10th Mar, 2024
Everest Base Camp Trek is the most famous High-altitude and (Adventure) trekking destination in the world, which lies in eastern north Nepal as the world's highest snow peak (8,848.86 m (29,031 ft.) Mt Everest summit from the Nepal Side and the Tibet Side. Spring session and autumn session is the best time to climb Mt Everest and Trek to Base Camp.
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The world's highest snow peak was summited by the Late Sir Tenjing Norgay Sherpa from Nepal and the Late Sir Edmond Hillary from New Zealand on May 29, 1953. It was called the British Expedition Team and led by Mr. John Hunt.
During the expedition, they fixed Base Camp at 5364m Height, since that time, when they marked a significant milestone in the mountaineering Industry. Then it becomes popular in the world as Everest Base Camp Trek.
The Everest Base Camp trek starts from Kathmandu, and 130 km drive to Ramechhap Manthali Airport and it takes approximately 4 hours. Then we must fly a 20 m mountain flight to Lukla Tenzing - Hillary Airport 2860m. Then start trekking to Everest Base Camp via beautiful Sherpa Villages Namche, Tengbuche, Dingbuche, and Gorakshep.
After achieving the dream destination we have other alternative trekking routes, if you have time, and energy explore the more natural beauty of Khumbu Valley (Everest Region). Then you can continue your trek via Chola Pass, Gokyo Valley, and Renjola Pass.
Everest Base Camp Trek Preparation:
The most important thing is Preparation for the Everest Base Camp trek which is given below by separate planning and consideration of various factors. Must read the carefully important note before flying to Nepal for the Everest Base Camp Trek. It will help you How to Complete the Everest Base Camp Trek.
Physical Fitness for Everest Base Camp Trek:
The trekker’s health is most important for this trek because this trek is challenged by high altitude and Geographical structure. Every day we must walk 5/6 hours and approximately 10 km so it demands trekking stamina with good physical fitness. Start needed training like Yoga, Running, Hiking, swimming, and preparing mentally confident can make a successful
Medical Check-up Before Start of Trek:
Go to the Hospital and consult with your doctor and make sure you are healthy, talk about High altitude mountain sickness and how to avoid it. Ask with doctor how to prepare medication obtain any necessary vaccinations and what we do. In case of altitude sickness during the trek.
Everest Base Camp Trek Permits:
We must obtain the Sagarmatha National Park Permit and the Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Entrance Permit. If you book Everest Base Camp Trek through a trek agency then everything’s needed official documents and permits issued by Nepal Unique Treks.
Travel Insurance for Everest Base Camp Trek:
If you traveling to Nepal for high altitude trek you must buy travel insurance including emergency air ambulance and hospital medication, Because during the trek anybody can get altitude sickness, In the mountains only primary Hospitals, and not easy to get there when you need emergency help, That’s why Travel insurance is very important for Everest Base Camp Trek.
Trekking gear packing list for Everest Base Camp Trek:
There is a packing list which is you must bring for the Everest Base Camp Trek Important documents and items
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Valid passport, 2 extra passport-size photos, airline tickets
- Separate photocopies of passport, visa form (easily obtained at Kathmandu airport), proof of insurance
- Dollars, pounds, or Euros in cash for purchasing a Nepalese visa at Kathmandu airport, for paying for restaurants and hotels, for gratuities, and snacks, and purchasing your drinks and gifts
- Credit cards, Bank/ATM/Cash machine cards for withdrawing funds from cash machines (bring a photocopy of your cards), traveler's checks, etc.
Head
- Bandana or head scarf, also useful for dusty conditions
- Warm hat that covers your ears (wool or synthetic)
- Headlamp with extra batteries and bulbs
- Sunglasses with UV protection
- Prescription sunglasses (if required)
Upper Body
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Polypropylene shirts (1 half sleeve and 2 long sleeves)
- Light and expedition-weight thermal tops
- Fleece wind-stopper jacket or pullover
- Waterproof (preferably breathable fabric) shell jacket
- Down vest and/or jacket *
- Gore-Tex jacket with hood, waterproof and breathable
Hands
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1 pair of lightweight poly-liner gloves.
- 1 pair of lightweight wool or fleece gloves
- 1 pair of mittens, consisting of 1 Gore-Tex over mitt matched with a very warm polar-fleece mitt liner (seasonal)
Lower Body
- 1 pair of Hiking shorts
- 1 pair of Hiking trousers
- 1 pair of lightweight thermal bottoms (seasonal)
- 1 pair of fleece or woolen trousers
- 1 pair of waterproof shell pants, breathable fabric
- Non-cotton underwear briefs
Feet
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2 pairs of thin, lightweight inner socks
- 2 pairs of heavy poly or wool socks
- 1 pair of Hiking boots with spare laces (sturdy soles, water resistant, ankle support, “broken in”)
- 1 pair of trainers or running shoes and/or sandals
- Cotton socks (optional)
- Gaiters (winter only), optional, “low” ankle high version
Sleeping
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1 sleeping bag (good to -10 degrees C or 14 degrees F)* we will provide you in Kathmandu bring your own if you need cleaning and if you have
-
Fleece sleeping bag liner (optional)
Rucksack and Travel Bags
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1 medium rucksack (50-70 liters/3000-4500 cubic inches, can be used for an airplane carryon)
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1 large duffel bag * you will get by Nepal's unique
- A small daypack/backpack for carrying your valuables should have good shoulder padding
- Small padlocks for duffel-kit bags
- 2 large waterproof rucksack covers (optional)
Medical
- Small, personal first-aid kit. (simple and light)
- Aspirin, first-aid tape, and plasters (Band-Aids)
- 1 skin-blister repair kit
- Anti-diarrhea pills
- Anti-headache pills
- Cough and/or cold medicine
- Anti-altitude sickness pills: Diamox or Acetylzolamide
- Stomach antibiotic: Ciprofloxacin, etc. Do not bring sleeping pills as they are a respiratory depressant.
- Water purification tablets or water filter
- 1 set of earplugs
- Extra pair of prescription glasses, contact lens supplies
Practical Items
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1 small roll of repair tape, 1 sewing repair kit
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1 cigarette lighter, 1 small box of matches
- 1 compass or GPS(optional)
- 1 alarm clock/watch
- 1 digital camera with extra cards and batteries
- large Ziplocs
- 2 water bottles (1 liter each)
- 1 small folding knife
- Binoculars (optional)
- 4 large, waterproof, disposable rubbish sacks
Toiletries
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1 medium-sized quick-drying towel
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Toothbrush/paste (preferably biodegradable)
- Multi-purpose soap (preferably biodegradable)
- Deodorants
- Nail clippers
- Face and body moisturizer
- Female hygiene products
- Small mirror
Personal Hygiene
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Wet wipes (baby wipes)
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Tissue /toilet roll
- Anti-bacterial hand wash
Extras/Luxuries
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Reading book
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Trail map/guidebook
- Journal and pen
- iPod
- Travel games i.e. chess, backgammon, scrabble, playing cards (to help you pass the time at teahouses and/or camps)
- 1 modest swimsuit
- Binoculars (optional)
- Voltage converter (from 220 to 110)
- Plug adapter (2 round pegs to 2 flat pegs)
- Lightweight pillow case (in case your teahouses provide you with pillows) or use your stuff as a pillow
Everest Base Camp Regular Route:
Drive from Kathmandu to Ramechhap Manthali Airport, 130 km and 4 hours by private vehicle, then flight to Lukla and start Everest Base Camp regular route, passing through Phakding, Namche Bazaar, Tengboche, Dingboche, and Gorak Shep before reaching Everest Base Camp.
Acclimatization for Everest Base Camp Trek:
During the Everest Base Camp Trek, we are Nepal Unique Treks highly recommends Acclimatization in Namche Bazaar and Dingbuchhe village. These two days rest in the trek and Acclimate can avoid altitude sickness.
Trek slowly and drink plenty of water, It can help your body to adjust to the altitude. During the trek every day, you must drink 3-4 liters of water and Stay hydrated. Eat healthy food with high-carb, high-protein meals to fuel your trekking efforts.
Respect Local Culture:
90 % of the Sherpa People and community cover the Khumbu Valley; they follow Tibetan Buddhism and speak the Won language which is similar to the Tibetan Language. Most Sherpa people have won guest houses and 20% do agriculture, Respect the local Sherpa culture and customs. Do not take pictures without permission as it can cause problems when they have sad moments. Learn some basic Nepali words and greet locals with a Happy face.
Environmental Responsibility during the Trek:
The Nepal Government and local Sherpa community are trying to make Everest a clean region so you should follow the rules, and practice the Leave No Trace principles by disposing of waste responsibly and minimizing your environmental impact.
Weather Conditions:
Mountain weather is changeable and unpredictable; we must ready and faced with any type of weather conditions. During the Everest Base Camp Trek, every guest house has internet most of the days you can use mobile internet data and Check weather forecasts regularly,
Emergency Contacts:
At this moment, the Trekking Guide and any supporter are the more responsible people than your family and friends. When you have bad altitude sickness and any type of accident they will take care of you and they can play a good role when you have emergency and unconscious situations.
During the trek carry a list of emergency contacts including your embassy, Family, friends, Travel insurance, and trekking agencies who organized your Everest Base Camp Trek.
How Difficult Everest Base Camp Trek?
If you are planning to do Everest Base Camp Trek you must know about A Complete guide for Everest Base Camp Trek, Also Important to know How Difficult Everest Base Camp Trek is. This trek is moderate in difficulty; you can complete it with an average level of physical fitness and does not require an advanced physical.
Of course, when you are going Everest Base Camp Trek, it might be difficult for your body, Because there are lots of ascending, and descending, Cold Weather, and lower oxygen Levels. That’s why people say it is difficult, but if you follow the guidelines, rules, and regulations, then you will deserve it.
Also, the Everest Base Camp Trek does not necessary mountaineering skills, But it requires a healthy person, mentally strong, and Great Hiking stamina, and we must be well-prepared for trekking gear, like Clothing, food, Medication, and Travel Insurance.
As assistants, we need a responsible, experienced local guide and porters. Those who have major health problems are above 70 years old, and less than 10 years old are not qualified for the Everest Base Camp Trek.
Best time to do Everest Base Camp Trek
Everest Base Camp Trek is the ideal trekking destination. If you want to make the Memorial holiday in your lifetime, you must visit at the right time. The best time to trek in Nepal starts from the middle of September to November (Autumn Session), and (Spring Session) from March to May.
Nepal has four sessions, which are Spring Session, Monsoon Session, Autumn Session, and Winter Session. Among Them, Spring Session and Autumn Session are the best times for Trekking in Nepal.
What is the Special Feature of Everest Base Camp Trek?
The Everest Base Camp Trek's special features are Sherpa culture, Buddhist religion, traditions, Sherpa Hospitality, Kalapathar viewpoint, Challenging terrain, Sagarmatha National Park, Everest Base Camp, Tourist teahouse, and scenic beauty in Himalayan villages.
How to Manage if There Emergency Case?
In The Everest Base Camp Trek there is no road access also there is no facilities Hospital. So, during the trekking, if there are any emergency health problems best way to return is by Helicopter or ride a horse, depending on the problems and situation.
How is the Accommodation during the Everest Base Camp Trek?
Depending on your budget there are many types of accommodation. Lukla, Namche, and Phakding have budget guest houses to luxurious Hotels. Normal guest houses provide you with clean and comfortable twin-sharing private rooms delicious homemade foods, and a private Bathroom including a hot shower, electric hitter, and electric blankets are facilities in Luxuries Hotel.
Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner during the Everest Base Camp Trek
During the Everest Base Camp Trek, we need healthy and energetic foods. That is why the Sherpa communities who work as guesthouse owners are qualified to cook any type of food, also they know well about service and hospitality. But compared to city restaurants they can't decorate, because of the high altitude, and not available needed equipment, and electricity power.
During the Everest Base Camp Trek, they have a similar menu and price. They can provide you with Nepali, Indian, Continental, Italian and Chinese dishes.
What do we eat for Breakfast?
There are many options to choose from for breakfast, but it can vary depending on the accommodation. Usually regular breakfast like a Set Breakfast, Oatmeal/Porridge with fruits, Boiled Eggs, Mixed Omelets, Scrambled eggs, Toast with Butter and Jam, Tibetan breads, Dry Breads with Veg Curry, Pancake, Champa Porridge with butter, and Instant Noodles soup. Order Hot Drinks like a Black Tea, Milk Tea, Coffee, Lemon Tea, Hot chocolate and Ginger lemon Honey. Similar Items available in Every Guest House.
What do we eat for Lunch?
If you are traveling with a group your Trek guide will choose the best foods for all. But if traveling in a small group or as an individual you can choose various types of foods like 1: Dhal Bhat – Khana Set, 2: Tibetan Bread with curry, 3: Sherpa Stew, 4: Sandwiches, 5: Momo (dumplings), 6: Macaroni dishes, 7: Thenduk, 8: Fry Noodles, 9: Thukpa, 10: Pasta, 11: Vegetable curry, 12: Potatoes, 13: Boiled Vegetables, 14: Pizza, etc. And any type of Hot Drinks and Cold drinks are Available.
What do we eat for dinner?
Dinner time starts at 5 pm and finishes at 8 pm, 1 hour before; you must give an order in the kitchen, so they can prepare your food well. Because there are so many people. The foods for dinner vary similar to Lunch.
Electricity, Internet Wi-Fi Facility during the Everest Base Camp Trek?
Every guesthouse has satellite internet Wi-Fi but the connection can be slow and unreliable because due to bad weather like a strong wind, cloudy, rain, and snow can affect Internet service. Also, you can use NCL mobile data.
Lukla Bazar and Namche have enough electricity but after that, every guesthouse uses solar panel electricity, then you have to ask in guesthouse reception, to charge your equipment, and you must pay by hours.
Oxygen Tank for Everest Base Camp Trek?
During the Everest Base Camp Trek, some Nepal trekking agencies and medical professionals recommend carrying supplemental oxygen as a precautionary measure, but in the Everest region, every guest house has oxygen tanks, so we can buy them when we need them for an emergency, Oxygen tank is not allowed to bring by airplane and by helicopter. However, carrying oxygen tanks adds weight and complexity to your trek, and it's not a substitute for proper acclimatization.
Cell phone network during the Everest Base Camp Trek?
Yes, there is cell phone network coverage along Everest Base Camp Trek. But in Phakding, Dingbuche and Lobuche don’t have cellphone reception. Which village doesn't have cellphone reception they do use Satellite phone service. But in the guest house, they do have internet Wi-Fi so you can use it.