12 Days Everest Base Camp Trek Everest Base Camp Trek: An Iconic Himalayan Adventure

Imagine waking up to a breathtaking sunrise that greets you right outside your mountain window. That’s how your day will begin on this unforgettable trek. You’ll freshen up and then head to breakfast,, where a delightful spread of warm bread, eggs, freshly brewed tea, coffee, and cereals awaits, all set against the stunning backdrop of the surrounding vistas.

Your trek will typically kick off between 7 to 8 AM. The goal? To reach your next scenic stop before nightfall. The journey will involve an average of 5 to 6 hours of walking each day. You’ll be encouraged to take it slow and steady—this adventure is yours to enjoy at your own pace. Don’t forget to pack some snacks to savor during brief rests on the trail.

Come midday, you’ll take a well-deserved break at one of the local teahouses where lunch options may vary. Sometimes, you’ll get to choose your meal; other times, you’ll enjoy the hearty, pre-set local dishes—always nutritious and energizing, specially designed to sustain your high-altitude adventure.

After a day’s walk, you will unwind in a cozy teahouse or hotel. If you feel peckish, you can snack lightly, then savor a delicious dinner, choosing from a variety of dishes available up to Dingboche. It’s essential to rest well and acclimatize. Evenings offer a chance to mingle with fellow trekkers and climbers. While teahouses provide warm blankets, you may also use a sleeping bag for added comfort. You will spend your evening playing board games and cards or engaging in other relaxing activities.

• Be prepared for the possibility of your flight being diverted to Ramechhap, which is about a four-hour drive from Kathmandu.

• Since flights can get canceled or delayed due to bad weather, it’s a good idea to have a buffer of 2-3 extra days in your schedule.

• If you decide to take a helicopter instead of a flight, be aware that you’ll need to pay extra for the fare.

• Keep in mind that airlines to Lukla Airport have a luggage limit of 15kg, so pack smartly.

• At hotels or teahouses along the trek, you might need to pay a bit extra for hot water or to charge your electronics.

• You can buy a Wi-Fi card in Lukla or Namche Bazaar for around $25-$30, which gives you 10GB-20GB of data valid for 30 days. However, the Wi-Fi speed can vary depending on the weather and location.

• The weather in the Himalayas is unpredictable, so stay flexible and enjoy the adventure.

• Always communicate openly with your guide about how you’re feeling physically. It’s important to listen to your body and take breaks when needed.

• Drones are not allowed without special permits due to the number of helicopters in the area.

• And lastly, make sure you have travel insurance that covers your trek. It’s always better to be safe than sorry!

Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit:

Cost: NPR 3,000 (approximately USD 30) for foreign nationals.
Where to Get It: You can obtain this permit in Kathmandu at the Nepal Tourism Board office or at the entrance gate of Sagarmatha National Park in Monjo.

Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Entrance Permit:

Cost: NPR 2,000 (approximately USD 20) for foreign nationals.
Where to Get It: This permit can be obtained in Lukla.

Trekking Information Management System (TIMS) Card:

Cost: USD 20 for individual trekkers; USD 10 if you’re trekking with a guide through Tidy Himalaya.
Where to Get It: The TIMS card can be obtained from the Nepal Tourism Board office in Kathmandu or Pokhara. However, we provide you that.

Required Documents:

• Passport-Sized Photos: Please bring at least two passport-sized photos for your permits.
• Copy of Passport: A photocopy of your passport’s main page.
• Insurance: A copy of your travel insurance policy, which should cover high-altitude trekking and emergency evacuation.

Learn more with our full guide on Nepal Trekking Permit

Tourist Visa:
All visitors to Nepal must obtain a tourist visa. You can easily get your visa upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu or at land border crossings. Alternatively, you can apply for a visa at Nepalese embassies and consulates abroad.

Visa Fees:
15 days: USD 30
30 days: USD 50
90 days: USD 125

Ensure that your passport is valid for at least six months from the date of entry.

• Two Passport-Sized Photos (2×2 inch): These photos are necessary for various permits required for trekking in the Himalayas, including the trekking permit and national park permits. Make sure they are recent and clearly show your face.
• A Copy of Your International Flight Ticket: Providing a copy of your flight ticket helps our team track your arrival and departure dates. This ensures that transfers and accommodations are perfectly timed to your itinerary, making your travel experience seamless.
• A Copy of Your Travel Insurance: It’s essential to have travel insurance that covers high-altitude trekking up to 6,000 meters. The insurance should cover various aspects of your journey, including medical emergencies and helicopter evacuation, if necessary. Providing a copy to our staff ensures that in the event of an emergency, all necessary information is readily accessible to facilitate swift action.

Please have these documents prepared and ready to hand over to our office staff upon your arrival in Kathmandu. This will help us promptly finalize your trekking permits and other logistical details.

The best times to trek to Everest Base Camp are during the autumn (mid-September to November) and spring (March to early June). The trek to Everest Base Camp is possible year-round, and we can organize it according to your schedule. However, each season comes with its own challenges and benefits. The peak seasons offer the most favorable weather conditions, with clear skies and moderate temperatures, making the trek more enjoyable and the views spectacular.  We generally suggest avoiding the monsoon season (July and August) because the heavy rains can make the trails slippery and muddy, and the clouds often obscure the stunning mountain views.

And, trekking in the cold months of January and February is possible, but temperatures can be quite harsh in the mountains. However, if you are well-prepared with appropriate winter wear and other gear, you might prefer this time for trekking since it is less crowded.

We provide excellent accommodation at the available guesthouses/teahouses along the trek. These places offer clean and warm blankets, ensuring your comfort is not compromised. Above Dingboche, the accommodation facilities are limited, but we assure you of the best available in the area. Our years of experience and contacts in the region ensure that you will have the best possible accommodation.

In places like Namche and Tengboche, you can have a variety of food choices. However, we focus on providing you with nutritious alpine dishes that fuel your body for the trek. Breakfast and dinners are usually provided at your accommodation, while lunch can be enjoyed at one of the teahouses on the trail. Teahouses/hotels offer a range of cuisines including Asian, Continental, and others. While we cannot guarantee that you will always get your preferred taste, we ensure that the food is nourishing and energy-rich for your journey.

We offer a skilled team of Guides, Sherpas, and Porters who are excellent communicators and engaging companions. They treat everyone equally and are adept at handling crises and challenging situations. Your belongings will be in safe hands with our responsible porters. Depending on the size of your group, we provide the appropriate number of guides to ensure you receive personal attention and encouragement while respecting your individual strengths and need for space. Our experienced team is dedicated to fulfilling all your trip requirements. Remember that porters have a weight limit of 20 kg, so we recommend packing light.

Lukla Airport , also called Tenzing Hillary Airplane terminal, is one of the world’s most unsafe air terminals. At 2,840 meters tall, it serves as the section and exit point for Everest locale treks using flight. In any case, there have been a few operational changes, including flights from Ramechhap/Manthali air terminal at times.

Lukla flight from Ramechhap/Manthali Airport – Ramechhap/Manthali Air Terminal is in Nepal’s Terai locale, approximately a 5—to 6-hour drive from Kathmandu. From there, you’ll have a 20-minute flight to Lukla. In peak months such as March, April, May, October, and November, Lukla flights are diverted to Ramechhap/Manthali (474 m) due to the expanded discussed traffic.

Lukla flight from Kathmandu Airport – Similarly, in months like January, February, June, July, Eminent, September, and December, Lukla flights begin from Kathmandu, which takes you almost 35 minutes to reach Lukla. It is imperative to get that the choice concerning the operation of Lukla flights is totally up to the aircraft and is impacted by the number of travelers each month. Therefore, unfavorable climate, air terminal clogs, runway issues, and geological challenges frequently lead to flight delays or cancellations to Lukla. To account for this, it’s suggested that you add an additional day or two to your Everest Trekking arrangement. This buffer time can be profitable in case of flight disturbances, guaranteeing you capture your planned universal flight back domestically.

Baggage Allowances in Lukla Flight

Please remember that the most significant weight permitted for the Lukla flight is 15 kg (around 33 pounds), which incorporates both your duffel bag and daypack. If your daypack is heavier than this constraint, you’ll need to pay an additional expense of USD 2 to USD 5 for each kilogram over the limit. However, sometimes, with the additional installment, you might not be permitted to add more weight. It’s best to stay within the 15 kg constraint when pressing to avoid any issues.

Flying to Lukla can be very exciting, but it can also be tricky because of the difficult terrain and unpredictable weather. Lukla Airport doesn’t have the advanced technology that many other airports have to help planes land safely in bad weather. This, combined with the high altitude and mountains around the airport, makes flying there challenging.

Because of these challenges, flights to Lukla are often delayed or canceled, especially when the weather is bad. If you’re planning to trek in the Everest region, it’s a good idea to add an extra 1 or 2 days to your itinerary to account for these possible delays. This way, if your flight is delayed, you’ll have some extra time to wait for the next available flight or to take a helicopter, which is sometimes a faster option. Keep in mind that taking a helicopter will cost extra, but you’ll usually get a refund for your original flight.

The 14 Days Everest Base Camp Trek package costs you from $1,490. While the package cost covers most of your trek, personal expenses can vary depending on individual needs and preferences. Here’s an estimate of personal spending:

Estimated Cost: USD 200-300

• Snacks and drinks along the trek
• Hot showers (available at some teahouses for a small fee)
• Wi-Fi and battery charging (available at some teahouses for a small fee)
• Tips for guides and porters (recommended amount is around 10% of the package cost)

Optional Costs:

Helicopter Flight from Lukla to Kathmandu Cost: USD 550 per person (on a sharing basis with five people)

Choosing Tidy Himalaya as your trekking partner offers a range of compelling benefits that make your journey to the Himalayas not just memorable but also comfortable, safe, and enriching:

1. Expert Local Knowledge: Tidy Himalaya is staffed by local experts who intimately know the region’s terrain, culture, and history. Our guides and support staff are all locals, familiar with every aspect of the Himalayan trails, weather conditions, and safety measures, ensuring you have a rich and authentic experience.

2. Safety First Approach: We prioritize your safety above all else. All our guides are trained in first aid and acute mountain sickness (AMS) awareness and carry essential safety equipment. We meticulously plan our itineraries to include ample time for acclimatization, significantly reducing the risk of altitude sickness.

3. Quality Accommodations and Logistics: Tidy Himalaya has established strong relationships with some of the best guesthouses and lodges in the Everest region. We ensure that after a long day of trekking, you have a comfortable place to rest and recharge. Our logistics team handles all arrangements smoothly, from airport transfers to lodging and meals, allowing you to focus on the trek and enjoy the stunning landscapes worry-free.

4. Small Group Sizes: We keep our trekking groups small to ensure that every trekker receives personalized attention, better acclimatization, and a more intimate group experience. This approach also allows us to minimize our environmental impact on the fragile ecosystems of the Himalayas.

5. Sustainable and Ethical Trekking: Tidy Himalaya is committed to responsible tourism. We practice and promote sustainable trekking by ensuring that our activities do not harm the environment. We also support local communities by hiring locally, sourcing goods and services from local businesses, and engaging in community development projects.

6. Customizable Itineraries: We understand that everyone’s needs and abilities are different. Tidy Himalaya offers customizable itineraries that can be adjusted according to your fitness level, interests, and any other requirements you may have. Whether you are a seasoned trekker or a first-timer, we can tailor a trek that suits your pace and preferences.

7. Comprehensive Pre-Trek Support: From the moment you book with us, you receive comprehensive support to prepare for your trek. This includes detailed pre-departure information, gear lists, fitness preparation tips, and answers to any queries you may have about the trek. We ensure you are fully prepared and confident before you even arrive in Nepal.

Altitude Sickness: Due to the high altitude, one of the most significant risks of trekking to Everest Base Camp is Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS).
Prevention:  Gradual acclimatization, staying hydrated, and taking necessary rest days are essential. Our itineraries are designed with acclimatization days to help reduce this risk.

Weather Conditions: The weather in the Himalayas can be unpredictable and change rapidly, with risks of severe cold, snowstorms, and avalanches, particularly at higher altitudes.
Preparation: Trekking during the recommended seasons (autumn and spring) minimizes these risks. Carrying appropriate gear and clothing for cold and wet weather is crucial.

Physical Fitness:  The trek involves long days of hiking over rough and uneven terrain, which can be physically demanding.
Preparation: Regular cardiovascular and strength training exercises are recommended several months prior to the trek.

Trail Conditions: The trails can be rocky, steep, and narrow, with some sections involving high suspension bridge crossings.
Preparation: Good quality waterproof trekking boots, walking poles, and careful attention to footing can help prevent falls and injuries.

Medical Facilities in Everest Base Camp: Medical facilities are limited.
Preparation: Carry a basic first aid kit and any personal medications. Our guides are trained in first aid and AMS awareness and carry essential medical supplies.

Environmental Hazards: Risks include landslides, falling rocks, and exposure to extreme cold.
Preparation: Staying informed about trail conditions and weather forecasts can help mitigate these risks. Following the guidance of experienced guides is crucial.

Hydration and Nutrition: Dehydration and inadequate nutrition can affect your energy levels and overall health.
Preparation: Drinking plenty of water and eating regular, balanced meals is important. Our package includes nutritious meals to keep you fueled throughout the trek.

Communication and Emergency Evacuation: Limited communication facilities can make it difficult to call for help in emergencies.
Preparation: We provide satellite phones for emergency communication, and our guides are trained to handle emergency situations, including organizing helicopter evacuations if necessary (ensure your insurance covers this).

By trekking with Tidy Himalaya, you’ll benefit from our extensive experience, well-planned itineraries, and trained guides to ensure your safety and enjoyment on the Everest Base Camp trek.

Mountaineering travel insurance is important for covering injuries that can happen while mountaineering. Many regular travel insurance plans don’t cover adventurous activities like mountaineering, so it’s important to check. These special plans often have limits on the highest altitude they cover, so you should make sure it’s high enough for your trek in the Himalayas.

This type of insurance not only covers injuries from mountaineering but also includes benefits like medical evacuation, surgery, and emergency hospital visits.

In Nepal, if you get sick or injured during a serious trek and can’t reach a local hospital, you might need an expensive helicopter rescue. Mountaineering travel insurance can cover this cost. Travel insurance is important for Nepal due to its unique challenges like avalanches, unpredictable weather, and high altitudes. A good policy should cover theft, loss, and medical problems, including ambulance and helicopter evacuations. Having insurance can also help if you lose luggage or need to cancel your trip. Some tour operators now require visitors to have travel insurance. It’s especially important in Nepal to cover the cost of rescue helicopters in case of serious accidents or altitude sickness while trekking.

The Everest Base Camp trek is considered moderately difficult. While it doesn’t require technical climbing skills, it does involve long days of walking at high altitudes, which can be physically demanding. Proper acclimatization and physical fitness are essential for a successful trek.

The 14-day Everest Base Camp trek itinerary typically includes a flight from Kathmandu to Lukla, followed by trekking through various villages and scenic landscapes to reach Everest Base Camp. Before reaching the base camp, the trek usually takes you through places like Namche Bazaar, Tengboche, Dingboche, and Gorak Shep.

Altitude sickness, also known as acute mountain sickness (AMS), is a common risk on the Everest Base Camp trek. The rapid ascent to high altitudes can lead to symptoms such as headaches, nausea, and fatigue. To avoid serious complications, it’s important to acclimatize properly and be aware of the symptoms of AMS.

Some tips for preparing for the Everest Base Camp trek include:

• Training: Build up your fitness level with regular hiking and cardio exercises.
• Gear: Invest in good quality trekking gear, including sturdy hiking boots and warm clothing.
• Altitude acclimatization: Arrive in Nepal a few days before the trek to acclimatize to the altitude.
• Hydration: Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated, especially at higher altitudes.
• Travel insurance: Ensure you have travel insurance that covers trekking and high-altitude activities.

The Everest Base Camp trek offers stunning views of the Himalayan mountains, including Mount Everest, Lhotse, and Nuptse. Other attractions along the trek include the vibrant Sherpa villages, Buddhist monasteries, and the unique culture and traditions of the region.

Yes, you can add extra days to your trekking trip if you wish to spend more time exploring the Everest region or if you need extra time for acclimatization.  Discuss your itinerary with your trekking company to make the necessary arrangements.

Drinking water facilities during the trek are limited, so bringing water purifiers or water purification tablets is advisable to ensure safe drinking water. Bottled water is available for purchase along the trekking route, but it can be expensive and not environmentally friendly. Many trekkers choose to bring their own water bottles and refill them with boiled or purified water, which is provided by teahouses and lodges.

ATM facilities are limited along the trekking route, so it’s advisable to carry enough cash (in Nepalese Rupees) for your trek. Credit cards are not widely accepted, especially in remote areas.

Yes, most teahouses and lodges along the trekking route have charging facilities for a fee. For convenience, it’s advisable to bring a universal adapter and power bank.

Porters are available to carry your luggage during the trek. Hiring a porter is recommended to lighten your load and make the trek more enjoyable.

Shower facilities during the trek are also basic. Most teahouses and lodges offer hot showers for an additional fee. The availability of hot water may be limited, especially at higher altitudes.

Toilet facilities in the higher Himalayan region are basic and may vary. Most teahouses and lodges have squat toilets that are clean but simple. It’s advisable to bring your own toilet paper and hand sanitizer.

Generally, anyone with a reasonable level of fitness and a sense of adventure can go trekking to Everest Base Camp. It’s important to consult with your healthcare provider before embarking on the trek, especially if you have any pre-existing medical conditions.