How to Summit Everest base camp?
Highlights of Everest base camp trek
Experience the stunning scenery and get a glimpse of the world’s highest peak
Opportunity to explore the unique culture of the Sherpa people, who inhabit the khumbu region of Nepal
Challenging but rewarding adventure through the rugged terrain of the khumbu region
Offers a chance to witness the majesty of Everest without attempting the challenging and risky ascent to its summit
Enjoy astonishing views of iconic peaks like Everest (8848 m), Lhotse (8516 m), Nuptse (7861 m), & Ama Dablam (6812 m) along the way
Explore Sir Edmund Hillary Memorial Museum
Nepal’s biggest Khumbu and Longest Ngozumpa glaciers
Tengboche Monastery (3867 m), Tibetan Buddhist monastery
Sagarmatha National Park, a home to several rare species such as the snow leopard and the red panda
Everest base camp
The Everest base camp refers to the foot of Mount Everest that serve as staging point for climbers preparing to ascend Mount Everest. Mount Everest is the highest peak in the world, standing at 8848 meters / 29029 feet above sea level. There are two standardized base camps on the opposite sides of Mount Everest: the south base camp in Nepal, the standard route to the summit and the North base camp (5200 meters / 1760 feet) in Tibet (China), another popular starting point from the north side.
Ways to reach south base camp (5364 meters / 17598 feet) from Nepal
The south base camp is a popular and frequently visited base camp at an elevation of 5364 meters, providing a place for climbers to acclimatize, organize their gear, and make final preparations before attempting the challenging ascent to the summit of Everest. The trek usually involves flying into Lukla, Nepal and then trek through the Khumbu valley, passing through iconic Sherpa villages like Namche bazaar (3440 meters), Tengboche (3860 meters), Dingboche (4410 meters), Lobuche (4940 meters), and Gorakshep (5164 meters, before reaching Everest base camp. It takes about 10 to 14 days to reach base camp, depending on the specific route, level of fitness, and acclimatization stops along the way. In addition to being a popular destination there are various ways to reach at the foot of Everest i.e Everest base camp (EBC). Firstly, you can fly from Kathmandu to Lukla and then trek to the base camp. Another, you can take a drive from Kathmandu to Jiri and trek from Jiri to the base camp. The next option offer fly Kathmandu to Phaplu airport and lastly you can also take a drive from Kathmandu to Salleri / Phaplu and to the Kharikhola. Here’s a general guide on how can you plan this Journey:
*Fly from Kathmandu to Lukla and then trek to Everest base camp
Flying from Kathmandu to Lukla and trekking to Everest base camp is a rewarding journey for anyone seeking to experience the beauty of the Everest region, enjoying thrilling as well as scenic flight to Lukla, Nepal. Lukla was made accessible to the world in 1964 when the airport was built. Here’s a general outline of the journey:
Flight from Kathmandu to Lukla
You can book a flight to Lukal from Tibhuvan International airport in Kathmandu.
This flight is an adventure in itself, offering impressive views of the majestic Himalayas. Flights are operated by several domestic airlines like Tara Air, Sita Air, and Summit Air. Keep in mind, Lukla airport is known for its challenging runway due to this weather conditions can affect flights to Lukla, so it’s advisable to check the weather forecast and be prepared for possible delays or cancel.
Trekking Itinerary for Everest base camp from Lukla
The trek to Everest base camp generally takes around 12 days, allowing for taking in the alluring scenery and acclimatization to let your body adjust at higher elevations which helps to prevent altitude sickness. Throughout the trek, you will pass through traditional Sherpa villages, lush forests, and high- altitude landscapes. Key points along the trek include:
Day 1: Flight from Kathmandu to Lukla and trek to Phakding
Day 2: Trek from Phakding to Namche Bazaar
Day 3: Acclimatization day at Namche Bazaar
Day 4: Trek from Namche Bazaar to Tengboche
Day 5: Trek from Tengboche to Dingboche
Day 6: Acclimatization in Dingboche
Day 7: Trek from Dingboche to Lobuche
Day 8: Trek from Lobuche to Gorakshep and EBC and EBC to Gorakshep
Day 9: Hike to Kala Patthar then trek back to Pangboche
Day 10: Trek from Pangboche to Namche
Day 11: Trek from Namche Bazaar to Lukla
Day 12: Fly back to Kathmandu from Lukla
*Kathmandu to Jiri and then trek from Jiri to Everest base camp
Trekking from Jiri to Everest base camp is a classic route that was used by early Everest expeditions in 1963 before the construction of Tenzing- Hillary Airport in Lukla. Trekking through this route adds a few extra days to the journey compared to starting from Lukla, but it provides a more gradual acclimatization and you will get a chance to experience the rural life of the lower Solu region. It is considered as less- traveled routed to reach the base camp. Therefore, this route can be a great option if you are seeking solitude and a sense of tranquility amidst the mountains. Here’s the basic outline of the trek from Kathmandu to Jiri and then on to Everest base camp:
Kathmandu to Jiri
You can take a bus or Jeep from Kathmandu to Jiri. You can reach at your destination about 8- 10 hours of drive, depending on road conditions, mode of transportation, and the weather. The road passes through mountain terrain, which means you can experience winding roads, steep ascents, and descents. The conditions of road can be challenging as some portions of roads are well- paved and relatively smooth, other parts may be gravel or dirt roads, especially during adverse weather conditions. Despite the challenging condition, the road passes through scenic landscapes and rural villages offers spectacular views of the distant mountain ranges, terraced fields, and the Nepalese countryside.
Trekking Itinerary for Everest base camp from Jiri
The trek to Everest base camp typically takes about 18 days, offering the opportunity to witness the beauty of the lower Solu region before reaching the higher altitudes of the Khumbu region. The trail passes through several traditional Sherpa and Rai villages, dense rhododendron forests, and monasteries and stupas, adding spiritual aspect to the journey. Moreover, starting from Jiri allow gradual acclimatization which can be beneficial in reducing the risk of altitude- related illnesses as your body has more time to adjust to the increasing elevation. Key points along the trek include:
Day 1: Drive from Kathmandu to Bhandara via Jiri
Day 2: Trek from Bhandara to Sete
Day 3: Trek from Sete to Junbesi
Day 4: Trek from Junbesi to Nunthala
Day 5: Trek from Nunthala to Bupsa / Khari khola
Day 6: Trek from Bupsa to Surke
Day 7: Trek from Surke to Phakding
Day 8: Trek from Phakding to Namche Bazaar
Day 9: Acclimatization day in Namche Bazaar
Day 10: Trek from Namche Bazaar to Tengboche
Day 11: Trek from Tengboche to Dingboche
Day 12: Trek from Dingboche to Duglha
Day 13: Trek from Duglha to Lobuche
Day 14: Trek from Lobuche to Gorakshep and Everest base camp
Day 15: Trek from Gorakshep to Pheriche via Kalapatthar
Day 16: Trek from Pheriche to Namche Bazaar
Day 17: Trek from Namche Bazaar to Lukla
Day 18: Fly from Lukla to Kathmandu
1) Permits for trekking in the Everest region
You need to obtain two different permits for the Everest base camp trek in Nepal. The following permits are required:
# Sagarmatha National Park Permit
You can get this permit from Nepal Tourism Board Office, Kathmandu as well as at Sagarmatha National Park Entry Gate in Monjo. However, we suggest you to get this permit in Kathmandu because you might need to stand in a queue for a long time during peak trek season.
# Khumbu Rural Municipality Permit
You can acquire this permit after arriving in Lukla. It’s important to note that there are no alternative offices in Kathmandu, issue this permit. However, if you are passing through Jiri or Salleri to the Khumbu region then you can also get this permit in Monjo as well at Sagarmatha National Park Counter.
2) The benefits of booking a trip with Visit Mount Pvt. Ltd
Pick up and drop off by private vehicles
Manage all the necessary permits and legal requirements for the trek
Clients’ safety is our first priority
Real cared services with best reasonable rate
Focus on your needs
Experienced team: professional licensed guides and friendly porters with their insurance, who will support you 24/ 7 during the trek
Provide best accommodation, organic and healthy foods, tea/ coffee, and warm hospitality during the trek
Arrangement of emergency evacuation services (travel insurance is mandatory)
First- aid kit box
Pulse oximeters to check your pulse, heart rate, and oxygen saturation
3) When to trek Everest base camp?
The best time to trek south base camp is during the spring (pre- monsoon) and autumn (post- monsoon) seasons. These months provide most favorable temperatures, stunning visibility of the landscapes, comfortable trails, making the trekking experience more enjoyable. The specific months to consider are:
Spring (pre- monsoon): spring is considered the best time for trekking to Everest base camp, usually begins from late April to early June. The temperatures are moderate, various wildflowers are in bloom, and the weather is also relatively stable, which enhances safety and visibility.
Autumn (post- monsoon): autumn is another ideal time for the Everest base camp trek, typically starts from late September to early November. The temperatures are cool but not too cold, the skies are usually crisp, and the weather is clear, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains.
Keep in mind that weather conditions in the Himalayas is ever- changing, so it’s necessary to have proper gear for high- altitude trekking and mentally prepared for varying temperatures. Furthermore, avoid trekking during June to early September as the trails can be slippery, muddy, leech- infested, and there is also a higher risk of landslides. Similarly, December to February is also not recommended due to the risk of heavy snowfall blocking the paths and the extreme cold temperatures.
4) What should you pack to trek to Everest base camp?
A few base layers, shoes, wool socks, thin down jacket, warm thin layering trousers, two pairs of hiking trousers, and other required equipment’s:
A light weight waterproof daypack
A water bottle (capacity of at least 1 liter)
Two trekking poles
Sunglasses and sun hat
Torch light and batteries
Sunscreen and lip balm
Sleeping bag
Travel towel
Power bank
5) Can I do Everest base camp trek without Guide?
From the 1st April 2023, Government of Nepal has banned solo trekking for tourists. All trekkers hoping to trek independently in Nepal’s wilderness needs to obtain an official route permit and Trekkers’ Information Management System (TIMS) card through authorized trekking agencies registered with the Government of Nepal as well as obtain services of licensed trekking guide. The decision has been taken to discourage unauthorized trekking operation in the country and to mitigate adverse incidents like getting lost en- route, health issue or natural disasters etc.
In addition to safety, hiring professional trekking guide can enhance your overall experience during the trek. A guide can help ensure you stay on the right track and also provide valuable insights into the culture, traditions, history, and the areas you are trekking through. They will also help in navigating through challenging weather conditions and assists with logistical aspects such as arranging accommodation, meals, transportation, and permits.
Keep in mind, altitude sickness is a risk in the Everest region due to the high elevation. So you need to catch it early if you don’t want to get seriously ill. Altitude sickness is very serious, trekkers have to turn back and even be airlifted from the trails. And the first person to recognize symptoms of altitude sickness and provide assistance (if needed), it’s always the guide. Hence, guide is essential to navigate any unexpected situations, added convenience, local insights, and assist with logistics.
6) Internet, electricity, and battery recharge facility while Everest base camp trekking
The facilities like internet electricity and battery recharge along the Everest base camp treks route were limited, especially at higher altitudes. Once in the base camp, wifi and battery recharge are quite expensive to buy. However, lower elevations towns like Lukla and Namche bazaar has internet access as well as facility to charge the devices but at an additional cost.
Note that the power supply and internet connectivity can be affect by harsh weather condition so it’s useful to carry a portable solar charger or power bank, especially for recharging devices like phones, cameras, and other electronic equipment. Similarly you can also buy local Sims card in Kathmandu before starting your trek. Nepal Telecome (Namaste) and Nepal both Sims cards works along the Everest base camp treks route. Namaste works better below Lukla and Ncell above which can provide mobile data in areas with network coverage, getting both Sims are not expensive.
7) Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS), Everest base camp trek
AMS, known altitude sickness is common in mountains above the altitude of 3000 meters. But Everest base camp trek takes you at the maximum height of 5364 meters as a result altitude sickness is a real possibility at such a high altitude. As soon as symptoms like headache, nausea or vomiting, dizziness, shortness of breath etc appears, one should be active and notify the guide before it take a serious form. Here’s some tip to avoid altitude sickness:
Stop and rest where you are
Avoid heavy, fatty, and spicy foods
Drinking enough waters and fluids that contain carbohydrates
Descend to a lower altitude if symptoms persist or worsen
8) Accommodation and local transportation facility during the Everest base camp trek
During the Everest base camp trekking route, there are several tea houses and lodges in villages that provide basic accommodation and delicious meals. They offer basic room with twin beds and amenities like pillow and blankets. Some of the teahouses offer a bucket of hot waters for showers at an additional cost. Furthermore, if you prefer camping, there are designated camping sites as well along the route.
The primary mode of transportation within the trek is walking. There are no motorable roads beyond Lukla. Yaks and porters are often used to transport goods. Therefore, hiring a porter ease the physical burden.