Everest Base Camp Trek FAQs- Most searched FAQs

The ultimate adventure in the Himalayas, the Everest Base Camp Trek, takes you to the proximity of the world’s highest, Mt. Everest. It’s the pinnacle of every high-altitude trekking in the world. But, before planning, you should be well aware of Everest Base Camp Trek FAQs, the most asked and searched questions on the internet regarding this trek.

This 12 days long junket is not only to see the world’s tallest mountains. More to it, it’s about exploring enriched Sherpa culture, biodiversity, and landscapes. Furthermore, embarking on this trek lets you challenge yourself to be the best fit at such a high altitude. It’s also about the people you’ll meet on the route and the wholesome once-in-a-lifetime Everest experience.

We’ve put the most searched Everest Base Camp Trek FAQs online here. For now, fewer topics are covered here. But we’re constantly updating Everest Base Camp Trek FAQs blog regularly as we find some of the most searched topics.

Is Everest Base Camp Trek worth it?

Is this even a question? Everest Base Camp Trek is the epitome of high-altitude trekking for many reasons. Embarking on this 12 long days journey takes you to the proximity of the world’s highest mountain, Mt. Everest. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Trekkers worldwide plan for years to trek to Everest, making it one of a kind to embark on in a lifetime.

This trek mixes Sherpa culture and tradition, landscapes, and awe-striking the world’s highest mountain glimpses.

The modern amenities at the tea houses en route to Everest Base Camp make you feel like a home away from home. The meal options you’ll get during this trek soothe your appetite. The availability of wifi and electricity (mainly solar-powered) allows you to contact your family back home.

Plus, you’ll meet countless trekkers from different countries, all sharing a common goal: to reach the world’s highest base camp and see Mount Everest’s tallest mountain.

What is the altitude of EBC Base Camp?

The world’s highest mountain base camp, Mt. Everest, is any mountain’s highest-altitude seated base camp.

The exact altitude of Everest Base Camp is 5,364 meters/17,598 feet. This humongous altitude figure makes it one of the most adventurous outdoor activities. At the same time, this altitude makes it one of Nepal’s most remote and challenging trekking.

However, those who trek to the base camp of Mount Everest walk further to Kala Patthar. Kala Patthar sits even higher than the base camp, at 5,644 meters. From here, you’ll see the region’s beautiful Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Pumori, Lobuche, and other elegant mountains.

How to get to Everest Base Camp?

There are many ways to reach the base camp of Mount Everest. Trekking being the most preferred style, one-day helicopter tours are becoming popular. In recent years, Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour with landing at Kala Patthar is becoming more popular.

Let’s explore some forms of trekking to reach Mt. Everest Base Camp.

The most liked, popular, and affordable is 12 days Everest Base Camp Trek from Lukla. Trekkers often regard it as a safe trek due to the slow ascend with two acclimatization stops.

Those who look for longer adventures in the region prefer to visit Gokyo Lakes. And to reach Everest Base Camp from Gokyo, some cross Cho La Pass, whereas some don’t. Either way, including Gokyo Lakes Trek with the base camp takes 15 days, at least.

Most trekkers these days often prefer a hybrid form of Everest Trek. They first trek to the base camp, and on return, they fly out from Gorak Shep on a helicopter. It’s popular with the name Everest Base Camp Trek with Helicopter Return. The beautiful part of this hybrid trek is that it offers an Everest Trek experience and a bird’s eye view of the Everest region.

Other popular ways to view Mt. Everest and other beautiful mountains in the region are Everest View Trek, Panorama Trek, Everest Three Passes Trek, etc.

How long is EBC Trek?

The distance from Lukla-Everest Base Camp-Lukla is 130 KM/80 miles. Considering this distance, it’s among the lengthiest trekking route in Nepal, including other base camp treks.

However, to scale this distance, trekkers ascend slowly with acclimatizing. They take eight days to reach the base camp and even hike to Kala Patthar. However, the return hike gets shorter with most downhill walks. Almost everyone returns from Gorak Shep to Lukla in four days.

What is the most popular Everest Base Camp Trek Itinerary?

Day	From	To	Elevation	Time
1	Kathmandu	Lukla and Phakding	2,680 meters	4 hours
2	Phakding	Namche Bazaar	3,440 meters	5 hours
3	Rest day at Namche Bazaar. Hike to Hotel Everest View		3,880 meters, 4 hours
4	Namche Bazaar	Tengboche/Deboche	3,867 meters	5 hours
5	Tengboche/Deboche	Dingboche	4,260 meters	5 hours
6	Rest day at Dingboche
7	Dingboche	Lobuche	4,930 meters	5 hours
8	Lobuche	Gorak Shep and Everest Base Camp and back to Gorak Shep	5,140/5,364 meters	8 hours
9	Gorak Shep	Pheriche	4,243 meters	6-7 hours
10	Pheriche	Namche Bazaar	3,440 meters	7 hours
11	Namche Bazaar	Lukla	2,860 meters	8 hours
12	Lukla	Kathmandu	40 minutes flight

Let’s say you want to avoid Kathmandu to Lukla flight and wish to trek via Kharikhola; you’ll add two to three extra days to the itinerary. Also, extend the trek days to other places in the Everest region while returning.

In such instances, with trekking agencies like NepTrek, you’ll get a tailored Everest Base Camp Trek itinerary. Our trekking leader gives you a flexible itinerary depending on your physical fitness and requirements.

On this Everest Base Camp Trek FAQs blog, we’ve given you the insight of Everest Base Camp Trek Itinerary. If you want to read the complete itinerary breakdown, read our Everest Base Camp Trek Itinerary blog.

How much does the Everest Base Camp Trek cost on average?

The average cost of Everest Base Camp Trek in 2023 is roughly USD 1300. It’s for 12 days itinerary, including two acclimatization stops. Paying this cost, you’ll get an all-inclusive trek service. It includes accommodation and meals, transportation (ground/flight), Everest region trek permits, and guides.

The cost goes higher for longer treks—moreover, the service you want while on a trek also makes a difference in the trek cost. You can even trek to Everest Base Camp Trek in a luxurious fashion that costs around USD 3500. With this cost, you’ll get a helicopter on your return from Gorak Shep to Kathmandu.

Other shorter treks in the region, like Everest View Trek and Panorama Trek, cost around USD 1000.

How much does the Everest Base Camp Trek Permit Cost?

There are two permits for Everest Base Camp Trek. Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Permit and Sagarmatha National Park Permit are the permits. With these permits, you can trek almost every part of the Everest region, including base camp, Gokyo lakes, and high passes.

You can only get Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Permit at the municipality office at Lukla. As this permit is a provincial government-issued permit, the rural municipality office at the end of Lukla distributes this permit. The cost of this permit is NPR 2000 as of 2023.

Another permit, Sagarmatha National Park Permit, is accessible at two places—one, Nepal Tourism Board in Kathmandu and second, the trekker’s checkpost at Monjo. If trekking with a guide only, we recommend you purchase this permit in Kathmandu. The checkpost at Monjo gets super crowded with trekkers. And it may take an hour to get this permit.

Sagarmatha National Park permit costs NPR 3000 for foreigners except for SAARC nationals. For SAARC nationals, this permit costs NPR 1500. And for Nepali, it costs NPR 100 only.

In total, Everest Base Camp Permit costs NPR 5000. However, if you’re avoiding the Kathmandu Lukla flight and desire to trek via Khari Khola or Jiri, you need another permit. Gaurisankhar Conservation Area Project (GCAP) permit costs NPR 3000. With it, the total permit cost becomes NPR 8000.

If you’re planning an Everest region Trek with a local trekking agency like us, your trek permit fee gets included in the price you pay us for this trek. However, if considering Everest Base Camp Guided Trek, visit permit issue centres in Kathmandu to get the permits.

Even though the permit issuing centres accept USD, we suggest you pay the permit fee in NPR.

TIMS Card in Everest Region possibly mandatory from September 2023

There’s a new rumour that the Nepal Tourism Board and Trekkers Agency Association of Nepal (TAAN) are mandating TIMS cards for Everest region trekkers. Previously, Khumbu Pasang Rural Municipality Permit was equivalent to TIMS Card. Also, in 2023, locals rejected the concept of introducing TIMS cards back in the region. 

If it’s true, trekkers must buy TIMS Card from September 2023 to trek in the area. With no Free Individual Trekking policy, effective September 2023, you may be unable to trek here solo. Booking the trek with the agency to access TIMS Card is compulsory, which is impossible for individual trekkers.

Upon buying TIMS Card and the other two trek permits, the Everest Base Camp Trek cost crosses NPR 10,000, which is expensive.

Is Everest Base Camp Trek difficult?

It has to be one of the most searched Everest Base Camp Trek FAQs by any trekker looking forward to this trek. In short, it’s an easy trek for seasoned trekkers. It is doable even for beginners with some fitness and trek preparations. 

With fewer trek preparations, those making it a maiden trek often experience fatigue and altitude sickness. And for trekkers with existing health conditions, it can be seriously challenging and risky.

The tea houses, often called camps, are short-distanced on the Everest Base Camp Trek route. It means that trekkers need to hike five hours each day, gaining 500-600 meters altitude at most. And during 12 days, two acclimatisation stops will help adapt the body to the increasing altitude.

Completing this trek will be fine even for first-time trekkers, with the assistance of expert trek guides and adequate rest. However, first-time hikers are more at risk of altitude sickness than seasoned hikers. But it doesn’t mean that every first-time hiker has issues with thin air.

Everest Base Camp Trek Route Difficulty

The route from Lukla to Namche is easy, like the walk in the park. From Namche to Dingboche and even to Thugla, the route is moderate. With less oxygen, trekkers start burning more calories and get tired quickly. The trail becomes strenuous from Thugla to Gorak Shep; trekkers must pass through the glacier and glacier moraines.

Thus, instead of mentioning Everest Base Camp Trek as challenging, it’s more like a series of easy, moderate, and strenuous hikes.

Does Everest Base Camp Trek Altitude Sickness cause serious health issues?

The altitude at which the base camp of Mount Everest sits is 5,364 meters. This humungous figure of altitude makes it the highest altitude seated base camp of any mountain.

At this altitude, the air pressure decreases by 50% of normal air pressure at sea level. Thus, not every trekker adapts to such thin oxygen. As a result, en route, trekkers get altitude sickness and other severe mountain sickness.

What causes altitude sickness?

The prominent cause of altitude sickness is a lack of oxygen. While trekking to Everest Base Camp, usually stops at Namche and Dingboche to acclimate. The trekker’s body adapts well to the environment with the two complete acclimatizations. However, only some people’s bodies adapt quickly. As a result, with less oxygen in the blood, the symptoms of altitude sickness start appearing.

Even with acclimatization, some other factors maximize the risk of mountain sickness. Lack of proper sleep, improper diet, dehydration, smoking, and alcohol puts anyone at risk of mountain sickness.

What are the symptoms of altitude sickness?

The symptoms of altitude sickness start with minor problems like headache, nausea, and shortness of breath. As these symptoms persist, other symptoms start appearing. Dizziness, lack of appetite, vomiting, and diarrhea becomes more apparent. As these symptoms persist, the trekker feels extremely difficult while gaining altitude.

If the trekker ascends further carrying such symptoms, more complex mountain sickness appears. High Altitude Cerebral Edema and Pulmonary Edema are complex forms of mountain sickness with uncured altitude sickness.

What are the preventive measures for Everest Base Camp Trek Altitude Sickness?

The most effective measure of preventing altitude sickness is descending to a lower altitude. Descending to a lower altitude gives you adequate oxygen to breathe. And with more oxygen in the lungs, your body starts functioning normally.

One common practice for treating altitude sickness is taking paracetamol and drinking water. After getting the symptoms, you should take a paracetamol tablet and drink plenty of water. You’ll be all good if the symptoms go away in an hour. And if it persists, returning to Kathmandu remains your only option.

During the trek, you should drink adequate water to maintain body fluid. Also, it would help if you put oral rehydration salts to balance the essential body ions. As body fluids are constantly regulated, you’ll have less chance of getting affected by mountain sickness.

Other preventive measures for altitude sickness include eating adequate meals, sleeping 8 hours, and avoiding alcoholic drinks.

Should you take Diamox (Acetazolamide)?

Known for altitude sickness preventive medicine, many trekkers prefer consuming Diamox with a doctor’s consultation. It’s evident that trekkers pay thousands of dollars for the trek and don’t want to risk it by getting altitude sickness.

We won’t encourage you to take such medicines as it makes your body more dependent on them. We usually give you adequate acclimatization stops. In doing so, your body adapts to altitude naturally.

Is Everest Base Camp Trek for beginners possible?

Absolute yes! Graded as moderate difficulty, while trekking the base camp of Everest, beginners will have a fantastic experience. However, proper physical fitness, endurance, and mental strength are necessary.

Many beginner trekkers have completed EBC Base Camp Trek with NepTrek in recent years. We had encouraged our trekkers to train for a few months before joining our fixed departure trek. We recommend our clients train with various exercises. Swimming, running, yoga, breathing techniques, cycling, and mini–hikes are best to prepare for the trek.

Alongside physical fitness, mental strength is another crucial thing to work out for beginner trekkers. Everest Base Camp is around 5,345 meters. At this altitude, oxygen gets very thin. Due to this, trekkers worry about getting altitude sickness even before starting the trek from Lukla. 

However, there’s nothing to be afraid of altitude sickness. We provide two acclimatization stops, one at Namche and another at Dingboche. With the acclimatization, you’ll successfully adapt to the altitude and complete this trek. Also, we provide experienced trekking guides on this trek. Plus, you’ll get a trekking porter to carry your trek gear and backpack. With this assistance, even being a rookie, you’ll have a fantastic time in the Everest region.

What is the best time for Everest Base Camp Trek in 2023?

Excluding summer and rainy months, from June to August, every other month is the best time of year for Everest Base Camp Trek. Three winter months, December to February, become very cold. Also, it snows during these months, which causes a significant drop in temperature. The winter time for this trek is only for highly experienced trekkers.

From March to May, spring months see crowds of trekkers in the Everest region. It’s among the best times of the year that offers crystal clear viewing of snow-occupied mountains, including Mount Everest. Plus, the weather starts getting warmer past mid-Spring. With scheduled Manthali airport to Lukla flight departure and stable climate, more than 300 trekkers trek to Phakding from Lukla daily.

Autumn is one of the best times of the year; Everest Base Camp Trek in September, October, and November receives the highest volume of trekkers. Other wholesome destination treks like Gokyo Lakes Trek and Everest Panorama View Trek become an ideal junket in Autumn. Rain-free days and unobstructed viewing are the main advantages of trekking to Everest Base Camp in Autumn. Also, the mild temperature of Autumn favours all-day hikes.

​Can you trek Everest Base Camp without a guide?

Everest Base Camp Guided Trek is much safer than solo trekking. Yearly, around 30-40 solo trekkers complete this trek. And rest trekkers trek here with a trekking guide and agency.

Solo or Free individual Trekking (FIT) can be fun and adventurous. But, considering the altitude of Everest Base Camp and its remoteness, you may not get help on time for emergencies.

The most common issue among trekkers on this trek is altitude sickness. Those who trek to EBC Base Camp with a guide and agency get helicopter evacuation on time during altitude sickness and other illnesses. But, calling a helicopter for rescue can be challenging for individual trekkers.

Another challenge trekkers face is a shortage of accommodation at tea houses. During peak trekking season, getting a decent room becomes a problem for solo trekkers. As agencies and guides reserve tea houses for their clients beforehand, individual trekkers need help getting desired accommodation rooms, especially at higher altitudes.

The thing to remember is that those who plan solo treks here are experienced hikers. Those with proper physical fitness and several high-altitude trek experiences are the ones who hike solo here.

Which one’s the best trekking company in Nepal for EBC Trek?

NepTrek can be an ideal trekking agency in Nepal for your Everest Base Camp Trek in 2023. Run by experienced trekking guides, NepTrek houses some of the finest trekking guides in Nepal. Not only navigation but our skilled guides are also very proficient in English. More, our guides are amazing landscape photographers.

Having said this, almost every trekking agency in Nepal offers quality trekking services. Plus, every trekking agency employs an experienced trekking guide for EBC Trek. So, you’ll be in safe hands.

You could consider several parameters while choosing the best trekking company for Everest Base Camp Trek in 2023.

First, look at the agency’s reviews on different platforms like TripAdvisor and Google. The companies that do the best business in the field have higher service reviews and ranks with positive feedback.

Another thing you should consider is the profile of their trekking guide. For example, you can ask the agencies for a guide’s portfolio, fluency in English and other languages, first aid training, and others.

Can I trek to Everest Base Camp and Gokyo Lakes on a single trek?

Absolutely! Everest Base Camp and Gokyo Lakes Trek are doable on a single go that usually takes 15 days to complete. You can trek first to Gokyo Lakes and then to Everest Base Camp or the base camp of Everest and then to Gokyo.

Cho La, a high Himalayan pass over 5,420 meters, bridges these two beautiful places in the Everest region. Thus, those looking to complete Everest Base Camp Trek via Gokyo Lakes must cross Cho La, either from the Gokyo side or the Dzongla side.

Trekkers also have the option of trekking down to Pangboche, Phortse, and Gokyo if they want to avoid crossing Cho La. However, this route is lengthier.

Can I trek from Salleri to Everest Base Camp Trek by road?

Yes. Salleri to Everest Base Camp Trek by road is doable during Spring, Autumn, and Winter.

To start this trek by road, you must take a jeep ride from Kathmandu to Salleri and Bupsa. The total distance from Kathmandu to Bupsa is roughly 350 km, which takes 14-15 hours.

From Kathmandu to Salleri, you’ll drive along the blacktopped road. You’ll enjoy panoramic hills and beautiful villages till Salleri. However, the road from Salleri to Bupsa is entirely off-road with scary turns. While driving to Bupsa, you’ll progress through beautiful villages of lower Solukhumbu with terrace farmlands.

Once you reach Bupsa, you’ll stop overnight at a tea house.

The following day, after breakfast, you’ll start the trek to Chaurikharka via Paiya, Chheubas, and Surke.

On the third day, a one-hour trek from Chaurikharka takes you to the Everest Base Camp route from Lukla. Also, on this day, you’ll trek to Namche Bazaar.

What’s next?

Found the queries and information we presented here on Everest Base Camp Trek FAQs helpful?

Here are some most popular Everest region trekking that can be your ultimate junket in 2023. Join our fantastic team of trek leaders and guides, ready to take you to the proximity of some of the world’s highest mountains.

Send us an email at mailtoneptrek@gmail.com if you have any enquiries to make regarding Everest region treks. Also, you can contact our trek leader, Mr Saroj Dahal, on WhatsApp (24/7 available) at +977-9818553880.

We’ll reply to your message with the most reasonable answers and info.