Planning to trek to the Everest Base Camp? Don’t just ponder; get along the trails to set your foot on the lap of Everest. The mesmerizing journey takes you through the Everest Region’s heart and the Sherpas’ land. Trekking through lovely Sherpa villages, towering mountain views, and the rich flora and fauna of Sagarmatha National Park will leave a lovely memory in your heart even after completing the trek. The Everest Base Camp trek is filled with adventure and excitement. And, if there are some unanswered doubts about the Everest Base Camp Trek, need not worry. Here, we have answered the top 12 frequently asked questions about Everest Base Camp Trek.
How much does it take to complete Everest Base Camp Trek?
Everest Base Camp Trek might not be as economical as you think. You must take a domestic flight from Kathmandu to Lukla (trek starting point), which is already a few hundred dollars. And, since the trails take you through remote places in the Himalayas, the cost for any items is also higher than the normal price. Also, you need to manage your budget for visas, trekking gear, and international flight tickets.
Furthermore, travel insurance (covering up to 6000m) is a little costly but also crucial. You are not eligible for Everest Base Camp Trek. Travel insurance covers your emergency helicopter evacuation if you get altitude sickness, are unable to trek further, or the cancellation fee if you decide not to go for a trek.
The charge varies according to the travel agency you decide to choose.
When is the best time to go for Everest Base Camp Trek?
Nepal welcomes most of its tourists in the spring and autumn seasons and fewer in the summer/monsoon and winter seasons. However, the best time to visit the Everest Base Camp depends on your preferences, as all seasons have their specialty.
The Spring season (March to May) offers a clear view with a moderate climate and may be a suitable time to trek for you. Similarly, the autumn season (September to November) will greet you with stunning snow-capped mountains. If you want to avoid crowds, summer/ autumn might be appropriate. You can also transverse through deep lush forests. And, if you can tolerate cold and like snow, winter is also not a bad time for trekking to Everest Region.
How difficult is it to complete Everest Base Camp?
Trekking along the inclined trails and carrying heavy baggage is not a simple task. But with prior training and exercise, it is possible to complete the trek without any problems. Unlike much other trekking, the Everest Base Camp Trek begins at 2850 m and takes you up to the altitude of 5632m which is an admirable height. So, you must acclimate to the altitude.
The trek difficult depends on various factors, including your age, fitness and prior preparation and experience. So, consider your fitness level and age and prepare beforehand for your trek.
What types of accommodation can you find at Everest Base Camp?
Everest Base Camp Trek is a popular trek that attracts many tourists. So, you can expect to see some sort of luxury along the trails. You might not be able to find many hotels, but they have teahouses, guesthouses and lodges which also offer warm hospitality.
The luxury accommodation gets scary as a trek to a higher altitude. However, you can find basic service at any stop during your trek. Luxury mountain lodges are available in Lukla, Phakding and Namche.
How many days does it take to do Everest Base Camp?
Given that you are fit and healthy, you can complete Everest Base Camp Trek in 12 days which is also the standard number of days for any itinerary. We suggest you do not try to reduce the number of days to less than 12 as you also need to acclimate to the altitude.
Trekking to a higher altitude without letting your body acclimate might cause altitude sickness and lead to a life-threatening situation. To complete the trek in 12 days, you need to trek for 5 to 6 hours daily.
How can we get water on the Everest Base Camp trek?
If you are going to trek for 5 to 6 hours a day, you must need water to function properly. Trekkers can purchase cold/hot water at tea-houses along the trails after paying a fee. Alternatively, you can bring your water sterilizing tablet and bottle and fill it with tap water or spring.
What type of food can you get on EBC trail?
Since EBC trek is a popular trekking region in Nepal, you can get different kinds of food during your trek. You will find traditional cute, and beautiful teahouses and lodges along the trails. If you have any dietary restrictions, feel free to share them with your server. We suggest you try sherpa dishes during your trek, specially made to warm your body in cold weather.
What is the weight limit for the Lukla flight?
The weight limit for the Lukla flight per person is 15 kg, including the handbag. Hence, we highly suggest you pack your bags cautiously and only bring necessary items like trekking equipment and clothes. If you are a book reader, a few books will not hurt.
What Kind of equipment and clothes do I need for the EBC trek?
To make the trek easier, trekking equipment and clothes play a vital role. You need to pack your clothes depending on the weather condition. Pack fewer winter clothes if it is summer/monsoon, but if it is summer, you need more warm clothes. The Spring season requires a few warm jackets.
As for trekking equipment, you need to have the items per the recommended list.
Why are Lukla flights delayed or canceled?
The weather condition of Lukla makes Lukla airport one of the most dangerous airports in the world. So, the airplanes do not operate until the weather is favorable. Sometimes, the weather gets worse, causing flight delays or cancellations.
As for the alternative, you can take a helicopter to Lukla by making an extra payment. It is a bit costly. So, we suggest you keep an extra day for a trek if possible.
Can we charge our electrical devices on the trail?
There are services available to charge your devices. You can easily find electricity in the lower part of your trek. But as you ascend, electricity is powered by solar panels. Hence, you might not find electricity in your room. You need to pay some amount per hour to charge your electrical devices at such places.
How good are phone network and internet services?
You can get good internet services and cell reception almost throughout the trek. So, consider buying a Nepalese sim card to make calls. You can get good WIFI throughout the trek to get in touch with your loved ones. But you need to pay a certain charge to use the WIFI.
Besides these questions, there are many other queries, but we carefully cumulated the top 12 frequently asked questions about Everest Base Camp Trek. If you have any other queries, contact Alpine Club of Himalaya anytime.
