Top of the World
The famous and difficult Everest Base Camp (EBC) trek starts in Nepal and ends in the foothills of Mount Everest, which is the world’s tallest mountain at 8,848 meters (29,029 feet). The trek is full of beautiful scenery and interesting cultures. This trip is a must for nature lovers who want to see the Himalayas’ stunning views.
The trip starts with a beautiful flight from Kathmandu (1,400 meters) to Lukla (2860 meters), which gives you a great view of the mountains. This is the start of a journey that will go through a lot of different areas, such as lush forests, fast-moving rivers, and cute Sherpa villages.
As trekkers reach higher elevations, the carefully planned path gives them plenty of chances to get used to the altitude, which makes sure they stay safe and have a good time. At 3440 meters, Namche Bazaar, a busy market town, turns into a culture center where trekkers can see beautiful mountain views and learn about the rich tapestry of Sherpa traditions. Tengboche Monastery (3867 meters) has a spiritual atmosphere and stunning views that make the experience even more special and memorable.
The most exciting part of this trip is treking to Kala Patthar (5644 meters), a high spot with stunning views of Everest (8849 meters), Lhotse (8,516 meters), and Nuptse (7,861 meters). The sunrise makes the scenery even more beautiful, making for a truly amazing show. Everest Base Camp (5,364 meters) is the most exciting part of the trip. It is surrounded by the tall peaks of the Khumbu Glacier (4900 meters), making it the most exciting place to be.
The Everest Base Camp trekking is hard on the body and shows how important it is to get used to living at high elevations. However, it also gives people a deep relationship with the Himalayan landscapes and a chance to learn about different cultures. The rough landscape, the strong Sherpa communities, and the humbling presence of the world’s highest mountain will always be remembered by trekkers. This amazing trip shows how to reach personal goals, learn about other cultures, and enjoy the beauty of the Everest area. Through this experience, people will always remember how strong they can be in the Himalayas.
When you get to Kathmandu’s Tribhuvan International Airport, our agent will meet you and take you to your hotel. When you’re ready, you’ll go to a trek training and a group meeting. During the briefing, our experienced trek leader will go over everything you need to know about the trip, including the schedule, safety measures, and important trekking tips. The goal of this session is to make sure that everyone is ready for the adventure and has a good idea of what will happen.
In the evening, you can trek around Kathmandu’s busy streets, enjoy the lively atmosphere, and maybe try some real Nepalese food. You should take some time to rest and get ready for the exciting trip that is waiting for you in the beautiful Everest area.
After a meal in the early morning, you will be taken to the domestic airport for an exciting flight to Lukla. Before landing at Tenzing-Hillary Airport, also called Lukla Airport, which is the gateway to the Everest area, the scenic flight gives you stunning views of the Himalayas.
When you get to Lukla, you’ll meet the treking crew and start your trek. At first, the path goes down to Cheplung Village. From there, it follows the Dudh Koshi River, going by cute villages and lush forests. You can get to Phakding, a cute town with tall mountains in the background, by crossing suspension bridges with prayer flags on them.
The trek takes you up to higher elevations slowly, so you can get used to them over time. Along the way, you’ll see the beautiful Dudh Koshi Valley and hills with snow on them in the distance. Once you get to Phakding, you can take it easy, enjoy the peace and quiet, and get ready for the next few days of excitement.
In Phakding, the day starts with a hearty meal. Then, a beautiful trek to Namche Bazaar begins. The trail goes along the Dudh Koshi River and goes over a number of suspension bridges with colorful prayer flags on them. These add a spiritual touch to the trip. As you go up, you can see the beautiful peaks of Thamserku (6,608 meters) and Kangtega (6,783 meters) in the background.
The trail goes through pine woods, cute villages, and terraced fields, giving you a look at how people live in the area. Trekking for a few hours will get you to Monjo, which is the entrance to Sagarmatha National Park. This is where your pass will be checked.
You will cross the high Hillary Suspension Bridge, which spans the Dudh Koshi River, as you continue to trek. The trek gets harder as you go up steeply towards Namche Bazaar, a busy Sherpa town right in the middle of the Everest region.
As you get closer to Namche, you can see Mt. Everest (8,848 meters) and Lhotse (8,516 meters) for the first time, which makes you feel excited and eager. Namche Bazaar is a lively place where trekrs and trekers meet, and it has beautiful views of the mountains nearby. Today there is a big gain in altitude, which is an important part of getting used to the higher air.
When you get to Namche Bazaar, you’ll check into your lodge, take it easy, and enjoy the beautiful mountain views. There are shops, bakeries, and cafes in the town, which make it easy to get to know the local culture and get ready for the experiences that lie ahead. Namche Bazaar is about 3,440 meters (11,286 feet) above sea level.
To help your body get used to the altitude, today you will take it easy on a trek around Namche Bazaar, stopping at nearby sights and enjoying the views of the mountains. The Everest View Hotel is the first stop. It is about 3,880 meters (12,729 feet) above sea level. From the trail, you can see Everest (8,848 meters), Lhotse (8,516 meters), Ama Dablam (6,812 meters), and many other peaks in a beautiful way.
The trek goes on to the peaceful villages of Khunde and Khumjung after taking in the stunning views from the hotel. The Hillary Hospital and the Khunde Monastery are in Khunde. At these places, you can learn about the history and culture of the area. Another beautiful town is Khumjung, which is known for the Hillary School and the supposed Yeti skull that is kept in its monastery.
You’ll get to see the beautiful Khumbu area on the day trek, which takes you through rhododendron forests and through friendly Sherpa villages. The slow pace helps you get used to the altitude while still letting you enjoy the unique beauty of the Everest area. You’ll spend the day exploring, and then come back to Namche Bazaar for a relaxed evening in the beautiful Himalayan scenery.
Leaving the vibrant Namche Bazaar, today’s trek retraces the path down towards Monjo. The trail descends through lush forests and picturesque landscapes, offering a different perspective of the mountains and valleys. As you descend, the air becomes thicker, providing a welcome change in the scenery.
You’ll cross the Hillary Suspension Bridge once again and pass through Phakding before continuing towards Monjo. The trek provides ample opportunities to interact with local villagers, observe their traditional lifestyles, and enjoy the tranquility of the surroundings.
The altitude decreases as you make your way down to Monjo, situated at approximately 2,835 meters (9,301 feet). The lower elevation contributes to the acclimatization process, ensuring a gradual adjustment to the changing altitudes in the Everest region. Monjo is a charming village with teahouses and lodges, offering a peaceful atmosphere for rest and relaxation after a day of trekking.
The trail from Monjo goes back to the first path through Phakding and then on to Lukla, which is the last part of your trip in the Khumbu area. Along the Dudh Koshi River and through lush forests and cute towns, the trail goes.
You will see the last peaks of the Himalayas as you get closer to Lukla. You will be traveling through familiar scenery. As you descend, you’ll be at lower elevations, where the air will be different. At an elevation of about 2,860 meters (9,383 feet), Lukla greets you with a buzz of activity and a sense of having accomplished something.
When you get to Lukla, take some time to think about the amazing trip you took through the Everest area. In the evening in Lukla, you can enjoy finishing the trek, tell stories to other trekkers, and be thankful for the amazing experiences you had in the Himalayas. Take it easy in Lukla while you get ready for the next day’s flight back to Kathmandu.
You’ll have an exciting flight from Lukla back to Kathmandu or Ramechhap in the morning, depending on when the flight leaves and whether there are seats available. The short flight gives you beautiful views of the mountainous areas, which is a perfect way to leave the Everest region.
There will be the rest of the day free for you to rest and recover once you get to Kathmandu. These days are great for getting to know Kathmandu better, going back to favorite spots, or shopping for souvenirs in the lively local markets.
With its rich cultural history, Kathmandu has many things to see and do, such as old temples, busy markets, and historic sites. You could also just stay at your hotel and take it easy while thinking about your amazing trip and enjoying the city’s comforts.
The elevation in Kathmandu is about 1,400 meters (4,593 feet), which lets you fully enjoy the lower elevation after hiking at a high altitude. Today is for relaxing and getting ready to leave the next day. Remember the memories of your trip to Everest Base Camp.
You’ll say goodbye to the beautiful city of Kathmandu on the last day of your trip. The day is for making plans for your exit and giving you time to relax or do something fun before you leave.
A representative from the trekking business will take you to Tribhuvan International Airport, depending on when your international flight leaves. The drive from the city to the airport, which is about 1,400 meters (4,593 feet) above sea level, gives you time to think about how the trekking days have changed you.
As you start your trip back home, remember the beautiful Himalayan peaks, the friendly Sherpa communities, and the sense of success you felt when you reached Everest Base Camp. As you leave Kathmandu, this amazing hiking trip comes to an end. You will have a deeper understanding of Nepal’s natural beauty and cultural diversity.
You might catch a glimpse of the faraway Himalayan ranges as you take off. This will be your last chance to see the beautiful scenery that has become a big part of your trip. Leave with a heart full of thanks for the amazing adventures and a promise to come back to the Himalayas one day.
Within the country (Nepal):
Domestic flight from Kathmandu to Lukla that goes both ways.
Place to stay:
During the trip, you can stay in a teahouse or a lodge.
Lunch and dinner:
During the trek, you will be fed breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Porters and guides:
Rules and fees:
Transfers to and from the airport:
Help getting to and from Kathmandu’s airport.
Days of acclimatization:
Adequate acclimatization days help trekkers get used to being at high elevations, which lowers the risk of getting altitude sickness.
Flights between countries:
Most of the time, the EBC trek package does not cover the cost of foreign flights to and from Kathmandu.
Insurance for travel:
Most of the time, trekkers have to get their own full travel insurance that covers things like medical bills, emergency escape, trip cancellation, and other possible risks.
Fees for Visas:
Most of the time, the cost of getting a vacation visa to enter Nepal is not covered. When trekkers get to Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, they need to get their passes and pay for them.
What to eat in Kathmandu:
Meals in Kathmandu before and after the trek aren’t always part of the package. In the main city, trekkers are in charge of their own meals.
Costs for yourself:
Most of the time, the trek plan doesn’t cover costs like extra snacks, drinks, souvenirs, internet use, or personal items.
Extra money and tips:
As a general rule, the cost of the plan does not cover tips for guides, porters, and other trekking staff.
Extra Rooms and Facilities:
Most of the time, lodging in Kathmandu before and after the trip is not included. Trekkers might have to find and pay for their own lodging in the main city.
Possible Side Trips:
Any extra activities or side trips that aren’t planned for in the trek schedule might not be included in the package.
Personal Gear for Trekking:
People who go trekking are responsible for their own gear, like trekking boots, backpacks, and clothes. This gear is usually not included in the deal.
Trekking to Everest Base Camp requires proper planning and packing the right gear. At an altitude of over 5,300 meters, the conditions on the trail can be harsh and unpredictable. Having the proper clothing and equipment is essential for a safe and relatively comfortable trek. Here is a list of the key items to pack for the Everest Base Camp trek:
Footwear: The most important item is a sturdy pair of hiking boots with good ankle support. The boots should be broken in before the trek to avoid blisters. Trekking poles are highly recommended as they reduce strain on the knees during steep ascents and descents. Bring a pair of comfortable shoes for the evenings.
Clothing: Bring quick-dry, breathable layers that can be added or removed as the weather shifts. Must-haves are base layers, hiking pants, waterproof and windproof jackets and pants, down jacket for warmth, fleece jacket, thermal underwear, and several pairs of hiking socks. Temperatures can dip below freezing around Everest Base Camp, so having adequate warm layers is vital. Also pack sun hats, scarves and gloves.
Daypack: A roomy daypack (around 30 liters capacity) to carry essentials like snacks, water, sunscreen, camera, extra layers, etc. Most days involve 4-6 hours of hiking. Some trekkers bring a small duffel bag for porters to carry their main luggage.
Sleeping Bag: Bring a warm, lightweight sleeping bag rated for subzero temperatures. Nights at the higher altitudes routinely drop below freezing. A sleeping bag liner adds extra warmth.
Personal Items: Sunglasses, headlamp with spare batteries, quick-dry towel, toilet paper, blister kit, medications, hand warmers, sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher), lip balm with SPF. Bring antibacterial hand gel and face mask due to COVID-19.
Water Storage: Hydration is critical to avoid altitude sickness. Bring a large reusable water bottle and water purification tablets or a Steripen to treat water along the route. CamelBak-style hydration packs are also popular.
Travel Documents: Passport, permits, extra ID photos and insurance documents should be packed with you at all times.
With the proper preparation and gear, trekkers can have a relatively safe and enjoyable experience of a lifetime at Everest Base Camp. Proper acclimatization to the altitude and listening to your body is key.
What to wear:
Putting on shoes:
Trekking boots that are strong, comfy, and have ankle support.
Shoes for treking or running that are light enough to wear in tea houses.
Gear for the head:
Sunglasses that block UV light
A sunscreen with a lot of SPF
A lip balm that blocks the sun
For cold weather, wear a warm hat or cap.
With extra batteries, carry a headlamp or torch.
Clothes for hands:
Gloves that are thin and warm
For colder weather, gloves or mitts that are waterproof and windproof
A backpack:
A backpack that fits well, is easy to wear and can hold about 30 to 40 liters of stuff.
A rain cover for the bag
Gear for sleeping:
A sleeping bag that can handle cold weather (made of down or synthetic materials).
sleeping bag cover to keep you warmer and keep your bag clean
Trekking Sticks:
Trekking sticks that can be adjusted to make them more stable and less hard on the knees
Things for yourself:
Bottles of water or a hydration kit
Tablets or a water filter that cleans water
Snacks (like chocolate, power bars, nuts, and so on)
Personal first aid kit with common medicines
Things for the bathroom (toothbrush, toothpaste, wet wipes, hand sanitizer)
Other things:
A camera that comes with extra memory cards and batteries
A power bank for charging electronics
Poly bags that will last and keep things dry
Travel wallet and important papers (like a passport or ticket)
Choice of Items:
Gaiters to keep snow and other things out of boots
Small sun charger
A trekking umbrella
Light towel
It takes about 12 to 14 days to do the EBC trek, which includes the trip to and from Lukla.
For the best hiking to Everest Base Camp, go from March to May, before the monsoon season, or from September to November, after the monsoon season. The weather is usually clear during these times, and the temperatures are about average.
The EBC trek is a moderate to difficult trek, and the high altitude makes it even harder. To avoid altitude sickness, it is important to properly acclimate.
You can go trekking by yourself, but many people choose to hire a guide and/or a helper to make things easier and give them a better experience overall. Guides can tell you a lot about the area, and porters can help you by carrying your heavy pack, so you can enjoy the treks without having to worry about it.
The Sagarmatha National Park Permit and the Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Permit are the two permits that trekkers need. You also need a TIMS card, which stands for Trekkers' Information Management System. You can get these licenses in either Kathmandu or Lukla.
Along the trekking route, tea houses and cabins offer simple places to stay and eat. Some rooms are shared, while others are private. For extra comfort, you should bring a sleeping bag.
Yes, altitude sickness is a big problem because of how high it is. It is very important to get used to the altitude, stay refreshed, and know the signs of altitude sickness. If the symptoms don't go away, you should go down to a lower elevation.
Important things to bring are clothes that can be worn in a variety of temperatures, sturdy hiking boots, a backpack, a sleeping bag, trekking poles, and things for personal cleanliness. It's also a good idea to bring a first-aid kit and any medicines you might need.
Individuals who have done trekking before would benefit from the EBC trek, but anyone reasonably fit and determined can finish it. It is important to prepare your body and mind well for the difficulties of high-altitude trekking.
Most of the tea places along the trail have ways to communicate, like Wi-Fi and cell phone networks. But services may be limited, especially at higher elevations, and it may not always be possible to join.
Everest Region
