Everest Base Camp Trek - 14 Days

The best way to prepare for the Everest Base Camp Trek is to start training at least one month in advance. You should focus on building up your endurance by doing cardiovascular activities like running, biking, or swimming. It’s also important to strength train since you’ll be carrying 8-12kg of weight on the trek. Be sure to focus on exercises that work your legs, back, and core. Finally, make sure you are acclimated to high altitudes by spending time in a place like Denver or Boulder before your trek.

The best thing to do is to layer your clothing. You should bring a base layer, an insulating layer, and a waterproof outer layer. Be sure to pack socks, gloves, a hat, and a scarf. It gets cold at night, so you might want to bring a sleeping bag liner. You should also bring comfortable walking shoes and a daypack. 

The Everest Base Camp trek is not a walk in the park. It's a challenging trek that requires a good level of fitness. That said, it's doable for most people who are reasonably fit and have a positive attitude. Here are a few things to keep in mind:
- The highest elevation you'll reach is 5,364 meters (17,598 feet), so altitude sickness is a real concern. Give yourself time to acclimatize before heading up the hill. And don't forget to drink plenty of fluids! Drink more water than usual, avoid alcohol and get plenty of rest. Keep an eye on how much fluid you're drinking daily; if your urine isn't light yellow or clear then drink more water!
- Altitude can also cause nausea, vomiting, headaches, and dizziness among other symptoms. If any symptoms persist over several days then descend immediately! Remember: altitude sickness kills!
- You will see lots of yak dung on this trek ̶ just try not to step in it or touch it with your hands! - High levels of dust may lead to breathing difficulties and chest problems, so use protection like masks or scarves to reduce exposure as much as possible. 

You don't need to be an athlete to complete the trek, but you should be in good physical condition. The average person takes about two weeks to complete the trek, walking six to seven hours each day. It's important to be able to walk long distances and carry a light day backpack. If you're not used to hiking, start training several months in advance by going on day hikes and gradually increasing the distance. You should also make sure to do some strength training. Try exercises like squats or lunges, or anything that gets your heart rate up for at least 10 minutes.

The Everest Base Camp Trek is doable without a guide, but we recommend it. The trail is well-marked and easy to follow, but there are a few sections that can be challenging without someone who knows the route. Plus, having a guide will give you peace of mind and allow you to focus on enjoying the experience. Here are a few other things to keep in mind: 
-You'll need a permit to hike to Everest Base Camp, which you can get from the Nepal Tourism Board. 
-The best time to hike the Everest Base Camp Trek is from March to May and from September to November. 
-You should budget for about $45 per day, which will cover your food, lodging, and other expenses. Be sure to add this cost into your overall budget before deciding whether or not to hire a guide. 

Many people ask about altitude sickness and whether the Everest Base Camp Trek is safe. The answer is that it is safe, but you need to be prepared. Here are a few things to keep in mind: 
- Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated. 
- Eat light meals and avoid fatty foods. 
- Get plenty of rest. 
- Take it slow and don't push yourself too hard. 
- Be aware of the symptoms of altitude sickness, which include headache, nausea, fatigue, and lightheadedness. 
- If you start to feel sick, descend to a lower altitude immediately. You can always come back up after acclimatizing for a few days. 
- If you experience any of these symptoms, make sure to head down before your condition worsens. - Acetazolamide (brand name Diamox) is sometimes prescribed by doctors to help prevent or treat altitude sickness. However, this medication needs to be taken regularly throughout the climb. Anyone taking prescription medications should consult with their doctor before embarking on an expedition like this one.

How much money you'll need for your Everest Base Camp Trek depends on a few factors, such as whether you're doing a group tour or going solo, how long your trek will be, and what kind of accommodations and meals you'll want. That said, a general estimate for the cost of the trek itself is between $1199 and $2000. You'll also need to factor in the cost of getting to and from Nepal, as well as any gear or equipment you might need to purchase. Some costs are difficult to predict, too - like emergencies and other things that can happen on the mountain.

The answer to this question depends on when you plan to go on your trek. The Everest Base Camp Trek is doable year-round, but of course, there will be more snow at base camp if you go during the winter months. That being said, even during the peak summer months, there can still be snow at higher altitudes. So, if you're worried about dealing with snow, your best bet is to go during the spring or fall months.

The first thing you should know is that it rains quite often in Nepal, so don't be surprised if your trek is wet. However, this shouldn't deter you from trekking as the rain can make for some spectacular views. That being said, there are a few things you can do to prepare for wet weather. First, pack a raincoat and some extra socks. It's also a good idea to have a pair of trekking poles to help you keep your balance on slippery trails.

The best time to go on an Everest Base Camp trek is typically between March and May, or October and November. These times of year provide mild temperatures, clear skies, and longer daylight hours, making it easier and more comfortable to complete the trek.

The weather in the spring (March-May) provides ample sunshine and slightly warmer temperatures, which makes the trek more enjoyable. The days are long with plenty of hours of sunshine to reach your destination each day. The downside is that the trails can be crowded due to the popularity of this season.

In the autumn (October-November), the temperatures are still pleasant and the skies remain clear for good views of the mountain. However, the days are shorter so you may have to rush your pace a bit to make it before dark.

When planning your Everest Base Camp trek, take into consideration both the weather and crowds to decide when is the best time for you to go.

The Everest Base Camp trek typically takes 12-14 days. This includes the time you will spend in Kathmandu for acclimatization, as well as the days you will spend hiking up to Everest Base Camp and back. The trek takes around 10-11 days, depending on your level of fitness, but you should always allow extra time to rest and acclimate along the way.

The trek begins in Lukla, where you will catch a flight from Kathmandu. From Lukla, the hike is mostly uphill and can be quite strenuous. There are several stops along the way, so it’s important to take regular breaks to ensure that you don’t suffer from altitude sickness. It takes around 12-14 days to get to the Everest Base Camp and back, depending on how many side trips you choose to take. Once you reach the Base Camp, you can take a day or two to explore the area before heading back down.

Overall, it’s essential to be aware that the trek to Everest Base Camp is an ambitious journey and requires a significant amount of physical and mental strength. That said if you prepare properly and plan it can be an incredibly rewarding and unforgettable experience.

When it comes to trekking to Everest Base Camp, the amount and type of equipment you need will vary depending on the time of year and your own personal preferences. Generally speaking, however, you’ll need to bring the following items:

Clothing: Be sure to pack plenty of layers for cold nights. You should bring a jacket, fleece, a thermal top and bottom, and base layers. Remember a hat, gloves, and a waterproof layer like a raincoat is also important.

Footwear: Hiking boots are a must-have for the trek. It’s also good to bring an extra pair of shoes, such as sandals or sneakers, that you can wear while on camp.

Gear: You should bring a daypack and a small duffle bag or backpack to carry all your belongings in. A sleeping bag is also necessary if you plan on camping during the trip. Other essential gear includes trekking poles, headlamps, flashlights, water bottles, sunscreen, and bug repellent.

Miscellaneous Items: Don’t forget to bring basic toiletries like toothpaste and shampoo, along with a first-aid kit that contains bandages, ibuprofen, anti-diarrheal medication, and other essentials. Lastly, don’t forget to bring a camera to capture your journey!

When it comes to accommodations on the Everest Base Camp trek, there is a wide range of options available. At higher elevations, you will generally be staying in tea houses. These are small guesthouses operated by local families and offer basic amenities such as beds, blankets, hot showers and often basic meals. Some of the more popular tea houses offer wifi and other luxuries, but they are typically more expensive.

At lower altitudes, you can opt for hotel accommodation which offers more comfort than tea houses. These hotels are typically more modern and offer amenities like private rooms, hot water showers, wifi, and better meals. The cost is higher than tea houses, but if you want some added luxury and comfort, this might be the best option for you.

It's important to keep in mind that both tea house and hotel accommodations can vary greatly depending on location. You should always inquire about the specific amenities before booking a room.

When trekking to Everest Base Camp, you can expect to have three meals a day. Breakfast is usually a combination of eggs, omelettes, toast, and porridge. For lunch and dinner, there will be various Nepali dishes, including lentil soup, dal Bhat (rice with lentils and vegetables), Chowmein, momos (dumplings), aloo (potato) curry, and even pizza. If you have any dietary restrictions or preferences, you should make sure to let your guide or lodge staff know so they can accommodate them. In general, the Himalayan foods available during the trek is hearty, healthy and delicious!

The best time to go to Everest Base Camp is from early September to late November. This is the time when the monsoon season has ended and the weather is clear, providing the best visibility for trekking and climbing. Additionally, the temperature during this time is mild, making it more comfortable for trekking and camping.

However, the best time to visit will also depend on your own preferences and what you're looking to get out of the trip. If you're looking to climb the peak, the climbing season typically takes place in the spring, typically from March to late June 

Everest Base Camp (EBC) has two base camps, one on the south side of Nepal and one on the north side of Tibet. The elevation of South Base Camp, which is the more popular and most common base camp for climbing Mount Everest, is at an elevation of 5,364 meters (17,598 ft) above sea level. The North Base Camp, which is used by climbers attempting the North Col route, is located at 5,150 meters (16,900 ft) above sea level.

UPPER BODY

►Windproof/waterproof jacket. (1)

►Fleece jacket. (1)

 ►Shirts and t-shirts. ( 3/4 pairs)

►Down jacket. (1) (provided by Company)

►Raincoat. (1)

LOWER BODY

►Warm cotton long pants. (1/2 pairs)

►Waterproof pants. (1)

►Long thermal underwear. (2)

►Short underwear. (3/4 pec)

HEAD

►Sun hat or scarf. (1)

►Warm fleece hat. (1)

►Sunscreen sunblocks, and Lipbalms with UV protection.

►Sunglasses. (1/2 pairs)

FOOTWEAR

►Comfortable trekking boot.

►Thick shocks. (3/4 pairs)

►Light shocks. (3/4 Pairs)

►Camp shoes and sandals.

HAND

►Warm waterproof (gore-tex) gloves.

OTHER EQUIPMENT

►Basic First Aid Kit.

►Sleeping bag ( Provide by the company)

►Water Bottle

►Towel

►Day-pack or Backpack

►Swiss Knife

►Torchlight or Flashlight

►Hand Sanitizer

►Hiking Pole

►Smartphone or Compact Camera

►Power-bank

Everest Base Camp Trek is one of the most popular treks in Nepal. The trail takes you through some of the most beautiful scenery in the world, including snow-capped mountains, glaciers, and pristine forests.

The weather at Everest Base Camp can be challenging, but that's part of what makes it so rewarding. Here's what you can expect during your trek. The first thing to know about the Everest Base Camp weather is that it can change quickly. One minute it can be sunny and warm, and the next minute a cold wind can come blowing through. That's why it's important to pack layers, so you can adjust to the conditions.
 
In general, though, the weather at Everest Base Camp is pretty stable. Temperatures stay relatively cold all year round. From June to September, temperatures are usually warmer because there is more sunlight during those months. However, when night falls on a mountain slope, these temperatures can drop low because of the altitude (Everest Base Camp sits at 17,598 feet).

Snow typically starts falling in November or December before gradually melting by May or June. Monsoon season starts from late June until September. Heavy rains are possible any time this year, but there are more common from July through September. Make sure your rain gear is always handy! When it comes to the weather at Everest Base Camp Trek, remember: dress in layers and prepare for anything.

Standing at a whopping 17,598 ft, Everest Base Camp is one of the most popular treks in the world. The Everest Base Camp Trek takes you through some of the most beautiful scenery Nepal has to offer, including the Khumbu Glacier – Nepal’s largest glacier.

One of the main reasons people undertake this trek is because of the feeling of accomplishment that comes with reaching such a high altitude. Not to mention, getting to see Mount Everest up close is an experience that few people get in their lifetime.

Trekkers usually take around two weeks to complete the journey to and from Everest Base Camp, spending around 12 days at Base Camp itself. Because it is so physically demanding, many companies offer different levels of assistance on the way back down to give those who have hiked up an easier time descending.

Even still, it can be hard for unprepared trekkers to make it all the way up or back down. As you go higher, there are fewer oxygen molecules in each breath due to lower air pressure. The lack of oxygen, combined with temperatures well below freezing during much of the year, can create dangerous conditions for anyone without proper gear. Those who do not prepare properly should not embark on this hike as they could face life-threatening consequences.

Base Camp sits at 5,364m. Trekkers must ascend over 2.3 miles vertically before they reach the top of Kala Patthar (which means Black Rock) and begin the descent down to Lukla and fly back to Kathmandu. There are various ways to get back down – but none of them come without challenges. People sometimes descend by helicopter, which provides a much smoother ride than trekking down. On the other hand, helicopter rides are expensive and weather plays a big factor in whether they will fly or not.

Once you finally make it back to Namche Bazaar after such an arduous trek, you will undoubtedly feel exhilarated and proud of what you accomplished!

Everest Base Camp Trek is categorized as a moderate trek, as it involves hiking at high altitudes and in remote areas. The trek can be physically and mentally demanding and requires a good level of fitness and preparation.
Some risks are associated with the trek, such as altitude sickness, which can occur when ascending to a high altitude too quickly. Symptoms include headache, nausea, and fatigue, and can be treated by descending to a lower altitude. In severe cases, it can lead to High Altitude Cerebral Edema (HACE) and High Altitude Pulmonary Edema (HAPE), which can be fatal if not treated immediately.

Other risks include hypothermia, frostbite, and falls on steep and rocky terrain. Also, the trek can be affected by unpredictable weather, such as snowstorms and freezing temperatures.

To minimize the risks, it is important to acclimatize properly and to take necessary precautions, such as carrying the right gear and equipment and following the guidance of experienced trekking guides. Additionally, it is recommended to consult a doctor before undertaking the trek and to have travel insurance that covers high-altitude trekking.

In general, the trek can be dangerous if not taken seriously and if the necessary precautions are not taken, but with the right preparation and guidance, it can be a safe and rewarding experience.

Travel Insurance

For everyone who will plan to Trek in Nepal, it is highly recommended that you get travel insurance that covers added expenses that might result due to various health issues, injuries, or accidents (together with the ambulance, helicopter rescue, and other treatment costs). Your insurance policy should cover the entire activities that you are planning to accomplish throughout your stay in Nepal.

In addition to this, the policy should also cover death, misplaced luggage, theft and liability, cancellations, medical treatment (counting hospital charges, cost of the medicine, and doctor’s fees) as well as repatriation costs. Also, this trekking trail in Nepal takes you 5,000 m above the altitude, therefore, you also need to ensure that your insurance policy covers treks that go over 5,000 m. 

We suggested that you buy your insurance policy from your home country before joining us, as it is difficult buying a local travel insurance policy for foreigners in Nepal.

Meals And Accommodation

While you’re in Kathmandu, your accommodation is at a standard hotel (Arrival time and departure time). Your accommodation is at the best local Lodge and Guest Houses where available. The Mountain local Lodges are clean and have comfortable beds. The Lodges are fairly basic and the room is spare with twin beds. Blankets are generally provided. There is a large dining hall and warm fitted with a chimney duct, in which a log fire is lit.

Eating is a big part of the Holiday. Travelling with Northern Trekking Team, you experience a vast array of wonderful Nepalese food, Italian, Thai, Chinese, and several local foods. While on the trek you will be on full board all 3 times meals (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, with Tea/Coffee) included in the package. Your guide will suggest delicious, hygienic special food during your trips. Generally, chosen menu items are Nepalese meals (Dal Bhat), Tibetan fried bread, various types of soups, Momo’s (steamed dumplings), boiled and fried potatoes, kinds of pasta, and even pizza. So, overall you have a different choice of foods on the trek. During this trek, you will usually have breakfast and dinner at the same guest house.

Booking Payment

You should book the service at least 15 days before the trek departure date. After you confirm your trip with us, you should be transferring us a photocopy of your passport or your personal information. The personal information you have to provide us is your first name, middle name, last name, passport number, date of birth, nationality, and gender. Importantly, you need to pay 20% of the total price in advance for the domestic flight tickets and hotel booking, and permit process. You can pay the remaining balance before you start the trek.

Domestic Flight Information

Generally, the Everest region has to use Twin Otter and Dornier as primary modes of transport to and from the airstrip. Since you are trekking in the geographically as well as climate-wise most difficult part of the world, it is natural that flights get cancelled. Mountain weather conditions or technical issues are something we cannot predict. In case of cancellation of flights, we can hire a helicopter for you to maintain your schedule. A helicopter facility can only be provided if our clients agree to pay the extra charges. Unwanted to say, the helicopter takes 4 to 6 passengers at a time and the cost can be shared amongst the passengers. We would like to repeat that in case the helicopter service is required, the trekkers must pay the cost. We can help you prepare the documents you need to submit to the travel insurance company for reimbursement. Please be informed that the Twin Otter and Dornier aircraft allow only 15kgs as the weight limit. This weight is equal to 33 Pounds. This weight includes both your duffel bag and daypack. This means you need to pack and prepare your luggage wisely. We suggest you not exceed the limit to avoid an additional cost of USD 2 to USD 5 per kg.

Personal Expenses 

How much money or cash you should be bringing with you depends on how you do the trip and the number of days you want to spend here in Nepal. Much also depends on your spending habits. Generally, you must have to take 10 to 15 USD to spend your expenses, such as laundry, telephone calls, snacks, camera, and mobile battery charging. How much you will be spending during your trekking depends on the standard of the package you have purchased. 

Our Guides And Safety

Our guides are fully trained and licensed by Nepal Government Tourism Department, and certified by TAAN & Nepal Mountaineering Association.

All our Trekking Guides are professionals with decades of experience in this field of adventure. They are trained specially for specified and various trips, to cater to the flexible requirement of our clients from different nationalities, this will assure you that your trip will be enjoyable and in the safe hands of professional experts.

On every trip, will be one Trek leader and an assistant leader on each additional 7 people in the group on treks, this arrangement would ensure that even if any of our guide/ assistance guides gets sick or clients may get sick and need to be evacuated or staying behind from the walks, it wills still works smoothly and there would non-impact with our original trek plan. 

Every 7 trekkers will have one Sherpa helper for carrying their trekking bags.

Caring Porter

Our porter is fully strong, helpful, and friendly. Their salary, food, drinks, accommodation, transportation, and Insurance on each trip with us. As you know that we are very trustworthy and polite, while on trek thus we make sure that our porter is fully prepared for the trip. We are closely working with the International Porter Progress Association for the welfare and benefit of trekking porters. 

The load carried by our porter minimum of 20 to 25 KG maximum so be sure that your trekking bag is not more than the above figure.

High Altitude

This is a high-altitude journey and elevation starts from a low of 2,860 m to 5,545 m high, where symptoms of AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness) might occur due to dry air, cold wind, and less oxygen. Generally, for The Everest region trip one needs to be in good physical with sound health to avoid other medical complications on the route of the journey, just follow our guide he will advise and suggestions which keep and make you feel secure to enjoy this fabulous adventure with us.

Best Time To Visit Nepal

Three best seasons for the trek to the Everest region. We suggest you join in at the right time of the year as far as possible.

• High season- Autumn (September-November)
• Shoulder-Spring (March-May)
• Low season- Moonson (June-August)

Things To Know Before Trekking

The main flow of foreign visitors in Nepal is for trekking from moderate to adventurous or challenging treks, the most important is choosing the right trip as per your duration of holiday and fitness, for Everest Himalayan trekking adventure one needs to be in sound health and physically fit.

On booking our preparation of fitness required walking-jogging-Jumba-aerobic at least fifteen days before your departure from the home country.

Please send us your dietary list and medical history report so that we can arrange them well in advance respectively. Book the ticket from home for Kathmandu, Nepal to reach at least two days ahead and earlier from trek departure with much space in Kathmandu after the trek, this allows you more time in Nepal to enjoy the culture and heritage sites of Nepal and also in case of a flight delay (Kathmandu-Lukla and Lukla-Kathmandu) which can happen sometimes due to bad and unfavourable weather.

Passport & Visa Information

What do you need to obtain A Nepal visa?

If you are thinking of taking a visa at the airport or immigration entry point, the following are your requirements:

1. A valid passport (The passport should have a validity of at least six months)
2. You should fill out the application form for visas available at the airport or immigration entry points.
3. Two passport-size photos
4. Visa fees should be paid in cash.

Entry points to Nepal

1. Tribhuwan International Airport, Kathmandu
2. Eastern Nepal – Kakarvitta, Jhapa
3. Central Nepal – Birjung, Parsa
4. Northern Border – Kodari, Sindhupalchowk
5. Western – Rupandehi (Belhiya, Bhairahawa)
6. Mid-western – Banke (Jamuna, Nepalgunj)
7. Far western – Kailali (Mohana, Dhangadhi) / Kanchanpur (Gaddachauki, Mahendranagar)

Visa Fees

1. USD 30 or equivalent convertible currency for 15 days.
2. USD 50 or equivalent convertible currency for 30 days.
3. USD 125 or equivalent convertible currency for 90 days.
4. For the tourist of SAARC nationals, free visas for up to 30 days.
5. A visa is not required for Indian nationals. However, if they enter Nepal via air, they will have to show a valid identification certificate (passport/ citizenship certificate). Children under the age of 10 do not need to show an identification certificate.

Visa Extension

1. If you want to extend the visa for 15 days or less, the visa extension charge is USD 45. In the case of a delay of fewer than 150 days, an additional USD 5 per day is a late fine.
2. If you want to extend the visa for more than 15 days, USD 3 will be charged per day after 15 days. However, the visa can be extended a maximum of up to 150 days in a visa year (Visa year refers to the year starting January to December.)

Transit Visa

When a foreigner has to get down at a Nepalese airport as a result of his/her transit point or due to any forced landing for whatever reason, the foreigner can obtain a transit visa for a day after paying USD 5 or any other currency equivalent.

Download Tourist VISA Form (.pdf)

Other General Information

1. Entering Nepal or staying in Nepal without a valid visa is illegal.
2. A tourist visa can be obtained either through the Nepalese embassy or consulate or other mission offices in your nation or at the immigration entry points in Nepal listed above.
3. Visa once issued cannot be amended and the visa fees are non-refundable.
4. You should pay the Nepal visa fees in cash. A credit card or cheque is not acceptable.
5. Visa charges are not applicable for children under 10 years of age, however, they must obtain a valid visa.
6. If you are obtaining a new passport or travel document, you are advised to contact the Immigration Department for the document transfer.
7. Always carry your passport and trekking permit while trekking.
8. Some of the areas are restricted for filming. Therefore, be careful not to do activities that are strictly prohibited.
9. The culture, tradition, and sentiments of Nepalese people should be respected. Do not perform any activities that would hurt their sentiments.
10. Do not perform any activities that would lead to moral turpitude.