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15 Things You Need to Know Before Trekking to Everest Base Camp

Everest base camp trek blog
Mountain Sherpa Admin
|
Apr 26, 2023

1) Cost: How much does it cost to trek to Everest Base Camp?

First thing first, the cost of the trek is a crucial matter to consider, from planning your budget to actually executing your budget for the trek. You would definitely choose a tour operator somehow based on your budget; you wouldn't choose a tour operator that flanks low-cost trek or high-cost trek. That said, you would prefer your tour operator that best fits your budget.  Getting back to the price of Everest Base Camp Trek, it varies from company to company. There are no precise rules for cost, but what seems certain is the pricing of the trek is based on the quality the company has to offer. You can rest assured that the cost for Everest Base Camp Trek ranges from $1865 to $3500 depanding on servcie quality. Our Everest Base Camp Trek is priced at USD 1865. Likewise, we have the best comfort lodge trek to EBC: Luxury Everest Base Camp Trek

The price of the trek differs from company to company mainly on the following bases:

Itinerary: How long will be the trek?

Let us take it simply. The longer the trip, the costlier the trek. Some companies offer a Everest base camp trek 14 days to make your trek short in order to make the cost cheaper. However, we highly recommend and offer  15 nights and 16 days Everest base camp  trek or extended in order to make your trek relaxing, safe and worry free. Our 16 days well designed Everest base camp trek itinerary includes an extra contingency day in case of flight cancellation to Lukla. Also we suggest one rest day in Kathmandu before flying to Lukla, which will help you to get refreshed after a long international flight.

"Everest Base Camp (EBC)" You must have heard it. The only question is; how many times! And it is pretty clear that at least 1 in every 100 people you know has trekked to Everest Base Camp; we bet it is. Talking about Everest Base Camp, it is primarily, the Everest, world's tallest mountain that has lured every traveler, adventure-seeker, and mountain admirer from around the world since 1953. Everest Base Camp, at an impressive height of 5364m, is famous for its trekking trail through dramatic landscapes, lush rhododendron forests, moraine, glaciers, and picturesque constant backdrops of spectacular Himalayas. Everest Base Camp Trek is the most popular trek in the world, nestled in the Himalayas of Nepal, home to 8 of 14 eight-thousander mountains in the world.  Now, why do you think Everest Base Camp Trek is the most popular trek? Well, we can hear you say, the glimpse of Everest. Yes for sure, Everest is the foremost sanity. 

Everest Base Camp Trek is a classic trek in the Everest Region of Nepal. Nepal, the trekker's paradise hosts oodles of adventure from touring around popular landmarks to nail-biting adventures, and Everest Base Camp Trek are among the best selling and most famous adventure. Everest Base Camp Trek is an astounding trek exploring Sagarmatha National Park, rugged trails to the base camp through lush alpine and rhododendron forests, quaint Sherpa settlements, moraine, hills, and beautiful rivers beyond suspension bridges. But the constant backdrop of the Himalayas is the predominant attraction of this trek. The majestic mountains like Nuptse, Ama Dablam, Lhotse including Mount Everest are breath-taking views one can savor during the trek. That said, there are several extravaganzas of wonders for trekkers venturing to Everest Base Camp. And there are many things to consider; one would definitely wish they knew all those things before trekking to Everest Base Camp. Here is a list of 15 things to know before heading to Everest Base Camp.

Season: Season can contribute to the price of the trek

If you're trekking in peak season, then it is evident that the trek price is quite expensive. The offseason is usually quoted with discounts and offers that are less expensive as compared to those prices in peak season.

Accommodation: Which hotels are designated for your trek?

Well, here we are clear. The expensive hotel in the itinerary of the trek leads to a high-quality trek and expensive trek. Some companies might use 3-star hotels and lodges while some may use the 5-star hotel.
 

2) Season: Best season for Trekking to EBC

When it comes to the best season for trekking to Everest Base Camp, there are two most preferred seasons;  autumn (September to November)  and spring (March to May).  Trekking to EBC in peak season is rewarding; the weather remains ideal and balmy. The vista of the mountains during the peak season offers picturesque mountains, and the trekking trails remain favorable throughout the season. Notwithstanding the peak season, sometimes the weather can be unfavorable for trekking in the Himalayas, it can change dramatically. Therefore it is recommended that you do enough research on the weather before you head to EBC. You need not worry as we make sure you get the best out of the trek by assuring everything prior to your arrival in Nepal.

3) Backpacking: What things to carry (clothes and Gear)?

While preparing for the trek to the base camp of the world's tallest mountain, backpacking can be daunting and harrowing. You might get confused with the things, what gears to carry? We have prepared a list of complete equipment guide for Everest Base Camp Trek. Admittedly the list can be long enough for you to consider. But we have come up with a comprehensive list for the trek from clothing to gearing that is basic and not-to-miss stuff. 
 
For clothing, it is obvious you choose clothes according to the season. But it is important that you remain cozy with what clothes you wear. As you ascend and descend, altitude plays a vital role in body temperature, and it is apparent that you must wear clothes that readily adapt to the temperature. Below are some of the basic clothing and gear lists:
Trekking Shirts, Trekking trousers, Insulated Jackets, Fleece Jacket, waterproof hardshell jacket, hat, Beanie, Neckband, Inner and outer gloves, sturdy hiking boots, pairs of hiking socks, 
Gaiters, Sleeping Bag, daypack, backpack, breathable sports underwear, trekking shoes, warm thermal socks, rain cover, towels, sunglasses, trekking poles, water bottle, camera, portable charger,  headlamps, spare batteries, Waterproof Ziplock bags.
(These are under the basic list, but you can also go for your personal preferences.)

4) Nature of Hiking: Solo hiking or group, guided hiking or not-guided hiking

Now, this is totally on you; you can embark on a solo trip or in a group and guided or without a guide. You got to choose solo hiking to Everest Base Camp if you love unchaperoned trips and you are an experienced hiker.  However, group hiking is always fun, and the fun part is you will be entertained throughout the trek with the company of your fellow trekker/hikers provided that you will share a common story. The nature of hiking is with a guide and without a guide. Here, the only difference is that with a guide you are kinda safe and care, and the other part, without a guide, is you are on your own. What seems complicated without a guide is if you end up suffering while on the trek, you won't have a helping hand and this can cause a severe problem. So we recommend you go with a guide unless you are supernatural- the bottom line is, your safety is important.

5) Map: Route to EBC to/from Kathmandu

The route to EBC generally starts from Kathmandu itself. And your trek begins from Lukla. We fly to Lukla from Kathmandu and start our trek to Everest Base Camp. We take an early morning flight (approximately 30 minutes) to Lukla from Kathmandu on Day 3 from our Everest Base Camp Trek- 16 Day. 

6) First aid kits

The maxim: "Prevention is better than cure" helps us surmount many problems in our life. So is with trekking or any adventures. When you are 10000 miles away from home, you got to be careful, avoiding difficulties in every way possible. And of all, one smart move is carrying first aid kits. The primary items on first aid kits are Antiseptic, ointment, Pain killers, Crepe bandage, Acetazolamide or Diamox, Scissors, hypodermic needle, Safety pins, etc. 

7) Food and Accommodation: What food do you eat and where do you sleep?

When we are talking about foods and accommodation in the Himalayas, they are basic and comfy.  Expect to eat local food and sleep in teahouses and hotels in the Himalayas. The concept of food and accommodation is very simple; the higher the altitude, the higher the price, and the lower the amenities. As you ascend higher altitude, the human settlements are sparse, and the facilities are more basic. You will be accommodated in hotels/teahouse owned by local people that serves basic food menus like pasta, pizza, garlic soup, momos, noodles. The room will be clean and basic with a single bed or two beds, a table, a blanket, and a pillow. 

8) Insurance: Do you need Insurance?

Insurance is absolutely indispensable if you are heading to Everest Base Camp. Your Everest Base Camp trek must cover insurance for altitude up to 5634m. You can merely foresee problems that may arise at higher altitudes.  So it is urged that you do insurance for your EBC trek. 

9) No hunting in Sagarmatha National Park

Sagarmatha National Park, one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Nepal is home to umpteen wildlife including Himalayan monal, Himalayan black bear, snow leopard, red panda, musk deer, Himalayan wolves, and more than 118 species of birds. Sagarmatha National park is a haven for wildlife at an elevation ranging from 2845 meters to 8848 meters.  You can witness untamed wildlife and landscape. However, poaching is strictly prohibited here. Even you are a hunter and in the vicinity of Sagarmatha National Park, forget the idea of hunting the wildlife.

10) Currency: You need to carry Nepali currency

You might be wondering why the currency is even a thing for you to know for the Everest Base Camp trek. The plausible explanation for this would be basic; carrying Nepali currency helps you in every way for your monetary transactions in Nepal. You can exchange currency at the Airport itself in Nepal. Besides, you can readily exchange money around the Thamel area and in Kathmandu. 

11) Internet and Wi-Fi: Are there internet and Wi-Fi on the EBC trail?

In today's world, having access to the internet and Wi-Fi has become an essential part of our daily lives. With the remarkable advancements in technology, it is now possible to enjoy the benefits of these services even in remote locations such as the Everest region.

During your trek to Everest Base Camp, you will be pleased to know that you can access Wi-Fi in various locations, including Lukla, Phakding, Dole, and Namche Bazaar. The fixed-wireless access service provided by Everest Link (P) Ltd. covers a majority of the Everest Region, including popular trekking destinations such as Monju, Sewangma, Thame, Tengboche, Pangboche, Dingboche, Pheriche, Lobuche, Gorekshep, Phortse, Macharmo, Gokyo, Shyangboche, Chomay go, Tawoche RI, Lobuche RI, Everest BC, Phanga ri, and Thaknak RI. Moreover, the Hotel Everest View in Syangboche offers complimentary Wi-Fi to its guests.

If you are looking for high-speed internet, you can purchase an NCELL sim card from local shops in Thamel or Kathmandu. This sim card offers 3G internet service, which allows you to stay connected with your loved ones and access important information even while trekking in the Everest region.

In conclusion, the availability of Wi-Fi and internet services in the Everest region is a testament to the technological advancements of our time. With these services, trekkers can stay connected and informed during their journey to the majestic Everest Base Camp.

12) Health Issues

What are the imminent Health issues while trekking to Everest Base Camp? Overlooking this question can be detrimental to you. So it is highly recommended that you be sensitive to health issues. Ascending and descending to a high altitude, more than 5000m is not a joke. Acclimatization is a must while trekking to the Himalayas. Notwithstanding, you are trained, sometimes altitude can affect your health at any moment. So prepare yourself for altitude sickness and altitude-related health issues. We firmly believe in Prevention is Better than Cure. Our experienced and astute guide will help you throughout the trek. 

13) Documents and Permits 

Everest Base Camp Trek will cost you two permits: TIMS card (Trekkers Information Management System) and Sagarmatha National Park entry permit. One can get a TIMS card (issued by the Tourism Agency Association of Nepal (TAAN)), and Sagarmatha National Park permits from Nepal Tourism Board in Kathmandu. If you hire a tour operator, they will arrange this for you without any hassle. If you're concerned about the cost, you have to pay around 20$ for the TIMS card and 30-35 $ for the Sagarmatha National Park entry permit.

14) Guides and Porter: Whether to hire a guide and porter for yourself or not.

The genuine and common questions are here; "Should you trek with a guide or not?" "Our guides and porters compulsory for you to trek to the Himalayas of Nepal?" "Can I embark on an adventure to the Himalayas on my own?"
 
Well, it is obvious you can, and maybe it is not necessary. But the Nepal Government has legalized the fundamental of trekking for a foreigner with a guide as a compulsion. One must trek with a local guide to the Himalayas.  Besides, we recommend everyone to seek an adventure in the Himalayas with guides and porter. This is for the very reason; your safety and successful trip. A local guide can help you in every way from planning to preparation and execution. A hiring guide and porter will contribute to your auspicious and enjoyable trip. And doing that, you are practicing responsible tourism by supporting local people. When it comes to guiding, Sherpa's guide is by far the best. Sherpa is a local mountain-dweller, well acquainted with altitude and mountains. Their mountaineering and expedition skills are laudable. We are a 100% Local Sherpa owned & operated Company and we are mountains Specialists “No one Knows Himalayas as we do."

15)  Lukla: A scenic-cum-thrilling flight to Lukla

As you embark on your trek to Everest Base Camp, the first step of your adventure awaits you at Lukla Airport, also known as Tenzing-Hillary Airport Lukla. Perched between mountains at the foot of the majestic Everest, this airport serves as the gateway to your Himalayan expedition.

The flight to and from Lukla is a breathtaking experience in itself, as you soar through the skies above some of the world's most dramatic landscapes and witness the awe-inspiring vista of the Himalayas. The 30-35 minute flight is filled with thrills and excitement that will leave you with memories to cherish for a lifetime.

For those seeking an even more exhilarating experience, a helicopter ride from Gorakshep to Lukla is also available. This option allows you to relish the panoramic beauty of the Himalayas from a unique vantage point, flying parallel to the lofty mountains and taking in the unparalleled views.

Whether you choose to embark on the classic trekking route or opt for a helicopter ride, your journey to Everest Base Camp promises to be an adventure of a lifetime. So pack your bags, grab your trekking boots, and get ready to explore the stunning beauty of the Himalayas.

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