EVEREST

EVEREST BASE CAMP TREKS

Everest Base Camp Trek: Ultimate Guide to Scenic Routes, Trekking Options & Cultural Experience

The Everest Base Camp trek offers an incredible adventure, taking you through stunning landscapes, historical sites, and spiritual experiences. The total hiking distance for this trek is 130km, with 65km from Lukla to Everest Base Camp and another 65km back. Over 12-16 days, you'll trek through the Khumbu Valley, encountering breathtaking views of peaks like Mount Everest, Lhotse, Ama Dablam, and Nuptse.Before you start your trek, take a 2-day sightseeing tour in Kathmandu to visit cultural landmarks like the Monkey Temple (Swayambhunath) and Pashupatinath Temple, both steeped in history and spirituality. The scenic flight from Kathmandu to Lukla kicks off the trek with unforgettable panoramic views of the Himalayas.The trek itself is fully supported, meaning no heavy backpacks to carry—porters and Yaks assist with your gear. You’ll stay in cozy tea houses, where comfortable rooms with beds and mattresses await. Along the way, enjoy spiritual experiences at Buddhist monasteries in Namche Bazaar and Tengboche, and challenge yourself both physically and spiritually amidst the world’s highest peaks.

Best Time to Trek to Everest Base Camp: There are two main trekking seasons in the Himalayas:
Pre-Monsoon Season (April to May): This colder season offers dry air and stable ice conditions, attracting high-altitude climbers aiming for Everest summit attempts. It's ideal for those looking to experience the rugged beauty of the Himalayas, but be prepared for more ice and a colder climate.
Post-Monsoon Season (September to November): Warmer temperatures and greener landscapes define this season, with more oxygen-rich air aiding acclimatization. The lack of ice on the higher slopes means there are no high-altitude climbs, making Everest Base Camp quieter during this time. The trekking conditions are more comfortable, and it’s a great time for those seeking a peaceful trek.

Whether you're trekking for the adventure, spiritual journey, or to challenge yourself amidst the towering peaks, the Everest Base Camp trek promises an unforgettable experience in one of the world’s most breathtaking regions.

If you wish to read some frequently asked questions click here, or go here to read our blog posts.

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EVEREST BASE CAMP DIRECT

The direct route to base camp is best done in 17 days or more and starts in Lukla.

17 Days

Accommodation overnight is in tea houses or lodges

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EVEREST VIA RENJO

This version of the Everest trek takes you via Renjo and Cho La Passes to Everest Base Camp making it longer and steeper

24 days

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EVEREST VIA CHO LA

This route bypasses the Everest trail from Namche and heads up to Gokyo Lakes and then over Cho La Pass

23 Days

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EVEREST three passes

This trail includes all three of the main passes making it more difficult namely Renjo, Cho La and Kongma La

22 Days

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bELOW ARE SOME OF THE QUESTIONS WE ARE FREQUENTLY ASKED about EVEREST BASE CAMP

What is the height of Everest base camp?

Everest Base Camp elevation is 17,600 feet (or 5,380m) but considering it takes 8 days to reach that altitude from 2845m or 9,383 feet (or 2,845m) it is quite an altitude gain. Climbers also have the chance to climb Kala Patthar for sunrise or sunset view and can go as high as 18,514 feet (5,659m)

How difficult/challenging is this trek?

In general if you are happy walking for 5to 6 hrs a day with a light day pack then you should be fine so long as you are fit in advance. Trekkers should be comfortable with occasional rough terrain, but expect long steep climbs. Some days could include ascents and descents of 500 metres or more. Most walking is done in the morning and afternoons are for relaxing. One thing you can’t train for is altitude and that can prevent people reaching base camp where there is 50% less oxygen compared to sea level. The secret is to acclimatise well and to do so you need to take a slow pace, a good itinerary, ascend to altitude slowly, rest, eat good food, sleep well and drink plenty of fluids.

How long does it take to hike Everest base camp?

The trek takes 14 days from Kathmandu to Kathmandu if you fly into and out of the mountain airstrip of Lukla and take the normal route to base camp. You should allow 2 or 3 days on top of this for travel days to reach Kathmandu and to get over jet lag and to explore the city. There are other Everest Base Camp route options for the trek such as Jiri, Saleri and Phaplu which are all beautiful, less travelled and take longer.

What are the tea houses like?

The rooms are all generally basic. The higher elevation rooms do not have toilets, and some facilities only have squat toilets. Lodges at lower levels may have attached private bathrooms. There is no heating and electricity is often solar and on only for a few hours in the evening. Rooms have a bed, pillow and a thick blanket a small light.

When is the best time or months to trek to base camp Everest?

The best time to visit Everest Base Camp is either side of the late May to mid-September monsoon season. Late September to November and February to May are the main trekking months with fairly stable conditions, good visibility and temperatures at Base Camp getting up to about -6°C. Base Camp gets busy during late April or early May with climbers preparing for their attempts on Everest’s summit. Although late Nov-Feb are extremely cold, around -15°C by day and much colder at night, clear skies are present with quieter trails.

Can I charge my camera batteries and mobile phone during the trek?

Yes, you can charge your batteries and mobile phones in every place by paying extra at the rooms do not have charging facilities. The price of charging may vary in different places. It is wise to bring your power bank which you can charge in Kathmandu and use it in the higher area as charging batteries in the higher area is quite costly.

What are the meals like on the trek?

You can choose the food from the menu and it depends on the places. You can also choose local dishes and continental/Chinese dishes. However, food is cooked by the basic local lodges so the variety and flavour differs from one place to the next.

How hard is it to hike to Everest Base Camp compared to Kilimanjaro?

Most people think Everest Base Camp is higher than Kilimanjaro but surprise surprise, it is not. Base camp of Everest (or rather Kala Pathar – the little hill you climb up above base camp) is actually 5545m, whereas Kilimanjaro summit is 5895m.

People also think it is a tougher hike than Kilimanjaro, but Kilimanjaro is actually regarded as tougher by those who have done both.

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How will the altitude affect me on Everest trek?

This is a really difficult one to answer directly - "how will I cope with the altitude". To be honest, this is an ' unknown' factor as no-one can predict how your body will cope at altitude. People who have been to altitude many times in the past without problems, may on one climb suddenly develop problems. There are many factors that play a role. The only way to help combat this, is to take all of the necessary precautions, and walk slowly.

What is the weight limits for the plane to Lukla?

The flights to Lukla have a limit of 10 kilograms per person of checked luggage and 5 kilograms per person in hand luggage. They weigh all bags and will charge you if your bags are overweight.

Where can I get climbing Insurance for Everest Base Camp?

If you are going hiking or climbing or trekking then you need extra cover for your activities. Hiking and Climbing have become popular for many adventure seekers looking to add a climb up Kilimanjaro or a trek to Everest Base Camp, Annapurna or even Island Peak to their list of amazing adventures. But any climb to high altitude carries with it a number of risks and having the correct and good trekking insurance is an absolute must. We recommend two different groups depending on which country you reside in. For further details, click on the icon

read some of our blog posts on EVEREST TREKS

The Baazar Near the Top of the World

There is very little that Namche lacks. It even boasts the world’s highest Irish pub offering everything from Jameson whiskey to Guinness. It sports a sign as you enter that strikes to the heart and soul of what Namche and her people are all about.… Continue reading

Between Cho La, Kongma La, and Renjo La, which pass is more difficult?

Well for a start the three passes trek is incredible and if you can do all three then do. Each pass has its own difficulties. Renjo is a long slow pass and more of a ridge than a pass itself. It is spectacular and more remote than the other two as it goes via the … Continue reading

EVEREST BASE VS KILIMANJARO

How hard is it to hike to Everest Base Camp compared to Kilimanjaro? Most people think Everest Base Camp is higher than Kilimanjaro but surprise surprise, it is not. Base camp of Everest (or rather Kala Pathar – the little hill you climb up above base camp) is actually 5545m, whereas Kilimanjaro summit is 5895m.Continue reading

Everest Base Camp or Advanced Base Camp

We are often asked which is the better of the two treks, Everest advanced base camp from Tibet (north side) or Everest base camp from Nepal (south side). It really is not an easy question to answer as it all depends on what you are hoping to get out of the trek. Advanced Everest Base Camp - 6340m Tibet … Continue reading

training for High Altitude?

Altitude is much like elevation only it refers to the distance measured above a specific planetary point, and in most places, this is the distance above sea level. So if we live at the sea, how do we train for high altitude? Getting technical about O2 and altitude At sea-level, the concentration of oxygen in … Continue reading

KEEPING YOUR CELL PHONE ALIVE ON at altitude

Well the answer is quite simple – snuggle up with all of your batteries at night or as soon as the temperatures drop. Packing a spars pair of warm thermal and mohair socks will go a long way to creating a nice warm package for all of your batteries. Continue reading

What is happening with Everest Advanced Base Camp in 2019?

Well, let’s cover some history first… the history of this area has been subjected to several issues over time. For a start, Tibet is to be closed to tourists between 30 January 2018 and April 1 April 2019 as usual.

hiking vs trekking

The terms seem to be used interchangeably on many websites and travel books. It becomes even more confusing when some companies sell their boots as 'trekking boots' and then proceed to state that they can be used on long hikes. And when is a walk a trek and when is it a hike? It becomes … Continue reading

these boots are made for walking

Kilimanjaro, the Inca Trail, Everest Base camp or a simple short hike on local trails. We all dream of these amazing places and for some of us, turning those dreams into a reality is like a brand new lease on life.