Everest Base Camp Trek

Arrival and Visa

Arrival: Upon arrival in Nepal, a representative of Escape Himalaya will be there for you to pick you up at Kathmandu's Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA).

He will be standing in the arrival hall with our company name, "Escape Himalaya," so you can recognize them; he will help with your luggage and then drive to your hotel in the Thamel area by private vehicle.

Visa on Arrival

You can get a visa on arrival in Nepal at the Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) or other entry points. This visa is a multiple-entry tourist visa that allows you to stay in Nepal for 150 days within a calendar year.

For Visa Process:

Fill out the online tourist visa form or use the kiosk machines at the airport. Get your receipt with the barcode. Go to the immigration desk with your passport, arrival card payment receipts, and the receipt from the online form. Submit your documents to an immigration officer. The visa fee is payable in NRS, US dollars, or other currency. Then, receive your visa.

Note: You can also apply for your visa in advance at the Nepal Embassy in your country. Through this process, you can reduce the time you spend on immigration.

Difficulty of Everest Base Camp Trek

Everest Base Camp trekking in Nepal is moderate to strenuous but achievable for people with the proper preparation and fitness level. The trek is a long hike at high altitudes (over 4,500m) and typically takes 12–14 days to complete, with 6–7 hours of everyday walking.

The EBC trek includes navigating gradual terrains, many up-and-down hills, and alpine glacial grounds. The journey demands stamina, endurance, and the capability to carry a backpack for trekking day. In addition to the physical challenges, trekkers must have mental strength to cope with the problematic altitude and rugged landscape.

The Everest region's climate is unpredictable, which makes this trip even more exciting, thrilling, and challenging. Sudden weather changes lead to delays in flights (Lukla flight), heavy rainfall, strong winds, or even snowfall. Extreme weather conditions can also cause landslides, avalanches, and flooding in the Everest region.

Despite these challenges, with a well-planned 14-day EBC itinerary that includes two acclimatization days (Namche and Dingboche), you can complete the trek with relative ease.

Best trekking season for Everest Base Camp

The optimal seasons for trekking to Everest Base Camp are spring (March- April–May) and autumn (September–October- November) - both widely regarded as prime trekking periods in Nepal. These months offer stable weather, unobstructed views, and ideal trekking conditions for EBC Hike, though they also coincide with peak tourist influx, making the trails and teahouses significantly crowded.

Spring (March-May): This period marks the pinnacle of mountaineering expeditions on Mount Everest, with climbers preparing for summit attempts. Due to this expect higher traffic congestion on the trails and teahouses packed with fellow trekkers.

Autumn (October–November): Another highly favorable time for trekking Everest is autumn. Due to crisp air, exceptional and stunning visibility of snow-capped peaks, and relatively fewer crowds, it is a competitor of the spring season.

Trekking Outside Peak Seasons:

Trekking to EBC can be done throughout the year; however, trekking during off-peak months presents some challenges you may face.

Monsoon (June– early September): Summer in Nepal brings continuous rainfall, treacherous and slippery trekking trails, and frequent flight revocations.

Winter (Late December–February): Marked by bitter cold and limited open facilities, winter trekking offers an isolated, serene experience best suited for seasoned adventurers.

Beginners to Everest Base Camp Trek

It is feasible for beginners and newbies to successfully undertake the trek to Everest Base Camp in Nepal if they approach it with adequate preparation and the right mindset. Individuals with moderate physical fitness and capable of sustaining five to six hours of daily walking can complete the journey without requiring technical mountaineering expertise.

At Escape Himalaya, we have successfully organized treks for teenagers and seniors in their late 60s and 70s, proving that age is not a limiting factor. What truly determines success on the Everest trek is one's spirit, physical health condition, and mental solidity.

Solo Traveller

Trekking solo or independently in Nepal's Everest region is officially permitted. However, solo traveling proposes several challenges, like arranging logistics, securing rooms, high altitude, unpredictable weather, and obtaining trekking permits efficiently.

Our team experts highly recommend hiring a local guide to reduce risks and ensure safety during the trip. A guided trek ensures better acclimatization (2 rest days), quick assistance in emergencies (such as helicopter evacuation), flexibility, and a well-planned itinerary tailored to the trekker's fitness level.

For reference, we, Escape Himalaya, only organize guided tours and treks in Nepal, including Everest.

About Flights to Lukla Airport

Flights from Kathmandu to Lukla are the primary entrance for trekkers heading to the Everest region, offering a quick yet thrilling way to begin the adventure to Everest Base Camp. The flight to Luka airstrip typically takes around 25-30 minutes, aviating the 138-kilometer distance between Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM) in Kathmandu and Tenzing-Hillary Airport (LUA) in Lukla, one of the most exciting and challenging airports in the world, known for its noticeably short, steep runway nestled in the mountains.

Three leading airlines serve this route: Tara Airlines, Summit Airlines, and  Sita Air. These flights generally depart in the morning, with the first flights around 6:00 AM, and typically run until 10:00 AM. However, due to the unpredictable weather conditions in the Himalayas, flights can often be delayed or canceled, particularly in winter and during the monsoon season. It's essential to be flexible with your schedule and have contingency plans in case of flight disruptions.

During peak trekking seasons (Spring and Autumn), flights to Lukla are often re-routed to Manthali Airport (Rammechhap) because of heavy air traffic at Kathmandu Airport. Trekkers must take a 4-5 hour drive from Kathmandu to Manthali airport for an early morning departure. In non-peak seasons (Winter and Monsoon), flights usually operate directly from Kathmandu but are more prone to weather-related issues.

Weight Limit For Lukla Flight

The weight limit for luggage on flights from Kathmandu/Ramechhap to Lukla is usually 15 kilograms (33 pounds) per passenger. The airlines strictly enforce this limit due to the aircraft's small size and limited cargo capacity.

Preparing for the flight to Lukla requires careful attention to the weight limit due to the small aircraft used for these flights. Passengers are allowed to carry additional weight in the form of hand luggage, but it also has a limit of 5 kilograms (11 pounds). If you exceed the weight limit, you may be required to pay additional fees depending on the airline.

Altitude Sickness

Altitude sickness, commonly called Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) at Everest Base Camp, occurs when the body fails to adapt to reduced oxygen levels at high elevations.

Symptoms typically manifest above 2,500 meters and include headaches, loss of hunger, trouble sleeping, unclear vision sights, vomiting (nausea), difficulty breathing, fast heartbeat movement, and exhaustion (or tiredness).

While these symptoms are common, severe cases may escalate into High Altitude Pulmonary Edema (HAPE) or High Altitude Cerebral Edema (HACE). The risk of AMS while trekking to Everest Base Camp is significantly lower than climbing Mount Everest.

However, not all trekkers experience AMS, as individual susceptibility varies based on physical conditioning, prior trekking experience, ascent rate, and acclimatization practices. Those who ascend too rapidly, particularly without proper acclimatization, are at significantly higher risk.

To avoid mountain sickness, we recommend taking medicine (Acetazolamide or Diamox) a day before ascending to high elevation, particularly at Namche Bazaar, until you arrive at a high altitude.

If you suffer from altitude sickness, you don't need to worry. Our guide will initially assess your condition (our guides are equipped with an oximeter to check your cardiac rate and oxygen level), make you rest where you are or descend to lower elevations, serve fluids (drinking water or hot beverages if teahouses are nearby), administer medication (Diamox), and in critical cases, they will directly contact our head office in Nayabazzar for emergency helicopter evacuation.

Travel Insurance

Travel insurance is mandatory to trek to the Everest Base Camp, as it protects you from financial losses due to medical emergencies, accidents, and trip disruptions. The trek involves high altitudes, unpredictable weather, and a remote location, making access to medical care challenging.

What Travel Insurance Should Cover

• Medical Emergencies
• Accidents & Injuries
• Emergency Evacuations – Helicopter rescue services in case of severe altitude sickness or serious medical emergencies.
• Personal Liability
• Lost or Stolen Belongings
• Trip Interruptions & Flight Cancellations
• 24/7 Emergency Assistance

Important Considerations

Ensure your policy covers trekking up to at least 5,500 meters.
Confirm if coverage includes domestic flight cancellations, as flights from Lukla are often postponed or canceled due to weather.

Permits for Everest Base Camp Trekking - 2025

To trek to Everest Base Camp in 2025, you'll need the following permits:

Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit: A national park permit that costs $30 for foreign nationals, $15 for Indian and SAARC nationals, and Rs. 100 for Nepal nationals. You can get this permit at the national park entry checkpost at Monjo.

Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Entrance Permit: A local permit costs $20. You can get this trekking permit in Lukla or Monjo. This permit is not available in Kathmandu.

Other permit information

The TIMS (Trekkers' Information Management System) card is no longer required to trek to Everest Base Camp.

You may need additional permits if you choose a different route or want to climb specific peaks.

After you complete your booking with us, Escape Himalaya, we will arrange all the necessary trekking permits for Everest Trek.

Accommodation

Hotel, Guesthouse, and Teahouses

Accommodation in Kathmandu

During your stay in Kathmandu (2 nights), you will be accommodated in a 3-star category hotel in the Thamel area (a popular tourist hub), where all essential amenities: hot showers, Wi-Fi, and electricity—are available. You can leave extra items not required for the trek and retrieve them after you return to Kathmandu.

If you wish to upgrade to a 4- or 5-star category hotel, we can arrange it for you at an additional cost (varies by hotel). Please inform us in advance if you have a preferred option in mind so we can make the necessary arrangements. During peak season, accommodation availability is limited.

Accommodation during the Everest Base Camp Trek

Trekkers can find teahouses, guesthouses, lodges, hotels, and tented camps as accommodation options along the Everest Base Camp Trek. In the lower elevations, private rooms are readily available in most teahouses. We provide twin-sharing rooms in the best available lodges, with attached bathrooms and hot showers at Lukla, Phakding, and Namche for added comfort. However, as the trek ascends, facilities turn more basic, offering only essential amenities.

Local families often run Mountain lodges in the Everest Region. Rooms typically feature twin beds, basic furniture, and standard bedding (pillows and blankets) for restful goodnight's sleep. The communal dining area, the heart of the teahouse, serves as a gathering spot for trekkers to enjoy their meals, share a hot oven, and engage in conversation.

Electricity and Wi-Fi are available at an extra cost but not in individual rooms; they work near the communal dining areas. It is heated by a traditional firewood stove fitted with a chimney, offering a reprieve from the glacial cold of the high-altitude terrain.

Meals on the Trek

Kathmandu (Breakfast), During Trek (Full Board meals)

Food and Drinks

Traveling with us, you'll experience a wide range of delicious meals (Local cuisines to international delights) available along the trekking route. The trip package price includes three daily meals (Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner) with a cup of tea/coffee, with dining options available. Trekkers can select their preferred meals from teahouse menus along the Everest trails. Our guides will take you to the best available teahouses.

Tea options include black tea, milk tea, lemon tea, mint tea, ginger tea, and peppermint tea. Other drinks include hot chocolate, black coffee, milk coffee, and freshly brewed filter coffee.

Note: Alcohols are not included but available at extra costs, but we strongly advise against consuming them in higher altitudes.

Breakfast

A good breakfast is vital for maintaining energy during long trekking days. Standard options include Tibetan bread (Kur)/Chapati/toast/French toast served with butter, jam, and vegetable curry. Other options include pancakes, porridge, and eggs in different styles.

Lunch & Dinner

Popular meals include Dal Bhat, a combination of steamed rice, lentils, vegetables, spinach, pickles, and gundruk, often served with unlimited refills. Momos, either steamed or fried dumplings, are a favorite among trekkers. Spaghetti with tomato sauce and cheese is also widely available. Other everyday meals include garlic soup, Tsampa, Shakpa, pizza, Thukpa, and meat dishes.

Food Tips

Vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free meals are available, and we recommend informing us in advance if you have dietary restrictions.

Avoid raw or unpeeled foods to prevent stomach issues. Drink only boiled, hot, filtered, or bottled water; never consume untreated water from streams or taps. Using insulated water bottles is recommended to prevent freezing at higher altitudes. Always check for fresh and hygienically prepared meals at teahouses. Limiting caffeine and alcohol intake can help with better acclimatization.

Drinking Water

Drinking water is accessible along the Everest trekking route. Drinking fluids during the trek is vital to maintaining your body's hydration level and avoiding mountain sickness. At least three to four ltrs of water should be enough for daily trekking intake.

Bottled Water

Although bottled water is the most convenient option, it is not environmentally agreeable. You can carry your water bottle, refill it, and filter/sterilize it to drink. Boiled water is the safest and most convenient option. Most guesthouses will serve it at some cost, which is excellent for warding off the cold. Cold, untreated tap water is free and not recommended.

Internet and Wi-Fi Availability

Internet and Wi-Fi are available at various points along the Everest Base Camp Trek, but the signal is never 100% guaranteed. Most lodges and teahouses provide Wi-Fi, though the connection quality and data speed vary. As you ascend, the cost of Wi-Fi increases. Since there are no teahouses or network coverage, Wi-Fi is unavailable at Everest Base Camp.

Several internet cafés along the route help you stay connected. One lies in Lukla, and several are in Namche Bazaar. After that, a few scatters along the trail, including a reliable one in Dingboche and Gorakshep. However, these cafés can be unreliable, with frequent signal issues and downtime.

Most guesthouses offer Wi-Fi, but it costs more than internet cafés. However, they allow trekkers to stay connected at an increased price.

Everest Link or Nepal Air-Link provides internet service along the route and is the most cost-effective option. However, its availability is limited. You can purchase an Everest Link or Air Link access card at guesthouses along the trail. Since the same provider serves the entire region, all Wi-Fi connections go down if Everest Link experiences an outage.

Mobile Network Coverage

Mobile network coverage on the EBC Hike varies depending highly on elevation, weather conditions, and location.

In lower altitudes, such as Kathmandu, Lukla, Namche Bazaar, Tengboche, and Dingboche, network coverage is generally strong, allowing for reliable communication.

However, as you ascend to higher altitudes, the signal weakens and fluctuates, and in remote areas like Gorakshep and Everest Base Camp, connectivity becomes unreliable or nonexistent.

Two major mobile network providers operate in Nepal: Nepal Telecom (NTC/Namaste) and Ncell.

NTC is recommended for the Everest region, as it provides better coverage at higher altitudes but may have slower data speeds.

Ncell, on the other hand, is known for faster data services but offers weaker coverage in remote mountain areas.

Recently, NTC upgraded its 4G services in major villages (Lukla, Namche Bazaar, Dingboche, and Pheriche).

Where to buy a Nepal SIM card?

SIM cards for both providers are available at Kathmandu Airport, where service counters are available for travelers to purchase a local SIM card.

Satellite Phones: Available for rent at specific locations, providing a reliable backup when mobile networks fail.

Electricity

Electricity is available while trekking to the Everest Base Camp but can be limited. The trek's lower section (Lukla, Phakding, Namche) runs electricity by hydropower, and the upper section of remote lodges highly depends on solar energy or generators, which run only for a few hours in the evening.

Charging stations for charging devices are near the reception area or dining hall. The teahouse owner charges around US$ 3 to 7  (NPR 200-500 ) per device. It depends on the elevation of the places.

Note: Carry a power bank with extra batteries. Bring a universal travel adapter.

Toilet Facilities

Trekkers can find modern (Western-style commode) and Asian-style (squat or sit-down) toilets along Nepal's Everest Base Camp Trek. The type of toilet facilities varies by location and elevation.

In lower altitudes such as Lukla, Phakding, and Namche, travelers can find modern flush toilets (Western-style) with hot shower facilities in some teahouses, hotels, and lodges.

As you ascend to higher elevations, toilet facilities become more simple. In places like Lobuche and Gorakshep, there are shared squat toilets in guesthouses.

Special Note: If you need to use a toilet while trekking in areas without teahouses, inform your guide. They will help you find the nearest available facility. If no teahouses are nearby, look for a private spot behind bushes or large stones.

For those camping in the Everest region, a toilet tent is a portable toilet with a bucket inside. Everest Base Camp has no permanent bathrooms, so trekkers must use portable toilets for urination or defecation.

For personal hygiene, carry essential toiletries, including good-quality soap, sanitary pads (for female travelers), hand sanitizer, toilet paper, wet wipes, and other necessary items for convenience.

Laundry

Laundry services are available but at additional cost only at lower elevations (Namche Bazaar). The quality and availability vary.
Most teahouses along the trek route offer hand-washing facilities and some offer professional laundry services for a fee.

Packing List for Everest Base Camp Trek

Here, we have listed what you may need for the Everest Base Camp hiking in Nepal. During the non-peak season, mainly in winter (December to February), you must pack extra layers of warmer clothing.
We provide all the trekkers sleeping bags, duffle bags of a 75-liter capacity, down jackets, and a map of Everest Base Camp Trek during the pre-trip meeting at a hotel in Kathmandu.

General

• Duffel or Rucksack Bag: (Provided by us)
• Day Pack (20-22 Liter) with multiple sections
• Down Jacket: (Provided by us if required)
• 4 Seasons Sleeping Bag: (Provided by us if required)
• Extra Batteries/Power Bank
• Charger for Devices
• Travel Adapter
• Bag Covers

Upper Body (Head)

• Sun hat or cap
• Sunglasses with UV protection
• Scarf  and Headbands which cover ears (Highly recommended)
• Headlamp
• Sunglasses

Lower Body

• T-shirt
• Fleece jackets
• Light and warm Thermal tops
• Hiking/Trekking pants
• Waterproof, windproof shell
• Hiking shorts
• Insulated Vest

Hands

• Lightweight and heavyweight gloves or Mittens
• Hand warmer

Feet

• Wool or technical fabric warm socks
• Hiking socks
• Waterproof Trekking boots
• Micro Spikes (For trekking in the winter season)
• Casual shoes
• Gaiters

Undergarments

• Breathable and moisture-wicking undergarments.
• Sports bras (for female travelers)
• Comfortable sleeping clothes

First Aid Kits and Medications

• Sunscreen (High SPF)
• Moisturizer
• Lip balm
• ointment
• Cough Syrup (recommended for Khumbu Cough)
• Mosquito repellent cream (for Kathmandu and Phakding)
• We do provide a basic medical kit, which your guide will carry. However, bring your medications.

Other Essentials

• Passport
• Extra copies of passport-sized photos
• Reusable water bottle
• Toiletry kits
• Water purifier (Carried by your guide)
• Hydration bladder
• Large plastic bags
• Light personal Towel
• Toilet paper
• Portable Hand sanitizer
• Dry fruits, snacks, or protein bars
• Waterproof bags (Ziploc bags) for important documents, cards, and cash
• Airline tickets (Leave a copy at the hotel in KTM)

Optional

• Power banks
• Cameras with additional memory and mobile phone
• Game Card
• Pee bottle/ pee funnel for women
• Trekking poles
• Thermos for hot boiled water
• Notebook and Pen

Nepal Everest Base Camp Trekking Costs

The cost of Mount Everest Base Camp trek in Nepal ranges from $1500 to $5000  depending on your designed level of comfort, trekking style (Solo independent or guided), duration, trekking packages (Short, Standard, and Luxury) including permits, government taxes, Round-trip flights (Kathmandu to Lukla), accommodation, meals, cost of guides and porters, equipment rental or buying, Travel insurance, visa fees, and other personal expenses.

Everest Base Camp Trek Cost With Escape Himalaya

Our 14-day, 13-night Everest Base Camp Trek costs $1,420 per person, with group discounts available.

1 Person             US$ 1420
2 - 4 Person        US$ 1345
5 - 9 Person        US$ 1230
10 - 15 Person    US$ 1180

The EBC package includes airport transfers, a 3-star hotel in Kathmandu, domestic flights, meals, permits, an experienced guide, porters, and accommodation with hot showers at select locations.

Additional perks include Escape Himalaya gear, seasonal fruits, a first-aid kit, and government taxes.

Extra Expenses

For an Everest Base Camp trek, we recommend carrying an additional $200-$250 (NRS 25,000 - NRS 30,000) in cash beyond your pre-booked costs to cover unexpected expenses like snacks, hot showers, Wi-Fi, electronic charging, small souvenirs, and tips for your guide and porter, with a daily spending range of roughly $20-$30.

Always carry extra cash for unforeseen situations like weather delays or medical emergencies.

Money Exchange

You can exchange money in Nepal at banks, Kathmandu airports, money changers in Thamel, and some towns along the Everest Base Camp trek. Major banks and credit unions offer fair exchange rates for foreign currency. In Kathmandu, money changers are available in the Thamel area, providing convenient services.

You can exchange money in Lukla and Namche Bazaar along the trek, but rates may not be as favorable as in Kathmandu Valley. Many lodges and teahouses also accept US dollars, though exchange rates may vary. It's best to exchange enough Nepalese Rupees in Kathmandu before starting the trek to avoid higher rates or limited availability in the mountains.