Everest Base Camp is the ultimate destination for any trekkers. The travel will take one closest to the highest peak, but Everest Base Camp budget trek is close to exploring the unique Himalayan lifestyle. One gets to explore the unique culture of the local inhabitants of the Everest region; the Sherpas are known for their elite climbing skills.
Following in the footsteps of early climbers, the trek is a must for any adventure seekers. The trip offers not only a chance to see the natural beauty of the Khumbu region but also a pilgrimage thanks to Buddhist chants, prayer wheels, prayer flags, and numerous Buddhist temples along the way.
The 17-day Everest Base Camp Trek begins when you arrive in Kathmandu. After touring Kathmandu, the journey continues to the Everest. The UNESCO world heritage monuments of Kathmandu Durbar Square (an architectural marvel), Swayambhunath Temple (an ancient Buddhist complex), Boudhanath (home to Nepal’s biggest mandala), and Pashupatinath Temple (one of the holiest sites of Hindus as a place of pilgrimage of Lord Shiva) are among the city’s many attractions.
From Kathmandu, a short but exhilarating flight brings you to Lukla, where the trip officially begins. Passing via Namche Bazar, Tengboche, Pheriche, Lobuche, and Gorakshep, one will arrive at Kalapatthar and the base camp the next day.
Kalapatthar is undoubtedly the most stunning of the trek’s numerous beautiful locations. At an elevation of 5,664 meters, Kalapatthar is the highest point on the journey, with panoramic views of Mount Everest (8848.86 meters), Ama Dablam (6,812 meters), Lhotse (8,516 meters), Nuptse (7,861 meters), Pumori (7,165 meters), Lobuche (6,145 meters), and the Khumbu glacier.
Likewise, Tengboche features a big statue of Shakyamuni Buddha erected in 1916. Similarly, the Sherpa’s Mani Rimdu Festival is held here.
The trek is an opulent retreat in the Himalayan Foothill Trekking is a year-round activity. Spring and fall are the finest times to visit. The ambiance is the best during these seasons, with sunny days and mild temperatures.
This is a somewhat challenging hike, but this journey requires no prior training or expertise. Because the highest point is 5,664 m, altitude sickness is a risk. So, acclimate at Namche and Pheriche and relax as much as possible on this walk.
An alternative to this adventure is an Everest base camp helicopter tour with a landing
Special Nepal Tibet and tour package. For a Nepal visa to do the Everest trek, please visit this link.
Highlights of Everest Base Camp budget trek Itinerary, 2022, 2023
Sightseeing in Kathmandu Valley, home to seven UNESCO world heritage sites
A chance to experience and witness the lifestyle of the Sherpas, a hardy people who have gained an international reputation as skilled mountaineers
Mesmerizing views of the Eastern Himalayas and a visit to the base camp of the highest peak in the world, Mount Everest (8,848.86 m/ 29,031.7 ft)
Travel through seeing the biodiversity of Sagarmatha National Park, a UNESCO world heritage site. Observe the adorable red panda, the elusive snow leopard, the Himalayan Thar, and impressive birds like the Impeyan pheasant, blood pheasant, red billed cough, and others in their natural habitats
A visit to the frigid ice of Khumbu Glacier, the highest glacier in the world, and an up-close view of the Khumbu Icefalls
Visit remote monasteries filled with beautiful murals, paintings, and practices of Vajrayana Buddhism, including Tengboche Monastery, where the unique Mani Rimdu Festival is celebrated, Namche Monastery, Deboche Monastery, and others.
Trip Facts of Everest Base Camp Budget Trek package, cost, Itinerary, 2022, 2023
Kala Patthar (5,545 m/ 18,192 ft) is the highest point of the trip and an excellent viewpoint of the Himalayas.
At an elevation of 5,164 m/ 16,942 ft, Gorakshep is the highest human settlement in the world, although it is uninhabited during the peak winter months. It was the base camp for the first ascent of Mount Everest.
Tenzing–Hillary Airport is often called ‘the most dangerous airport globally.’ It was built under the supervision of Sir Edmund Hillary in 1964. According to local legend, he was unsatisfied with the state of the runway. To remedy this, he bought liquor for the local Sherpa and asked them to perform a foot-stomping dance to flatten the runway.
The only people allowed to overnight at Everest Base Camp are the mountain climbers and Everest marathon groups.
There are two Base Camps for Mount Everest. The South Base Camp is in Nepal at an altitude of 5,364 m/ 17,598 ft, and the North Base Camp is in Tibet, China, at an altitude of 5,150 m/ 16,900 ft.
The best time for this trip is between March to May and September to November when weather conditions are stable and mild. In monsoon, the trails become slippery and unstable, whereas in the winter months, most routes are blocked off, and lodges at higher altitudes are closed.
Where is Everest Base Camp?
There are two base camps on either side of Mount Everest. The South Base Camp is in Nepal at an elevation of 5,364 m/17,598 ft. It is positioned above the plain fields of Gorakshep and below the Khumbu Icefalls. It lies at a hiking distance of about 63 kilometers from the nearest airport, Tenzing-Hillary Airport, Lukla Airport. The North Base Camp is located in Tibet.
Everest Base Camp History
Climbers first entered the shadow of Everest in 1920, when a team under English mountaineer George Mallory arrived at its slopes to map the Northern face. This team did not establish a permanent base camp, and the Chinese invasion of Tibet in 1949 dashed all hopes of conquering Everest from that side.
Nepal had begun allowing a few expeditions into the mountain by this time. In 1953, a British Expedition under George Lowe attempted another ascent. As we all know, they were successful, with the team consisting of Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay finally conquering the summit.
This expedition was composed of over 400 people. This number included 362 porters and 20 Sherpa guides. The trip had to haul supplies from the Khumbu Valley, and their baggage added up to 4,500 kilograms. Due to the hardships involved along this lengthy supply line, Hillary and Norgay figured storing supplies at the mountain base was a better alternative. Thus, the Everest Base Camp was established for the convenience of climbers hoping to take on Everest.
Budget Tour duration to Everest Base Camp, package, cost, Itinerary, 2022, 2023
The typical itinerary to Everest Base Camp is planned for 12 days, with two days included for acclimatization. This itinerary is designed with a short flight to Lukla. Note that this schedule does not account for flight delays. Trekkers strapped for time can complete the trek in 10 days by cutting the time slotted for acclimatization, although this is not recommended due to the associated risks.
Which documents are required for a trip to Nepal?
For a trip to Nepal, you will require the following documents: –
A vaccination certificate showing a full dose of vaccination against COVID-19 was completed at least 14 days before entering Nepal. A COVID-19 test report shows negative results within the last 72 hours of boarding from the first airport if this condition is not met.
A printed copy of the International Traveler Online Arrival Form to be filled online (CCMC form)
A tourist visa
Nepal visas and how to enter Nepal
Before your arrival, you can obtain a tourist visa from the many Nepalese Diplomatic Missions. Else, you can get a visa on arrival by filling in an online form, paying the fee, and submitting them at the Immigration desk located at the airport.
Accommodation during Everest Base Camp Trek
Everest Base Camp Budget Trek is a tea house trekking. A network of lodges along the route provides you with food and shelter, so you do not have to carry camping supplies. Hotels and Tea houses at lower altitudes have more services and more choices. As you ascend, the services and choices grow limited.
The rooms along EBC are on a twin-sharing basis. A pillow and a warm, fuzzy blanket are provided. The average cost for a bed per night per person on the trekking trail is about USD 3. In contrast, a room with two beds will cost USD 5.
Drinking water on Everest Base Camp Trek
You can purchase mineral and hot water from tea houses. Mineral water is not recommended as they come in plastic bottles. Instead, carry a water bottle or thermos and buy hot water from teahouses. Most teahouses will sell hot water for cheaper than mineral water. Although there is spring or tap water, it is not recommended to drink from them. Purification systems such as LifeStraw, SteriPEN, and purification tablets are required if spring or tap water must be consumed.
Section 4
Bank, ATM, and Money Exchange in Everest Base Camp budget trek
You need local currency for Everest Base Camp Trek and travel in Nepal, as vendors are reluctant to accept foreign currency. Thus, you must exchange your foreign currency for Nepalese rupees. Money exchange is easy in Nepal. There are numerous exchange centers in Kathmandu. Foreign currency can also be exchanged at the airport or bank. You may not get a reasonable exchange rate on a hike, which may not be accepted. On this trek, ATMs are present in Namche Bazaar and Lukla.
The ATMs have a maximum cash withdrawal limit and are subject to exchange rates and service charges.
Banks in Nepal are open Sunday through Thursday from 10 am to 4 pm and Friday from 10 am to 3:30 pm. They are closed on Saturdays and public holidays. Hotels and restaurants in Kathmandu also accept credit cards, but in the EBC trail, most will not.
Phone, Internet, and Electricity in Everest Base Camp Trek
You will get network coverage to the Everest Base Camp on this trip. Getting a reliable connection, however, is a different matter. Two telecom companies are in EBC -Nepal Telecom (or Namaste) and Ncell. Nepal Telecom works best below Lukla, and Ncell reception is better above. Thus, purchasing both is recommended, as they are very cheap. Bad weather will affect your coverage. Satellite phones are also available in some teahouses.
Likewise, the internet is also available through the trip. Wi-Fi is available in many of the tea houses along the trail. However, you will have to pay a certain amount to use it at higher elevations. To use Wi-Fi, you must pay about USD 2 or 3. The reliability of Wi-Fi depends upon the altitude. Cellular data is an option, provided you get a reliable connection.
Electricity is available throughout the trek. In lower altitudes, settlements are connected to the national grid. However, the area is prone to power cuts sometimes. In higher altitudes, settlements are not connected to the national grid. In these areas, solar power is prevalent. Due to this, the power available has a low voltage. It may also not be available on cloudy days. You must pay about $2 -$3 per hour to use it.
Laundry during Everest Base Camp Budget Trek
You can get laundry services in Lukla and Namche Bazaar. Above these settlements, no such services are provided. However, you can buy hot water with which to wash your clothes.
Photography in Everest Base Camp Budget Trek
Although you are generally free to take photos, ask permission from the locals or your guide before doing so. This is because some monuments and items may not be photographed.
Fly drones are illegal in this region without a permit. This is because the Everest corridor is one of the busiest flying routes for helicopters in Nepal. To be authorized for the flight of a drone, you need: –
Permission from the Defense Ministry, Ministry of Home Affairs, Ministry of Culture, Tourism, and Civil Aviation, and the Ministry of Information and Communication, Biodata of the pilot with his proficiency certificate, a Map of the region where the drone will be used, the itinerary of the trip, as well as the site coordinates, and the date of flying a drone
An extra permit from the Sagarmatha National Park
Section 6
Fitness level required for Everest Base Camp Trek
The Everest Base Camp Trek requires a moderate fitness level. If you work out at the gym, jog, or swim regularly, you are more than equipped to handle anything this trek can throw at you.
You do not need to be saddened if you do not engage in physical activities regularly. If you can carry your weight for 5-6 hours, you have passed the minimum requirement for this trip. You need only follow the steps below to train your body and build your confidence for this trip.
How to prepare for the Everest Base Camp Trekking
Your body makes the trek; your mind urges it on.
Before you prepare, your body and mind must first be prepared to undertake the trip. You must subject your body to aerobic conditioning, elevation, and strength endurance training. You can quickly know what exercises to start doing from various sources on the internet.
Elevation training is also recommended. This means training at higher altitudes. This training is done at an elevation of over 2,400 m / 8,000 ft. To build confidence for the trip, you can hike shorter trails in your home country of Nepal.
Learn about the region and the trek
Your next step is to know more about this trek. You can simply contact us, and we are happy to provide you with any information you may require. You will need to gather information about the itinerary, the routes, and the best time to make the journey. Also, research the best travel insurance and replace any equipment.
Vaccinations and Medications
Your third step is to be up-to-date on your vaccinations. You can easily find the vaccinations recommended by both your Government and the Government of Nepal for an extended stay here on their respective websites. While at it, you can also get a general physical check-up from your doctor for a clean bill of health.
If you need to take some medicine regularly, it is wise to stock up on them, inform your group, and guide it. Stocking up on Diamox, a medicine for altitude sickness, is also prudent. You can quickly get them in Kathmandu without a doctor’s prescription, although be sure to consult your doctor beforehand.
Pack smart
Your fourth step is to pack for the trip. You must pack frugally and have trekking boots and proper clothes for cold weather. Your trekking boots must be perfect for your feet. You must break them in before the trip to avoid a mishap on the trail. Good jackets must also handle the high altitude and cold environment. Lightweight zip-off trekking pants will also make trekking a lot easier.
Health and Safety during Everest Base Camp Trek
At an altitude of 3,840 m / 12598 ft, the village of Kunde has a hospital that hosts 15 beds. It provides OPD, maternal and child health, and inpatient and outpatient services.
The village of Pheriche (4,250 m / 13,944 ft) hosts an aid post under The Himalayan Rescue Association. It is mainly concerned with treating and evacuating trekkers suffering from altitude sickness. It comprises a helipad and a concrete building used as a clinic. The Himalayan Rescue Association operates camps at base camps during the main climbing season in April / May.
Being a well-traveled trail, safety is not much of a concern in this trek. The primary threat to a trekker is attitude sickness.
Travel Insurance for Everest Base Camp Trek
Due to the outbreak of COVID-19, the Nepalese Government has decided to make travel insurance mandatory. The insurance must cover medical expenses, helicopter evacuation, and cancellation due to factors beyond one’s control, such as weather. It must also cover your return to your home country in the event of COVID-19.
When visiting Nepal, travel insurance should ideally cover medical costs, delayed departure, accidents and liability, lost baggage claims, etc.
Emergency contact during Everest Base Camp Trek
The EBC trail does not have a designated emergency contact number. As such, it is recommended that you hire a trekking agency, which will then provide you with a guide that can hail concerned authorities in an emergency.
Helicopter return from Everest Base Camp.
A helicopter flight back from Everest Base Camp is an expensive and unreliable affair. Due to the thin air at higher altitudes, helicopters operate at their limit. However, if you find yourself short on time, a helicopter return from Everest Base Camp is a great way. Bypassing the long and grueling days of trekking, the Heli return brings some of the most beautiful displays of natural beauty along the way.
Section 7
Fees and Payments for Everest Base Camp Trek
There is no fixed price for the Everest Base Camp trekking as many factors will affect the cost of your trip. However, the price will generally fall under 2000 USD if you spend prudently and up to 4500 USD if you opt for the more luxurious options. The cost for this trek can be broken down, for details please contact us.
Tourist Visa and Trekking permits
Accommodation and sightseeing in Kathmandu
Hiring a guide and/or porter
Flight to Lukla
Accommodation and sustenance on the trail
You can pay for your trek in 2-3 installments. However, a 25% down payment is required to guarantee your booking. However, if trekking for more than eight weeks, you must pay 50% in advance. The outstanding amount must be paid eight weeks before departure. Please read the payment terms for more information.
Everest Base Camp Trek Customization, package, cost, Itinerary, 2022, 2023
Usually, the Everest Base Camp trek lasts for 12 – 14 days if the flight to Lukla is not canceled. However, you can customize this itinerary in one of many ways to suit your needs.
If you are looking for a challenge in your trek, you can reduce the acclimatization days in your itinerary. However, this is not recommended for the faint of heart, as your chances of altitude sickness or Acute Mountain Sickness increase exponentially without a few days spent acclimatizing.
The typical itinerary takes you straight to Lukla, and you miss the fantastic trekking experience through lower Solukhumbu. If you want to walk through this amazing countryside, you can start the trek from Bhandar or Salleri, which you get to by taking a jeep. Regardless, you will get to enjoy a trail along stunning and heavily forested valleys, ancient Tibetan monasteries, and panoramic Sherpa villages.
If you want both the EBC trek adventure and the Gokyo trek’s tranquility, you can easily combine the two. You can trek to the tranquil lakes of the Gokyo valley, and it adds only 3-4 more days to your itinerary.
Similarly, if you feel that EBC is not challenging enough, you can take on the most strenuous trek of the region, the three passes trek. You will cross three rugged passes above 5,000 m / 16404 ft: Renjo La, Cho La, and Kongma La as you circle the entire Khumbu region in this grueling 24-day march.
What is the most effective way to contact you?
The most effective method to contact us is phone calls to our head offices. You can also email us at our official email address.
Write to us at: himalayaholidayservice@gmail.com.
Call us at +977 9851214548
Section 8
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a beginner do Everest Base Camp trekking?
Without a doubt, Everest Base Camp is a high-altitude trek, but if you can carry a light backpack and climb up and down for 4-5 hours per day, a beginner can undergo an EBC trek. A moderate degree of fitness is required for the trek.
Training such as jogging, cardio exercise, or swimming will enable you to handle the trek comfortably. Taking a shorter hike before undertaking this one would be the best way to build confidence for the trek. Children under six are not recommended because the trip ascends to 5,500 meters. However, you can participate in this hike with sufficient training and acclimatization.
Do I need a guide for the Everest Base Camp trek?
A guide is not mandatory for Everest Base Camp Trek. Even though the Everest Base Camp Trek is one of the most well-known treks globally, it is still a journey into the Himalayas through remote settlements. Even though the route is easy to follow with plenty of other trekkers, the company has a guide who serves as a safety net.
Guides also provide extra information and provide good companionship. Their command over the native language will also allow smooth interaction with the natives during the trek allowing you to learn more about their lifestyle.
Is the Everest Base Camp Trek worth it?
The trek to Everest base camp is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
Everest Base Camp will transport you to some of the most beautiful places on Earth. The trek is a trek with stunning vistas of 8,000 meters in front of you, the Himalayan landscape that is both rugged and beautiful, and an overall spiritual ambiance with encountering Mani walls, stupas, and Buddhist prayer flags well worth it.
Likewise, you get to immerse in the lifestyle of the local Sherpas and know about the culture and traditions. You will also visit one of the oldest and holiest monasteries globally, such as the Tengboche Monastery.
How difficult is Everest Base Camp Budget Trek?
The trip to Everest Base Camp is moderately difficult.
Even though no prior trekking experience is required for the EBC Trek, it is recommended that the trekker be determined and physically fit. You should at least be able to carry a light backpack for 4-5 hours daily and be mentally prepared to undertake this hardship.
Before this trek, you must put your body through aerobic conditioning, elevation, and strength endurance training. Hike shorter routes in your home country or Nepal to gain confidence for the trip.
Can you see Everest from base camp?
From the base camp itself, you cannot see Everest. Other mountains obstruct the view. However, you get to enjoy the vistas of the Khumbu Icefall from the Everest Base Camp and the sight of the Khumbu Tse (6,636 m/ 21,772 ft), which provides a genuinely humbling sense of nature’s magnificence.
The next day as you visit Kalapatthar, you will be greeted by the spectacular view of the Himalayas, particularly the peaks of Mt Everest (8,848.86 m/ 29,031.7 ft), Changtse (7,543 m/ 24,747 ft), Lhotse (8,516 m/ 27,940 ft), and Nuptse (7,861 m/ 25,791 ft).
How cold does it get during the Everest Base Camp budget trek?
The temperature in Everest Base Camp varies from cold to mild in different seasons. In the spring, falling between March and May, the temperature at EBC can go between -12 °C to 15 °C. This season is a transitioning period from harsh cold winter to warm summer.
During the monsoon, typically between June and August, the temperature can vary from -1 °C to 16 °C. Likewise, in the autumn, which occurs between September to November, the temperature can vary from -12 °C to 15 °C.
Besides, during winter, which occurs between December to February, the temperature can vary from -17 °C to 4 °C. Hence, the temperature will be below freezing at the Everest Base Camp.
What is the best time to visit Everest Base Camp?
The EBC journey is best made in the spring (March-May) and fall (September-November). The weather is ideal, and the sky is clear enough to see the mountains in all their glory. The hike is not recommended during the winter (December-February) or monsoon season (June-August).
There is a lot of snow and fog during the winter, while there is a lot of precipitation during the monsoon season. During monsoon, flight cancellations and delays are also relatively high.
However, if you book a Heli tour to Everest Base Camp, you can visit the base camp any time of year if the weather is pleasant.
How many days Everest Base Camp Budget Trek?
The Everest Base Camp Trek is usually two weeks, starting from your arrival and departure to and from Kathmandu. On the second day, you will take a flight to Lukla and then trek to Phakding. Then the trail takes through Namche Bazar, Tengboche, Dingboche, Lobuche, Gorakshep, and Everest Base Camp.
You will descend to Gorakshep and then make your way to Kala Patthar. You will again descend to Gorakshep, then hike down through Pheriche, Namche Bazar, and Lukla. You will fly back to Kathmandu and then depart the next day.
What is the average temperature at the base camp on Everest?
The average temperature at the base camp on Everest is generally below freezing. The temperature ranges from 7 °C to 15 °C during the day and -12 °C to 0 °C at night in the spring. In monsoon, the temperature ranges from 16 °C to 15 °C during the day and -1 °C to 2 °C at night.
In the autumn, the temperature ranges from 6 °C to 15 °C during the day and -12 °C to 2 °C at night. Besides, in winter, the temperature ranges from 4 °C during the day and -17 °C to -14 °C at night.
Do you get a certificate for the Everest Base Camp tour?
Himalaya Holiday Service will provide the certificate of accomplishment.