Trekking to Everest Base Camp is completely different than different treks world wide. Nowhere else on earth will you expertise trekking as you do in Nepal and nowhere fairly compares to the majesty of the Himalayas. Villages dot the panorama stuffed with eating places, markets, bazaars, and tea homes (mini-lodges) the place you possibly can cease for lunch, purchase provides, and have a bit of apple pie whereas surrounded by the very best mountains on the earth.
Every hundred meters or so there’s a lodge, restaurant, or cluster of buildings making up a small village. The villages are gorgeous reminding us of one thing out of the Swiss Alps on steroids. Well-built lodges and brick houses line the path with the magnificent setting of the Himalayas draped within the again.
Trekking to Everest Base Camp
What is it like trekking to Everest Base Camp in Nepal? The EBC Trek is life-altering, it’s exhilarating, and it’s difficult. We share every little thing it is advisable to know from planning your trek to Everest to packing for your journey. This information to the Everest Base Camp Trek breaks down every day. So sit again and take a journey with us by Nepal’s legendary Sagarmatha National Park.
Everest Base Camp Trek Itinerary
On the map, the Everest Base Camp trekking route distances look pretty simple to hike from village to village by the Khumbu Valley. Eight days could look like it will be greater than sufficient time to cowl a mere 63 km (39 miles) a technique, (128 km return) however with a number of sustained days in a row above 4000 meters (13,000 ft), the stroll is sluggish and regular.
It is necessary to not push too quick to keep away from altitude illness which is a really actual chance. When trekking to Everest base camp, anticipate to hike wherever from 7 – 17 km (4.5 – 10 miles) per day with the complete trek taking 12 – 14 days.
Hiring a Guide for the EBC Trek – Mandatory
Starting April 1, 2023, Nepal has banned solo trekking. Foreigners should rent a information for treks in excessive-altitude trekking areas of nationwide parks. According to the Kathmandu Post in March “solo or independent trekkers have to mandatorily hire a guide or a porter before setting off to Nepal’s mountains.” However, after an up to date article within the Kathmandu Post, it appears that evidently the Everest Region is an exception. Before reserving, we might examine with native corporations and authorities as guidelines are always altering.
Book Locally
Many individuals e-book forward of time with a tour firm situated exterior of Nepal reminiscent of Intrepid Travel or GAdventures, however we employed regionally and it saved some huge cash.
Plus, your cash goes on to the native economic system and you’ve got a extra intimate expertise by trekking with an area information. We spent a few days in Kathmandu wanting for a information to Everest and located Simrik Real Nepal owned by Kathmandu resident Dipendra Simkhada.
Dipendra deliberate the complete journey for us, and all we needed to do was wait for him to choose us up at our guesthouse in Kathmandu to take us to the airport to board our Tara Air flight to Lukla Airport. Book your Trek to Everest Base Camp with Simrik Real Nepal – A Locally owned and operated tour firm, Simrik is situated in Kathmandu.
Kathmandu – The Hub of Nepal Treks
We spent a couple of days in Kathmandu selecting up provides and doing a little sightseeing earlier than trekking to Everest. We counsel not spending too lengthy right here as it may be very polluted in Kathmandu and by the point we had been able to trek, I used to be already fairly congested.
Our advice is once you arrive in Kathmandu, solely spend two to 3 days to get your self organized and as an alternative do your sightseeing on the finish of your trek. Read extra: Top Places to go to in Kathmandu, Nepal
Day 1: Fly from Lukla Trek to Pakhding
Flights to Lukla not depart from Tribhuvan International Airport (Kathmandu Airport) in Kathmandu attributable to congestion. Flights are actually out of Ramechap airport which is a 4 1/2 hour drive from Kathmandu. You can e-book personal helicopters from Tribhuvan International Airport.
The flight from Ramechap airport is way shorter than the flight from Tribhuvan International Airport. Flights to Lukla are solely 12 minutes so extra Flights can get by when the climate is evident making Flights much less prone to be canceled or delayed for too lengthy.
The flight to Lukla is a scary flight and is taken into account probably the most harmful on the earth. We flew from Kathmandu however Flights now are a lot shorter from Ramechap. I believe I would really like it higher as we sat on the entrance of the aircraft and noticed the pilot’s devices always flash “obstacle ahead.” It appeared as if we had been about to crash right into a mountain at any time. Read all about our flight to Lukla and watch the video right here
Watch Us Fly to Lukla Airport
We survived that flight, nevertheless it was the flight again to Kathmandu I used to be nervous about. Taking off on that wanting a runway was a hair-elevating expertise. One false transfer and we’d drop 1000’s of ft into the valley beneath. Lukla Airport is definitely known as Tenzing Hillary Airport named after the primary two males to summit Mount Everest.
Hiking from Lukla to Pakding
The trek begins formally in Lukla. Lukla is a busy city with loads of lodging, retailers, and eateries. If you forgot something for your EBC trek, you possibly can choose up provides in a pinch. But we advise buying all of your gear in Kathmandu. It is less expensive.
From Lukla, we instantly began our Everest Base Camp hike. After a fast snack and a cup of tea in Lukla, we set off on a simple three-hour trek alongside trekking trails that had been simple to comply with weaving by villages, crossing rivers, and stumbling over stony paths.
Entering Sagarmatha National Park
A allow is required to hike to Everest Base Camp as it’s situated in Sagarmatha National Park. We checked in with the nationwide park headquarters and Dipendra took care of every little thing. He had all our paperwork so as so all we needed to do was begin strolling by the attractive Khumbu Valley to make our approach to Everest base camp.
Sagarmatha National Park has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1976. At 1148 sq. km (443 sq. miles) in space, it is likely one of the most lovely locations we’ve got ever visited.
We felt giddy stepping by the welcome gates situated simply exterior of Lukla. This was it, we had been following within the footsteps of the nice adventurers of our time. It was awe-inspiring to hike by the Khumbu area surrounded by the Himalayas.
As we hiked out of Lukla, Dipendra identified the encircling jagged white peaks named Kwangde, Mumbu, and Kishumkongara. At 6000+ meters, (19,000+ ft) these are the “little guys” of the world’s highest mountain vary. It wouldn’t be lengthy till we had been among the many well-known 8000-meter (26,000 ft) peaks.
Our first day was full of a soothing stroll whereas studying in regards to the Khumbu area. It was fairly early within the day, so we had loads of time to take our time to study in regards to the customs of climbing and study the names of the mountains discovered on this lovely area of Nepal.
For the remainder of the day, we adopted the Dudh Koshi River Valley at a gentle however leisurely tempo to the village of Pakding. Temperatures had been heat and the primary day of trekking was snug. Lukla to Pakding truly has an elevation loss, so it’s a good introduction to mountaineering by the area as we had a whole lot of downhill trekking.
After about 5 hours, we got here to our first night time on the trek the place we spent the night time in a snug teahouse within the village of Phakding.
Our First Night on the EBC Trek
The lodging in Pakding was a quaint little lodge/teahouse that appeared like a cottage. The wooden-burning range smelled scrumptious because it warmed the restaurant whereas they ready our meals.
Our porter “Sher” carried all our provides together with the sleeping baggage that we borrowed from our trekking firm. We every rented a sleeping bag that was included within the value of our EBC trek. The beds had been snug and Dave and I had personal rooms. Some excursions use dorm rooms however we had personal rooms. Toilets had been shared, however every little thing was clear and comfy. The rooms had been clear and we slept like rocks snuggled up in our thick down sleeping baggage.
Heated Lodges – Teahouses on the EBC Trek
During the EBC Trek, you don’t keep in tents. You keep in charming teahouses with cozy beds, wooden-burning stoves, and totally stocked eating places that serve dinner.
The teahouses are a welcoming sight after a protracted day of trekking serving to to make the trek to Everest probably the most memorable experiences of our lives. If you might be planning to trek to Everest Base Camp in Nepal, learn on for all the data you’ll want that can assist you put together.
The primary lodges of every teahouse we stayed in through the first half of our EBC trek had been cozy and heat. At the decrease elevations, woodstoves burned wooden within the eating room and customary areas and our rooms had been a snug temperature with heating as we had been wrapped up in our sleeping baggage. We ate hearty meals of pasta and meat and loved a soothing night time soaking within the superb day we simply had on the mountain.
From Lukla – Elevation 2869 meters (9,350 ft)
To Pakding – Elevation 2610 meters ( 8563 Feet)
Length – 7.7 km (4.78 miles)
Elevation loss – 79 meters (259 ft)
Duration – 3 Hours
Day 2 – Pakding to Namche Bazaar
On day two, we checked in at one other gate of the Mt. Everest park headquarters to indicate our documentation. We needed to present our passports and provides them further passport pictures to enter the log. (So ensure you have further passport pictures with you) Once we signed in, we had been formally within the Khumbu area and formally on our means trekking to Everest Base Camp.
We coated a whole lot of terrain on day two making it the longest day of the Everest Base Camp trek. The path up the mountains was steep and difficult nevertheless it was a memorable day.
Day two of the EBC trek was a hike of virtually 10km (6.2 miles) with an elevation acquire of 800 meters (2624 ft). But all through the hike, there was a whole lot of elevation loss combined in so it felt like much more.
We would lose elevation as we descended into the valley solely to must climb again up once more to a better elevation. Today was a whole lot of enjoyable although as a result of we crossed a number of suspension bridges over Dudh Kosi River Valley.
Suspension Bridges on the way in which to Everest
If you’ve got a worry of heights, crossing suspension bridges will not be your favourite second, however the suspension bridges whereas trekking to Everest Base Camp are effectively constructed, manufactured from metal, and in wonderful situation.
I used to be nervous in regards to the suspension bridges. The Lonely Planet Guide mentioned, “Grit your teeth and climb onto a drooping suspension bridge floating at a dizzying height.” That sentence freaked me out.
I had constructed the suspension bridges of the EBC trek in my head as one thing monstrous. But by the point we reached the primary bridge, I puzzled what all of the fuss was about. Once I crossed my first bridge, my confidence was up and I used to be prepared for something the Everest trek was able to throw at me.
Donkey Trains
Today we additionally began to see a whole lot of donkeys, cows, and goats taking provides to the villages. Traffic can get very heavy on the Everest Base Camp hike. When animal trains go by, be sure to get out of their means and keep to the facet.
They are loaded down with heavy gear they usually have a mission to maintain on strolling till they’re performed. They can simply nudge you proper off the facet of a cliff as it doesn’t matter what is of their means, they simply hold strolling.
The path is a freeway, however as an alternative of transport vans or trains carrying cargo, individuals and cattle carry every little thing from lumber and constructing provides to meals and kitchen home equipment.
Safety Tips on the Everest Base Camp Trek for yaks and donkeys
Important Tip: When a yak, donkey, or cow prepare passes you through the EBC trek, be sure you stand on the mountainside of the path to allow them to’t push you over the sting!
It is healthier to be squished right into a mountainside than to go tumbling over the sting!
Final Stretch to Namche Bazaar
Right after crossing the final bridge, the toughest a part of day two of trekking to Everest base camp began The final push of the day consisted of two-hours straight uphill to Namche Bazar.
We had been drenched with sweat however the air was cool. Whenever we stopped for a break, we might get a chill so we simply saved on chugging away.
Large tour teams handed us rapidly, solely to be caught a couple of minutes later as they rested. We notice that we had been the tortoise they usually had been the hare! Slow and regular is the way in which to climb at excessive altitudes and ultimately, we made it to Namche Bazaar with loads of time to spare within the day.
Arrival to Namche Bazaar
We checked into the safety put up and cringed once we discovered that our lodge was an uphill stroll for one other 20 minutes. Rest needed to wait a bit longer.
When we arrived at our lodging, we had been thrilled to see our porter Sher’s smiling face. He had already checked us in and put our bag in our room. We instantly went for a nap after which did slightly strolling round city within the night to do some purchasing and seize a chunk to eat earlier than handing over for an early night time.
There are loads of retailers and eating places at Namche Bazaar, this city is bustling and we spent two nights of our EBC Trek right here which was superior.
Pakding – Elevation 2610 meters ( 8563 Feet)Namche Bazaar – 3440 meters (11,286 ft)Elevation Gain – 830 meters (2723 ft)Distance – 10km (6.2 Miles)Duration – 6 hours
Day 3 – Acclimatization Day at Namche Bazaar
We had two superb days at Namche Bazaar. Dipendra selected nice lodging for us all through our EBC trek and we had relaxation on this splendid teahouse the place we loved scrumptious pasta, meats, and naturally dhal baht. We spent the morning having fun with espresso and doing a little bit of purchasing.
What to do in Namche Bazaar
We explored Namche Bazaar and checked out its many retailers. The streets are full of purchasing stalls and markets. We searched for gear that we missed getting in Kathmandu and received some nice offers. We had been shocked the costs weren’t inflated at Namche Bazaar.
We purchased some down booties to maintain our ft heat at night time, a few sherpa hats, and a hotter set of gloves. The Everest Bakery was a spotlight with scrumptious apple pie, contemporary espresso, and WiFi. We had two items every!
But we took it very simple, ensuring to remain hydrated and to eat sufficient meals to stave off altitude illness. Namche Bazaar is situated at a excessive altitude of 3440 meters (11,286 ft). We already noticed a girl affected by altitude illness. She was having her blood stress taken and coronary heart charge monitored and when she received up, she was staggering as she leaned on her information.
Her Everest base camp trek had already come to an abrupt finish. It reminded us to chill out as a result of the times forward had been going to be robust. So we went again to our teahouse to chill out and put together for the remainder of our journey
The Acclimatization Hike for EBC Trek
Most excessive-altitude treks have a minimum of one acclimation day. The Everest Base Camp trek isn’t any exception. An acclimatization day consists of mountaineering to a better altitude after which coming again right down to sleep at a decrease elevation. It offers your physique an opportunity to regulate to the altitude however you don’t keep for lengthy.
As you may be always gaining altitude on the Everest Trek, it’s good to have a minimum of in the future to climb greater and sleep decrease to assist stop altitude illness.
Our acclimation hike took us to the Everest View Hotel. With an elevation acquire of solely 400 meters, it wasn’t an excessive amount of greater than our lodge in Namche Bazaar, nevertheless it is sufficient to assist acclimate to the excessive altitudes. Everest View Hotel affords superb views of Mount Everest (therefore the title). Plus it holds the Guinness e-book of world information as the very best lodge on the earth.
It is just not a simple time off although. Just strolling by city takes your breath away. As we made our means up the steps, I puzzled if I ought to have simply stayed in mattress and skipped the perspective to chill out. When we began the climb I used to be respiration closely simply strolling up a couple of Flights of steps. We hadn’t even left Namche Bazaar and I used to be pooped!
Once we received on the path, issues turned simpler. The steep grade gave approach to a sloping path and I began to really feel higher. After one and a half hours of climbing, we reached what needs to be the world’s highest airstrip at 3700 meters (12,139 ft). We arrive simply in time to see a small aircraft take off.
First Views of Mt. Everest
It was right here that we received to see our first breathtaking views of Mt. Everest and the encircling mountains. We hiked a bit farther and there it was, standing quietly behind the opposite highest peaks of the earth.
Lhotse, Changri, Ama Dablam, and Nuptse encompass the mighty Mount Everest, the world’s highest peak. At 8414m (27,604 ft), 6027m (19,773 ft), and 7861m (25,790 ft) they’re the little sisters of this sacred mountain. Mount Everest stands at 8848 meters (27,716 ft).
The deep Khumbu valley views had been magnificent. The river wove far beneath, carving by the panorama of the white mountain tops. We walked a slender path snaking alongside the facet of a steep mountain and immediately notice “this trek has become real.” We had been excessive within the Himalayas and one false transfer might imply disaster falling into the abyss beneath.
The sky was a deep blue and the white summits reached towards the billowing clouds. The view was so awe-inspiring it introduced me to tears. Everything was so crisp and clear. During the EBC trek, you’re feeling as when you might attain out and contact heaven.
The clouds rolled in rapidly so it was time to go. The climate circumstances change rapidly on the Everest base camp hike, so it’s good to have the expertise of a information main us by all terrain and circumstances. We went again to Namche Bazaar to chill out and acquire power for the remainder of the trek.
Namche Bazaar – Elevation – 3440 meters. (11246 ft)Everest View Hotel – 3880 meters (12,730 ft.)Elevation – Bounce of 440 meters (1443 ft)Duration – 3 hours returnElevation Gain – 0 km
Day 4 – Namche Bazaar to Tengboche
We awoke sooner than normal on Day 4. Two giant group treks (Intrepid Travel and G Adventures) had checked into our lodge and we didn’t wish to must compete for service or breakfast. We additionally didn’t wish to have to attend in line for the lavatory.
Lodges develop into an increasing number of sparse as you go greater on the Everest Base Camp Trek and fewer bogs are shared between extra individuals. Up till now, we hadn’t encountered crowds of individuals. It had been fairly quiet on the mountain and we preferred it that means.
Luckily, we had been a day forward of the opposite excursions. They needed to keep in Namche Bazaar for one other day to acclimate to the excessive altitudes, So we moved on to get pleasure from our EBC Trek free from crowds of individuals – for now.
Tenzing Norgay Memorial Stupa
During day 4 of the EBC trek, we hiked alongside trails clinging to the facet of the mountain. The slender trekking trails alongside this route had been slightly scary. They wound alongside the sting of the cliff with nothing however a sheer drop to the abyss into the Khumbu Valley. But we saved our wits about us placing one foot forward of the opposite till we reached the Sherpa Monument.
Tenzing Norgay Sherpa monument was erected by the Norgay household. It is a stupa honoring Tenzing Norgay Sherpa and all of the Sherpas that risked their lives to assist climbers attain the summit of Mt. Everest.
All treks cross this monument and it is a crucial cease on the journey to pay respect to the well-known Sherpa of the Everest area. In case you don’t know, Tenzing Norgay Sherpa was the primary man to summit Everest together with Sir Edmund Hillary.
What is a Sherpa?
Sherpas are the unsung heroes of Mt. Everest. They do all the onerous work and technical work on the mountain. They carry the heavy hundreds, set the ladders and ropes to cross the Hillary Step and Khumbu Icefield for mountain climbers, they usually handle organising camp whereas climbers and trekkers catch their breath and attempt to survive life on the world’s highest peak.
Difference Between a Sherpa and a Porter
Sherpas and porters are very completely different from each other. We discovered {that a} Sherpa is definitely the title of an ethnic group from Tibet. The authentic mountaineers employed Sherpas as their guides within the Himalayas and the world has now adopted the title for porters within the Everest area. If you aren’t born into the Sherpa ethnic group, you can’t be known as a Sherpa. Porters are porters and Sherpas are Sherpas.
We had been advised that some porters, particularly business porters carry as much as 60kg (150 kilos) of provides and equipment to companies situated alongside the EBC trek. That is a whole lot of weight and we had been very shocked. When climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, porters had a compulsory weight restrict of 35kg. (77 kilos).
Dipendra advised us that they receives a commission per kilo so some individuals push it too far. The Nepalese are a powerful bunch however this can be a lot to hold at such a excessive altitude it doesn’t matter what form you might be in.
We saved our pack as mild as attainable at round 22kg (48 kilos) for Sher and we even felt unhealthy about that! We have heard there’s a 30kg (66lb) restrict for Everest, however judging by what we noticed different porters carrying on the Everest Base Camp hike, individuals had been pushing it effectively past that.
We noticed males carrying stacks of plywood with heavy white sacks loaded on high. We noticed males carrying propane tanks, doorways, and large packs. What might individuals probably want on the EBC Trek that they packed their packs so full? Read extra: Packing List for Everest Base Camp Trek
Approaching Tengboche
The remaining push of our EBC Trek day 4 was to Tengboche Monastery. It was a troublesome but regular 2-hour steep climb. We are actually gaining altitude climbing above the tree line. We put our heads down and huffed and puffed our means up. We didn’t cease for any pictures or movies and had been shocked to chop the climb right down to only one and a half hours.
We reached the prayer wheels of Tengboche Monastery simply in time for mild snow to begin falling. We made it into our camp at Tengboche by 1:30 pm and had the complete afternoon to ourselves at 3900 meters (12795 ft). This is a wonderful place on the Everest Base Camp hike to have some further time to chill out as there are a couple of particular issues to see and do.
Tengboche Monastery
We warmed our ft with our new down booties that we purchased at Namche Bazaar and became some dryer garments earlier than heading off to see the monks chant at Tengboche Monastery. Our information Dipendra advised us that that is a very powerful monastery within the area. All climbers summiting the mountains cease at this monastery to be blessed by the monks.
We had been allowed to look at the ceremony and to absorb the heat and blessings from the monks. It is a sacred place and all climbers and trekkers cease right here earlier than persevering with up the mountains.
The footprints of Lama Pagna Dorje from the sixteenth century are embedded in strong stone in entrance of the monastery. A spot the place he mediated and raced by the Himalayas driving the wind together with his thoughts.
Apparently, he sat on this stone for so lengthy, his ft left their mark. He spent years touring the world by the facility of his thoughts and we imagine the story. Especially after our yoga expertise in Goa India. He predicted {that a} monastery could be constructed right here and shock shock…right here it’s.
The View from Tengboche Monastery
The view is magnificent from Tengboche Monastery. The valley is huge and opens as much as huge rolling hills giving approach to the very best peaks on earth. Plus it has a transparent view of Mt. Everest and the encircling mountains.
We had been advised that Sir Edmund Hillary got here again to survey the height of Mount Everest from this spot as a result of the view is so away from the mountain and we are able to perceive why.
Accommodation – Basic Tea Houses at Higher Altitude
At this excessive elevation of the EBC trek, lodging turned very primary and rustic. We felt like true adventurers as we sat by the hearth warming our ft and bonding with our fellow trekkers over our shared expertise by candlelight.
There had been 10 of us staying on this teahouse. All are sharing electrical energy to cost our digicam batteries. Meals had been now vegetarian and wooden stoves had been heated by yak dung. At this excessive altitude, meat can’t be transported quick sufficient to remain contemporary and common wooden is scarce, so yak dung it’s.
When we went to mattress, our room was freezing. Rooms aren’t heated at greater elevations. We had our personal room, however I typically marvel if sleeping in a dorm would have helped with extra physique warmth. The temperature simply dipped right down to -10 Celcius (14 levels Fahrenheit) and our plywood partitions didn’t supply a whole lot of comforts.
We tossed and turned all night time lengthy making an attempt to maintain our noses heat in our sleeping baggage sporting our down jackets, thick socks, and thermal mid-layers.
It was so chilly the news bucket for the shared squat rest room froze over forming a patch of ice to kind on the ground. It was a slippery journey to the outhouse. Sadly, we at all times must pee rather a lot through the night time when sleeping at excessive altitudes so we visited that rest room rather a lot.
Hot Tip: Pay for hots showers at decrease elevations You gained’t remorse it! We realized that we must always have paid the 250 Rupees for the new showers provided on the lodging in Namche Bazaar. Now that the climate was so chilly there was no means we might face a bucket bathtub in a freezing shed. Dave and I set a brand new document in these mountains of Nepal, 9 days with out a bathe!
Namche Bazaar – Elevation – 3440 meters. (11246 ft) above sea degreeTengboche – 3860 meters (12664 ft) Elevation Gain – 420 meters (1378 ft)Distance – 9.3 km (5.77 miles)Duration – 3 hours (with out stopping) 5 hours for pictures, lunch and relaxation.
Day 5 – Tengboche to Dingboche
Day 5 of the EBC Trek was freezing! We had an early wake-up name and morning got here too rapidly on the Tengboche leg of the EBC Trek. But, we awoke to a winter wonderland of contemporary snow on the Tengboche Monastery and clear views of Lhotse peak.
The snow from the night time earlier than made for extra unbelievable views on the mountaineering trails. As we began out from the lodge, the sky was crisp and clear, exhibiting Mount Everest in all its glory. It was gorgeous, and in between gasping for air, we admired the view.
Today we walked to greater altitudes and noticed our first trains of wooly yaks. Yaks can’t survive at low altitudes as a result of it’s too heat for them, so that you don’t see yaks on the Everest Base Camp hike till a minimum of 3000 meters. (9800 ft) They are lovely.
Yaks on the Trek to Everest Base Camp
Woolly yak trains had been extra frequent and by day 5 of the EBC Trek, we had our system perfected to provide them the proper of means with out letting them nudge us off the mountain.
As we mentioned earlier, you will need to give yaks area. They will run you proper off the mountain if you’re of their means. Be positive to face on the mountainside as they cross so that you don’t get knocked over the sting. The yaks of the Everest Base Camp trek, have just one factor on their thoughts. To get to their vacation spot.
On at the present time, indicators of expeditions going as much as summit Everest began to go by as giant teams of yaks carried large a great deal of climbing gear. It is thrilling to assume that we had been strolling the identical route as so many nice mountain climbers, like Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay Sherpa.
The Trek from Tengboche is breathtaking
I conquered what little worry of heights I had left at the present time. Some of the slender paths on the route dropped sharply into the deep valley beneath. Soon we discovered ourselves strolling alongside the ledge not considering in any respect in regards to the risks beneath. We hiked for a few hours earlier than stopping for tea at a restaurant in Pangboche.
Pangboche
There are retailers, teahouses, and eating places alongside the route so we might purchase lunch alongside the way in which and one of many extra in style stops is within the village of Pangboche. After a tea cease in Pangboche, we met a candy girl that walked with us all the way in which to the village of Dingboche. Her title was Yangshou and he or she waited for us as we struggled up hills and crossed the suspension bridge over the Imja Khola River.
Her cute snort and quiet prayers helped to cross the time. She stopped to speak to everybody on the path whereas we plugged alongside. She’d fall far behind when she chatted with pals, solely to rapidly catch us after which scoot by us with ease. She should have loved our firm as a result of we actually slowed her down. “Yangzhou, we’ll at all times bear in mind your smiling face!
We spent the night time within the village of Dingboche and wished that we had one other night time right here. It is from right here that you will notice lovely views of Island Peak and Lhotse, however it’s also a great place for one other acclimatization day.
Tengboche – 3860 meters (12664 ft) above sea degreeDingboche – Elevation – 4410 meters. (14468 ft)Elevation Gain – 550 meters (1804 ft)Distance – 10.8 km (6.71 miles)Duration – 3 hours (with out stopping) 5 hours for pictures, lunch, and relaxation.
Day 6 – Second Acclimatization Day at Dingboche
This is a day that most individuals spend acclimating to the excessive altitude. We didn’t do that day, however you must! So we’re together with it within the information as a result of it’s a essential day when trekking to Everest Base Camp. If we had been smarter, we might have spent 2 nights within the village of Dingboche the place we might spend a day mountaineering as much as Nagurjun Hill.
This is one of the best place for climbers trying to summit Everest, Ama Dablam (6812m), Lobuche peak (6,119 m), or Island Peak to do their acclimatization day. Dingboche is a small village within the Khumbu area with only some visitor homes, so it’s a good time to chill out, replenish and rejuvenate for the following push.
If we had introduced our Lonely Planet Trekking within the Nepal Himalayas (which we forgot in Kathmandu and kicked ourselves about it day-after-day) we might have realized that we must always have taken an additional day to acclimate in Dingboche.
Dipendra was versatile so he would have simply added one other day onto our trek, we simply didn’t know any higher to ask about it. Lucky for us, we felt robust, however different teams had been complaining of complications and dizziness.
In the tip, we want we spent the additional day right here. Some individuals even spend two days right here climbing to the encircling peaks. We did undergo after reaching base camp and I imagine that’s as a result of we didn’t spend time acclimatizing right here.
Had we stayed, we might have performed some mild hikes to realize altitude after which come again right down to relaxation at a decrease elevation. Many people who find themselves set to climb Island Peak or Kala Patthar keep right here for a couple of days to get some follow climbs in.
Dingboche – Elevation – 4410 meters. (14468 ft) above sea degree Nangkartshang Peak – Altitude – 5050 meters (16568 ft)Climb– 640 meters (2099 ft)Distance – 10.8 km (6.71 miles)Duration – 4 hours Elevation Gain – 0
Day 7 – Dingboche to Lobuche
We walked with fellow trekkers we met at our guesthouse Martin and Richard from Slovakia through the morning hours. They carried their very own packs and after watching them wrestle, we had been blissful we employed a porter. (notice: Starting in April 2023, you possibly can not trek independently in Nepal) They had been actually beginning to really feel the altitude and we ultimately left them behind.
We loved our day taking pictures of the gorgeous clear views of the Everest area. It could also be slightly colder trekking in Nepal at the moment of yr (Early March), however the skies are clear and blue. When we got here throughout a small cluster of homes, we felt like we had entered the Kingdom of Middle Earth. Little Hobbit homes lined a valley with large peaks looming overhead.
We had a entrance-row seat to among the most breathtaking views on earth. An whole panorama of the mountains standing proudly overhead, reaching as much as the deepest blue sky that I’ve ever witnessed. The scene took our breath away. The mountains appeared extra imposing with every nook we turned and we couldn’t imagine that we had been fulfilling our dream of mountaineering to Everest.
We needed to knock on the door to see if Bilbo Baggins occurred to be in. Sadly, he wasn’t dwelling. I ended up singing Leonard Nimoy’s Ballad of Bilbo Baggins for the remainder of the day. A nasty concept since I solely know a couple of phrases.
Weather Conditions
The wind picked up and we placed on our outer layers for the primary time. We had been grateful to have them as we staggered by the excessive gusts. Weather varies enormously within the Everest Region and earlier than it you possibly can have inclement climate so be ready along with your layers. The solar might be shining one minute after which wind and clouds roll within the subsequent.
After lunch, we confronted fairly the scramble up a steep hill affected by boulders. It appeared like a troublesome climb, however we moved with ease and rapidly made it to the highest. Where we discovered our power, I have no idea.
Sherpa Monuments
At the highest of the hill is a really transferring sight. Several monuments and stupas are erected, honoring Sherpas and climbers which have misplaced their lives on Everest. The most notable of those is Babu Chiri Sherpa.
Babu Chiri Sherpa was the previous world document holder of the quickest ascent of Everest, essentially the most variety of ascents up the mountain, and the quickest again-to-again summits of two in lower than 2 weeks. He tragically misplaced his life on his eleventh try when he fell right into a crevasse.
It was a transferring expertise and a powerful reminder to not take issues calmly on Everest, even if you’re solely trekking to Everest Base Camp. It remains to be a critical trek.
Dingboche – Elevation – 4410 meters. (14468 ft) above sea degreeLobuche – Altitude – 4940 meters (16207 ft)Elevation Gain – 530 meters (1738 ft)Distance – 17.6 km (10.9 miles)Duration – 4 to five hours
Day 8 – Morning – Lobuche to Gorak Shep
Day 8 on the Everest Base Camp Trek takes you to 5000 meters (16404 ft). How did we really feel at 5000 meters? Terrible. Before coming into Nepal, I had been struggling for a couple of weeks in India. The air pollution of Kathmandu didn’t assist and my congestion was worse once I began the climb. I assumed it will clear up within the contemporary air, nevertheless it intensified with every improve in altitude.
Every morning my cough received worse and my nostril was stuffed as much as the purpose of being insufferable. Today, I felt the consequences of the congestion and couldn’t catch my breath. It didn’t assist that we had gone into such a excessive altitude. The air is skinny and chilly.
Dave suffered his first signs of altitude illness when reaching 5000 meters as effectively. He had a slight case of diarrhea and wasn’t blissful about having to attend for the bathroom within the teahouses. I believe many individuals had been affected by the identical signs.
Our was a sluggish climb to Gorak Shep. We stopped frequently to catch our breath and at this time we took extra breaks than normal. Luckily it was solely a few hundred meters in elevation acquire so we made it to our visitor home in Gorek Shep by 12:30.
Lobuche – Altitude – 4940 meters (16207 ft) above sea degreeGorak Shep – 5164 meters (16942 ft) above sea degreeElevation Gain – 224 meters (734 ft)Distance – 4.3 (2.6 miles)Duration – 4 Hours
Day 8 – Afternoon: Gorak Shep to Everest Base Camp
We took a break at Gorek Shep earlier than making out approach to Everest Base Camp. We sat within the solar marveling at the truth that we made it this far. After consuming a hearty lunch of vegetarian Sherpa stew (Dal Bhat) on the terrace, (sure, we ate exterior within the heat solar above 5100 meters) we set out for Everest Base Camp. The solar was shining brightly and it was fairly nice exterior so we had been very excited.
We had been fortunate and had clear skies. Up till at this time, the clouds had rolled in by early afternoon day-after-day. Today the solar shone and the skies had been blue till sundown. So, it was our excellent morning to make the push.
The trek to Base Camp from Gorak Shep is a simple one. It’s two hours of strolling with solely a small elevation acquire, and we made it with ease. That break for lunch actually helped our spirits.
Reaching Everest Base Camp
People can summit Mount Everest from Tibet, however the principle Everest Base Camp expedition route is in Nepal, and it’s busy when the season is in full swing. Even these climbing to the height of Mt Everest hike the route we took alongside the Everest Base Camp trek.
We arrived only a week or two earlier than the season, so it was nonetheless quiet on the mountain. In reality, we had been the one individuals at Base Camp that afternoon. We noticed one other group coming down on our means up, however as soon as there we had all of it to ourselves. It was thrilling.
To attain Everest base camp, you’ll hike out from close by Gorak Shep after which hike again the identical day to spend the night time within the village. You don’t spend the night time at base camp.
Khumbu Glacier
The Khumbu Glacier is the very first thing to come into sight, and it’s unbelievable to assume that we are literally standing there. The Khumbu Glacier is the most important glacier in all of Nepal and is known for the Khumbu Icefall. This treacherous sheet of ice is essentially the most harmful impediment that climbers face when summiting Everest.
We witnessed an avalanche that reminded us simply how precarious the climb to Mount Everest is. It is an intimidating sight and I can’t think about having the braveness to cross that discipline of ice. Climbers stroll throughout ladders that shift and transfer because the ice is alive and always settling. It has taken many lives, and we had been blissful to have a look at it from afar.
With an elevation of 7600 meters at its supply, the Khumbu Glacier is the very best glacier on the earth and the Khumbu Icefall is likely one of the most harmful parts of the climb to the summit of the world’s highest peak. We had been blissful to have a look at it from afar.
Everest Base Camp’s elevation is 5,364m (17,598 ft) so you’ll really feel the excessive altitude. But, when you have taken your time you must really feel fairly good. We had been at this elevation now for some time and stayed hydrated, so we might benefit from the expertise.
We stood at a rock coated with prayer flags saying that sure, we had made it to Mount Everest Base Camp at 5364 meters. We stayed for virtually an hour taking movies, celebrating, and snapping pictures. If you possibly can bear it, don’t rush the expertise, take it in and revel in each minute. This would be the solely time you’ll see it.
Trekking to Everest could also be extra thrilling later within the season when Everest expeditions are there, however we actually preferred having base camp to ourselves. There wasn’t a soul on the mountain besides for the three of us. We stayed for virtually an hour taking movies, celebrating, snapping pictures, and marveling on the huge Khumbu Glacier. Can it actually be true that we’re right here? It felt like a dream.
We completed our climb about two weeks earlier than the excessive season started and we wouldn’t have it every other means. We stood at a rock coated with prayer flags saying that sure, we had made it to Everest Base Camp.
When it’s excessive season, base camp is full of expeditions and tents spanning the valley. We solely noticed one expedition up to now. They could have been right here to climb Island Peak as base camp can also be a spot to acclimate for that peak.
We began to make our means again to Gorak Shep from Everest Base Camp at about 3:30 pm. Even although it was a simple trek again, there are slender paths atop excessive ledges and it simply so occurs that whereas we had been strolling again, an ice bridge broke off after I stepped on it leaving Dave with a sticky state of affairs of getting to take one large leap over a gorge. We made it again to Gorak Shep safely nevertheless it was a reminder simply how harmful the Himalayas might be.
Back to Gorak Shep
By the time we made it again to Gorak Shep, the thrill of reaching Everest base camp had worn off. We had reached our remaining vacation spot Base Camp, however there was nonetheless much more trekking to go.
We had been blissful to have seen it, however we had been exhausted. We felt the identical once we climbed Mount Kilimanjaro. The thrill of reaching your vacation spot is over and there’s nothing extra to sit up for, however there are nonetheless so many days to go.
That night time I had critical sinus congestion and felt like I used to be suffocating in my freezing mattress. It was fairly scary to already be wanting breath due to the altitude after which be utterly congested. I actually was terrified. Our information Dipendra introduced me scorching tea all night time and I slathered myself in Vicks Vaporub however nothing helped me to breathe simpler.
I used to be afraid as we had the Gokyo Lake trek forward by the Cho La Pass. We had been additionally planning to trek as much as Kala Pattar for one of the best views of Everest within the morning. I hope I might make it however I used to be additionally dreading the day forward. I barely slept a wink however I lastly drifted right into a not-so-peaceable slumber.
Gorak Shep – 5164 meters (16942 ft) above sea degree Everest Base Camp Elevation – 5,364m (17,598 ft) above sea degreeElevation Gain – 200 meters (656 ft)Distance – 3.5 km a technique (2.1 miles)Duration – Three Hours Round Trip
Alternative Gokyo Lake Via Cho La Pass
The subsequent morning after a horrible night time, we gave up our plans of climbing Kala Patthar after which on to the Gokyo Lakes and Cho La Pass trek. Even although I wasn’t feeling dizzy, nauseous, or lightheaded anymore, the sinus congestion was actually attending to me. At altitude a chilly can flip critical rapidly, you simply can’t take an opportunity when altitude is concerned.
But, if we had been going to trek on, this may be the following cease. It is meant to be lovely and if you’re feeling as much as it, we extremely suggest it. This makes the trek far more fascinating as you get to take a special means again to Lukla.
Cho La Pass: Altitude 5420 meters (17,782 ft)Gokyo Ri: 5357 Meters (17,575 ft)Gokyo Lakes: 4,700–5,000 m (15,400–16,400 ft)
Day 9 – The Descent and Kala Patthar
Kala Patthar is a hill above Gorak Shep that gives one of the best views of Everest and is a should-cease on anybody’s Everest Base Camp trekking route. We had deliberate to climb to the summit of Kala Patthar, however my congestion was so unhealthy, that we determined it was safer to get to a decrease elevation rapidly.
Kala Patthar is a fast two-hour trek so as to add to your descent again to Lukla. It is an effective possibility if you’re feeling up for it because it offers an incredible view of Mt. Everest. Make positive to begin early morning earlier than daybreak as there’s nonetheless a protracted day of trekking after summiting Kala Pattar. Plan on one other 5 or 6 hours to your subsequent in a single day cease at Pheriche.
Kala Patthar to Pheriche – Afternoon
By the time you attain your lodging at Periche, try to be feeling rather a lot higher. Dave and I discover that we’re superb within the 4000-meter ranges of altitude and expertise only a few signs of altitude illness. It is at 5000 meters and above that, we begin to really feel our signs. Periche is a way more manageable 4371 meters.
Kala Pattar: 5643 metres Pheriche: 4371 MetersAltitude Loss: 1272
Days 10 to 11 – The Descent from Everest Base Camp
It took us two days extra to trek again from Everest Base Camp to our remaining vacation spot on the EBC Trek. I began feeling higher on the second day because the dryness of the Everest base camp disappeared. My sinuses cleared and shortly I used to be respiration simply. I began to really feel responsible about turning round, however in hindsight, I do know it was the proper alternative. You by no means wish to take an opportunity with altitude illness.
Even although we had been heading down, there’s nonetheless a whole lot of altitude acquire because the EBC trek doesn’t repeatedly go downhill. I used to be feeling actually fatigued and we nonetheless had a troublesome couple of days forward of us. But understanding there was mild on the finish of the tunnel made every little thing simpler.
It takes a whole lot of psychological stamina to climb again down because the euphoria of reaching the Everest base camp has worn off, however we made essentially the most of it, by chatting with different trekkers and attending to know our guides higher.
During our respectable we might truly take our time to scent the roses or ought to I say benefit from the trekking path that ran by the gorgeous rhododendron forest.
Rhododendrons are lovely flowering crops that bloom in numerous shades of pink, purple, white, and purple. The rhododendron forest is especially outstanding within the areas of Phakding, Namche Bazaar, Tengboche, and Dingboche which we actually didn’t discover till we made our means down the mountains.
We adopted the route we got here up with, nevertheless it was a lot quicker and we stayed in numerous villages. The fantastic thing about reserving organized journeys with an area information is that our information Dipendra knew the routes just like the again of his hand, so he might change lodging simply to go well with our velocity.
Day 12 – Lukla
We had been again in Lukla early on day 12 of our EBC Trek and had a night booked in a visitor home right here to catch the primary flight from Lukla again to Kathmandu within the morning. As a lot as we cherished our journey to Everest, we had been excited to be transferring on to discover extra of Nepal.
The lodging was nice with a beautiful restaurant, scorching bathe, and heat and comfy beds. It was a good way to finish the journey.
Day 13 – Return To Kathmandu Flight from Lukla Airport
It is essential to provide your self an additional cushion when reserving your return flight not solely dwelling from Kathmandu however from Lukla. We stayed in a single day in Lukla on the ultimate night time of our trek and booked a flight to Kathmandu for very first thing the following morning.
It is just not unusual for Flights to be canceled or delayed flying out of Lukla Airport. Weather circumstances change rapidly. So give a little bit of a cushion when reserving your flight dwelling from Nepal after you’ve completed your trek to Everest Base Camp. Many a traveler has missed their connecting Flights dwelling from Kathmandu due to delays in Lukla. It is safer to plan to spend an evening or two in Kathmandu after your trek.
We had been delayed a complete day. Even although we had been booked on the primary flight from Lukla, the climate made us wait till close to sundown. We had been the primary (and solely) flight out that day, so everybody else who was ready for their Flights all day was caught one other night time.
It was a bumpy flight again to Kathmandu and we virtually wished that we didn’t make it on the flight. The turbulence was so unhealthy, I used to be positive we had been going to drop out of the sky.
Everyone on the flight was silent as we had been tossed about dropping enormous quantities of elevation at a time. But we landed and we’ve got by no means been so blissful to reach in Kathmandu. We kissed the bottom, grateful to have trekked to Everest Base Camp, however vowed to by no means do it once more.
Accommodation – Tea Houses on Everest Base Camp
The primary lodges of every teahouse we stayed in through the first half of our journey had been cozy and heat. At the decrease elevations, woodstoves burned wooden within the eating room and customary areas and our rooms had been a snug temperature as we had been wrapped up in our sleeping baggage.
But as we ventured greater, the stoves had been much less considerable and as an alternative of wooden, they burned yak dung. You heard me, Yak Dung. Wood can’t burn in skinny air, so that they use yak dung to warmth the teahouses at excessive elevations. Rooms aren’t heated so once we went to our rooms, we needed to put on hats, thick socks, puffy coats, and lengthy johns.
There had been charging stations on the lodging for electronics and we paid by the hour for electrical energy.
We extremely suggest taking a transportable USB charger to cost your personal electronics.
We additionally used a photo voltaic USB charger that recharged through the day as we hiked.
Meals on Everest Base Camp
Because we booked an all-inclusive Everest Base Camp trek with Simrik Real Nepal tour firm, all meals and snacks had been included with our lodging. Each night, hearty meals had been served that included pasta, rice, or Dal Bhat. Dal Bhat is the staple meals of Nepal consisting of lentils, greens, steamed rice, and curry.
For the primary few days, meat was served at meals, however as you climb greater, meals turned to vegetarian as it’s tougher to get the meat up the mountains.
Prayer Flags and Prayer Wheels – EBC Trek Etiquette
We noticed many prayer wheels, prayer flags, and prayer rocks (mani stones) all alongside the path to Everest. Everest is a sacred mountain and these monuments assist give luck to the climbers on the mountain. There are customs to be adopted when approaching prayer rocks or prayer wheels.
How to correctly trek round prayer Wheels and Prayer Rocks
When approaching a prayer rock, you will need to stroll to the left of the prayer rocks (mani stones) in a clockwise path. The stone on the proper means you might be on the “right hand of God.”
When utilizing prayer wheels, you stroll alongside and spin them to ask for blessings for the climb forward.
Sherpas and locals spin prayer wheels saying the mantra “Om Mani Padme Hum” giving blessings to the climb forward.
The prayer flags have prayers and mantras written on them that are believed to hold messages of positivity and to unfold goodwill and compassion they’re carried by the wind.
Altitude Sickness
Altitude Sickness is a really actual chance on the EBC Trek. On common 3-5 individuals die annually doing the trek to Everest base camp. Make positive to maintain a watch out for indicators of Acute Mountain Sickness. Acute Mountain Sickness is life-threatening and early signs embrace nausea, headache, and vomiting. It can result in dying. The Best approach to alleviate signs is to go right down to a decrease elevation.
If you begin to really feel dizzy, have a pounding headache, or when you begin to vomit go right down to a decrease altitude as rapidly as attainable. Take your time climbing, keep hydrated, and hearken to your physique.
Drink loads of fluids, attempt to eat, and relaxation frequently. It is healthier to stroll slowly and steadily moderately than dashing at excessive altitudes. And once you get to your lodging every day, chill out as a lot as attainable.
It might be harmful trekking to Everest Base Camp from falling off the mountain to succumbing to altitude illness. Some individuals have merely disappeared. Hiring a information is an effective possibility (and now the one possibility) for security and it is rather necessary to look for indicators of altitude-associated illness.
But the Everest basecamp trek isn’t almost as harmful as climbing to the summit of Mt Everest. In 2019, 11 individuals died whereas making an attempt to summit Mount Everest.
The village of Lukla is situated at a excessive elevation so you’ll really feel the consequences of the skinny air as quickly as you land. The elevation of Lukla, Nepal is 2869 meters (9,350 ft). We had been wanting breath and already feeling fatigued upon touchdown. So as an alternative of instantly beginning our trek, we had a scorching breakfast at one of many many eating places in Lukla.
Travel Insurance for Everest Trek
We at all times journey with journey insurance coverage on our travels, however mountaineering to Everest Base Camp is not going to be coated by common insurance coverage suppliers. It is very advisable to get supplemental complete journey insurance coverage that gives journey cancellation insurance coverage, and medical evacuation insurance coverage.
Medjet is an effective possibility for medical evacuation insurance coverage and is an effective addition to your common journey insurance coverage. There is a really actual chance of altitude illness and we knew of two folks that wanted helicopter rescues throughout our trek.
World Nomads affords particular Everest Base Camp Insurance. You can examine them out to get a quote. I might counsel a mixture of World Nomads journey insurance coverage and Medjet medical evacuation insurance coverage. Regardless of what journey insurance coverage you select, be sure you name them on to ask for particular recommendation about trekking to Everest Base Camp.
For a visit like Everest Base Camp, you’ll want to be sure to have journey interruption and journey cancellation insurance coverage in addition to misplaced baggage. This is a visit of a lifetime, so ensure you have a backup plan.
Can you Trek Independently to Everest Base Camp?
Starting April 1, 2023, Nepal has banned solo trekking. Foreigners should rent a information for treks in excessive-altitude trekking areas of nationwide parks. According to the Kathmandu Post in March, “solo or independent trekkers have to mandatorily hire a guide or a porter before setting off to Nepal’s mountains.” However, after an up to date article within the Kathmandu Post, it appears that evidently the Everest Region is an exception. Before reserving, we might examine with native corporations and authorities as guidelines are always altering.
Regardless, we cherished hiring an area information to make oure expertise richer, to help the native economic system and to really feel safer hello
Our all-inclusive Everest Base Camp Trek by the Simrik Real Nepal included return Flights from Lukla, meals, lodging, guiding, and all permits and paperwork.
We didn’t have to go looking for lodging on the finish of every day of trekking
We had English-speaking guides and a porter.
We had our personal room, however it’s also possible to share rooms on the EBC Trek
We by no means nervous about the price of meals. They had been all pay as you go.
And our information (Dipendra) and porter had been a part of the package deal for the journey.
Costs for Everest Base Camp Trek
Prices can fluctuate enormously for trekking to Everest Base Camp. You can contact Simrik Real Nepal for updated costs.
Booking with a global company can value from $1800 – $5000 USD
Booking with an area company and be wherever from $1400 – $2500
When is the Best time to Trek to Base Camp?
The excessive season for treks is April to May and October to November. We climbed in early March and felt that it was the proper time of the yr. The climate was lovely, the skies had been clear and the official climbing season hadn’t picked up but. So we had a whole lot of the mountain to ourselves. We had heard tales of how busy the path is, however at the moment of yr, it was fairly abandoned.
But every week and a half after our trek began as we made our means again to Lukla, it was already busier. We noticed a whole lot of events climbing up and the path was getting congested. I can solely think about how packed the paths are through the excessive season.
What to Pack For Your Everest Base Camp Trek
Layering is extraordinarily necessary when trekking to Everest Base Camp. This is a fast information for clothes however we wrote a whole packing information for base camp right here.
Make positive to have a day pack to hold the necessary gadgets and layers that you will want for your day of trekking for the complete trek. Your porter will carry every little thing else.
2 fast drying lengthy sleeved base layer shirts
2 trekking shirts brief sleeve
2 Thermal Base Layer – 2 leggings/2shirts
2 liner socks
3 pairs of woolen mix trekking socks
2 pairs of trekking pants with zip-off bottoms
2 fleece sweaters – one light-weight, one heavier
Outer windproof jacket and pants
2 water bottles to fill frequently
Steripen or Lifestraw – that is nice for purifying water
Portable USB Charger
Basic First Aid Kit – A primary help equipment is necessary to have however your information, they are going to have one as effectively.
Warm sleeping bag. If you don’t have a sleeping bag rated to beneath zero, we suggest renting one out of your guding firm.
Treats and Medication
Tang – I used to be glad we packed Tang for our water. It made it style higher, conserving us effectively-hydrated. We didn’t actually wish to drink simply water, however the Tang (which we purchased in Kathmandu) was truly scrumptious. Gatorade or one other electrolyte-replenishing drink is a good concept.
Diamox – (You can purchase this in Kathmandu with out a prescription) I extremely suggest utilizing Diamox tablets for altitude illness as effectively. We met so many individuals affected by complications, dizziness, and fatigue they usually weren’t taking something. We’ve at all times used Diamox when climbing to altitude and it has labored superbly for us.
Chocolate – When we had been feeling unwell, we had been blissful to have chocolate to eat. It was the one factor that we might eat at instances.
How to Get Fresh Water on An Everest Trek
We suggest two refillable water bottles per particular person that may be refilled alongside the way in which. You can refill wherever for free alongside the Everest Base Camp route, however ensure you have a SteriPen or another type of water purification with you. We love the SteriPen for purifying water, see our overview right here.
You may use the LifeStraw or water purification tablets, however as soon as we found the SteriPen, we by no means went again. See our full Packing a Travel First Aid Kit right here
Do You Need Climbing Experience for Everest Base Camp Trek?
There isn’t any want for any technical climbing expertise to make it to Everest Base Camp. If you might be comparatively match, it is rather doable. But it’s a full two weeks at a sustained altitude of over 4000 meters.
We didn’t prepare for our Everest Base Camp Trek however we had been to altitude earlier than and had spent a whole lot of time backpacking main as much as the months prior. It’s good to know the way your physique reacts to altitude. We prompt doing a few treks above 3000 meters (9000 ft) to see how your physique reacts.
Hot Tips for Trekking to EBC
Keep your digicam batteries near your physique when not in use. The chilly and altitude actually eat up battery life, so you’ll want to hold them heat for so long as you possibly can.
Bring USD, ATM Fees are excessive and you might be restricted to the quantities you possibly can take out of the ATM, so have ISD to trade as an alternative.
Pack handi wipes and Gold Bond Powder – it’s a lifesaver when you possibly can’t get scorching showers.
See our Full checklist of Everest Base Camp Tips right here.
How to Get to Everest Base Camp
There are every day Flights to Kathmandu International Airport from worldwide hubs world wide.
Flights to Lukla not depart from Tribhuvan International Airport (Kathmandu Airport) in Kathmandu attributable to congestion. Flights are actually out of Ramechap airport which is a 4 1/2 hour drive from Kathmandu. You can e-book personal helicopters from Tribhuvan International Airport.
The Flight from Ramechap airport is way shorter than the flight from Tribhuvan International Airport. Flights to Lukla are solely 12 minutes so extra Flights can get by when the climate is evident making flights much less prone to be canceled or delayed for too lengthy.
Where to Book Your Everest Base Camp Trek
We booked our trek in Kathmandu with Local Guide Dipendra of Simrik Real Nepal. If you’re looking for an area information he is a wonderful alternative with almost 20 years of expertise within the mighty Himalayas.
Prices for the Everest base camp trek value can fluctuate relying on the place you e-book. Group excursions booked in North America will cost extra. Ranging from $1500 – $5000 USD
You can save some huge cash by reserving an area information as you’ll minimize out the intermediary costs. Having an area information tell us our cash was going on to the Nepal economic system. Check with Simrik Real Nepal for present costs.
How Much to Tip Guides and Porters for an EBC Trek
Guides and porters in Nepal don’t make some huge cash and depend on tipping. When we take excursions of any variety, we (ourselves) tip 15% – 20% however that is part of our tradition in North America, we’re fairly giant tippers and notice that others aren’t snug with that. We’ve performed a whole lot of analysis and passed by what our tour corporations have prompt on different suggestions, what we really feel is a good tip and what the common is throughout the web.
For tipping in Nepal we’ve got damaged down the price for a information and porter.
Guide – Tipping – 10% – 15% of the full value of the journey. We discover this the best to determine. If you paid $2000 for your trek, the lead information ought to obtain $200 – $300
Guide per day – Some counsel $10 – $15 per day per particular person for guides – For a 14 day trek meaning you’d tip your information $140 – $210.
Porters per day – $5 – $10 per day per particular person for porters. – $70 – $140 for your porter.
We like to begin at 15% of the full value of our journeys to provide to the guides after which pay the porters a every day price of $10.
If you possibly can afford to trek to Everest Base Camp, you must be capable of tip your guides and porters who’ve labored so onerous accordingly.
Daily Life within the Everest Region of Nepal
While trekking to Everest we handed by many picturesque villages. The individuals are pleasant and life goes on as it will in any neighborhood in Nepal. People do effectively within the Khumbu Region they usually respect the excursions passing by as a result of the vacationers are what hold them going.
There is electrical energy from the water that they harness from the Imja Khola River and Dudh Kosi River; two rivers that run by the trek. They even have solar energy for electrical energy as effectively. There are colleges, contemporary working water, televisions, a well being clinic, and bars.
That is to not say that life is all roses. It is a distant area of Nepal and it’s tough to get any provides in. Food and tools should be carried into villages on foot. Porters carry heavy hundreds on their backs and ladies and youngsters additionally do the heavy lifting. Everything must be carted in by hand or by animals. Check out our suggestions for climbing to Base Camp
Frequently Asked Questions
The Everest base camp trek takes 12 – 14 days to climb together with two acclimatization days. Treks might be performed in 11 days and it’s not unusual for journeys to take 15 days to permit for extra acclimatization.
Trekking to Everest Base Camp requires good health. You spend a number of days at a sustained altitude of greater than 4000 meters (16,404 ft). Altitude illness is a real chance, you will need to take your time, keep hydrated, and hearken to your physique.
That is up within the air. As of April 1, 2023 the federal government states that each one excessive altititude treks require a information, however then after some backlash, they made an exception for the Everest area. However, we extremely suggest hiring guides and porters. You can trek the area your self carrying your personal packs and equipment, however you’ve got a a lot better probability of constructing to base camp (and having fun with the expertise) when you rent guides.
And that could be a day-by-day breakdown of our expertise on the Mount Everest Base Camp Trek. If you propose forward and perceive what to anticipate on the EBC Trek, you may be positive to have an incredible journey.
It’s an expertise we’ll always remember and extremely suggest it to everybody. The Himalayan Mountains are essentially the most lovely and non secular place on earth and this journey will change your life.
Read More about journey to Nepal and issues to do in Kathmandu earlier than your trek
Dal Bhat {photograph} courtesy of Wikimedia – I don’t know why we by no means took a photograph of our Dal Bhat. We ate it almost day-after-day whereas trekking to Everest Base Camp. You’ll both study to adore it or despise it.
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