Mount Everest is the world’s highest mountain peak with an elevation of 8,848 meters that lies in Eastern north Nepal. It is located in the Mahalangur Himal range of the Himalayas sharing the international border with China (Tibet). Climbing to the top of Mount Everest is considered as the adventure trip of lifetime. So, thousands of people around the world visit Mount Everest region either for expedition or trekking.
Mount Everest is known as Sagarmatha in Nepali language, Chomolungma in Tibetan and the English name was chosen after the name of Sir George Everest. Every year, many climbers and trekkers travel to Everest via Kathmandu with a 45 minutes scenic flight to Lukla. There are two routes for climbing Mount Everest; South side in Nepal and North side in Tibet.
Also Read: Where is Everest Base Camp Trek?
Tenzing Norgay and Edmund Hillary made the first step on the top of the world in 1953 using Nepal route – Southeast ridge. Since then, Mount Everest trekking and climbing has been a popular trip for adventure trekkers. For those who are looking for Everest Base Camp Trek usually fly from Kathmandu to Lukla and then few days of trekking to Everest Base Camp and Kalapathhar. There are no roads accessibility for the Everest Base Camp Nepal side. The trekking gears and important things are shipped by Sherpas or porters and with the help of Himalayan yaks. Everest Base camp trek is a world famous challenging trip in Everest region.
Everest Base Camp Trek Information
Where is Mt Everest Base Camp?
Climbing to the top of Mount Everest is possible through Base Camps ie from Nepal side and Tibet side. Trekking to Mount Everest base camp will be possible on drive near to base camp. You will be trekking less to the Base Camp and the mountain views from the camp is amazing.
Everest base camp from south Nepal side is popular around the globe. You will get the spectacular views of Himalayas above 8000m in front of you. The normal itinerary from Kathmandu to Kathmandu is 16 days. This is the challenging trek with the rises of elevation from 1400m to 5545m so walk slowly to overcome altitude sickness. You will have two options for Everest Base Camp trek Nepal side; one flight from Kathmandu to Lukla and another is taking a bus from Kathmandu to Jiri and then trek to Lukla onwards to EBC.
When is the best time to trek Everest Base Camp?
Everest base camp trek can be done the whole year round but the best time to visit is Autumn and Spring season. These are the dry months and have the clear skies, moderate temperature and best mountain views. The winter season and monsoon season are not favorable due to the weather, lost of scenic views and a wet trekking route. From march to may will be good to see the blooming rhododendrons and the colorful environment. Whereas from mid of September to November gives you a fantastic trekking experience.
Equipment needed for Trekking to Everest Base camp
For Everest base camp trekking, you need to have National Park permit and TIMS that you will be provided by your trekking company in Nepal. After that, you need to have following trekking gears necessary during your trekking.
- A good pair of hiking boots
- Good quality socks
- A wind cheater style jacket
- Long sleeve shirts
- Trekking pants
- Hat
- Shorts
- Rubber sandals
- Travel towel
- Water bottles (heat proof & water tight)
- Water purification system
- Map
The the good trekking gears, you can either hire or purchase in Kathmandu.
How difficult is to trek Everest Base Camp?
The trekking route to Everest base Camp is not smooth, the ground is rough, rocky, gravel and even somewhere glaciers. So, walking on this route is difficult and you may get sick due to altitude gain as you will be hiking ups and downs 6-7 hours a day. Be patience, walk slowly, drink plenty of water and take a help of your guide during your trekking. If you have habit of walking upstairs and hiking the small hills can do Everest Base camp.
Do I need a Guide and porter?
Solo trekking has been banned in Nepal and the Nepal government has made a decision to hire a guide compulsory for trekking to Everest base camp. Hiring a guide and porter will be a good decision as you are giving a job to them and in return, you will learn about the local culture, nature and village. Trekking agency in Kathmandu will arrange everything for you, airline tickets, accommodation, guide and porter. Contact one of the best trekking agency in Kathmandu for all these things and for that you can get a list of government registered agencies from Trekking Agencies Association of Nepal (TAAN).
