Request to call (Puru)
Please share your experience if you have already travelled with Hike to Everest
Profile
You Want to Plan Your Trip to, Everest Base Camp Trek ?
Response Time 3 Hours , Response Rate 100%
Accommodation:
Grade:
Trip Duration:
Altitude
Activity:
Transportation:
Treks Type:
Best Season:
Group Size
Start/End Point
Meals
The Everest Base Camp Trek is a popular trekking route in the Nepal Himalayas that takes hikers to the base camp of Mount Everest, the highest mountain in the world.
The trek begins in Lukla, a small town in the Solu-Khumbu region, and follows the Dudh Kosi river before reaching the base camp at an elevation of 5,364 meters (17,598 feet).
The trek begins in Lukla, a small mountain town where hikers will meet their guide and porter team. From there, the route follows the Dudh Koshi river, passing through the Sagarmatha National Park and the villages of Namche Bazaar, Tengboche, and Dingboche. Along the way, hikers will have the opportunity to see stunning views of the Himalayan peaks, including Ama Dablam, Nuptse, and Lhotse.
The trek culminates at the Everest Base Camp from where hikers can get a close-up view of the world's highest mountain and visit the Khumbu Glacier.
The trek typically takes around 12 days to complete and requires a good level of physical fitness due to the high altitudes and strenuous terrain. It is also important to acclimatize properly to avoid altitude sickness.
Overall, the Everest Base Camp Trek is an incredible experience that offers the chance to immerse oneself in the culture and landscape of the Nepal Himalayas, while also pushing personal physical and mental limits.
After breakfast, you will be escorted to the domestic terminal of Kathmandu airport for an early morning flight to Lukla (2,800m/9,186ft), the gateway destination from where our trek begins.
After a 40-minute flight above the breathtaking mountains, we reach the Tenzing-Hillary Airport at Lukla. This is one of the most beautiful air routes in the world, culminating in a hillside landing that welcomes you surrounded by high mountain peaks.
Upon arrival at Lukla, you will meet our other crew members and after some planning and packing, we will start our trek through the prosperous village of Lukla to Phakding. To assist in acclimatization, we will only have a short hike today. However, if interested in additional activities, we can take a side trip to a nearby monastery.
Walking through a beautiful pine forest, the track leads us along the Dudh Koshi River and crosses many suspension bridges, one of which is the famous Hillary Suspension Bridge. Our first mighty mountain is the glistening Mt. Thamserku (6618 m).
Then through the settlement of Benkar, Chumoa, and Monjo, we come to the check post and entrance to Sagarmatha National Park. We pass through the last village of Jorsale before reaching Namche Bazaar, where the trail climbs through forests and bridges until it reaches the Dudh Koshi where it joins the Bhote Koshi rivers.
After a final steep ascent, taking about two hours, we get our first sight of Mt. Everest peering over the Lhotse-Nuptse ridge. Upon this juncture, we stop at Chautara to admire the view before hiking our final 1.5 hours and reaching Namche Bazaar, the gateway to Mt. Everest, and the main trading center of this region.
Today is the scheduled ‘acclimatization’ day for this trek. However, health experts recommend that we stay active and moving during the rest day too so we can either spend the day hiking to Thame, we can visit Khunde, or can relax and explore Namche Bazaar itself.
Namche Bazaar is the main center of the Everest (Khumbu) region and has government offices, ATMs, Internet cafes, shops, restaurants, a bakery, and a colorful market each Friday evening and Saturday.
Trekking a few hundred vertical feet during the day helps us to properly acclimatize, so our guides will take us to the Tourist Visitor Centre near the headquarters of the Sagarmatha National Park, where we can observe an assortment of features related to the first Everest ascenders and Sherpa culture, as well as learn about the various plant and animal life of the Everest region.
We will also take an interesting side trip up to Khumjung before further climbing up to the famous airstrip at Syangboche. Just above the airstrip is the Everest View Hotel, a deluxe hotel with great views of the highest mountains on Earth.
The Khumjung valley, surrounded by the snowy peaks of Kongde, Thamserku, and the sacred peak Khumbila, hosts a well-known monastery that houses a yeti scalp, before having lunch and walking back down to Namche Bazaar.
Upon having breakfast, we start our trek towards Tengboche enjoying a superb view of Mt. Everest, Nuptse, Lhotse, Ama Dablam, and Thamserku along the way. Our trek follows this gradual trail, complete with a few ups and downs, overlooking magnificent views of the great Himalayas.
Along the way, we can spot various wildlife such as pheasants, musk deer, and herds of Himalayan Thar. The trail then gradually goes down up to Kayangjuma, eventually reaching Sansa, the major trail junction to Gokyo valley and Everest Base Camp. The track then follows through the pine forests and, after crossing the prayer-flag festooned bridge over Dudh Koshi River, reaches Phunki Thenga; a small settlement with a couple of teahouses and a small army post amidst the alpine woods.
After having a relaxed lunch at Phunki Thenga, we will then have a tough little climb that goes up steeply through the pine and rhododendron forests until it reaches Tengboche a great place for close-up views of Ama Dablam, Nuptse, and Everest, and it has the biggest Buddhist monastery in the Khumbu region.
We start our trek after our morning breakfast. We pass through several chortens, main walls, and small villages. While on the journey, we enjoy lunch with fantastic close-up views of Ama Dablam.
In the afternoon, we go north to Pheriche or take the eastward trail beneath the towering north face of Ama Dablam. From here onwards the walk is fairly moderate as we enter the Imja Valley. The valley ahead will begin to open up as we approach the confluence of the Lobuche River.
Then after the confluence, we descend into the river and begin the last and steepest climb of the day up to Dingboche. Upon arrival in Dingboche, we enjoy the beautiful array of fields enclosed by stone walls to protect the barley, buckwheat, and potatoes from the cold winds and grazing animals.
After breakfast, we will start our day by hiking to Chukumg or Nagargun hill, where you can see good views of Ama Dablam along with such peaks as Island Peak, Peak 38, Balu, and Imja Lake – a famous lake in the Khumbu region. After that, it’s back to the hotel to have a rest.
From Dingboche, we trek up the steep terminal moraine of the Khumbu Glacier. We will find our way through the boulder-strewn slope as we ascend Chupki Lhara, an eerie ridge top with dramatic mountain views.
At the top of the ridge, we will find an array of stones with prayer flags used as memorials to Scott Fischer (American mountaineer) and 10-time Everest submitter Babu Chiri Sherpa (mountain guide from Nepal) who perished on a mission to climb Everest. As the trail drops to the Khumbu Glacier moraine, we find ourselves face to face with several great peaks – Khumbutse, Lingtren, Pumori, and Mahalangur Himal.
We are now in the vicinity of Everest but the great mountain still remains hidden. Nuptse towers to the right as the trail crosses the Khumbu Glacier and we enter high altitude.
The trail to Gorak Shep goes ahead through the lateral moraine of the Khumbu Glacier. We pass through the pyramid signpost and head on the trail and see the crest of the north ridge of Everest, along with Mt. Pumori, Mahalangur, Lingtern, Khumbutse, and Nuptse.
A small ascent will then take us to Thangma Riju, from where we can perceive a 360-degree vista of the snowy mountains. Upon climbing to the top, through the torrent of the Changri glacier, we catch our first glimpse of Kala Patthar, a grey-green knoll beneath Mt. Pumori. As we reach Gorak Shep, we will be surrounded by snow-capped mountains looming all around us, including Mount Everest, the top of the world.
After a brief lunch and rest, we take the trail to Everest Base Camp through the once-vast Gorak Shep Lake. Continuing straight ahead, we come through the Indian army mountaineers’ memorials and as we reach Everest Base Camp we cannot help appreciating the Everest climbers that take the hazardous route through the Khumbu icefall.
As we reach the peak of our trip, we can view Nuptse, Khumbuste, and Pumori. Please note that the sunset view from Kala Patthar is more admirable than the sunrise view, so it is recommended that we visit Kala Patthar today during sunset.
As the setting sun strikes the snow-capped mountains, the resulting scenery is incredible. For those trekkers who wish to continue to Kala Patthar, the Himalayan Glacier guides and Sherpas can coordinate our hike for an amazing sunset view today rather than tomorrow.
Today is the climax of our trip. We will start early at dawn to catch the dramatic views from Kala Patthar, witnessing the first light of day as it shines on Mt. Everest. However, we need to be prepared for a cold, dark, early morning departure first with potential chilly winds.
Familiar peaks such as Lingtren, Khumbutse, and Changtse tower to the east as Everest begins to reveal itself emerging between the west shoulder crest and Nuptse. During the ascent to Kala Patthar, we can pause to catch our breath and admire several outstanding viewpoints to snap pictures. After several hours of ascent, we will finally reach Kala Patthar.
From here, we scramble to climb the rocky outcrop near the summit marked by cairns and prayer flags. As we reach the top, we sit on the Kala Patthar rocks and our eyes take in the unbelievable Himalayan Panorama, wandering from one mighty massif to another, before returning to Gorak Shep, where we have breakfast and waiting for the other participants to return back.
Those visitors who plan to visit Everest Base Camp today will have an early breakfast to start as the Everest Base Camp hike takes longer (4-5 hrs) than the Kala Patthar hike. Upon returning back to Gorak Shep, the group will have lunch together and the afternoon will be used to descend down to Pheriche for a good night’s rest.
We begin by trekking down through a hillside blanketed by rhododendron and juniper trees it is spring, and pink and red rhododendron flowers will fill our surroundings. We will then either have lunch in Pangboche or wait until we reach Phunki Tenga. After crossing the prayer-flag festooned bridge over the Dudh Koshi River, the trail then follows the Dudh Koshi gorge as it descends rapidly through pine forests.
The path eventually reaches Sansa, the major trail junction in the region and we will stop at Kyangjuma (3570 m/11,710 ft) for a relaxed lunch while appreciating the epic Ama Dablam, Thamserku, and Nuptse. After lunch, the trail to Namche Bazaar clings to the steeply wooded slope beyond Kyangjuma, and we can look out for wildlife such as mountain goats, snow leopards, and colorful pheasants while passing through the forest.
Upon passing a Chorten, we reach the army camp at Namche Bazaar where we can take one last long look (and picture!) at Lhotse, Tengboche, and the tip of Everest.
The trail today descends steeply downward so we will need to walk slowly as we battle the rocky terrain. Upon crossing the suspension bridges over the fast-flowing Dudh Koshi and its tributaries, the trail begins to level out.
Although we will be traveling the same route down, we will have completely different views, with a mixture of open plains, rhododendron, and pine forests, and in the distance, snow-covered peaks.
We walk through the Sherpa villages’ noticing a strong faith in Buddhism and a culture of prayer stones and flags. Upon arrival in Lukla, we stretch our legs and recall the experiences of the last couple of weeks.
Today, we fly back to Kathmandu after our long mountain journey. The early morning flight drops us in Kathmandu where we can rest and relax throughout the day at our hotel, or spend the day exploring the city, before a farewell dinner in the evening.
The Everest Base Camp Trek is considered a moderate to challenging trek, with daily hikes ranging from 5-7 hours and reaching elevations of up to 5,600 meters (18,373 feet). It is recommended to have a good level of fitness and experience with long distance hiking before attempting this trek.
The Everest Base Camp Trek typically takes around 12-14 days, including travel to and from Kathmandu. This includes acclimatization days and time to explore the surrounding areas.
The best time to do the Everest Base Camp Trek is during the months of September to November and March to May, when the weather is relatively dry and clear. These months offer the best visibility for views of Mount Everest and the surrounding peaks.
It is possible to do the Everest Base Camp Trek independently, but it is recommended to go with a tour group or hire a guide. This will ensure that you have the necessary permits, transportation, and support in case of any issues during the trek.
It is important to pack light, but also be prepared for the varying weather conditions on the trek. Some essential items to pack include warm and waterproof clothing, good hiking shoes or boots, a sleeping bag and mat, a water bottle and purification tablets, and basic first aid supplies. It is also recommended to bring snacks and energy bars for the long days of hiking.
The Everest Base Camp Trek is generally considered safe, but it is important to be aware of the risks involved with high altitude trekking. Altitude sickness is a common issue and it is important to listen to your body and take necessary precautions to prevent it. It is also important to follow the guidance of your guide and take necessary precautions to prevent accidents such as slips or falls on the trails.
The costs and expenses during an Everest Base Camp trek can vary significantly depending on various factors such as the duration of the trek, the mode of transportation, the type of accommodation, the level of comfort and luxury desired, and any additional activities or side trips.
Here are some of the main costs and expenses that you may incur during an Everest Base Camp trek:
Trekking permit: A trekking permit is required to trek to the Everest Base Camp, which costs around $25-$50 depending on the season.
Flights: Flights to and from Kathmandu and Lukla can cost anywhere from $250 to $600, depending on the airline and the season.
Accommodation: Accommodation during the trek can vary from basic teahouses or lodges to more luxurious hotels. Prices range from around $5-$15 per night for basic teahouses to $50-$100 per night for more luxurious hotels.
Meals: Meals during the trek can cost anywhere from $10-$20 per day, depending on the type of food and the location.
Transportation: Transportation costs during the trek can vary depending on the mode of transportation. A helicopter ride from Lukla to Kathmandu can cost around $300-$500.
Guides and porters: Hiring a guide and porter can add to the cost of the trek. Guides typically cost around $30-$50 per day, while porters cost around $20-$30 per day.
Insurance: It is highly recommended to have travel insurance for the trek, which can cost around $100-$200 depending on the coverage and duration.
Additional activities: If you plan to participate in any additional activities or side trips during the trek, such as a visit to the Gokyo Lakes or a trip to Kalapatthar, there may be additional costs.
Overall, the total cost of an Everest Base Camp trek can range from $1,000-$5,000, depending on the duration of the trek, the level of comfort and luxury desired, and any additional activities or side trips.
Warm clothing: It is important to have a good selection of warm clothing, including a down jacket, fleece jacket, thermal layers, and a warm hat and gloves.
Hiking boots: A good pair of hiking boots is essential for the Everest Base Camp Trek, as you will be walking over rough terrain and through snow and ice.
Trekking poles: Trekking poles can help to provide extra stability and support while hiking, particularly on slippery or uneven ground.
Sleeping bag: A warm, insulated sleeping bag is necessary for staying warm at night during the trek.
Water bottle: It is important to stay hydrated during the trek, so bring a water bottle or hydration pack to refill along the way.
Headlamp: A headlamp is useful for navigating in the dark during the early morning starts or late-night arrivals at camp.
First aid kit: It is always a good idea to bring a basic first aid kit on any trek, including items such as bandages, blister plasters, and pain medication.
Sunscreen: Sunscreen is important to protect your skin from the harsh UV rays at high altitudes.
Snacks: Bring a supply of energy-rich snacks to keep you fueled during the trek, such as energy bars, nuts, and dried fruit.
Cash: It is important to bring a supply of cash with you on the trek, as there may not be ATMs or credit card facilities available along the way.
The best seasons for the Everest Base Camp Trek are during the spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November) seasons. During these seasons, the weather is typically clear and dry, with mild temperatures and stunning mountain views.
Spring is a popular time to visit the region as the weather is warm and dry, and the wildflowers are in bloom. The days are longer and the temperatures are comfortable, making it ideal for trekking.
Autumn is also a great time to visit, as the weather is dry and clear, with cooler temperatures. This season is also popular as the mountains are often visible with crystal clear views.
It is generally not recommended to visit during the winter (December-February) season as the weather can be very cold and snowy, making the trek more challenging and potentially dangerous. The monsoon season (June-August) is also not the best time to visit as the region experiences heavy rainfall, making the trails slippery and the views obscured.
During the Everest Base Camp Trek, there are a variety of foods and accommodations available to trekkers.
Foods:
Accommodations:
To trek to Everest Base Camp, you will need to obtain several permits and documents:
TIMS Card: The Trekker's Information Management System (TIMS) Card is a permit issued by the Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) that allows trekkers to enter the restricted areas of Nepal. It can be obtained from the NTB office in Kathmandu or Pokhara or from authorized trekking agencies.
Sagarmatha National Park Permit: This permit is required to enter the Sagarmatha National Park, which is home to the highest mountain in the world, Mount Everest. It can be obtained from the park entrance gate in Monjo or from authorized trekking agencies.
Local Area Permit: This permit is required to enter the Solu-Khumbu region, which is the home of the Sherpa people. It can be obtained from the District Administration Office in Jiri or from authorized trekking agencies.
ACAP Permit: The Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) permit is required to enter the Annapurna region, which includes the Annapurna Circuit and Annapurna Base Camp treks. It can be obtained from the ACAP office in Pokhara or from authorized trekking agencies.
It is important to note that the cost of these permits and documents may vary depending on the time of year and the route taken. It is recommended to obtain all necessary permits and documents in advance to avoid delays or problems during the trek.
During an Everest Base Camp trek, you will typically be accompanied by a local guide and a team of porters. The guide is responsible for leading the group, navigating the route, and providing information about the local culture and environment. The porters carry supplies, including food, water, and camping equipment, and help set up and break down camp each day.
Hiring a reputable guide and porter team is important for a successful and safe trek. Look for a company that has a good reputation and treats their employees well. It's also a good idea to inquire about the guide's experience and qualifications, as well as the company's safety record.
It's customary to tip the guide and porters at the end of the trek. The amount is typically based on the length of the trek and the level of service received. You should discuss the tipping policy with your trekking company before the trip, as well as any other cultural customs and expectations.
You Want to Plan Your Trip to, Everest Base Camp Trek ?
Response Time 3 Hours , Response Rate 100%
Enjoy the popular trekking and tour packages in Nepal Himalayas. 2023.
© 2011 - 2023 All rights reserved. Hike To Everest
Alexander
Saint Helena
Best Trek forever in My Life
17th December, 2015
My group completed the Everest base camp Trek, CEO Puru is very supportive and encouraging, and nothing was too much trouble. Our guides and porters were very knowledgeable, made us feel very safe, and took care of absolutely everything. They even arranged a birthday cake surprise for two of our group when we reached base camp - above and beyond! They were fun and friendly while always professional too. We had the best trip, we will hugely recommend this to everyone without dought using this company and make the happy trek.
Once again we will have another trip again soon.