Trekking to Everest Base Camp is completely different than different treks world wide. Nowhere else on earth will you expertise trekking as you do in Nepal and nowhere fairly compares to the majesty of the Himalayas. Villages dot the panorama crammed with eating places, markets, bazaars, and tea homes (mini-hotels) the place you possibly can cease for lunch, purchase provides, and have a chunk of apple pie whereas surrounded by the best mountains on the earth.
Every hundred meters or so there’s a lodge, restaurant, or cluster of buildings making up a small village. The villages are gorgeous reminding us of one thing out of the Swiss Alps on steroids. Well-built lodges and brick properties line the path with the magnificent setting of the Himalayas draped within the again.
Trekking to Everest Base Camp
What is it like trekking to Everest Base Camp in Nepal? The EBC Trek is life-changing, it’s exhilarating, and it’s difficult. We share every part you should know from planning your trek to Everest to packing to your journey. This information to the Everest Base Camp Trek breaks down every day. So sit again and take a journey with us via Nepal’s legendary Sagarmatha National Park.
Everest Base Camp Trek Itinerary
On the map, the Everest Base Camp trekking route distances look pretty simple to hike from village to village via the Khumbu Valley. Eight days could seem to be it could be greater than sufficient time to cowl a mere 63 km (39 miles) a method, (128 km return) however with a number of sustained days in a row above 4000 meters (13,000 toes), the stroll is gradual and regular.
It is essential to not push too quick to keep away from altitude illness which is a really actual risk. When trekking to Everest base camp, count on to hike anyplace from 7 – 17 km (4.5 – 10 miles) per day with your entire trek taking 12 – 14 days.
Hiring a Guide for the EBC Trek – Mandatory
Starting April 1, 2023, Nepal has banned solo trekking. Foreigners should rent a information for treks in high-altitude trekking areas of nationwide parks. According to the Kathmandu Post in March “solo or independent trekkers have to mandatorily hire a guide or a porter before setting off to Nepal’s mountains.” However, after an up to date article within the Kathmandu Post, evidently the Everest Region is an exception. Before reserving, we’d test with native firms and authorities as guidelines are consistently altering.
Book Locally
Many individuals e book forward of time with a tour firm positioned exterior of Nepal resembling Intrepid Travel or GAdventures, however we employed domestically and it saved some huge cash.
Plus, you understand your cash goes on to the native financial system and you’ve got a extra intimate expertise by trekking with a neighborhood information. We spent a few days in Kathmandu searching for a information to Everest and located Simrik Real Nepal owned by Kathmandu resident Dipendra Simkhada.
Dipendra deliberate your entire journey for us, and all we needed to do was watch for him to choose us up at our guesthouse in Kathmandu to take us to the airport to board our Tara Air flight to Lukla Airport. Book your Trek to Everest Base Camp with Simrik Real Nepal – A Locally owned and operated tour firm, Simrik is positioned in Kathmandu.
Kathmandu – The Hub of Nepal Treks
We spent a couple of days in Kathmandu choosing up provides and doing a little sightseeing earlier than trekking to Everest. We recommend not spending too lengthy right here as it may be very polluted in Kathmandu and by the point we had been able to trek, I used to be already fairly congested.
Our suggestion is if you arrive in Kathmandu, solely spend two to a few days to get your self organized and as a substitute do your sightseeing on the finish of your trek. Read extra: Top Places to go to in Kathmandu, Nepal
Day 1: Fly from Lukla Trek to Pakhding
Flights to Lukla now not depart from Tribhuvan International Airport (Kathmandu Airport) in Kathmandu as a result of congestion. Flights are actually out of Ramechap airport which is a 4 1/2 hour drive from Kathmandu. You can e book personal helicopters from Tribhuvan International Airport.
The flight from Ramechap airport is way shorter than the flight from Tribhuvan International Airport. Flights to Lukla are solely 12 minutes so extra flights can get via when the climate is obvious making flights much less prone to be canceled or delayed for too lengthy.
The flight to Lukla is a scary flight and is taken into account one of the vital harmful on the earth. We flew from Kathmandu however flights now are a lot shorter from Ramechap. I believe I would love it higher as we sat on the entrance of the aircraft and noticed the pilot’s devices consistently flash “obstacle ahead.” It appeared as if we had been about to crash right into a mountain at any time. Read all about our flight to Lukla and watch the video right here
Watch Us Fly to Lukla Airport
The Lukla airstrip at Lukla Airpot is a brief touchdown strip at solely 525 meters (1,729 toes lengthy.) Built on the facet of a mountain additionally it is a really steep grade that’s wanted to gradual the planes down shortly. Needless to say, we held our breath in the course of the touchdown.
We survived that flight, but it surely was the flight again to Kathmandu I used to be nervous about. Taking off on that wanting a runway was a hair-raising expertise. One false transfer and we’d drop 1000’s of toes into the valley beneath. Lukla Airport is definitely known as Tenzing Hillary Airport named after the primary two males to summit Mount Everest.
Hiking from Lukla to Pakding
The trek begins formally in Lukla. Lukla is a busy city with loads of lodging, outlets, and eateries. If you forgot something to your EBC trek, you possibly can decide up provides in a pinch. But we propose buying all of your gear in Kathmandu. It is less expensive.
From Lukla, we instantly began our Everest Base Camp hike. After a fast snack and a cup of tea in Lukla, we set off on a simple three-hour trek alongside trekking trails that had been simple to observe weaving via villages, crossing rivers, and stumbling over stony paths.
Entering Sagarmatha National Park
A allow is required to hike to Everest Base Camp as it’s positioned in Sagarmatha National Park. We checked in with the nationwide park headquarters and Dipendra took care of every part. He had all our paperwork so as so all we needed to do was begin strolling via the gorgeous Khumbu Valley to make our approach to Everest base camp.
Sagarmatha National Park has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1976. At 1148 sq. km (443 sq. miles) in space, it is without doubt one of the most beautiful locations now we have ever visited.
We felt giddy stepping via the welcome gates positioned simply exterior of Lukla. This was it, we had been following within the footsteps of the good adventurers of our time. It was awe-inspiring to hike via the Khumbu area surrounded by the Himalayas.
As we hiked out of Lukla, Dipendra identified the encompassing jagged white peaks named Kwangde, Mumbu, and Kishumkongara. At 6000+ meters, (19,000+ toes) these are the “little guys” of the world’s highest mountain vary. It wouldn’t be lengthy till we had been among the many well-known 8000-meter (26,000 toes) peaks.
Our first day was full of a calming stroll whereas studying in regards to the Khumbu area. It was fairly early within the day, so we had loads of time to take our time to study in regards to the customs of climbing and study the names of the mountains discovered on this lovely area of Nepal.
For the remainder of the day, we adopted the Dudh Koshi River Valley at a gentle however leisurely tempo to the village of Pakding. Temperatures had been heat and the primary day of trekking was snug. Lukla to Pakding truly has an elevation loss, so it’s a good introduction to climbing via the area as we had quite a lot of downhill trekking.
After about 5 hours, we got here to our first night time on the trek the place we spent the night time in a snug teahouse within the village of Phakding.
Our First Night on the EBC Trek
The lodging in Pakding was a quaint little lodge/teahouse that appeared like a cottage. The wood-burning range smelled scrumptious because it warmed the restaurant whereas they ready our meals.
Our porter “Sher” carried all our provides together with the sleeping baggage that we borrowed from our trekking firm. We every rented a sleeping bag that was included within the value of our EBC trek. The beds had been snug and Dave and I had personal rooms. Some excursions use dorm rooms however we had personal rooms. Toilets had been shared, however every part was clear and comfy. The rooms had been clear and we slept like rocks snuggled up in our thick down sleeping baggage.
Heated Lodges – Teahouses on the EBC Trek
During the EBC Trek, you don’t keep in tents. You keep in charming teahouses with cozy beds, wood-burning stoves, and totally stocked eating places that serve dinner.
The teahouses are a welcoming sight after a protracted day of trekking serving to to make the trek to Everest one of the vital memorable experiences of our lives. If you’re planning to trek to Everest Base Camp in Nepal, learn on for all the knowledge you’ll want that will help you put together.
The predominant lodges of every teahouse we stayed in in the course of the first half of our EBC trek had been cozy and heat. At the decrease elevations, woodstoves burned wooden within the eating room and customary areas and our rooms had been a snug temperature with heating as we had been wrapped up in our sleeping baggage. We ate hearty meals of pasta and meat and loved a calming night time soaking within the wonderful day we simply had on the mountain.
- From Lukla – Elevation 2869 meters (9,350 toes)
- To Pakding – Elevation 2610 meters ( 8563 Feet)
- Length – 7.7 km (4.78 miles)
- Elevation loss – 79 meters (259 toes)
- Duration – 3 Hours
Day 2 – Pakding to Namche Bazaar
On day two, we checked in at one other gate of the Mt. Everest park headquarters to point out our documentation. We needed to present our passports and provides them further passport images to enter the log. (So be sure to have further passport images with you) Once we signed in, we had been formally within the Khumbu area and formally on our approach trekking to Everest Base Camp.
We coated quite a lot of terrain on day two making it the longest day of the Everest Base Camp trek. The path up the mountains was steep and difficult but it surely was a memorable day.
Day two of the EBC trek was a hike of virtually 10km (6.2 miles) with an elevation achieve of 800 meters (2624 toes). But all through the hike, there was quite a lot of elevation loss blended in so it felt like much more.
We would lose elevation as we descended into the valley solely to must climb again up once more to the next elevation. Today was quite a lot of enjoyable although as a result of we crossed a number of suspension bridges over Dudh Kosi River Valley.
Suspension Bridges on the best way to Everest
If you have got a concern of heights, crossing suspension bridges is probably not your favourite second, however the suspension bridges whereas trekking to Everest Base Camp are properly constructed, made from metal, and in glorious situation.
I used to be nervous in regards to the suspension bridges. The Lonely Planet Guide stated, “Grit your teeth and climb onto a drooping suspension bridge floating at a dizzying height.” That sentence freaked me out.
I had constructed the suspension bridges of the EBC trek in my head as one thing monstrous. But by the point we reached the primary bridge, I puzzled what all of the fuss was about. Once I crossed my first bridge, my confidence was up and I used to be prepared for something the Everest trek was able to throw at me.
Donkey Trains
Today we additionally began to see quite a lot of donkeys, cows, and goats taking provides to the villages. Traffic can get very heavy on the Everest Base Camp hike. When animal trains go by, be sure to get out of their approach and keep to the facet.
They are loaded down with heavy gear and so they have a mission to maintain on strolling till they’re completed. They can simply nudge you proper off the facet of a cliff as it doesn’t matter what is of their approach, they simply maintain strolling.
The path is a freeway, however as a substitute of transport vehicles or trains carrying cargo, individuals and livestock carry every part from lumber and constructing provides to meals and kitchen home equipment.
Safety Tips on the Everest Base Camp Trek for yaks and donkeys
- Important Tip: When a yak, donkey, or cow practice passes you in the course of the EBC trek, remember to stand on the mountainside of the path to allow them to’t push you over the sting!
- It is best to be squished right into a mountainside than to go tumbling over the sting!
Final Stretch to Namche Bazaar
Right after crossing the final bridge, the toughest a part of day two of trekking to Everest base camp began The final push of the day consisted of 2-hours straight uphill to Namche Bazar.
We had been drenched with sweat however the air was cool. Whenever we stopped for a break, we’d get a chill so we simply stored on chugging away.
Large tour teams handed us shortly, solely to be caught a couple of minutes later as they rested. We notice that we had been the tortoise and they had been the hare! Slow and regular is the best way to climb at excessive altitudes and in the long run, we made it to Namche Bazaar with loads of time to spare within the day.
Arrival to Namche Bazaar
We checked into the safety put up and cringed after we came upon that our lodge was an uphill stroll for one more 20 minutes. Rest needed to wait a bit longer.
When we arrived at our lodging, we had been thrilled to see our porter Sher’s smiling face. He had already checked us in and put our bag in our room. We instantly went for a nap after which did somewhat strolling round city within the night to do some purchasing and seize a chunk to eat earlier than handing over for an early night time.
There are loads of outlets and eating places at Namche Bazaar, this city is bustling and we spent two nights of our EBC Trek right here which was superior.
Pakding – Elevation 2610 meters ( 8563 Feet)
Namche Bazaar – 3440 meters (11,286 toes)
Elevation Gain – 830 meters (2723 toes)
Distance – 10km (6.2 Miles)
Duration – 6 hours
Day 3 – Acclimatization Day at Namche Bazaar
We had two superb days at Namche Bazaar. Dipendra selected nice lodging for us all through our EBC trek and we had relaxation on this splendid teahouse the place we loved scrumptious pasta, meats, and naturally dhal baht. We spent the morning having fun with espresso and doing a little bit of purchasing.
What to do in Namche Bazaar
We explored Namche Bazaar and checked out its many outlets. The streets are filled with purchasing stalls and markets. We looked for gear that we missed getting in Kathmandu and bought some nice offers. We had been stunned the costs weren’t inflated at Namche Bazaar.
We purchased some down booties to maintain our toes heat at night time, a few sherpa hats, and a hotter set of gloves. The Everest Bakery was a spotlight with scrumptious apple pie, recent espresso, and WiFi. We had two items every!
But we took it very simple, ensuring to remain hydrated and to eat sufficient meals to stave off altitude illness. Namche Bazaar is positioned at a excessive altitude of 3440 meters (11,286 toes). We already noticed a girl affected by altitude illness. She was having her blood stress taken and coronary heart charge monitored and when she bought up, she was staggering as she leaned on her information.
Her Everest base camp trek had already come to an abrupt finish. It reminded us to calm down as a result of the times forward had been going to be powerful. So we went again to our teahouse to calm down and put together for the remainder of our journey
The Acclimatization Hike for EBC Trek
Most high-altitude treks have no less than one acclimation day. The Everest Base Camp trek is not any exception. An acclimatization day consists of climbing to the next altitude after which coming again right down to sleep at a decrease elevation. It offers your physique an opportunity to regulate to the altitude however you don’t keep for lengthy.
As you’ll be consistently gaining altitude on the Everest Trek, it’s good to have no less than in the future to climb larger and sleep decrease to assist forestall altitude illness.
Our acclimation hike took us to the Everest View Hotel. With an elevation achieve of solely 400 meters, it wasn’t an excessive amount of larger than our lodge in Namche Bazaar, but it surely is sufficient to assist acclimate to the excessive altitudes. Everest View Hotel affords wonderful views of Mount Everest (therefore the identify). Plus it holds the Guinness e book of world data as the best lodge on the earth.
It shouldn’t be a simple time without work although. Just strolling via city takes your breath away. As we made our approach up the steps, I puzzled if I ought to have simply stayed in mattress and skipped the point of view to calm down. When we began the climb I used to be respiration closely simply strolling up a couple of flights of steps. We hadn’t even left Namche Bazaar and I used to be pooped!
Once we bought on the path, issues grew to become simpler. The steep grade gave approach to a sloping path and I began to really feel higher. After one and a half hours of climbing, we reached what must be the world’s highest airstrip at 3700 meters (12,139 toes). We arrive simply in time to see a small aircraft take off.
First Views of Mt. Everest
It was right here that we bought to see our first breathtaking views of Mt. Everest and the encompassing mountains. We hiked a bit farther and there it was, standing quietly behind the opposite highest peaks of the earth.
Lhotse, Changri, Ama Dablam, and Nuptse encompass the mighty Mount Everest, the world’s highest peak. At 8414m (27,604 toes), 6027m (19,773 toes), and 7861m (25,790 toes) they’re the little sisters of this sacred mountain. Mount Everest stands at 8848 meters (27,716 toes).
The deep Khumbu valley views had been magnificent. The river wove far beneath, carving via the panorama of the white mountain tops. We walked a slender path snaking alongside the facet of a steep mountain and immediately notice “this trek has become real.” We had been excessive within the Himalayas and one false transfer might imply disaster falling into the abyss beneath.
The sky was a deep blue and the white summits reached towards the billowing clouds. The view was so awe-inspiring it introduced me to tears. Everything was so crisp and clear. During the EBC trek, you’re feeling as in the event you might attain out and contact heaven.
The clouds rolled in shortly so it was time to go. The climate situations change shortly on the Everest base camp hike, so it’s good to have the expertise of a information main us via all terrain and situations. We went again to Namche Bazaar to calm down and achieve power for the remainder of the trek.
Namche Bazaar – Elevation – 3440 meters. (11246 toes)
Everest View Hotel – 3880 meters (12,730 ft.)
Elevation – Bounce of 440 meters (1443 toes)
Duration – 3 hours return
Elevation Gain – 0 km
Day 4 – Namche Bazaar to Tengboche
We awoke sooner than ordinary on Day 4. Two giant group treks (Intrepid Travel and G Adventures) had checked into our lodge and we didn’t wish to must compete for service or breakfast. We additionally didn’t wish to have to attend in line for the lavatory.
Lodges turn out to be an increasing number of sparse as you go larger on the Everest Base Camp Trek and fewer bathrooms are shared between extra individuals. Up till now, we hadn’t encountered crowds of individuals. It had been fairly quiet on the mountain and we preferred it that approach.
Luckily, we had been a day forward of the opposite excursions. They needed to keep in Namche Bazaar for one more day to acclimate to the excessive altitudes, So we moved on to get pleasure from our EBC Trek free from crowds of individuals – for now.
Tenzing Norgay Memorial Stupa
During day 4 of the EBC trek, we hiked alongside trails clinging to the facet of the mountain. The slender trekking trails alongside this route had been somewhat scary. They wound alongside the sting of the cliff with nothing however a sheer drop to the abyss into the Khumbu Valley. But we stored our wits about us placing one foot forward of the opposite till we reached the Sherpa Monument.
Tenzing Norgay Sherpa monument was erected by the Norgay household. It is a stupa honoring Tenzing Norgay Sherpa and all of the Sherpas that risked their lives to assist climbers attain the summit of Mt. Everest.
All treks move this monument and it is a crucial cease on the journey to pay respect to the well-known Sherpa of the Everest area. In case you don’t know, Tenzing Norgay Sherpa was the primary man to summit Everest together with Sir Edmund Hillary.
What is a Sherpa?
Sherpas are the unsung heroes of Mt. Everest. They do all the arduous work and technical work on the mountain. They carry the heavy hundreds, set the ladders and ropes to cross the Hillary Step and Khumbu Icefield for mountain climbers, and so they handle organising camp whereas climbers and trekkers catch their breath and attempt to survive life on the world’s highest peak.
Difference Between a Sherpa and a Porter
Sherpas and porters are very completely different from each other. We discovered {that a} Sherpa is definitely the identify of an ethnic group from Tibet. The authentic mountaineers employed Sherpas as their guides within the Himalayas and the world has now adopted the identify for porters within the Everest area. If you aren’t born into the Sherpa ethnic group, you can’t be known as a Sherpa. Porters are porters and Sherpas are Sherpas.
We had been instructed that some porters, particularly business porters carry as much as 60kg (150 kilos) of provides and equipment to companies positioned alongside the EBC trek. That is quite a lot of weight and we had been very stunned. When climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, porters had a compulsory weight restrict of 35kg. (77 kilos).
Dipendra instructed us that they receives a commission per kilo so some individuals push it too far. The Nepalese are a powerful bunch however it is a lot to hold at such a excessive altitude it doesn’t matter what form you’re in.
We stored our pack as mild as potential at round 22kg (48 kilos) for Sher and we even felt unhealthy about that! We have heard there’s a 30kg (66lb) restrict for Everest, however judging by what we noticed different porters carrying on the Everest Base Camp hike, individuals had been pushing it properly past that.
We noticed males carrying stacks of plywood with heavy white sacks loaded on prime. We noticed males carrying propane tanks, doorways, and big packs. What might individuals presumably want on the EBC Trek that they packed their packs so full? Read extra: Packing List for Everest Base Camp Trek
Approaching Tengboche
The remaining push of our EBC Trek day 4 was to Tengboche Monastery. It was a tricky but regular 2-hour steep climb. We are actually gaining altitude climbing above the tree line. We put our heads down and huffed and puffed our approach up. We didn’t cease for any images or movies and had been stunned to chop the climb right down to only one and a half hours.
We reached the prayer wheels of Tengboche Monastery simply in time for mild snow to start out falling. We made it into our camp at Tengboche by 1:30 pm and had your entire afternoon to ourselves at 3900 meters (12795 toes). This is a wonderful place on the Everest Base Camp hike to have some further time to calm down as there are a couple of particular issues to see and do.
Tengboche Monastery
We warmed our toes with our new down booties that we purchased at Namche Bazaar and turned into some dryer garments earlier than heading off to see the monks chant at Tengboche Monastery. Our information Dipendra instructed us that that is an important monastery within the area. All climbers summiting the mountains cease at this monastery to be blessed by the monks.
We had been allowed to observe the ceremony and to absorb the heat and blessings from the monks. It is a sacred place and all climbers and trekkers cease right here earlier than persevering with up the mountains.
The footprints of Lama Pagna Dorje from the sixteenth century are embedded in strong stone in entrance of the monastery. A spot the place he mediated and raced via the Himalayas using the wind together with his thoughts.
Apparently, he sat on this stone for therefore lengthy, his toes left their mark. He spent years touring the world via the facility of his thoughts and we consider the story. Especially after our yoga expertise in Goa India. He predicted {that a} monastery can be constructed right here and shock shock…right here it’s.
The View from Tengboche Monastery
The view is magnificent from Tengboche Monastery. The valley is huge and opens as much as huge rolling hills giving approach to the best peaks on earth. Plus it has a transparent view of Mt. Everest and the encompassing mountains.
We had been instructed that Sir Edmund Hillary got here again to survey the height of Mount Everest from this spot as a result of the view is so away from the mountain and we will perceive why.
Accommodation – Basic Tea Houses at Higher Altitude
At this excessive elevation of the EBC trek, lodging grew to become very fundamental and rustic. We felt like true adventurers as we sat by the fireplace warming our toes and bonding with our fellow trekkers over our shared expertise by candlelight.
There had been 10 of us staying on this teahouse. All are sharing electrical energy to cost our digicam batteries. Meals had been now vegetarian and wooden stoves had been heated by yak dung. At this excessive altitude, meat can’t be transported quick sufficient to remain recent and common wooden is scarce, so yak dung it’s.
When we went to mattress, our room was freezing. Rooms should not heated at larger elevations. We had our personal room, however I typically surprise if sleeping in a dorm would have helped with extra physique warmth. The temperature simply dipped right down to -10 Celcius (14 levels Fahrenheit) and our plywood partitions didn’t supply quite a lot of comforts.
We tossed and turned all night time lengthy making an attempt to maintain our noses heat in our sleeping baggage carrying our down jackets, thick socks, and thermal mid-layers.
It was so chilly the news bucket for the shared squat bathroom froze over forming a patch of ice to type on the ground. It was a slippery journey to the outhouse. Sadly, we all the time must pee loads in the course of the night time when sleeping at excessive altitudes so we visited that bathroom loads.
Hot Tip: Pay for hots showers at decrease elevations You received’t remorse it! We realized that we must always have paid the 250 Rupees for the recent showers provided on the lodging in Namche Bazaar. Now that the climate was so chilly there was no approach we might face a bucket tub in a freezing shed. Dave and I set a brand new document in these mountains of Nepal, 9 days and not using a bathe!
Namche Bazaar – Elevation – 3440 meters. (11246 toes) above sea stage
Tengboche – 3860 meters (12664 toes)
Elevation Gain – 420 meters (1378 toes)
Distance – 9.3 km (5.77 miles)
Duration – 3 hours (with out stopping) 5 hours for images, lunch and relaxation.
Day 5 – Tengboche to Dingboche
Day 5 of the EBC Trek was freezing! We had an early wake-up name and morning got here too shortly on the Tengboche leg of the EBC Trek. But, we awoke to a winter wonderland of recent snow on the Tengboche Monastery and clear views of Lhotse peak.
The snow from the night time earlier than made for extra unimaginable views on the climbing trails. As we began out from the lodge, the sky was crisp and clear, exhibiting Mount Everest in all its glory. It was gorgeous, and in between gasping for air, we admired the view.
Today we walked to larger altitudes and noticed our first trains of wooly yaks. Yaks can not survive at low altitudes as a result of it’s too heat for them, so that you don’t see yaks on the Everest Base Camp hike till no less than 3000 meters. (9800 toes) They are lovely.
Yaks on the Trek to Everest Base Camp
Woolly yak trains had been extra frequent and by day 5 of the EBC Trek, we had our system perfected to present them the best of approach with out letting them nudge us off the mountain.
As we stated earlier, you will need to give yaks area. They will run you proper off the mountain if you’re of their approach. Be certain to face on the mountainside as they move so that you don’t get knocked over the sting. The yaks of the Everest Base Camp trek, have just one factor on their thoughts. To get to their vacation spot.
On this present day, indicators of expeditions going as much as summit Everest began to go by as giant teams of yaks carried large a great deal of climbing gear. It is thrilling to suppose that we had been strolling the identical route as so many nice mountain climbers, like Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay Sherpa.
The Trek from Tengboche is breathtaking
I conquered what little concern of heights I had left this present day. Some of the slender paths on the route dropped sharply into the deep valley beneath. Soon we discovered ourselves strolling alongside the ledge not considering in any respect in regards to the risks beneath. We hiked for a few hours earlier than stopping for tea at a restaurant in Pangboche.
Pangboche
There are outlets, teahouses, and eating places alongside the route so we might purchase lunch alongside the best way and one of many extra standard stops is within the village of Pangboche. After a tea cease in Pangboche, we met a candy girl that walked with us all the best way to the village of Dingboche. Her identify was Yangshou and she or he waited for us as we struggled up hills and crossed the suspension bridge over the Imja Khola River.
Her cute snicker and quiet prayers helped to move the time. She stopped to speak to everybody on the path whereas we plugged alongside. She’d fall far behind when she chatted with buddies, solely to shortly catch us after which scoot by us with ease. She will need to have loved our firm as a result of we actually slowed her down. “Yangzhou, we’ll all the time bear in mind your smiling face!
We spent the night time within the village of Dingboche and wished that we had one other night time right here. It is from right here that you will notice lovely views of Island Peak and Lhotse, however additionally it is a great spot for one more acclimatization day.
Tengboche – 3860 meters (12664 toes) above sea stage
Dingboche – Elevation – 4410 meters. (14468 toes)
Elevation Gain – 550 meters (1804 toes)
Distance – 10.8 km (6.71 miles)
Duration – 3 hours (with out stopping) 5 hours for images, lunch, and relaxation.
Day 6 – Second Acclimatization Day at Dingboche
This is a day that most individuals spend acclimating to the excessive altitude. We didn’t do that day, however it is best to! So we’re together with it within the information as a result of it’s a essential day when trekking to Everest Base Camp. If we had been smarter, we’d have spent 2 nights within the village of Dingboche the place we’d spend a day climbing as much as Nagurjun Hill.
This is one of the best place for climbers seeking to summit Everest, Ama Dablam (6812m), Lobuche peak (6,119 m), or Island Peak to do their acclimatization day. Dingboche is a small village within the Khumbu area with only some visitor homes, so it’s a good time to calm down, replenish and rejuvenate for the following push.
If we had introduced our Lonely Planet Trekking within the Nepal Himalayas (which we forgot in Kathmandu and kicked ourselves about it each day) we’d have realized that we must always have taken an additional day to acclimate in Dingboche.
Dipendra was versatile so he would have simply added one other day onto our trek, we simply didn’t know any higher to ask about it. Lucky for us, we felt sturdy, however different teams had been complaining of complications and dizziness.
In the tip, we want we spent the additional day right here. Some individuals even spend two days right here climbing to the encompassing peaks. We did undergo after reaching base camp and I consider that’s as a result of we didn’t spend time acclimatizing right here.
Had we stayed, we’d have completed some mild hikes to achieve altitude after which come again right down to relaxation at a decrease elevation. Many people who find themselves set to climb Island Peak or Kala Patthar keep right here for a couple of days to get some observe climbs in.
Dingboche – Elevation – 4410 meters. (14468 toes) above sea stage
Nangkartshang Peak – Altitude – 5050 meters (16568 toes)
Climb– 640 meters (2099 toes)
Distance – 10.8 km (6.71 miles)
Duration – 4 hours
Elevation Gain – 0
Day 7 – Dingboche to Lobuche
We walked with fellow trekkers we met at our guesthouse Martin and Richard from Slovakia in the course of the morning hours. They carried their very own packs and after watching them battle, we had been joyful we employed a porter. (be aware: Starting in April 2023, you possibly can now not trek independently in Nepal) They had been actually beginning to really feel the altitude and we ultimately left them behind.
We loved our day taking images of the gorgeous clear views of the Everest area. It could also be somewhat colder trekking in Nepal right now of 12 months (Early March), however the skies are clear and blue. When we got here throughout a small cluster of homes, we felt like we had entered the Kingdom of Middle Earth. Little Hobbit homes lined a valley with large peaks looming overhead.
We had a front-row seat to a number of the most breathtaking views on earth. An total panorama of the mountains standing proudly overhead, reaching as much as the deepest blue sky that I’ve ever witnessed. The scene took our breath away. The mountains appeared extra imposing with every nook we turned and we couldn’t consider that we had been fulfilling our dream of climbing to Everest.
We needed to knock on the door to see if Bilbo Baggins occurred to be in. Sadly, he wasn’t house. I ended up singing Leonard Nimoy’s Ballad of Bilbo Baggins for the remainder of the day. A foul thought since I solely know a couple of phrases.
Weather Conditions
The wind picked up and we placed on our outer layers for the primary time. We had been grateful to have them as we staggered via the excessive gusts. Weather varies tremendously within the Everest Region and earlier than you understand it you possibly can have inclement climate so be ready along with your layers. The solar may be shining one minute after which wind and clouds roll within the subsequent.
After lunch, we confronted fairly the scramble up a steep hill plagued by boulders. It appeared like a tricky climb, however we moved with ease and shortly made it to the highest. Where we discovered our power, I have no idea.
Sherpa Monuments
At the highest of the hill is a really shifting sight. Several monuments and stupas are erected, honoring Sherpas and climbers which have misplaced their lives on Everest. The most notable of those is Babu Chiri Sherpa.
Babu Chiri Sherpa was the previous world document holder of the quickest ascent of Everest, probably the most variety of ascents up the mountain, and the quickest back-to-back summits of two in lower than 2 weeks. He tragically misplaced his life on his eleventh try when he fell right into a crevasse.
It was a shifting expertise and a powerful reminder to not take issues frivolously on Everest, even if you’re solely trekking to Everest Base Camp. It remains to be a critical trek.
Dingboche – Elevation – 4410 meters. (14468 toes) above sea stage
Lobuche – Altitude – 4940 meters (16207 toes)
Elevation Gain – 530 meters (1738 toes)
Distance – 17.6 km (10.9 miles)
Duration – 4 to five hours
Day 8 – Morning – Lobuche to Gorak Shep
Day 8 on the Everest Base Camp Trek takes you to 5000 meters (16404 toes). How did we really feel at 5000 meters? Terrible. Before coming into Nepal, I had been struggling for a couple of weeks in India. The air pollution of Kathmandu didn’t assist and my congestion was worse once I began the climb. I assumed it could clear up within the recent air, but it surely intensified with every enhance in altitude.
Every morning my cough bought worse and my nostril was stuffed as much as the purpose of being insufferable. Today, I felt the results of the congestion and couldn’t catch my breath. It didn’t assist that we had gone into such a excessive altitude. The air is skinny and chilly.
Dave suffered his first signs of altitude illness when reaching 5000 meters as properly. He had a slight case of diarrhea and wasn’t joyful about having to attend for the bathroom within the teahouses. I believe many individuals had been affected by the identical signs.
Our was a gradual climb to Gorak Shep. We stopped commonly to catch our breath and at the moment we took extra breaks than ordinary. Luckily it was solely a few hundred meters in elevation achieve so we made it to our visitor home in Gorek Shep by 12:30.
Lobuche – Altitude – 4940 meters (16207 toes) above sea stage
Gorak Shep – 5164 meters (16942 toes) above sea stage
Elevation Gain – 224 meters (734 toes)
Distance – 4.3 (2.6 miles)
Duration – 4 Hours
Day 8 – Afternoon: Gorak Shep to Everest Base Camp
We took a break at Gorek Shep earlier than making out approach to Everest Base Camp. We sat within the solar marveling at the truth that we made it this far. After consuming a hearty lunch of vegetarian Sherpa stew (Dal Bhat) on the terrace, (sure, we ate exterior within the heat solar above 5100 meters) we set out for Everest Base Camp. The solar was shining brightly and it was fairly nice exterior so we had been very excited.
We had been fortunate and had clear skies. Up till at the moment, the clouds had rolled in by early afternoon each day. Today the solar shone and the skies had been blue till sundown. So, it was our good morning to make the push.
The trek to Base Camp from Gorak Shep is a simple one. It’s two hours of strolling with solely a small elevation achieve, and we made it with ease. That break for lunch actually helped our spirits.
Reaching Everest Base Camp
People can summit Mount Everest from Tibet, however the primary Everest Base Camp expedition route is in Nepal, and it’s busy when the season is in full swing. Even these climbing to the height of Mt Everest hike the route we took alongside the Everest Base Camp trek.
We arrived only a week or two earlier than the season, so it was nonetheless quiet on the mountain. In truth, we had been the one individuals at Base Camp that afternoon. We noticed one other group coming down on our approach up, however as soon as there we had all of it to ourselves. It was thrilling.
To attain Everest base camp, you’ll hike out from close by Gorak Shep after which hike again the identical day to spend the night time within the village. You don’t spend the night time at base camp.
Khumbu Glacier
The Khumbu Glacier is the very first thing to become visible, and it’s unbelievable to suppose that we are literally standing there. The Khumbu Glacier is the biggest glacier in all of Nepal and is known for the Khumbu Icefall. This treacherous sheet of ice is probably the most harmful impediment that climbers face when summiting Everest.
We witnessed an avalanche that reminded us simply how precarious the climb to Mount Everest is. It is an intimidating sight and I can not think about having the braveness to cross that area of ice. Climbers stroll throughout ladders that shift and transfer because the ice is alive and consistently settling. It has taken many lives, and we had been joyful to take a look at it from afar.
With an elevation of 7600 meters at its supply, the Khumbu Glacier is the best glacier on the earth and the Khumbu Icefall is without doubt one of the most harmful parts of the climb to the summit of the world’s highest peak. We had been joyful to take a look at it from afar.
Everest Base Camp’s elevation is 5,364m (17,598 toes) so you’ll really feel the excessive altitude. But, in case you have taken your time it is best to really feel fairly good. We had been at this elevation now for some time and stayed hydrated, so we might benefit from the expertise.
We stood at a rock coated with prayer flags saying that sure, we had made it to Mount Everest Base Camp at 5364 meters. We stayed for nearly an hour taking movies, celebrating, and snapping images. If you possibly can bear it, don’t rush the expertise, take it in and luxuriate in each minute. This would be the solely time you’ll see it.
Trekking to Everest could also be extra thrilling later within the season when Everest expeditions are there, however we actually preferred having base camp to ourselves. There wasn’t a soul on the mountain aside from the three of us. We stayed for nearly an hour taking movies, celebrating, snapping images, and marveling on the huge Khumbu Glacier. Can it actually be true that we’re right here? It felt like a dream.
We completed our climb about two weeks earlier than the excessive season started and we wouldn’t have it some other approach. We stood at a rock coated with prayer flags saying that sure, we had made it to Everest Base Camp.
When it’s excessive season, base camp is full of expeditions and tents spanning the valley. We solely noticed one expedition to date. They could have been right here to climb Island Peak as base camp can also be a spot to acclimate for that peak.
We began to make our approach again to Gorak Shep from Everest Base Camp at about 3:30 pm. Even although it was a simple trek again, there are slender paths atop excessive ledges and it simply so occurs that whereas we had been strolling again, an ice bridge broke off after I stepped on it leaving Dave with a sticky scenario of getting to take one large leap over a gorge. We made it again to Gorak Shep safely but it surely was a reminder simply how harmful the Himalayas may be.
Back to Gorak Shep
By the time we made it again to Gorak Shep, the thrill of reaching Everest base camp had worn off. We had reached our remaining vacation spot Base Camp, however there was nonetheless much more trekking to go.
We had been joyful to have seen it, however we had been exhausted. We felt the identical after we climbed Mount Kilimanjaro. The thrill of reaching your vacation spot is over and there’s nothing extra to stay up for, however there are nonetheless so many days to go.
That night time I had critical sinus congestion and felt like I used to be suffocating in my freezing mattress. It was fairly scary to already be wanting breath due to the altitude after which be utterly congested. I actually was terrified. Our information Dipendra introduced me sizzling tea all night time and I slathered myself in Vicks Vaporub however nothing helped me to breathe simpler.
I used to be afraid as we had the Gokyo Lake trek forward via the Cho La Pass. We had been additionally planning to trek as much as Kala Pattar for one of the best views of Everest within the morning. I hope I might make it however I used to be additionally dreading the day forward. I barely slept a wink however I lastly drifted right into a not-so-peaceful slumber.
Gorak Shep – 5164 meters (16942 toes) above sea stage
Everest Base Camp Elevation – 5,364m (17,598 toes) above sea stage
Elevation Gain – 200 meters (656 toes)
Distance – 3.5 km a method (2.1 miles)
Duration – Three Hours Round Trip
Alternative Gokyo Lake Via Cho La Pass
The subsequent morning after a horrible night time, we gave up our plans of climbing Kala Patthar after which on to the Gokyo Lakes and Cho La Pass trek. Even although I wasn’t feeling dizzy, nauseous, or lightheaded anymore, the sinus congestion was actually attending to me. At altitude a chilly can flip critical shortly, you simply can’t take an opportunity when altitude is concerned.
But, if we had been going to trek on, this is able to be the following cease. It is meant to be lovely and if you’re feeling as much as it, we extremely suggest it. This makes the trek rather more attention-grabbing as you get to take a unique approach again to Lukla.
Cho La Pass: Altitude 5420 meters (17,782 toes)
Gokyo Ri: 5357 Meters (17,575 toes)
Gokyo Lakes: 4,700–5,000 m (15,400–16,400 ft)
Day 9 – The Descent and Kala Patthar
Kala Patthar is a hill above Gorak Shep that provides one of the best views of Everest and is a must-stop on anybody’s Everest Base Camp trekking route. We had deliberate to climb to the summit of Kala Patthar, however my congestion was so unhealthy, that we determined it was safer to get to a decrease elevation shortly.
Kala Patthar is a fast two-hour trek so as to add to your descent again to Lukla. It is an effective possibility if you’re feeling up for it because it offers an awesome view of Mt. Everest. Make certain to start out early morning earlier than daybreak as there’s nonetheless a protracted day of trekking after summiting Kala Pattar. Plan on one other 5 or 6 hours to your subsequent in a single day cease at Pheriche.
Kala Patthar to Pheriche – Afternoon
By the time you attain your lodging at Periche, try to be feeling loads higher. Dave and I discover that we’re effective within the 4000-meter ranges of altitude and expertise only a few signs of altitude illness. It is at 5000 meters and above that, we begin to really feel our signs. Periche is a way more manageable 4371 meters.
Kala Pattar: 5643 metres
Pheriche: 4371 Meters
Altitude Loss: 1272
Days 10 to 11 – The Descent from Everest Base Camp
It took us two days extra to trek again from Everest Base Camp to our remaining vacation spot on the EBC Trek. I began feeling higher on the second day because the dryness of the Everest base camp disappeared. My sinuses cleared and shortly I used to be respiration simply. I began to really feel responsible about turning round, however in hindsight, I do know it was the best selection. You by no means wish to take an opportunity with altitude illness.
Even although we had been heading down, there’s nonetheless quite a lot of altitude achieve because the EBC trek doesn’t constantly go downhill. I used to be feeling actually fatigued and we nonetheless had a tricky couple of days forward of us. But realizing there was mild on the finish of the tunnel made every part simpler.
It takes quite a lot of psychological stamina to climb again down because the euphoria of reaching the Everest base camp has worn off, however we made probably the most of it, by chatting with different trekkers and attending to know our guides higher.
During our respectable we might truly take our time to scent the roses or ought to I say benefit from the trekking path that ran via the gorgeous rhododendron forest.
Rhododendrons are lovely flowering crops that bloom in numerous shades of pink, pink, white, and purple. The rhododendron forest is especially distinguished within the areas of Phakding, Namche Bazaar, Tengboche, and Dingboche which we actually didn’t discover till we made our approach down the mountains.
We adopted the route we got here up with, but it surely was a lot sooner and we stayed in numerous villages. The great thing about reserving organized journeys with a neighborhood information is that our information Dipendra knew the routes just like the again of his hand, so he might change lodging simply to go well with our pace.
Day 12 – Lukla
We had been again in Lukla early on day 12 of our EBC Trek and had a night booked in a visitor home right here to catch the primary flight from Lukla again to Kathmandu within the morning. As a lot as we beloved our journey to Everest, we had been excited to be shifting on to discover extra of Nepal.
The lodging was nice with a stunning restaurant, sizzling bathe, and heat and comfortable beds. It was a good way to finish the journey.
Day 13 – Return To Kathmandu Flight from Lukla Airport
It is essential to present your self an additional cushion when reserving your return flight not solely house from Kathmandu however from Lukla. We stayed in a single day in Lukla on the ultimate night time of our trek and booked a flight to Kathmandu for very first thing the following morning.
It shouldn’t be unusual for flights to be canceled or delayed flying out of Lukla Airport. Weather situations change shortly. So give a little bit of a cushion when reserving your flight house from Nepal after you’ve completed your trek to Everest Base Camp. Many a traveler has missed their connecting flights house from Kathmandu due to delays in Lukla. It is safer to plan to spend an evening or two in Kathmandu after your trek.
We had been delayed a complete day. Even although we had been booked on the primary flight from Lukla, the climate made us wait till close to sundown. We had been the primary (and solely) flight out that day, so everybody else who was ready for his or her flights all day was caught one other night time.
It was a bumpy flight again to Kathmandu and we nearly wished that we didn’t make it on the flight. The turbulence was so unhealthy, I used to be certain we had been going to drop out of the sky.
Everyone on the flight was silent as we had been tossed about dropping enormous quantities of elevation at a time. But we landed and now we have by no means been so joyful to reach in Kathmandu. We kissed the bottom, grateful to have trekked to Everest Base Camp, however vowed to by no means do it once more.
Accommodation – Tea Houses on Everest Base Camp
The predominant lodges of every teahouse we stayed in in the course of the first half of our journey had been cozy and heat. At the decrease elevations, woodstoves burned wooden within the eating room and customary areas and our rooms had been a snug temperature as we had been wrapped up in our sleeping baggage.
But as we ventured larger, the stoves had been much less ample and as a substitute of wooden, they burned yak dung. You heard me, Yak Dung. Wood can’t burn in skinny air, in order that they use yak dung to warmth the teahouses at excessive elevations. Rooms should not heated so after we went to our rooms, we needed to put on hats, thick socks, puffy coats, and lengthy johns.
There had been charging stations on the lodging for electronics and we paid by the hour for electrical energy.
- We extremely suggest taking a conveyable USB charger to cost your individual electronics.
- We additionally used a photo voltaic USB charger that recharged in the course of the day as we hiked.
Meals on Everest Base Camp
Because we booked an all-inclusive Everest Base Camp trek with Simrik Real Nepal tour firm, all meals and snacks had been included with our lodging. Each night, hearty meals had been served that included pasta, rice, or Dal Bhat. Dal Bhat is the staple meals of Nepal consisting of lentils, greens, steamed rice, and curry.
For the primary few days, meat was served at meals, however as you climb larger, meals turned to vegetarian as it’s harder to get the meat up the mountains.
Prayer Flags and Prayer Wheels – EBC Trek Etiquette
We noticed many prayer wheels, prayer flags, and prayer rocks (mani stones) all alongside the path to Everest. Everest is a sacred mountain and these monuments assist give luck to the climbers on the mountain. There are customs to be adopted when approaching prayer rocks or prayer wheels.
How to correctly trek round prayer Wheels and Prayer Rocks
- When approaching a prayer rock, you will need to stroll to the left of the prayer rocks (mani stones) in a clockwise course. The stone on the best means you’re on the “right hand of God.”
- When utilizing prayer wheels, you stroll alongside and spin them to ask for blessings for the climb forward.
- Sherpas and locals spin prayer wheels saying the mantra “Om Mani Padme Hum” giving blessings to the climb forward.
- The prayer flags have prayers and mantras written on them that are believed to hold messages of positivity and to unfold goodwill and compassion they’re carried by the wind.
Altitude Sickness
Altitude Sickness is a really actual risk on the EBC Trek. On common 3-5 individuals die every year doing the trek to Everest base camp. Make certain to maintain an eye fixed out for indicators of Acute Mountain Sickness. Acute Mountain Sickness is life-threatening and early signs embody nausea, headache, and vomiting. It can result in loss of life. The Best approach to alleviate signs is to go right down to a decrease elevation.
If you begin to really feel dizzy, have a pounding headache, or in the event you begin to vomit go right down to a decrease altitude as shortly as potential. Take your time climbing, keep hydrated, and take heed to your physique.
Drink loads of fluids, attempt to eat, and relaxation commonly. It is best to stroll slowly and steadily moderately than speeding at excessive altitudes. And if you get to your lodging every day, calm down as a lot as potential.
It may be harmful trekking to Everest Base Camp from falling off the mountain to succumbing to altitude illness. Some individuals have merely disappeared. Hiring a information is an effective possibility (and now the one possibility) for security and it is extremely essential to search for alerts of altitude-related illness.
But the Everest basecamp trek isn’t almost as harmful as climbing to the summit of Mt Everest. In 2019, 11 individuals died whereas making an attempt to summit Mount Everest.
The village of Lukla is positioned at a excessive elevation so you’ll really feel the results of the skinny air as quickly as you land. The elevation of Lukla, Nepal is 2869 meters (9,350 toes). We had been wanting breath and already feeling fatigued upon touchdown. So as a substitute of instantly beginning our trek, we had a sizzling breakfast at one of many many eating places in Lukla.
Travel Insurance for Everest Trek
We all the time journey with journey insurance coverage on our travels, however climbing to Everest Base Camp won’t be coated by common insurance coverage suppliers. It is extremely really helpful to get supplemental complete journey insurance coverage that provides journey cancellation insurance coverage, and medical evacuation insurance coverage.
Medjet is an effective possibility for medical evacuation insurance coverage and is an effective addition to your common journey insurance coverage. There is a really actual risk of altitude illness and we knew of two those who wanted helicopter rescues throughout our trek.
World Nomads affords particular Everest Base Camp Insurance. You can test them out to get a quote. I’d recommend a mixture of World Nomads journey insurance coverage and Medjet medical evacuation insurance coverage. Regardless of what journey insurance coverage you select, remember to name them on to ask for particular recommendation about trekking to Everest Base Camp.
For a visit like Everest Base Camp, you’ll want to be sure to have journey interruption and journey cancellation insurance coverage in addition to misplaced baggage. This is a visit of a lifetime, so be sure to have a backup plan.
Can you Trek Independently to Everest Base Camp?
Starting April 1, 2023, Nepal has banned solo trekking. Foreigners should rent a information for treks in high-altitude trekking areas of nationwide parks. According to the Kathmandu Post in March, “solo or independent trekkers have to mandatorily hire a guide or a porter before setting off to Nepal’s mountains.” However, after an up to date article within the Kathmandu Post, evidently the Everest Region is an exception. Before reserving, we’d test with native firms and authorities as guidelines are consistently altering.
Regardless, we beloved hiring a neighborhood information to make oure expertise richer, to assist the native financial system and to really feel safer hello
- Our all-inclusive Everest Base Camp Trek via the Simrik Real Nepal included return flights from Lukla, meals, lodging, guiding, and all permits and paperwork.
- We didn’t must seek for lodging on the finish of every day of trekking
- We had English-speaking guides and a porter.
- We had our personal room, however it’s also possible to share rooms on the EBC Trek
- We by no means anxious about the price of meals. They had been all pay as you go.
- And our information (Dipendra) and porter had been a part of the bundle for the journey.
Costs for Everest Base Camp Trek
Prices can fluctuate tremendously for trekking to Everest Base Camp. You can contact Simrik Real Nepal for updated costs.
- Booking with a global company can price from $1800 – $5000 USD
- Booking with a neighborhood company and be anyplace from $1400 – $2500
When is the Best time to Trek to Base Camp?
The excessive season for treks is April to May and October to November. We climbed in early March and felt that it was the right time of the 12 months. The climate was lovely, the skies had been clear and the official climbing season hadn’t picked up but. So we had quite a lot of the mountain to ourselves. We had heard tales of how busy the path is, however right now of 12 months, it was fairly abandoned.
But every week and a half after our trek began as we made our approach again to Lukla, it was already busier. We noticed quite a lot of events climbing up and the path was getting congested. I can solely think about how packed the paths are in the course of the excessive season.
What to Pack For Your Everest Base Camp Trek
Layering is extraordinarily essential when trekking to Everest Base Camp. This is a fast information for clothes however we wrote a full packing information for base camp right here.
Make certain to have a day pack to hold the essential gadgets and layers that you will want to your day of trekking for your entire trek. Your porter will carry every part else.
- 2 fast drying lengthy sleeved base layer shirts
- 2 trekking shirts brief sleeve
- 2 Thermal Base Layer – 2 leggings/2shirts
- 2 liner socks
- 3 pairs of woolen mix trekking socks
- 2 pairs of trekking pants with zip-off bottoms
- 2 fleece sweaters – one light-weight, one heavier
- Outer windproof jacket and pants
- 2 water bottles to fill commonly
- Steripen or Lifestraw – that is nice for purifying water
- Portable USB Charger
- Basic First Aid Kit – A primary help package is essential to have however your information, they’ll have one as properly.
- Warm sleeping bag. If you don’t have a sleeping bag rated to beneath zero, we suggest renting one out of your guding firm.
Treats and Medication
- Tang – I used to be glad we packed Tang for our water. It made it style higher, conserving us well-hydrated. We didn’t actually wish to drink simply water, however the Tang (which we purchased in Kathmandu) was truly scrumptious. Gatorade or one other electrolyte-replenishing drink is a good thought.
- Diamox – (You should purchase this in Kathmandu and not using a prescription) I extremely suggest utilizing Diamox tablets for altitude illness as properly. We met so many individuals affected by complications, dizziness, and fatigue and so they weren’t taking something. We’ve all the time used Diamox when climbing to altitude and it has labored superbly for us.
- Chocolate – When we had been feeling unwell, we had been joyful to have chocolate to eat. It was the one factor that we might eat at instances.
How to Get Fresh Water on An Everest Trek
We suggest two refillable water bottles per particular person that may be refilled alongside the best way. You can refill anyplace at no cost alongside the Everest Base Camp route, however be sure to have a SteriPen or another type of water purification with you. We love the SteriPen for purifying water, see our assessment right here.
You can even use the LifeStraw or water purification tablets, however as soon as we found the SteriPen, we by no means went again. See our full Packing a Travel First Aid Kit right here
Do You Need Climbing Experience for Everest Base Camp Trek?
There is not any want for any technical climbing expertise to make it to Everest Base Camp. If you’re comparatively match, it is extremely doable. But it’s a full two weeks at a sustained altitude of over 4000 meters.
We didn’t practice for our Everest Base Camp Trek however we had been to altitude earlier than and had spent quite a lot of time backpacking main as much as the months prior. It’s good to know the way your physique reacts to altitude. We instructed doing a few treks above 3000 meters (9000 toes) to see how your physique reacts.
Hot Tips for Trekking to EBC
- Keep your digicam batteries near your physique when not in use. The chilly and altitude actually eat up battery life, so you’ll want to maintain them heat for so long as you possibly can.
- Bring USD, ATM Fees are excessive and you’re restricted to the quantities you possibly can take out of the ATM, so have ISD to trade as a substitute.
- Pack handi wipes and Gold Bond Powder – it’s a lifesaver when you possibly can’t get sizzling showers.
- See our Full checklist of Everest Base Camp Tips right here.
How to Get to Everest Base Camp
There are day by day flights to Kathmandu International Airport from worldwide hubs world wide.
Flights to Lukla now not depart from Tribhuvan International Airport (Kathmandu Airport) in Kathmandu as a result of congestion. Flights are actually out of Ramechap airport which is a 4 1/2 hour drive from Kathmandu. You can e book personal helicopters from Tribhuvan International Airport.
The flight from Ramechap airport is way shorter than the flight from Tribhuvan International Airport. Flights to Lukla are solely 12 minutes so extra flights can get via when the climate is obvious making flights much less prone to be canceled or delayed for too lengthy.
Where to Book Your Everest Base Camp Trek
We booked our trek in Kathmandu with Local Guide Dipendra of Simrik Real Nepal. If you’re searching for a neighborhood information he is a wonderful selection with almost 20 years of expertise within the mighty Himalayas.
Prices for the Everest base camp trek price can fluctuate relying on the place you e book. Group excursions booked in North America will cost extra. Ranging from $1500 – $5000 USD
You can save some huge cash by reserving a neighborhood information as you’ll reduce out the intermediary costs. Having a neighborhood information tell us our cash was going on to the Nepal financial system. Check with Simrik Real Nepal for present costs.
How Much to Tip Guides and Porters for an EBC Trek
Guides and porters in Nepal don’t make some huge cash and depend on tipping. When we take excursions of any sort, we (ourselves) tip 15% – 20% however that is part of our tradition in North America, we’re fairly giant tippers and notice that others should not snug with that. We’ve completed quite a lot of analysis and passed by what our tour firms have instructed on different ideas, what we really feel is a good tip and what the common is throughout the web.
For tipping in Nepal now we have damaged down the price for a information and porter.
Guide – Tipping – 10% – 15% of the whole price of the journey. We discover this the simplest to determine. If you paid $2000 to your trek, the lead information ought to obtain $200 – $300
Guide per day – Some recommend $10 – $15 per day per particular person for guides – For a 14 day trek meaning you’d tip your information $140 – $210.
Porters per day – $5 – $10 per day per particular person for porters. – $70 – $140 to your porter.
We like to start out at 15% of the whole price of our journeys to present to the guides after which pay the porters a day by day payment of $10.
If you possibly can afford to trek to Everest Base Camp, it is best to be capable to tip your guides and porters who’ve labored so arduous accordingly.
Daily Life within the Everest Region of Nepal
While trekking to Everest we handed via many picturesque villages. The persons are pleasant and life goes on as it could in any neighborhood in Nepal. People do properly within the Khumbu Region and so they respect the excursions passing via as a result of the vacationers are what maintain them going.
There is electrical energy from the water that they harness from the Imja Khola River and Dudh Kosi River; two rivers that run via the trek. They even have solar energy for electrical energy as properly. There are faculties, recent working water, televisions, a well being clinic, and bars.
That is to not say that life is all roses. It is a distant area of Nepal and it’s troublesome to get any provides in. Food and tools have to be carried into villages on foot. Porters carry heavy hundreds on their backs and ladies and youngsters additionally do the heavy lifting. Everything must be carted in by hand or by animals. Check out our ideas for climbing to Base Camp
Frequently Asked Questions
The Everest base camp trek takes 12 – 14 days to climb together with two acclimatization days. Treks may be completed in 11 days and it isn’t unusual for journeys to take 15 days to permit for extra acclimatization.
Trekking to Everest Base Camp requires good health. You spend a number of days at a sustained altitude of greater than 4000 meters (16,404 toes). Altitude illness is a real risk, you will need to take your time, keep hydrated, and take heed to your physique.
That is up within the air. As of April 1, 2023 the federal government states that every one excessive altititude treks require a information, however then after some backlash, they made an exception for the Everest area. However, we extremely suggest hiring guides and porters. You can trek the area your self carrying your individual packs and equipment, however you have got a a lot better likelihood of creating to base camp (and having fun with the expertise) in the event you rent guides.
And that could be a day-by-day breakdown of our expertise on the Mount Everest Base Camp Trek. If you intend forward and perceive what to anticipate on the EBC Trek, you’ll be certain to have an incredible journey.
It’s an expertise we’ll always remember and extremely suggest it to everybody. The Himalayan Mountains are probably the most lovely and non secular place on earth and this journey will change your life.
Read More about journey to Nepal and issues to do in Kathmandu earlier than your trek
Dal Bhat {photograph} courtesy of Wikimedia – I don’t know why we by no means took a photograph of our Dal Bhat. We ate it almost each day whereas trekking to Everest Base Camp. You’ll both study to adore it or despise it.
- See different Great Treks of the World