Where else in this earth is so serene and superlative than the Everest? Yes, everything seems dwarfed in front of the towering mountain. Conquering it may not be possible for everyone. However, it is possible to reach its foothill. The journey to the base camp of the world’s tallest mountain Mt. Everest is one of the ultimate walking adventures that you must make at least once in a lifetime. Thousands of trekkers walk on this trail every year. Therefore, today’s blog is about the Everest Base Camp Trek: Complete Itinerary, Cost & Preparation Guide which can be helpful for you to plan for a hassle free journey.
This blogger is eager to share some insights about the Everest Base Camp Trek in Nepal. It is an immense pleasure to write about the journey to the home of national identity and national pride. For years, the mountain has been the face of this tiny nation but with huge reputation of being the nation of the superlative mountains of the world. Apart from the mountains, the region is also the home of Sherpa community. These people are renowned across the globe for their mountaineering prowess. Therefore, the Everest Base Camp Trek is not only the Himalayan adventure but also the journey into the hearts of Sherpa people.
You need authentic information about the Everest Base Camp Trek: Complete Itinerary, Cost & Preparation Guide for a successful trekking. Understanding the terrain, risks, costs, and preparation help trekkers to avoid unnecessary hassles paving way for a momentous walking holiday. Therefore, today’s blog is important even if it covers itinerary, cost, and preparation guide only. You can always contact the travel planners of the Nepal Trekking Rangers or this blogger to talk about trekking in Nepal.
Now, let’s talk in detail about the Everest Base Camp Trek:
Highlights of Everest Base Camp Trek
Before we go deeper, let’s know about the highlights of the Everest Base Camp Trek in Nepal:
Base Camp of the world’s tallest mountains like Lhotse and Everest
Diverse Landscapes (Glaciers, Rivers, Moraines, Valleys, Waterfalls, Lakes, Hills, etc.)
Over 2 dozen mountain vistas
Monasteries, Mane Walls, Chortens
Sagarmatha National Park
Sherpa Villages
Lukla Airport (World’s Most Extreme Airport)
Suspension Bridges and Diverse vegetation (Deciduous – Alpine – Tundra)
Everest Base Camp Trek: Complete Itinerary, Cost & Preparation Guide
Note down that the Everest Base Camp Trek starts from Lukla which is the common trailhead for ages. The classical Everest Base Camp Trek used to start from Jiri before the construction of the airport. The Tenzing Hillary Airport in Lukla is the lifeline of the Khumbu region and the face of the EBC Trek changed ever since the airport was built. So, contemporary trail head of the Everest Base Camp Trek in Nepal is Lukla.
Flights to Lukla
The trip starts off with the adventurous flight to Lukla which is one of the world’s most extreme airports. The shorter runway and tricky geographical terrain make it adventurous to land or take off from the airport. In addition, the weather around the airport is always unpredictable making the flight delays and cancellations obvious. You should note down that the flight to Lukla may not happen from Kathmandu always. In order to avoid the peak hours and use the limited flying window, authorities have started to operate flight from Manthali Airport, Ramechhap during the peak spring and autumn season.
Road to Lukla from Kathmandu
Good news to all the travellers who are looking forward to do the Everest Base Camp Trek in Nepal. The track has opened for road to Lukla. Nowadays, during the dry season, you can take on a jeep to Surke Village via Bupsa. The last road connected village of Surke is about 2 hours from Lukla and is about 4 hours from Phakding. The road is still in construction phase. So, expect bumpy ride and it takes about 5 to 7 hours to reach Surke Village from Phaplu or Salleri.
Lukla to Everest Base Camp
As mentioned above, the journey to the Everest Base Camp (5364 m) starts from Lukla. You can meet the local crew members in this town and start the journey. The first permit is purchased in the starting point of the trek. It is the Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality entry permit which costs NRs. 3000 for foreigners and NRs. 1500 for SAARC nationals. The first day’s trail is until Phakding which is also crucial for acclimatization purpose as trekkers walk from 2800 m to 2600 m. On the way to Namche Bazaar, trekkers enter the Sagarmatha National Park by purchasing the entry permit in the similar price of the municipality entry permit. Here is an itinerary for Everest Base Camp Trek bellow.
Days | Activity | Elevation | Time Duration |
01 | Arrival at Kathmandu | 1320m | —-- |
02 | Fly to Lukla (or drive to Ramechhap and fly) and trek to Phakding | Lukla (2846 m), Phakding (2620 m) | 25-minute flight + 3-hour trek |
03 | Trek to Namche Bazaar | 3440m | 6-7 hours |
04 | Acclimatization Day: Syangboche, Everest View Hotel, Khumjung, return to Namche | Syangboche (3780 m), Everest View Hotel (3880 m), Khumjung (3790 m) | 5-6 hours |
05 | Trek to Tengboche | Tengboche (3860 m) | Approx. 5 hours |
06 | Trek to Dingboche | Dingboche (4410 m) | Approx. 5 hours |
07 | Acclimatization Day: Nakartsang View Point (5083 m) | Nakartsang View Point (5083 m) | 5-6 hours (up and down) |
08 | Trek to Lobuche | Labuche (4940 m) | Approx. 5 hours |
09 | Trek to Gorak Shep, visit Everest Base Camp | Gorakshep (5140 m), EBC (5364 m) | 3 hours trek to Gorak Shep + 4 hours to EBC and back |
10 | Trek to Phiriche, early morning visit to Kala Patthar | Kala Patthar (5644 m), Phiriche (4371 m) | 4 hours (Kala Patthar) + 7-8 hours trek to Phiriche |
11 | Trek to Namche | Namche (3440 m) | Approx. 7 hours |
12 | Trek to Lukla | Lukla (2846 m) | Approx. 7-8 hours |
13 | Fly back to Kathmandu or drive back from Ramechhap | Kathmandu (1320 m) | 25-minute flight or 5-6 hours drive |
14 | Departure from Kathmandu | Kathmandu (1320 m) | —--- |
Acclimatization in Namche Bazaar
Namche Bazaar is a lifeline of the Khumbu region and any kinds of trekking or peak climbing activities in the region. At an altitude of 3440 m above sea level, the town is at the crossroads of the famous trekking trips of the region besides the Everest Base Camp Trek. It is truly the heart of Khumbu where the famous trails like the Everest Three High Passes Trek and Gokyo Lake Trek converge. Therefore, it is always bustling with the locals, guides, porters, and trekkers. It is also the first place for acclimatization activity.
As for the acclimatisation, trekkers walk to the Everest View Hotel (3880 m), Khumjung Village, and surrounding areas. The sight of the mountains ranging from Tabuche to Kwangde looks spectacular. The day is filled by the splendid sight of Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Amadablam, Thamserku, Kusum Kangaru, Kangtega, etc. Acclimatization is utmost necessity especially during the high – altitude trekking trip like the Everest Base Camp Trek. Therefore, this blogger strongly recommends all the trekkers to not miss or skip the activity.
Nagarshan Hill Hike in Dingboche
After Namche Bazaar, trekkers need to spend two nights in the Dingboche Village (4400 m) and they must do the final acclimatisation before Everest Base Camp push. Remember that the village is also the base village for the Everest Three High Passes Trek. On the way to Dingboche, trekkers have to walk through iconic Tengboche Monastery and Pangboche Village. The newly opened Amdadablam Base Camp Trek starts from the Pangboche Village.
Dingboche village is the last densely populated village in the EBC Trail. The final acclimatisation takes place by hiking the Nagarshan Hill (5100 m) from where you get to see the entire Upper Khumbu Valley.
Gorakshep to Everest Base Camp
Beyond Dingboche, trekkers enter the rugged Himalayan belt full of moraine and glaciers. Therefore, you must be meticulous while walking to the Everest Base Camp via Lobuche and Gorakshep. Remember that the Gorakshep village is the final spot to spend overnight during this journey. It is also the place where trekkers rest and get refreshed before pushing to the Everest Base Camp. Trekkers have to trek for about 2 hours to reach the base camp. Relish your time at the foothill of the Mt. Everest. The time at the base camp is purely a surreal experience to gather. No wonder, people from across the globe yearns to be in this place.
Sunrise from Kalapathar
Another highlight of the Everest Base Camp Trek is the sunrise experiences from Kalapathar (5545 m). Rejoice the sun shining over the towering mountains making it golden. The sight of the Mahalangur Himalayan range including the Mt. Everest looks spectacular from the top. Lots of trekking experts and locals claim that the top of the Kalapathar is the best vantage point of the Everest Trekking trail.
Total Trekking Distance of the Everest Base Camp Trek
The Everest Base Camp Trek distance from Lukla to Everest Base Camp is about 65 kilometers. The total trekking distance of the Everest Base Camp Trek is about 130 kilometers if side trips are not done.
Average Cost of Everest Base Camp Trek in Nepal
Normally, the cost of the Everest Base Camp Trek starts from 1200 $ which has basic services included in the trekking package. Please note that there are many ways to do the EBC Trek. If you wish to increase the success rate then you can book the Everest Base Camp Trek with more acclimatisation package. It is suited to elderly citizens too which can cost higher. Interestingly, you can also do the luxury Everest Base Camp Trek using the services of the luxury mountain lodges along the way.
If you purchase the package, you don’t have to worry about the accommodation, transportation, guide/porter salary, meals, permits, etc. during the trek. However, you may have to spend extra on internet services, hot showers, shopping, tips, battery charge, etc. The normal costs of the accommodation starts from 5 $ to 15 $ and the meals cost per day ranges from 35 $ to 50 $.
How to Prepare for Everest Base Camp Trek in Nepal?
Make sure that you are prepared fully before the trek. Gather as much information as possible before the trek. Contact the reliable trekking company and book the trek package after consultation with the travel planners. Build up the physical fitness level and cardio – vascular abilities in such a way that you feel comfortable to walk 6 to 7 hours a day in an average for weeks in the higher elevation places above 2800 m to 5545 m. Get the travel insurance that covers the emergency helicopter rescues. Pack the essentials for the trek.
I hope that the blog about the Everest Base Camp Trek: Complete Itinerary, Cost & Preparation Guide has helped you to plan for the trip. If you wish to know more, then feel free to contact the travel planners or bloggers of the Nepal Trekking Rangers.
