The Complete Guide for Everest Base Camp Trek in 2022

The Complete Guide for Everest Base Camp Trek

A trip to the world's highest peak began, like any other adventure, with a daydream. Everest Base Camp Trek is a fantastic destination for adventurers looking for a challenging hike with breathtaking rewards. Seeing the mountain museum in Nepal's Everest region is just one way to experience the warm hospitality of the locals.

For centuries, people have tried to decipher and tame Mount Everest. It is impossible to travel anywhere in Nepal due to the presence of the Himalayas. It determines the climate, topography, architecture, and even the dominant faith. We can see why the hike to Everest Base Camp is so popular, even though some people prefer the more peaceful Annapurna Region. Here is a comprehensive plan for reaching Everest's base camp.

Located at an elevation of 5,516 meters (18,513 feet), Everest is a fantastic destination for hikers thanks to its picturesque peaks and hills and the vast, blue sky that surrounds them. Kalapatthar, reached during the Mount Everest Base Camp trek, provides the best view of the mountain's peak.

Why Everest Base Camp?

• Explore the culture and lifestyles of the Sherpa people
• The accomplishment of the world’s highest peak, Mt. Everest (8,848m)
• View of other peaks such as Mt. Lhotse(8,516m), Mt Pumori (7,165m), and Mt. Makalu (8,485m)
• Explore UNESCO World Heritage Sites
• The wide slant range of Flora and Fauna
• An ancient monastery of Pangboche
• Wildlife like musk deer, colorful pheasants, snow leopard, and Himalayan Thar
• Experiencing the majestic view of Mount Everest from Kala Patthar (5,550m)

What is the height of Mount Everest Base Camp?

Normal Everest Base Camp Trekking begins in Lukla, which is about 3400 meters above sea level. The final destination is Nepal's Everest Base Camp, located at an elevation of 5,364 meters (17,598 ft).

How Long Is the Everest Base Camp Trek?

It takes about 12 days and 130 kilometers (one way) to hike to Everest Base Camp. However, the total time spent on the trail can vary widely based on variables like the trekker's level of fitness, the season, the amount of downtime, and more. The journey to Base Camp, back down, and acclimatization takes a total of 12 days.

The journey begins in Kathmandu, the capital, and continues with a scenic flight of 30 minutes to the small airport of Lukla. Your journey will take you along paths that lead to Phakding, Namche Bazaar, Tengboche, Dingboche, Lobuche, Gorak Shep, and Everest Base Camp. From there, you'll travel from Gorek Shep to Pheriche-Tengboche-Monjo-Lukla-Kathmandu and then back to Gorek Shep.

What is a trail like?

• The journey is a moderate level trek, so with the proper level of training beforehand and with a supportive trekking guide, you will be able to finish the trek with only a few problems.
• The trial is up and down with a rough path, so you will be walking a rough path all the way. 
• The highest elevation you will reach is Kala Patthar at 5,550m and each day you will be climbing an altitude of 500-600m.
• We suggest you prepare yourself for being physically fit. 

What Is the best Itinerary for the Mount Everest Base Camp Trek?

Our 12-day itinerary for the Everest Base Camp trek is comprehensive, and it includes two days in Namche Bazar and Dingboche to acclimate to the altitude. The itinerary is adaptable, and we provide several alternatives for getting home on foot. Different paths lead to Everest Base Camp. You can link it up with either the Gokyo Lakes or Three Passes trek.

Choose a trip that will last at least a week by planning ahead. We've modeled our itinerary after the standard 12-day Everest Base Camp Trek. Get your boots ready, because we're going on a hike to the world-famous EBC!

First Day: Take a flight from Kathmandu to Lukla, and then hike to Monjo on day one.

From Kathmandu, Lukla Airport is a 45-minute flight. The flight to Lukla is the most malleable segment of the Everest Base Camp hike. Soon after the chase's climax, we'll make the pleasant ascent to the Monjo on foot. Getting from Lukla to Monjo takes about 1-2 hours on foot. A number of stupas carved and painted stones, and prayer wheels can be found scattered along the route. Additionally, there is stunning scenery, including rivers and snow-capped mountains.

Second Day: Monjo (2780m) to Namche Bazar (3440m)

While the day's walk is relatively short, the ascent is steep and there are few rest stops along the way. The entire day consists of a single, arduous ascent that begins about 2 kilometers from Monjo and continues for about 600 meters. There are two inspection stations along the route. The first is right outside Monjo's gates, and the second is on the way to Namche. They check the permit and the Sagarmatha National Park permit at these checkpoints.

Third-Day in Namche Bazar: Acclimatization (3440m)

It takes a full day to acclimate to the higher altitude, even if you don't experience any symptoms. Acclimatization hiking will get you to one of the Everest vantage points. The most well-known route is the one that takes about an hour to reach Hotel Everest View from Namche or the shorter route that takes about 20 minutes to reach the Sagarmatha National Park Museum.

Coffee shops and bakeries abound in Namche, making it a great place to relax and people-watch.

Fourth Day: Namche Bazar to Tengboche (4,260m) (3890m)

Every time we had to make a descent, we used our walking sticks because the trail was sometimes muddy and sometimes icy. Traveling from Namche to Phungi Thanga involves several climbs and descents.

The fact that you have to climb 400 meters after descending 200 is the most challenging part. To put it another way, the final 2 kilometers will involve a 600-meter ascent. There is only one checkpoint on the way to Tengboche, and it's located after the suspension bridge.

Fifth Day: Tengboche (3890m) to Dingboche (4350m)

Our journey to Everest Base Camp was becoming increasingly challenging. It is 500 meters higher in Dingboche. You shouldn't go up that high if you aren't acclimated to the altitude yet. At the end, there is a steep ascent of about 200 m from the river to Dingboche.

Sixth Day: Dingboche Acclimatization

This is a great day to travel to neighboring Chhukung and Imja, in addition to Dingboche. We'll get to see a stunning panorama, but you should get plenty of rest before continuing on. The trailhead for Amadablam and Chhukung is located at Nagarjun Hill, which we can also hike to. Beautiful peaks such as Makalu, Lobuche, Thamserku, Ama Dablam, and others are visible from atop Nagarjun Hill.

Seventh Day: Dingboche (4350m) to Lobuche (3800m) Day (4920m)

It was the most picturesque day of the hike to Everest Base Camp. Traveling from Dingboche to Dughla, you'll pass some stunning scenery, including snow-capped mountains, glaciers, and a river (Thokla). One can see a beautiful valley in the middle of a mountain range from the top of Thokla Pass. Once over the pass, the river walk is relatively flat and easy, with spectacular scenery along the way.

Eights Day: Visit Gorak Shep (5130m), Lobuche (4920m), Everest Base Camp (5340m), and Gorak Shep (5130m) (5130m)

There are some brief, steep ascents and descents, but the high altitude makes every climb challenging and draining. If you want to make it to Everest Base Camp and back before dark, you should leave for Gorak Sherp as early as possible so you can make the trek. Don't forget to take in the view every time you finish an up; it's gorgeous.

Ninth Day: Gorak Shep (5130m), Kala Patthar (5640m), Gorak Shep (5130m), Pangboche (3940m)

Kala Patar, at an elevation of 5,640 meters, is the highest point along the trail to Base Camp on Everest. The best place to see the sunrise is atop Kala Patar. Up top, the weather is consistently brisk and windy. Useful on the descent: walking sticks.

Kala Patthar's descent is simple on a sunny day, so don't worry if you're feeling tired after the ascent. It will take you about 30 minutes less time to travel through Pheriche than it would to go through Dingboche. difference. Dingboche Pass, higher up, would be the way to go if it rained heavily.

Tenth Day: Pangboche (3,940 m) to Namche Bazar (3440m)

This path requires a forward and backward motion in the same direction. You'll have to make your way up a few hills en route down. First, you'll hike from Deboche to Tengboche, and then from Tengboche to Pungi Thanga, and finally to Kyangjuma.
You'll get to visit the monastery and Tengboche. Compared to the route through Tengboche, the scenery along this path is much more impressive, and you don't have to retrace your steps on the way back.

Eleventh Day: Namche Bazar (3440m) to Lukla (2930m)

Everything about today's activities exceeded our expectations. The first half of the journey, from Namche to Ghat, was uncomplicated. There were only a few modest uphill sections, but the general direction was down. The climbing begins at Ghat, at an elevation of 2,548 meters, and continues all the way to Lukla, at an elevation of 3,416 meters.

Twelve-Day: Lukla to Kathmandu/Ramechhap via Plane

There is no more walking on the itinerary for the Everest Base Camp hike. Getting an early flight out of Lukla is recommended. Flights after 8 a.m. are frequently canceled due to high winds. Arrive at the airport at least 30 minutes before your flight. Some of the security checks are performed manually, but the process is quick.

Is there a best time of year to make the trek to Everest Base Camp?

It's important to pick the right season for your trek to EBC. Extreme seasonal temperature shifts occur at high altitudes. How you feel, where you go, what you do, and what you pack all depend on it.

The Nepali year is divided into four distinct seasons. Each season, from spring to fall to winter, has its own unique qualities. In general, the months of February through May and October through December, just before and after the rainy season, are the most popular for making the journey to Everest Base Camp.

Pre-Monsoon (Feb-May)

The forecast calls for mostly dry and stable weather, perfect for a day of hiking. Late February or early March is our preferred time to go trekking in Nepal. The clear skies, crisp air, and spectacular views are all yours in late February or early March. But you should be aware that it gets quite chilly when you go hiking on EBC in the winter.

Post Monsoon (late Sept-Nov)

This is the best time to see these stunning mountains because there is less haze and clouds. It may be cooler, but the Gokyo Lakes are beautiful to explore in the winter. This is a great time to go on a hike, but beginning in October, you may find it difficult due to crowded teahouses and frozen water pipes.

Winter (Dec-Feb)

Although -30C temperatures at night are possible, hiking is still possible. It's possible that the passes will be closed if there's a lot of snow on the trail. Avoid the masses, but prepare appropriately by bringing supplies.

Monsoon (June-September)

Despite the mild 22 degrees Celsius, the weather is dreary and damp. Wet conditions make for difficult trail conditions. Also, there's a good chance the flight won't take off as scheduled or will be delayed for quite some time. Thus, ebc should not go hiking at the moment.

Temperatures & Weather while trekking to Everest Base Camp

There is a wide range of highs and lows in both temperature and weather at Everest Base Camp. The high temperature in the summer is 20 C and the low in the winter is -10 C. About 18 inches of precipitation is average for the base camp throughout the entire rainy season. Few precipitation events occur in this dry region.

Temperature in Spring at Everest Base Camp

March, April, and May in Nepal are considered spring. Along the trail at lower elevations, many different kinds of flowers bloom in the spring.

Daytime highs average 17 degrees Celsius (i.e. above 4,000 m). The temperature ranges from a high of 25 degrees Celsius on sunny days to a low of -15 degrees Celsius in the mornings and evenings at higher elevations.

Temperature Summer at Everest Base Camp

Summer consists of June, July, and August. Hotter temperatures are typically experienced during the summer. We do not recommend making the trek to Everest Base Camp at this time of year. The likelihood of frequent rain and overcast skies is high.

Temperature Autumn at Everest Base Camp

The Everest Base Camp Trek is most popular in the fall because it is the best time to hike the route. September through November is autumn in Nepal. In the autumn, when the skies are typically clear, mountain views are especially stunning.

Though autumn has clear skies, it is not the warmest season. The weather is usually clear, but you should still come prepared for anything. Since mountain weather forecasting is notoriously imprecise.

Temperature Winter at Everest Base Camp

December and January are not prime seasons for Everest region treks like the spring and fall. The weather along the route to Everest Base Camp can get quite chilly in the winter. The mountains look beautiful blanketed in snow during the winter.

During the winter months, the temperature at Everest Base Camp drops to between -20 and -30 degrees Celsius at night. The valley, however, will be comfortably temperate. The nights are much colder and shorter than the days. In addition to being cheaper, accommodations are easier to find outside of the peak season.

What Permits Do I Need for The Everest Base Camp Trek?

The Everest Base Camp is safely inside the restricted area in the Sagarmatha region. So, if you want to go trekking in the Everest region, you'll need a permit. Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality and Sagarmatha National Park permits are included in the Everest Base Camp Trek Permits.

An Entry Permit to the Municipality of Khumbu Pasang Lhamu

The local government in the Khumbu region has started issuing a new type of permit called the Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Entrance Permit. You can't get this permit in Kathmandu. This is similar to a TIMS permit, which is handled by the Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality.

Permits to visit Everest cost NPR 2,000 for stays of up to four weeks and NPR 2,500 for stays of five weeks or more. Permit fees are not subject to value-added tax.

Sagarmatha National Park Entry Fee

It's another necessary permit that can be obtained either in Kathmandu at the Nepal Tourism Board or in the village of Monjo just outside the park's entrance. Permits to visit SNP are distributed by the park's committee, which works under the supervision of the Nepalese government. The Everest Base Camp Trek permit costs more for foreigners than for citizens of SAARC countries or Nepalese.

Permits to enter Sagarmatha National Park are:

• Pricing for non-Nepali nationals is NPR 3000 per tourist plus 13% VAT
• NPR 1,500 + 13% VAT for SAARC citizens
• Locals in Nepal can expect to pay 100 NPR per head plus 13% VAT

Where can we get the permit?

Permits for entry into Sagarmatha National Park can be obtained either at the park's main gate in Monjo or at the Bhrikuti Mandap location of the Department of National Park and Wildlife Conservation (DNPWC) in Kathmandu.

Kathmandu Permit Counter Contact:

Tel: +977-1-4256909
Visit our website at: www.ntb.gov.np

Training for the Mount Everest Base Camp Trekking

Cardiovascular endurance, strength endurance, and the ability to carry a daypack uphill for long distances are all skills you'll need to prepare for a trek to Everest Base Camp.

Get in shape so that you can walk or hike for five or six hours without needing to rest frequently. Two times a week, walk up and down hills on a treadmill or stair stepper if you don't have access to natural hills or mountains. Tips for getting ready for the ebc trek are provided below.

PRACTICE HIKES

Explore the local trails, go hiking, or just take a stroll. Identify your physical limitations and learn how far you can go. How far you can go once you've trained yourself to ignore the initial burst of discomfort. Train to the point where you can walk for five or six hours with minimal breaks.

GYM WORKOUT

A lot of strength training isn't necessary, but it's a good idea and can be very useful if you can't go on practice hikes. Daily, hour-long excursions of climbing and hiking are in store for you. Get your legs ready early by doing some strength training.

DO CARDIO TRAINING 2-3X PER WEEK

Performing light cardio exercises twice or thrice weekly will help you achieve your fitness goals. YouTube has a plethora of excellent options that can be done at home or with readily available tools. Gradually add more time and difficulty to your workouts, and when you're feeling fatigued and tempted to give up, recall your motivation.

WATCH YOUR NUTRITION

You should also improve your diet as your training progresses. Putting on muscle and maintaining a healthy weight requires a higher caloric expenditure and a higher protein and nutrient intake.

GET YOUR GEAR EARLY

You should get some hiking boots as soon as possible and break them in before heading out. Whether you're hitting the local trails or just running errands, you'll need to break in those boots. Observe how they affect the sensation of your feet while wearing them. Keep a finger's width of room between the tips of your toes and the bottom of the boot. The same goes for your daypack. Get it ahead of time and wear it on the hikes you take to train. Learn to bear its weight and find ways to make it more bearable.

GIVE YOURSELF ENOUGH TIME TO PREPARE

A flurry of last-minute training won't do you much good if you're going on a hike. Prepare for your trip to begin no later than 8-12 weeks before you plan to leave. We take it easy as we climb, and that's how you should approach your workouts. Allow your body some time to adjust before judging it.

How Do I Diagnose AMS During My EBC Trek?

After only a few hours at high altitude, visitors can begin to feel the effects of acute mountain sickness (AMS), which can include dizziness, fatigue, headache, and inability to exercise. You may have a hard time sleeping, feel lightheaded, and/or have a severe headache. Confusion, difficulty breathing when at rest, and the inability to walk are all possible symptoms of HAPE and HACE.

To help you determine if you are experiencing AMS on your My EBC Trek, we have compiled the following information.

Adjusting to a new environment is crucial

At first, allot as much time as you can for acclimating to your new surroundings. Spending more time at higher altitudes will make you less susceptible to the effects of low oxygen levels. You run the risk of developing acute mountain sickness (AMS) if you try to acclimate to the altitude any faster than we advise (high altitude sickness). Chances of success decrease in proportion to the amount of time spent acclimating to the higher altitude. Because of this, it is extremely important that you take advantage of the opportunities provided to you to acclimate to the higher altitude.

Drink a lot of water to keep yourself hydrated

Dehydration is no laughing matter, even in non-mountainous areas, so it's crucial that you take precautions to avoid it on your hike to Everest Base Camp. There is a greater rate of water loss at higher altitudes compared to lower ones. Your body has to work harder to get enough oxygen when you're at a high altitude, like at Everest Base Camp. As a result, it's crucial that you drink plenty of water.

Slow and steady wins the race

It's crucial to hike at the appropriate pace on the Everest Base Camp Trek. You should be completely ready and organized for your trek in the Everest region. You should give some thought to your leg strength because going down is much more challenging than going up. Put forth effort at a rate that suits you while climbing. Don't rush things or overdo the exercise.

Try to stick to a vegetarian diet as much as possible.

Meat is acceptable while on the trail but should be avoided after leaving Namche Bazaar. Then, it takes time for everything to make its way up the mountain on foot or by yak to the hotel.

Can I access Internet Service at Everest Base Camp

For those people who still want to get connected in such a remote place, the internet occupies a vital role in this trek. If the concerned parents and friends want to know how you are progressing the trek, then the internet plays the best role here.

If you want access to the internet, the best and most affordable way is to get the NCell sim card at the Kathmandu airport before you start heading to Lukla. They have reliable data connection from Lukla all the way to Tengboche, and a little bit at Gorakshep, which is more than I could have asked for in such a remote place. You can also buy wifi access but it's very overpriced and struggle to work sometimes.

Mobile Connectivity

Since 2010, there has been 3G connectivity on the Everest Base Camp Trek thanks to the Nepalese telecommunications company, Ncell. The company, a local subsidiary of the Swedish company TeliaSonera, has installed multiple base stations in intervals along the trek. The mobile internet is fast enough to browse and even make video calls, proving to be a great alternative to pricey satellite phones. But, the signal is never 100% guaranteed as you are in a remote area. 

Here is a breakdown of a few data packages given by Ncell (this is correct as of 2021).

For the updated price you can visit here  

Wi-Fi Connectivity

Wi-Fi hotspots are obviously restricted to certain areas along the trek and the internet speed will slow down significantly. We have listed the various WIFI locations, prices, and charging facilities below. The listed below prices are not fixed and vary according to the hotel. So, we have listed the range of the price according to the places.

What About the Flight from Kathmandu to Lukla for Everest Base Camp Trek?

The flying time between Kathmandu's Tribhuvan International Airport and Tenzing-Hillary Airport is only 25 minutes (TIA). This flight is seen by many as the most difficult part of their trip. Although the Tenzing-Hillary Airport's short runway on a mountainside is well-known, the vast majority of flights operate without a hitch. However, bad weather is a frequent reason for setbacks.

If your flight gets canceled or is running very late, you should have a backup plan, and helicopters are a good option. If you needed to get back to Kathmandu quickly, you could take one because they can fly when planes can't.

What is the quality of the teahouses like on the Mt. Everest Base Camp Trek?

The majority of trekkers on the Everest Base Camp route stay at a tea house, hotel, or resort. Namche Bazaar, Phakding, and Lukla are three of the best places to stay in the Khumbu region. Everyone will return to their customary room-sharing arrangements after that. You can rest easy knowing you'll have a roof over your head and a warm meal waiting for you each day.

What Gear Is Necessary for a Trip to Everest Base Camp? Complete Checklist of Essential Equipment

One of the toughest challenges you'll face is getting ready for the Everest Base Camp Trek. To get you rolling, we have compiled a comprehensive, user-friendly list. Guides and other hikers who are familiar with the area offer their recommendations. In either Kathmandu or Namche Bazaar, you can rent or buy the vast majority of the items on your list. It's imperative that you invest in high-quality, long-lasting clothing and footwear because of the extreme cold you'll experience on the trek.

Clothing

• Base Layers
• Insulation Layer
• Outer Layer
• Trekking Trousers and Shorts
• Waterproof Jacket and Trousers
• Trekking Shirts
• Underwear

Gloves

• Inner Gloves
• Outer Insulated Gloves

Foot Wear

• Hiking Boots
• Trekking Shoes / Sandals
• Hiking Socks
• Warm Thermal Socks
• Gaiters

Bags and Backpacks

• Duffel Bag
• Backpacks
• Daypack
• Raincover

Sleeping Gear

• Sleeping Bag
• Liner
• Ear Plugs

Poles and Headgear

• Hat
• Beanie
• Neck Gaiter
• Trekking Poles
• Sunglasses
• Headlight

Miscellaneous Accessories

• Water Bottle / Hydration Bladder
• Towel

Technology and Entertainment

• Camera
• Portable Charger
• Books
• Passport / Money

Medications and Toiletries

• Water Purification Tablets
• Diamox
• Common Medications (paracetamol, Imodium)
• First Aid Kit
• Sunscreen
• Baby Wipes
• Toiletries
• Oximeter

What is the difficulty of the Mt. Everest Base Camp Trek?

The trek to Everest Base Camp is just the right amount of challenging. Typically, travel takes two weeks. Many people of varying ages and physiques have completed the journey. The hike is simple enough that just about anyone can complete it.

Although no prior hiking experience is necessary for the EBC Trek, the individual undertaking it should be motivated and in good physical shape. The Everest Base Camp Trek is a long walk at a high altitude and does not necessitate any technical or mountaineering skills.

Anyone in reasonably good physical condition can do it, but there are still some considerations to make.

• Even though the total distance is 130 kilometers (round trip), the average guided trek only has you walking for 10 of the 12 days.
• The altitude is the most difficult aspect of the hike and also the main reason why it is so challenging. You can make it through this hike if you get ready for it properly.
• We recommend that you practice for your upcoming trek by going on a few hikes of four to six hours' duration in your own backyard. Start 6 to 8 weeks before you leave and gradually increase the time and distance covered.

How much money will I need to make the trip to Everest Base Camp?

Since most visitors to Nepal fly into Kathmandu, getting to Lukla, where the majority of EBC-Trek routes begin, will require an additional flight. All of the accommodations, meals, a guide, and porters on our partners' Everest Base Camp Treks, as well as the flights from Kathmandu to Lukla and back, are provided free of charge. The average cost of a trip to Everest Base Camp is around $1100 per traveler.

How do I arrange a trip to the Everest Base Camp?

In order to begin your journey to Everest Base Camp, booking is required. The Everest Base Camp trek can be scheduled in Kathmandu and is dependent on the amount of time you have.

Now, any travel agency in Kathmandu can quickly organize a trip to Everest Base Camp. When you book your Everest Base Camp Trek with The Himalayan Odyssey, we'll take care of all the booking details for you.