-Everest Base Camp Trek overview
-Best time for the Everest Base Camp Trek
-Everest Base Camp Trek permit
-Everest Base Camp Trek difficulty
-Everest Base Camp Trek weather
-Food and accommodation during EBC trek
-Everest Base Camp Trek overview
The Everest Base Camp trek is one of the most famous treks, not only in Nepal, but also worldwide. This trek offers amazing views of Mount Everest and other Himalayan peaks. Walk through breathtaking mountain landscapes. Discover the Sherpa culture and local traditions. Visit ancient monasteries and villages. Enjoy nature with all its diversity. Connect with local people and trekkers from other countries. The Khumbu region offers different trails to the foot of the highest mountain in the world. Choose your trek according to your personal goals, your fitness and your available timeframe. No matter if you prefer the classic Everest Base Camp trek, the longer Three Passes trek or the shorter helicopter trek: The Himalayan landscapes around Mount Everest offer fantastic views, great adventures and memories that last for a lifetime.
-Best time for the Everest Base Camp Trek
You can actually do the Everest Base Camp trek all year around. But the best time for the Everest Base Camp Trek is spring (March-May) or autumn (September-November). Spring marks the end of the Himalayan winter, with temperatures warming up. It lasts until the monsoon kicks in (beginning of June). With the start of autumn in September, the monsoon subsides. In spring and autumn, the risk of precipitation is very low. The temperatures in spring and autumn are pleasant and relatively warm (up to 15°C at daytime). However, they can drop far below zero in higher altitudes and at night. The milder temperatures and clear mountain views make spring and autumn the best months for trekking to Everest Base Camp. Book your tickets.
-Everest Base Camp Trek permit
The Everest Base Camp is within the Sagarmatha National Park. To trek to EBC, you need to obtain a Sagarmatha National Park entry permit (around 34 USD) as well as a TIMS card (around 20 USD). “TIMS” stands for “Trekkers Information Management System card”. In addition, at the Lukla Check Post, you need to pay an entrance fee to access the Solukhumbu region (around 20 USD). You can apply for your TIMS card and Everest Base Camp Trek permit at the Nepal Tourism Board office in Kathmandu. To make things easier, you can also arrange all your permits with the help of a local trekking agent. This gives you more freedom and time to enjoy your trip, because you can rely on a local expert.
-Everest Base Camp Trek difficulty
Even though the Everest Base Camp trek can sound overwhelming, you don’t need to be a climber to make your big dream come true. From a technical point of view, the Everest Base Camp difficulty is not too difficult. The biggest challenges on this trek are the altitude (5,400 m) and the distance (130 km). To overcome them, make sure to acclimatize and walk with a slow and steady pace. The weather can be another challenge. Sometimes, weather conditions can change suddenly, and the temperatures can get extremely cold. Prepare yourself with the right equipment. Also, keep in mind that your fitness and health are essential for a successful trek. Last, but not least: a positive mind-set helps a lot to reach your goal.
-Everest Base Camp Trek weather
Nepal has four different seasons: Spring (March until May), Summer/Monsoon (June until September), Autumn (October until November) and Winter (December until February). You can expect the most pleasant Everest Base Camp Trek weather in spring and in autumn. The temperatures during these months are mild in lower altitudes, even though they can drop below zero in higher areas and at night. The humidity in autumn and spring is also low. The warmest time of the year is in summer during the monsoon season (17°C to 5°C). However, heavy rain makes the trails muddy, and the peaks usually hide in mist and clouds. In winter, the temperatures get very cold – just above zero during the day and -12°C at night. Nonetheless, there is a good chance of crisp clear, most amazing views.
-Food and accommodation during EBC trek
On the way to Everest Base Camp, there are a lot of lodges and tea houses offering food and accommodation. If you are looking for a higher standard, some luxury lodges await with comfortable beds, free WIFI and hot showers. The classic tea houses have everything for trekkers’ basic needs. The beds with foam matrasses and thick blankets are simple, yet comfortable. Hot showers and WIFI are available for a fee. In higher altitudes, hot showers might not always be available. In those cases, most teahouses can prepare warm water in a bucket. The list of food options is long. On the menu, you can find anything from snacks, soups, pasta, pizza, but also traditional Nepali food like Dhal Bhat.