Everest Base Camp Tour Packages

Everest Base Camp Tour Overview

There are mountains, and then there’s Mount Everest. In a league of its own, Mount Everest, at slightly over 29,031 feet, is the highest mountain on Earth. Located in the Himalayan range in Nepal, this world-famous peak begs trekkers, mountaineers, and adventurists to explore, with the Mt. Everest Base Camp (BC) route being the most sought-after. The trek takes you through breathtaking quaint villages and landscapes of snow-capped summits all around. The Mt. Everest BC trek is challenging but worth it for the incredible views and the sense of accomplishment.

Country Name and location

• Country Name: Nepal

• Location: Solukhumbu District, Sagarmatha National Park

• Duration: 12-14 days

• Trekking Distance: 81 miles (130 km)

• Difficulty: Challenging

• Guide: Yes

Visa Requirements for Traveling to Everest Base Camp in Nepal

U.S. citizens need a tourist visa for Nepal, which can be applied for online before your trip or obtained upon arrival at Kathmandu's Tribhuvan International Airport. The visa on arrival is valid for 15, 30, or 90 days. Make sure to bring some passport-sized photos and cash for the fee. U.S. citizens also need a Trekkers' Information Management System (TIMS) card and a Sagarmatha National Park entry permit, both of which are mandatory for the Everest Base Camp trek.

Which currencies are accepted at Everest Base Camp in Nepal?

For Everest Base Camp, you'll mainly need Nepali Rupees (NPR) since they are the local currency. It's best to carry cash because ATMs are scarce, and not all places accept cards. However, some teahouses and trekking agencies might accept US dollars, especially in the more touristy spots. Just make sure to exchange enough Rupees before you start your trek to avoid any unexpected surprises!

What are the Major Attractions of the Everest Base Camp Trek in Nepal?

The major attractions of the Everest Base Camp Trek in Nepal start in Lukla, which is the gateway town for the trek. Lukla has the distinction of having one of the most dangerous airports in the world. From Lukla, trek through the beautiful Sagarmatha National Park, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site and home to a variety of wildlife, including the elusive snow leopard and red panda. Within the densely forested foliage, there are gorges and rivers. Along the way, you'll pass through picturesque Sherpa villages like Namche Bazaar and Tengboche, where you can visit the famous Tengboche Monastery. Throughout the journey to reach Everest Base Camp, views of Everest, Lhotse, and Ama Dablam peaks are stunning including when you finally reach the base of the world’s highest peak.

• Lukla

• Phakding

• Sagarmatha National Park

• Namche Bazaar

• Tengboche Monastery

• Gorak Shep

• Everest Base Camp

Main Trekking Routes to Everest Base Camp

The most popular and classic route is the Everest Base Camp Trek via Lukla. It is the route once taken by Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay and trekkers aiming to reach Everest Base Camp and summit Mount Everest from the south. Covering a distance of about 81 miles (130 km), you start the classic EBC Trek by flying into Lukla and trekking through places like Namche Bazaar and Tengboche, soaking in the Sherpa culture and awesome mountain views along the way.

Another option is the Everest Base Camp Trek via Jiri, which is a longer and less-traveled route covering 130 miles (210 km). It starts from Jiri town, southeast of Lukla, and takes you through more remote villages before joining the main trail to Everest Base Camp near Phakding or Lukla. This route offers more gradual acclimatization due to the lower starting point and is less crowded than the Lukla route.

Best Months and Seasons for an Everest Base Camp Trek

Spring and Fall, from March to May and September to November, are the best months for the Everest Base Camp trek. These months offer good weather with clear skies and milder temperatures without snowfall or monsoon rains, making it ideal for trekking. You'll also get the best views of the Himalayas during these months.

What are some of the best things to do at the Everest Base Camp?

1. Reach Everest Base Camp: First and foremost, actually reaching Everest Base Camp is a huge achievement. Snap some photos by the iconic EBC marker and soak in the surreal atmosphere.

2. Climb Kala Patthar: Definitely hike up Kala Patthar for the best panoramic views of Everest. It’s a tough climb, especially early in the morning, but the sunrise over the Himalayas is absolutely worth it!

3. Make Friends: Chatting with trekkers and sherpas and hearing their stories can be really inspiring. It’ll definitely give you a deeper appreciation for the mountaineering community.

4. Visit Tengboche Monastery: On the way to EBC, visit the Tengboche Monastery. It’s the largest monastery in the Khumbu region and offers stunning views of the mountains. The ambiance at the monastery is serene and spiritual.

 5. Explore Sagarmatha National Park: The Sagarmatha National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage site that houses native natural wonders, including flora, fauna, and wildlife, amid incredible landscapes.

Permits for Everest Base Camp Trek

Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit: Required to enter Sagarmatha National Park, where Everest Base Camp is located.

Trekkers' Information Management System (TIMS) Card: This card is required for all trekkers attempting the EBC trek to track their whereabouts. Both these permits are mandatory for trekking to Everest Base Camp and can be obtained through registered trekking agencies or directly from the Department of Immigration in Kathmandu.

What are the transportation options for the Everest Base Camp Trek?

When it comes to getting to Everest Base Camp, there are a couple of transportation options. You can take a flight from Kathmandu to Lukla, which is about a 30-minute flight. Lula is from where you begin the EBC trek. If you're up for a longer journey and a scenic approach, you can also trek all the way from Jiri, which adds a few extra days but takes you through some really picturesque parts of Nepal. For a quicker but pricier option, commercial helicopter tours are available to Everest Base Camp.

Everest Base Camp Trek Cost

The EBC trek is comparatively affordable compared to other hiking tours worldwide. A rough estimate for the total cost of trekking to Everest Base Camp can range from $1,600 to upwards of $5,000 per person, depending on the type of EBC trekking tour package you opt for. At AdventureTripr, we customize an Everest tour for you that fits your budget.

What level of physical fitness is required to trek Everest Base Camp?

To prepare for Mount Everest BC, start as early as six months prior to the trek. Focus on building your cardiovascular endurance and leg strength. Exercises like running, cycling, or hiking will build stamina. Strength training exercises like squats, lunges, and step-ups will build muscle strength. EBC also requires mental toughness. Meditation and visualization exercises will build mental resilience. These exercises, along with a regulated diet, will help you be in good physical and mental shape to handle the demands of the trek.

Everest Base Camp Trekking Tips and Advice

Physical Fitness

• Good

Packing Essentials

• Layered clothing (thermal base layers, insulating mid-layers, and waterproof outer layers)

• A down jacket for warmth

• Waterproof pants and jacket

• Sturdy, broken-in trekking boots

• Hat and gloves

• Thermal sleeping bag for cold temperatures

• Sunglasses with UV protection

• First aid kit

Hydration and Nutrition

• Hydration is key at high altitudes. Bring a reusable water bottle with a filter and electrolyte sachets, and pack snacks like nuts, energy bars, and dried fruit.

Trekking Pace

• Taking it slow and acclimatizing properly helps to avoid altitude sickness

Communication Devices

• Think of getting a satellite phone. Also, consider a local SIM card and a portable charger for emergencies.

Choose the right season

• The best times for an EBC trek are before the monsoon (March to May) and after the monsoon (late September to November).

Everest Base Camp Accommodation

The type of accommodation you stay in depends on the Mount Everest Base Camp package that you choose. Here are some accommodation options for EBC:

Teahouses and Lodges

• Found in almost every village on the EBC trek, teahouses and lodges are rustic, with basic rooms and bathrooms that may be shared.

Luxury Lodges

• Luxury lodges are available in places like Namche Bazaar, Tengboche, and others for a bit more comfort and money. These come with more amenities like private bathrooms and even Wi-Fi!

Camping

• If you’re really up for a challenging adventure, there are designated campsites with tented accommodation and meals.

Gorak Shep

• Gorak Shep is the last settlement and a critical point on the Everest Base Camp trek. Accommodations here are very basic, with shared facilities.

Frequently Asked Questions:

 Question: When is the best time to do the EBC trek?

Answer: Although the destinations in lower altitudes can be trekked throughout the year, Spring (February to May) and Autumn (October to December) are the best times to trek in high altitudes. Nepal receives monsoon rain from June through September, which is not a great time for the EBC trek.

Question: What role does weather play on the Mount Everest Base Camp trek?

Answer: Unfavorable weather conditions can lead to the Kathmandu-Lukla flight being delayed or canceled by a couple of days. Such conditions may arise even in the best seasons. Hence, in such cases, you must be prepared for long waits either at Kathmandu or Lukla airports, as this can happen either at the start or end of the trek or even both!  

Question: How can I avoid altitude sickness?

Answer: Altitude produces physical changes in the body. The higher you go, the more pronounced those changes. If you gain a lot of elevation quickly, then you experience dizziness, nausea, headaches, and dehydration. The AdventureTripr group leader is trained to recognize Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS). If a trekker shows any signs of AMS, they will be evacuated to a lower, safe altitude immediately. To minimize the effects of altitude, you ascend slowly, which allows for safe acclimatization.  

Question: How can I upgrade the accommodation for my Mount Everest Base Camp package?

Answer: Contact us for more information at team@adventuretripr.com to upgrade your accommodation.

Question: What is excluded from the Everest Base Camp trip cost?

Answer: International flights, visas, tips for guides and porters, mandatory travel and medical insurance, and personal expenses while on the EBC trek.