Everest Base Camp Trek - 12 Days

There aren't any strict age restrictions for the Everest Base Camp trek 12 Days. However, we recommend this trek for trekkers between 16 and 70. If you're over 70, ensure you're healthy and physically fit.

During the peak seasons of spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November), you’ll find that the Everest Base Camp trek 12 Days is quite crowded. These are the most popular times due to the favorable weather and stunning mountain views. If you prefer fewer crowds, consider trekking in the off-season, like winter (December to February) or summer (June to August).

On your Everest Base Camp trek 12 Days, you’ll encounter incredible attractions. The star attraction is, of course, the breathtaking view of Mount Everest itself, but you’ll also be amazed by other iconic peaks like Lhotse, Nuptse, and Ama Dablam.

You’ll pass through the Sagarmatha National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site, where you’ll trek amidst diverse flora and fauna. You'll also experience the unique Sherpa culture, visit famous places like Namche Bazaar and Tengboche Monastery, and witness the Khumbu Glacier as you make your way toward the base of the highest mountain in the world.

Yes, it’s possible to shorten your EBC trek 12 Days, but you must be in top physical condition to make this feasible. A typical itinerary takes around 14 days to allow for proper acclimatization, but if you’re very fit and accustomed to high altitudes, you can complete it in as little as 10 days.

Some trekkers opt for helicopter rides back to save time, which allows them to skip the return trek. However, remember that shortening the trek increases the risk of altitude sickness due to reduced acclimatization time.

You’ll catch your first glimpse of Mount Everest as you approach Namche Bazaar after entering the Sagarmatha National Park. This view will take your breath away and give you a sense of excitement and anticipation for what’s to come. 

Yes, the EBC trek 12 Days can be challenging for beginners, but it’s absolutely doable if you're physically prepared and mentally determined. The trek involves long walking days, usually between 5 to 8 hours, and you’ll be dealing with altitude, which makes breathing and trekking more difficult. If you’re a beginner, you should focus on your fitness before the trek and follow a steady, gradual pace during the trek. 

Absolutely. You can customize our EBC trek 12 Days itinerary to suit your needs. Whether you want extra acclimatization days, prefer staying longer in certain villages, or want to explore side treks, you adjust the itinerary. If you're trekking with us, we will work with you to ensure your itinerary matches your fitness level, preferences, and time constraints. 

The Everest Base Camp trek 12 Days is moderately difficult, primarily due to the high altitude and the long walking days. You'll be trekking at altitudes of up to 5,555 meters (Kala Patthar) and facing unpredictable weather that makes things even more challenging.

The physical difficulty mainly comes from long ascents and descents on rugged terrain, with some days requiring 6 to 8 hours of trekking. Altitude sickness is a real concern, and you must acclimatize properly to avoid it. With preparation and determination, however, the trek is manageable for most fit individuals.

Yes, you need to train for the EBC trek 12 Days, especially if you are not in good shape. Even though it’s a trekking route and not a technical climb, you’ll be walking long distances each day at high altitudes, where oxygen levels are lower. 

You should begin training a few weeks before your trek. Focus on building cardiovascular endurance through long-distance walking or hiking, as well as strengthening your leg muscles for sustained effort.

Aim to spend 3-4 hours per week on physical training, gradually increasing your intensity as the trek date approaches. In the final weeks, try to simulate trek conditions by hiking with a loaded backpack to get your body used to the strain of carrying gear.

To prepare for Everest Base Camp 12 Days, you need to focus on your physical and mental readiness. Start with cardiovascular exercises like running, swimming, or biking to boost your stamina. Incorporate strength training, particularly focusing on your legs, back, and core.

Mentally, prepare for long days of walking and the possibility of experiencing altitude sickness, which may affect your endurance. Finally, ensure you have the right gear, including high-quality hiking boots, warm clothing, and proper equipment to handle changing weather conditions at high altitudes.

You can’t really “speed up” acclimatization, but you can follow key strategies to help your body adjust more smoothly. The most important thing is to ascend slowly and give your body time to adapt to the decreasing oxygen levels.  Our Everest Base Camp trek 12 Days itineraries are designed with acclimatization days to help prevent altitude sickness.

Hydrate constantly—drink 3-4 liters of water per day—and eat well to maintain your energy levels. Avoid alcohol and caffeine, which can dehydrate you. Listen to your body and tell our guide if you feel dizzy, nauseous, or excessively fatigued.

On average, you’ll be walking for 6-8 hours per day on the Everest Base Camp trek 12 Days, depending on the day's route and elevation gain. Some days will be shorter, especially on acclimatization days where the focus is on letting your body adjust to the altitude.

Other days, particularly the days leading to EBC might be longer. It's important to pace yourself and take frequent breaks. Walking steady at a comfortable pace is key.

You’ll need two permits for the Everest Base Camp trek 12 Days. First is the Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit, which allows you access to the protected areas surrounding Mount Everest. The second is the Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Permit, which is required to trek through the Khumbu region. These permits help manage tourism impact and contribute to the conservation of the environment.

You can get your Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit at the Nepal Tourism Board office in Kathmandu or Monjo, near the entrance to the park. The Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Permit can be obtained in Lukla. If you’re trekking with us, we will acquire these permits for you.

You can easily obtain a tourist visa upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu. You'll need a valid passport with at least six months of validity, passport-size photos, and a visa fee.

You can choose from different visa options: 15, 30, or 90 days, depending on the length of your stay. You need to pay USD 50 for 30 day stay. Alternatively, you can apply for a visa at a Nepalese embassy in your country before traveling. It's a straightforward process, and most trekkers get their visas at the airport for convenience.

For the Everest Base Camp trek 12 Days, you must have travel insurance that covers medical treatment and helicopter evacuation up to 5,550 meters. Some trekkers also include coverage for trip cancellations, delays, or lost baggage, but the most critical aspect is the medical and evacuation coverage. Please call your insurer to double-check that your insurance package includes the helicopter evacuation. 

Yes, you need travel insurance to trek to Everest Base Camp 12 Days. The altitude and remote location increase the risk of health issues like altitude sickness, and in emergencies, helicopter evacuation might be required. These evacuations are expensive, so insurance is essential to cover these costs. Ensure that your policy covers helicopter evacuation up to 5,550 meters in addition to the treatment costs.

To get an arrival visa in Nepal, you’ll need to go to the visa application desk at Tribhuvan International Airport. Ensure you have a passport with at least six months of validity, passport-sized photos, and the visa fee. The current visa fee cost is USD 50 for a 30-day stay.

Yes, as of April 2023, the Nepal Government has banned solo trekking in the Everest region, so hiring a guide is mandatory. A guide not only ensures your safety but also enhances your trekking experience by sharing knowledge about the local culture, history, and landscape. 

Yes, Discovery World Trekking guides are highly trained and certified by the Nepal government. They have undergone extensive wilderness first-aid training and are equipped to handle emergencies, including altitude sickness. These guides are also locals from the region, with in-depth knowledge of the trails, weather conditions, and Sherpa culture. 

Typically, for every two trekkers, we assign one porter, and each group has one guide. The guide will be your leader throughout the trek, while the porter carries most of your luggage. For a group of over 12 trekkers, we provide an additional assistant guide.

Yes, you’ll have porters to carry most of your luggage during the trek. Each porter carries up to 18 kg of gear, split between two trekkers. You’ll only need to carry a small daypack with essentials like water, snacks, and your camera. This allows you to focus on enjoying the trek without the strain of carrying heavy gear over long distances.

Yes, tipping your guide and porters is customary at the end of your trek. While not mandatory, it’s a way to show appreciation for their hard work and dedication throughout your journey. The amount can vary, but trekkers usually tip around 10% of the total trek cost. 

No, since April 2023, trekking alone in the Everest region without a guide has been prohibited. This rule was implemented to ensure the safety of trekkers, as solo trekking increases the risk of getting lost, injured, or developing altitude sickness without proper assistance. A guide provides both security and a richer cultural experience, making your journey safer and more enjoyable.

If you have items you don’t need on the trek, you can store them in your hotel in Kathmandu or at our store for free.  

You’ll stay in lodges or tea houses during the trek. These accommodations offer standard, typically twin-sharing. You can expect a bed with blankets, but you might want to bring a sleeping bag for extra warmth. The tea houses are simple, but they provide all the essentials for a comfortable night’s rest after a long trek.

Yes, Wi-Fi is available at most lodges and tea houses along the Everest Base Camp trek 12 Days, though it’s not free. You’ll need to pay a small fee to use it, and the connection can be slow, especially at higher altitudes. It’s best to use it sparingly or download any necessary apps or entertainment before you start the trek. 

Yes, you can charge your devices at the lodges and tea houses, but this usually comes at an additional cost. As you ascend higher, the price for charging increases. Many trekkers bring portable power banks or solar chargers to avoid relying on lodge electricity, especially on longer treks. 

Yes, most tea houses offer basic shower facilities. However, as you trek higher, the availability of hot showers becomes more limited, and the cost increases. Some lodges may only have cold showers or charge extra for hot water. 

Yes, you can take a hot shower, but you need to pay extra. As you get higher in altitude, heating water becomes more challenging, and the prices go up. 

In emergencies, such as severe altitude sickness or injuries, we initiate helicopter evacuations in coordination with your insurer. This is why it's crucial to have insurance that covers high-altitude evacuation. There are basic medical facilities in some villages along the trail, like Namche Bazaar and Pheriche, where you can receive treatment for altitude sickness or minor injuries. 

Mobile phone coverage is available on most parts of the Everest Base Camp trek 12 Days, though the signal can be unreliable at higher altitudes. Many trekkers purchase a local SIM card (like Ncell or Nepal Telecom) before the trek to ensure they have some connectivity. Wi-Fi is also available at tea houses for a fee. In emergencies, your guide will have satellite phones or access to local radio communication to contact the necessary services.

Yes, there are basic toilet facilities at Everest Base Camp 12 Days. These are often basic squat toilets, and as you get higher up, the hygiene can decrease due to the remote nature of the region. We advise you to bring your own toilet paper and hand sanitizer, as these are rarely provided.

In Kathmandu, you’ll find a wide range of accommodation options, from budget hostels to luxury hotels. Most trekkers opt for mid-range hotels that offer comfortable beds, hot showers, Wi-Fi, and easy access to restaurants and shops. 

Yes, vegetarian and vegan meals are widely available throughout the Everest Base Camp trek. In fact, we recommend our guests eat vegetarian food as meat in trek regions may not be hygenic. Typical vegetarian meals include dal bhat (lentil soup with rice), vegetable curries, noodles, soups, and momos (Nepalese dumplings).

The food on the trek is simple yet hearty, designed to keep you energized for long days of hiking. Dal bhat, a traditional Nepali meal consisting of lentil soup, rice, and vegetable curry, is a popular choice among trekkers.

Other common dishes include noodles, pasta, soups, pancakes, eggs, and porridge. As for water, we recommend you bring a water bottle and fill it with boiled or treated water that you can buy from en-route teahouses/lodges. You can bring water purification tablets or a filter to treat tap water. Avoid drinking water from local sources, such as wells, taps, and rivers.

Drinking water is available at all tea houses and lodges, but it’s important to ensure it's safe. You can buy bottled water at lower altitudes, but we do not recommend it due to environmental concerns. We encourage you to opt for boiled water, which is available for a small fee. 

At high altitudes, staying hydrated is essential, so drink plenty of water (at least 3-4 liters per day). In addition to water, you can drink herbal teas, soups, and electrolyte drinks to help replenish lost salts and maintain energy. Avoid alcohol and caffeine, as these can dehydrate you. We advise you to drink garlic soup at higher altitudes for health benefits.

The best seasons for trekking to Everest Base Camp are spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November). These months offer the most stable weather conditions, with clear skies and moderate temperatures, making it ideal for trekking. Spring is also the time when the rhododendrons bloom, adding a splash of color to the landscape. Autumn provides crisp views of the mountains after the monsoon season, with cooler temperatures and fewer chances of rain. Autumn is also a festive season in Nepal, and if you love the festivities, you should aim to trek in Autumn.

Temperatures at Everest Base Camp can drop significantly, especially in the winter months (December to February) when it can fall to -20°C or lower at night. Even during the best trekking seasons, temperatures can still be chilly, particularly in the mornings and evenings. During the day, it can be warmer, but as you ascend, the weather becomes colder. You should bring warm, layered clothing to prepare for the varying temperatures.

No, you do not need an immunization certificate to trek to Everest Base Camp. 

To avoid altitude sickness (Acute Mountain Sickness or AMS), you need to acclimatize properly as you ascend to higher altitudes. Ascend gradually, and don’t rush the trek. Spend extra nights at higher altitudes to allow your body to adjust. Stay hydrated and drink plenty of water.

Avoid alcohol and smoking, as they can exacerbate the effects of altitude. Listen to your body. If you feel symptoms like headaches, nausea, or dizziness, stop ascending and inform your guide. Taking Diamox, a medication that can prevent AMS, is also a common precaution, but you should consult a doctor before taking it.

Taking Diamox (acetazolamide) can help prevent altitude sickness, but you should only take it after consulting with your doctor. Many trekkers take it to speed up acclimatization. 

Yes, we advise you to bring a first aid kit. You can also bring pain relievers, altitude sickness medication (like Diamox), anti-diarrheal medicine, blister treatment (Band-Aids and antiseptic ointment), rehydration salts, and any personal prescriptions you might need.

Altitude sickness is common during the Everest Base Camp trek because of the high elevation, especially after you pass 3,000 meters. Symptoms include headaches, nausea, dizziness, and shortness of breath. Most trekkers experience mild symptoms, but more severe cases require descending to a lower altitude or even helicopter evacuation. Our guide will monitor you for symptoms and take care of you properly.

The Everest Base Camp trek doesn’t require specific health tests, but you should be in good physical condition and have basic fitness. The trek is physically demanding, so cardiovascular fitness and endurance are important. You should also be prepared to deal with high altitudes, so it’s a good idea to consult a doctor about altitude sickness and any other pre-existing health conditions. If you have any chronic conditions, such as lung or heart problems, consult your doctor before booking the trek.

Yes, there are basic medical facilities at various points along the trail, including clinics in Namche Bazaar and Pheriche. These clinics can treat minor injuries and altitude sickness, but they are not equipped for major medical emergencies. In severe cases, helicopter evacuations become crucial, which is why having the right insurance is important. Our guide carries a first-aid kit, but we recommend you bring your own medical supplies for minor issues.

For flights to Lukla, there is a strict weight limit of 15 kg (33 lbs), which includes 10 kg for checked luggage and 5 kg for hand luggage. If your luggage exceeds this limit, you must pay extra fees. You can leave excess luggage in Kathmandu. Pack only what’s necessary for the trek and keep in mind that the porter will carry most of your items.

Each porter can carry up to 18 kg (40 lbs), which is usually shared between two trekkers. This means you should limit your luggage to about 9 kg per person.

For the trek, you should pack essential trekking gear, including sturdy hiking boots, layered clothing (thermal wear, fleece jacket, down jacket, waterproof shell), a sleeping bag rated for sub-zero temperatures, trekking poles, a hat, gloves, sunglasses, and sunscreen. Don’t forget toiletries, a first-aid kit, water purification tablets, a headlamp, and energy snacks. You’ll also need a daypack to carry water, snacks, and essential gear during the day.  For details please see our equipment list.

In addition to clothing layers and boots, you’ll need trekking poles for stability, a good-quality backpack, a water bottle or hydration system, a sleeping bag rated for cold weather, a raincoat, sunglasses, and a hat for sun protection. You should also carry a small first-aid kit, power banks for electronics, and personal items like toiletries. We recommend breathable fabrics for comfort.

You can easily buy or rent trekking clothes and equipment in Kathmandu. Thamel, the main tourist hub within Kathmandu, is filled with shops offering everything from high-end outdoor gear to affordable knockoffs. If you want to save on costs, renting gear like sleeping bags, down jackets, and trekking poles is also possible.

Yes, we have a cancellation or refund policy in place. Please read the terms and conditions page before booking.

You can book online through bank transfers, Western Union, or payment platforms like Wise. We require 10 percent of the trek as advance for trek booking confirmation. You can pay the rest of the amount after arriving in Kathmandu. You can pay in cash, via credit cards, bank transfers, Western Union, or Wise.

Yes, you must purchase travel insurance before departing for the trek. Your insurance must cover medical treatment as well as helicopter evacuation up to 5,550m. If you do not have adequate insurance, we reserve the right to cancel your trek.

Only Nepalese Rupees (NPR) are accepted along the Everest Base Camp trek region. Hence, remember to exchange your currency in Kathmandu. Though there are ATMs in Namche Bazaar, they are not reliable.

You should budget around USD 20 per day for additional expenses during the trek. This includes drinks (hot/cold/alcoholic) snacks, Wi-Fi, charging devices, and occasional treats like hot showers. The higher you go, the more expensive things become, so it’s always better to carry a little more cash than you think you’ll need.

ATMs are available in Kathmandu and Namche Bazaar, but ATMs in Namche are not reliable. You can use credit cards at some hotels and restaurants in Kathmandu, but once you start trekking, it’s a cash-only economy. We advise you to carry sufficient cash in Nepali Rupees when you leave Kathmandu, as credit cards won’t be accepted at tea houses along the route.

Money exchanges are available in Kathmandu. You won’t find proper currency exchange services at the trek region, so you must exchange money in Kathmandu to cover your expenses during the trek.

Yes, you can trek to Everest Base Camp with kids, but it’s recommended for children who are at least 16 years old due to the physical demands and altitude. Make sure your kids are physically prepared for long hikes and understand the importance of acclimatization. It’s important to take it slow, prioritize acclimatization, and monitor yourself closely for any signs of altitude sickness.

Yes, we recommend you book the Everest Base Camp trek in advance, especially if you’re trekking during the peak seasons (spring and autumn). Flights to Lukla and accommodation can fill up quickly, so booking ahead ensures you secure your spot and have everything arranged before arriving in Nepal. However, we also have a provision for last-minute bookings.

Yes, we provide airport pick-up services for all our clients. After you book the trek and send your flight details, we will dispatch our employee to pick you up from Kathmandu Airport and transfer you to your hotel.  We will ensure you do not feel alone in a foreign country throughout your stay in Nepal.

The primary mode of transportation to reach Everest Base Camp involves flying from Kathmandu (or Manthali) to Lukla, the starting point of the trek. From Lukla, you trek on foot to Everest Base Camp, passing through villages like Namche Bazaar, Tengboche, Dingboche, Lobuche, and Gorakshep. Some trekkers may also opt for helicopter services at various points of the trek, either to reach higher altitudes quickly or for a scenic tour.

Yes, you can take a helicopter to Everest Base Camp. We also offer helicopter tours for those who want to experience the region without the long trek or for those on a tight schedule. You can take a helicopter from Kathmandu or even partway through the trek from a village like Namche Bazaar or Pheriche. A helicopter ride enjoy the views without trekking. You can visit our helicopter tour page.

Flights to and from Lukla may get delayed or canceled due to weather conditions. If this happens, we will reschedule your flight to the next possible flight. Hence, we advise you to have a flexible itinerary and add a few buffer days at the end of your trek in case of flight cancellations.