Everest Base Camp Trek – 12 Days

Nepal has four distinct seasons. The weather and climate vary according to the seasons. Here is a short brief of each season in Nepal:

Spring (March to May)

Spring is considered one of the best times for Everest Base Camp Trek. The clear and stable weather makes it perfect for trekking. Similarly, the vegetation and wildlife are active during springtime. The rhododendron forest along the trail also blooms fully which adds color and vibrancy to the landscape. The trails are well-defined and safe.

The season is pre-monsoon in Nepal, hence, there is a low chance of rainfall. In addition to the favorable weather, the view is also excellent in this season. The temperature in the lowlands ranges from 15 to 20 degrees Celsius. Meanwhile, the temperature at higher elevations ranges from 5 to 15 degrees Celsius. The temperature can fall further during nighttime. It can reach to freezing point at higher elevations.

Summer (June to August)

The summer season coincides with the monsoon in Nepal. Hence, there are heavy rainfalls all across Nepal. Especially the lower region receives much rainfall in comparison to the highlands. Due to rainfall and bad weather, the flight from Kathmandu to Lukla can get canceled often. There are also risks of landslides and mudslides in summer.

The temperature generally ranges from 15 to 20 degrees Celsius. Similarly, the temperature at higher elevations is also warmer. The EBC trails during summer can be unsafe for trekking. The trail can be muddy and slippery. It is also common to encounter leeches along the trail. So, it is best to avoid the summer season for Everest Base Camp Trek.

Autumn (September to November)

Autumn is the post-monsoon season in Nepal and is also considered the best time for Everest Base Camp Trek. The temperature ranges between 15 degrees Celsius to 25 degrees Celsius. The warm temperature paired with crisp air makes it perfect for trekking. The rainfall during the monsoon cleans most of the dust and pollution in the atmosphere. Thus, the vegetation is luscious and greener.

Similarly, the visibility is also brilliant and trekkers can witness the spectacular mountain views while en route. It is also harvesting and festive season in Nepal. Therefore, trekkers can get a closer look at local customs and be a part of the celebration. The temperature begins to get chilly as the autumn season begins to progress. It gets significantly colder at higher elevations.

Winter (December to February)

The winter season brings heavy snowfall in higher elevations. The temperature can drop to sub-zero and even below -13 degrees Celsius during nighttime. Due to the heavy snowfall, the high passes and trails get blocked. This makes it very difficult to trek to the Everest Base Camp in winter.

Another thing to note is that accommodations at higher elevations usually close during winter. There is also the risk of avalanches. Therefore, winter is also not considered one of the best times for Everest Base Camp Trek. The flights to Lukla are also limited while the trail can be filled with snow.

Everest Base Camp Trek is among the moderately challenging trek routes. During the 12-day Everest Base Camp Trek, trekkers must conquer the problematic trails on varied terrains. They will have to ascend and descend on rocky and rugged trails. Similarly, some sections are steep, and trekkers may have to cross suspension bridges, glaciers, and moraines. The trails will get more challenging as you ascend to higher altitudes. Here are some factors that lead to difficulty in trekking in EBC:

High Altitude: The high altitude of the trek to Everest Base Camp is a significant difficulty as the higher elevation causes problems related to altitude sickness. 5,555 meters (17,598 feet) is the highest elevation of the trek at the Kalapatthar. Likewise, 5,364 meters (17,598 feet) is another highest elevation at Everest Base Camp. Thus, trekkers gain significant altitude, making breathing difficult, and they are likely to face AMS symptoms, including headache, nausea, and dizziness.

Longer trekking duration: Everest Base Camp takes 12-14 days to complete in a round trip. Trekkers must be ready to walk for 5 to 6 hours daily throughout the expedition. The long walks on harsh terrains can take a physical and mental toll on trekkers. So, trekkers need to have a good fitness level for the trek.

Unpredictable Weather: The weather of the Himalayas is known for its unpredictability.  The weather changes rapidly and unpredictably as you move to higher altitudes, adding to the trek’s difficulty. Thus, being well-prepared with gear that fits every weather is essential.

Limited Facility: The facilities and infrastructure are limited as higher as you move. Accommodations and food are limited at lower elevations and even scarce at higher elevations. Therefore, trekkers should be ready to adjust to the limited facilities during their trip to EBC.

Nepal Alternative Trek’s 12-Day Everest, Base Camp Trek itinerary, is carefully crafted considering these difficulties. There are proper days for acclimatization to minimize altitude sickness risk.

Everest Base Camp Trek is among the moderately challenging trek routes. During the 12-day Everest Base Camp Trek, trekkers will have to conquer the difficult trails on varied terrains. They will have to ascend and descend on rocky and rugged trails. Similarly, some sections are steep, and trekkers may have to cross suspension bridges, glaciers, and moraines. The trails will get more challenging as you ascend to higher altitudes.

Altitude sickness is the foremost thing to consider on the journey to Everest Base Camp. The journey reaches 5,555m above sea level, which is the highest elevation; on such elevation, the issue of acute mountain sickness is a significant concern. Altitude Sickness is preventable, and here is how you can prevent it:

• Ascent Gradually: The higher we get, the air becomes more thinner. Thus, ascending gradually can help our body to adapt to the reduced oxygen and consequently reduce the risk of altitude sickness.
• Take Acclimatization Day: Acclimatization is crucial on the trek to the base of the world’s highest peak. Generally, the trek includes two acclimatization days: one at Namche Bazaar and another at Dingboche. But trekkers should have extra days if they don’t feel good. Proper acclimatization helps fit a changed atmosphere and reduce the risk of altitude-related issues5.
• Stay Hydrated: Dehydration leads to altitude sickness, thus drinking 3-4 liters of water each day. Also, avoid alcohol and caffeine as it lead to dehydration and makes it hard for the body to adapt to the changed atmosphere.
  Eat properly: Our body needs extra energy at a higher elevation, so eat food rich in carbohydrates like rice and potatoes. Also, carry some energy drinks.
• Listen to your body: As soon as your body feels unease and symptoms like headache, dizziness, or nausea, take rest immediately. Pushing yourself even after those minor symptoms worsens the condition. Thus, consider taking a rest.

Accommodation Around EBC Trek

The accommodations available in the Everest Base Camp Trek route are usually tea houses, lodges, and guesthouses. The tea houses and lodges are budget-friendly and provide basic facilities like beds, blankets, and pillows. The rooms are twin-sharing with shared bathrooms and communal dining spaces. You can also find rooms with attached bathrooms. They can charge extra costs for hot water showers, charging, and other amenities.

Everest Base Camp Luxury Option

You can also find luxurious lodges at Namche Bazaar. These luxurious lodges are expensive but provide luxury facilities. These accommodations have spacious rooms with attached bathrooms. Similarly, these accommodations have beds with electric heating, a hot water facility, a heater, and many more. But the facilities will become more essential as you reach higher elevations.

Meals and Drinks

Dal Bhat has meals almost daily during the trek to every trekking destination, including at EBC and Annapurna Base Camp. The dish is a Nepalese staple and perfect for energizing your body during a trek. Dal Bhat has adequate carbohydrates and protein required for the body. The dish includes rice, lentil soup, seasonal vegetables, pickles, and sometimes meat. Similarly, you can also find other dishes like momo, bread (Tibetan, chapati), sandwiches, noodles, and other international cuisine options.

Although you can find caffeinated beverages, dairy products, and alcoholic beverages, it is best to avoid them. These food options can increase the risk of altitude sickness at higher elevations. Also, avoid excessive smoking and hydrate your body during 12 Days Everest Base Camp Trek.

The 12-day Everest Base Camp Trek cost can vary depending on the season, group size, personal preferences, etc. The package cost covers most of the expenses like transportation, accommodations, meals, guide, and porter fees, as well as permits during the trek. However, the personal expenses, tips, and travel insurance are not covered. Likewise, customization of the itinerary will add extra cost for the trek.

The 12 Days Everest Base Camp accommodations are arranged in tea houses. But there are luxurious accommodations at places like Namche Bazaar. If you opt to stay at such places, it will be expensive. Similarly, at higher elevations, even essential accommodation places can charge extra costs for hot showers, electronic devices, internet/WiFi, etc. At such times, trekkers will have to pay the additional charges themselves. Snacks, drinks, and package food also come under the trekker’s expenses.

The equipment expenses can also increase the cost of the trek. The good thing is that you can rent the trekking equipment, which is much cheaper than buying it. Trekkers are advised to carry cash with them for the trek. The availability of ATMs is scarce. So, cash is the standard way of transactions.

Trekkers have vast options on the route to reach Everest Base Camp. Each route to EBC offers a unique trekking experience. Here are three popular routes for the hike to Everest Base Camp:

Classic EBC route:

The classic or traditional route to EBC is widely preferred and famous. The classic route begins from Lukla and passes via the Dudh Koshi River of Khumbu Valley. It takes 12-14 days on a round trip from Kathmandu to Lukla to EBC and back.

Route from Jiri to EBC:

A route from Jiri to Everest Base Camp offers a unique route to the iconic Base Camp. The journey for this alternative route begins with a drive from Kathmandu to Shivalaya, passing through Jiri. The distance from Kathmandu to Shivalaya is 194km. From there, the trek to the iconic Everest Base Camp begins with a hike to Kenja. The trek continues via Junbensi, Nunthala, and Bupsa and reaches Phakding on the fifth day. Afterward, the trail follows the same way that the classic trek follows. This route is longer than the classic one but offers a unique experience and takes trekkers close to the rural Nepalese lifestyle.

Route from Salleri:

This route also serves as the alternative trekking trail to Everest. The route is ideal to travel by Jeep due to gravel road conditions. The journey to EBC via Salleri begins with a drive from Kathmandu to Salleri, approximately 275km. The drive continues towards Thamdanda. As travelers get to Thamdanda, their trekking journey begins. From there, they’ll start hiking toward Paiya. The trail leads to Phakding from Paiya. The trail from Phakding is similar to what takes on a classic trek.

Trekkers must fly from Kathmandu to Tenzing-Hillary Airport, Lukla, to start the Everest Base Camp Trek. The weather conditions in Lukla change very rapidly, and flights can often be disrupted. The airport is prone to fog and high winds. Even during spring and autumn, when the seasons are more stable, the weather in Lukla can get foggy. Also, the operation of flights is influenced by seasonal factors.

1. Peak Season Flight Operation: March, April, May, September, October, and November are the peak times to trek to Everest. During that time, air traffic diverted the Lukla flight from Kathmandu to Manthali Airport in Ramechhap. Ground transportation takes 4-5 hours to get to Manthali from Kathmandu. Moreover, it is a 25-minute scenic flight from Manthali to Lukla.
2. Off-Season Flight Operation: January, February, June, July and August are off-season for trekking in Everest. The flight to Lukla operated as usual from Kathmandu’s domestic airport during that time. However, the trekking season is not ideal, and unavoidable circumstances can harm the flight.

The Everest Base camp hike covers approximately 130km on a round trip. The duration of your trek is 12 days, yet the length depends on the specific route taken. Elevation gain is a significant concern during the trek as the route gradually ascends from Lukla (2,860m) to Everest Base Camp (5,346m) and Kalapatthar (5,555m). From the starting point to the highest point, trekkers gain approximately 2,695m.

Having different altitudes along the trek is a challenging aspect of the journey. Even the starting point, Lukla, is at an elevation of 2,860m, which is huge for travelers who are not used to this altitude. Trekkers gain around 400-800m elevation daily on the trip. Phakding, a village reached on day one, lies at 2,610m. Similarly, Namche Bazaar lies at 3,440m, Tengboche at 3,867m and Dingboche at 4,410m. Likewise, Lobuche is located at 4,940m, and Gorakshep, the last village before reaching Everest Base Camp and Kala Patthar, lies at 5,164m.

The journey to Everest Base Camp is unique and takes about 130 kilometers on a round trip. Yet, the distance varies on the chosen route and any side trip, if chosen, like the Three Passes trek. The trek begins at Lukla and ends at Lukla.

The journey to Everest Base Camp is terrific and takes about 130 kilometers on a round trip. Yet, the distance varies on the chosen route and any side trip, if chosen, like the Three Passes trek. The trek begins at Lukla and ends at Lukla.

The trekker will need three permits and paperwork for the Everest Base Camp Trek. These include the following:

TIMS Card

Every trekker needs to obtain the TIMS (Trekkers Information Management System) card for all trekking routes in Nepal. It takes information about the trekking, its itineraries, and emergency contact numbers. It ensures the safety and security of the trekkers. The costs for the TIMS card are as follows:

• SAARC residents: Rs.1000 per person
• Non-SAARC residents: Rs.2000 per person

Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit

The Everest Base Camp Trek route goes through the Sagarmatha National Park. Hence, they need to obtain an entry permit. The costs for the entry permit are:

• SAARC residents: Rs.1500 per person
• Non-SAARC residents: Rs.3000 per person

Children under the age of 10 get free entrance. You can obtain the permit from Kathmandu or at the national park entrance.

Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Permit

Another permit trekkers will need for the Everest Base Camp Trek is the local permit, the Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Permit. The cost for the permit for both SAARC and non-SAARC nationals is Rs.2000 per person. The cost increases to Rs.2500 per person after the first four weeks.
Trekkers can obtain the Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Permit after arriving at Lukla or the Sagarmatha Nationa Park counter.

Nepal Alternative Trek’s 12 Days Everest Base Camp Trek package comes with all the permits included.

The most important thing you should have for Everest Base Camp Trekking is your insurance. Travel insurance while on an Everest expedition is highly recommended. Buying insurance from your country would be best as no insurance company in Nepal covers foreigners’ insurance.

Travel insurance is crucial as it provides financial assistance and protection in case of any unforeseen and unavoidable circumstances. Make sure to buy insurance that covers emergency medical expenses, including medical evacuation above 4,000 meters. Also, it should cover repatriation expenses, rescue missions, and loss of property and should assist 24/7.

Trekkers must be physically and mentally prepared for the 12-day Everest Base Camp Trek. The trails to the Everest Base Camp get challenging and rugged as we ascend to higher elevations. So, prepare yourself physically and mentally in advance. Everest Base Camp is one of the most demanding and most extended treks in Nepal. So, you need to be completely ready for this trek. This trek is not for physically ill people or inexperienced people. Even a lot of experienced trekkers find it hard to trek here. Because it pushes your body to its limit. So, we recommend you first climb small peaks and then come after to climb this peak.in addition, if you decide to do this trek despite your lack of experience, we highly recommend hiring an experienced guide. Furthermore, you should not have any heart and blood-related diseases.

Most importantly, you should be passionate about the trek. Then you can enjoy the stunning view it provides. Similarly, you will not find it challenging to trek here if you are passionate about it. The Everest Base Camp trail can push your stamina, endurance, and patience. Better preparation can help you complete the trek comfortably and make it more enjoyable. Here are some ways to prepare yourself for the trek:

Train your body

• Start walking for hours on uneven paths and on the hills to build stamina.
• Involve in exercises like lunges and squats to strengthen leg muscle that helps to prevent minor injuries.
• Involve in cardiovascular exercise like running, cycling, and swimming to improve breathing and endurance.

Prepare Mentally

• Be ready for the challenges, as the trek is strenuous and involves walking for 6-7 hours daily. Prepare yourself mentally for unpredictable weather, limited facilities, and walking on varied terrain.
• Stay positive and understand that the elevation goes a long way.

Stay Hydrated and Eat Well

• Drink lots of water every day and stay hydrated.
• Take a proper diet, i.e., high carbohydrate and protein, and keep your body’s energy up.

The 12-Day Everest Base Camp Trek is challenging. Trekkers have to ascend and descend on rugged and varied terrains. Similarly, the facilities are limited at higher elevations. Trekkers have to carry proper equipment and gear to combat the hardness of the trail. Here is a complete equipment checklist for 12 Days Everest Base Camp Trek:

Clothing Items

The first necessary checklist is the clothing items. Trekkers will have to travel from lowland regions to highland regions. The temperature varies significantly according to the area. The temperature is generally warmer in lower regions. Meanwhile, the temperature can get cold at higher elevations. Thus, trekkers have to prepare proper clothing for the changing temperatures. Some essential clothing items you should pack include:

•  Down jackets
• Windproof/waterproof jackets,
• Long-sleeved jackets, lightweight pants
• Moisture-wicking thermal innerwear
• Hiking Pants
• Sweaters
• Hats
• Scarves
• Gloves

Footwear

• Comfortable trekking boots
• Moisture wicking shocks
• Gaiters

Equipment and Supplies

• Comfortable backpack
• Trekking pole
• Refillable water bottles,
• Headlamps
• Charging cables
• Adapters
• Toiletries
•  Power banks
• Sleeping bags

Miscellaneous

Other than the clothing, equipment, and gear, you can carry items that can make your trek comfortable. Some essential miscellaneous you should consider carrying include:

• Books and diaries
• Sun protection
• Sunglasses
• Snacks
• Tea bags
• Menstrual hygiene products (for female)

At an altitude of 5,200 meters above sea level. The climate and weather are mostly cold in the Everest Base Camp. The average temperature of Everest base camp is -17 degrees Celsius, the trekking is done throughout the year. Despite its temperature and weather. Annually, a lot of trekkers trek here. But, the best time you could get to visit here is during the spring and autumn seasons. During this time of the year, you will experience the best climate and weather. Which will help you get the panoramic views of Mt. Everest (8848 m), Lobuche (8516m), and Cho Oyu (8188m). But, sometimes it can vary from season to season.

The safety and security of the trekkers are important factors for our company. We check every route and trail before the trek. Similarly, we make sure all the belongings are safe and make sure that everything is under control. So you will be safe with us. Therefore, when traveling with us you can enjoy nature fully. Furthermore, the accommodation facility we provide is also very safe for your stay. So, you can fully have fun while trekking here.

For those looking to book the last-minute Everest Base Camp Trek, Nepal Alternative Treks is here for your rescue. We offer last-minute bookings for the 12 Days Everest Base Camp Trek. Just contact us 24 hours before your scheduled date of departure. We will arrange everything for your smooth trek departure and experience.

You do not have to worry about any hidden or extra charges. The package cost will remain the same. We will provide you with an online briefing before you begin the trek. There will be no compromises when it comes to providing you with the best services. We offer 24/7 customer services and our departure dates are 100% guaranteed. So rest assured and book our 12 Days Everest Base Camp Trek.