A Complete Travel Guide of the Everest Base Camp Trek

The trek to Everest Base Camp is quite straightforward from Lukla heading north until Gorakshep. This takes about eight days of trekking whereof two days will be spent on acclimatizing to the high altitudes. Gorakshep acts as a last overnight village, and from here, we can take a short hike to EBC and the Khumbu Glacier. Along the way to EBC, you’ll visit traditional Himalayan Sherpa villages, tackle rivers by crossing suspension bridges, and enjoy some of nature’s best sceneries including the highest mountains in the world! The most prominent one is of course Mt Everest (8848.86 m). Now from Everest Base Camp itself, you won’t get the best view of the mountain, but the next morning High Route Adventure takes you up to Kala Pathar Hill – a short hike away from Gorakshep. From this hill, some of the best views of Mt Everest and its neighbors can be seen. And to top it off, we go in the early morning you’ll get to see an extraordinary sunrise view as well!

The complete travel guide of the Everest Base Camp trek holds useful information such as the difficulty level, type of permits, and documents you need, transportation, accommodation, meals, solo traveler, health, additional treks leading to EBC, and even info about attires and clothing. High Route Adventure is more than happy to answer any other questions you might have, just use the quick inquiry or send us an mail. Bookings are open for the Everest Base Camp trek, don’t hesitate and take part in the world’s most famous trek to the top of the world!

Trip Facts

How Difficult is the Everest Base Camp Trek

As many start to wonder how difficult the Everest Base Camp trek is, you’ll be happy to know that this popular trek in Nepal is classified as a moderate trek. For beginner trekkers new to the Himalayas and its intimidating altitudes, the trek to EBC can be a bit difficult or rather strenuous. Especially during the first days, as you’ll need to get used to up and down trails. For veteran trekkers, the Everest Base Camp trek is quite easy to complete, and with two acclimatization days planned, the trek gives you time to rest and take in those incredible views!

Everest Base Camp Trek Map

Visa and Entry Requirements for Nepal

The visa and entry requirements before the COVID-19 outbreak in Nepal were very easy and simple. You could get your visa either from your Nepalese embassy or on arrival in Nepal at the airport’s immigration department. Except for Indian Nationals, who don’t require any type of visa to enter Nepal, the process was straightforward.

On-arrival Visa During Covid-19 Safety Regulations:

The on-arrival visa procedure during COVID-19 safety regulations is somewhat different and stricter in Nepal. This is not only for your safety but also for your fellow travelers and airport staff. The main difference is that you’ll need a recommendation and acceptance letter from the trekking agency that you have booked in order to get the on-arrival visa in Nepal. Not to worry as High Route Adventure starts preparing and will send you these documents after booking! For those who are fully vaccinated no quarantine is required and for those with negative RT-PCR reports a 10 days quarantine needs to be done in Kathmandu. Notify High Route Adventure during your booking so we can make the required arrangements. Please do note that these rules and regulations are set from 29^th June 2021 and are subject to change.

What you’ll need:

1. Recommendation letter from High Route Adventure
2. Valid Passport with min. 6 months validity
3. Visa Fee
4. Medical vaccination report with photo and barcode/ negative RT-PCR report with barcode
5. In case of not vaccinated, you’ll have to book a 10-day quarantine in Kathmandu with a PCR test on the 7^th day and 10^th day.

For more detailed info on traveling to Nepal, we advise you to check out:

https://www.welcomenepal.com/

The official website of the Nepal Tourism Board. Here you can find the latest updates for travelers wishing to visit Nepal during the COVID-19 safety regulations!

On-arrival Visa:

During the high seasons (March-May & October-December) the queues at the airport’s on-arrival visa department can get long. It is still easy to obtain your tourist visa on arrival in Nepal. Providing you have the necessary documents at hand and the visa fee in USD cash. There are three options for on-arrival visas, and all three are a bit cheaper than a tourist visa extension in case you choose to prolong your stay in Nepal. You’ll have also the option between single entry and for the maximum amount of days a multiple entry visa. Single entry means that your visa is only valid for the time you spend within Nepal and until its expiry date. With a multiple-entry visa, you are allowed to re-enter Nepal while using the same visa sticker, as long as the expiration date is not reached. You’ll need a valid passport, 2 passport-size photos, and cash USD.

15 days Single Entry Visa:              30$USD

30 days Single Entry Visa:              50$USD

90 days Multiple Entry Visa:          125$USD

Please also note that the airport has had some significant upgrades and that there are now E-Visa kiosks available where your passport is enough to apply for a tourist visa plus the fee. At the visa department, a money exchange service is also available to acquire USD and Nepalese Rupees. For more information, we do suggest you have a look at: https://www.immigration.gov.np/ the official Immigration Department of Nepal’s website.

What type of Permits are Required for the Everest Base Camp Trek

During the Everest Base Camp trek, you’ll need two types of permits, which will be checked during your second day of the trek at Monjo. Without these two permits, you won’t be able to enter the Sagarmatha (Everest) National Park. If you book any trek, such as the EBC trek with High Route Adventure all permits and if required T.I.M.S. (Team Information Management System) cards are included within the package. For the EBC trek in Nepal, a T.I.M.S card is not required. You will need;

1. Khumbu Rural Municipality Permit
2. Sagarmatha National Park Permit

Transportation During the Everest Base Camp Trek

As with all treks organized by High Route Adventure, Domestic (in-country) transportation is included in the trekking package to Everest Base Camp. The trek has airport transfers and a two-way flight ticket to Lukla, the 38th-highest airport in the world included. If your itinerary includes sightseeing within Kathmandu then that day’s transportation according to the itinerary is also included.

Two-way flight to Lukla:

As mentioned above, the Everest Base Camp trek includes a two-way flight ticket to Lukla. The airport Lukla, situated at 2,860m/9,383ft is ranked as the world’s 38^th highest airport. With its incredible location and short runway, you’re in for an exhilarating flight to Everest! As the flight to Lukla takes place in high altitudes, it is possible that due to bad weather and for safety it can get delayed. There are other options, such as planning some additional days. One of them is to take the flight from Ramechap Manthali airport, a short drive from Kathmandu and mostly used during high seasons. As tickets need to be booked in advance to guarantee availability, we do request to send your passport details during booking.

Ground Transportation:

If you do not include a day sightseeing in Kathmandu during the Everest Base Camp trek, airport transfers will be included as ground transportation. Depending on the size of your booked group, High Route Adventure arranges vehicles to pick up and drop you off at the international airport and domestic airport. Please note that our drivers come on time, and it is your responsibility to be ready to catch your flight.

Accommodation in the City & During the Trek

During the Everest Base Camp trek, you’ll spend the night in two different types of accommodations. They are divided by “city overnights” and “during the trek overnights”. During the overnights in the city, High Route Adventure books between handpicked, comfortable 3-star category hotels on a bed & breakfast plan. During the trekking part of your holiday in Nepal, the accommodations are in the high Himalayas and are called teahouse lodges or guesthouses. Of course completely different than city hotels, these mountain inns really make you feel like you are one with mountains! While simple and traditional these guesthouses have two or three beds per room and although single rooms can be booked they cannot be guaranteed, except in some teahouses for solo female travelers. If you like to book your own accommodation or want a different category of hotel during the city overnights, High Route Adventure can help you adjust the booking, just leave a message during your booking with your requirements.

Meals During the Everest Base Camp Trek

Meals during the Everest Base Camp trek are as important as the trek itself! Expect to enjoy some of Nepal’s most delicious and traditional delicacies. In the city anything is possible from continental to different international cuisines to choose from, it’s your own choice. During the trek to Everest Base Camp, meals change a bit as we go more into rural areas. While most teahouses offer non-vegetarian options, High Route Adventure does recommend not to order them, especially any type of meat items, as preservation methods are high up in the mountains and nobody can guarantee the quality. Instead try out the delicious seasonal vegetables, with rice covered in hot lentil soup and a spicy sauce on the side. Nepalese are expert farmers and almost every household has its own little vegetable garden. This makes the vegetables in the villages of exceptional quality and taste! Trekking packages organized by High Route Adventure, have breakfast, lunch, and dinner during the trek included in the price. For drinks or extra snacks, you’ll have to manage yourself.

Some Additional Routes to Trek to Everest Base Camp

Besides the standard trekking trail, there are some additional routes that lead to Everest Base Camp. These trekking trails head through the Khumbu region in a circular way. If followed all lead to Everest Base Camp, or at least overlap a part of the standard Everest Base Camp trek. There is also the option of long expeditions or shorter peak climbing that offer some of the best views. Here below High Route Adventures has stippled out two of our favorite additional routes to trek to Everest Base Camp;

Everest Base Camp Gokyo trek via Cho-La Pass:

Considered as one of the most beautiful treks in Nepal to reach EBC is the Everest Base Camp Gokyo trek via Cho-La Pass. This journey with High Route Adventure takes 17 days and includes a visit to Base Camp, a sunrise view from Kala Pathar Hill, the crossing of the Cho-La Mountain Pass (5,367m/17,608ft), exploring around Gokyo Lake, and a short excursion up to Gokyo Ri one of the best viewpoints west of Mt Everest. While the trek is a bit more strenuous than the traditional Everest Base Camp trek, it is definitely worth it as you’ll get to see more of the region and many more highlights!

Everest Base Camp Gokyo trek via Cho-La Pass standard Itinerary:

Don’t hesitate to book this scenic Everest Base Camp Gokyo trek via Cho-La Pass with High Route Adventure! While this itinerary is going in a clockwise direction you can also do this trek in reverse starting from Gokyo. We do recommend following this itinerary of the Everest Base Camp Gokyo trek via Cho-La Pass as it will provide the best experience in terms of views and difficulty.

Island Peak climbing:

If you are planning to trek to Everest Base Camp, why not make a detour and climb Island Peak (6,189m/20,305ft) as well? High Route Adventure’s Island Peak Climbing trekking package consists of nineteen days and is considered a challenge. While the route follows the classical Everest Base Camp trek, on the way back you’ll make a detour slightly eastwards to Chhukung. A bit further is Island Peak Base Camp. From here pre-climbing training will be held before ascending the summit of Island Peak. As the climb is not technical no advanced climbing techniques are required. However, you’ll need to have built up your stamina and fitness level before undergoing this amazing trek to EBC and the summit of Island Peak.

Short Itinerary of Island Peak Climbing with High Route Adventure:

If you are looking to book Island Peak Climbing as a different and more adventurous way to visit Everest Base Camp, then head on to our trips page and press book now. All climbing safety gear will be provided, and with our expert guides, you are sure to expect an unforgettable Himalayan journey!

Solo Trekking to Everest Base Camp

While it is possible for a solo trek to Everest Base Camp with High Route Adventure, it is recommended to trek at least with another. This will not only reduce your cost but also further your experience during the Everest Base Camp trek. Single trekkers can get their own accommodation at a higher cost. This is also less likely during the high season, as room availability in the teahouses becomes less.

Spending Money During Your Time in Nepal

Every new country you visit has its own typical souvenir shops, restaurants, bars, and other places where you can spend money. Nepal like any other country uses Nepalese Rupees, and while the US Dollar is also used in many tourist places or businesses, having some rupees cash comes always in handy when in Nepal. In bigger cities such as Kathmandu, ATMs are available and can be used to withdraw cash from your home account, just make sure to activate your card for international withdraws. High Route Adventure does recommend using the Nabil Bank ATM as those take the least charge per withdrawal. As every individual has their own spending habits and budget during their vacation we cannot set a fixed number on daily spending. During the trek, however, we do suggest bringing about 30 USD cash per day for additional snacks, drinks, tips, extra facilities, and souvenirs.

Tipping:

Depending on the service it is customary to tip approx. 10% in Nepal. Guides, porters, and drivers provide exceptional services in rough conditions and depend largely on tips as a secondary income. During the trek, there will be several opportunities to tip and you can do this individually, anonymously, or in a group. Do note that tipping is not a must and will never be forced under any circumstances! It is important that you are happy and satisfied with the service provided and then highly appreciated if any tips are made. As a recommendation, we suggest 500-1000 NRS (between 4 and 10 USD) a day as tips for porters to get an idea as to tipping porters or guides in Nepal.

Laundry:

Money Exchange:

Currency valuation in Asia and Nepal changes quite often and to get the latest rates it is best to use the National Bank of Nepal as a reference. Their websites provide a money exchange rate listing that is accurate and can be found at; https://www.nrb.org.np/.

As you will quickly notice upon roaming around Thamel, Kathmandu there are a lot of money exchange agents available, and High Route Adventure can even show you a few upon request. Besides exchanging cash the safest way is also via ATM, and the last ATM during the trek to Everest Base Camp is at Namche Bazaar, so you can always use that one in an emergency.

Health

Your health is of great importance to High Route Adventure during any type of trip or trek. As well as during the Everest Base Camp trek, we do ask that you read and understand the itinerary before making any type of booking. We go to some high altitudes and for those new to Asia, or Nepal there is a different diet than in Western countries. Always make sure to consult with your doctor, describing the itinerary and location before undergoing your trip. As the saying goes; better safe than sorry! During your trek to Everest Base Camp, it is also recommended to bring with you any type of personal prescription-based medication, a small first aid kit, and hand sanitizer. During the Everest Base Camp trek we head into some rural areas where no medical facilities will be available, so do stock up on any type of medication before we head out.

Safety and Security During the Trek:

Trekking while amazing and beautiful in nature is still considered a dangerous activity. During your trek to Everest Base Camp, your security and safety come first place for us! Before we start the trek we hold a detailed trek preparation briefing and explain the safety rules during the trek. We don’t want you to get hurt or be the cause of hurting somebody else. The Everest Base Camp trek is relatively safe and the most dangerous one can get is acute mountain sickness or AMS in short. High Route Adventure does ask to always have a small lock for your luggage and not to bring any valuable jewelry, as those would just hinder your trekking experience. The hotels do offer safety deposit boxes for valuables, but during the trek, you are responsible for your own items.

AMS or Acute Mountain Sickness:

During the Everest Base Camp trek, AMS or Acute Mountain Sickness is no joke! Due to the difference in altitude and oxygen people can suffer from this in harsh cases of deadly infliction. If you follow the itinerary made by High Route Adventure and make sure to inform your trekking guide of any increases in fatigue you should be ok. The Everest Base Camp trek holds two acclimatization days especially to prevent AMS. One day will be spent in Namche Bazaar, the biggest Sherpa village in the area, and another day will be spent at Dingboche. During both acclimatization days, a day hike will be planned to get used to the higher altitudes. Furthermore, near the town of Pheriche is the Himalayan Rescue Association’s health post. Here lectures on how to prevent AMS in the Himalayas are also organized!

Local Attires or Clothing

Those who have traveled to different countries might have noticed that the local attire or clothing is quite different than back home. Nepal is quickly developing and has a lot of influence from Western countries in terms of clothing. In the bigger cities such as Kathmandu, people dress either traditionally, or casually with jeans and printed T-shirts. In the smaller and rural villages, people are still very traditional and we do ask to respect their culture by not wearing too revealing clothes.

With this complete travel guide of the Everest Base Camp trek, you should have ample information about the trek, and what to expect. Embark on a Himalayan journey with High Route Adventure’s Everest Base Camp trek, and explore the Nepalese Himalayas!