Everest Base Camp Trek - 14 Days

Trip Cost Excludes:

❌ Visa fees (You can obtain a visa easily upon your arrival at Tribhuwan International Airport in Kathmandu so (bring accurate USD cash and two passport photographs.) International airfare to and from Kathmandu
❌ Lunch and dinner except for welcome & farewell dinner (and also in the case of early return from the mountain than the scheduled plan)
❌ Any extra night accommodation in Kathmandu because of early arrival, late departure, and early return from the mountain (due to any reason) than the scheduled itinerary plan
❌ Travel and rescue insurance

Detailed Information About Flying into Lukla

During peak trekking seasons (October to November and March to April), Lukla flights operate from Ramechhap (Manthali Airport), located 4-5 hours east of Kathmandu. During busy periods, flights may be shifted to Ramechhap as early as mid-September in the fall or May in the spring, depending on air traffic and aviation regulations. 

Baggage Allowance in Lukla Flight

When flying from Kathmandu to Lukla, the baggage allowance is 15 kg for checked luggage and 5 kg for carry-on luggage. There are certain charges if you exceed these limits. It is better to pack bright and light.

Tickets & Permits

To fly to Lukla, travellers need to book their tickets in advance. The cost of a one-way ticket from Kathmandu ranges from $175 to $217, depending on the airline and booking conditions. Passengers should also carry a valid passport and printed or electronic copies of their flight tickets when travelling

Travel insurance for the Everest Base Camp Trek

When travelling to a foreign land, one thing that can be a concern is your safety. It is travel insurance, one of the mighty saviours, that covers loss and theft, medical and hospitalisation, evacuation from high altitudes, and adventure activity coverage. But there is a wide variety of travel insurance policies available. You must have a keen eye to get the best possible deals.

Look closely at the fine print to ensure you get the proper coverage. Watch out for emergencies like altitude sickness; helicopter evacuations can be expensive. There are other things in the policy that trekkers should consider before getting travel insurance.

• Coverage for High Altitude: The insurance covers trekking at altitudes up to 4000m. However, some policies cover altitudes above 6,000 m, as Everest Base Camp is at 5,364m.
• Medical Evacuation: Policies that include emergency medical evacuation are required in the event of altitude sickness or accidents that require immediate transport.
• Trip Cancellation and Interruption: Coverage should include trip cancellation and interruption to protect against unforeseen events, such as flight cancellations and itinerary changes.
• Lost or Stolen Belongings: The policy should also cover lost and stolen luggage.  
• Personal Liability: The insurance should include liability coverage in case of accidents that may injure others or damage property during the trek.
• 24/7 Emergency Assistance: Choose a provider that gives 24/7 emergency assistance services to help coordinate medical evacuations and provide support in critical situations.
• Specific Trekking Activities: Confirm that the policy covers trekking-related activities. Contact the insurance provider beforehand to include the adventure sports in the policy.

Permits for the EBC Trek

Reaching the heights of Everest Base Camp is no joke. It is wonderful along the trails of the appealing landscape and charming natural heritage. To preserve the local environment, the government of Nepal has allocated a certain amount of fees for permits to walk in the Everest region. 

Nepal Vision Trek has made the package feasible by including the permit fee. The guide will obtain the license on your behalf after you have gathered all the required documents, such as your passport. There are two different types of trekking permits, such as

• Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Entrance Permit - The permit cost NPR 3000 per person. It should be paid in person in Lukla, as the permit is not available in Kathmandu.
• Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit—The permit can be obtained in Kathmandu at the Nepal Tourism Board Office or from Monjo at the Sagarmatha Park Entrance Gate. It costs NPR 3000 per person.

Is Everest Base Camp Trek Right for You?

Everest Base Camp is one of the captivating journeys that winds through the scenic Everest region. But to have a successful journey, it requires a lot of careful planning and preparation. To create an effective plan, there are several factors that every trekker should understand. Let's take a close look at all these factors to make a detailed and careful preparation. 

Trek Difficulty

During the Everest Base Camp Trek, major concerns are the difficulty of the Trek. The good news is that, despite Everest being the world's highest peak, the trails to the trek are relatively straightforward.

Regardless, the trail is non-technical and summits mountains; it is more than just walking in the park. But as long as you have good physical fitness, it's a plus. 

The major challenge on the Everest trail is walking 6-7 hours along rugged, high-altitude terrain that covers 15 km. The major challenge is the altitude coverage of over 4,000 m, which can cause altitude sickness. It is a situation with typical symptoms, such as shortness of breath and vomiting. If the problem gets worse, conditions like HACE and HAPE can become life-threatening. 

Nepal Vision Treks guides have first aid training, so they can help you administer basic medication, such as Diamox, to alleviate the condition. Acclimatisation is the best way to prevent this. Likewise, maintain your pace, be well-equipped, and stay hydrated. 

Best Time to Trek

The different seasons make the trail even more beautiful. But spring and autumn are the best times to go on the Everest Base Camp Trek. Since the summer season welcomes the monsoon season, it makes it harder to go on the trek. At the same time, the harsh winter weather conditions cannot be ignored. 

Spring 

As you bid a warm farewell to the cold, breezy weather, welcome the greenery of nature. The birds were chirping, the pink, red, and white rhododendrons were blooming, and fauna were wandering in the beauty of nature. The trail conditions are good, the weather is comfortable, and long days make for the best time. 

Aside from the weather, the timing is perfect for trekkers to experience the Sherpa community's festivals. Dumje falls this time as it celebrates the birth of Guru Rinpoche, a revered figure in Tibetan Buddhism. He was believed to have been born on a lotus flower.

Since it's peak season, it's better to book the trek in advance. At this time, there is a possibility of many bushfires that can accumulate smoke, causing low visibility. Moreover, at the end of the season, the monsoon season arrives, so there is an expectation of heavy rainfall. Trekkers must understand the weather beforehand to prepare accordingly. 

Autumn 

The heavy rainfall washes off, and a fresh environment makes its way to the autumn season. The fresh breeze, vibrant atmosphere, and comfortable weather are the features of autumn. The appealing environment and the better trail conditions are perfect for trekkers. The experienced guides at Nepal Vision Treks say that autumn is the best time to trek, thanks to the beauty of nature, diverse flora, and fauna. 

Interestingly, there are different festivals, like Kumje and Gyalpo Lhosar. Kumje celebrates autumn harvests with feasting and music, while Gyalpo Losar marks the Tibetan New Year with gift exchanges, traditional foods, and lively dances.

Autumn seems to have a high number of trekkers, so it's better to book the trek early or late in the season to avoid the crowds. 

Food & Accommodation Options

The trails take you to remote areas, so the accommodation choices are the local tea houses. But in Namche, there is a range of hotels, from small to five-star, where you can stay and enjoy warm food. 

The tea houses have private rooms and shared bathrooms. The lower elevations have fully equipped tea houses with electricity, Wi-Fi, hot showers, and Western toilets, but the upper elevations have more rustic and basic tea houses.

Remember that there is a small fee for services like Wi-Fi and hot showers. 

In general, your whole-day meal will be like this for breakfast: you can have chapati bread or Tibetan bread with curry alongside porridge, muesli, or pancakes. The good news is that there are options for vegans and vegetarians. 

However, anyone with dietary restrictions should inform the guide, who will communicate with the kitchen staff. The afternoon lunch includes variations such as Dal Bhat, fried rice or noodles, Momos (local dumplings), Thukpa, and spring rolls, as well as Western dishes like burgers, pasta, pizza, and potatoes.

Phone Charging Options

Since trekkers will be going to the remote region of the Himalayas, there may be concerns about whether electricity is available. But the area has access to electricity and solar panels. Depending on the tea house, there is a charging port in the room where you can charge your devices. But there is a specific charge like a phone, around $4-5

The camera battery costs $8-10, and the power bank costs $13-15 to charge the battery in the main dining hall. 

Internet & Wi-Fi Availability

Free Wi-Fi is available up to Namche, but the connection could be more reliable. It's better to buy a prepaid internet card from Nepal Airlink or Everest Link, as it gives 24-hour access. After Namche, trekkers need to rely on these prepaid cards. 

The cost ranges from $5 to $10, depending on the altitude. Nepal Airlink is recommended for better connectivity.

Extra expenses for the EBC trek

• Wi-Fi: $5–$10 (varies by location and teahouse).
• Battery Charging: Mobile: 500 NPR, Camera: 1000 NPR, Power Bank: 1500 NPR
• Tea/Coffee: Around 500 NPR per drink.
• Snacks (Chocolates/Chips): 500–1500 NPR (varies by altitude).
• Hot Water: 500 NPR per litre (up to 700 NPR in Gorak Shep).
• Hot Shower: $5–$10.
• Additional Meals (from menu): $8–$12 per item.
• Bakery Items: $5–$10.
• Tengboche Monastery Visit: 300 NPR.

How to Ensure Safety and Altitude Sickness on the EBC Trek?

Altitude sickness is a significant concern on the Everest Base Camp trek. The guides of Nepal Vision Trek suggest these ways to help you tackle the condition effectively:

• Get a water bottle and hydrate every hour, aiming for 3-4 litres.
• Feed yourself nutritious food and avoid junk.
• Navigating the trail at a slow pace is the best approach; try to immerse yourself in the beauty of the journey.
• Acclimate to the altitude to give your body time to adapt to the higher elevation.
• Diamox is an effective medication for alleviating common symptoms of altitude sickness, such as nausea, vomiting, and shortness of breath.
• In severe conditions, seek medical help as soon as possible.

Tips for First Time EBC Trekkers

Train Before Trek

Trekkers should prepare physically for a successful experience. It is recommended to start training at least 3-6 months in advance. First, start taking the stairs and long walks. Later, focus on incorporating cardiovascular and strength training into your workout to improve endurance and stamina.

Prepare Gear & Equipment

Plan to pack the proper gear for a comfortable trek to Everest Base Camp. Invest in high-quality gear and pack wisely. If you want a budget-friendly option, rent the gear from Thamel, as the prices range from less than a dollar a day.

Inhale With your Nose, Exhale with your Mouth

Breathing techniques are great for making your trekking experience unforgettable at high altitudes. Practice inhaling through your nose and exhaling through your mouth. The method is perfect for regulating breathing and maintaining a steady oxygen flow.

Observe the Mountains & Sherpa Culture

Take time to appreciate the stunning landscapes and culture along the EBC trail. At the same time, the cheering white peaks will give a warm smile. At the same time, the friendly Sherpa people share their culture and customs, offering valuable insights into their way of life and traditions.

Don’t Eat Junk Food

Try to eat a healthy diet during your trek. Avoid junk food, as it can cause energy crashes or digestive issues. Instead, focus on a balanced diet meal for muscle repair, and plenty of fruits and vegetables for vitamins.  

Pack Light

Pack light during your journey and aim to carry only the essentials in your backpack. Consider using lightweight gear and cloth specifically for trekking. A good rule of thumb is to keep your pack weight under 10-15% of your body weight for a more comfortable trail experience.

Stay Hydrated

Staying hydrated is vital during the trek as high altitudes can lead to dehydration more quickly than at sea level. Drink at least 3-4 liters of water per day and carry a reusable water bottle. Besides, use water purification tablets when refilling from natural sources along the trail.