Are you planning trekking to the foot of Everest? Well, nothing can beat the thrill and sense of achievement that fascinates trekkers on seeing the power and elegance of the mighty mountain Everest. Located in the Khumbu region of Nepal, Mount Everest is the highest mountain in the world at an altitude of 8848 meters. Thousands of trekkers around the world trek to the Everest each year and few climbers make it to the summit. Without no doubt, Everest Base Camp Trek is one of the most famous trekking in the world. Together with the beauty of the Himalayas, the Everest Base Camp trek is culturally tempting for the trekkers.
The route to Everest Base Camp is followed up by walk up and down the winding paths, through green farmlands, Sherpa bazaars, the heart of the Nepalese Himalaya, high altitude views of Buddhist monasteries and beautiful white rivers. This trek climbs the famous Everest viewing point of Kala Patthar (5,545m) from where you can admire the panoramic views of Everest and the other Himalayas. The beginner trekkers are recommended to be in good health with average physical fitness.
Trekking route
Way up: Kathmandu - Lukla - Phakding - Namche Bazaar - Tengboche - Dingboche - Lobuche - GorakShep - Kalapathar.
Way down: Pheriche - Kengjuma - Monjo - Lukla - Kathmandu
By the end of the trek, you will have enormous memories – images and experiences in your head and in your photographs that will last a lifetime.
Pack Well
Braving minus temperatures can be exhausting, especially at night so get sleeping bags (At least -20 Celsius). Warm Jackets (Fiberfill or down), Woolen shirts, and thick sweaters should be adequate. The rest is down to the art of layering – thermal longs and a top, thermal underwear, pair of lightweight/heavyweight trousers, cotton t-shirts, fleece, Gore-Tex jacket or rainproof jacket with hood or ponchos, Sun cap (Hat), scarf, and gloves. Really good gloves. Thin and thick woolen socks and a pair of sandals to shower and campsite. It's always better to stay warm then suffer the cold due to lack of proper Clothes.
Best Time to Travel to Everest Base Camp
Traveling to Everest Base Camp depend on the travelers. The Best Time to trek to Everest Base Camp is from mid-September to May. But it can be done throughout the year. Do you want snow, reliable weather or to get away from crazy crowds choice is yours?
March to May: Peak season and very busy trails, clear bright days, lots of people attempting Everest ascent
June to August: Monsoon season, no crowds and empty guesthouses, very less peoples
September to Mid Decamber: Rains decrease, Most stable and clear weather with mild to warm days, clear views, trails are quite busy. Daytime temperatures can reach 25-30 at low altitude and nights can drop to below 0 at higher altitudes.
Mid Decamber Mid Feb - Coldest period, can reach -25, Occasionally winter storms can bring snow as low as 2500m and some routes remain closed.
Difficulty Level
Trekking to Everest Base Camp is not to be taken lightly. The maximum height is 5,360m of Everest Base Camp and 5,555m for Kala Patthar; so, the terrain is obviously mountainous. It has a moderate trip grading. The beginner trekkers may find it much difficult so we recommend being in good health with average physical fitness. It's a plus point to have experience of 4500m to 5000m high-altitude treks before attempting Everest Base Camp. Expert guides from Adventure Treks Nepal are here to help you with sufficient acclimatization time.
Permits for Everest Base Camp Trek
Yes, you need to have permits to trek to Everest Base Camp and you need 2 permits for trekking to Everest Base Camp. If you are booking Everest base camp trek through a registered local trekking agency, they'll arrange these permits for you.
1. Trekkers Information Management System (TIMS Card)
TIMS cards can be obtained from the offices of Nepal Tourism Board in Kathmandu and Pokhara. You need the passport and 2 photographs.
2. Sagarmatha National Park permit:
This permit can be obtained from the entrance point of the Sagarmatha National park at Jorsale or National park office in Bhrikuti Mandap, Kathmandu.
3. Also need to pay for pasanglhamu village development comitee.
Additional Permit for Jiri to Everest Base Camp Trek
If you are starting the trek from Jiri, you need to have Gaurishankar Conservation Area Project Permit. It can be purchased in Kathmandu. You can also get this from Shivalaya, the town next to Jiri but the cost will double. Two passport sized photographs are needed for this permit.
Carry cash.
ATMs are rare and it will be quite impossible to get money already; the bank in Lukla charges a fee of 5%. We recommend carrying the NPR cash you think you need for your trek. You will need some extra cash if you wish to buy snacks, water, and hot shower. Depending on the season certain things such as accommodation in tea houses, shower rates, and WIFI, can be negotiable. So, try your luck and you might be able to save some cash.
Prepare for altitude sickness.
Everest Base Camp Trek is the most popular trekking route in the world. And, the altitude of Everest Base Camp (5300m) and Kala Patthar (5555m) needs to be taken seriously a lot of people tend to get hit with AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness) on this route. The major cause of altitude sickness is Less Oxygen, Low Pressure, Rapid Ascent and Dehydration. Always listen to your body on high altitude treks don't take AMS light. If you feel discomfort, analyze the symptoms and take appropriate action. It is advisable to drink a lot of water, eat healthy food, avoid junk food and alcohol, take proper rest on the trek and spend a couple of days acclimatizing at the mentioned points on the route.
Everest Base Camp Trek as in whole is a mixture of striking natural beauty, fascinating culture, as well as the experience of warm Hospitality, which makes the Everest Base Camp trek one of the world’s most unforgettable memories that will last forever. This trek will certainly give you thrills and memories that will last a lifetime.