EVEREST BASE CAMP TREK

Overview–

Being the highest peak in the world with an altitude of 8,849m Mount Everest beautifully and proudly stands between the Nepal and Tibet border and in the Solukhumbu district of Nepal. The Sanskrit name for Mount Everest is Sagarmatha which means “peak of heaven” justifying the name it gives us the vibes of heaven itself. It is believed in history that, On July 20, 1919, Sir Edmund Percival Hillary who was with Sherpa mountaineer Tenzing Norgay, they were the first person to have reached the summit of Mount Everest. Apart from being amazingly beautiful Mount Everest or base camp may have some disadvantages like suffering from altitude sickness. It is most likely to have breathing difficulties when you are at such heights. Many accidents have been reported on Everest base camps and Mount Everest peak itself. That is why you need to be more careful when you decide to trek to EBC. 

Temperature and weather in Everest base camp 

Mount Everest is certainly the highest peak on earth. You must expect the temperature likewise. The temperature in Everest base camp (EBC) can be extremely cold. Generally at the altitude of 5,200mwhich is definitely above sea level has characterized a climate called mountain plateau climate which is coldest throughout all the months. The coldest months in EBC are November-February when the temperature reaches -17 degrees Celsius. July and August are rainy seasons they are comparatively warmer. Spring in EBC i.e. (April – May) generally has the daytime temperature around 15 degrees celsius whereas at night it can fall to -1 degrees Celsius. With this bearable temperature, the spring season is definitely the best time to visit EBC providing clear and blue skies, and a view of the summit. 

During the monsoon season (June to September) the temperature is good. At day time reaching up to 22 degrees Celsius and at night falling around 4 degree Celsius this season seems to have a warmer climate. But due to heavy rainfall, the roads might be muddy and may cause some trouble to trekkers. In autumn the daytime temperature reaches 17 degrees Celsius and falls around -8 degree Celsius at night. 

Well, winter is cold everywhere. In EBC, being the coldest season the temperature in winter (November to April) can be around -5 degrees Celsius in day time whereas, it greatly falls to -10 to -15 degree Celsius at night. However, if you really like the cold, you can still visit EBC in early winter. In fact, you will get an amazing view of clear blue skies and bright sunshine. 

Best time to visit EBC 

Even though EBC welcomes everyone almost all the months, still the best time to visit EBC is April to May and September to October. At this time the temperature is moderate with slight rainfall. You get the chance to see the dazzling view of mountains, clear blues skies, and snow. However, if you are on a limited budget the best time for you is early winter. You can actually get cheaper accommodation and food in early winter. 

Note: it is almost impossible to trek in mid and late winter due to extreme cold and snowfall and higher chances of avalanches.

Duration to reach Everest Base camp 

– There are several routes to go to Everest base camp. 

1. Route from Jiri to Everest base camp– this route basically takes around 19- 21 days. Since most people these days like slow travel. This route is best for them and offers a beautiful view with less crowd of hikers. You can witness wonderful insights into Solu Sherpa culture. This trip may cost around 1300-1500 per day. 
2. Route from Tumlingtar– this route takes good 21-23 days which starts in Tumlingtar itself. You can drive or catch a flight to Tumlingtar. Like from Jiri, this route is also not really crowded with hikers and you can enjoy the quieter journey. 
3. The classic route– you can take a flight to Lukla this is the most direct and fastest route to Everest base camp. It basically starts from Lukla valley through small villages, and beautiful farmlands before you reach Namche. After that, you will follow the course of the Imja Khola River up to the Sherpa village of Dingboche. After walking for a few more days you will reach toKalapattar Mountain which looks down over EBC. This way you can reach EBC easily and in a very short time. This standard route journey to EBC may cost a total of 35000- 40000 including all the accommodations and food. 

Transportation- 

Bus– the bus is the suitable and moderately easier way to reach EBC, especially for those who have acrophobia. They can always travel by bus or jeep to Phaplu and then trek to Lukla. It usually takes 10- 12 hours of bus/jeep journey to reach Phaplu from Kathmandu. During dry seasons the bus reaches Khari Khola whereas in summer seasons the bus only reaches Phaplu because of rainy effects. 

Trains– since there are no trains available in Nepal this option is for people coming through the northern side of Tibet. There is a training facility up to Lhasa. From Lhasa, there is the easiest roadway to the north. This makes the journey easier and more comfortable. 

Airplane- the two airports here are Kathmandu and Lukla so you cannot directly fly fromKathmandutoEBC. But you can reach Lukla airport. From Lukla, you need to start a tour trek to EBC. 

Helicopter- Helicopter allows you to visit and return to Kathmandu in a very short time. It takes 4 hours to fly from Kathmandu to Lukla. From Lukla, it takes 40-45 minutes to reach the base camp or Kalapathar. You can reach 17,700 feet (5,400m) by helicopter and enjoy views from your window seat. However, the price is very expensive around 150$ for one way. But this may differ depending on the size of the group.

Cost of accommodation and food 

Accommodations– accommodations are not so bad in EBC. In fact, you can get a friendly environment staying on the teahouses, made and run by Sherpa. They are basically small lodges with small rooms. 

Teahouses– here, Rooms are usually provided with two single beds and a small table. They also provide a clean mattress, bed sheet, and pillow with a warm blanket. You can also use your sleeping bag for additional warmth. They have one common dining room to eat in and also to socialize with other trekkers. Staying in teahouses or lodges may cost up to 5- 10$ (500 -1000 NRS) per night. Teahouses have proper facilities for bathrooms, hot showers, and internet access. 

• Food – food in EBC can be a little expensive as the altitude rises. 
• Meal (dal, Bhat, curry)- 400-700 NRS (4-7$) 
• Hot soups- 300-500 NRS (3-5$) 
• Snacks- pasta, noodles, potatoes= 400-600 NRS (4-6$) 
• Pizzas – 700-900 (7-9$) 
• Veg momos are around -400- 500 NRS (4-5$) 
• Teas- 100 NRS per cup (1$) 

Permits and fees 

Khumbu Pasang Lhamu rural municipality entrance permit- these permits cost you around 2000. This disappointed on 1 

st October 2018 replacing the old TIMS cards, 

Sagarmatha national park entry permit- it’s around 3000 NPR for every foreigner besides Indians which is 1500 NPR. Here, are two passport-size photographs and a copy of the Khumbu Pasang Lhamu rural entrance is mandatory for further processing. They can be available at the Nepal tourism board office. This is one of the important permits you need to save for further way. 

Additional permit for Jiri to base camp- if you are traveling through this route of Jiri you need to get an extra permit for the Gaurishankar conservation area. The permit is either available on the Nepal tourism board with a cost of 2000 or at the Shivalaya checkpoint which will cost you 4000. However, there is always a discount for Indian citizens.

Clothing and equipment 

You need to be sure about the climatic condition of the place and pack your bag depending on the number of days for your journey. These are the important things you want to see before you start packing. 

• Duffel bag sunglasses 
• Backpack 
• Camera daypack 
• Charger/adapter rain cover 
• Thermals sleeping bags 
• Fleece jackets trek pole 
• Headlight/torch light sports bras for girls 
• Camera summer/winter hats 
• Charger/adapter beanie 
• Thermals raincoats 
• Fleece jackets neck gaiter 
• Down jacket travel towel 
• Trekking trousers and shorts gloves (inner, outer insulated gloves) Trekking shirts/ T-shirts (full/half) hiking boots 
• Waterproof jackets and trousers trekking shoes 
• Underwear thermal shocks 
• Passports 
• Hiking boots 
• Money (cash) 
• Cosmetics (sun scream, moisturizer) 
• Hand sanitizer 
• Tissue papers and trash bag 
• Reusable water bottles 
• Safety kits

Guide/sherpas/porters 

– When you are on your way to EBC you can meet plenty of people to ask for directions and help, for which a guide doesn’t seem much of a necessity. However, it will help you a lot with other things so you can always take one for safety. A guide will cost you 22-30$ per day. As for porters they carry all your belongings unless they do not exceed 25 kilos. They may charge 16-20$ per day. 

Communications and electronic 

Nepal has been improving these days in terms of the internet. Yes, there is internet or Wi-Fi in EBC too. Although it’s available only in a few areas it works pretty nicely. However, radios are still the primary means of communication there. Fortunately, there is good network coverage in EBC and we can communicate and use data as we wish. 

Safety security fitness– 

Honestly, Trekking to EBC is quite challenging and adventurous. You need to prepare yourself for a hike of 5-6 hours per day. You can start your exercise 8-12 weeks prior to the journey. You have to strengthen your muscles, knees, and legs for trekking. It’s not mandatory for you to be 100%fit and healthy. If you are mild to moderately sick you can still travel with your physician’s permission. But if you are severely sick it’s better to take a rest and postpone your plan. Throughout the journey, you need to stay hydrated and continuously check your oxygen level. 

It’s likely to suffer altitude sickness when you start climbing higher. The primary cause of altitude sickness is a decrease in the amount of oxygen in the atmosphere. It’s important to carry handheld oximetry. Oxygen saturation below 75% may be a risk. The most common medication for altitude sickness is Diamox(Acetazolamide). 

Other requirements 

Insurance– travel insurance is more of a mandatory thing to do before traveling anywhere. Do not forget to mention the maximum altitude you will be reaching because insurance varies and depends upon the height or elevation. You can always get more ideas about travel insurance from travel agencies or insurance companies themselves. You can also get one from any travel agency. 

Visa and passports– for all foreigners besides Indians, you will be needing a valid visa and valid passport to visit anywhere in Nepal. You can have your Nepalese visa at Tribhuwan international airport in Kathmandu. You will also need two passport-sized photographs for trekking permits.