Classic Everest Base Camp Trek - 15 Days

Welcome to Kathmandu!

Access Nepal, your trusted travel companion welcomes you to Nepal. Once you land at Tribhuvan International Airport, our team representative will receive you with warm greetings. We will be handling your airport transfers and guiding you through check-in at your hotel. Our representatives will brief you on the details of your journey onwards including equipment checks, itinerary finalization, and permit arrangements, ensuring you’re fully prepared for the adventure ahead. Before you head to your multi-day journey, take time to explore the iconic landmarks and rich heritages around Kathmandu.

Accommodation for the Classic Everest Base Camp

Access Nepal ensures that your accommodation along the trek is comfortable and reliable. You will stay at the teahouses run by local families where you get the true essence of Nepali culture. The teahouses provide basic lodging and food but rest assured, you will get cozy rooms, and warm hospitality, and the stunning mountain views are a plus. From the start till Dingboche, you will get the best accommodations for rest after your trekking days. Higher up the trail, facilities may be basic, but the warmth of Sherpa hospitality will make you feel right at home. Besides, these teahouses are places to meet other trekkers and share stories in the communal dining.

Things to Consider

• The rooms and beds can fill up quickly (especially during peak season), so it is best to plan and book your trip ahead.
• As the teahouses along the trek are basic, they may not provide all the toilet accessories. It is best to carry the necessary toiletries yourself.

Food and Water During the Trek

Access Nepal takes your nutrition seriously, as it is vital to energize you throughout your journey. You’ll enjoy hearty meals, with options like Dal Bhat, Noodles, and Soups. This will not just fill you up but provide you with sustained energy and nourish your body. When you are on a trek hydrating your body is equally important along with nutritious food. We encourage you to carry a reusable water bottle and follow sustainable practices, such as using purification tablets or sterilization bottles. This will minimize the litter and help in preserving the pristine environment of the Himalayas.

Facilities Throughout the Trek

We ensure you will have access to essential facilities in most parts of the trek to Everest Base Camp, such as hot showers, Wi-Fi, and device charging at teahouses, although these services may incur additional to your Everest base camp trek cost which can paid directly to respective lodges. While trekking through remote areas, you’ll find small shops for snacks and basic supplies. But it is better to shop before the trek and carry all the essentials you will need. Our guides will assist you in making your journey as comfortable as possible.

Best Season for Classic Everest Base Camp Trek

The best season for Classic Everest Base Camp is undoubtedly the Spring (March to May) and Autumn (September to November). These two seasons are the peak season offering the best visibility, clearest skies, and manageable temperature with mostly sunny days. Besides that, Springtime treats you with the spring flower display of red and pink rhododendrons along the trail. Autumn days might be a little colder than Spring but it is another best season for this trek. You should keep in mind that these are peak season so the trail is going to be crowded.

For those who are unable to manage their time during these seasons, we also organize winter treks. This is also another good time for adventurers seeking a quieter trail experience, with proper preparation for colder temperatures.

Late September to November (Autumn):

These months offer clear skies, and comfortable trekking with temperatures around -10°C at Base Camp during the day. As these are the post-monsoon season the view along the trail is clear and landscapes are freshly covered by lush grass.

December to February (Winter):

These winter months are extremely cold, with daytime temperatures at Base Camp around -15°C and much colder at night. The best thing about trekking during these months is that the trails are quieter with clear skies.

March to May (Spring):

The best time with warmer weather and blooming rhododendrons. The temperature at the Base Camp reaches up to -6°C, and trekkers can encounter Everest climbers acclimatizing.

June to Early September (Monsoon):

During this monsoon time, it may not rain throughout the day but it will rain daily. The trails will be muddy, the visibility will be low covered by clouds, and potential landslides make trekking difficult which is why this is not a preferred trekking season.

How to Prepare for Classic Base Camp Trek

The Everest Base Camp trek is not easy and is not meant for everyone. Even though this Classic Base Camp Trek is designed with comfort and ease in mind, the trail itself is one of the tough parts. You should be physically fit and mentally prepared for this trek. If you are an experienced trekker you will be fine with your normal preparation. But for those who are trekking for the first time, you must prepare your body to withstand the longer walking hours. The remoteness and steep climb at some parts make this trek more challenging. You can refer to the Everest Base Camp trek map to understand more about the route.
It may sound intimidating when we talk about the challenges and toughness of the trek, but it is not as bad. With the proper preparation and right pace and attitude your trek to Everest base camp will be wonderful. We would recommend you train yourself 8-12 weeks before your adventure. Your training should include cardio, stretching, and strength endurance training. While training you should focus more on duration than the distance. Along with the exercises make yourself comfortable carrying the daypack uphill. You should be able to walk up to 5-6 hours per day with few breaks in between.

Altitude and Acclimatization Throughout the Trek

It is on the bucket list of many to Trek to Everest Base Camp but the high altitude of this journey makes it challenging for many. High Altitude Sickness (HAS) is a potentially life-threatening condition and is one of the primary concerns for trekkers. This guide provides essential information on altitude, acclimatization, and strategies to ensure a safe and enjoyable trek.

Understanding High Altitude and Its Impact

When we go through higher altitudes, the density of the atmosphere decreases, reducing the amount of oxygen available with each breath we take. The percentage of oxygen in the air remains constant (21%) reducing the air pressure. The higher the elevation means less oxygen reaches your lungs and bloodstream.

As we start ascending above 2,500 meters (8,200 feet) this effect becomes more stronger and noticeable. The higher you go, the oxygen availability decreases which is why acclimatization stops are crucial while trekking in this region.

Best Practices for Acclimatization

At Access Nepal, we prioritize your safety and acclimatization and with our experienced guides, you’re in safe hands. Our team will closely monitor you while providing you with clear instructions on hydration, rest, and pace. But while saying this, it is essential to follow the proper acclimatization guidelines while trekking to Everest Base Camp to minimize the risk of High Altitude Sickness. 

1. You should not rush while ascending. Take it slow and take the necessary stops, it is not a marathon.
2. You should follow the “Climb High, Sleep Low” principle. This means ascending to a higher altitude during the day and descending to a lower altitude for your sleep. This will help accelerate the acclimatization process. 
3. You should also maintain a balanced diet drink plenty of water and avoid alcohol at higher altitudes as it suppresses breathing and makes the symptoms worse.
4. You should carry medication to prevent high elevation sickness. The most common medication and easily available is Diamox. The standard dose of Diamox is 125 mg twice daily and you should start taking it a day before ascent.

This Classic Everest Base Camp trek itinerary is designed to allow gradual altitude gain, with acclimatization stops at Namche Bazaar and Dingboche. These rest stops are crucial to help your body adjust to the thinner air of Everest Base Camp reduce the risk of altitude sickness and ensure a safer and enjoyable trek.
If you start feeling any discomfort, do not hesitate to inform your guide. The sooner you inform your guide, the better it will be. We are fully equipped to manage evacuations in case you need to prioritize your safety above all.

Packing Essentials for the Trek

While packing for the Classic Everest Base Camp trek you should keep in mind the weight of your load. It is always smart to pack only the necessary things and keep it light. On the trail packing right ensures a comfortable and hassle-free experience. If you still don’t know what to keep in your backpack, the following information would be of help.

Warm pairs of clothing, should be quick drying, consider keeping them in layers so you can remove them easily. Also, carry thermal wear to keep yourself warm at night time.

You should have comfortable footwear as you will be walking for longer hours. A pair of sturdy boots which should be easy while walking and a few pairs of socks.

You should also carry rain cover in case of sudden rain on the trail.

A high-quality sleeping bag and trekking poles would be great to have when you reach the steep ascends with cold temperatures. Besides that, you will need a map, toiletries, a head torch with extra batteries, a warm hat and a sun hat, sunscreen, and a first aid kit with your necessary medications. And, if you are a photo enthusiast consider carrying a camera with extra storage.  

If needed, we also offer assistance in renting or purchasing gear in Kathmandu. You can just communicate with us when you are in Kathmandu.

Travel Insurance while trekking to Everest Base Camp

The Everest Base Camp trek takes us to one of the remote regions in Nepal. While on trail we will be spending multiple days in the remote areas. The trek itself is not dangerous but the danger doesn’t come with a warning. Trekking in the Himalayas comes with its own set of risks, and travel insurance ensures you are protected in case of unexpected situations. So, here’s everything you need to know about travel insurance.

Why Do You Need Travel Insurance?

The Classic Everest Base Camp Trek is a luxury adventure with premium services yet, it still is a physically demanding activity, which means things can go wrong even when taking all the precautions. Travel Insurance assumes particular importance because of the number of risks that it covers while traveling abroad. Typically, your travel insurance covers medical risks, travel risks, and flight disruptions. If you’re still wondering what your travel insurance covers, the following checklist will provide you with the necessary insights:

• Your travel insurance covers Medical Emergencies and Evacuation. It could be any medical emergency or accident treatment within the hospital’s network listed by the company.
• Not all travel insurance policies include coverage for trekking or mountaineering activities. It’s important to ensure that your policy covers Trekking at High Altitudes (up to 5,364 meters/17,598 feet), which is necessary for the Everest Base Camp trek.
• Your travel insurance covers any disruptions that may occur in your trip. Trip Disruptions mean any disturbance that may cause you to cancel or interrupt your trip due to any foreseen reasons. This also includes compensation for your flight cancellation due to various reasons.
• Travel Insurance also covers risks during travel such as Loss, Accidental Damage, or Delay of luggage. Having these risks covered ensures an additional layer of protection against financial loss.

Permits Required for Everest Base Camp

Everest Base Camp lies within the protected area of the Sagarmatha National Park which is a natural World Heritage Site. All the trekkers must get permits to enter Khumbu Rural Municipality and Sagarmatha National Park. You will need two different permits to step on Everest Base Camp. The initial permission you will require is the Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Permit. This can be purchased in Lukla which costs NPR 2,000 and is valid for four weeks. 

You will also need the Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit which costs NPR 3,000. This permit can be obtained in Monjo or at the Department of National Park and Wildlife Conservation (DNPWC) counter at Bhrikuti Mandap in Kathmandu.

Additionally, you must register a TIMS card for the cost of NRP 200o. You can obtain the TIMS card from the Tourist Service Center, Bhrikutimandap, alongside government-registered trekking companies in Kathmandu and Pokhara.

To make your journey hassle-free, Access Nepal will take care of all the necessary trekking permits and government charges on your behalf. This is all included in your Classic Everest Base Camp Trek package. For all these trekking permits we only require a copy of your passport along with two of your passport-size photos, and the cost is all included in the package.

Booking Procedure

It is easy, transparent, and secure to book your Classic Everest Base Camp Trek with Access Nepal. Just follow the following procedure to book your trip.

• Reach out to us via email or phone. Our team will answer all your questions and even help customize your trip.
• You will be provided with a detailed itinerary, including dates, accommodation options, and inclusions.
• To secure your spot, you will be required to deposit 10% of Classic Base Camp Trek costs. This can be done through bank transfer or other payment options.
• The remaining balance is due before the trek begins or on your arrival in Kathmandu.

Once your booking is confirmed, we will provide you with a pre-trek briefing to help you prepare for the journey.

Early Booking & Benefits

It is not mandatory but booking your trek early comes with several advantages:

• You can get early bird discounts for booking the trip in advance.
• This will Secure your preferred dates and avoid last-minute rushes, especially during peak trekking seasons.
• Early booking allows you to tailor the trek to your needs, including accommodations, specific preferences, and group sizes.
• Booking your trip early means receiving priority booking for flights, permits, and accommodations during busy times.

Last Minute Booking

While we recommend booking your trip early, we also understand that not everything always goes according to our plan. If you need to make a last-minute booking, we are happy to assist you. However, you should keep in mind that availability for permits, flights, and accommodations may be limited during peak trekking seasons. We will do our best to accommodate you even for the last-minute booking, so don’t hesitate to contact us.