Everest Base Camp Trek 15 Days

Everest Base Camp Trek 15 Days Overview

Best Trek and Adventure presents the classic Everest Base Camp Trek revealing the beauty of the Himalayas of Nepal. The journey to the base camp provides you with an adventure like never before.

The trek to Everest Base Camp Trek (EBC Trek) usually takes around 15 days through the mountain landscape include a day Kathmandu Valley UNESCO World Heritage Sites Tour. Lukla being the starting point of the trek in the Everest region is reached via scenic flight from Kathmandu/Manthali to Lukla airport.

As the trek initiates, you come across the Sagarmatha National Park while passing through dense forests, pristine rivers, green hills, waterfalls, glaciers, and many more. On top of that, the Sherpa villages like Namche, Tengboche, Dingboche, and more expose you to unique Sherpa culture and their way of life.

As the name of the trek suggests, you are sure to be captivated by the world’s highest mountain, Mt Everest. Besides Everest, the majestic views of Ama Dablam, Lhotse, Nuptse, Lobuche, etc. are out of this world.

Moreover, visiting ancient monasteries, witnessing mountain vistas from Kala Patthar, and seeing major landmarks like Khumbu Glacier up close are the major highlights of the trek.

As for the trekking difficulty, the Everest Base Camp Trek (EBC Trek) is considered moderately difficult. However, trekkers need to be physically fit since one needs to trek above 5,000 meters in altitude. So, it’s best to prepare for the trek, especially for beginners.

In addition, the trekking experience can greatly vary in choosing the best time. To make your journey accomplishable, spring and autumn are the seasons that are preferred the most due to the fair weather and temperature.

So come join us today! We strive to make every trekking experience a positive one and hope to make it meaningful to Everest Base Camp Trek.

If you are planning to visit and want to do life-time memorable trip to Nepal feel free to contact us for your trip to Everest Base Camp Trek.

Everest Base Camp Trek Route Map

Everest Base Camp Trek 15 Days Gallery/Video

Best Time

Spring Season (March-May)

Spring is considered the most ideal season to trek to Everest Base Camp. In the spring, the weather is rather stable and ideal for high-altitude climbing.

Aside from the pleasant weather, the appealing views with a bright sky and beautiful rhododendrons along the walk are unquestionably positive. However, the best season with ideal weather comes at a cost. Because it is the peak season, the region becomes rather busy.

Most Everest summits take place during these months, so expect to see a lot of climbers, summiteers, and support teams!

If you trek during this time of year, you will also see spring floral displays. Blossoms full of crimson and pink rhododendrons have become synonymous with a spring EBC Trek. Everest Base Camp also comes alive in April and May, so if you want to experience the buzz and thrill of a fully working base camp, this is the time to visit.

Fall/Autumn Season (September – November)

After spring, the autumn season is an excellent time to trek to Everest Base Camp. The months of September to November also have moderate temperatures, bright skies, and a lower possibility of heavy rains or snowfall.

The temperature drops slightly in the fall compared to the spring. But it’s a fair exchange for the breathtaking vistas of the neighboring peaks that you get to enjoy during this season. In addition, you may receive mild rains in the early days of autumn. However, the views following the surprise rainfalls are definitely threats to be aware of.

Late September to November is also a popular season due to the moderate daytime temperatures. Many people prefer late October and November because the weather is more consistent and there is more visibility. While it may be colder during these months than in the spring, many people consider it a fair trade-off for clear sky and excellent visibility.

Winter Season (December – February)

Winter is considered the off-season for the Everest Base Camp Trek. During the winter season, the region experiences its coldest days, with temperatures reaching -17⁰C (1.4⁰F). The Everest Base Camp Trek may sound difficult at this time of year, but it is not entirely impossible. Many eager trekkers have traversed the trail even during the winter.

If the cold doesn’t bother you and you want to avoid the crowds, trekking at this time may be just right for you.

Monsoon Season (June – August)

Trekking during the monsoon season is a difficult task. During the wet season, the trails get muddy and hazardous at times. However, higher altitudes receive less rain. So, if you’re well-prepared and don’t mind the rain, the Everest Base Camp Trek isn’t too uncommon. However, you must proceed with caution.

The monsoon season is in its height at this time of year, as warm, moisture-laden water from the Indian Ocean generates heavy downpours. The trails are typically fairly empty, with only high-altitude enthusiasts braving the rain. Slippery trails, leeches, and a lack of mountain views appear to be enough to discourage most hikers from visiting.

Everest Base Camp Trek Difficulty

Everest Base Camp has a moderate difficulty level. Trekking often takes two weeks. Even though the EBC Trek requires no prior trekking experience, it is recommended that the trekker be determined and physically fit. While no advanced climbing skills are required, the hike is nonetheless physically taxing, particularly for novices.

The altitude, long days of walking (5-8 hours each day), and tough terrain make it difficult. However, with adequate training and acclimatization, many first-timers may successfully complete the hike.

The Everest Base Camp Trek is strenuous in general, with trekkers facing a variety of challenges ranging from the intimidating 130 kilometers (80 miles) in length to the challenging altitude of 5,550 meters (18,206 feet) at Kala Patthar.

The trek’s duration, which is approximately 12 days (14 if you include a pre and post night stopover in Kathmandu), is generally the most off-putting part.

The reason for this is that much of the hiking is done at a moderate pace, and days for acclimatization must be factored in; attempting to complete the journey in less than 12 days would be considerably more difficult!

Despite being non-technical and completely possible for anyone with basic fitness, there are a few things to consider before embarking on your own Everest Base Camp trek.

Everest Base Camp Trek Permits

The amazing scenery and culture of Everest attract thousands of hikers, eco-adventurers, and environment lovers each year. One of the most fulfilling trekking experiences in Nepal is this one.

In the Sagarmatha region, Everest Base Camp is located inside a protected area. Therefore, in order to access the area and start their breathtaking journey, each trekker needs special permission.

To trek to Everest Base Camp, two different types of permits are currently needed. Likewise, those Trek Card permits from Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality, Sagarmatha National Park, are included with those for the Everest Base Camp Trek. It is important to note that TIMS Cards are no longer required for any hikes into the Everest region.

Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Entrance Permit

In the Khumbu region, the local administration issued a new permit called the Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Entrance Permit. On October 1st, 2018, the previous TIMS Card was superseded by the new authorisation.

This permit is available from the Tourism Board in Kathmandu. Most individuals obtain this permit at Lukla. In the event that you begin your journey from Phaplu and forget to obtain permission in Lukla, you can obtain it at the Sagarmatha National Park counter in Monjo.

For visits shorter than four weeks, an Everest entry permit costs NPR 2000 per person; for stays more than four weeks, it costs NPR 2500 per person. The cost of the Khumbu Pasang Lhamu permit is the same for everyone, including non-Nepali residents and SAARC nationals. The VAT does not apply to the permission fees.

Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit

The most crucial and initial permit needed to start the Everest Base Camp Trek is the Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit. It is common knowledge that entry to National Parks requires special permission, and they are restricted regions.

Sagarmatha Nepal Park permissions are issued by the National Park Committee, which is overseen by the Nepali government. You will find the Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit helpful when visiting Phakding and other locations after you arrive in Lukla.

A Sagarmatha National Park Permit costs:

• NPR 3000 per person (foreigners) plus 13% VAT.
• SAARC residents: NPR 1500 per person plus 13% VAT
• Nepalese: NPR 100 per each with 13% VAT

Kids under ten years old are admitted free of charge. Entry permits for Sagarmatha National Park are available at the Monjo entry gate. The Nepal Tourism Board in Kamaladi, Kathmandu, is another place to get it.

For the Sagarmatha National Park Entrance Permit and Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality, you will require the details from your passport, and a copy of a valid visa, valid for at least the duration of the hiking trip, the trekking program’s schedule.

Food During Everest Base Camp Trek

An entire day of climbing at altitude causes hunger. Food, therefore, is an integral part of every journey, especially those that take place at high altitudes like the Everest Base Camp Trek. Understanding the various food types, their availability, and the “dos and don’ts” of eating when trekking to Everest Base Camp is vital.

All of the lodges and teahouses provide food and regular meals for those trekking to the Everest Base Camp. Because the trip to Everest Base Camp is a teahouse trek. In addition to serving a variety of international dishes to trekkers from all over the world, the teahouses on the EBC Trek serve a choice of traditional Nepali dishes.

The menus of most teahouses are somewhat similar. The following are some well-liked selections on the menu:

• Dal Bhat: Nepalese are really pleased with their Dal Bhat. Bhat refers to steamed rice, and dal to lentil soup, so this is cooked lentils served over rice. Pickles and a variety of veggies are frequently served with it. You can request more when you order dalbhat, which is a nice benefit.
• Thukpa: Thukpa is a type of noodle soup that occasionally contains meat and mixed vegetables. Trekkers who are looking for food and warmth often choose Thukpa.
• Sherpa Stew (Syakpa): This soup, which is a traditional Sherpa dish, is cooked with homemade noodles, yak or sheep meat, and various vegetables.
• Tibetan bread: When someone goes trekking, one of the most popular foods they eat is this bread. Cooked in oil, flatbread is flavourful, filling, and occasionally very oily.
• Pasta: Spaghetti and macaroni are common pasta recipes that are accessible if you’re desiring something high in carbohydrates. Be aware that lower locations like Lukla are typically where you can find it.

Accommodation During Trekking Days

Every trekker is concerned about the kind of lodging they would be staying in when reaching Everest Base Camp. Along the trail, a variety of traveller-friendly lodging options are available for the Everest Base Camp journey.

Teahouses are the lodgings where trekkers staying on the Everest Base Camp climb stay. Teahouses provide incredibly cheap rates for lodging. Along the EBC trail, there are now first-rate lodgings in addition to teahouses. These lodges are accessible in lower locations, nevertheless.

The bedrooms at tea houses are quite basic. Typically, blankets, pillows, sheets, and mattresses are given. Depending on what facilities they offer, the tea houses along the trail range in quality and cost.

In the lower regions, there are tea houses with Western-style flush toilets. Furthermore, it is invisible at higher altitudes. Usually, squat toilets are visible. Again, there are differences when it comes to showering.

Keep in mind that a hot shower will definitely cost you a few dollars as well. They are also excellent locations to meet other trekkers who are searching for adventure in Nepal.

Accommodation in Kathmandu

Kathmandu is the capital of Nepal. You can find all types of accommodations from a 3-star hotel to a 5-star hotel in Kathmandu. According to your comfort and schedule, you can book your hotel rooms prior to your landing at Kathmandu airport.

Our representative will pick you up from the airport and transfer you to your designated accommodation.

Wifi Access on Everest Base Camp Trek

Today’s enthusiastic trekker’s ideal destination is Everest Base Camp. Every adventurer’s ambition is to witness the majestic splendour of Everest, and the experience is even more alluring when shared with loved ones.

The internet is essential to being able to share these amazing moments of excitement and delight. The Everest Base Camp Trek offers WIFI for purchase. Along the trail, there are several locations where you can use WiFi.

Nevertheless, there is no WIFI at Everest Base Camp, the highest point of the journey.

Altitude Sickness

There’s a chance that you will experience altitude sickness when you ascend higher into the atmosphere. Oxygen is abundant in low-altitude environments, such as those with atmospheric pressures near to sea level. The altitude rises and the oxygen content falls as you hike.

While trekking to Everest Base Camp, it’s common to suffer from moderate altitude sickness. Reaching Base Camp and reaching the summit are obviously quite different things. You should still be well-prepared though, as this is still high enough for you to experience the effects of altitude.

But altitude sickness is hard to identify, and it’s hard to predict whether someone would get it or not. You run the danger of developing severe altitude sickness if you walk the trail too rapidly.

During the trek, the following factors may result in altitude sickness symptoms:

• An abrupt rise in altitude
• Taking in neuroleptics
• Lack of water
• Tiredness
• Low body temperature
• Both mental and physical well-being.

Among the altitude-related symptoms are headaches and slight nausea. Some others can be problems with sleep, lightheadedness, decrease in appetite, shortness of breath, weakness or queasy feeling.

Drinking Water

It’s critical to stay hydrated at higher elevations, therefore you should consume a lot of water. Trekkers should rely on the boiled water that teahouses provide for drinking when at Everest Base Camp. On the other hand, most of the tea houses and stores along the road sell bottled water.

Little streams and rivers that originate from glaciers frequently cross the pathways. These sources could seem clean, yet they could be polluted with microbes. Although treated water should always be consumed before drinking, springs are generally safer than surface water sources.

To clean water from streams or taps, hikers can also utilise portable filters or tablets for water purification. Certain bottles come with built-in filters; to use one, simply fill it up, replace the cap, and sip.

Boiling water is the most efficient way to purify it. As already discussed teahouses can provide you with boiled water. Compared to a plastic bottle, one litre of boiling water is less expensive.

Communication

Effective communication is essential to guaranteeing a safe and comfortable trek to the Everest Base Camp. Important things to remember are to charge your electronics properly, buy and use local SIM cards, and know what to do in case of emergency.

There are places along the Everest Base Camp climb where local Nepalese network operators give coverage for cell phones. The signal might be poor or nonexistent in farther-flung locations or at higher altitudes. Compared to higher altitudes, lower places like Lukla and Namche Bazaar typically have greater network connectivity.

Wi-Fi is available for a charge at a few teahouses and lodges along the trekking route.  Satellite phones are sometimes available for emergency communication at teahouses and trekking guides.

In places where standard mobile networks are unavailable, these satellite phones create communication links using satellite networks. In terms of operation and design, modern satellite phones are similar to conventional mobile phones, making them easy to use.

Offline communication techniques are in handy when there’s no dependable internet or cell phone connectivity. This involves having a real map, hiking itinerary, or guidebook with you.

Baggage Limits on Flights to Lukla

It’s crucial to keep the weight restriction in mind when flying to Lukla, as it serves as a gateway to the magnificent Everest and Everest Base Camp. Travelling to the Everest region, or more specifically, Lukla requires a total weight restriction of 15 kg.

Lower baggage limits are required since the runway is the shortest and the flight size is particularly small. These aircraft are specifically made for shorter, steeper runways at higher elevations.

By limiting the amount of baggage allowed, the aircraft will remain safe even at greater altitudes.

Travel Insurance

Getting travel insurance is one of the most crucial things you should do before leaving on a trek. Furthermore, the entire expedition is heavily reliant on erratic and unexpected weather, necessitating multiple backup plans.

Every traveler should get Everest Base Camp Trek Insurance since even minor injuries can result in a costly logistical nightmare. Many eager hikers may not realise how crucial insurance is to their Everest Base Camp Trek.

Altitude sickness poses a significant concern to trekkers in the Everest region. Helicopter rescue may therefore be necessary in the case of any emergency or incident. All non-refundable expenses, such as airline tickets, hotel reservations, vehicle rentals, etc., are partially covered by travel insurance.

It is advised to get travel insurance that covers emergency helicopter evacuation. The majority of insurance providers only offer coverage up to 4,000 meters, thus the Everest Base Camp Trek won’t be possible.

Tipping

Tipping was brought to Nepal by Western society, but the people of Nepal have assimilated it into their own cultural traditions, where it is highly respected to accept presents modestly. You can normally tip guides $20 per day on average, assistant guides $15 per day, and porters $10 per day.

Guides and Porter support you in many ways; they might offer words of encouragement, assist with carrying your daypack during difficult situations at higher heights, or inquire about your health. For their dedication and support, you might just want to give them a tip as sign of respect and gratitude.

Currency Exchange

For a seamless trip, it is essential to comprehend how to exchange money in Nepal for the EBC trek. The Nepalese Rupee (NPR), represented by the sign रु, is the country’s official currency. The denominations of currency notes are NPR 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 500, and 1000.

You can withdraw your money from ATMs. They are available in the city area but as you ascend to a higher altitude, it is better if you have cash with you. The main location for currency exchange is Kathmandu. Competitive prices are available for currency exchange services from banks like Standard Chartered, Nabil Bank, and Himalayan Bank. They are trustworthy and safe.