How To Go To Everest Base Camp For Trekking?

Time needed: 10 days

The Everest Base Camp Trek can be completed in around 10 days, but we normally suggest to go for more then 10 days package because it has more extra days for acclimatization, which helps your body to acclimatize/adjust in high altitude area with low oxygen level. above all this will prevent your body from getting altitude sickness.

1. Booking Procedures

   The first step towards undertaking the trek is booking the trek itself. For booking the trek you can consult with the company that you’re going to make arrangements with. As the companies here have various methods of payment and online or wire transfer/payment being one of many. You can ask for the necessary bank details for the wire transfer or online payment. Most companies will probably ask for ceratin percent of payment in advance to confirm your 100% availability as it is the policy of most of the companies. And the rest of the payment can be either paid once you reach here through card or cash payment

2. Physical Condition and Preparation:

   It is very important that one should be of sound health before undertaking any kind of trek. Most treks are suitable for passionate walkers who have the ability to walk at least 6-7 hours a day with a light rucksack. It’s not necessary that the trek is going to be 6-7 hours a day sometimes it might even be 7-8 hours. Walking in higher altitudes is more physically demanding than walking in the lower altitudes; however, if we are in excellent health with average physical fitness, have a positive attitude and strong determination, we can accomplish the trek successfully. Exercising and jogging regularly is a good idea to enhance our strength and stability. If one has past experiences with hiking then that would be an asset but no technical skills are required for this trip. Also, we advise you to consult with your doctor(s) before undertaking the trip.

3. Getting Your Insurance

   While traveling to Nepal, you are requested to have travel insurance that should cover any comprehensive expenses possible to acquire due to medical issues or accidents. Your travel insurance must protect air ambulance, treatment charges, rescue and evacuation, product cancellation and refundable charges, flight delays, and cancellations.
   Insurance Policy:
   Traveling in the Himalayas is full of adventure; hence it is wise to choose a proper insurance policy. While choosing your insurance policy, make sure that it will protect all such unforeseen expenses. You must ensure that the policy you do take provides an adequate level of protection, well familiar with your itinerary and covers you for the activities involved. You must carry proof of insurance (e.g. your insurance certificate) with you on holiday or send us a scanned copy and it must be issued from your homeland.
   RECOMMENDATION:
   1. Global Rescue
   2. World Nomads
   NOTE:
   Please, kindly note, this given reference of the insurance company above is only a recommendation, which is based on the recommendation of previous travelers. You could review their update insurance policy by contacting them directly.
   
   Check Everest Base Camp Trek Package
   

4. Equipment and Packing List:

   This list is a guideline to help you pack for your adventure. Also, understand that the items listed below will vary a little according to the season and the trek duration. The weight limit for your luggage is 33 pounds or 15 kg. Remember that your luggage will be carried by your porter but you are required to carry a day-pack (with your valuables or anything important) on your own. We also suggest that you pack what is necessary.
   Important documents and items:
   ● Valid passport, 2extra passport size photos, airline tickets
   ● Separate photocopies of passport, visa form( easily obtained at Kathmandu airport), proof of insurance
   ● Dollars, pounds or Euros in cash for purchasing Nepalese visa at Kathmandu airport, for paying for restaurants and hotels, for gratuities, snacks, and to purchase your own drinks and gifts
   ● Credit cards, Bank/ATM/Cash machine cards for withdrawing funds from cash machines(bring a photocopy of your cards), traveler’s checks, etc.
   Head :
   ● Bandana or headscarf, also useful for dusty conditions
   ● Warm hat that covers your ears (wool or synthetic)
   ● Headlamp with extra batteries and bulbs
   ● Sunglasses with UV protection
   ● Prescription sunglasses (if required)
   
   Upper Body:
   ● Polypropylene shirts (1 half sleeve and 2 long sleeves)
   ● Light and expedition weight thermal tops
   ● Fleece wind-stopper jacket or pullover
   ● Waterproof (preferably breathable fabric) shell jacket
   ● Down vest and/or jacket
   ● Gore-Tex jacket with hood, waterproof and breathable
   
   Hands:
   ● 1 pair of lightweight poly liner gloves.
   ● 1 pair of lightweight wool or fleece gloves
   ● 1 pair of mittens, consists of 1 Gore-Tex over mitt matched with a very warm polar-fleece mitt liner (seasonal)
   
   Lower Body:
   ● Non-cotton underwear briefs
   ● 1 pair of Hiking shorts
   ● 1 pair of Hiking trousers
   ● 1 pair of lightweight thermal bottoms (seasonal)
   ● 1 pair of fleece or wool trousers
   ● 1 pair of waterproof shell pants, breathable fabric
   
   Feet :
   ● 2 pairs of thin, lightweight inner socks
   ● 2 pairs of heavy poly or wool socks
   ● 1 pair of Hiking boots with spare laces (sturdy soles, water-resistant, ankle support, “broken-in”)
   ● 1 pair of trainers or running shoes and/or sandals
   ● Cotton socks (optional)
   ● Gaiters (winter only), optional, “low” ankle high version
   
   Sleeping:
   ● 1 sleeping bag (good to -10 degrees C or 14 degrees F)
   ● Fleece sleeping bag liner (optional)
   
   Rucksack and Travel Bags:
   ● 1 medium rucksack (50-70 liters/3000-4500 cubic inches, can be used for an airplane carryon)
   ● 1 large duffel bag
   ● A small daypack/backpack for carrying your valuables should have good shoulder padding
   ● Small padlocks for duffle-kit bags
   ● 2 large waterproof rucksack covers (optional)
   
   Medical:
   ● Small, personal first-aid kit. (simple and light)
   ● Aspirin, first-aid tape, and plasters (Band-Aids)
   ● 1 skin-blister repair kit
   ● Anti-diarrhea pills
   ● Anti-headache pills
   ● Cough and/or cold medicine
   ● Anti-altitude sickness pills: Diamox or Acetazolamide
   ● Stomach antibiotic: Ciprofloxacin, etc. Do not bring sleeping pills as they are respiratory depressants.
   ● Water purification tablets or the water filter
   ● 1 set of earplugs
   ● Extra pair of prescription glasses, contact lens supplies
   
   Practical Items:
   ● 1 small roll of repair tape, 1 sewing-repair kit
   ● 1 cigarette lighter, 1 small box of matches
   ● 1 compass or GPS(optional)
   ● 1 alarm clock/watch
   ● 1 digital camera with extra cards and batteries
   ● large Ziplocs
   ● 2 water bottles (1 liter each)
   ● 1 small folding knife
   ● Binoculars (optional)
   ● 4 large, waterproof, disposable rubbish sacks
   
   Toiletries:
   ● 1 medium-sized quick-drying towel
   ● Toothbrush/paste (preferably biodegradable)
   ● Multipurpose soap (preferably biodegradable)
   ● Deodorants
   ● Nail clippers
   ● Face and body moisturizer
   ● Female hygiene products
   ● Small mirror
   
   Personal Hygiene:
   ● Wet wipes (baby wipes)
   ● Tissue /toilet roll
   ● Anti-bacterial hand wash
   
   Extras/Luxuries:
   ● Reading book
   ● Trail map/guide book
   ● Journal and pen
   ● iPod
   ● Travel game i.e. chess, backgammon, scrabble, playing cards (to help you pass the time at tea- houses and/or camps)
   ● 1 modest swim suit
   ● Binoculars (optional)
   ● Voltage converter (from 220 to 110)
   ● Plug adapter (2 round pegs to 2 flat pegs)
   ● Lightweight (in case your tea houses provide you with pillows) or use your own stuff as a pillow
   Check Everest Base Camp Trek Package
   

5. Booking The Lukla Flight

   Primarily most of the trekkers take a flight from Kathmandu to Lukla to reach EBC but due to the rehabilitation work being carried out and domestic and international flights being disrupted the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal has notified the airlines to reroute the flight to Lukla from Manthali Airport of Ramechhap. So, booking a flight in advance can prove out to be very useful as it might be very difficult to book a flight during peak seasons.
   [Note: For Everest Region trek we will recommend that you allocate a few reserve days in case your flights are delayed/ canceled. You’ll be better off spending the remaining time discovering Kathmandu instead of missing your major flight home or trying to transfer tickets from nowhere.]
   Check Everest Base Camp Trek Package
   

6. Getting Your Visa

   All nationalities except for that of India should get a Visa to enter Nepal. It is easy to get a Nepali visa. Some nationalities can get a visa on arrival or when entering Nepal at one of the border entry points. Check which nationals can get a visa on arrival or consult with the embassy. One can also fill an online form to get the Visa in Nepal. If you wish to fill the online Visa form, you can also download a form and fill it up. Please go through the link as below:
   http://www.online.nepalimmigration.gov.np/tourist-visa
   
   The fee structure for a visa is as follows:
   US $30 for 15days
   US $50 for 30days
   US $125 for 90days
   For extension, the fee structure is as:
   US $45 for 15days extension
   US $90 for 30 days extension
   US $3 per day after the first extension

7. Arrival Instruction

   Outside the arrival hall, there will be a large group of people, individuals, and agents from many companies. Do not be hassled by these people. A representative of your respective company will be present there to pick you up. The representative would be holding a board with your name on it so you don’t have to worry just follow him and he will drop you off to your respective hotels/lodge that has been assigned by our company. And if you are not associated with any company or agency then need not worry as you can easily find cabs to reach to your destination and you won’t have to go through much haggling as well.
   Check Everest Base Camp Trek Package
   

8. Getting Permits

   Update: Oct 1st, 2018 TIMS Card is no longer valid for Everest Base Camp Trek
   With decentralization, a new permit system has been implemented in the Everest Region. You will no longer require a Trekker’s Information Management System (TIMS) Card. Generally, if you are associated with an agency or a company you don’t have to worry about getting the permits as the companies would manage it for you. But if you are traveling on your own then for Everest Region Trek you will have to get the permit in Lukla but if you are traveling to any other region apart from Everest then the main Tourist Board Office is on Pradarshani Marg in the capital i.e Kathmandu and handles permits for all the areas.
   The necessary permits required for trekking to EBC are :
   1. Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Entrance Permit(New one)
   2. Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit
   
   Necessary Documents for Permit?
   You just need your passport details for Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality and Sagarmatha National Park Entrance Permit. You will need two photos for the Gaurishankar Conservation Area Project Entry Permit and you also need to fill up a short form to obtain the permit. All these fees are payable in local currency only.
   
   Why do You Need Permits?
   The trekking permits for Everest Region Trek have their own significance.
   Sagarmatha National Park permit helps to maintain the safety and security of the trekkers by keeping the trekker’s record inside the National Park. In case of any emergencies such as earthquakes, landslides, etc. the information can then gathered to help the authorities help you. Rules and Regulations are also maintained with the help of these permits.
   Once you enter the region the Local Area Permit helps to keep a record of the trekkers. This permit allows to enter the region but must follow the local rules and regulations. The amount gathered from the permit is then used by the local authority for the maintenance of the trails, rest stops and information centers for the travelers.

9. Finding A Local Guide(Optional)

   Traveling with a guide in the Himalayas can make a huge difference in the winter months. While it’s not necessary to have a guide in many of the areas you can trek through but having a guide along could prove out to be more useful. Taking a guide along will make sure that you do not get lost, and the guides all know the area, including the teahouse owners, which can be an advantage.
   If one is associated with an agency or company then one doesn’t need to worry about guide as the company will provide one for you but if one is planning on trekking on their own and wants to hire a guide then booking the services of a guide for treks should be done in Kathmandu, as all guides in Nepal need to be registered and fully insured, and there are often unregistered guides touting for business at the entry to the trail around Nepal, especially in Lukla.