Everest Base Camp Trek Guide

Highlights of the Trek

• Magnificent views of the snow-capped peaks such as Mount Everest (8,848 m), Mt. Lhotse (8,516m), Cho Oyu (8,201m) and Mt. Makalu (8,463m), Thamserku, Ama Dablam, and many others.
• Explore ancient gompas, including Tengboche and Syangboche Monastery.
• Explore the diverse ecosystem of flora and fauna in Sagarmatha National Park.
• Magnificent glacier at the highest point on the planet, Khumbu Glacier.
• Reach Kala Patthar, the world's highest webcam, and have 360 views of the Mahalangur mountain range.

Everest Base Camp Trek Itinerary 

Day 01. Arrival in Kathmandu. And transfer to your hotel 1,400 m.

Altitude: 1,400m/4,5938ft.

Accommodation: 3-star category hotel in Kathmandu.

On the first day of the Everest Base Camp Trek, we will welcome you to Tribhuvan International Airport. You will fly directly to Kathmandu from your home country. A representative from our country will pick you up from the airport and escort you to your respective hotel.

Also, there will be a meet and greet program launched by Happyland Treks, followed by dinner. Overnight stay at a hotel with an attached bathroom in Kathmandu.

Day 02. Flight to Lukla- (35 Minutes). Hiking to Phakding 2,652 m – 3 hrs.

Altitude: 2,800m/9184ft(Lukla)&2,652m/8,698ft(Phakding)

Walking Distance: 8km (3-4 hours)

Accommodation: Tea house.

The second day of the trek starts with a drive to Tribhuvan International Airport for a flight to Lukla at 2860 meters, where you would catch a flight from Kathmandu to Lukla that takes about 45 minutes soaring above green hills and valleys. On this excursion, you could view green hills, valleys, and white snow-capped mountains like Langtang, Gaurishankar, Ganesh, Makalu, and the mighty Mount Everest.

Once you reach Lukla, we will rest a few minutes and walk a few hours more down today to Phakding at 2652 meters. Descending along the Bhote Koshi River, we will have an opportunity to experience the beautiful Sherpa culture and then pass through many prayer wheels with chanting all over. Today, our first day is a short slow hike.

Day 03. Trek to Namche Bazaar 3,440m – 7 hrs.

Altitude: 3,440m/11,283ft

Walking Distance: 10-12km (5-6 hours)

Accommodation: Trekking tea house.

Our trek begins after breakfast with a drive to the trailhead at Salleri, then continues on foot for half an hour through fields and a small forest to the Tamang village of Bupsa. After lunch, we continue up the east side of the Dudh Kosi River, crossing it twice by suspension bridge before arriving at our campsite in Chaurikharka (9,091ft/2,773m) an hour or so later. We have now entered Sherpa country. Continuing up a ridge past some beautiful chortens painted with ochres and richly adorned with gold – perhaps your first sight of Buddhist religious art – we climb slowly above the west bank of the Dudh Kosi valley.

After crossing on another fine suspension bridge near Farak (often known as Puiyan), we climb from the fertile riverbank gardens, which are most beautiful in this upper part of the Dudh Kosi valley.

During today’s journey, we will traverse the spectacular rhododendron forest and see splashes of orchids hanging from many trees around us.

Day 04. Rest Day: Acclimatization. In Namche Bazaar.

Altitude: 3,440m/11,283ft

Accommodation: Trekking tea house.

Acclimatising at Namche Bazaar is necessary, and there can’t be a better place to do it than in this lively town. Namche Bazaar has many WiFi-connected cafes and restaurants, souvenir shops, and trekking gear stores. The town is ever-changing, and there are amazing hiking options. You can visit the Hillary School, tour the typical Sherpa settlement, hike up to the Syangboche Airport, and hike to yak farms! Each of these aspects will give you an insight into the Sherpa culture.

For those passionate about Mount Everest, trekking up to Everest View Hotel is something you have got to college for. This allows a panorama of Mount Everest, which is awesome, especially from the hotel’s garden terrace. If you indeed want to cherish the sight of the world’s highest peak till eternity, this will serve your purpose either while sipping a cup of hot drink or clicking pictures from your camera lens!

Namche Bazaar thus acts as a great base for acclimatisation, providing some much-desired activities and sightseeing in that process.

Day 05. Trek to Tengboche 3,800m – 5 hrs.

Altitude: 3,800/12,467ft

Walking Distance: 9.2 km (5-6 hours)

Accommodation: Trekking tea house.

Today, we will be starting our walk from Namche to Tengboche. This is sometimes a difficult trail with many ups and downs through forests, but you are rewarded with some of the best views in the Khumbu. You may have the chance to see some wildlife, such as musk deer, pheasants, and Himalayan Thars. Near the end of our trek today, we descend into Phunki Thenga Village before another steady climb up to Tengboche, undoubtedly one of the most beautiful places in the world – you will be greeted by an awe-inspiring view that includes Everest, Nuptse, Lhotse, and Ama Dablam.

A highlight of this day’s trek is visiting Tengboche Monastery – it is regarded as the largest Buddhist monastery in the Khumbu Region; it has great spiritual significance, if nothing else, for its almost supernatural setting! The rest of your surreal afternoon can be spent in this tranquil wonder or a leisurely hike down through untouched forest zones; it all makes for a memorable day!

Day 06. Trek to. Dingboche 4,210m. – 6-7 hrs.

Altitude: 4,200/13,779ft

Walking Distance: 9 km (5-6 hours)

Accommodation: Trekking tea house.

After breakfast, we will continue walking gradually uphill towards Dingboche. Walking slowly on this section is highly recommended as the altitude increases and people start to feel its effects. The trail has a general upward inclination as we follow the river on our right-hand side.

As we go along, it passes several chortens (round Tibetan Buddhist stupas), Mani walls (stone walls with prayer inscriptions), and a few small settlements before reaching Pangboche for lunch (3930 meters). The view from Pangboche is magnificent – mountains all around. Leaving an hour after breakfast or at noon from Pangboche is the best. This benefits us as we can have the most splendid afternoon’s walk. At Pangboche we can get incredible views of Ama Dablam, whose enchanting summit often looks deceivingly close.

On reaching Shomare, the climb continues steadily through the open countryside before descending slightly but steeply into the wide Imja valley. We cross the river and have lunch beside some fields by a few small huts at Orsho, where local foods such as buckwheat pancakes may be available. We enter Dingboche through stone-walled fields, finally arriving in one of its many cozy lodges, 'The Hotel Good Luck.' This village seems overcome with fantastic vistas surrounded by numerous towering peaks. Only by walking away just above us past beautiful resting snow slopes down moraine ridges does stunning Pheriche become visible.

Day 07. Rest Day—Acclimatization.

Acclimatisation is key during this trek phase as we arrive at Dingboche, having climbed to a high altitude. We need to give our bodies time to acclimate to the thin air and high elevation to remain healthy and capable of doing the incredible adventure ahead. However, we will not be idle; we will take an exhilarating hike up the ridge above Dingboche. The purpose behind the hike is twofold: it helps us acclimatise and rewards us with gorgeous views of some of the world's highest mountains - Ama Dablam, Island Peak, Cho Oyu, and Makalu.

Day 08. Trek to Lobuche 4,920m. -6-7 hrs.

Altitude: 4,900m/16,076ft

Walking Distance: 11-12 km (6-7 hours)

Accommodation: Trekking tea house.

Today, we set off on our journey from Dingboche to Lobuche, which takes around 6 to 7 hours. The trail gradually moves towards a ridge above the village. As you hike, accompanied by the breathtaking view of the Khumbu glacier, you ascend to the Thukla hills and pass through stone memorials for climbers who have perished on nearby summits.

Afterwards, the trail descends to the flat sandy valley before reaching Lobuche. Upon reaching Lobuche, we will see the beautiful view of Mt. Lobuche east (6,119 m) and Mt. Pumori (7,145 m) to the north face.

Day 09. Trek to Gorakshep(5,180m). Trek to Everest base camp (5,364 m) after lunch. Then return to Gorak Shep 7-8 hrs.

Altitude: 5180m/16,994ft (Gorakshep) & 5364m/17598 (EBC)

Walking Distance: 15km (6-8 hours)

Accommodation: Trekking tea house.

Today is the day we aim to reach Everest Base Camp. We first trek through the lateral moraine of the Khumbu Glacier and soon arrive at the chaotic maze of ice- known as Everest Base Camp. We will be sleeping at Gorak Shep amongst snow-capped mountains; while on the trail, you leave all your gear here and keep what you need for this night in a day pack, as tomorrow morning, we head off early to climb Kala Pattar.

Reaching Everest Base camp, one feels an almost euphoric sense of relief at achieving one's goal. Photos can’t do justice to standing so near to Mount Everest itself! After enjoying this heightened sense of achievement, we make our way down, following the base camp trek back towards Gorak Shep while recollecting amazing views of Khumbu Glacier, the highest glacier in the world.

Day 10. Hike to Kala Patthar (5,545 m). Everest Sunrise view, then Trek back to Pangboche 3,900m 6-7 hrs.

Altitude: 5,545m/18,192ft (Kalapathar) & 3,900m/12,795ft (Pheriche) 

Walking Distance: 14-15 km (7 hours) 

Accommodation: Trekking tea house.

We rise early in Gorak Shep at dawn and trek to Kala Patthar for the sunrise on Mt. Everest and the surrounding peaks. When the sun's first rays strike the summit of Mt. Everest, they create an imposing sight that will remain with us forever. We return to Gorak Shep for breakfast.

After breakfast, we begin our easy descent to Pheriche, where doctors have set up yet another emergency medical post to assist trekkers who encounter health problems during this part of their journey.

Day 11. Trek back to Namche Bazaar 3,450 m – 7-8hrs.

Altitude: 3,440m/11,284ft

Walking Distance: 13-15km (8 hours)

Accommodation: Trekking tea house.

After breakfast, we start early and head down towards Tenboche (3,860m). Continuing our descent past rhododendron and juniper forests, we cross the Imja Khola River and arrive at Tenboche. Today's walk is pleasant, with low-altitude trekking and a panoramic view of the Himalayan Mountains. After a short rest at Tenboche, we continue to Namche by retracing our steps through the rhododendron forest, where we may encounter wildlife such as musk deer, pheasant, or a herd of Himalayan Thar. Along the way up to Namche, we will witness many Buddhist prayer flags fluttering in the wind while passing chortens. We will also see fantastic views of Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Thamserku, and more. Overnight stay at Namche.

Day 12. Trek back to Lukla 2,840 m. – 7-8 hrs.

Altitude: 2,800m/9,184ft

Walking Distance: 16km (6-7 hours)

Accommodation: Trekking tea house.

Today is an easy day as we trek to Phakding. Descend the Dudh Koshi River and cross many suspension bridges that lie on the way. Pass through several villages and forests before reaching Phakding.

After that, we will take a trail back down Dudh Koshi Valley. The trail continues gently uphill up to Kusum Stream, where after it becomes steep to reach Lukla, we continue straight ahead, past Toktok village (where you initially began), then turn right. Trails are level in this direction until we reach Lukla. These will be different views from what we had experienced earlier, and we will spend some time for pictures here, too, and continue along until we meet with our first trail of yesterday; we aren't far off from reaching Lukla now either, though it's been our last day & overnight spot of trekking.

Day 13. Morning flight back to Kathmandu, free afternoon.

As your trek ends, after breakfast, you will travel back either to Kathmandu or Manthali, depending on the season. During peak trekking months (March, April, May, September, October, and November), you will take a 20-minute flight from Lukla to Manthali Airport and then drive back by road again along the bumpy, dusty tracks for around 5 hours to Kathmandu. During off-peak months (December, January, February, June, July, and August), instead of driving back to Manthali after your flight from Lukla, you will transfer directly by air in a 40-minute flight directly to Kathmandu, which bypasses the drive.

If you don’t want to drive, we can arrange a helicopter transfer from Manathlai to KTM. The cost is $500 extra per person sharing. We hope that whichever mode of transport you choose is an enjoyable one where you can sit back, relax, and reminisce on your incredible journey over the past few weeks with Serendipity! On arrival in Valley, they will safely return you to our hotel, where everything began.

Day 14. Departure for home. 

Today is the last day of your stay in Nepal. Our representative will help you drive to Tribhuvan International Airport and complete the formalities for your safe return. You will bid farewell to us and return to your home country.

Additional Information on The Everest Base Camp Trek Package

Price Includes

• Airport Transfer: Airport pick up and transfer to Kathmandu hotel. Transfer to and from Manthali airport Ramechhap, Domestic - internal flight (Ramechhap Lukla Ramechhap)
• Kathmandu Stay: 2-night accommodation in Kathmandu with breakfast.
• Mountain Stay: 11 nights in a teahouse on the trail.
• Trekking Permit: All your trekking permits and entry fees are covered, as are All government and local taxes.
• Guide: English-speaking guide.
• Porter: 1-porter for 2 clients; Porter carries on company duffel bag overnight luggage on the trek.
• Welcome and farewell: Welcome and farewell dinner will be held in Kathmandu with trekking members.
• Trip certificate: Reward Achievement point Everest Base Camp. 

Price Excludes

• Food: We recommend you carry USD 380-480 during the trek, depending on what you'll eat.
• Travel medical insurance and emergency evacuation costs.
• Nepal entry visa fee and International airfare.
• Personal equipment.
• Tips for guide and Porter (Tipping is expected)
• Personal expenses include Alcoholic beverages, hot showers, water bottles, cold drinks, hot water, battery charges, donations, etc.
• Any other expenses not mentioned in the' price included' section.

What To Expect During The Everest Base Camp Trek?

Going on the Everest Base Camp trek is physically demanding, but the sheer scale of this two-week journey doesn’t require technical mountaineering skills. Generally, the more cardiovascular prepared you are, the more assisted you are in increasing your overall energy levels and stamina. The easier you can walk through this, the more comfortable you will be and the more you can fully enjoy one of the most stunning scenery walks on earth.

Normally, we start our day trek around 7:30-7:45 am and reach the teahouse accommodation by mid-afternoon, 3:00 – 4:00 pm. Quite basic tea houses are available along the trail side that offer simple amenities and food. It is advisable to drink plenty of water at higher altitudes while trekking.

Daily trekking can generally be from 4 to 9 hours a day at a steady and gradual pace. The track includes dirt horse paths, cobblestone alleys and stairs, rocks and boulders, moraines, and forests with occasional tree roots to dodge. Just remember to pass all of the high suspensions and glaciers on your way. All this diversity of landscapes is what makes every day so unique and full of adventure. Added to this, you are quite often rewarded with a panoramic view of breathtaking nature: the majestic Himalayas, mountain ranges around you for days at a stretch, beautiful valleys below, and serene little villages perched on its slopes.

Difficulty Level of The Trek

The Everest Base Camp trek is moderate to difficult and demands high physical fitness and mental determination. Walks are 6-7 hours on average per day over steep hilly terrain, reaching an altitude of around 5,554m; sub-zero temperatures minimum of -20 C, and the maximum can be 35 C; we must consider all aspects before taking on.

The trek gets easy if you have good training, are properly prepared, and have guidance.

Despite the challenges, the walk to Everest Base Camp and back is very rewarding: amazing beauty, interesting culture, and just that overwhelming sense of satisfaction that you made it. Good preparation in terms of having the right gear and the equipment of training for the adventure that lies ahead can help you to overcome many such obstacles. And you will then relish this trip of a lifetime, as it surely ranks among the planet's most breathtaking trekking destinations.

How to Prepare for Nepal Everest Base Camp Trek?

EBC Trek Preparation 1: Mental Preparation

Setting off for Everest Base Camp isn't just about physical endurance; one needs to be mentally strong and properly prepared. For mental preparation, travelers need to have a realistic understanding of what you will get, some idea of the risks involved, and to somehow visualize yourself walking on the trail like what the guidebooks, testimonials, and videos illustrate. It allows you to get prepared for things that will surprise you on the way, where not to quit against tough challenges, and be positive at all times.

EBC Trek Preparation 1: Physical Preparation

Also, be sure that you are physically fit enough for a successful EBC Trekking Trip to be accomplished. Start exercising regularly at least 2 months before the trek departure with cardio exercises, like jogging, hiking, strength training (especially legs), and flexibility training. Normally, the EBC trip from Lukla to the Everest Base Camp includes a daily walk that lasts for more than 6 hours; the fitter you are, the more comfortable it will be.

EBC Trek Preparation 3: Packing the Right Gears and Equipments

• Appropriate clothing: Dress appropriately and in layers, irrespective of what season you are travelling. I.e., thermal wear, raincoat, cap.

• Good comfortable shoes: Carry a good pair of sturdy and comfortable hiking boots that provide full ankle support and also grip the ground.
• Backpack: strong waterproof backpacks of 40-60 litres, with compartments divided.
• Navigation Tools: Poack map, compass, and GPS device, helping you to find the direction accurately.
• First-Aid Kit: Pack band-aids, antiseptic wipes, painkillers, and personal medication.
• Hydration System: water bottle, hydration bladders, water purification tablets, a filter
• High-Energy Snacks: Snacks that are high in calories and also rich in the nutrition factor are used to maintain the energy level, for example, energy bars, dried fruit, and nuts.
• Camp Gear: Ultralight tent, sleeping bag, sleeping pad
• Accessories: Sunscreen, lip balm, insect repellent, sunglasses, multi-tool
• Survival Kit: Whistle, fire starter, flashlight or headlamp with extra batteries, multi-tool.

Best Time To Do This Trek

Everest Base Camp in Spring Season:

Temperature: Day -5°C to 15°C; Night -15°C to 0°C

Precipitation: 15-30 mm/month

Sunrise Time: ~5:30 AM

Sunset Time: ~6:30 PM

Sunlight Hours: 12-13 hours/day

Months in Spring: March, April, May

Festivals in Spring Nepal and Everest Area: Holi, Nepali New Year, Losar (Sherpa New Year), Buddha Jayanti

Spring, specifically from March to May, is the best time to conduct an Everest base camp trek. This season's weather conditions in the Everest region are favorable, with moderate temperatures. The temperature increases slightly, ranging from -15 0C (5 0F) in March, especially in the high regions, to an average of 15 0C (59 0F) in May.

The visibility is very high due to clear weather, giving one a magnificent view of the mountain with its snow-clad peaks and good opportunities to take stunning pictures. The slopes are covered by stunning growing rhododendron flowers, adding beauty to the already beautiful hills! The days are also longer, meaning several hours of daylight can be used for hiking and sightseeing.

Everest Base Camp in Autumn Season

Temperature: Day 10°C to 20°C; Night -5°C to 5°C

Precipitation: 10-20 mm/month

Sunrise Time: ~5:45 AM

Sunset Time: ~5:45 PM

Sunlight Hours: 11-12 hours/day

Months in Autumn: September, October, November

Festivals in Autumn Nepal and Everest Area: Dashain, Tihar, Mani Rimdu

Another recommended season to go to the Everest Base Camp is autumn, which starts last September and continues until November. Autumn arrives after the monsoon, and the weather is good and clear with lengthy Himalayan vistas. The temperatures in the autumn vary between 10°C (14°F) and 10°C (50°F) at higher altitudes, which is suitable for walking but becomes cold at night. The weather is mostly sunny, and there are good views of mountains such as Everest and many other peaks around the area.

Thus, autumn and spring can be said to be Nepal’s high expedition season. It is also a time when yellow-stepped paddies emerge and tower against vertical cliffs painted against the canvas of the relentlessly blue sky, with some of the purest white mountains that exist in the entire world for as far as your eyes can see for the rest of your life. However, trekking trails are dry; hence, there will be no issues of leeches or possibilities of landslides. This is equally as busy as spring but less than spring. If you plan to visit in the next few months, book early.

Guided vs. Non-Guided Trek to Everest Base Camp Trek

Without a doubt, the Everest Base Camp Trek would turn out to be an adventurous walk with the great Himalayas in front of you and insights into various cultures. Nevertheless, with all these things at hand, planning for this trek with some questions in mind, like whether to go guided or non-guided, might be bothersome for trekkers.

In a guided trek, there will be experienced local people as your guides who have been hired for your trail, as well as porters to carry heavy loads. However on the non guided treks, you will have to depend on your personal skills and navigation resources.

Since April 2023, Solo Trekking has been banned in Nepal, This means trekkers are bound to hire professional & certified guides for solo travelers as well. The main motto behind this rule was to ensure the safety of trekkers throughout their journey mainly in isolated regions of Nepal.

While any guided trekking adventure carries advantages and added safety, this is particularly the case when dealing with high altitudes on the way to Everest Base Camp. Guides know the routes, and they understand the weather conditions and risks. Guides will have you on the safest paths and schedule you correctly for acclimatization. Guided treks are also a proper way to deepen your knowledge about what you are going to experience in Nepal culturally and on a day-to-day basis with your Sherpa friends or 'family' along the trek.

Guided treks always ensure the availability of trained porters, making sure that the load is shared with them, therefore relieving stress on your body from this demanding physical activity of arduous trekking at altitude in Khumbu.

On non-guided treks, like missing trails, especially after snowfall, or getting lost in dangerous places like avalanche-prone areas without immediately realizing it looms around. Altitude sickness commonality becomes 3 times amongst trekkers traveling without guides! We suggest you do not risk your life & health to budget your trek.

What Permits Are Required for The Everest Base Camp Trek?

Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit

Since this trek is conducted within the protected area of Sagarmatha National Park, its entry permit is a must-have document for every trekker who wants to go to the Everest Base Camp Trek. This permit is used to conserve the park’s natural beauty and biodiversity. The cost per foreign trekker is NRs. 3000, SAARC national NRs. 1000, and NRs. 100 per Nepalese trekker goes directly toward the conservation of parks and sustainable tourism development in that region.

Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Municipality Entry Permit

The Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Municipality Entry Permit was introduced in 2018 instead of the TIMS Card. It is a permit that everyone trekking in the Everest region needs to obtain. This permit helps monitor trekking activities and looks after the safety and welfare of trekkers while on the trail. The entry permit fee is NRs. 2000 per person, regardless of nationality. The revenue from this permit goes towards infrastructure development and emergency services in the Khumbu region.

Gaurishankar Conservation Area Entry Permit

This permit, though not required for a regular Everest Base Camp trek itinerary, is needed if you are taking an alternate Lukla trek from Jiri. Gaurishankar and its surroundings are part of this Conservation area. This entry permit helps conserve the region's natural resources and cultural heritage. Its cost is NRs. 2000 per person is used to make tourism sustainable and for local community development projects.

These permits are required to keep the legal documents and to use that permit charge in environmental conservation and local development work of the Everest area. Trekkers are requested to obtain these permits from registered travel agencies or at the point of entry before entering the trek.

What We Offer? Services & Facilities During The Everest Base Camp Trek

Free Airport Pick-Up

Upon arrival at the airport, one of our delegates will be waiting for you with a pamphlet with your name and the company name written on it.

To begin in the real style of Nepal, they will first greet you with a traditional Nepalese Khada or a bright marigold garland before transferring you to your accommodation in Kathmandu.

The city offers various types of accommodation facilities to meet all budgets and tastes. If you would like to have us assist you in booking your accommodation, let us know and send in your flight details so that we can recommend accordingly for everything to suit you perfectly.

Accommodation Facilities

This is an 11-night stay, comprising the best of the tea house accommodation available along the trekking route. You will spend a few nights each in Lukla, Phakding, and Namche in rooms with private attached bathrooms for added comfort and privacy. You will spend the other six nights in Tengboche, Lobuche, Dingboche, Gorakshep, and Pheriche in standard rooms with a warm and rural feel.

At these lodges, you can also access hot showers and Wi-Fi for a small fee; do note that accommodation pre & post-trekking costs (as well as flooding) are not covered in this package. All trekkers must arrange for at least two additional nights of accommodation for Kathmandu: one night (before the trek) upon arriving from their home country and another night after finishing their Mt Everest Base Camp Trek.

Meals Facilities

Trekking at high altitudes requires more energy, and our trek package includes meals to ensure you don’t remain hungry. Breakfasts, lunches, and dinners will be provided during the trek. You’ll be served a mix of Local, Nepali, and Western meals during the trek, and the most popular dishes are Dal, Bhaat, and Tarkari. However, as you climb higher, the menu list will become short, so we will have limited meal options. Don’t worry; it still tastes awesome! We always choose tea houses and restaurants based on their food hygiene, standard of cleanliness in the preparation of food items, and fast service.

We recommend staying hydrated and drinking green or lemon tea at high altitudes because hot lemon with honey hits your throat’s dead spot better than anything else. Also, ginger tea (which helps with digestion ), fresh vegetable soup, or garlic soup (which helps acclimatisation) is helpful. All the above measures ensure you beat the cold while keeping you safe from possible infections and assist in acclimatisation. Fruit juices provide vitamins to fight climate stress, but citric-based fruits like oranges should be avoided because they may cause acidity.

Please don’t consume caffeine items/dairy products or don’t drink alcohol/alcoholic drinks during altitude treks.

Transportation Facility

You will be picked up from your hotel and transferred to the Tribhuvan International Airport for your flight. It is quite a convenient way to start the adventure; you don’t have to worry about transferring to the airport in time for the flight. We consider your safety, comfortableness, and easy travel, so we offer an excellent private transportation service to ensure you won’t have any bad feelings transferring from a busy metropolitan area – Kathmandu downtown – to another small countryside city – Lukla.

Your flight from Kathmandu to Lukla will be one of the world´s most sensational flights ever! You´ll love every moment- only some 45 minutes in duration. As we rise above incredible mountains, it is possible to catch sight of Khumbu valley down below Lukla airstrip with perspective views of snow-capped Himalayan peaks, including Mount Everest, Langtang, Gaurishankar, Dorje Lakpa, Makalu, and Lhotse.

Is there any alternative to Reach Lukla?

Several options are available for those wishing to reach Lukla using alternatives other than a flight.

Alternative 1: Reach Lukla Via Land (Salleri, Phaplu, Buspa, or Thapla Danda) 

One way is to drive on a public bus from Kathmandu to Salleri, Phaplu, or Buspa in Ramechhap and then trek for several days through beautiful landscapes, charming traditional villages, and forests until you arrive at Lukla. Not only will this cut out the risk of a flight being delayed or canceled and keep you away from the notoriously unpredictable Lukla flights, but it will also add an extra taste to your trekking experience.

Alternative 2: Reach Lukla Via Jiri

The other interesting alternative is the classic route from Jiri that goes through the Gaurishankar Conservation Area, known as “the pioneer’s route.” Starting from Jiri, you have a couple of high passes to cross before reaching Lukla. During your approach trek into the Solu area (lower Everest region), you can gradually acclimatize yourself en route by spending time at around 3000 m altitude. Additionally, you would experience traditional Sherpa Buddhist culture first-hand as this trail allows for more contact with local people in their villages because the region has not been spoiled yet by mass tourism like the present-day main trail starting at Lukla after flying in.

Alternative 3: Reach Lukla Via Helicopter

Reaching Lukla by helicopter is a fantastic alternative to Lukla's flight, which often gets canceled and delayed. It is an exciting, unique way to begin your trek to Everest Base Camp. You will also save a lot of time with this option. Not only will you enjoy breathtaking, panoramic views of the Himalayas from your private or group joining helicopter, but flying by helicopter also avoids any possible delays caused by weather or other circumstances due to fixed-wing flights going into Lukla's notoriously unpredictable airport. A helicopter flight will take around 25-35 minutes from Kathmandu and offer up an incredibly picturesque start to your journey as you fly straight onto the trail in comfort and style.

Alternative 4: Reach Lukla Via Flight from Ramechap

You must plan for possible flight delays between Kathmandu and Lukla by allocating one to two extra days. Flights from Manthali Airport in Ramechhap may occur during peak trekking seasons instead of Kathmandu. If flights are delayed here, we will drive you to Manthali/Ramechhap (5-6 hours) with no additional charge and continue your itinerary as per plan; if Luka flights are delayed here, then we’ll charter a helicopter at an additional cost of USD 500-1000.

Must Know Things During The Trek

Electricity and Water

In Everest trekking regions, tea houses and lodges provide electricity for battery recharging at an extra cost. You can buy bottled mineral water or fill your bottle with boiled water at the lodges. Water purification tablets are also available to ensure you have access to safe drinking water. However, do not drink from rivers, taps, or wells in any trekking area because of hygiene.

Wi-Fi is available at extra cost in some lodges, restaurants, and hotels, but mobile phones are the main means of communication as you go higher. Our Kathmandu Office has a daily connection with each member through their leaders. It is better to get a local SIM card in Kathmandu for reliable connectivity; the mobile signal may fluctuate as you reach higher altitudes.

The Everest Link Extreme Internet Sim Card offers good data packs for continuous Internet access during your trek. Get all details by following this link: https://everestlink.com.np/

Visa Services

Except for Indians, all other foreign nationals will need to get a visa to come to Nepal. You can get a visa on arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport. All that you need is a passport that is at least six months valid, along with a passport-size photo and cash for the visa fee. The visa fee will be 50 dollars for a 30-day stay. The fee can be paid in cash at the airport. Some nationalities - including China and SAARC countries - are entitled to a free visa on arrival. For more information and current updates, please visit www.immigration.gov.np.

Travel Insurance

Travel insurance is necessary for all travellers on adventure tours and treks with Happyland Treks. We advise that you be protected since travelling involves risk! Please kindly provide us with a copy of your insurance policy (purchased at home; it should cover medical expenses, emergency repatriation, and helicopter rescue up to 5,500m altitude) while booking trekking holiday trips.

While we don't sell insurance, we can suggest some reliable travel insurance providers based on previous client recommendations. In the case of an emergency in which travelers are hospitalized/injured during the trip and need to terminate their tour, you shall provide us insurance information for a reason for the coverage details of the contact hospital bills.

Altitude Sickness & Precautions

Altitude sickness is the most prevalent illness faced by trekkers. Altitude sickness, often known as Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS), generally occurs when people ascend too quickly to an elevation over 2,500m."

• Ascend slowly at your own pace.
• Plan rest days into your schedule.
• Please keep yourself well-hydrated and eat light, healthy meals.
• No Alcohol and Tobacco.

If you feel any kinds of symptoms- headache, nausea, or dizziness- listen to your body and inform your guide immediately. When any member of the group becomes ill, he will assess the situation on his own; for example, he will decide whether they can continue trekking or descend with an escort. In case of emergency, we can arrange helicopter evacuation, which is often useful and paid for by travel insurance. This can lead to fast recovery during your trek.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best time to trek to Everest Base Camp?

The best time for this climb is during the pre-monsoon months (Spring Season) of March to May and the post-monsoon months (Autumn Season) of late September to November. During these periods, the weather, climate, and trail conditions are the most stable, with blue skies that offer the best visibility possible while trekking.

How difficult is the Everest Base Camp Trek?

The Everest Base Camp Trek can be categorized as moderately difficult. Throughout this trek you must walk long distances and high altitudes. So, you must begin walking 1-2 months before the start of your trek. Stamina-building exercises such as running, swimming, and cycling will help you gain strong physical stamina.

Do I need a guide and porter for the Everest Base Camp Trek?

You must hire a guide and porter – it’s the law, and for good reason. A guide will get you through the trails, point out things (flora, fauna, culture, etc.) you wouldn’t have known/realized without them, keep you safe, and make sure everything goes as planned. A porter will carry your heavy bags, so you’re all concentrating on walking.

What permits do I need for the Everest Base Camp Trek?

There are two permits: one needs to enter Everest Base Camp – Sagarmatha National Park Permit & Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Permit. These both can be purchased in Kathmandu or at the entry point of Sagarmatha National Park – Monjo. The optional one is the Gaurishankar Conservation Area Entry Permit if you travel from Jiri.

What should I pack for the Everest Base Camp Trek?

You need to be warm as nighttime temperatures drop dramatically at altitude! You need layers of breathable clothing, including thin thermal ones topped by one or two sweaters or fleeces.

How do I prepare for altitude sickness during the trek?

Good acclimatization will help you avoid getting hit with altitude sickness. Go slow, drink enough water, eat well, and listen to your body. Diamox can be taken as a preventive measure or on medical advisory if symptoms do occur.

Is travel insurance necessary for the Everest Base Camp Trek?

Travel insurance for emergency evacuation, medical expenses at high altitudes, and trip cancellation are mandatory. Please ensure your travel insurance covers the trekking activities up to the altitude of Everest Base Camp in case you have opted for an alternative itinerary.