Those who plan to hike to Everest Base Camp will encounter a once-in-a-lifetime adventure and a true bucket list opportunity. The natural beauty and dramatic landscapes here make it one of the most captivating places in the world. But if you go, you’ll likely feel yourself yearning to go back as once is never enough. 

If you’re looking to tackle one of the most iconic hikes on the planet, we’ve got you covered. In this article, we will take you on a voyage to help you discover how to get to Everest Base Camp. You will also uncover plenty of tips and recommendations along the way, ensuring you make the most out of your time in this outstanding place. 

What is the Everest Base Camp Trek?

To help get you started on your Everest Base Camp hike, you’ll first need to know what it is and what the route includes. We’ve outlined the path for you below, this will help you get a better idea of what to expect when embarking on this magnificent journey. 

Your Everest Base Camp voyage will likely begin in Kathmandu and Thamel, the city’s popular tourist district. Thamel’s streets are crammed with gear shops, merchants, money changers, guest houses, restaurants and bars, making this neighbourhood the traditional starting point for trekkers. 

Spend a few days getting your bearings or take in some of the local landmarks. Places like Durbar Square or Swayambhunath, also known as The Monkey Temple, alongside the Garden of Dreams, are great options. 

To experience some of the best sightseeing spots with ease, you can also book a private UNESCO World Heritage site tour, great for those looking to learn more about the iconic attractions here. 

Next, you’ll depart from Kathmandu on a thrilling plane ride that will whisk you over the Nepal countryside and through mountain valleys. The flight will land at one of the most extreme airports in the world, the Tenzing-Hillary Airport. 

Situated on the side of a mountain in the village of Lukla, you’ll pick up the trail to Everest Base Camp here. But before you speed off, stop in at a tea house, and grab a quick bite to eat and a cup of tea because your next break is three hours away.

Your first real test will come on day two when you climb a two thousand-foot ascent that will lift you into the trading outpost Namche Bazaar which sits at 12,000 feet above sea level. The second trial arrives later upon climbing the mountain that is home to the Tengboche Monastery. From there, your journey takes you to the high altitudes of your trek where you’ll have a choice between stopping at Pheriche or Dingboche. 

Pheriche is often windy and cold, but the valley it’s nestled in is beyond stunning which makes this village a popular way point. Alternatively, head for Dingboche and take an extra day to hike to the summit of Nangkartshang. Here you’ll sit at 16,000 feet with Ama Dablam, Taboche, Cho La Tse and other mighty peaks. 

Finally, your last stop before reaching Everest Base Camp will be Gorak Shep. There, the powerful and serrated Nuptse will be looking on, alongside Pumo Ri as it rises over the dark-shaded Kala Pattar. The following day, begin the final leg to Base Camp early enough. You’ll want to give yourself two hours to reach Base Camp and two hours to get back, so you’ll have plenty of time for basking in the glow of your accomplishment.

If you’re feeling a little winded at the high point of your trek, don’t fret, retracing your steps from Everest Base Camp back to Lukla comes much easier and faster. So, make sure you enjoy your remaining time with the mountains because you’ll leave them behind far too soon. 

When is the Best Time to Go to Everest Base Camp?

Now you know a little more about hiking to Everest Base Camp, you’re likely looking for the best time to go. Due to the challenging nature of this trek, it is important to plan your trip here accordingly, as bad weather can only make it more tricky. 

It is best to embark on a journey to Everest Base Camp in either spring or autumn. These months consist of March to May or late September to November. During these seasons, you will encounter clearer skies, drier conditions and better temperatures. 

April and October tend to be the busiest times for trekking to Everest Base Camp, as the climate is very pleasant during this period. March can be a little hit-and-miss as it is the start of the season, but there are generally fewer crowds throughout the month. May presents the hottest temperatures, alongside the potential for some monsoon rain. September is great for those seeking lower altitude on parts of the trek, alongside pretty landscapes with plenty of flora and fauna. And finally, November is when the colder weather starts to settle in. You can still hike during this time, however, it tends to be much quieter as the snowfalls and cold nights emerge.  

We recommend checking out the weather throughout spring and autumn as they tend to vary slightly. This will help give you a better idea of what to expect and pick the ideal time to head off on your voyage. 

How Long Does it Take to Walk to Everest Base Camp?

The Everest Base Camp trail usually takes around 15 days to complete. Some days are longer than others as there has to be time to acclimatise to the altitude changes. It also depends on the pace you are walking at, alongside the tour company you choose to travel with. Some guides aim to get there and back, whereas others take it at a more leisurely pace. 

You can book your expedition to Everest Base camp here, a great way to plan your trip with ease. 

We recommend adding a couple of days onto your Everest Base Camp trek as there are plenty of fantastic places worth visiting throughout the trail. This allows you to see more of the outstanding landscapes and iconic sites in this beautiful part of the world, without having to worry about time frames. 

For those seeking a multi-day trek, you can book these expeditions here, providing guests with even more exploration in one adventure. 

How Difficult is it to Trek to Everest Base Camp?

If you’re ready to embark on an Everest trekking expedition, you’re likely wondering about the challenging nature of this hike. Many people get to Everest Base Camp without prior hiking experience, however, don’t let this fool you into thinking it is a walk in the park. Those who partake in this journey usually spend around 6 hours a day hiking with plenty of challenges and obstacles along the way. 

You will encounter a few uphill ascents during your Everest Base Camp climb, alongside long days on your feet and some possible sleepless nights. A good level of fitness is required, as well as appropriate equipment and hiking gear. We recommend asking your tour operator about the things you will need to bring, but we’ve also included a handy packing list at the end of this article. 

There’s also acclimatisation to take into consideration for those planning to visit Everest Base Camp. With the highest point of the trek sitting at around 5380m in height, it is important to acclimatise to the change in altitude slowly. What’s more, the knowledgeable guides on your hike will be able to assist with any problems that may occur during this time. It is important to listen to your body and rest when you need it and also inform your tour guide if you start to feel unwell. 

Do I Need a Permit to Visit Everest Base Camp?

The next things to consider when planning your visit to Everest Base Camp are the permits and documentation for your journey. Where you are travelling from will determine whether or not you need a visa for your trip, we recommend checking the guidelines before your journey here so that you are fully equipped. 

You also don’t currently need a permit to trek to Everest Base Camp, however, the accommodations along the way do have limits, which can quickly get full. There are also individual permits dependent on which areas you are passing through. For example, you will need a permit if you plan to travel through the Khumbu region and Sagarmatha National Park. It is best to check with your tour company before your trip as they will be able to guide you on the specific passes that you will need for your time here.  

What to Pack for Trekking to Everest Base Camp

You must pack accordingly for your trip to Everest Base Camp. The nature of this adventure can sometimes be challenging with changing climates and weather conditions. With this in mind, we’ve put together a list below to help ensure you can navigate this adventure with ease. 

• Thick, warm socks. 
• Sunscreen, a wide-brimmed hat to keep the sun off your face, and polarised sunglasses.
• Medication and toiletries.
• A down sleeping bag – it can be freezing at night so warmth is key! 
• Camping gear. 
• Waterproof layers. 
• Hiking boots. 
• Hiking poles. 
• A warm, down jacket. 
• Snacks to boost energy and morale. 
• Water purification tablets. 

You’ll likely tailor your packing list to suit your needs, however, we hope that the recommendations above help you make a start. 

What Not to Miss When Trekking to Everest Base Camp

There are plenty of other key areas to experience on your hiking adventure to Everest Base Camp. If you’re looking to add extra excursions to your itinerary, we’ve put together a list of the must-visit attractions along the way. 

• When flying to Lukla, sit on the left side of the plane. You’ll get the best views of the snow-covered Himalayas this way. Visitors can also book Everest Base Camp helicopter tours, providing an excellent way to marvel over the breathtaking scenery from an aerial view.  
• Explore downtown Namche Bazaar.
• Visit the Dugla Memorials.
• Spend some time underneath a canopy of stars when everyone else is sleeping.

With so much to see and do here, you’ll find yourself needing more time just to experience all that Nepal has to offer! 

Summary

A trip to Everest Base Camp is a true bucket list adventure, one that everyone should experience at least once in their lifetime. This journey boasts magnificent landscapes, intriguing culture, fascinating history and some of Earth’s most incredible natural wonders. You will also find yourself pushing boundaries throughout this voyage as you tackle one of the most iconic trails in the world. 

If you’re looking to experience more exceptional countries, Backpacker Boy offers a selection of travel guides across the globe. Packed with information and recommendations, these resources help ensure you make the most of your travel adventures.