Nepal has it all, what trekkers and mountain lovers asked for, from the world’s highest peak Mount Everest to the deepest Kali Gandaki George. Mount Everest Base Camp trek lets you indulge in the majestic mountains through valleys and glaciers. As a matter of fact, Nepal has already decided to reopen for tourism, and strictly Following the SOP (standard of procedures) and safety protocol, you can travel to Nepal unhindered after the COVID-19 pandemic but first, what you need to do is “start planning”. And if you are planning to trek the Everest Base Camp, you'll find everything you need to know HERE! Before you start the trek. We have listed down below the most frequently asked questions about trekking on the route of Everest Base Camp answered by our experienced guides and mountain experts.
Where is the Everest Base Camp?
There are two Base Camps on Mount Everest. One is in Nepal, with an altitude of 5,364 meters, known as the South Base Camp (South Face) and the other Base Camp is in Tibet, China at 5,150 meters, known as the North Base Camp (North Face)
How can I get to the Everest Base Camp?
You will fly from Kathmandu to Lukla at the height of 2,860m, within 30-45 minutes and start your trek, and you need to ascend around 2520 meters to reach the Everest Base Camp at the height of 5,380m. You can also reach The Everest Base Camp from Jiri, which is also known as the classic trekking trail that leads you towards the Everest Base Camp.
How many days does it take to reach The Everest Base Camp?
Normally, the trek lasts for 16-19 days from your arrival at Tribhuvan International airport, Kathmandu. It can be done in 12 days also but the trek would be harder compared to others. However, your day-to-day itinerary can be customized according to your comfort.
How difficult is the Everest Base Camp Trek?
Trekking to the Himalayas or Everest is surely not going to be an easy walk or a piece of cake but with a strong mindset towards the trek and a little bit of travel experience you have, it is achievable. Everest Base Camp trek is graded moderate trek, which means you don’t need 7 to 8 hours of a walk but it’s good to have a take look at the itinerary, fitness, preparation, and altitude sickness. The difficulty level varies from one person to another, therefore; with a good level of fitness, there may not be a problem because the Everest Base Camp trek doesn’t require any technical expertise or mountaineering skills.
When is the best time to visit Everest Base Camp?
The best time to do the Everest Base Camp Trek is the pre-monsoon season which is; spring (March, April, and May), and the post-monsoon season which is; autumn (September, October, and November). However, if you want to do this trek during the summer/monsoon and winter seasons, you just have to be ready for the challenges because it is a bit more difficult to trek during this time compared to the other seasons.
Do I need to have travel insurance?
Needless to say, you definitely need to have travel insurance. We would recommend you purchase insurance that covers emergency medical evacuation and treatment at high altitudes. You must make sure that your insurance protects you from certain travel risks that occur while traveling such as last-minute trip cancellation, baggage loss, or damage.
What should I bring for the Everest Base Camp Trek?
It is really important to figure out what you are going to pack for the Everest Base Camp trek. Packing the essential equipment and gear may be challenging but you mustn’t forget how your trek is going to depend upon how well you packed. You need to understand the fact that you are trekking in the high Himalayas therefore; when you are packing a backpack, you must pack things depending on the duration of your trek and the maximum elevation you planned to reach. You can easily buy all the essential gear and equipment in Kathmandu and also if you do not wish to buy them, you can always rent them at a low cost. Remember, you don’t have to bring a tent and foodstuff with you. We would like to suggest you carry the essentials and make your trek easier.
What is the altitude of Everest Base Camp?
The Everest Base Camp is at an altitude of 17,598 feet (5,364 m) on Mount Everest.
How can I prevent altitude sickness during the Everest Base Camp Trek?
Altitude Sickness is also known as acute mountain sickness (AMS). It occurs to anyone who walks between low and high altitudes due to the reason that the body doesn’t have enough time to adapt to changes in lower oxygen levels at high altitudes. Altitude sickness can range from mild to severe which arises only above 2500 meters. To prevent altitude sickness, allow your body to acclimate, stay hydrated and take it slow. If you find feeling yourself a little nauseous drink warm water, and ginger tea and make yourself eat a carbohydrate-heavy diet. Although, you cannot deny the fact that a rapid increase in elevation surely going to hit you with AMS and if you recognize any symptoms and signs of altitude sickness, it is best to descend Asap!
Can I see Mount Everest from Everest Base Camp?
You cannot see Mount Everest from its Everest Base Camp but throughout the trek, you can have a glorious view of stunning Mount Everest from other parts of the hike.
Can I drink normal drinking water during the Everest Base Camp trek?
By adding water purification tablets, you can drink normal water during the trek. If you are used to drinking mineral bottled water, you have to pay the extra price for that because it is not included in the package but if you don’t have any problem drinking water provided by tea houses then like I said earlier use iodine or other water purification tablets before drinking.
How are the shower and toilet facilities during the trek?
On the route of Everest Base Camp, you’ll commonly find the ‘squat toilet’ which is clean and nice but the water may be freezing cold out there. You will also find western toilets in Some lodges and tea houses which also provide you with hot shower facilities, powered by solar panels and micro-hydropower in order to use that services you may have to pay a small amount of money.
How, can I charge my mobile and camera batteries during Everest Base Camp Trek?
You can charge your mobile and camera batteries in every place you visit during the trek but for that, you have to pay a small extra amount of cash. Therefore, we would recommend you buy portable power banks or solar chargers for phone charging.
How many hours of walking are needed on the route of the Everest Base Camp Trek?
On the trail of the Everest Base Camp trek walking hours vary from day to day. Some days you are going to walk 5-6 hours a day and the other days 2-3 hours a day. The journey to the Everest Base Camp is basically a long hike so you do it slowly by taking your time and catching a deep breath from time to time.
Do I need to get any special kind of training for the Everest Base Camp Trek?
You don’t need to get any special kind of training or technical expertise or mountaineering skills. For people who are determined to do this trek; before attempting the Everest Base Camp trek, we suggest they undertake certain exercises, short-day hikes, and other exercises such as climbing, cycling, and running.
Is wi-fi available on the route of the Everest Base Camp trek?
Yes, there is wi-fi available on the route of the Everest Base Camp trek, for using wi-fi services some tea houses and lodges may charge a small amount of money.
What is the average group size for the Everest Base Camp trek?
The average group size is between 5 to 15 trekkers, who are enthusiastic trekkers, traveling together from all around the globe and sharing the same interest and nature towards traveling outdoors. It can be done independently also with guides and porters if you do not wish to join another group. We could also manage a maximum of 22 people at one time. We can make you comfortable trekking solo or as well as trekking under a large number of groups, without any hustle and bustle.
Is it ATM booth available on the route of the Everest Base Camp Trek?
Yes, there is an ATM at Namche Bazar and Lukla but we would suggest not relying on it instead bring cash. Using cash is always easier and more reliable.
What kind of accommodation is likely to be found during the Everest Base Camp Trek?
On the route of the Everest Base Camp, we book the best lodges and tea houses for you because your comfort is our second priority after safety. Inside our standard tea houses or lodges, you’ll find a clean bed and attached western-style toilet facilities.
What kind of food do I get during the Everest Base Camp Trek?
You'll have 3 meals a day from the menu provided by tea houses or lodges, where you can choose from local dishes and continental/Indian/Chinese. We would make sure that the meals you are going to eat are freshly cooked, which include a balanced diet of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats, and come under strict hygiene standards.
Who are my guides and porters? Are they well equipped?
The Nepal adventure team provides you with an experienced, government-licensed holder main guide and well-equipped porters.
Can I get to sleep at the Everest Base Camp?
You don’t get to sleep at the Everest Base Camp. To get to sleep at the Everest Base Camp, you’ll need special permits during the Everest Expedition Spring season.
How do I communicate with family back home from the Everest Base Camp?
There are many ways to connect with your dear family members and your social media followers from the Everest Base Camp. You can share your mountaineer's document, medical call, videos, and photos you have been taking during the trek with just one click. First thing first to do so, upon your arrival in Kathmandu, Nepal you have to buy a Ncell SIM card or Nepal Telecom (NTC) with a few data plans provided by NCell and NTC company. You can find 3G and 4G services on the trails of the Everest Base Camp. The mobile internet is sufficient to browse, check emails, and make video calls as per your needs. Some accommodation offers a wi-fi hotspot for using their services, you may charge a small amount of money but you have to remember that the price of charging and availability varies from place to place.
Can I get the fastest itinerary to reach the Everest Base Camp?
Yes, you can get the Fastest itinerary to reach the Everest Base Camp. Nepal Adventure Team provides the “Everest Base Camp Helicopter flight tour”, which is just one day tour that begins from Kathmandu to Lukla. The scenic helicopter flight rewarded with a breathtaking aerial view of majestic Mt. Everest. In addition, you can also grab a phenomenal view of Gaurishankar, Mt. Ama Dablam, Mt. Makalu, Mt.Lhotse, and many other snow-capped mountain peaks. To give you a lifetime experience of living your dream to hug mighty Mount Everest, helicopter stops in Kalapattharr, at 5550m left you with the perfect opportunity to capture photos and videos.
Do I get helicopter rescue in case of EMERGENCY during the Everest Base Camp trek?
The Nepal adventure team always gives first priority to the safety of our trekkers and staff. In the worst-case scenario, we are always prepared for helicopter evacuation. If needed we can immediately arrange it but you need to have full coverage insurance for rescue and medical assistance. We can also manage a helicopter to fly back to Kathmandu.
Do I need to hire guides and porters for this Everest Base Camp trek?
Hiring guides and porters on the trails of the Everest Base Camp trek is optional but we would recommend you hire a guide as they can show you the trails and help you interact with people out there. Also, they can handle any kind of emergency that may occur during the trek. You can hire guide cum porters too if you do not wish to hire both of them. If you have skills and experience in trekking in the Himalayas then it is not mandatory but like I said before it is wise to have a guide who will help you create your journey more memorable with his/her previous experience.
How should I choose the right TREK COMPANIES for the Everest Base Camp trek?
There is no doubt that you can find many travel agencies and companies in Nepal. Thus, choosing the right trekking agency is a tough job to do. Because your trekking experience is depending upon the travel agency, we suggest you take your time and choose wisely so that you can prevent possible danger and risk that might occur during the trek. Here are some tips you can find useful while choosing the right company for the Everest Base Camp trek in Nepal:
- Check whether your trekking company is authorized with licenses and registration with the Nepal Government, as well as the Nepal tourism board, or not.
- Look for the years of experience that the company possesses, companies that worked for a longer period can offer you the best services.
- Make sure that your questions about the trek or company are receiving a satisfying answers.
- Figure out what kind of facilities and services you want and then search for the company, which provides you with the facilities you want that come under your estimated budget.
- Client reviews can be a great help to knowing about the company. From the company websites, choose long and meaningful reviews which include lots of details from the trek. You can also ask for former clients from whom you can get more information about the company’s service quality and his/her experience with the trek.
- How well they treat their staff also can play a significant role to prove the ethicality of the company. Ethical trekking company never fails to support and protect their staff, whereas unethical company careless and can provide the cheapest trip.
- It is always wise to check the safety standards of the company. Ask your trekking company, if they can provide helicopter evacuation during emergencies or not
- Pay attention to who are your guides and porters. Always ask for guides, who have proper insurance, training experience, and well-equipped porters.
Do I need PERMITS to trek to the Everest Base Camp?
Yes, you do need permits to trek to the Everest Base Camp trek. You need trekkers information management system (TIMS) card and Sagarmatha National Park entry permits. You will also need a Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality entrance card.
