Everest Base Camp Trek Difficulty Level
The 14 Days Itinerary of Everest Base Camp Trek in the Everest Region is a moderate trip. If you are someone trekking for the first time, especially on the Himalayan trail, then this trek can become difficult for you. You have to walk for around 5 to 6 hours at a minimum each day. The trail includes several ups & downs through the steep and rugged path as well. Good health and physical fitness are needed to go on this trek.
Are you worried that the Everest Base Camp Difficulty would ruin the overall experience? Don't worry; once you've gained a thorough understanding of the challenges you'll face, you can plan accordingly and tackle the trek challenges. Isn't it a waste of time to go on a trek if there aren't any obstacles to overcome? Overcoming the difficulty of the trip will make your walk even more memorable, and you will be more prepared for your next climb.
Permits needed for the Everest Base Camp
Our Everest Base Camp 14 Days package to the base camp region of the Everest trek requires two permits from the concerned authority. Everest Region has established a new permission system as a result of decentralization. A Trekker's Information Management System (TIMS) Card will no longer be required. The local government collects the Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Permit directly. This permit is not accessible in Kathmandu and is only available in Lukla. All additional licenses can be obtained at the Nepal Tourism Board's Kathmandu headquarters. The costs and processes for obtaining these permits vary.
Trekking in the stunning landscapes of Sagarmatha National Park requires a Sagarmatha National Park permit. The Nepal Tourism Board's office on Pradarshani Marg, Kathmandu, sells the Sagarmatha National Park Permit. Thamel may be reached in 30 minutes on foot. The Sagarmatha National Park Permit can also be obtained at Monjo. Monjo, a small town, serves as the park's entry. Trekkers who wish to trek the pristine foothills in the Everest Region must obtain a Sagarmatha National Park permit.
Best time to go on a trek to the Everest Base Camp
"Nepal for all seasons," the motto goes. Trekking in Nepal is always favorable for trekkers, as it is possible to trek to the base camp at any time of year. However, the most preferable time to go on EBC Trek is in spring and autumn. The weather is more stable and moderate, which makes the journey joyful. March, April and May falls under spring, whereas October to November falls under autumn. You can also go on trekking in winter, however, the extreme cold will not be a good choice for most trekkers. You can get the best experience at the Base Camp Trek in October and the EBC Trek in November for great shots of the Himalayas.
Weather in the Everest Region including the Everest Base Camp
Seasons affect the weather and climate of the Base Camp. Thus, we categorize the weather and surroundings into four seasons: spring, monsoon, autumn, and winter. The weather is pleasant and dry in the spring (March to May). The visibility is excellent, making this the best trekking season for Everest. Similarly, rain keeps the path wet during the monsoon season (June to August). Because of patches of cloud, vision is also hazy. Hence, we do not advise trekking during the monsoon season. However, it is still doable.
The trek is also best done in the autumn (September to November). The weather is dry and bright, and visibility is excellent at this time. The winter months (December, January and February are extremely chilly. The walkway is covered in snow, making walking difficult. Expect the mountains to be cold. On the top, it's always frigid. The weather becomes windy in the afternoon, with heavy breezes. Trekking is still possible in Nepal during the early or late winter.
Length of the Everest Base Camp Trekking
The Everest base camp trek 14 days is 130 kilometers long, or roughly 80 miles, from Lukla to Kathmandu. Similarly, starting from Namche Bazaar and returning is 51.2 kilometers. In addition, the journey from Kathmandu to Everest Base Camp is approximately 153 kilometers in a straight line. It's also a long, classic, and well-known trekking excursion. The trek will take you to Mt. Everest's foothills, passing via many Sherpa settlements and natural heritage locations.
You will finish in two weeks with Outfitter Nepal, with two days set aside as acclimatization days in the itinerary. The average daily walking distance is 12–15 kilometers, with a time commitment of 5-7 hours.
Lukla is the beginning point for the trek. We fly from Kathmandu to Lukla early in the morning because flying in the afternoon is difficult owing to strong winds. It takes about 30 minutes to go from Kathmandu to Lukla.
You will be met by a porter who will carry your luggage and a trekking guide for your journey once we arrive at Tenzing Hillary Airport, one of the world's most challenging high-altitude airports. Following your preparations, the guide will lead you on a journey to Phakding, which will take you along the Dudh Koshi River and through the alpine forest. It takes us three hours to trek from Lukla to Phakding, a distance of about eight kilometers.
That night, you'll spend the night in the finest guesthouse in the region. Take a break and enjoy the meal before your next day-long journey. After Phakding, we'll start our lengthy hiking days.
Outfitter Nepal is an Eco-friendly and Trustworthy Tour Company
Great adventures come with a lot of responsibility. As much as we want you to see the Himalayan range of the Everest region. We also want to ensure that its breathtaking grandeur is preserved for future generations. As a traveler, you can also do a variety of things, including utilizing environmentally friendly items and not throwing litter on the route so that the aesthetic of the Everest region is not hampered.
We take great pride in being an eco-friendly trekking company. We make sure that the trekkers taking our Everest trekking do not litter around the trekking trail. We also try to minimize our carbon footprint and go as local as possible to reduce our carbon footprint.
As a responsible traveler, you get to do things like reusable water bottles, buying souvenirs from local businesses, volunteering, and trying out Nepali brands for trekking apparel and gear, among other things that can help you be more eco-friendly during trekking to the base camp.
Preparing Yourself for the Everest Base Camp Journey
Treks to Everest Base Camp are strenuous. Though anyone in good health can accomplish this journey, the fitter you are, the more enjoyable it will be. Thus, we encourage you participate in stamina-building exercises a few weeks before your excursion. Swimming, cycling, and jogging are all options. It's also a good idea to go on short hikes that last between six and eight hours.
Because Everest Base Camp Hikes take place at such high altitudes, you'll need to bring suitable clothing, footwear, and other gear. Remember to bring a good camera because you will be seeing some of the most extreme and thrilling high-altitude terrain, which you may want to photograph.
What kind of Trekking Arrangements do We Provide?
We operate solo, private as well as group departures to the Everest region. Trekking to Everest Base Camp on your own can be a very delightful experience that offers complete privacy, freedom, and even cost-effectiveness. We are okay with however you would want to trek!
We have set departure dates for your trekking to the Everest Base Camp in 2024, and 2025. If you have a group, you can join one of our groups or create a private trek.
Similarly, for those who want to trek at their speed, we also offer a solo journey to the Base Camp on Everest. The price we offer for the trek is only valid for our set departure dates. If you alter the trek itinerary, the price will change. Anything that works for you.
Food during the Everest Base Camp Trek
Because we'll be trekking at great altitudes around the world's highest peak, your body will require plenty of carbohydrates and proteins. The meals we give on this trek are easy and hygienic! We encourage having local foods and delicacies since it is way more hygienic. Better than having frozen foods that take days to transport to the trails.
We handpick the best hotels/lodges/restaurants, ensuring that the cuisine is fresh, clean, delicious, and nutritional. We recommend Dal Bhat, a Nepalese dish that feeds your body with sufficient carbohydrates and protein. The lentils, beans, and pulses soup will provide you with ample protein. Syakpa, also called Sherpa stew is also quite popular! Seasonal veggies will be served in the guest's home as well, supplying your body with additional nutrients.
If you give them a chance, you can try other menu items such as Momo (Dumplings), locally grown Barley, Buckwheat, Millet, and Corn Roti (Bread), noodles, sandwiches, bakery items, tea, coffee, and many more. Buckwheat, millet, and barley are high in fiber and nutritionally dense grains. Noodles, spaghetti, macaroni, pizza, lasagna, different curry, and fried rice are just a few examples of foods that may be made with basic preparation.
At high elevations, we highly recommend liquids such as green tea, lemon tea, hot lemon, ginger tea, and garlic soup (a necessity), as well as fresh vegetable items. Though there will be lots of non-vegetarian options, we will not encourage them because the meat in such establishments may not be as hygienic.
We strongly advise you to avoid dairy and cheese products, as well as alcoholic beverages, caffeinated beverages, and hot chocolates, as specialists’ advice against them on high-altitude treks.
Concerns about altitude sickness during the Everest Base Camp Trek
You should know how your body reacts to high altitude before you start your trek journey. When you start your trek to the Everest Base Camp, it's almost certain that you'll have one or more symptoms of altitude sickness, So, how can we Avoid Altitude Sickness at your Base Camp to Everest trek? The human body isn't designed to thrive at altitudes of 3000 meters or higher, and you'll notice that it craves more oxygen.
Headaches, a lack of appetite, difficulty sleeping, fuzzy vision, nausea, difficulty breathing, a high heart rate, and exhaustion are some of the symptoms. If these symptoms worsen or continue, it's best to take a day off or descend to a lower-altitude village until your body adjusts.
Note: This information is offered solely for educational purposes so that you are aware of what to expect before visiting the Everest Region. The Himalayan Rescue Association (HRA), based in Kathmandu, runs a primary hospital in Pheriche for basic therapy. It is suggested to seek medical attention at the hospital. It is the trekker's responsibility to do some research on altitude sickness and how to avoid it before traveling into the mountains.
Making Sure you are Safe during the Everest Base Camp Trekking
Trekking at high altitudes entails some inherent dangers. To make sure you are safe during the trekking, our guides have undergone extensive wilderness first-aid training. We have medical kits and other equipment on hand in case of an emergency. More so, at high elevations, we employ oximeters to continuously measure blood oxygen saturation to detect health anomalies.
For trekking in the Everest Region, altitude sickness is a prevalent problem. Make sure you do not skip acclimatization because your body needs time to adjust to the thin air. You must not disregard the indicators of altitude sickness. In such instances, helicopters are dispatched to transport you back to safety (funded by insurance).
We understand how challenging it is to navigate in a different place. Thus, we make sure to look after you from the time you arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport until you depart. You can reach out to us at any moment if you require assistance. We don't want you to feel helpless and alone in a completely different country. If you journey with us, you become a member of our global family, where we look out for one another.
Accommodation during the Everest Base Camp Trekking
We can also help you discover a premium hotel and teahouse within your budget. Our trekking package to the Base Camp of Everest, offers luxury and premium hotels and lodges in addition to affordable hotel and lodge accommodations. Comfortable mattresses with cushions, electric blankets, hot and cold showers, free Wi-Fi, and other features are available at the resort. The rooms are usually cozy and on twin sharing basis. There are a few pieces of furniture in the room, as well as a mattress, blanket, and pillow. If you're a solo trekker, we can manage separate rooms for you accordingly as well.
Things to Keep in Mind before you go on a Trekking to the Everest Base Camp:
If you cannot obtain Everest Base Camp Trekking equipment in your native country, do not despair; it is widely accessible for sale or rental in Kathmandu.
- Before entering Lukla, make sure you have done some research beforehand.
- Make sure to inform your guide if you have some prescribed medicines for any illness.
- Namche Bazaar is the penultimate stop on the Everest trek where an ATM can be used to withdraw money.
- During the trek, a fixed meal with a variety of foods is served. During the EBC trekking, however, it is recommended that you eat vegetarian and local Nepali food.
- Keep an eye out for signs of altitude sickness. If you detect any, speak with your trekking guide about taking precautions.
Everest Base Camp Trekking 14 Days Itinerary
Outfitter Nepal's EBC Trek Itinerary to the base camp is customizable and can be tailored to meet your specific needs. If you want to alter the itinerary of Base Camp to less or more days, we can manage a flexible itinerary arrangement for you. We can even organize your trek to the base camp on foot, followed by a helicopter ride back to Kathmandu.
Our standard package that takes you to the Everest Base Camp, however, it can be curated to meet your convenience! We can also arrange for a sightseeing excursion before or after your trekking adventure. Please note that by adding more traveling days, however, the length of the days has to be increased in the itinerary package! If you wish to travel to other touristic cities such as Pokhara, Chitwan or stay in Kathmandu for sightseeing for a few days, the length of days in the standard package would have to be extended from 14 days to any number of days you may wish to!
Thus, we recommend having a few days at hand if you wish to extend your travel to Nepal! The cost varies accordingly with the changes made in our standard Everest Base Camp Trek 14 Days Itinerary package in the Everest region. However, it’s a guarantee that you get the best available deal from Outfitter Nepal.
Fixed Departure for the Trek to Everest Base Camp
We have set our departure dates for the years 2024, 2025, and 2026 for your Trek. Hop into any of the departure dates and trek to the EBC with Outfitter Nepal! If any of the departure dates do not go in line with your schedule, please do not hesitate to contact us and we will make sure we fix a departure date at your convenience.
We have Everest base camp fixed Departure Trek dates for Group, Solo, and Private Trekkers and booking is open for 2024, and 2025. Likewise, if you’re a female traveler and you wish to get a departure date in any of the trekking categories that is, in a group, or solo in a private trekking group, we can also manage that for you!
Is Saftey for Female Trekkers?
If you are a single female trekker and you’d want to set a departure date for the Everest Base Camp journey solo or in a group or a private arrangement, then Outfitter Nepal is the best tour operator for you! We will make sure that you get the best services and your safety is our utmost priority. The cost for a group of 2-6 is US$ 1350, the cost for the group of 7-10 is US$ 1260 while for 13-24, the cost is US$ 1260. However, with customization, the cost of standard packages may vary accordingly! If you wish for solo trekking, the standard cost is US$ 1575.
Likewise, if you wish for a private room during trekking in the Everest Region, upgrade to deluxe rooms or want to customize a schedule that fits right for you, contact us! Select any of the departure dates and do not hesitate to contact us! The price varies depending on the alterations made to our standard Trek Itinerary package to the base camp. Outfitter Nepal ensures that you get the best deal possible!
Private Trekking:
If you are a group of more than two people and you wish to trek to the EBC trek together, Outfitter Nepal can manage that seamlessly for you! Likewise, if you are also a group of more than 10 people and want to go on the trek, we can readily manage a departure date for you!
The cost for a group of 2-6 is US$ 1280, the cost for the group of 7-10 is US$ 1195 while for 13-24, the cost is US$ 1100. However, with customization, the cost of standard packages may vary accordingly!
Select any of the departure dates below to plan your trekking journey with us. We can also customize your EBC Trekking Itinerary, especially for you!
This would mean that the cost of the trekking package varies according to the number of people in your private group. We can even set a departure date that fits your schedule! Select any of the departure dates below or customize a departure date by directly contacting us! We have guaranteed departure dates and we do not cancel on you!
The cost mentioned in this standard Everest Base Camp package can be customized and the cost can vary accordingly since this is a standard cost for 10 people. If you wish to extend your resting days, we can manage that for you as well! Select any departure dates mentioned below! It’s a guarantee that you get the best trekking experience with us!
Last-minute EBC trek bookings at Outfitter Nepal
Although it is best to reserve ahead of time, at Outfitter Nepal, we also provide a specific provision for last-minute bookings. We make every effort to run treks at all times of the year. We'll do our best for guaranteed last-minute arrangements. Make sure you arrive in Kathmandu at least one day before the start of the expedition. For further information, contact us at any time.
Things to keep in your mind while you’re on your Everest Base Camp Journey
- High-altitude areas are high-risk areas. Thus, do not embark on your journey alone. Travel with a companion or a guide at all times. It's because, in high-altitude areas, we never know what will happen and when.
- Don't enter any unauthorized areas. Stay on the path at all times.
- Acclimatization days can help you cope with rising elevations and avoid altitude sickness. Make sure you don't skip acclimatization days.
- Take care not to walk too quickly. Take your time. You may become tired quickly if you walk hastily. It's because we gain altitude as we get closer to Mt. Everest with each step. As a result, it may be harmful to your health.
- Leave no plastics or other trash on the hiking trail. Request that your guide disposes of it for you.
- Always show consideration for the people and have a nice demeanour.
- Do not transgress because you are enthralled by the high-altitude Mountains all around you. The sight of the world's tallest mountains right in front of them excites and delights everyone. Enjoy the journey, but stay away from dangerous places. Otherwise, it may put you in danger and jeopardize your Everest Base Camp adventure.
Travel Tips (just in case)
How is the Internet Services in Khumbu Region ?
In contrast to the Annapurna region, where WiFi is plentiful, the Everest region is lacking it. Wi-Fi is available in the larger cities of Namche and Lukla, but it may cost $1-$2 per device. An Everest Link prepaid internet card is required outside of Namche and Lukla. For 200 MB of internet, it can cost around 600 rupees ($6). This is available for purchase and usage in each of the guesthouses.
If you buy a SIM card in Kathmandu, you'll get a 4G service in Namche and an occasional 3G service in Tengboche. You can buy Ncell or Ntc prepaid SIM cards which won’t cost must but will provide you service until certain points! Phone networks are unavailable at higher elevations. As a result, the locals rely on the Internet services of Everest Link. Surprisingly, there is an NTC tower at Gorakshep, therefore calls can be made via NTC.
If you don't want to spend the money on them, inform your friends and family that you'll be without internet for the duration of your trek!!
ATM Services Availabilities
Namche Bazaar has the lone ATM on the entire journey for international trekkers!
However, Namche's ATMs are unpredictable, and they're frequently out of operation owing to power outages or just running out of cash. The ATMs also charge a withdrawal fee of 500 rupees ($5) and have a maximum withdrawal limit of 10,000 rupees ($100). The bottom line, and something to keep in mind before ascending the base camp, is that you should bring all of your money from Kathmandu!!
Charging Facilities in Everest Region
Throughout the trekking in the Everest Region, there is the availability of electricity. Hydroelectricity powers the lower areas, while solar energy powers the upper sections. You can charge your electronics at any time throughout the EBC trek, however, it will be an additional expense. And if you're not properly informed and prepared, you can find yourself spending a lot of money on these items.
Except in rooms with attached toilets or high-end hotels in the Everest Region, there are no charging outlets in other rooms. For charging electronics, the hotels feature shared charging facilities in the dining hall or near the front desk. Because there are a limited number of multi plugs, there will be a rivalry for sockets. Thus, we recommend getting power banks for your personal use.
How is the Tipping System
A tip is an established and respected way in Nepali society to express gratitude (Dhanyabad) for good service.
On the last day of the trek, the majority of our guests give tips. The amount you tip is totally up to you, and it may be more or less based on your impression of service quality, the length of your trip, your budget, and your appreciation for their efforts. However, it is recommended to tip at least 10% - 15% of your charge!
Luggage for Ebc Trekking
If you want to carry your luggage, make sure you don’t exceed more than 10kg for yourself. Pack things that are only necessary. If you are hiring our porter service, then the majority of your luggage will be carried by porters. One porter will be allocated to two persons, and the total weight of their luggage should not exceed 15 kg. We can additionally provide one porter per person if necessary.
Porters are only allowed to carry a total of 30kg, which is usually two 15kg bags. As a result, please be mindful of this when packing and keep your baggage weight to a minimum, further more about the trip packing list.
Personal Expenses
Keep some cash on hand in case you want to buy souvenirs, food, or drinks. Other costs, like travel insurance and international flight tickets, are not included in our package price. For further details, see our cost includes and exclusions section.
IMPORTANT: In Case of Lukla Flight Cancellations
Our EBC trek package is all about trekking. Thus, we highly recommend you keep 1 to 2 days at hand. This is because the weather in the Himalayas is highly unpredictable. Thus, due to bad weather, the Lukla flight may get delayed or even canceled. We would not want you to miss your flight back home! On top of that, with the leisure day in hand, you can even have a sightseeing day around the city! At Outfitter Nepal, we make sure you get the best sightseeing around the city and some adventure activities, such as a: mountain flight by plane or Bungy or Rafting, etc.
Sometimes flights get canceled after waiting a few hours at the airport because of the unpredictable weather conditions at Lukla. The chances of getting the next flight are pretty slim. In case of flight cancellations, we suggest:
Taking a Helicopter Flight
This is the best alternative because this is going to occur on a sharing basis making the cost to be only USD 600 - USD 700 per head!
Taking a Chartered Flight
You can also charter a helicopter flight while the whole of the flight costs you around USD 2700 - USD 3000!
Note: Some insurance policies will cover emergency flights, cancellations, or adjusting international travel rates if there is an issue. Before getting your travel insurance, make sure you understand all of the policies, terms, and restrictions. If you need to make a genuine claim on your insurance, Outfitter Nepal will be able to supply the necessary paperwork.
Alternatives to Everest Base Camp Trek
- With Outfitter Nepal, you have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to fulfill your dreams. The Everest trekking allows you to experience the fresh chilly breeze flowing from the world's tallest summit in real life.
- If you want to go above and beyond the ultimate journey, you can join the incredible base camp trek or take a Helicopter tour up to or from the base camp. It's simple to plan and customize your trip based on your price, length of stay, and preferences.
- If you prefer a 5-star hotel stay on your EBC Trek, we can offer a luxury Base Camp Trek as well. You can trek to the base camp and fly back from Everest to Kathmandu if you are short on time and wish to take a helicopter adventure above the mountains.
- The High passes trek, incorporates the high passes and also the Gokyo lakes, is also a possibility. We also offer Island Peak Climb following the EBC trek if you want to climb the 6000 meters peaks along the way. We follow the classic and most popular Everest Base Camp Trek 14 Days route in the trip packages as well. But if you want to extend your trekking days, there are Jiri to Base Camp Trek options as well!
Visa for Nepal
A tourist visa is required for the EBC Trek. You can also simply obtain an arrival visa upon arrival at Kathmandu's Tribhuvan International Airport. You can apply for a 30-day multiple-entry tourist visa. This will set you back US$ 50 (or the equivalent in your currency). Similarly, for US$135, you may obtain multiple-entry tourist visas valid for 90 days. Please remember to bring two passport-size photographs. Further more about Nepal Department of Immigration.