Trip to Everest Base Camp-All You Require to Know

“Trip to Everest Base Camp??" Wow, that’s just incredible man!! I have recently been there with my wife and my son aged-23.  All of us found the trek/trip to Everest Base Camp just incredibly astonishing”.  One of the tourists said when I was in restaurant named Northfield Café, Thamel for my lunch and I came to hear it. 

Before you make a decision for Everest Base Camp Trek or any kind of Everest Base Camp Trip, learn about: Nepal Travel info 

I knew it very well why Trip to Everest Base Camp is just Amazing because I have been there several times in my life as a porter and a guide with trekkers and even in helicopter. Moreover, I got an opportunity to make this trip in a bigger plane that is Everest Mountain Flight. 

This is shared dread of every individual to step at the highest mountain base camp of the world, Everest Base Camp ( 5364m) and to witness it from the closest viewpoint. What is the closest viewpoint for witnessing Mt. Everest? Definitely, Kalapatthar ( 5545m). It is said heaven is myth, Everest Base Camp is real. 

Everest Region Synopsis

The Everest Region is originally known as Khumbu region however Everest region is more popular than Khumbu. The Everest region is the highest elevation with giant mountain panoramas including the top of the world, Mt. Everest. Also, the Sagarmatha National Park, the national park located at the highest elevation of the world is also resides in the majestic Khumbu region of Nepal. 

Everest region has Lukla airport and the Lukla town, Namche Bazaar, the gateway to Everest region, Hotel Everest View, Khunjung Village, Thame monastery, Tengboche Monastery, Dingboche Town, Periche and Lobuche Town, Gorekh Shep, Kalapattahr and Everest Base Camp. Also, on the other hand, the popular Island Peak, Mera Peak and Lobuche Peak are located in Everest region. Moreover, the popular Gokyo Lake, Gokyo Valley, Gokyo Ri, Chola Pass etc. also are located in the same region. 

Most importantly, Sagarmatha National Park, Lukla Airport, Namche Bazaar, Tengboche, Gokyo Lake, Kalapatthar, Everest Base Camp, Island Peak etc are the most popular destinations to explore in Khumbu or Everest region. 

Everest Base Camp Trek, Everest Short Trek/ Everest Panorama Trek, Island Peak Climbing with Everest Base Camp Trek, Gokyo Lake Trek, Chola Pass Everest Base Camp Trek, Everest Three Passes Trek and  other peak climbing are the most popular trekking and adventure trips in Everest region. Majority of people adore stepping at Everest Base Camp and witness the top of the world, Mt. Everest. Wanna know more about Everest Base Camp Trek Itinerary and Everest Base Camp Trek Cost? 

Besides, Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour and Everest mountain flights are also equally occupying spaces among the hearts of the people. Lukla airport or Manthali airport located in Ramechhap connect the Khumbu region/Everest region. 

Trip to Everest Base Camp Video

There occurs a question now and the question is how to go Everest Base Camp and witness Mt. Everest? 

We have got three options to witness Mt. Everest and two of them take you to Everest Base Camp and let you capture and see Mt. Everest Base Camp. These are: 

1.    Everest Base Camp Trek 

2.    Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour 

3.    Everest Mountain Flight 

Now let’s talk about each of these trips in detail. 

Everest Base Camp Trek 

It is a grand trek located in Khumbu region of Nepal and popularly known as one of the most classical adventure treks around the world. Even Everest Base Camp Trek is featured and recommended as one of the most popular tourists’ destinations around the world. It’s, actually, everyone’s bucket list. 

Everest Base Camp Trek is an adventure trekking through Sagarmatha National Park, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the national park located at the highest elevation of the world. Then, of course, you will experience unique experience of alpine flora and fauna during this walk to Everest Base Camp. 

This is also a walk through various unique local settlements of Sherpa people. These settlements include Lukla, Namche, Phakding, Monjo, Namche, Tengboche, Dingboche, Periche, Lobuche and Gorekh Shep. What you can do while passing through these local villages and towns are: observe their lifestyle and activities, their hospitality, their smiling faces, foods and their economic activities. You can enjoy local accommodation at teahouses/lodges and taste their local Sherpa food items. I

If you want to know Top 20 Things to do on Everest Base Camp Trek then, click  things to do on Everest Base Camp Trek

Why Everest Base Camp Trek? 

• To put your footsteps at the highest mountain base camp, Everest Base Camp, of the world
  
• To celebrate the refreshing and serene walk though Sagarmatha National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the national park located at the highest elevation of the world. 
• To observe and explore the local settlements like Lukla, Namche, Dingboche, Tengboche and Lobuche and the local people’s life styles
• To witness the majestic mountain summits like Thamserkhu, Amadablam, Loa Tse, Cho Yu, Nupse, Makalu, Pumori and Mt. Everest. 

Everest Base Camp Trek Itinerary 

Day 1 : Arrival in Kathmandu 

Day2 : In Kathmandu trek preparation and sightseeing tour.


Day3 : Fly to Lukla 2, 846 m and trek to Phakding 2,645 m - 04 hrs. 


Day4 : Trek to Namche Bazaar 3,440 m / 11, 350 feet - 06 hrs.


Day5 : At Namche for acclimatization and short scenic hike.


Day6 : Trek to Tengboche Monastery 3,867 m - 05 hrs.


Day7 : Trek to Dingboche 4,410 m / 14,470 feet -05 hrs.


Day8 : At Dingboche rest day for acclimatization.


Day9 : Trek to Lobuche 4,960 m - 05 hrs.


Day10 : Trek to Everest Base Camp 5,364 m and back to Gorakshep - 07 hrs.


Day11 : Climb Kalapathar 5,643 m, trek to Periche 4200 m -08 hrs. 


Day12 : Trek to Namche Bazaar- 3400m via Tengboche - 07 hrs.


Day13 : Trek to Lukla and transfer to a lodge-06 hrs.


Day14 : Fly from Lukla to Kathmandu with afternoon free at leisure.


Day15 : Free day as contingency and for individual activities.


Day16 : International departure for homeward bound.


Note: If you are not satisfied with this Everest Base Camp Trek Itinerary, you can ask the local travel/trekking company to set it according to your interest and time frame. 

Everest Base Camp Trek Map with Elevation Ranges 

Everest Base Camp Trek Best Weather of the Year

Autumn ( Sep-Nov) is the best weather for Everest Base Camp Trek. But, why? There are few reasons Autumn for being the finest weather of the year. The rainfall is totally stopped so that you don’t need to worry about it. 

No winter has begun yet and therefore there is no threat of snowfall during the trek. 

The surrounding is very pleasant and delightful. The skies are clear and mountain views and fabulous. Actually, there is no any kind of hindrances for your Everest Base Camp Trek. 

Another striking highlight of Autumn trekking to Everest Base Camp is the delightful festive mood of the people. The major festivals of Nepalese people: Dashain and Tihar fall in these months. So, the trekkers can enjoy this festival with local people on the trail to Everest Base Camp. 

Spring? Ohhh!! Yes, trekkers can take spring as another alternative finest season for Everest Base Camp Trek. Even in the springtime, there is no snowfall but sometimes, we have light rain but not heavy. The weather is serene and the hills are covered with fully bloomed rhododendrons that’s what people love to enjoy and capture. Spring is the best season for climbing too. 

You need to know more about the weather in Nepal if you are planning your upcoming Everest Base Camp Trek. Then, click the link for more details: weather-in-Nepal

Everest Base Camp Trek and Lukla Flight 

The Lukla flights from Kathmandu and to Kathmandu are frequently disturbed due to poor visibility. Though it lasts for only a maximum of 40 minutes, the planes cannot land at Lukla airport due to bad weather which keeps changing every time. So that, for the alternative, people can drive to Ramechhap and then fly to Lukla. This way will be more convenient and comfortable. But, it is not the case all the time. First, trekkers who are doing Everest Base Camp Trek drive to Ramechhp and then the next day fly to Lukla. 

So, it is suggested that the trekkers who are doing their Everest Base Camp Trek have one to two spare days because your trip may get disturbed by Lukla flights because of bad weather conditions. 

Is altitude Sickness a problem? 

You are ascending above 5000m in your Everest Base Camp Trek and high altitude sickness may be a threat to you on the trail. But, it doesn’t mean that all the trekkers will get it and will suffer from it on the trail to Everest Base Camp. 

It means, that sometimes, people trekking to Everest Base Camp may get altitude sickness for many reasons. Learn more about it here: Altitude sickness- information. 

Everest Base Camp Trek Departure Dates

Different trekking companies have their own Everest Base Trek departure dates. They fix the departure dates according to their clients’ demands and also their policies determine the departure dates to Everest Base Camp. 

Rising trekking may have fewer Everest Base Camp Trek departure dates and the popular have many. If they have several departure dates, trekkers will have options to suit their time. Of if you can find the right departure dates for your Everest Base Camp Trek, you can ask the company to set it for you. If you have a group, then it would be far better to demand your departure date rather than going with the company's departure dates for Everest Base Camp Trek. 

Everest Base Camp Trek Departure Dates for 2024 

Departure dates for Everest Base Camp Trek 2023/2024 will be larger than the previous years’ departures because more adventure enthusiasts are demanding Everest Base Camp Trek in large volume and accordingly, the departure dates to Everest Base Camp Trek will be increased. 

If you are willing to do Everest Base Camp Trek in 2023/2024, you can book the departure dates offered by the trekking companies according to your time frame and interest. Before booking your departure dates for Everest Base Camp Trek, you are suggested to do extensive research about Everest Base Camp Trek and other trips in the Everest region and in Nepal. You also need to know about altitude sickness and trekking packing list for your Everest Base Camp Trek. 

So, book your right Everest Base Camp Trek Departure Dates for 2023/2024 and make this massive and grand trip successful and memorable. 

Everest Base Camp Trek with Helicopter Itinerary 

Day 1:  Arrival in Kathmandu 

Day 2:  In Kathmandu trek preparation and sightseeing tour.


Day3 :  Fly to Lukla 2, 846 m and trek to Phakding 2,645 m - 04 hrs. 


Day4 :  Trek to Namche Bazaar 3,440 m / 11, 350 feet - 06 hrs.


Day 5:  At Namche for acclimatization and a short scenic hike.


Day 6:  Trek to Tengboche Monastery 3,867 m - 05 hrs.


Day7 :  Trek to Dingboche 4,410 m / 14,470 feet -05 hrs.


Day 8:  At Dingboche rest day for acclimatization.


Day9 :  Trek to Lobuche 4,960 m - 05 hrs.


Day 10:  Trek to Everest Base Camp 5,364 m and back to Gorakshep - 07 hrs.


Day11:  Climb Kalapathar 5,545 m, fly back to Lukla by helicopter ( Fly directly to Kathmandu from Kalapatthar- Optional) 

Day 12:  Fly from Lukla to Kathmandu with an afternoon free at leisure.


Day 13:  International departure for homeward bound.


Everest Base Camp Trek Itineraries

Different trekking companies offer their own Everest Base Camp Trek Itineraries. It is because they want to meet their clients’ interest and time framing. However, the core Everest Base Camp Trek Itinerary is 14 days Everest Base Camp Itinerary. This itinerary excludes the departure and arrival day. This itinerary also consists two days of acclimatization: one at Namche and the other at Dingboche. This 14 days Everest Base Camp Itinerary is very ideal and scientific for the trekkers since the trekkers can ascend with proper acclimatization letting their bodies adapt new ascent. Therefore, people who are travelling to Everest Base Camp prefer 14 days Everest Base Camp Itinerary.

But, people’s interests are not always similar and the same. Of course, people are living with different interests. Some people want to complete their Everest Base Camp Trek in 10 or 11 days. Also, some people want it to be accomplished in 12 or 13 days. 

12/13 days Everest Base Camp itineraries are also popular with only one day acclimatization at Namche or Dingboche. This 12/13 days Everest Base Camp Trek Itinerary incorporates a Helicopter Flight from Kalapatthar or Everest Base Camp. It is known as the Everest Helicopter Tour. Flying with the helicopter at the end of the trek will be another magnificent experience during the Everest Base Camp Trek. 

Actually, the 10/11 days Everest Base Camp Trek is known as Rapid Everest Base Camp Trek. This Rapid Everest Base Camp Trek doesn’t consist of acclimatization at Namche and Dingboche. This Rapid Everest Base Camp lasts either for 10 or 11 days. This trek itinerary is for those who are very experienced and have a high level of stamina with prior trekking skills and experiences. These daring people love doing this Everest Base Camp Rapid Trek. 

Is it really good to do the Everest Base Camp trek in 10 or 11 days? 

Actually, it is not good to do Everest Base Camp Trek in 10 or 11 days. It is because this itinerary doesn’t include sufficient days of acclimatization and without acclimatization, it is not considered to be good at higher altitudes above 5000. But, if you have already done other trekking trips above 5000m recently, you can go with this Rapid Everest Base Camp Trek Itinerary. 

Rapid Everest Base Camp Trek Itinerary 

Day 1:  Arrival in Kathmandu 

Day2 :   Fly to Lukla 2, 846 m and trek to Phakding 2,645 m - 04 hrs. 


Day3 :  Trek to Namche Bazaar 3,440 m / 11, 350 feet - 06 hrs.


Day 4:  Trek to Tengboche Monastery 3,867 m - 05 hrs.


Day5 :  Trek to Dingboche 4,410 m / 14,470 feet -05 hrs.


Day6 :  Trek to Lobuche 4,960 m - 05 hrs.


Day 7:  Trek to Everest Base Camp 5,364 m and back to Gorakshep - 07 hrs.


Day8:  Climb Kalapathar 5,643 m, trek back to Tengboche via Periche

Day9:  Trek back to Lukla and Fly back to Kathmandu 

Day 10:  International departure for homeward bound.


Everest Base Camp Trek Packing List 

One requires being very careful about the right and reliable equipment packing list for Everest Base Camp Trek. There are two reasons why people need to be very cautious about it. 

1. People packing the right and reliable trekking equipment make the trip convenient and successful

2. People trekking to Everest Base Camp Trek do not find the trekking equipment they want on the trail (if you get some, they will be very costly) 

So, trekkers are strongly recommended to pack up all required trekking equipment rightly so that there won’t be any inconvenience on the trail to Everest Base Camp and Back to Lukla and Kathmandu. You must know the right and very reliable trekking equipment beforehand you depart for the trip. For this, click here: trekking-equipment-checklist

Internet and Wi-fi facility in Everest Base Camp Trek 

Internet and Wi-fi facilities are available all around the trip in Everest Base Camp Trek. The local guesthouses and the lodges have Wi-fi facilities and you can have easy access on your smartphone or laptop/tab. Moreover, you can instantly talk to the person you like from the Everest Base Camp Trekking Trail. You can share the photos and views simultaneously. 

But, for installing/accessing internet/Wi-fi in your device, you may have to pay some charge like RS. 200-300 depending on the places where you stay. If you want to escape this charge, then, you can buy a Nepali SIM Card and buy a datapack in Kathmandu for your Everest Base Camp Trek. 

Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour 

Most probably, Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour is one of the top ten travel packages or destinations around the world. This is another alternative to going to Everest Base Camp within a few hours. (3-4 hrs.) from Kathmandu. Those people who can not walk to Everest Base Camp on their feet can simply go on Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour. 

Why Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour? 

-    To step at Everest Base Camp within 3-4 hours from Kathmandu 

- To capture and witness aerial views of breathtaking mountain views including Mt. Everest

- To escape all the tiring and adventurous walk  to and from Everest Base Camp

- To save time and budget 

- To experience the Khumbu region/Everest region in a very convenient way with a helicopter 

- To make a memory in your life that you have ventured to Everest Base Camp with a helicopter 

How will be my Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour?

Your Everest Base Camp will be absolutely exhilarating from the beginning to the end. As you ascend into the air with a helicopter, you begin to witness magnificent landscapes and mountain summits to the north. Slowly, you fly to Lukla and land there for refuelling. Then, the helicopter will fly to Everest Base Camp and land there. Some people prefer landing at Kalapatthar rather than at Everest Base Camp because Kalapatthar offers better views than from Everest Base Camp. 

You will land at Kalapatthar or Everest Base Camp and view the entire Everest mountain panorama including the top of the world, Mt. Everest. You will explore Kalapatthar or Everest Base Camp while, click the photos, walk around celebrate the biggest victory of your life and fly back to Lukla and then to Kathmandu. 

Detail Itinerary Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour 

You will begin Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour with a short drive from your hotel or the place where you stay. The car/jeep/van will pick you up and drop at the domestic terminal of Tribhuvan International Airport. Normally, the trip begins early in the morning; sometimes, after breakfast and even sometimes you have to pack up your breakfast with you and board the flight. 

As you board in the helicopter; the flight takes slowly towards Langtang Mountain region. At this moment, you can capture these alluring aerial views in the very initial section of the trip to Everest Base Camp by helicopter. 

Next, the helicopter swerves to Lukla or Everest region passing through awe-inspiring landscapes and the mountain panoramas. You are now very close to Sagarmatha National Park as you land at Lukla airport. 

Lukla Airport or Tenjing-Hillary is one of the most dangerous airports in the world but don’t think that your flights are not safe. Your flights are safe because the pilots who are flying helicopters in the Everest region are very veteran and experienced. No need to panic about it. 

Your tiny halt at Lukla airport will be very fruitful for you. This halt is actually for refuelling the helicopter. You will stop for a maximum of 15 minutes and can explore this legendary and classical airport. You can take some photos and walk a few steps within the airport for some sightseeing. 

We, sometimes, have to stop there at Lukla airport and Lukla town if the weight exceeds 450 or 500 kgs, the helicopter will have to do an extra shuttle flight to and from Everest Base Camp since the helicopter cannot carry exceeded weight at the highest elevation like to Everest Base Camp. 

During this stop at Lukla for more than 2 hours until the other group comes back from Everest Base Camp, you can do the following things if you have to stay for another shuttle flight to and from Everest Base Camp:

• Go around the Lukla airport and the town
  
• Buy some souvenirs if you want
• Taste some foods at a local teahouse/restaurant 
• Click some beautiful photos of airports and towns
• Talk to some local people and exchange things 
• Don’t miss meeting Sherpa people and take photos with them 

How will be the flight to Everest Base Camp? 

The flight now takes off from Lukla airport after refuelling. As you soar up into the air, the entire Khumbu and Sagarmatha National Park will be astonishingly visible. You can make some aerial clicks of Khumbu Glacier, the local settlements of Namche Bazaar, Tengboche, Dingboche and other local settlements before you reach Everest Base Camp or Kalapatthar. 

Landing at Kalapatthar or Everest Base Camp? 

Actually, landing at Kalapatthar is better than landing at Everest Base Camp. It is because; one can view Everest in a more breathtaking way than from Everest Base Camp. Kalapatthar has a helipad where the helicopter lands and allows the travellers to explore the surrounding with astonishing mountain views. You are truly stunned by the views of the giant summits including Loa Tse, Nupse, Makalu, Pumori and Mt. Everest. At this moment, you will be very busy in capturing the surrounding views including you in the photographs. You will have a maximum time of half an hour. In this time frame, you will have to manage everything including photographs and taking care of your all belongings. Don’t get confused about where will you land either at Kalapatthar or Everest Base Camp. It’s Kalapatthar ok, it’s Kalapatthar. Then, let’s say ‘ Let’s go to Kalapatthar and Explore the entire Khumbu region with a helicopter tour”. 

How long will be the landing at Kalapattar? 

The helicopter landing at Kalapatthar will be a of maximum 30 minutes. There is a tiny helipad at Kalapatthar where you land and capture all surrounding views including the massive Khumbu Glacier and Mt. Everest. Along with Mt. Everest and Khumbu Glacier, travellers can also witness and capture Loa Tse, Nupse, Makalu and Pumori simultaneously. You will rejoice in these 30 minutes with beautiful memories around. Stepping out from the Helicopter and landing your feet at a popular vantage point, Kalapatthar, will itself be a memory for a lifetime. Landing at Kalapatthar, above 5000m for longer hours will be very risky because one may get acute altitude sickness. So, stopping there at Kalapatthar for longer than 30 minutes is not recommended.  

Flying Back to Syangboche and having breakfast at Hotel Everest View 

After rejoicing in blissful moments at Kalapatthar with Mt. Everest, the top of the world, we fly back to Syangboche helipad over Sagarmatha National Park and all the towering mountain peaks and go to have breakfast at Hotel Everest View. Again, while having breakfast at Hotel Everest View, you will enjoy Mt. Everest, Thamserkhu and entire neighbouring mountain summits. This moment will be another magnificent achievement after landing at Kalapatthar because you are having a beautiful breakfast at Hotel Everest View, the hotel located at the highest elevation in the world.