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10 Things You Must Know Before Taking Everest Base Camp Trek in Nepal

September,01 2023 BY Kham Sang 0 COMMENTS

Nepal is the land of enigma, charm, and variety. This unique country provides a number of interesting treks, like the Annapurna Circuit Trek, the Langtang Valley Trek, the Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek, and so on. But nothing beats the legendary Everest Base Camp trek in Nepal.

In this article, we are going to discuss the basic information that need to know about trekking to Everest Base Camp in Nepal, ensuring you’re well-prepared for this incredible adventure in the heart of the Himalayas.

1. Spring and Autumn are the Best Time for Everest Base Camp Trek in Nepal

The best time to Everest Base Camp trek in Nepal is considered to be from around mid-February to the end of April, and throughout September and October, when the weather is best for trekking. During this time of the year, the weather remains clear, the visibility of the entire Mount Everest is at its highest, and there is easy accessibility from all directions. Moreover, the temperature remains comfortable and more or less predictable. Hence, this is the best time to indulge in a trek like Everest Base Camp.

The best season to trek to EBCThe stunning landscape of EBC in the best season

Winter is not the right time to go trekking in Nepal, especially if you are planning to head to Everest Base Camp, located 5363m above sea level (ASL). The roads are slippery, there are many inaccessible points, and the views are rarely very clear. Moreover, the air becomes biting cold in winter.

2. You Need to Prepare these Visas and Documents for the EBC Trek in Nepal

Trekking to Everest Base Camp in Nepal, even though is the most popular tourist experience, requires you to ensure that you have the right documents and permits. The high altitude and the location of Everest Base Camp mean that you will be required to obtain the correct permits before you go trekking. The basic documents required for the trek are:

• Valid Current Passport;
• Valid current Tourist Visa issued by the Nepalese Immigration;
• Photocopies of your passport details page and visa;
• Trekkers Information Management Systems (TIMS) Card;
• Permit for the Everest Trekking Area;
• Insurance policy specifically for trekking;
• Health Insurance to cover EBC trekking.

Travel Documents for EBC trek in NepalPrepare for the required travel documents for your EBC trek in Nepal

3. The Accommodation & Dining Condition Improves Better and Better

Many accommodations during EBC trek in Nepal. You will be able to spend the night in a variety of lodgings, especially, in the Khumbu region of the route, which has the highest number of accommodations. However the lodges in the Khumbu region only accept payment in Nepalese currency, so make sure you have enough to cover your trip.

A number of accommodations are also available in Dingboche, and the famous tea houses are located inside the Everest Base Camp area. The accommodation in the tea houses in the base camp region is very cool and clean. Even the meals served are hygienic. So you have a wide choice of accommodation for your trek.

Regarding the food, the lodges serve wholesome meals at a moderate price. However, if you are skeptical, it is probably better to carry your own ingredients, dried foods, or instant food like noodles. The meals served in the tea houses are also full of variety and are hygienic and healthy. They are also wholesome and good in quality.

Accommodation in LuklaThe accommodation is usually well above the standards higher up the mountains

4. The Most Classic Nepal EBC Trekking Route & How Hard is it?

There are many different ways to trek to EBC in Nepal. The most popular route includes trekking from Lukla to EBC. The whole journey starts with your flight to Kathmandu, and then, you take a flight to Lukla. Then from Lukla, your actual trekking will start.

The trek starts with an easy walk from Lukla to the village of Phakding, but does tend to get harder from then on. The route does have its easier points, as you traverse valleys and are not always heading upwards. But in general, this is considered to be a relatively hard trek for most people, and a decent level of fitness is required for the trek.

Known as a “teahouse” trek, the route from Lukla to EBC is one of the most beautiful treks in the world, reaching altitudes of almost 5,500 meters ASL and giving you the most outstanding views of the world’s highest peak.

5. There are Other Optional EBC Trekking Routes

Apart from the well-traveled route to Everest Base Camp in Nepal, there's an alternative. You can either fly from Kathmandu to Lukla or Phaplu airport or take a drive to Jiri. The Jiri route includes a trek through various altitudes, passing through places like Shivalaya, Bhandar, Sete, Junbesni, Nunthala, and Bupsa. This path eventually leads you to Namche Bazaar and closer to Everest Base Camp, with Monju village serving as the gateway to Sagarmatha National Park. Remember to keep your passport handy for official purposes.

6. The Cost for Everest Base Camp Trek in Nepal is Relatively High

The cost for Everest Base Camp in Nepal involves several costs to consider:

Visa: A 30-day tourist visa costs US$40.

Permits: You'll need a Trekkers Information Management Systems (TIMS) Card, which costs US$20 per trekking area, and a specific permit for the Everest area, costing US$34 per person.

Flights: The flight from Kathmandu to Lukla, where the EBC trek starts, costs around US$177.

Insurance: Insurance is mandatory, covering accidents and emergency helicopter evacuations. It typically costs around $150 for a 30-day policy, including coverage up to 6,000m.

Equipment: Depending on what you already own, equipment can cost up to US$2,000 if you buy everything new. Renting in Kathmandu is a more budget-friendly option.

Lodging and Food: Budget around US$25-US$30 per day for food and lodging, with prices varying slightly between lodges.

Guide/Porter: Hiring a guide/porter costs around US$20 per day, including food, lodging, and insurance, while hiring a porter alone is approximately US$15 per day.

Please note that these are approximate costs and can vary depending on individual preferences and circumstances.

7. You Should Pack these Gears & Equipment

Packing should be done carefully and elaborately, especially while you have undertaken a trek as tough as Everest base camp trekking. Therefore, what to pack for an EBC trek in Nepal is important. The basic materials required to be packed for this journey are:

• Woolen clothes like jackets and sweatshirts.
• Enough of woolen and cotton socks and scarves. Also take a hat.
• Take sufficient cotton clothes.
• Inner wears should be taken both in cotton and woolen materials.
• Windcheaters and raincoats should also be taken. Flannels are necessary too.
• Personal accessories might include sunglasses, sunscreens, moisturizers and cold creams to keep your chapped skin safe, trekking poles, etc.
• Tissues and enough of wipes.
• Also keep an elaborate first aid kit along with you. Keep all the types of medicines required for your journey.
• Keep packaged water and dry food, especially chocolates with you.

These are the most important things that must be kept in mind while you are planning for an Everest Base Camp trek in Nepal. The altitude of the place and the whole preparation must be done very carefully. Each and every individual of this earth is requested to plan the Everest base Camp trip at least once in a lifetime.

Trekking GearsTake your own trekking gears with you

8. It Depends if you Need the Porter Service

There are various reasons to hire a porter, or not to, for any trekker. While the standard route to Everest Base Camp (EBC) is generally easy to navigate, lugging all your own belongings along the trail does detract a little from the amazing views and the awesome experience.

The cost of porters varies depending on where you hire them. Some porters operate out of Kathmandu, while most operate out of Lukla. The disadvantage of hiring in Kathmandu is that you will have to pay for their return flight to Lukla, although for them it is half price each way.

For a porter you can expect to pay around US$15 per day, including food, lodging, and insurance. Porters can be more easily hired at Lukla, so you can save the cost of airfare for the porter by hiring them there.

9. It Depends if you Need Special Training for the EBC Trek in Nepal

The Everest Base Camp (EBC) trek in Nepal is challenging, especially when compared to its Tibetan counterpart, primarily due to the different terrain and lower starting point. Most days involve 3-5 hours of uphill hiking at high altitudes with thinner air, which means less oxygen per cubic meter.

While a relatively fit person may not require extensive training, most individuals benefit from some preparation to acclimatize to the reduced oxygen levels and the physical demands of the trek. Training with weights is an effective way to build stamina and improve overall fitness, making the EBC trek more manageable. Spending a few weeks in the gym and training at home can be advantageous for everyone planning this trek.

Visiting Everest Base Camp from Nepal sideVisit Everest Base Camp from the Nepal side in good physical condition

10. Is It Worth to Do the EBC Trekking in Nepal?

The EBC trek in Nepal is a challenging journey, taking you from Lukla at 2,865m to Everest Base Camp at 5,364m. This ascent spans 9 days, with two stops for acclimatization.

However, the experience alone justifies embarking on this adventure. Besides the breathtaking Himalayan vistas and the awe-inspiring sight of Mount Everest from Kala Patthar at 5,644m ASL, there's an unparalleled sense of accomplishment that accompanies conquering one of the world's most demanding mountain treks. Whether you're a novice or a seasoned trekker, nothing quite compares to this remarkable journey.

Conclusion

The journey from Lukla to Everest Base Camp is undeniably one of the most extraordinary adventures you can undertake. The proximity to the world's highest peak offers an awe-inspiring feeling. Every aspect of the trek, from the stunning landscapes and unique experiences along the trail to the cozy lodges, teahouses, and even the exhilarating flight into and out of Lukla, will leave you spellbound and craving for more.

Whether you're a trekking novice or an EBC enthusiast, this is a must-do expedition for anyone with a passion for the great outdoors. Take the plunge and embark on this incredible journey—it's an experience that will stay with you forever, and the Himalayas await your discovery!

Kham Sang

About the Author - Kham Sang

Kham Sang is responsible and honest with more than six years of guide experience in Tibet.She has strong interpersonal skills and can communicate effectively with tourists.

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