Your eyes would not be able to stop to see the mountain views of Numbur (6960m), Cho-Oyu (8201m), Gyangchung Kang (7922m), and Thamserku (6629m). while you pass Surkey, you are just the bottom of the world's narrow airport tensing Hillary airport Lukla. You will follow your way from Dudh Koshi river to Phakdhing and continue to reach the first viewpoint of the World's highest mountain, Everest, overnight in the Sherpa community of Namche village. The height of Namche (3400 meters) will bring you AMS, which means above 3500 meters, our tree lines will be gone, and the oxygen level will be getting down. One of the biggest Tengboche monasteries will be along the way to your goal and will give you more power and strength. Rocky mountain Kala Patthar will show the closest majestic view of Mount Everest, including Nuptse, Lhotse, Pumori, Amadblam, and others. Everest base camp passed through a Khumbu glacier and got the opportunity to see the Khumbu icefall.
Phaplu to Everest Base Camp routes
Take on an unforgettable adventure as you traverse from the quaint and picturesque village of Phaplu to the majestic and awe-inspiring base camp of Mount Everest. Rather than opting for the routine flight route to Lukla, this trek presents a one-of-a-kind, authentic, and immersive journey that will etch memories in your mind forever.
You will start your trek from Phaplu on an awe-inspiring journey in Phaplu, where the breathtaking scenery of the Solukhumbu region awaits your arrival. Immerse yourself in the rich culture and customs of the Sherpa people, a community renowned globally for their unique way of life. Traverse through the verdant forests and picturesque terraced fields as you gain an in-depth understanding of the rich heritage of the Sherpa people, who have been inhabitants of this region for centuries.
The journey to Lukla via air transportation involves traveling through remote and high-altitude terrain. The flights, which are exclusively operated from Kathmandu, use small aircraft capable of accommodating 16 passengers per trip. The morning is the optimal time to take a 35-minute flight to Lukla, as the winds and clouds tend to pick up later in the day. Despite the natural beauty of the mountainous terrain and picturesque valley routes, it must be acknowledged that the risk of flight cancellations due to stormy weather is heightened in this region. To ensure a smooth and uninterrupted journey, consider an alternative mode of exploration - a trekking excursion from Phaplu.
You will scale towards the base camp, where the landscape transforms into a breathtaking spectacle. You will trek through lush rhododendron forests, traverse sparkling glaciers, and conquer steep inclines, all while encircled by the Himalayan peaks' magnificence.
For thrill-seekers and those seeking to test the boundaries of their physical and mental capabilities, this journey is nothing short of a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Guided by seasoned local guides, you can traverse some of the planet's most remote and awe-inspiring landscapes and truly grasp the essence of adventure. Take advantage of the opportunity to blaze your trail and take the road less traveled.
So why take the road less traveled and venture on an unforgettable trek from Phaplu to the base camp of Mount Everest? Experience the beauty of the Himalayas and the Sherpa people's rich culture in a way few others can do. A journey that will take you to the roof of the world and will be an unforgettable experience.
Travel Insurance
When going for a trek to the Everest region, you need to take all types of insurance. It would help if you took all the insurance for your safety. It includes medical insurance and accidental insurance.
For the safety of our guests considering the Everest Base Camp Trek, we strongly advise them to get travel insurance. During Everest Base Camp Trekking, you will be experiencing a remote location. Therefore, we will be forced to deploy an airlift to provide you with immediate medical care in an accident or any unforeseen medical emergency (which seldom occurs).
Until travel insurance or the Passenger commits to pay the fee to pay the costs, rescue providers, particularly emergency evacuation service providers, do not get ready. As a result, travel insurance is essential when walking to Everest's base camp.
Packing List
The following is the list of the things and equipment that we will need to carry with us when you are heading on the journey.
1. For the upper part of the body
- Hat: You'll need a nice, wide-brimmed trekking hat to keep the sun off your face. Lightweight, simple to carry, and neck-covering styles are the best. The primary reason for wearing a hat while trekking is to protect yourself from the sun while you're out on the trail.
- Headlamp: Along with the hat, it is better to carry a headlamp with you during the trek. Headlamps are lights that are worn on a person's head. Due to their hands-free operation, these gadgets are great for trekking and hiking. It's ideal to have your hands free when hiking so you can deal with anything Mother Nature throws at you or pull your stuff. At night, trails can be hard to navigate. These footprints generally incorporate pebbles, tree roots, twigs, and even animals and resemble an uncharted maze. These hazards can be dangerous, and having your hands free allows you to catch yourself, move obstacles, sprint, or fend off an enraged rabbit on the track.
- Woolen Hat: When you move to higher elevations, you get a high chance of being caught by cold. So, it is suggested to carry a woolen hat with you for your protection. Not every hat is equally suitable for trekking, so it is safer to take a woolen hat; it will be available with you if you need it.
- Sun Protecting Hat: Day during your trial can be sunny, and the rays directly showered upon you. It will protect UV rays from entering your skin. We must be more careful regarding our heads and protect the scalp from sunburn and skin cancer.
- Sunglasses: As we move towards high altitude, the atmospheric layer becomes thinner, which increases exposure to harmful rays because the capacity to filter these rays becomes less. Therefore, we need to carry sunglasses to protect our eyes from harmful rays.
2. Body Part
- Waterproof jackets and trousers: Rain on the path is always possible, especially if you intend to hike between June and September (we strongly advise against walking in the region). We recommend bringing rain gear with you as a precaution, preferably a gore-tex membrane hardshell jacket. An inexpensive pair of waterproof pullovers will typically be enough for pants.
- T-shirt: It is suggested to wear light clothes during trekking to avoid extreme sweating and discomfort. A t-shirt is best to wear during such trips.
- Clothing: Layering is a significant walk component due to the considerable fluctuation in altitude and temperature. You'll be able to quickly adapt to the climate and be comfortable and safe if you can add and remove layers of clothes while trekking. If you intend on hiking during the cooler winter months of December through February, you'll want to bring some extra layers.
- Gloves: You will need to carry your gloves with you because gloves will help protect your hands from sweat, extreme weather conditions, and other inconvenient situations that may cause discomfort and injury.
Lower Body Clothing
- Thermal Inners: Thermal inners are insulators between your body and the surrounding cold air. They trap body heat and prevent heat loss. Use the ones generally made with polyester or give extra comfort and flexibility.
- Trousers: A full-length pair of trekking trousers provides solid path protection, preventing cuts and scratches from prickly plants, twigs, rocks, and other hazards. This allows you to travel calmly while trekking without the sound of rustling plants and enables you to get near to animals without making a nuisance.
- Down Jacket: One of the most significant purchases you'll make is a down jacket. On a hiking or climbing journey throughout the journey, having the correct warm, insulating layer may make or break your pleasure level. When you are heading for a trek in the Everest region, You must include a down jacket in your packing list.
3. Footwears
- Trekking Boots: Trekking boots are necessary as they are specifically designed to protect the foot and ankles during long-distance trekking. They are one of the essential items of trekking as they can determine a trekker's ability to walk long distances without injury.
- Socks: A trekking sock is essential for avoiding blisters. Unlike a weak, stinking cotton sock, a hiking hose will not continually brush against the back of your foot and will give substantial protection from friction caused by your shoe. The socks maintain a constant temperature for the feet. Socks are incredibly soft and comfortable on foot.
4. Other Types of Equipment for Trekking
- Trekking Poles: Trekking poles intersperse your arms and shoulders into the trekking movement, allowing you to use better muscles to force yourself uphill and control your downhill. The result is an expansion in rate without an accumulation in leg soreness.
- First Aid Kids: First aid kits are a must-have for every trekker. They help you with necessary treatment during the trial. Thus to minimize the risk of infection or injury severity, we must take it with us. A well-stocked kit contains items that treat burns, injuries, scrapes, and cuts.
- Sleeping Bags: Though we will be staying in hotels and there will be services, still take no risk and carry a sleeping bag with you. If you want the best night's sleep on the trail, it is recommended to take your sleeping bags with you.
- Personal Bags: When going on an outdoor trek, you want to be sure that you'll be comfortable the entire time. A bag is fundamental if you're hiking a long and challenging walk. The type of trekking backpack you use will significantly impact how pleasant your adventure will be. If you're carrying many goods, you'll need a bag that distributes the weight properly, so you don't get tired soon.
Altitude Sickness and Prevention
Altitude sickness refers to symptoms that occur when your body is exposed to a higher elevation for an extended length of time.
When traveling to higher altitudes, there is a maximum chance of suffering from AMS (Acute mountain sickness).
When people are traveling and rising or being moved to a higher level fast, altitude sickness is prevalent. The lower the air pressure and oxygen levels are, the higher you climb. Our bodies can handle the change, but it will take time for them to acclimate. Preventing altitude sickness also requires staying hydrated. During your climb, drink plenty of water. Climb at a comfortable speed for you. It's also crucial to remember that even if you're taking acetazolamide, you might still experience altitude sickness. The drug will not help you if you already have symptoms. The only effective cure is to descend to a lower altitude.
So to prevent AMS, we will take two acclimatization breaks every thousand meters. We will trek at the higher altitude but sleep in, the lower to cure this altitude sickness. If we suffered from acute mountain sickness, we would take rest immediately at the same place. We will drink more liquid to stay hydrated, like soup and water, to energize. If the case starts to get worse, we will have to take rescue by helicopter.
Passport and Visa
A passport is the most crucial need when we are out on our trip. We need to take at least one copy of our passport and visa. We will get access before we arrive. A Nepal visa is required to visit the Everest region. You can receive a ticket on arrival at the main entry points, but if you like to be prepared, you may apply for a Nepal visa ahead of time. Most essential, you must have your passport and two passport-size pictures. You'll also need to obtain a Mountaineering License (Everest climbing permit) from the Tibet Mountaineering Association if you intend to go to the advanced base camp of Everest.
Banking and ATM
Typically our package is enclosed with food and accommodation, so, for personal use, you might need cash. However, there is less chance of getting an ATM. Therefore, you will need to carry some money before heading out for the trek. We have two ATMs on the Everest route, but this might not always work because of the satellite. Lukla and Namche Bazaar are the only two stations on the Everest Base Camp route where ATMs are available.
Guides, Porters, And Tipping System in Nepal
Our Everest Base Camp trekking guide porters will be fully insured and knowledgeable about the Everest region journey, not only Everest Base Camp. We have been helping and promoting local people from the beginning of the Everest Region Trek. For your trekking trips in Nepal, we guarantee that we will offer you outstanding guides and skilled porters.
Local Guides are English-speaking locals who will accompany you on the path for the duration. They won't carry your baggage, but they will be able to answer your questions and provide information about the location as you go.
It is always suggested that you take a guide with you. Because when traveling at a high elevation, you might suffer from AMS if you are not much familiarised with treks guide will be very supportive of you.
During the journey, porters will carry your luggage for you. They speak very little English and will be unable to comprehend any inquiries you may pose. To help you travel freely, you can take your porter with you to help you carry your things.
As for Tipping, It will cost you 10 percent of the total cost. This ten percent is further distributed as 60 to the guide and forty to the porter.
Everest trek food and accommodation
Accommodation
The Everest Base Camp climb is a lodge hike. You will spend the night at a clean and pleasant lodge managed by a local family. A tiny room with two twin beds and a separate bathroom with a familiar washroom facility may be available in higher-elevation lodges. Carry a decent sleeping bag to remain warm because the lodge's blanket will not suffice. We have both luxury and basic accommodation.
We can get luxury accommodations are Lukla, Phakding, Manjo, Namche, Everest view hotel, and Debuche. Rest at other places we can get better accommodation but not like these places.
Our Everest Base Camp trek package includes three meals (breakfast, lunch, and supper) during the expedition.
Food
All meals are prepared according to the lodge's menu. Usually, there is a multi-cuisine option on the menu. Pizza, burgers, fish & chips, freshly made coffee, bakery products, and other items are available in Lukla and Namche Bazaar. Namche Bazar and Lukla have several options for food, but mostly you can only find regular food.
The Everest view hotel provides outstanding tea and food services to trekkers. In addition, you may order a warm, and nutritious breakfast, lunch, or supper made using locally sourced organic ingredients. The menu ranges from western to Indian and regional cuisines.
For breakfast, you must have traditional Tibetan bread and bread/ Chapati. There is also a large selection of hot soup alternatives. In addition, pancakes, oatmeal, muesli, and omelets are all available.
Similarly, hot drinking water is available for refilling your reusable water bottle in lodges and tea shops. (Nepali cuisine, freshly prepared and sanitary)
Booking terms and conditions
For booking we are flexible, but when you confirm you have to pay 25 percent and the rest, you can spend on arrival. We don't have any hidden charges.
Note:- If you plan to join a group, we have different terms and conditions for this, and you can contact us.
Our reservations are made through Mountain Rock Treks & Expedition Pvt. Ltd. To reserve a package, fill out a Booking Form and send it to the Company with your deposits and insurance payment (if applicable). You will be required to pay a non-refundable deposit of 25% of the trip fee at booking for all trips. You can pay the remaining balance after arriving in Kathmandu and before the tour departs.
The Company or its Agent should receive the non-refundable deposit. Tailor-made vacations with the Company may demand a larger deposit or full payment at booking. If a deposit is required in addition to that specified in this section, the firm will notify you at the time of booking. You can use a bank transfer or a credit card deposit to secure a reservation (Visa or MasterCard). Follow the instructions on the reservation form.
Last-minute booking for Everest Region Trek
We are flexible on booking. However, when it comes to last-minute cancellations, we are non-refundable. So if you want to join one of our Everest Base Camp Trek packages at the last minute, you must pay the total package price to secure your spot.
We'll do our best to get things in order at the last minute. Make sure you arrive in Kathmandu at least a day before the adventure begins. Further for information, please get in touch with us directly.
A Client's cancellation must be in writing and confirmed by the Company. The cancellation price will be determined by the date the Company or its Agents receives the cancellation request.
If you decide to cancel at the last minute after you have confirmed it, you will forfeit the 30% payment. Likewise, if you choose to cancel your trip after it has begun for any reason, you will lose the whole trip cost. Unfortunately, we don't provide refunds once you've started your journey.
It is strongly recommended that the Client purchase termination insurance at the time of booking.
Travel Tips ( Electricity, Internet, ATM, Luggage, tipping, personal expenses)
There is no electricity in all those places, so it's better to have your backup. As for backup, we can still use batteries and chargers, but you need to pay extra charges for that. In the lodges, there are charging kiosks where you may set up your gadgets. But, again, you might have to pay a small fee for the service. So bring extra chargers or a solar charger with you.
There might not be internet facilities in all places for the internet so that you can use data.
You might also need to pay additional charges to use the internet facility. The internet connectivity along the trekking path is spotty at best, and it only gets worse as you climb higher. Please don't get caught up in sharing the adventure; instead, try to enjoy it as much as possible.
So it is recommended to have your cash for your expenses. You can use it for electricity, internet, and other additional costs like bakeries and pastries and money for tipping. Because there are no ATMs above Namche Bazar, bring extra cash to spend while walking. On the road, you may require some money to purchase more beverages, food, or amenities such as a hot shower, internet, etc.
You ripped extra baggage for free in the hotel's locker room. Each trekker can bring up to 10 kilograms of hiking gear (carried by porters).
Tipping will not be included in the cost of our EBC trek package because it is required. However, the guide and porter anticipate some.
Keep some cash on hand if you want to buy souvenirs, food, or beverages. Other costs, like travel insurance and foreign flight tickets, are not included in our package price. For further details, see our cost includes and exclusions section.
Lukla's flight cancellation
We have very unpredictable weather in the Himalayas, so our flight will be unscheduled some of the time. But sometimes, because of the weather, our flight will be delayed or canceled. We will have other options to take a helicopter or postpone for the next time, so better to have added one or two days after the trip to ensure your international flight wouldn't be disturbed.
Due to inclement weather, flights from Kathmandu to Lukla/Kathmandu may be delayed or canceled for a day. Even in the finest season, something may happen. As a result, Mountain rock treks and expeditions always recommend staying an extra night in Kathmandu. If your vacation goes well, you may be able to take a Kathmandu city tour and purchase souvenirs.
If you need to cancel your journey to Lukla, we will rebook you on the next available flight. Alternatively, if you prefer to rent a helicopter to Lukla, we can assist you with that as well.
How Tough/Difficult is the Everest Region Trek?
As for the treks done in the Everest region, We have various trek packages. Some are easy, and some are moderate and difficult as well.
List of the treks done in the Everest region along with their nature.
1. Everest view trek (EASY)
2. Gokyo valley trek (EASY)
3. Everest base camp trek (MODERATE)
4. Ranjo la pass trek (MODERATE)
5. Gokyo lake and Gokyo Ri trek (MODERATE)
6. Three high passes trek (DIFFICULT)
7. Everest base camp luxury lodge trek (DIFFICULT)
8. Everest trek via Gokyo lake and Cho la pass trek (DIFFICULT)