Everest Base Camp Trail

Reach the foothill of the world’s tallest mountain Mt. Everest! Leave your footprints at the Everest Base Camp. Yes, it sounds legendary and fascinating. Interestingly, this activity is among bucket list of things to do at least once in a lifetime for many travelers across the globe. The major reason behind the popularity of the Everest Base Camp Trail is the fact that it is the base camp of Mt. Everest.

I don’t think that there are many people who don’t know about the facts of Mt. Everest. It is indeed the most coveted pride of Nepal. Even if the mountain is shared between Nepal and China, majority of people across the globe know that Mt. Everest is located in Nepal. The summit of Mt. Everest (8848.86 m) is in Nepal. Travelers can visit the Everest Base Camp from China too. Due to bureaucratic hurdles, traveling to base camp from Nepal is much more easier and hassle free.

In this blog, let’s find out every details about trekking in the Everest Base Camp Trail. Nepal’s Khumbu region is renowned world over due to the presence of snowy mountains including the world’s tallest Mt. Everest. Please don’t skip the blog and read entirely in order to plan for a successful Himalayan journey!

Everest Base Camp Trail Distance

The distance between Everest Base Camp and Kathmandu is about 200 to 300 kilometers. You will have to take about 35 minutes of flight from Kathmandu to Lukla. The trekking distance is about 63 to 65 kilometers from Lukla to Everest Base Camp and again returning back to Lukla. The average walking hours per day during the trek is about 7 to 8 hours. In comparison to other trekking regions of Nepal, Everest Base Camp Trek distance is relatively small. Moreover, the trail is one of the most populated and commercial hence prompting easy trekking options!

Where should I do Acclimatization for Everest Trek?

The highest altitude during the Everest Base Camp Trek is 5545 m from sea level. It is beyond the normal altitude sickness level. Therefore, you must do acclimatization activities. There are two acclimatization rest days during the trek. The first acclimatization is done in Namche Bazaar periphery. Trekkers trek to the Everest View Hotel (3880 m) and Khumjung Village before returning back to Namche Bazaar for overnight sleep. The main idea of acclimatization is to reach high altitude place and sleeping back in low altitude place. This helps immensely to adapt with the situation.

The second acclimatization is done in Dingboche village. This village is the last village in the Everest Base Camp Trail that is hugely populated. During this acclimatization, trekkers hike either the Nagarshan Hill (5100 m) or hike to Chhukung Valley. The most popular one is the hike of Nagarshan Hill. The first acclimatization helps trekkers to easily reach towards the place beyond 3500 m height and the second acclimatization helps to easily adjust to the altitude over 4000 m altitude from sea level.

What are the mountains seen during Everest Base Camp Trek?

The journey of Everest Base Camp Trek encompasses rich Himalayan vistas. Therefore, the trek is also called as a mountainous heaven walking. Trekkers can witness plethora of mountains of different kinds including three top ten mountains of the world. Mt. Choyou, Lhotse, Nuptse, Thamserku, Amadablam, Kwangde, Kusum Kangaru, Cholatse, Lobuche, Tabuche, Island, Pumori, and Mt. Everest are the major mountains seen during Everest Base Camp Trek.

Flight to Lukla for EBC Trek

The major means of transportation to reach the trail head of EBC Trek the Lukla is by flight. The flight to Lukla for EBC Trek is possible from either Kathmandu or from Ramechhap. However, during unforeseen circumstances the flight to Lukla is also possible from Janakpur airport. During normal season and off season the flight takes place from Kathmandu. In order to fulfill the flight demand during spring and autumn season’s peak hours the flight takes place from Ramechhap airport. Trekkers have to take the road trip from Kathmandu which is about 4 to 5 hours to reach Ramechhap. Make sure to ask your trekking agency about the starting location for your flight to Lukla for EBC Trek.

Can I do Everest Base Camp Trek via Road?

Due to frequent flight cancellations, people nowadays are searching for an alternative way to reach Lukla for 14 Days Everest Base Camp Trek. Therefore, Everest Base Camp Trek via road instead of flight to Lukla is also a popular option. You will have to take travel on a black topped road up to Salleri and then you will be transported to Besi by four wheel jeep on a bumpy off road track. You don’t have to reach Lukla to meet the Everest Base Camp Trek route rather you will meet the EBC Trek trail in Phakding. Please allot 3 to 4 days extra if you wish to do Everest Base Camp Trek via Road.

Best Season to do Everest Trekking

An ideal time to do Everest Trekking is during spring and autumn season. During this time of the year, the weather is clean and warm. The major hurdle for the successful Everest trekking is the weather conditions. The weather of the Everest region changes frequently. You cannot predict the weather conditions. While doing this legendary trekking it is utmost important to have best climatic situations. The Everest Base Camp Trek is not cheap rather it is one of the costliest trekking trip to do in Nepal. Therefore, you must get worth of every penny spent. So, choose the months of spring and autumn season to fully enjoy the majestic trekking experience on this trekking route.

Helicopter Tour to Everest

If you don’t want to do gruesome trekking for at least two weeks to explore an abode of the world’s tallest mountain Mt. Everest then do the helicopter tour. You can do either Everest Base Camp Breakfast Helicopter Tour or simply choose to do Everest Heli Trek. In Helicopter Tour, you can explore the region and get back to Kathmandu in one single day. The cost is high but it saves time. However, Everest Heli Trek is the unique trekking itinerary where you trek all the way to the Everest Base Camp and return back to either Lukla or Kathmandu on a helicopter.

Difficulty of Everest Base Camp Trail Trek

For a fit person with sound health the Everest Base Camp Trek is an easy trekking route. There are no steep uphill and downhill on this trekking trail. Therefore, it is easy for trekkers to walk without muscle pain or fatigue. The normal walking hours per day is also below 7 to 8 hours. The major hurdle in this trekking trip is the altitude. As the altitude rises the level of oxygen decreases and it makes hard for trekkers to breath. This is the major factor to consider the difficulty level of Everest Base Camp Trail Trek in Nepal.

Permits for Everest Trail Trekking

You will need to buy three permits to do Everest Trail Trekking in Nepal. The most important permit is the Sagarmatha National Park permit. It costs Rs. 3000 per person. Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Permit fee is Rs. 3000 per person and Trekkers’ Information Management System (TIMS) is Rs. 1000 per person. In total, you will have to allocate Rs. 7000 Nepalese currency to obtain permits for Everest Trail trekking.

Everest Base Camp Marathon

Do you want to participate in annual Everest Base Camp Marathon? If you want to then we can enlist you on this high altitude endurance racing. The runners start the race from Everest Base Camp up to either Namche Bazaar or Lukla. Every year hundreds of runners from across the globe participate in this event. It is truly an adventurous high altitude sports activity suitable for adrenaline seekers!

Major Sherpa Villages on Everest Base Camp Trail

Khumbu region of Nepal is home of largest population of Sherpa people. These people are famous across the globe as an intrepid mountain climbers. There are many iconic villages of Sherpa people on the Everest Base Camp Trekking route. The most famous villages of Sherpa people on this trekking route are Khumjung, Khunde, and Phortse. These villages have produced countless legendary mountain climbers. Besides these villages, Pangboche, Namche, Lukla, Benkar, Monjo, and Dingboche are other major Sherpa villages present on the EBC Trek route.

Along the way, there are many monasteries, mane walls, chhortens, and pagodas. The people follow Buddhism and you can observe prayer flags on trees, walls, and suspension bridges. The people of the region highly regard mountains, rivers, and trees as their deity. Therefore, trekking on this trail through various Sherpa villages will ensure that you will understand about their unique traditions, culture, and rituals. The Everest Base Camp Trekking Trail combines the Three High Passes Trek, Gokyo Lake Trek and Gokyo Chola Pass Trek.

Meals & Accommodations on EBC Trek Trail

The Everest Base Camp Trek route is the most commercialized trekking course of Nepal. Therefore, you can find different options of meals and accommodations. It is possible to do luxury trekking in the trail by using sumptuous eateries and lodging establishments. You can get luxury rooms and varieties of food options during this trek. Don’t be surprised if you can order a luxury delicious pizza at an altitude of 5100 m. Yes, the trail is sumptuous in terms of availability of meals and accommodation.

How much does Everest Base Camp Trek cost?

The average cost of the Everest Base Camp Trek ranges from 1350 $ per person to 2400 $ per person. The cost depends upon your necessity. You can either hire a guide in Lukla or pay for your own room and food. The best way to get the best deals is to hire a trekking agency to arrange for your trekking trip. The agency will hire a guide and assign a porter if needed for you. All your meals and lodging will be included in a package. Negotiate to get best deals. An ideal cost to do the EBC Trek is about 1200 $ to 1300 $ per person.

Do I need to tip my guide and porter while trekking in Nepal?

Tipping culture in Nepal is not mandatory. However, high altitude trekking or any kinds of trekking activities assisted by a trekking guide and a porter must include tipping. Even if it is not mandatory but the trekking crew members expect tips at the end of the trip. The basic principle of tipping in Nepal is about 10 % of your trip cost!

What is the standard itinerary of Everest Base Camp Trek?

Here is the basic outline itinerary of 14 Days Everest Base Camp Trek.

Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu Airport

Day 2: Flight to Lukla; Trek to Phakding

Day 3: Trek to Namche Bazaar

Day 4: Acclimatization; Hike to Everest View Hotel

Day 5: Trek to Tengboche

Day 6: Trek to Dingboche

Day 7: Acclimatization; Hike to Nagarshan Hill

Day 8: Trek to Lobuche

Day 9: Trek to Gorakshep; Hike to Everest Base Camp

Day 10: Hike to Kalapathar for Sunrise View; Trek to Pheriche

Day 11: Trek to Namche Bazaar

Day 12: Trek to Lukla

Day 13: Flight to Kathmandu

Day 14: Departure

How likely is altitude sickness? Do I need to buy Travel Insurance?

The trail of Everest Base Camp is highly likely to get altitude sickness. Therefore, getting a travel insurance is a mandatory thing to do the trek. Your trekking travel insurance must include emergency helicopter rescue, accidents, and medical expenses. Trekking crew members’ insurance is covered if you have purchased a trekking trip package from a trekking agency.

Best Trekking Agency for Everest Base Camp Trek

The best trekking agency for Everest Base Camp Trek in Nepal is that which employs locals! Nepal High Trek is one of the leading trekking agency of Nepal that employs only the locals for any kinds of trekking activities. For example, in the Everest Base Camp Trek trip, the agency hires a Sherpa and local porters to conduct the trekking. It ensures authentic information and safety.

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