Classic Everest Base Camp Trek - 15 Days

Preparation for Classic Everest Base Camp Trek

The Classic Everest Base Camp Trek is moderately challenging, and while the Classic Everest Base Camp Trek tends to provide more ease and comfort than the standard Everest Base Camp Trek, one must go through proper physical training and preparation for a smooth adventure to the Base Camp.

If you are not prepared both physically and mentally, reaching high altitudes like the Everest Base Camp (5,364m) and Kala Patthar (5,550m) can be quite a challenge and pose health risks like Altitude Sickness. In order to prepare for the Classic Everest Base Camp Trek, you need to prepare both Physically and Mentally at least 2 to 3 months in advance.

• Physical Preparation: You can train your body physically by focusing on light gym workouts and cardio training like cycling, running on an incline treadmill, jogging, or swimming to improve stamina and core strength. You can also prepare physically by going on long hikes and doing high-altitude, and endurance trainings.
• Mental Preparation: Preparing your body mentally is also important to conquer the challenges in the Classic Everest Base Camp Trek. You must prepare your mind for all the challenges ahead on your journey, practice mindfulness, and set realistic goals in order to build mental strength. You can perform regular meditation, breathing practices, and mindful walking to prepare mentally for your Classic Everest Base Camp Trek.

While on the trek, we advise you to trek at your own pace, observing your surroundings for any possible dangers. You must listen and follow the guide’s instructions and listen to your body to take on the Classic Everest Base Camp Trek with full safety and precautions.

Essential Gears and Equipment for Classic Everest Base Camp Trek

We highly advise you to bring in your own set of clothing and gear from home. Although there are tons of shops in Kathmandu and various stops along your trek to the Base Camp, buying or renting gear can be quite expensive. In the case if you do not have the required equipment or clothing, you can always get it from Access Nepal on a rental basis.

• Duffel Bag (Provided as Complimentary)
• Down Jacket (Provided upon Request)
• Waterproof Jacket
• Fleece Jacket or Pullover
• Daypack (20-30L)
• Rain Cover
• Thermal Vests and Trousers
• -20° Sleeping Bags (Available on Rental Basis)
• Hiking Pants
• Fleece or Tracksuit Pants
• Lightweight Walking Pants
• Waterproof and Insulated Gloves
• Thick Wool Hiking Socks and Thin Inner Socks
• Hiking Boots and Camp Sandals
• Trekking Poles and Headlamp with extra batteries
• Woolen Hat and Sunglasses with UV Protection
• Water Bottles (Water purifiers are provided for free)
• Snacks and Energy Bars
• First Aid Kit (Included in Package)
• Toiletries
• Moisturizer, High SPF Sunscreen, and Lip Balm

Accommodation On Classic Everest Base Camp Trek

For your accommodation during the Classic Everest Base Camp Tek, we provide a total of 3-night stays in a 3-star hotel in Kathmandu and an 11-night stay in deluxe lodges and teahouses during the trek. One of our priorities during the Classic Everest Base Camp trek is the premium and comfortable accommodation. You will be provided with private rooms with attached bathroom facilities.

The accommodation we provide during the trek includes an improved level of comfort than the standard Everest Base Camp Trek. The hotel rooms will be a cozy place for you to rest after the day’s trek, with facilities such as a hot shower, and heated beds available. However, we provide you with an additional option to further customize your accommodation to meet personal needs for an extra cost.

Deluxe rooms with private attached bathrooms will be available in Lukla, Phakding, Namche Bazaar, Tengboche, and Dingboche.

Our priority throughout the Classic Everest Base Camp Trek is your comfortable stay at the end of each night of your trek. At Access Nepal, we make sure you’re staying in the best available teahouses and lodges with beautiful views around the area.

Electricity for charging devices, Wi-Fi access, and hot showers are available in most lodges along the trekking route. However, the higher up you go in altitude, these services often come with additional charges.

Meals During Classic Everest Base Camp Trek

Having a proper diet plan is crucial for your trekking journey to the Classic Everest Base Camp. Along the trek, you will have to pass through steep ascents and descents and walk through rough terrain for hours, which will eat up your energy. To fuel yourself with energy and make trekking easier, you will need to consume proper food rich in carbohydrates and protein.

Our Classic Everest Base Camp Trek itinerary offers trekkers nutritious food and drinks throughout the journey including 15 breakfasts, 14 lunch meals, and 15 dinners (including welcome and farewell dinners) during the trek. The meals are served on a full-board (main course) basis. Fresh seasonal fruits, tea, and coffee are also included in the Classic Everest base Camp Trek package as refreshments.

The deluxe teahouses we’ll be staying in provide hygienic and nutrition-rich meals made from fresh, locally sourced ingredients. One of the staple dishes is the Nepali Dal Bhat dish, which includes lentil soup, rice, seasonal vegetables, pickles, meat, and other side dishes. Additionally, these teahouses and lodges also provide you with extra options for other meals like porridge, fried rice, momo (dumplings), noodles (chow mein), and other bakery items and sweets.

Please note that the price for Food and Drinks can vary depending on the location and altitude.

Additionally, you can pre-inform us for any specific dietary preferences or food allergies for our team to prepare ahead.

Transportation During Classic Everest Base Camp Trek

When it comes to trekking, transportation can be one of the major concerns trekkers may face. At Access Nepal we make sure there are no problems in the transportation side for your trekking adventures. Our Itineraries are carefully prepared by a team of experts looking to give the trekkers the best possible transportation facility wherever possible.

In the Classic Everest Base Camp Trek, after your arrival in Kathmandu, you will be escorted in a private vehicle to your hotel in Thamel. On your second day in Kathmandu, during the sightseeing tour of the Valley, you will also be traveling in a private vehicle. Officially beginning your trek to the Everest Base Camp, you will then fly to Lukla from Kathmandu on the third day via a Helicopter Flight. Unlike the standard Everest Base Camp Trek, the Classic Everest Base Camp Trek takes you to Lukla in a deluxe Helicopter flight avoiding all the crowded plane flight options. Then, you start your trek from Lukla toward Phakding on foot and continue.

After conquering the Everest Base Camp, you will return to Kathmandu from Lukla via another Helicopter Flight. The flight gives you a birds-eye view of the beautiful Everest region. Then, you’ll land in Kathmandu where our team will be waiting to drive you back to your hotel in a private vehicle.

Throughout the whole trek, you will be travelling in a private vehicle to give you maximum comfort for your travels.

Best Season for Classic Everest Base Camp Trek

It is always best to have information regarding the best seasons for trekking to the Everest Base Camp. The whole trekking experience can depend on which season you decide to trek in the Himalayas. The best time to experience the Classic Everest Base Camp Trek is during the Spring (March-May) and Autumn (September – November). During these seasons, trekkers can get the best views with clear skies, warm to moderate temperatures, and blooming Rhododendron forests, making trekking in these seasons much more favorable.

• Spring (March to May): The temperature during this season can vary from around 10 to 20° C during the day and can drop to -5° C at night. This time offers beautiful views of the Himalayas with clear skies and moderate temperatures. During the Spring season, the route to Everest Base Camp is filled with blooming Rhododendron forests. Spring season is the peak trekking season, so trekking during this time the path can be more crowded.
• Autumn (September to November): The Autumn season is another peak trekking season for trekkers. This season offers dry and stable weather for trekking and fills the trekkers with festive vibes along the journey due to the major Nepalese festivals being celebrated during this time. The temperature can rise up to 15° C during the day and can fall below -10° C at night.
• Winter (December to February): During the Winter season, the temperature can range from 5 to 10° C during the day time and can fall way below -10° C at night time. During the Winter season, trekking can be quite challenging for most trekkers because of the extreme weather. This season is best suited for trekkers who can handle the extreme weather and are looking for some tough challenges during their Classic Everest Base Camp Trek.
• Monsoon (June to August): There are heavy rainfalls during the Monsoon season, making visibility during the trek poor and the overall journey extremely challenging. The trail also gets slippery during the Monsoon season, so you have to be extra careful and prepare accordingly.

Passport and Visa Requirements for Classic Everest Base Camp Trek

All visitor’s passports must have validity for at least six months from your date of arrival in Nepal. In the passport, you must have at least one blank page for your Visa stamp. We highly advise you to carry photocopies of your passport in case of any emergencies or permit requirements. Carrying your passport with you is mandatory during the whole trek for safety reasons.

For visitors all around the world (except Indian citizens), you will require an entry Visa. Most visitors can easily get a Tourist Visa for Nepal. However, there are exceptions for some Asian and African nationalities. These nationalities are required to apply for their visas in advance.

On Arrival Visa Fee:

• 15 Days – USD 30
• 30 Days – USD 50
• 90 Days – USD 125

Note: Regarding multiple entries, if you’re planning on leaving and re-entering Nepal (side trips to Tibet or Bhutan), you’ll need a multiple-entry Visa that costs USD 25 extra. We also advise you to carry some cash (US or other major currencies) to pay for the Visa fee. Traveler’s cheques are not accepted.

Your Visa can be obtained at Nepalese Embassies or Consulates in your home country or on arrival in Kathmandu. We highly advise you to fill out an Online Visa Application for faster Visa processing and avoid delays. You can apply through the Nepal Immigration website before your arrival to save time at the airport.

Regarding Visa Extension

You always have the option to extend your Visa at the Department of Immigration in Kathmandu. A 30-day Visa sufficiently covers the trip duration for most of our packages available.

For more information regarding the Visa and Passport requirements, stay updated on any changes in rules and regulations from the Department of Immigration site.

Permits Required for Classic Everest Base Camp Trek

Our team at Access Nepal will obtain the necessary permits required for the Classic Everest Base Camp Trek on your behalf.

The cost of these permits is already included in the package so you do not have to pay any additional charge for the permits.

Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit

The Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit costs NPR 3,000 (USD 23) per person for Foreigners, NPR 1,500 (USD 11.50) per person for SAARC nationals, and NPR 100 per person for Nepali citizens. Children aged below 10 years do not require any permit fees. You can obtain this permit at the Nepal Tourism Board Office in Kathmandu or at the entrance of Sagarmatha National Park entry gate in Monjo.

Some of the necessary documents required for Entry Permits include:

• Valid passport with a validity of at least 6 months from the date of arrival.
• Two passport-sized photographs.
• Nepal Entry Visa (For International Visitors)

Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Permit

Another key permit required for trekking in the Everest region is the Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Permit. The permit costs NPR 2,000 (USD 15) per person for Foreigners and NPR 1,000 (USD 7.50) per person for SAARC nationals. Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Permit must be obtained at the Rural Municipality Office in Lukla or the Monjo checkpoint at the Sagarmatha National Park entry gate.

You must carry your passport with you as the necessary document for obtaining the permit. There aren’t alternative offices from where you can obtain this permit in Kathmandu and it must be obtained in the Khumbu region. The Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Permit was recently introduced to replace the TIMS card in the Everest region.

Health and Safety Tips for Classic Everest Base Camp Trek

At Access Nepal, our top priority during the whole trek starting from your arrival in Kathmandu up until your departure, is your health and safety. Our trek plans and packages at Access Nepal are carefully crafted by experts and experienced guides, who know the routes very well and all the dangers along the journey.

In terms of First-aid and Emergency checkups, our well-trained guides are more than capable of performing basic first-aid and have over decades of experience and training for any emergencies or health concerns one can face during such adventurous treks.

If in any case, you start to show symptoms of Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) or any other health concerns and need to get to a lower altitude, an assistant guide will go along with you to check up on you. You can always rejoin the trek if your health condition starts to improve but if not, we will arrange for you to be escorted back to Kathmandu for proper medical treatment.

Your health and safety are always our main concern and priority at Access Nepal.

Travel Insurance for Classic Everest Base Camp Trek

At Access Nepal, we highly recommend getting your travel insurance before taking on the Classic Everest Base Camp Trek. Your travel insurance will cover any medical evacuations and other travel issues that might occur during the trek.

Trekking to the adventures of the Classic Everest Base Camp, nothing is certain. Nature can get quite unforgiving at times, and while you will have the best guides and the best pieces of training, there are always risks and dangers of nature lurking around. For these reasons, travel insurance can be a life-saver. and a very wise option.

As the saying goes, “It is always better to be safe than sorry”, getting your travel insurance ahead is always the best choice in preparing for unforeseen risks and dangers that may occur while traveling. Your travel insurance must cover both the medical and emergency evacuation costs. At Access Nepal, we recommend your insurance is worth a minimum of $100,000.

For your safe travels, you must choose an Insurance policy covering the helicopter rescue cost from the mountains in case of any accidents that may occur or Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS). During such cases of emergency evacuation, helicopter rescue can only be an option. That is why, you will require your travel insurance to cover the cost of helicopter services and any emergency evacuation.

We recommend you get your travel insurance from a reliable company before your trek. Some of the travel insurance companies we recommend are:

For Travelers from the USA and Canada

• Travelex
• Access America
• Online Global Health Insurance
• International Health
• World Nomad
• Travel Assist
• Good Neighbor Insurance
• TIC Travel Insurance Coordinators Ltd

For Travelers from England

• Specialty Group (UK) Limited
• FirstAssist Services Limited
• Harrison Beaumont
• Buy Cheap Travel Insurance

For Travelers from Europe and Slovenia

• Assistance CORIS

For Travelers from Australia and New Zealand

• Cover-More Travel Insurance
• CGU Insurance Limited

For Travelers from South Africa

• Travel Insurance Consultants Pty Ltd.

Note: It is important to point out that these Travel Insurance companies are only for recommendation purposes and we do not have any affiliation with them.

How to Avoid Altitude Sickness During Classic Everest Base Camp Trek?

Altitude Sickness (Acute Mountain Sickness – AMS) is a common sickness trekkers can face while trekking at high altitudes. Altitude Sickness can play a major factor in a trekker’s dream of conquering the Everest Base Camp. If not treated on time, Altitude Sickness can be quite dangerous. Some of the symptoms include mild headaches, nausea, dizziness, difficulty in breathing, and hallucinations. One can avoid Altitude Sickness by following the necessary precautions.

Here are some of the tips on avoiding Altitude SIckness during Classic Everest Base Camp Trek:

• Acclimatization is Key: Following proper acclimatization can be a lifesaver. When trekkers are not accustomed to trekking at higher altitudes, they must stop at various points for acclimatization purposes and give their bodies time to adjust to the high altitude. At Access Nepal, our experts have carefully set two acclimatization points for the ease of trekkers at Namche Bazaar and Dingboche.
• Proper Diet and Hydration: Trekking to the extremes of the Everest Base Camp can be quite challenging, especially if you are not hydrating your body or consuming a proper diet. It is essential for trekkers to drink at least 3 to 4 liters of water a day to properly hydrate their bodies for trekking. You will also be required to consume food rich in carbohydrates and protein to fuel your body for trekking in harsh conditions and to avoid loss of energy.
• Trekking at Own Pace: Trekking at your own pace is a great tip for avoiding the dangers of Altitude Sickness. You must listen to your body and properly rest from time and again. Walking at your own pace, you can avoid unnecessary exhaustion and keep your body active.
• Recognizing Symptoms of AMS on time: If a trekker starts to experience symptoms of Acute Mountain Sickness, which include mild to severe headaches, nausea, difficulty walking and breathing, vomiting, or seeing hallucinations, he/she must let their guide know about it and take the necessary precautions. Recognizing such AMS symptoms can help avoid getting Altitude Sickness and not worsen your health condition any further.

Acclimatization Points During Classic Everest Base Camp Trek

On your Classic Everest Base Camp Trek, our team of experts has carefully set out two key acclimatization points for trekkers to adjust to the high altitudes. These acclimatization stops are essential to avoid getting any Acute Mountain Sickness and complete the trek to the Everest Base Camp safely.

Namche Acclimatization

On the fourth day of your Classic Everest Base Camp Trek, you will reach the famous Namche Bazaar. Also known as the “Gateway to Everest”, Namche Bazaar is situated at an altitude of 3,440m (11,286 ft). Namche Bazaar is a famous acclimatization stop for trekkers around the world.

You will spend an extra day at Namche Bazaar for acclimatization purposes. On your acclimatization day, you will go on a short hike up to Synagboche Airport, one of the highest airports in the world. Then, you continue your acclimatization hike to Hotel Everest View, the highest-altitude hotel in the world.

Dingboche Acclimatization

The village of Dingboche is another key acclimatization stop on your Classic Everest Base Camp Trek. Dingboche is located at an altitude of 4,410m (14,470 ft). You will reach Dingboche on your seventh day of the Classic Everest Base Camp Itinerary and spend an extra day here for your final acclimatization stop before pushing toward the Everest Base Camp.

On your acclimatization day, you will go on a short hike to Nangkartsang Peak, where you’ll see beautiful views of Mount Ama Dablam and other nearby peaks.

Following proper acclimatization procedures will help you avoid getting Altitude Sickness even while trekking in higher altitude regions. If in case, trekkers start getting symptoms of Altitude Sickness during their trek, we encourage you to let our guides know about the situation to provide necessary solutions and prevent further dangers.

Classic Everest Base Camp Trek Difficulty

The Classic Everest Base Camp Trek difficulty depends on factors such as fitness levels, age, and prior trekking experiences. The difficulty varies from person to person. While the Classic Everest Base Camp Trek offers trekkers a more comforting trekking experience with improved accommodation facilities than the standard Everest Base Camp Trek, one still needs to go through physical and mental preparation to complete their journey to the Everest Base Camp.

On average, the Classic Everest Base Camp is considered a moderate level of difficulty trek. People of any age can complete the Classic Everest Base Camp Trek by properly preparing ahead and going through various preparations and training. This training can include hiking in high altitudes, core and endurance training, improving cardio and leg strength, setting realistic goals, and listening to one’s body.

What can you expect in the Classic Everest Base Camp Trek Itinerary?

In our Classic Everest Base Camp Trek Itinerary, trekkers can expect improved and more comforting accommodation facilities throughout the trekking journey. Starting from your arrival in Kathmandu, up until your departure, we provide you with the best accommodation services in teahouses, and lodges, nutrition-rich dining options, hot-shower facilities, and heated beds and blankets with attached bathrooms wherever possible.

Furthermore, we provide trekkers with the added benefit of further customizing the Classic Everest Base Camp Trek Itinerary, to meet personal needs and requirements to give you the best trekking experience in Nepal.

Booking Procedures for Classic Everest Base Camp Trek

For booking the Classic Everest Base Camp Trek, you will have to pay a deposit of 10% of the total trip cost in order to confirm your booking. The confirmation booking will help us arrange your accommodation and transportation, allocate guides, and make other important arrangements before hand to deliver the best possible trekking experience in Nepal.

You can clear the remaining amount of your Classic Everest Base Camp Trek cost after your arrival either in cash or with a credit card.

After you have booked your trip, send us a copy of your passport and travel insurance.

We’re very excited and eager to help you plan your trek and welcome you to our Access Nepal Family!

For any further questions regarding the booking procedure, please contact us through Email or WhatsApp.

Benefits of Booking Early with Access Nepal

There are several enjoyable benefits of booking early with us. We recommend you book at least 6 to 12 months ahead to avoid any last-minute planning stress, ensure flight availability, and enjoy the many benefits of early booking to confirm your seat at the table for the Classic Everest Base Camp Trekking journey with Access Nepal Tour and Trekking.

Some of the many benefits include:

• Guaranteed availability by securing your spot at the table and avoiding last-minute booking hassle.
• Enjoy early booking discounts and offers.
• Get the best rooms available and preferred accommodation.
• More flexibility in choosing the exact trek dates.
• Flexibility in further customizing your trek itineraries and including special requests or upgrades.
• More time to prepare, plan, and train for your dream trek.

Make your Classic Everest Base Camp Trek Special with Our Team

Celebrate your special moments like Birthdays, Anniversaries, and other Celebrations while taking on the Classic Everest Base Camp Trek. Whether it’s exchanging wedding rings and proposing to your loved ones, celebrating anniversaries, or other accomplishments, our team at Access Nepal will help make your adventure more memorable with a surprise cake or any other personalized celebrations to deliver you a trek worth remembering for a lifetime!