Faq of Everest Base Camp Trek

» How expensive is Everest Base Camp Trek?

The Everest Base Camp Trek is available with variations in budget according to the specifications of clients.

It is available from medium budget up to luxury budget ranging from USD 899.00 up to USD 4,999.00 or more as per the requirements and specifications of clients. 

» What is so special about Everest Base Camp Trek?

Everest Base Camp Trek is special due to its easiness and short duration to expose the best of the Everest Region. Without spending much time and cost one can experience being at the very best of nature and insight into the scenery without actually climbing to the top of the world.

It allows trekkers to observe lush greenery, astonishing sceneries of mountains all around, rivers, forests, and even some rare species of wildlife and vegetation apart from the exposure to mighty Everest and the people and lifestyle there. It will take you to the actual base of the world's highest mountain. 

» How difficult is Everest Base Camp Trek?

In comparison to other trek packages in the Everest Region, the Everest Base Camp Trek is rated moderate in difficulty level and often claimed to be a fairly strenuous trek under the Everest Region.

You just need to be physically fit and possess good health; apart from that, you don’t even need any previous trekking experience for Everest Base Camp Trek.

» Is it safe to go for Everest Base Camp Trek after Earthquake?

Of course, it is safe to go for Everest Base Camp Trek because the impacts of Earthquake don’t exist anymore in the trails of this trek after the recovery and reconstructions. Well, the locals are still having some trouble to rise again after the devastation but for the trek, it is safe and fine now.

» What is the best time for Everest Base Camp Trek?

Everest Base Trek is suitable to go for any time around the year but to escape the risk of blockades from snowfall and extreme cold, autumn and spring would be the best seasons to go for this trek since with the clear weather and perfect sceneries.

You can also enjoy the blossoms of Rhododendron flowers of various species along with other vegetation.

» Are there any hospitals or medicals during Everest Base Camp Trek?

There are several health posts along the trail where basic medical facilities are available whereas there is a hospital at Pheriche which lies in the middle of the route. As well as, there will be volunteer doctors along the trail during high season time.

» What will happen in the case of emergency during Everest Base Camp Trek?

In the case of an emergency during Everest Base Camp Trek, our highly experienced and determined crew of trekking staff and guides who are the inhabitants of this region and are professionals in these fields would guide you with the best instruction according to the situation.

They are well aware of every kind of risk and the solutions and they would be in touch with the company along with your trekking session, so there is no reason to worry about it, just enjoy the trek.

» What foods and accommodations can we expect during Everest Base Camp Trek?

During Everest Base Camp Trek, you would be staying overnight at tea-houses or lodges and you will be served with traditional Nepali dishes like Dal-Bhat.

» Why to choose Nepal Mountain Trekkers for Everest Base Camp Trek?

Nepal Mountain Trekkers is a travel agency formed with the involvement of highly experienced and professional trekkers with an experience of more than 2 decades of trekking in the Himalayas. Moreover, we do have staff from all the special parts of the country to provide you with the proper and adequate information and make you enjoy the best of your trip.

In our years of experience, none of our clients had any complaint or dissatisfaction with our company and till now all our previous clients highly recommend our team to their friends and family which is the reason behind our dedication and diligence. Once you trek with our team, you will surely think of visiting Nepal time and again with Nepal Mountain Trekkers only.

» Why do we need a guide for Everest Base Camp Trek?

Though it was not compulsory to take a guide with you earlier, the Nepal government prohibited solo trekking in the Everest region and other trekking regions from April 2023 because of higher safety risks, unpredictable weather conditions, altitude, and health issues as well as for motivation and support.

If you are trekking for the first time to explore the best of Everest Base Camp Trek and each aspect of this trek, then a highly experienced and licensed guide is required to instruct you, help you explore as well as take care of you.

» Is the water safe to drink?

Since the trail of this trekking is mostly rural, the drinking water available during this trek would be tap water, well water or hand pumps and should be purified prior to drinking them. Hence, you should buy bottle waters or should have a water purifying pills or any other equipment to ensure drinking safe water.

» What gears and equipment do I need for Everest Base Camp Trek?

For the 15 Nights 16 Days Everest Base Camp Trek, we recommend the following gears and equipment for backpacking: 

CLOTHING
a.    Down or fiber-filled waterproof/ wax jacket and trousers
b.    Fleece jacket or pullover 
c.    Warm cotton tracksuit-pants
d.    Shirts and T-shirts
e.    Lightweight cotton long pants (3 pairs)
f.    Long underwear 
g.    Short underwear 
h.    Lightweight gloves 
i.    Rain gear (coat, rain cover for the bag) 
j.    Heavyweight gloves or mittens with a waterproof 

EQUIPMENT
k.    Sleeping bag
l.    Down jacket 
m.    Daypack 
n.    Flashlight with spare bulbs, batteries, gaiters

HEAD
o.    Sun hat or scarf
p.    Warm fleece hat
q.    Sunglasses with UV protection
r.    Sunscreen with a very high SPF factor (100+)
s.    Lip balm

FOOTWEAR
t.    Trekking boot: (Sturdy, ankle–support, water-resistant, well broken in)
u.    Gaiters (for high passes above 3500 meters)
v.    Thick socks 
w.    Light socks
x.    Camp shoes/ Crocs 
y.    Sandals (1 pair)

DRINKING WATER
z.    Water Bottle, Purification equipment, or purification tablets

MISCELLANEOUS 
aa.    Cameras, Torch Light, Binoculars, Reading book, Travel games

» Is it important to have insurance before going to Everest Base Camp Trek?

Well, it is not compulsory to be insured but as we already know “Prevention is better than cure”. If you are insured then you can have a relaxed trip without worries and enjoy with a free mind.

» Is it possible to get shower during the trek?

Yes, it is possible to get hot showers during Everest Base Camp Trek on the lodges you would be staying overnight or during acclimatization. 

» What happens if Lukla flight is delayed?

You might already know that the weather in Lukla is unpredictable, it’s uncertain. So before we proceed towards Lukla from Kathmandu, if we come to know the weather is unfavorable, you will be provided with a buffer time of 1 day to wait for the improvement in the weather.

In case, we already flew towards Lukla and completed the trek but due to weather if you cannot fly back to Kathmandu on the scheduled day then you must have 1 or 2 more days to be spent there.

However, you can fly back via helicopter in case of urgency or emergency which is a bit more expensive than a regular flight (around USD 400 / 500 according to the situation per person in the group).

» Is Everest Base Camp Trek itinerary customizable?

Yes, of course, with Nepal Mountain Trekkers you can customize/personalize the trek itinerary and services to be provided according to your requirements.

» Is Everest Base Camp Trek safe for solo trekker or solo female trekker?

Of course, since Everest Base Camp Trek is one of the most accessible treks and very popular among trekkers, one can go for solo trekking (with a licensed trekking guide) without any worries.

The people there are very friendly and cooperative and you can also meet other trekkers along the way so that there won’t be any risk for solo trekkers or solo female trekkers to go for Everest Base Camp Trek.

Furthermore, our trekking staff (guides) are highly experienced and dedicated towards their job, so our company will be fully responsible on that note.

» Do we need a special permit for Everest Base Camp Trek?

Since you should be entering Sagarmatha National Park, and because the region comes under a protected area, you would be requiring a TIMS card, Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Metropolitan Tax, and Sagarmatha National Park fees for Everest Base Camp Trek.

» What religions and customs are practiced around Everest Region?

The Everest Region lies at the border of Nepal and Tibet and is highly influenced with the lifestyle and culture of Tibetan people. There are mostly Sherpa people, who are often considered as “the born Mountaineers” and almost everyone in this region practices Buddhism which is the reason you can see Monasteries, Chortens, Prayer flags, Prayer wheels, Mani walls and Mani Stones abundantly along the trails.

» Which species of herbs and vegetations and wildlife are preserved at Sagarmatha National Park?

The herbs and vegetations preserved at Sagarmatha National Park are silver firs, birch, rhododendron and juniper trees whereas the wildlife inhabitant at Sagarmatha National Park are Musk deer, Himalayan Tahr, Ghoral, Serow, Wolf, and even the Himalayan Black Bear and if you are very lucky you can also spot Snow Leopard, Red Panda, two varieties of Dazzling Pheasants – the Crimson-horned and the Impeyan Pheasant(national bird of Nepal), marmots, pikas, and marten as well.

» Is it possible to take Drone at Sagarmatha National Park? How much would it cost?

The rules and regulations for Operating UAV (drone) in Sagaramatha National Park during Everest Base Camp Trek or other regions of Nepal as per the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN) are:

No one shall operate an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) or drone in Nepal without obtaining permission as follows:
1.    Tourists intending to fly UAV during their visit to Nepal shall obtain prior permission from the following agencies:
•    Department of Tourism
•    Ministry of Home Affairs
•    Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (not necessary for UAV less than 2 kg and below 200 ft from ground level)
2.    For research and study purposes, the permission of the following agencies is required:
•    Line Ministry/Department relating to the subject matter of research/study
•    Ministry of Home Affairs
•    Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (not necessary for UAVs less than 2 kg and below 200 ft from the ground)
3.    UAV Pilots should be proficient in flying and have basic knowledge of rules pertaining to drone operation
4.    Do not fly UAVs in a way that may cause a safety risk to the aircraft flying in the area.
5.    Small flying Toys can be operated inside the private premises.
6.    Flying UAVs in public areas for fun requires permission from the local security agencies.
7.    The liability of any harm to the persons or damage to the property caused due to the UAV operation shall be the responsibility of the person flying the drone.
8.    Refer to the following documents for detailed requirements for UAV operations in Nepal:
•    ‘Flight Operations Directive No. 7, May 2015’ of the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal
•    ‘Procedure for Unmanned Aerial Vehicle flying’ of Ministry of Home Affairs
9.    Do not use UAV other than the scope of permission.
10.    Flying a UAV without due permission shall be considered Illegal and shall be subjected to punishment under the prevailing civil aviation rules.

Likewise, the cost of flying a drone at Annapurna Conservation would vary on the purpose of taking the drone so please proceed to inquiry along to take it.

» How adventurous and challenging is Everest Base Camp Trek?

Everest Base Camp trek is considered as a fairly strenuous trek in the Everest region of Nepal, it offers you to try adventurous and challenging activities to do. But it can be available in less strenuous versions as well and we do provide helicopter shuttle service for those who want to skip the trek and reach the base camp without difficulty. 

» Will I get altitude sickness during Everest Base Camp Trek?

There is a possibility of getting altitude sickness during Everest Base Camp Trek but with proper acclimatization and health care as well as the guidance from trekking staffs, you shouldn’t face the trouble of altitude sickness.

» Could I use Credit Cards during Everest Base Camp Trek?

ATMs and credit cards are accessible only in the major cities of Nepal, so during your Everest Base Camp Trek, you can use ATMs and credit cards only while you are in Kathmandu or Lukla.

» What currency should I bring to Nepal?

You can bring any of the currencies authorized by the Nepal Rastra Bank and Government of Nepal. Nepal Mountain Trekkers provide you with the facility of exchanging foreign currency at the market rate without any commissions and extra charge.

» How much should I tip to my guide and porter?

Well, the tip for guide and other trekking staffs like porters and drivers is not mandatory but since they contribute their time apart from family to make you enjoy the best of your trip ensuring your safety and satisfaction, we recommend you to contribute some amount of tip for them. In Nepal, it is practised that 10% of the total amount you pay for your trek and tour is contributed as a tip.

» How busy is the Everest Base Camp trail?

The trekking trail of Everest Base Camp is mostly less crowded during the off-season but during the trekking seasons or the time frame of spring months from Mar-May and autumn months from Sept-Nov, the trails get flooded with the number of tourists which results in making the trails busy.

But since they are all trekkers, it would be fun to join along your trek and it won’t affect your trekking experience at all because of the pace of each trekker/group.

» Is it possible to access the Internet during Everest Base Camp Trek?

Yes, you can certainly get access to WiFi in lodges (they might charge additional cost for the usage) and also mobile data using Nepali Telecom Operator like NTC or Ncell during Everest Base Camp Trek for the Internet and to communicate with your friends and family.

» What are the bathrooms like on Everest Base Camp trek?

The bathrooms are not so well furnished but still, you can get a good experience on Everest Base Camp Trek. However, in some part of the EBC trekking trail, even luxury accommodation options are available.