Everest Base Camp Trek - 14 Days

There is no strict age limit, but due to the trek's physical demands, it's generally recommended for individuals aged 16-70. However, with good health and fitness, older trekkers can complete the trek successfully.

The trek's popularity varies throughout the year. Peak seasons (March-May and September-November) are busier, while shoulder seasons (December, January, February, June, July, and August) offer a quieter experience.

The Everest Base Camp Trek offers stunning panoramic views of Mount Everest and other Himalayan peaks such as Mt. Lhotse (8,516m), Cho Oyu (8,201m), and Mt. Makalu (8,463m). Other attractions include Sagarmatha National Park, Lukla Airport, Kalapattar, Khumbu Glacier, and the base camp. We encourage you to visit local monasteries like the Tengboche Monastery on the way.

While it is technically possible, we recommend a short trek for those who are physically super fit. The standard trek duration is 14 days to allow for proper altitude adjustment. If you are in top physical condition, you can complete the Everest Base Camp trek in 10 days. Further, you can complete the Everest Base Camp tour in a day by helicopter.

You will likely catch your first glimpse of Mount Everest after entering Sagarmatha National Park before reaching Namche Bazaar.

The EBC Trek is considered a moderately challenging trek. While it doesn't require technical climbing skills, a good fitness level, and previous hiking experience are beneficial but not necessary. If you are not in good shape, you can prepare for the trek a few months before your departure date.

Yes, we also offer flexible and custom-tailored itineraries. You can customize your trek by adding extra days for acclimatization, including side trips, choosing different accommodation options, etc. You can contact us to customize your trek. 

On the Everest Base Camp trek, you'll experience Sherpa culture up close. You'll pass through traditional Sherpa villages like Namche Bazaar, Tengboche, and Khumjung, where you'll witness local customs, lifestyles, and their connection to the mountains. Visit monasteries like the famous Tengboche Monastery, where Buddhist rituals and prayers give you a glimpse into the spiritual side of the region. You can also interact with locals in tea houses, learning about their traditions, food, and history.

You will require two major permits for the Everest Base Camp trek:  Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit and  Khumbu Pashang Lhamu Rural Municipality permit.

We will arrange all the necessary papers required for the Everest Base Camp Trek for all our valuable customers so that you can enjoy the trek hassle-free.

Local communities benefit directly from tourism through employment and business opportunities. You'll see locals working as guides, porters, and tea house operators, providing vital services for trekkers. The income from these activities helps improve local infrastructure, healthcare, and education. Tourism also supports the sale of local crafts, such as Tibetan rugs and handmade clothing, boosting the economy.

You'll notice environmental challenges like waste management and deforestation along the trek. With the increase in foot traffic, managing human waste, plastic bottles, and litter is a major issue. The high demand for wood to heat tea houses also contributes to deforestation, threatening the local ecosystem. Melting glaciers and unpredictable weather patterns, driven by climate change, add another layer of concern, impacting both the environment and local communities.

By trekking in the Sagarmatha National Park, you're contributing to its conservation. Entry fees and tourism revenue help fund conservation efforts, including reforestation and wildlife protection projects. Many trekking companies and local organizations promote eco-friendly practices, encouraging you to reduce your environmental impact by using refillable water bottles and minimizing waste. Tourism awareness also brings attention to the need for sustainable development, making you a part of preserving the region for future generations.

The difficulty of the EBC trek varies depending on individual fitness levels. While challenging, with proper preparation, it should be achievable for most people.

While you can trek to EBC with normal fitness, the fitter you are, the more you will enjoy the trek. Hence, we advise you to engage in regular cardiovascular exercise (running, cycling, and swimming) and strength training (squats, push-ups, etc.)  to enhance your endurance and stamina.

Ideally, start training 2-3 months before the trek. The duration depends on your fitness level but aim for at least 3-4 hours of exercise per week.

Focus on improving cardiovascular fitness, building leg strength, and practicing with a backpack. You should pack appropriately and allocate a few days for acclimatization. If you trek with us, we will tell you what to pack.

The fundamental rule of acclimatization is you must ascend gradually, allowing your body time to adjust to reduced oxygen levels.

Daily walking distances vary, but you must be ready to hike 6-8 hours per day. Our trek package comes with days allocated for acclimatization as necessary.

Most nationalities can obtain a visa on arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu. For an on-arrival visa, you need a passport with at least 6 months of validity, a passport-size photo, and a visa application fee. The application fee depends on the length of stay. The current cost is USD 50 for 30 day stay. Please visit https://www.immigration.gov.np/en for details.

Yes, travel insurance is mandatory due to the inherent risks involved in the trek. We reserve the right to refuse your trek if you are not adequately insured.

You will need comprehensive travel insurance that should cover medical and helicopter evacuation costs at the highest trek altitude (5,550m). Please make sure to call your company and double-check if your insurance covers helicopter rescue. Do not just rely on what insurers say on their website.

Since 1st April 2023, the Nepal government has made it mandatory to have a guide/porter for the EBC trip.

All our guides have Nepal Government-authorized Trekking guide certificates. They come from the high Himalayas, are well-trained, and experienced, and have completed intensive wilderness first aid training.

The number depends on group size. Typically, we assign one porter for every two trekkers. However, if you need, we can also arrange one porter for you for an extra fee. We assign one guide for each team. However, for a group of more than 12 trekkers, we assign an assistant guide.

We assign one porter for every two trekkers. However, they will not carry more than 18 kg of luggage. Hence, we allow 9 kg of luggage for each trekker. We also expect you to carry a daypack for personal items, such as valuables or items that you frequently require.

Tipping is accepted in Nepali culture and is a way to thank for the service. However, tipping is at your discretion.

From April 2023, solo trek to Everest Base Camp has been prohibited by the Nepal Government.

We provide accommodations in the best possible lodges in the trek regions. You will be staying in standard rooms (twin sharing basis).

Wi-Fi is available in most teahouses/lodges, but you need to pay an extra fee to use it.

Trek regions have electricity. You can recharge your electronics in the tea houses/lodges where you will be staying. However, you might need to pay a fee to use this service.

You can take showers in the lodges/tea houses where you are staying. However, you may need to pay for the hot water to enjoy hot showers.

Yes. You can take hot showers during the trek, but it will cost you extra.

Trek regions have limited health centers. Our guides carry basic first aid kits. In emergencies, we will arrange for a helicopter rescue (funded by insurance).

You can contact your family and friends from lodges/tea houses where you will be staying as they are internet-connected. You can buy a local SIM in Kathmandu, but based on the service provided, the signals may be weak in high altitudes. Our office remains in contact with all trek teams at least once a day.

Yes, basic toilet facilities are available, but hygiene standards can be low.

Kathmandu offers a wide range of accommodation options from budget guesthouses to luxury hotels to fit your tastes and budget. Please remember the accommodations at Kathmandu are not a part of the package.

Yes. Both vegetarian and vegan options are available. In fact, we do not recommend you eat non-veg food in trek regions due to hygiene concerns.

You can get both Nepali and Western cuisines in the trek regions. We advise you to try Nepali staple food (dal/lentils, bhat (rice), and curry (vegetables). Western foods such as burgers, pizza, and sandwiches are also available. 

You can buy packed water in trek regions, but for ecological reasons, some trek regions may not allow it. We advise you to bring a water bottle and buy boiled/filtered water from the tea houses. If you need, we can provide you with water purification pills. Please do not drink from the wells, taps, and rivers in trek regions, as water may not be potable.

Since the respiration rate at higher altitudes is higher, you must take more fluid. You can take lots of water, different teas (green tea, ginger tea), water, and hot lemon. Garlic soup is considered beneficial for avoiding altitude sickness.  Health experts advise trekkers to avoid alcohol, caffeine, and hot chocolates at high altitudes.

Spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November) offer the best weather conditions for trekking. During these seasons, the skies are clear, the temperatures are optimum, and the trek trails are in good condition. You can trek during summer (June, July, August), but due to the monsoon, the skies can be cloudy, and it rains heavily in the lower trek region. Winter treks are also possible, but the temperatures at high altitudes are low and the trails can be covered with heaps of snow.

Temperatures can drop significantly, especially at night, with winter lows reaching -20°C or colder.

EBC Trek does not require any immunization certificate. 

In order to avoid altitude sickness, you need to ascend gradually, walk at your own pace, acclimatize as needed, stay hydrated, avoid alcohol and caffeine, and if you feel altitude sickness symptoms, you need to descend. Our trek packages are well designed, keeping in mind acclimatization needs.

Diamox is often used to prevent altitude sickness. However, please consult your doctor about the use.

We recommend you pack a first aid kit with essentials like pain relievers, anti-diarrhea medication, and rehydration salts. Consult your doctor for specific needs. Our guides also carry a first aid kit.

Yes, altitude sickness is a possibility on the Everest Base Camp (EBC) Trek due to the high elevations. As you climb higher, the lower oxygen levels can affect anyone, no matter their age or fitness level. Symptoms might include headaches, dizziness, nausea, and shortness of breath. To reduce the chances of altitude sickness, it's important to acclimatize properly, drink plenty of water, and ascend at a slow, steady pace. Our trek plans have acclimatization days built in to help you adapt to the altitude safely.

To trek to Everest Base Camp, you should be in good health and have a decent level of physical fitness. The trek involves several days of hiking at high altitudes, which can be challenging. It's recommended to have a medical check-up before starting the trek to ensure that you don't have any conditions that could be aggravated by high altitude or strenuous exercise.

Are there medical facilities along the way?

Yes, there are basic medical facilities available along the Everest Base Camp Trek route, particularly in villages like Namche Bazaar and Pheriche. These facilities can handle minor health issues and altitude sickness symptoms. Some pharmacies and small clinics are also available. For more serious medical conditions, evacuation to a hospital in Kathmandu might be necessary. Our guides are equipped with first aid skills and are prepared to assist with minor medical issues or organize emergency evacuations if needed.

Yes, altitude sickness is a possibility on the Everest Base Camp (EBC) Trek due to the high elevations. As you climb higher, the lower oxygen levels can affect anyone, no matter their age or fitness level. Symptoms might include headaches, dizziness, nausea, and shortness of breath. To reduce the chances of altitude sickness, it's important to acclimatize properly, drink plenty of water, and hike at a steady pace. Our trek plans have acclimatization days built in to help you adapt to the altitude safely.

To trek to Everest Base Camp, you should be in good health and have a decent level of physical fitness. The trek involves several days of hiking at high altitudes, which can be challenging. It's recommended to have a medical check-up before starting the trek to ensure that you don't have any conditions, such as heart, lung, or blood diseases.

Yes, there are basic medical facilities available along the Everest Base Camp Trek route, particularly in villages like Namche Bazaar and Pheriche. These facilities can handle minor health issues and altitude sickness. For more serious medical conditions, evacuation to a hospital in Kathmandu might be necessary. Our guides are equipped with first aid skills and are prepared to assist with minor medical issues or organize emergency evacuations if needed.

You can store your extra luggage at your hotel in Kathmandu or at our store for free. We provide free luggage storage to all our guests for the duration of the trek.

Lukla flights allow 10 kg of luggage and an extra 5 kg as hand-carry, making the luggage weight limit 15 kg.

We allow our porters to carry a maximum of 18 kilograms. They carry luggage for two trekkers. So, your luggage limit during the trek is 9 kg.

For the trek, you will need two bags. One large 80L durable, lockable, and water-resistant duffel bag for the porter to carry and another small duffle bag for yourself to carry valuables and things you will need frequently as you trek. We advise you to team up with another counterpart and pack both of your stuff in the larger pack for the porter.

Essential items include sturdy hiking boots, warm layered clothing, waterproof gear, a sleeping bag, trekking poles, sunglasses, sunscreen, and a hat. Please look at the equipment and gear section for more information.

A good quality backpack, trekking poles, water bottle, head torch, and camera are essential. You need to pack your items in two bags, one for the porter and one for yourself. Please carry valuables, electronics, and things you frequently require in the backpack you will be carrying.

You can bring clothes and equipment from your country. However, Kathmandu also offers numerous outdoor gear shops that sell essential trek clothes and accessories at moderate prices.

Yes, we do have a cancellation and refund policy. Please find it here - https://www.discoveryworldtrekking.com/terms-conditions.

We provide various ways for payment, including bank transfer, Western Union, Wise, or online payment on our website. Please note that we require 10 percent of the booking as an advance to confirm the booking. You can pay the rest of the amount when you arrive in Kathmandu, and you have various options, including cash, bank transfer, or credit cards.

Yes, travel insurance is mandatory for treks we organize. In addition to the health treatment costs, your insurance must include helicopter evacuation up to the highest trek altitude. Please make sure to call your company and double-check if your insurance covers emergency evacuation. This is necessary because there are no adequate health centers in the trek regions.

Only Nepalese Rupees (NPR) are accepted in the Everest Base Camp route. So you must exchange your major currencies (USD, Pound, Euro) in Kathmandu.

The exact amount will differ based on your spending habits, but we estimate you will need around 15 USD per trek day to cover hot/cold drinks, snacks, communications, etc.

Though there are ATMs in Lukla and Namche Bazaar, they cannot be completely relied upon. We advise you to exchange your currency in Kathmandu and carry Nepalese Rupees in trek regions.

Money exchange facilities are scarce. We recommend you exchange money in Kathmandu.

The trek is generally NOT suitable for children (under 16) due to altitude and physical demands.

Yes, booking in advance is preferred as there are limited flights to Lukla. In busy trek seasons, you might not get accommodations without prior arrangements, However, we also have a provision for last-minute bookings.

Yes, we take proper care of all our valuable clients. When you arrive at Kathmandu Airport, you will find our representative waiting for you with a pamphlet with your name on it. However, you must share your flight details with us to utilize this service.

During peak trek seasons (March, April, May, September, October, and November), the flight to Lukla will be from Ramechhap/Manthali instead of Kathmandu due to traffic congestion.  At other times, the flight will be from Kathmandu.

If flying to Lukla from Manthali Airport, we will pick you up from Kathmandu at around  12:30 a.m. and take you to Manthali on the scheduled departure date. The drive will take around five hours. Similarly, when you fly from Lukla to Manthali, we will drive you back to Kathmandu from Manthali.

The trek starts with a flight from Kathmandu or Manthali (based on seasons) to Lukla, from Lukla, you will trek to EBC and back.

Yes, we provide helicopter tours to the Everest Base camp as well. Please visit https://www.discoveryworldtrekking.com/trips/everest-helicopter-tour. 

We recommend you allocate an extra 2 / 3 days for the hike to account for unpredictable weather. In rough weather flights from Lukla to Kathmandu or vice versa get canceled. In such cases, the flight is automatically rescheduled for the next day possible.

If you have a very tight schedule, you can charter a helicopter to ensure you are on schedule for the trek or your flight back home. However, it will cost you around 550 USD extra, provided five persons share the cost. But, if the visibility is less than 1,500 meters, it is impossible to operate a helicopter, and we will reschedule the flight.