Everest Base Camp Trek

Trip Overview

Trip Itinerary

Dates & Price

Cost Inclusion

Cost Exclusion

Essential Information

Difficulty

Grading: 5-6 (Challenging)

Everest Base Camp Trek is considered challenging due to high altitudes and longer duration. The trail is relatively easier following good paths and yak trails but due to the increasing altitude, it's graded challenging. Please be prepared to walk for 6-7 hrs every day on average carrying your backpack, which will consist of your valuable items, water, extra fleece, snacks etc. Longer treks reaching up to an elevation of 5500m where some of the famous mountaineering Base Camps are located and you need to sleep at an elevation of 5000m+ for 1 night at Gorekshep

Prerequisites

No previous experience of trekking is required but you should be moderately fit and must enjoy walking and adaptable to high altitude conditions. Having a previous experience is definitely beneficial but it is not must to participate for this trip. All travelers need to be in good physical health in order to participate fully on this trip. We strongly advise you to prepare yourself for the trip at least 3 months prior to your trip date by doing regular exercises, going on hiking, running or gym. The fitter you are, the more enjoyable you will find the experience of trekking. All our trip itinerary has been devised keeping every aspect in mind and allows ample time for acclimatization

Meals

All meals are included during the trek to Everest base camp (Day 03 to Day 15). We will provide three meals a day (B, L, D) during the trek. The menus in the teahouses are varied, ranging from traditional Nepalese dhal bhat, Momo (Dumpling) to pizza and apple pie. Despite the fact that meat is available in the teahouses, we prompt against eating it on the trek. The meat has frequently been conveyed in the warmth from lower elevations for a few days before arriving at the teahouses and can cause stomach upsets or disease. During the trek, Breakfast and Dinner will be served at the teahouse/lodge where you stay and Lunch will be along the way.

If you have any special dietary requirements please let us know in advance and we will be sure to pass your message to your guide. For a gluten-free diet, we highly recommend you to bring extra foods especially for breakfast as your options for the breakfast will be limited. Meals worth USD 450-500 are included on this trip. In Kathmandu, only breakfast will be provided to give you the maximum flexibility in deciding where what and with whom to eat for lunch and dinner.

Accommodation

Hotel: 4 Nights, Teahouse/Lodge: 12 Nights

Kathmandu: 
In Kathmandu, we stay at Kathmandu Guest House, a well-known hotel where many famous celebrities like Beatles, Ricky Martin, Jeremy Irons and others have stayed. Centrally located in Thamel, the hotel also boasts of a beautiful garden where you can relax and enjoy the greenery. Breakfast will be provided in the hotel and your accommodation will be on twin sharing basis and if you would like to have a single room, upon request you are required to pay single supplement price as stated in the trip costing.
Regardless of whether you're coming back from the mountains or touching base from the airport, come and unwind at the hotel beautiful garden, request some fine Italian espresso or a chilled Beer, and escape in the memorable surroundings of Kathmandu's most adored guesthouse.

On Trek:
Your accommodation on the trek will be on a simple mountain lodges run by the local people with basic and shared facilities. Trekking in the (Everest area) does not need tremendous logistics in accommodation as there are many clean and friendly Lodges along the trail. Rooms are basic, normally just a bed with a pillow and blankets but with a wonderful view from your window.  All the teahouses/lodges have a spacious warm dining room-lounge. The rooms are fairly basic. Blankets are generally provided by the teahouse but we will provide a warm sleeping bag to everyone. Bathrooms are mostly shared and toilets are squat type in most places. We will arrange for you and your group to stay in local lodges daily. Please remember that some of them are very basic and a sense of adventure is necessary.

Single supplement:
A Single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room and it will cost USD 150 per person. A single supplement is only available in Kathmandu for 4 nights. On the trek, there is a limited amount of lodging available and during busy months it's generally impossible to arrange private rooms. This is the case even if you're willing to pay extra since the lodge owners will not give out a private room if it means someone else goes without a room.

Travel Insurance

It’s mandatory and highly recommended to get travel insurance before embarking on any adventurous trips in Nepal. We advise all our clients to get travel insurance that covers up emergency helicopter evacuation that may be needed in case of the occurrence of AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness) or any other reasons in high altitudes where there are no other means of transportation available. It is advisable to review carefully the insurance and its coverages before making the final decision. Carry proof of your insurance with you on the holiday and leave a copy next to your kin. You must ensure that your insurance provides an adequate level of protection and covers you for the activities involved.

More information: Travel Insurance

Drinking Water

We offer hot-boiled water for drinking purposes on our treks to minimize the environmental impact of single-use plastic bottles. Please remember to bring a reusable water bottle or Thermos that can withstand hot water, and feel free to ask our guides to refill it during meal times, particularly at breakfast and dinner.

While bottled water is available at lodges, prices may range from USD 1 to USD 3 as we ascend in altitude. Alternatively, you can bring water purification tablets or a filtration device for your convenience.

Group Size

Our emphasis is always on maintaining the small group so that it will be easy to coordinate and cooperate with each other. Our group size is small and we only take up to 12 pax in one group. If you opt to join our ‘fixed departure trip’, you are likely to be joining people from different countries of any age group except minors. The size of the group varies, minimum no of persons required to operate the trip is 1 and the maximum is 12 people.

Guide

We possess a deep passion for alpine adventure & the outdoors, and with the small professional group we have on board, we’ve notched up experience that spans almost 3 decades on some of the most isolated trails and highest peaks. We take great pride in calling ourselves a ‘high-altitude adventure specialist’ and all this is due to our diverse and qualified team of guides. Most of our guides were born in these parts & have relatives living in other parts of the regions where they were born in.

Your trip will be led by a qualified guide with 1 porter to every 2 participants and 1 assistant guide to every 4 participants.

Training

Everest Base Camp Trek is a premier trek that most ardent backpackers, hikers, and lovers of wild places aspire to. The trek is graded challenging and training yourself well ahead will definitely improve your performance during the trek. Answering this question can be a challenge because everyone is starting from a different base of fitness, age, lifestyle, and diet (what you eat on a daily basis).

Always consult with your doctor first to establish if you are healthy enough for the challenges of all-day trekking at high elevation for over a week. Once cleared for takeoff, so to speak, consulting with a qualified trainer, and a nutritionist may also prove beneficial, though many do not.

Read this to find out more about how to train for Everest base camp trek. This is an outline prepared to offer some guidance and tips as to how to begin training for Everest base camp trek.

Baggage and Weight Limit

Each client will receive an individual duffel bag for packing their gear. Our duffel bags have an approximate capacity of 80 liters, and we kindly ask clients to ensure that their duffel bag weight remains under 15 kgs. The baggage allowance for Nepal's domestic airlines is a total of 15 kg (10 kgs for the duffel bag and 5 kgs for the backpack) but we can offer additional baggage allowance. We request clients to keep the duffel bag weight under 15 kgs due to porter weight restrictions, allowing maximum of 30 kgs weight per porter. We provide 1 porter for every 2 participants.

During the trek, clients are required to carry only a day pack containing essentials such as a water bottle, camera, sunscreen, spare jacket, etc. This light load ensures a more enjoyable trekking experience. Upon arrival in Kathmandu, we will provide clients with a duffel bag, and any additional luggage or items not needed during the trek can be stored at the hotel in Kathmandu.

Safety

Safety is always a priority while travelling with Highland Expeditions. Our Everest base camp trek itinerary is devised keeping every aspect in mind, allowing proper acclimatization, rest days and walking hours. On all our Everest base camp treks, we send a supplementary oxygen system and a comprehensive medical kit be it a group of 1 or 12. Besides, we also have a high staff-to-client ratio on all our treks.

Itinerary

Our route to the Everest base camp trek follows a careful approach with ample time for acclimatization, a less trodden route and breathtaking sceneries along the way. With over 30 years of experience in trekking and climbing in the Himalayas, we have carefully tailored each of our itineraries. We put a lot of care into all the details when it comes to executing any of your ventures. Safety is always a priority while travelling with Highland Expeditions and we have applied this strictly in our approach.

Typical Day

Daily wake up calls will be between 6.00 am to 7.00 am while on the trek. The wake-up time and breakfast time will be decided a night before during the briefing time. The time table for each day will entirely depend on your walking duration for that particular day.

After a hearty breakfast, we set off on the day's walk. Before breakfast, you are required to pack your duffel bag as it will be loaded by the porter while you are having your breakfast. After 3-4 hours of walk, we stop for lunch mid-day.  The afternoon's walk is generally shorter and we usually arrive at our destination in time for afternoon tea. The rest of the afternoon can be spent exploring the village, to wash your clothes or simply relaxing with a good book. On some days, we will arrive at our destination by lunchtime and the entire afternoon will be free. After dinner, the evening will often be spent playing cards and reliving the day's adventures, before heading off to bed for a well-earned sleep.

Best Season

The best seasons to trek to the Everest base camp are Autumn (latter half of September till December) and Spring (latter half of March until mid-May). On both seasons, Mornings are usually clear, with clouds building up in the afternoon and disappearing at night. The given temperature may raise or lower with the change in weather factors: (Sunny, Snow, Rain etc.)

Autumn/Fall:
Slightly colder than Spring but presents clear views of the mountains. The mornings are clear providing best mountain views, days are warmer and night time will get cold and frosty. The temperature during Autumn varies from lowest -10 degree Celsius at Gorekshep to warmest 25 degree Celsius at Lukla/Phakding.

Spring:
Another weather window for trekking in Nepal comes during the month of the latter March to May. The temperature will be relatively warmer during this period of time but still, nights will be cold and frosty at a higher elevation. Temperatures will drop considerably as you ascend higher every day. During the spring season, the base camp will be full of tents as Apr-May are preferred time to climb Mt. Everest.

Read more about the best time: https://highlandexpeditions.com/best-time-to-visit-nepal/

Trip Style

Our trips are available on both fixed departure and private basis. If you are looking for a group to join this trip please check our departures section for availability, dates and price. If you would like to travel independently, or with your friends, families & colleagues you are invited to choose any of the trips at your convenient timeframe for any number of people. If you want to do something that is not included in our trip list, we are ready to tailor a trip to suit your exact requirements. In short, we will make every effort to get you on the trip you want, when you want.

Itinerary Disclamier

The itineraries for each trip should be taken as a guideline only. Depending on the prevailing situation and your travel style, you can modify it to some extent after consulting with your guide. However, the date of trek completion must coincide with the original itinerary. You should keep in mind that this is an adventure trip into a remote mountain region, where many unforeseen events may contribute to the need for a change in itinerary. In such cases, your guide will suggest the best alternative similar to your original program.

Passport, Visa and Entry Requirements

Passport: All foreign visitors to Nepal must possess a valid passport with a minimum of 6 months validity beyond their planned departure date.

Visa: Nepal visa can be obtained on arrival at Kathmandu airport (Tribhuvan International Airport) or you can obtain Nepal visa prior to your arrival through the Nepalese embassies, diplomatic missions and consulates near your location. Nepal Visa is also issued at the entry points if you are entering Nepal by land.

Visa Fees: Nepal visa fees are listed below as per the duration.

Multiple entry 15 days – US$ 30 or equivalent convertible currency
Multiple entry 30 days – US$ 50 or equivalent convertible currency
Multiple entry 90 days – US$ 125 or equivalent convertible currency

Important Note: It is always advisable to verify the visa requirements upon booking your trip. Visa requirements may vary depending on where you are from and its also recommended to check the transit country requirements as well.

While we share this information in good faith, it is crucial for you to independently verify it and acknowledge that you bear full responsibility for your visa requirements.

Other Information

Point of Arrival:
Your point of arrival should be Tribhuvan International Airport  located in Kathmandu, Nepal.

Meeting Instructions:
Your meeting point is at Kathmandu’s airport, Tribhuvan International Airport. Upon arrival at Kathmandu’s Airport, Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA), kindly pay your visa fee and proceed to immigration to apply for VOA (Visa On Arrival), customs clearing and then collect your luggage. Outside the arrival hall, please look out for our team member holding a placard stating ‘Highland Expeditions ’ and you will be escorted to your hotel for checking in.

Airport Pickup and Drop:
We will provide airport pickup and drop-off according to your flight schedule. Your airport transfers are organized based on the flight information you provide to us. If there is a change in your flight schedule, please inform us promptly, and we will adjust the transfers accordingly. Upon arrival, please be on the lookout for our team member holding a placard that reads 'Highland Expeditions' in the arrival area. You will be greeted and transferred to your hotel for check-in. Similarly, for your departure, we will take you to the airport in accordance with your flight schedule.

Emergency Contact for Airport Transfers: +9779860763929 (Dawa Sherpa)

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Reviews

Andy Y

The Everest Base Camp trek surpassed all expectations! Our knowledgeable guide added depth to the journey, sharing insights into local culture. Comfortable teahouses, delicious meals, and a gradual ascent made the trek accessible and enjoyable. Reaching Everest Base Camp was a surreal moment, and the overall camaraderie among trekkers and support from guides made it an unforgettable experience. Five stars for this classic Himalayan beauty!

Tyler D

Having searched around a year ago for a guide company, I am so pleased to have found Highland Expeditions. The communication with Passang from even before booking, was fantastic, right up until we flew back home after our trek. Both he and Dawa looked after our four person group (myself, my partner and two friends) when we arrived, answering all our questions and putting our minds at ease before we even got to Kathmandu.

Our two guides, Phunu and “small” Pasang, were nothing short of amazing, really engaging, funny and very good at looking after us. This was particularly evident when one my friends came down with AMS and Phunu stayed up all night helping sort out issues with contacting the so-called 24hr insurance company number (it’s not 24hr) for a helicopter evacuation from Gorek Shep. They both looked after us every morning, day and night, serving tea, and food and laughs. Paperwork was done in advance and we never had to wait for anything.

Our porters, Mothi and Ajay were fantastic and I am amazed at how fast they moved carrying our duffel bags, which were always at the Tea Houses waiting for us.

I celebrated my 50th birthday partway up (at Khumjung, on day 4) and my partner celebrated her 45th birthday on the way day, a week later. We were surprised by birthday cake, singing, small gifts and Sherpa blessings. Birthdays we will never forget.

The last dinners we had with the guys were great, with good food, music and crazy dancing. Cannot recommend Highland Expeditions enough! We will be going back for another trek and will definitely be going with Passang and team again. Can’t wait!