Top 14 Frequently Asked Questions About Everest Base Camp Trek

1. When is the Best Time To trek to Everest Base Camp?

Undoubtedly, this is the query that is asked the most. The answer is that changing seasons in the mountains bring about different opportunities. The pre-monsoon season (March, April, and May) and the post-monsoon fall (September, October, and November) are the best time to do Everest Base Camp Trek. Both seasons are clear, and the mountains are seen without being obscured by fog or mist. Selecting the proper season for your Nepal vacation is crucial.

Nepal experiences its peak tourist seasons during spring and autumn. The popularity of the Everest Base Camp (EBC) trek means that these periods can get quite crowded. You'll unlikely have the trails all to yourself, and securing your preferred lodging can be challenging. Opting to trek with a guide is generally a wise choice, particularly during the peak season, as they can help secure accommodations that might be difficult to arrange solo.

Furthermore, the Everest climbing season spans from May to early June, resulting in increased expedition activity in the region, even if you're not planning to ascend the peak. During these peak periods, booking your flights to Lukla well in advance is advisable since they sell out quickly.

Off Seasons Trekking

Thesummer/monsoon season (June, July, and August) is the best time to trek in Everest Base Camp to avoid crowds and prioritize seeing the local flora and fauna. Be careful if you go trekking at this time of year.  Leeches that feed on blood will be abundant along the trail! Winter (December, January, and February) may be ideal if you enjoy snow and want to experience the icy cold of Nepal's mountains.

Trekking during the off seasons, like summer/monsoon and winter, is far more challenging than other seasons. Due to poor visibility and unfavorable weather, flights to Lukla could not be available.

2. How Hard Is Everest Base Camp Trek?

Many newcomers and seasoned trekkers wonder how hard the Everest Base Camp trek is. There isn't a straightforward answer, but embarking on this journey requires strong determination and a yearning to embrace the mountains. While not without its challenges, the Trek to Everest Base Camp is considered moderately demanding and manageable for those with trekking experience and good physical fitness. Although its feasibility, altitude sickness, and physical strain can pose hurdles, yet implementing preventive measures and maintaining one's health throughout the Trek can help reduce these obstacles.
While summiting Mount Everest requires years of experience and technique, trekking to Everest Base Camp (EBC) requires no experience or technical mountaineering training. This fact makes Everest Base Camp Trek wonderfully open to many, including, most probably, whether you are a beginner or an experienced traveler.

Everest Base Camp Trek is not a walk in the park, and it is not for travelers with a "tourist mindset," that much is certain. Your journey will start at sea level, 2,850 meters (9,350 feet), and end at the astounding height of 5,632 meters (18,477 feet). It is undeniable that this wears on both the body and the mind.

You should properly evaluate the fact if someone says they completed the Trek without facing any difficulty. If someone claims the walk was simple, you should consider their preparation and experience critically. On the other hand, if someone claims that the walk was the hardest of their lives, we need to consider their planning, schedule, level of fitness, accommodations, etc. Here are some factors that make Everest base Camp Trek a challenging journey. 

• Length of the Trek:- The Trek covers 130 kilometers, a round trip that might initially sound lengthy. However, when you break it down, during a standard guided trek, you'll only be walking for 9 out of the 12 days. This means you'll be averaging approximately 15 kilometers per day. Considering that the average walking pace is around 5 kilometers per hour, the daily distance doesn't appear too daunting. Nevertheless, it's important to note that these 15 kilometers won't be on a smooth, paved path. Instead, you'll be navigating through rugged and, at times, snowy terrain (depending on the season and altitude), which will slow down your progress. 

• Altitude:- Altitude is the key challenge in this Trek, making it more demanding than others of similar length. Altitude sickness is a serious risk, with the journey starting at Lukla (around 3,000m) and reaching Everest Base Camp at 5,400m. The highest point, Kala Pathar, is just over 5,500m, offering breathtaking views. Most tours include two acclimatization days, allowing your body to adjust to the altitude and explore the surroundings.

• Weather and climate:- Trekking in the Everest Region can be hard due to unpredictable weather. Summer brings heavy rainfall, making trails slippery and reducing visibility. Winter brings continuous snowfall and high-altitude breathing difficulties. Even flights are risky in low visibility. It's crucial to hire qualified guides and gather information when trekking off-season.

3. Is there Wi-Fi on Everest base camp trek routes?

Yes, Wi-Fi facilities are available on the Everest Base Camp Trek routes. There are plenty of spots along the EBC Trekking routes where you can access or obtain Wi-Fi. However, regarding Everest Base Camp, the Wi-Fi connection and the Everest Link Card service tend to be unreliable. In our experts' opinion, if trekkers are determined to have internet access at Everest Base Camp, they might consider purchasing a mobile SIM card for mobile data connectivity. You'll find various internet options throughout the Everest Base Camp Trek, such as Wi-Fi, the Everest Link Card, mobile data, and more. Here are more about the option for Wi-Fi during your Everest Base Camp Treks. 

Everest link card

Everest Link Card is an exclusive wireless broadband internet solution tailored to cater to the communication needs of trekkers, allowing them to stay connected with their dear ones. These cards are readily available at multiple retail outlets scattered across the Everest region.

Compared to the Wi-Fi services offered at tea houses during the Everest Base Camp Trek, the Everest Link Card provides a more cost-effective wireless broadband internet option. These cards come in prepaid denominations ranging from 50 MB to 100 MB, with prices fluctuating depending on your location and the time of your Trek. Typically, you can acquire these cards for approximately US$ 2 to US$ 4.

Wifi

While trekking to Everest Base Camp (5,364m), wifi is available along the trail, except at the highest point. To stay connected, consider getting a local Ncell SIM card. The region's stunning landscapes and mountain views are the main attractions. Everest Link provides internet access, but all wifi on the Trek is affected if their server goes down. Stay in touch with family and friends and share your adventure using this network.

3G Mobile coverage

Mobile coverage in the Everest region commenced in 2010, courtesy of Ncell, the Nepalese arm of Swedish telecom giant TeliaSonera. Ncell pioneered 3G mobile broadband with a station in Gorak Shep, just a few miles from Mount Everest, perched at 5,200 meters altitude. Trekkers benefit from Ncell connectivity during their Everest Base Camp journey, with eight mobile base stations in the area, including one in Lukla. 

Here is the table showing the availability of wifi connectivity in different places along the Everest Base Camp Trek route. 

4. What kind of charging Plug is needed on the Everest base camp trek?

Trekkers generally encounter two electrical outlets when trekking to Everest Base Camp in Nepal. These outlets have either two or three-round prongs. Therefore, take a  charging Plug with either two or three-round prongs. Some places may also have flat-prong outlets in multi-plugs and extension cords. We recommend bringing an adapter, converter, and charger kit to ensure you can charge your electronic devices in Nepal. You can usually find these items in electronic stores in Kathmandu, the capital city of Nepal. This kit will help you connect your devices to the local electrical outlets and ensure they function properly during your Trek.

Many Tea houses enroute the Everest Base Camp Trek offer battery charging facilities when trekking in the Everest Region. However, not all Tea Houses may have reliable power sources. Therefore, consider carrying a solar charger or spare batteries if solar panels are too costly to get the power when needed. Similarly, batteries drain quickly at higher altitudes, so periodic charging of your phones or cameras is essential.

Also, protect your batteries with silver foil or other methods. Portable power supplies and power banks are handy alternatives. In some places, multistage chargers are available. You can also pay to charge your camera battery in lower elevations like Lukla, Namche, Tengboche, and Dingboche. However, as you ascend to Dingboche, Pheriche, Lobuche, and Gokarshep, expect a limited lodge power supply.

5. Is there a chance of getting altitude sickness on the Everest base camp Trek?

Trekkers generally normally encounter mild altitude sickness in some form during Everest Base Camp Trek. However, you want to ensure it doesn't become anything more serious.

We know this may all seem frightening, but don't let it discourage you from Everest Base Camp Trek.  However, altitude sickness is a difficulty that can strike even the most physically fit hikers. This makes it essential to take it slow on the Mount Everest Base Camp journey and do everything possible to prepare for hiking at a high altitude. Altitude sickness can occur at around 3,000 m (9,840 ft) above sea level. As you go higher, oxygen molecules per breath decrease despite the 21% oxygen in the atmosphere at sea level. Symptoms include shortness of breath, fatigue, nausea, dizziness, headaches, loss of appetite, erratic sleep, and vivid dreams.

Check out our blog post and the following table about the possibility of getting altitude sickness for more details. 
 

6. How Much Does It Cost To Trek Everest Base Camp?

The EBC trek offers excellent value and is likely more budget-friendly than you assume.

The expenses associated with the EBc trek for trekkers can generally vary mainly due to several factors, for example, the length of your Trek, the season you choose, your chosen itinerary, permits, food and lodging preferences, and the level of support you desire. Another essential consideration related to the trek costs is whether you opt for a solo adventure or decide to join a group, with or without the assistance of a trekking agency. The Everest Base Camp Trek typically ranges from $1,000 to $2,000 per individual. However, booking through our services allows you to go on a 12-day Everest Base Camp Trek starting at just $1,400. Here is more about the Everest Base Camp Trek cost. Additionally, we offer group prices as follows:

• For 1 to 4 participants: $1,300 each

• For 5 to 10 participants: $1,200 each

• For 11 to 20 participants: $1,175 each

Here is the cost Breakdown for the Everest Base Camp Trek in the Table: 

7. How Many Days To Get To Everest Base Camp?

The journey to Everest Base Camp typically spans between 12 to 24 days. Covering a total distance of approximately 140 km, the round trip from Lukla to Everest Base Camp demands roughly eight days to reach the base camp and another four days for the return journey to Lukla. Trekkers commonly allocate 1-3 days for acclimatization during the expedition. The duration of the Trek can vary significantly based on whether it is completed entirely by land from Jiri or Phaplu, through a regular flight to Lukla, or via a helicopter flight directly to Everest Base Camp.

Trek to Everest Base Camp Via Lukla With Lukla Flight

Trekking to Everest Base Camp via Lukla offers a quicker and more accessible route, spanning just 12 days. You'll begin with a brief scenic flight from Kathmandu to Lukla, followed by a hike to Phakding on the same day. The return journey involves a short flight from Lukla to Kathmandu, resulting in a 12-day round trip covering 130 km. This Trek via Lukla provides an efficient and rewarding path to the world's highest base camp.

Trek to Everest Base Camp Via Phaplu/Jiri

Trekking to Everest Base Camp via Jiri or Phaplu offers a historic and less-traveled route to the iconic destination. If you trek from Jiri to Everest Base Camp and fly back to Kathmandu, it takes about 24 days. Opting for the Phaplu to EBC trek without a Lukla return flight takes around 16 days. Both routes provide a unique and less-crowded perspective on the majestic Everest region.

8. What Kind Of Food Do We Get On The Trail To Everest?

Nepal's Everest Base Camp Trek has become increasingly popular among global trekkers, attracting enthusiasts worldwide. The trail is now dotted with numerous tea houses offering various meals. Fortunately, for travelers embarking on the Everest Base Camp Trek and its different routes, food is easily served at numerous tea houses scattered along the paths. These cozy lodgings offer hikers a place to rest and enjoy a warm meal for the evening. Typical breakfast options include toast, eggs, potatoes, and tea or coffee. Sherpa stew, dumplings, and noodles are commonly featured on menus, but the standout dish is traditional Dal Bhat (here is our recipe for Traditional Dal Bhat). This hearty meal includes lentil soup, rice, spinach, seasonal vegetables, and Aachar (pickle). Nepali Dal Bhat provides essential carbohydrates for the energy needed to trek 6 to 7 hours daily over a 14 to 15-day journey. In Nepal, they even have a saying: "DAL BHAT POWER, 24 HOURS."

Here's a table displaying various breakfast, lunch, and dinner options alongside the corresponding types of meals and their recommended times:-

9. What Kind Of Clothes, Gear, And Equipment Do I Need For The Trek To Everest Base Camp?

Prioritize the Everest Base Camp Trek Packing List as your journey starts from Lukla, 2860 meters above sea level, and reaches Kala Patthar at 5,644 m. From day one, you'll pass via the challenging terrains through Namche Bazaar, Dingboche, Lobuche, Gorakshep, and Kala Patthar. Given these landscapes' rugged nature, having your Everest Base Camp Trek Packing List in place is important, complete with all the necessary gear and equipment. Here is a detailed packing list for Everest Base Camp Trek. For the full details of packing for clothing, equipment, and gear requirements for trekking in Nepal, kindly review the "Also check our Packing List for trekking in Nepal." This resource also provides supplementary details on planning your journey to Nepal.

10. Is Drinking Water Available During The Trek? Is It Safe?

Certainly, fresh drinking water is available throughout the Everest Base Camp trek, ensuring your safety and hydration. Along the entire trekking path, numerous reliable water sources are easily accessible. Here are different options for safe drinking water during your Trek.

Tap or stream water.

On the trail, you may encounter tap or stream water sources. While they may seem clean, they could contain harmful contaminants. Use water purification tablets, filters, or UV purifiers to ensure safe consumption. These options remove bacteria, viruses, and protozoa, but be aware of UV purifiers' taste sensitivities or battery requirements. Stay hydrated and stay safe during your outdoor adventures.

Bottled Water

Bottled water is sold at most lodges and tea houses along the trekking path. Nonetheless, this choice can prove costly, particularly as you ascend to greater altitudes, and it also adds to the plastic pollution in the area. It is advisable to explore more eco-friendly options. 

Boiled water

Most lodges and teahouses offer affordable boiled water, an effective way to kill harmful microorganisms, ensuring safe drinking. Boil water for at least one minute (three minutes at high altitudes). Stay hydrated with 3-4 liters daily. Use eco-friendly water treatment, reducing reliance on bottled water. Prioritize safe water to prevent illness. For more detailed information, check out How Was Drinking Water in the Himalayas of Nepal?

11. Can The Domestic Flight To Lukla Get Delayed Or Canceled?

Yes, domestic flights to Lukla can indeed get delayed or canceled. Lukla Airport presents numerous challenges for flight operations. Its short runway rests at the edge of a cliff, and the approach to the runway is via a narrow, windy valley. As a result, only small planes and helicopters can pass through this small airstrip. Moreover, weather conditions and visibility can change rapidly due to Lukla's high elevation and unique geography.

Delays are common throughout the year, with a higher likelihood during the monsoon season (late May to early September). Airlines prioritize safety over punctuality, so they may return flights to Kathmandu rather than risk an unsafe landing in changing conditions. These delays can range from a few hours to several days.

Airlines typically reschedule your flight for the next available flight if your flight is canceled. In the worst-case scenario of long cancellations, you can travel by road to Salleri or Jiri and start your Trek there. Or Your flight will be diverted to Manthali Ramechaap.

12. What Is Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS)? How Likely Am I To Get AMS?

Often referred to as Mountain Sickness, Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) is the group of symptoms that generally strikes trekkers if they climb higher into higher elevation areas. Similarly, AMS will also occur if trekkers ascend too quickly during the Trek or climb. The air pressure you live in is called barometric or atmospheric pressure. When trekkers go to higher altitudes during their Everest Base Camp trek, like higher than Namche Bazaar, this atmospheric pressure drops and causes less oxygen availability in the environment. Moreover, if you are a person who often visits these high-altitude places or who lives in high-altitude areas like Sherpas, then you get used to this low air pressure. But if you reside in a lower region, your body will require time to adjust to the change in the air pressure when you travel to higher altitude areas. Trekkers are generally at more risk when they go above 8,000 feet. Some basic symptoms trekkers generally experience if prone to altitude sickness include Headache, Nausea, Dizziness, Fatigue and Loss of energy, Shortness of breath, Vomiting,  Problems with sleep, and Loss of appetite. These symptoms generally emerge within 12 to 24 hours of reaching a higher elevation. It slowly reduces within a day or two as your body adapts to the change in altitude. 

If you're experiencing a milder form of altitude sickness, you may notice that your symptoms become more noticeable and do not respond to over-the-counter remedies. You could encounter increased breathlessness and heightened fatigue. Additionally, you might encounter symptoms like Impaired coordination and difficulty walking, An intense headache that doesn't alleviate with medication, and constriction in your chest. If your altitude sickness worsens, then the normal form of AMS develops into Pulmonary Edema (HAPE) or High Altitude Cerebral Edema (HACE), where you may experience symptoms like Confusion, Shortness of breath, even when at rest, Inability to ambulate, A persistent cough produces a frothy white or pink discharge and A state of coma.  

You are likely to get Altitude Sickness no matter how fit, healthy, or young you are, as it's often seen that Olympic athletes could also get it. In fact, the more physically active you are at high elevations during treks like EBC, the more you are likely to get it. Your chance of getting altitude sickness also depends on how high you reach during your Trek, how fast you move, where you sleep, etc. 

13. What is an alternative way if a Lukla flight is Cancelled?

Everest travelers are well-acquainted with the frequent cancellations of Lukla flights, which can occur suddenly. The unstable Lukla-Kathmandu-Lukla flights result from the Himalayan region's notorious and inconsistent weather conditions. The Lukla flight cancellations mainly happen during the beginning of the monsoon season through early autumn. There are three most preferred alternatives to Lukla flight cancellations- Divert flights from Ramechhap (Manthali) to Lukla, Kathmandu to Lukla Helicopter Flight, and Reach Lukla via land (Jiri or Phpalu). 

Ramechhap (Manthali) to Lukla Flight- 

If your Kathmandu to Lukla flights get canceled, you can take a Diverted flight from Ramechaap to Lukla. Ramechhap offers a shorter 12-minute flight to Lukla instead of the 35-minute departure from Kathmandu. This means increased opportunities for quicker aircraft turnarounds during favorable weather conditions. Even when Lukla experiences good weather, delays can still occur in Kathmandu due to flight prioritization. Alternatively, Manthali Airport, located approximately 4 hours away from Kathmandu, provides a 20-minute flight to Lukla. Flying from Manthali Airport to Lukla is simpler and can be booked even when the weather is uncertain.

Lukla Helicopter Flight- 

Flying to Lukla by helicopter is a reliable alternative to avoid flight delays in the Everest Region. Lukla is an important gateway for trekkers, especially during peak tourist seasons. Booking a Kathmandu to Lukla helicopter service is a great option for those with limited time and a flexible budget, ensuring a dependable journey to Lukla. 

Reach Lukla via land (Jiri or Phpalu)

Another great alternative to the Lukla flight is to take a longer route to the Everest region via Land, i.e., Jiri or Phaplu (Tham Danda). The journey to Everest Base Camp starts with an 8-hour road trip from Kathmandu to Jiri. Covering a distance of 190 kilometers, this road journey typically spans 9 to 10 hours. The actual Trek starts from Jiri, and it usually takes about 7 to 8 days to trek from Jiri to Lukla.

For the alternative route from Phaplu (Tham Danda) to Lukla, you first take a jeep ride up to Tham Danda Via Phaplu. From here, you trek to Lukla after staying overnight in the village. You continue to trek from Tham danda to Lukla, which requires two days. 

14. What is an emergency option if I feel sick or break my leg?

Booking a helicopter service is the best emergency option if you feel sick due to any medical condition, i.e., AMs, or if you break your leg and cannot continue the hike further. Before you start your journey, make certain you possess thorough travel insurance that encompasses emergency rescue and evacuation, including the option for helicopter evacuation if required. Take the time to thoroughly peruse the stipulations and provisions of your insurance policy to understand the extent of coverage, altitude limitations, and the activities included.

If you do not have Insurance to cover the emergencies, booking helicopter services during your EBC trek is the best option here. At an affordable rate, we generally offer two different helicopter services in emergencies,i.e., Private Helicopter Service or Group Joining Helicopter Service. Travel insurance guarantees access to medical assistance and potential emergency helicopter evacuation. Nevertheless, those without Insurance face limited options if they need medical attention and transportation back to Kathmandu. Therefore, reserving a helicopter service at any point along the Everest Base Camp Trek route is possible. Here is more about the Trek to Everest Base Camp without Insurance.