How to Plan Your Dream Trip to Everest Base Camp

Everest Base Camp is not just a destination, it’s an adventure of a lifetime. It’s a place where you can experience the beauty, diversity, and challenge of the Himalayas, the highest mountain range in the world. It’s a place where you can witness the history and stories of Mount Everest, the highest peak on Earth. It’s a place where you can fulfill your dreams and achieve your goals.

But how do you plan your dream trip to Everest Base Camp? What do you need to know before you go? How do you prepare for the trek? What can you expect at the base camp? In this article, we will answer all these questions and more. We will provide you with everything you need to know about Everest Base Camp, from choosing your route, booking your trip, packing your gear, training your body, acclimatizing your body, to enjoying your time at the base camp.

What is Everest Base Camp?

Everest Base Camp is the name given to two campsites on opposite sides of Mount Everest, where climbers and expedition teams set up their tents and equipment before attempting to summit the peak. The camps are also used by scientists, journalists, and tourists who visit the region for various purposes.

The South Base Camp is located in Nepal, on the south side of Everest, at an altitude of 5,364 meters (17,598 feet). It is the more popular and accessible base camp, as it can be reached by trekking from Lukla, a small town with an airport that connects to Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal.

The North Base Camp is located in Tibet, on the north side of Everest, at an altitude of 5,150 meters (16,900 feet). It is less crowded and more remote than the South Base Camp, as it requires a special permit from the Chinese government and a drive from Lhasa, the capital of Tibet.

Why visit Everest Base Camp?

There are many reasons why people choose to visit Everest Base Camp, such as:

1. To experience the beauty and diversity of the Himalayas, which are home to some of the most spectacular landscapes, wildlife, and culture in the world.

2. To challenge themselves physically and mentally, as trekking to Everest Base Camp is not an easy feat. It requires stamina, endurance, and adaptation to high altitude and harsh weather conditions.

3. To fulfill a lifelong dream or bucket list item, as reaching Everest Base Camp is a remarkable achievement that few people can claim. It also gives a sense of accomplishment and pride that can boost one’s confidence and self-esteem.

4. To learn more about the history and stories of Everest, which has been the site of many legendary expeditions, triumphs, tragedies, and mysteries. It also offers a glimpse into the lives and traditions of the local people who inhabit the region, such as the Sherpas, who are renowned for their mountaineering skills and hospitality.

How to trek to Everest Base Camp?

Trekking to Everest Base Camp is not a simple walk in the park. It requires careful planning, preparation, and execution. Here are some of the main steps involved in trekking to Everest Base Camp:

1. Choose your route

There are several routes that lead to Everest Base Camp, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. The most common and classic route is the Everest Base Camp Trek, which starts from Lukla and follows the Dudh Kosi river valley to Namche Bazaar, the main hub of the Khumbu region. From there, it ascends to Tengboche Monastery, Dingboche, Lobuche, Gorak Shep, and finally Everest Base Camp. The trek also includes a side trip to Kala Patthar, a viewpoint that offers panoramic views of Everest and other peaks. The trek takes about 12 days to complete and covers a distance of about 130 kilometers (80 miles) round trip.

2. Book your trip

Unless you are an experienced trekker with adequate knowledge and equipment, it is highly recommended that you book your trip with a reputable trekking company or operator that can provide you with professional guides, porters, transportation, accommodation, meals, permits, and insurance. Booking your trip in advance will also save you time, money, and hassle, as well as ensure your safety and comfort.

3. Prepare your gear

Trekking to Everest Base Camp requires a lot of gear, such as clothing, footwear, backpack, sleeping bag, mat, water bottle, camera, sunglasses, hat, gloves, etc. You should pack wisely and lightly, as you will have to carry your own gear or pay extra for porters. You should also check the weather forecast and season before you go, as it can vary greatly depending on the time of year.

Best time to trek to Everest Base Camp is from March to May or from September to November, when the weather is clear, dry, and mild.

4. Train your body

Trekking to Everest Base Camp is physically demanding, as you will have to walk for several hours a day on uneven terrain at high altitude. You should train your body before you go by doing some cardio exercises such as running, cycling, or swimming. You should also do some strength exercises such as squats, lunges, or push-ups. You should also consult your doctor before you go and get a medical check-up to make sure you are fit and healthy.

5. Acclimatize your body

Trekking to Everest Base Camp is also mentally challenging, as you will have to cope with the effects of high altitude on your body and mind. High altitude can cause symptoms such as headache, nausea, dizziness, fatigue, loss of appetite, and insomnia. To prevent or minimize these symptoms, you should acclimatize your body by ascending slowly and gradually, taking rest days, drinking plenty of water, eating well, and avoiding alcohol and tobacco. You should also carry some medication such as Diamox or Ibuprofen in case you need it.

What to expect at Everest Base Camp?

Reaching Everest Base Camp is an unforgettable experience that will reward you with amazing views, memories, and emotions. Here are some of the things you can expect at Everest Base Camp:

A sense of awe and wonder: As you stand at the base of the highest mountain in the world, you will feel a mix of awe and wonder at the sight of the majestic peak, the massive glacier, and the colorful tents. You will also feel a connection with nature and history, as you realize that you are standing on the same ground where many famous climbers and explorers have stood before you.

A sense of gratitude and joy: As you reflect on your journey and achievement, you will feel a surge of gratitude and joy for having made it to Everest Base Camp. You will also feel a bond with your fellow trekkers, guides, porters, and locals, who have supported you and shared this experience with you. You will also feel a sense of satisfaction and pride for having overcome the challenges and difficulties that you faced along the way.

A sense of respect and humility: As you witness the beauty and power of Everest, you will also feel a sense of respect and humility for the mountain and its environment. You will realize that Everest is not only a destination, but also a living entity that deserves respect and care. You will also realize that you are not only a visitor, but also a guest who has been granted a privilege to be there.

Also read: Things Which You Should Know If You Are Planning For The Everest Base Camp

Everest Base Camp is more than just a place. It is a journey, a challenge, a dream, and a reward. It is an adventure that will test your limits, teach you lessons, and enrich your life. If you are looking for an unforgettable experience that will inspire you and change you, then Everest Base Camp is for you.

Everest Base Camp Reviews

Dhananjay Dev Sharma

221 Followers

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Everest Base camp was on my 2nd in Bucket list (out of 10) since last 3 years and I am happy that I have successfully accomplished in expected time frame, before this trek I prepared by trekking to Roopkund lake, Uttarakhand(16500 ft.) in 2012 to have flavour of high altitude trekking, thanks to my Royal Enfieldride to ladakh/Khardungla in 2011 too. Difficulty: Trekking to Base of Mt Everest is of medium difficulty except for the long duration/days of trekking, the biggest challenge is to be fit till the last ascend, normal most of Indian treks takes 5-6 days to reach base camp of any trekkable summit whereas in Everest region it takes 8-9 days to just reach base and eventually 4-5 days to return healthy, one shouldn't be startled to find rescue choppers shuttling Kathmandu-Everest base camp-Kathmandu saving scores of life of trekkers and mountaineers arriving for expeditions (they cost exorbitantly high). We started our Trek from Kathmandu on 1st Oct and were back to Kathmandu on 14th Oct, the most scary part of whole journey is flight from Kathmandu to Lukla (Lukla airport is only 400 mts long) and locked by high mountains, the airport is rated as most dangerous airport in world and has many instance of accidents every year, as my friend told once like Gods call, Mountains do call you, if one doesn't have luck and call from Mt Everest it's very difficult reaching there, and this was proved by innumerable Americans and Europeans waiting for Lukla flight at Kathmandu airport, the flight ply between 8 AM to 1 PM only due to hostile mountain weather and one has to be extremely lucky to get flight on same day, our luck charm also helped on last 5 days of trek as it drizzled on first 5-6 days, but as we arrived nearer to Lap of Mt Everest, weather got cleared to give glance of Sagarmatha/ Chomolungma or Mt Everest. The 13-14 days journey to the lands of highest mountain ranges was of 130 Kms, We trekked on average 7 -12 hours per day, it took 3-4 months to prepare and finalize the plan, though a week before leaving for trek, I had injured my knee in local train, but I recovered from it and fortunately had no pains across 13 days. Every time I look onto all photographs, I only wish Mt Everest should have been named after Radhanath Sikdar (an Indian mathematician and surveyor from Bengal) who was first person to identify Mt Everest, incidentally it was named after GeorgeEverest, or else I would have gone for trek to MT Sikdar Base Camp. I saw a quote written on a mountaineering equipment shop in Kathmandu. "All journeys have secret destinations of which the traveller is unaware." – Martin Buberng The Journey to Epic Mountain evolved a new life in me and stirred my sallying heart and longing eyes which will perhaps linger till aeons!!

Medha Kapoor

116 Followers

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Finally ! The glorious day you have been all waiting for is here ! The day you ascend to the Everest Base Camp! The day starts with much enthusiasm and is full of hope! You start from Lobuche towards Gorakshep nestled at 5170m which acts as a pit stop before the EBC, and also where you will spend the night. As much as you will be in a hurry to reach Gorakshep, you will find yourself halting several times to just stop and take a look at the 360 Degree view of the snow clad, snow white mountains around you ! From a distance you will be able to see something which looks like a huge mass of snow with tiny yellow spots dotting the white. When you realise its actually the EBC you are looking at, your excitement will be doubled and you will feel like making a dash for it ! Walking time from Lobuche to Gorakshep is about 4 hours. After making a pit stop at Gorakshep for lunch, you start towards your final destination - The EBC. The last leg is full of huge rocks and boulders, which you will have to carefully navigate through. By this time it will be hard to contain the excitement, hence you will try to rush, but hold the horses, go super slow, else the altitude sickness can hit you pretty hard, especially at this point as the oxygen level has dropped to 50% of what it is at sea level. Finally, as you near your destination, you will realize the what looked liked a frozen mass of a river from a distance is actually the Kumbhu glacier, and the yellow dots are the yellow camps of the mountaineers who will ascend the Mt. Everest in that season! This is where you make a dash for it! a downhill walk to the base camp of the highest mountain of the world at 5400m! This is it. Standing right where all the greatest mountaineers have set foot. Enduring and overcoming some of the most challenging conditions and emerging victorious ! The sense of pride will be unreal. Standing there one realises that the mental and physical challenges of summiting a mountain will teach you more than you can ever learn about accomplishment, determination, perseverance and patience, and most importantly that its the mental strength over the physical strength which will help you reach the destination, not the other way around. P.S: As much as i hate to say this, one must not spend more than 20-30 minutes at the EBC due to sub zero temperatures (even at mid day), very high speed winds (can go upto 40-50kms per hr), low oxygen levels and continued exposure to over all extreme conditions.

Ganesh Himal Hiking Team

222 Followers

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The trip to Everest Base Camp is not easy but definitely worth it. The trek passes through numerous Buddhist villages, Sherpa communities and variety of Tibetan influenced monasteries conceding at Kala Patthar (5,550 meters). Visitors to this area can no longer remain praising the Sherpa’s loyalty and natural beauty. The trip includes NamcheBazar, panoramic view of Syangboche, Tengboche, Kalapathar, Lhotse. We assure that when you return, you will have an unimaginable experience, thrilling and worthy memories along with the warm hospitality poured by the locals.What is included All the transportation between airport and hotel 2 nights in a 3-star hotel in Kathmandu(Hotel Tashidharke inn or any other hotel of similar standard) with breakfast 11 nights in standard lodges/teahouses during the trek Welcome and farewell dinners All accommodation and meals during the stay in the trek All domestic flight fares and airport taxes An experienced English speaking guide and one porter for 2 persons each of the group All necessary paper work and permits (National park permit, TIMS) All government and local taxesAccomodations 3 star hotels in Kathmandu will be provided and in days during the trek you will have standard tea houses as accommodations. Rooms will be on twin sharing basis and you will be charged extra if you need a single room. Cases may be different for solo travelers and odd numbered groups or genetically different peoples travelling together. Standard teahouses will be provided during the trip days.Meals During a Tea House trek you will usually have breakfast and dinner in the Tea House, lunch will be eaten at one of the trail side restaurants. Every Tea House serves the traditional Nepali meal Dal Bhat (rice and lentils), as well as a variety of different food items, such as rice, vegetables, noodles, potatoes and soup. Some have Nepali versions of western food such as pizza, pasta and French fries. Soft drinks, snacks and beer are available in most of the Tea Houses and trail side restaurants. And of course Nepali milk tea is served everywhere.Best Season The best seasons to join this trek are autumn and spring. The weather is clear and views are breathtaking. Winter obviously is a good choice but you need to withstand strong colds. Summer or Monsoon will be affected by rainfalls but a good choice if you are into botany.

Pritha Puri

4298 Followers

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Such a thing has obviously never been done before, and the way their photographer Charleton Churchillhas photographed the whole wedding, will leave you exceptionally envious. Ashley found Churchill on Instagram, and approached him to photograph their big day. All three of them brainstormed for sometime, and decided that the wedding rituals had to be be done at the Everest Base Camp. Ashley and James trained very hard for this exceptional expedition back at home, and it took them, along with their photographer Charleton, three weeks to reach the Everest Base Camp, at 17,000 feet. Ashley wore an exquisite wedding dress paired with trekking boots instead of stilettos, and walked up some glacial steps instead of walking down the aisle, to take vows with James; who looked smart in a black tux, also paired with trekking boots! The whole affair was very carefully photographed to keep both the contrasting elements in the frame together, beautifully. Hats off to this couple for planning such an unconventional wedding, and lots of admiration towards Ashley, especially for wearing that dress and not succumb to hypothermia! Take a look at these photographs by Charleston Churchill! You can also follow Charleston's blog,where he has written the details of this wedding expedition to Everest. These photographs are going to blow your mind!

Aashish R

90 Followers

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Gorakshep ( 5164 m ) to Everest Base Camp ( 5368 m) Finally , as you walk towards Everest Base Camp . Emotions start to flow down your blood stream along with oxygen . Tears start bursting out from your eyes , the happiness in you grows to the extent of Mount Everest . All that you have dreamed about till now is about to be reality and you are gonna be very few in the world who would dare to attempt this expedition . Finally its just your palm and Everest Base Camp . How slow do you want this both to meet ? For me it took atleast 10 minutes . It was a moment which was blissful and never ending happiness . I was in tears .