Preparing for the Everest Base Camp Trek

Preparation for any long trek like the EBC requires many steps and a well-made checklist. Once you have booked the trek with View Nepal we will have a dedicated staff member to help you through the preparation process. You can avoid making a blunder or overspending on things you mightn't need by this way. Similarly, for your physical and mental readiness, we will have to take online sessions on exercise and meditation for you if required. Packing light is a key and you can get a professionally prepared checklist of gears and equipment for the EBC trek. We'll also walk you through other important stuff and documents for the trek before you leave for Nepal.

Travel and Medical Insurance

Getting reliable travel and medical insurance is highly recommended for anyone trekking in the Nepalese Himalayas. It will let your mind at ease and help you with any unforeseen complications throughout the trek. Your policy should cover delays, postponement or cancellation of the trek too for any reason. Similarly, we also suggest you get insurance covering Emergency Evacuations and other expenses that might arise during your trek. Our team will suggest to you some of the best policies out there for the EBC trek too if you are not sure about selection.

Reaching Lukla Airport and Flight Details

The flight from Kathmandu to Lukla is about 40 minutes long. The Tenzing-Hilary airport at 2846 meters is a short mountain airstrip allowing you to enter the Everest region. You can expect to see a clear view of the Everest massif and other peaks if the weather allows during the flight. You do have an option to take an overland transport to do the 270 km journey to Phaplu and start your trek there. However, it will add four extra days to your existing Itinerary and the road conditions might not be ideal.

Altitude Sickness and Acclimatization while in Everest

Altitude sickness is one of the most common concerns for anyone trekking in high elevation regions. It is also relevant for the Everest base camp trek as you will be heading towards the elevation up to 5545 meters (Kalapatthar). The symptoms of altitude sickness include shortness of breath, headache, nausea, dizziness, loss of sleep and appetite, and more. Most trekkers have mild symptoms which lessen with rest, medication, and rehydration. However, losing altitude is the only sure-shot way to cure altitude sickness.

Acclimatization is the process of the body adapting to the high elevation. It takes time to get familiar with the oxygen level of a certain region. We have acclimatization days set up at specific places during the EBC trek. Namche Bazzar at 3440 m will be the first stop while Dingboche at 4260 m will be ideal for the trek. Doing a short hike during these rest days also increases the effectiveness of the trek. Apart from this, regular hydration, a balanced diet, and gradual ascend also help your body to acclimatize your body.

Internet/WIFI availability in the EBC trail

Internet is available for most parts of the EBC trail. Your usual sim cards provide services in the lower Khumbu regions. However, for the parts between Lukla and base camp, Everest Link might be your service provider of choice. It specializes in high-altitude remote services and has 36 towers operating with solar power. With cards available in several shops and teahouses here, you shouldn't be worried about internet availability in Everest.

FAQs

Is it difficult to get a travel Visa in Nepal?

No, it's not. You can get Visa on Arrival at the Tribhuwan International Airport (TIA). A valid passport is required with some passport-sized photos and you will be handed your visa in no time.

What are the permit's requirements for this trek and how to attain them? 

For the EBC trek, the permits include the Sagarmatha National Park (SNPP) Entry permit and Khumbu Rural Municipality Permit (KRMP). You can get SNPP from Kathmandu or Lukla for about 30 USD per person. However, KRMP is only available at the counter at Lukla and it will cost you between 20-25 USD. View Nepal Team will get the permits for you when you book the EBC trek with us.

What kind of clothes should I pack for trekking in the Himalayas?

You will be well over the 5000 meters mark for a few days so pack for the alpine environment. In the lower regions days tend to be sunnier with cold nights. Pack light and only necessary clothing for the trek. A good sleeping bag and some wind-proof clothing are recommended for high altitude trekking. Other than that bring the clothes that you are most comfortable walking in.

Is EBC trek a good option for solo travelers, and is it safe too?

Yes, there are individuals doing the EBC trek alone but we wouldn't recommend it for inexperienced trekkers. You do have a better and safer option to do a solo guided trek to the Everest Base Camp as well. However, walking in groups means you will have a better experience and motivation to reach your destination.

What are the food and accommodation like when you are trekking in high elevation regions?

Everest region has some of the best-managed hotels and teahouses in the Himalayas. The facilities, although basic, is enough for trekkers in Everest. You can enjoy a large menu in the lower regions but expect local foods and products in the high elevation teahouses.

Are there ATMs and Banks available for the trek days? What is the most efficient method of payment here?

ATMs are only available in the major settlements and cities during the trial. Lukla and Namche Bazaar are the only two locations with multiple working ATMs during the EBC trail. Cash is the best method for payment here. However, some hotels and stores do accept card or e-wallet payments.

Do you accept last-minute bookings? What are the best offers by the View Nepal Team?

Yes, we do accept last-minute bookings. However, you can have the best offers for early-bird or fixed departure bookings. As for the standard or services, we leave no stone unturned for you for any trek booked with View Nepal.

What are the drinking water facilities in the Everest region?

While trekking in the Everest region you will find frequent drinking water taps to refill your bottles. You can also buy mineral water for about 2-4 USD per liter in shops and teahouses here. Apart from these, you can bring purification tablets with you just to be extra safe. Remember that 3-4 liters of water are vital to keeping your body replenished during the trek.

Do we have an overnight Stay in the Everest Base Camp Itself?

Everest Base Camp in itself doesn't have lodges and teahouses for you to stay. The nearest settlement with a few teahouses will be at Gorak Shep almost 2 hrs. from the camp. You can enjoy the view of Everest and more during the time you will be there and return to Gorak Shep again.

How visible is the summit of Mount Everest from EBC?

Keeping in mind that Everest is the highest peak in the world, you can't see the summit from the base camp itself. However, the Khumbu icefall and surrounding peaks are scenic to gaze at while you are at the base camp. Kalapatthar also allows you to have one of the best views of Mount Everest and its surrounding peaks.

Where can I store my extra luggage while trekking?

Anything that wouldn't go with you on the trek can be kept at your hotel or the View Nepal trek office here. It is wise to cut off unnecessary baggage while doing treks in the Himalayas.

What are the Climate conditions in Everest for spring, autumn, summer and, winter seasons?

Spring (March-May) in the Khumbu region is perfect for trekking as the sky is clear and the temperature is around 12- 18 degrees Celsius. Similarly, autumn (September- November) is also great for trekking in Nepal with pleasant weather conditions. The summer (June-August) is wet with monsoon rain and the temperature is comparatively warmer too around 22 degrees Celsius. Winter (December -February) in Everest is extreme with heavy snowfall and below freezing temperature. Trekking is not feasible during winter.

How much of a tip should I give guide and porter?

Tipping is not mandatory in Nepal but it is expected and helps the local economy a lot. Depending on your satisfaction with the services and happiness, you can tip your trekking team. It is common to see somewhere between 8-15% tipping at the end of the trek.