Everest Base Camp Trek FAQs
Planning a trek to the base camp of the world’s highest mountain? Great! You might be looking for some suggestions or helpful tips on the Everest base camp trek. Here are some frequently asked questions by the trekkers that may help a lot to plan your EBC trek.
Everest base camp trek FAQs include the questions and the solutions that you are searching for. We tried to provide those helpful tips below in detail:
Where is Everest Base Camp?
Everest base camp is at the bottom of the world’s highest mountain Everest. It is located in northeastern Nepal. Trekking through the Sagarmatha National Park, you can reach here. This area is also known as the Khumbu region.
How many days does it take to reach Everest base camp?
It takes 8 days in total from Kathmandu with a scenic mountain flight to Lukla. You will have 2 altitude practice days on the way up. Then you will trek back to Lukla in 3 days and fly back to Kathmandu.
Check the detailed itinerary here:
What is the elevation of the Everest base camp?
Everest base camp is 5,364m above sea level. You will trek gradually to this place from Lukla so check the detailed information about altitude gain during the trek.
How difficult is the Everest base camp trek?
Physically, the Everest base camp trek is not difficult but the altitude will make it hard. If you have done some treks above 3000m in the Himalayas, it may not be a problem.
How many hours do I need to walk each day?
Normally, you walk 5 – 6 hrs each day. The second day to Namche is a long day on the way up which may take around 7 hrs. The longest day in this trek is the day when you hike to base camp and all the days descending until Lukla are long days with 6-7 hrs walk.
When is the best time for the Everest base camp trek?
Autumn (September to November) and spring (March to May) are the best time for the Everest base camp trek. Although, until mid-September and late May will be possibilities of some raindrops. Winter is not bad for this trek but it will be freezing cold.
Can the Elderly and Children do the Everest base camp trek?
Yes, the elderly and children also may do this trek. The elderly need some extra days for well acclimatization and rest. The children are better at a high altitude so they might have less chance of altitude problems than the adults.
What is the itinerary of the fastest Everest base camp trek?
8 days to the base camp and the next day flying back with a helicopter is the shortest itinerary of the Everest base camp trek. But you may visit in a couple of hours with a helicopter flight tour.
Do I need to bring my own tent for the Everest base camp trek?
No, you don’t need to bring a tent with you because you can get places to sleep in every place in the lodge.
What kinds of foods are available during the Everest base camp trek?
You may choose the foods from a food menu. You also can get the local food items if you would like to try them. The foods are cocked by the basic trained cocks so items are similar to each place but the taste may be different.
Can I use normal drinking water for the trek or need to buy bottled water?
Yes, you can drink normal water using water purification or sterilizer. You also may buy bottled water everywhere which may costly.
What are the toilets and shower facilities during the Everest base camp trek?
The toilets are nice and clean but higher in colder may freeze sometimes. They are all indoors so you don’t need to go out at night.
What should I bring for the Everest base camp trek? Can I hire or buy equipment in Kathmandu?
You need to bring all your trekking gear with you if you have one. If not you may buy them in Kathmandu. Sleeping bag and a down jacket that you may never use again, you may hire in Kathmandu. There are real trekking gear and copies available. Detailed information about the packing listis here.
Is it possible to store my extra things in Kathmandu that I don’t need for the trek?
Yes, you may store your things in your hotel that you don’t use in your trek. It is safe to leave them in the hotel. You will get a baggage tag which you need to keep safe with you until you take back your stuff.
Is altitude sickness brings a serious problem?
Altitude sickness is a serious problem in the high mountain region. But altitude sickness is not a big issue for everyone. Check this for detailed information about altitude sickness.
Can I do a private trek or do I need to join someone else?
Yes, you may do a private trip and we do offer group tours according to our departure dates. In case there are no other people on departure dates, we may be able to run your trip only for you without any extra cost added. We offer this trip on any dates that you offer.
What happens if I could not succeed in the trek?
We will be able to provide you with an extra trip according to your demanded trip with a time limit. But you need to pay the required additional cost. Or we provide some extra night's accommodation in our hotel in Kathmandu.
What are the facilities of the internet and phone signals?
The phone signal is almost everywhere during the Everest base camp trek. You need to buy the Nepalese SIM card before you depart your trek and buy some data on the internet. You also may buy an Everest link internet recharge card that you can buy in your lodge where you stay.
What are the things that can I do if I arrive a few days earlier than the trip departure?
There are some day tours around Kathmandu valley that you may do in your extra days. You also can do one day or 2 days of river rafting, village tour, Chitwan jungle safari tour and a few more other activities. For this, you need to consult with us about how many days extra will you have then we make any suitable plans for you.
Can I charge my camera batteries and cell phone on the trek?
Yes, you can charge your camera batteries and cell phone in each place by paying an extra amount. You better take the power bank which you charge in Kathmandu and use them in the higher area. Charging batteries in the higher area cost expensive.
Do I need travel insurance? If yes, what kind of insurance do I have to buy?
Travel insurance for the Everest base camp trek is compulsory. There should be any accidental cases or may have an attitude problem so we highly recommend buying good travel insurance which covers up to 6000m with an emergency evacuation service included.
Will I get an experienced guide?
Yes, we provide an experienced government license holder English speaking guide. Our guide is friendly, helpful and informative.
Who will carry my trekking gear?
We mostly use trekking porters to carry your stuff. Sometimes, we also use Yak/Jopke in a bigger group.
Are the guide and Porter well equipped?
Yes, our guide and porters are well equipped and we provide them with work insurance for any accidental cases.
How much should I tip the guide and Porter?
It is expected so tipping for the guide and porter is common. Normally, 100 USD for one porter and double that porter is a basic tip from a successful Everest base camp trek. If you are very much happy with their service, that’s up to you how much plus you tip.
What happens if Lukla's flight has been delayed or cancelled?
Delaying or cancelling the flight to and from Lukla is normal all over the year. You may take any additional treks that fit your time limit. If you have some extra days, you may try the following day. There is another option taking a helicopter flight and paying the additional cost. Find detailed information about Lula flight and alternative options.
May I change money during the trek or Are there ATMs?
Yes, you can change any currencies that the Nepalese government accepts. But you won’t get a good rate as you get in Kathmandu. There are ATMs in Namche and Lukla but not in other places. Even not all ATM cards will accept in those ATM machines.
What kind of weather and temperature do I expect?
The weather in autumn and spring is nice and clear mostly. Winter also will be clear in the morning but summer offers rainy and cloudy weather usually.
Spring is warmer than autumn and winter is freezing cold. Find detailed information about the weather and temperature each season and month here.
How much cash do I need to take with me? Do I have to use only NPR?
If you book a full board trip with us, you only need to take some amount with you for sweet things, drinks, batteries charge, showers and personal expenses. 2000 NPR per day is good for your extra expenses.
Can the first time trekker also be able to do this trek?
Only some trekkers without any trekking experience will be able to do this trek. We recommend some training before going on the Everest base camp trek.
Hope you found some needed information from these FAQs. If you did not find the answer that you really would like to ask, please feel free to ask at any time. We will be happy to provide any trip-related information.
