At Our a Hiking Company, we are passionate about providing the most useful, detailed resources for trekkers planning the iconic trek to Everest Base Camp. With over a decade of experience leading successful guided treks on this route, our team has gained immense first-hand knowledge about all aspects of travelling to Everest Base Camp.
In this definitive guide crafted by our seasoned experts, we will cover everything you need to know to trek to Everest Base Camp smoothly and successfully.
Overview of the Everest Base Camp Trek
The journey to Everest Base Camp, tucked away in the stunning Khumbu region of Nepal, offers once-in-a-lifetime Himalayan vistas combined with a thrilling sense of adventure. Sitting at 17,598 ft (5,364 m), Trek to Everest Base Camp is an ambitious undertaking requiring fitness, determination and 12-14 days of committed trekking.
The roundtrip trek covers approximately 80 miles (130 km) along a set route from Lukla to Everest Base Camp and back. Highlights include:
- Breathtaking mountain views of Everest, Nuptse, Lhotse and more
- Passing through quaint villages like Namche Bazaar
- Visiting ancient Tengboche Monastery, the largest in the Khumbu region
- Crossing suspension bridges over raging glacial rivers
- Witnessing the towering Khumbu Icefall near Base Camp
- Hiking to Kala Patthar for sunrise vistas (18,514 ft)
With thorough preparation and support, we lead trekkers of all abilities to accomplish the rewarding goal of reaching Everest Base Camp.
When is the Best Time to Trek to Everest Base Camp?
Due to its extreme elevations, the weather on the Trek to Everest Base Camp trek can be unpredictable and varies dramatically throughout the year.
For the best conditions, we recommend trekking during:
- Spring (March-May) when temperatures are mild and skies tend to be clear. April boasts especially stunning views.
- Autumn (September-November) after the monsoon season passes. October typically has excellent weather and fewer crowds.
Other tips for trekking during different seasons:
- March may still have some snow, especially at higher elevations
- May can be quite dusty with low visibility
- September often has rainfall remnants from monsoon season
- Late November can be very cold with snow accumulation
No matter when you trek, having flexibility and layers is key for adapting to changing Himalayan weather. Our guides select the optimal routes and campsites to match the season.
Permits, Fees & Documentation Required
There are several permits and fees required for the Everest Base Camp trek:
- Trekking permit: All foreigners require a TIMS permit (Trekkers’ Information Management System). We handle securing these permits.
- National park fees: You must pay entrance fees for Sagarmatha National Park. This costs $34 per person.
- Local fees: Small fees to enter local villages along the route range from $3-$7 per person. We take care of paying these fees.
- Visa for Nepal: Most travelers need a tourist visa for entering Nepal. A 30-day visa costs $50-125 depending on your nationality. We assist with visa procurement.
Total budget for permits is around $100 per person. We will walk you through the visa application process and handle securing all trek-related permits.
Accommodations on the Everest Base Camp Trek
While in Kathmandu, we arrange quality lodging at hotels like the Hyatt Regency and Hotel Yak & Yeti. On the trek, accommodations will be at local teahouse lodges which offer basic but comfortable shared rooms. Teahouses offer amenities like:
- Twin-share rooms with foam mattresses
- Shared bathrooms (some with hot showers for an extra fee)
- Blankets, pillows and towels
- Electricity for charging devices
- Attached restaurants and small shops
Higher elevation teahouses tend to be more primitive while lower elevation lodges often have nicer facilities. Our team vets and selects the best available teahouses at each stop along the trek.
Food and Meals on the Trail
You’ll be fueled by simple but delicious and plentiful Nepali cuisine at the teahouse lodges along the trail. Typical meals include:
- Dal bhat: Lentil soup, steamed rice, curried vegetables
- Momos: Savory dumplings stuffed with meat or vegetables
- Chapati: Flatbreads served with vegetable curry
- Pancakes: Fluffy pancakes topped with chocolate sauce or peanut butter
- Pizza: Many lodges offer homemade pizza using yak cheese
We work closely with the teahouses to provide snacks like trail mix, protein bars, dried fruit, and cookies. You can also buy packaged snacks and bottled water along the route.
Vegetarian options are available, just inform us in advance of any dietary needs. With hearty and delicious Nepali fare, you won’t go hungry on the trek to Everest Base Camp!
Health and Safety Considerations
Safety is our top priority when leading treks into remote mountain regions. Our guides are extensively trained in first aid, high altitude sickness prevention and emergency protocols. We take the following safety measures:
- Stringent health screenings before departure and monitoring throughout the trek
- Gradual ascent schedule to allow proper acclimatization to altitude
- Carrying medical oxygen for emergency situations
- Radio communication between team members to coordinate logistics and safety
- Contingency plans for any delays or situations requiring medical treatment
We also help trekkers prepare fully for the physical demands by providing conditioning programs and suggestions for gear/supplies. Our decades of experience on Everest and expert teams allow us to keep trekkers safe and healthy.
Transportation to and from the Trek
We take care of all transportation arrangements for the trek:
- Flight to Lukla: We book roundtrip flights between Kathmandu and Lukla to access the Everest trail. Lukla’s airport is renowned for its short cliffside runway perched high in the mountains!
- Airport transfers: Private transportation to/from airports and hotels.
- Guides and porters: Our expert Sherpa guides and porter team transport your luggage each day. All our staff are fully insured and covered by our company.
Leave the logistics to us while you focus on the breathtaking journey to Everest Base Camp!
What to Pack for Trek to Everest Base Camp
We provide a detailed packing list for Everest Base Camp tailored to your chosen month of travel. Key gear includes:
Clothing
- Lightweight trekking pants and hiking shirts
- Fleece layers and down jacket for warmth
- Windproof and waterproof outer shell
- Merino wool baselayers for regulating temperature
- Trekkingsocks and sock liners to avoid blisters
- Insulated waterproof boots with high ankles and good traction
Other Essentials
- Warm headwear like beanies and balaclavas
- Lightweight gloves and glove liners
- Sunglasses and sun hats for protection
- Headlamp with extra batteries
- Sleeping bag rated to at least -20°C
Health and Safety
- Prescription medications and supplements like Diamox
- Trekking poles for stability
- Hand sanitizer and mask
- First aid kit including blister care
- Sunscreen, lip balm and moisturizer
With our packing guidance, you’ll stay warm, safe and comfortable. Our porters will carry your gear while you focus on soaking in the journey!
Costs and Booking Logistics
As a top Nepal trekking company for over 15 years, our goal is providing exceptional service and value. All-inclusive guided Everest Base Camp trek packages with our team start from $1600 per person.
Exact prices vary by group size and season. Inclusions:
- Expert bilingual guide and porter team
- Quality lodging in Kathmandu and teahouses during trek
- All meals, snacks, purified water during trek
- All permits, fees and paperwork
- Private transportation for airport pickups, transfers
- Comprehensive first aid and emergency services
- Detailed trip preparation, conditioning guidance and packing list
We require a $250 non-refundable deposit to confirm your trek dates. The full balance is due 30 days before departure. Contact our team to reserve your trek!
Everest Base Camp Trek Itinerary
While we customize our itineraries based on weather, group pace and other factors, here is a typical 14-day itinerary:
Why Trek Everest Base Camp With Us
With over 15 years of experience, we are Nepal’s most reputable trekking company. Our team has led over 500 successful Everest Base Camp treks and summited the mountain over 30 times. We can confidently say our expertise in the Khumbu region is unmatched.
We pride ourselves on reliability, transparency and providing exceptional service. But don’t just take our word for it – check out our 5-star client reviews on Google and TripAdvisor praising our professionalism and expertise!
We would be honoured to guide you on a life-changing journey to Everest Base Camp. Please reach out if you have any questions – we’re happy to help you prepare for this bucket list Himalayan adventure!
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