Everest Base Camp Trek Overview
Sherpa Kangri Outdoor offers a 15-day adventure in Nepal, starting with the vibrant streets of Kathmandu and continuing to the base of the world’s highest peak. The trek is perfect for travelers of all ages, kids, adults, and seniors. Upon arrival in Kathmandu, Sherpa Kangri Outdoor provides a warm welcome and takes you on a private guided sightseeing tour. The next day, you’ll be taken on a scenic flight to Lukla, one of the world’s highest airports. The trail takes you to Phakding, Namche Bazaar, and Kumjung, where you can visit the Sherpa Museum for insight into mountaineering legends. The next day, you’ll visit Tengboche, Dingboche, Island Peak, and Mt. Ama Dablam. A rest day is spent hiking Nagarsang Peak before continuing to Lobuche. Finally, you’ll reach Everest Base Camp, where you’ll walk across the Khumbu Glacier. After seeing the mighty Khumbu Glacier and Mt. Everest, you’ll return to Gorakshep for dinner and overnight.
Everest Base Camp Highlights
Day 01: Kathmandu arrival
Day 02: Trek preparation and guided sightseeing in Kathmandu
Day 03: Fly to Lukla (±35 min) & trek to Phakding (2,610m/8,563ft)
Day 04: Trek to Namche Bazaar (3,440m/11,286ft)
Day 05: 1st Acclimatization day at Namche Bazaar
Day 06: Trek to Tengboche’s Buddhist Monastery (3,867m/12,687ft)
Day 07: Trek to Dingboche (4,450m/14,5910ft)
Day 08: 2nd Acclimatization day at Dingboche
Day 09: Trek to Lobuche (4,450m/14,5910ft)
Day 10: Trek to Gorakshep (5,170m/16,962ft) & visit Everest Base Camp (5,364m/17,598ft)
Day 11: Sunrise hike up Kala Patthar (5,545m/18,192ft) & trek down to Pheriche (4,250m/13,944ft)
Day 12: Trek back to Namche Bazaar (3,440m/11,286ft)
Day 13: Trek back to Lukla (2,850m/9,350ft)
Day 14: Fly back to Kathmandu
Day 15: Departure
Trekking: NA
Trekking: NA
Trekking: 3 – 4 hours, approximately 9 km.
Trekking: 5 hours, approximately 8-9 km.
Trekking: NA
Trekking: 5-6 hours, approximately 9 km.
Trekking: 5-6 hours, approximately 9 km.
Trekking: NA
Trekking: 4-5 hours, approximately 8 km.
Trekking: 3-4 hours, approximately 4-5 km.
Trekking: 4-5 hours, approximately 9 km.
Trekking: 7 hours, approximately 9 km.
Trekking: 7-8 hours, approximately 13 km.
Trekking: NA
Trekking: NA
Packing List for the Gokyo Lakes and Everest Base Camp Trek
Below is a list of suggested items to pack for the Gokyo to Everest Base Camp trek. Please use this as a starting point. During the winter months, layering with warmer clothing is essential. We provide a 75-liter duffel bag for your trek, which will be given to you during your pre-trip meeting in Kathmandu. The duffel bag is yours to keep. Additionally, you can rent a sleeping bag and down jacket for an extra fee of USD 35 each, available in Kathmandu. The following information will help guide you on what to bring for the trek. It is crucial not to forget the essential items, as they directly affect your comfort and safety. At the same time, avoid carrying unnecessary equipment to prevent overburdening yourself during the trek.
General Packing List/Additional Items:
Upper Body – Head/Ears/Eyewear/Hands
Lower Body – Feet/Undergarments
Socks and Footwear
Note: The quantity of each clothing item can be adjusted to suit individual preferences.
Accommodation
You will be accommodated in 3-star hotels in Kathmandu. During the trek, we will stay at lodges/teahouses. Until Namche, you may find more comfortable and better-quality teahouses, some with attached bathrooms, as it is a thriving town with a greater range of accommodation due to the influx of tourists. However, at higher elevations, the quality of accommodation may be more basic, with rooms that have only the bare necessities.
Meals During the Trek
In Kathmandu, your hotel includes breakfast. During the trek, all meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) will be provided. The staple foods of the Khumbu region include potatoes, oats, buckwheat, Sherpa stew, and Tibetan bread. Sherpas started farming potatoes in the early 90s when the first seeds were introduced to the region. At higher elevations, there is a limited choice of food, with many dishes based on potatoes. Potatoes are high in carbohydrates and provide excellent energy, which is essential at high altitudes.
Transportation
We use a private car for sightseeing and airport-to-hotel transfers. During the trek, there is no need to use public transportation or local buses. The only flights involved are from Kathmandu to Lukla and back.
Physical Fitness
EBC is a challenging trek where you will often walk 6-7 hours a day. While previous hiking or trekking experience is not necessary, any prior trekking activities will be beneficial. We have met people of all shapes and sizes who have successfully completed the trek. The main challenge arises from altitude sickness and the effects it can have on your body. It’s advisable to physically prepare yourself before leaving for Nepal by increasing your stamina and oxygen intake.
Remember: The better prepared you are, the more enjoyable your trek will be!
Due to its tendency to be localized, the weather in the Everest region is challenging to forecast. You may experience rain, fog, cold, or hot and sunny weather while trekking. It is best to be equipped to handle various weather conditions. In the Everest region, nighttime temperatures are significantly lower than midday temperatures. In less than a day, the temperature can change from a high of 25°C (77°F) to a low of -20°C (-4°F). Although predicting the exact weather for each day in the mountains is difficult, weather and temperature patterns are generally predictable based on the month and season.
Spring – March/April/May/June
Despite being the busiest season, spring is perhaps the best time to visit the Everest region. Activities supporting expedition teams take place at Everest Base Camp. You can expect to see many varieties of blooming trees, and the sky is often clear, offering stunning vistas. During spring, the average temperature is 20°C (68°F), with a high of 25°C (77°F) on clear days and a low of -15°C (5°F) overnight at elevations above 4000 meters.
Monsoon Season – July/August through Mid-September
The monsoon season is not ideal for travel in the Everest region, as it rains heavily at elevations below 3500 meters. While it can occasionally be dry at higher elevations (above 4000 meters), frequent rainfall makes this season less popular for trekking. However, trekking during the monsoon season has some advantages, such as the chance to see waterfalls and the opportunity to escape crowds. During the monsoon, the average temperature is 22°C (71.6°F), with a high of 30°C (86°F) on clear days and a low of -5°C (23°F) overnight at elevations above 4000 meters.
Autumn – End of September/October/November
Autumn in the Everest region is just as busy as spring, and it is one of the best times to trek. While plants and trees are not in bloom, the sky is often clear, providing breathtaking vistas from almost every viewpoint. The average temperature in autumn is 17°C (62.6°F), with a high of 20°C (68°F) on clear days and a low of -15°C (5°F) overnight at elevations above 4000 meters.
Winter – December/January/February
Winter travel appeals to some due to fewer tourists. Although the views are still beautiful, the weather can be cloudy, so it’s recommended to allow extra days for your trip during this time. The average temperature is 10°C (50°F), with a high of 17°C (62.6°F) on clear days and a low of -20°C (-4°F) overnight at elevations above 4000 meters. Teahouses often provide extra blankets for warmth at night.
The months from March to May in spring and from September to December in autumn are considered the best times for the Everest Base Camp trek, as the weather conditions are favorable. During these periods, you can expect good visibility and a suitable atmosphere for trekking to Everest Base Camp with Gokyo Lake.
A private room in the teahouses and in Kathmandu can be guaranteed for an additional cost. During the Everest Base Camp , you will stay in teahouses (local lodges), where you can enjoy wholesome meals and sleep on clean, comfortable beds throughout your journey. This type of accommodation allows you to carry less baggage, trek at your own pace, and enjoy the Everest panorama on your own schedule. It is also an eco-friendly way to trek, providing opportunities for greater interaction with the local Sherpa people.
The Everest Base Camp Trek’s highest point is the summit of Kala Patthar, located at an altitude of 5,545 meters (18,192 feet).
Teahouses (lodges) along the Everest region trails typically serve a variety of delicious, mostly vegetarian dishes. The menu often includes pasta, tuna bakes, noodles, potatoes, eggs, daal bhat (rice and lentils), bread, soup, fresh vegetables (season-dependent), and even some desserts like apple pies, pancakes, and attempts at custard. Garlic is commonly featured as it aids in acclimatization, so it’s recommended to include it in your daily meals. In some villages, you may find meat options as well. Hot drinks like chocolate, tea, and hot lemon are available, alongside soft drinks and snacks such as chocolate and crisps.
Bottled water is available for purchase throughout the trek. However, you’re encouraged to bring and use a reusable water bottle to help protect the environment.
Participants in good physical condition should be able to complete the trek. If you’re not currently active, it’s recommended to begin an exercise routine at least two months prior to the trek. This should include at least an hour of walking on an incline, running, or biking four to five times a week.
Incorporating hiking into your training is highly beneficial. If you have any health conditions that may impact your ability to complete the trek, it’s advisable to consult with a doctor before making travel arrangements.