Absolutely Yes! Everest Base Camp Trek For Beginners

If you are wondering whether Everest Base Camp Trek for beginners is the right choice, you have come to the right place. Here, we have compiled all the necessary information that can aid beginners in reaching the world’s tallest mountain base camp. 

Everest Base Camp is on the bucket list of many trek enthusiasts and adventure seekers. It is the number one trekking destination of Nepal. The Everest Base Camp Trek elevation is 5350 meters above sea level. Despite the trek challenges and high altitude, it attracted thousands of trekkers taking up the challenge every year. 

The destination lies in the Khumbu region of eastern Nepal. Your trek journey will begin after a scenic flight of 30 to 40 minutes from Kathmandu to Lukla. The trail is filled with natural Himalayan flora and fauna as it passes through the Sagarmatha National Park. You will trek from sub-tropical forests of rhododendrons, oaks, junipers, and pines to highland yak pastures. 

En route, you will pass traditional villages like Phakding, Namche Bazaar, Tengboch, Dingboche, Gorakshep, etc. You will also pass by deep valleys, gorges, sparkling rivers, and waterfalls. Likewise, the trail crosses through the beautiful Khumbu Icefall and Khumbu Glacier. 

Similarly, prayer flags, chortens, age-old monasteries, and mani walls are familiar sights as you go to the higher elevations. The gorgeous mountain views of Mt. Everest, Ama Dabam, Lhotse, Nuptse, etc., will keep you company throughout the trek.

In addition, the cultural experience is unique, unlike anywhere else in the country. All these points make the Everest Base Camp Trek one of the most popular trek routes. As a beginner, you might be nervous about joining the trek. Here is some must-know information about EBC Trek.  

Can Beginners Treks To Everest Base Camp?

Everest Base Camp Trek is difficult, but not the world’s most difficult one. So, beginners, rest assured, you can trek to the Everest Base Camp. The route is among the moderately difficult ones. But it requires mental and physical preparation for the trek. 

The trails of the Everest Base Camp go into dense forests and remote areas. Trekkers must ascend and descend on varied terrains, including narrow and steep sections. While on the trek, the average walking hours is 5 to 6 hours a day. Thus, trekkers need good physical fitness, stamina, and endurance for EBC Tre. The higher altitude makes the trek more challenging.

You must undertake exercises and training before the trek. It helps to build the strength to conquer the rugged terrains of the Everest Base Camp route. For high altitude, ensure that your itinerary has enough time for acclimatization. Guides and porters will provide significant support to you during the trek. 

Porters will help carry your luggage, which helps reduce physical strain. Likewise, guides will help you navigate the trail and ensure your safety. So, do not fear taking up the Everest Base Camp Trek challenge, even if you are a beginner. Make sure you make enough preparation and do homework regarding the trek. 

5 Best Tips For Everest Base Camp Trek For Beginners

Here are 5 best tips for Everest Base Camp Trek for Beginners to help conquer the challenge: 

Book your trek with a well-established trekking company

You can find hundreds of trekking companies boasting good services and fair prices. However, not everything is as it seems. You have to do your thorough research before booking your trek. Make sure you choose a reliable and well-established trekking company certified by the government. 

You can research the agency’s profile and reviews on Google, TripAdvisor, etc. Likewise, you can research their international goodwill and their team. It is always best to check how long the agency has been operating similar trips. Compare different agencies, their services, reviews, and teams. It is also crucial for your safety during the Everest Base Camp Trek. 

Nepal Alternative Treks is a government-registered company with team members on the experts. The guides are local experts who are licensed and trained individuals. All the trek itineraries are crafted considering the trekker’s safety and for optimum experience. 

Physically and mentally prepare for the trek

For the Everest Base Camp Trek, you need physical and mental preparation. As a beginner, you must undertake exercises and training such as running, hiking, swimming, etc, to increase your physical stamina and endurance. Physical fitness is crucial for overcoming the trek challenges. 

Similarly, do your research about the trek. Build mental resilience so that in case of any unfortunate events, you can cope with it. The trek takes you into unfamiliar and remote territory. There are very few infrastructure and facilities. So, manage your expectations. Researching helps you to gain information and be mentally prepared.  

Ascend gradually and acclimatize

As a beginner, you might be excited to reach the top of the Everest Base Camp as fast as you can. However, rapid ascend is a bad idea for beginners. Your body will have no time to adjust to the changes, which can lead to altitude-related sickness. Also, do not push your body too hard. 

The trek duration is long, and your body needs to be well. Acclimatization is crucial for this. It lets your body adjust to the changing elevation. Likewise, you can rest and restore your strength. Note that it is normal for your body to feel pain and fatigue due to trek. You can take medications for this. However, pay attention to your body and what you are experiencing. Remember, slow and steady wins the race.  

Pack light but the right equipment

Since you will be trekking in a remote region for some days, you might feel that you have to carry everything. Carry only the things that you need. Trekking with a heavy backpack will only add more physical strain to your body. Consult with your trekking agency and carry what you absolutely need. 

Proper equipment and gear also help to make your trek more comfortable. Most often, the trekking agencies provide you with a list of equipment. You can also research what equipment you might need for the EBC Trek. Always get quality equipment so that it will not betray you halfway through the trek. You do not need to buy new ones, but they must be good quality. 

Be respectful of the local culture

Last but not least, a tip for the Everest Base Camp Trek for beginners is to be respectful of the local culture. It is always a nice gesture that you learn some Nepali phrases like Namaste (Hello) and Dhanyabad (Thank You). Locals will appreciate the efforts you make for positive interactions. 

Ask for permission before taking photos of locals, religious sites, and private property. Be respectful of the local cultural traditions and customs. Nepalese society is still conservative, so dress modestly, especially while visiting religious sites. Avoid any disruptive behaviors. Also, practice sustainable tourism and practice Leave No Trace policy.      

How Difficult is the Everest Base Camp Trek?

The Everest Base Camp Trek is a moderately challenging one. You do not need prior trekking experience or technical skills, but you will need proper preparation. The trails lead to off-the-beaten paths on varied terrains. It also requires ascending and descending on narrow and rocky paths. 

During the trek, trekkers must cross several suspension bridges, steep sections, glaciers, and moraines. It goes through dense forests and into remote valleys and villages. Each day on the trek, trekkers must walk for 5 to 7 hours, depending on the destination. The weather also starts to become unpredictable as you move to higher elevations. 

Similarly, the risk of altitude sickness increases as you go higher. The oxygen level and air pressure reduce after 2500 meters altitude. Meanwhile, the Everest Base Camp is 5364 meters, and the Kalapathar View Point is 5545 meters. Because of the high altitude nature, trekkers can experience altitude-related symptoms like headache, nausea, dizziness,  fatigue, shortness of breath, and rapid pulse. Acclimatization is, thus, crucial during the trek.

There is limited infrastructure and facilities in the Everest region. The wifi and internet facilities are very poor. As a result, trekkers can feel disconnected from the outside world. Sometimes, the harshness of the trek is too much for trekkers to bear. It can take a mental toll on them. 

The Everest Base Camp Trek is demanding. Although it is not among the most difficult trek destinations, underestimating the challenge can be disastrous. Trekkers have to make proper preparations to complete this adventurous trek route. 

Everest Base Camp Trek Cost and Permit

Everest Base Camp Trek Cost

Various factors influence the Everest Base Camp Trek cost. These factors include trek season, duration, group size, and customization. The EBC Trek cost is usually higher at peak seasons (spring and autumn). Meanwhile, the price is relatively lower during shoulder seasons (summer and winter). 

Booking an Everest Base Camp Trek package is the best option. It is less hassle and a safe way of trekking in the unfamiliar region. Also, you will likely get group discounts if you have a bigger group size. These packages cover the trek’s accommodation, transportation, meals, and permits. It also includes the guides and porters fees. 

Customization of the trek package will usually cost extra charges. For example, if you opt to return from the Everest Base Camp by helicopter, you must pay accordingly. Likewise, you can shorten or extend your trek to suit your preference. Choice of accommodations (available at Namche Bazaar) can also influence the Everest Base Camp cost.

While booking a trek package covers most of your essential costs, it does not include the personal costs. As you move to higher elevations, accommodations charge you extra for services like hot showers/water, internet/WiFi, electronic device charging, etc. These charges come under personal expenses. Likewise, charges for drinks and snacks are also personal expenses. 

The trekking equipment is crucial for the Everest Base Camp Trek. However, you can reduce this cost by renting the equipment rather than buying it. There are plenty of rental shops around Kathmandu. There are also branded shops if you want to invest in good trekking equipment. 

Plan your itinerary correctly and calculate your budget. It is the best way to manage your Everest Base Camp Trek cost. 

Everest Base Camp Trek Permits

The Everest Base Camp Trek requires three permits. These include the following: 

TIMS Card: A TIMS (Trekkers Information Management System) card ensures the safety of the trekkers. You will need this card for all trekking destinations in Nepal. The card registers the trekkers’ information, itineraries, and emergency contacts. It plays a vital role in times of emergencies or natural disasters. The cost of a TIMS card for SAARC residents is NPR 1000 per person and NPR 2000 per person for non-SAARC residents. 

Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit: The Everest Base Camp Trek route goes through the Sagarmatha National Park. Hence, trekkers need an entry permit to access the national park. The cost for the permit is NPR 1500 per person for SAARC residents and NPR 3000 per person for non-SAARC residents. Children below the age of 10 get free entrance. 

Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Permit: The trekkers also need a local permit. It is the Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Permit. This permit costs NPR 2000 per person for both SAARC and non-SAARC residents. However, the cost for the permit will increase to NPR 2500 per person after the first four weeks.

Accommodation and Food During the Everest Base Camp Trek

You will mostly find tea houses, lodges, and guest houses for accommodation during the Everest Base Camp Trek. These accommodations are budget-friendly and cozy places run by the locals. The facilities are basic, with limited amenities. Usually, these places have rooms on a twin-sharing basis and shared bathrooms. 

These accommodations provide simple facilities like beds, blankets, pillows, and clean bedsheets. There are common dining spaces with massive stoves in the middle for heating purposes. You have to pay additional charges for services like hot showers, internet, laundry, charging, etc. Also, cash (Nepali Rupees) is the most preferred payment method.  

Namche Bazaar, a famous and picturesque Sherpa village, has some of the most luxurious accommodations during the EBC Trek. These luxurious accommodations are pretty expensive. But the rooms are spacious and rooms with attached bathrooms are available. Additionally, there are luxury services like rooms with views, electric heating blankets, hot showers, internet, heaters, etc. 

The accommodations also provide meals. There are restaurants and cafes available at Namche Bazaar. The most common meal during the EBC Trek is the staple Nepali cuisine, Dal Bhaat. You can also find local and Western cuisines. 

The breakfast menu includes bread (chapati/Tibetan bread), pancakes, porridge, oats, and eggs. Dal Bhat, an assortment of rice, lentil soup, vegetables, and pickles, is usually on menus everywhere. This high-carb and protein-filled meal is ideal for restoring energy for a physically demanding trek like EBC. The other menu options include momo, thukpa, spaghetti, sandwiches, pasta, noodles, and more. 

The accommodation facilities are limited while prices increase at higher elevations. Likewise, the food menus can vary and become simpler as you move higher. You can find caffeinated and alcoholic drinks and dairy products in these places. However, avoiding them is best as they can increase the risk of altitude sickness. 

Faqs