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Duration
13 Days
Trip Difficulty
Moderate
Max. Altitude
5550 Metres
Group Size
2-15 People
Best Season
spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November)
Transportation
Private Bus, Flight
Accommodation
Teahouse, Lodge, Hotel
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
The Everest Base Camp trek is a famous and satisfying trekking adventure that brings you to the very core of the Nepal Himalayas and follows the old trade routes that were taken by the first mountaineers and the local Sherpa. It is not only a journey to the base of the tallest mountain in the world, Mount Everest (8,848.86 m / 29,031.7 ft); it is a journey of spectacular scenery, deep mountain culture and adventure.
The trail begins in Lukla (2,840 m / 9,318 ft), and it runs through beautiful valleys, suspension bridges, pine forests and rhododendron woods, and finally reaches the Everest Base Camp (5,364 m / 17,598 ft).
In the route to the Everest Base Camp, trekkers are able to have beautiful sights of Ama Dablam, Lhotse, Nuptse and the Everest itself. You are walking slowly, giving your body time to get used to the higher altitude by taking scheduled acclimatisation days. It is physically challenging because of the long walking days and the high altitude involved. Most individuals will be able to complete this journey successfully with basic fitness, preparation and a proper attitude.
The cultural experience is what is really unique about the trek to the Everest Base Camp. You spend the night in local tea houses, have a simple meal in the mountains and meet the Sherpa families who have been residing in the region for ages.
The Everest Base Camp Trek can be done by first-time trekkers as well as experienced trekkers seeking a typical Himalayan adventure. The terrain keeps changing, where one day it may be full of Sherpes in villages and the next day it can be silent, rugged alpine and therefore each step turns out to be new.
The achievement of the Everest Base Camp is a spiritual and memorable experience, with the high mountains and the Khumbu Glacier. Being at the base of the tallest mountain in the world leaves the trekkers with a profound feeling of success and connection with the great mountaineers who had been at the same level before. It is an experience that one cannot forget even after the journey has concluded.
Himalayan Pathways plans the Everest Vase Camp Trek with enough local knowledge, permits and logistics, seasoned guides, so that you are free to enjoy the trail. Therefore, the Everest Base Camp trek is not a trek you would ever forget; it is a perfect combination of nature, culture, and a strong sense of accomplishment.
Everest Base Camp trek starts early in the morning with a drive from Kathmandu towards Ramechhap, before the sun comes out. It is a scenic drive that lasts about 5-6 hours and crosses small towns, rivers and rolling hills. At Ramechhap airport, you have a brief, yet thrilling flight to Lukla (2,840 m / 9,318 ft).
Upon arrival, you take breakfast in Lukla and get ready to begin your first day of trekking on the Everest Base Camp. The path is gentle along the Dudh Koshi River. You pass pine forests, rhododendron forests, mani stones, prayer wheels and little Sherpa villages. The river is crossed by several suspension bridges, which give a lovely view of the valley below.
After four hours of walking, you arrive at Phakding (2,610 m / 8,563 ft). There are small tea houses here where you can rest, have a warm dinner and sleep for the night.
The second day of the trek of the Everest Base Camp trek starts with a breakfast at Phakding, followed by an upstream movement along the river, Dudh Kosi. It is a good walk as the trail has small ups and downs. You go through such villages as Benkar or Monjo, and enter Sagarmatha National Park and present your permits.
Further on, the path takes you over several suspension bridges to cross rivers, one of which is the well-known Hillary Suspension Bridge. The walk is a little difficult after the bridge. This trail is rough and sharp, ascending through pine and rhododendron forests. On the route, you will have a glimpse of the first sight of Mount Everest on a clear day.
You reach Namche Bazaar (3,440 m / 11,286 ft) in the evening, the commercial centre of the Khumbu region. The town is a lively one with bakeries, cafes, shops and colourful markets. You can visit the village, have a cup of coffee, or even have a rest. Spending a night in Namche helps your body to start acclimatising to the altitude.
The day is allocated to rest and acclimatisation, which is extremely essential throughout the Everest Base Camp trek. You do not spend all day long lying down, but take a hike to assist your body get used to the higher altitude. You can walk up the hill to the Everest View Hotel (3,880 m / 12, 730 ft), one of the most ideal places to have a view of the area.
The hike is progressive, and it presents breathtaking sights of Everest, Lhotse, and Ama Dablam. The hotel is situated at the edge of the mountain, where the views are panoramic, and you head to the Namche Bazaar, where you have lunch.
During the afternoon, you can pay a visit to the surrounding villages such as Khumjung and Khunde, the Sherpa Museum or the Hillary School. Your guide also describes altitude sickness and safety advice on the remaining part of the Everest Base Camp trek.
Another night in Namche (3,440 m / 11,286 ft) will allow your body to get used to it, and the following days will be safer and more comfortable.
After breakfast, you leave Namche and proceed with your trek to the Everest Base Camp, along a scenic path on the side of the mountain. The trail has small hills and stunning scenery of Everest, Nuptse, and Ama Dablam.
The trail meanders up through the woods, rhododendron and pine forests. You take a lunch break in between before resuming the climb up again to Tengboche. The last part is an uphill hike, which is compensated for by the relaxing mountain landscape and forest.
The Tengboche Monastery is the religious hub of the Khumbu region. You are able to go to the monastery and, provided you have the time, you can attend an evening prayer session. The place has fantastic sunset views of the Ama Dablam and other peaks.
You spend a night in a local tea house, where you spend a peaceful time in the mountains.
The fifth day of the Everest Base Camp Trek starts with a gradual downhill from Tengboche to Deboche. You cross the Imja Khola River and keep on a picturesque path with the sight of the tall mountains. The trail goes on up slowly to Pangboche village (3,900 m / 12,795 ft), the most elevated permanent village in the Khumbu region.
The oldest monastery in the area is found in Pangboche, where you take your lunch. The landscape after lunch is different, with fewer trees and more open and rocky terrain. The path ascends consistently, and the Ama Dablam is seen soaring out of the valley.
In the late afternoon, you are at Dingboche (4,410 m 14,468 ft), a very high-altitude village with high stone walls and expansive mountain views. Dingboche is an alpine area with beautiful scenery and a peaceful environment; therefore, it is an excellent place to rest and get ready to go higher.
The sixth day in the Everest Base Camp trek is a significant acclimatisation day to enable the body to adapt to the thin air. You take a brief side hike after breakfast. You have two of the most popular options between Chhukung and Nagarjun Hill.
The climb to Chhukung (4,730 m / 15,518 ft) is approximately 2-3 hours and is made along a broad valley on a flat trail. Chhukung is the base of Island peak and it provides a close look at the glaciers and other peaks that surround it.
The second alternative is Nagarjun Hill (5,100 m / 16,732 ft), which is steeper and more difficult. The climb lasts about 2 hours, and the views are breathtaking.
The two hikes are not long, but allow your body to adapt to the higher elevation when you are on the Everest Base Camp trek. You get back to Dingboche in the afternoon to rest.
After breakfast, you take off from Dingboche (4,410 m / 14,468 ft) and cross a slow uphill path. The terrain is more rugged and open, with fewer trees and rocky terrain. After about two hours, you arrive at a high pass where there are memorial chortens in honour of those climbers who lost their lives on Everest.
It is very emotional and serene as there are prayer flags that are fluttering in the wind, and there is epic mountain scenery everywhere. It is here that the path gradually leads to the valley of the Everest High Camp, along the Kumbu Glacier. You might find that the air gets less dense, hence it is necessary to walk slowly and gradually.
In the afternoon, you make it to Lobuche (4,910 m / 16,109 ft), a small village-like with primitive stone lodges. Once you have checked into your lodge, you sleep and take a pleasant meal. Even though the day seems exhausting, the closer you get to the Everest Base Camp, the more excitement you develop.
It is the most thrilling day in the Everest Base Camp trek. You begin early in Lobuche (4,910 m / 16,109 ft) and are on the rocky path along the north of the Khumbu Glacier. After about three hours, you get to Gorakshep (5,164 m / 16,942 ft), the final settlement before Base Camp.
After a little break and dropping heavy bags, you are headed to the Everest Base Camp (5,364 m / 17,598 ft). The path is widely glacial with rocky ground. Four hours later, you are in the Base Camp of Everest, which is underneath the Khumbu Icefall. Colourful tents during climbing season and enormous ice formations form a highly effective environment that can be seen.
You take pictures and have a good moment, then walk back to Gorakshep. The walk back is less strenuous, yet the altitude requires a slow pace. You rest in Gorakshep, boasting of having reached the centre of the Everest Base Camp trek.
The ninth day is quite an early one since you begin with a steep ascending climb to Kala Patthar (5,550 m / 18,209 ft), the vantage point of Everest Base Camp. It takes 2-3 hours to hike to the top in the cold air in the morning. With the rising sun, the peaks, including Everest (8,848.86 m / 29,031.7 ft) and its neighbors are bathed in golden light, and the panorama of the entire trek is perfect.
Once you are done with the sightseeing and have taken some photos, you go back to Gorakshep (5,164 m / 16,942 ft) to have breakfast. The trail after breakfast turns downwards past Lobuche and Thukla. It is more comfortable to go down the lungs, and the air is warmer.
At the end of the afternoon, you reach the village of Pheriche (4,240 m / 13,911 ft), a great valley with its high-altitude medical post. You are resting in a lodge, having a good meal and thinking of the attainment of Kala Patthar.
On your Everest Base Camp trek, you keep on descending after breakfast in Pheriche (4,240 m / 13,911 ft). The path cuts across the Imja Khola River and through the alpine land, through small villages. The walk is largely descending and is more comfortable following the high-altitude days.
You cross Thukla and carry on along the same tracks, seeing how pleasant it is to breathe as you get down. In the process, you also get to see Ama Dablam and other snow-capped mountains from a lower and warmer perspective.
In the afternoon, you are back at Tengboche (3,860 m / 12,664 ft). Coming back to this spiritual village is relaxing and homely. You will have the option of visiting Tengboche Monastery again or unwind and enjoy the pleasant weather at your tea house, having a marvellous view of the mountain.
The night is peaceful and serene, and it provides a soft end to the Everest Base Camp trek.
Day 11 of the Everest Base Camp trek is a long and comfortable trek as you keep moving downwards towards lower altitudes. Breakfast in Tengboche (3,860 m / 12,664 ft), and then start a steep descent through magnificent rhododendron and pine forests. The winding path can be easily traced, although it demands great caution on rocky parts, but the fresh air and warmer climate make the movement less difficult.
You go down to the Dudh Koshi River and walk over suspension bridges. On the way, you cross some familiar villages, like Deboche, Pangboche and Shomare, where the local life is going on. The path is easy, but it keeps going down the hill, so you can enjoy nature without being in a hurry.
When you lose altitude, you find it much easier to breathe, and your strength comes back. Towards the afternoon, you arrive at Monjo (2,835 m / 9,301 ft) and the Sagarmatha National Park officially. You stay in a pleasant lodge and have a well-deserved dinner.
It is your last day of the Everest Base Camp Trek. Having breakfast in Monjo (2,835 m / 9,301 ft), you start with a short, steep walk. You go through Phakding (2,610 m / 8,563 ft), where you have already spent the night, and cross suspension bridges and trails on the banks of rivers. The trees are greener, and the air is much richer than in the lower places.
By mid-afternoon, you are back in Lukla (2,840 m / 9,318 ft), where the trek to the Everest Base Camp started. Once you have been taken to your lodge, you have a special celebration lunch with your guide and trekking crew. A lot of trekkers prefer partying and sharing their trail stories. You laugh, feel grateful, and feel accomplished on your last night in the mountains.
On your last day of the trek to the Everest Base Camp, you start by having breakfast in Lukla (2,840 m / 9,318 ft). On leaving the trekking crew, you go to the airport to board your plane back. The short 30-minute mountain flight gives you a final stunning view of the Himalayas as you pass through the high valleys.
As soon as the air grows warmer and richer in oxygen, the dramatic change in altitude is noticed. Once you arrive at Kathmandu airport, you are taken to your hotel.
The remainder of the day is at liberty to relax, buy souvenirs or have a hot shower after days on the trail. You then have a farewell dinner with your trekking group in the evening. Past experiences are discussed, pictures are viewed, and accomplishments are glorified.
The Everest Base Camp trek is a spectacular feat to complete, and it is on this last night that you would want to look back and acknowledge the memorable experience that you have had in the middle of the Himalayas.
Everest Base Camp trek is not a very difficult trek, but rather it is considered difficult due to the high altitude. The routes are clearly marked and do not demand technical climbing and mountaineering. Nevertheless, each day, trekkers walk around 4-7 hours on uneven and rocky roads. The trek begins at Lukla (2,840 m / 9,318 ft) and ascends to Kala Patthar (5,550 m / 18,209 ft), and may be physically challenging.
Fitness and endurance are necessary, particularly during long uphill days like Namche to Tengboche and Dingboche to Lobuche. Namche (3,440 m / 11,286 ft) and Dingboche (4,410 m / 14,468 ft) help acclimate the body to the high elevation.
The Everest Base Camp trek can be successfully done by people who train properly. It is a challenge that is highly rewarding to many trekkers who feel quite accomplished once they get to the base camp.
The weather is a major factor in the Everest Base Camp trek, and the timing of the season used is very critical. The best seasons are spring (March to May) and autumn (end of September to November). The weather in such seasons is generally clear, so the mountain sceneries are at its finest. During the day, the temperatures may be 5-15 °C, and at night, they may fall below zero degrees, particularly above Namche (3,440 m / 11,286 ft).
Trekking is a challenging task as the monsoon season (July-August) has heavy rainfall, slippery routes and low visibility. During winter (December-February), it gets extremely cold, especially in places that are higher, such as Gorakshep (5,164 m / 16,942 ft), and some lodges might even be closed. There is a possibility of trekking in the cold seasons, but it might result in snow and colder nights.
To enjoy the trek, the majority of the trekkers prefer spring or autumn when doing the Everest Base Camp Trek.
Everest Base Camp trek food is basic, nutritious and geared to provide energy to walk long distances. The trail has tea houses that offer three meals a day, breakfast, lunch and dinner. Typical foods are dal bhat (rice and lentils), vegetable curries, noodles, soups, potatoes, pasta, and momo (dumplings). Breakfast usually consists of porridge, eggs, toast or pancakes.
There are vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes, but vegetarian dishes are considered to be more helpful at high altitudes.
The lodges have safe drinking water in the form of boiled and filtered water. Trekkers are advised to consume a lot of water to keep hydrated. Avoid alcohol, particularly at altitudes above 3,000 m / 9,843 ft, since it may cause altitude sickness. In general, the food in the Everest Base Camp trek is simple, though healthy.
The general attitude sickness or AMS is a frequent issue on the Everest Base Camp trek since the route exceeds 3,000 m / 9,843 ft. The symptoms of the condition are headache, nausea, dizziness, and fatigue.
The way of being safe is proper acclimatisation. Your body can take its time to acclimatise to elevated altitudes by spending days in Namche (3,440 m / 11,286 ft) and Dingboche (4,410 m / 14,468 ft).
Trekking is recommended in slow walking with frequent pauses and consumption of water at least 3-4 litres per day.
Guides regulate health and oxygen, and emergency oxygen is on board in case of necessity. Diamox is also brought by many trekkers with the advice of a doctor. In case of increased symptoms, it is necessary to descend as fast as possible. The important thing to do is to listen to your body to ensure that your Everest base camp trek is safe and enjoyable.
Everest Base Camp Trek is a safer and more fun activity with good preparation. The trek will take a number of hours daily at high altitude; hence, endurance is essential. A 3-6 months training plan is advised and is centred around cardio exercises such as hiking, climbing up the staircase, cycling or walking on a treadmill. Leg strength training exercises, including squats and lunges, also come in handy.
Backpack walking with a weight of approximately 10-12 kg will enhance stamina and confidence. Psychological conditioning is also significant. Knowing the difficulties of being at altitude and having a positive attitude will be of assistance on bad days. Broken-in hiking boots are necessary. Trekkers are advised to pack light and consult with a doctor on any medical problems before the trip. When well prepared and fit, the majority of individuals can complete the Everest Base Camp trek and enjoy the experience.
In the case of an Everest Base Camp trek, every foreigner must have a Nepal tourist visa. This is easily available at Kathmandu airport. There are visa fees of USD 30, USD 50 and USD 125, which have to be paid in cash depending on 15 days, 30 days and 90 days. The passport should have a minimum of six months’ validity on the day of arrival.
Besides the visa, there are two trekking permits needed to do the Everest Base Camp trek. These are the Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit and Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Permit. Such permits are inspected at different spots on the trail, particularly near Monjo (2,835 m / 9,301 ft). Himalayan Pathways takes care of all the permits necessary for this trek.
You should also always carry your permits along with you on the trek because you will be required to present them at the official points along the way.
The Everest Base Camp trek is very important for health and safety. A general health check and purchasing travel health insurance should be done before travelling. Regular vaccination is recommended. Carry any personal medication you might have.
To prevent stomach issues on the trek, consume completely cooked food and boiled or purified water. The most significant problem is altitude, especially in places above Namche (3,440 m / 11,286 ft).
Do as you are advised by the guide in walking pace, rest, and hydration. Guides are equipped with a first-aid kit and emergency oxygen. In case of such symptoms as headache, nausea or dizziness, notify your guide as soon as possible.
In extreme situations, evacuation via helicopters can be undertaken depending on the weather conditions. The Everest Base Camp trek is normally safe when taken well and with care.
Everest Base Camp trek transportation involves road and air transport. The first day is spent on a private vehicle journey (approximately 4 hours) between Kathmandu (1,400 m / 4,593 ft) and Ramechhap. From Ramechhap, a 25-minute mountain-flight to Lukla (2,840 m / 9,318 ft), where the trek begins.
The entire trek is on foot from Lukla to Everest Base Camp and back to Lukla. On the completion of the trek, you fly back from Lukla to Ramechhap or Kathmandu, depending on the flight schedule of flight.
Mountains may change their weather rapidly, and it is a normal occurrence that flights will be delayed. In case of flight cancellation, you have to stay at Ramechhap or Lukla overnight. The Everest Base Camp trek is about flexibility when planning, and all the major transport arrangements are done by Himalayan Pathways, and it is included in your package.
Travel insurance is compulsory for the Everest Base Camp trek. Your insurance has to provide medical care and helicopter evacuation in times of emergency. It is also essential that your policy is inclusive of trekking over and above 5,000 m / 16,404 ft, since the normal insurance cover does not cover high altitude activities.
The peak of the trek is Kala Patthar (5,550 m / 18,209 ft), and therefore ensure that your insurance policy specifically states cover up to at least 6000 m / 19685 ft.
Always carry a copy of your insurance policy and emergency contact numbers on the trek. Your guide can assist in evacuation, in the event of a serious illness or injury; however, all the expenses will have to be approved and paid by your insurance provider.
Proper insurance provides a sense of security and an assurance that you can go about enjoying the Everest Base Camp trek without worrying about the insurance.
The Classic Everest Base Camp Trek is the Lukla-Namche-EBC trail, though several alternative routes exist and allow the trekker to have a different experience. The first is that one would begin at Jiri or Phaplu, which will also add 7-8 additional days of walking and enable slow accumulation of altitude before Lukla (2,840 m / 9,318 ft).
The Gokyo Lakes route is another route that is in demand and is characterised by impressive turquoise lakes and Gokyo Ri (5,357 m / 17,575 ft) views. Others who do this in conjunction with Everest Base Camp cross high passes, such as Cho La (5,420 m / 17,782 ft).
An Island Peak climb (6,189 m / 20,305 ft) is another mountain that adventure seekers can include, and they need additional permits and training.
To go back quicker, a helicopter can be taken off either close to Everest Base Camp or Kala Patthar (5,550 m / 18,209 ft). These choices are expensive and time-consuming, with customisation depending on preference.
The package does not cover some of the personal expenditures and must be budgeted ahead of time during the Everest Base Camp trek. The higher it is, the higher such costs are because of transportation challenges.
Typical additional costs are snacks, soft drinks, tea or coffee, Wi-Fi, charging devices and hot showers. The price of Tea house Wi-Fi is typically USD 5-10 per hour, whereas charging phones or cameras is USD 2-3 per device. Hot showers can range between USD 3 and 5, particularly past Namche Bazaar (3,440 m / 11,286 ft).
Other souvenirs one can purchase are prayer flags or handicrafts, which are mostly found in Namche. It is normal to tip the guides and porters.
Most trekkers will spend approximately USD 150-200 altogether. Extra food or lodging is also billed out by you in case the flights are delayed in Lukla (2,840 m / 9,318 ft). Carry cash in small changes, because there are no ATM past Namche.
On the trek to the Everest Base Camp, language is not a significant issue. The national language is Nepali, and in Everest, a large number of Sherpa speak both Nepali and English. Trekking guides also speak fluent English and handle the communication with the lodge owners and locals. In tourist settlements such as Namche Bazaar (3,440 m / 11,286 ft) and Lukla (2,840 m / 9,318 ft), menus and signs are typically in English.
It is better to know some basic Nepali words, like Namaste (hello) or Dhanyabad (thank you), and form friendly contacts. The exchange of information among the trekkers, the guides, and the lodge employees is usually not difficult during the Everest Base Camp trek.
Basic English is widely spoken even in the higher villages, and therefore, it has very little to do with language barriers and the trekking experience.
The Everest Base Camp trek has relatively low mobile network service coverage. Nepal Telecom (NTC) and Ncell SIM cards are operational in such villages as Lukla (2,840 m / 9,318 ft), Namche Bazaar (3,440 m / 11,286 ft) and Tengboche (3,860 m / 12,664 ft). The higher-level coverage generally is better with Ncell, and NTC may be inconsistent.
Lodge has Wifi access at an additional charge, but it is slow and intermittent. The possibility to charge electronic devices can be found at tea houses, and it typically costs USD 2-3 per device because electricity is obtained through solar power or generators.
It is strongly advisable to carry a power bank. There is a possibility of remaining in touch even when ascending to the Everest Base Camp trek, except that it would be bare and limited at the elevated areas.
The Everest Base Camp trek has a couple of crucial things that should be avoided so that one can be safe and at the same time respect local culture. Take the increase gradually- walking slowly can help to avoid altitude sickness, particularly above Namche Bazaar (3,440 m / 11,286 ft). Do not use untreated water; use boiled or purified water. Do not walk as a single person and always stay together with your group.
Do not litter and remember to bring your trash to the right dumping sites since Sagarmatha National Park is a reserve. Never take pictures without permission from locals or monasteries, and dress modestly in places of worship.
Never walk at night or disregard weather forecasts, especially around high-altitude places. Show respect to the local culture by taking off your shoes prior to entering tea houses. These rules will help to make the Everest Base Camp trek a safer and more meaningful experience.
Following the Everest Base Camp trek, a lot of the trekkers will decide to continue with the journey. One of the most used ones is the Gokyo Lakes Valley, which has beautiful lakes of turquoise and other views, such as the Gokyo Ri (5,357 m / 17,575 ft). The Everest Three Passes Trek is another adventure that provides a difficult circuit that has mountain passes.
And in the case of seasoned trekkers, it can be supplemented with an Island Peak climb (6,189 m / 20,305 ft) that will require additional permits, days, and technical equipment.
In case you choose to relax, then cultural tours of Kathmandu, jungle safari in Chitwan, or Lumbini are good alternatives. There are also helicopter tours back and forth, around the Kala Patthar (5,550 m / 18,209 ft). Trip extensions are optional with regard to costs and time, yet Himalayan Pathways can customise the tour to suit your interests following the Everest Base Camp trek.
The Everest Base Camp trek is a high place of encouragement for photography since the landscape and the culture are quite spectacular. Phone cameras and smartphones are permitted all over the trail. Nevertheless, it is good practice to request permission to take photographs of people, monasteries or religious ceremonies.
There are very strict regulations on the use of drones. In the Sagarmatha National Park, which comprises a majority of the Everest Base Camp trek, flying drones is a criminal offence without special permission from various authorities. Drone permits are hard to secure, and hence, trekkers are highly discouraged from carrying drones.
By following these regulations, the natural environment and the privacy of the locals are preserved. The most basic photography can be used to record the memorable events of the trek.
If this is the first time that you are doing the Everest Base Camp trek, preparation and attitude are both important. Begin training by walking, hiking or climbing steps to have stamina. Wear many layers and pack light since temperatures vary depending on the altitude. Keep hydrated, eat healthily and have power snacks.
Carry sufficient money, ATM is scarce past Namche Bazaar (3,440 m / 11,286 ft). Be flexible with the weather, and flights are changeable. Acclimatisation days should not be disregarded, and symptoms of elevation should not be overlooked. Warm up at night with an excellent sleeping bag.
And above all, listen to your guide and have fun on the trip. Everest base camp is hard, but a trip to remember when properly done.
The trek peaks at 5,550 meters at Kala Patthar peak.
No, Himalayan Pathways offers a cosy sleeping bag (resistant to -20 °C) to every guest.
The lowest temperatures at the Everest Base Camp are below -15 °C, and during the day, temperatures can be as low as -5 °C.
Nepalese rupees (NPR) are used. Bring some extra money (at least US$300-400 or NPR equivalent) or extras (wifi, snacks, tips) as there are few ATMs.
Yes, lodges have simple squat-type toilets. Carry toilet paper and sanitiser.
Yes. It is a practice to tip guides and porters.
All lodges have boiled or filtered water. We provide purification pills. Do not consume untreated tap water.
There are ATMs in Kathmandu and Namche Bazaar, and there are no ATMs past Namche.
Cancellation of flights is prevalent because of the weather. It is possible either to spend the night in Lukla and fly the next day or to rent a helicopter (at additional cost).
You stay in twin-share mountain tea houses. The rooms are simple with twin beds, shared bathroom.
No, no porters or yaks are included in the package. In case you need a helper, you can have one hired (US 25-30 a day) to carry up to 15 kg.
Kathmandu to Ramechhap is approximately 75 km (approximately 5-6 hrs by road). Lukla is a flight of about 25 min covering Ramechhap. We organise all transportation.
The tea houses offer snacks such as energy bars, cookies, instant noodles and local dishes (momos, soup). There is hot tea, coffee and occasionally, local beer.
The journey is not very dangerous, and an individual is required to be very experienced.
Wear layers with base layers to wick out moisture, a warm-up layer made of fleece or down, and a waterproof outer layer. Carry a warm hat, gloves, heavy hiking shoes, and sunglasses. Rain gear is essential.
We include three meals daily. Nepali/Indian food is basic, like dal bhat (rice and lentils), vegetable dishes, soups, pasta, bread, eggs and porridge in the morning.
You spend your night in a hotel in the Kathmandu tourist area, which is not included in the package.
This trek is full of climbing and hours of walking. It can be done by healthy teenagers, but it is not advisable for young children. Prior experience in trekking is required for the minors.
No vaccines are mandatory. Some of the recommended vaccinations are Hepatitis A, Typhoid, Tetanus and routine immunisations. See a travelling doctor 4-6 weeks before travelling.
The weather on the mountain is unpredictable. Although forecasts are useful in planning, they do not mean that one should not always be ready for sudden snow or cold snaps, regardless of the season. Guides check the situation daily.
The availability of helicopter evacuation is in emergency cases only, but it is expensive. Ensure your travel insurance is inclusive of high-altitude evacuation.
Our guides are trained on altitude sickness. In case they get any serious signs (dizziness, severe headache), they will immediately fly down to a lower altitude.
Yes. Wi-Fi is limited in lodges (around USD 5-10 per hour). The cost of charging devices is estimated at around USD 2-3 per device since solar/generators are used as the source of power.
Come at least 2 days before the trek starts. This allows time to complete permits, pack or rent equipment and get some sleep before flying to Lukla.
Yes. There are a variety of stores in Kathmandu where you could rent or purchase gear (boots, down jackets, sleeping bags, etc.) at a low cost.
The size of groups is typically 5 -15 individuals. We also have departures on a personal basis. Smaller teams imply more individual service, hence inform us of your choice.
Yes. Popular extensions include Island Peak (6,189 m). This will need additional days, technical equipment and licenses. We will be able to hire extra guides and logistics if you want.
