Everest (8,848m) is more than a mountain and hiking to its base camp is more than a hike. Dubbed by some trekkers as “the steps to heaven” every twist and turn along the route brings new sets of surprises – magical forest, warm Sherpa villages, glacial moraines, tumbling glaciers and high Himalayas. For intrepid walkers, not afraid of heights, our full support staffs will take care of “food & accommodation” and bring you close to local culture before taking you to the foot of world’s highest peak.
Every hiker’s bucket list, Everest Base Camp Trek takes you through Khumbu valley, into the periphery of Sagarmatha National Park while offering spectacular views of 4 of the 6th tallest peaks in the world: Mt. Everest (8,848m), Mt. Lhotse (8,516m), Mt. Makalu (8,470m), Mt. Lhotse (8,516m), Mt. Makalu (8,470m) and Cho Oyu (8,201m).
It is an awesome adventure with daily scenic views of mountains along the walks and Sherpa traditional farm villages along the route to base the camp. The trail goes with few ups and down within enchanting forest of rhododendron-hemlocks-oaks-magnolia-pines and fir tree lines.
Everest Base Camp Trek starts with a thrilling flight to Lukla – the popular gateway to Everest.
Our trek follows the glacial Dudh Kosi River most of time and climb to Namche Bazaar where we spend extra night for acclimatization. We explore the bustling town of Namche and hike to nearby Khumjung to experience the culture, tradition and belief of the Sherpa people. Next we continue our hike towards another beautiful spot at Thyangboche Monastery with sweeping panorama of Everest and other adjoining peaks.
We further continue through Pangboche to Dingboche and rest one more night for acclimatization. Here we will hike to Nangkartshang Gompa for unrevilled views of Nuptse glacier, Ama Dablam and the Makalu.
From here onward tree lines give way to arid and windswept terrain. We finally reach our final and highlight of the adventure at Everest Base Camp after walking past Lobuche and Gorekshep.
At base camp enjoy the views of tumbling Khumbu Ice Falls and glaciers with stunning giant peaks that surround us, our adventurous and amazing journey concludes walking back to Lukla with a climb of scenic Kalapathar the highest spot of the adventure at 5,545 m high with grand views of Everest and other peaks.
A sweeping panoramic flight from Lukla brings you back into hustle and bustle city life of Kathmandu after a marvelous and enjoyable time on Mt. Everest Base Camp Trekking.
With more than 35K visitors a year, Everest Base Camp Trek is most popular high altitude trek in Nepal.
The name itself refers to daunting peaks and sky-dominating altitude but how difficult is Everest Base Camp Trek for average hikers?
With the highest point of 5,545m, Everest Base Camp Trek is surely a challenging trek. But it does not mean that the trek is undoable.
With proper preparation, guidance and training, Everest trekking is achievable. Only minority of trekkers (less than 1%) fail to make their way to the base camp. The failure is due to ignorance of heights and food diseases.
First thing to remember, you don’t have to a super athlete to hike to the Everest base camp but some basic fitness is mandatory.
We have seen many old, young, under-sized and over-sized people enjoying and completing the trek with the smile in their face.
Covering apporx. 130 km (round trip – starting/Ending – Lukla), the distance may or may not bother you. It depends on your experience and fitness.
On 12 days Everest Base Camp, you will walk for 12 days covering 15 – 18 km a day. You have to walk 5 – 7 hours a day to cover this distance.
Walking 5 – 7 hours a day is not difficult; so what makes the trek really difficult? The trail is often steep, rugged, rugged, remote and slow going. This will definitely challenge you.
Tips: Engage on your training your body few weeks prior the trek. Join gym and focus on cardiovascular exercise and leg & back training to enhance your strength and endurance. Also climb nearby hill to get familiar with height and walk.
The most demanding and tedious part of Everest Base Camp Trek is its altitude.
Starting from 2,800m, you will climb maximum height of 5,545m at Kalapatthar. The altitude of Lukla is already high enough to victimize with altitude related sickness.
On average, you will gain 100 – 1200m height per day which is threatening to your body.
Tips: Walk on slow pace, stay hydrated and make sure to schedule at least 2 acclimatization day at high altitude. Also stay away from alcohol, smoke and slow digestive food. You can carry diomax and oxygen cylinder as a safety backup.
The time for Everest Base Camp trek depends on how you wish to trek and what you wish to see during the trek.
However, autumn (September – November) and spring (March – May) are considered as the time of the year to trek Everest Base Camp. The weather during these months tend to remain stable and views are usually clear.
Everest region receives heavy rainfall in Monsoon and invites the risk of flood and landslide at a same time. Moreover, the slippery trail and leeches all around make the trek really hazardous. However, Monsoon could be real boon for keen botanist as the entire is groomed with lush and fresh vegetation.
In winter, Everest region is extremely cold and there is high chances of snow-fall at high altitude. Pack your gear wisely if you wish to trek Everest in winter.
Morning transfer to domestic airport as per your flight time for short panoramic flight to land at Lukla, getting into a smaller aircraft (Twin Otter or Dornier) with 30 minutes on air with great views of Himalayan peaks includes Mt. Everest.
On reaching at Lukla on its unique airstrip known as Tenzing - Hillary airport, from here a slow start with few hours of walks downhill passing many Sherpa farm villages and well tended crops and vegetable fields and terraces with views of Kwangde and Kusum Khanguru peaks.
After 3-4 hours on first day walks reaching our overnight stop in a nice lodge at Phakding, transfer into your rooms with sound of glacial Dudh Kosi River nearby.
Today a long day to reach Namche Bazaar, starting with gradual walk following the river upstream and crossing few bridges to reach at Sagarmatha National Park entrance near Monjo village.
Sagarmatha for Everest in Nepalese and Sherpa calls Chomolungma in both languages means 'Great Mother' from here a pleasant walk on river bed and then climb for few hours into forested trail with views of snow capped peaks, as the walk reaches you at exciting town and village at Namche Bazaar.
A rest and a free day at Namche Bazaar for proper and necessary acclimatization at this great height of above 3,440 m high before heading higher ground, at Namche spend the day with scenic hike around and browsing the streets and shops, Namche holds a colorful and busy Saturday Market every week.
We begin our trek to Tengboche via Phunki. The trek until Phunki is not very difficult. After reaching Phunki we will ascend towards the biggest monastery which is Tengboche Monastery which lies in Tengboche village. The UNESCO world heritage site Sagarmatha National Park is also located here; we can enjoy the beautiful panoramic views of the Himalayas which the monastery is blessed with. The Himalayas including Mt.Everest, Nuptse, Lhotse, Ama Dablam, and Thamserku can be viewed from here. We will be staying overnight in Tengboche.
Morning walk leads to pleasant downhill for an hour to a bridge, where tree lines stops for short juniper and rhododendron bushes known as azalea facing dramatic change in landscapes.
Heading higher up to the last permanent village at Pangboche, from here onwards are temporary settlement to cater the needs of trekkers at Dingboche, Lobuche and Gorakshep areas.
As the trek progress reaching at Somare and then on windswept country to reach a bridge following the Imjatse River, with last climb to enter into beautiful Imjatse valley surrounded with famous peaks Amadablam-Lhotse with views of Island peaks towards east.
The last leg of the day brings you at Dingboche, a summer settlement with barley and buck wheat field within its patch of stone walls to keep the animals off from grazing.
Dingboche is our acclimatization stop which is located in Chukung Valley. After having breakfast we will trek towards Chukung valley which is not very difficult. We will have our lunch here. This valley is famous for remarkable views of mountains such as Makalu, Lhotse, Chalotse, and Ama Dablam. Moreover, we will also get to see the beautifully arranged fields with stone walls in order to protect the seasonal crops from cold winds and grazing animals. After this remarkable short trek, we will then go back to Dingboche. We will have our dinner here and our overnight stay will be on Dingboche.
Morning start with short climb on top a ridge with Buddhist prayer monuments and then on nice gradual path with slow up as the walk leads with excellent mountain views to reach a small place at Thugla for lunch.
Here Khumbu glacier melts into a raging river, this where path from Pheriche and Dingboche joins after a rest and refreshing stop, walk follows with steep climb for an hour to Thugla pass, where you can find witness memorials of unfortunate climbers who have died climbing on Mt. Everest, Lhotse or other high mountains.
From this isolated spot, walk on gradual path to reach at Lobuche for overnight stop.
Today walk leads to our main highlight of the adventure at Everest Base Camp, walk carries on for few hours with short steep climb in between over glacier and moraine, reaching at Gorakshep, beneath lofty peak of Pumori and Kalapathar.
Walk continues towards Everest Base Camp over moraine and ice to reach at base camp, here enjoy the view of tumbling and notorious Khumbu Ice Fall and glaciers.
After a marvelous and exciting time with adventure of a lifetime experience retrace the journey back to Gorakshep for overnight stop.
Morning a steep uphill hike to reach on top of Kalapathar at 5,545 meters, highest point of the adventure with fabulous and unique views of mountains includes Mt. Everest at its closest.
After a great thrill with sweeping views descend back to Gorakshep and continue walk up to Thugla, from here on downhill to Pheriche within windy valley.
A nice scenic walk leads you all the way to Pheriche for overnight stop with many good lodges and a health post of HRA (Himalayan Rescue Association).
We will wake up early in the morning and start our journey to Namche by following the trials of beautiful juniper and rhododendron trees and crossing the Bridge of Dudh Koshi River we will move downwards losing almost 2,000ft of elevations. Leaving the beautiful mountains behind us we can also spot mountain goats, pheasants and other wild animals and birds habitual to the area. We will ultimately reach Sansa from where we will witness mesmerizing views of Ama Dablam, Thamserku, and Nuptse mountains. We will arrive back to Namche and our overnight stay will be there.
Today we will have our last day in the mountains. There will be mostly a downhill trek on a trial along the bank of the Dudh Koshi River. We will trek toward the Hillary Suspension bridges, and also pass by several monasteries and villages before reaching Lukla. After reaching Lukla we will take rest and spend some quality time remembering all those bittersweet reminiscences of the journey. Our overnight stay will be on Lukla.
Morning as per our flight time transfer to Lukla air terminal and then board in the small plane for exciting half hour flight to reach the hustle and bustle of city life in Kathmandu.
The trek typically takes 12-14 days, depending on the route and itinerary chosen.
The best time to go for the trek is from September to November and from March to May.
The trek is considered to be moderately difficult, with some steep and strenuous sections. Good physical fitness and proper acclimatization is necessary.
During the trek, you will stay in teahouses or lodges that provide basic accommodation and meals.
It is not mandatory but it's always recommended to hire a guide and/or porter as they are familiar with the route and can help with logistics, and provide valuable information about the culture and history of the region.
Yes, you will need TIMS (Trekkers' Information Management System) and Sagarmatha National Park permit to trek to Everest Base Camp.
Warm clothing, hiking boots, sleeping bag, water bottles, headlamp, first aid kit, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a waterproof jacket are some of the essentials to pack for the trek.
Most teahouses and lodges have charging facilities, but it's always best to have a portable charger as well, as the electricity can be unreliable at times.
You can find a variety of local and international cuisine during the trek, such as dal bhat, momos, and pasta. However, options may be limited in remote areas.
The altitude of Everest Base Camp is approximately 5364m (17,598ft). It's important to be aware of the effects of altitude and to properly acclimatize to avoid altitude sickness.
Regular exercise, cardiovascular training, and strength training for legs, core and back are essential to prepare for the trek. Also, it's a good idea to practice hiking and carrying a backpack.
You can use your phone during the trek, but coverage can be spotty and unreliable at higher elevations. It's best to check with your service provider for international roaming plans before you go.
Shower facilities are not available throughout the trek. You will have to make do with wet wipes, baby wipes or a bowl of warm water to freshen up.
It's important to take acclimatization seriously and follow the guidelines provided by your guide. If you start to feel symptoms such as headache, nausea, or dizziness, it's important to descend to a lower altitude and seek medical attention if necessary.
It is not recommended to trek to Everest Base Camp alone due to the potential risks involved, such as altitude sickness and the remoteness of the region. It is always safer to trek with a guide or in a group.
It is possible to trek to Everest Base Camp with children, but it's important to consider their physical fitness and ability to handle the altitude and rigorous trekking conditions. It is always best to consult with a doctor before making the decision.
The monsoon season (June to August) is not the best time to trek to Everest Base Camp as the trails can be muddy, slippery, and dangerous. It is also not recommended as the visibility is poor during this season.
Yes, helicopter evacuation service is available in case of emergency during the trek. However, it can be quite expensive, and it's important to have travel insurance that covers helicopter evacuation.
Yes, it is possible to combine the Everest Base Camp Trek with other trekking or climbing options in the region such as Island Peak, Ama Dablam, or Gokyo Lakes Trek.
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Vanna Workman
Angola
Communicative and clear before the trip
24th January, 2023
The owner, was communicative and clear before the trip; his website is thorough; our guide, Kanchha is a professional – always patient and never making us feel rushed, sharing his knowledge of the mountains and mountain culture; and our porters, Doma and Karum, looked
Bryan Monaghan
United Kingdom
Would highly recommend Annapurna Encounter
24th July, 2022
Would highly recommend Annapurna Encounter to anyone looking to do trekking in Nepal. We received excellent help in organizing our trip, and were set up with an excellent Sherpa who spoke really good English, was very informative, and very friendly and helpful. Really couldn't have asked for a better experience. Will definitely be using this company again when we go back to Nepal.