Main Things to know before you go to Everest Base Camp Trek

Prepare Physically and Mentally 

The Everest Base camp trek is one of the high-altitude trekking destinations. So, one of the most important things that you need to know before going to the Everest Base Camp trek is to prepare yourself physically and mentally. Everest Base Camp gives different trekking experiences from your training, but once you’re all physically and mentally fit, you will be good to go. Before you start Everest Base Camp Trek or any high altitude trek routes you need to train yourself for high elevation and low oxygen atmosphere walking. Preparing yourself physically helps you to overcome Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS). Other than that if you do not have previous 4-8 hours of daily walking experience at a high altitude, and then we suggest you first hit the gym and consult your trainer first. While preparing yourself physically, you need to gear at conditioning your leg muscles, abdomen, shoulders, and back, strength training should be an integral part of your overall training in preparation for the Everest Base Camp Trek.

Besides that, if you have been training yourself for high altitude low oxygen atmosphere walking then it would be great. It will be adventurous to the base camp of the highest mountain in the world. However, it is best to keep realistic expectations of the trip. You have to be mentally prepared for the gain in the elevation. You also need to be prepared for the services and facilities that you will be getting in the high-altitude regions. While trekking to the EBC, you have to keep in mind that teahouse accommodations in the route are basic but efficient. Besides that, toilet situations could be challenging at times so try to be creative and resourceful when needed. Also, you can reach out to trekkers who have tried trekking the base camp so that you can learn from their stories. So, mental and physical fitness equipped you to handle challenges and bring optimism to the forefront.
 

Select the best time

Located in the snowcapped Himalayas, Everest Base Camp is a beautiful and challenging trekking destination. Moreover, the Everest Base Camp Trek continues through the Khumbu region of Nepal. This trek begins at Lukla and ended up at the Everest Base Camp. Also, the Everest region is packed with challenging trails, unpredictable hazards, exciting scenery, huge mountains, and mesmerizing experience. So, it is important to choose the best time to trek to the Everest Base Camp.

You will seemingly only trek to Everest Base Camp once in your life, so why not present yourself plenty of time to soak it all in. Choosing the best time to trek the most famous trekking destination, gives the most memorable and adventurous experience.

The higher regions of the Everest region are known for extremely cold and unfavorable climatic conditions. Also, there are times during the year where the weather maintains and serves to be very mild, delivering it great for trekking. 

So, it is important to understand the weather of the region while preparing your trek to ensure you get the most out of your time spent in the area. A few details must be taken into account when choosing the most suitable time to trek to Everest Base Camp. There are two excellent seasons for Everest base camp trekking: Spring and autumn. The spring season begins from mid-February and ends towards the end of May. The days between March and May are the hottest time of year when temperatures might go up to 30°C.

The autumn season in the Everest region begins from mid-September and remains until the end of November. It comes with features of dryness, a clear blue sky, and a mild breeze.

Prepare Altitude sickness

Everest Base Camp is one of the most adventurous and challenging trekking destinations in Nepal. EBC trek takes you to the base camp of the highest mountain in the world. So, there is no doubt that Altitude Sickness is going to be one of the most challenging aspects of trekking in the Everest region/EBC. Trekking the Himalayan foothills of Everest Base Camp Trek originates with its sets of difficulties. The oxygen level reduces significantly, with the increase in the altitude during the Everest Base Camp trek. Furthermore, the atmospheric pressure also decreases as a result.

Additionally, there are some of the symptoms of altitude sickness. It includes breathing difficulty, dizziness, loss of appetite and energy, etc. But the Altitude sickness at higher altitudes can turn life-threatening if not treated properly and on time. The level of altitude sickness also reaches from simple, mild to fatal. At altitudes above 2,400m, the oxygen level lessens to less than 60% of the sea level.

Also, EBC trek altitude sickness acts as a threat to every trekker despite their age, or gender, physical fitness. But, there are more chances of getting altitude sickness if you do not rest and acclimatize properly. Some of the basic points provided below also help you to tackle altitude sickness.

The main key is to walk gently at a steady pace along with regular hydration while trekking. Furthermore, you should not stir yourself beyond your limits and be patient. Also, we only experience the normal effects of altitude if we follow the right precaution while trekking to the base camp. But you will increase the risk of acute mountain sickness if you ascend the way too quickly. So, you should not stir yourself beyond your limits and be patient while trekking in not only Everest Base Camp but also to every high altitude destination. That is because our body will not be able to adjust to the lower levels of elevation at the higher levels of elevation nearing Base Camp. So, you should not stir yourself beyond your limits and be patient. Besides that, Altitude sickness can also be triggered by alcohol consumption, dehydration, and lack of sleep. So, it’s essential to look after yourself during your high-altitude trek.

Altitude sickness is an unpredictable beast. Even the fittest trekkers can experience altitude sickness. This makes it important to do everything you can to prepare yourself for trekking at altitude and to take it slow during the Everest Base Camp trek itself. It is also essential to eat well and get plenty of sleep during your high altitude trek to keep your body as healthy as possible – and hence avoid AMS. Acclimatization also helps you to adjust in the higher elevation, so there are acclimatization days in the Everest Base Camp trek. Following all the precautions can lessen your probability of undergoing altitude sickness on the Everest Base Camp trek.  So, one of the most important things that you should know before going to the Everest Base Camp trek is to prepare for Altitude Sickness. 

Packing List 

Trekking to the base camp of the highest mountain in the world can be overwhelming and full of stress at the same time. Everest Base Camp trek is full of thrill and excitement. But one of the more daunting chores you will find on the Everest Base Camp Trek is packing for the trek itself. So, trekkers should recognize the packing list to Everest Base Camp before starting the Everest Base Camp Trek. Packing is the last thing a traveler has to do before heading out to the destination. But, your packing list/items can make your trek from worst to best. It is even more important when you are doing a high-altitude trek like the Everest Base Camp trek.

 Insurance

Mount Everest Base Camp is one of the most popular trekking destinations in Nepal. And every traveler wants to have a healthy and happy adventure during the Everest Base Camp trek. So, Insurance is the most reliable way to feel secure about you and your worthy items.

Everest Base Camp Trek is not a technical climb, but the base camp at a certain high altitude. Insurance for your belongings might not be enough for you if you are a trekking lover who is looking forward to trekking in the Everest Base Camp. Trekking in the Everest Base Camp signifies that you deal with the severe climatic conditions that can be mountains can offer. Also, there can be events where you injure yourself. The damages might be created by slipping, pulling a muscle, or getting down with altitude sickness. And High Altitude can be dangerous, especially to the unfit and inexperienced trekkers. A fit person can also get bothered with altitude on EBC sometimes. So, Insurance is a must for any tourists trying the Everest Base Camp Trek.

Here is detailed information about the things that you need the Everest Base Camp Trek Insurance for.   

Accidents/Illness

While you are traveling accidents can happen at any time. Accidents while EBC trekking remains uncommon, and is never completely unavoidable. And, remoteness and high altitude can complicate minor injuries. So, you have to get insurance and check that its policy covers hospitalization. Also, getting people to treat your illnesses in the remoteness of the mountains means that you might have to pay an extremely high amount of money. Even, if you have the treatment of the simplest of diseases, you may need to pay high. And if trekkers have to evacuate themselves from a helicopter, they might see your expenses of the excursion tripled or even quadrupled. You might also have diarrhea or food poisoning due to changes in altitude and environment. So, in case such an accident or illness takes place while trekking to the Everest Base Camp, travel insurance will come in very helpful.

Altitude Sickness

EBC trek is one of the most adventurous and lengthy high-altitude treks in Nepal. And as you trekker to high altitude, the amount of oxygen decrease. As a result, the amount of oxygen that your body gets becomes less and you might suffer from dizziness, muscle fatigue, and in extreme cases hallucinations. If trekkers do not treat the problem of altitude sickness seriously, it leads to extreme damage or even death. And when you want to get help in the form of a helicopter to take you to hospitals in the middle of the treks when your health breaks down, it will cost a lot. The costs can range between 5000 US$ to 10,000 US$. It is simply like breaking your bank. But, if you have insurance that covers your Helicopter evacuation, it will be great for your health and bank account.

Flight Cancellation/ Baggage

Many travelers are traveling for a limited amount of time. They can spend limited while trekking. But, while traveling different problems like a flight cancellation or baggage loss might occur. It will make a very bad traveling experience. So, you should get travel insurance that will cover your canceled flight or baggage is lost. Flight cancellation insurance will help you manage the problem of flight cancellation away. Also, flights can be canceled for different kinds of reasons. A bad weather condition can also lead the way to the cancellation of trips. And other obstacles involve some maintenance work in the flight itself or problems on the runway.

And, there will usually be two different flights to take. So, one of them will be your international flight while the other one will be the domestic flight. Lukla Airport is the airport in the Everest Base Camp region. So you need to check if your insurance covers the international flight, domestic flight, or both when you take the flight cancellation insurance.

Likewise, if your baggage gets stolen due to theft or you lose your baggage and are incapable to reclaim it, travel insurance will come in helpful.

Go through a professional trekking agency

Trekking with a professional trekking agency is the best and safe way of trekking in high-altitude Everest reasons of Nepal. Trekking to Everest Base Camp takes around 10 to 14 days. And the duration of the trip depends on how well you can acclimatize. Besides that, you also require to be prepared for all the adventures that may also involve some challenges you might face in the high elevations. So, among some things that you need to know before going to the Everest Base Camp trek is about the professional agency. Your trip experience depends on the travel agency you choose. So, before looking for an Everest Base Camp trek agency, first, you have to be sure of what you expect from the trip. For example, for the majority of trekkers, think about the budget, accommodation, the level of comfort, no of days for the trek, and travel guide.

The most important thing before choosing the trekking agency in Nepal is to determine what your priorities are and what you wish to avoid.

Moreover, it is necessary to know if your trekking agency is authorized or not. Professional trekking agencies are registered with the Nepal Government, the Nepal Tourism Board (NTB), and the Trekking Agencies Association of Nepal(TAAN), Other than that, a trekking agency requires to register in Nepal Mountaineering Association to offer climbing. So, you can check the list of reliable agencies via the company's website for confirmation.

Besides that, though the trekking routes are much similar, the costs may differ between the agencies. . What matters the most for a memorable and enjoyable trek is if the facilities provided by the agency match your need or not. Also, the longer an agency has been servicing the trekkers, the high is the chance that they contribute better service. But, picking a new agency started by an experienced trekker or guide can also be a good option. If you plan to go alone or you are not an experienced trekker, trekking Everest Base Camp with a professional trekking agency is the best option. Trekking agency also provides professional, experienced, and friendly guides.

Guides also help to fulfill your dream to reach your destination. Guides while trekking arranges the best available facilities. They also help to avoid difficulties while trekking. It is good to know regarding the safety measures they provide in case of an emergency. your trekking agency will take care of the permits and transportation for the trekking journey. Everest Base Camp trek with professional trekking agencies gets you better security, valuable insight and information, hassle-free experience, and many more. Everest Base Camp trek with a professional trekking agency will offer you the best trekking experience.

Food & Accommodations

Everest Base Camp Trek is both challenging and adventurous. Also, the Everest region is one of the remote trekking destinations in Nepal. The trekkers will find different food and accommodation during the EBC trek. So, the trekkers need to know about the Everest Base Camp food and accommodation accessible in this region, what to eat, and what to avoid in the tea houses of the Everest Base Camp Trail

There are a lot of tea houses and lodges in the Everest Region. Most of the Tea houses throughout the EBC trekking trail serve comfortable accommodation and varieties of hygienic food. Moreover, tea houses in the lower altitude even serve the international cuisine cooked by the trained chef at the tourist hubs like Lukla and Namche. Still, while choosing the food item in Everest Base Camp Trek, prepare the proper diet plan. Changes in altitude and environment can create health problems. You can try the typical, tasty, and heavy Nepali dal-bhat during the EBC trek. It keeps you energetic for 6-7 hours as you have to traverse long distances after breakfast and lunch.

Additionally, the tea houses serve three-time meals per day while trekking in the higher elevation. Foods on tea houses are altitude-friendly. The meals combine energy-giving food and liquid food like rice, lentils soup, cereals, noodles soup, hot tea, potato, etc. Also, the people of this region eat the same food so that they can defeat the coldness of the region. 

Talking about the accommodation of Everest Base Camp Trek, trekkers will find tea houses through the trail. On the tea houses of famous (lower-altitude) trekking trails, you will find the flush toilet and hot water showers. Hot water showers normally cost around US$4. But, as the altitude increases, the toilets will start to become manual flushing with a bucket full of water and ultimately long drops.

Additionally, nearly all the tea houses of the Khumbu Region offer twin rooms. There you will find two single beds on two sides of the room and a small tea table in mid. Also, these tea houses give you a pillow, bed sheets, and bed cover. Still, it gets too cold during the nights in the Himalayas, so using your sleeping bags is the best idea.  Besides that, using earplugs while sleeping is also a good idea, as the walls are not well protected.

Likewise, you also have to face scarcity of hot water, as you move higher. But, even some of the tea houses in the higher region offer a pot of hot water heated by a fire, with which you can wash.

Other than that, the common area available in tea houses is normally a dining room. The dining room is in the middle where a big yak dung burning stove to heat the whole teahouse. Most of the tea houses in the trekking trail are comfortable and cozy. But, if you are hoping for luxury accommodation and food, you will be disappointed. You will get basic accommodation and food facilities in the EBC trekking trail.

Internet, Electricity & Drinking water

Everest Base Camp is a remote trekking destination in the Everest region. You will find basic tea houses on the trekking trail. Most of the tea houses offer electricity for light and also some plug points. But the plug points are usually located in the communal areas. Usually, trekkers have to pay an extra US$ 3-5 per hour for using the plug points. Also, it is typically in high demand, mainly in the busier tea houses and during high trekking seasons.

Likewise, Wi-Fi facilities are also available in few tea houses to have internet access and offer Wi-Fi hotspots at a charge. But, you have a better option for the internet. You can purchase a 3G SIM card and use the internet throughout your trekking journey. You can purchase a 3G or 4G sim card of NTC/Ncell at superstore Thamel. The 3G-4G sim card simply gets connected up to Namche. But, behind Namche, the 3G-4G sim-card might not operate properly. Besides that, you can also purchase a Wi-fi card to get easy Internet Access on Everest Base Camp Trek. The cost of the sim card or wifi card is cheap and affordable too. The Wifi card is surely available at Namche.

Besides that, the Everest Base camp trek is around a 2-weeks trekking journey. And you have to trek for 7-8 hours a day. But,  trekking for 7-8 hours a day for the Everest Base Camp causes dehydration. Dehydration during the trek may result in altitude sickness, muscle cramps, headache, and short breath. So, the trekkers are suggested to drink more than 4 liters of water per day. Talking about the drinking water during the EBC trek, you will not have any problem finding it. The tea houses in the trail offer hot water as well as filtered water. Besides that, you will find different tap water while trekking. But, tap water is not considered safe. You have to carry purify tables. Besides that, you have to carry at least 2 water bottles of 1liter for the trekking hours.  For those trekkers who prefer mineral water, they can get bottled mineral water in the tea houses of the Everest Region. But, all trekkers are advised to avoid bottled water during the trek as every year the Everest Base Camp is getting piled up by wastewater bottles and plastic wrappers. So, if you are trekking to Everest Base Camp you don't have to worry about the availability of drinking water.

ATMs & Pocket Money

Everest Base Camp is a remote region trekking destination. So, there is no other transaction possible other than cash. Everything you purchase during the Everest Base Camp trek (meals, WiFi, charging, etc) will have to be paid for with cash. But if you go through a trekking agency and you have paid for the trek, your agency will arrange it for you. But, you have to pay for the further expenses. And if you want to buy anything while trekking you have to pay cash. Credit cards in the shops or tea houses won’t work. Also, apart from Days 1-4, there are no ATMs outside of Lukla and Namche Bazaar. Also, even the ATMs in Lukla and Namche are not reliable. So, this means that you’ll have to withdraw enough cash (Nepalese Rupees) at an ATM in Kathmandu. And the cash you carry has to cover your entire trek. It’s not avoidable here.

If you are not going to add on WiFi, showers, charging, during the trek, then you don't have to carry much cash. But, you never know, anything can happen while trekking, so you have to carry extra cash while trekking to the remote regions of Everest.

Besides that, if you are trekking with a porter/guide, you don’t need to factor that into your daily cash carry. Guide and porter charges are paid before the trek starts. But, it is better to reserve a little cash for a decent tip.

Expandable trekking route

Everest Base camp is located in the Everest region in northern Nepal. Everest region is the best-known trekking destination in Nepal. From the tallest peaks, beautiful landscapes, rivers, lakes, hidden valleys to eye-catching waterfalls you can find everything in this region. So, there are many other trekking destinations that travelers can explore with Everest Base Camp. So, some of the popular expandable trips with Everest Base Camp are listed below:

Everest Three High Passes Trek 

If you have time and want the ultimate trekking experience, Everest Three High Pass Trek is the best choice. Everest Three High Pass Trek is a little bit longer and more challenging as trekkers have to cross three high passes during the trek. This trekking trail is not similar to the Everest base camp trail but the views are worth also unique. This whole trek is challenging and offers you astonishing views of the world’s highest mountain mountains.

Everest Base Camp with Island Peak Trek 

In this trek, you will not only go to Everest Base Camp and Kala Pathar but also cross mountain passes such as Cho La Pass and Kongma La Pass. Also, with Everest Base Camp trekkers will climb Island Peak which is 6,187 m tall. Everest Base Camp with Island Peak Trek is a long trip that will last around 25 days.

Jiri to EBC trek

Everest Base Camp trek via Jiri is one of the longest treks in the Everest region. In this trek, trekkers will trek from Jiri, a place with an altitude of 1,900 m. Everest Base Camp via Jiri Trek will help trekkers to acclimatize while trekking to the higher regions of Everest.

Everest Base Camp via Gokyo Chola Pass Trek 

While talking about another expandable trekking With Everest Base Camp in the Everest region is the Gokyo Valley trek. Gokyo is one of the most wonderful valleys in Nepal. This valley offers breathtaking mountains, Buddhist monasteries, glaciers, and lakes.   

Everest Base Camp Trek from Phaplu

Everest Base Camp Trek from Phaplu is a short EBC Trekking route without taking the flight to Kathmandu-Lukla-Kathmandu

  Major Places to visit

Khumbu International Library

Khumbu International Library is a section of Sherwi Khangba Center. It is another important attraction for tourists. In this library, you will find Guidebooks, maps, tourist books, tips books, and other books related to the Nepalese Himalayas and overall Nepal.

Namche Bazar

Namche is considered the gateway of Mt. Everest. It is the only place from where travelers can go towards Base Camp and on the top of the peak. Namche Bazar consists of several restaurants, pubs, and market areas. You will find different sets of trekking and daily-use stuff) where one can experience by their own choice.  It serves as a good plan for all the tourists. But many travelers may find it quite expensive. The sloppy area of Namche is pretty beautiful and the views from here are worth it. It is breathtaking as we can observe the majestic Himalayas.

Beautiful Sagarmatha National park:

One of the major attractions of the Everest Base Camp Trek is Sagarmatha National Park. This park is listed as the UNESCO world heritage site. It covers a section of 1148 sq km. Sagarmatha National park is the protected region in the Himalayas of the Khumbu/Everest Region. These national parks also preserve natural vegetation. Not only the natural vegetation, but it also conserves natural biodiversity. While exploring these parks you will get to see rare varieties of the flora and fauna, endangered wildlife. Endangered wildlife includes Himalayan Thar, Red Panda, Musk Deer, Snow-Leopard, Himalayan Black bear, and many others. And to enter this national park, travelers should reach the Jorsalle village and enjoy exploring.

Hillary Museum

The Hillary Museum is located in the world-famous Sherpa village- Namche Bazaar in the Everest Region. It is another highlight of the Everest region. Everyone can visit this museum as this Museum is open to all the trekkers who come to the Everest Region as well as for the research and the expedition purpose. This museum is considered to be one of the oldest and the most beautiful museums in the Everest region. And it is named after Sir Edmund Hillary. The major things that one can observe in this museum are traditional Sherpa Lifestyles, cultures, dresses, utensils, art and architecture, trekking gears and equipment, and many other things. While exploring this museum you can see the past photographs collected from the Local Sherpa community, their lifestyle, and way of life in the past. So, the acclimatization day at the Namche Bazaar is considered to be the best time to visit this museum. I will offer you a great memory.

Ancient Monasteries and Gompa

Monasteries and Gompa are those places where Buddhist people go for prayers and spiritual findings. These sites have remained popular for their approach of Buddhist monks with their spirituality and powers. One can find harmony and peace if they learn about these places and will offer them calm and better. These sayings encourage tourists to go to monasteries. It provides an encounter with the Sherpa people, cultures, and traditions.

Thame Monastery, Tengboche Monastery, Pangboche Monastery, monasteries at Khumjung, and much more unnamed are the monasteries found in the Everest Region are. All of these monasteries carry their attributes and specialties.

Lukla Flight, its diversion & 

Sometimes because of air traffic control, uncertain changes in mountain weather, your flight may not operate on time from Kathmandu-Lukla-Kathmandu at that time flights operate from Ramechap which is a 4hrs drive from Kathmandu. We request to all guests come with an extra day plan except the trekking itinerary.