everest base camp trek difficulty

Everest Base Camp Trek Difficulty: 12 Key Things You Need To Know

I seriously underestimated the Everest Base Camp trek difficulty.

I mean, it’s a hike to the base of Mount Everest, not the summit.

This is just one of the reasons why I didn’t think it would be so hard.

Another reason for my overconfidence is that I’d previously summited Mount Kilimanjaro , the highest point in Africa.

Everest Base Camp couldn’t be more difficult, right?

Trekking to Everest Base Camp is tough and will push you to your limits. But it is an achievable goal for most people.

You don’t need to be an Olympic athlete or a high-altitude mountaineer, but you need to be prepared for what’s in store for you during your time in the mountains.

So, for everyone asking how difficult is Everest Base Camp trek, this post has got you covered. I answer all your questions regarding training, altitude sickness, and what you can do to make your trek easier.

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12 Things About EBC Trek Difficulty

1. trekking at high altitude.

If there’s one thing that makes the Everest Base Camp trek difficult, it’s the high altitude!

You won’t understand the effects that altitude has on your body until you’re hiking 4,000 m above sea level.

The gradual incline doesn’t feel so gradual, your light backpack doesn’t feel so light, and the nearby resting spot doesn’t feel so close.

Every step is that much harder, and every breath is a struggle.

You won’t be walking fast – because your body physically can’t.

Also, your sleep is disturbed, and you’ll lose your appetite. It’s not fun! (but it’s worth it)

2. Acute Mountain Sickness

After day 1, you’ll soon start to feel the effects of hiking at altitude.

This includes headaches and fatigue and will only make the trek tougher.

AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness) is a common occurrence and can be fatal.

If you’re developing a headache, loss of appetite, or other symptoms, make sure you proceed with caution. If it gets worse and your guide is concerned about your safety, turn around immediately.

Tips for beating Altitude sickness

• The best way to cure AMS is to go down to a lower elevation
• Drink lots of water
• Walk slowly (it’s not a race)
• Stop frequently

3. Training for Everest Base Camp Trek

I am living proof that you can trek to Everest Base Camp with no training. But I do not recommend it at all!

After backpacking Asia for 4 months, I decided to end my trip with a bucket list activity: Everest Base Camp.

This meant that I’d be spending all my time on the beach in the lead-up to the trek. Not the gym.

Having now been there and done that, I can honestly say that one of the main factors that made my Everest Base Camp trek difficult was not doing enough training.

But, I still made it to the finish line and sumitted Island Peak a few days later.

The trek was extremely tough, but here’s my theory of why I made it.

The slower you walk, the better! Taking frequent stops helps your body adjust to the altitude change. Perhaps not being as prepared or fit as others worked in my favor because I walked at a snail’s pace and stopped every few minutes.

So yes, you can do Everest Base Camp with no training. But everyone’s body is different, and your level of tolerance and strength will be different from mine.

Recommended training for EBC

If possible, try to spend as much time at the gym as you can.

Walk on an incline on the treadmill. Build up strength in your legs. Do squats, lots of squats.

Go for long walks or hikes and wear a small day bag with about 5kg in weight. And take the stairs rather than the elevator.

It’s not a sprint, so you don’t need to be super fit and you don’t need to go all out on your training.

But, getting to Everest Base Camp involves long days of trekking, uphill, and downhill climbs, and your legs and knees will take strain.

4. Everest Base Camp weather

If you’re looking for the best months to plan your trip, I would recommend pre-monsoon (March, April, May) or post-monsoon (October, November).

You’ll most likely find the trek to be easier during these months as the weather conditions are optimal. But you can still have 4 seasons in one day!

One minute you’re boiling hot, wearing only a T-shirt, and then suddenly, the clouds start rolling in, and you’ll rush to get your warm clothes out and layer up.

Everest Base Camp monsoon season

The monsoon season in Nepal runs from June until August. The trails are still open, but the weather is not ideal.

The winter months of December, January, and February bring with them harsh and freezing cold conditions. This only adds to your Mount Everest Base Camp trek difficulty.

But, for some hikers, the quieter routes and snow-laden mountains make this one of their preferred times to trek to base camp.

5. Pack the right clothes

Speaking of the seasons and how they’ll affect your EBC trek difficulty, make sure you pack correctly.

I rocked up in Kathmandu with no hiking gear except a pair of hiking boots! So, I spent my first 2 days shopping. I bought everything in Thamel and paid a fraction of what you’d pay elsewhere.

Quality-wise, all my gear got me through the 3 weeks of trekking, and most of it is still going strong!

Also, make smart decisions about what and how you pack for Everest Base Camp.

You’re only allowed 10kg of checked-in luggage on the flight to Lukla.

If you don’t have a porter, you’ll need to carry all this gear to EBC, which adds to your trek difficulty.

Here are a few packing tips

• It’s cold: layer up and bring two pairs of thermal pants and tops.
• Get the best sleeping bag and include a liner. It’s chilly on the mountain, and you want to get a good night’s rest.
• Trekking poles really help with all the uphill and downhill climbing.
• Get a hydration pack so that you’re constantly hydrated.

6. Your route & how it affects your Everest Base Camp trek difficulty

Most trekkers choose a 12-day Everest Base Camp trek which allows for 9 days to get to base camp.

Some do it faster, others slower.

At a minimum, you should allow for rest days at 2 stops along the route: Namche Bazaar and Dingboche.

This means you’ll spend an extra night at each of these places.

Acclimatization walks

But the extra night doesn’t mean that you have an “off day”.

During these acclimatization days, it’s important to do a day trek to a higher altitude point before returning to where you’re based.

If you choose not to allocate rest days to their schedule, you may struggle later on and find your Everest Base Camp trek more difficult.

Take a look at my trekking itinerary with the route I chose. It follows the uncrowned trail and has the perfect acclimatization schedule.

7. The trekking time to Everest Base Camp

The time on the mountain is one of the biggest factors that contribute to how difficult Everest Base Camp trek is.

The round-trip hike from Lukla to EBC is 130 km. You’ll cover this in 12 days.

On average, you’ll trek 10 km per day, mostly uphill and at high altitudes.

Expect to spend 7 to 10 hours daily on the route. You’re constantly moving and packing, and the days are long and tiring.

Going like this for 12 days, non-stop, will take its toll on you, and the time on the mountain is tough.

8. the Khumbu Cough

So, you’re walking slowly, one step at a time. You’re following my recommended itinerary. You’ve packed correctly and warmly.

Surely reaching Everest Base Camp can’t be that difficult if you’re this prepared.

Firstly, the Khumbu cough is inevitable. Everyone gets it.

What’s this “Khumbu Cough” you may ask?

Well, due to many factors, including the dust, high altitude, and low humidity, your throat will start to act up. You’ll be coughing non-stop when trekking near the Khumbu Valley on your way to base camp.

You’re not sick, per se, but you’re coughing the entire time!

This just makes breathing harder and adds to your EBC trek difficulty.

To prevent this, I highly recommend wearing a thin buff like this from day one.

I didn’t, and I had a serious case of the Khumbu cough. Gary, on the other hand, wore a buff from the start and wasn’t coughing as much.

Also, drink a cup of ginger and lemon tea every day, stay hydrated, and force yourself to eat even if you don’t feel like it.

9. Trek to Everest Base Camp with a tour operator or independently

2023 Update: You can no longer trek to Everest Base Camp independently. You need to have a guide.

But you have the choice of using an independent private guide. Or booking with a larger tour group.

Everyone has their own opinion on this one.

Some people prefer to trek independently and not as part of a tour. Their reasoning is that if you’re in a big tour group, you won’t have the freedom to trek at your own pace.

This may result in you walking faster than you should. Or not being able to stop as frequently as you want to, adding to your Everest Base Camp trek difficulty.

This is why you need to do your research on the trekking company you’re joining.

How many people are in the group? How many guides will there be? What are the reviews saying?

Why I chose to Everest Base Camp with a tour

I had 5 people on my tour with Mountain Monarch.

We had two guides who ran the show. One guide at the front with the fast people. And a guide at the back with the slow people – me.

Each and every day, I was the last person to arrive at our tea house, but I never felt rushed or pressured to move faster.

Perhaps if the tour group consisted of 10 people and only two guides, it would have been a different story.

I loved the support, the humor, and the motivation of going with a tour group. As you get closer to Everest Base Camp, you’re going to need all the encouragement you can get.

If you’re traveling in a group of 4 or hiking to Everest Base Camp as a family with your kids, then I recommend a private tour or getting an independent guide.

10. Hardest part of Everest Base Camp trek

From my experience, the hardest part of the Everest Base Camp trek was day 8, when we walked from Dingboche to Lobuche.

It was brutal!

The path starts easy – a short incline out of Dingboche toward Everest Base Camp.

But then, you reach Dukla, and the trail shoots up sharply.

For the next 2 hours, you’re crisscrossing up a steep section to the EBC memorial.

At this high altitude, it’s an excruciatingly difficult section, and I really struggled to move and breathe.

But I made it.

11. Comfort levels

In all fairness, you’re trekking to Everest Base Camp. It’s not a luxurious getaway, and at over 3,500 m, you honestly can’t expect much.

You’ve signed up for the adventure, and this all adds to the experience.

Here’s what you should expect.

Showers and toilets

I never knew how much I would miss feeling clean – until I had my first shower in over 10 days.

10 days of being filthy, stinky, and dirty!

And the toilets – don’t get me started.

As you get closer to Everest Base Camp, the conditions get worse, and your beautiful flushing toilets are replaced with bucket toilets. It’s rough.

Never used a bucket toilet? Well, basically, the toilet is a hole in the ground.

Alongside the toilet is a huge bucket with a smaller one inside. You scoop the water to “flush” the toilet.

The problem is, as you get higher to Gorak Shep, this water is frozen, making the toilets unflushable!

It’s just not very nice, and if you’re not used to roughing it up, you may find this rather unpleasant!

Tea houses on Everest Base Camp

The tea houses are freezing cold. But overall, I was quite impressed by how well-equipped they are.

Most have a fireplace in the communal eating area which is where you’ll spend a lot of your time.

But when it comes to the rooms, some tea houses are more comfortable than others.

None have proper insulation, and this is why having a warm sleeping bag is crucial.

I found the food to be good, with a variety of options to choose from, including pizza, pasta, soups, and curries.

Avoid eating meat after Namche Bazaar, and if you begin to lose your appetite, plain-boiled potatoes are the way to go!

Dal Bhat curry is the local favorite. You’ll often hear the phrase “Dal Bhat Power – 24 hour” , meaning that the curry will keep you going for 24 hours.

The porters swear by this!

Internet and Power

When it comes to other luxuries such as the internet, the best service provider is Ncell. Reception is relatively good until Dingboche.

From there, you’re off the grid for a few days.

You can purchase Wi-Fi at the tea houses, but this is expensive and not worth it.

Power is available on the mountain, but you pay per plug point.

I bought this 20000mAh power bank , and it worked like a charm.

12. Altitude sickness medication

Diamox is the most common altitude sickness medication. It prevents and reduces the side effects of high altitude.

And I know the effects of AMS all too well!

When I trekked to Mount Kilimanjaro, I experienced this firsthand.

I was throwing up, I felt nauseous and fatigued, I had a severe headache, and I completely lost my appetite.

My biggest concern with my EBC trek was that I’d go through these moments all over again.

For Kilimanjaro, I was able to fully recover overnight as our camp was at a lower altitude. I could then continue with the trek, but this wasn’t guaranteed for Everest Base Camp.

I was on the fence about taking Diamox, and if you are considering it, you should consult your GP.

Why I chose not to take Altitude medication

If there’s something you can take to make your Everest Base Camp trek easier, would you do it?

After all, the medication can reduce headaches and assist with breathing.

And trust me, breathing is tough on that mountain!

But there are also a few side effects to take into consideration.

These include numbness, a tingling sensation in your hands, feet, and lips, sleeplessness, and vomiting. These are also the symptoms of AMS, so knowing which is which can be hard to distinguish.

You also need to drink a lot more water, you’ll pee more often and will need to get up many times during the night.

I was confident that if I followed the right acclimatization schedule, my body would adjust naturally.

And it did. You just need to give it time.

Yes, there were days when I had a headache and struggled with breathing. But taking a headache tablet, slowing down, and resting often made it easier.

Note: Every time I wasn’t feeling great, I told my guide. If I took a headache tablet, I notified him as well. Don’t try to cover up how you’re feeling, and don’t mask your symptoms.

In the end, taking Diamox is a decision only you can make.

I am not a medical professional, so the above is just my experience and my reason for not taking Diamox.

If you are planning on trekking Everest Base Camp, and you’re worried about AMS, consider taking medication but consult your doctor first.

FAQs about how hard is everest base camp

Can a beginner do everest base camp trek.

Yes, if you haven’t done any multi-day treks before, you can still do the Everest Base Camp trek. But you need to be prepared and know what to expect to ensure you are physically and mentally able to do the hike.

Is the trek to Everest Base Camp hard?

Yes, trekking to Everest Base Camp is hard but achievable if you’re in good physical condition. It’s not a technical hike but instead a long one that takes 12 days to complete. The higher altitudes also add to its difficulty.

How fit do you need to be to trek Everest Base Camp?

You don’t need to be super fit to trek Everest Base Camp. But you need to be able to walk for 7 hours a day for 12 days! I recommend going to the gym regularly and swimming in preparation for the trek.

Is Everest Base Camp dangerous?

The hike to Everest Base Camp is not a dangerous one. But it’s the effects of the high altitude that make it dangerous. This is why it’s so important to have a good trek itinerary that allows for rest days.

Overall thoughts on Everest Base Camp trek difficulty

Phew okay. So I’ve covered all the hard parts of the Everest Base Camp trek, and I may have scared some readers off!

But honestly, it’s not that difficult.

Just follow my tips above, make sure you’re prepared for 12 long days of trekking, and do a bit of exercise to gain strength. You can do it!

Next, read my post about what to pack , and you’ll be ready to go.

Have you thought about trekking to EBC? Do you have any questions about how hard it is? Drop me a message in the comment section below!

Psst… Looking for more adventures to add to your bucket list? Check out my other posts!

• Ultimate Everest Base Camp Trek Itinerary
• Everest Base Camp and Island Peak Photo Diary

Hi, I'm Carryn. I’m an adventure travel blogger trying to figure out my way through life by traveling and exploring. Join me as I share my travel guides and tips for life abroad. Find out more about me here .

The Ultimate Everest Base Camp Trek Itinerary: How to Get from Lukla to Everest Base Camp

Ultimate guide to white water rafting in bali: telaga waja vs ayung river rafting, 2 thoughts on “everest base camp trek difficulty: 12 key things you need to know”.

So you felt EBC trek was hard, but for me, for example, it has always been very easy. I have been there 5 times, and last time I was already 64 years old, slightly overweight and had artificial hips on both sides. So how is this possible?

It all depends on acclimatisation. I acclimate extremely well (on Aconcagua last year my oxygen saturation levels were 10% better than anybody else’s in the group, and my heart rate never went above 100 bpm). I can walk up the notorious Namche hill 30-50% faster than just about anybody else, without training.

What I am getting at is that a person going there might feel like you did about the difficulty, or get AMS in Dingpoche and have to turn back, or be like me and feel nothing, just a normal hike. So EBC trek difficulty/acclimatisation is a very personal/genetic thing, and one’s assessment of it is never the absolute truth. It might be somewhat true to a large section of trekkers, but there are also those who will wonder what the fuss really was all about, and others at the other end of the spectrum who have to turn back half way because they just do not acclimate almost al all. In my experience about 15% of trekkers can not get much above Dingpoche 4300m

I hiked up to Kilimanjaro in 2008 and did not feel the altitude at all. Slight hint of emerging headache at the summit was all, but nothing on the way up. From our group of 16 two had to turn back, 4 others had serious problems but made it, 6 had slight problems, 4 did not feel the altitude at all. Follows the Gaussian curve quite perfectly.

Hi Petrus. Thanks for your feedback. You’re very lucky that you’re able to acclimatize so quickly. I remember walking to Namche and it was a slow struggle up the mountain. But I agree, people may find the trek easy, and it’s not a reflection on age, weight or fitness levels, but more so on how your body reacts to the altitude. This is something you can’t prepare for. I’m relieved that I was able to make it to Everest Base Camp because my body didn’t like the higher altitudes! All the best for your future hikes

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Everest Base Camp Trek Difficulty (What To Expect)

With more than 30,000 tourists a year, the Everest Base Camp trek (EBC) is the single most popular trek in Nepal .

The name alone conjures visions of soaring peaks and sky-high altitudes, but just how difficult is the Everest Base Camp trek for the average walker?

A few individuals every year will actually stand atop the world’s tallest mountain, however, for most it will be a trek to Base Camp.

With no road in, the only way to see the incredible mountain is by trekking through the Khumbu Valley from Lukla (unless you can afford a helicopter!).

Depending on your operator, the trek usually takes exactly two weeks. This length of time can often be off putting to a novice trekker, especially as much of the trek is at high altitude.

Don’t panic though, the journey is very achievable!

Firstly, it should be noted that the Everest Base Camp trek requires no climbing expertise and there are certainly no technical climbing sections.

With determination and a basic fitness level, you should be able to trek the route. We have seen old and young, overweight and underweight complete the trek – all with a smile on their face!

With that being said, there are certainly some factors that should be considered prior to your trek, such as altitude, length and training that will enable you to better understand what you are getting yourself into before deciding.

EBC Difficulty

Without a doubt the most difficult and underestimated aspect of the EBC trek is the altitude. The high altitude profile of the trek certainly makes the going more difficult.

In fact, if it were not for the altitude, the EBC trek would be very basic indeed.  Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) should not be taken lightly nor underestimated, especially at the altitudes reached on the EBC trek.

The hike begins at Lukla which stands just below 3,000 metres – already high enough to induce altitude sickness. The trek then steadily climbs as the path winds its way up to Base Camp.

The view point from Kala Patthar on your return journey is the highest point standing at 5,554 metres.

The key to high altitude trekking is to go slow.

It is up to you to make sure your tour operator has an itinerary that allows for acclimatization. This means having at least 2 acclimatization days built into the schedule.

These acclimatization days are not wasted as they can be used to explore the area. Your outward journey should be far longer than your return journey because of this. Most operators take 9 days to get to Base Camp and 3 days to return!

Please remember to seek professional medical advice before trekking at these altitudes and research altitude sickness to make yourself fully aware of the symptoms and treatments available.

It is also important to be aware that there is no proven correlation between altitude sickness and fitness levels, gender or age – everyone is potentially at risk.

The trek begins after arriving at Lukla from Kathmandu. Here your 65 km journey to Everest Base Camp begins (130 km round trip). Depending upon your trekking experience, 65 km may or may not be a formidable distance.

In reality, 65 km, even for an inexperienced trekker, is not very far when you realise that the average walking speed of a human is 5 km per hour.

Unless you are trekking unsupported, your gear will be carried for you by a porter or yak, which is a nice bonus!

On a standard 14 day tour itinerary, you’ll be walking for 12 of these days, with an average EBC hike distance each day of roughly 15 km.

Although 15 km a day does not sound like much, the terrain is often rocky, steep and fairly slow going. Depending on when you trek, the paths can also be covered in snow!

Please bare in mind that this is a wilderness trek and the route has no paved sections. Like many mountain treks, the path ascends and descends often and you will need to make sure you rest often enough to prevent over-tiredness.

Many people believe that the EBC trek requires a super high level of fitness. Although a good level of fitness will certainly make the trek more enjoyable, you certainly don’t need to be an olympic athlete.

An EBC trek does tire most people because of the altitude and the hilly nature of the route, however, we believe that with a little basic training, any novice-trekker can tackle the hike.

Some days are certainly easier than others and it is sensible to prepare for the tough days, not the easy ones. Walking for 6 hours a day to EBC will take it out of you if you have minimal fitness.

Therefore, building up your strength before you leave is crucial. We suggest setting yourself an EBC hike training plan roughly 6-8 weeks before your trek.

Your training plan should include the following:

• Several long hikes/walks a week, building up the distance slowly until 5 hours doesn’t bother you.
• Strength training at the gym. This should be heavily focused on your legs. Squats are a great option.
• Aerobic exercise. This is used to build up your endurance for those long days. Good aerobic exercises include jogging, swimming, rowing etc.

We hope this article has given you a good idea as to the Everest Base Camp trek difficulty and the best way to prepare for it. Good Luck!

If you are still unsure if you’re suited for this trek, or if you have any other queries regarding the article, please leave a note below and we’ll respond within 24 hours.

Tags: Everest Base Camp Trek, Nepal Trekking, How Difficult is the Everest Base Camp Trek, training for Everest Base Camp, EBC Trek

References:   1. Personal experience, 2. Google Maps

About the author 

Andrew Roux

Andrew is one of the senior writers at Mountain IQ. A native of South Africa, Andrew has hiked and climbed all over the world. His favourite destination is Nepal and his most memorable hike was to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro!

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Can atrial fibrillation patient do Everest base trek?

Hi Vani, unfortunately we are not qualified to answer medical questions. We recommend consulting your doctor.

Hello! Thank you so much for a great website and for sharing all your tips and experiences with us 🙂 Regarding the difficulty, I was wondering if there is any area that could be a bit scary for people afraid to hights (apart from bridges, which could be obviously) ?

Thank you!!

Hi Jennifer, in terms of heights the only sections worth worrying about are the bridges. There are two or three suspension bridges throughout the route.

How much an EBC trekking costs in average?

Hi Carlos, here is a detailed article on the cost of trekking to EBC: https://www.mountainiq.com/everest-base-camp-trek-cost/

If I am considering walking to base camp how uneven or slippery are the walking trails . I broke my leg last year and have plates and screws and wondered if it was doable ?

Hi Nicola, the classic trail to EBC is relatively well-trodden but like any mountain trail there are sections that consist of rough and challenging terrain. If you are comfortable hiking for multiple days in the mountains of your home country then I would say EBC on the classic route should be fine too.

I have done several Himalayan treks and actually climbed two peaks around 18000 ft. But recently I am suffering from osteoporosis of knees. Just the beginning. With weight loss and sufficient physiotherapy of knees will I be able to do this trek. It was in my bucket list but somehow I missed it. Now I am 53. Needs your advice.

How much of the hike to base camp is scramble requiring hands? Are there any class 4 sections?

Hi Marla, there is no scrambling on the classic EBC hike. It’s a straightforward trail!

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The Ultimate Insider’s Guide to Trekking Everest Base Camp

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At 8,848 meters, 29,029 feet above sea level, Mt. Everest is the tallest mountain in the world, towering over the surrounding peaks in the Himalayas mountain range on the border between Nepal and Tibet.

Even if you’re not a diehard mountaineer, you can still explore this beautiful region of Nepal with a trek to Everest base camp (EBC).

Not only will you get lifelong bragging rights for completing the trek to base camp, but it’s also a beautiful trek in its own right. Amazing vista can be seen passing through the Sagarmatha National Park and the awe-inspiring Himalayas .

Although the trek takes about two weeks, it’s surprisingly accessible and has been completed by many first-time trekkers.

Everest Base Camp: A Brief Overview

Since the first successful summit in 1953 by Sir Edmund Hillary and Sherpa Tenzing Norgay, the imposing peak has attracted decades of adrenaline-seekers wishing to add their name to the list of successful summiteers. A good portion of these climbers never returned .

Despite the intimidating statistics, the sister trek through the picturesque Khumbu Valley to the base camp used by professional mountaineers is an attainable goal for many people.

Located at an altitude of 5,361 meters, 17,590 feet above sea level, you don’t need fancy equipment or mountaineering skills to reach EBC. Certainly, it takes just a positive attitude and a reasonable level of fitness.

There’s a sense of camaraderie and a tangible buzz in the air as the adrenaline of the would-be Everest summiteers infects everybody around them.

The scenery at these altitudes is breathtaking and varied, ranging from rhododendrons and pine fields to rivers; suspension bridges strung with prayer flags; glaciers, lakes, valleys, high mountain passes, and finally, the spectacular Himalayan mountain peaks!

The Sagarmatha National Park is home to rare animal species such as snow leopards and red pandas – though it’s very unlikely you’ll encounter them. You’ll frequently have to step aside (to the uphill side!) as you encounter yaks on the trail.

Whether you choose to follow the traditional EBC route or one of the alternative trails, it’s guaranteed to be an experience you’ll never forget.

In contrast to most multi-day treks where you’d be camping in a tent, trekkers to base camp stay in cozy tea houses. You can find several available in a range of budgets, which function as both hotels and restaurants.

The trek is dotted with Buddhist monasteries and tiny villages almost all the way up. The relaxed pace of the trek allows plenty of time for you to explore the villages and get to know the local Sherpa culture.

Mt. Everest is increasingly covered in garbage left behind by the hordes of people who have set out to conquer its lofty heights. When you go, please respect the environment and do your best to minimize waste.

The most popular time of year to do the Everest base camp trek is between February and May – the pre-monsoon season.

During these spring months, the weather is typically warm and dry and the mountains will be ablaze with colorful rhododendrons.

This is also peak season and while you’re unlikely to have the trails to yourself, you’ll enjoy a buzzing atmosphere at the tea houses on the way. This is also when most Everest climbers make their summit attempts.

The summer months bring the monsoon rains, resulting in slippery trails and a heightened risk of landslides. If that doesn’t deter you, the leeches and foggy weather might! It’s not recommended to attempt the trek in the summer.

It can also be difficult to fly into Lukla during the monsoon. Indeed, this is a good time to pick the Jiri trek over the classic EBC trek.

If you want fewer crowds, try going in September or October, the post-monsoon months, when you have the highest chance of clear skies, although temperatures are slightly colder.

You can even do the trek in the winter but be prepared for sub-zero temperatures most days and lots of snow.

Whenever you go, make sure you pack for unpredictable weather in case a snowstorm takes you by surprise.

Trekkers interested in the local culture might want to plan their trip dates around traditional holidays with celebrations in Kathmandu, such as Holi (February/March) or Indra Jatra (September).

Another thing to consider when planning your trip is flight prices, which can vary considerably. Check flights before booking as this might have a huge impact on when you want to go.

Lastly, be aware that it might be harder to find tour operators who provide treks in off-season months. Also, some of the paths might be closed.

Conversely, if you want a stab at actually sleeping in Everest Base Camp, then late spring is your best option. It will be rare to find tour operators who might be able to wrangle this.

Everest Base Camp Packing list

If this is your first multi-day trek, don’t forget to budget for all the equipment you’ll have to take with you.

You can choose between renting or buying your gear. Hikers who plan on doing more multi-day treks might want to invest in their own equipment.

If you’re doing a two-week trek, it makes more sense to rent your sleeping bag and down jacket. For trekkers who plan on trekking for a whole month, it makes more financial sense to buy.

The neighborhood of Thamel in Kathmandu offers plenty of options for buying and renting. However, the products on offer may be of questionable quality.

Further on, Namche Bazaar is a last-resort option if you find you’ve forgotten to pack any essentials. If you keep your receipts, then talk it over with the shop when buying. Some shops will buy your gear back from you, at the end of your trek, for a reduced price.

Almost everything available for sale along the trek has been carried up the mountain, either by yaks or people. This means things get more expensive the higher you go.

Pack strategically. This means bringing the items you can’t live without while avoiding overloading your backpack. Whether you hire a porter or decide to go solo, somebody will be lugging your things up the mountain. Indeed, think twice before including unnecessary items like an extra book or five spare shirts!

Aim to pack around 10kg if you’re carrying everything yourself, and 20-25kg if you’re getting help from a porter. Don’t forget that your water adds extra weight. Try packing your bag with full water bottles, to get a more accurate idea of how much you can bring.

This list is aimed at trekkers who will be sleeping in tea houses every night. Be aware that if you don’t book early enough, the tea houses may be sold out in high season.

If you think you might end up having to camp, Then you’ll need more supplies not covered on this list, such as a winter insulated tent , sleeping pad , etc.

What to Wear

The clothes you pack will depend on which season you’re visiting in. Make sure you have enough clothing to keep warm, especially in the evenings.

Layers are crucial, as temperatures and weather conditions will change drastically between day and night and as you ascend and descend in altitude.

Tea houses often only heat the common areas, and then only in the evenings, so bring warm clothes for lounging around at night.

The higher you get, the less likely you are to have power in your tea house, or only for a few hours as they’re run off solar power.

Base layers: Your base layer should be comfortable and moisture-wicking. Stay away from cotton; go for merino wool or synthetics .

Pack a long-sleeved shirt (avoid short sleeves as you’re more likely to get sunburnt) and long underwear, if only for the cold evenings.

Fleece mid-layer: You’ll probably be putting this on and taking it off with every mountain pass. Indeed, try to find one that will fit easily into your day pack.

Outer layer: Get a down jacket with a good warmth-to-weight ratio, as you’ll be carrying it much of the time.

Waterproof windbreaker and pants.

Hiking pants: Well-insulated trekking pants , or trekking pants that can turn into shorts. 

Waterproof hiking boots. We can’t stress enough how important it is to break your hiking boots in properly before your trek.

Don’t forget to bring a pair of comfortable sneakers or sandals for the evenings and for bathroom runs.

Socks: Woollen hiking socks are worth the investment – bring a few pairs that can handle very cold temperatures for the higher altitudes, and look for flat seams and padded spots to reduce blisters.

Sock liners and Vaseline are two other good ways to prevent blisters . You should also bring a pair of warm socks for base camp.

Gaiters: These will be especially useful during the rainier months.

Gloves : Pack a thin pair of “inner” gloves and a very warm pair of outer gloves. There will be at least one or two days where your fingers will freeze otherwise – for example, the day you summit Kala Patthar.

Scarf/balaclava/buff: The trail to EBC gets infamously dusty, provoking the “ Khumbu cough ” that plagues many hikers. A buff or something similar will keep you warm as well as provide you with a layer to breathe through to minimize the amount of dust in your lungs.

Beanie and sun hat , preferably with neck cover, to protect against the sun .

Underwear and sports bras: You’ll probably be reusing these, so get good-quality, non-cotton ones.

Accessories

Drinking water: Most tour operators provide purified water. Avoid bottled water, as this is expensive on top of being an environmental disaster.

We recommend bringing two big reusable water bottles (or a water bladder for drinking on the go). Tablets take a while to work and it’s nice to have one water bottle ready to drink while the other one is getting purified.

You can also fill a bottle with hot water and sleep with it in your sleeping bag if you’re cold during the night. If you’re purifying your own water, bring water purification tablets , LifeStraw , or a Steri-pen. But remember, these need charging, and charging on the trail costs money.

You may wish to add flavor enhancers to your water. Unfortunately, at Gorak Shep the water is very mineralized so you’ll need to buy bottled water.

Showering: Whether or not you shower is up to you. Expect to pay around $5 for a hot shower. Some people rely on wet or backpacking body wipes , especially since wet hair is no fun in negative temperatures!

Sunglasses: The combination of snow and altitude is brutal on your eyes, so invest in good polarized sunglasses with wraparound arms.

Sleeping bag : The teahouses will provide blankets and pillows but you’ll want your own sleeping bag and pillowcase.

Find a mummy sleeping bag rated to -20° C – or colder, depending on the season. Consider bringing a silk liner , especially if you’re renting your sleeping bag.

Toiletries: Sunscreen , SPF chapstick (this is better than lip balm as there’s no need to smear it on with your grubby fingers), quick-drying towel, tissue, baby wipes, period supplies, compressed toilet paper tablets or biodegradable toilet paper (remove cardboard and keep in ziptop bag), hand sanitizer, toothbrush and toothpaste, etc.

Always bring toilet paper with you. Most bathrooms are squat toilets and are located only in villages.

Tip : wet wipes are more expensive than toilet paper on the trail, so if you have to choose, stock up on wet wipes and buy toilet paper when you run out.

Shewee: Ladies, you’ll be glad not to have to pull your pants down in the freezing high-altitude weather. If you need to pee, then I recommend using a portable pee device, like PeeBuddy Reusable Female Urination Device . You stand and use the portable pee funnel, so you don’t need to squat.

If you get your period on the trail and you’re not comfortable with using the DivaCup, another good option is to keep used pads/tampons in a ziptop bag and dispose of them in the next garbage can.

Personal first-aid kit: Bring diarrhea meds, altitude meds, antibiotics, ibuprofen, paracetamol, aspirin, bandaids, blister plasters, tape/trekker’s wool, Vaseline, cough drops (to beat the Khumbu cough), cold medicine, rehydration salts.

Tour operators should provide the rest. Don’t forget to get your travel vaccines before you go.

TSA approved padlock for your luggage.

Backpack: What you pack your gear in will depend on whether you’re using porters. Most porters prefer you to pack your things in a soft-sided duffel bag. Check with the tour operator in case they provide these for you.

If you have a porter, then you’ll only need a daypack for yourself. If you’re not hiring a porter, then bring a collapsible daypack anyway in addition to your backpack. This is so you can leave your big backpack in the tea house during the one-day acclimatization hikes.

Try to get a backpack with straps for hiking poles and zippers to open it from the sides. Not to mention, you won’t have to dig everything out of your bag whenever you want to access something.

Dry bag or plastic cover for your backpack and daypack to prevent water ingress.

Hiking poles : These are a must! All the treks listed here will take you uphill, downhill, uphill and downhill again. Hiking poles will save your knees, and they’ll come in handy on slippery trails during the wet season.

Headlamp or flashlight : You’ll be glad to have this in the evenings after the power goes out, and during early-morning or late-night hikes. Remember to bring extra batteries.

Trekking map: If you’re going independently, a good trekking guidebook is essential – Lonely Planet is highly recommended.

Ziptop bags: These always come in handy for protecting electronics, etc.

Camera or GoPro with memory card and extra batteries.

Money: There are ATMs at select points such as Lukla and Namche Bazaar. But these have low daily withdrawal limits and high commission fees. What’s more, they have been known to take money out of your account without actually dispensing it to you.

Since currency exchange rates on the trail are sky-high, it’s best to bring a stash of local rupees with you. You’ll need rupees to pay for meals, showers, tips, etc.

Wi-Fi: A good option for staying connected is to buy a local sim card. It will give you data to about 4000m altitudes, and sometimes in EBC itself.

You can also check Everest Link for Wi-Fi data packages. The connection is supposedly available in most teahouses along the way, but it can be slow and unreliable so don’t depend on it too much.

Top Tip : Beware of phone updates. These will eat through your Wi-Fi and data limits before you realize what just happened!

Entertainment: EBC treks usually only schedule a few hours of hiking a day, to allow you time to acclimatize. Bring books, a Kindle , cards or other games for the many hours of downtime. Certainly, bring a journal so you can remember this once-in-a-lifetime experience!

Solar charger: Many teahouses offer power points where you can charge your devices for a nominal fee. Also, don’t forget to bring an adapter. It’s a good idea to bring your own solar-powered charger and extra batteries to minimize costs.

Tip : Keep batteries, base layers , and anything else you don’t want freezing in your sleeping bag with you overnight. Keep your phone in flight mode to save power.

Important documents: Bring printouts of your travel insurance information. And make sure one of your travel buddies knows what to do and whom to contact in case of an emergency.

Bring your passport, visas, money, etc. – I always keep these documents in a zip-top bag.

Trekking solo? Bring a safety whistle , compass , pocket knife , & duct tape, especially on the less-crowded trails

High-calorie snacks: These will make a huge difference to your experience. Snacks are exceedingly expensive on the trail, and they provide welcome calories on tough trekking days.

You’ll have to decide how many you want to bring and which ones you want to buy along the trail.

Cloth bags : Many trekkers use these to separate dirty laundry and organize different outfits.

Earplugs: You’ll be glad for these when the tea houses are alive with the sound of Khumbu coughs.

A Note on Trekking Insurance

Be very careful when purchasing travel insurance, because regular policies usually stop covering you once you ascend higher than 3,000m/9,840ft.

At these altitudes, you have a higher chance of getting Acute Mountain Sickness. Also, there’s a pretty good chance you’ll have to be airlifted out to a hospital for injuries . To clarify, injuries like a pulled muscle or twisted ankle at sea level can be more serious at higher altitudes.

Because of these higher costs and risks , insurance companies will charge you a premium for high-altitude trekking insurance.

Luckily, there’s no shortage of insurance companies that offer travel insurance specifically tailored to Everest Base Camp trekkers.

When purchasing a policy, make sure you’re covered for trekking up to altitudes of 6,000m/19,685ft. In addition, ensure it has search and rescue costs, preferably by helicopter.

Don’t forget to check if you’re covered for different travel-related illnesses (and make sure you get your vaccinations before going!).

It’s also nice to have compensation for delayed or canceled flights and repatriation in case of death (hopefully you won’t be needing this one).

Check the clause about lost, stolen or damaged luggage to see if it will cover most of the cost of your hiking gear.

If you’re traveling in winter or shoulder season, then check for trip cancelation insurance. This is to ensure you’re covered if your trek is canceled due to weather.

You’ll likely have other considerations depending on your personal situation. Don’t just take our advice for it – remember to do your research, ask questions and read the fine print of your travel insurance policy before you purchase.

I always keep my travel insurance information handy while on the trek. Additionally, I pass it along to someone else in my group. This is so they know whom to contact in case of an emergency.

Some travel insurance providers require you to confirm with them before ordering a helicopter. Check out this option on getting trekking travel insurance for more information.

How to Avoid Altitude Sickness

Most tour operators organize a relaxed trekking schedule and follow the mantra “climb high, sleep low”. In essence, this is to avoid the risk of altitude sickness.

Take it slow – once you finish hiking for the day you’ll have a lot of dead hours in the teahouse. For this reason there’s really no point in racing there.

It’s important to respect the acclimatization days. The acclimatization hikes are designed to help you adjust to tomorrow’s altitude.

Try to drink 3-4 liters of water a day, as dehydration will make the altitude sickness way worse. It also goes without saying that you shouldn’t drink caffeine or alcohol or smoke during your trek.

If you can, then cut out these vices about a week before you start hiking. So that you won’t suffer from withdrawal headaches.

Many people swear by Diamox as a preventative drug against AMS. It’s your choice whether to take this or not. I personally found the tingling fingers and toes to be very off-putting, but it probably helped me acclimatize.

Altitude sickness is unpredictable and doesn’t discriminate based on fitness or age. Listen to your body and descend immediately if you think you have signs of Acute Mountain Sickness.

Check out our article on altitude sickness for a more detailed overview.

Choosing a Tour Operator

Every year there are rumors that the Nepali government will make it compulsory to go with a guide.. But so far, it’s still possible to undertake the trek to EBC on your own.

Unless you’re going in high season, you’ll can drop in at tea houses and get a bed without a reservation.

Independent trekkers can choose whether to hike all by themselves. While others choose between ring a porter, a guide, or a guide and a porter. A guide will speak some English and can help with booking accommodation. However, a porter probably won’t speak English and will only carry your bag.

You can also hire one person who acts as a guide and a porter. Another upside to hiring a guide is that you’ll be providing someone with a job. And in turn, you’ll get to immerse yourself in the Nepali culture.

Alternately, you can opt to join a guided trek with a tour operator. While this is pricier, it’s a good choice for people who have never done such a long, high-altitude trek before.

Tour operators typically arrange flights, airport transfers, accommodation, visas and permits, porters and guides. Western tour operators will usually charge more, but provide a more trustworthy service. You can expect to pay about twice as much for a Western tour operator.

Check to see if your tour operator is registered with the Trekking Agencies Association of Nepal (TAAN). TAAN regulates trekking agencies in Nepal to ensure fair treatment of employees, respect for local communities and preservation of the environment.

The Kilimanjaro Porters Assistance Project mission is to improve the working conditions of porters. They advocate for fair treatment and wages, lend free mountaineering clothing, and encourage them to work for only ethical companies. Through providing education and training opportunities, guides and porters have received classes on porters rights, Leave No Trace and are certified in First Aid.

Please make every effort to ensure the porters and guides are dressed properly, stay within the weight limit including their own luggage. Also, ensure they have adequate sleeping arrangements and insurance and are paid a fair wage.

It’s better to go with companies that employ their porters and guides full-time instead of freelance because there’s a better chance the company is providing them with benefits, sick days and health insurance.

Tipping is always a tricky subject and suggested rates will depend on whom you ask. Aim for around 15 percent of salary (if you’re traveling in a group, this number refers to the total pooled tip) per porter and/or guide, and adjust accordingly.

The classic Everest Base Camp trek winds through the Khumbu valley; once reaching Everest Base Camp, you’ll retrace your steps back down to Lukla for the return flight to Kathmandu.

If you’re interested in escaping the crowds or doing circular routes that don’t involve retracing your steps, there’s a variety of alternate routes to choose from.

You can also opt to tack small detours onto your classic EBC trek. This is especially doable if you’re traveling independently or in a small group.

You shouldn’t have any trouble booking your trek, even on the classic EBC trek.

Classic Everest Base Camp trek

The classic Everest Base Camp trek takes about 14 days, including time in Kathmandu before and after.

From Kathmandu, you’ll fly into Lukla Airport (2,860m/9,383ft) with its famously short runway – try to sit on the left side of the plane so you can catch your first views of Mt. Everest.

It’s a good idea to leave yourself a few buffer days, as Lukla flights are often delayed due to weather. Flights should be included in your tour price; otherwise they’re about USD 300, plus USD 100 for your guide’s ticket.

From the airport, you’ll trek to Phakding for the night.

The next day you’ll set out from Phakding and follow the Dudh Koshi River, crossing suspension bridges and pine forests until you reach the Namche Bazaar (3,440m/11,286ft), in the Sagarmatha National Park UNESCO World Heritage Site .

Namche Bazaar is the region’s principal trading point, so use this opportunity to stock up on supplies you might have forgotten. If you’re there on Saturday, then don’t miss the market. From here you can also catch a peak of Everest.

You’ll take a day to acclimatize in Namche Bazaar – you can make the most of the Wi-Fi, stock up on any supplies you forgot, check out the Sherpa museum or just tool around the village.

The day after you’ll follow the former Tibet-Nepal trading route via Thame to Tengboche. These villages are known for legendary views, where you can visit one of the region’s biggest monasteries .

Next you’ll hike through Phangboche to Pheriche while admiring the views of Ama Dablam. You might be interested to know that Pheriche is where the Himalayan Rescue Association makes its base – but hopefully you won’t need to use this information! 

Most people stay in Pheriche for a day to acclimatize and visit local attractions like the Imja Lake or Dingboche village, which boasts views of Lhotse and Island Peak.

Now that you’re rested, you’ll be ready to tackle the trek to Lobuche, which features a 600m/1,969ft elevation gain. You’ll skirt the perilous Khumbu Glacier and witness the many memorials to sherpas and climbers who perished in their attempt to climb Everest.

From Lobuche you’ll set out towards Gorak Shep, which is the world’s highest permanently inhabited village.

Finally, it’s time to push on through the moraine towards Everest Base Camp! Since actual summiteers of Everest have priority, don’t expect to spend too long there or even be allowed inside the base camp itself.

But don’t worry, the adrenaline-filled atmosphere extends all the way down to the trekker stop point! From here you’ll go back down to Gorak Shep for the night.

You can’t actually see the peak of Mt. Everest from Everest Base Camp, so the next day you’ll make a steep ascent up to the summit of Kala Patthar (5545m/ 18,192ft) to catch amazing views of Everest, Nuptse (7,861m/25,791ft) and Lhotse (8,516m/27,940ft).

Most groups try to do this at sunset on the same day as they reach EBC, or at sunrise the next morning, when Mt. Everest sometimes turns pink in the early-morning light.

Forging on ahead, you’ll descend to Dingboche or Pheriche, and from there past Tengboche and back to Namche Bazaar the next day. Keep an eye out for the massive fields of wild rhododendrons if you’re visiting in the spring!

Your last day of trekking will take you back to Lukla, where you’ll spend the night before catching the flight to Kathmandu.

• Pros : Comparatively gentle altitude profile, can be done independently
• Cons : Have to retrace steps on the way down, can be crowded
• Length : ~130km (12-14 days)
• Highest point : Kala Patthar (5545m/ 18,192ft)

Gokyo Lakes Trek 

The Gokyo Lakes Trek is popular for its beautiful glacial lakes , nestled in the quiet Gokyo valley.

Like the classic Everest Base Camp trek, the Gokyo Lakes trek starts at Lukla, breaking off towards the northwest at the Namche Bazaar.

This trek is considered slightly more challenging than the classic EBC trek, with steeper ascents and more time spent at high altitudes.

It takes 2-3 days longer, detouring around some of the most crowded sections of the classic base camp trek but still finishing at Everest Base Camp.

You’ll see glacial lakes and summit Gokyo Ri (5,357m/17,575ft) where you’ll earn views of Everest, Lhotse and Cho Oyu (8,201m/26,906ft).

Fly into Kathmandu, spend a few days acclimatizing and then take another flight to Lukla. The next day, you’ll trek down through the Dudh Koshi Valley to Phakding past several Buddhist sites.

Hiking through pine forests and along the Dudh Koshi River, you’ll cross several suspension bridges including the Hillary Suspension Bridge. After entering the Sagarmatha National Park, you’ll continue hiking until the Namche Bazaar.

You’ll then separate from the classic EBC trek and head northwest towards Dole along the Dudh Koshi valley. You’ll get some of the first views of Everest, Lhotse and Ama Dablam today.

The next day brings a steep climb towards Machhermo, which is populated with yaks in the summer.

Allow yourself a day to acclimatize and enjoy views of Ngozumpa Glacier (the biggest glacier in the Himalayas). Once you’ve enjoyed the glacier, trek to the Gokyo lakes and you’ll eventually reach Gokyo village. If you are tired by now, you’re in luck because this is where you’ll bed down for the night.

This is another popular time to take an acclimatization rest day and explore the surrounding lakes, or summit Gokyo Ri, which stands almost 5,500m/18,045ft above sea level.

Stop to take in the stunning views of Everest, Lhotse and Cho Oyu, then continue back down to the Ngozumpa glacier and on into Dragnag.

The next day is a tough one. You’ll traverse Cho La, one of the “Three Passes” (5,420m/17,782ft), cross a glacier and then spend the night in Zonglha. 

Joining up with the classic EBC trek, you’ll stop for a moment of reflection at the memorials to sherpas and climbers who perished in their attempts to climb Everest, and then continue on to Lobuche for the night.

From Lobuche, you’ll skirt the Khumbu glacier, hiking up past Gorak Shep and finally you’ll reach Everest Base Camp! Enjoy it while it lasts, because the priority at EBC is the Everest summiteers, especially in the spring months.

You’ll hike back down to Gorak Shep alongside views of the Khumbu icefall . Part of the highest glacier on Earth, the icefall’s deadly crevasses, unstable seracs and unpredictable avalanches have taken dozens of lives.

The next day you’ll hike up Kala Patthar, with more views of Everest and the neighboring mountain peaks, and then down to Dingboche along the classic EBC route.

It’s time to return to Namche Bazaar. The day after you’ll hike back to Lukla through the Dudh Koshi valley, and then fly into Kathmandu.

Because the trek is longer, expect to pay more than you would for the classic EBC trek. Trekkers are advised not to attempt this trek independently, due to the increased difficulty and the fact that there are fewer people on the routes.

Like the classic EBC trek, the best time to go is during spring or fall. Because the trek isn’t as popular, you shouldn’t have to worry about crowds for most of the way, so feel free to go during peak season.

• Pros : Fewer crowds, more challenging, more sights, get to summit a peak, see the world’s highest freshwater lake system, prettier landscapes than classic trek, circular route so no need to retrace steps
• Cons : More expensive than classic EBC trek
• Length : ~220km/136 miles (16-17 days, including a few days in Kathmandu before and after)
• Highest point : Kala Patthar (5545m/18,192ft)

Jiri to Everest Base Camp 

This old-school route mirrors the route taken by the first Everest summiteers in the 1950’s, starting with an 8-hour bus ride from Kathmandu to Jiri instead of flying into Lukla.

From Jiri, you’ll pass through the towns of Sete, Junbesi and Numtala in the Solu Khumbu region.

After reaching Lukla, you’ll join up with the classic EBC trek, passing through Phakding, Namche Bazaar, Tengboche, Pheriche and Gorak Shep.

In total, the Jiri route takes about 5-6 days longer than the classic route.

Jiri route trekkers will have the chance to spend a lot more time with the locals. You’ll also spend more time at low altitudes – the route starts at just 1,800m/5,905ft above sea level – meaning landscapes will forests and streams with actual running water.

Much of the trek is off the beaten path, with fewer crowds than the EBC classic trek.

Tool around Kathmandu for a day and then take an 8-hour (190km/118 mile) bus ride, following the Sun Koshi River to Jiri and then Shivalaya.

The next day, you’ll cross a suspension bridge over the river and then explore several tea houses. Go through the Deorali Pass, taking a moment to check out the prayer flags and decorated walls, and then head down to Bhandar for the night.

From Bhandar, you’ll walk through fields and forests before embarking on a steep descent t

owards the village of Kenja. Uphill again, you’ll traverse the Lamjura Pass and arrive at the town of Sete.

The next day, you’ll return to the Lamjura Pass and pass through magnificent fields of pine trees, magnolia and rhododendrons. Without a doubt, you’ll appreciate the stunning mountain views. Next,hike down the other side and you’ll arrive at the town of Junbesi.

Back into the forest, you’ll see Mt. Everest for the first time. You’ll then cross the Ringmo Khola suspension bridge and arrive at the village of Ringmo with its gorgeous Tibetan architecture. Another forest and you’ll be at Nunthala.

In the morning, you’ll head out towards the Dudh Koshi River, crossing another impressive suspension bridge on your way to Bupsa.

The next few days will take you to higher altitudes as you pass through forests with monkeys and several small villages.

Arriving in Lukla, you’ll join up with the classic EBC trek. After reaching Everest Base Camp, you’ll summit Kala Patthar for the obligatory views of Mt. Everest at dawn and then return through Gorak Shep, Namche Bazaar and finally Lukla, for your flight back to Kathmandu.

Like the classic Everest trek, the Jiri route is best undertaken in spring or fall. Caution: some parts of the Jiri trek may be closed in the winter, so we don’t recommend going during this season.

The Jiri route is only slightly more difficult than the classic Everest Base Camp route, due to its longer duration.

The average day of hiking comprises 5-6 hours, covering about 15km/9 miles. On the bright side, due to the more gradual ascent compared with the classic trek, you’re less likely to get altitude sickness.

• Pros : More authentic, less touristy, chance to see Solo Khumbu landscapes (terraced farmland, forests, Dudh Koshi river, sherpas), gradual acclimatization
• Cons : 8-hour bus ride (but scenic!)
• Length : ~250km/155 miles (22 days, of which 18 days of trekking)
• Highest point : Kala Patthar (5,545m/ 18,192ft)

Three Passes Trek 

As you might infer from the name, the Three Passes trek takes you across three high mountain passes (all higher than 5,000m/16,400ft). Thus, making it more difficult than the classic EBC trek.

After reaching Namche Bazaar, the Three Passes trek splits off from the classic trek. This takes you towards Thame and the Nangpa Valley. The trek takes around 19 days in total, of which 14-15 will be spent trekking. Getting a guide is highly recommended.

After flying into Lukla from Kathmandu, you’ll work your way down to Phakding.

The next day will take you across several suspension bridges on the way to Namche Bazaar. You’ll be there for a day of acclimatizing. After which you’ll split off from the classic EBC route and head to Thame.

Crossing the Bhote Koshi river, you’ll reach Lumde and catch your first good views of the mountain peaks. The next day, you’ll tackle the first pass.

The Renjo La (5,360m/17,585ft) lies near the Dudh Koshi valley and will reward you with views of Everest. Then you’ll pass the Gokyo lakes and the village of Gokyo, where you’ll summit Gokyo Ri and catch sight of Cho Oyu.

After spending some time acclimatizing in Gokyo, you’ll walk across the Ngozumpa Glacier. This is Nepal’s largest glacier, and you’ll then spend the night in Dragnag.

The next day is notorious. You’ll traverse the next pass, Cho La (5,420m/17,782 ft), which has a glacier and prayer flags at the top. On the other side of the pass lies Zonglha.

Joining back up with the base camp trek, you’ll visit Lobuche and Gorak Shep and take in views of the Khumbu Glacier, Everest, Lhotse and Nuptse.

You’ll explore Everest Base Camp and summit Kala Patthar before retracing your steps back through Gorak Shep and Lobuche.

The trek keeps on going, past the Kongma La pass (5,535m/18,159ft), down into the Chukkung valley and up to the summit of Chukking Ri (5,550m/18,209ft) with more mountain views.

You’ll trek through Dingboche, with its views over the Khumbu Valley. Eventually, you hike down through the rhododendron fields and the village of Khumjung, ending back at the Namche Bazaar.

From here you’ll cross the Dudh Koshi, following the classic EBC route back down to Lukla.

This trek can also be done backwards; it’s up to you whether you want to head clockwise or counter-clockwise after the Namche Bazaar.

Many people recommend doing the trek counter-clockwise to avoid crossing the difficult Renjo La Pass right off the bat.

You’re best off doing this trek with a tour operator, as it’s quite off the beaten path.

• Pros : See a little bit of everything, uncrowded trails, challenging elevation profile
• Cons : Riskier terrain than classic EBC trail, long stretches with no facilities
• Length : ~21 days (150km/90 miles)
• Highest point : Chukking Ri (5,550m/18,209ft)

Island Peak (Imja Tse)

Experienced trekkers who wish to try their hand at mountaineering might be interested in summiting Island Peak (6,189 m/20,305 ft).

To master the glaciers and icy headwall during the ascent of these peaks, you’ll need to use crampons, an ice ax and potentially a ladder and ropes to cross the crevasses, depending on the weather.

Tour operators claim you can learn these skills on the fly, but it’s better to have some prior mountaineering experience before you tackle these routes, which are significantly more challenging.

That being said, Island Peak is a relatively “easy” climb as far as climbs go, so it’s a good option if you’re looking to expand your repertoire. 

Since a detailed itinerary of Island Peak is outside the scope of this article, be aware that the general packing list doesn’t include the specialized mountaineering equipment you need for this trek.

Likewise, ascending Island Peak takes you above 6,000m and will probably not be covered by standard travel insurance providers, so check with your local mountaineering association for options.

Practical Information

What will I eat? How much will the trip cost? These are the questions most frequently asked.

As a general rule, the tea house lodgings themselves are very, very cheap with the condition that you eat dinner and breakfast in the same lodge.

This is where your costs will really add up – food is very expensive – so check with your tour operator when booking to see if meals are included.

Food on the trek is repetitive but nourishing. The meals are carb-heavy – think pasta dishes, dahl baht or “sherpa stew” with veggies and noodles.

What other trek offers the convenience of stopping in at a tea house or bakery for a hot lunch or freshly baked pastry? Just be prepared for stretches where you won’t see a tea house for several hours.

Hot drinks are readily available, and a popular treat is a deep-fried Mars bar. Don’t leave without trying one!

Most people recommend going vegetarian during the trek. Sagarmatha National Park has a no-kill policy so all meat has to be carried up by porters or yaks and is never very fresh, so there’s a real risk of getting sick.

Much of the garbage that’s disposed of in the villages ends up getting burned on-site, which really makes you consider the impact of your waste.

Before wantonly throwing plastic into the garbage cans, try to reduce what you use and pack out as much as you can.

The budget for your trip will vary widely depending on whether you’re trekking independently or going with a tour operator.

If you are booking with a tour operator, the flight price and permit prices should be included – usually you’ll have to pay for your guide’s flight as well.

Tour prices run from about USD 1000 to 3000 depending whether you go local or get a Western tour operator.

Budget around USD 400 for the flight from Kathmandu to Lukla Airport, including your guide’s ticket. If you go independently, consider getting help from a local agency for buying your flight tickets.

Flights have a way of being overbooked and you’re more likely to get on the plane if a local agent is vouching for you. On this note, factor in a few buffer days for your flight from Lukla back to Kathmandu, in case of weather or overbooking delays. 

Nationals of all countries except India will need a visa to enter Nepal, which costs USD 25 for 15 days, USD 40 for 30 days and USD 100 for 90 days.

You’re best off getting the 30-day visa even if your trek is only scheduled to take two weeks, as weather and other factors might extend the trip unexpectedly. For the most part, you can get your visa when you land in Nepal.

It used to be mandatory to purchase a Trekkers Information Management System (TIMS) card, but the laws on this are constantly changing and there is a new local tax being charged, so check before you go unless your tour operator is arranging paperwork for you.

You will need a Sagarmatha National Park entry permit, which you can get ahead of time or at Monjo, when entering the park.

The price of the permits will normally be included in the trip price if going with a tour operator. Bring several passport photos for the permits.

All Set: Are You Ready?

The name “Everest” may sound intimidating, but this is actually one of the more approachable multi-day treks out there.

If you have a reasonable fitness level and are comfortable walking uphill for several hours a day carrying a heavy backpack, then you should be able to complete the trek. The key is to go slowly to avoid altitude sickness.

You don’t need special mountaineering know-how or an incredible level of fitness. The hike to EBC is a relaxed one, as hikes go.

The pace is slow, to allow you the time to acclimatize, so you’ll have plenty of free hours to peruse the village cafés, tuck into a slice of apple pie and snuggle up with a good book or make friends over a game of cards back at the teahouse.

That being said, of course it’s a good idea to prepare for the trek by hitting the gym in the months prior to your departure, and plenty of practice hikes starting two months before you go.

Don’t forget to practice hiking with a heavy backpack on! Check out this article for more tips on preparing for an uphill hike .

In total, the trek is around 130km/81 miles round trip, with an elevation gain of 2,685m/8,809ft between Lukla (2,860 m) and Kala Patthar (5,545 m).

It’s usually done in just under two weeks, including rest days for acclimatization. The outward leg will take longer and you can expect to trek 5-6 hours per trekking day, covering an average of 15km/9 miles.

The hike from EBC back to Lukla will go much faster since you’ll already be acclimatized.

Plenty of people with no prior trekking experience manage to complete the EBC trek and you can too! Like any non-technical trek at altitude , the key is a proper pace, a decent level of fitness and most of all, a good attitude!

Have you been trekking in Nepal? Let us know about it in the comments section below!

Disclaimer : This post is for information only and is not intended to replace the advice of an experienced guide. Always do your research and check with local weather stations, etc. before attempting to undertake treks in the wild. Distances are approximate and routes may vary depending on your tour operator.

Photos via Depositphotos.

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How To Do The Everest Base Camp Trek In Nepal

The Mount Everest Base Camp Trek in Nepal is one of the world’s best bucket list hikes. In less than 2 weeks, you can trek to the foot of Mt Everest and other snowy peaks in the Himalayan mountains.

The good news is that it’s not a super difficult hike, and you don’t need a big budget to do it. The EBC trek is worth it for the fun and accomplishment alone, but you also get views of the Himalayas that are out of this world.

This travel guide will explain how you can do the Mt Everest Base Camp hike independently (with or without a tour guide), along with a recommended packing list and everything else you need to know before you go!

Best Everest Base Camp Tours

First of all, if you’d rather skip the hassle of planning your own EBC Trek, Klook has Everest Base Camp Tours starting as low as $900 USD for a full 12-day trek.

You may be able to find something cheaper than this once you land in Kathmandu, but booking online with a vetted tour company has some big advantages, and the reviews on their website are very positive.

We’ve used Klook for lots of tours and activities around the world, and they’re great! Highly recommended.

Book Now: Everest Base Camp Tours

When To Do The EBC Trek

The Mt Everest region has 4 different trekking seasons:

• March – May: High season. Best weather, with stable temperatures and bright sunny days, but the trails can get crowded. During these months you may share the EBC trail with pro climbers on the way to go summit Everest.
• June – August: Monsoon season. There’s a lot more rain during these months, and the trails are mostly empty.
• September – October: Clear days and busy trails. This is one of the most popular trekking seasons.
• November – February: Coldest season, but the weather is stable and dry. The trails are mostly clear.

I trekked in early February, and even though it was nice having the trail mostly to myself, the cold in the evenings and mornings was straight up misery.

My home state of Missouri can get very cold in the winter, but the cold has just never been my thing. If I could go back and change it, I would definitely do my Everest Base Camp hike later in the season.

Everest Base Camp Weather

Temperatures on the Mt Everest Base Camp Trek can range from 5 °C (40 °F) to 20 °C (70 °F) depending on month, and as low as -30 °C (-22 °F) at night during the winter months.

If you trek during the warmer months (Mar-May and Sep-Oct), the cold is not a big problem and shouldn’t be hard to cope with. Winter is a different story. Your snot will freeze in your nose at Gorak Shep.

Sunshine is key for winter trekking in Nepal, and thankfully you should have lots of sun in most months outside of the monsoon season. On my February hike, I often found myself shedding all my layers while trekking because I was heating up in the sun.

If you do your Everest Base Camp hike during the winter, the biggest issue is staying warm in the evenings and at night. For this, you’ll definitely want a top quality down jacket and sleeping bag.

All About Everest Base Camp Trekking

My everest base camp itinerary.

• Day 1: Kathmandu to Lukla to Benkar .
• Day 2: Benkar to Namche Bazaar .
• Day 3: Namche Acclimatization Day .
• Day 4: Namche to Deboche .
• Day 5: Deboche to Pangboche .
• Day 6: Pangboche to Dingboche .
• Day 7: Dingboche Acclimatization Day .
• Day 8: Dingboche to Thukla .
• Day 9: Thukla to Gorak Shep .
• Day 10: Everest Base Camp .
• Day 11: Kala Patthar to Gorak Shep to Pheriche .
• Day 12: Pheriche to Namche .
• Day 13: Namche to Lukla .

If you ever need motivation to keep going on the Everest Base Camp hike, just look at how much the porters are carrying!

Mount Pumori as seen from the Kala Patthar viewpoint, just a short distance from Mt Everest Base Camp.

Ama Dablam, one of my favorite mountains on the Mt Everest Base Camp Trek.

EBC Trek Packing List / Gear

This isn’t a complete list of everything to bring on a Mt Everest Base Camp Trek, and you may have to change things up a little depending on what month you go, but these are just some of the basics.

You can find most of this gear in Kathmandu, but in my opinion you’ll get higher quality and a wider selection if you order online.

• Beanie: I only wore this at night, but it definitely helped keep my ears warm.
• Down Jacket: Bring the biggest, warmest DJ possible. This is your most important piece of gear. You can use it as an extra cover at night.
• Fleece Sweater: This is the only jacket you’ll need to wear while trekking most days, especially if it’s sunny.
• Shirts: Something comfy with quick dry material.
• Trekking Pants: Something lightweight and breathable.
• Thermal Underwear: May not be needed if you trek in the warmer months.
• Gloves: I only wore these at night, but they definitely helped keep my hands warm.
• Socks: Merino wool is best for staying warm and stopping moisture.
• Headlight: Smart to have at least a small one, just in case.
• Tumbler: 1 liter water bottle to refill daily on the trek.
• Sunblock: It’s easy to sunburn at high altitudes. A small bottle is plenty.
• Sunglasses: Good for snow. May not be necessary unless you plan to hike a mountain pass like Cho La.
• Hat: I wore old faithful throughout the hike.
• Watch: An altimeter watch would be fun to play with here.
• Camera: Duh. You can’t do the Mt Everest Base Camp Trek without taking lots of pictures.
• Power Bank: Bring a big power bank and you might only need to recharge it once on the whole trek.

Everest Base Camp Trek Cost

For a 13 day trek, I paid about $21 USD per day for food, drinks, and room. Porter/guide was an extra $25 per day, although it’s not a requirement. Flights to Lukla were $330 return, but again not a requirement if you hike in.

You can read the sections below for more info on the daily trekking costs and what you get for your money. It’s not a very expensive trek, all things considered!

Keep in mind, these numbers are from 2020. They’ll go up a little over time. Exchange rates may also vary, so check the latest rates .

The flight to Lukla from Kathmandu is $165 USD each way. You can shop for flights to Lukla at Skyscanner.

If your budget is tight or you have extra time, you can skip this flight by hiking from Jiri to Lukla rather than flying. It only adds a couple days to the itinerary.

Guide / Porter / Solo

You can do the EBC trek with a guide, porter, OR independently (solo).

A guide will show you the way to Mt Everest Base Camp and help with lodging, navigation, advice, taking pictures for you, etc. A porter-guide will do these same things and also carry a 20 kg (45 lb) pack for you.

A porter or guide is NOT a requirement to do this hike, especially if you go in the warmer months when you may not need as much gear. In 2023, they were supposedly introducing a guide requirement for EBC, but so far that has not been enforced at all, thankfully.

With that said, there are some good advantages to hiring a guide, and it’s pretty cheap by Western standards. A porter is only $15 or $20 USD per day, and a porter-guide is $25 per day. A popular arrangement is to hire one porter for two hikers, splitting the cost and still making things easier for both of you.

In the end, this all depends on your budget and hiking preferences.

Hiking Fees

If you’re hiking EBC independently, you’ll need to be aware of two fees you have to pay near the start of the trek.

There’s a local government tax that they’ve now started collecting in Lukla. This one is currently 2,000 Rupees ($17 USD).

There’s also an Everest park fee/ticket you have to pay at the Sagarmatha National Park entrance just beyond the small village of Monjo, Nepal. This one is currently 3,500 Rupees ($30 USD).

No TIMS card is needed anymore for independent hikers. That fee has been retired for the Mount Everest Base Camp Trek.

Accommodation & Amenities

Throughout the Everest Base Camp hike, you’ll stay and sleep at small guesthouses along the way, called teahouses.

This is where you get your meals and drinks for the trek, along with the occasional amenities like showers, charging, or WiFi. The teahouses start out decent, but quickly get more shabby as you go further up the trail.

You have to pay for everything you use, of course, and the prices get quite high as you go, because everything has to be hauled up on the backs of the poor porters.

Guesthouses

The teahouses on the EBC trek are cold and dingy, with drop toilets and cracks in the walls. Don’t expect luxury.

Most rooms are free as long as you buy your meals there (the meals are how they make their money). If you stay at a lodge and don’t eat there, you’ll be expected to pay for the room.

In some cases, I was charged 500 Rupees for a room on top of my meal costs. I’m not sure why some teahouses do this and others don’t, but I never paid more than 500 Rupees for a room, and most were free with the meals.

Food & Drink

I’m happy to report that the food and drinks on the Everest Base Camp hike are top notch, especially after you’ve worked up an appetite trekking.

You have western food choices, or the standard local staples like veggie fried rice, steamed momos (dumplings), and mushroom soup. Everything was hot and fresh. Meal prices for these ranged from 250 to 750 Rupees depending on altitude. Not too bad.

For drinks I tried hot chocolate, lemon/apple/mint tea, and occasionally bottled water for my tumbler. These ranged from 100 to 400 Rupees. If you want to avoid plastic bottles, there’s usually boiled water available and this is safe to drink too.

Getting enough water on the trek is never a problem. Just fill up a 1 liter tumbler in the morning, and this will last you until evening, especially since you’re likely to pass more tea houses along the trail as you’re hiking throughout the day.

Showers are only available at a few lodges, depending on the season and how high up you are, and they cost 600 to 1200 Rupees. In the winter, water higher up will be frozen most of the time.

I never had a shower on my February EBC trek, and that seems to be the norm (although I got one or two opportunities in Namche). Yes, it’s gross. I could smell myself by trek’s end, and it wasn’t pretty.

But aside from the fact that I hate to fork out money for something as basic as a shower, I also never really got close to other people for very long on the trek, so I didn’t feel too guilty about it.

Most days were cold enough that the thought of stripping down for a shower was not really appealing, either. Your best bet is baby wipes and deodorant.

WiFi / Cell Service

WiFi costs anywhere from $5 to $10 USD per day if you buy it from the teahouses.

Alternatively, you can buy a 10 GB/30 Day Everest Link WiFi card in Namche Bazaar and use this for the entire EBC trek. During my Mount Everest Base Camp Trek the WiFi was down across the whole region, so unfortunately I wasn’t able to use either of these options.

I bought an Ncell local SIM card in the Kathmandu airport and had 3G service for half the days of the Everest Base Camp hike. Coverage is still improving in the area, so if you need to stay connected I’d definitely bring a local SIM.

Electricity

All of the teahouses on the way to Mt Everest Base Camp sell outlet charging for electronics, and the prices range from $2 to $10 USD for a full charge, depending on how far up the trail you are.

The key is to bring a big power bank and then use this to charge all of your other electronics (phone, camera, etc). I did this and only paid once to recharge my power bank on the whole trek.

How Much Cash To Bring

Everything you buy during the Everest Base Camp hike (meals, WiFi, charging, etc) will have to be paid for with cash. Credit cards won’t work. There are no ATMs outside of Lukla and Namche Bazaar (Days 1-4), and even the ATMs there are not reliable.

What this means is that you’ll have to withdraw enough cash (Nepalese Rupees) at an ATM in Kathmandu to cover your entire trek. The ATM fees will bite you, and I hate to carry large amounts of cash, but it’s not really avoidable here.

All up, I spent about $20 USD (2,400 Rupees) per day on the Mount Everest Base Camp Trek, and never spent more than $25 USD in a single day. With that said, I didn’t splurge on WiFi, showers, charging, or alcohol. The only things I bought were the bare necessities: room, food, and drinks.

If you hire a porter/guide, you don’t need to factor that into your daily cash carry. That’s paid before the trek starts. But do reserve a little cash for a decent tip.

Mount Everest Base Camp Trek Difficulty

I’m not going to lie, this is a difficult trek. And if you do it in the winter like I did, it’s even harder. With that said, if you are in decent shape, determined, and obey the guidelines for altitude sickness prevention (more on that below), then you’ll have no problem reaching base camp.

There is a lot of elevation gain and loss on this hike. At times near Lukla, the constant ups and downs will make you feel like you’re hiking a roller coaster, but the trail is never too steep or dangerous. After Namche, it’s mostly a slow uphill plod.

This trek has been completed by old seasoned hikers in their 70s, and young kids in their pre-teens. It’s also been flunked by healthy 20-30 somethings who try to push through it quickly without enough acclimatization to altitude.

Patience and discipline are key for trekking to Everest Base Camp. Slow and steady wins the race here.

Trekking Distance

The one way trekking distance from Lukla to Mt Everest Base Camp is about 65 kilometers (40 miles).

That means the total roundtrip distance of an EBC Trek is about 130 kilometers, even if you don’t do any of the detours.

Don’t let that scare you off. It’s a lot of hiking, but every step is worth it.

Altitude Sickness

By far your biggest danger on the Mount Everest Base Camp Trek is altitude sickness, also known as Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS).

No one is immune to this, and it doesn’t matter how fit you are. If you gain altitude too fast, you can get sick and in some cases even die. Plenty of people have died from AMS on the EBC Trek.

The problem is that overzealous hikers push the envelope on this hike all the time, and a lot of them end up needing a very expensive helicopter evacuation to lower ground.

The best way to avoid altitude sickness is to go slow . At altitudes above 3,000 meters (10,000 feet), don’t increase your sleeping elevation by more than 300-500 meters (1,000-1,500 feet) per night.

Every 1,000 meters (3,000 feet) you should also spend a second night at the same elevation. If you get a bad headache, dizziness, or nausea, descend to a lower altitude until you feel better. As long as you follow these general guidelines, you shouldn’t have any issues.

You can take Diamox (acetazolamide) on the trek for extra AMS prevention. This medication can be found in Kathmandu or Namche. I bought mine in Namche and it seemed to help my headache and slight foggy feeling. I didn’t have any side effects aside from the usual tingling toes/fingers.

Everest Base Camp Altitude

The Mount Everest Base Camp altitude is 5,364 meters (17,598 feet). At this elevation, there is 50% of the oxygen at sea level.

However, most treks also go to Kala Patthar, a viewpoint even higher than base camp where you can get the best views of Mount Everest.

The elevation at Kala Patthar is 5,644 meters (18,519 feet). From there, you’ll be rewarded with an incredible panorama of Mount Everest and other icy peaks like Pumori, Lhotse, and Nuptse.

Happy travels!

If you’d rather skip the hassle of planning your own EBC Trek, Klook has Everest Base Camp Tours starting as low as $900 USD for a full 12-day trek.

You may be able to find something cheaper than this once you land in Kathmandu, but booking online with a vetted tour company has some big advantages, and the reviews on their website are very positive for this Mt Everest Base Camp tour.

More Nepal Travel Tips

Hopefully you were helped by this guide for the Everest Base Camp Trek. Let me know in the comments below if I can help answer any questions.

Don’t forget to check out my complete Nepal Travel Guide with tips, info, photos & more!

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So much useful detailed information.

Thanks for the straight forward information. Beautiful photos

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Everest Base Camp Trek Difficulty

Everest Base Camp Trek Difficulty depends upon each individual attitude and physical fitness as well as preparation before choosing or booking the trek. No matter how difficult one can find, but thousands of travelers and adventurers from all walks of life visit Everest base camp every season of the year, however, we would like to provide some important information that all interested adventurers and trekkers would like to know about.

Around the Himalayas, the most popular destination and as well for other exciting adventures is the trek to Everest base camp also, besides the Everest region. Everest Base Camp widely visited the region around Nepal Himalaya, due to its picturesque scenery of the world’s highest peaks and impressive local Sherpa culture, the natives of Khumbu the Sherpa known as the highlanders of Everest.

Complications of Everest Base Camp Trek

The first thing to know about the difficulty is the duration of itinerary days, and how long is the trek for hours of walks each day. Trying to understand the nature of the Everest base camp trek difficulty, collecting information from your agents, or from various sources that you can search and find on Google.

The EBC Trek’s main difficulty is to reach Lukla on the flight at a specific time and date, which sometimes it might lead to delay and cancellation due to unfavorable and bad weather conditions. This does not happen all the time but this problem and difficult sometimes and season-wise, as Himalayan weather patterns even at the best time of the year for trekking and other adventures can be unpredictable.

Adventure & Complicated Lukla Flight

Similarly taking a flight back to Kathmandu from Lukla after completing the trek, where delays and cancellations might happen, where your guide and the local agent will keep you informed of the situation. The other major difficulty is walking at a high altitude to reach at Everest base camp (5364m) , where trekkers have to encounter a few steep uphill climbs.

On the first day an easy gradual trail for pleasant walks. Where is the second day by mid-afternoon where the route leads you to climb on an undulating, winding trail to reach Namche Bazaar? Situated on a glacial ridge where houses are built in amphitheaters and U shape at 3,440 meters high.

From Namche onward walking is not that difficult, with only short hills to climb and rise in elevation that might create some difficulty for trekkers, where all need to take it slow and steady with few short rest to catch their breath. From Tengboche onward to Everest base camp the trail is not overall difficult but can lead to a few serious problems if one is not careful, due to the rapid rise in altitude where you will encounter dry air.

Stunning Scenarios & High Landscapes

Walking on windswept high terrain well exposed to wind-chill factor that can make the trek quite difficult, apart from barren landscapes and rise in elevation day walk to designated overnight stop are at an average distance of 4-5 hours. Firstly of all depends upon each individual, how to fit they are physically and as well preparedness, for the adventure beforehand with past and present medical history.

Actually, it is not as difficult as it sounds and looks from various descriptions of the 14 days of Everest base camp trekking . The only difficulty for most trekkers facing steep ups and downhill, and high altitude gain on the route to Everest base camp from the starting town and airport at Lukla.

Difficulty can be quite different for each trekker. Where beginners can find much stress and tough going uphill for certain hours, and the rise of elevation on each day’s walks. As long as trekkers are physically fit and can cope with all types of situations that one can encounter during the trek to Everest base camp. It taking at a slow pace with few stops to catch your breath will be wise on high-altitude walks.

Strenuous Walk on the High Altitude

However, most itineraries do have flexible and rest days to support acclimatization at certain heights, like in Namche Bazaar at 4,440 meters high, spending some days in the same high elevation helps one to get acclimatized. The longest and most difficult days for some trekkers are on the second day of the trek going high up to Namche Bazaar, where a long winding uphill reaches you to an overnight stop in the comfort of a nice cozy lodge.

The other tough days are a few hours climb to Tengboche, but one will be excited once reaching on top near the beautiful monastery at Tengboche a marvelous spot surrounded by green woods and with towering white peaks with excellent views of Mt. Everest and magnificent-looking Mt. Amadablam.

From Tengboche to leaving green lush vegetation and tree lines where trekkers can find a change of landscapes of dry and barren windswept terrain, with cold windy afternoons as you walk on the exposed country. Due to the rugged and rough mountain landscape, trekkers might find it hard to breathe as altitude gains gradually, where one needs to take slowly as precautionary measures against AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness).

A Real Adventure Walking Journey Mount Everest Base Camp

The next tough and difficult section on route Everest base camp is going through moraine and glacier walking close to Khumbu glacier towards Gorakshep and Everest base camp. But the spectacular scenery and panorama of the world’s highest mountains make you forget the difficult walks on reaching the main highlight of the adventure at Everest Base Camp.

The other difficult walk to encounter is going up at Kalapathar (5545m) the highest point of the adventure at 5, 643 m / 18, 514 feet high (a newly revised height from the previous 5,545 m the top of Kalapathar). A steep haul for few hours to the top, but you will be rewarded with mind-blowing views of giant peaks that surround Mt. Everest at a close distance.

After being at Everest Base Camp and Kalapathar hilltop rest of the walk is easy on a downhill with a few short ups to reach back at Lukla for the last overnight stop in Khumbu and Everest region.

Besides Everest Base Camp Trek we offer various scenic adventure destinations within high Khumbu around the Everest region

Where one treks to the beautiful and most scenic Gokyo Lake  and crosses the high Cho-la pass to reach Everest Base Camp . Other interesting short treks for beginners and families with children can enjoy a trek up to scenic Tengboche Monastery, or just up to Everest View  Hotel and around nice lovely villages Khunde and Khumjung.

For a tough challenging trek one can join for Three High Passes of Everest including Kongma-la, Cho-la, and Renjo-La of above 5,400 meters high. One can enjoy adventure taking a  classic route to Everest Base Camp from Jiri onward following the footsteps of legendary mountaineers and pioneers.

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How to trek to Everest Base Camp

Jun 20, 2023 • 10 min read

From permits to teahouses, here's everything you need to know about trekking to Everest Base Camp © Mint Images / Getty Images

Top of many people's travel bucket lists, the trek to Everest Base Camp is often the first thing people think about when they start dreaming of a trip to Nepal . 

The walk takes trekkers past Sherpa villages and Tibetan-style monasteries, right up into the heart of the high Himalaya, into a breathtaking world (literally) of iconic glaciers, lakes and the tallest peaks on earth. It's probably the world's most famous trek.

But what is it actually like to trek to Base Camp? Is it something within your capabilities or budget? What should you bring? And, most importantly, can you get a proper coffee en route? 

I just returned from trekking to Everest Base Camp for Lonely Planet's Nepal guide . Here’s what I think you need to know.

What's so great about the Everest Base Camp (EBC) trek anyway?

Firstly, the mountain scenery surrounding the world's highest peak is truly spectacular. The sublime views of Ama Dablam, Pumori, Nuptse and Thamserku peaks are unbeatable and constantly change as you progress along the walk. The Sherpa villages and monasteries are fascinating places to visit and the lodges (called teahouses) are the best in the world. 

The knowledge that you are walking in the expedition footsteps of Hillary, Tenzing, Messner and others is a thrill. Anyone who has read Into Thin Air will be moved by the memorial stupas of Rob Hall, Scott Fischer and others who have lost their lives on the mountain. And then there's the fact that you will have reached the base of the world's highest peak; whether you call it Chomolongma (Tibetan), Sagarmatha (Nepali) or Everest, it’s a rush all the same.

And what’s not so great about the Everest Base Camp trek?

Well, if you force us to play devil's advocate… EBC is one of the busiest trails in Nepal. In the high season months of October and November you'll be walking with thousands of other trekkers, competing with them to get a bed, a lunch order or an airplane seat. There will be lines at checkpoints and even at moments on the trail itself. In bad weather you might be stranded at Lukla airport with hundreds of other trekkers, all trying to get on the first flight out. It's not quite the Zen-like wilderness experience you may have been imagining.

Bear in mind also that even after a solid week of walking, your view of Everest will be partial at best (for infinitely more dramatic Everest views visit the northern Everest Base Camp in Tibet ). If you trek outside of May's expedition weather window you won’t actually find much to see at Base Camp beyond a boulder hastily spray-painted with "Everest Base Camp".

If this has put you off, don’t worry; there are dozens of other fantastic treks in Nepal .

How long does it take to trek to Everest Base Camp?

The walk from the airport at Lukla to Everest Base Camp and back takes a minimum of 15 days. Several of the days are surprisingly short, but this is because you have to figure in time to acclimatize to the high altitudes.

If you can, it's definitely worth adding on a couple of extra days to this basic itinerary. Some of the most dramatic (and least visited) views are from detours off the main trail. I always add two days to visit Thame, two days to visit Chhukung and, if possible, three or four days to visit the lakes of the Gokyo Valley – probably the most beautiful scenery in the Everest region.

Be sure to also budget an extra day or two as a transport buffer. Weather-related flight delays in and out of Lukla are not uncommon (I had to wait six days for a flight to Lukla on my recent trip) so you need some buffer time if heading back for an international flight home.

How challenging is the trek to EBC?

In terms of physical effort, the EBC trek itself is not especially tough. There are only a couple of steep climbs, lasting about an hour each, and most days involve less than four hours of walking.

The thing that makes the EBC trek tough is the altitude. Base Camp is at 5600m (18,373ft) and you will need to spend one or two nights above 5000m (16,404ft). Above 4000m (13,123ft) you are going to feel increasingly lethargic and out of breath as the amount of oxygen in the air decreases. Combine this with the cold, the discomfort of being at altitude and the compounded tiredness from walking for two weeks straight, and you can see why the whole trek experience is definitely a physical challenge.

While you don't need to be an athlete to walk to EBC it is still a good idea to start a fitness regime in the weeks leading up to your trek. You'll enjoy the walk so much more if you are in decent shape.

When is the best time to trek to Everest Base Camp?

October and November bring the best weather and the clearest skies but these are also the most popular months. The second most popular season is April to early May, when spring blooms and expedition traffic bring extra interest to the trail. To avoid the crowds but still enjoy clear views, pack an extra thermal layer and come in December or March.

What can I do to avoid altitude sickness?

The majority of people who fail to reach Base Camp do so because they failed to acclimatize properly to the altitude. It's essential not to gain altitude too quickly by following the recommended overnight stops and limiting your daily altitude gain to a maximum of 400m (1312ft) when above 3000m (9843ft).

Be sure to add in acclimatization days at both Namche Bazaar and Dingboche, during which it's a good idea to hike to higher altitudes during the day, returning to sleep lower at night.

What are the teahouses like?

At lower altitudes the Everest lodges are the most comfortable in Nepal. Private rooms are the norm, many of which have private bathrooms. Showers are available at most places, though the hot water supply can be patchy. All have cozy dining rooms with tables arranged around a central dung-fueled stove. There are even a few luxury lodges along the trail.

In budget lodges, or when you get above Dingboche, things get simpler, with rooms offering little more than a collection of plywood walls, a solar light and a foam mattress. Toilets are a mixture of seats and squatters; sometimes outdoors, always freezing. A blanket is normally supplied but be sure to bring a four-season sleeping bag rated to well below 0°C (32°F).

What's the food like?

Menus in teahouses range from pasta and pizza to spring rolls, fried potatoes and soups, though the most popular meal is a daal bhaat , a set Nepali meal of rice, lentil soup and fried vegetables, normally served with a papad and pickle, and with a refill included. It's the most filling and environmentally sustainable meal you can order.

In villages such as Namche Bazaar and Dingboche you will also find bakery-cafes serving espresso and slices of delicious apple pie, plus shops selling everything from Snickers bars to bottles of beer. This is one trek where you might actually gain weight!

Can I get wi-fi or phone coverage?

Most lodges offer wi-fi, either free of charge or for a few dollars per day (at higher elevations). Above Namche Bazaar you will likely have to buy a scratch card, giving you unlimited data for twelve hours (AirCell) or a specific amount of data over a month (Everestlink). Depending on your network provider you'll likely get data and a phone signal at lower elevations, and possibly even at Everest Base Camp, but not at other high altitudes. So yes, in theory, you can Skype all your friends from Base Camp!

What should I bring?

Warm clothes are a must, and you should pack thermal underwear, a down jacket and fleece hat. Comfortable hiking boots and good, padded socks are also essential. Sun block, a sun hat with a brim and good sunglasses are important against the strong high-altitude light. 

Morale-boosting snacks like chocolate and salami are always helpful, as is a book and smartphone with mapping software like Maps.me. Bring water purification of some sort. If you forget something, don’t worry, you can buy almost anything you might want in Namche Bazaar these days (from ice axes to cans of Pringles), though at prices higher than in Kathmandu .

Do I need a porter and guide?

In terms of finding your way you don't need a guide if you are an experienced walker, as the route is clearly marked and well-trod. A guide can be useful for smoothing your way at teahouses, making sure you get your food on time and helping you pay your bill. It's important not to trek alone, so solo trekkers should find a companion or take a guide or porter.

A porter will carry a bag of around 15kg, freeing you up to pack a few extra chocolate bars and enjoy the walk with little more than a day pack. Not having the strain of carrying a full pack is worth its weight in gold for anyone over the age of 50. Trust me.

How much does the Everest Base Camp trek cost?

For a room in a lodge and three meals a day, figure on US$20–25 per person per day, a bit more if you want a room with a private bathroom and the occasional slice of apple pie. Add on another US$5 every time you want a shower. Figure on an additional US$20 per day for a porter, and US$25–30 for a guide, and budget 10–15% of that fee for an end-of-trip tip.

You'll pay a bit more to have a Kathmandu-based trekking company arrange your entire trek, and a lot more for the convenience and backup of an international trekking tour.

Do I need any permits?

You will need to buy an Everest region permit (US$20) at Lukla, as well as a Sagarmatha National Park entry ticket (US$30) at Monjo. Currently that's all you need.

How can I trek more sustainably?

With 60,000 trekkers and guides headed to the Everest region, it’s important to minimize your impact on the region. Firstly, don't buy bottled water on the trek, as the bottles are nonrecyclable and are a huge problem throughout the region. Bring a system of water purification, like a Lifestraw or Sawyer filter, a Steripen or chemical purification.

Secondly, carry all your trash out (especially batteries), and sign up for the Carry Me Back program, whereby you carry a 1kg bag of trash from Namche Bazaar to Lukla, for it to be recycled in Kathmandu.

Finally, be polite to the Sherpas and porters you meet en route, as well as your fellow trekkers. Walk clockwise around stupas and be respectful at monasteries and shrines.

How do I get to Lukla to start the trek?

Flights run multiple times daily between Kathmandu and Lukla, taking around 30 minutes. During high season however you may have to drive five hours from Kathmandu to Ramechhap airport to catch your Lukla flight there.

It's also possible to fly or drive to Phaplu and walk two days to Lukla from there, or walk from Shivalaya to Lukla in seven days as an excellent pre-trek warm-up.

This article was first published Jan 14, 2013 and updated Jun 20, 2023.

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The Reality of Everest Base Camp Trek Difficulty

Ganesh adhikari.

• Last Updated on Dec 22, 2023

Many trekkers underestimate the Everest Base Camp trek difficulty, thinking it's just a hike to the base camp of Mount Everest, not the summit. Well, this hike can be quite brutal if you are not well prepared and understand the challenges this world-renowned adventure poses. 

As we have used the word adventure, do note that trekking to Everest Base Camp is not a luxury trip, even if you stay overnight in luxurious lodges along the trail. You have signed up for an adventurous journey, and you will get it. 

The Everest base camp trek will test your endurance and patience. You will be pushing your limits and making new boundaries. With that being said, the Everest Base Camp trek is also not the toughest one in Nepal. The right balance of knowledge and preparation will help you complete this trek smoothly, even if you are a beginner trekker. 

In this blog, we will talk about the reality of Everest Base Camp trek difficulty. How difficult is it, who can do it, safety tips, etc. You will get all the answers.

Table of Contents

The challenges of the everest base camp trek.

The Everest Base Camp trek is hard in different ways for different people. Even though this trek is recommended to beginner trekkers, the journey can be quite arduous for some of them. Your fitness, understanding of the region and its limitations, knowledge about high altitude, supporting team, preparation, etc, determine how difficult the Everest Base Camp trek will be for you.

This trek does not require any technical expertise. It is a long hiking adventure with a rising altitude every day. Basic fitness is needed for the Everest Base Camp trek, as you will be trekking for 6 hours a day at a minimum. It is better not to rush while ascending. Have ample acclimatization days in your itinerary and maintain daily elevation gain under 500 meters as well.

The Everest Base Camp trekking route is rugged and steep in some places. The trail starts through lush rhododendron and magnolia forests and ascends to boulder fields and glacier moraines. Until you reach Everest Base Camp and Kala Patthar, it is mostly uphill walking with a few descents. You will follow uneven cliff sides as well and walk along glaciers.

Distance and daily walking Hours

The Everest Base Camp trek distance is 130 kilometers. Each side is 65 kilometers. You will trek 9 to 11 kilometers daily on average. Some days include long distances up to 15 kilometers. Likewise, the daily walking hours during the Everest Base Camp trekking is 6 hours on average. 

The longest days are when you trek from Namche Bazaar to Tengboche, Dingboche to Lobuche, Lobuche to Everest Base Camp via Gorak Shep, Gorak Shep to Kala Patthar to Pheriche, Phercihe to Namche Bazaar, and Namche Bazaar to Lukla.

High Altitude

The high altitude is one of the most significant Everest Base Camp trek challenges. This is what adds more difficulty to trekking in the upper part of the trail. The Everest base camp trek starts from Lukla at 2,845 meters (9,334 ft). From Kathmandu (1,400 m/4,600 ft), you will gain 1,455 meters (4,774 ft) in just 30 minutes of flight. 

It is a drastic elevation change and may trigger altitude sickness , so trekkers descend to Phakding village 2,610 meters (8,563 ft) to spend the night. From Lukla to Everest Base Camp (5,364 m/17,600 ft), you will gain 2,519 meters (8,264 ft) in total. Kala Patthar (5,545 m/18,192 ft) is the highest point of the trek.

As you can see, the variation in elevation is quite drastic in a short period and exposes you to decreasing levels of oxygen as you ascend, which makes trekking more demanding. You will get tired quickly and may also suffer from altitude sickness if you are not careful. Altitude sickness is a common thing during the EBC trek.

Most of the Everest Base Camp trek packages include two acclimatization days in the itinerary, which helps to adjust to elevation and avoid altitude sickness. It's better if you do not compromise on acclimatization days during Everest Base Camp trekking. Be careful of the symptoms and inform your guide if you feel discomfort during the trek. 

• Unpredictable weather

The Khumbu region, also known as the Everest region, is famous for its unpredictable and challenging weather conditions. Even during the peak trekking seasons, the clear skies can suddenly give way to rain, strong winds, or snowfall. This unpredictability requires a proper Everest Base Camp trek plan and backup. 

Likewise, as you gain elevation, you can feel the daytime warm, whereas mornings and nights are relatively cold. You have to prepare for all kinds of weather and temperatures. Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) are the two primary seasons for this trek. 

Winter (December to February) and summer/monsoon (June to August) are off time. The offseason has the worst weather conditions. You cannot predict anything. The Lukla flight is mostly delayed or canceled too. Therefore, very few trekkers trek to Everest base camp in winter and summer/monsoon.

Limited tourist Facilities

The Everest region is famous, especially the Everest Base Camp trail, but this doesn't mean it is not a remote area. Compared to other trekking routes, the Everest Base Camp trail does have better accommodations and facilities, but at the end of the day, the region also has many limitations. 

The trail offers lodges and tea houses accommodation. They are simple, with limited services like beds, shared washrooms, and communal dining areas. There is no heating system, so you have to carry a sleeping bag and every essential toiletry, including toilet paper, hand soap, etc. 

Charging, WiFi, hot showers, etc, all require an additional few bucks, which is not covered in the Everest Base Camp package cost unless it is a luxury package. The limited tourist facilities along the Everest Base Camp trail demand you to be flexible and adjust.

Compared to Lukla and Namche Bazaar, the upper part of the trail has fewer services. And everything will cost you additional money.

Khumbu Cough

Khumbu Cough is a term used to describe a persistent and often irritating cough that some trekkers experience during the Everest Base Camp trek and other high-altitude treks in the Khumbu region of Nepal. As you ascend to higher altitudes, the air becomes increasingly dry and thin. At elevations above 13,000 feet (4,000 meters), the humidity levels drop significantly. 

This dryness can irritate the respiratory passages and lead to coughing. Moreover, the cold air further dries out the respiratory tract, making it more susceptible to irritation. Individuals with pre-existing respiratory conditions, such as asthma or bronchitis, are more prone to experiencing Khumbu Cough.

Trekking during the peak season

The Everest Base Camp trek is very famous. In the peak trekking seasons, you'll be sharing the trails with a significant number of other trekkers, climbers, and support staff. This can result in congested paths and, at times, slow progress, especially in narrow sections. 

Likewise, tea houses and lodges along the trail can get fully booked, and securing a room can be challenging. Sometimes trekkers, especially solo trekkers, have to share a room or sleep in common areas when accommodations are scarce.

Trekking during the off-season

Winter treks to Everest Base Camp bring freezing temperatures, especially at higher altitudes. Sub-zero temperatures can make hiking and overnight stays in lodges exceptionally cold and uncomfortable. Likewise, snowfall is common during winter months, and trails are covered with snow and ice. 

This increases the risk of slips and falls, making certain sections of the trek more treacherous. Likewise, summer/monsoon makes the trail equally challenging with heavy rainfall, bugs, slippery trails, and landslide risks. The views get obstructed in both seasons. Many lodges along the trail are closed during the offseason due to the extreme weather conditions and lack of trekkers.

Everest Base Camp Trek Route Difficulty Overview

Below is our popular 14-day Everest Base Camp trek itinerary. We have made a daily route overview for you. You can learn how much you are going to ascend or descend each day, along with the difficulty level of trekking from one particular village to another.

Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu (1,400 m/4,600 ft)

Day 02: Flight from Kathmandu to Lukla airport (2,846 m/9,337 ft) and trek to Phakding (2,610 m/8,563 ft)

• Trek distance : 6.2 km/3.8 miles
• Duration : 30 minutes flight & 4 hours trek
• Elevation difference : 1,445 m/4,740 ft ascend & 196 m/643 ft descend
• Difficulty : Easy

Day 03: Trek from Phakding to Namche Bazaar (3,440 m/11,290 ft)

• Trek distance : 7.4 km/4.6 miles
• Duration : 6 hours
• Elevation difference : 789 m/2,589 ft ascend 
• Difficulty : Strenuous

Day 04: Acclimatization in Namche Bazaar: hike to Syangboche Airstrip (3,748 m/12,297 ft) and Everest View Hotel (3,962 m/13,000 ft)

• Duration : 4-5 hours
• Elevation difference : 350 m/1,148 ft ascend 
• Difficulty : Medium

Day 05: Trek from Namche Bazaar to Tengboche Monastery (3,860 m/12,660 ft)

• Trek distance : 9.2 km/5.7 miles
• Duration :  5 hours
• Elevation difference : 430 m/1,410 ft ascend 
• Difficulty : Easy/medium

Day 06: Trek from Tengboche to Dingboche (4,410 m/14,470 ft)

• Trek distance : 12 km/7.45 miles
• Duration : 5 hours
• Elevation difference : 490 m/1,608 ft ascend 
• Difficulty : Hard

Day 07: Acclimatization in Dingboche; hike to Nagarjuna Hill (5,100 m/16,732 ft)

• Duration : 4-5 hours 
• Elevation difference : 740 m/2,427 ft ascend 

Day 08: Trek from Dingboche to Lobuche (4,940 m/16,210 ft)

• Trek distance : 8.5 km/5.2 miles
• Duration : 5-6 hours
• Elevation difference : 580 m/1,903 ft ascend 

Day 09: Trek from Lobuche to Everest Base Camp (5,364 m/17,598 ft) via Gorak Shep (5,164 m/16,942 ft) and back to Gorak Shep for a night's stay

• Trek distance : 15 km/9.32 miles
• Duration : 8 hours
• Elevation difference : 424 m/1,391 ft ascend & 200 m/656 ft descend

Day 10: Hike to Kala Patthar (5,545 m/18,192 ft) early in the morning and trek down to Pheriche (4,371 m/14,340 ft)

• Trek distance : 9.6 km/6 miles
• Elevation difference : 381 m/1,250 ft ascend & 793 m/2,601 ft descend

Day 11: Trek from Pheriche to Namche Bazaar (3,440 m/11,290 ft)

• Trek distance : 17.7 km/10.9 miles
• Duration : 6-7 hours
• Elevation difference : 931 m/3,054 ft descend 

Day 12: Trek Namche Bazaar to Lukla (2,846 m/9,337 ft) via Phakding (2,610 m/8,563 ft)

• Trek distance : 16.7 km/10 miles
• Elevation difference : 595 m/1,952 descend

Day 13: Morning flight back to Kathmandu (1,400 m/4,600 ft) from Lukla airport & farewell dinner in the late evening

• Duration : 35 minutes flight
• Elevation difference : 1,446 m/4,744 ft descend 

Day 14: Final departure

Physical and Mental Challenges of the Everest Base Camp Trek

The Everest Base Camp trek is a demanding journey that presents trekkers with a combination of physical and mental challenges. High altitude, long trekking days, and steep ascents and descents, including rocky trails, put a strain on the body. 

Not only that, you will be dealing with a bad network, no connection to the outside world, limited modern facilities, etc. Both physical and mental challenges are much more than you may think during the Everest Base Camp trekking.

Below are the physical and mental challenges you'll encounter on this iconic trek:

• High altitude
• Long hours of walking
• Strenuous ascents and descents
• Cold weather
• Physical fatigue
• Limited resources
• Poor network connection
• Dealing with discomfort
• Fear and anxiety

Proper preparation and training

The Everest Base Camp trek does not demand superhuman fitness, but a good level of physical preparedness is essential. Trekkers should be able to walk 5-7 hours a day on varied terrain while carrying a backpack. Cardiovascular fitness, muscular endurance, and strength are crucial for the trek. You do not need to hire a personal trainer or leave your daily work to prepare for the trek. Regular exercises and a fitness training routine will be enough.

You can do the following things to train for Everest Base Camp trekking:

• Cardiovascular training : Do regular aerobic exercises, such as cycling, running, hiking, swimming, etc. These activities will help you improve your cardiovascular fitness and build stamina and endurance. 
• Strength training : You have to make your legs and core strong, as these parts of the body are heavily engaged during the EBC trek. You can go to the gym or do these home strength training- lunges, squats, step-ups, planks, etc. 
• Hiking practice : If possible, go on hikes as much as you can. Walk for long hours and carry a backpack with a 5 kg load on you to mimic the trekking conditions.

Guided vs solo Everest Base Camp trekking

Trekking with a guide or solo, both options have their own set of pros and cons.

Guided Everest Base Camp Trekking:

One of the most significant advantages of guided trekking is logistics support. You do not have to worry about booking accommodation, meals, permits, transportation, etc. The trekking company like us will do all the leg work for you. Trekking with a guide, you will have a native by your side who will make the journey seamless and immersive for you. 

He will provide valuable insights into the culture and environment. Likewise, guides are trained to recognize and respond to altitude-related illnesses and other potential risks. They can ensure your trek is safe and enjoyable. The guide will also help you interact with local communities, helping you gain a deeper understanding of the Sherpa culture and traditions.

Solo Everest Base Camp Trekking:

Solo trekking provides you the freedom to set your own pace, choose your itinerary, and make spontaneous changes along the way. However, solo trekkers may lack insights into the local culture, history, and geography, which can enrich the experience. Similarly, communication barriers with villagers can be challenging without knowledge of the Nepali language.

Likewise, solo trekkers are responsible for their safety and may not have the expertise to recognize and respond to altitude-related illnesses or other hazards. Planning, and organizing permits, accommodations, and transportation can be time-consuming and challenging.

Choose the right Tour Trekking Company

Picking the right 'Tour trekking company' is important. Talk to the company, ask about their experience, values, and goals, and see how much they contribute to the local economy and sustainable travel. Trekking to Everest Base Camp with the right company will not only make the journey safe and hassle-free for you but also help the locals along the trail and the environment. 

We, Ace Vision Treks & Tours , are one of the old ex-guided trekking companies in Nepal with a huge customer satisfaction rate. Our experienced guides and staff are experts in the field. With many years of experience in the Everest region, they know the trails, the culture, and the best ways to ensure your safety and enjoyment. 

Safety is our top priority. Our guides are trained in first aid and altitude sickness prevention. They closely monitor your health throughout the trek. Likewise, with us, you don't have to worry about permits, accommodations, transportation, or meal arrangements. We take care of all the logistics so you can enjoy the journey. 

We also offer flexible itineraries to suit your preferences and schedules. Whether you want a classic 12-day trek or a longer, more leisurely journey, we can customize your trek to meet your needs. Our trips are eco-friendly, and we work closely with the locals along the trail. 

We make sure our EBC trek does not harm the fragile ecosystem of the Everest region . And to mention, we have the best Everest Base Camp trek cost in the market with top-notch service.

Safety Precautions for EBC Trek

• Start your trek with a good level of physical fitness. Engage in cardio and strength training exercises to prepare your body for the difficulties of high-altitude trekking.
• Drink plenty of water throughout the trek to prevent dehydration, which will help avoid altitude sickness. Aim for at least 2 liters of water daily.
• Maintain a balanced diet with sufficient calories to fuel your trek. Include carbohydrates, proteins, and fats in your meals. Avoid excessive caffeine and alcohol consumption.
• Dress in layers to stay warm, especially during cold nights. Proper clothing and gear, including a warm sleeping bag and insulated jacket, are essential.
• The sun's rays are stronger at higher altitudes. Use sunscreen, sunglasses, and a wide-brimmed hat to protect yourself from sunburn and snow blindness.
• Stick to established trekking routes and trails. 
• Listen to your body and be aware of your physical and mental state. Don't push yourself too hard or ignore signs of distress.
• Carry ample cash to use during the trek. There is an ATM lounge in Namche Bazaar. 
• Trekking with a guide is much more beneficial than trekking alone in every way. 
• Research the EBC trail and pack accordingly. Keep your expectations low, and do not look for the internet all the time. Enjoy your time in nature.

Overall, the Everest Base Camp trek is a moderate-challenging journey. The trail gets a bit difficult above Dingboche village. Your preparation and knowledge determine whether this trek is going to be moderate or challenging for you. If you follow our suggestions and prepare accordingly, we guarantee you a smooth Everest Base Camp trekking experience. 

If you have any questions regarding the Everest base camp trek difficulty, feel free to get in touch with us at  [email protected] or [email protected] . Our team will help you.

• Adventure Travel Ideas

Ganesh is an adventure outdoor enthusiast originally from Gorkha, Nepal. I hiked Everest, Annapurna, Langtang, and Manaslu region and the most famous teahouse trekking in Nepal.  Besides Hiking, I provide online travel packages for travelers to value their time with family and friends. As well, I always provide updated travel information about the Himalayas! what's Going on? let's keep and touch with me for an unforgettable travel experience in a lifetime. I organize private tours for hikers per your interest and time frame.

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Best everest base camp trek itinerary (12 days).

Whether you’re planning on hiking in Nepal with a guide or trekking the Khumbu region independently, this Everest Base Camp trek itinerary should give you a clear idea about what to expect. 

Everest Base Camp has been on my bucket list for 15 years, ever since I learned about the Himlayas at school. 

But I never had a chance to do it until Spring 2024, when my partner’s friends organised a group of us to undertake the hike. 

When I was preparing for the hike, I was full of questions. How much money do I need? Is it safe? How should I train? 

But, above all, what is the standard Everest Base Camp trek itinerary? 

We were provided an itinerary for the trail, but I was craving more details. 

So, when I was doing the trek, I decided to put together our detailed Everest Base Camp itinerary to help any future hikers! 

This is the standard itinerary that’s followed by most tour groups, with a few variations, and my experience and thoughts about it. If you’re hiking independently I have put a few suggested tweaks in that I think could improve the itinerary.

Let’s get into it! 

Everest Base Camp trek itinerary

The typical Everest Base Camp itinerary is as follows:

• Day 1: Flight from Kathmandu to Lukla; trek to Phakding
• Day 2: Phakding to Namche Bazar
• Day 3: Acclimatization day in Namche Bazar
• Day 4: Namche Bazar to Tengbouche
• Day 5: Tengbouche to Dingboche
• Day 6: Acclimatization day in Dingboche
• Day 7: Dingboche to Lobuche
• Day 8: Lobuche to Gorak Shep; visit Everest Base Camp
• Day 9: Hike to Kala Patthar; return to Gorak Shep; trek down to Pangboche
• Day 10: Pangboche to Namche Bazar
• Day 11: Namche Bazar to Lukla
• Day 12: Flight from Lukla back to Kathmandu

This is the itinerary that most tour companies use, give or take a few stops (for example, some groups hike to Manjo rather than Phakding on the first day, or stay in Periche rather than Pangboche on day 9).

And of course, if you’re trekking independently, yours might look a bit different.

Here’s what to expect on each day!

Day one – Fly to Lukla – hike to Phakding

• Start Elevation: Lukla – 2,860 meters (9,383 feet)
• End Elevation: Phakding – 2,610 meters (8,563 feet)
• Elevation Loss: 250 meters (820 feet)
• Distance: Approximately 8 km (5 miles)
• Difficulty: Easy

Your Everest Base Camp hike begins by flying to Lukla airport – often dubbed the “world’s most dangerous airport” ( you can see my thoughts on it here ). 

The timing of your flight can vary greatly – it depends on the weather, which is incredibly temperamental at Lukla (as expected at 2,800 metres altitude) and how many passengers. Flights might depart as early as 6 AM or as late as mid-afternoon. 

Keep in mind, there’s a 50% chance flights could be cancelled due to weather. If this happens, you might need to wait for the next available flight (which could be the next day) or opt for a helicopter ride at an additional cost (we were told that this would be $400 per person, although I have heard of people paying much cheaper). 

Upon arrival in Lukla – elevation 2,860 meters – you’ll feel the anticipation buzzing through the crisp mountain air. 

Compared to other villages along the trail, Lukla is positively cosmopolitan, with a variety of shops and tea houses. 

The trek to Phakding is a gentle introduction to the Himalayan terrain. 

It’s mostly downhill (although there are some ups, too – this is Nepali Flat ) and takes about 3 to 4 hours, covering around 8 kilometres. As you descend to Phakding (2,610 metres), you’ll pass through beautiful landscapes dotted with traditional Sherpa villages and monasteries and walk along the Dudh Koshi River.

The path is well-maintained, with plenty of spots to rest, grab a snack or use the toilet. While the altitude here is significant, it’s generally not high enough to trigger acute mountain sickness, though some of us started feeling the elevation! 

Some hikers continue to Monjo, but whether you’ll be able to do this depends on what time your plane lands. I wouldn’t recommend counting on being able to hike past Phakding.

My Suggestions

For a less tiring start to this journey, I’d advise spending the night in Ramechhap or flying to Lukla a day early.

Staying in Kathmandu requires waking up around 2am for the drive to Ramechhap, which can be exhausting even before your trek begins! 

Many tour companies offer accommodation arrangements in these locations – if you’re on a private tour, just ask your organiser before heading out.

Where to stay

We stayed in Trekkers Lodge Phakding , which was cosy and well-appointed – I loved the outdoor sitting area with views of the hills! Rooms were en-suite, with a shower – although the water was freezing cold. 

Day Two –  Phakding to Namche Bazar

• Start Elevation: Phakding – 2,610 meters (8,563 feet)
• End Elevation: Namche Bazar – 3,440 meters (11,286 feet)
• Elevation Gain: 830 meters (2,723 feet)
• Distance: Approximately 10-12 km (6-7.5 miles)
• Difficulty: Moderate

Today is your first full day on the trail! 

Today’s trek from Phakding to Namche Bazar is where the real climbing begins. 

The hike starts with a pleasant walk along the Dudh Koshi River, but don’t be fooled by the easy path – it will get more difficult! You’ll cover approximately 10 to 12 kilometres today, which usually takes about 5 to 7 hours without breaks, depending on your pace.

As you leave Phakding, the trail meanders through magnificent pine forests, crossing and recrossing the river several times on suspension bridges draped with prayer flags that flutter in the wind. I found these bridges to be rather hair-raising, but they are stable! 

The most famous is the Hillary Suspension Bridge , named after the first Westerner to summit Everest (along with Sherpa Tenzing Norgay ). 

Elevation gain is a key part of today’s hike, as you ascend from Phakding at 2,610 meters to Namche Bazar at 3,440 meters – this is quite a lot of altitude to gain at once, but unfortunately, there’s not really anywhere else you can stop (as you’ll gain most of this elevation on the steep climb up to Namche!). 

As you approach the village, you might start feeling the altitude – I found the last ascent into Namche particularly challenging. 

Namche Bazar, often considered the gateway to the high Himalayas and the largest town in the Everest region, is a bustling sherpa community that offers a warm welcome to trekkers. Here, you’ll find an array of cafes, bakeries shops and the world’s highest Irish pub !

It’s a cultural hub where trekkers can soak up the local culture and prepare for higher altitudes in the days to come.

Hotel 8848 was a fun tea house with a great atmosphere. I’d definitely recommend staying here, and try the veggie burger in the restaurant – it’s excellent!

Day Three – Acclimatization in Namche Bazar

• Activities: Hiking uphill and then down for acclimatisation
• Difficulty: Easy to moderate

Take today to acclimatise and explore the heart of the Khumbu region, Namche Bazar. 

Your body will thank you for allowing it time to adjust to the higher altitude! 

All organised treks will include a day of acclimatisation in Namche , and I’d highly recommend doing the same if you’re hiking independently. 

However, acclimatisation doesn’t mean resting all day! In fact, the best way to acclimatise is to keep active. 

Start your morning with a short hike up about 150 meters to the Sagarmatha National Park Museum .

As it’s just above Namche, this climb not only helps with acclimatisation but you can also catch a glimpse of Mount Everest on a clear day! 

The museum itself is well worth a visit – here, you’ll discover insights into Sherpa people, the history of Everest expeditions and its geography. 

After your museum visit, continue your hike up to the Everest View Hotel.  

Aim to reach early; the views are best in the morning, as afternoons are often cloudy! 

The hotel is apparently the highest luxury hotel in the world and we visited for a cup of tea. It was surprisingly the most underwhelming—and the priciest—tea I had, served DIY style with just a pot of hot water and the raw ingredients. 

Also, note trekkers are expected to use the external bathrooms, so keep some toilet paper handy!

If I did the trek again and it was unlikely that I’d see Everest from the hotel, I’d probably stop a bit before it and return to Namche. The last part of the trail is flat, so you could just hike to 4800 metres and then descend rather than pay for the Khumbu region’s most expensive tea at the hotel! 

After lunching at our tea house, we had the afternoon at leisure. Our tea house (Hotel 8848) had hot showers which was bliss, and I did a bit of last-minute shopping! 

Day Four – ​Namche Bazar to Tengboche

• Start Elevation: Namche Bazar – 3,440 meters (11,286 feet)
• End Elevation: Tengboche – 3,860 meters (12,664 feet)
• Elevation Gain: 420 meters (1,378 feet)
• Distance: Approximately 9-10 km (5.6-6.2 miles)

First up on day four is a climb out of Namche Bazar, heading up to a path that runs above the town. Then, it’s generally flat for a while, with a few minor uphills and downhills. 

While this is fairly easy, it was here that I started feeling awful – low energy, headachey and a bit sick.

At our tea stop, I started taking Diamox as I thought it might be due to altitude sickness.

We lunched just before the infamous uphill zig-zag path that leads to Tengboche monastery. 

This path is steep and relentless – it took us about two hours to reach the top (elevation: 3,800 metres). 

Here, the air is noticeably thinner. Dominating the landscape is the majestic Tengboche Monastery. 

It’s well worth popping into – with an entry fee of just 300 rupees, it offers not only a moment of spiritual reflection but also a chance to admire its intricate artistry up close. When we visited, we even got a blessing from one of the resident monks!

Inside, the air is heavy with the scent of incense; the walls, stories high, are adorned with ancient thangkas.

However, by the time we reached the top of the zig-zags, we didn’t have the energy for a monastery visit – instead, we popped in on the way back down. 

From Tengbouche Monastery, it was a 45 minute walk to Good Luck Tea House , where we were staying for the night. 

Despite the name, this was not a lucky night for me. My nausea had worsened and I retreated straight up to our room, where I was quickly quite sick! (Luckily, we had an en-suite bathroom, unluckily, the walls were paper-thin). 

I wasn’t sure if this was altitude or food-related, but I thankfully did start feeling a lot better after I was sick. My guide was an angel and brought me dinner and reassured me that I was ok for the moment, and could see how I felt in the morning regarding altitude.  

I had one episode of diarrhoea in the night, but thankfully woke up in the morning feeling fragile, but lots better and able to continue the hike.

Good Luck Tea House was decent, although my memory of being there is marred by feeling awful!

Day Five – Tengbouche to Dingboche 

• Start Elevation:  Tengbouche – 3,800 meters (12,467 feet)
• End Elevation:  Dingboche – 4,410 meters (14,470 feet)
• Elevation Gain:  610 meters (2,000 feet)
• Distance:  Approximately 11 km (6.8 miles)
• Difficulty:  Moderate

The trek was starting to get harder due to the altitude, but other than that, this hike is a lot more manageable than previous days.

However, as I was still quite fragile, I struggled with the first part of it! 

We weaved out of Tengbouche and through the last of the trees – after our lunch stop, we’d be hiking above the tree line. 

As the trail ascends toward Dingboche, the increase in altitude becomes more apparent, and the air noticeably thinner. 

However, the ascents are nowhere near as severe as the previous days. 

Dingboche, sitting at an altitude of 4,410 meters is a critical acclimatisation stop. It’s very important to take a day to acclimatise here!

We stayed at Good Luck Tea House again – it’s a branch of the same tea house in Tengboche – and had a couple of hours in the afternoon to relax before dinner. I couldn’t face much food – I was scared of being sick again – so I just had a bowl of plain pasta with salt and pepper. 

Day Six: Acclimatization Day in Dingboche

• Elevation:  Dingboche – 4,410 meters (14,470 feet)
• Activities:  Short acclimatization hike
• Total Hiking Time:  Approximately 2 hours
• Elevation Gain:  300 meters
• Difficulty:  Easy

Day six on the Everest Base Camp trek is a key acclimatization stop in Dingboche. There are a variety of hikes to do around the village – we opted for a fairly easy but still hilly trek. You can do longer, but for our group, this worked well to acclimatise while still having ample time to rest. 

Above Dingboche, there are three flagpoles, the highest of which is 300 meters above the town. We opted to hike to the highest one. 

 This hike is easier and shorter than the previous acclimatisation day in Namche Bazar, taking about 2 hours in total. 

I was feeling much better today, so felt quite invigorated as we hiked around!

There are lots of photo stops on the way too – the mountain views are stunning – including the famous rock that everyone gets a photo at. Climbing on it isn’t as scary as it looks! 

After returning to Dingboche, you have the rest of the day to relax! 

We decided to visit Cafe 4410, a popular bakery serving hot drinks, cakes and heavier meals. Try one of their luxury hot chocolates! 

We actually ended up in the cafe for hours – the waiter put on the Everest movie, so we watched that and enjoyed being stationary for a bit! 

Day Seven: Dingboche to Lobuche

• Start Elevation:  Dingboche – 4,410 meters (14,470 feet)
• End Elevation:  Lobuche – 4,900 meters (16,076 feet)
• Elevation Gain:  490 meters (1,608 feet)
• Distance:  Approximately 7-8 km (4.3-5 miles)
• Difficulty:  Moderate to Challenging

You’re going to hike to nearly 5,000 metres today, so buckle up! 

Leaving Dingboche behind, you’ll feel like you’re saying farewell to the vestiges of normality as the landscape transitions into more stark, alpine scenery. 

Today’s route progresses from 4,410 meters in Dingboche to 4,900 meters in Lobuche, navigating through changing terrains and increasing altitudes.

The trek starts gently – it’s more or less flat as it exits Dingboche.

Then, it follows up the valley, gradually gaining elevation slowly. 

We stopped for lunch in Thukla at the Yak Lodge. I’d recommend having the ramen noodles here (simple, but gives you hydration and energy) and avoiding the fried noodles – I had them on the way down and they were awful. 

After Thukla, it’s time to climb up the cliff face! This looks short, but the altitude and steepness mean it’ll take around an hour. 

At the top of the climb, you’ll find a memorial site which honours climbers who have lost their lives trying to summit Everest. 

It was especially poignant for us, as we’d just watched the Everest movie the day before, which focuses on the 1996 disaster .

We saw memorials to Rob Hall and Scott Fisher, who were two of the victims. It’s a harrowing reminder of how dangerous the mountains can be, but don’t worry – the dangers lie after base camp, not before it (take a look at my article about Everest Base Camp safety for more information ). 

After passing the smaller Lobuche Base Camp, the trek continues for another 90 minutes to reach the village of Lobuche. 

While the hike is not technically difficult aside from the uphill section, the increasing altitude makes the physical exertion feel more intense, and symptoms of altitude sickness may start to become more noticeable!

Lobuche is known for housing the world’s highest bakery ; it’s not as well stocked as Dingboche, but I was surprised to see it at all!

I can’t recommend our tea house in Loboche (Mother Earth)

It was notably less comfortable compared to previous nights, with no lights in the bedrooms and substandard toilet facilities. It also backed onto the stables, so we could smell animals from the corridor! 

This is partially due to it being such high altitude but our tea house in Gorak Shep, 300 metres higher, was a lot better!

Day Eight – Loboche – Everest Base Camp – Gorak Shep

• Start Elevation: Lobuche – 4,900 meters (16,076 feet)
• End Elevation at EBC: Everest Base Camp – 5,364 meters (17,598 feet)
• End Elevation at Gorak Shep: Gorak Shep – 5,164 meters (16,942 feet)
• Elevation Gain: 464 meters (1,522 feet) to EBC
• Distance: Approximately 15 km (9.3 miles) total
• Difficulty: Challenging

Today’s the day! 

We finally reached the base of the highest mountain in the world. 

The morning journey from Lobuche to Gorak Shep had relatively gentle uphills, but at altitudes surpassing 5,000 meters, the air is notably thinner—oxygen levels hover around 55% of what they are at sea level. 

This significant reduction in oxygen can make even slight inclines feel disproportionately challenging!

This was also the only area around Everest Base Camp where I felt like it was too busy. The pathway is narrow here, and lots of hikers were on their way to base camp, so it was quite chaotic at times! 

You will catch your first view of Everest Base Camp (and the Khumbu icefall) here. 

In Gorak Shep, a small settlement at 5,200 meters, we stopped for lunch and a brief rest. As I mentioned, the tea house here was much better than Loboche! 

Then, it was time for the final leg to Everest Base Camp! 

The trail followed the same pattern as the morning – a net incline of 164 metres, but a lot of downhill and uphill along the route.

After around 2.5 hours, we made it! Everest Base Camp is 5,364 metres high, and it’s where summiteers stay for around two months while preparing to hike to the summit of Mount Everest, the highest point in the world. 

As a tourist, access is restricted to the periphery of the actual campsite, but even from the edges, the sense of adventure and the scale of the expeditions are palpable. 

You can catch a view of Everest from the base camp, and of course take photos with the signature rock. Although, since 2024, there’s been a sign over part of it, so photos are more limited these days! 

We stayed at Buddha Lodge , which, while basic, was remarkably better than Mother Earth in Loboche. For such high altitude, I was impressed with their food offerings. Try the hash brown!

Day Nine: Gorak Shep – Kala Patthar – Pangboche

• Start Elevation:  Gorak Shep – 5,164 meters (16,942 feet)
• Highest Point: Kala Patthar – 5,545 meters (18,192 feet) – this is the highest altitude that you’ll go on the trek
• End Elevation:  Pangboche – 3,985 meters (13,074 feet)
• Distance:  Approximately 15-16 km (9-10 miles)
• Difficulty:  Challenging due to altitude and initial ascent, then easier descent

The best view of Everest isn’t actually from Everest Base Camp!

If you can handle even higher elevations, I’d recommend a pre-dawn hike from Gorak Shep to Kala Patthar. 

This is just a steep climb from Gorak Shep, and while the full ascent to Kala Patthar’s peak is popular, a partial hike still offers incredible views of Everest and the surrounding peaks, some of which mark the border between Nepal and Tibet.

Not many of us in our group opted to do this trek, but I’d highly recommend it if you can get out of bed (we left at 5am). I found standing underneath the world’s highest mountains as the sun came up to be absolutely enchanting. 

The trail then leads down! We retraced our steps, back to Loboche and then further downhill. The first hour was still up and down, which was tough, but then it swiftly got easier. 

We were originally aiming for Periche on this day, which sits just below Dingboche, but ultimately decided to descend further to Pangboche, as we had daylight and knew that we’d feel better the further we descended. 

The trail was mostly downhill, and was very easy for the most part. 

We stayed at Buddha Lodge and Restaurant , which was quite cosy – we were the only people there!

Day Ten: Pangboche – Namche Bazar

• Start Elevation:  Pangboche – 3,985 meters (13,074 feet)
• End Elevation:  Namche Bazar – 3,440 meters (11,286 feet)
• Distance:  Approximately 14-15 km (8.7-9.3 miles)
• Difficulty:  Moderate

Continuing the descent, the path from Pangboche to Namche Bazar winds through beautiful Himalayan forests (the trees are back!) and traditional Sherpa villages. 

Don’t forget to visit Tengboche Monastery on the way back if you didn’t while ascending. 

The trek is mostly downhill, although just as the trail was up and down on the way up, it’s down and up on the way back! There is a particularly hilly section midway through the day.

Once you arrive in Namche, you’ll feel like you’re in the land of mod cons!

We had our first shower in a week and then went to the Irish pub for an alcoholic drink. The Irish pub also serves excellent pizza, easily the best thing I ate all week! 

We stayed at Hotel 8848 again.

Day Eleven: Namche Bazar to Lukla

• Start Elevation:  Namche Bazar – 3,440 meters (11,286 feet)
• End Elevation:  Lukla – 2,860 meters (9,383 feet)
• Distance:  Approximately 18-19 km (11-12 miles)
• Difficulty:  Challenging due to the afternoon uphill section

It’s the final day of trekking!

The first descent is easy (I do recommend hiking poles, they’ll make this part of the trek much easier), but once we were down in the valley, we then had to climb uphill.

It wasn’t as hard as climbing at high altitudes, but on the last day of the trek, the very last thing I wanted to do was go uphill some more!

However, Lukla is a welcome respite from the trekking; here, you can purchase Everest souvenirs (although you can also get these in Kathmandu) and relax at one of the tea houses. We stayed at The Nest. 

We stayed at The Nest , which is where we had lunch on the first day. We had en-suite bathrooms with showers, which could be made hot (for free!) but the beds were incredibly hard here. But, it was our last day in tea houses before we flew back to Kathmandu!

Day Eleven: Flight back to Ramechhap

Another 18 minute flight beckons on this day, but while it’s a very short time in the air, you could end up waiting a while for it!

For us, it wasn’t too bad. We stayed at The Nest (which is right by the airport) until it was time to check in, and then had around a 45 minute wait in the airport before we boarded. 

Then, our van was waiting for us to take us back to Kathmandu! 

If you have an international flight out of Nepal, I’d recommend leaving a couple of days before it, just in case the weather doesn’t play ball and you end up stuck in Lukla! 

How many days do I need for the Everest Base Camp trek? 

Most Everest Base Camp itineraries are 12 days long (not including days in Kathmandu). This is because most tourists only have two weeks off work, and it lets them fit it into their holiday time. 

It’s possible to do it quicker, but I wouldn’t recommend it unless you have experience at similar altitudes. Acclimatisation is all-important on this hike! If you really need a day less, you could fit the descent into two days rather than three. 

Plus, if you’re hiking independently and are able to, I’d recommend taking longer on the hike. Allowing an extra day for acclimatisation in Namche Bazar and stopping more on the way from Namche to base camp could help you avoid feeling unwell. 

Having extra days to play with also helps in case of bad weather and flight cancellations. 

When is the best time to hike to Everest Base Camp?

The best times to hike Everest Base Camp are during the pre-monsoon spring months of March, April and May, and the post-monsoon autumn months of October and November.

Spring (March, April and May):

Spring is a popular time as the weather is generally stable and relatively warm. Of course, it’ll be much colder in March than May! 

Additionally, as it’s pre-monsoon, the likelihood of rain is lower so typically the trails are dry and safer for trekking.

It’s also when most summit attempts leave from Base Camp, so you’ll see most of the activity at the actual camp at this time (usually from mid-April through May). At other times of year (including March), base camp will be a lot quieter. 

Autumn (October and November):

The Autumn season is another prime trekking time, with clear skies and temperate weather.

The air after the monsoon is fresh and clear, offering some of the best views of Everest and the surrounding Himalayas. 

Plus, the trails aren’t as crowded as they are in the spring months – but you won’t see anywhere near the amount of activity at base camp. 

Off-Peak Seasons

Trekking is possible year-round, but most hikers don’t attempt it in the monsoon season (June to early September) or winter. 

In the monsoon season, trails can be slippery, mountain views obscured and there’s a much higher chance of landslides. 

In the winter season, temperatures are freezing, with lots of snow and the chance of some passes being closed. 

Do you need a guide to hike Everest Base Camp? 

In the Everest region, unlike other areas in Nepal, hiring a guide is not mandatory. However, I couldn’t imagine doing the hike without a guide. 

Our guide helped us manage health concerns like altitude sickness, trekking permits, ensured safe navigation on the trail (ours helped us deal with the many oxen that we had to share the trail with!), facilitated interactions with local communities, and handled logistics such as accommodations and flights. 

Their knowledge and skills in addressing sudden medical issues or route changes are invaluable. Plus, hiring guides (and porters!) helps the local economy. 

I’d also recommend hiring a porter for this reason; while it feels lazy not carrying your gear, porters are accustomed to the altitude and carrying heavy loads (although not too heavy! Ours could carry a maximum of 30kg, split between two people). Hiring them gives them work, which isn’t always easy to find in the remote Himalayas. 

Are you ready to hike Everest Base Camp? 

There’s no experience in the world quite like hiking to Everest Base Camp, seeing the world’s highest mountains and fathoming what an undertaking summitting Everest is. While it was tough, I’d recommend it to anyone who feels able to. You’ll quite literally feel like you’re on top of the world! 

I have lots of blog posts and YouTube videos to come, and I’ve already been posting on TikTok and Instagram , so hopefully I’ll be covering all bases regarding the EBC trek. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out on social media and I’ll try my best to answer you! 

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Exploring the Everest Base Camp Trek Difficulty

In this guide, we will provide a detailed overview of the Everest Base Camp Trek Difficulty, including the factors, information about altitude sickness, guidance, and some tips. As we all know, Everest Base Camp Trek is a challenging adventure, with some pro tips, you will be ready to embark on this beautiful journey one day.

Table of Contents

Introduction, about everest base camp trek.

After the first successful ascent to Mount Everest by Sir Edmund Hillary & Tenzing Norgay Sherpa in 1953, the achievement marked the beginning of modern mountaineering in this region.

People around the world begin to attempt to summit the world’s tallest mountain Mt. Everest every year. Similarly, to support the need of the mountaineers, infrastructure grew slowly, including the trails, lodges, tea houses, & supplies.

Over time, expeditions & trekking became popular activities, as people from all over the world got the chance to experience the natural beauty & culture.

Today, Everest Base Camp Trek is one of the famous trekking trails that draws thousands of trekkers each year. However, despite its popularity, the trek to Base Camp remains a challenging adventure as lots of factors affect the Everest Base Camp Trek Difficulty.

Understanding the Difficulty of the Everest Base Camp Trek

Why this trek is challenging because, the Everest Base Camp Trek covers a distance of 130km (80.7 miles) round trip, with an elevation gain of over 5,545m.

It is expected to trek for 6-7 hours per day on average, with some days being longer & more strenuous than other days.

Trekking at a high altitude can cause dehydration, frostbite, altitude sickness & other problems. However, it can be tackled with proper preparation & research. Similarly, the terrains are rugged & steep with a chance of facing snow or rain while trekking.

Despite all those difficulties, the Everest Base Camp trek is very rewarding, worth it, & adventurous with a chance to interact with the culture of the Sherpa people.

Factors Affecting the Everest Base Camp Trek Difficulty

Altitude sickness.

There is three altitude illness Acute Mountain Sickness (ACE), High-Altitude Cerebral Edema (HACE), & High-Altitude Pulmonary Edema (HAPE).

Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) is the mildest form of altitude illness that occurs when hiking or traveling at a high altitude above 2,400m with low oxygen levels, such as EBC.

High-Altitude Cerebral Edema (HACE) & High-Altitude Pulmonary Edema (HAPE) are caused by fluid accumulation in the brain or lungs, which are life-threatening forms of altitude illness.

Among these three altitude illnesses, AMS is a common illness that people suffer when trekking at Everest Base Camp.

Symptoms like sudden headaches, dizziness, nausea, fatigue, extreme tiredness, or difficulty sleeping may appear during AMS. However, AMS resolve on their own within a day or two after following acclimatization, taking medicine, or descending to a lower altitude.

As a number one factor for Everest Base Camp Trek Difficulty, you need to be more concerned about altitude sickness.

How does Altitude Sickness affect the trek?

Altitude sickness affects the trekker’s ability to walk & leads to serious health complications if left untreated.

Normally, the average duration to complete the trek is 12-14 days with an acclimatization day on it. However, if you suffer from AMS, you will need extra days to recover which will make the trek a little longer.

Similarly, during altitude illness, the walking pace will be slow which will consume more energy & time to complete the trek.

Preventive Measures to Avoid Altitude Sickness:

With proper treatment, AMS can be cured easily & with proper preparation, you can avoid AMS too.

Some of the preventive measures to Avoid Altitude Sickness are:

• Taking Proper Acclimatization Day: Sudden gain of altitude is the root cause of AMS, which is why proper acclimatization is crucial for the body. Acclimatizing helps the body to adjust to the lower oxygen levels at higher altitudes.
• Ascend Slowly: Ascending to higher altitude itself is a challenging activity & ascending too fast is the biggest mistake that trekkers do to show off their strength. You may not realize the consequences, but sooner or later, you will get AMS if you do not ascend slowly.
• Eating Properly in Tea Houses: Nutrition is essential to maintain energy to help you trek to another destination. As there will be no shops or store on the trail, your main fuel will be breakfast & lunch in tea houses. With a properly balanced diet, you will never feel hungry in the middle of the road.
• Staying Hydrated: The main preventive measure to avoid altitude sickness is by staying hydrated all the time. Take lots of hydration tablets & water purifiers to have clean water. Also, drink plenty of fluid, in the form of water, tea, soups, or another way.

Length and duration of the trek

Another factor that affects the trekking difficulty of Everest Base Camp is length & duration also known as itinerary.

The average days to complete the Everest Base Camp trek requires 12-14 days. However, the weather & walking pace also affects the duration of the trek which results in longer days.

Starting from Lukla village, the trek continues to Everest Base Camp with a day-to-day 6-8 hours of walking. It will be a challenging trek where some days will be longer and harder than others days.

Overall, trekkers should be aware as well as prepare for the length & duration required for the EBC trek. Following a planned trek to ensure a safe is what you will need to overcome this number 2 factor for difficulty.

Different long and short itineraries to complete the Everest Base Camp Trek

As mentioned earlier, the itinerary for the EBC trek can vary according to itineraries and it also impacts the overall experience of the trek.

A long itinerary spans about 16-20 days which can include either extra acclimatization days to adjust to altitude or new locations to enjoy more.

Long Itineraries with acclimatization & rest days also allow trekkers to explore the surrounding areas more while having a high chance of success rate.

On the other hand, adding new locations to complete the EBC trek, for example, EBC via Gokyo Lake trek, and Three Passes Trek are long itinerary packages. This kind of package is challenging & suitable for experienced trekkers who are comfortable with high altitudes.

Short itineraries span around 10-12 days which is beneficial for trekkers who are well-experienced & have limited time. Similarly, the short itinerary for the EBC trek is less expensive with limited rest days.

Best Itinerary to Choose according to Everest Base Camp Trek Difficulty

Various factors like trekkers’ experience level, fitness level, & time constraints decide what itinerary is best for trekking at Everest Base Camp.

For beginners or starters, a 14-16 Days itinerary is recommended which will have a minimum of 2-3 days of acclimatization day. 14-16 Days duration also reduces the risk of altitude sickness which is the major factor for difficulty.

In my opinion, the best itinerary to choose for Everest Base Camp Trek is 14-16 Days. The reason is the high success rate & hassle-free where I can enjoy the surrounding & trek slowly.

Similarly, note that the 14-16 Days itinerary is the normal package that takes you to EBC which does not include any Gokyo Lake or High-Passes Trek.

For experienced trekkers, who have prior experience in high-altitude trekking, a short itinerary of 10-12 days may be suitable. However, it will still be a challenging trek & require good physical fitness. A good reason to choose the short itinerary is to minimize cost & save time.

In conclusion, the best itinerary depends upon the trekker’s experience, fitness level, & time constraints.

Weather Conditions

Due to the high altitude & location, there are expected of extreme weather conditions can have a significant impact on the Everest Base Camp Trek difficulty.

Even during the Autumn season & Spring seasons, which are the peak season & considered the best time for trekking, also have unpredictable weather conditions. However, getting bad weather during this time is very rare.

Weather conditions such as snowfall, rain, and foggy atmosphere are some examples that make trekking difficult.

During Monsoons & Winter, it is nearly impossible to trek due to extreme weather conditions. Even though some trekkers make it during monsoons & winter, not everyone will have the same luck & weather to complete the trek normally.

Trekkers should plan their trekking in the best seasons like Autumn & Spring while having flexible dates to counter extra stay in tea houses.

You can also ask professionals like us for the best time & tips to plan the trek anytime.

How to predict the weather during Everest Base Camp Trek?

Predicting the weather in Everest Base Camp can be very challenging due to the unpredictable nature of high altitudes. However, there are some useful techniques that can help trekkers to anticipate the weather & prepare accordingly.

• Consult with Local Guides or Tea houses: Local guides have many experiences in that area and can provide valuable insights into the weather patterns in the region. They can also tell whether you will be able to trek in bad weather or not too.
• Check Weather Forecast on Mobile: There are many apps that will provide you with up-to-date weather information. Check the weather before leaving for the trek so that you can prepare ahead of time.
• Observing the Sky: Observing the sky can also provide important indications about the weather. Watch for clouds that may indicate the possibility of rain & snow or foggy weather.

Terrain and Trail Difficulty

The route to Everest Base Camp is not a well-paved or straight road, instead, it is steep ascent & descent with narrow bridges, narrow roads, rocky paths, snowy paths, ice paths, & high passes.

Terrain & Trail are other factors that affect the Everest Base Camp Trek difficulty which new trekkers are not well known.

Depending upon the fitness level & experience, terrain & trails do matter while trekking. While preparing for the Everest Base Camp trek, trekkers need to carefully consider this factor.

How you should prepare for the Everest Base Camp Trek Difficulty

Moderate-level training and exercise.

Training & Exercise are most crucial for preparing to do Everest Base Camp Trek. You will need a moderate level of training which includes, cardiovascular training, endurance training, strength training, high altitude training, and mental preparation.

Outdoor exercise or activities like hiking & cycling are very important and the best way to prepare for the trek. Other exercise/training can be done by creating a workout plan that a gym trainer can make for you.

The most important of all the exercises that you need to do is altitude training so that you can trek above 5,000m altitude like Everest Base Camp.

The best way to do altitude training is by hiking to a higher elevation so that you can find and adjust your body to the elevation. You should do this activity twice in a week if possible and above 2,500m altitude.

However, if there is no place to hike then you can focus on breathing control techniques & stamina building. Consult with your trainer if possible otherwise, another method you can apply is by doing hill repeats & stair climbing techniques.

Hill repeats means, repeating running or hiking up a steep hill multiple times in a row under 2,000 elevation. Whereas, stair climbing technique means climbing the stairs multiple times while slightly increasing the intensity.

Overall, the main goal of doing physical training is to adapt to the higher altitude while walking 6-7 hours per day. Even though it may seem hard, you can do it with the right techniques and guidance. Please, do not approach without training as it can get dangerous.

Packing Proper Gear & Equipment

Proper Gear & Equipment are crucial when trekking in Everest Base Camp as they lower the chance of getting cold, altitude sickness, dehydration, injuries, and other things.

Similarly, the main purpose of packing proper gear & equipment is to have a safe & sustainable trek above 3,000m altitude. As the temperature drops above 3,000m altitude, the weather is unpredictable and requires different clothes & gears to march forward.

While packing gears, pack clothes in layers that should be moisture-wicking properties, polyester, nylon, or merino materials. Waterproof and Windproof jacket is also compulsory in the high Himalayas.

Other key factors that you need to look for in your clothing are:

• The clothing layers that you pack should be breathable.
• Sun protection clothing with full sleeve T-Shirts.
• Clothes that absorb moisture.
• Insulating properties of clothes that will keep you warm.

Trekkers should also bring trekking boots, hiking sandals, & thicker/thinner socks. It is important to bring the full boot that you are comfortable with, that also protects your ankle & gives support.

Invest in quality that has high durability, is productive, and is important for trekking.

Recap of the factors that affect the difficulty of the EBC trek

In conclusion, even though the Everest Base Camp trek is a challenging trek & many factors affect the difficulty level, it is possible to trek with the right preparation. It is important to research factors like altitude sickness, length & duration, weather conditions & terrain & trail difficulty and take preventive measures.

To undertake the trek successfully, you also need to have proper gear & equipment, the right workout, and guidance to have a safe & sustainable trek. Remember that the Everset Base Camp Trek difficulty depends upon you because if you work hard then you will achieve it.

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Everest Base Camp Trek Difficulty – How Hard is the Trek?

Everest Base Camp Trek is one of the most popular and adventurous treks in Nepal. Walking through the tough terrain through various steep climbs and downhill treks to the Base Camp of the highest mountain of the world is a thrilling journey.

Walking through the beautiful lush Rhododendron forest and the beautiful views of the mountains seem like a dream. But soon you will come to find some rough climbs during your Everest Base Camp Trek. so you must come across some Everest Base camp Trek difficulty and overcome them during your adventurous trek.

As beautiful, adventurous, and thrilling the Everest Base Camp Trek maybe, we should also be mindful of the Everest Base Camp Trek difficulty. This will help us be prepared for facing these difficulties and overcome them.

Worried about the Everest Base Camp difficulty spoiling your Everest Base Camp Trek experience? Don’t worry, after having the proper knowledge about the difficulties you may face, you can prepare for them accordingly and overcome the Everest Base Camp Trek difficulties. What fun is a trek without any difficulties to overcome, isn’t it? Overcoming the Everest base Camp trek difficulty will make your trek even more memorable and you will come out even more experienced for your next trek.

You should be well prepared for your Everest Base Camp Trek as it takes you through 14 days of trekking through remote areas through uphills and downhills. Covering a total of 130 kilometers of trekking and hours on flight and bus ride, you should be well prepared for your trek physically and mentally.

Apart from the standard 9 days Everest Base Camp Trek routes, there are other trekking routes you can choose from as well. The different routes have their own perks and challenges. The main difficulties you will be facing and some extra knowledge on how hard the Everest base camp Trek is are provided below.

• Great views of the Everest mountain with neighboring mountains
• Opportunity to learn about the local Sherpa culture and lifestyle
• Kalapathar viewpoint
• Scenic Lukla Flight
• Tengboche Monastery
• Sagarmatha National Park

Everest Base Camp Trek Difficulty

Trek routes.

One of the Everest Base Camp Trek difficulty you will be facing during your Everest Base Camp Trek is choosing the right trekking route for you. You can choose the short Everest Base Camp Trek route of 9 days taking you through Namche Bazaar, Dingboche and Gorak Shep to Everest Base Camp. However, this trek route has less acclimatization.

Apart from the 9 days short trek, if you take the 14 days Everest Base Camp trek, there will be enough time to acclimatize. However, the routes of the Everest Base Camp Trek are rough and consist of many steep climbs. You will need to be physically fit to attempt this climb to overcome this Everest Base Camp Difficulty.

Length of the Trek

Trekking in the remote trails for approximately 5-6 hours per day on average is not an easy task. Especially when the trekking trails are not as plain as the normal city roads. The trekking trails may go off the beaten trails and consist of many turns and uphill climbs.

You will have to cover at least 13-15 kilometers a day . The total distance covered during your Everest base camp Trek is approximately 130 kilometers . This is a huge distance to be covered within 14 days so you should be better prepared for your trek.

Although the Everest Base camp Trek is not a technical climb with any gears or equipment requirements it still is a trek that needs physical strength and proper preparation.

Altitude sickness

Trekking to the base camp of the highest mountain in the world means high altitude trekking. Reaching the maximum altitude of 5545 m at Kalapathar starting from 2860 meters in Lukla , the altitude change will affect your body.

Reaching such high altitudes, there is a high chance of you getting altitude sickness. Altitude sickness is the condition where your body has trouble adjusting to the changing altitude of your surroundings. As you get higher the air pressure decreases causing you symptoms of altitude sickness like dizziness, nausea, headaches , etc.

Keeping your body hydrated with proper acclimatization helps reduce or avoid altitude sickness.

Weather and temperature

Another Everest Base Camp Trek difficulty you may face during your trek is the changing weather and temperature . It is always better to learn about the best time to visit the place. For Everest Base Camp Trek, Autumn and Spring seasons are the best time for exploration without anything hindering your beautiful experience.

However, even with the proper timing of the trek, high altitudes may face some uncertain and sudden weather changes. So you should be prepared for such conditions during your trek.

Also, trekking during the summer means facing sudden showers which may also result in landslides so it is better to avoid summer mainly Mid June to July.

As for the winter season, being amongst the highest mountains in the world covered in snow, the temperature is bound to be cold. Even during the Autumn season, nights are cold. So the winter is freezing cold and anywhere between late December to mid-February is not suitable for trekking because of the intense cold.

Preparation for the trek

Another Everest Base Camp Trek difficulty is the preparation for the trek itself rather than the actual trek. So how difficult is the Everest Base Camp Trek? It consists of walking 5-6 hours a day on average covering 13- 14 kilometers . This means you will need a lot of physical strength.

Unlike jogging in the park, Everest Base Camp Trek routes take you through uphills and downhills in the steep rocky mountainous roads. Without proper physical training prior to your trek, it will be difficult for you to overcome this trek.

You will have guides and porters to help you during your trek but the walking part is all up to you. If you cannot walk for 5-6 hours a day on average, you won’t be able to complete this adventurous trek.

Also, being among the mountains and the forest in an unknown land with locals who don’t speak your language takes a mental toll. Keep yourself mentally and physically fit to get through this trek and come out of this trek stronger and with great memories.

Finding the right guide and porter

Another difficulty you might face during your Everest Base Camp Trek is that of finding the right guide and porter. If you are traveling with a company, your guide and porter will be taken care of by the company itself.

However, if you are traveling by yourself, you will face the problem of choosing the right guide. There are many types of guides in the Everest Region waiting to provide you the service. Some may be cheaper than the others. But cheap does not mean good. You should find someone with a license to professionally guide you. Also, s/he must be able to communicate with you. Communication is a must as you will be completely dependent on him/her for the next 14 days.

Other than a guide, a porter is also important during your trek. Walking for 5-6 hours a day sometimes even 8-9 hours a day with your heavy luggage will be a nightmare. Unless you are a physically fit person capable of carrying 15 kgs of luggage with you throughout your trek, you should hire a porter as well.

How hard is Everest base Camp Trek?

Everest Base Camp Trek difficulty is a moderate level which can be done by beginners as long as they are physically fit. The hard parts of the Everest Base Camp Trek are mentioned below:

• Walking an average of 5-6 hours a day
• Covering 13-14 kilometers of distance
• 400-800 m altitude elevation per day
• Chances of altitude sickness
• The decrease in air pressure in higher altitudes

Tips on Dealing with Difficulties

Here are some tips and tricks on making your Everest Base Camp Trek more memorable and comfortable. Also, some tips to overcome the Everest base Camp Trek difficulty for a better experience.

• Try to do some physical training like cardio before your trek to improve your stamina and physical capabilities
• Be sure to be physically and mentally prepared for the trek
• Keep yourself hydrated throughout the trek. Bringing your own water bottle and some water purifier tablets would be a great help.
• Proper acclimatization is the most important part of the trek. Do not rush the altitude gain and do not skip acclimatization days.
• It is always better to travel with a trekking company as they will be better at preparing your accommodation and guides and porters.
• Try to avoid meat in high altitudes to avoid altitude sickness. Also, avoid smoking and intake of any alcoholic drinks during your trek. These contribute to altitude sickness as well.
• Carrying a personal first aid kit helps as you will know your body the best.
• Communicate with your guide in case of any emergencies.
• Get travel insurance as in case of any emergencies you will be rescued in a helicopter rescue which will be paid by the insurance.
• Carry some means of entertainment to keep your mind fresh like some games or books or music player.

You may also like:

• 7 Days Everest Base Camp Trek
• Everest Panorama Trek 
• Everest Two Passes Trek 

What is the total distance traveled during Everest base Camp Trek?

Starting from Lukla, you will have to trek approximately 130 -140 kilometers throughout your Everest Base Camp Trek. you will cover 13-14 km a day walking 5-6 hours a day on average.

What is the highest point of the Everest Base Camp Trek?

The highest point of the Everest Base Camp Trek is at Kalapathar at an altitude of 5,643 m. the second-highest point of the trek is Everest Base Camp at the altitude of 5364 meters.

How difficult is the Everest Base Camp Trek?

Everest Base Camp Trek difficulty level is a moderate level trek that can be done by beginners with proper preparation and guidance.

How long does the Everest Base Camp Trek take to complete?

Based on the routes and modes of transportation, the Everest Base Camp Trek can be long or short. You can enjoy a helicopter tour of Everest Base Camp in a day while a short trek of 10 days is also possible. The standard Everest base camp trek takes 14 days to complete.

How are the trekking trails in Everest Base Camp Trek routes?

The trekking trails in Everest Base Camp Trek routes are mostly established trekking trails but at some points, the trail goes off-road. There are some steep climbs along the way. The trails are not plain trails but with lots of twists and turns but with a great view. This also adds up as an Everest Base Camp Trek difficulty.

How can you avoid altitude sickness?

Avoiding altitude sickness means letting your body adjust with the changing altitude. This can be done with properly planned acclimatization during the trek., apart from this, keeping yourself hydrated and avoiding alcoholic drinks also help to avoid altitude sickness.

What to do if I have altitude sickness?

If you have any symptoms of altitude sickness during your trek, you should consult your guide immediately. If the symptoms are severe you will be rescued and transferred to a nearby hospital by emergency helicopter rescue . Similarly, if the symptoms are not severe, you will be provided with medicine to suppress the altitude sickness symptoms.

What is the best time for Everest Base Camp trek?

The best time for Everest Base Camp Trek is during the Autumn and Spring season. The months from September to November and March to May are the best months for trekking the Everest region. These months provide you with clear weather and a favorable temperature to trek for hours in the Region.

What kind of accommodation will I get in Everest Base Camp Trek?

You will mostly be housed in tea houses during your entire Everest Base Camp Trek. The accommodations will not be anything fancy but you will be provided with a clean room with an attached bathroom. The rooms will be a twin sharing room. You can opt for a private room but you must book earlier on for availability.

How many people are allowed in one group for Everest Base Camp Trek?

A group of 1 to 20 trekkers is allowed in one group for the Everest Base Camp Trek expedition at a time handled by a professional guide.

Can I trek solo?

Trekking solo in Everest Base Camp is not impossible. But however, if you are a beginner, it is always better to have a guide and porter to help you during your trek. There are chances of you losing your way or taking dangerous routes, so having a guide is a must for beginners. If you are an experienced trekker with knowledge of the routes , solo trekking in Everest Base Camp will be a great experience.

Is travel insurance necessary?

Yes , travel insurance is compulsory for high altitude trekking like Everest base Camp Trek. in case of any emergencies, you will be rescued via emergency helicopter assistance. This will be covered by your travel insurance.

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How Difficult Is The Everest Base Camp Trek?  

As daunting as the name may sound, the Everest Base Camp Trek is not a difficult most the trek one can undertake.

While only a few brave (and crazy) men and women will summit Everest each year, around 30,000 people will make the trek through the Khumbu Valley to Everest Base Camp to catch a glimpse of tallest mountain in the world.

People of all ages, shapes and sizes have completed the trek over the years – with a little bit of preparation and determination you will find that almost anyone can conquer the trek and tick it off their bucket list.

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The Everest Base Camp Trek requires no technical expertise or mountaineering skills as it is basically a long hike at altitude.

Generally, the most off-putting aspect of the trek is its duration – around 12 days (14 if your include a pre and post night stay in Kathmandu).

The reason for this is because most of the trekking is at a slow pace and days for acclimatization have to be factored in – the trek would be much harder if you tried to complete it in under 12 days!

Despite being non-technical and entirely achievable for anyone with some basic fitness, there are still some considerations that need to be taken into account before you set out on your own Everest Base Camp Trek.

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Everest Base Camp Trek Difficulty

At 130km (round trip) the trek seems quite long , but if you consider that on a typical guided trek you will only be walking for 9 out of the 12 days, you’ll see that you will be covering about 15km per day.

If you keep in mind that the average walking pace is about 5km/hour the figure doesn’t seem all that high!

That being said, the 15km per day will not be on a paved path that is flat. Rather you will be trekking on quite rocky and sometimes snowy terrain ( depending on season and altitude) that is sure to slow down your pace.

When you combine the terrain with the fact that you are generally hiking upwards, gaining altitude, you can see how the trek becomes a bit tougher.

Luckily, most tour operators will use porters or mules to carry your bags so you just have to focus on getting yourself up the trail!

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Altitude is by far the most challenging aspect of the trek and is what makes it more difficult than your average trek of the same length.

Acute Mountain Sickness and other altitude related illnesses are a serious risk at the sort of altitudes encountered on the trek.

The trek starts after the gut-wrenching flight to Lukla , which stands at just below 3,000m and then makes its way up to Everest Base Camp at around 5,400m. At the highest point, Kala Pathar, you will be at just over 5,500m – a height that allows to you experience breathtaking views of the whole region.

Most guided tours will have 2 days factored in to allow for acclimatization. These days allow your body to get used to the higher than normal altitude but also provide an opportunity to explore some of the surrounding areas while not trekking.

As a result of the acclimatization days and the slow approach to increases in altitude, the outward leg of the trek should take 9 days while the inward leg should take only 3 days.

Be sure to read up a bit on the symptoms of altitude sickness and on proper acclimatization techniques before embarking on the trek. We advise seeking the advice of your doctor as high altitudes can sometimes bring underlying illnesses to the fore.

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While you don’t need to hire a personal trainer or quit your day job to get fit for the trek, some time spent in the gym and some longer hikes will definitely help prepare you for the hilly trek up to Everest Base Camp.

We recommend doing a few 4-6 hour treks at home so that your body gets used to that sort of duration of workout. Start around 6-8 weeks before you leave and build up the time and distance slowly so that by the end of it your body is comfortable with trekking for a solid 6 hours.

Spend some time in the gym focussing on strength training for your legs. While you may not be carrying your bags around (unless you are trekking unsupported), you still have to carry yourself! Squats are a great exercise as you will be utilising your quads a lot on the trek.

Finally, some aerobic exercise such as jogging, sprinting and swimming will help your endurance and increase the ability of your body to circulate oxygen, which becomes harder at higher altitudes.

Find a detailed EBC training programme here .

The aim of this article was to give you an idea of how difficult the Everest Base Camp Trek is, and you should see that the trek is a very attainable achievement.

Put in a little bit of training and determination on the trek and you will be set for the trek of your lifetime!

Tags: Everest Base Camp Trek Difficulty, How Difficult Is The Everest Base Camp Trek

Mark Whitman

Hi, I'm Mark! Welcome to EBC Trek Guide - the Web's No.1 Trekking Guide to Everest Base Camp. I have trekked all over Nepal, but the Everest region remains my favourite. I hope you find all the answers you are looking for on this site. If you have any questions don't hesitate to drop a comment below! Happy Trekking!

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Hi Mark, You are definitely a man of experience by what I have just read. I would really appreciate some advice from you. You may think I am mad… I have never done anything like this in my life. I will be 60 next September I have always tried to keep fit and active, I have participated in things like Zumba, aerobics, boot camp etc. .over the years but in boot camp I am one of the slower ones. I have knowledge of people who have done so many different challenges and would love to challenge myself . I do understand that if I were able to do this challenge I would definitely have to put a lot more training in. I would love to have advice on how to achieve this please ?? Thank you Debbie

Hi Debbie, you sound like just the type of person that can do the EBC trek. The challenge is a big one but with the right training and determination I remain convinced that almost anyone can trek to EBC. Here is some useful training information to get you started: https://ebctrekguide.com/best-training-program-everest-base-camp-trek . Getting into the right frame of mind for EBC is equally important. It is a long expedition – the cold nights, relatively basic food and accomodation and high altitude – take it’s toll on the body and one’s mental state. Having a strong mind can get you through tough times – and it will get tough. All the best!

Hi Planning to trek base camp in 2019,May. How to train myself for the trek. what kind of gym exercises are helpful

Check this article out: https://ebctrekguide.com/best-training-program-everest-base-camp-trek

I think Everest is always cold what season or month you advice us to go there ?

The main trekking seasons are March-May and September-November. June-August is the monsoon season, and December-February is winter. You can trek in winter but conditions are much colder than the two main seasons. More information can be found here: https://ebctrekguide.com/best-time-to-trek-to-everest-base-camp

Hi. I am interested in trekking with my 17-year old daughter in November 2019. We have never trekked before, however I’ve completed 7 marathons (5 BQ) and run average 5 miles a Day regularly. My daughter does sports at school and played mud-field striker for our local travel soccer team. We are not completely out of shape, per se, but we are not trekkers or mountaineers (yet). I read some articles which made me think EBC could be an option as a graduation gift for my daughter. However, I also read Ian Taylor’s advice on EBC which basically makes me think this is not for us, at least this year. Any advice or input would be greatly appreciated. Also, if you gave recommendations for trekking companies (if you think it’s feasible), thank you.

Hi Aimee, you and your daughter both sound more than fit enough to complete the EBC trek. I’m not sure what Ian may have said to make you second guess your ability, but ultimately, if you are able to hike for 4-6 hours a day for 12 days then you can definitely do EBC. Here’s some useful advice on training: https://ebctrekguide.com/best-training-program-everest-base-camp-trek

Not quite an accurate assessment of the trek as far as I’m concerned. Granted I am 50 yrs old, but nonetheless, I am in reasonable condition. I have also just complited Kilimanjaro, and found both to be tough, or at least, not easy! As you have discribed. Perhaps I will experience another level of easy or tough when I complete Mt Elbrus, but up to now, I have to stay with the opinion that EBC and Kili (summit night at least) are tough. I’m sure your reply will be informative, and perhaps give me a different perspective and idea of what a difficult hike is! All the best, thanks

I completed this trek in October 2019. This is a far more difficult trek than organizations make it out to be. I’ve seen numerous people break down and lots taking helicopters down. While it is not easy, it’s not impossible. The organization you choose and the guide you will have will play a big role in your succes, but if you do not become physically prepared and complete some hikes beforehand, this is going to be very hard.

I enjoyed reading your experiences about trekking to the Mt. Everest Base Camp. I have also been to Mt. Everest Base Camp on the Tibetan side. I did it by driving to the base camp( a bit less strenuous than yours). I started driving from Kumming In the Yunan Province in China and slowly going into Tibet and slowly acclimatising myself in the process.

Hi Aimee, Not sure we ever spoke. There is no one size that fits all for trekking to Everest Base Camp. That is why we do not have specific training plans. I have climbed Everest to the top and led over 35 treks to Everest and always happy to chat. There is very specific training required for this trek which a lot of people are not doing. Acclimatization is also being over looked by a lot of people.

Hi Mark, Very interesting and informative read. I am planning to do the EBC solo or with my father in mid March 2021 (corona permitting travel!) We have done several long distance hikes, my father doing Annapurna trek last year. I think we should do it without a guide and he thinks we need one. My question is; do we need a guide to go ahead and book tea houses or will they have availability in Mid March? In terms of altitude sickness; I don’t think it is the role of the guide to ‘keep an eye on you’, rather you make the call if it’s too severe and turn around. Basically I’m trying to convince my Dad that a guide can support with carrying loads but we are very used to carrying a large 50L bag for a few weeks trekking (GR10; Alps Haute Route etc.)

Thanks in advance for your advice! Howard

Hi Howard, if you guys are comfortable carrying your packs and experienced hikers, then I don’t think using a guide is necessary. Way-finding on the EBC route is easy. In terms of accommodation, you should be fine, although you might not get your pick of the best teahouses / rooms etc. And may need to split into different rooms, although this is unlikely. All the best!

Good input to the beginners. I will try base camp next year in April but from China side as there are less people. Looking forward to it. Could you please share what gears needed for the journey?

I have already started prep. training and go for 10km walk, gym training 3-4 times per week and swimming once per week. Thanks Shahid Ikram

Hi Shahid, Sounds great – good luck with your preparations. Here is a complete packing list: https://ebctrekguide.com/everest-base-camp-trek-packing-list

Hi 🙂 Have just read the article and find it very useful. I am now 50 and have started hiking in the mountains of Egypt a year ago. I am far from being fit and have a good overweight, but thus didn't stop me from summiting Mt. Catherine, the highest mountain in Egypt. I have Everest base camp in my bucket list and after reading your article I believe that it is doable. Thanks again! Eman

Great, good luck Eman!

Thanks a lot, was very helpful. Have a great trek ahead😁

I'm a fit 69 year old in good health and did 1/2 the Annapurna Circuit in 2015. I long have wanted to hike to EBC and regret I succumbed to my hiking partner's preference to do another trek in 2015. What are your thoughts about someone my age doing the EBC in the next 12-18 months? Any feedback you can share will be very much appreciated.

Hi Dan, totally doable if you’re in good health. It really is just a long hike at altitude. Go for it!

Hi my self and my father did this trek in 2019, he was 69 and had no problems doing it. In my view add a extra to acclimatise and this will make it easier and more enjoyable

Are there tour companies that you can recommend that specialise in base camp treks?

Hey Dennis, you can get connected with my recommended operator here: https://ebctrekguide.com/go

❣️HARE KRISHNA❣️ really I want everest base camp tracking.. Please send me details.

You can get a quote here: https://ebctrekguide.com/go

Everest has been a dream of mine that I cannot let go since I was a young boy of around 8 years old.I am now 58. Arthritis has attacked my knees as a result of injuries and wear tear from past exciting escapades.I guess this has put paid to an Everest summit,however,I cannot rule out a trek to base camp.I must and I have to see that mountain.

My question is what does the descent look like?My knees are not in the greatest shape but I am still fit.I practice yoga almost daily,I walk,I scuba dive and I have a love for the outdoors.

My only worry that prevents me or makes me hesitant from embarking on this trip is the constant descent.

Perhaps you could advise me.

I am not incapacitated in anyway and I don't require any walking assistance. As mentioned, I am fit.

Hi Gary, the good news is the descent on the classic trail is very gradual. In fact, the route in and out is very gradual with sections of incline and decline, but nothing very steep and prolonged (like Kilimanjaro for example).

I want to do EBC however age and other health issues make it difficult . Do you know if there is a helicopter that can take people to EBC, stop there for a little bit, allow the person to get out of the helicopter to take pictures and then take them back

Hi, there are companies that offer this, but I’m not familiar with any. I would recommend you spend some time at altitude before flying directly to EBC though.

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Your Everest Base Camp trek will take you from 9,350 ft. at Lukla to EBC at 18,513 ft., the summit of Kala Pattar. EBC is at 17,585 and you will get there on Day 11. An added challenge/bonus is a four hour hike up to the summit of Kala Pattar on day 12. From this summit at 18,513 ft. you will have some of your best views of the Everest massif and lower peaks. The grind will be well worth your while.

Challenges ahead Mel Kaida, Tusker’s veteran Asia guide, describes this as a hard trek because of frequent up and downs that requires consistent mental toughness. Even on the short acclimatization hikes where go up to go down it can be a grind.

Every day is hard and it’s not easy after you reach base camp. If you mentally tell yourself that you’re done after you’ve made it to base camp, the hike down will be tough,” Mel warns. “You need to be physically prepared for uneven terrain, rocky, angled trails that adds to fatigue especially for those who just work out in gyms, treadmills and ellipticals. Try to train outside at least once a week to let your muscles and feet get use to walking on uneven surfaces.”

Respect You will spend 11 days in the backcountry, averaging five hours every day hiking around 130 kilometers up and down. EBC is not as difficult as Kilimanjaro that is over 19,000 feet, but EBC is far from easy. It requires your respect.

The major EBC difficulty like on many high altitude trek trips is your ability to adjust to high altitude. With five days spent over 15,000 feet you will need to pace yourself and listen to your trip leaders by taking it slow and properly hydrating and eating.

The chance to acclimatize is made easier by Tusker’s itinerary where two days are spent in Pheriche at the 14,200 foot level. This is where many trekkers’ altitude tolerance is tested and by spending two nights here it allows more time to properly acclimatize.

Delhi Belly syndrome Another big challenge on EBC treks is Delhi Belly. Getting food poisoning in Nepal is common, but Tusker owners Eddie and Amy Frank have taken great pains to prevent it. Instead of having Tusker trekkers eat in the hotels along the trail to EBC, Tusker has a cooking crew that prepares all meals and purifies all drinking water to prevent the dreaded “Delhi Belly.” Thank Eddie and Amy Frank for your safe dietary passage to EBC because few other companies make this effort.

In the footsteps of mountain gods Hiking to EBC is a chance to retrace Everest’s climbing history. You will trek in the footsteps of Sir Edmund Hillary, Tensing Norgay and Reinhold Messner. They made it to the top of Everest with personal tenacity and respect for the Himalayas. You can get to base camp where they slept, acclimatized and realized their summit dreams. It may be difficult but you’re up for the challenge to realize your own Himalayan dream.

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• Everest Base Camp Trek Difficulty – Is It Really Hard?
• Everest Base Camp Trek
• 31/01/2023 08/05/2024

Are you ready for the adventure of a lifetime? If you’re wondering what the Everest Base Camp trek difficulty is, you’re in luck! At the trekking guide company Himalayan Exploration, we developed these tips and tricks for the Everest Base Camp Trek.

The Everest base camp trek is the highest-altitude hike among other treks in Nepal . It starts from Lukla and ends at Gorak Shep. There are many challenges you need to deal with when taking this trek. These can range from weather conditions to physical exertion required and even other hikers.

Preparing for any situation that may arise during a trek is always better. Since this is one of the biggest threats you will face, carrying enough water is always a good idea. In addition, you can protect yourself against the elements by doing some things.

You can avoid specific problems by carrying a high-quality sleeping bag and tent. Ask your local travel agent or check online for help determining your needed equipment.

Most people assume that trekking to the highest peak in the world, the Everest base camp is very difficult, time-consuming, and expensive. But it’s easy to do if you apply the following tips and tricks.

Understand the Physical Difficulties for Everest Base Camp Trek

Everest base camp lies at an elevation of 5,364 meters above sea level. It’s a challenging journey but not impossible. First, it’s paramount to understand your difficulties on this expedition.

The first challenge that you’ll encounter is high altitudes. The air pressure decreases with increasing elevation. It means you won’t be able to breathe correctly and suffer from headaches, nausea, insomnia, muscle aches, fatigue, dizziness, dry mouth, etc. If you suffer from any of the symptoms mentioned above, you must rest until they disappear.

You could get severe injuries or even death if you ignore your body during this time. Another difficulty you might experience is terrible weather conditions. Many types of extreme weather in the Himalayas include thunderstorms, blizzards, avalanches, and landslides, which add to your Everest Base Camp Trek Difficulty .

Research the Routes for Everest Base Camp Trek

Trekking in the Himalayas is a great way to explore beautiful places and get close-up views of some stunning mountain landscapes. There are many options for trekking, and Nepal has quite a few beautiful places to visit. However, the most popular trekking route is the Everest Base Camp trek .

This trek takes visitors to the top of the world, the Mt. Everest region . The highest peak in Asia stands at 29,029ft above sea level and is known simply as ‘Mt. Everest’. It is also the tallest mountain, although other peaks surpass it.

The trek begins from the Nepali capital, Kathmandu, where you will start your journey by flying to Lukla. From here, you continue your trip up to Namche Bazaar, a significant town on the edge of the Khumbu Valley.

Prepare Yourself for a Long Journey to Everest Base Camp Trek

If you plan on going on the Everest Base Camp Trek , you must ensure you have everything you need. These include food, clothing, gear, equipment, and medication. You can ask the people you are traveling with to share some of these things. Your friends and family will probably be happy to help you out.

It would help if you also considered visiting the doctor to ensure you are in good physical condition before leaving. It will be easier to climb the mountain if you are healthy. There are five best hiking trails on the Everest base camp trek . Some are easier than others, and some offer more scenery than others. If you decide to hike the shorter routes, ensure you have the right gear and enough food and water for your trip.

Try to go with people you trust. The weather can change quickly. You may get caught up in a sudden storm or blizzard and lose your way. It will lead to a very uncomfortable and dangerous situation. Always try to be prepared.

Check out the routes ahead of time to ensure you can take the right ones. You will be responsible for your safety when you are on the trek. It is up to you to look after yourself and ensure you are safe. It helps to reduce the Everest Base Camp Trek difficulty . 

Plan Your Training for Everest Base Camp Trek

If you decide to take a trip to Mount Everest, you must prepare for your journey in advance. Researching and learning more about the mountain is the best way to do this.

It will ensure you know what you need to bring to stay aware while climbing to the summit of the world’s highest peak!

It’s also important to remember that weather conditions are unpredictable, so it’s not just about packing the right equipment – you should also have enough food and drink supplies. So checking the forecast before heading off on your adventure is always advisable.

Consider the Weather

If you plan to go on a trekking holiday to Mount Everest, consider the weather because it can make or break your experience. The most popular time to visit is between April and May. However, If you decide to travel any season, you should prepare for unpredictable weather conditions that may force you to shorten your trip. . Nepal has four main seasons: spring, summer, autumn, and winter. Spring is generally the best time to travel. It’s usually warm enough to wear shorts and hiking boots without feeling uncomfortable, but you will still get a good dose of sun.

Summertime, however, can be rather hot, mainly if you are new to the climate in Nepal. So, if you prefer to avoid the heat, September to October is the best time for Everest Base Camp Trek .

Ensure You Have the Right Equipment

You may not realize it, but you need certain things to prepare for a mountain trip. For example, if you are doing an adventure in the Himalayas , you will need hiking boots that withstand rough conditions. In addition, you will want to pack an extra set of clothes since you’ll spend more time on your feet than you would on the road.

In terms of safety equipment, there are many items that you’ll find helpful when traveling to the highest point of the world. First off is a helmet. If you fall, you could easily suffer head injuries and severe damage. So it would help to consider buying an anti-fall device to protect yourself from these risks.

Another vital piece of safety gear to bring along is a medical kit. It will allow you to treat minor ailments before they get out of hand. Finally, it would be helpful if you had a compass. It is possible to navigate any tricky areas with a map.

Understand the Risk Factors

It’s easy to get excited about planning a trip abroad, whether trekking to Everest base camp, hiking a tropical island, traveling around Australia, or even spending a few days on a beach in Thailand. However, the most important thing to consider when traveling is safety – especially if planning a dangerous expedition, such as the Mt.Everest expedition .

The risks of trekking in Nepal are real but not necessarily life-threatening. You should be aware of some dangers on the trail: falling rocks, altitude sickness, and frostbite from exposure. But for the most part, the risks involved are minor. A tourist may decide to trek to Mount Everest Base Camp for many reasons.

Prepare for Any Emergencies

You don’t just need to prepare yourself physically before heading off on your adventure; you must also be mentally prepared for emergencies. If something unexpected happens during the climb and you’re not ready, it can lead to unnecessary delays and potential injury. So to ensure you stay safe and happy, here are a few things you should remember while climbing the mountain.

First, pack the right equipment, including comfortable hiking boots, a warm hat, gloves, a raincoat, sunglasses, sunblock, a first aid kit, toiletries, snacks, water bottles, and an area map. In addition, it’s essential to remember to carry your emergency contact information with you so that you can call someone if you need medical help or get lost. Also, it would help if you took plenty of cash with you, as some places do not accept credit cards.

Consider the Physical Fitness Level

The physical fitness level required for any high-altitude trek is higher than usual due to the extreme elevation. Therefore, you must be well-prepared before embarking on a trip like this. There are also medical requirements, such as vaccinations and medicines, that you must consider along with other essentials.

You can start preparing yourself if you are in good shape and confident about your skills. It would help if you began by researching whether you need to bring extra items to your destination so that you will stay supplied during your stay there.

An Everest base camp trek is a great way to prepare for any expedition. Not only does it improve physical fitness levels but also mental ones. In addition, it will teach you to endure hardship and be ready for emergencies. If you learn or know about the Everest Base Camp Trek difficulty , you will make it without any trouble.

There is much to consider if you are considering an Everest Base Camp. Selecting the right equipment for your needs, finding the best route, and so on are a few things that go into planning an expedition.

But when you return to typical life after the trek, you may want something else to do. So we put together this guide to help you plan your trip and keep you entertained while on the mountain.

You can read our post about 12 Reasons To Go On An Everest Base Camp Trek In Nepal here.

In Conclusion

Are you considering taking on the challenge of trekking to Everest Base Camp ? It’s an incredible journey that will take you through some of the most breathtaking places in Nepal. Can it be difficult?

The answer depends on your experience level and physical fitness. While no technical climbing skills are required for this trek, it is still challenging due to its high altitude and long duration (typically 12-14 days). The highest point reached during this trek is 5,545 meters above sea level, so understanding how your body reacts at higher altitudes can help prepare you for what lies ahead.

Additionally, since much of the terrain consists of steep hillsides or rocky paths with loose stones underfoot – proper footwear such as hiking boots are essential to remaining safe throughout your journey. You should also know that weather conditions can change quickly at these elevations.

Therefore, being prepared with warm layers and waterproof gear will help keep you comfortable regardless of whether rain or snow arrives unexpectedly!

Regarding overall difficulty – we rate Everest Base Camp Trek as moderate/challenging depending on individual ability levels. However, make sure to attempt one extraordinary adventure!

With enough preparation, determination, and support from experienced guides – anyone who has an eagerness towards new experiences should consider making their way up the iconic Mount Everest base camp !

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Ace the Himalaya

Trekking in Nepal, Peak Climbing, Mt Biking and Tours in Nepal, Bhutan and Tibet

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Demystifying Everest Base Camp Trek Difficulty: What You Need to Know

Navigate the path to the base of Everest with our in-depth insights on the Everest Base Camp trek difficulties

Every year thousands of tourists make their way to the gateway of the Himalayas; the beautiful Nepal. Amidst them, many carry the dream of conquering the highest mountain in the world, Mt. Everest.

They risk their lives and spend weeks on their way to conquering Everest. Besides this, a few of them come with the aim of reaching the foot of the peak to get an intimate perspective of the peak without having to take on as many challenges.

While most of the trekkers succeed in completing the Everest Base Camp trek , a few find the trek as daunting and difficult as Everest itself. How difficult can it be? Spend a few minutes and see what you think?

What is the overall difficulty level of the Everest Base Camp Trek?

While the mere imagination of standing at the foot of Everest surrounded by other snowcapped giants in the realm of thin air might be formidable, the EBC trek is achievable for anyone with proper preparation and dedication.

The overall difficulty level of the Everest Base Camp trek is strenuous, and trekkers will face several challenges ranging from the daunting 130 kilometers (80 miles) length to the difficult altitude of 5,555 m (18,206 feet)  at Kalapatthar.

Besides this, the challenges posed by the weather and the difficult terrain can be another factor making your trekking adventure difficult amidst the limited amenities and unfamiliar food and environment.

However, the trek is not impossible to achieve, even for beginners. With prior knowledge about the challenges of the trek and relevant packing and preparation, the trek can be completed with moderate challenges.

What makes the Everest Base Camp trek difficult?

The Everest Base Camp trek difficulty is multifaceted, encompassing factors such as extensive length, demanding altitude, rugged terrains, limited facilities, rocky paths, and unpredictable weather conditions.

Length of the Trek

The EBC trek features limited to no accessibility to roads. Therefore, with no roads, the only way to get to the mountains is by walking through the Khumbu region up to Base Camp itself starting right from Lukla.

Traversing along the Dudh Koshi valley, the journey from Lukla to Everest Base Camp encompasses 65 kms (40.38 miles) of distance that must be covered on foot.

The trekkers return through the same route covering the total distance of 130 kms (80 miles). This entire journey is spread across a duration of 12-14 days depending on your itinerary and the number of acclimatization days included.

While this might look easy at a cursory glance, spending this two weeks long time in the challenging conditions of the EBC trail demands good physical and mental preparation from the trekkers.

Especially for a novice, the duration and the distance might be daunting. Therefore, it is necessary to be well prepared mentally for the number of days one must walk to reach Base Camp and back to Lukla.

Gradual ascents with a moderate pace and enough breaks are the key to tackling the daily long walks to cover the distance of the EBC trek .

Over the extensive distance of 65 kilometers and back, the trail of the Everest Base Camp trek takes the trekkers through a wide range of terrains spread across the area of Sagarmatha National Park.

Trekkers pass through forested trails crossing lush forests of pine, bamboo and more which can be slippery at times and need more caution to tackle.  You will also come across several suspension bridges adding to the thrill.

Beyond Namche Bazaar, the vegetation on the rather lush trail till Phakding starts thinning out and the trekkers see more rocky paths. In this section of the trail, proper footing is crucial to avoid slipping, especially in the descents.

A blend of several landscapes, the trek unfolds glacial paths beyond Gorak Shep as you ascend higher towards the base camp. While these terrains hold heavenly beauty, they also demand more caution of the trekkers to avoid injuries amidst these stark moraines.

Although the ascent is gradual, the trek does feature steep ascents and descents like the climb to Kalapatthar and the steep ascent to Namche Bazaar and Tengboche monastery requiring more cardiovascular strength and leg strength.

Along with that, these climbs at high passes become more strenuous due to the thin air. Therefore, some sections might feel more challenging as compared to others such as crossing an important landmark of the trek- the Thukla pass .

As beautiful as the terrain on the EBC trek is, it is equally varied. Therefore, the trekkers must be absolutely prepared with proper footwear, physical fitness, and mental endurance to tackle these terrains.

The most challenging factor of the Everest Base Camp trek has to be the difficult altitude and duly so as the trek takes you to the highest accessible point in the world at an altitude of 5,555 meters.

The highest point of the EBC trek is at Kalapatthar, even higher than the Everest Base Camp itself. The Everest Base Camp is located at a challenging altitude of 5,364 meters while Kalapatthar lies at 5,555 meters.

However, the challenge is not just as you reach closer to the base camp. The challenge begins as you land at the Lukla airport itself. For people hailing from lower altitude areas, the starting point of the EBC trek itself is a significant increase in altitude.

The Kathmandu airport is situated at 1,400 m whereas the airport at Lukla is situated at double the elevation of the Kathmandu airport, i.e. 2840 m. This increase in elevation is already high enough to induce a person with mild altitude sickness.

As you enter a high-altitude zone beyond 2,500 meters, physiological effects kick in given the less amount of oxygen. Symptoms of Acute Mountain Sickness like nausea, dizziness, and more onset which absolutely cannot be ignored.

The elevation increases 600-800 meters per day and the level of oxygen depletes moderately. This is one of the reasons to have proper altitude sickness awareness before embarking on the Everest Base Camp trek.

In order to prevent altitude sickness , it is necessary to walk slowly, use as many days as possible to reach base camp, have at least 2 acclimatization and rest days to adjust to the elevation and drink plenty of water to overcome dehydration.

Following these instructions can help adjust to the increasing altitude throughout the trek. The most important thing to manage a risk such as altitude sickness is to integrate dedicated acclimatization days after every few days of trekking.

The acclimatization days, usually at Namche Bazaar and Dingboche helps the trekkers to embrace the basic trekking principle of ‘climb high, sleep low’ as they allow their bodies to adapt to the extreme conditions of the trek.

Accommodation

While on the Everest Base Camp trek, one of the challenges is the lack of your familiar comfort and the decrease in availability of amenities as you ascend higher on the trek.

Given the harsh and isolated environment, especially in areas around the base camp, the primary focus of the accommodations is to provide basic facilities to sustain life.

Amidst these challenges, other amenities like hot showers, internet, electricity, charging, etc. shift towards the back end. However, you do get a comfortable and warm place to stay accompanied by the incredible local hospitality.

At lower elevations, you will even get access to the familiar luxuries like Wi-Fi and internet access along the EBC trek , shower and laundry services, and much more. But as you ascend, the availability decreases.

Although you won’t be roughing it up without any facilities thanks to the teahouses on EBC trek , adjust your expectations to be prepared in case these facilities are not available at some locations.

Lack of Training

Despite being one of the most accessible treks to everyone, the trek to the Everest Base Camp is no walk in the park. Trekking in the Everest region is a serious challenge which demands good preparation.

Proper physical fitness is non-negotiable for those wanting to successfully complete the EBC trek. The trek becomes less of an adventure and more of a challenge where you must drag your feet till the end if you are not physically fit.

Trekking to Everest Base Camp is within the reach of those individuals who are physically fit . It is sensible to start training as early as possible before your scheduled trek.

Conventional exercise routines which build strength, fitness and stamina, such as aerobics, including swimming, jogging, cycling etc. can be a valuable addition to your workout regime to build endurance.

Light weight-training can be beneficial, particularly if your fitness level is less than desirable. To be able to tackle the steep ascents and descents, you can get yourself in practice of climbing and getting down the stairs with an added weight.

If possible, hiking up and down the hill or walking at least 1 to 2 hours a day can help build stamina and help to increase lung capacity and focus when you are at higher elevations.

Indulging in these activities gives you the taste of the most dreaded part of the trek- the sore muscles at night after a long day of walking. Once you are used to it, your journey becomes a joyful adventure.

Only with proper planning and proper training, one has the best possible chance to successfully and safely reach base camp and experience one of the most extravagant hikes in the world.

Mental Preparation

The Everest Base Camp trek requires not just physical endurance but mental endurance and resilience too. The extreme conditions of the trek can be testing on the mental state of the trekkers too.

The long days with exhausting walks along the challenging terrain without any familiar comfort to go back to can take a toll on your mental health. Being away from your loved ones adds to the challenge.

Therefore, you must be mentally prepared to tackle all the setbacks of the trek. It is important that you set realistic expectations and embrace the challenges of the EBC trek.

Whenever you get connection in the trek, talking to your loved ones over texts or calls can help give you the much-required boost in your mental state.

Besides that, carry board games or other games like cards so that you can enjoy yourself with your fellow trekkers while uplifting your mood as well as their as all of you are on the same boat.

You can also carry your preferred books and novels to read at the teahouses or a diary for you to journal your experiences in real time.

Prior Experience

While having prior trekking experience is an invaluable asset on the EBC trek, it is not mandatory. Having tackled similar treks can help you in more than one way.

Trekkers who have been on other treks have a good physical fitness along with the familiarity with the rigors of the daily long walks. Their body is also experienced in tackling the high altitude.

Also, they are familiar with the Himalayan culture and the local food, which leads to no problems in terms of nutrition. Having trekked before, they have firsthand knowledge of what to pack and what to omit from your backpack.

However, do not be intimidated if you are a first-time trekker. With proper knowledge, guidance, and preparation, you can also tackle the challenges of the EBC trek rather conveniently.

You must put in extra efforts like being in a proper workout routine, researching and preparing, building mental endurance, and selectively curating the packing list for Everest Base Camp trek .

This combined with the guidance of a guide, you will be all set to conquer the challenges of the EBC trek.

Improper Diet/ Food Poisoning

Improper diet can be a major challenge on the EBC trek. Although the food on the EBC trek is quite nutritious and healthy, there are cases where trekkers have returned to Kathmandu midway due to food poisoning or improper diet.

So, the question is what should be eaten during the trek? Well, since the Everest Region is a Buddhist area, slaughtering of animals is strictly prohibited.

For this reason, meat is flown over to Lukla and carried by porters or yaks to the upper regions. Thus, eating food items containing meat is not recommended at all since there is a threat of food poisoning.

It is best to eat where you stay and delve into the   local Nepali cuisine including rice, lentils and curry (dal, bhat, tarkari). The regular food will be good enough to keep your body healthy.

Sticking to a vegetarian menu is advisable as it provides you with enough fuel to keep you going along the trek. Drinking water can easily be bought at the local guesthouses along the trekking route or one can carry purification tablets as well.

Unpredictable Weather

Although open all year round, travelling to EBC in every other season of the year can be quite challenging due to the difficult and unpredictable weather and temperature in the Everest region.

Many first-time trekkers are surprised to learn about the incredible temperature range that may occur in a given day. The nights are much cooler than the daytime hours in the Everest region.

During the day, the temperatures can reach as high as 25 degrees C (77 Degrees F), only to dip down as low as -20 degrees C (-4 Degrees F) in less than 24 hours.

While there’s no way to know exactly what each day in the mountains will bring, the weather and temperature ranges tend to be somewhat predictable based on the month and season.

The spring season spanning from March to June and the autumn season spanning from mid of September to November are the best time for the Everest Base Camp trek .

On the contrary, the monsoon season, i.e. July, August, mid of September brings uncountable challenges in the form of slippery trails in the forests along with the rainclouds obstructing your breathtaking views.

Be prepared for rainfall almost every day if you are trekking in this season. The chances of landslides and rockfalls are also high in the monsoon along with the risk of slipping and injuries.

During the winter season, i.e. December to February, the temperature becomes unbearable on the EBC trek. Although the snowcapped views of the trail are worth all the challenge, you must take extra caution and carry micro spikes as the trail is covered in snow.

You might even encounter avalanches while you are heading towards the Everest Base Camp from Gorakshep at times. Therefore, be on the lookout.

When you are trekking across the Everest Base Camp, it is highly important that you are prepared for the curveballs that the mountain throws. Expect anything from strong wind to unexpected cold to sudden downpours and snowfall.

Stock up all the gear and clothing required to tackle all the weather conditions as no matter how much you rely on weather forecasting, there is always a chance of it going wrong as the weather in the Himalayas is less and less predictable.

Flight Delays to and from Lukla

Known as the most dangerous airport in the world, the Lukla Airport is situated in a wonderful valley surrounded by high mountains. Due to this reason, landing and taking off from Lukla is quite difficult and technical.

The airport also has a single short runway making it even more dangerous yet thrilling. However, that is not much of a danger as the pilots need to have special milestones to fly in that airport.

The main challenge here is the constantly changing weather and the delays in the airport. The weather in the area can be unpredictable and is likely to change every few hours resulting in flight delays or cancellation.

Usually in the monsoon months like June to September, the weather may not allow for the take-off since the visibility may not be as good. However, flight delays cannot be guaranteed in other seasons as well.

Flights have been cancelled and the travelers have been stranded in the airports waiting to fly over to Lukla or head back to Kathmandu for many days. During such situations, we choose to fly our clients in a helicopter  as far as possible.

During these situations, full coverage insurance including air ambulance also comes in handy as you won’t have to be stuck in the dilemma of the unknown.

The flight delays to and from Lukla therefore fall in the list as one of the most difficult and unpredictable things during the EBC trek.

Therefore, the comprehensive experience of the Everest Base Camp trek is beyond the binary of easy and hard as there are many factors determining how challenging the trek is going to be for you.

This Himalayan adventure provides an experience that is new and specific to every trekker. Therefore, embrace the challenges and conquer your dream adventure with thorough preparation to tackle every hurdle that comes your way.

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• Annapurna Base Camp Trek – 13 Days
• Himalayan Highlights – 13 Days
• Nar Phu Valley Trek with Annapurna Circuit – 18 Days
• Annapurna Circuit Trek – 19 Days
• Tilicho Lake Trek With Thorong La Pass – 19 Days
• Khopra Danda Trek – 11 Days
• Shivapuri-Chisapani Trek – 4 Days
• Upper Mustang Trek (Drive & Trek) – 16 Days
• Tsum Valley Trek – 16 Days
• Manaslu Circuit Trek – 15 Days
• Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek – 21 Days
• Upper Dolpo Trek – 25 Days
• Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek – 29 Days
• Yala Peak Climbing – 13 Days
• Island Peak Climbing – 15 Days
• Mera Peak Climbing – 19 Days
• Everest Base Camp and Lobuche East – 18 Days
• Tent Peak Climbing with Annapurna Base Camp – 18 Days
• Pisang Peak and Thorung La Pass – 21 Days
• Ama Dablam Expedition – 29 Days
• Kathmandu Cultural Heritage Tour – 3 Days
• Kathmandu Heritage – 3 Days
• Inheritances of Kathmandu – 4 Days
• Glimpses of Kathmandu & Nagarkot – 5 Days
• Kathmandu and Pokhara Unveiled – 5 Days
• Explore Kathmandu – 6 Days
• Glimpse of Nepal – 8 Days
• Nepal Heritage Tour – 10 Days
• Nepal Adventure Tour – 11 Days
• Nepal Multi Sports Adventure – 11 Days
• Nepal Vista – 10 Days
• Nepal Highlights – 14 Days
• Experience Nepal – 15 Days
• One Day Biking Trip – Kathmandu – 1 Day
• Annapurna Circuit Biking – 14 Days
• Upper Mustang Biking – 16 Days
• Kathmandu Valley Rim Biking – 8 Days
• Annapurna in Luxury – 9 Days
• VVIP Everest Base Camp Trek – 10 Days
• Everest View Luxury Trek – 11 Days
• Everest Base Camp Luxury Trek – 14 Days
• Everest Base Camp Deluxe Trek – 16 Days
• Mt Everest Base Camp to Gokyo Trek – 19 Days
• Kathmandu Luxury Tour – 3 Days
• Kathmandu and Pokhara Luxury Tour – 5 Days
• Nepal Multi Sport Luxury Adventure – 11 Days
• Best of Nepal – 14 Days
• Trishuli River Rafting – 1 Day
• Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour – 1 Day
• Everest Base Camp Heli Tour with Gokyo Extension – 1 Day
• Langtang Heli Sightseeing – 1 Day
• Pokhara and Annapurna Heli Sightseeing – 1 Day
• Paragliding in Nepal (Pokhara) – 1 Day
• Scenic Mountain Flight (Everest Flight) – 1 Day
• Ultra Light Flight – 1 Day
• Jamacho Day Hike-One day hiking trip – 1 Day
• Kathmandu Uncovered with Nagarkot – 1 Day
• Day Tour to UNESCO Heritage Sites – 1 Day
• Nepal and Tibet – 15 Days
• Nepal and Bhutan – 15 Days
• India, Nepal and Bhutan – 19 Days
• Nepal, Tibet and Bhutan – 20 Days
• Arupokhari School Volunteer Program – 14 Days
• Rebuild Home Volunteer Program – 9 Days
• Bardiya Jungle Safari – 4 Days
• Chitwan Jungle Safari – 3 Days

Trekking in Bhutan

Festival tours, motorcycling.

• Druk Path Trek – 8 Days
• Chomalhari Trek – 12 Days
• Laya Ghasa Trek – 18 Days
• Bhutan Vistas Tour – 5 Days
• Cultural Heartland Tour – 10 Days
• Hidden Valley – 11 Days
• Bhutan Multi Sports Tour – 11 Days
• Paro Tshechu Festival – 8 Days
• Punakha Tsechu – 9 Days
• Trongsa Lhuntse Tshechu – 9 Days
• Bumthang Tangbi – 11 Days
• Bhutan Ura Yakchoe – 12 Days
• Tamshingphala Choepa – 12 Days
• Mongar and Trashigang – 16 Days
• Bhutan Biking – 8 Days
• Bhutan Motorcycle Tour – 12 Days

Trekking in Tibet

• Tibet Advance Everest Base Camp – 21 Days
• Cho Oyu Expedition – 45 Days
• Shishapangma Expedition – 47 Days
• Everest Expedition via North Side – 63 Days
• Kathmandu and Lhasa Tour – 7 Days
• Tibet Heritage Tour – 8 Days
• Overland Tour to Everest Base Camp – 10 Days
• Mount Kailash Mansarovar Lake Tour – 15 Days
• Everest Base Camp Biking Tour – 21 Days

Everest base camp trek difficulty

Nepal everest base camp.

• Last Updated on Aug 23, 2023

Everest Base Camp Trek is for nature lovers and the one who seeks to achieve a certain level of spirituality among themselves. This trek teaches people the true meaning of determination and patience. A lifetime adventure, this trek has all the aspects, which makes the travelers remember from the spellbinding landscapes, the unique unseen Sherpa culture, the amazing wildlife to the serenity of the monasteries.

The journey of Everest passes through snow-peaked mountains, hanging bridges, raging rivers, dense forests, and waterfalls with lots of ascend and descends on the steep & rugged trail that makes the trail difficult. Read below to know more about the difficulty of the Everest Base Camp Trek.

Table of Contents

Climate in everest region.

Spring season (March to June) , the weather is favorable for trekking . This season attracts a lot of tourists, and the temperature reaches up to 25 degrees on summer days and dropdown to -20 degrees at night.

Monsoon starts in July and lasts till mid-September . This time is not recommended for trekking as during this season, due to high rainfall the roads become more slippery and riskier.

Autumn ( September to November ) is also the best time for trekking in the Everest region . During this season, the entire region bloomed up with gorgeous rhododendrons and other wildflowers.

Winter begins from November to February . This season presents a very extreme cold. January is considered to be the coldest month of the year where the temperature falls and reaches to -36 degrees and can go down below to -60 degrees. Despite all the low temperature, the biggest issue faced by the mountain climbers is the hurricane, force wind, and wind chill where the force of the wind develop reaching more than 285 km/hr.

Everest Base Camp Route

Reaching to Everest Base Camp is a dream to various trekkers. There are two base camps , the northern base camp that lies in Tibet whereas the southern base camp , which is situated in Nepal. Both the base camp s are used by the trekkers in order to ascend and descend where goods are carried by yaks, porters, and Sherpas. They are the means of transportation in this base camp.

The trails of southern base camp are really rough, rocky and steep, which makes it a challenging for the trekkers. The route for the southern base camp starts from the Tenzing Hillary airport at Lukla (2,800 m), the second dangerous airport and the best air routes in the world as from flight, one is able to see stunning snow-capped Himalayan mountains such as Lhotse, Nuptse, Thamserku. Amadablam, Langtang Ri, and the Everest.

From Lukla, the trek starts towards Phakding (2,652 m) through the Cheplung village, passing through the majestic pine forest. Leaving Benkar and Jorsala valley behind, one reaches to Namche Bazaar where generally al the trekkers take a day off and explore the region . From Namche, the trek resumes and the visitors pass through Tengboche Monastery crossing the Loche river, reaching to one small ascend to Dingboche (4,400 m). From here, one reaches to Lobuche via Duglha and head towards Gorak Shep (5,180 m,) which finally leads to the Everest Base Camp (5,364 m)

Everest Base Camp Difficulty

It is said that difficult roads often lead to beautiful destinations, this can be sad for this trek too. The journey leads person to reach a calming state of mind, yet there are various obstacles present before reaching the destination. The difficulty level of the Everest Base Camp is moderate. The trekking time often requires two weeks. Even though the EBC Trek requires no prior trekking expertise, it is suggested that the trekker should be determined and be physically fit.

EBC Trek Altitude

Among the various hurdles of EBC ,  the altitude is considered to be one of the major difficulty. As this trek starts at the height of 3,000 meters, and the base cap is situated at the height of 5400 meters above the sea level, which is actually a great height . Therefore it is strongly recommended that if a person has any breathing problem, they should completely avoid this trek. A trekker is suggested to take proper medical advice before trekking at these heights and research altitude sickness.

Distance from Lukla to EBC

The distance between Lukla to the Everest Base Camp is nearly 130 kilometers only,  yet some of the trekkers might find the distance being too long. The trekkers must keep in mind that even though the distance is small the trekking is on altitude and on non-paved rocky, steep, roads.

Training before EBC Trek

For trekking , the trekkers need to be physically fit and energetic. That's why they must start practicing those exercises, which generally strengthens the leg muscles. This is necessary as the weak people may find it difficult to walk on those unpaved rocky roads and adjust in the hilly area.

• Few safety measures to know before going on Everest Base Camp Trek
• The weather is harsh, therefore the trekkers must take cautions and carry basic medications or first aid with them.
• One should always keep themselves hydrated as it reduces the chance of getting altitude sickness.
• Avoid alcoholic drinks as it makes you extremely dehydrated.
• You must invest in buying good trekking equipment like bags, shoes etc.
• You should always wear sunglasses as in high altitudes,  as striking sun raises might cause snow blindness or other eye problems.
• The trekkers must not rush and must include enough acclimatization during the trek to stay away from Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS).
• Research thoroughly about the region before commencing the trip.
• Few etiquettes to be followed while on EBC Trek:
• Pay respect to local customs and traditions
• Never stand in the streamside, instead stand on the mountainside while the yaks and mules are passing
• Be on the right side while passing any Mani wall or Chortans
• Avoid giving money to the begging children, instead, donate that money to any charity or development programme

Everest Base camp trek 15 days itinerary

Day 1: Arrival day and pre-trip meeting at hotel or office.

Day 2: City sightseeing and preparation days for the trekking

Day 3: Fly to lukla from Kthmandu and trek to Phakding and overnight at guest house.

Day 4: Trek to Namche and overnight at guest house

Day 5: Rest day at Namche

Day 6: trek to tengboche and overnight at guesthouse.

Day 7: trek to dingboche and overnight at guest house.

Day 8: Rest day at dingboche.

Day 9 trek to lobuche and overnight at guest house,

Day 10: trek to gorakshep and hike to Everest base camp and overnight at guest house.

Day 11: Morning hike to kalapatther and trek back to Pheriche. and overnight at guest house.

Day 12: Trek to Namche and overnight at guesthouse.

day 13: trek to Lukla and overnight at guest house.

Day 14: Fly back to Kathmandu and transfer to hotel. 

Day 15: Final Depature,

For Details itinerary please visit our Full Package Informations .

Cost Include/Exclude for Everest base camp trek 15 days

Cost includes.

•     Arrival & Departure Transport By private Car/Van/Bus.
•     Three meals a day during the Trekking (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)
•     Accommodation in Tea House during the Trekking.
•     Three nights Accommodation in Kathmandu with B/B.
•     Trekking Guide and a proter (Sharing by two clients) with Insurance, food, accommodations.
•     Flight ticket for guide Kathmandu/Lukla/Kathmandu
•     Flight ticket for Clients Kathmandu/Lukla/Kathmandu
•     Sightseeing in Kathmandu valley with car and tour guide
•     First Aid kit.
•     Trekking permit (Conservation fee).
•     Tims card (Trekking information management system) as like a permit.
•     Free Company's duffel bag.
•     All needed official fee.

Cost excludes

•     International Airfare.
•     Your travel insurance.
•     Sightseeing entrance fees (25 USD)
•     Nepal Visa fee (US$ 40 for 30 days and US$ 25 for 15 days you should get visa open your arrival)
•     Any kind of drinks, items of personal expenses like hot shower, battery charge, telephone, Porters etc.
•     Tips for Guide and Porters
•  Extra hotel accomodation in the kathmandu due to any region. (early arrival, late departure, Early arivaled due to any reason from mountains).

   May I help you?

Note: given itinerary are a regular package itinerary. If you will need a customize trip to Everest base camp let us know. For more details about everest base camp trek or other everest region packages. just visit at our package list. if you need more details about everest base camp mail us at. [email protected] or call at +9779851087391 (WhatApp, Viber, Wechat).

Other information 

Easy way to explore everest base camp .

If you wish to be everest base camp without hiking you might have better options to be Kalapathhar everest base camp within one day and back to Kathmandu. The tour called Everest Base Camp helicopter . This is a day tour which is started from the capital city of everest base camp for some some hours and then flight will be back to same started point kathmandu. 

Everest scenic flight also one of the option of visit Mount Everest and other high mountain of Everest region. this is a scenic flight by a small plane which is fly over the everest and other mountains. which is exploring mountains without any physical activities.

most popular Everest base camp tour 

• Everest Base Camp Trek
• EBC Chola Pass Gokyo Trek
• Everest Three Pass Trek
• Everest Kongmala Pass Trek
• Phaplu Everest Base Camp Trek
• Everest Base Camp Short Trek
• Jiri Everest Base Camp Trek

Established in 2017, Everest Base Camp Trekking has been managed by a team of 25 plus members. It is the best trekking in all of Nepal. Our tour package comes with the most unforgettable experience of them and if you are seeking a quality service, then the Nepal Everest Base Camp trekking company also gives top-class service too, experienced guides and other needed necessary things that are needed for trekking.

Our company provides quality package in all of Nepal. Trekking to us is like taking a visit to a mountain museum. We are also the specialist organizers for the Everest region trekking packages. We also organize  Everest base camp trek, Everest High Passes Trekking, Everest Circuit Trekking, Jiri Everest Base Camp Trekking, Everest Panorama (View) Trekking, Island Peak via Everest Base Camp Trek, and organized other tour and travels packages all over Nepal. Our other sister company is Nepal Hiking Adventure Company Pvt. Ltd.

 We at Nepal We at Base Camp Trekking Company will offer you the land of the high Himalayas, raging glacial rivers, deep valleys, dense jungles, culture which is rich at age old traditions. Providing value-added services to the guest and travelers who come to experience our small and pretty country with a cultural and religious way of life as it was for centuries.

Nepal Everest Base Camp Trekking Company has the team of experienced staff and with logistic support, always serving to provide you at the very best. Apart from running the trekking in Nepal and other adventure sports in Nepal.  Also providing opportunities like employment and redistribution of income in the remote corners of the country. We will also guide you to experience all that is special about the natural beauty of Nepal and other Himalayan regions, scenic mountain views, vibrant religious festivals, vibrant cultural traditions, Long Treks in Nepal, Short trek in Nepal and most importantly, the charm and gracious hospitality for the people.

We are the ones to open the doors of this hidden treasure for the Himalaya and its beauty to you and bid you welcome in our humble nation. Come and join and try us once for your lifetime dream destination and to be away from this modernization world and your hectic schedules of life, offering you with unparallel exotic holiday spot, varieties of thrills to all sort of travelers. From Mountain expeditions and Trekking, -Jungle Safari, Mountain Biking, Cultural Tour, Rafting and many more excursions are also popular in the cool Himalayan glacial rivers, and has also visiting traditional rural villages at the backdrop of the great Himalayan range to Rafting the whitewater with scenic float in the glacial rivers and stay safe in the comfort of the Jungle Resorts and ideal wilderness at one of the world's most famed National Parks.

Our team at Nepal Hiking Camp Trekking is led by our able leader and manging director Mr. Bishnu Lamsal and His Team a native of Nepal Himalaya and tourism experts have organized and has guided numerous adventure trips in the Himalayan region that also include Bhutan and Tibet since 1999 AD. At present Mr. B. Lamsal with the Company has organizing trekking, and leisure trips including special made itineraries for family, mini groups of small students and also large corporate executives. Running trips at the scenic, cultural routes also providing absolute wilderness away from the main trails giving a new experience to the valuable clients along with his company warm hospitality. We have them all for you to experience and to your delight your mind and senses.

Besides Mr Bishnu Lamsal, we have Sanjay Lamsal who is our general manger, our trekking guides are Seresh Shrestha,  Sudakar Rijal, Yak Pu Sherpa and Ram Krishna Dhakal who is our experienced trek, tour operator and trekking guide.

Why Choose Us?

• We have conducted several trekking, climbing and our expedition programs has more than 100 peaks and trails there off.
• We have a success rate that reached up to 98 percent which is unheard in Nepalese market.
• Our team has also participated in the Dhaulagiri Base Camp Clean up Campaign that has removed tin, glass, batteries, left overs by the trekkers. The team has also cleaned up Annapurna Clean Up Campaign.
•  We are growing in our business and we strive hard to deliver in our promise. Our dedicated staff member is totally in providing our client with topmost quality service.
• Apart from providing packages, we are also committed in giving it back to society. We support Childcare center Nepal. CCN is the non-government, non-profit organization and to educate and caring for Nepal children who were orphaned during Nepal civil war.
• Nepal Hiking Adventure Company also trains our local staff so the communities benefit our tremendous effort. Many of our guides has worked for more than 10 years and they are best in the business.

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From Lukla to Everest Base Camp: A Guide to the Best Routes and Trails

Quick links, how long is the trek from lukla to everest base camp, where can hikers stay while traveling from lukla to everest base camp, can any level hiker travel from lukla to everest base camp is it safe.

Located in the Himalayas lies the world-renowned trek from Lukla to Everest Base Camp, a journey that draws adventurers from across the globe. This 130 km (77 miles) round trip trek is a challenging but rewarding experience, showcasing the natural beauty of the region and offering a glimpse into the daily lives of the local Sherpa people.

The trek from Lukla to Everest Base Camp typically takes 13 days, starting from Kathmandu. Before embarking on this journey, hikers must train to prepare for the rigorous terrain and high altitude. This is especially important given the risks associated with being at such high altitudes for an extended period.

The trek from Lukla to Everest Base Camp is an unforgettable journey that offers a glimpse into one of the world's most breathtaking regions. With proper training and a sense of adventure, anyone can tackle this challenging but rewarding trek and come away with memories to last a lifetime.

• Lukla to Everest Base Camp is 38.5 miles.
• This entire hike should take people between 11 and 14 days in total.
• Many hikers between these two spots spend 8–9 hours walking daily.

For people wanting to take on Everest Base Camp from Lukla, this will be the journey of a lifetime. This trek between the two spots is approximately 38.5 miles, usually taking hikers 11–14 days. One thing to note, this trek is 38.5 miles either way: totaling 77 miles. According to past hikers, people will begin their eight-day hike from Lukla to the Everest Base Camp and then four days to trek back to Lukla. Some may want to hang out at Everest Base Camp for a couple of days, so that will add time to the entire voyage.

Luckily, the scenery between these notable hiking locations offers unparalleled views of the surrounding landscape, giving adventurers insight into the Sherpa people. Another detail to remember when traveling between Lukla and Everest Base Camp is that most people recommend hiking for 8–9 hours daily to keep the schedule at 11–14 days.

Some people even skydive from Mount Everest : so the adventure doesn't need to stop at the ground.

Related: 10 Stunning Himalayan Hiking Trails That Are Not Everest (Or Even Close)

The Best Trekking Route To Everest Base Camp

When it comes to the best route for those trekking to Everest Base Camp, people want to take The Classic Everest Base Camp trek. This path is the most direct route from Lukla to the 18,192-foot peak of Kalapatar. Hikers will also get the best view of Mount Everest from here, so that's perfect for those wanting to snap a few photos.

However, here are some alternative routes and timelines that one could take to get to the Classic Everest Base Camp Trek:

• Jiri to Everest Base Camp (19–21 days trekking)
• Tumlingtar to Everest Base Camp (21–23 days trekking)
• Gokyo Over Cho La Pass (17–18 days trekking)
• Lukla to Tengboche (around 7 days trekking).

The trek from Lukla to Everest Base Camp is 38.5 miles each way, totaling 77 miles for hikers. Therefore, to finish this trek in 11–14 days, hikers must spend 8–9 hours daily on the move.

• Hikers can stay between Lukla and Everest Base Camp in teahouses, lodges, and campsites.
• Phakding lies between Lukla and Namche Bazaar, making it a great stop along the way.

Trekking from Lukla to Everest Base Camp will have a few lodging opportunities between the two destinations. Generally, past hikers recommend stopping in Phakding, which takes roughly 3 to 4 hours to walk from Lukla. Along this trail, people can stay in lodges or teahouses, which will be primitive and won't be a "typical" experience. The road to Everest may be daunting, so preparing for this journey is crucial .

To explain these teahouses/lodges , they are houses with usually more than two floors but sometimes only one, with dozens of rooms. This could be a fun way to meet other adventure seekers along the way to Everest Base Camp (and back), so don't be afraid to start a conversation.

The trail between Lukla and Everest Base Camp is globally visited, so there will be people from all different cultures and countries to enjoy this with. These ten Everest Base Camp facts may be fun to know before the journey.

Related: Mt Everest: The History & Story Behind The World's Tallest Mountain

In general, if someone is healthy and regularly hikes, they should be able to handle the walk from Lukla to Everest Base Camp. One thing to keep in mind, however, is that this trek isn't easy but isn't nearly as challenging as taking on Mount Everest. The entire region is known for its high elevation and chilly weather, which may be difficult for some hikers.

There are many things to see and experience at the base of Mount Everest , so people don't need to take on the summit to have a memorable experience.

According to trek guides , the Everest Base Camp area is far easier for hikers than other areas, especially when compared to Everest: often considered one of the more dangerous journeys on Earth. It may be helpful to train before heading to Lukla and then to Everest Base Camp, taking on hikes near where someone lives. For example, if there are mountains nearby, that could be a great way to train for this Nepal adventure.

Going to the gym and using machinery at an incline may also help prepare someone for this, although nothing beats getting outdoors. If there is any hesitation with taking on a trek from Lukla to Everest Base Camp, it might be worth consulting a doctor and ensuring people's health is good enough to head to the mountains.

These are ten essential tips for anyone traveling to Everest Base Camp that are worth reading.

• MarketersMEDIA Newsroom

Everest Base Camp Trek Difficulty and Physical Preparation

Everest Base Camp Trek Difficulty and Physical Preparation.

New York, USA - May 6, 2024 /MarketersMEDIA/ —

Everest Base Camp Trek  simply known as  EBC  with its short name, is one of the very widely known trekking trials in Nepal. It lies in the Everest Region, home to the highest peak  Mt .  Everest  with 8889m of height from the sea level, and its fellow mountain peaks with 8000m plus class height making It the highest altitude region in the world.

So, here we are going to talk about the factors and features of the  EBC  trek that make your journey a little tougher than you thought.

Trek   To   Base   Camp   With   Helicopter   Return

If you feel too tired and have difficulty while making up to the Base Camp of Everest and feeling tired to return then you can return from the airway through Helicopter. Yes, the helicopter ride above the enormous beauty of the Himalayas. It takes you to the airport of  Lukla , the starting point of this trek.

This scheme of  Everest Base Camp Trekking with helicopter return  is designed to overcome the time spent during the trek and reduce the double walk of the same trail. But it is famous for taking you above the natural landscape of majestic mountains beauty and its components.

Factors   And   Features

Tough   Geography

The actual factor that affects and increases your difficulty is the strange geography you will encounter in the  EBC  trek. As it holds the proper Himalayan geography, it gives birth to more factors such as rough geographic topography, remote places, high cliffs, Natural Bodies, and many more. All these are the main features of geography in the Himalayas. 

It can be said that the loss of the difficulty comes from the geography of the trekking region of  Everest . It also covers high altitudes, with difficult paths to cover by your feet. And long walk over such trails also makes you feel difficult to cross the distance of points. So, the Tough Geography of Himalayan region is one of the main regions that makes your Everest Base Camp Trek difficulty harder.

Higher   Altitude

The altitude Everest Base Camp Trek routes cover very high altitudes in comparison to the normal residents of most travelers. It causes a lot of difficulty with breathing if you are living at a lower altitude than the sea level. As you go higher in altitude, you will find a decrease in air pressure and lower oxygen levels in the atmosphere. The elevation goes up to the height of 5364m of altitude from the sea level. It leads to the problem of altitude sickness too. The altitude also consists of high cliffs which can make it even harder for a person having acrophobia. That makes the higher altitude of this trek another factor of Everest Base Camp Trek difficulty.

Altitude   Sickness

This is the problem encountered often by most trekkers. It is caused due to the low presence of oxygen levels and low air pressure. In such places with low oxygen levels, when you do frequent body movement and activities that need extra respiration like running, jumping, etc lead to altitude sickness. It is hard to maintain such behaviors by walking through narrow and rough paths sometimes, which makes often most trekkers have to go through altitude sickness.

 It is considered as it starts to happen when you go higher in 3000m of altitude but it often starts when you reach the altitude above 2500m from sea level. It causes the effects like nausea, vomiting, and nose bleeding. And it can be more fatal at higher altitudes than the height of 4000m elevation if not careful. So, altitude sickness becomes a major factor to be careful about which makes place in  Everest   Base   Camp   Trek  difficult. 

The paths which you are going to walk through go above very remote places. Do not expect it to be well managed or constructed as it is very hard to construct tourist infrastructure in those places. The reason is the modern transportation of goods is probably non-existent and very rough geographic structure to build over it. So the Everest Base Camp Trek difficulty is affected by another factor its remoteness. Sometimes you even have to cross very narrow paths over high cliffs and landslides which you may find difficult as it also makes you fear to do.

Natural   Bodies

The  Everest   Base   Camp   Trek  consists of an enormous number of natural bodies. Those natural bodies cover more tough routes around it. It is hard to build a proper path in such a difficult geography. Natural bodies like lakes, rivers, and glaciers are the main components of the beauty of this  Everest   Region . Also one of the factors affecting you. No offense, but it is also a great reason for making  the Everest   Base   Camp  Trek difficult.

Air   Pressure

It is also a main factor of  Everest   Base   Camp   Trek  difficulty. As you go higher in altitude you get more difference in air pressure. As mentioned above it leads to altitude sickness but it also causes another problem as you may encounter difficulty in breathing and having very frequent respiration As oxygen level in the atmosphere gets lower and lower when you go higher. And it can be more difficult if a person is taking medications related to heart problems.

Yes, the region where you are trekking to reach Base Camp lies in the proper Himalayan region. And the weather in the region is very unpredictable. It has no guarantee when it is going to change even after the weather forecast. The reason is the higher altitude, air pressure, temperature, humidity, and sudden change in the direction of wind. 

You even can witness sometimes the clear day in the morning and bad weather in the evening. It can make your journey and schedule of trekking hours into a mess. It is also about the place where you have reached when the weather changes as you may be at a very difficult place during the change.

Natural   Damages  

Natural damages are also very often seen on the journey. As the geography itself is a reason for damages. The soil which is found in the Himalayan region is rocky and shallow which is very easy to erosion. And during the construction of the route, sometimes the hollow spaces remain which also leads to landslides and erosion when rainfall happens or weight goes over it. Such damages also make your journey even longer as you may have to take the long alternatives or have to wait until further improvements. Undoubtedly it also becomes a factor in  Everest   Base   Camp  Trek difficulty.

Medical or Physical Inability

We mention it because if a person is having any physical issues or medical inability related to various parts of the body then it is going to be way tougher. The physical inability makes it hard to travel through rough and remote routes. The Medical inability like the problem of heart and taking asthma can make it even worse. But don’t worry it won’t stop you from doing what you want. Many such persons already made it up and even to the summit of  Mt .  Everest .

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Removing Dead Bodies from Mount Everest Is Dangerous and Expensive. Here’s Why.

A team of 12 Nepalis is slated to ascend Mount Everest this month to bring five dead bodies down from the peak. Recovery missions come with a soaring price tag and a heightened potential for disaster.

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In 2019, a Nepali mountaineer and rescue specialist named Gesman Tamang led a team of six onto 27,838-foot Makalu to recover the body of a climber who had died in the so-called “death zone” above 26,000 feet. On their ascent, one of the team members, a Nepali soldier named Narayan Singh, showed signs of altitude sickness. Tamang encouraged Singh to rest at Camp III, at around 24,600 feet, and to then descend to safety.

The team continued climbing until they located the body near the French Couloir, at 27,000 feet. It took them more than 24 hours to free the body from the mountain, secure it to a sled, and move it down to Camp III. As they entered camp, they found Singh in a tent, barely breathing.

“We tried to give him oxygen and save his life, but we couldn’t,” Tamang told Outside .

Singh died a short time later. The group had no choice but to leave him on the mountain in order to complete their original mission of bringing down the other body. They arranged Singh’s body alongside fixed ropes so that other crews could bring him down.

“Once I reached base camp, I couldn’t go back up for my friend,” Tamang said. “It was too painful. My heart wouldn’t allow it.” Another team eventually retrieved Singh’s remains from the mountain.

Every few years, groups of climbers embark on missions to remove bodies from Mount Everest and other peaks above 8,000 meters. These expeditions are arduous and sometimes deadly . This year, the Nepali Army is sending a crew of 12 recovery specialists up Mount Everest to bring down five bodies located high on the peak. On April 14, the team reached Everest Base Camp to start the job.

Army Major Aditya Karki, who oversees the project, said recovering bodies has two goals: bringing closure to loved ones back home and making the route up Everest more palatable for future generations of climbers.

“Seeing a dead body on Everest is gruesome,” he told Outside . “Last year, a number of clients were distressed by passing the bodies of dead climbers on their climb. This can have long-lasting psychological effects and impact their well-being, which we want to prevent.”

No one knows for sure just how many corpses remain on Mount Everest, but a 2015 study by the BBC placed the estimate at more than 200. The highest concentration of bodies lie between Camp IV at 26,600 feet and the summit. These missions are extremely expensive, due to the manpower and gear needed to survive in that environment. Karki estimates the price tag for the 2024 mission to be between $75,000 and $80,000 per-body, and believes that the total cost of the expedition—which will also remove garbage from higher camps—to exceed $600,000.

Every climber who ascends the high peaks in Nepal’s Himalayan range is required by law to carry insurance to cover the cost of their own rescue and recovery in the event of an accident, including death. But the regulation is inconsistently enforced, and the extreme environment where climbers die—and the grisly ways in which they perish—often make recovery extremely difficult or impossible. Those who fall into deep crevasses or are buried by avalanches may never be taken down.

Some climbers request that their remains be left on Mount Everest, but this ask has no sway with Nepali authorities. In 2023 an Australian climber named Jason Kennison died near the summit—he had made it clear in writing that he wished for his remains to stay on the peak.

But Kennison’s body is slated to be removed this year by Asian Trekking, his outfitter in 2023. Famously, Edmund Hillary’s request to have his ashes scattered on the peak was denied in 2010 after a local citizens’ group objected on cultural grounds.

Tshiring Jangbu Sherpa, one of the 12 members of the Nepali Army’s mission, told Outside that the five bodies selected for removal this year were chosen because of their relatively close proximity to the route. Officials did not say whether the bodies are from the record 18 climbers who perished on the peak in 2023. All five are located above Camp IV, in a dangerous area of the mountain where terrible weather, strong winds, and thin air create an inhospitable environment.

Tshiring Jangbu said that in the death zone, it’s nearly impossible to carry a human body weighing 180 pounds. “Above 8,000 meters, it’s difficult for two people to carry an 8-kilogram [17 pounds] oxygen cylinder,” Tshiring Jangbu said.

For the 2024 mission, the 12 rescuers will be split into two six-man teams. One group will undertake the removal of bodies, while the other will carry the oxygen, tools, and supplies needed for the mission. The squad will have to make multiple trips from Camp IV at 26,000 feet to retrieve each body.

Bringing a body back down is a painfully slow task with plenty of dangers. Once rescuers locate a body, they must extract it from snow and ice—a task that sometimes requires them to dig or chip it from its frozen resting place. Crews then load the body onto a lightweight rescue sled that is little more than a thin sheet of plastic, and secure it with rigging. Then, they move along the fixed ropes as a team, dragging, shuffling, and lowering the payload down to Camp IV on the South Col.

The climbers who are part of the 2024 recovery expedition will repeat this journey for each of the five bodies. Then, the team will lower them again in turn down the steep Lhotse Face, and across the upper reaches of the Khumbu Glacier to Camp I at 19,900 feet. A helicopter will fly the bodies on to Base Camp and then further down the valley. The journey descends 9,000 vertical feet and takes upwards of four days.

“Body recovery is incredibly risky. It’s much harder than just climbing the mountain,” Tamang said.

Tamang, who has completed more than a dozen recoveries across Nepal’s 8,000-meter peaks, said multiple challenges may arise during a typical mission. Like other expeditions on Everest, missions to retrieve bodies depend on good weather. According to Tshiring Jangbu, when the wind blows above 30 knots (34 mph), recovery workers risk getting frostbite or succumbing to exhaustion. “We need a good weather window to successfully recover the bodies,” he said. “Frostbite is a real concern for our team.”

How quickly a team can remove a body depends on how it is positioned in the snow and ice. Most are positioned awkwardly, making it challenging to secure it to the sled. “Some bodies are positioned in a manner that makes it impossible to package,” Tamang said. “They’re always frozen solid, so you can’t just bend them to fit. You have to carry them as you find them.”

Tamang said rescuers try to be as delicate as they can with each body, but sometimes parts of the body are worn off during the downward journey over rocks and ice. “We can’t think about it as just handling a dead body,” Tshiring Jangbu said. “We have to be respectful and safe.”

There’s also an emotional and psychological toll that recovery climbers must endure. They must be comfortable working around dead bodies and dealing with the very human emotional response that comes from proximity to death. Crews must also perform their jobs while climbers pass by on the way to the summit.

Tamang survived his 2019 mission on Makalu and has gone on to complete body recoveries on other peaks in recent years. He said that, while recovery work is important, it doesn’t bring him the same level of pride as guiding or helping climbers in the Himalayas.

“I’d much rather save someone’s life,” he said.

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Climbing the World to End Alzheimer's

Everest 2024: First Everest Summits

We have the first Everest summits of the spring 2024 season. Adrian Ballinger of Alpenglow, now in Chengdu on his way to Chinese Base Camp on the Tibet side, tells me the Tibetan rope fixing team summited today, May 7, opening the route to all climbers.

This was expected, given China allowed Chinese climbers to be on Everest weeks ahead of foreigners. Citing national holidays and other delays, foreigners were prohibited from entering Tibet until May 7, but there was speculation that the rope team was working on the route.

On the Nepal side, it’s a mixed bag of activities. Climbers are still on acclimatization rotations, some resting in base camp waiting for the rope and weather window, and some have dropped back to lower villages like Namache or Lukla. A few have taken helicopters back to Kathmandu for a high-end R&R. In any event, look for summits on the Nepal side as early as this upcoming weekend, weather permitting.

For those trying to follow climbers on the Nepal side, note that the Internet is spotty this year, so we have long periods of since. Rest assured, all is well, and assume the best.

On both sides, climbers can expect more difficult climbing this spring due to the warm, dry winter that left the mountain with less than usual snow and more than usual exposed rock, thus rock fall.

8K Expeditions reported three more Makalu summits.

Adrian Hayes tells me they have the green light for a summit push on Kangchenguga :

“So… All confirmed head up tomorrow- wed camp two, thursday camp three, friday camp four, leaving eight pm or so, sat summit and back to camp four, three or two, monday base. Daw Sherpa (big boss seven summts) has looked at all weather channels and its looking ok for next six days. The 8k guys also going. Rope fix have reached 8300 so all looking good”

Climb On! Alan Memories are Everything

You can listen to #everest2024 podcasts on Spotify ,  Apple Podcast , Breaker , YouTube , Pocket Casts , RadioPublic , Anchor , and more. Just search for “alan arnette” on your favorite podcast platform.

 Everyday Everest

Next drop on May 8, 2024

A new 16-part podcast series during the Everest 2024 climbing season.

Based on my Fictional 2020 Virtual Everest series, I’ll have a twenty-minute updated episode of the story a few times a week for the next two months. Everyday Everest follows a fictional team of nine climbers and their personal Sherpas from leaving home, trekking to base camp, acclimatizing, and finally, on their summit push. The story’s protagonist, Harper, sets the tone for the story when she tells her husband, Marc, “Honey, I’m going to climb Everest.”

You can listen to Everyday Everest on Spotify ,  Apple Podcast , Breaker , YouTube , Pocket Casts , RadioPublic , Anchor , and more. Just search for “alan arnette” on your favorite podcast platform.

Previous Everyday Everest Series Episodes

• Everyday Everest Podcast Part 14–Summit Push
• Everyday Everest Podcast Part 13–Climbing Above Camp 3
• Everyday Everest Podcast Part 12–Summit Plan for the Team
• Everyday Everest Podcast Part 11–First Summits
• Everyday Everest Podcast Part 10–Climbing the Lhotse Face
• Everyday Everest Podcast Part 9–Summit Date Planned
• Everyday Everest Podcast Part 8–Suffering at Camp 2
• Everyday Everest Podcast Part 7–Into the Cwm
• Everyday Everest Podcast Part 6–Into the Icefall
• Everyday Everest Podcast Part 5–Arrival At Base Camp
• Everyday Everest Podcast Part 4–Blessing in the Khumbu
• Everyday Everest Podcast Part 3–The Trek Begins
• Everyday Everest Podcast Part 2–Hello Kathmandu
• Everyday Everest Podcast Part 1–Welcome and Part 1

Preparing for Everest is more than Training

There are five summit coach clients on everest in 2024.

If you dream of climbing mountains but are unsure how to start or reach your next level, from a Colorado 14er to Rainier, Everest, or even K2, we can help. Summit Coach is a consulting service that helps aspiring climbers worldwide achieve their goals through a personalized set of consulting services based on Alan Arnette’s 30 years of high-altitude mountain experience and 30 years as a business executive. Please see our prices and services on the Summit Coach website .

Everest Season Special through May 31, 2024: 10% discount on all plans.    Mention Everest 2024

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Everest 2024: Everyday Everest Podcast Part 16–Home and The End

Everest 2024: Rope Team Summits Nepal Side–Game On!

Everest 2024: Interview with Uphill Athlete’s Founder Steve House

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• Request and compare quotes, then hire the Home Stager that perfectly fits your project and budget limits.

A home stager is a professional who prepares a house for sale, aiming to attract more buyers and potentially secure a higher selling price. They achieve this through the following techniques:

• Rearranging furniture to optimize space and functionality.
• Decluttering to create a clean and spacious look.
• Making repairs to address visible issues.
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• Decluttering
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What should i consider before hiring an interior staging company, questions to ask potential real estate staging companies in elektrostal', moscow oblast, russia:, business services, connect with us.