The Everest base camp primarily used for trekking Mount Everest has two base camps, South Base Camp in Nepal and North Base Camp in Tibet respectively. Despite being an intense journey, Mount Everest offers stunning views of snow-capped mountains and steady hills. For Indians who want to trek to Mount Everest, can start their journey from Nepal’s base camp.

 

With a height of 18,000 feet, the hike is easy and moderate for people who have a great experience in trekking. The Nepal Base Camp is one of the most popular trekking routes in the Himalayas and about 40,000 people make their trek from Lukla Airport, Nepal. Now that you have to know about the Everest Base camp briefly, let us help you out with the full details on trekking to Mount Everest and to give you an idea of how the trekking journey will be.

 

Best time to Visit

 

March to May and September to November is the best time to trek Mount Everest. The spring and the autumn tend to offer reasonable temperatures, clear skies, little-to-no rain, and less chance of problematic snowfall. Even though it is possible to visit in any season of the year for the passionate trekkers, it becomes difficult during the winter season to trek thereby recommending the tourist to visit in the above months.

 

Getting there 

 

Take a 35 min flight from Kathmandu airport to Lukla airport, and then your journey to Mount Everest starts from the Base Camp.

 

Duration of the trek: A minimum of 2 weeks, which includes days for taking rest and days for hiking towards Mount Everest.

 

Where to Stay

 

There are lodges available on the way to Mount Everest, which provide basic facilities like Wi-Fi, Food, and accommodation. Alternatively, you can carry a portable tent where you can put up anywhere during the trek so that you can save money on accommodation.

 

Permits required:

 

While trekking, you need two different permits

 

1. Trekker’s information management system (TIMS): This is the first permit you must take from the Everest base camp. The charges are more if you are traveling alone and the charges will be less if you are on a group tour. Do carry a Passport copy, Passport size photo, and ID Proof with you, as it will help you get a permit easier.

 

You can avail of TIMS from NTB Regional office in Pokhara or take assistance from your trekking company.

 

1. National Park permits: You can avail of the permit at the entry point of the Sagarmatha national park so that you can trek on the protected areas of the national park.

 

Precautions

 

As you walk steadily, you will have a chance to experience altitude sickness, which symptoms will be headache, dizziness, and nausea. These symptoms are the sign of having half of the oxygen available during the trek to Mount Everest. So, keep your journey slow and comfortable. Eat well and drink lots of water during the trek. Also, take rest when needed, it will help your body to adjust to new surroundings.

 

Fitness and Difficulty level

 

For experienced trekkers, the level of difficulty is easy and for the beginners, it will be a challenging one, as you have to walk for 8 hours a day. It is also not recommended for people who are having chronic health issues. If you still want to trek despite having health issues, do consult your doctor before booking for a trek.

 

In terms of Fitness, before you start a trek, try exploring local trails; get accustomed to a long and brisk walk as the trek to Everest takes 8-9 days. Also, do get into cardio exercises like swimming, running, and cycling to help your body adapt with less oxygen.

 

Travel Insurance.

 

It is mandatory to buy travel insurance before going on this long trek to Mount Everest. Travel Insurance will come in handy to prevent risks that affect your body.

 

Are Children allowed to trek here?

 

No, the journey to Mount Everest is intense, and it will be even difficult for the adults to travel, bringing children to the trek is not recommended. However, children can trek on easy trails in and around Nepal.

 

Should I take a tour guide?

 

It is not compulsory, but recommended to trek with your guide, as he has experience in trekking difficult paths. Even though hiring a guide costs extra, it is worth it to not get lost in the woods. Another advantage of hiring a guide is that, if you fall sick suddenly, the guide can help you provide support in the middle of an emergency. He will also be carrying a pulse meter to check your blood pressure.

 

Any Age Limit?

 

There is no age limit to trek Mount Everest, but irrespective of age, we recommend you to trek this long trail if you are physically and mentally fit, as the journey becomes intense and you will be tired of walking.

 

Where to Charge your Camera or Phone.

 

It becomes necessary to capture the moments of your trek and to take photos of the mighty Mount Everest, so there will be small restaurants on trails, the charges are provided depending upon the devices and time you take to charge.

 

What about Wi-Fi and telephoning?

 

The majority of the accommodation will be providing Wi-Fi and Telephone on a chargeable basis. It is also recommended to buy a Nepal sim card.

 

Facts about Everest base camps

 

1. Mount Everest is named after the head of the British Survey team, George Everest in 1885. 
2. Tenzing Norgay and Edmund Hillary are the first men to reach Mount Everest in 1953.
3. It is believed that free internet is available at the base camp
4. It is situated inside the Sagarmatha National Park, which is a UNESCO world heritage site.
5. Every year millions of trekkers hike to this trek.
6. In Nepal, Mount Everest is known as Sagarmatha, and in Tibet, it is named Chomulugma.
7. The regions of Mount Everest are protected by the Sherpa community, which is also known as the “Kings of Himalayas.”
8. The Mount Everest Base Camp of Tibet is considered difficult to reach, as there is no proper accessibility of transports.

 

Tourist attraction to see during the trek

 

Pashupatinath Temple: One of the sacred Hindu temples in the world.

Swayambu Nath, Boudanath, and Budanikantha -Famous monastery for the Buddhist faith.

 Lukla to Phakding: Phakding, A small village, which is boasted as the UNESCO World Heritage site.

 Namche bazaar: Sagarmatha National Park, another UNESCO World Heritage site.

From Namche Bazaar to Everest Base camp: You get to see many monasteries where you can sit and relax in this tranquil atmosphere. The famous Kala Pattar is on the way to Everest Base camp.

 

What to pack

 

1. The Baselayers: to reduce airflow and make the moisture escape thereby keeping your body fit while trekking.
2. Trekking Shirts: They are lightweight and breathable, and it makes you resistant from the frequent weather change during a trek.
3. Trekking pants: They are also lightweight and breathable thereby making your legs and knees sustain the weather.
4. Fleece Jacket: An ideal jacket for sustaining the winter landscapes.
5. Rain Jacket: Useful when you are hiking during the monsoon season.
6. Headband: This cloth will keep your hair and ears resistant towards the winter weather.
7. Neckband: The neckband is worn to prevent you from falling sick.
8. Hand Gloves: Used during the winter season to provide warmth to your hands. Do buy hand gloves that are lightweight and faster drying.
9. Hiking boots: to keep your feet safe and tolerant towards hiking for long hours. Buy the footwear based on your fitting size, wrong sizes will give you a leg pain and tiredness, thereby making it difficult to hike.
10. Hiking Socks: it will sustain cold weather and should be made with wool. Cotton socks are not recommended while trekking.
11. Gaiters: Wear gaiters to avoid rain, dust, and mud from spoiling your trekking boots.
12. Sleeping bag: This bag helps you to sleep peacefully and does not allow the cold weather to disturb you while sleeping.
13. Trekking poles: Useful during long treks, the trekking poles will prevent your legs and knees from joint pains while hiking.
14. Sunglasses: prevents your eyes from ultraviolet rays.
15. Headlamp: Very useful during the night and early morning trek when the surroundings do not have proper lights. 

 

Note: All these items are available online.

 

Tour Itinerary overview

Day 1: Arrive in Kathmandu

Day 2: Flight to Lukla and then trek to Phakding, 4 hours

Day 3: Trek to Namche Bazaar, 6 hours

Day 4: Day trip to Namche Bazaar and acclimatization day to adapt to a new environment.

Day 5: Trek to Tengboche, 5 hours

Day 6: Trek to Dingboche, 4 hours

Day 7: Trek to Lobuche, 5 hours

Day 8: Trek to Gorak Shep and head to the Everest Base Camp, 7 hours

Day 9: Trek to Kaala Pathar and Periche, 7 hours

Day 10: Trek back to Namche Bazaar, 6 hours

Day 11: Trek back to Lukla, 8 hours

Day 12: Fly back to Kathmandu from Lukla.

 

Day 1: Arrive in Kathmandu

 

Arrive in Kathmandu and explore the sightseeing spots in Kathmandu. You will be getting a brief about the trek by your guide. You can shop for trekking gears whichever is necessary.

 

Day 2: Fly to Lukla and trek to Phakding.

 

Take a half an hour flight to Lukla from Kathmandu, do not forget to witness the breathtaking views of the Himalayan and other snow-capped mountains during the journey. After arriving at Lukia, take a much-needed break and Trek to Phakding.

 

On your way to Phakding, explore the beautiful mountains of Karyolung, Nupla, and Google and are immersed with lush green valleys. Then stay at Phakding for 1 night.

 

Day 3: Trek to Namche Bazaar

 

After staying in Phakding, head to Namche Bazaar, which is known as the Gateway of Mount Everest. While on the journey, you get to experience the beautiful pine forests and Dudh Koshi River. Post crossing the Dudh Koshi River, you have to cross a suspension bridge named after the mountaineer Sir Edmund Hillary.

After crossing the suspension bridge, you will be entering Sagarmatha National Park, where you can stop and witness the Himalayan species like Snow Leopard, Red Panda, and Himalayan Monat. In addition, you get to see the view of Mount Everest from the base. 

 

The trek takes 6 hours and you will be spending a night in Namche Bazaar.

 

Day 4: Acclimatization

 

It is an acclimatization day, where you will be working towards adjusting your body to new surroundings. Take a stroll to Sherpa Museum and Explore Namche village to rejuvenate your mind and body. If the weather were clear, you would be able to see Mount Everest that is not covered by clouds.

 

Day 5: Trek to Tengboche

 

Continuing the trek from where you have left and trek towards reaching Tengboche for 5 hours. During the journey, you will get to see some beautiful mountains of Mt. Ama Dablam, Mt. Thamserku, and Mt. Khumbila, which is considered sacred by the Sherpa community.

 

Also, do visit the Tengboche monastery, where climbers receive blessings to make their trip to Mount Everest successful and safe.

 

Day 6 Trek to Dingboche

 

The trek to Dingboche takes 4 hours. On your way to trek, explore some beautiful small villages filled with lush greenery and calm surroundings. In addition, taking further steps ahead will end up in spotting Yaks, where they will be engaged in grazing on the slope of the cliff. 

 

You will be spending a night here in Dingboche.

 

Day 7: Trek to Lobuche

 

Taking 5 hours to reach Lobuche, the trek towards Lobuche might need an extra effort as the path is steep, but trust me, your effort will reap the rewards, where you would be able to view Breath-taking Mountains.

 

In addition, you get to view prayer flags, memorials, where it is built to commemorate the climbers, who lost their lives while trekking to Mount Everest. Moreover, you will cross the rescue operation center of Lobuche who will be working towards helping the trekkers when they are lost in the woods. In the end, you will be spending a night here in Lobuche.

 

Day 8: Head to Gorak shep and then to Everest Base Camp

 

You will be waiting for this day after trekking to difficult paths, steep gateways to reach Mount Everest. On your way to Gorak Shep, to Everest Base Camp, you will spot Khumbu glacier and walk up with the staircase to heaven, the Khumbu Icefall. In addition, a final shot trek will make you witness the strong-looking Mount Everest from the Base camp view. The trek to Everest Base camp will take 6 – 7 hours to reach. After spending time viewing the beautiful Mount Everest, you will trek back to Gorak Shep and spend a night there.

 

Day 9: Trek to Kaala Pathar and Peche.

 

Taking 7 hours to reach Kala Patthar, this stage is famous for being the best viewpoint of Mount Everest. As you climb up the hill, you will be able to see a 360-degree view of the Himalayan Mountains of Khumbutse, Changtse, Lhotse, Nuptse,

 

Once done taking photos and getting mesmerized by the view, you will be heading to Peche valley, which is surrounded by a lush green valley and beautiful hilltops.

 

Day 10: Trek back to Namche Bazaar

 

On your way back home, walking down the trails becomes easier and the path is steep and does not require extra effort. While going back, you get to experience the community of Sherpas living their life enjoying the scenic mountains. Do show your Permit card at the entry point while going. You can either spend time listening to their stories or have a huge relief as the Namche Bazaar is the hotspot of shopping destinations and you will be spending a night at Namche Bazaar.

 

Day 11: Trek back to Lukla

 

It takes 6 hours to reach Lukla from Namche Bazaar. This is the last day of the trek and you will be home on the next day. During the trial, you get to cross various suspension bridges, explore beautiful valleys and restaurants to celebrate your success of completing the trek with fellow trekkers. Moreover, you will be spending a night in Lukia.

 

Day 12: Fly to Kathmandu

 

The next day, you will be flying back to Kathmandu. Once you reach Kathmandu, you can either explore some sightseeing spots if you have not done on day 1 or do some shopping or take a rest. You will be spending the night in Kathmandu.

 

Things to know.

 

Do note that the weather will be unpredictable, so a flight from Kathmandu to Lukla might be delayed or canceled, to compensate for the loss, you can add your stay for 2-4 days to have a safe trip.

 

I hope this article will inspire and help you regarding your Mount Everest Trek.