A Complete Guide To Everest Base Camp Trek
A Complete Guide To Everest Base Camp Trek
Everest Base Camp trek is one of the most popular treks in Nepal and perhaps in the world. It is a dream for many around the world to view Everest, the highest peak in the world with their own eyes. And standing at the foot of Everest and surrounded by the mighty Himalayas stirs the soul of every adventurist out there.
If the Everest Base Camp trek is on your bucket list in 2022, this complete guide to the challenging but rewarding trek will help you a lot.
The Everest Base Camp trek is a place one must visit at least once in their lifetime. Entering the land of Everest is akin to experiencing heaven on earth.
Everest Base Camp Trek Highlight
- Standing at the foot of the mighty Mt. Everest, the highest peak in the world
- Visiting Kalapatthar to see the panoramic view of Mt. Everest, Lhotse, and the surrounding Himalayas
- Culture and Tradition of Sherpa people of Khumbu Valley
- Flora and Fauna of the upper Himalayan region of Sagarmatha National Park
- Fly from Kathmandu to Lukla airport, one of the highest airports in the world
Everest Base Camp Trek Weather
The weather in the upper Himalayan region of Nepal is unpredictable. It doesn’t take time for the weather to change drastically. One minute it is warm, the next, it gets really cold.
But in the case of Everest Base Camp, the days are warm depending upon the season you are trekking at. The summer is not so hot. The temperature reaches up to 24 degrees Celsius, but at night it may also go down to – 20 degrees the same day. So, it is best to trek EBC in Nepal’s autumn and spring seasons.
For the weather updates of the EBC region, you can contact your travel partner and also search over the internet too.
Best Season/Time to Everest Base Camp Trek
The best time for Everest Base Camp Trekking is Late Sep-Nov and Feb-May. During this period, the temperature over the Everest region will be moderate; not too hot, and not too cold.
Everest Base Camp Trek Map/Route
This is a complete 14-day Everest Base Camp Trek Map. Everest Base Camp Trekking starts from Lukla to Kalapatthar and then back to Namche Bazar. Along the trekking trail, you will witness the beauty and purity of the upper Everest region. It is a dreamy landscape, like something out of a fairytale.
Everest Base Camp Trek Itinerary
Day 1: Domestic airport departure transfer. Flight to Lukla, trek to Phakding
Day 2: Trek from Phakding to Namche Bazaar
Day 3: Acclimatization day – hike to Syangboche
Day 4: Trek from Namche Bazaar to Tengboche
Day 5: Trek from Tengboche to Dingboche
Day 6: Acclimatization day
Day 7: Trek from Dingboche to Lobuche
Day 8: Trek from Lobuche to Everest Base Camp and return to Gorakshep
Day 9: Trek from Lobuche to Everest Base Camp and return to Gorakshep
Day 10: Trek from Pheriche to Kenjuma
Day 11: Trek from Kenjuma to Monjo
Day 12: Trek from Monjo to Lukla
Day 13: Flight from Lukla to Kathmandu. Transfer to Hotel
What is the highest altitude of Everest Base Camp Trek?
The altitude of Everest Base Camp is 5,364 meters. However, if you trek up to Kalapatthar whose altitude is 5,644 m, you can see the magnificent view of Everest, Lhotse, and the surrounding Himalayas.
Everest Base Camp Trek Accommodation
As Everest Base Camp is the most popular trekking destination in Nepal, there is a number of tea houses, lodges, and hotels. Depending upon the budget and need, you can choose one from the plenty of available options.
Accommodation at Tea houses in EBC Trek
There are plenty of tea houses in the Everest Base Camp region. Most of them contain modern amenities, especially in the lower Everest region, such as electricity, a western toilet, wi-fi, and a hot shower. However, some of the tea houses in the upper part of the Everest region only have basic services.
Staying in the tea houses in the Everest Region is the best opportunity that you should not miss. They are cozy and comfortable for sure, but a stay there is also a chance to witness the daily lifestyle of the local Sherpa people.
Tea houses have single rooms with twin beds and a small table. Toilets are usually either western-style (lower region) or squat-style (upper region). Most tea houses won’t provide toilet paper rolls, so it is better to carry some yourself.
Accommodation on Hotel
The lower part of the Everest region is swamped with tea houses, lodges, and even luxury hotels. if you are trekking with a bigger budget, then you will get comfortable luxury lodges and hotels with attached bathrooms and hot showers.
Mt. Ama Dablam, Everest Base Camp Region,
How to reach Everest Base Camp?
There are various Everest Base Camp Trek routes.
1. Flight from Kathmandu to Lukla
This one is the most popular and follows the main trekking route to EBC. The 30min scenic flight from Kathmandu takes you to the land of Everest. After landing at the Lukla airport, your actual trek starts.
2. Phaplu Everest Base Camp Trek
This is an alternate Everest Base Camp Trek route. There is a 30 min flight to Phaplu from Kathmandu or a 7-8 hours drive from Kathmandu that takes you to the beautiful village of Phaplu. This is considered a safer route to EBC as a flight to Lukla is risky. After landing in Phaplu, you start hiking towards Nunthula, Bupsa and finally reach Phakding where the regular EBC trek trail begins. If you follow this itinerary, you must add a few days to your 14 days standard Everest Base Camp trek itinerary.
3. Jiri to Everest Base Camp Trek
Jiri to Everest Base Camp is the traditional route to EBC followed by Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay Sherpa in the 1950s for their Mount Everest Expedition. It takes a 7-8 hours drive to reach Jiri from Kathmandu. Usually, you need to add 5-6 days extra in your 14 days standard EBC trek. One thing is true, though the trek to EBC from Jiri is lengthy and challenging you will surely explore more of the hidden paradise that Nepal offers
4. Helicopter ride of Everest Base Camp
If you do not have time and physical fitness for the EBC trek, then there is a helicopter ride of Everest Base Camp from Kathmandu to Lukla to Kalapatthar and back to Kathmandu. This helicopter ride to EBC offers a pristine view of the mighty Everest and the surrounding Himalayas. You can also see the amazing Khumbu Glacier too.
How difficult is Everest Base Camp Trek?
Compared to other Nepal treks, the Everest Base Camp trek is not as difficult as one might think. The primary concern we should care about is the altitude. It lies above 5000m, and symptoms of altitude sickness are usually seen from more than 2,500m above sea level. So, make sure to have proper acclimatization days in your EBC trek itinerary. And also always aim for a gradual pace of ascent that will ensure your body slowly gets used to the altitude.
Can I trek Everest Base Camp independently or without a guide / support?
Yes. You can trek to EBC solo or independently without a guide. But it is better to take a guide as it is a multi-day high-altitude trek. When managed by travel agents or guides, you do not have to worry about the logistics, flights, accommodation, and other hindrances.