Everest Base Camp Trek - 14 Days

Itinerary Disclaimer

The Everest Base Camp is a fully organized journey, with all necessary bookings and reservations in advance. This helps us to ensure a smooth and comfortable experience throughout the trip, following the itinerary provided to our client. We strictly follow the given itinerary during the trek. However, there might be some possible changes because of the weather conditions or any unforeseen circumstances. For the safety and security of our clients, you have to follow the itinerary as much as possible, but in case of any problem, and hope the clients of High Camp Adventure will understand and coordinate with the team.

Airport pickup and drop-off

The team of High Camp Adventure will provide you with the facility of pickup and drop as it is a complimentary service to our clients. After we pick you up from the international airport, you will be transferred to your designated hotel. Similarly, after the trek is completed, the team of High Camp Adventure will drop you off at the International Airport in Kathmandu.

Safety and Security

The team of High Camp Adventure is very much concerned with the safety and security of our clients. During the trek, the safety of our trekker is our first priority, so there will be a first aid kit with the Guide in case of any emergency. If the health of the trekker is further deteriorating, then the guide will make an emergency evacuation via helicopter if needed, so it is compulsory to have travel insurance during the trek.

Everest Base Camp trek packing list

Packaging is one of the most difficult parts before trekking to Everest Base Camp. The packing list should be according to your needs and preferences, covering all the essentials required for the demanding trek. Packing for the trek must be according to your needs and preferences, as it may help you for a better and more comfortable stay at higher elevations.

Clothing and Footwear

• Base layers (thermal top and Bottom, especially for early morning and high altitude)
• Trekking t-shirt (for warmer days and low altitude)
• Long-sleeved shirts and fleece mid-layers (for layering and sun protection).
• Insulating layers: down jacket
• Waterproof shell jacket and rain pants (to protect from rain, snow, and wind)
• Trekking trousers (for hiking days)
• Underwear
• 3-5 pairs of hiking socks 
• Warm Hat or Beanie (for cold nights)
• Sun hat or Cap (to protect from the sun)
• Gaiters (to prevent snow, mud from getting into boots)
• Gloves 
• Sturdy hiking boots and Camp shoes

Gear and Equipment 

• Daypack with rain cover 
• Duffle bag 
• Sleeping bag rated for colder nights, especially at high altitude
• Sleeping bag liner
• Headlamp with extra batteries
• Trekking poles
• Water bottles 
• Water purification tablets 
• Sunglasses with UV protection
• Sunscreen and Lip Balm (with SPF)
• Dry bags

Personal Equipment 

• Toothbrush and small toothpaste 
• Soap and Shampoo
• Wet Wipes or baby wipes
• Hand sanitizer
• Toilet paper
• Quick-dry towel
• Nail clipper
• Feminine hygiene products 
• Basic First Aid Kit with personal medicines

Accommodations and meals

During the Everest Base Camp Trek, accommodation is mostly provided in local teahouses, which are mostly run by the local Sherpa families of the area. The accommodations are simple, usually with twin-sharing beds, shared bathrooms, and limited facilities of hot showers, and no heating in bedrooms. Some of the teahouses at a lower altitude do offer you Wi-Fi and charging facilities at an extra fee. While the facilities get more basic at higher altitudes, the teahouses are clean, safe, and cozy, offering some of the best experiences of trekking in Nepal. 

Meals on the Everest Base Camp trek are mostly served at teahouses present along the trail. Throughout the journey, you have a variety of freshly cooked meals, carb-rice dishes like Dal Bhat, noodles, momo, pasta, and fried rice. Breakfast options in the morning include eggs, toast, pancakes, and porridge. Meat is also available ,but not always fresh, so most of the trekkers go for vegetarian options as it makes the journey easier and more comfortable. Hot drinks like tea, coffee, and lemon water are also widely available along the journey. Staying hydrated and eating enough calories is essential for better hiking and to avoid the risk of altitude sickness. 

Best Time to Reach

The best periods to undertake the Everest Base Camp trek are during the Spring, from March to May, and during the Autumn, from late September to November. During these two seasons, one can expect stable weather with a clear sky and ideal conditions for trekking.

Spring in the Base Camp (March to May) 

During the time of Spring, from March to May, the views of the Himalayas are less disturbed with clear skies. The lush green subalpine forest is covered by Rhododendron trees blooming during the season. The temperature of this region of moderate during the time of Spring. This season is regarded as the best time to reach the Everest Base Camp. The trail condition is well-managed, with the route packed with trekkers. There will be limited availability of facilities as many trekkers prefer to reach during this time.

Autumn in the Base Camp ( September to November)

The Autumn season freshly begins after the Monsoon, during which the Himalayas are mostly covered by dark clouds that open up, showcasing the mesmerizing views of the intimidating peaks. The temperature is comfortable, although the weather is colder than in spring. Most of the trekkers reach the Base Camp during Autumn, as the route is favorable with fewer trekkers. The environment is peaceful with dazzling views of the surrounding landscapes and stunning mountains. Trekkers heading during this time, make sure to carry warm clothes and sleeping bags for a comfortable stay.

Summer in the Base Camp (June to August)

The trek to Everest Base Camp is not preferable during the Summer because of more challenges and hurdles. During this time, the route is slippery with frequent rainfall, making it a bit hard for you. The weather is not predictable, whereas the temperature is moderate. Many of the tea houses along the way are open; however, the route is mostly empty.

Winter in the Base Camp (December to February)

Trekkers heading towards the Base Camp have to face many more difficulties as the route is packed with snowfall, making the trail challenging. The surroundings are much colder than in other seasons, with the route being empty. During this time, most of the tea houses are closed because of heavy snowfall. It is not advised to trek during this time.

Every season is good to trek to the Base Camp. But most trekkers trek during the time of Spring and Autumn, as the temperature is moderate, providing beautiful scenery of the Himalayas. During late December and January temperature drops to zero at night. The trail to the base camp will be less crowded as people don’t usually trek during this time.

Permits and Documents Required

Everest Base Camp is considered to be one of the most demanding trekking routes, where you get to experience many challenges and hurdles. For a safe and comfortable journey to Everest Base Camp, you must have all the mandatory permits and documents. Below are the permits that are required for the trek.

Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Entrance Permit: When making your way to Everest Base Camp, you will require the Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Entrance Permit, as all your permits and documents are checked at various checkpoints during your trek. This permit can easily be obtained in Lukla. However, High Camp Adventure manages all your required permits before you start your journey from Kathmandu. This permit helps you to trek through the Khumbu region.

Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Entrance Permit Fees

• NRP 2000 per person for Foreign Trekkers

Sagarmatha National Park Permit: The Sagarmatha National Park Permit helps you to trek through the National Park areas. The National Park is considered to be the gateway to Everest Base Camp. This permit can be easily obtained through a registered trekking agency or even at the entrance of the National Park. However, it is advisable to obtain a permit from Kathmandu for a safe and comfortable experience in the Himalayas. This permit ensures safety guidelines and community support, along with the preservation and conservation of the ecosystem, wildlife, and natural beauty.

Sagarmatha National Park Permit Fees

• NRP 3000 For Foreign Nations
• NRP 1500 For SAARC Nations
• NRP 100 For Nepali Citizens

Note: Check the official website National Park Entry permit fee - Nepal Tourism Board for recent fees along with proper rules and regulations.

For those who are planning to carry a drone with them, you must get a permit from the Department of Tourism, the Ministry of Home Affairs, and the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal(CAAN), mainly from the Department of National Park and Wildlife Conservation.

Travel Insurance

To trek to Everest Base Camp, you must be insured with travel insurance, even though there are no compulsory policies by the agencies. But for your safety, it's better to have travel insurance with you as it may reduce your cost of medical charges in case of an emergency. Therefore, High Camp Adventure advises you to ensure travel insurance for a better experience of trekking in the Himalayas.

Challenges and considerations

Altitude Sickness

Altitude sickness is always the main problem when trekking at a higher altitude. Altitude sickness can be the main source of worry on such treks as high up as Everest Base Camp, whose altitude is around 5,364 m.

• Symptoms: headaches, nausea, dizziness, vomiting, difficulty in breathing, loss of appetite, swelling of hands and legs, rapid heartbeat, blurred vision, sore throat, etc
• Preventive measures: drink a lot of water, maintain your pace, acclimatize yourself, take notice of the signals your body is sending, and in case of a worsening condition, inform the guides of the group leader, and avoid sleeping pills.

Weather Conditions

The climate in the area of Everest is so uncertain. Be ready for different weather conditions, such as the main contrasting ones between hot and cold ones. Make sure to check the weather forecast and be open to making your plans according to it. Always acclimatize according to the surroundings and let your body adjust, maintaining your pace and ascending slowly. Trekking to higher altitudes, the weather and climate are unpredictable, with sudden temperature drops.

Steep and challenging trails

You know the trek to the Everest Base Camp is more challenging in comparison to others, so during the trek, you need to face many challenges that you have never experienced. The trekking trails are steeper and harder to trek. The trek consists of steep ascent, descent, and challenging terrain. The uphills can be a bit more challenging, especially in higher altitudes. During the trek, proper fitness, strength, and training are required, especially for beginner trekkers.

Cultural Sensitivity

You will be in the Khumbu Region, where most of the people are from the Sherpa community. So be mindful of the Sherpa tribe’s unique culture and be accommodating of their customs, as everyone has different traditions and lifestyles. Dress properly, get permission before taking pictures, and follow the local culture. Properly getting involved with the community of the area improves your trekking experience. Always be polite and good with them.