The two-week Everest Base Camp trek (EBC trek), which reaches a height of 5,550m/18,204ft at its highest point (Kala Patthar), is the most favored and well-liked trekking route in the entire world. This incredible, daring expedition circles the Mt. Everest foothills, which is known as the highest peak in the world (8,848.86m). The main draw of the EBC trek is Kala Patthar, which is also the best location to see Khumbu Icefall and Mount Everest.

Lukla is the starting point of the trek, and it takes 8 days to get there, followed by 3 days to return. Namche Bazaar, a well-known tourist destination and commercial center in the Everest region, is traversed by the trail. The walk will pass through several picturesque Sherpa towns along the way, including Tengboche, Dingboche, Lobuche, and Gorak Shep. Gorak Shep, the last rest stop on the climb, offers access to both Kala Patthar and Everest Base Camp.

In addition to the mesmerizing view of Mount Everest from the Kala Patthar viewpoint, the breathtaking views of Lhotse, Nuptse, Cho Oyu, Ama Dablam, Pumori, Thamserku, etc. will astound you. The trek allows you to discover and experience the unique Sherpa culture and tradition of the Khumbu region.

On our resource page, however, we have a number of distinct articles about the EBC climb. However, we’ve included all the details you need to be aware of before hiking to Everest Base Camp in this helpful comprehensive guide. To learn more about the best time to go, how to get there, what to bring, and other details, see our comprehensive guide to the Everest Base Camp Trek.

What Makes Everest Base Camp so Famous

You can trek to the base of Mount Everest, the tallest mountain in the world. The Everest Base Camp trail embodies the adage that “the journey is more important than the goal.” It is well known for its breathtaking mountain views, which include Mt. Everest.
Here are some of the main reasons for Mt Everest’s popularity

A thrilling short, beautiful trip to the most remote airport in the world, Lukla
Taking a relaxing stroll in Sagarmatha National Park, where you might be able to view some endangered wildlife species such as Musk Deer, Snow Leopards, Himalayan Thars, etc.
A journey via lofty suspension bridges, vibrant prayer flags, mani walls, and chortens
Visit the vibrant Sherpa village of Namche Bazaar and the historical Buddhist monasteries of Tengboche and Khumjung.
Views of some of the world’s largest peaks over 8,000 meters, including Cho Oyu (8,188 meters), Mt. Makalu, Mt. Lhotse, and Mt. Everest (8,848,86 meters), are breathtaking (8,485m)
Incredible Khumbu Glacier, one of the tallest glaciers in the world
Trek to Everest base camp (5,364m), then circle Mount Everest, the highest point on Earth.
Stunning vista of the sunrise from Kala Patthar (5,644m)

Distance for EBC Trek

There are 65 kilometers in total between Lukla and the base camp on foot. The trekkers will so travel about 125 kilometers in total. The Everest base camp climb, however, is 155 kilometers away from Kathmandu.

Duration for EBC Trek

The Everest Base Camp trip typically lasts 14 days (two weeks). Additionally, it might be influenced by the trekker’s level of fitness, acclimatization days, weather, etc. It could take more than two weeks or less than ten days at times. The average daily walking time is between 6 and 7 hours. However, some days are brief and only require 3–4 hours of hiking. Additionally, some of the days are the longest, requiring 8 to 9 hours of hiking on average.

Elevation for EBC Trek

The elevation of Everest Base Camp is 5,364 meters. At a height of 5,644 meters, Kala Patthar is the highest trekking location. The lowest starting point for the journey is Lukla, which is located at an elevation of 2,840 meters.

Best Trek in the Everest Region

How to get to Everest Base Camp

Trekking or a direct helicopter tour are the two ways to reach Everest Base Camp. The majority of tourists prefer trekking since it is more affordable and gives them more time to explore the Himalayas. The trek begins in Lukla, and it will take 8 days to get there, including two days spent acclimatizing in Namche Bazaar and Dingboche.

Everest base Camp Difficulty

The Everest Base Camp Trek is both reasonably arduous and extremely rewarding. In essence, the trekkers will carry a small day pack and hike for, on average, 6-7 hours each day. On the trekking trail, there are rocky areas, sharp ascents, and descents. Being healthy and in good shape is crucial. Stamina can be built through physical activity like jogging, swimming, cycling, trekking, etc.

However, this walk can be completed by inexperienced hikers with average fitness levels; however, physically fit hikers will appreciate it more. Although prior hiking or trekking experience is preferred, no technical knowledge or climbing abilities are required for this excursion. Additionally, before to schedule, those who have health conditions including heart, lung, or blood sugar should speak with their doctor.

Some tourists can experience the signs of altitude mountain sickness because the EBC trek is a high-altitude expedition (AMS). Nausea, headaches, vertigo, shortness of breath, an elevated heart rate, and others are typical AMS symptoms. You must take adequate precautions if you have altitude sickness symptoms; else, your life could be in danger.

Drinking lots of water, rising gradually, acclimatizing correctly, getting plenty of rest, and eating enough food are some typical AMS prevention strategies. Additionally, it is advised to promptly descend to a lower altitude after experiencing AMS symptoms.

Cost For Everest Base Camp Trek

The number of trekkers, number of trekking days, and services/amenities you choose throughout the trek all have a significant impact on the cost of the Everest Base Camp Trek. The price often ranges from $1100 to $4500 and covers everything from lodging and meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) to hiking permits, and domestic flights (Kathmandu-Lukla-Kathmandu). A more expensive trekking package, such as the Everest Base Camp trek with a round-trip helicopter flight, is available.

Best Time for EBC Trek

The best times to visit Everest Base Camp are in the spring, just before the monsoon season, from March through April and May, and in the autumn, just after the monsoon season (September – October – November).

The weather is good with mild temperatures and little rain during the spring and autumn seasons, and the mountain vistas are ideal. However, the Everest Base Camp trail is overrun by hikers during Nepal’s busiest trekking seasons. There are a limited number of available flights, and all of the lodging along the way is booked up.

Additionally, both winter and summer treks are still feasible, but because of the chilly weather and the dense snow on the paths, trekkers often avoid this time of year. So, if you want to avoid crowds, we advise hiking the Mt. Everest base camp in the summer. So you’ll meet a few trekkers and take in the splendor of the Himalayas.

Accommodation for EBC Trek

A variety of lodging options are available along the Everest Base Camp path, from warm tea houses to opulent hotels. In general, the lower terrain, including Lukla, Phakding, and Namche Bazaar, has a few opulent hotels and traditional guest homes. The top-notch amenities offered by luxury hotels include high-standard lodging options, electric blankets, room heaters, hot showers, and complimentary WiFi throughout the hotel grounds.

After that, most high-altitude towns have teahouses that offer minimal amenities to trekkers, including Dingboche, Lobuche, and Gorak Shep. The lodging service is crucial, with accommodations that include two single beds, comfortable mattresses, bed linens, blankets, and pillows.

Food in EBC Trek

One of the well-known trekking routes in Nepal is the EBC path. As a result, you won’t have to sacrifice your culinary preferences because you may choose from practically any form of cuisine, including Sherpa and Nepalese specialties as well as global fare. You can choose from a variety of foods, including the traditional Nepali Dal-Bhat set, Sherpa stews, soups, and hot rice as well as Chinese and the continental fare including noodles, momos, spaghetti, pizza, pasta, spring rolls, steaks, etc.

Some of the best bakeries, cafes, and eateries serving fresh pastries and barista coffee can be found in Namche Bazaar and Lukla. Additionally, if you let them know in advance, certain tea shops will prepare vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free dishes.

Travel Insurance for Everest Trek

Trekking at a higher altitude requires the best travel insurance. Trekking to the Everest base camp is a high-altitude activity that ascends to an elevation of more than 5,000 meters. Travel insurance is crucial if you intend to climb to the base camp because hiking may be rather dangerous and you might experience unfavorable outcomes while trekking.

You could experience major issues including altitude sickness, injuries, bad weather, and airline cancellations while hiking to base camp. Travel insurance will therefore provide you peace of mind when hiking. You must get travel insurance for hiking which includes helicopter rescue. Most significantly, given you’ll be spending at least 3–4 days above an altitude of 5000 meters, ensure sure your travel insurance coverage extends up to at least 6000 meters.

Permits for Everest Base Camp Trek

You require two permits to trek any route in the Everest region, including Everest Base Camp, Gokyo Lakes, and Three Passes;

Khumbu Rural Municipality Permit

NPR 2,000 per person (for the first four weeks) and NPR 2500 per person are the costs for foreign nationals (beyond four weeks)

All foreigners, including SAARC nationals and non-resident Nepalis, pay the same fee for permits. The Sagarmatha National Park Counter in Monjo is where you may obtain a permit if you are departing from Phaplu and are in Lukla otherwise.

Note: You cannot obtain this permit in Kathmandu as it is issued by the local administration.

Packing List For Everest Trekking

It is crucial to have the proper packing list before starting the EBC trek. Two climate regions are covered during the Everest Base Camp trek: temperate and alpine. You’ll spend some days at a lower altitude when it’s warm. The alpine climate zone is where the base camp is located, and the temperature is low.

Therefore, having clothing that is warm enough for these high-altitude conditions would be beneficial. Additionally, layering your clothing makes it easier to live on the walk. Even in the summer months, the mornings and evenings can be rather cold.

Additionally, hiking boots are a wise choice because they offer good support and traction on difficult ascents. Additionally, for general information on packing lists for trekking in Nepal, visit our page. It also includes a lot of useful packing advice that you should be aware of before beginning your trek.

Tej Bahadur Gurung

With an experience of almost two decades, founder Mr. Tej Bahadur Gurung has established Nepal Alternative Treks as a widely recognized and reliable tourism operator. His degree in Tourism Studies and devotion to the sector has given him in-depth knowledge about trekking, climbing, cultural, and geological aspects of the country. He is a pioneer in introducing the concept of ‘off-beaten tracks’ and ‘alternative routes’ as well as treks and tour packages surrounding it.