Trekking to Everest Base Camp is totally different than different treks world wide. Nowhere else on earth will you expertise trekking as you do in Nepal and nowhere fairly compares to the majesty of the Himalayas. Villages dot the panorama stuffed with eating places, markets, bazaars, and tea homes (mini-motels) the place you possibly can cease for lunch, purchase provides, and have a bit of apple pie whereas surrounded by the very best mountains on the earth.
Every hundred meters or so there’s a resort, restaurant, or cluster of buildings making up a small village. The villages are beautiful reminding us of one thing out of the Swiss Alps on steroids. Well-built lodges and brick houses line the path with the magnificent setting of the Himalayas draped within the again.
Trekking to Everest Base Camp
What is it like trekking to Everest Base Camp in Nepal? The EBC Trek is life-altering, it’s exhilarating, and it’s difficult. We share all the things you should know from planning your trek to Everest to packing for your journey. This information to the Everest Base Camp Trek breaks down every day. So sit again and take a journey with us by Nepal’s legendary Sagarmatha National Park.
Everest Base Camp Trek Itinerary
On the map, the Everest Base Camp trekking route distances look pretty straightforward to hike from village to village by the Khumbu Valley. Eight days might seem to be it could be greater than sufficient time to cowl a mere 63 km (39 miles) a technique, (128 km return) however with a number of sustained days in a row above 4000 meters (13,000 toes), the stroll is gradual and regular.
It is necessary to not push too quick to keep away from altitude illness which is a really actual risk. When trekking to Everest base camp, count on to hike anyplace from 7 – 17 km (4.5 – 10 miles) per day with the complete trek taking 12 – 14 days.
Hiring a Guide for the EBC Trek – Mandatory
Starting April 1, 2023, Nepal has banned solo trekking. Foreigners should rent a information for treks in excessive-altitude trekking areas of nationwide parks. According to the Kathmandu Post in March “solo or independent trekkers have to mandatorily hire a guide or a porter before setting off to Nepal’s mountains.” However, after an up to date article within the Kathmandu Post, evidently the Everest Region is an exception. Before reserving, we might verify with native corporations and authorities as guidelines are always altering.
Book Locally
Many folks e-book forward of time with a tour firm situated outdoors of Nepal akin to Intrepid Travel or GAdventures, however we employed domestically and it saved some huge cash.
Plus, your cash goes on to the native economic system and you’ve got a extra intimate expertise by trekking with an area information. We spent a few days in Kathmandu wanting for a information to Everest and located Simrik Real Nepal owned by Kathmandu resident Dipendra Simkhada.
Dipendra deliberate the complete journey for us, and all we needed to do was wait for him to select us up at our guesthouse in Kathmandu to take us to the airport to board our Tara Air flight to Lukla Airport. Book your Trek to Everest Base Camp with Simrik Real Nepal – A Locally owned and operated tour firm, Simrik is situated in Kathmandu.
Kathmandu – The Hub of Nepal Treks
We spent just a few days in Kathmandu choosing up provides and doing a little sightseeing earlier than trekking to Everest. We recommend not spending too lengthy right here as it may be very polluted in Kathmandu and by the point we had been able to trek, I used to be already fairly congested.
Our suggestion is once you arrive in Kathmandu, solely spend two to a few days to get your self organized and as a substitute do your sightseeing on the finish of your trek. Read extra: Top Places to go to in Kathmandu, Nepal
Day 1: Fly from Lukla Trek to Pakhding
Flights to Lukla now not depart from Tribhuvan International Airport (Kathmandu Airport) in Kathmandu on account of congestion. Flights are actually out of Ramechap airport which is a 4 1/2 hour drive from Kathmandu. You can e-book personal helicopters from Tribhuvan International Airport.
The flight from Ramechap airport is way shorter than the flight from Tribhuvan International Airport. Flights to Lukla are solely 12 minutes so extra flights can get by when the climate is obvious making flights much less more likely to be canceled or delayed for too lengthy.
The flight to Lukla is a scary flight and is taken into account probably the most harmful on the earth. We flew from Kathmandu however flights now are a lot shorter from Ramechap. I believe I would love it higher as we sat on the entrance of the airplane and noticed the pilot’s devices always flash “obstacle ahead.” It appeared as if we had been about to crash right into a mountain at any time. Read all about our flight to Lukla and watch the video right here
Watch Us Fly to Lukla Airport
The Lukla airstrip at Lukla Airpot is a brief touchdown strip at solely 525 meters (1,729 toes lengthy.) Built on the aspect of a mountain it’s also a really steep grade that’s wanted to gradual the planes down rapidly. Needless to say, we held our breath through the touchdown.
We survived that flight, nevertheless it was the flight again to Kathmandu I used to be nervous about. Taking off on that in need of a runway was a hair-elevating expertise. One false transfer and we’d drop hundreds of toes into the valley under. Lukla Airport is definitely known as Tenzing Hillary Airport named after the primary two males to summit Mount Everest.
Hiking from Lukla to Pakding
The trek begins formally in Lukla. Lukla is a busy city with loads of lodging, outlets, and eateries. If you forgot something for your EBC trek, you possibly can decide up provides in a pinch. But we recommend buying all of your gear in Kathmandu. It is less expensive.
From Lukla, we instantly began our Everest Base Camp hike. After a fast snack and a cup of tea in Lukla, we set off on a straightforward three-hour trek alongside trekking trails that had been straightforward to observe weaving by villages, crossing rivers, and stumbling over stony paths.
Entering Sagarmatha National Park
A allow is required to hike to Everest Base Camp as it’s situated in Sagarmatha National Park. We checked in with the nationwide park headquarters and Dipendra took care of all the things. He had all our paperwork so as so all we needed to do was begin strolling by the gorgeous Khumbu Valley to make our approach to Everest base camp.
Sagarmatha National Park has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1976. At 1148 sq. km (443 sq. miles) in space, it is among the most lovely locations we have now ever visited.
We felt giddy stepping by the welcome gates situated simply outdoors of Lukla. This was it, we had been following within the footsteps of the nice adventurers of our time. It was awe-inspiring to hike by the Khumbu area surrounded by the Himalayas.
As we hiked out of Lukla, Dipendra identified the encompassing jagged white peaks named Kwangde, Mumbu, and Kishumkongara. At 6000+ meters, (19,000+ toes) these are the “little guys” of the world’s highest mountain vary. It wouldn’t be lengthy till we had been among the many well-known 8000-meter (26,000 toes) peaks.
Our first day was full of a soothing stroll whereas studying in regards to the Khumbu area. It was fairly early within the day, so we had loads of time to take our time to be taught in regards to the customs of climbing and be taught the names of the mountains discovered on this lovely area of Nepal.
For the remainder of the day, we adopted the Dudh Koshi River Valley at a gradual however leisurely tempo to the village of Pakding. Temperatures had been heat and the primary day of trekking was snug. Lukla to Pakding really has an elevation loss, so it’s a good introduction to mountain climbing by the area as we had a variety of downhill trekking.
After about 5 hours, we got here to our first evening on the trek the place we spent the evening in a cushty teahouse within the village of Phakding.
Our First Night on the EBC Trek
The lodging in Pakding was a quaint little resort/teahouse that appeared like a cottage. The wooden-burning range smelled scrumptious because it warmed the restaurant whereas they ready our meals.
Our porter “Sher” carried all our provides together with the sleeping baggage that we borrowed from our trekking firm. We every rented a sleeping bag that was included within the worth of our EBC trek. The beds had been snug and Dave and I had personal rooms. Some excursions use dorm rooms however we had personal rooms. Toilets had been shared, however all the things was clear and comfy. The rooms had been clear and we slept like rocks snuggled up in our thick down sleeping baggage.
Heated Lodges – Teahouses on the EBC Trek
During the EBC Trek, you don’t keep in tents. You keep in charming teahouses with cozy beds, wooden-burning stoves, and absolutely stocked eating places that serve dinner.
The teahouses are a welcoming sight after a protracted day of trekking serving to to make the trek to Everest probably the most memorable experiences of our lives. If you’re planning to trek to Everest Base Camp in Nepal, learn on for all the knowledge you’ll want that can assist you put together.
The major lodges of every teahouse we stayed in through the first half of our EBC trek had been cozy and heat. At the decrease elevations, woodstoves burned wooden within the eating room and customary areas and our rooms had been a cushty temperature with heating as we had been wrapped up in our sleeping baggage. We ate hearty meals of pasta and meat and loved a soothing evening soaking within the wonderful day we simply had on the mountain.
From Lukla – Elevation 2869 meters (9,350 toes) To Pakding – Elevation 2610 meters ( 8563 Feet) Length – 7.7 km (4.78 miles) Elevation loss – 79 meters (259 toes) Duration – 3 Hours
Day 2 – Pakding to Namche Bazaar
On day two, we checked in at one other gate of the Mt. Everest park headquarters to indicate our documentation. We needed to present our passports and provides them further passport pictures to enter the log. (So ensure you have further passport pictures with you) Once we signed in, we had been formally within the Khumbu area and formally on our approach trekking to Everest Base Camp.
We lined a variety of terrain on day two making it the longest day of the Everest Base Camp trek. The path up the mountains was steep and difficult nevertheless it was a memorable day.
Day two of the EBC trek was a hike of just about 10km (6.2 miles) with an elevation achieve of 800 meters (2624 toes). But all through the hike, there was a variety of elevation loss combined in so it felt like much more.
We would lose elevation as we descended into the valley solely to must climb again up once more to the next elevation. Today was a variety of enjoyable although as a result of we crossed a number of suspension bridges over Dudh Kosi River Valley.
Suspension Bridges on the best way to Everest
If you may have a worry of heights, crossing suspension bridges might not be your favourite second, however the suspension bridges whereas trekking to Everest Base Camp are properly constructed, product of metal, and in glorious situation.
I used to be nervous in regards to the suspension bridges. The Lonely Planet Guide stated, “Grit your teeth and climb onto a drooping suspension bridge floating at a dizzying height.” That sentence freaked me out.
I had constructed the suspension bridges of the EBC trek in my head as one thing monstrous. But by the point we reached the primary bridge, I questioned what all of the fuss was about. Once I crossed my first bridge, my confidence was up and I used to be prepared for something the Everest trek was able to throw at me.
Donkey Trains
Today we additionally began to see a variety of donkeys, cows, and goats taking provides to the villages. Traffic can get very heavy on the Everest Base Camp hike. When animal trains go by, make sure that to get out of their approach and keep to the aspect.
They are loaded down with heavy gear and so they have a mission to maintain on strolling till they’re achieved. They can simply nudge you proper off the aspect of a cliff as it doesn’t matter what is of their approach, they only preserve strolling.
The path is a freeway, however as a substitute of transport vans or trains carrying cargo, folks and livestock carry all the things from lumber and constructing provides to meals and kitchen home equipment.
Safety Tips on the Everest Base Camp Trek for yaks and donkeys
Important Tip: When a yak, donkey, or cow prepare passes you through the EBC trek, you’ll want to stand on the mountainside of the path to allow them to’t push you over the sting! It is best to be squished right into a mountainside than to go tumbling over the sting!
Final Stretch to Namche Bazaar
Right after crossing the final bridge, the toughest a part of day two of trekking to Everest base camp began The final push of the day consisted of two-hours straight uphill to Namche Bazar.
We had been drenched with sweat however the air was cool. Whenever we stopped for a break, we might get a chill so we simply stored on chugging away.
Large tour teams handed us rapidly, solely to be caught a couple of minutes later as they rested. We understand that we had been the tortoise and so they had been the hare! Slow and regular is the best way to climb at excessive altitudes and ultimately, we made it to Namche Bazaar with loads of time to spare within the day.
Arrival to Namche Bazaar
We checked into the safety submit and cringed after we discovered that our lodge was an uphill stroll for one other 20 minutes. Rest needed to wait a bit longer.
When we arrived at our lodging, we had been thrilled to see our porter Sher’s smiling face. He had already checked us in and put our bag in our room. We instantly went for a nap after which did a bit strolling round city within the night to do some purchasing and seize a chunk to eat earlier than delivering for an early evening.
There are loads of outlets and eating places at Namche Bazaar, this city is bustling and we spent two nights of our EBC Trek right here which was superior.
Pakding – Elevation 2610 meters ( 8563 Feet)Namche Bazaar – 3440 meters (11,286 toes)Elevation Gain – 830 meters (2723 toes)Distance – 10km (6.2 Miles)Duration – 6 hours
Day 3 – Acclimatization Day at Namche Bazaar
We had two superb days at Namche Bazaar. Dipendra selected nice lodging for us all through our EBC trek and we had relaxation on this splendid teahouse the place we loved scrumptious pasta, meats, and naturally dhal baht. We spent the morning having fun with espresso and doing a little bit of purchasing.
What to do in Namche Bazaar
We explored Namche Bazaar and checked out its many outlets. The streets are full of purchasing stalls and markets. We searched for gear that we missed getting in Kathmandu and received some nice offers. We had been shocked the costs weren’t inflated at Namche Bazaar.
We purchased some down booties to maintain our toes heat at evening, a few sherpa hats, and a hotter set of gloves. The Everest Bakery was a spotlight with scrumptious apple pie, recent espresso, and WiFi. We had two items every!
But we took it very straightforward, ensuring to remain hydrated and to eat sufficient meals to stave off altitude illness. Namche Bazaar is situated at a excessive altitude of 3440 meters (11,286 toes). We already noticed a girl affected by altitude illness. She was having her blood stress taken and coronary heart fee monitored and when she received up, she was staggering as she leaned on her information.
Her Everest base camp trek had already come to an abrupt finish. It reminded us to loosen up as a result of the times forward had been going to be powerful. So we went again to our teahouse to loosen up and put together for the remainder of our journey
The Acclimatization Hike for EBC Trek
Most excessive-altitude treks have no less than one acclimation day. The Everest Base Camp trek isn’t any exception. An acclimatization day consists of mountain climbing to the next altitude after which coming again all the way down to sleep at a decrease elevation. It provides your physique an opportunity to regulate to the altitude however you don’t keep for lengthy.
As you’ll be always gaining altitude on the Everest Trek, it’s good to have no less than someday to climb larger and sleep decrease to assist forestall altitude illness.
Our acclimation hike took us to the Everest View Hotel. With an elevation achieve of solely 400 meters, it wasn’t an excessive amount of larger than our resort in Namche Bazaar, nevertheless it is sufficient to assist acclimate to the excessive altitudes. Everest View Hotel provides wonderful views of Mount Everest (therefore the identify). Plus it holds the Guinness e-book of world information as the very best resort on the earth.
It will not be a straightforward break day although. Just strolling by city takes your breath away. As we made our approach up the steps, I questioned if I ought to have simply stayed in mattress and skipped the perspective to loosen up. When we began the climb I used to be respiration closely simply strolling up just a few flights of steps. We hadn’t even left Namche Bazaar and I used to be pooped!
Once we received on the path, issues grew to become simpler. The steep grade gave approach to a sloping path and I began to really feel higher. After one and a half hours of climbing, we reached what needs to be the world’s highest airstrip at 3700 meters (12,139 toes). We arrive simply in time to see a small airplane take off.
First Views of Mt. Everest
It was right here that we received to see our first breathtaking views of Mt. Everest and the encompassing mountains. We hiked a bit farther and there it was, standing quietly behind the opposite highest peaks of the earth.
Lhotse, Changri, Ama Dablam, and Nuptse encompass the mighty Mount Everest, the world’s highest peak. At 8414m (27,604 toes), 6027m (19,773 toes), and 7861m (25,790 toes) they’re the little sisters of this sacred mountain. Mount Everest stands at 8848 meters (27,716 toes).
The deep Khumbu valley views had been magnificent. The river wove far under, carving by the panorama of the white mountain tops. We walked a slim path snaking alongside the aspect of a steep mountain and instantly understand “this trek has become real.” We had been excessive within the Himalayas and one false transfer may imply disaster falling into the abyss under.
The sky was a deep blue and the white summits reached towards the billowing clouds. The view was so awe-inspiring it introduced me to tears. Everything was so crisp and clear. During the EBC trek, you are feeling as in the event you may attain out and contact heaven.
The clouds rolled in rapidly so it was time to go. The climate circumstances change rapidly on the Everest base camp hike, so it’s good to have the expertise of a information main us by all terrain and circumstances. We went again to Namche Bazaar to loosen up and achieve energy for the remainder of the trek.
Namche Bazaar – Elevation – 3440 meters. (11246 toes)Everest View Hotel – 3880 meters (12,730 ft.)Elevation – Bounce of 440 meters (1443 toes)Duration – 3 hours returnElevation Gain – 0 km
Day 4 – Namche Bazaar to Tengboche
We awoke sooner than regular on Day 4. Two massive group treks (Intrepid Travel and G Adventures) had checked into our lodge and we didn’t need to must compete for service or breakfast. We additionally didn’t need to have to attend in line for the toilet.
Lodges grow to be increasingly sparse as you go larger on the Everest Base Camp Trek and fewer bogs are shared between extra folks. Up till now, we hadn’t encountered crowds of individuals. It had been fairly quiet on the mountain and we appreciated it that approach.
Luckily, we had been a day forward of the opposite excursions. They needed to keep in Namche Bazaar for one other day to acclimate to the excessive altitudes, So we moved on to take pleasure in our EBC Trek free from crowds of individuals – for now.
Tenzing Norgay Memorial Stupa
During day 4 of the EBC trek, we hiked alongside trails clinging to the aspect of the mountain. The slim trekking trails alongside this route had been a bit scary. They wound alongside the sting of the cliff with nothing however a sheer drop to the abyss into the Khumbu Valley. But we stored our wits about us placing one foot forward of the opposite till we reached the Sherpa Monument.
Tenzing Norgay Sherpa monument was erected by the Norgay household. It is a stupa honoring Tenzing Norgay Sherpa and all of the Sherpas that risked their lives to assist climbers attain the summit of Mt. Everest.
All treks go this monument and it is a vital cease on the journey to pay respect to the well-known Sherpa of the Everest area. In case you don’t know, Tenzing Norgay Sherpa was the primary man to summit Everest together with Sir Edmund Hillary.
What is a Sherpa?
Sherpas are the unsung heroes of Mt. Everest. They do the entire laborious work and technical work on the mountain. They carry the heavy masses, set the ladders and ropes to cross the Hillary Step and Khumbu Icefield for mountain climbers, and so they deal with organising camp whereas climbers and trekkers catch their breath and attempt to survive life on the world’s highest peak.
Difference Between a Sherpa and a Porter
Sherpas and porters are very totally different from each other. We discovered {that a} Sherpa is definitely the identify of an ethnic group from Tibet. The unique mountaineers employed Sherpas as their guides within the Himalayas and the world has now adopted the identify for porters within the Everest area. If you aren’t born into the Sherpa ethnic group, you can’t be known as a Sherpa. Porters are porters and Sherpas are Sherpas.
We had been informed that some porters, particularly industrial porters carry as much as 60kg (150 kilos) of provides and kit to companies situated alongside the EBC trek. That is a variety of weight and we had been very shocked. When climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, porters had a compulsory weight restrict of 35kg. (77 kilos).
Dipendra informed us that they receives a commission per kilo so some folks push it too far. The Nepalese are a robust bunch however it is a lot to hold at such a excessive altitude it doesn’t matter what form you’re in.
We stored our pack as gentle as potential at round 22kg (48 kilos) for Sher and we even felt dangerous about that! We have heard there’s a 30kg (66lb) restrict for Everest, however judging by what we noticed different porters carrying on the Everest Base Camp hike, folks had been pushing it properly past that.
We noticed males carrying stacks of plywood with heavy white sacks loaded on high. We noticed males carrying propane tanks, doorways, and large packs. What may folks probably want on the EBC Trek that they packed their packs so full? Read extra: Packing List for Everest Base Camp Trek
Approaching Tengboche
The last push of our EBC Trek day 4 was to Tengboche Monastery. It was a tricky but regular 2-hour steep climb. We are actually gaining altitude climbing above the tree line. We put our heads down and huffed and puffed our approach up. We didn’t cease for any pictures or movies and had been shocked to chop the climb all the way down to only one and a half hours.
We reached the prayer wheels of Tengboche Monastery simply in time for gentle snow to begin falling. We made it into our camp at Tengboche by 1:30 pm and had the complete afternoon to ourselves at 3900 meters (12795 toes). This is a wonderful place on the Everest Base Camp hike to have some further time to loosen up as there are just a few particular issues to see and do.
Tengboche Monastery
We warmed our toes with our new down booties that we purchased at Namche Bazaar and become some dryer garments earlier than heading off to see the monks chant at Tengboche Monastery. Our information Dipendra informed us that that is crucial monastery within the area. All climbers summiting the mountains cease at this monastery to be blessed by the monks.
We had been allowed to observe the ceremony and to soak up the heat and blessings from the monks. It is a sacred place and all climbers and trekkers cease right here earlier than persevering with up the mountains.
The footprints of Lama Pagna Dorje from the sixteenth century are embedded in strong stone in entrance of the monastery. A spot the place he mediated and raced by the Himalayas using the wind along with his thoughts.
Apparently, he sat on this stone for so lengthy, his toes left their mark. He spent years touring the world by the facility of his thoughts and we consider the story. Especially after our yoga expertise in Goa India. He predicted {that a} monastery can be constructed right here and shock shock…right here it’s.
The View from Tengboche Monastery
The view is magnificent from Tengboche Monastery. The valley is huge and opens as much as large rolling hills giving approach to the very best peaks on earth. Plus it has a transparent view of Mt. Everest and the encompassing mountains.
We had been informed that Sir Edmund Hillary got here again to survey the height of Mount Everest from this spot as a result of the view is so away from the mountain and we will perceive why.
Accommodation – Basic Tea Houses at Higher Altitude
At this excessive elevation of the EBC trek, lodging grew to become very fundamental and rustic. We felt like true adventurers as we sat by the fireplace warming our toes and bonding with our fellow trekkers over our shared expertise by candlelight.
There had been 10 of us staying on this teahouse. All are sharing electrical energy to cost our digital camera batteries. Meals had been now vegetarian and wooden stoves had been heated by yak dung. At this excessive altitude, meat can’t be transported quick sufficient to remain recent and common wooden is scarce, so yak dung it’s.
When we went to mattress, our room was freezing. Rooms aren’t heated at larger elevations. We had our personal room, however I generally marvel if sleeping in a dorm would have helped with extra physique warmth. The temperature simply dipped all the way down to -10 Celcius (14 levels Fahrenheit) and our plywood partitions didn’t supply a variety of comforts.
We tossed and turned all evening lengthy making an attempt to maintain our noses heat in our sleeping baggage sporting our down jackets, thick socks, and thermal mid-layers.
It was so chilly the inside track bucket for the shared squat rest room froze over forming a patch of ice to type on the ground. It was a slippery journey to the outhouse. Sadly, we at all times must pee quite a bit through the evening when sleeping at excessive altitudes so we visited that rest room quite a bit.
Hot Tip: Pay for hots showers at decrease elevations You gained’t remorse it! We realized that we must always have paid the 250 Rupees for the new showers supplied on the lodging in Namche Bazaar. Now that the climate was so chilly there was no approach we may face a bucket tub in a freezing shed. Dave and I set a brand new document in these mountains of Nepal, 9 days with no bathe!
Namche Bazaar – Elevation – 3440 meters. (11246 toes) above sea degreeTengboche – 3860 meters (12664 toes) Elevation Gain – 420 meters (1378 toes)Distance – 9.3 km (5.77 miles)Duration – 3 hours (with out stopping) 5 hours for pictures, lunch and relaxation.
Day 5 – Tengboche to Dingboche
Day 5 of the EBC Trek was freezing! We had an early wake-up name and morning got here too rapidly on the Tengboche leg of the EBC Trek. But, we awoke to a winter wonderland of recent snow on the Tengboche Monastery and clear views of Lhotse peak.
The snow from the evening earlier than made for extra unimaginable views on the mountain climbing trails. As we began out from the lodge, the sky was crisp and clear, exhibiting Mount Everest in all its glory. It was beautiful, and in between gasping for air, we admired the view.
Today we walked to larger altitudes and noticed our first trains of wooly yaks. Yaks can not survive at low altitudes as a result of it’s too heat for them, so that you don’t see yaks on the Everest Base Camp hike till no less than 3000 meters. (9800 toes) They are lovely.
Yaks on the Trek to Everest Base Camp
Woolly yak trains had been extra frequent and by day 5 of the EBC Trek, we had our system perfected to provide them the suitable of approach with out letting them nudge us off the mountain.
As we stated earlier, it is very important give yaks house. They will run you proper off the mountain in case you are of their approach. Be certain to face on the mountainside as they go so that you don’t get knocked over the sting. The yaks of the Everest Base Camp trek, have just one factor on their thoughts. To get to their vacation spot.
On at the present time, indicators of expeditions going as much as summit Everest began to go by as massive teams of yaks carried big a great deal of climbing gear. It is thrilling to suppose that we had been strolling the identical route as so many nice mountain climbers, like Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay Sherpa.
The Trek from Tengboche is breathtaking
I conquered what little worry of heights I had left at the present time. Some of the slim paths on the route dropped sharply into the deep valley under. Soon we discovered ourselves strolling alongside the ledge not considering in any respect in regards to the risks under. We hiked for a few hours earlier than stopping for tea at a restaurant in Pangboche.
Pangboche
There are outlets, teahouses, and eating places alongside the route so we may purchase lunch alongside the best way and one of many extra common stops is within the village of Pangboche. After a tea cease in Pangboche, we met a candy woman that walked with us all the best way to the village of Dingboche. Her identify was Yangshou and she or he waited for us as we struggled up hills and crossed the suspension bridge over the Imja Khola River.
Her cute snicker and quiet prayers helped to go the time. She stopped to discuss to everybody on the path whereas we plugged alongside. She’d fall far behind when she chatted with associates, solely to rapidly catch us after which scoot by us with ease. She will need to have loved our firm as a result of we actually slowed her down. “Yangzhou, we will always remember your smiling face!
We spent the night in the village of Dingboche and wished that we had another night here. It is from here that you will see beautiful views of Island Peak and Lhotse, but it is also a good spot for another acclimatization day.
Tengboche – 3860 meters (12664 feet) above sea levelDingboche – Elevation – 4410 meters. (14468 feet)Elevation Gain – 550 meters (1804 feet)Distance – 10.8 km (6.71 miles)Duration – 3 hours (without stopping) 5 hours for photos, lunch, and rest.
Day 6 – Second Acclimatization Day at Dingboche
This is a day that most people spend acclimating to the high altitude. We did not do this day, but you should! So we are including it in the guide because it is a very important day when trekking to Everest Base Camp. If we were smarter, we would have spent 2 nights in the village of Dingboche where we would spend a day hiking up to Nagurjun Hill.
This is the best place for climbers looking to summit Everest, Ama Dablam (6812m), Lobuche peak (6,119 m), or Island Peak to do their acclimatization day. Dingboche is a small village in the Khumbu region with only a few guest houses, so it is a good time to relax, replenish and rejuvenate for the next push.
If we had brought our Lonely Planet Trekking in the Nepal Himalayas (which we forgot in Kathmandu and kicked ourselves about it every day) we would have realized that we should have taken an extra day to acclimate in Dingboche.
Dipendra was flexible so he would have easily added another day onto our trek, we just didn’t know any better to ask about it. Lucky for us, we felt strong, but other groups were complaining of headaches and dizziness.
In the end, we wish we spent the extra day here. Some people even spend two days here climbing to the surrounding peaks. We did suffer after reaching base camp and I believe that is because we didn’t spend time acclimatizing here.
Had we stayed, we would have done some light hikes to gain altitude and then come back down to rest at a lower elevation. Many people who are set to climb Island Peak or Kala Patthar stay here for a few days to get some practice climbs in.
Dingboche – Elevation – 4410 meters. (14468 feet) above sea level Nangkartshang Peak – Altitude – 5050 meters (16568 feet)Climb– 640 meters (2099 feet)Distance – 10.8 km (6.71 miles)Duration – 4 hours Elevation Gain – 0
Day 7 – Dingboche to Lobuche
We walked with fellow trekkers we met at our guesthouse Martin and Richard from Slovakia during the morning hours. They carried their own packs and after watching them struggle, we were happy we hired a porter. (note: Starting in April 2023, you can no longer trek independently in Nepal) They were really starting to feel the altitude and we eventually left them behind.
We enjoyed our day taking photos of the stunning clear views of the Everest region. It may be a little colder trekking in Nepal at this time of year (Early March), but the skies are clear and blue. When we came across a small cluster of houses, we felt like we had entered the Kingdom of Middle Earth. Little Hobbit houses lined a valley with giant peaks looming overhead.
We had a front-row seat to some of the most breathtaking views on earth. An entire panorama of the mountains standing proudly overhead, reaching up to the deepest blue sky that I have ever witnessed. The scene took our breath away. The mountains looked more imposing with each corner we turned and we could not believe that we were fulfilling our dream of hiking to Everest.
We had to knock on the door to see if Bilbo Baggins happened to be in. Sadly, he wasn’t home. I ended up singing Leonard Nimoy’s Ballad of Bilbo Baggins for the rest of the day. A bad idea since I only know a few words.
Weather Conditions
The wind picked up and we put on our outer layers for the first time. We were thankful to have them as we staggered through the high gusts. Weather varies greatly in the Everest Region and before you know it you can have inclement weather so be prepared with your layers. The sun can be shining one minute and then wind and clouds roll in the next.
After lunch, we faced quite the scramble up a steep hill littered with boulders. It looked like a tough climb, but we moved with ease and quickly made it to the top. Where we found our strength, I do not know.
Sherpa Monuments
At the top of the hill is a very moving sight. Several monuments and stupas are erected, honoring Sherpas and climbers that have lost their lives on Everest. The most notable of these is Babu Chiri Sherpa.
Babu Chiri Sherpa was the former world record holder of the fastest ascent of Everest, the most number of ascents up the mountain, and the quickest back-to-back summits of 2 in less than 2 weeks. He tragically lost his life on his 11th attempt when he fell into a crevasse.
It was a moving experience and a strong reminder to not take things lightly on Everest, even if you are only trekking to Everest Base Camp. It is still a serious trek.
Dingboche – Elevation – 4410 meters. (14468 feet) above sea levelLobuche – Altitude – 4940 meters (16207 feet)Elevation Gain – 530 meters (1738 feet)Distance – 17.6 km (10.9 miles)Duration – 4 to 5 hours
Day 8 – Morning – Lobuche to Gorak Shep
Day 8 on the Everest Base Camp Trek takes you to 5000 meters (16404 feet). How did we feel at 5000 meters? Terrible. Before entering Nepal, I had been suffering for a few weeks in India. The pollution of Kathmandu didn’t help and my congestion was worse when I started the climb. I thought it would clear up in the fresh air, but it intensified with each increase in altitude.
Every morning my cough got worse and my nose was stuffed up to the point of being unbearable. Today, I felt the effects of the congestion and couldn’t catch my breath. It didn’t help that we had gone into such a high altitude. The air is thin and cold.
Dave suffered his first symptoms of altitude sickness when reaching 5000 meters as well. He had a slight case of diarrhea and wasn’t happy about having to wait for the toilet in the teahouses. I think many people were suffering from the same symptoms.
Our was a slow climb to Gorak Shep. We stopped regularly to catch our breath and today we took more breaks than usual. Luckily it was only a couple of hundred meters in elevation gain so we made it to our guest house in Gorek Shep by 12:30.
Lobuche – Altitude – 4940 meters (16207 feet) above sea levelGorak Shep – 5164 meters (16942 feet) above sea levelElevation Gain – 224 meters (734 feet)Distance – 4.3 (2.6 miles)Duration – 4 Hours
Day 8 – Afternoon: Gorak Shep to Everest Base Camp
We took a break at Gorek Shep before making out way to Everest Base Camp. We sat in the sun marveling at the fact that we made it this far. After eating a hearty lunch of vegetarian Sherpa stew (Dal Bhat) on the terrace, (yes, we ate outside in the warm sun above 5100 meters) we set out for Everest Base Camp. The sun was shining brightly and it was quite pleasant outside so we were very excited.
We were lucky and had clear skies. Up until today, the clouds had rolled in by early afternoon every day. Today the sun shone and the skies were blue until sunset. So, it was our perfect morning to make the push.
The trek to Base Camp from Gorak Shep is an easy one. It’s two hours of walking with only a small elevation gain, and we made it with ease. That break for lunch really helped our spirits.
Reaching Everest Base Camp
People can summit Mount Everest from Tibet, but the main Everest Base Camp expedition route is in Nepal, and it is busy when the season is in full swing. Even those climbing to the peak of Mt Everest hike the route we took along the Everest Base Camp trek.
We arrived just a week or two before the season, so it was still quiet on the mountain. In fact, we were the only people at Base Camp that afternoon. We saw another group coming down on our way up, but once there we had it all to ourselves. It was thrilling.
To reach Everest base camp, you will hike out from nearby Gorak Shep and then hike back the same day to spend the night in the village. You do not spend the night at base camp.
Khumbu Glacier
The Khumbu Glacier is the first thing to come into view, and it is unbelievable to think that we are actually standing there. The Khumbu Glacier is the largest glacier in all of Nepal and is famous for the Khumbu Icefall. This treacherous sheet of ice is the most dangerous obstacle that climbers face when summiting Everest.
We witnessed an avalanche that reminded us just how precarious the climb to Mount Everest is. It is an intimidating sight and I cannot imagine having the courage to cross that field of ice. Climbers walk across ladders that shift and move as the ice is alive and constantly settling. It has taken many lives, and we were happy to look at it from afar.
With an elevation of 7600 meters at its source, the Khumbu Glacier is the highest glacier in the world and the Khumbu Icefall is one of the most dangerous portions of the climb to the summit of the world’s highest peak. We were happy to look at it from afar.
Everest Base Camp’s elevation is 5,364m (17,598 feet) so you will feel the high altitude. But, if you have taken your time you should feel pretty good. We had been at this elevation now for a while and stayed hydrated, so we could enjoy the experience.
We stood at a rock covered with prayer flags announcing that yes, we had made it to Mount Everest Base Camp at 5364 meters. We stayed for almost an hour taking videos, celebrating, and snapping photos. If you can bear it, don’t rush the experience, take it in and enjoy every minute. This will be the only time you’ll see it.
Trekking to Everest may be more exciting later in the season when Everest expeditions are there, but we really liked having base camp to ourselves. There wasn’t a soul on the mountain except for the three of us. We stayed for almost an hour taking videos, celebrating, snapping photos, and marveling at the massive Khumbu Glacier. Can it really be true that we are here? It felt like a dream.
We finished our climb about two weeks before the high season began and we wouldn’t have it any other way. We stood at a rock covered with prayer flags announcing that yes, we had made it to Everest Base Camp.
When it’s high season, base camp is filled with expeditions and tents spanning the valley. We only saw one expedition so far. They may have been here to climb Island Peak as base camp is also a place to acclimate for that peak.
We started to make our way back to Gorak Shep from Everest Base Camp at about 3:30 pm. Even though it was an easy trek back, there are narrow paths atop high ledges and it just so happens that while we were walking back, an ice bridge broke off after I stepped on it leaving Dave with a sticky situation of having to take one giant leap over a gorge. We made it back to Gorak Shep safely but it was a reminder just how dangerous the Himalayas can be.
Back to Gorak Shep
By the time we made it back to Gorak Shep, the excitement of reaching Everest base camp had worn off. We had reached our final destination Base Camp, but there was still a lot more trekking to go.
We were happy to have seen it, but we were exhausted. We felt the same when we climbed Mount Kilimanjaro. The thrill of reaching your destination is over and there is nothing more to look forward to, but there are still so many days to go.
That night I had serious sinus congestion and felt like I was suffocating in my freezing bed. It was quite scary to already be short of breath because of the altitude and then be completely congested. I really was terrified. Our guide Dipendra brought me hot tea all night and I slathered myself in Vicks Vaporub but nothing helped me to breathe easier.
I was afraid as we had the Gokyo Lake trek ahead through the Cho La Pass. We were also planning to trek up to Kala Pattar for the best views of Everest in the morning. I hope I could make it but I was also dreading the day ahead. I barely slept a wink but I finally drifted into a not-so-peaceful slumber.
Gorak Shep – 5164 meters (16942 feet) above sea level Everest Base Camp Elevation – 5,364m (17,598 feet) above sea levelElevation Gain – 200 meters (656 feet)Distance – 3.5 km one way (2.1 miles)Duration – Three Hours Round Trip
Alternative Gokyo Lake Via Cho La Pass
The next morning after a terrible night, we gave up our plans of climbing Kala Patthar and then on to the Gokyo Lakes and Cho La Pass trek. Even though I wasn’t feeling dizzy, nauseous, or lightheaded anymore, the sinus congestion was really getting to me. At altitude a cold can turn serious quickly, you just can’t take a chance when altitude is involved.
But, if we were going to trek on, this would be the next stop. It is supposed to be beautiful and if you are feeling up to it, we highly recommend it. This makes the trek much more interesting as you get to take a different way back to Lukla.
Cho La Pass: Altitude 5420 meters (17,782 feet)Gokyo Ri: 5357 Meters (17,575 feet)Gokyo Lakes: 4,700–5,000 m (15,400–16,400 ft)
Day 9 – The Descent and Kala Patthar
Kala Patthar is a hill above Gorak Shep that offers the best views of Everest and is a must-stop on anyone’s Everest Base Camp trekking route. We had planned to climb to the summit of Kala Patthar, but my congestion was so bad, that we decided it was safer to get to a lower elevation quickly.
Kala Patthar is a quick two-hour trek to add to your descent back to Lukla. It is a good option if you are feeling up for it as it gives a great view of Mt. Everest. Make sure to start early morning before dawn as there is still a long day of trekking after summiting Kala Pattar. Plan on another five or six hours to your next overnight stop at Pheriche.
Kala Patthar to Pheriche – Afternoon
By the time you reach your accommodation at Periche, you should be feeling a lot better. Dave and I find that we are fine in the 4000-meter ranges of altitude and experience very few symptoms of altitude sickness. It is at 5000 meters and above that, we start to feel our symptoms. Periche is a much more manageable 4371 meters.
Kala Pattar: 5643 metres Pheriche: 4371 MetersAltitude Loss: 1272
Days 10 to 11 – The Descent from Everest Base Camp
It took us two days more to trek back from Everest Base Camp to our final destination on the EBC Trek. I started feeling better on the second day as the dryness of the Everest base camp disappeared. My sinuses cleared and soon I was breathing easily. I started to feel guilty about turning around, but in hindsight, I know it was the right choice. You never want to take a chance with altitude sickness.
Even though we were heading down, there is still a lot of altitude gain as the EBC trek doesn’t continuously go downhill. I was feeling really fatigued and we still had a tough couple of days ahead of us. But knowing there was light at the end of the tunnel made everything easier.
It takes a lot of mental stamina to climb back down as the euphoria of reaching the Everest base camp has worn off, but we made the most of it, by chatting with other trekkers and getting to know our guides better.
During our decent we could actually take our time to smell the roses or should I say enjoy the trekking trail that ran through the stunning rhododendron forest.
Rhododendrons are beautiful flowering plants that bloom in different shades of pink, red, white, and purple. The rhododendron forest is particularly prominent in the areas of Phakding, Namche Bazaar, Tengboche, and Dingboche which we really didn’t notice until we made our way down the mountains.
We followed the route we came up with, but it was much faster and we stayed in different villages. The beauty of booking organized trips with a local guide is that our guide Dipendra knew the routes like the back of his hand, so he could change accommodations easily to suit our speed.
Day 12 – Lukla
We were back in Lukla early on day 12 of our EBC Trek and had an evening booked in a guest house here to catch the first flight from Lukla back to Kathmandu in the morning. As much as we loved our trip to Everest, we were excited to be moving on to explore more of Nepal.
The accommodation was pleasant with a lovely restaurant, hot shower, and warm and cozy beds. It was a great way to end the trip.
Day 13 – Return To Kathmandu Flight from Lukla Airport
It is very important to give yourself an extra cushion when booking your return flight not only home from Kathmandu but from Lukla. We stayed overnight in Lukla on the final night of our trek and booked a flight to Kathmandu for first thing the next morning.
It is not uncommon for flights to be canceled or delayed flying out of Lukla Airport. Weather conditions change quickly. So give a bit of a cushion when booking your flight home from Nepal after you’ve finished your trek to Everest Base Camp. Many a traveler has missed their connecting flights home from Kathmandu because of delays in Lukla. It is safer to plan to spend a night or two in Kathmandu after your trek.
We were delayed an entire day. Even though we were booked on the first flight from Lukla, the weather made us wait until near sunset. We were the first (and only) flight out that day, so everyone else who was waiting for their flights all day was stuck another night.
It was a bumpy flight back to Kathmandu and we almost wished that we didn’t make it on the flight. The turbulence was so bad, I was sure we were going to drop out of the sky.
Everyone on the flight was silent as we were tossed about dropping huge amounts of elevation at a time. But we landed and we have never been so happy to arrive in Kathmandu. We kissed the ground, thankful to have trekked to Everest Base Camp, but vowed to never do it again.
Accommodation – Tea Houses on Everest Base Camp
The main lodges of each teahouse we stayed in during the first half of our trip were cozy and warm. At the lower elevations, woodstoves burned wood in the dining room and common areas and our rooms were a comfortable temperature as we were wrapped up in our sleeping bags.
But as we ventured higher, the stoves were less abundant and instead of wood, they burned yak dung. You heard me, Yak Dung. Wood can’t burn in thin air, so they use yak dung to heat the teahouses at high elevations. Rooms are not heated so when we went to our rooms, we had to wear hats, thick socks, puffy coats, and long johns.
There were charging stations at the accommodation for electronics and we paid by the hour for electricity.
We highly recommend taking a portable USB charger to charge your own electronics. We also used a solar USB charger that recharged during the day as we hiked.
Meals on Everest Base Camp
Because we booked an all-inclusive Everest Base Camp trek with Simrik Real Nepal tour company, all meals and snacks were included with our accommodation. Each evening, hearty meals were served that included pasta, rice, or Dal Bhat. Dal Bhat is the staple food of Nepal consisting of lentils, vegetables, steamed rice, and curry.
For the first few days, meat was served at meals, but as you climb higher, meals turned to vegetarian as it is more difficult to get the meat up the mountains.
Prayer Flags and Prayer Wheels – EBC Trek Etiquette
We saw many prayer wheels, prayer flags, and prayer rocks (mani stones) all along the trail to Everest. Everest is a sacred mountain and these monuments help give luck to the climbers on the mountain. There are customs to be followed when approaching prayer rocks or prayer wheels.
How to properly trek around prayer Wheels and Prayer Rocks
When approaching a prayer rock, it is important to walk to the left of the prayer rocks (mani stones) in a clockwise direction. The stone on the right means you are on the “right hand of God.” When utilizing prayer wheels, you stroll alongside and spin them to ask for blessings for the climb forward. Sherpas and locals spin prayer wheels saying the mantra “Om Mani Padme Hum” giving blessings to the climb forward. The prayer flags have prayers and mantras written on them that are believed to hold messages of positivity and to unfold goodwill and compassion they’re carried by the wind.
Altitude Sickness
Altitude Sickness is a really actual risk on the EBC Trek. On common 3-5 folks die every year doing the trek to Everest base camp. Make certain to maintain a watch out for indicators of Acute Mountain Sickness. Acute Mountain Sickness is life-threatening and early signs embody nausea, headache, and vomiting. It can result in demise. The Best approach to alleviate signs is to go all the way down to a decrease elevation.
If you begin to really feel dizzy, have a pounding headache, or in the event you begin to vomit go all the way down to a decrease altitude as rapidly as potential. Take your time climbing, keep hydrated, and take heed to your physique.
Drink loads of fluids, attempt to eat, and relaxation usually. It is best to stroll slowly and steadily relatively than dashing at excessive altitudes. And once you get to your lodging every day, loosen up as a lot as potential.
It might be harmful trekking to Everest Base Camp from falling off the mountain to succumbing to altitude illness. Some folks have merely disappeared. Hiring a information is an efficient possibility (and now the one possibility) for security and it is extremely necessary to look for indicators of altitude-associated illness.
But the Everest basecamp trek isn’t practically as harmful as climbing to the summit of Mt Everest. In 2019, 11 folks died whereas making an attempt to summit Mount Everest.
The village of Lukla is situated at a excessive elevation so you’ll really feel the consequences of the skinny air as quickly as you land. The elevation of Lukla, Nepal is 2869 meters (9,350 toes). We had been in need of breath and already feeling fatigued upon touchdown. So as a substitute of instantly beginning our trek, we had a scorching breakfast at one of many many eating places in Lukla.
Travel Insurance for Everest Trek
We at all times journey with journey insurance coverage on our travels, however mountain climbing to Everest Base Camp won’t be lined by common insurance coverage suppliers. It is very really helpful to get supplemental complete journey insurance coverage that provides journey cancellation insurance coverage, and medical evacuation insurance coverage.
Medjet is an efficient possibility for medical evacuation insurance coverage and is an efficient addition to your common journey insurance coverage. There is a really actual risk of altitude illness and we knew of two those who wanted helicopter rescues throughout our trek.
World Nomads provides particular Everest Base Camp Insurance. You can verify them out to get a quote. I might recommend a mixture of World Nomads journey insurance coverage and Medjet medical evacuation insurance coverage. Regardless of what journey insurance coverage you select, you’ll want to name them on to ask for particular recommendation about trekking to Everest Base Camp.
For a visit like Everest Base Camp, it would be best to make sure that to have journey interruption and journey cancellation insurance coverage in addition to misplaced baggage. This is a visit of a lifetime, so ensure you have a backup plan.
Can you Trek Independently to Everest Base Camp?
Starting April 1, 2023, Nepal has banned solo trekking. Foreigners should rent a information for treks in excessive-altitude trekking areas of nationwide parks. According to the Kathmandu Post in March, “solo or independent trekkers have to mandatorily hire a guide or a porter before setting off to Nepal’s mountains.” However, after an up to date article within the Kathmandu Post, evidently the Everest Region is an exception. Before reserving, we might verify with native corporations and authorities as guidelines are always altering.
Regardless, we cherished hiring an area information to make oure expertise richer, to assist the native economic system and to really feel safer hello
Our all-inclusive Everest Base Camp Trek by the Simrik Real Nepal included return flights from Lukla, meals, lodging, guiding, and all permits and paperwork. We didn’t have to look for lodging on the finish of every day of trekking We had English-speaking guides and a porter. We had our personal room, however you can even share rooms on the EBC Trek We by no means anxious about the price of meals. They had been all pay as you go. And our information (Dipendra) and porter had been a part of the package deal for the journey.
Costs for Everest Base Camp Trek
Prices can fluctuate drastically for trekking to Everest Base Camp. You can contact Simrik Real Nepal for updated costs.
Booking with a world company can value from $1800 – $5000 USD Booking with an area company and be anyplace from $1400 – $2500
When is the Best time to Trek to Base Camp?
The excessive season for treks is April to May and October to November. We climbed in early March and felt that it was the proper time of the 12 months. The climate was lovely, the skies had been clear and the official climbing season hadn’t picked up but. So we had a variety of the mountain to ourselves. We had heard tales of how busy the path is, however at the moment of 12 months, it was fairly abandoned.
But per week and a half after our trek began as we made our approach again to Lukla, it was already busier. We noticed a variety of events climbing up and the path was getting congested. I can solely think about how packed the paths are through the excessive season.
What to Pack For Your Everest Base Camp Trek
Layering is extraordinarily necessary when trekking to Everest Base Camp. This is a fast information for clothes however we wrote an entire packing information for base camp right here.
Make certain to have a day pack to hold the necessary gadgets and layers that you will want for your day of trekking for the complete trek. Your porter will carry all the things else.
2 fast drying lengthy sleeved base layer shirts 2 trekking shirts quick sleeve 2 Thermal Base Layer – 2 leggings/2shirts 2 liner socks 3 pairs of woolen mix trekking socks 2 pairs of trekking pants with zip-off bottoms 2 fleece sweaters – one light-weight, one heavier Outer windproof jacket and pants 2 water bottles to fill usually Steripen or Lifestraw – that is nice for purifying water Portable USB Charger Basic First Aid Kit – A primary help package is necessary to have however your information, they’ll have one as properly. Warm sleeping bag. If you don’t have a sleeping bag rated to under zero, we advocate renting one out of your guding firm.
Treats and Medication
Tang – I used to be glad we packed Tang for our water. It made it style higher, conserving us properly-hydrated. We didn’t actually need to drink simply water, however the Tang (which we purchased in Kathmandu) was really scrumptious. Gatorade or one other electrolyte-replenishing drink is a superb thought. Diamox – (You can purchase this in Kathmandu with no prescription) I extremely advocate utilizing Diamox tablets for altitude illness as properly. We met so many individuals affected by complications, dizziness, and fatigue and so they weren’t taking something. We’ve at all times used Diamox when climbing to altitude and it has labored superbly for us. Chocolate – When we had been feeling ailing, we had been completely happy to have chocolate to eat. It was the one factor that we may eat at instances.
How to Get Fresh Water on An Everest Trek
We advocate two refillable water bottles per particular person that may be refilled alongside the best way. You can replenish anyplace for free alongside the Everest Base Camp route, however ensure you have a SteriPen or another type of water purification with you. We love the SteriPen for purifying water, see our assessment right here.
You may also use the LifeStraw or water purification tablets, however as soon as we found the SteriPen, we by no means went again. See our full Packing a Travel First Aid Kit right here
Do You Need Climbing Experience for Everest Base Camp Trek?
There isn’t any want for any technical climbing expertise to make it to Everest Base Camp. If you’re comparatively match, it is extremely doable. But it’s a full two weeks at a sustained altitude of over 4000 meters.
We didn’t prepare for our Everest Base Camp Trek however we had been to altitude earlier than and had spent a variety of time backpacking main as much as the months prior. It’s good to know the way your physique reacts to altitude. We instructed doing a few treks above 3000 meters (9000 toes) to see how your physique reacts.
Hot Tips for Trekking to EBC
Keep your digital camera batteries near your physique when not in use. The chilly and altitude actually eat up battery life, so it would be best to preserve them heat for so long as you possibly can. Bring USD, ATM Fees are excessive and you’re restricted to the quantities you possibly can take out of the ATM, so have ISD to trade as a substitute. Pack handi wipes and Gold Bond Powder – it’s a lifesaver when you possibly can’t get scorching showers. See our Full checklist of Everest Base Camp Tips right here.
How to Get to Everest Base Camp
There are each day flights to Kathmandu International Airport from worldwide hubs world wide.
Flights to Lukla now not depart from Tribhuvan International Airport (Kathmandu Airport) in Kathmandu on account of congestion. Flights are actually out of Ramechap airport which is a 4 1/2 hour drive from Kathmandu. You can e-book personal helicopters from Tribhuvan International Airport.
The flight from Ramechap airport is way shorter than the flight from Tribhuvan International Airport. Flights to Lukla are solely 12 minutes so extra flights can get by when the climate is obvious making flights much less more likely to be canceled or delayed for too lengthy.
Where to Book Your Everest Base Camp Trek
We booked our trek in Kathmandu with Local Guide Dipendra of Simrik Real Nepal. If you’re looking for an area information he is a wonderful selection with practically 20 years of expertise within the mighty Himalayas.
Prices for the Everest base camp trek value can fluctuate relying on the place you e-book. Group excursions booked in North America will cost extra. Ranging from $1500 – $5000 USD
You can save some huge cash by reserving an area information as you’ll lower out the intermediary costs. Having an area information tell us our cash was going on to the Nepal economic system. Check with Simrik Real Nepal for present costs.
How Much to Tip Guides and Porters for an EBC Trek
Guides and porters in Nepal don’t make some huge cash and depend on tipping. When we take excursions of any type, we (ourselves) tip 15% – 20% however that is part of our tradition in North America, we’re fairly massive tippers and understand that others aren’t snug with that. We’ve achieved a variety of analysis and passed by what our tour corporations have instructed on different suggestions, what we really feel is a good tip and what the typical is throughout the web.
For tipping in Nepal we have now damaged down the fee for a information and porter.
Guide – Tipping – 10% – 15% of the whole value of the journey. We discover this the simplest to determine. If you paid $2000 for your trek, the lead information ought to obtain $200 – $300
Guide per day – Some recommend $10 – $15 per day per particular person for guides – For a 14 day trek meaning you’ll tip your information $140 – $210.
Porters per day – $5 – $10 per day per particular person for porters. – $70 – $140 for your porter.
We like to begin at 15% of the whole value of our journeys to provide to the guides after which pay the porters a each day charge of $10.
If you possibly can afford to trek to Everest Base Camp, it is best to have the ability to tip your guides and porters who’ve labored so laborious accordingly.
Daily Life within the Everest Region of Nepal
While trekking to Everest we handed by many picturesque villages. The persons are pleasant and life goes on as it could in any group in Nepal. People do properly within the Khumbu Region and so they respect the excursions passing by as a result of the vacationers are what preserve them going.
There is electrical energy from the water that they harness from the Imja Khola River and Dudh Kosi River; two rivers that run by the trek. They even have solar energy for electrical energy as properly. There are colleges, recent working water, televisions, a well being clinic, and bars.
That is to not say that life is all roses. It is a distant area of Nepal and it’s troublesome to get any provides in. Food and gear should be carried into villages on foot. Porters carry heavy masses on their backs and girls and youngsters additionally do the heavy lifting. Everything must be carted in by hand or by animals. Check out our suggestions for climbing to Base Camp
Frequently Asked Questions
The Everest base camp trek takes 12 – 14 days to climb together with two acclimatization days. Treks might be achieved in 11 days and it’s not unusual for journeys to take 15 days to permit for extra acclimatization.
Trekking to Everest Base Camp requires good health. You spend a number of days at a sustained altitude of greater than 4000 meters (16,404 toes). Altitude illness is a real risk, it is very important take your time, keep hydrated, and take heed to your physique.
That is up within the air. As of April 1, 2023 the federal government states that each one excessive altititude treks require a information, however then after some backlash, they made an exception for the Everest area. However, we extremely advocate hiring guides and porters. You can trek the area your self carrying your individual packs and kit, however you may have a a lot better likelihood of constructing to base camp (and having fun with the expertise) in the event you rent guides.
And that may be a day-by-day breakdown of our expertise on the Mount Everest Base Camp Trek. If you intend forward and perceive what to anticipate on the EBC Trek, you’ll be certain to have an incredible journey.
It’s an expertise we’ll always remember and extremely advocate it to everybody. The Himalayan Mountains are probably the most lovely and religious place on earth and this journey will change your life.
Read More about journey to Nepal and issues to do in Kathmandu earlier than your trek
Dal Bhat {photograph} courtesy of Wikimedia – I don’t know why we by no means took a photograph of our Dal Bhat. We ate it practically day-after-day whereas trekking to Everest Base Camp. You’ll both be taught to find it irresistible or despise it.
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