Everest Base Camp Trek is one of the most famous Trek in Nepal, which is famous for its fantastic mountain peaks and the beauty on the hills.
This trek takes you to the foot of the world’s highest peak, Mt. Everest (8,848 m) and this is my personal experience. In this trek you can see the breath taking views of 4 of the 6 highest peaks in the world – Mt. Everest (8,848m), Mt. Lhotse (8,516 m), Mt. Makalu (8,470 m) and Mt. Choyu (8,201 m).
The Everest Base Camp trek is on many travellers’ bucket lists, and for good reason. The there-and-back route takes adventurous trekkers to the foot of Mount Everest (called Sagamartha in Nepali and Chomolungma in Tibetan), which is the highest mountain on earth.
Lonely Planet
Major Highlights of Everest Base Camp Trek
- An exciting mountain flight of Kathmandu / Lukla.
- Walkthrough Sagarmatha National Park and get to see a diverse range of flora and fauna
- The route ascends through lush forests of rhododendron & pine, crossing streams, waterfalls, and suspension bridges
- You will pass by small mountain villages, where you can see the daily lifestyle of the locals
- Visit ancient monasteries like Tengboche monastery, Pangboche monastery on the way
- Touch foot of the word highest mountain Mt. Everest (8848 m).
- Witness fantastic sunrise from Kala Patthar and 360-degree views of Mt. Everest
- Relish breathtaking landscapes and panoramic views of mountains like Mt. Everest, Mt. Lhotse, Mt. Makalu, Mt. Kanchenjunga, Mt. Cho Oyu, Mt. Nuptse, Mt. Ama Dablam, Mt. Pumori, and many others throughout the trek
Best Season for Everest Base Camp Trek
From March to May and from September to December. It gets hot in May, just before the monsoon season; be prepared for possible rain but gorgeous blooming rhododendron flowers. December reaches below-zero temperatures but the days are still stunning and there are fewer trekkers (but remember to wrap up warm in the evenings).
February to May – Peak season, clear bright days, very busy trails, lots of people attempting Everest ascent
June to August – Monsoon season, no crowds and empty guesthouses
September to October – Most stable and clear weather, trails are quite busy
November to January – Coldest period, can reach -25, some routes closed
Foods and Accommodation
Accommodation during trekking :
In the Everest region, we offer you accommodation in a tea house (mountain lodge).
A Tea House is the combination of a guest house, restaurant, and social hang out. The rooms are spare with twin beds and very little additional furniture. Blankets are generally provided.
Most bathrooms are shared and toilets can be either a squat type of the western version. Most of the Tea Houses have running water facility. Many of them also avail hot water for shower.
Hotel owner will charge extra for using Hot Water Shower.
Meals during trekking :
In Tea House trekking you will usually have breakfast and dinner in the lodge; lunch will between at one of the trail side restaurants.
Every Tea House serves the traditional Nepali meal Dal Bhat (rice and lentils), as well as a variety of different food items, such as rice, vegetables, noodles, potatoes, and soup. Some have western food such as pizza, pasta, and French fries. Soft drinks, snacks, and beer are available in most of the Tea Houses and trail side restaurants.
Required Documents (Permits)
Sagarmatha National Park entry permit fee for foreigners: 3,000 NPR + 13% VAT, totaling 3,390 NPR (Approx. US $34). Sagarmatha National Park entry permit fee for SAARC nationals: 1,500 NPR
Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality of Solukhumbu district has started levying entrance fee of Rs 2,000 (approximately $20) on every foreigner entering the rural municipality from October 1, 2018
TIMS permit: 2,000 NPR (Approx. US $20)
Staying healthy and safe on the trek
Take your time. ‘Slow and steady’ is the key to achieving, and enjoying, your trek. Altitude sickness can affect anybody – even the extremely fit. (The acclimatisation days, usually at Namche and Dingboche, are set for a reason.) Watch for signs of altitude sickness: symptoms include pounding headaches, dizziness, sleeplessness, loss of appetite, breathlessness, and low oxygen saturation. Before your trip, ask your doctor for the prescription medication Diamox, which can prevent altitude sickness. If symptoms persist, descend.
Stay aware. The trail to Everest Base Camp is relatively wide and well-marked, but it can still be treacherous in places. There are sheer cliffs, often made narrower by passing herds of yaks or donkeys. Listen for the bells of oncoming animals, and always stand to the inner side (safe side) of the trail where you can’t be knocked off. Also be sure to stand aside for porters, who often run along the trails at marathon speeds. Not only will this help prevent traffic jams, but it’s a sign of respect.
Be vegetarian. If you see meat on a menu during your trek, be aware that all meat is carried up by porters from below Lukla due to the no-killing policy in Sagamartha National Park. That means by the time you’re eating it, it’s old – and potentially rancid. The safest, healthiest option is to eat dal bhat, like your local guides and porters do. Dal bhat is a delicious Nepali dish of lentil soup, rice, vegetables, and curry that’s batch-cooked. It’s made fresh daily and is a great source of protein and energy. As the saying goes, ‘Dal bhat power, 24 hour!’
Cover up. The sun at high altitudes is harsh, so use a good sunscreen and reapply regularly. Wear long-sleeved tops, long pants, and a buff – or be prepared to blister.
