Everest Base Camp Trek - 16 Days

Difficulty level of Everest Base Camp Trek

The Mount Everest Base Camp Trek is one of the historic Himalayan treks in Nepal, where you will trek to the world's tallest mountain. However, the Everest Base Camp trek will bring you up to 5,644 meters above sea level. The Kala Patthar (5,644 m) and the Everest Base Camp (5,364 m) are the touchpoints of the Everest Base Camp Trek. During the Everest trek, you might have altitude sickness, especially if you are new to high-altitude trekking in the Himalayas. The altitude sickness might occur above 3,500 m or above 4,000 m, depending on the climate and the trekkers' health conditions. The Everest Base Camp trek is a physically challenging trekking trail, which is a moderate to adventurous trek in Nepal. Those trekkers who are well-experienced and frequent mountaineers prefer to do the Island Peak Everest base camp trek, which is much more challenging compared to the base camp trek.

Hence, the Everest Base Camp Trek is a moderate difficulty trek in the Everest region. For the new trekkers, it will be challenging to difficulty. Despite the challenges, the Everest Base Camp trek will be adventurous and rewarding. Those trekkers new to mountain trekking can do cardio exercise and hiking practices for 15 days before going on the Everest Trekking. An ordinary physically fit person can easily manage the Everest Base Camp Trekking. Physically fit trekkers aged 10 to 80 usually do the amazing Everest Base Camp Trek. Thus, have cardio exercise, hiking practices, and eat healthy food, and you will be enjoying the Himalayas adventure in the Everest Base Camp Trek.

Required Permits for Everest Base Camp Trekking

If you are planning to trek to Everest base camp, then there are 2 main permits that you need to obtain in order to have a comfortable and successful journey. The 2 major permits are the Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Entrance Permit and the Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit. But you don't need to worry about these permits, Touch planet Treks will arrange all your permits required for the EBC Trek after your trekking booking is confirmed. By acquiring all these permits, you will be abiding not only by the regulations but also by the sustainable management of the trekking routes.

• Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Entrance Permit: NRP 2,000 (Approx.. USD 16)
• Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit: NRP 3,000 (Approx.. USD 24)
• TIMS Card permit from the TAAN: NRP 2000 (Approx.. USD 16)

Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Entrance Permit

The Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Entrance Permit actually allows trekkers into the Khumbu region. A permit allowing access to the two main routes to Everest Base Camp. This will cost NPR 2,000 (around $16) for the first four weeks and NPR 2,500 for any additional time after. It can be easily obtained in Lukla. This permit has great importance for tracking and managing the influx of trekkers in the area for reasons of safety, as well as supporting local development.

Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit

Apart from the rural municipality permit, other trekkers must possess another permit to enter a UNESCO World Heritage Site that covers the Everest region, the Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit. This permit costs 3,000 NPR ($24) for foreign nationals, 1,500 NPR ($12) for SAARC nationals, and 100 NPR for Nepali Nationals. It can be bought in Kathmandu at the office of the Nepal Tourism Board. This permit helps in the care and conservation of the unique environment and biodiversity of the park, thus supporting the conservation effort.

Travelling Distance of the Everest Base Camp Trek

The total distance from Lukla to EBC and back is roughly 130 km or 80 miles. It takes approximately 13 to 15 days and can be customized. Usually, acclimatization days are laid in to reduce the risk of AMS, or altitude sickness. The daily distance one treks also varies. Generally, it would be anything between 6 to 10 km, depending on the altitude, difficulty, and acclimatization schedule. It winds its way through the Khumbu Valley, passing iconic villages like Namche Bazaar, Tengboche, Dingboche, and Lobuche, treating the trekkers to scenic sights of Everest and its surrounding peaks.

With the elevation gains, some physical demands come into play, and EBC itself is located at 5,364 meters. Acclimatization days in Namche Bazaar and Dingboche will give trekkers critical adjustments to higher altitudes for safe ascent. The return will be a reversal of the journey, giving a sense of accomplishment and reviewing some of the cultural landmarks along the way.

Everest Base Camp Trek Insurance Cost

The cost of Everest Base Camp Trek insurance varies depending on the travel insurance companies and coverage services. However, the Everest Base Camp Trek insurance cost is between USD 200 and USD 500 per trekker. Moreover, the travel insurance cost depends on the age, trekking destination, maximum height, and nationality. In some cases, your Everest Base Camp Trek insurance cost might be more than USD 500. In general, 5 to 12 percent of your total travel cost can cover the trekking insurance price. Insurance companies offer packages specifically for high-altitude trekking. Travel insurance agencies will be up to 6,000 meters, or above 6,000 meters, and there will be additional charges. Below are the details of the Everest Base Camp Trek insurance cost and coverage.

Insurance Coverage of Altitude Trekking in the Himalayas 

Generally, altitude sickness will start at 3,500 m above sea level. The general high-altitude trekking travel insurance will cover up to 6,000 meters above sea level. Higher than 6,000 m, it will be considered a peak climbing and expedition, so the insurance cost will be higher. The travel insurance will be high risk and high cost, and it will be segregated the age group and trekking altitude. The Everest base camp trek will reach 5,644 meters. Thus, the Everest Base Camp Trek will be covered below 6,000 m. altitude travel insurance.

Medical Coverages 

Medical coverage for the Everest Base Camp Trek will be offered for medical treatment, altitude sickness, wounds, or injuries during the trekking.

Helicopter Evacuation 

Travel insurance will cover the emergency helicopter evacuation during the Everest Base Camp Trek. Trekkers might have emergency circumstances during the Everest Base Camp Trek; in that situation, your travel insurance will cover the cost of helicopter evacuation. Some policies may have the trekkers themselves pay the excess fees, depending on the policies and conditions.

Trip Cancellation and Interruption 

In some cases, you might have trip cancellation and interruption due to unforeseen circumstances; in this case, your travel insurance will cover the expenses. Trekkers have to know the terms and conditions of the insurance company. We will be recommending you mention each policy and mention higher altitude during the time of avail your insurance.

Popular travel Insurance Companies for the Everest Base Camp Trek 

• Global Rescue: USD 300 to USD 600
• True Traveller: USD 200 to USD 400
• InsureandGo USD 150 to 300
• Allianz USD 300 to USD 1000
• World Nomads USD300 to USD 900
• Garmin SA- High Risk: Covering high-risk altitude trekking—cost up to USD 10,000.

Meal, Drinking Water, and Hotel Accommodation in Everest Trekking

You will have healthy food, comfortable hotel accommodations, and safe drinking water during the Everest Base Camp Trekking. The meal in Kathmandu will have a variety of options, including casual dining and fine dining. Travelers can have local Nepali cuisine like dal bhat and global cuisine in Kathmandu. During the Everest trek, you will have clean, organic, and healthy local food prepared by Nepali chefs. The meal in the Everest Base Camp trek will be local Nepali cuisine and global cuisine in Nepali style, which gives you unique, yummy flavors. About the drinking water, there will be many water resources, but you are not safe to drink from all sources of water. The best way to have bacteria-free water is to boil water or use bottled, filtered mineral water, which needs to be checked for proper sealing and date of manufacture. Moreover, you can use water filtration tablets, filtering processes, etc.

Hence, the best safe drinking water is boiled water during the Everest Base Camp Trek. Here, the hotel and accommodation are comfortable 3-star category hotels in Kathmandu and the best available cozy teahouse or lodge in the Everest Base Camp trek. However, Touch Planet Treks will offer a 3-star boutique hotel in Kathmandu. The hotel and accommodation will be comfortable and eco-friendly, with spacious facilities. Moreover, you will have a comfortable bathroom, hot and cold water, and city views with AC rooms, and of course, friendly staff and majestic services will be offered. Whereas during the Everest base camp trek, you will have a cozy and comfortable teahouse or lodge. You will have twins sharing a warm and cozy room with beautiful mountain views. Some hotels offer attached bathrooms, and some might have shared bathrooms. Indeed, the hotel accommodations in the Everest Base Camp trek range from luxury comfort to cozy teahouses.

Everest Base Camp Trek Guide and Itinerary

Trekkers need to have an Everest Base Camp Trek Guide during the trip, who assists you with the trekking routes and itinerary. The Everest Base Camp trekking guide will manage the whole trip, including lodging, food, staffing, and emergency evacuation. The guide you need to have the best experience is professional and well-explained about the Himalayas' culture, traditions, and landscapes. Moreover, the Everest base camp trek guides will be government-licensed holders and good English speakers. Touch Planet Treks will be offering the best experienced, professional, and humorous trekking guide, who can manage your trek well and protect you in any unforeseen circumstances. Hence, the Everest base camp trek itinerary will be 11 to 13 days from Lukla to Lukla. However, there will be an arrival and departure day, Kathmandu sightseeing, and a Lukla flight day.

Thus, the total Everest base camp trek itinerary will be 14 to 16 days, including rest and acclimatizing days. However, trekkers will have the Jiri to Everest Base Camp trek itinerary, which is the classic Everest trekking itinerary route. For the Jiri to Everest Base Camp trek itinerary, trekkers will drive to Jiri from Kathmandu. If you want a longer itinerary and want to avoid local flights, you can go from the classical Jiri Everest base camp route. The Jiri Everest Base Camp trek itinerary will be around 17 to 20 days.

Everest Base Camp Trek Gear List

The Everest Base Camp Trek Gear List is an essential part of the bag packing for the trek. As we know, the Everest Base Camp Trek is a high-altitude trek in Nepal, and you are going to explore the world's highest mountain. However, trekkers need to have a proper Everest Base Camp Trek Gear List in their backpack. We advise you to pack essentials for the comfort of your Everest trek. Indeed, clothes for the short Everest base camp trek need to be thick, lightweight, warm, and waterproof. Everest base camp trek packages with Touch Planet Treks will have proper equipment, but for personal gear, you can self-prepare. Trekkers will make perfect backpacking with the best Everest base camp trek gear lists. Hence, the Everest base camp trek gear lists are below:

Footwear

• Warm and thick socks, 3 to 4 pairs
• Lightweight sandals
• Comfortable trekking and hiking boots
• Lightweight snow-climbing boots
• Crampons for walking in snow
• Muscle and ankle bandages

Lower bodywear

• Trekking trousers: 2-3 pairs
• Hiking pants: 2-3 pairs
• Warm inner trousers, 2 pairs
• Wind and waterproof trousers
• Comfortable underwear, 4-5 pairs
• Comfortable half pants

Upper Bodywear

• Comfortable inner vest, 2-3 pairs
• Hiking t-shirts, 4-5 pairs
• Full-sleeved shirts
• Medium warm jackets
• A thick and warm jacket
• Warm down jacket
• Wind- and waterproof jacket
• Hand gloves

Headwear

• Hat and cap
• Buff or neck gaiter
• Good quality sunglasses
• Full and warm woolen cap

Essential Electronics

• Smartphone or camera
• Earphones for music lovers
• Power bank for charging
• Accessories, cables, and adapters
• Binoculars for far views
• Hot bag case and hot tumbler

Toiletries

• Toothpaste and toothbrush
• Lip balm for lip care
• Pocket napkin
• Sunscreen for your skin care
• Body spray or perfume
• Lightweight first aid kit box

Other Essentials

• Carry bag 50 to 70 liters
• Sleeping Bag up to -25 degrees Celsius
• Hiking pole, if required
• Dry fruits and chocolate bars
• Some cash in dollars or rupees
• Notebook and pen
• Books to read in your leisure time.

Conclusion of Everest Base Camp Trek

The spectacular Everest Base Camp Trek is one of the amazing Himalayan exploratory trails in Nepal. You will have majestic views of the Himalayas, including Mount Everest (8848.86 m), Lhotse (8,516 m), Nuptse (7,861 m), Pumori (7,161 m), Ama Dablam (6,812 m), and many other beautiful Himalayan peaks. Moreover, trekkers will have beautiful views of Mt. Makalu, Island Peak, and Lobuche, which look stunning. You will be crossing the Sagarmatha National Park; it is the highest national park in the world. However, trekkers will be experiencing the varieties of flora and fauna, including endangered animals like snow leopards, Himalayan tahr, and others. The ancient Buddhistmonasteries, unique local culture, traditions, and majestic hospitality would make you feel beautiful. You will have a chance to explore the world's highest and most extreme airport, Lukla, and take an amazing mountain flight.

Imagine hiking on the lap of the Himalayas, exploring the beautiful nature, and having delicious food and majestic hospitality; you will feel like you are in true heaven. Chatting with innocent Himalayan local people brings you the true meaning and purpose of your life. Indeed, travelers will have a chance to explore Kathmandu sightseeing and experience the beautiful city tour of the Kathmandu Valley. Hence, the Everest Base Camp Trek would give the best vacation experience in the Himalayas, Nepal.