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30 Everest Base Camp Trek FAQs Replied

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30 Everest Base Camp Trek FAQs Replied  

‘Do you imagine of stepping at the highest mountain base camp of the world, Everest Base Camp (5364m)? You imagine it then, turn it into reality via Everest Base Camp Trek’

Everest Base Camp Trek (5364m) is, probably, the best trek ever venturing through a legendary landscapes and mountain panoramas to the base camp and Kalapatthar (5545m)

Everest Base Camp Trek takes you through Ramechhap, Lukla, Phakding, Namche, Tengboche, Lobuche and Gorekhshep and ultimately offers a grand opportunity to step at Everest Base Camp and Kalapatthar from where you can witness Mt. Everest (8848.86m) and other mighty mountain peaks in Khumbu region. 

Do you know another interesting thing about Everest Base Camp Trek? That is: you are traversing through grand Sagarmatha National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site , the national situated at the highest altitude of the world, and the legendary trail used by Tenjing Norgay Sherpa and Edmund Hillary who scaled Mt. Everest for the first time in 1953 . Won’t it be exciting to walk to Everest Base Camp then? 


Everest Base Camp Trek highlights 

  • A spectacular drive to Ramechhap and then scenic flight to Lukla and back to Kathmandu
  • A grand and serene walk via Sagarmatha National Park viewing diverse species of flora and faunas 
  • Traversing through local Sherpa people’s settlements like Lukla, Phakding, Namche, Tengboche, Dingboche, Lobuche and Gorekhshep experiencing their unique culture, history and civilization 
  • Witness majestic mountain views including t. Everest, the top of the world, Nupse, Lostse, Thamserkhu, Amadmblam and Pumory. 
  • Witness the grand and massive Khumbu glacier 

30 Everest Base Camp Trek FAQs Replied 

Everest Base Camp Trek itself is a grand and epic trekking that takes the trekkers to the highest mountain base camp of the world through Sagarmatha National Park and offers the adventure enthusiasts the life-time experiences with stunning mountain views including Mt. Everest, the top of the world. So, people/trekkers want to create a new history putting their footsteps at Everest Base Camp. This is why, this trek is very popular among the people. You can go there in three ways: by walking/trekking, by jeep and walk and by helicopter. You can choose to do any way you like. 

2. Where is Everest Basse Camp located? 

Everest Base Camp(5364m) is located at the borderline between Tibet and Nepal. Actually, there are two Everest Base Camps, the one on the Tibetan side and the other on Nepal side. But, the Everest Base Camp on Nepal side is more popular among the travelers because of more spectacular mountain views and convenient trekking trail. It is located in Khumbu region of Solukhumbu district of Nepal, next to Gorekhshep, the last settlement on Everest Base Camp Trekking trail. 

3. How high is Everest Base Camp? 

Everest Base Camp is 5364m/17,598 feet high. This elevation cannot be gained within 2-4 days; it actually takes at least a week. We have to walk or get the ascent gradually. At least, we require to have 2 days of acclimatization: one at Namche Bazaar and the other at Dingboche. If one tries to get the elevation swiftly displaying superiority, then, there is a danger of being victim of altitude sickness/acute mountain sickness. So, go slowly with proper acclimatization an get the Everest Base Camp. Do you know, Kalapatthar(5545m) is higher than Everest Base Camp? And another interesting thing about Kalapatthar is: Kalapatthar is more popular viewpoint to see Everest than Everest Base Camp. 


4. How is Everest Base Camp? 

Everest Base Camp is flat landscape with different types rocks all around. You will love this adventure trekking with various types of alpine flora and fauna in Sagarmatha National Park. You can see the rocks written ‘Everest Base Camp-5364m’. Also, one can see holy colorful prayers fluttering beautifully with chilling wind. Don’t forget to click the photographs here at Everest Base Camp with the surrounding view including Everest and Khumbu glacier. You really feel blessed to be her at Everest Base Camp. 

5. Can  we see Yeti on the Everest Base Camp Trekking trail? 

Actually, some trekkers claim that they saw footprints of yeti in the past. But, recently no trekkers trekking to Everest Base Camp have revealed that they have seen it. Even, when we talk to local people, they claim strongly that they saw the footprints of yeti but not real one. So, yes, yeti may live in the mountains of Khumbu region. 


6. What are the required permits for Everest Base Camp Trek? 

The required permits for Everest Base Camp Trek are: Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit, TIMS Card ( Trekking Information Management System Card), Khumbu Local Area Entry Permit. Both Khumbu Local Area Entry Permit and TIMS Card cost USD 20 while Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit costs USD 30. You can ask your travel partner in Nepal to obtain these permits for you. 

Beside these FAQs, you can read our article: Trip to Everest Base Camp, All Your Require to Know in order to make your trip to ebc/ trek to ebc more fascinating. 

7. Can solo traveler do Everest Base Camp trek? 

Yes, Khumbu Local Government has permitted the solo travelers to do Everest Base Camp Trek independently without guide and porter. Previously, it wasn’t there. But now, you can freely trek to Everest Base Camp without guide and porter if you are confident and well-prepared for the trek. Otherwise, you’d better go with either a porter or a guide which will turn your entire Everest Base Camp Trek a memorable, more convenient and successful. 

8. How will be the food and accommodation in Everest Base Camp Trek? 

Except in Namche and Dingboche, trekkers will have a very basic foods and accommodation. But, if you want to improve your foods and accommodation on the trekking trail, you can ask to your travel company located in Nepal to book a special accommodation and provide you improved and quality of foods on the trail. Actually, during two peak trekking seasons in Nepal: Autumn( Sep-Nov) and Spring ( Mar-May), trekkers may have to some inconveniences of foods and accommodation because thousands of trekkers board on Everest Base Camp Trek. So, you have to prepare well for this. 

9. How many plane crashes took place in Lukla airport? 

October 15th, 1973, Royal Nepal Airlines DHC-6 Twin Otter 300 which crashed and could not be repaired at any moment. None of the three crew and passengers were hurt in this crash in Lukla.  

 There were other crashes at Lukla were in 2008 and 2012. The de Havilland Canada DHC-6 Twin Otter 300 which is operated by Yeti which was registered as 9N-AFE. October 8th,  while landing at Lukla airport which hit the rocks on the runway, crashed, and caught on fire. Out of all 19 passengers and crew, only the captain survived and the rest of the passengers were dead. 

10. Why  Lukla flights have been diverted to Manthali? 

 Actually, the flights during the off trekking seasons (Winter and Summer) the flights will be operated directly from Kathmandu to Lukla but, during the peak trekking seasons in Nepal ( Autumn and Spring) the Lukla flights diverted to Manthali airport to avoid the hassles and the crowd from the Kathmandu airport. In fact, Trekkers will drive to Manthali airport located in Ramechhap district and then take a short flight of 20 minutes to Lukla and begin their Everest Base Camp Trek.  In two low trekking seasons, the flight will directly operated to Lukla from Kathmandu. 

11. What will be the average working hours in a day in Everest Base Camp Trek? 

The average working hours in a day in Everest Base Camp Trek will be 6-7. This average working hours (6-7) will include your lunch time and short breaks from toilets, snacks and refreshments on the trail till you get to the lodge for overnight stay. You are given enough time for short rests, to have lights snacks and tea/coffee/ to use toilets and lunch. If case of some minor or major accidents or illnesses, you can take your time during the working hours. Don’t get scared with this average working hours ( 6-7). But, you have to have such kind of stamina to work minimum 6-7 hours in a day at higher altitude above 4000m, then only you can get triumph over Everest Base Camp Trek.  

12. Which one is better: Private Everest Base Camp Trek or Joining in a group with other people? 

Actually, private Everest Base Camp Trek is far better and more convenient than joining in a group with other people. This is because you can do your trek independently and privately with sufficient flexibility of time and budget. Moreover, you can move as you wish on the trail with the advice of your private guide and porters. But, if you join a group, you may have to face with the problems like intimacy, language barrier, cultural barrier, inferiority and superiority complex and son on. But, if you love joining a group for the new experience of culture, language and civilization, you can still do it. 

                                              

13. How will be the internet, Wi-fi and telephone services on Everest Base Camp Trekking trail? 

All the services like internet, Wi-fi and telephone can be entertained on the Everest Base Camp Trekking trail. The local lodges offer the trekkers Wi-fi facility and the towns like Namche, Dingboche and Lukla provide the facility of good internet on the trail. For internet and Si-fi facility, trekkers have to pay some extra cost like Rs. 300-500. Also, one can install/access local SIM card like NCELL or NT in their smart phones and can buy as much data you want and enjoy the internet on the trail. Even, one can do a face-face conversation with other people from Everest Base Camp these days. 

 14. Are the lodges and the trail too crowded in Spring and Autumn? 

Yes, definitely, the Everest Base Camp Trekking Trail and the local lodges are far too crowded during two peak trekking seasons lie Spring( Mar-May) and Autumn( Sep-Nov) because thousands for trekker flock to Everest Base Camp Trekking Trail and there are only limited number of lodges on the trail. If you are solitary lovers, you will get badly irritated to seeing the crowd and their activities. In this case, you can switch the trekking season or can go with other popular trekking trails in Nepal like Manaslu Circuit Trek and Annapurna Circuit Trek. 

15. How will be my guide and porter during my Everest Base Camp Trek?

Your guide and porter will be very professional with good communication of respective language. They are very known to local culture, people, mountain peaks, flora and fauna. They are very hospitable and helpful. The guide knows first-aid techniques very well and heshe is familiar with altitude sickness/acute mountain sickness. You can share anything with your guide and porter in it is necessary on the trail. Their only aim on the trail ill be to make you happy with their services. So, be friendly with them and communicate as much as you want. So that  Hiring Guide and porter is recommended during your Everest Base Camp Trek. 

16. Can I do Everest Base Camp Trek in winter?

Actually, you can still do Everest Base Camp in winter but not in the mid/apex of winter season. You can do Everest Base Camp Trek in either pre or late winter. However, you may have to encounter massive snowfall and you have to prepare with crampon and ice axe with extra training for normal climbing too. Summing up, it is actually not recommended to do Everest Base Camp Trek in winter but if the trekkers love snowfall and the thrilling adventure, they can do it with professional trekking crew with cautions and preparations.



Actually, not Everest Base Camp, but, Everest Short Trek is recommended during the winter in Nepal as you can ascend up to Namche and Hotel Everest view and can witness Mt. Everest and the surrounding mountain summits in Khumbu  region. 

17. Can I fly back from Everest Base Camp?

Yes, you can fly back from Everest Base Camp by helicopter directly Kathmandu or to Lukla. You may be tired of walking 7-8 hours everyday and if you don’t want to walk down to Lukla along the same trail, you can escape it with helicopter flight to Lukla or directly Kathmandu. It takes only 1 hour to Kathmandu and 15 minutes to Lukla. 

If you do not want to walk down to Lukla with all tiring ups and downs, you can avoid the walk back to Namche and Lukla and fly by helicopter either directly Kathmandu or Lukla. 


18. How often people get altitude sickness/acute mountain sickness on the Everest Base Camp Trekking Trail?

                        

Yes, it is true that people get high altitude sickness on the Everest Base Camp Trekking trail but it is not the case all the time and with every traveler/trekker.  Actually, out of 100 trekkers, one 5 people may get altitude sickness in average. This occurs because of less preparedness, not being equipped with reliable and right trekking gears, not having right foods, may be because of existing health issues and getting the higher elevation rapidly. So, in order to avoid the acute mountain sickness, you can follow the instructions of your trekking leader and with right kind of preparedness beforehand the trek. If you want to more about altitude sickness and the preventive measures, please the link: Altitude Sickness Information.

19. Which one is better: Kalapatthar or Everest Base Camp?

For the purpose of viewpoint, Kalapatthar is better than Everest Base Camp but for the history, achievement and memory, Everest Base Camp is more important than Kalapatthar. Therefore, if you want to make you Everest Base Camp Trek a mesmerizing and complete, you should step at both Everest Base Camp and Kalapatthar because both destinations have their distinct importance and value.

20. Can I fly drone in Everest region/ on Everest Base Camp Trekking Trail?

No, nobody is allowed to fly drone and make any kind videos and capture photographs in Everest region or on Everest Base Camp Trekking Trail. Only the authorized people are permitted to do this kind of activities with certain purposes. If somebody really want to collaborate with the government of Nepal in promoting the tourism of Khumbu region without harming the nature and culture, then, Nepal government and the local government of Khumbu region may grant the permission, but still it is not sure and it very hard.

21. Can I do sanitation or Garbage collection campaign during Everest Base Camp Trek?

Yes, you do it with a genuine authorization of Nepal government of ministry of tourism and the local government of Khumbu region. However, you are not permitted to do any kind of illegal activities like harming the ecosystem and the entire nature, culture and local people while carrying these campaigns. If you are interested doing sanitation and garbage/trash collection from Everest region, then, it will be a wonderful job. Go for it and do favor to the nature and culture of Khumbu region.

22. Is there any possibility of scams on trekkers on Everest Base Camp Trekking trail?

Yes, sometimes, there may occur some scams on the travelers while doing their Everest Base Camp Trek. These scams may be helicopter scams/heli scams, donation scams, health scams and shopping scams. Some people are looking for such kind of fraud activities where they do fishing in contaminated water and make a huge profit. If you notice that you are being scammed, then, try your best to avoid it and can report to the concerned authorities too. Wanna know more about scams on travelers while travelling in Nepal: click the link: Scams in Nepal on Trekkers  



23. What is the shortest trek itinerary to Mount Everest?

The shortest itinerary to Mt. Everest or Mt. Everest Base Camp is 9/10 days Rapid Everest Base Camp Trek Itinerary. This shortest Everest Base Camp Trek Itinerary or Rapid Everest Base Camp Itinerary is for those people who have got sound stamina and those who have already experienced other trekking trips above 4000m high. This shortest itinerary to Mt. Everest is only for those who are experienced and for those who don’t require the acclimatization in Namche and Dingboche. Acclimatization is a must thing while doing Everest Base Camp Trek but some people still do it without acclimatization.

 24. What will the extra expenses on the Everest Base Camp Trek?

 Extra expenses on Everest Base Camp Trek up to you how prodigal you are. However, the indicators of extra expenses on Everest Base Camp Trek are: guide and porter- tips, extra drinks like alcoholic and other beverages, some donations, shopping and for Wi-fi/internet and hot shower. The total extra expenses can be predicted accordingly to the budgets you allocated for these categories on the trek.  

For comprehensive information on Everest Base Camp Trek cost, you can click our article: Everest Base Camp Short Trek Cost 

25. How many days does it take to complete Everest Base Camp Trek? 

Actually, it takes 14/15 days to complete Everest Base camp Trek. These days include two days acclimatization: one at Namche Baazar and the other at Dingboche, arrival and departure days too. It means, if you want a perfect Everest Base Camp Trek Itinerary, then go with 15/14-day Everest Base Camp Trek Itinerary or you can ask your travel partner to set the itinerary for you like this. 

        

However, some people want some more days like 16 days to complete Everest Base Camp Trek. This 16 day Everest Base Camp Trek itinerary includes extra days sightseeing of Kathmandu city, a visit to UNESCO World Heritage Sites. 

Also, people choose some other quicker Everest Base Camp Trekking Itinerary like 10/11/12/13 day Everest Base Camp Trek. These trek itineraries are also known as Rapid Everest Base Camp Trek. 10/11 days Everest Base Camp Trek itinerary doesn’t include any days for acclimatization and Kathmandu city sightseeing. It means, trekkers can complete Everest Base Camp Trek in 10/11 days too. But, it doesn’t consist acclimatization. This 10/11-day Everest Base Camp itinerary is for those who are experienced trekkers. 

You can still do Everest Base Camp Trek in either 12/13 days but you require to fly back to Lukla or Kathmandu by helicopter from Everest Base Camp or Kalapatthar. This itinerary is known as 12/13 day Everest Base Camp Itinerary with Helicopter. You will ascend with proper acclimatization but require to take a flight back to Lukla or Kathmandu by helicopter.  

So, you have 4 major options to do Everest Base Camp Trek. You can do Everest Base Camp Trek in 10,11,12,1314,15 and 16 days. Now, it ups to you which itinerary you are going to choose to suit your time frame and stamina/experience. 

26. Can I get luxury accommodation in Everest Base Camp Trek? 

Yes, you can but not completely. It is because trekkers can get luxury accommodation only in two places: Namche Bazaar and Dingboche. There is no such kind of luxury hotels in other places like Lukla, Phakding, Tengboche, Lobuche and Gorekhshep. So, it means you are adding some extra charge/budget for two days’ luxury accommodation at Namche and Dingboche. 

Actually, some people are confused with the idea that they can get full luxury accommodation all round the trip but it is not true. Trekkers who choose Luxury Everest Base Camp Trek can enjoy only two days Luxury accommodation in Namche and Dingboche and the foods/meals will be the same all round the trek. 

In conclusion, if you really want a luxury accommodation during Everest Base Camp Trek, you have to  make a prior request for the arrangement of the right accommodation for you. 

27. How difficult is Everest Base Camp Trek?

Actually, Everest Base Camp Trek is categorized as a moderate to challenging trekking trip in Nepal. It is categorized as moderate to Challenging in the sense that the Everest Base Camp Trekking trail doesn’t have any kind of technical and steep trail that will really be challenging for the trekkers. However, the high altitude and the thin layer of oxygen which ascending higher after Namche Bazaar. While ascending up to Namche Bazaar, it will be a bit difficult because of the steep climb after you cross the suspension bridge for 1.30 hrs. Otherwise, there is no any kind of technical and steep climb during Everest Base Camp Trekking trail. So, Everest Base Camp Trek is considered as a moderate trekking trip in Nepal. 

If yo want to learn all challneges and risks that you may have to encounter, you can click: Everest Base Camp Trek Challenges

But, as the trekkers ascend higher, the trek turns to be challenging due to thin layer of oxygen as the altitude rises as a result, the trekkers feel difficulty in breathing and there is possibility of acute mountain sickness as well. If you have got acute mountain sickness, then, the trekking will be more challenging. So, in this sense, Everest Base Camp Trek is taken as a moderate to challenging trekking trip in Khumbu region of Nepal. 

28. Can I escape Lukla flight in our Everest Base Camp Trek? 
Yes, you can but not in all trekking seasons. You can optionally go with drive to and from Kathmandu. You can use road drive from Kathmandu to Bupsa/Surke, the town located in lower Khumbu region just below Lukla town and Lukla airport. But, you can use this drive to Surke or Bupsa only in late Autumn, Winter and Spring; not it summer because the rainfall destroys the country roadways.

The trekkers use roadways to go Ramechhap/Manthali  airport  in two peak trekking seasons in Nepal ( Spring and Autumn) and rest of the flights will be operated directly from Kathmandu to Lukla. The only problem with Lukla flight is the poor weather condition and poor visibility. As a result, the Lukla flight are either postponed or cancelled. So, people who are doing their Everest Base Camp Trek try to escape Lukla flight which are frequently cancelled or postponed.

The best way to escape direct flight from Kathmandu to Lukla is to drive to Ramechhap/Manthali Airport and take a short flight of 20 minutes to Lukla and begin their Everest Base Camp Trek. You still have another option this is to drive to Surke or Bupsa from Kathmandu which is really tiresome with four-wheel jeep along the off road for more than 10 hours. So, if you really want to escape Lukla flight directly from Kathmandu which get you in trouble, you can simply drive to Manthali airport and take a short and safe flight to Lukla airport. 

29. What are the most important things to do in Everest Base Camp Trek? 
  • There are some must things to do in Everest Base Camp Trek. These are the most important things to do in Everest Base Camp Trek. These are: 
    • Take some pictures of Lukla airport ( one of the most dangerous airports of the world) 
    • Ascend up to Hotel Everest View and have some snacks ( the hotel located at the highest elevation of the world)
    • Explore Sagarmatha National Park ( A UNESCO World Heritage Site and the national Park Located at the highest elevation of             the       world) 
    • Offer a prayer to Tengboche Monastery 
    • Visit the Pyramid located at Lobuche 
    • Walk to Everest Base Camp and make photographs
    • Ascend up to Kalapatthar and capture stunning sunrise and Mt. Everest 
    • 30. What is the best time to do Everest Base Camp Trek? 
    Though Autumn ( Sep-Nov) is the best time to do Everest Base Camp Trek, the trail and the accommodations are widely crowded . Autumn is mild, moderate and the most favorable season/time of the year for Everest Base Camp Trek. The Autumn in Nepal is so delightful and pleasant with magnificent surrounding, mountain views, clear blue sky and the festive moods of the people. 

    The Autumn doesn’t receive any snowfall and rainfall in Nepal in the Himalayas. So, the trekkers can do their trekking trips without any hurdles and obstacles. They don’t need to worry about snowfall and rainfall during their Everest Base Camp Trek. But, they have to bear a massive crowd of people going ups and downs and making terrible noise in the lodges. 

    Learn comprehensively about the weather in Nepal and prepare your Everest Base Camp Trek accordingly so that you can have more exciting and successful ebc trek. 

    If you want to avoid this irritating crowd of people and the difficulty in accommodation during your Everest Base Camp Trek, you can optionally go with Spring season/time ( Mar-May). The spring in Nepal is as pleasant as Autumn. There is no snowfall and this time is the best time of the year for peak climbing and mountaineering too. The surrounding and mountain views are equally fabulous as you can see in Autumn and the flowering and non-flowering plants, new species of birds and animals in Sagarmatha National Park makes your Everest Base Camp Trek more fascinating, exciting and memorable. So, we recommend you doing Everest Base Camp Trek in Spring rather than Autumn. 

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Art representing various natural and cultutal heritages of Nepal