you will sightsee Mt. Nuptse (7855m), Mt. Pumori (7161m), Mt. Changaste (7550m), Mt. Lingterin (6679m), Mt. Amadablam (6856m), Mt. Thamserku (6723m), Mt. Kusum Khagaru (6367m), Mt. Kantega ( 6685m), Mt. Kongde (6011m), Mt. Khumbila (5761m), Mt. Twache peak (6367m), Mt. Cholaste (6335m), Island peak (6179m), Lobuche peak (6145m), Pokalde peak (5806m), Honku south peak (6119m) are witnessed frequently and vividly.
Sagarmatha National Park -the most elevated national park of the world passes on the way. Extended at the elevation from 2800m to 8848.86 m, this national park covers the total land of 1,148 km2 (443 sq mi) of Solukhumbu district, province no. 1, eastern Nepal.
The walk passes leaving the green hills, rhododendron forest, elegant waterfalls, graceful rivers, glaciers, glacial lakes, tiny ethnic settlements, fluttering prayer flags, and several other religious shrines.
Trekkers are welcomed by the exotic flora and fauna of it from their second day of trekking. Vegetation varies from bamboo, birch, blue pines, firs, hemlock, juniper, and rhododendron forests to alpine shrubs as you ascend higher. The ultimate land of Everest Base Camp and Kala Patthar is fully barren land without a single plant around.
Wildlife found within the Sagarmatha National Park embraces red panda, black bear, musk deer, Himalayan thars, Himalayan wolves, and the exceptionally obscure snow leopard. It is also the home of 118 species of birds. Trekkers commonly see Impeyan pheasant, bearded vulture, snow cock, and alpine chough while trekking Everest Base Camp mostly.
The fluttering prayer flags, long mane walls, monasteries, chortens, and alleys in the different spots resemble this trek is also a spiritual journey. Mediating in the monasteries, interacting with the monks, doing yoga in front of the Himalayan ranges are common spiritual practices of this trek.
However, climbing up to the base camp of Everest is not a joke. The beauty of the Himalayas levies you to risk your life along the avalanche threatened trail and many bizarrely narrow trails, which becomes more than difficult to pass through. Altitude sickness is another great issue that constantly drags your confidence and stamina down.
Then, how to make it happen? In this blog, I will be trying to cover every nitty-gritty information, as well as additional advice that you should know before hitting on the trail. This detailed article guides you from the very first day in Nepal to the last day of your trip.
The most popular, easy, comfortable, and convenient way to reach the Everest region is to catch a short flight from Kathmandu to Lukla. Catch an early flight to Lukla from Kathmandu airport and land there within 35 minutes.
Options are also available. Driving Jiri and following the classic route of Everest is also possible. However, it takes 6 more days to reach Lukla. Next, drive to Khari Khola and ascend to Lukla spending a couple of days.
It is about 8 days trek to get to the Base camp hiking gradually having some days for acclimatization.
Everest Base Camp Heli tour is the shortest and easiest way to explore the Everest region within a couple of hours. Explore Everest Base Camp, Kala Patthar, Namche Bazaar, and Lukla through Helicopter ride.
Everest Base Camp trek is a mountainous walk in the foothills of the Himalayas. You will start the journey from Kathmandu (1350m) and the actual trek from Lukla (2860m). Gaining a quite significant elevation, you reach Everest Base Camp (5360m) and Kala Patthar (5545m) above sea level.
It is true that with the elevation gained, the weather turns unpredictable. You need to be well prepared beforehand.
Everest region has four seasons: spring, summer, autumn, and winter.
A season of flower blossoms, spring is the choicest choice for trekking Everest. Both the weather and temperatures favor trekking. The skies look crystal and landscapes just awe. The fewer chances of heavy precipitation and snowfall make the journey even comfortable.
The lustrous rhododendrons of Sagarmatha National Park in full blossom. Other spring flowers along rhododendron look painted colorfully. The valleys are green, hills are colorful and just above them, and mighty snow-capped peaks seem gleaming. The massifs, glaciers, and charming parishes in this region bring out their finest color during this season making each moment photogenic.
The days get longer each day in spring. You have plenty of time to reach the scheduled destinations. Although mornings and evenings are chilly, days are perfect for walking. The temperature is moderate and affordable for walking.
In March Everest Base Camp temperature ranges from max 7°C in a daytime to min -12°C in the nights and mornings. While in April, it fluctuates from max 10°C in a daytime to min -5°C in the night. Lastly in May, it varies from max 15°C in a daytime to min 0°C at night.
In Nepal, summer months have variations in temperature, weather conditions, and climate according to the regions and topographies. The Terai region is hot and humid, the hills are moderate and the Himalayas witness cold temperatures.
Again, because the monsoon season coincides with summer in Nepal, the Everest Base Camp trek in summer is not highly recommended. One needs to have appropriate gear and preparation for trekking.
Meantime, the lower parts of the trail get wet, muddy, and slippery because of continuous rainfall. The mountains and hills are covered by clouds or fog or mist. Leeches misquotes may suffer you in some areas.
Concerning the temperature, Everest Base Camp witnesses up to 16°C in a daytime and -1°C at night in June. In July it ranges from max 15°C during the daytime to 2°C at night. Another monsoon month August faces a maximum of 16°C in the daytime and a minimum of 2°C at night. The average sunshine in monsoon month is 5-6 hours. The rest of the time, it is obstructed by clouds, mist, or fog.
Apart from spring, autumn is another best season for trekking Everest Base Camp. Expect thousands of people flooding on the trail to EBC. Post monsoon months offer fresh greeneries everywhere. The weather conditions are all auspicious making the temperature mild even in the higher elevations.
The monsoon escapes and mountains show their face after long days. The trekking trails are direr making it comfortable to walk. The people in the different settlements seem busy celebrating their festivals Teej, Dashain, and Tihar. Every month, you will witness one of them respectively which is celebrated according to the Nepali calendar.
Concerning the temperature, with the elevation, it might decrease. The sun shines brightly during the day. But when it goes down, temperature decreases dramatically in the high Himalayas.
In September, the days are warm in Everest Base Camp with a maximum temperature of 15°C. While in the mornings and nights, the temperature may decrease reaching up to 2°C. In October, the temperature ranges from a max of 12°C at midday to a min -6°C at night.
On the other hand, in November, the cold increases a bit. EBC witnesses the maximum temperature of 6°C in the daytime to a minimum of -12°C in the night. During this period, you will have 7 hours of sunshine each day.
Everest Base Camp trek in winter is truly an adventurous activity. Upper parts of the trekking route might get covered by snowfall. Chill wind, heavy snowfall, freezing climate are common in winter. But, the views are scenic and photogenic. Entire the villages, hills, and peaks look lunar and with the first rays of the sun, they gleam changing their color.
Mornings and nights are chills but days are warm making it comfortable to walk. With the right preparation, the Everest Base Camp trek in winter is doable.
Concerning the temperature, Everest Base Camp records 4°C in the daytime and up to -14°C at night in December. In January, it ranges between max 4°C during the day and min -17°C at night. Similarly, in February, the temperature ranges from a max of 4°C in the daytime to -15°C at night.
The wind speed is about 40km/hr. making the atmosphere chill and freezing. Every day, the Everest region witnesses 7 hours of sunshine on average during winter.
Pre-monsoon (February, March, April, and May) and post-monsoon (late September, October, November, and December) are the best time to go for the Everest Base camp Trek. During the monsoon, the rainwater makes the trail slippery and difficult, simultaneously increasing the risk of landslides and avalanches. Personally, I would recommend trekking in March, late October, and November.
During the winter (January and early February), the temperature might plummet to -20oC and snowfall might make the trek very difficult to carry on. While the summer would be awesome, but it blends with the monsoon. So, if you want to make your journey memorable and relatively easier then, do pay attention to time.
Also, during March, you may see the woodlands being colorful with beautiful rhododendrons. Likewise, Sweet-smelling junipers perfume the trail.
Your journey starts after a short and scenic flight to Lukla from Kathmandu. The total distance of Everest Base Camp trek (normal route) is 130 kilometers/80 miles for the round trip (Lukla-EBC-Lukla) Adding some side trips like Gokyo Lakes, Three Passes, you need to cover more distance spending more days.
Normally, it takes 12-15 days to complete the Everest Base Camp Trek. It all depends upon you; how many days you wish to spend for acclimatization, how fast you walk etc. The daily distances and duration are tabulated below.
|
Days |
Activity |
Trek Distance |
Trek Duration |
Maximum Elevation |
|
One |
Fly Kathmandu to Lukla and trek to Phakding |
9 km/5.6 miles |
3-4 hours |
2860m/2,860m/9,383ft (Lukla) |
|
Two |
Trek to Namche Bazaar |
11 km/6.8 miles |
6-7 hours |
3,440m/11,283ft (Namche Bazaar) |
|
Three |
An acclimatization day at Namche |
- |
- |
- |
|
Four |
Trek to |
10 km/6.2 miles |
5-6 hours |
3,860m/12,660ft (Tengboche) |
|
Five |
Trek to Dingboche |
12 km/7.5 miles |
5-6 hours |
4,410m/14,464ft (Dingboche) |
|
Six |
Acclimatization day at Dingboche |
- |
- |
- |
|
Seven |
Trek to Lobuche |
12 km/7.5 miles |
5-6 hours |
4,910m/16,105ft (Lobuche) |
|
Eight |
Trek to Gorakshep to EBC and return Gorakshep |
13 km/8 miles
|
7-8 hours |
5,364m/17,594 ft (Everest Base Camp) |
|
Nine |
Hike to Kala Patthar and back to Pheriche |
18 km/11.2 miles |
7-8 hours |
5,545m/18,192ft (Kala Patthar) |
|
Ten |
Trek to Namche Bazaar |
22 km/13.7 miles |
8-9 hours |
4,371m/14,340 ft (Pheriche) |
|
Eleven |
Trek to Lukla |
21 km/13 miles |
8-9 hours |
3,440m/11,283ft (Namche Bazaar) |
Everest Base Camp trek is a village to village trek. Eight days seems like it would be enough to cover 65 kilometers all the way to Everest Base Camp from Lukla (one way). Walking in the high elevations, rough terrains, steep moraines, rocky ridge, and deep valleys one needs sound stamina and determination.
However, the trail is well maintained and marked, never confusing, and mostly dry making it comfortable -to walk. Expect a 7-11 kilometers’ hike while ascending and 10-18 kilometers while getting back to Lukla. A mostly followed trekking route is outlined below.
Ascend: Kathmandu – Lukla – Phakding –Monjo- Namche Bazaar – Tengboche – Debuche – Dingboche – Lobuche – Gorak Shep – EBC/Kala Patthar
Descend: Gorek Shep – Pheriche – Tengboche – Monjo – Lukla – Kathmandu
Day one: Fly to Lukla (2,860 m/9,383ft) & Trek to Phakding (2,652 m/8,700 ft)
Day two: Phakding - Namche Bazaar (3,440 m/11,283 ft)
Day three: Namche Bazaar: Acclimatization Day - Hike to Everest view hotel
Day four: Namche Bazzar - Tengboche (3860m/12660ft)
Day five: Tengboche - Dingboche (4410m/14464ft)
Day six: Dingboche -Acclimatization Day- Side trip to Nangkartshang Peak (5100m/16728ft)
Day seven: Dingboche - Lobuche (4910m/16105ft)
Day eight: Lobuche - Everest Base Camp (5364m/17594ft) and back to Gorekshep (5181m/16994ft)
Day nine: Hike to Kalapattar (5545m/18188ft) - Gorekshep - Pheriche (4210m/13809ft)
Day ten: Pheriche - Pangboche - Tengboche - Namche Bazzar
Day eleven: Namche Bazaar to Lukla
Day twelve: Fly back to Kathmandu (1350m/4429Ft)
You need at least two permits for trekking Everest Base Camp Trek namely Sagarmatha National Park Permit and Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Permit. The former cost NPR. 3000 and the latter one costs NPR. 2000. Both the permits are available at Lukla.
Additionally, you need Gaurishankhar Conservation Area Permit cost if you start trekking from Jiri. Available in Nepal Tourism Board Kathmandu, this permit costs NPR. 3000
Since 2018, you need to purchase Trekkers’ Information Management System (TIMS) to trek Everest. Neglect any information you read somewhere else about necessitating a TIMS card for the trek to Everest Base Camp.
Altitude Sickness is a matter of concern when you are scaling to greater heights, because it may be fatal if neglected. Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) is the most common form of negative health effects caused by the gain of elevation.
At higher altitudes, the oxygen content is very minimal. So, it alters your bodily functions as compared to normal functions. This is the cause of altitude sickness.
Major Symptoms
Headache
Dizziness
Increased heart rate
Shortness of breath
Difficulty sleeping
Nausea and vomiting
Loss of appetite
Upset stomach
Feeling unsteady
Fatigues
Treatment
Descend to a lower elevation if possible.
Do not hike any upper for the next 48 hours.
Take rest, do not exercise.
Drink plenty of water; avoid alcoholic drinks and cold drinks.
Avoid smoking.
Take external oxygen supply if needed.
Process immediately for emergency evacuation if the situation worsens.
How can I avoid AMS?
Acclimatize properly in different elevations. (Most of the trekkers choose Namche Bazaar-3440m and Dingboche-4410m for acclimatization)
Stay Hydrated. Dehydration adds a brick causing AMS.
Do not compete with others; take plenty of rest.
Trek high, sleep low if possible.
Get high-calorie food.
Avoid smoking, alcoholic drinks, or tranquilizing medicines.
Follow your trekking leader. They have years of experience.
In high elevations, it is not uncommon to be suffered from sunburn problems. Make sure, you have carried plenty of sunscreen lotion. Apply them every day before commencing the journey.
Another, you need to protect your eyes from some harmful rays of the sun during the trek. So, carry a good polarized sunglass.
In terms of altitude, the Everest base camp trek would be the most difficult one in the world. The trek begins from Lukla, which is at an altitude of around 3000 m. So, there is a chance of getting the symptoms of minor altitude sickness such as a slight headache.
However, if you ensure proper acclimatization, then you may alleviate the altitude-related issues to a greater extent. Regardless of the route you follow to reach the base camp of Everest, you will make your first acclimatization stay at Namche Bazaar.
The best way to acclimatize is to follow the ‘Hike High, sleep low’ technique. During your acclimatization at Namche, you will hike up to the Khumjung and Kunde and come down to Namche for an overnight stay.
The longer you spend your time in the mountains, the more you become exhausted. Everest Base camp could be reached through various routes and the days ranges from 15 to 30. 30 days trek can be very much strenuous unlike the 15-20 days trek, which is moderately difficult and recommended.
How long you trek each day is another important factor that determines the difficulty of the trek. In scientific terms, trekking hours are directly proportional to the difficulty of the trek, which means the longer time you trek, the more you become exhausted.
During your Everest base camp trek, you will trek for 5-6 hours per day on average. Therefore, to make your slog easier and less strenuous,
You must be mindful of the required trekking gears because, in the absence of any one of these, your adventure might not be as thrilling and memorable as you have had expected.
Some of these trekking gears may also be provided by the trekking company you have promised to go with. So, do inquire in advance what gears are already at your hand and look out for the remaining.
The hotels get less fancy as you gain elevation and the same holds for the Everest region. Most of the trekkers prefer tea-houses, which are cheap and luxurious enough for a night's stay.
Rooms in the teahouses, generally, have two wooden beds-each with a pillow and a woolen blanket. Still, many trekkers prefer to carry an additional sleeping bag for extra warmth and comfort. Bathrooms ought to be shared.
Some of the tea-houses around the Everest region are very well-maintained and are also equipped with modern-day appliances such as a heater. In a rare case, they may as well have the wifi facility and if it has, then don’t expect it to be super fast because it is not just you, who is connected to the network.
Hotels (typically 3-stars), on the other hand, are well adorned with modern-day amenities and luxuries, to provide extra fragrance to your adventure. They are relatively expensive but have all those facilities to make your stay a comfortable one.
Attached bathroom, telephone service, high-speed wifi, satellite tv, wardrobe (optional), and mini-refrigerator (optional) are a few of the basic commodities you have access to throughout your stay in a hotel.
Guesthouses or Trekking lodges provide a quite similar experience as that in tea-houses. In fact, many of the teahouses run by the name of guesthouses. However, many of those lodges around the Everest region render some additional services such as telephone calls but with extra pay.
Likewise, Homestay is another option if you wish to stay with a family. The environment is homely, and you would have an opportunity to dive into the culture of Himalayan Sherpas at its depth.
However, many of the homestay services around Everest is commercialized and community-based, which means the services you get are basic with a shared bathroom and you will have to pay few extra dollars just for the name ‘Homestay’. So, inquire in advance with the related trekking agency, and don’t forget to read the reviews.
Of all, camping in the Himalayas is just a world experience. You would surely want to lie on the ground inside a tent. For that, some of the places offer tent services and the prices are quite the same as reserving a room.
If you like to pitch a tent away from the community, then it is better to bring your own tent with you and ask someone whether anybody’s permission is required to pitch a tent in that area. Mostly you don’t have to pay for the land, but in some cases, you will be charged a few dollars. For a campfire, woods cost extra money.
Numerous trekking packages of trek and expedition are connected with Everest Base Camp Trek. Adventurers can choose Everest Three Passes Trek, Everest Base Camp with Gokyo Lakes trek, Ama Dablam Base Camp Trek along Everest Base Camp Trek.
Mera Peak Climbing, Lobuche Peak Climbing, Island Peak Climbing are some of the peak climbing adventures that can be done along with Everest Base Camp Trek.
Mountaineers spend months long in the Everest Base Camp in tented camps before soaring Mt. Everest summit. It is a great place for acclimatization before mounting higher.
Where is base camp on Everest?
There are two Base Camps on Mount Everest; the northern and the southern. The south base Camp situates in Nepal at an elevation of 5364m/17598ft coordinates 28°0′26″N 86°51′34″E and the northern lies in Tibet China at an altitude of 5150m/16900ft coordinates 28°8′29″N 86°51′5″E.
How hard is it to walk to Everest Base Camp?
Everest Base camp is a moderately difficult journey. As intimidating as the name may sound, it is not a difficult most trek one can assume. It is all because it has a couple of acclimatization days, a slow pace, well-maintained trekking routes, plenty of stops, and not many steep ups and downs. An average walk is 10-12 kilometers in a day where 130 kilometers/80 miles to cover in 12 days!
Is Everest base camp trek worth it?
Everest Base Camp Trek is the perfect combination of nature and culture. The views are spectacular from the different vantage points (Namche, Dingboche, and Kala Patthar are the most popular). Stepping at the base of the tallest peak of the planet-Mt. Everest itself is worth it. Unique Sherpa culture and tradition are impressive.
How high up is base camp?
Everest Base Camp sits at the elevation of 5364m/17,598ft. However, the Everest Base Camp trek leads you up to 5545m/18192ft at Kala Patthar. Kala Patthar is renowned for the sunrise viewpoint.
Is Everest Base Camp Trek dangerous?
Trekkers need to spend around three days at an elevation of 5000m above sea level. The maximum elevation to reach is 5545m for spectacular first rays of sun over Everest massifs. During these, there is only a fear of altitude sickness. Otherwise, occurrences of landslides, avalanches, and earthquakes are incredibly rare.
How cold does it get at Everest Base Camp?
As Everest Base camp sits at 5364m above sea level, possesses a mountain plateau climate. It remains cold almost all the time of the year. The average temperature of Everest Base Camp is -17 degrees Celsius.
The coldest months are December to January which witnesses even lower temperatures.
Can you see Everest from base camp?
Other insanely tall mountains block your view to see Everest from its base camp. But next day, you ascend to Kala Patthar and see the panoramic view of it.
Can you just go to Everest Base Camp?
The short answer is Yes! Everest Base Camp trek is possible in all the ways- solo, organized, or in a group. The way is straightforward and less confusing. Thousands of trekkers pass by each day. But, you must train before departure to make your journey enjoyable and memorable. Trekking with a guide and porter makes your course comfortable, safe, and stress-free. You never know when the emergency occurs.
What is the best time to go to Everest Base Camp?
Spring(March-April-May) and autumn( September-October-November) are considered the best months for trekking at Everest Base Camp. Maximum visibility, crystal skies, green valleys, seasonal flower, dry trekking routes, favorable weather, and temperatures make these periods comfortable for walking.
Do you need to train for Everest Base Camp?
Trekkers need a basic level of training to improve cardio endurance, strength endurance, and being comfortable carrying a daypack uphill for long periods at a time for Everest Base Camp Trek. Such activities are recommended to continue at least three months before the trek.
How crowded is Everest Base Camp Trek?
It gets crowded in the autumn and spring months. The census reveals that 42% of annual visitors come in October and November. Likewise, around 31% of annual visitors march Everest base camp during March and April.
So, these seasons have flocks of tourists that can be seen during these periods. Pre-booking for accommodation is recommended.
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