Everest Base Camp Trek – Ultimate Guide for 2023

Trekking to Everest Base Camp is completely different than different treks all over the world. 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-hotels) the place you possibly can cease for lunch, purchase provides, and have a bit of apple pie whereas surrounded by the best mountains on this planet.

Each hundred meters or so there’s a lodge, restaurant, or cluster of buildings making up a small village. The villages are gorgeous reminding us of one thing out of the Swiss Alps on steroids. Effectively-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-changing, it’s exhilarating, and it is challenging. We share everything you need to know from planning your trek to Everest to packing for your trip. This guide to the Everest Base Camp Trek breaks down each day. So sit back and take a journey with us through Nepal’s legendary Sagarmatha National Park.

Everest Base Camp Trek Itinerary

On the map, the Everest Base Camp trekking route distances look fairly easy to hike from village to village through the Khumbu Valley. Eight days may seem like it would be more than enough time to cover a mere 63 km (39 miles) one way, (128 km return) but with several sustained days in a row above 4000 meters (13,000 feet), the walk is slow and steady.

It is important not to push too fast to avoid altitude sickness which is a very real possibility. When trekking to Everest base camp, expect to hike anywhere from 7 – 17 km (4.5 – 10 miles) per day with the entire trek taking 12 – 14 days.

Hiring a Guide for the EBC Trek – Mandatory

Starting April 1, 2023, Nepal has banned solo trekking. Foreigners must hire a guide for treks in high-altitude trekking regions of national 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 updated article in the Kathmandu Post, it seems that the Everest Region is an exception. Earlier than reserving, we might verify with native corporations and authorities as guidelines are consistently altering.

Guide Domestically

Many individuals e book forward of time with a tour firm situated exterior of Nepal similar to Intrepid Journey or GAdventures, however we employed regionally and it saved some huge cash.

Plus, you realize 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 searching for a information to Everest and located Simrik Real Nepal owned by Kathmandu resident Dipendra Simkhada.

Dipendra deliberate the whole journey for us, and all we needed to do was look forward to him to choose us up at our guesthouse in Kathmandu to take us to the airport to board our Tara Air flight to Lukla Airport. Guide your Trek to Everest Base Camp with Simrik Real Nepal – A Domestically owned and operated tour firm, Simrik is situated in Kathmandu.

Kathmandu – The Hub of Nepal Treks

We spent a number of days in Kathmandu selecting up provides and doing a little sightseeing earlier than trekking to Everest. We propose 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 advice is while you arrive in Kathmandu, solely spend two to a few days to get your self organized and as an alternative do your sightseeing on the finish of your trek. Learn extra: Top Places to visit in Kathmandu, Nepal

Day 1: Fly from Lukla Trek to Pakhding

Flights to Lukla now not depart from Tribhuvan Worldwide Airport (Kathmandu Airport) in Kathmandu because of congestion. Flights at the moment are out of Ramechap airport which is a 4 1/2 hour drive from Kathmandu. You’ll be able to e book personal helicopters from Tribhuvan Worldwide Airport.

The flight from Ramechap airport is far shorter than the flight from Tribhuvan Worldwide Airport. Flights to Lukla are solely 12 minutes so extra flights can get by way of 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 one of the vital harmful on this planet. We flew from Kathmandu however flights now are a lot shorter from Ramechap. I feel I would love it higher as we sat on the entrance of the airplane and noticed the pilot’s devices consistently flash “impediment forward.” It appeared as if we had been about to crash right into a mountain at any time. Learn all about our flight to Lukla and watch the video here

Watch Us Fly to Lukla Airport

The Lukla airstrip at Lukla Airpot is a brief touchdown strip at solely 525 meters (1,729 ft lengthy.) Constructed on the facet of a mountain additionally it is a really steep grade that’s wanted to gradual the planes down shortly. For sure, we held our breath through the touchdown.

We survived that flight, but it surely was the flight again to Kathmandu I used to be nervous about. Taking off on that in need of a runway was a hair-raising expertise. One false transfer and we’d drop hundreds of ft into the valley under. Lukla Airport is definitely known as Tenzing Hillary Airport named after the primary two males to summit Mount Everest.

Mountain climbing from Lukla to Pakding

The trek begins formally in Lukla. Lukla is a busy city with loads of lodging, retailers, and eateries. Should you forgot something to your EBC trek, you possibly can decide up provides in a pinch. However we recommend buying all of your gear in Kathmandu. It’s 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 way of villages, crossing rivers, and stumbling over stony paths.

Getting into Sagarmatha Nationwide Park

A allow is required to hike to Everest Base Camp as it’s situated in Sagarmatha Nationwide Park. We checked in with the nationwide park headquarters and Dipendra took care of the whole lot. He had all our paperwork so as so all we needed to do was begin strolling by way of the attractive Khumbu Valley to make our method to Everest base camp.

Sagarmatha Nationwide Park has been a UNESCO World Heritage Web site since 1976. At 1148 sq. km (443 sq. miles) in space, it is likely one of the most beautiful places we’ve ever visited.

We felt giddy stepping by way of the welcome gates situated simply exterior 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 way of the Khumbu area surrounded by the Himalayas.

As we hiked out of Lukla, Dipendra identified the encircling jagged white peaks named Kwangde, Mumbu, and Kishumkongara. At 6000+ meters, (19,000+ ft) 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 ft) peaks.

Our first day was crammed with 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 stunning 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 comfy. Lukla to Pakding truly has an elevation loss, so it’s a good introduction to climbing by way of the area as we had a whole lot of downhill trekking.

After about 5 hours, we got here to our first night time on the trek the place we spent the night time in a snug teahouse within the village of Phakding.

Our First Evening on the EBC Trek

The lodging in Pakding was a quaint little lodge/teahouse that appeared like a cottage. The wood-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 comfy and Dave and I had personal rooms. Some excursions use dorm rooms however we had personal rooms. Bogs had been shared, however the whole lot was clear and cozy. 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

Through the EBC Trek, you don’t keep in tents. You keep in charming teahouses with cozy beds, wood-burning stoves, and totally 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 one of the vital memorable experiences of our lives. In case you are planning to trek to Everest Base Camp in Nepal, learn on for all the knowledge you’ll want that will help you put together.

The primary lodges of every teahouse we stayed in through the first half of our EBC trek had been cozy and heat. On the decrease elevations, woodstoves burned wooden within the eating room and customary areas and our rooms had been a snug 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 night time soaking within the wonderful day we simply had on the mountain.

• From Lukla – Elevation 2869 meters (9,350 ft)
• To Pakding – Elevation 2610 meters ( 8563 Ft)
• Size – 7.7 km (4.78 miles)
• Elevation loss – 79 meters (259 ft)
• Period – 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 additional passport photographs to enter the log. (So ensure you have additional passport photographs with you) As soon as we signed in, we had been formally within the Khumbu area and formally on our manner trekking to Everest Base Camp.

We lined a whole lot 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 but it surely was a memorable day.

Day two of the EBC trek was a hike of virtually 10km (6.2 miles) with an elevation acquire of 800 meters (2624 ft). However all through the hike, there was a whole lot of elevation loss combined in so it felt like much more.

We’d lose elevation as we descended into the valley solely to need to climb again up once more to the next elevation. Right now was a whole lot of enjoyable although as a result of we crossed a number of suspension bridges over Dudh Kosi River Valley.

Suspension Bridges on the way in which to Everest

When you have a concern of heights, crossing suspension bridges will not be your favourite second, however the suspension bridges whereas trekking to Everest Base Camp are properly constructed, manufactured from metal, and in wonderful situation.

I used to be nervous in regards to the suspension bridges. The Lonely Planet Guide mentioned, “Grit your enamel and climb onto a drooping suspension bridge floating at a dizzying top.” That sentence freaked me out.

I had constructed the suspension bridges of the EBC trek in my head as one thing monstrous. However by the point we reached the primary bridge, I questioned what all of the fuss was about. As soon as 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

Right now we additionally began to see a whole lot of donkeys, cows, and goats taking provides to the villages. Site visitors can get very heavy on the Everest Base Camp hike. When animal trains go by, make sure that to get out of their manner and keep to the facet.

They’re loaded down with heavy gear they usually have a mission to maintain on strolling till they’re performed. They’ll simply nudge you proper off the facet of a cliff as it doesn’t matter what is of their manner, they only preserve strolling.

The path is a freeway, however as an alternative of transport vans or trains carrying cargo, individuals and livestock carry the whole lot from lumber and constructing provides to meals and kitchen home equipment.

Security Recommendations on the Everest Base Camp Trek for yaks and donkeys

• Necessary Tip: When a yak, donkey, or cow practice 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’s higher to be squished right into a mountainside than to go tumbling over the sting!

Remaining Stretch to Namche Bazaar

Proper 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 2-hours straight uphill to Namche Bazar.

We had been drenched with sweat however the air was cool. Every time we stopped for a break, we might get a chill so we simply stored on chugging away.

Massive tour teams handed us shortly, solely to be caught a couple of minutes later as they rested. We understand that we had been the tortoise and they had been the hare! Sluggish and regular is the way in which 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 publish and cringed after we came upon that our lodge was an uphill stroll for an additional 20 minutes. Relaxation needed to wait a bit longer.

After 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 just a little strolling round city within the night to do some purchasing and seize a chew to eat earlier than delivering for an early night time.

There are many retailers 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 Ft)
Namche Bazaar – 3440 meters (11,286 ft)
Elevation Achieve – 830 meters (2723 ft)
Distance – 10km (6.2 Miles)
Period – 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 a superb 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 retailers. The streets are full of purchasing stalls and markets. We looked for gear that we missed getting in Kathmandu and bought some nice offers. We had been stunned the costs weren’t inflated at Namche Bazaar.

We purchased some down booties to maintain our ft heat at night time, a few sherpa hats, and a hotter set of gloves. The Everest Bakery was a spotlight with scrumptious apple pie, contemporary espresso, and WiFi. We had two items every!

However 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 ft). We already noticed a girl affected by altitude illness. She was having her blood stress taken and coronary heart price monitored and when she bought 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 calm down as a result of the times forward had been going to be powerful. So we went again to our teahouse to calm down and put together for the remainder of our journey

The Acclimatization Hike for EBC Trek

Most high-altitude treks have a minimum of one acclimation day. The Everest Base Camp trek is not any exception. An acclimatization day consists of climbing to the next altitude after which coming again right 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 can be consistently gaining altitude on the Everest Trek, it’s good to have a minimum of at some point to climb increased and sleep decrease to assist forestall altitude illness.

Our acclimation hike took us to the Everest View Lodge. With an elevation acquire of solely 400 meters, it wasn’t an excessive amount of increased than our lodge in Namche Bazaar, but it surely is sufficient to assist acclimate to the excessive altitudes. Everest View Lodge gives wonderful views of Mount Everest (therefore the title). Plus it holds the Guinness e book of world information as the best lodge on this planet.

It isn’t a straightforward time off although. Simply strolling by way of city takes your breath away. As we made our manner up the steps, I questioned if I ought to have simply stayed in mattress and skipped the point of view to calm down. After we began the climb I used to be respiration closely simply strolling up a number of flights of steps. We hadn’t even left Namche Bazaar and I used to be pooped!

As soon as we bought on the path, issues grew to become simpler. The steep grade gave method to a sloping path and I began to really feel higher. After one and a half hours of climbing, we reached what must be the world’s highest airstrip at 3700 meters (12,139 ft). We arrive simply in time to see a small airplane take off.

First Views of Mt. Everest

It was right here that we bought to see our first breathtaking views of Mt. Everest and the encircling 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 ft), 6027m (19,773 ft), and 7861m (25,790 ft) they’re the little sisters of this sacred mountain. Mount Everest stands at 8848 meters (27,716 ft).

The deep Khumbu valley views had been magnificent. The river wove far under, carving by way of the panorama of the white mountain tops. We walked a slim path snaking alongside the facet of a steep mountain and all of the sudden understand “this trek has turn into actual.” We had been excessive within the Himalayas and one false transfer might 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. All the pieces was so crisp and clear. Through the EBC trek, you are feeling as when you might attain out and contact heaven.

The clouds rolled in shortly so it was time to go. The climate situations change shortly on the Everest base camp hike, so it’s good to have the expertise of a information main us by way of all terrain and situations. We went again to Namche Bazaar to calm down and acquire energy for the remainder of the trek.

Namche Bazaar – Elevation – 3440 meters. (11246 ft)
Everest View Lodge – 3880 meters (12,730 ft.)
Elevation – Bounce of 440 meters (1443 ft)
Period – 3 hours return
Elevation Achieve – 0 km

Day 4 – Namche Bazaar to Tengboche

We awoke sooner than typical on Day 4. Two giant group treks (Intrepid Journey and G Adventures) had checked into our lodge and we didn’t wish to need to compete for service or breakfast. We additionally didn’t wish to have to attend in line for the toilet.

Lodges turn into increasingly more sparse as you go increased on the Everest Base Camp Trek and fewer bogs are shared between extra individuals. Up till now, we hadn’t encountered crowds of individuals. It had been fairly quiet on the mountain and we appreciated it that manner.

Fortunately, we had been a day forward of the opposite excursions. They needed to keep in Namche Bazaar for an additional 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

Throughout day 4 of the EBC trek, we hiked alongside trails clinging to the facet of the mountain. The slim trekking trails alongside this route had been just a little scary. They wound alongside the sting of the cliff with nothing however a sheer drop to the abyss into the Khumbu Valley. However 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’s 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 crucial 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’s 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 hundreds, set the ladders and ropes to cross the Hillary Step and Khumbu Icefield for mountain climbers, they usually maintain organising camp whereas climbers and trekkers catch their breath and attempt to survive life on the world’s highest peak.

Distinction Between a Sherpa and a Porter

Sherpas and porters are very completely different from each other. We discovered {that a} Sherpa is definitely the title of an ethnic group from Tibet. The unique mountaineers employed Sherpas as their guides within the Himalayas and the world has now adopted the title for porters within the Everest area. Should 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 instructed 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’s a whole lot of weight and we had been very stunned. When climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, porters had a compulsory weight restrict of 35kg. (77 kilos).

Dipendra instructed us that they receives a commission per kilo so some individuals push it too far. The Nepalese are a powerful bunch however this can be 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 attainable at round 22kg (48 kilos) for Sher and we even felt dangerous about that! Now 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, individuals had been pushing it properly past that.

We noticed males carrying stacks of plywood with heavy white sacks loaded on prime. We noticed males carrying propane tanks, doorways, and large packs. What might individuals presumably want on the EBC Trek that they packed their packs so full? Learn extra: Packing List for Everest Base Camp Trek

Approaching Tengboche

The ultimate push of our EBC Trek day 4 was to Tengboche Monastery. It was a troublesome but regular 2-hour steep climb. We at the moment are gaining altitude climbing above the tree line. We put our heads down and huffed and puffed our manner up. We didn’t cease for any photographs or movies and had been stunned to chop the climb right 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 whole afternoon to ourselves at 3900 meters (12795 ft). This is a wonderful place on the Everest Base Camp hike to have some additional time to calm down as there are a number of particular issues to see and do.

Tengboche Monastery

We warmed our ft 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 instructed us that that is an important 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 absorb the heat and blessings from the monks. It’s 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 stable stone in entrance of the monastery.  A spot the place he mediated and raced by way of the Himalayas using the wind along with his thoughts.

Apparently, he sat on this stone for therefore lengthy, his ft left their mark. He spent years touring the world by way of the facility of his thoughts and we imagine the story. Particularly 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 vast and opens as much as large rolling hills giving method to the best peaks on earth. Plus it has a transparent view of Mt. Everest and the encircling mountains.

We had been instructed 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 are able to perceive why.

Lodging – Primary Tea Homes at Larger 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 hearth warming our ft and bonding with our fellow trekkers over our shared expertise by candlelight.

There have been 10 of us staying on this teahouse. All are sharing electrical energy to cost our digicam 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 contemporary and common wooden is scarce, so yak dung it’s.

After we went to mattress, our room was freezing. Rooms aren’t heated at increased elevations. We had our personal room, however I generally surprise if sleeping in a dorm would have helped with extra physique warmth. The temperature simply dipped right down to -10 Celcius (14 levels Fahrenheit) and our plywood partitions didn’t supply a whole lot of comforts.

We tossed and turned all night time 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 news 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 all the time need to pee lots through the night time when sleeping at excessive altitudes so we visited that rest room lots.

Sizzling Tip: Pay for hots showers at decrease elevations You gained’t remorse it! We realized that we should always have paid the 250 Rupees for the new showers provided on the lodging in Namche Bazaar. Now that the climate was so chilly there was no manner we might face a bucket bathtub in a freezing shed. Dave and I set a brand new document in these mountains of Nepal, 9 days and not using a bathe!

Namche Bazaar – Elevation – 3440 meters. (11246 ft) above sea stage
Tengboche – 3860 meters (12664 ft)
Elevation Achieve – 420 meters (1378 ft)
Distance – 9.3 km (5.77 miles)
Period – 3 hours (with out stopping) 5 hours for photographs, 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 shortly on the Tengboche leg of the EBC Trek. However, we awoke to a winter wonderland of contemporary snow on the Tengboche Monastery and clear views of Lhotse peak.

The snow from the night time earlier than made for extra unimaginable views on the climbing trails. As we began out from the lodge, the sky was crisp and clear, displaying Mount Everest in all its glory. It was gorgeous, and in between gasping for air, we admired the view.

Right now we walked to increased 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 a minimum of 3000 meters. (9800 ft) They’re stunning.

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 best of manner with out letting them nudge us off the mountain.

As we mentioned earlier, it is very important give yaks house. They are going to run you proper off the mountain if you’re of their manner. Make sure you stand 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 giant teams of yaks carried big a great deal of climbing gear. It’s thrilling to assume 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 concern of heights I had left at the present time. Among the slim paths on the route dropped sharply into the deep valley under. Quickly 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 retailers, teahouses, and eating places alongside the route so we might purchase lunch alongside the way in which 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 way in which to the village of Dingboche. Her title was Yangshou and he or she 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 speak to everybody on the path whereas we plugged alongside. She’d fall far behind when she chatted with associates, solely to shortly catch us after which scoot by us with ease. She should have loved our firm as a result of we actually slowed her down. “Yangzhou, we are going to all the time bear in mind your smiling face!

We spent the night time within the village of Dingboche and wished that we had one other night time right here. It’s from right here that you will notice stunning views of Island Peak and Lhotse, however additionally it is a great spot for an additional acclimatization day.

Tengboche – 3860 meters (12664 ft) above sea stage
Dingboche – Elevation – 4410 meters. (14468 ft)
Elevation Achieve – 550 meters (1804 ft)
Distance – 10.8 km (6.71 miles)
Period – 3 hours (with out stopping) 5 hours for photographs, lunch, and relaxation.

Day 6 – Second Acclimatization Day at Dingboche

This can be a day that most individuals spend acclimating to the excessive altitude. We didn’t do that day, however it’s best to! So we’re together with it within the information as a result of it’s a essential day when trekking to Everest Base Camp. If we had been smarter, we might have spent 2 nights within the village of Dingboche the place we might spend a day climbing as much as Nagurjun Hill.

That is the most effective place for climbers trying to summit Everest, Ama Dablam (6812m), Lobuche peak (6,119 m), or Island Peak to do their acclimatization day. Dingboche is a small village within the Khumbu area with just a few visitor homes, so it’s a good time to calm down, replenish and rejuvenate for the following push.

If we had introduced our Lonely Planet Trekking in the Nepal Himalayas (which we forgot in Kathmandu and kicked ourselves about it on daily basis) we might have realized that we should always have taken an additional day to acclimate in Dingboche.

Dipendra was versatile so he would have simply added one other day onto our trek, we simply didn’t know any higher to ask about it. Fortunate for us, we felt robust, however different teams had been complaining of complications and dizziness.

In the long run, we want we spent the additional day right here. Some individuals even spend two days right here climbing to the encircling peaks. We did undergo after reaching base camp and I imagine that’s as a result of we didn’t spend time acclimatizing right here.

Had we stayed, we might have performed some gentle hikes to achieve altitude after which come again right down to relaxation at a decrease elevation. Many people who find themselves set to climb Island Peak or Kala Patthar keep right here for a number of days to get some apply climbs in.

Dingboche – Elevation – 4410 meters. (14468 ft) above sea stage
Nangkartshang Peak  – Altitude – 5050 meters (16568 ft)
Climb– 640 meters (2099 ft)
Distance – 10.8 km (6.71 miles)
Period – 4 hours
Elevation Achieve – 0

Day 7 – Dingboche to Lobuche

We walked with fellow trekkers we met at our guesthouse Martin and Richard from Slovakia through the morning hours. They carried their very own packs and after watching them wrestle, we had been pleased we employed a porter. (word: Beginning in April 2023, you possibly can now not trek independently in Nepal) They had been actually beginning to really feel the altitude and we finally left them behind.

We loved our day taking photographs of the gorgeous clear views of the Everest area. It could be just a little colder trekking in Nepal presently of 12 months (Early March), however the skies are clear and blue. After we got here throughout a small cluster of homes, we felt like we had entered the Kingdom of Middle Earth. Little Hobbit homes lined a valley with big peaks looming overhead.

We had a front-row seat to a few of the most breathtaking views on earth. A complete panorama of the mountains standing proudly overhead, reaching as much as the deepest blue sky that I’ve ever witnessed. The scene took our breath away. The mountains appeared extra imposing with every nook we turned and we couldn’t imagine that we had been fulfilling our dream of climbing to Everest.

We needed to knock on the door to see if Bilbo Baggins occurred to be in. Sadly, he wasn’t residence. I ended up singing Leonard Nimoy’s Ballad of Bilbo Baggins for the remainder of the day. A foul concept since I solely know a number of phrases.

Climate Circumstances

The wind picked up and we placed on our outer layers for the primary time. We had been grateful to have them as we staggered by way of the excessive gusts. Climate varies enormously within the Everest Area and earlier than you realize it you possibly can have inclement climate so be ready along with your layers. The solar might be shining one minute after which wind and clouds roll within the subsequent.

After lunch, we confronted fairly the scramble up a steep hill suffering from boulders. It appeared like a troublesome climb, however we moved with ease and shortly made it to the highest. The place we discovered our energy, I have no idea.

Sherpa Monuments

On the prime of the hill is a really shifting sight. A number of monuments and stupas are erected, honoring Sherpas and climbers which have misplaced their lives on Everest. The most notable of those is Babu Chiri Sherpa.

Babu Chiri Sherpa was the previous world document holder of the quickest ascent of Everest, essentially the most variety of ascents up the mountain, and the quickest back-to-back summits of two in lower than 2 weeks. He tragically misplaced his life on his eleventh try when he fell right into a crevasse.

It was a shifting expertise and a powerful reminder to not take issues flippantly on Everest, even if you’re solely trekking to Everest Base Camp. It’s nonetheless a severe trek.

Dingboche – Elevation – 4410 meters. (14468 ft) above sea stage
Lobuche  – Altitude – 4940 meters (16207 ft)
Elevation Achieve – 530 meters (1738 ft)
Distance – 17.6 km (10.9 miles)
Period – 4 to five hours

Day 8 – Morning – Lobuche to Gorak Shep

Day 8 on the Everest Base Camp Trek takes you to 5000 meters (16404 ft). How did we really feel at 5000 meters? Horrible. Earlier than coming into Nepal, I had been struggling for a number of weeks in India. The air pollution of Kathmandu didn’t assist and my congestion was worse once I began the climb. I assumed it will clear up within the contemporary air, but it surely intensified with every enhance in altitude.

Each morning my cough bought worse and my nostril was stuffed as much as the purpose of being insufferable. Right now, I felt the consequences of the congestion and couldn’t catch my breath. It didn’t assist that we had gone into such a excessive altitude. The air is skinny and chilly.

Dave suffered his first signs of altitude illness when reaching 5000 meters as properly. He had a slight case of diarrhea and wasn’t pleased about having to attend for the bathroom within the teahouses. I feel many individuals had been affected by the identical signs.

Our was a gradual climb to Gorak Shep. We stopped repeatedly to catch our breath and at this time we took extra breaks than typical. Fortunately it was solely a few hundred meters in elevation acquire so we made it to our visitor home in Gorek Shep by 12:30.

Lobuche  – Altitude – 4940 meters (16207 ft) above sea stage
Gorak Shep – 5164 meters (16942 ft) above sea stage
Elevation Achieve – 224 meters (734 ft)
Distance – 4.3 (2.6 miles)
Period – 4 Hours

Day 8 – Afternoon: Gorak Shep to Everest Base Camp

We took a break at Gorek Shep earlier than making out method to Everest Base Camp. We sat within the solar marveling at the truth that we made it this far. After consuming a hearty lunch of vegetarian Sherpa stew (Dal Bhat) on the terrace, (sure, we ate exterior within the heat solar above 5100 meters) we set out for Everest Base Camp. The solar was shining brightly and it was fairly nice exterior so we had been very excited.

We had been fortunate and had clear skies. Up till at this time, the clouds had rolled in by early afternoon on daily basis. Right now the solar shone and the skies had been blue till sundown. So, it was our excellent morning to make the push.

The trek to Base Camp from Gorak Shep is a straightforward one. It’s two hours of strolling with solely a small elevation acquire, and we made it with ease. That break for lunch actually helped our spirits.

Reaching Everest Base Camp

Folks can summit Mount Everest from Tibet, however the principle Everest Base Camp expedition route is in Nepal, and it’s busy when the season is in full swing. Even these climbing to the height of Mt Everest hike the route we took alongside the Everest Base Camp trek.

We arrived only a week or two earlier than the season, so it was nonetheless quiet on the mountain. In reality, we had been the one individuals at Base Camp that afternoon. We noticed one other group coming down on our manner up, however as soon as there we had all of it to ourselves. It was thrilling.

To succeed in Everest base camp, you’ll hike out from close by Gorak Shep after which hike again the identical day to spend the night time within the village. You don’t spend the night time at base camp.

Khumbu Glacier

The Khumbu Glacier is the very first thing to become visible, and it’s unbelievable to assume that we are literally standing there. The Khumbu Glacier is the most important glacier in all of Nepal and is legendary for the Khumbu Icefall. This treacherous sheet of ice is essentially the most harmful impediment that climbers face when summiting Everest.

We witnessed an avalanche that reminded us simply how precarious the climb to Mount Everest is. It’s an intimidating sight and I can not think about having the braveness to cross that discipline of ice. Climbers stroll throughout ladders that shift and transfer because the ice is alive and consistently settling. It has taken many lives, and we had been pleased to take a look at it from afar.

With an elevation of 7600 meters at its supply, the Khumbu Glacier is the best glacier on this planet and the Khumbu Icefall is likely one of the most harmful parts of the climb to the summit of the world’s highest peak. We had been pleased to take a look at it from afar.

Everest Base Camp’s elevation is 5,364m (17,598 ft) so you’ll really feel the excessive altitude. However, you probably have taken your time it’s best to really feel fairly good. We had been at this elevation now for some time and stayed hydrated, so we might benefit from the expertise.

We stood at a rock lined with prayer flags saying that sure, we had made it to Mount Everest Base Camp at 5364 meters. We stayed for nearly an hour taking movies, celebrating, and snapping photographs. Should you can bear it, don’t rush the expertise, take it in and revel in each minute. This would be the solely time you’ll see it.

Trekking to Everest could also be extra thrilling later within the season when Everest expeditions are there, however we actually appreciated having base camp to ourselves. There wasn’t a soul on the mountain apart from the three of us. We stayed for nearly an hour taking movies, celebrating, snapping photographs, and marveling on the large Khumbu Glacier. Can it actually be true that we’re right here? It felt like a dream.

We completed our climb about two weeks earlier than the excessive season started and we wouldn’t have it another manner. We stood at a rock lined with prayer flags saying that sure, we had made it to Everest Base Camp.

When it’s excessive season, base camp is crammed with expeditions and tents spanning the valley. We solely noticed one expedition up to now. They might have been right here to climb Island Peak as base camp can also be a spot to acclimate for that peak.

We began to make our manner again to Gorak Shep from Everest Base Camp at about 3:30 pm. Although it was a straightforward trek again, there are slim paths atop excessive ledges and it simply so occurs that whereas we had been strolling again, an ice bridge broke off after I stepped on it leaving Dave with a sticky state of affairs of getting to take one big leap over a gorge. We made it again to Gorak Shep safely but it surely was a reminder simply how harmful the Himalayas might be.

Again to Gorak Shep

By the point we made it again to Gorak Shep, the thrill of reaching Everest base camp had worn off. We had reached our remaining vacation spot Base Camp, however there was nonetheless much more trekking to go.

We had been pleased to have seen it, however we had been exhausted. We felt the identical after we climbed Mount Kilimanjaro. The fun of reaching your vacation spot is over and there may be nothing extra to look ahead to, however there are nonetheless so many days to go.

That night time I had severe sinus congestion and felt like I used to be suffocating in my freezing mattress. It was fairly scary to already be in need of breath due to the altitude after which be utterly congested. I actually was terrified. Our information Dipendra introduced me scorching tea all night time and I slathered myself in Vicks Vaporub however nothing helped me to breathe simpler.

I used to be afraid as we had the Gokyo Lake trek forward by way of the Cho La Cross. We had been additionally planning to trek as much as Kala Pattar for the most effective views of Everest within the morning. I hope I might make it however I used to be additionally dreading the day forward. I barely slept a wink however I lastly drifted right into a not-so-peaceful slumber.

Gorak Shep – 5164 meters (16942 ft) above sea stage
Everest Base Camp Elevation – 5,364m (17,598 ft) above sea stage
Elevation Achieve – 200 meters (656 ft)
Distance – 3.5 km a method (2.1 miles)
Period – Three Hours Spherical Journey

Different Gokyo Lake Through Cho La Cross

The following morning after a horrible night time, we gave up our plans of climbing Kala Patthar after which on to the Gokyo Lakes and Cho La Cross trek. Although I wasn’t feeling dizzy, nauseous, or lightheaded anymore, the sinus congestion was actually attending to me. At altitude a chilly can flip severe shortly, you simply can’t take an opportunity when altitude is concerned.

However, if we had been going to trek on, this may be the following cease. It’s speculated to be stunning and if you’re feeling as much as it, we extremely advocate it. This makes the trek rather more fascinating as you get to take a unique manner again to Lukla.

Cho La Cross: Altitude 5420 meters (17,782 ft)
Gokyo Ri: 5357 Meters (17,575 ft)
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 provides the most effective views of Everest and is a must-stop on anybody’s Everest Base Camp trekking route. We had deliberate to climb to the summit of Kala Patthar, however my congestion was so dangerous, that we determined it was safer to get to a decrease elevation shortly.

Kala Patthar is a fast two-hour trek so as to add to your descent again to Lukla. It’s a good possibility if you’re feeling up for it because it provides a fantastic view of Mt. Everest. Make sure that to begin early morning earlier than daybreak as there may be nonetheless a protracted day of trekking after summiting Kala Pattar. Plan on one other 5 – 6 hours to your subsequent in a single day cease at Pheriche.

Kala Patthar to Pheriche – Afternoon

By the point you attain your lodging at Periche, you ought to be feeling lots higher. Dave and I discover that we’re advantageous within the 4000-meter ranges of altitude and expertise only a few signs of altitude illness. It’s at 5000 meters and above that, we begin to really feel our signs. Periche is a way more manageable 4371 meters.

Kala Pattar: 5643 metres
Pheriche: 4371 Meters
Altitude Loss: 1272

Days 10 to 11 – The Descent from Everest Base Camp

It took us two days extra to trek again from Everest Base Camp to our remaining vacation spot on the EBC Trek. I began feeling higher on the second day because the dryness of the Everest base camp disappeared. My sinuses cleared and shortly I used to be respiration simply. I began to really feel responsible about turning round, however in hindsight, I do know it was the best alternative. You by no means wish to take an opportunity with altitude illness.

Although we had been heading down, there may be nonetheless a whole lot of altitude acquire because the EBC trek doesn’t repeatedly go downhill. I used to be feeling actually fatigued and we nonetheless had a troublesome couple of days forward of us. However realizing there was gentle on the finish of the tunnel made the whole lot simpler.

It takes a whole lot of psychological stamina to climb again down because the euphoria of reaching the Everest base camp has worn off, however we made essentially the most of it, by chatting with different trekkers and attending to know our guides higher.

Throughout our first rate we might truly take our time to odor the roses or ought to I say benefit from the trekking path that ran by way of the gorgeous rhododendron forest.

Rhododendrons are stunning flowering vegetation that bloom in several shades of pink, pink, white, and purple. The rhododendron forest is especially distinguished within the areas of Phakding, Namche Bazaar, Tengboche, and Dingboche which we actually didn’t discover till we made our manner down the mountains.

We adopted the route we got here up with, but it surely was a lot quicker and we stayed in several villages. The great thing about reserving organized journeys with an area information is that our information Dipendra knew the routes just like the again of his hand, so he might change lodging simply to go well with our pace.

Day 12 – Lukla

We had been again in Lukla early on day 12 of our EBC Trek and had a night booked in a visitor home right here to catch the primary flight from Lukla again to Kathmandu within the morning. As a lot as we beloved our journey to Everest, we had been excited to be shifting on to discover extra of Nepal.

The lodging was nice with a beautiful restaurant, scorching bathe, and heat and comfortable beds. It was an effective way to finish the journey.

Day 13 – Return To Kathmandu Flight from Lukla Airport

It is vitally vital to provide your self an additional cushion when reserving your return flight not solely residence from Kathmandu however from Lukla. We stayed in a single day in Lukla on the ultimate night time of our trek and booked a flight to Kathmandu for very first thing the following morning.

It isn’t unusual for flights to be canceled or delayed flying out of Lukla Airport. Climate situations change shortly. So give a little bit of a cushion when reserving your flight residence from Nepal after you’ve completed your trek to Everest Base Camp. Many a traveler has missed their connecting flights residence from Kathmandu due to delays in Lukla. It’s safer to plan to spend an evening or two in Kathmandu after your trek.

We had been delayed a whole day. Although we had been booked on the primary flight from Lukla, the climate made us wait till close to sundown. We had been the primary (and solely) flight out that day, so everybody else who was ready for his or her flights all day was caught one other night time.

It was a bumpy flight again to Kathmandu and we virtually wished that we didn’t make it on the flight. The turbulence was so dangerous, I used to be certain we had been going to drop out of the sky.

Everybody on the flight was silent as we had been tossed about dropping big quantities of elevation at a time. However we landed and we’ve by no means been so pleased to reach in Kathmandu. We kissed the bottom, grateful to have trekked to Everest Base Camp, however vowed to by no means do it once more.

Lodging – Tea Homes on Everest Base Camp

The primary lodges of every teahouse we stayed in through the first half of our journey had been cozy and heat. On the decrease elevations, woodstoves burned wooden within the eating room and customary areas and our rooms had been a snug temperature as we had been wrapped up in our sleeping baggage.

However as we ventured increased, the stoves had been much less plentiful and as an alternative of wooden, they burned yak dung. You heard me, Yak Dung. Wooden can’t burn in skinny air, in order that they use yak dung to warmth the teahouses at excessive elevations. Rooms aren’t heated so after we went to our rooms, we needed to put on hats, thick socks, puffy coats, and lengthy johns.

There have been charging stations on the lodging for electronics and we paid by the hour for electrical energy.

• We extremely advocate taking a conveyable USB charger to cost your individual electronics.
• We additionally used a photo voltaic USB charger that recharged through the day as we hiked.

Meals on Everest Base Camp

As a result of we booked an all-inclusive Everest Base Camp trek with Simrik Actual Nepal tour firm, all meals and snacks had been included with our lodging. Every night, hearty meals had been served that included pasta, rice, or Dal Bhat. Dal Bhat is the staple meals of Nepal consisting of lentils, greens, steamed rice, and curry.

For the primary few days, meat was served at meals, however as you climb increased, meals turned to vegetarian as it’s tougher to get the meat up the mountains.

Prayer Flags and Prayer Wheels – EBC Trek Etiquette

We noticed many prayer wheels, prayer flags, and prayer rocks (mani stones) all alongside the path to Everest. Everest is a sacred mountain and these monuments assist give luck to the climbers on the mountain. There are customs to be adopted when approaching prayer rocks or prayer wheels.

Methods to correctly trek round prayer Wheels and Prayer Rocks

• When approaching a prayer rock, it is very important stroll to the left of the prayer rocks (mani stones) in a clockwise path. The stone on the best means you’re on the “proper 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 Illness

Altitude Illness is a really actual risk on the EBC Trek. On common 3-5 individuals die every year doing the trek to Everest base camp. Make sure that to maintain a watch out for indicators of Acute Mountain Illness. Acute Mountain Illness is life-threatening and early signs embrace nausea, headache, and vomiting. It will possibly result in loss of life. The Finest method to alleviate signs is to go right down to a decrease elevation.

Should you begin to really feel dizzy, have a pounding headache, or when you begin to vomit go right down to a decrease altitude as shortly as attainable. Take your time climbing, keep hydrated, and hearken to your physique.

Drink loads of fluids, attempt to eat, and relaxation repeatedly. It’s higher to stroll slowly and steadily reasonably than speeding at excessive altitudes. And while you get to your lodging every day, calm down as a lot as attainable.

It may be harmful trekking to Everest Base Camp from falling off the mountain to succumbing to altitude illness. Some individuals have merely disappeared. Hiring a information is an efficient possibility (and now the one possibility) for security and it is rather vital to search for indicators of altitude-related illness.

However the Everest basecamp trek isn’t almost as harmful as climbing to the summit of Mt Everest. In 2019, 11 individuals 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 ft). We had been in need of breath and already feeling fatigued upon touchdown. So as an alternative of instantly beginning our trek, we had a scorching breakfast at one of many many eating places in Lukla.

Journey Insurance coverage for Everest Trek

We all the time journey with journey insurance coverage on our travels, however climbing to Everest Base Camp won’t be lined by common insurance coverage suppliers. It’s extremely beneficial 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’s a very actual risk of altitude illness and we knew of two people who wanted helicopter rescues throughout our trek.

World Nomads gives particular Everest Base Camp Insurance coverage. You’ll be able to verify them out to get a quote. I’d counsel a mixture of World Nomads journey insurance coverage and Medjet medical evacuation insurance coverage. No matter 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, you’ll want to make sure that to have journey interruption and journey cancellation insurance coverage in addition to misplaced baggage. This can be a journey of a lifetime, so ensure you have a backup plan.

Are you able to Trek Independently to Everest Base Camp?

Beginning April 1, 2023, Nepal has banned solo trekking. Foreigners should rent a information for treks in high-altitude trekking areas of nationwide parks. Based on the Kathmandu Put up in March, “solo or impartial trekkers need to mandatorily rent a information or a porter earlier than setting off to Nepal’s mountains.” Nonetheless, after an up to date article within the Kathmandu Put up, evidently the Everest Region is an exception. Earlier than reserving, we might verify with native corporations and authorities as guidelines are consistently altering.

Regardless, we beloved 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 way of the Simrik Real Nepal included return flights from Lukla, meals, lodging, guiding, and all permits and paperwork.
• We didn’t need to seek 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 may also share rooms on the EBC Trek
• We by no means apprehensive 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.

Prices for Everest Base Camp Trek

Costs can range enormously for trekking to Everest Base Camp. You’ll be able to contact Simrik Real Nepal for updated costs.

• Reserving with a world company can price from $1800 – $5000 USD
• Reserving with an area company and be wherever from $1400 – $2500

When is the Finest time to Trek to Base Camp?

The excessive season for treks is April to Might and October to November. We climbed in early March and felt that it was the proper time of the 12 months. The climate was stunning, the skies had been clear and the official climbing season hadn’t picked up but. So we had a whole lot of the mountain to ourselves. We had heard tales of how busy the path is, however presently of 12 months, it was fairly abandoned.

However every week and a half after our trek began as we made our manner again to Lukla, it was already busier. We noticed a whole lot 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 vital when trekking to Everest Base Camp. This can be a fast information for clothes however we wrote a complete packing guide for base camp here.

Make sure that to have a day pack to hold the vital gadgets and layers that you’ll want to your day of trekking for the whole trek. Your porter will carry the whole lot else.

• 2 quick drying long sleeved base layer shirts
• 2 trekking shirts quick sleeve
• 2 Thermal Base Layer – 2 leggings/2shirts
• 2 liner socks
• 3 pairs of woolen blend 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 repeatedly
• Steripen or Lifestraw – that is nice for purifying water
• Transportable USB Charger
• Primary First Support Equipment – A primary assist package is vital to have however your information, they are going to have one as properly.
• Heat sleeping bag. Should you don’t have a sleeping bag rated to under zero, we advocate renting one out of your guding firm.

Treats and Medicine

• Tang – I used to be glad we packed Tang for our water. It made it style higher, maintaining us well-hydrated. We didn’t actually wish to drink simply water, however the Tang (which we purchased in Kathmandu) was truly scrumptious. Gatorade or one other electrolyte-replenishing drink is a superb concept.
• Diamox – (You should purchase this in Kathmandu and not using a prescription) I extremely advocate utilizing Diamox tablets for altitude illness as properly. We met so many individuals affected by complications, dizziness, and fatigue they usually weren’t taking something. We’ve all the time used Diamox when climbing to altitude and it has labored fantastically for us.
• Chocolate – After we had been feeling in poor health, we had been pleased to have chocolate to eat. It was the one factor that we might eat at occasions.

Methods to Get Recent Water on An Everest Trek

We advocate two refillable water bottles per individual that may be refilled alongside the way in which. You’ll be able to refill wherever at no cost 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 overview right here.

You can too 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 Journey First Support Equipment here

Do You Want Climbing Expertise for Everest Base Camp Trek?

There is no such thing as a want for any technical climbing expertise to make it to Everest Base Camp. In case you are comparatively match, it is rather doable. However it’s a full two weeks at a sustained altitude of over 4000 meters.

We didn’t practice for our Everest Base Camp Trek however we had been to altitude earlier than and had spent a whole lot of time backpacking main as much as the months prior. It’s good to understand how your physique reacts to altitude. We recommended doing a few treks above 3000 meters (9000 ft) to see how your physique reacts.

Sizzling Ideas for Trekking to EBC

• Maintain your digicam batteries near your physique when not in use. The chilly and altitude actually eat up battery life, so you’ll want to preserve them heat for so long as you possibly can.
• Convey USD, ATM Charges are excessive and you’re restricted to the quantities you possibly can take out of the ATM, so have ISD to alternate as an alternative.
• 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 here.

Methods to Get to Everest Base Camp

There are day by day flights to Kathmandu Worldwide Airport from worldwide hubs all over the world.

Flights to Lukla now not depart from Tribhuvan Worldwide Airport (Kathmandu Airport) in Kathmandu because of congestion. Flights at the moment are out of Ramechap airport which is a 4 1/2 hour drive from Kathmandu. You’ll be able to e book personal helicopters from Tribhuvan Worldwide Airport.

The flight from Ramechap airport is far shorter than the flight from Tribhuvan Worldwide Airport. Flights to Lukla are solely 12 minutes so extra flights can get by way of when the climate is obvious making flights much less more likely to be canceled or delayed for too lengthy.

The place to Guide Your Everest Base Camp Trek

We booked our trek in Kathmandu with Native Information Dipendra of Simrik Real Nepal.  In case you are searching for an area information he is a wonderful alternative with almost 20 years of expertise within the mighty Himalayas.

Costs for the Everest base camp trek price can range relying on the place you e book. Group excursions booked in North America will cost extra. Starting from $1500 – $5000 USD

It can save you 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. Examine with Simrik Real Nepal for present costs.

How A lot to Tip Guides and Porters for an EBC Trek

Guides and porters in Nepal don’t make some huge cash and depend on tipping. After we take excursions of any form, we (ourselves) tip 15% – 20% however that is part of our tradition in North America, we’re fairly giant tippers and understand that others aren’t comfy with that. We’ve performed a whole lot of analysis and passed by what our tour corporations have recommended on different suggestions, what we really feel is a good tip and what the typical is throughout the web.

For tipping in Nepal we’ve damaged down the fee for a information and porter.

Information – Tipping – 10% – 15% of the overall price of the journey. We discover this the best to determine. Should you paid $2000 to your trek, the lead information ought to obtain $200 – $300

Information per day – Some counsel $10 – $15 per day per individual for guides – For a 14 day trek which means you’ll tip your information $140 – $210.

Porters per day – $5 – $10 per day per individual for porters. – $70 – $140 to your porter.

We like to begin at 15% of the overall price of our journeys to provide to the guides after which pay the porters a day by day payment of $10.

Should you can afford to trek to Everest Base Camp, it’s best to be capable of tip your guides and porters who’ve labored so laborious accordingly.

Each day Life within the Everest Area of Nepal

Whereas trekking to Everest we handed by way of many picturesque villages. The persons are pleasant and life goes on as it will in any group in Nepal. Folks do properly within the Khumbu Area they usually respect the excursions passing by way of as a result of the vacationers are what preserve them going. 

There’s electrical energy from the water that they harness from the Imja Khola River and Dudh Kosi River; two rivers that run by way of the trek. Additionally they have solar energy for electrical energy as properly. There are faculties, contemporary working water, televisions, a well being clinic, and bars.

That’s not to say that life is all roses. It’s a distant area of Nepal and it’s tough to get any provides in. Meals and tools have to be carried into villages on foot. Porters carry heavy hundreds on their backs and girls and kids additionally do the heavy lifting. All the pieces must be carted in by hand or by animals. Take a look at our tips for climbing to Base Camp

Incessantly Requested Questions

And that could be a day-by-day breakdown of our expertise on the Mount Everest Base Camp Trek. Should you plan forward and perceive what to anticipate on the EBC Trek, you can 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 essentially the most stunning and non secular place on earth and this journey will change your life.

Learn Extra 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 almost on daily basis whereas trekking to Everest Base Camp. You’ll both be taught to adore it or despise it.

• See different Nice Treks of the World