Things to know about Everest Base Camp

• How much does it cost for Everest Base Camp trek program?

Everest region is a popular trekking area visited by thousands of trekkers every year. There are plenty of lodges and hotels available along the trekking area. The cost of the Everest Base Camp trek program has become very competitive in the last few years. The average cost for the Everest Base Camp trek program varies from US$1250 to $1465 per person on a full-board basis. The price depends on the size of the group and its services.

• What is the weather like in the Everest region?

Trekking in the Everest region is a challenge for many trekkers as you will climb up to an altitude of around 5000m. If you are traveling to Everest in Spring and Autumn, the weather is very cool and warm. This is also a period when the forests turn green, the skies are blue and the visibility is clear. The temperature ranges between 10 to 20 degrees during the day and 0 to 10 degrees at night.

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

The best time to visit the Everest Base Camp trek is during Spring (March, April, and May) and Autumn (September, October, and November) when the weather is warm, mountain visibility is crystal clear and there is greenery all around. However, due to climate change in recent years, trekkers have experienced rainfall even during September.

• How difficult is the Everest Base Camp trek?

On a difficulty scale, the Everest Base Camp trek is graded moderate to strenuous. You will be trekking at an altitude above 4000m and will reach a maximum height of 5545m. Trekkers with previous hiking or trekking experience are likely to find it easy trekking in the Everest region. However, beginners can also attempt the Everest Base Camp trek provided they follow proper high-altitude guidelines and the guide’s instructions.

• How do you prepare for the Everest base camp trek?

Normally, you will be spending between 10 to 14 days walking in the Everest Base Camp trek. Within this period, you will ascend from Lukla (2860m) up to the highest point, which is Everest Base Camp (5364m). This is a challenging climb of almost 3500m. This is why good physical stamina and mental preparation is a pre-requisite for making a successful Everest Base Camp trek.We recommend trekkers take up activities such as hiking, swimming, running, cycling, and jogging in order to prepare themselves physically and mentally for the Everest Base Camp trek. If you are busy, spending 3 to 4 days every week in stamina-building activities will be worth it.

• What are the perfect locations on the trail for getting the best Everest views?

Namche Bazaar, Tyangboche Monastery, and Kalapathar are the best locations for getting splendid views of Mt. Everest and other mountain peaks.

• How many hours do I have to walk every day?

On the Everest Base Camp trek, you will walk at least 5 to 8 hrs every day. But while hiking to Everest Base Camp, you will have to trek from Lobuche directly to Everest Base Camp and return to Gorakshep on the same day. This section of the trek will take at least 10 hrs to complete.

• Is there a limit to what porters can carry?

Each porter is only allowed to carry 15 to 20 Kg. Usually, two guests will share one porter.

• What trekking equipment do you require on the Everest Base Camp trek?

Here is a short list of the trekking equipment you are recommended for the Everest Base Camp trek:

• What types of food and accommodation are available in the Everest region?

The Everest region is the most developed area in Nepal. Today Everest trekking trail consists of some of the best hotels and lodges offering the finest hospitality services. A variety of food is available for trekkers from Nepali dal bhat to Chinese and continental. Similarly, there is deluxe hotels/lodge that offers private rooms with attached bathrooms to simple ones offering common bathroom.

• How do get to Lukla for the Everest Base Camp trek?

You can easily take flights from Ramechap to Lukla which take about 15 to 20 minutes. During the tourist season (spring and autumn), flights are operated on a daily basis by private airlines such as Tara, Sita, and Summit. It takes 5 hrs. drive to reach Ramechap from Kathmandu (132 km). There are very few tourist hotels available in Ramechap so you need to make advance plans.

• Can I use a drone for taking videos during the Everest Base Camp trek?

Yes, foreigners and tourists are allowed to use drones for taking videos and pictures in the Everest region. However, it is mandatory for trekkers to receive a permit from the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN) prior to using drones. 

• What is the culture and nature of the Everest region?

Everest region is inhabited by ethnic Sherpa people. Sherpa community is known for its warm hospitality, honesty, and rich Buddhist culture. While trekking in the Everest region, you will have the opportunity to visit Sherpa villages and Buddhist monasteries, interact with them, taste their cuisine, and learn about Tibetan Buddhism.
Everest region is also home to Sagarmatha National Park which is a world heritage site. The park hosts many endangered flora and fauna including Blue Sheep, Snow Leopard, Himalayan Thar, Musk deer Tibetan Duck, Himalayan Pheasant, etc.