Everest trekking information

How long does it take to climb Mount Everest Base Camp? 

According to our package, the climb to the Base Camp will take 8 days. That will be on the 10th day after your arrival because the actual trek begins only on the 3rd day. It is necessary to ascend at this pace as climbing to higher altitude without letting your body acclimatize can lead to Acute Mountain Sickness.

How high is Mount Everest Base Camp?
The South Base Camp is at the height of 5430m (17815ft). This is the camp we will be visiting. There are two base camps. The second one, the North Base Camp, is in Tibet at the height of 5150m (16900ft).

Is trek to the Everest Base Camp dangerous?
The most dangerous thing about trekking Everest Base Camp is altitude sickness or Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS). This can be easily avoided by letting your body acclimatize. Keeping your body hydrated, avoiding alcohol and eating a good amount of carbohydrate are other preventive measures. Don’t push yourself and listen to what your body is trying to tell.
Other danger is the Yaks that have been known to push off the trekkers down a hillside thus always walk on the wall side when hiking uphill. Other than this the dangers are of minor injuries like sprained ankle, stomach problems etc. The path is quite risk free. Some stretches has even been widened and smoothened for trekkers.
There is no need to worry as our guides are well trained to detect AMS and in First Aid medication. We also provide an Extensive First Aid Kit. They know the paths well and it is always safer with someone guiding you.

What are the best seasons to go to Everest Base Camp Trek?
Febrary to June in spring and Octobe to December in autumn/winter are the best time to trek the Everest Base Camp (EBC). The temperature at these time ranges from warm to moderate and moderate to cold. This is good for trekking. Also, the sky is clear most of the time offering a great view of the mountains. In spring, the mountains will be covered with variety of flora and fauna making the hike up very pleasant.
July august and early september are rainy season in Nepal.It does not many hours in a day so its still very possible to trek in this time also which offers the varieities of lush vegetations, yak breeding and the gorgwous mountains are always there.
January is the coldest month in the Himalayas like in the world.But it is the great month for the crystal clear mountain views in the twilight also.

Do I really need to use a guide for trekking to Everest Base Camp?
The routes to the Everest Base Camp are well marked and there are tea house lodges on the way. There are many information and suggestions on the internet that can give you a certain idea of what you need and how to proceed. However, it is highly suggested to hire a guide, unless you are an expert and are going with friends. Travelling alone is never a good idea. If you don’t want to hire a guide, travel with friends who has high altitude trekking experience and knowledge. Still, it is always better to opt for a guide as with a guide, it is much safer. A guide is well- informed about necessary matters, from health issues to the dangers to look out for and their solutions. They are methodical and capable of proceeding according to your need. Also, they know the local cultures, legends and myths that can enrich your experience. These are things you can miss out when on your own.

How hard is Everest Base camp trek?
Though not a walk in the park, trekking Everest Base camp is not as difficult as one might think. The most difficult part about it is walking long distance. If you are used to trekking, hiking up and down a few miles, and love to walk, it is not going to be hard for you. Another difficulty is the cold. It is very cold. Then, though much of the facilities have been upgraded, living in not so city like condition can be considered a difficulty. However, it is worth the journey.

How do I train for Everest Base camp trek?
Best preparation for Everest Base Camp trekking can be to walk for an hour and slowly increase it to 3-4 hours. Everest Base Camp trekking includes walking for 6-7 hours a day at longest, not without breaks. Include a lot of ups and downs in your walks and also do this carrying the weight equal to what you would be carrying during the trek. If there are hiking trails around, you can practice there. Do a lot of steep uphill climbing if available. You could cycle for hours too. Make a habit of drinking a good amount of water and take in iron rich foods like apple.

However, you do not have to be especially fit. Most people have made it to Everest Base Camp and back. You should be able to walk long distance. That is all. What matters is stamina and will. But if you have some health issues, you should definitely consult with your doctor.

How many miles do we walk each day?
It is 38 miles from Lukla to Everest Base Camp (EBC). It will take 8 days to reach EBC according to our plan.
Longest (6-7 hours) and shortest (3-4 hours).
Actual trekking begins only on the 3rd day of your arrival. That day we will walk for 3-4 hours only. Next day, the hike will take 6-7 hours. We rest on the 5th day to acclimatize and on the 6th, the hiking will be of about 3 hours. Next three days consist of 4-5 hours of walk. We reach the base camp on the 10th day.

Day 11 and 12 will have 7 and 6 hours trek back and rest consist of 3 hours. Trekking ends on the 15th day. For detailed information check our itinerary.

Do you take proper acclimatization during Mount Everest Base Camp Trek?
Yes. Our itinerary is especially designed to let you acclimatize properly. We station at two places- Namche (on day 5) and Digboche (on day 8) to let our body adjust for the higher climb. For more information check our itinerary. Further, our guides are trained to detect Acute Mountain Sickness and in first aid medication.

Could I take hot shower or wash clothes during the trek?
Yes. Hot water service is not available everywhere but it is available. It can cost from $2 to $5 as the resources needs to be brought spending a lot of their own money. It can be relaxing to enjoy this luxury.

Is Internet connection available en route?
There are internet cafes in Namche Bazzar and Lukla and few villages further up. The connection may not be very smooth and a little expensive but reasonable considering where it is. There is 3g internet facility all over the Mount Everest. Again, the connection might not be very smooth and reasonably pricey.

How do I charge battery?
Batteries can be charged in the lodges for some amount of money. However, it cannot be relied on. It is better advised to carry extra batteries. It will be much cheaper to buy three four batteries than to charge them. Keep the batteries warm to make it last longer as cold can drain it.

Do I need a backpacking tent?
You don’t need to bring packpacking tent. We will mostly be sleeping in tea-houses. In case you want to get a backpacking tent, here are some best backpacking tents under $200 to look for.

What kind of hiking backpack do you recommend? 
We recommend you to carry a lightweight backpack as you will be walking a lot. Here are some best hiking backpacks under $100 of 204 to look at.

How much money should I carry?
How much money to carry really depends on the kind of services you want to enjoy. It should be noted that the higher you go more expensive the things become. Like a bottle of mineral water that cost only NRs. 20 in the Kathmandu valley can cost NRs. 100 (about $1) in Lukla and NRs. 300 (about $3) higher up at an altitude of 4000-5000m. Carry purifying tablets to save money. It costs you to charge your battery and for hot water services as well because these use the resources not easily available there (Around $2). It would be cheaper to carry 3-4 batteries. Most of the things like food and lodging are included in the cost of the package. Check over tab to see what the cost of the package covers and does not cover. How much money to carry depends also on what souvenir to buy and on whether you choose to tip. In conclusion, carrying about $300 and plus ($25-$35 per day) would be good enough for trekking Everest Base Camp.

How are the tea-houses on the trekking route?
Except for one or two luxury hotels, most of the tea-house lodges are descent with basic facilities. Expect a basic room with two beds, thin mattress, a pillow and a blanket for each. It is very cold up there and a blanket will not suffice. Bringing a sleeping bag is advisable. Though some lodges offer western style flush toilets, most tea houses have squat toilets with a bucket of water to flush.Always carry a roll of toilet paper and hand sanitizer.As you go up, the facilities and quality decline. The water is very cold. Some places may offer hot shower but that will cost you an extra $4- $5. Everything gets more expensive at higher altitude. In food, they offer various local and international cuisines and a number of choices of beverage.

What type of food will be served during the trek?
In tea house or lodge trekking, the food will be served from lodge menu. It includes traditional Nepali food of dal-bhat (cooked lentil with rice and vegetable options), variety of local and international cuisine and beverage choices. It should be kept in mind though that caffeine and alcohol is not good for high altitude trekking. Also, most of the meat needs to be brought from the cities, from plane to a porter’s back, in an unrefrigerated condition. Thus it would be better to avoid meat unless it is yak meat, available at some places. To name the items- chapattis, vegetable items and salad, soup, eggs and pasta/ noodles prepared in different ways, porridge, momo (dumplings), pies, pancakes, sandwiches and different flavored hot drinks and tea. Foods like pizza and spring rolls, beers and other soft and hard drinks can be found as well.

In camp trekking to Everest Base Camp (EBC), we provide both cooking utensils and a cook who will cater to your choices.

Do I need insurance for Everest Base Camp Trek?
Yes. It is not mandatory, though many trekking agencies require you to have a proper travel insurance, but it is strongly recommended. Very few small medical facilities are available as far as Namche and Lukla, with a small hospital in Khumjung. These facilities are quite expensive and requires you to pay upfront. Also, if something were to happen at the height of 4000-5000m and above or in case of emergency, the only option is helicopter evacuation and without an insurance it is not only going to be very costly but difficult to arrange as well. So it is best to have an insurance. Make sure the policy covers “hiking” up to at least “6000m” as the Everest Base Camp is at the height of 5430m. The policy should cover a little over the height you will be trekking so know the maximum height you will be undertaking.

What happens if there is an emergency?
In case of emergency, we provide backup staff and helicopter rescue services. Our guides and leaders are well trained in first aid and mountain rescues. Any safety concerns are speedily dealt with.

Do I need to bring First Aid Kit?
No. We will be providing an extensive first aid medical kit. It is included in the cost of the package and therefore no extra money will be charged.

Which currency should I bring to Nepal?
Any currency can be exchanged into Nepali rupees and vice versa. There are numerous ATMs in big cities and few in the rural areas. ATMs accepts most of the international cards. There are banks and ATM services en route Everest Base Camp (EBC) as well, at NamcheBazzar and Lukla. There may be some technical problems at times in these two places. However, you can get cash through credit card by paying 4% to 5% surcharge. All the receipts of money exchanges should be kept. You might be asked to show it later to change Nepali currency back into your own currency.

How much should I tip my guide and porter?
In Nepal, tips are not compulsory but a common practice. The standard is around 20% of the actual pay. Around $60- $80 tip to be shared among the staff (depending on the number of members) is good. This does not include the guide whom you may tip at the end of the trek. Tipping is entirely voluntary and depends on your satisfaction. We discourage over tipping and individual tipping that favors the ones in the front.

What permits do I need for Mount Everest Base Camp trek?
No trekking permit is required for regions like Everest, Annapurna and Langtang. However, National Parks and Conservation Area permit is required. There is no need to worry as this will be arranged by us. Its fee is included in the cost of the package.

What essential documents/items should I bring with me?
Your passport, 4 recent photos (passport size), insurance paper and any medical papers that might be of help in case of emergency.

Are guides of Himalayan Eco Trek insured?
Yes. They are all insured.

Do you provide gear or do we need to arrange it ourselves?
We do provide a sleeping bag, down jackets, rain poncho, walking poles and a duffel bag. The rest, however, needs to be arranged by the trekkers. If you are not sure as to what is required, you can check here.

How many guides and porters are on a trek?
It depends on the number of people in the group. Currently, there are 8 guides and 20 porters working with us. They are assigned as required.

How early should I book Mount Everest Base camp trek?
It is not a big deal. We are open for booking any time. A proper time period would be 3 months before the trip starts, but last minute booking is also available.