The Everest Base Camp Trek is one of the popular, classic as well as challenging trek situated in Khumbu, Nepal. There are two base camps on either side of Mount Everest (the highest mountain in the world) i.e. south base camp and north base camp. The south base camp (5,364m)is in Nepal, while the North base camp (5,150m) is in China. However, south base camp is the most preferred base camp for trekking.
Best time for EBC trek
There is mainly two most preferred time for trekking which is pre-monsoon and post-monsoon i.e. March-May and October-November. It’s also possible to go on other seasons but this time is mostly preferred due to its weather and comfortable temperature.
EBC trek route and length
The trip to EBC trek begins from the beautiful capital city of Nepal, Kathmandu. You have two routes option for completing this trek; either by direct flight from Kathmandu to Lukla or by driving to Jiri and trekking for 2-3 days to Lukla. I recommend you to take direct flight to Lukla as it will save time and provide you comfortable journey.
On the flight to Lukla, you can enjoy the stunning views of snow-capped mountains and different cultural sites. After your arrival at Lukla, you can enjoy the popular tea of Lukla by enjoying the serene Himalayas region.
From Lukla, you will trek further towards Namche Bazzar via Phakding by making a few ascends and descends. You can explore the beautiful Sherpa villages in this region. Then, we will head towards Tengboche and Dingboche. We will pay visit to popular Tengboche monastery and explore the various monasteries.
From GorekShep, you will trek towards Everest Base Camp and Kala Patther. The trail consists of combination of flat and icy path. It is crucial for you to pay attention while walking around base camp as the galceirs might hurt you. Kala Patther is major attraction of this trek from where bird-eye view of the Mt. Everest can be observed.
A sample of the itinerary is given below:
- Day 1: Arrive at Tribhuwan International Airport, Kathmandu
- Day 2: Fly from Kathmandu to Lukla airport(2,850m) and trek to reach Phakding which takes 4 hours(9km).
- Day 3: Trek fromPhakding to Namche Bazar(3440m); Total duration: 6 hours(12km)
- Day 4: Acclimatization day, rest day. Explore the area.
- Day 5: Trek from Namche Bazaar to Tengboche(3860m); Total duration:6 hours(12km)
- Day 6: Trek from Tengboche to Dingboche(4410m); Total duration: 6 hours(12km)
- Day 7:Acclimatization day, rest day. Explore the area- like view of the mountain.
- Day 8: Trek from Dingboche to Lobuche(4940m). Total duration: 5-6 hours(12km)
- Day 9: Trek from Lobuche to GorakShep, visit EBC(5600m) and back to GorakShep. Total duration: 9hours(15km)
- Day 10: Trek from GorakShep to Kala Patthar(5643m) and also to Pheriche. Total duration: 7-8 hours(13km)
- Day 11: Trek from Pheriche back to Namche Bazaar. The total journey today will take about 8 hours.
- Day 12: The last day of trekking where you trek from Namche Bazaar to Lukla which will take time about 8 hours
- Day 13: Fly back to Kathmandu
- Day 14: Departure
Altitude sickness
It is a disorder that is caused by being at a high altitude from sea level where oxygen levels are very low so it may occur while trekking on EBC. It sometimes may also be caused by dehydration, alcohol consumption, lack of sleep. If you experience symptoms like headache, dizziness, nausea, shortness of breathing you must stop trek and rest until you are fine. Altitude sickness must be taken seriously.
Difficulties during EBC
Trekking on EBC is not too difficult. There might be some difficulties if you do not pay attention to some of the things like a proper meal, a proper sleep, rest. You might miss your luxurious life which might be difficult sometimes. You might suffer from altitude sickness. It might be difficult if you don’t have a proper guide. Otherwise, EBC trekking is not a very difficult task.
Permits counter of EBC
You must pay a certain permit cost on the Khumbu Rural Municipality permit counter, which is on Lukla or if you are hiking from Jiri you have to take a permit from Sagarmatha National Park permit counter.
-Article written by: Kusum Kharel for Land Nepal