Everest Base Camp | EBC – Travel Itinerary + Guide

The  Everest Base Camp Trek takes you through the Khumbu Valley, seeing the neighbouring Sagarmatha National Park in all its glory.

It offers breathtaking views of four of the world’s tallest peaks: Mt. Everest (8.848 meters), Mt. Lhotse (8,516 meters), and Mt. Makalu (8,470 meters), and Cho Oyu  (8,201 meters).

As you travel from Lukla to Everest Base Camp, you will be following in the footsteps of Sir Edmund Hillary, Tenzing Norgay, and numerous other early Mount Everest pioneers.

As part of a teahouse journey, you will stay in some of the world’s highest settlements while learning about the native Sherpas’ spiritual connection to the mountains and their culture and traditions.

On the walk, you will get the opportunity to ascend Kala Patthar to a height of 5,500 meters and see breathtaking vistas of Mount Everest.

You will also have the opportunity to visit the different Buddhist monasteries strewn along the trail and learn about a culture steeped in history and tradition intricately tied to the mountains from which you will be taking in breathtaking vistas.

Face your fears and discover the mountains’ majesty and your potential.

EBC Trek Overview

Distance : 120km/ 75miles

Total ascent : 6015m/19734 ft

Total descent : 5821m/19097 ft

Highest point : 5640m/18500 ft Kala Patthar

Difficulty : Difficult

Cost per day : US$ 35 to 40 (without flights If you do it yourself) per person per day, including permits and transportation.

Guide : Not compulsory, can be done independently, with a guide/ a porter, or in a group.

Permits for Everest Base Camp Trek

You will need to obtain a visa if you are a citizen of a country other than India. The cost of a 15-day multi-entry visa is $25, while a 30-day visa is $40.

The typical guided journey lasts about 15 days, but we recommend opting for the 30-day visa at a little higher cost because flight delays are always possible because of the Lukla Airport

You will need the following permits to accomplish the trip:

 – Sagarmatha National park Entry Permit (NPR 3000)

 – Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality fee: (NPR 2000)

TIMS is no longer required in the Everest Region. It is replaced by the Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality fee.

Getting a Tourist Visa in Nepal

You can quickly obtain a Nepalese tourist visa on arrival for a maximum of 90 days. You will need a valid passport and two passport-sized pictures.

You can, however, fill out an online application for a visa to Nepal. Citizens of the following countries should apply for a visa at a local embassy: Nigeria, Cameroon, Iraq, Ghana, Somalia, Palestine, Zimbabwe, Liberia, Afghanistan, Swaziland, Ethiopia, Syria.

Preparation for Everest Base Camp

Although training is not required for the trip, it does demand a certain level of stamina and endurance.

Cardiovascular training, such as hiking, walking, and climbing (many) stairs, will help you prepare physically for the trek.

Even so, altitude will be an issue in your trip, so allow yourself some time to adapt to altitude. Have at least two acclimatization days (Namche and Pheriche or Dingboche).

Before you go, make sure you have all the required gear for the trek.

If you don’t have prior hiking experience, joining a small group with an experienced guide with an experienced trekking company who can help navigate the path, troubleshoot in case of emergency, and provide insight into Nepali history and culture is a good choice.

When to Go to Everest Base Camp

From the beginning of March to mid-May and from the beginning of September to mid-November are the best times to visit Everest base camp. The weather is clear and dry at this time of the year

The rhododendrons bloom in spring, the mountains burst into colour, and temperature moderates.

In addition, if you visit in October, you might be able to attend the famed Mani Rimdu festival. Buddhists on Everest commemorate the traditional holiday for 19 days in monasteries like Tengboche Monastery.

The dates for the celebration of Mani Rimdu have been set for the 20th, 21st, and 22nd of October, as is customary.

Otherwise, winter is too cold for trekking to Everest Base Camp, and the monsoon is too wet. With patches of cloud in the sky, visibility is also hazy. As a result, we do not encourage hiking in the late winter or early monsoon seasons.

Having said that If you don’t mind the cold and have the necessary gear, winter is the best time to avoid crowds.

Cost for Everest Base Camp Trek

Depending on the journey and accommodation days, the total cost of the Everest base camp Trek Package can range from USD 1250 to USD 3000 per person.

It covers the costs of hiking permits, TIM cards, food, lodging, transportation, flights to and from Lukla, guides, and porters.

Namche Bazaar is the penultimate stop on the Everest trek, where we can use an ATM to withdraw money.

Accommodation and food For Everest Base Camp Trek

During the Everest Base Camp trip, the accommodations are affordable and straightforward. On the road, several guest houses/lodges provide lodging and meals.

The lodging is on a twin-sharing arrangement, so you will have to share a bathroom. They have all necessities, such as electricity, telephone, top-up, WiFi, laundry, etc.

The regular menus of the guesthouses, lodges, and teahouses offer a variety of foods. Nepali food, such as Dal, Bhat, Tarkari, and achar, is readily available for lunch and dinner. During the walk, we recommend eating vegetarian cuisine.

Tea/coffee/milk, bread, omelet, hot chocolate, hot lemon, apple pie, chocolate roll, and others.

Guide to preventing Altitude Sickness

• Climb steadily. On the trail, take your time.
• Acclimatization is critical to avoiding altitude sickness. Namche and Dingboche/Pheriche are good places to acclimatize. Take care not to walk too quickly. You may become tired quickly, give yourself time and pay close attention to your body.
• Limit your intake of alcohol, and cigarettes, as these goods deplete your body’s water supply and make you feel weary and tired.
• Drink lots of water.
• Eat a lot of healthy foods.
• Mentally prepare yourself for the journey.

12 Day Everest Base Camp – Travel Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Lukla and trek to Phakding.

Take a scenic flight to Lukla early in the morning. It’s a short but unforgettable flight to Lukla, from where you will begin your trek (try to get a seat on the left-hand side of the plane for the best first views of the Himalayas).

Weather can cause delays on flights to Lukla. I recommend including as much flexibility as possible in your itinerary (i.e., having a day or two spares).

If you are hiking with a tour operator, they will have scheduled your flight; if not, you can purchase tickets at the airport for roughly US$250-$300 round trip. If you hire a guide, his flight will be charged at a local rate of around $100 round trip.

If money is not an issue, you can take a helicopter to Lukla which costs around USD 500 per person on a sharing basis.

The trek begins at Lukla and proceeds downwards to the Dudh Koshi River, passing through the Sherpa town of Chhupulung Ghat on the way to Phakding.

Explore the gorgeous sceneries while admiring the spectacular and seductive views of mountains. You will encounter magnificent boulders etched with Buddhist prayers along the route.

Stay the night at the lodge.

The Jiri to Everest Base Camp Journey is a unique option for individuals who do not wish to begin their trek by flying into Lukla Airport.

This hike begins with bus travel from Kathmandu to Jiri, the starting point for the trek. Because Jiri is so far away from Lukla, this change will add five days to the trek.

Day 2: Trek to Namche Bazar

You will spend this day walking from Phakding to Namche Bazaar, passing through Mojo. Cross the Dudh Kosi River after trekking through the lovely pine forest.

Views of Mount Everest, Mount Kusum Kangaroo, Mount Thamserku, Mount Kangtega, and more are seen.

Walk to Namche Bazar, the Khumbu region’s capital and a central trading hub. On this day, you will visit the Sagarmatha National Park (a UNESCO World Heritage Site).

You will spend a lot of time in Namche Bazaar, a small Sherpa market town with many viewing options, including the chance to see Everest for the first time.

Stay the night at the lodge. Some people shorten the trip by stopping in Mojo (if you do, the Mount Kailash Teahouse is fantastic and has hot showers!).

Day 3: Namche Sightseeing Tour for acclimatization

At over 3,500 meters, Namche Bazaar serves as a vital acclimatization break and a chance to explore the settlement and nearby environs. If it’s a Saturday, make a point of visiting the market.

On a clear day, you should be able to photograph Ama Dablam in the foreground and the fantastic mountainous views of Mt. Everest, Lhotse, Cholatse, Thamserku, Kwangde, and Khandala in the backdrop.

The Sherpa Museum and the photo gallery are also worth visiting. If you want to phone home or connect, bring your device because the hotel offers WiFi. Stay the night at the lodge. You might have to pay extra for the WIFI and hot shower.

Day 4: Trek to Tengboche

The day is spent traveling from Namche Bazaar to Tengboche, home to the Tengboche Monastery, the region’s largest along the Mount Everest Highway.

Descend to the Dudh-Koshi River and explore the rhododendron trees. You may reach Tengboche monastery bypassing Phunki Thanga and crossing the Imja Khola river. Tengboche is where you will spend the night.

Some alternatives will take you to Thami through the ancient Tibet-Nepal trade route, which passes through the Nangpa La pass.

Day 5: Trek to Dingboche

Trek down to the river and back to Pangboche village through a magnificent jungle. Pass by many Chortens, Mani-stone walls, and small towns while admiring Ama-Dablam, one of the world’s most magnificent mountains.

After lunch, trek into the Imja Khola Valley, passing the majestic north face of Ama Dablam. Hike up to Dingboche after crossing the Lobuche River. You will have spectacular views of Lhotse and Island Peak. Dingboche is where you spend the night.

Day 6: Dingboche Village sightseeing tour for acclimatization

Explore Dingboche Village, surrounded by a lovely array of fields protected from the chilly wind by stone walls.

Witness the fantastic vistas of Makalu, Lhotse, Chalotse, and Tawache Ama Dablam on a trekking excursion of either Nagarjuna Hill or Chukkhung Valley.

Stay the night at the tea house.

Day 7: Trek to Lobuche

The ascent from Dingboche to Lobuche takes the entire day. You will travel by the well-known Khumbu Glacier along the trip and various shrines to Sherpas and climbers who perished on Everest. Scott Fischer’s memorial is located here.

Lobuche East will also be seen (make sure to use the zoom on your camera or if you have binoculars to try to see any climbers on the peak).

Climb to the summit of Duglha and follow the trail to the Chukpo Lari ridge.

Take a walk towards Lobuche to see the Himalayan boundary. Stay the night at the lodge.

Day 8: Trek to Everest Base Camp and Gorakshep

Depart from Lobuche and follow the trail to the flat meadows. In the north, head for the Khumbu Glacier.

To get to Gorak Shep, climb the Khumbu Glacier’s lateral moraine. Hike from Lobuche to Gorak Shep, the world’s highest permanently populated settlement. You will take a break and eat something before continuing to Everest Base Camp.

The trekker rest stop is located immediately before the base camp. The enormous Khumbu Glacier and the trans-Himalayas provide a breathtaking perspective.

Check-in and eat lunch at the hotel. The Everest Base Camp is a short walk away.

Because most tour groups are not permitted to access or stay in Everest Base Camp, the opportunity to experience the thrill and energy of the climbing groups is typically limited.

After getting your classic photo shot at EBC, you will return to Gorak Shep, where you will spend the night.

Day 9: Trek to Kala Patthar and Pheriche

After another day of strenuous walking, you will arrive at Kala Patthar, the trek’s highest point, a little over 5,500 meters, located at the base of Mt. Pumori.

Because of its location and elevation, Kala Patthar offers the most incredible views of Mt. Everest, Nuptse, Lola, Khumbutse, Ama Table, Tabuchi, Cholatse, Thamserku, and other peaks.

Just hope the weather cooperates on this day because it is one of the trek’s highlights. Enjoy the magnificent dawn vista from the Himalayas, including breathtaking views of the Himalayan peaks.

After breakfast, take a trek through the Khumbu glacier moraine. Pass past Lobuche and descend into the picturesque valley of Pheriche, where you will spend the night at the lodge.

Day 10: Trek to Namche

Arrive at the Dudh Kosi River Bank after passing through a lovely Sherpa settlement. Cross the river and follow Dingboche into the woodland.

Climb to Tengboche before descending through a rhododendron grove. From Ama Table to Namche Bazaar, take a walk up to Kanjuma and take in the spectacular views of the mountains along the route. Stay the night at the lodge.

Day 11: Trek to Lukla

Visit Jorsalle, Manjo, Benkar, Phakding, and other tiny settlements on the road to Lukla. Enjoy wandering across the DudhKoshi river’s suspension bridges.

After a long day of hiking, return to Lukla. In Lukla, you will spend your final night on the mountain celebrating.

Day 12: Fly from Lukla and arrive at Kathmandu.

Take a 35-minute scenic flight from Lukla to Kathmandu and book a hotel in Kathmandu for the night.

Thousands of trekkers from all around the world have set their sights on reaching Everest Base Camp.

Hiking to Mt. Everest Base Camp is an incredible trip that will take you to the highest point on the planet.

Everest Base Camp Trek is ranked as the 4th most pleasing trek globally by Lonely Planet, the world’s largest travel guide publisher.

The Everest Base Camp Trek, contrary to widespread assumption, is not particularly challenging if you have decent training and have the proper acclimatisation However, it does not require any prior trekking or mountaineering experience. The trek can be completed by people of all age groups.