Introduction of EBC Trek
With magnificent peaks and hills with an altitude of 18,513 ft, Everest creates the perfect spot for trekkers with the vast blue sky in the backdrop. For a close encounter with the Everest summit, the Mount Everest Base Camp trekking offers the best view from Kalla Patthar. Plus, there’s no other journey that will get you nearer to the tallest mountain worldwide, Mt. Everest, considered the top inspirational display in all Himalayas.
The journey begins from the capital Kathmandu where you will take a scenic flight of 30 mins to the tiny Lukla airport. In the EBC trek, you will be passing through quaint villages, grassy paths, steep rocks, etc. You will be trekking in the trails of the footsteps of legendary adventurers and mountaineers like Tenzing Norgay and Sir Edmund Hillary. You will get to meet all kinds of people, including guides, mountaineers, and porters, as well as additional adventurers as you traverse this tiny mountaintop village, gathering with your group, then preparing for the adventure ahead. From there, you will dive into the wilds of the Himalayas via your two feet, crossing prayer flag-draped suspension bridges and climbing up to sharp vantage points that lie in the core of these stunning mountains.
The EBC Trek likewise goes through the Sagarmatha National Park, a popular national park in Nepal. Every step taken gets you nearer to the almighty Mt. Everest, called Sagarmatha in the Nepali language and Chomolungma in the Tibetan language. You will find out more regarding those names as you meet the friendly local people who reside in these towns and villages, spread out all over the Everest trek.
These mountain villages are amongst the loveliest in the whole country of Nepal, and it’s likely you have heard about a lot of these: Namche Bazaar, Tengboche, Dingboche and are some of the foremost exciting destinations on this EBC Trek. Inside these neighborhoods is where you will get a deeper appreciation of the Sherpa culture along with the ancient school of Tibetan Buddhism that has added to its individuality for hundreds of years.
Highlights of EBC Trek
- 30 min dramatic and scenic flight to the world’s most extreme airport - Luka Airport.
- A pleasant and vibrant walk through the bank of Dudhkoshi River, crossing the renowned Sagarmatha National Park entrance and alpine forest.
- Explore the culture and lifestyles of the local Sherpa people.
- The exquisiteness of the world’s highest peak, Mt. Everest 8,848.86m.
- View of other peaks such as Mt. Lhotse(8,516m), Cho Oyu(8,188m), and Mt.Makalu (8,485m)
- Explore UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
- Prayer wheels, colorful flags, Mani stones, high suspension bridges.
- The wide range of Flora and Fauna.
- Ancient monasteries in Tengboche, Phakding, Pangboche, and Khumjung.
- Wildlife like musk deer, colorful pheasants, snow leopards, and Himalayan Thar
- Highest glacier on Earth- Khumbu Glacier (4,900 m)
- Amazing panoramic view from Kala Patthar (5,545m)
How long is the EBC trek?
Typically, the trek to Everest takes 12 days to complete on a 130km round-trip but it depends on the fitness level of the trekker, weather, rest day, etc. It takes eight days to get to Base Camp and four days to get back down, broken down overall into nine days of long trekking and three short trekking and acclimatization days.
Nepal Everest Base Camp Trekking Route. There is a set route for EBC trekking that takes you through various villages, camping grounds, and incredibly isolated spots with magnificent views of the mountain panoramas.
Way up: Kathmandu – Lukla – Phakding – Namche Bazaar – Tengboche – Dingboche – Lobuche – Gorak Shep – Everest Base Camp
Way down: Gorek Shep – Pheriche – Tengboche – Monjo – Lukla – Kathmandu
Normal Itinerary
Day 1: Kathmandu to Lukla flight. Trek to Phakding village
Day 2: Phakding to Namche Bazaar
Day 3: Namche Bazaar acclimatization day (trek to Thame and Khumjung, the green village)
Day 4: Namche Bazaar to Tengboche
Day 5: Tengboche to Dingboche
Day 6: Dingboche acclimatization day (hike to Chhukung or Nagarzhang Peak)
Day 7: Dingboche to Lobuche Village
Day 8: Reach Everest Base Camp cross the Changri Glacier and return to Gorak Shep.
Day 9: Gorak Shep to Pheriche (optional morning trek to Kala Pattar for sunrise views of Everest)
Day 10: Pheriche to Tengboche
Day 11: Tengboche to Monjo village
Day 12: Monjo to Lukla and stay overnight. Flight back to Kathmandu the following day
Is the EBC trek difficult?
12 Days EBC Trek is both challenging and equally rewarding. This physically demanding trip requires a bit of proactive preparedness to succeed. Exercising and jogging regularly for a couple of weeks before the trip departure is a good idea to enhance our stamina. Novice trekkers with normal fitness levels can accomplish the trek, however, the fitter we are, the more enjoyable experience we will have during the trekking. Past hiking experience would be an added advantage but no technical experience and skills are necessary. Trekkers who are able to hike 4 to 6 hours a day at a reasonable pace with a light day pack can take part in this trip. The trekking route involves hiking along the rocky mountain, steep ascents, descents, and straightforward. It is very important to make sure you are as healthy as possible before starting the trek. Participants with pre-existing medical conditions such as heart, lung, and blood disease should inform us or consult with their physician before booking the trek.
How much does it cost to go to EBC Trek?
On average the journey itself is of 10-14 days, and the "cost of EBC trek generally is somewhere between $1200 to $1600 which includes domestic flights, trekking permits, full board meals (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner), a professional trekking guide, and porter, accommodations, and certificate of completion of the journey. Huge discounts are made if you travel in groups and fixed dates for Footprint Adventure.
EBC trek costs highly depend upon if you're traveling privately or in a group. Traveling in Group can be cheaper as you'll share Trek leaders and porters whereas private treks are tailored as per requirements.
Is the Trek to Everest Base Camp Dangerous?
More than 50,000 people per year trek to Everest Base Camp on its south side in Nepal. While it remains one of the most popular and well-versed treks in the Himalayas, it’s natural to consider how dangerous this high-altitude endeavor is.
With regards to the terrain, you will not be undertaking any form of wall climbing, walking along narrow ridges with steep drops, or using ropes to haul yourself over rock faces. Getting to Everest Base Camp is a slow and steady walk with a strategically timed ascent into altitude.
Extreme thoughts may move to the question: has anyone died trekking to Everest Base Camp? The fact remains that while there are no official figures, any statistic reported has been less than 0.5% of the overall trekking number, and is usually because of a natural disaster. The only danger to you will be if you don’t listen to the advice of your guide or wander off alone.
What are the best seasons for EBC Trek?
Weather in the Himalayas is variable, and the best trekking seasons are usually determined by the arrival of the summer monsoon. In order to avoid the wettest conditions, many hikers travel during the spring, which occurs from March to May. This is the time of year when wildflowers are in bloom and temperatures are at their most comfortable. Other trekkers might prefer to undertake the EBC Trek during the autumn season, between September and November. This is perhaps the best time of year for crisp days and clear mountain views. Of course, winter treks are also possible; while temperatures can be cold and trails can be packed with snow, there is an undeniable appeal to enjoying the EBC Trek without a crowd. We typically recommend hiking the Everest Trek during the summer. Though, with proper guidance, information, and research about the mountains and climate, you can trek in the Everest region for the entire year.
How cold is Everest Base Camp?
The first few days of trekking in the low Himalayan forest are in warm and slightly moderate temperatures, the second half of the trek takes you right into the cooler and often freezing altitudes of the mountain plateau. On Base Camp itself, temperatures can vary from 1 to -15 degrees, on average. Be prepared with base layers, mid-layers, and a down jacket – the morning trek can also be a slog in icy winds so you’ll want to be as comfortable as possible.
How is the accommodation in EBC Trek?
During the Everest trek, the normal accommodation will be a tea house, hotels, and some resorts ( if you plan for a luxury trip). Normally Lukla, Phakding, and Namche Bazaar offer some luxury hotels and guest houses. Afterward, the living places will be on a normal, sharing basis, but every teahouse offers the best services per altitude and remoteness. The rooms are designed with two single beds and small tables inside with amazing mountain-view windows. The bed has good mattresses, bedsheets, blankets, and a pillow for your comfort. Once we leave Namche Bazaar and head towards base camp, you will notice the number of tea houses is reportedly less, and so will the occupants.
How is the food in EBC Trek?
You will get almost all the regular international and continental cuisine along with local tastes in the Everest region. From traditional Nepalese food and Sherpa dishes to international favorite dishes, you can easily find them on the menu. Also, you can get fresh bakeries, Barista coffees, fresh cakes, muffins, and some other renowned baked goodies. They serve vegetarian, vegan meals, and gluten-free meals as well if you are required to. For these things, you should pre-inform your trekking leader/guide, so that they will ask the hotel to do so.
Entrance & Permits for EBC Trek
You have to get the respective permit to enter the Everest Region. If you are traveling through the local travel agency, they will get all the necessary permits and access to the Everest Region. But for solo travelers, once you reach Lukla, you have to find first the office of Rural Municipality for the one permit, and the next day, you have to get the permit from the Sagarmatha National Park office, which is on the way (Manjo).
Permit for SAARC:
- Rural Municipality Fee: Rs 2,000 (~18$)
- Sagarmatha National Park Fee: Rs 1,500 (~13$)
Permit for Remaining Countries:
- Rural Municipality Fee: Rs 2,000(~18$)
- Sagarmatha National Park Fee: Rs 3,000 (~26$)
Before starting your entire trek, it’s important to gather all the necessary permits and access documents.
Travel Insurance for EBC Trek
When you are hiking or traveling in high altitudes, travel insurance is very essential. It is one of the most critical documents for trekking in high mountains all over Nepal. EBC trek is a high altitude trek, and such a hike can be pretty hazardous, Therefore, if travelers, unfortunately, face any kind of consequences during the trekking, those travel insurance might be the best for you. It saves you from paying a huge amount at once, so we request all travelers get travel insurance before heading to Nepal for trekking and any kind of activities. Furthermore, make sure your insurance policy covers emergency helicopter evacuation, and medical expenses, and also make sure the policy covers 6,000m altitude.
Is a solo trip possible for EBC Trek?
Solo trekking in EBC trek is possible but not recommended. It is easy to navigate until Namche Bazaar, but afterward, the trail gets less busy and chances of losing the trail will be possible. The village becomes less, several diverse paths will come and if anything happens on the way, you might feel helpless. So, we highly recommended doing this trek in a group or with a guide. Group trek might be hectic for some trekkers but this is the best and safest option for high altitude trek. You might face the problems of altitude sickness, normal injuries, and other consequences. For such situations, local guides will help to take you to the necessary destinations and guide you safely until you reach your destination. Guides will show you the way, and pass on the necessary information regarding the trekking routes, mountains, peoples, languages, cultures, and practices and they will take care of your needs and well-being. So, do a solo trek in the Everest region, if you are well known about the routes and future consequences.
How is the facility of Internet, Electricity & Mobile Network?
The Everest trek is a popular and renowned trek in the world. So, the facility of internet, electricity, and mobile network is quite good as compared to the other trekking part in Nepal. There are different ways to use the internet on this trek. Either you can buy the local SIM card or you can get the wifi facility inside the teahouse which they will charge extra for you. Also, you can buy an Everest Link card that can also help you to access the internet. However, the network connections may not be fast and reliable. Furthermore, as you start reaching higher altitudes, the internet and network connection will be weaker. About electricity, you can get electricity until Pangboche and from there they use solar power as regular electricity but they will charge a certain amount for it as well.
Acute Mountain Sickness & Preventive Measures
Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) is not a regular situation, it only occurs when your body is not able to adjust to the high-altitude climate and environment. So, the sickness differs from person to person according to age of people, health status, physical fitness, and experience of hiking at high altitudes. In EBC Trek, many people feel the symptoms of AMS. If the symptoms of the illness are not taken care of properly, the situation can even turn critical. That’s why we always suggest travelers trek with guides and local travel agencies.
Some Common Symptoms of AMS
- Headache ( both sides and one side of the head)
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea and vomiting sometimes.
- Tiredness and dizziness.
- Feel discomfort while sleeping.
- Increase the heart rate and shortness of breath.
Common Prevention
- Keep your body hydrated and drink at least 4-5 liters of water every day when you cross above 3,000m
- Take plenty of rest after finishing your daily hike.
- Consume enough food and calories while trekking.
- Wear enough and make your body warm.
- When you feel most of the AMS symptoms, descend to a lower altitude as soon as possible.
- Ascend slowly and acclimatize properly according to the needs of your body.
- Travel with a local guide and travel agency so that they will help you to trail for all the possible consequences.
There are few medicines like Diamox that help to prevent sickness. But, remember one thing, before taking any drugs related to AMS consult with related doctors or medical experts.
These are the essential aspects for one who is planning a trip to Everest Base Camp. It will give you an idea that many do not precisely fit when you find yourself on the trek. However, this guidebook is just a fraction of what the Everest Base Camp trek entails. In general, you will have exceptional times, although some aspects might be off-putting. The breathtaking views of snowy mountains, valleys, landscapes, and glacial scenery will be a rewarding experience.
Even after the vast description and listing of the enticing attractions of the EBC trek; the question still arises “Is the EBC trek worth it?”, “ Is 12 days of a rigorous trek through the dense forests, alpine meadows, and challenging climb past the glaciers to reach the highest altitude 5,364 meters with the coldest of temperatures 1 degree actually worth it?”. The answer to this question is how you perceive this trek. Everest is more than a mountain and the journey to the base camp is more than a trek.
The trek to Everest Base Camp is a dream trip for many people. The dream to see the highest mountain peak in the world, Everest from the closest, is shared by a lot of enthusiastic trekkers. The breathtaking view of the first few golden rays of sun hitting the gigantic white snow-capped mountains is the best thing you witness in your lifetime. When you reach the base camp, a 360-degree view of the beautiful Himalayas gets you so mesmerized that you forget about the hardship on the way up here. We can assure you that the experience of this trek will change your life forever. So, yes the EBC trek is worth it. Contact us for more details about trekking in Everest Region.
