Mount Everest Base Camp Trek- Ultimate Guide

 Mount Everest Base Camp Trek (EBC) is a fantastic adventure that takes you to the World’s highest place, i.e., to the base camp of the World’s highest mountain, Mt Everest. Opting for this journey is a reason to rejoice! For many, it is one dream on their bucket list. Besides, Lonely Planet, the leading travel guide publisher in the World, has categorized Everest Base Camp Trek as the 4th best trek in the World.

We have come up with an ultimate guide to help you with the trek to Everest Base Camp (EBC) for 2021. This ultimate guide will discuss important topics like trip highlights, overview, activities, permits, trek difficulty, itinerary, packing list, food, accommodation, altitude sickness, things you should do, and things you should not do.

Table of Contents

• Mount Everest Base Camp Trek Highlights
• Activities involved in Mount Everest Base Camp Trip
  • Trek Permits
  • Organized Mount Everest Base Camp Trek for 2021
  • How do you get a tourist visa to Nepal?
• Mount Everest Base Camp Trek Elevation Map
• How hard is the trek to Mt. Everest Base Camp?
• Should I train for Everest Base Camp Trek?
• Best time to do Base Camp Hike
• Weather and climate at EBC
• Reasons to choose Mount Everest Base Camp Trek.
• Outline Itinerary for your EBC Trip
• Equipment and gears for Everest Base Camp Trek
• Mount Everest Base Camp Trek Cost
• Accommodation during Everest Base Camp Trek :
• Food during Hike to Mount Everest Base Camp
• Preventing Altitude Sickness during EBC Trekking
• Things not to do during Mount Everest Base Camp Trek
  • 10 Things you should know and follow before going on a Mount Everest Base Camp trek in 2021 post-COVID-19.
• Additional Information
• FAQ’s

Mount Everest Base Camp Trek Highlights

• Sightseeing tour to UNESCO listed heritage sites in Kathmandu.
• Walk to the base camp of the World’s highest peak, i.e., Mt. Everest.
• Everest Base Camp, the Top of the World
• Namche Bazaar, Everest View Hotel
• Tengboche Monastery
• Sherpa people, their culture and lifestyle
• The sunrise views and views of mountains from Kalapatthar
• Stunning views of mountains such as Mt. Everest, Mt. Lhotse, Mt. Makalu, Mt. Cho-Oyu, Mt. Ama Dablam, Mt. Nuptse, Mt. Thamserku, Mt. Tawache and many more

Activities involved in Mount Everest Base Camp Trip

Mount Everest Base Camp Trek is a core walking journey. After a scenic flight to Lukla, the gateway for Everest, you start your trekking journey. There are frequent difficulties in the trail to the Everest Base Camp. One should ascend through the path, and some days of the trek may include a lengthy walkthrough tiring trail. But it involves no technical climbing. Additional activities like helicopter tour, peak climbing, etc. are customizing the standard base camp itinerary.

Who on earth wouldn’t want to go to Everest? It allows you to dissolve into the raw appeal of the towering mountains in the Everest region such as Mt. Everest, Mt. Nuptse, Mt. Lhotse, Mt. Ama Dablam, Mt. Cho-Oyu, Mt. Tawache, Mt. Thamserku, and many more. Kalapatthar is a beautiful viewpoint that offers 360-degree views of mountains. A sunrise or sunset view from this place could be more magical. Besides, walkthrough Sagarmatha National Park and traditional Sherpa villages are a matter of delight. It is a fantastic experience to explore people, their life, culture, and tradition. You will wind up into the mystic beauty of colorful prayer flags, monasteries, chortens, and Buddhism religion prevalent in this region.

Trek Permits

You need the following permits to accomplish the Mt. Everest Base Camp Trek.

• Trekkers Information Management System (TIMS)
• Sagarmatha National Park Entry permit
• Pasang Lamu Rural Municipality fee

Organized Mount Everest Base Camp Trek for 2021

Heaven Himalaya, a government, registered local trekking agency, provides a 14-day trek to Everest Base Camp for 2021 from airport pickup/drop-off arrangement for accommodation/camping, hiring of guide/porter, booking of flights/buses / other transportations, etc.; Heaven Himalaya will assist you with many travel-related services.

Alternatives to Everest Base Camp Trek

• Everest Base Camp Luxury Trek – 16 days
• Everest Three Passes Trek – 20 days
• Everest Gokyo Lake Trek – 12 days
• Everest Base Camp Heli Trek – 12 days
• Everest Chola Pass Trek – 19 days
• Everest View Trek – 07 days

How do you get a tourist visa to Nepal?

You can easily get Nepalese tourist visas on arrival in Nepal. You can purchase a maximum of 90 days of a tourist visa for a fee at borders or Airports in Nepal. You will need to have a valid passport, two passport-sized photos, and visa fees. However, you can also fill an online application for a visa to Nepal. Further, refugees with a travel document and some nationals from the following country are not eligible for a visa on arrival.

Nigeria	Cameroon	Iraq
Ghana	Somalia	Palestine
Zimbabwe	Liberia	Afghanistan
Swaziland	Ethiopia	Syria

The citizens from the above nations should get a visa for a nearby embassy.

Related Article: Nepal Tourist Visa 

Mount Everest Base Camp Trek Elevation Map

How hard is the trek to Mt. Everest Base Camp?

We classify the trip to the base camp as a moderate level trek. One needs to walk for around six to seven hours on average for approximately twelve days. There are many difficulties in the trail. It requires no techniques or experience for the trek, but a previous experience may be an advantage. Walking is peaceful, but sustaining the rising elevation can be hard sometimes.

Should I train for Everest Base Camp Trek?

Training is not a compulsion for Mount Everest Base Camp Trek. But yes, a routine exercise like walks, aerobics may help you maintain your body stamina. It requires a level of stamina and endurance capacity for this trek. Walking to some hilly areas for a few weeks before trek might be helpful. Besides, you can work on your cardio and strength endurance at a gym center.

Although it’s not a mountaineering activity and any marathon run, it might be hard sometimes. Waking at high altitudes with a scant amount of oxygen can challenge you with no experience of trekking. So, Aerobic training can be helpful for you to walk at high altitudes with low oxygen.

We have the habit of not carrying any heavy bags unless it’s a long adventure journey. So, hiking to some nearby hills with a rucksack on your back for at least a week before the commencement of the EBC trip is commendable.

Furthermore, training for your Everest adventure depends on your health and physical fitness. Besides, mental preparation and a powerful will to go EBC hiking are what you need to have for your successful journey ahead.

Best time to do Base Camp Hike

The best time for Everest Base Camp Hiking in spring–March to May, and autumn–September to November. During this time, the weather is clear and dry. Winter is too cold while monsoon is wet. Even the visibility is unclear with patches of clouds in the sky.

Related article:  Best time for trekking in Nepal

Weather and climate at EBC

Weather and climate in Base Camp vary with seasons. We divide the weather condition and environment in EBC into four different seasons: spring, monsoon, autumn, and winter. During spring (March to May), the weather is warm and dry. Visibility is clear to make it a perfect trekking season for Everest. During the monsoon (June to August), the rain makes the path wet. Even the visibility is unclear because of patches of cloud. We do not recommend it to trek during the monsoon.

Autumn (September to November) is also a perfect time for the Everest Base Camp trek. During this time, the weather is dry, bright, and visibility is complete. Winter (December to February) is too cold. The path is full of snow that makes walking difficult. Do not expect mountains to be warm. It is always cold on the top. Afternoon, the weather gets windy with strong breezes. You can always watch current weather reports at Everest base camp here.

Reasons to choose Mount Everest Base Camp Trek.

There are many reasons to opt for Mt. Everest Base Camp Trekking. Besides, it is one of the best treks in Nepal for 2021.

• It takes you to the Everest Base Camp, the World’s highest mountain–Mt. Everest.
• It introduces you to the high altitude region and allows you to relish the mind-blowing beauty of mountains, glaciers, valleys, icefalls, and many more.
• The panoramic view of mountains such as Mt. Everest, Mt. Nuptse, Mt. Lhotse, Mt. Ama Dablam, Mt. Tawache, Mt. Thamserku, standing in a row like a row of thorns, is a picturesque view to entertain your eyes with.
• The rural landscapes, people, Buddhism, religion, and traditional Sherpa villages are a unique insight that makes Everest Base Camp Trek so special.
• Lonely Planet, a leading travel forum and travel guide publisher globally, has listed Everest base camp trek as the fourth-best trek in the world.

Outline Itinerary for your EBC Trip

Here’s a popular trekking itinerary by Heaven Himalaya for trekking to Everest Base Camp in 2021.

Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu

Day 2: Sightseeing tour in Kathmandu

Day 3: Fly to Lukla and trek to Phakding

Day 4: Trek to Namche

Day 5: Hike to Everest View Hotel

Day 6: Trek to Tengboche

Day 7: Trek to Dingboche

Day 8: Hike to Nagarjuna

Day 9: Trek to Lobuche

Day 10: Trek to Gorekshep and then to Everest Base Camp and back to Gorekshep

Day 11: Hike to Kalapattar and trek to Pheriche

Day 12: Trek back to Namche

Day 13: Trek back to Lukla

Day 14: Fly back to Kathmandu

Day 15: Reserve day in Kathmandu

Day 16: Departure day(Farewell)

Equipment and gears for Everest Base Camp Trek

Please refer to the following checklist for equipment and gears for Mt. Everest Base Camp Trek.

General checklist Sleeping bag rated to 0 degrees Duffel Bag Day pack Plastic bags – for collecting the dry rubbish items inside the bags to dispose of it in the rubbish bin later. Camping mattress Water bottles Hygiene kit Toiletries First Aid, Kit Toiletries One personal quick-drying towel (medium-sized) Small wash towel Toothbrush/toothpaste Multipurpose soap Deodorant Nail cutter Face and body moisturizer Compact mirror Tissue paper/ Toilet paper/ wet wipes First Aid Kit Bandage / Band-Aids for sprains Iodine or water purifier Antiseptic ointment for cuts and wounds Aspirin/paracetamol/general painkiller Oral rehydration salts Broad-spectrum antibiotic (norfloxacin or ciprofloxacin) Anti-diarrhea medication (antibiotic) Diamox (for altitude sickness), etc.

Clothing for trekking Light and expedition weight thermal tops Fleece jacket or pullover Fleece Wind-Stopper jacket Waterproof shell jacket Lightweight thermal gloves Underwear, socks, shorts Lightweight cotton long trousers/pants Waterproof shell trousers/pants Light and expedition weight thermal bottoms Sun hat or scarf Warm fleece hat or light balaclava T-shirts Thin, lightweight inner socks Sunglasses with UV protection Heavyweight gloves/ mittens with a waterproof shell outer Down vest and jacket Fleece or wool trousers/pants Trekking/Hiking boots with some spare laces Thick, warm wool hiking socks Footwear for around camp (running shoes or sandals) Gaiters Extras Binoculars Reading book Trail Map Guide book Notebook Pen Headlamp, spare bulbs & batteries Travel games like chess, backgammon, scrabble, etc.

Note: If you cannot find the above items in your home country, you can buy or rent every equipment to Mount Everest Base Camp Trek in Kathmandu’s streets.

Related Article: Recommend packing list and equipment for trekking in Nepal.

Mount Everest Base Camp Trek Cost

The total cost of Everest Base Camp Trekking includes the cost of trekking permits, TIM’s card, food, accommodation cost, transportation cost, flight to/ from Lukla, guide, and porter cost. The price may vary from USD 1250 to USD 3000 per person based on trek and accommodation type days. The value offered by a travel agency excludes visa fees, travel insurance, trekking equipment, and other personal expense costs.

Accommodation during Everest Base Camp Trek :

Accommodations during the Everest trek are straightforward and reasonable. Guesthouses/ lodges are available on the route, which offers the services of shelter and food. The accommodation is on a twin sharing basis where you will also need to share the washroom. The room and restrooms are clean and comfortable, but simple. They have all kinds of basic amenities like electricity, telephone, top-up, Wi-Fi, laundry, etc.

Food during Hike to Mount Everest Base Camp

Varieties of food are available within the fixed menu of the guesthouses/ lodges/ teahouses. For lunch and dinner, Nepali food, i.e., dal, bhat, tarkari, achar, is quickly and freshly available. We recommend it to have vegetarian food during the Mount Everest Base Camp trek. Options like momo, chowmein, pizza, burger, pasta, fried chicken, boiled vegetables, noodles, soup, etc. are also available at your preference. For breakfast, tea/coffee/ milk, bread, omelet, hot chocolate, hot lemon, apple pie, chocolate roll, etc. are available.

Preventing Altitude Sickness during EBC Trekking

We have the following tips to help you prevent altitude sickness during Everest Base Camp Trek.

• Ascend slowly and gradually. Do not rush on the trail. Maintain your average speed while walking.
• Proper acclimatization is vital to avoid altitude sickness.
• Avoid the intake of alcohol, tobacco, and cigarettes because these products’ consumption may decrease the water level in your body and make you feel tired and lethargic.
• Drink plenty of water
• Take plenty of healthy food
• Prepare your mind mentally for the trek.

Things not to do during Mount Everest Base Camp Trek

1. Do not trek alone. Always travel with a friend or a guide. We never know what might happen and when at the high altitude regions. High altitude regions are risky zones.
2. Avoid walking too fast. Take your time and stroll and gradually. Walking fast may tire you at once and make you unable to accomplish the journey. It may harm your health.
3. Do not skip days set for acclimatization. Acclimatization days are beneficial to cope with rising elevation and prevent you from altitude sickness.
4. Do not go to restricted areas. Always stay on the trail.
5. Don’t leave plastics and other wastes on the trekking trail. Ask your guide to dispose of it for you.
6. Always respect locals and behave pleasantly.
7. Don’t trespass in excitement, seeing the high altitude mountains around you. Everyone feels excited and happy to see the World high mountains right in front of you. Enjoy the adventure, but do not trespass on the risky areas. Otherwise, it may keep you at risk and ruin your trekking journey.

10 Things you should know and follow before going on a Mount Everest Base Camp trek in 2021 post-COVID-19.

COVID-19 has created chaos and insecurities worldwide; if you plan for an EBC hike after the COVID-19, then here are the things you should keep in mind while you are on the hiking journey.

1. Check your fitness level before you start the trekking journey. If you’re feeling dizzy, have difficulty breathing, cough, and sore throat, then please consult your doctors before you leave for the Everest adventure.
2. The villagers out there might think of you as the carrier of the virus, so avoid close distance and behave nicely. Don’t distribute your things like chocolates and others to them. It’s because they might get you wrong and think of you as the infected person.
3. Drink only boiled water to minimize the risk. Don’t drink directly from the tap, well, or rivers.
4. Carry alcohol-based sanitizer with you and use it time and often. But, if you are near fire, then don’t use sanitizers. Otherwise, your hand may catch fire because of it.
5. Don’t ask anyone to share things with you during the trip. Carry your items like water bottles, bags, clothes, or any other personal items.
6. Share your medical information with your trekking guide. Exercise enough and drink plenty of water and follow instructions carefully.
7. Always buy insurance before you go on the Mount Everest Base Camp Trek.
8. It has also reduced human activities around forts and forests, so there’s a high chance of encountering wild animals around forests and remote sections. It is better to be cautious and try avoiding off the beaten routes to Everest Base Camp.
9. Make sure the accommodation you will use is well sanitized to control the spread of the coronavirus.
10. If you are joining an unknown trekking group, you must have complete information about them and try your best to maintain close distance.

Additional Information

1. The last point of the trek where an ATM is available for collecting money is at Namche Bazaar.
2. Varieties of food within a fixed menu are available during the trek. However, it recommended opting for vegetarian and local Nepali food during the trek.
3. Be alert about the symptoms of altitude sickness. If you notice any, opt for preventive measures.
4. Trekking gears are readily available for sale or at rent in Kathmandu.

So, get ready to experience the thrill of being at the base camp of the world’s highest mountain, Mt. Everest! Heaven Himalaya is here to make your dream come true.

Book Now:  Luxury Mt. Everest Base Camp Trek

FAQ’s

1. How far is Mount Everest Base Camp?

The total walking distance from Lukla to Everest Base Camp and back is around 76 miles (122 kilometers)

2. It requires how many days for Everest Base Camp Trek?

A standard Everest Base Camp Trek is of 16 days. However, if you skip one day of sightseeing around Kathmandu and an acclimatization day during the trek, it can be accomplished in 14 days. However, skipping the acclimatization is risky, therefore, not recommended.

3. How are the lodges in the route?

The lodges in the route are clean and comfortable. The accommodation is on a twin sharing basis for sharing the bathroom. The lodges are not so luxurious but clean and comfortable with all the amenities.

4. Which currency is acceptable along the route?

The local currency, i.e., Nepalese rupees, is acceptable locally along the route. Also, USD is widely accepted.

5. Is the contingency day required?

Yes, it is wise to have a contingency day in your itinerary. It will help you in case of flight delays or any unforeseen circumstances like unpredictable weather.