Every hiker dreams of trekking to Everest Base Camp (EBC), the base camp of the world’s highest mountain. If you are among the trekking enthusiasts and have a question in your mind about how to prepare for the Everest Base Camp Trek, then you are in the right place.

In this article, we will explain and guide you on how to prepare for Everest Base Camp trek. 

Understanding the Everest Base Camp Trek

Everest Base Camp, at an elevation of 5,364 meters (17,598 feet), is located within the Sagarmatha National Park. It typically takes 12-14 regular itinerary days to accomplish this classic trek in the Khumbu Region. Your tour begins in Kathmandu, with a domestic flight to Lukla airport. Due to a flight diverted by the Nepal Aviation Authority, you must first arrive at Manthali Airport during peak hours.

While walking to the world’s highest base camp, you will pass through breathtaking scenery such as Namche Bazar, Tengboche Monastery, Kala Patthar, Gorak Shep, and Everest base camp.

This somewhat challenging trek should only be attempted if well planned and prepared. The main challenges that trekkers experience on the Everest base camp trek are altitude sickness, weather conditions, and altitude.

Even though the Everest Base Camp journey is difficult with the correct planning and preparation, it is completely achievable. Everest base camp trek have a success record of almost 95%. Even small children with families successfully finished this trek with proper planning.

For trekkers who want to have short Everset Base Camp trek you can check: Everest base camp trek with helicopter return package

Obtain Travel Visa

Foreign trekkers who wish to visit Nepal for the Everest base camp trek must get the travel visa from the immigration office in Tribhuvan International Airport. Many nationalits can easily obtain the tourist visa after arrival except few countries like Nigeria, Ghana, Zimbabwe, Swaziland, Cameroon. To check whether you are eligible or not you can check here: Nepal Visa.

• The cost of the tourist visa for 15 Day will cost you 30$
• The cost of the tourist visa for 30 Day will cost you 50$
• The cost of the tourist visa for 90 Day will cost you 125$

Note: If your Everest base camp trek itinerary is around 2 weeks we sujjest you to get the visa or 30 days. The extra days is required incase of the flight delay, cancellation, weather conditons and road obstruction.

Arrange Necessary Permits and Documentation

To trek at Everest’s base camp, you must obtain two permits: the Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit and the Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Entry Permit. You don’t require much documents, but you must have a valid passport, proof of travel insurance, and a passport-sized photograph.

• The cost of the Sagarmatha National Park: NPR 3,000 per person(plus 13% VAT)
• The cost of the Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Entry Permit: NPR 3,000.

Note: Previously, the Khumbu local permit cost NPR 2,000, but it has now hiked to NPR 3,000. Children under the age of ten can obtain the permit free of charge.

Continue reading: Everest base camp trek permit

Purchase Trekking Insurance

Another vital thing trekkers should do to prepare before embarking on the Everest base camp trek is to obtain travel insurance. As you are probably know, there are risks and difficulties on the EBC trek. In addition, some unexpected events, such as flight cancellations and travel disruptions, may occur at any point during the journey.

So, if you have travel insurance, it will come in handy while you are experiencing financial difficulties. There is also no road access at high altitudes, therefore in the event of an emergency, an emergency helicopter evacuation is required. Trekking agency here in Nepal they don’t sold the travel insurnace so you need to get you travel insurance from your home country.

Choosing the Right Trekking Company

According to the new guidelines, trekkers cannot perform the solo trek in Nepal inside the national park and conservation area. As a result, trekkers must engage with trekking guides and trekking permits. To make the journey pleasant and hassle-free, it is advisable to trek with the help of a recognized trekking service such as Eco Nepal Trekkers, which arranges everything from guides and porters to transportation, lodging, meals, permits, and logistics.

Some Tips to select the best agency for the Everest Base Camp Trek

• Check the agency website, read the testimonial, itinerary, their service, and experience
• Check their legal document
• Compare the price according to the level of service
• Check safety and emergency protocols
• Ask whether you can customize the Everest Base Camp trek itinerary or not

Review Terms & Conditions, Inclusions, Exclusions, and Itinerary

Make sure you read the terms and conditions of the company before reserving a trek package from the local trekking agency. What the trekking package includes and doesn’t include. Read the Everest base camp trek itinerary and trekking route that they provide. If you like, you may even customize the itinerary to your specific needs and interests.

 Hire Local Guide and Porter

Trekking guides and porters are the backbone of Nepal’s tourism business. Trekking and mountaineering would be impossible without their efforts and contributions. There are various benefits to hiring trekkers and porters.

• A local guide knows the trekking routes and weather conditions well
• They are trained well trained in how to evacuate in an emergency situation
• Porter will carry your heavy gear and equipment
• Your Porters and guides will help you arrange comfortable accommodations and meals along the trek
• They will navigate safely and help you to have the maximum trekking experience

Continure reading: Guide and porter hire for Everest base camp

Choose The Best Time For Everest Base Camp Trek

Trekking to Everest’s base camp is accessible year-round. However, if you are a beginners and trekking in Nepal for the first time, the best seasons to visit are spring and fall.

During the months of spring and autumn, the weather is usually pleasant, with moderate daytime temperatures ideal for hiking. A clear view of the sky provides a perfect view of the landscape and mountain peaks.

Winter and monsoon season are off-seasons for hiking, and the Everest Base Camp trekking trails can be highly crowded. During this season, the weather can grow harsher, making things more challenging. So when trekking, it’s preferable to go in the month of spring and autmn season. Lastly, even the weather conditions during the spring and autumn remains favourable trekkers should always prepare for the sudden weather change.

Continue reading: Best time for Everest Base Camp Trek

Watch the aerial view of Everest Base Camp below to get inspired while preparing for your trek.

Learn Altitude Sickness and Its Preventive Measure

The dangers of altitude sickness remain significant during the Everest base camp trek because you will be hiking at heights exceeding 5000 meters. Acute mountain sickness, often known as altitude sickness, is easily treated in the early stages.

If the symptoms worsen, it might progress to advanced types like HAPE and HACE. If it is not treated in a timely manner and trekkers ignore it, it might lead to death. So we sujjest you to learn about alitude sickness and its preventive measure before embarking on Everest base camp.

Continue reading: Everest base camp trek alitude sickness

Understand Acclimatization Strategies

Most Everest base camp trek itineraries of 12-14 days include two days of acclimatization. One day will be spent acclimatizing at Namche Bazar, followed by another in Dingboche.

Acclimatization helps your body prepare to acclimate to the greater altitude because the oxygen level is lower. Acclimatization is essential for avoiding altitude sickness and other health difficulties.

During the acclimatization day, get enough rest and avoid strenuous exercise. Also, keep a close eye on your health and see if you have any symptoms of altitude sickness.

Secure Your Lukla Flight Ticket In Advance

Despite being regarded as the most dangerous airport in the world, Lukla Airport is one of Nepal’s busiest local airports. The stunning mountain peak draws thousands of hikers, climbers, and adventure parties. You should expect a large crowd at the airport throughout the busiest times of year, which are spring and autumn.

Since the Everest Region is one of the most popular trekking destinations in Nepal, we suggest that you get your lukla flight ticket well in advance. The civil avation of Nepal diverts the lukla flight in peak season to control the crowd and for the safety reason. Therefore, you need to prepare to reach Ramechhap Airport first, which is about 132 kilometers from Kathmandu.

Note: Tara Air, Summit Air, Sita Air, and Yeti Airlines are the popular airlines that operates the regular flights for Lukla. You may even check availability and make a reservation by going to their website.

For more detail about Kathmandu to Lukla flight check here: Lukla Flight Complete Guide

Stay Within Allowed Luggage Weight

A maximum of 10 kilos of luggage (two pieces) and 5 kg of hand luggage are allowed during the lukla flight. You must pay an additional USD 1 per kg if you wish to carry more than 15 kg. Carrying upto 15 kg is enough for the Everest base camp trek so we sujjest you to carry only what you need and put your extra laugage in the hotel in kathmandu or at the office of trekking agency.

Get Your Trekking Shoes Ready Beforehand

Wearing new shoes for the first time on a demanding trek can lead to painful blisters. Start breaking them in well before your trek—take them on shorter hikes, walk around your home, and wear them during daily activities to mold them to your feet.

Weather conditions in the Everest region can be unpredictable, so opting for shoes that offer both water resistance and breathability is essential. The trails can be slippery and uneven. Look for shoes with a strong and durable outsole that provides excellent grip on various surfaces. Additionally, avoid cotton socks and invest in good-quality trekking socks made of breathable materials.

Stay Hydrated Throughout The Day

Hydration is important for overall health and plays a crucial role during a trek, as it helps in preventing altitude sickness. To prepare, you can carry a reusable water bottle and water purification tablets for drinking safe water.

You can refill the water from taps along the trekking route or from tea houses. While plastic water bottles are available for purchase, they can be expensive at high altitudes, with a small bottle costing up to $3-4. Therefore, preparing by carrying a reusable water bottle is the best idea to save extra costs and help control plastic pollution in the Everest Region.

Carry Sufficient Nepalese Currency & Avoid Relying on ATMs

Even though you can use the ATM service in the Everest region like Namche Bazar during Everset base camp trek we sujjest you to carry the local currency from Kathmandu. Even though there is ATM service we have seen that it often experiences issues.

If Possible Trek in Group

Trekking with a group is not only fun and enjoyable, but it also allows you to earn a significant discount if you travel in groups. The larger your group size, the greater the discount on your Everest Base Camp trek package. Negotiate the discounted rate on the package while traveling with the tour operator.

Maintain Physical Fitness through Training and Joining Fitness Programs

During the preparation of Everest base camp trek, the first thing that trekkers need to prepare themselves is by focusing on physical fitness.

This is especially important for beginner trekkers, who might not be used to the tough demands of such a challenging trek. It’s essential to build endurance, strength, and overall fitness to handle the long days of hiking, steep climbs, and high altitude.

Let’s see how you can prepare to maintain the physical fitness

Strength Training

Trekkers must be physically fit and should prepare to walk in challenging, high-altitude environments by packing a 7–8 kg backpack. They can begin preparing their strength by performing exercises like planks, squats, lunges, deadlifts, push-ups, pull-ups/chin-ups, etc. Trekkers can also prepare by training under a professional’s supervision, either by joining a gym or doing yoga.

 

Cardiovascular Exercise

It is critical to prepare for difficult routes like the Everest base camp trek by engaging in aerobic workouts such as running, cycling, swimming, jump rope, rowing, elliptical trainer, stair climbing, and others. It will help to boost cardiovascular health and endurance.

Pack Essential Clothing And Gear Items

The weather in high alitude of Everest Region is unpredictable, so it is imnportant to bring all of your essential supplies. Trekkers must prepare properly for the Everest Base Camp trip, ensuring that their gear is suitable for all weather conditions.

Rent Gear Item From Thamel

You can even rent the necessary equipment from the Thamel stores if you are not a frequent trekker or would prefer not to carry bulky goods. Actually, renting equipment will help you stay inside your budget more than buying it, as new products might be expensive. The cost of renting the gear equipment will cost you around 1$-2$ for Everest base camp trek.

Weekly Workout Routine For the Everest Base Camp Trek

To make easier to plan for the Everest base camp you can read follow the weekly plan that we have prepare for you.

How to Eat Right on the Everest Base Camp Trail

While preparing for the Everest Base Camp Trek, it is critical to maintain a healthy physique, which is achieved by the consumption of nutritious foods. During the walk, you will have a large range of food options at lower altitudes, but at higher altitudes, the options become more limited.

Always prepare by consuming fresh, green foods. If feasible, try to avoid eating meat products. Eating Nepali popular foods such as Dal Bhat Tarkari, which are both inexpensive and nutritious, will be ideal during the walk.

Inside the tea house, you will find the best spot to stay and eat. If you trek with a recognized trekking agency, they will provide three meals for you. However, to gain energy, we recommend you pack snack products.

 

Pack Your Own Snacks

Bringing snacks with you is a smart idea if you want to maintain your energy levels during the Everest Base Camp hike. Even while there are food options along the way, having your favorite snacks on hand—like energy bars, dried fruit, almonds, and trail mix—will guarantee you have access to a fast and dependable source of energy when you need it. Having these things with you can also help you enjoy the trek more and control your appetite in between meals.

Check your Health Conditons Before Trekking

If you have any underlying health conditions, we suggest consulting with your doctor before heading to Nepal. Even if you are in good health, undergoing a full-body check-up can be beneficial to ensure you are fully prepared for the trek. Carry the medicine if you are taking on your regular basis and dont hide any health issue to the tour operator.

Add Side Trips If You Have Enough Time

The wide selection of trekking destinations close to the location you are visiting is the best part about trekking in Nepal. Likewise to the Everest base camp journey, you can extend your stay by adding extra day to see Gokyo Lake, the Three Passes Trek, Ama Dablam Base Camp, and other well-known high altitude locations.

Adventure seekers may also visit Pokhara for activities like hot air balloon rides, rafting, and bunjee jumping. Following your summit of Everest Base Camp, you can go on sightseeing, a single-day tour, a jungle safari, a cultural tour, a heritage tour, or both.

If you have short Vacation choose Option for Helicopter Service

With a helicopter service, you may reach the base camp of the world’s tallest mountain even if you have a short vacation. Luxury Private Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour and Shared Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour are the two helicopter service options available for the Everest base camp. Even trekking to Everest Base Camp is an option, with a helicopter return back.

Managing The Budget

Last but not least, the most crucial thing for trekkers to confirm is how much money they want to spend on the Everest base camp hike. Make sure to budget for the trek and make your plans well in advance. The cost of an Everest base camp trek package starts at $1200, however group discounts may be available.

Some Frequently Asked: How To Prepare For Everest Base Camp Trek

How to Physically Prepare for Everest Base Camp Trek?

Cardiovascular endurance and leg strength are essential for physical fitness before one sets out for the Everest Base Camp trek; hence it is recommended to prepare by hiking often and doing strength training exercises. Introduce long walks and altitude emulation into your training schedule to help you prepare for the demands of the trek.

Can Beginners Do the Everest Base Camp Trek?

Yes, beginners can complete the Everest Base Camp journey, but only if they prepare thoroughly and workout regularly prior to the journey. Before beginning the journey, at least they should be fit enough to continue to the next stage, which is endurance and strength to complete the walk.

Can a Normal Person Do This Everest Base Camp Trek?

Indeed, an average healthy and fit trekker can complete the Everest Base Camp Trek. It requires decent preparation and physical fitness, but anyone can make the trek if they prepare well and have the strong willpower to complete it.

How Physically Fit Should I Be for the Everest Base Camp Trek?

Candidates should be physically fit, as well as have good cardiovascular fitness and leg strength. Regular cardiovascular activity, strength training, and long hikes will help prepare you for the hardships of the trek.

How Much Money is Needed for the Everest Base Camp Trek?

The cost of the Everest Base Camp journey varies and can range from $1,500 to $4,000, depending on the degree of service and facilities used during the trip. This includes the cost of permits, guides, lodging, food, and other incidental fees.

How Crowded is the Everest Base Camp Trek?

Because of the high traffic during the two main trekking seasons of spring and autumn, one is likely to encounter many other trekkers while hiking the Everest Base Camp Trek. It is common to meet many other trekkers along the trek, particularly near the key vantage points and hiking hotel facilities.

Can I Go Solo to Everest Base Camp Trek?

Basically, it is perfectly safe to go alone to Everest Base Camp Trek, however it is not recommended because there are few trekkers that trek alone to EBC. The majority of trekkers opt to hire a guide or join a large group for additional aid and security.

What Level of Difficulty is the Everest Base Camp Trek?

The Everest Base Camp Trek is rated as a moderate level in difficulty; however, there are long days of hiking and a significant elevation gain. Good fitness and endurance are required, but most people can acquire them with proper training.