.....for the admirers of nature....
info@natureloverstrek.com
Everest base camp trekking is the most popular trekking in Nepal, done by thousands of visitors annually. Everest's elegance and beauty cannot be described in words only. Mount Everest or Sagarmatha (in local) or Chomolungma (in Tibetan), standing tall and proud, is the most fantastic thing on the earth. The journey to its base camp is not an ordinary trek but extraordinary, nicknamed by many as steps to heaven.
An average country walk in the high hills and passes, which is primarily uphill, taking one to the typical Sherpa villages enriched with Buddhist religion and culture is sure to enchant you from the day you step into the Everest (Khumbu) region. The chilly alpine climate in the Everest region requires you to be strong-willed and not afraid of a little bit of snow most of the time. However, the best time to travel to the Everest base camp is Feb – June and Sep - Nov.
There are many ways and routes to do Everest trekking depending upon the traveler’s requirements. Take the flight from/to Lukla if you have a short visit time, and get a helicopter back from Everest base camp to Lukla to make it shorter; if you have a long holiday duration, enjoy the trekking via Jiri. Either way, the Everest base camp is not far anymore and can be done any time of the year by anyone.
Please check our Flickr profile for the Everest Base Camp photographs.
Day 01:Fly to Lukla 2860m (140km/35mins) and trek to Phakding 2610m (7km/4hrs), Teahouse
Day 02:Trek to Namche Bazaar 3440m (7km/5hrs), Teahouse
Day 03:Rest day at Namche Bazaar for acclimatization, Teahouse
Day 04:Trek to Phortse 3840m (10km/5hrs), Teahouse
Day 05:Trek to Dingboche 4410m (13km/7hrs), Teahouse
Day 06:Rest and acclimatize in Dingboche, Teahouse
Day 07:Trek to Lobuche 4940m (8km/6hrs), Teahouse
Day 08:Trek to Gorakshep 5170m (5km/3.5hrs) and Everest Base Camp 5364m (7km/3.5hrs, round-trip), Teahouse
Day 09:Hike to Kala Patthar 5545 m (2.5km/3.5hrs, round-trip) and trek to Pheriche 4371m (10km/5hrs), Teahouse
Day 10:Trek back to Namche Bazaar (20km/7hrs) via Tengboche, Teahouse
Day 11:Trek back to Lukla (14km/7hrs), Teahouse
Day 12:Fly back to Kathmandu.
About Lukla: Lukla is a small town (more of a village) in the Everest / Khumbu region which is also the first village you will come across when you are traveling towards Everest base camp through Lukla airport (also known as Tenzing Hillary airport). It lies in Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality of Solukhumbu district. Lukla means ‘Place with abundant goats and sheep’; however only a few are found in the area nowadays. There are a variety of shops and lodges in Lukla to cater to travelers. Depending upon your preference, you can find rooms with a mere dollar to hundreds of dollars in this town. Good accommodations also mean you can enjoy the variety of food choices in Lukla. As trekkers and climbers start from this place onwards, you can also find many trekking and mountaineering supplies. Since everything must be brought from the cities in flight, things and supplies get a little expensive in Lukla (and it gets more and more expensive as you go higher). Namche Bazaar is only 14 km, and Kathmandu is 138 km by flight (367 km by road) from here. Lukla has cool summers and cold winters. There is high daytime temperature variation, and temperatures can even reach below freezing on some summer days. Lukla (2,860 meters) is a beautiful town below the high hills surrounded by dense forests.
About Phakding: Phakding (2,610 meters) is a moderately big village in the Khumbu region. It lies in the Dudh Koshi river valley just north of Lukla and South of Namche Bazaar. Often the main stopping point for trekkers and climbers, Phakding has many accommodations with various price ranges. It is only 8 km from Lukla and 7 km from Namche Bazaar. While trekking from Lukla, you will ascend little but descend for about 250 meters before arriving in Phakding. After about 3-5 hours of hike from Lukla, you will reach Phakding, crossing small villages like Cheplung, Thadokoshi, Ghat and Chhuthawa. There are also a few trekking shops here including a lovely popular bakery. The village is in fact, divided into two by the Dudh Koshi River, connected by a long suspension bridge. Both sides have many lodges to stay the night. Just above Phakding (on the North side) is a village called Rimijung (30 minutes hike from Phakding) with beautiful cultural & geographical landscapes, a few nunnery settlements, an ancient monastery and an excellent viewpoint known as Pangjung hill. If you have an extra day, you can also hike to the hilltop for panoramic mountain views, 4 hours hike from Phakding. If you’re lucky, you can also witness Himalayan Tahrs in Phakding, roaming on the hills on the opposite side across the river.
About Namche Bazaar / Bazar: After leaving Phakding village, you will pass through Toktok, Benkar, Chumowa, Monjo (Sagarmatha National Park entrance), Jorsale & 5 large suspension bridges, including the famous Hillary bridge; to arrive at Namche Bazaar. Just 14 km from Lukla and 7 km far from Phakding village, Namche Bazaar is a village or mostly a town situated at 3,440 meters above sea level. The main trading center and hub for the Khumbu region, this town is made up of hills, and people have settled here, building their houses on both sides and the center. More than 2500 people are living in 400+ households in Namche Bazaar, and the number is increasing yearly. On the west of Namche is Kongde Ri (6,187 meters), and to the east is Thamserku (6,623 meters). While on the North is Syangboche airport (3,750 meters; a non-operational airport), Khumjung and Khunde village, Khumbila peak (5,761 meters), etc. Nicknamed the Sherpa capital, and also the home to many renowned Sherpas, Namche Bazaar is the gateway to the high Khumbu Himalayas. Very popular as the acclimatizing stop for trekkers and mountaineers, Namche Bazaar has several lodges (catering to different sorts of visitors), bakeries, restaurants and cafes, internet cafes, trekking or souvenir shops and helipads. There are some clothing brand stores, ATMs and an Irish pub (the highest Irish pub in the world) down here. Every Saturday morning, a vibrant market is held in the center of the village. Little above the town on the right side lies the Sagarmatha national park headquarter and next to it is the Sherpa culture museum.
About Tengboche / Thyangboche: At an altitude of 3,867 meters, Tengboche village is a beautiful village and an essential stop for Everest trekkers. Most famous for the inlying Buddhist monastery, Tengboche monastery, the biggest of its type in the Khumbu region. Tengboche offers a panoramic vista of different mountains from all the corners, including Mount Everest, Ama Dablam, Taboche, Nuptse, Lhotse, Thamserku, Kangtega, Kongde Ri and more. The first summiteers of Mount Everest, Tenzing Norgay Sherpa and Edmund Hillary, were the inhabitants of this village sometimes. The expeditioners and trekkers visit the monastery in Tengboche to light the candles and seek the blessings of the Gods for a safe journey and good health. Lying on the top of a hill and medieval in appearance, this village is only 9 km away, both from Namche Bazaar (to the South) and Dingboche village (to the North). The trail from Namche Bazaar first crosses Dudh Koshi river in Phungi Thanga and goes uphill steeply to get to Tengoboche. You will also pass Kyangjuma and Tashinga villages en route to Tengboche from below. Between October and November, an interesting Mani Rimdu festival is held here, which consists of 19 days of meditation, puja ceremonies, blessing ceremonies and spectacular mask dances. There are no shops in the village but a few (4+) lodges and a bakery outside the monastery gate. The lodges are almost the same quality, but if you hike a bit further down (15-20 minutes) to Deboche, you can get better accommodations too. Pines, azaleas and colorful rhododendrons surround the village and the monastery.
About Dingboche: Another famous Sherpa village and a beautiful trekking stop, Dingboche village (4,410 meters) lie in Chukhung valley. Surrounded by the Himalayan giants from all around, this is a moderately big village with 20+ lodges offering rooms in different price categories. Most visitors usually spend two nights in Dingboche for acclimatization purposes. Imja River flows directly east of the village beneath Mount Ama Dablam, and a helipad is there just west of the river. There are internet cafes and also billiard parlors. A notable characteristic of Dingboche is the kilometers of stone walls, built using stones of different sizes that cover the entire valley. In earlier times, these stones were removed and piled up to plough the soil, eventually leading to the long walls today. While coming from Tengboche (and crossing Deboche, Pangboche and Shomare), this is favorable stop for trekkers compared to Pheriche on the other side over the hill because this place is sunny and less affected by the icy winds coming down from valleys above. It’s only 9 km from Tengboche and 8 km far from Lobuche village. While you’re in the village and acclimatizing, you don’t want to miss the opportunity to climb above Dingboche to Nangkartshang peak (5,083 meters). Only a couple of hours' hike from the village, you will see many beautiful mountains including mount Makalu, Island peak and Cho Oyu; no need to mention all the other mountains which can be seen in earlier days too. Another option is to hike to Chukhung village (east of Dingboche) and ultimately to Chukhung Ri (5,546 meters), a rocky peak like Kala Patthar, yet a bit more challenging to climb than the latter one.
About Lobuche: Lobuche is a small village very close to Mount Everest, named after the Lobuche peaks, towering above the village. It is either the second or last stop for the trekkers heading towards Everest base camp. Only 5 km from Gorakshep, 9 km from Pheriche, 10 km from Dingboche and finally 9 km from Everest Base Camp, Lobuche village is a beautiful place to spend the night. At an elevation of 4,940 meters, it lies near the foot of the Khumbu glacier. There are around ten lodges in Lobuche providing basic services and facilities to visitors. Therefore, you cannot expect better amenities in this place due to its remoteness and the harsh climate. You can marvel at the surrounding mountain panoramas from the viewpoint above or next to the village. Go for a little hike above the village, and you will be astonished by the views. Or you can also go towards the Khumbu glacier viewpoint to get a better look at the massive glacier and its surrounding beauty. After passing the Everest Memorial through Thugla pass, trekkers coming from the South reach Lobuche village. Also, from close to the same village, travelers divert their way towards Dzongla (4,830 meters) to summit Cho La Pass to enter into Gokyo valley (or vice versa). Totally dependent upon tourism (no agricultural fields), Lobuche village is also an important stop for visitors wishing to climb the nearby peaks or those coming down from Kongma La Pass (5,540 meters) via Chukhung.
About Gorakshep: The last yet most crucial village or settlement in the Khumbu region is Gorakshep (5,164 meters). This village sits on the edge next to the Khumbu glacier and Changri Shar glacier. Being covered by snow almost half the year, this village is not inhabited year-round. There are only a couple of lodges, and all of them are basic. Since the trekkers are not allowed to stay or camp in Everest base camp, they have to stay overnight in Gorakshep before going to the base camp or Kala Patthar (5,644 meters). There’s a helipad and also an internet connection in Gorakshep. Gorakshep means “dead ravens” because of the complete lack of vegetation in the area. Few visitors feel comfortable in this village because of the high altitude it lies in, so you have to be mentally prepared. Just being in the village makes you feel like you’re in heaven since the huge mountain giants will totally surround you. Mount Everest is not visible from here, so you have to climb either to Kala Patthar or towards Everest Base Camp (5,364 meters) to get a closer look at it. As Everest is not visible from base camp itself, your better choice is to climb Kala Patthar, the most famous vantage point in Nepal. A non-technical peak, a giant dune looming over the lakebed (as seen from Gorakshep and the surroundings), Kala Patthar is a difficult one to summit, taking some great effort and 2-3 hours of a strenuous hike. You must climb in the early morning or the late afternoon for stunning sunrise and sunset views. Gorakshep was the original Everest base camp in the earlier days, which was moved later to this position now, closer to Mount Everest and below the Khumbu icefall. Gorakshep to Everest base camp (4 km) is about 2-3 hours of a moderate hike through the rocks and moraines. Getting to the base camp is one of the best feats you can achieve since you’ll be standing right beneath the world’s highest, Mount Everest.
About Pheriche: At 4,371 meters above sea level, Pheriche village is an essential stop for trekkers and mountaineers in the Khumbu region. Above the Chola or Tsola river, Pheriche village is nestled beneath soaring Mount Taboche, the neighbor of Cholatse. A close neighbor to Dingboche village over the hills, Pheriche also has a small rudimentary hospital operated by the Himalayan Rescue Association (HRA). Therefore, it’s a relief and treatment center and another evacuation point in the Khumbu region. Long before, this village was simply a farming village mainly for growing potatoes and buckwheat and raising yaks, but due to the village men getting involved in tourism, it slowly changed to the stopover today. Nowadays, several teahouse lodges (15+) with various price ranges cater to visitors. Most people stop here after completing the Everest base camp trek; however, few people would like to stay here instead of Dingboche after crossing Pheriche pass (coming from the South side). On the North side of the village is the trail to Thugla and onwards. There is also a field full of cairns in memory of the fallen mountain climbers. Pheriche also has a lovely bakery and some good restaurants here. Pheriche is merely 1 km from Dingboche and about 4 km from Thugla. While coming from the North side (back from Everest base camp), from Thugla, you have to take the lower path to Pheriche instead of the upper path towards Dingboche. The Chola river flows into the Imja river just below Pheriche, which further flows into the Dudh Koshi river, right below Pangboche.
Day 01: Fly to Lukla 2860m and trek to Phakding 2610m 4hrs, BLD, Teahouse
Early morning, we will get to the airport to have a scenic flight to the most adventurous airport in the lap of the Himalayas, LUKLA. This short flight is so breathtaking (as well as a bit thrilling) that you feel you are already at the destination, but “NO,” the journey has just begun. The beverages are waiting for you when you touch down so you can talk about how the short flight has blown your mind. As in all games, the first steps are easy, so we trek slowly toward Phakding village. Well, the journey to find yourself begins now.
Day 02: Trek to Namche Bazaar 3440m 5hrs, BLD, Teahouse
On this day we will enter the World Heritage-listed ‘Sagarmatha National Park’. The walk follows the DUDH KOSHI River upstream, and crossing several bridges time and again, we will climb to the last town in the region called Namche Bazaar. Pass through beautiful villages like Toktok, Monjo, Benkar and Jorsale. In the midway, after crossing the Hillary bridge in Larja Dobhan, you will see the first view of Mount Everest from Topdanda. We will take a short hike and explore around after arriving in Namche Bazaar.
Day 03: Rest day at Namche Bazaar for acclimatization, BLD, Teahouse
Chilling day to enjoy the beautiful views of different mountain ranges. We will take a short uphill walk to the NATIONAL PARK HEADQUARTER, which is our magnificent viewpoint for Ama Dablam, Thamserku, Kangtega, Kwangde, Khumbila, Mt. Everest, Nuptse, Lhotse & many more peaks. More excursions will be done, like hiking up to Syangboche airport, Everest view hotel, Khumjung and Khunde to enjoy the panoramic Khumbu Himalayas once again.
Day 04: Trek to Phortse 3840m 5hrs, BLD, Teahouse
We know you cannot wait to get closer to Mount Everest. Claiming ourselves different than others, we would like our clients to experience more than others. That's why we choose less-traveled road to Phortse village (Going to Tengboche is what 99% of the trekkers do). Easy flat hill walk will be there for a couple of hours until Kyangjuma; then you go uphill until Mongla Danda, come down to Phortse Thanga and the final push to Phortse village.
Day 05: Trek to Dingboche 4410m 7hrs, BLD, Teahouse
We will leave the tree lines behind to reach an exposed area for the SUPERB VIEWS of Mount Ama Dablam and other peaks from up close. First, you will arrive in Pangboche (which has a route to Ama Dablam base camp), then Shomare and to Dingboche. Reasonably easy but a long day hike with little up and down. Dingboche is one of the main highlights of our journey where the mountain views are just extraordinary.
Day 06: Rest and acclimatize in Dingboche, BLD, Teahouse
OPT TO HIKE to Chukhung or Nangkartshang Peak on this acclimatizing day. As the altitude gains rapidly from here onward, we’d like you to take it slow and enjoyable. The way towards Chukhung is relatively easy and slightly up, which leads to Island peak and many other peak summits, also towards Kongma La pass. While the Nangkartshang peak trail goes straight up to the viewpoint from the village, which takes about 4-5 hours both ways.
Day 07: Trek to Lobuche 4940m 6hrs, BLD, Teahouse
The morning walk continues for an hour to Thugla, the summer pastures and meadows and continues toward the end of the Khumbu glacier. You will walk side by side with Mount Taboche and Cholatse until you arrive in Thugla or Dughla. You’ll find the stone monuments ON THE MEMORY of various mountaineers and climbers after completing Thugla pass at Everest Memorial. Continue towards Lobuche village, from where the MAGNIFICENT SUNSET can be observed.
Day 08: Trek to Gorakshep 5170m and Everest Base Camp 5364m 7hrs, BLD, Teahouse
Be prepared for the challenging yet wonderful trekking day through the once vast Gorakshep Lake. A couple of hours through the rocks and moraines, you will arrive in Gorakshep. With the gradual walking and rest, you’ll adjust to continuing to EVEREST BASE CAMP, the main highlight of our adventure. After some respite, continue for the base camp since you don't want to miss this opportunity of a lifetime. Even though the walk is strenuous for an hour or so, you will lose the fatigue after seeing Nuptse, Changtse, Khumbutse and Pumori from the base camp. Get surrounded by the Khumbu Himalayan giants once you're in the base camp. Congratulations!
Day 09: Hike to Kala Patthar 5545 m and trek to Pheriche 4371m 8hrs, BLD, Teahouse
It's time to conquer the highest point in our journey, which is also one of the best viewpoints in Nepal, Kala Patthar "black stone." You will see 360-degree view of the Khumbu Himalayas from the top. Shining bright and elegant, you will see the true beautiful face of Everest in the stone throw distance after hiking early to KALA PATTHAR. Though the walk is strenuous for two hours, it’s worth it since the view from the top is mesmerizing. Descend towards Pheriche for the overnight stop. Retrace the way back to Thugla and take a detour to Pheriche.
Day 10: Trek back to Namche Bazaar 7hrs via Tengboche, BLD, Teahouse
It’s time we start getting back to Lukla. This day we shall enjoy the panoramic mountain vistas once again but from the different routes than the one taken earlier, which is via Tengboche village and the monastery. Though most of the ways are downhill, we also climb at some points. While descending, with the swift downhill through the forests, look out for the colorful pheasants and mountain goats since it’s a UNIQUE AND RARE THING to be missed. We will again come down to Dudh Koshi Valley and ultimately to Namche Bazaar.
Day 11: Trek back to Lukla 7hrs, BLD, Teahouse
It was like yesterday since we began this journey, and we’ve already come to the FINAL DAY of our memorable adventure. Retrace the way back. After the rigorous experience for several days, we’ve come to the pleasant walking day to continue. We ultimately arrive at Lukla to spend the last night in the Everest region. Say goodbye to your local porters and enjoy the final night in the lap of the Khumbu Himalayas.
Day 12: Fly back to Kathmandu, B.
Say goodbye to the Everest/Khumbu region from your heart which has given you the best memory. We go to the airport early morning, after breakfast. Another short and fascinating flight to get BACK TO KATHMANDU. We go to the hotel and gather around for the last time to bid goodbye to each other. End of the journey. Thank you and NAMASTE.
Everest base camp trekking departs from Kathmandu as per our fixed departure dates. You can join any available fixed departure groups if you are a solo or small group traveler if you wish to when the trips cannot be customized.
But if you are in a private group, fixed departure dates are not suitable, so you need to choose your own dates and packages when you can customize the trek as per your travel needs. For further information, please kindly contact your friendly neighbor, Nature Lovers Treks and Tours.
You will be staying in the teahouse lodges or guesthouses during the trek.
Nature Lovers Treks and Tours has the best accommodation arrangement for you from the beginning to the end. After the tough walking day, everyone deserves the proper rest and the right ambience to relax and chill. Therefore, our choice of accommodation is the best for the trekking days. The rooms will be clean and comfy. As you can see, our entire accommodations will be on a twin-sharing basis, so you have to let us know if others; let’s say if you want triple or quadruple sharing or a double bed, etc. There will be an extra charge for the single supplement.
Company T-shirt
Nature Lovers Treks and Tours offers you complimentary company t-shirts.
Hydrating yourself is the most important thing to do during the trek. You should drink at least 3 liters of water every day or more. The main reason is to avoid altitude sickness and other health issues. Nature Lovers Treks and Tours provides water purification tablets or liquids to purify the water in the mountains. You can even buy mineral water or boiled water at an extra cost.
Nature Lovers Treks and Tours has the best guides and porters in the tourism industry. We can guarantee you that. Ask yourselves a question. What do you look for in a guide and a porter? Are they fully insured and are they paid well? Well, they are the staffs of Nature Lovers Treks and Tours, so they are hundred percent happy with their treatment by the company. They are experienced, licensed and knowledgeable in the field. They are well paid and fully insured for their journey as well as for the medicals.
Now, let’s talk about our backbones. The leader or a guide should have significant knowledge in climbing and trekking so that he can wonderfully and safely lead you, clearing any obstacles. Nature Lovers Treks and Tours can proudly say that our guides (climbing, assistant, trekking guide) are highly qualified for the role. They are thoroughly trained, experienced and licensed. They have undergone a lot of training to make themselves useful in various situations and make your journey smooth and pleasant.
Our guide knows the local areas, the cultures, the traditions and the lifestyles much more than anyone does. Some of the things they tell you might even be hard to find in the travel guidebooks. Depending upon the situation and weather conditions, the daily plans might change slightly; when this happens, they will inform you beforehand. You should always be flexible and ready to accommodate your guides’ instructions. Let them know if you have any health problems as well since they will act accordingly to the situation. Depending upon the group size, we will also provide you assistant guides and extra Sherpas if needed.
Our porters are always fully equipped with the gear they need. As per the company policy, they are always insured and thoroughly looked after. They are our backbone. We allow a maximum weight of 25/30 kg to be carried by one porter. They are the strongest in our group, with fewer communication skills. We also closely work with IPPG {International Porter Protection Group} and follow their ethics and guidelines.
Solo traveling in the Himalayas
We have had many solo travelers in the past. Nepal is totally safe to travel even in the Himalayas, even though you are alone. Whether a lone female or a male traveler, you can hike in the Himalayas doubtlessly with our experienced guide.
Nature Lovers Treks and Tours puts your safety as the top priority. We provide you with our comprehensive first aid medical kit bag and a professional team of guides and porters. We communicate with our field team members to keep track of your safety and concerns. We will monitor your entire journey and ensure you enjoy your trip at full scale. We are available 24/7 for your health and safety checks during the Everest base camp trek.
Extra personal expenses during and after the trek
The clients are responsible for their personal expenses during or after the treks, like buying beverages and snacks, WiFi, doing laundry, buying souvenirs & personal equipment, tips for the field staffs, etc. Therefore, we recommend you bring extra cash (in dollars or euro, etc.) of about $300-500, and change it into Nepali Rupees since only NPR are accepted in most Nepali markets.
Shower during the trek
It's an important matter to discuss. After a day-end, you might feel like showering and getting fresh. It's a good idea on the lower altitudes, but if you're on the higher altitudes (more than 3500m), we recommend showering on intervals. People seem to catch a cold easily after showering, which can lead to altitude sickness. Teahouses in the lower elevation offer you a hot shower, but a bucket of hot water is provided in the upper elevation. They charge a little extra for the hot water bath ($3-6).
Laundry on the trail
Some teahouses offer laundry services, and you can use their service during the acclimatizing days. However, most of the lodges don't have laundry service, and you might have to either wash your clothes yourself or postpone until you arrive in Kathmandu. Please plan about it in advance.
We suggest you to keep an extra one or two days in your trek since we are taking domestic flights from/to Lukla. The weather in the mountains is unpredictable and can change drastically, so your flight can be delayed or, at worst, cancelled and postponed for the next day. Therefore, this goes to all the Everest base camp trekkers that extra (1 to 2) days are needed if you wish to take flights from/to Lukla.
How much does the cheap Everest base camp trekking cost?
The cost of the Everest base camp trek varies depending on the number of days you choose. The longer the trek, the more expensive it will become. Similarly, the price will differ with the accommodation choices also. Typically, Nature Lovers Treks and Tours offers a comprehensive package that is inclusive of all the costs and expenses for the entire journey. However, you could also choose to buy only a service-based package from us when we will provide you only the supporting field staff plus trekking permits, and you have to arrange the rest by yourselves.
Can I use my debit or credit cards during the trek?
In general, most places in Nepal don't accept the card payments as they are remote and of limited use to them. So, we recommend you withdraw cash before departing for the journey. ATMs will charge you minimal service fees for withdrawing money, and you will also get good exchange rates from the banks.
How is the Accommodation during the Everest base camp trek?
In the Everest base camp trek, we will provide you the teahouse accommodations. A teahouse is typically a mountain lodge, a combination of a lodge or a guest house and a restaurant or a café with basic furniture and interiors suitable for the social hangout. Many teahouses even have some attached bathrooms and a central heating furnace. Most of the teahouses provide European toilets these days, while Asian-style of toilets are available in every teahouse. Hot showers are available but at an extra cost. The same goes with hot drinking water since they use gas or solar to boil it. Sleeping blankets are usually provided, but we recommend you carry your sleeping bags for hygienic purpose {can be arranged on request}. At the same time, it’s better to have your own toiletries, including the towels.
What are the permits that I need for Everest base camp trekking?
For the Everest base camp trek, you will need to make two permits: Sagarmatha National Park Entrance fee {can be made in Nepal Tourism Board at Kathmandu or Monjo} and Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Entrance fee {obtained in Lukla}.
How does this tipping system in Nepal work, and do I have to tip?
Tipping is not compulsory for Everest base camp trekking however, tipping is all about showing your gratitude and appreciation. We care about our staff in the fields, so we expect you to look after them in return for them looking after you throughout your journey. They are your closest friend in the remotest parts and your protector whenever anything seems to happen to you. So tipping is highly expected. The amount of gratuities can be determined by you. Normally, a guide and a porter expect around $10 or more per day.
Can I charge my phones, batteries or other electronic devices in the Everest base camp trek?
You can easily charge your electronic devices during Everest base camp trek by paying small amount or fees for charging. Don’t forget to buy a plug adaptor or socket fittings before you leave Kathmandu. Mostly, all of the teahouses have power strips with different outlets. Either a C or D type of outlet is also suitable for this trek.
Is there WiFi and mobile signal on the Everest Base camp trek?
Everest base camp trek route has good mobile network coverage these days, thanks to Nepalese telecommunication companies called Ncell and NTC. You can buy one of these Sim cards from any local phone shop in Kathmandu. We shall provide you with one SIM for free if you need it.
WiFi is readily available on purchase in the Everest base camp trekking route. There are some internet cafes along the route where you can use WiFi to communicate with your loved ones which are comparatively cheaper than buying the WiFi packs. However, the signal varies from place to place and please don’t expect to receive the fast data coverage on the trek.
How much weight of luggage can I take during the trek?
Our porter is allowed to carry a maximum of 25 kg so, since 2 clients will share one porter, your combined weights shouldn't be more than 20kg. We care about our porters; he also has his personal belongings to carry.
You might have to carry your own backpack for the important things and your personal items. But please, only carry the essentials, and you will have to leave the rest of the unimportant items in the hotel's locker room or in our office store for free.
Is there any age limit for Everest base camp trek?
Not at all. Whether you're 5 years old or 85, you can trek as long as you can. Children seem to adapt to high altitudes faster than an adult. So, as long as you're willing to hike the Himalayas, you can hike no matter your age.
When is the best time to trek to Everest base camp?
Everest base camp trekking can be done throughout the year. However in average, Spring {March, April and May} and Autumn {September, October and November} are the best times or seasons to trek to Everest base camp. Spring and Autumn are the Peak or Busy season in Nepal. It’s because the temperature is moderate during these seasons, and the best panoramic mountain views are guaranteed while during other Summer {June, July and August} and Winter {December, January and February} seasons, the clear weather is not guaranteed. But if you are an explorer, a photographer and a peace lover, a less busy season can also be the right time to do Everest base camp trek. The problem is the weather is harsh cold in winter, and there’s snow everywhere, while the summer has rainfalls and clouds obscuring the mountains and the views are not so great most of the time.
Do I have to worry about altitude sickness in the Everest base camp trek?
The itinerary of our Everest base camp trekking is perfectly designed by Nature Lovers Treks and Tours. It has separated enough time in the places to let the body acclimatize well in high altitudes. As long as you follow the guide, you should be fine. Altitude sickness in fact, can affect anyone regardless of age or fitness level, so it is vital to walk slowly and gradually as you go higher. Learn more about Altitude Sickness to prepare yourselves for the upcoming Everest base camp trek.
Do I need to be healthy and physically fit for the Everest base camp trek?
When it comes to trekking in the mountains, the health and fitness of a person play a vital role. Suppose you are a healthy person without any serious medical problems, the Everest base camp trek is for you, but if you have any sort of medical issues, please consult your doctor before coming to Nepal for the trek. We will be gaining a high altitude of 5545 m above sea level, which is not a joke. People usually start to have breathing problems above 3000 meters from sea level, if they have pre-existing health conditions.
Regarding the fitness level required, the Everest base camp trek does not demand high physical fitness. The trekking includes daily walks of about 4-8 hours and involves many ascents and descents, which means you need at least some practice before you start the trekking journey. You will be traversing through the glaciers and high passes. If you do not have the previous trekking experience, that’s fine but obviously, if you have previous experience, it will be lot easier. For those not having previous trekking experiences, please exercise regularly for at least 2 months before your departure. Go for the morning walks, do some jogging as you get time, participate in some cycling activities, etc. This way, you will be good to go trekking to Everest base camp.
What food items or meals can I eat on the Everest base camp trek?
During the trek, you will have breakfast and dinner in the same teahouse where you spend the night, while the lunch will be served en route towards the next destination of the day. There are varieties of choices to choose from; Nepalese, Tibetan, Indian, Continental, etc.
The most common and highly recommended food during the Everest base camp trek is typical Nepali Dal Bhat {rice and lentil}; even better without meat, it means Nepali Vegetarian Dal Bhat. You can also eat other food items such as seasonal vegetables, noodles and spaghetti, pastas, pizzas and French fries, soups, etc. depending upon the availability. For the beverage, you can choose either warm, hot or cold beverages; soft drinks, beer and hard drinks. For breakfast, you can order cereals, bread, noodle soups, egg dishes, etc.
Do I need travel insurance for Everest base camp trekking?
Travel insurance is a must when you trek to Everest base camp. Therefore before you come to Nepal, please make sure you have your insurance documents with you since our insurance companies cannot insure foreign nationals. Because they cover all the expenses, if you face some unfortunate happenings and you have to be rescued or medically assisted during the trip or if your belongings are lost or stolen. We strongly advise you to take out an insurance which covers any medical risks up to 5500 meter and the medical evacuation from the mountains.
How do you take the remaining balance on arrival in Kathmandu? Do I need to pay you in cash or can I use my card?
On arrival in Kathmandu, you can pay the remaining balance in cash. We prefer to be paid in cash (it doesn't matter which currency) rather than by card. So, please bring the cash.
How big should my backpack be?
It all depends on what you wish to carry on your day pack. We recommend a backpack between 20-40 liters or roughly the size of a school bag.
If I have to use a restroom during the hike or trek, where can I use the bathroom?
You can easily access the restrooms of any teahouses on the trail. If it's urgent and you cannot find any teahouses around, you can always go off the path to ease yourself.
Can I leave my luggage in Kathmandu?
You can leave your excess stuff in Kathmandu. You can leave them in the hotel's locker room or in our office store for free.
What about extra days and nights in Kathmandu?
For any extra days and nights in Kathmandu which is outside of your schedule, you can let us know beforehand, and we can book the hotels for you and also other add-ons or activities as you may like. If you get extra days in Kathmandu after the trek under unforeseen circumstances, we shall work out the right solution for you.
What if I get sick or injured during the trek?
Like we said earlier, Nature Lovers Treks and Tours puts your safety as the top priority. Our professional team is always with you and monitoring you to ensure your wellness and safety. Our experienced and well-trained guide will use his skills in case of emergency, either if you get injured or get sick. If it's a symptom of altitude sickness or AMS, you will have to go down to the lower altitudes as fast as possible to regain your energy. You can always continue in the latter days or retreat as per your choice. In case of necessity, he will arrange the rescue helicopter for you to get quick medical attention in Kathmandu.
How cold is it during the Everest base camp trekking?
The places in the mountainous region are always cold, no matter which season or time. But the temperatures vary depending on the season and altitude. You can get more details about how hard it gets in here.
What gear and equipment do I need to pack for the Everest base camp trek?
Choosing the right gear and equipment is also important for the successful trek to Everest base camp. Pack the right gear and equipment but remember, packing as light as possible is the best way to go when trekking to Everest base camp. It will help if you read this What to take for travel to get all the details on what you need to pack or carry to get to Everest base camp and back.
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