Everest Base Camp trek permits
The Everest Base Camp trek permits are the Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Entrance permit & the Sagarmatha National Park Entry permit. Both permit fees are covered in our package cost. They cost USD 20 and USD 30 respectively per person.
The Everest Base Camp trail difficulty
Everest Base Camp trekking can be challenging for some trekkers who are not fit or cannot walk 6 hours a day. In general, this trek's difficulty is marked moderate, which means doable for beginner trekkers.
The journey is demanding in terms of high altitude, limited services, thin air, and long walking duration. Climbing to Everest Base Camp does not involve any technical section. You will traverse diverse terrain ranging from lush forests to glacier moraines.
Prevent altitude sickness
High altitude brings altitude sickness. Usually, when you trek to the Everest Base Camp, you are traveling from sea level to above 2,500 meters on your first day. Given this difference in the elevation, sometimes travelers suffer from altitude sickness because they are not used to the elevation.
Altitude sickness is common during the Everest Base Camp trekking and can be avoided and treated. First, to avoid altitude sickness, you should take acclimatization breaks, keep yourself hydrated, maintain your pace, listen to your body, have good food, and rest well.
Secondly, to treat altitude sickness, your guide will help. He will provide you with first aid and help you relieve the symptoms. The early symptoms of altitude sickness are headache, vomiting, difficulty in breathing, insomnia, dizziness, nausea, etc.
Learn about different seasons and pick the one that best suits your requirements
There are four seasons in Nepal - spring (March to May), summer/monsoon (June to August), autumn (September to November), and winter (December to February). Unlike the rest of the country, the Himalayas see all of these seasons thoroughly.
Spring and autumn are considered the best time to trek to Everest Base Camp or any destination in the Himalayas. These two seasons have the best climate, stable weather, stunning mountain views, and long daylight hours. Winter trekking is also possible if you can handle the cold.
Moreover, winter trekking allows you to enjoy jaw-dropping mountain vistas, empty trails, and low accommodation costs. Summer/monsoon has the highest weather challenges, but EBC trekking is possible with suitable preparations.
Ensure your safety with travel insurance: helicopter evacuation coverage is mandatory
Trekking in the Himalayas has underlying risks of injuries, altitude sickness, natural disasters, poor weather, etc. As flying in and out of Lukla is the only transportation available, the other best available alternative to immediately return to Kathmandu is helicopter rescue.
Without travel insurance with helicopter evacuation coverage, you have to bear a significant expense. Not only that but without travel insurance coverage, it gets tough to provide financial assurance to the rescue company, which may result in a delay in evacuation.
Lodge accommodation and fantastic food options along the trail
The Everest Base Camp trek route has lodges for trekkers. Budget-friendly and luxury lodges are available. Our EBC trek package includes a basic lodge. You will get twin shared rooms. Single rooms are available but cost extra money. Washrooms are mostly common.
Carry a sleeping bag and pack all essential tonalities, including toilet paper, soap, etc. In Kathmandu, you will only get breakfast. During trekking, you will get breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The meals are offered based on the lodge's menu.
You can find dal bhat, thukpa, momo, stew, soups, porridge, fried rice, rice with curry, pasta, pizza, burger, etc on the menu. Additionally, you can buy extra snacks, beverages, and boiled drinking water on your own.
*Note: We highly recommend budging USD 15 to USD 25 each day for additional expenses during trekking. You will have a much more comfortable experience.
Gear up for the Himalayan terrain and climate
For the Everest Base Camp trek, you will need the following trekking clothes and equipment:
- Comfortable, light-weight underwear
- Trekking t-shirts and pants
- Base and thermal layers
- Windproof/waterproof jacket and pant
- Fleece jacket
- Down jacket
- Gloves, socks, scarf, beanie, sun hat, etc
- Trekking boots and a casual pair of shoes/slippers
- Duffel bag (We provide) and daypack
- Trekking pole, map (We provide), reusable water bottle
- Sleeping bag
- Toiletries, first aid, snacks
- Camera, adapter, charger, power bank
- Journal/pen and traveler games
You need to get a travel visa to enter Nepal
Nepal offers on-arrival visas to travelers from many countries. However, travelers from countries like Nigeria, Ghana, Zimbabwe, Swaziland, Cameroon, Somalia, Liberia, Ethiopia, Iraq, Palestine, Afghanistan, Syria, and refugees with travel documents have to obtain a travel visa for Nepal in their country.
They are not eligible for an on-arrival visa in Nepal. If you are from these countries, apply for a travel visa at the Nepalese Embassy or Consulate Office in your country.