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Prepare to be inspired: Trekking to Everest Base Camp is an unforgettable journey and a chance to experience all the Himalayas. With this guide, you will learn everything you need to know about what it takes to make this incredible trip – planning, fitness training, emotional preparation, and more!
“Everest Base Camp Trek” is a 14-day trek known as the EBC trek. The trek leads you to the base of the tallest mountain in the World, Mt. Everest. Among the many treks in Nepal, the EBC trek is the more popular trek in Nepal. Because of its natural beauty, thousands of trekkers and mountain climbers visit Nepal annually. They will enjoy their trekking experiences and climb the World’s tallest Mount. Everest.
During the trek, you will enjoy the scenic beauties of nature. Especially the view of Mt. Everest from Kalapathar (5545 m) is inspiring. Similarly, you will feel and experience the traditional culture and warm hospitality of the local Community.
The Everest Base Camp trek is considered a once-in-a-lifetime adventure experience that offers breathtaking views, staggering mountain vistas and a unique cultural experience. Find out why it’s so popular!
Why is the Everest Base Camp Trek popular among adventure seekers?
The EBC Trek is one of the ultimate destinations for adventure seekers. Because it’s a dream of every traveller worldwide who wants to fulfil their dream by visiting EBC, while planning for this trek, you can make the trek plan from 12 to 14 days, including Kathmandu. As in our standard trek plan, you will spend 11 nights in the mountain. It also includes a hike to Kalapathar.
In addition to the Base Camp, we offer other featured tours and trekking activities to our adventure lovers. “NATURALLY NEPAL Once is not enough” is the tourism brand of Nepal. Hence, the people who visit Nepal frequently visit Nepal, planning different tours and trekking activities. That’s why adventure lovers, who have already experienced the EBC trek, look for different adventure activities, as they like to have different experiences in culture, nature, and adventure. That is why the Makalu Base Camp trek or Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek could be an alternative trek option for adventure seekers to enjoy nature and the cultural way of living of the local people.
It’s also our pleasure to inform you that our team can customise this standard trek plan. So please get in touch with us by email if you are making the trek individually, with your friends, or with family.
How do you start the Everest Base Camp trek?
Firstly, on day 1st, we will pick you up upon arrival at Tribhuvan International airport in Kathmandu. Then, we will transfer you to your pre-booked hotel in Kathmandu. After check-in at the hotel, we will provide you with a short briefing about the trek. Meanwhile, we will also introduce you to your guide, supporters, and other trekkers. Tomorrow, your flight to Lukla is early morning. Hence, we advise you to go to an early bed. You wake up at 5 am and get ready for the airport departure.
On day 2nd, we will transfer you from the hotel to the airport at 5:30 am. We provide you with a packed breakfast as the hotel serves only after 6 am. However, if you are in a big group, we can also arrange a buffet breakfast at 5 am (optional).
Please note that – the flight to Lukla or vice versa always depends on weather conditions! The weather in Lukla is unpredictable because even in the best trek season in October – November, the weather might be worse in Lukla.
Let’s wish and pray for good weather for your flight to Lukla! After a 30-minute exciting flight from Kathmandu to Lukla, you will land at its tiny Tenjin Hillary Airport, commonly known as Lukla airport.
Kick off your trek at Lukla!
As soon as you come out of the aeroplane from Kathmandu to Lukla Airport, you will be mesmerised by the sound environment and tranquillity. Then the surroundings will fully energise you to kick off your first-day trek from Lukla to Phakding village.
First view of Everest Glimpse
From Namche, you trek along a high path from where you have the first good view of Mt. Everest. First, you will start trekking towards Thyangboche Monastery, located on top of a mountain ridge, descend the Imja Khola, and continue to the villages of Pangboche and Dingboche. After that, you will reach the Khumbu Glacier. The trek through the glacier takes you first to Lobuche and then to Gorak Shep, where you finally reach your destination at the foot of the Khumbu ice falls.
Acclimatisation on the trek
Spending time at such heights, even the approaches to the Base Camp requires some acclimatisation. Therefore, after flying into Lukla from Kathmandu and then; completing the two-day trek up to Phakding and Namche Bazar in the Lower Everest region (3535 m), you will spend 2-nights in Namche Bazar adjusting to the conditions with a trek in the valley and a leisurely visit to the local community museum.
In Dingboche, you will enjoy another acclimatisation day with a day hike to the Chhukung valley, where there are fine views of the 5th highest mountain peak, Makalu (8463 m). With snow-capped peaks all -around, you will be eager to trek higher up to the Everest Base Camp.
Return from the Everest Base Camp Trek
On the first day of the return trip from the base camp, you will stay overnight at Gorakshep and then hike up the slopes of Kalapathar (5545 m) for a fine view of Everest and its surrounding peaks. Then, it is a three-day trek back to Lukla via Pheriche and Namche Bazar before flying back to Kathmandu.
An alternative option is to make your journey by helicopter!
Alternatively, you can take a helicopter for your return journey to Lukla and Kathmandu. However, this option is available only in peak season, i.e. March-May and October – November. For this trip itinerary, you may visit Trek to Everest Base Camp and return by helicopter.
Research Your Trek: Choose the right route and map your way
Before embarking on your journey to the EBC, you should do important research. The trek you choose will depend on the experience you are looking for and the length of time you plan to spend in the region. Make sure to look into different routes and find out what specific things you will encounter along each way – this way, you can better plan your packing list, budget, and itinerary. Additionally, carry out some time to accustom yourself with a route map to know where checkpoints lie and how much further to go before reaching base camp.
Prepare Yourself and Your Gear For the Trek
Ensure you’re ready with the right clothing, equipment, and safety supplies. Whether you are trekking in the summer or winter, you must be aware of proper clothing and equipment to ensure your safety during the hike. Start with a reliable pair of hiking shoes, followed by lightweight but waterproof clothing that is breathable. Additionally, it’s important not to forget safety supplies like sunscreen, a first-aid kit, and trekking poles for extra balance and support on certain terrain. Make sure to get properly outfitted before any trekking journey!
Know What to Expect on the Trail: Familiarise yourself with the terrain, climate, and wildlife at EBC.
The trek is one of the many favoured treks in the World and is well known for its dramatic terrain, extreme climate, and majestic wildlife. As you plan your journey, be prepared to traverse windy mountain passes, sub-zero temperatures, and tundra forests while keeping an eye out for rare birds and endangered species such as the snow leopard or Himalayan blue sheep. Thousands of mountain lovers and trekkers make their way to EBC each year, but with just a bit of research, you can ensure that your experience will be unique and unforgettable!
Train Before You Go for the Trek: Get fit by observing proper physical training protocols before starting your journey!
Trekking to the base camp is arduous, so you should prepare and observe proper physical fitness to have a safe and enjoyable experience:
- Plan for at least three months to get in the best possible shape for your trek.
- Enhance your endurance with regular aerobic exercise such as running, cycling, or swimming while also focusing on strength training with bodyweight exercises.
- Carry out hill walking with a moderate-to-heavy daypack as often as possible to prepare yourself further for the climb!
Be Smart About Acclimatization: Learn to recognise the warning signs of altitude sickness and take preventative steps as necessary!
Altitude sickness is a real threat when trekking Everest Base Camp; failing to recognise the warning signs can be fatal. Taking your time during the ascent is extremely important, as is giving your body adequate time to acclimatise by spending extra days at lower elevations. Be sure to monitor for symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, nausea, and mild confusion; if any of these arise, descend immediately and take steps to rest and rehydrate. Furthermore, avoid overexerting yourself at higher altitudes – take regular breaks and drink plenty of water and garlic soup throughout the day!
The Most pleasing time to trek to Everest Base Camp
Aspiring to conquer the EBC? Learn when is the best time for the trek and what challenges you will encounter during different seasons.
Climbing to the base camp of Mt. Everest is no small feat, and if you’re planning a trek, it’s important to consider the best time to attempt your adventure. The weather and climate conditions in the Himalayas can vary greatly depending on the season, so it’s important to prepare accordingly and know what challenges to expect when you go.
Understand the Seasons for Everest Base Camp Trek
Knowing when to start your trek is a challenge. Generally, the best trekking times are before the monsoon and winter – (March through May and October through November). Both seasons have clear skies and moderate temperatures at lower altitudes, making them ideal times to attempt an Everest Base Camp trek. However, it’s important to remember that afternoon can get quite windy, which could slow down your progress. So be sure to prepare for all conditions when planning your trip!
Check the Weather Before Setting Out
Before you set out for your trek, it’s important to look at the weather. The mountain can be unpredictable during different times of the year, so data from weather reports can help you choose the best time to start. Lack of preparation due to unexpected weather conditions can turn an otherwise beautiful experience into a risky situation. Be sure to keep tabs on changing weather patterns and equip yourself with enough clothing and supplies for any emergency during the trip.
Prepare for Low Temperatures, High Altitudes and Unexpected Challenges
Any trek requires preparation for low temperatures and high altitudes. Therefore, it is recommended to go in the spring or fall when temperatures are milder, with higher chances of clear days. You may still get some snow, especially the higher you go, but moving around on the dry ground will be easier. Additionally, be sure to carry some first aid medicine in case of high altitude sickness and come prepared for unexpected challenges that may arise due to dramatic weather changes as you ascend.
Consider the Moon Phases During Your Trekking Trip
If you’re looking to get the best out of your trekking adventure, consider the moon phases during your trip. Full moon nights offer unforgettable and romantic views of the Himalayas. However, be aware that these nights may also bring more cold temperatures as the atmosphere is thinner due to lacking humidity. Pack a good sleeping bag and enough layers for an extra cold night. The warmer days should counterbalance this, so don’t worry about how cold it gets at night.
