Everest Base Camp Trek for Beginners

Everest Base Camp Trek for Beginners

Trekking in the lap of the highest mountain in the world is always bound to be a thrilling experience. The Everest Base Camp trek is one of the most awe-inspiring adventures around the globe, and it constantly throws surprises and challenges simultaneously with its jaw-dropping beauty. The trek route might seem daunting to beginners and experts alike. However, with proper planning and preparation, the expedition is doable. Our beginner guide to Everest Base Camp aims to provide insights about a trip in the Himalayas.

The once-in-a-lifetime trek starts with the dramatic take-off and landing at Lukla airport. The stunning view of the Himalayas and the hospitable villagers in Naamche Bazar greet you throughout the journey. The trail passes through the Sagarmatha National Park, surrounded by native flora and fauna. The views from Kalapathhar and Khumbu Icefall enhance the thrill of the journey. The visit to the oldest monastery in the region, Tengboche Monastery, diverges the fresh vibes of spirituality. The Everest Base Camp is a daunting yet transformative journey. The adventure brings you closer to the Himalayas’ gigantic mountain ranges and provides a distinct cultural immersion in Sherpa’s culture, tradition, hospitality, and way of life. 

Is Everest Base Camp Trek Suitable for Beginners?

Generally, the Everest Base Camp Trek is considered moderate to challenging. The trek experience involves long trekking days with lengthy trek duration. Most of the trail lies above 5000m height, which increases the risk of altitude sickness. The terrain remains difficult throughout, with steep ascent and descent. The weather remains alien and unpredictable most of the time. Further, heavy winter snow brings in the risk of avalanches and landslides. However, the weather pattern remains favorable in the autumn and spring season.

The Everest Base Camp trek (EBC trek) is a high-altitude trek. As such, the journey is never expected to be seamless. The complex terrain, high altitude, and unpredictable weather patterns make the expedition a challenging one. Despite the challenges, beginners can accomplish the trek and reach the Everest base camp. It does not involve much technical climbing and skillsets. However, it requires you to be physically fit, mentally tough, and extremely disciplined in order to complete the Everest Base Camp trek.

Difficulty Level

Trekking in Nepal is never an easy task. It tests your mental and physical endurance. Similarly, trekking in the Everest region is a moderately complex trek expedition. Trekkers must trek continuously for 5-8 hours a day for 14 days at an altitude above 5000m. Such elevation puts you at risk of altitude sickness. The trail passes through alpine terrain, with steep ascent and steep descent. Further, navigating through the treacherous terrain of the Himalayas can be extremely difficult. 

Challenges for Beginners

The challenges posed by the trek can be countered with proper preparation and planning. Altitudes over 2500m put you at risk of altitude sickness. As most of the Everest Base Camp lies beyond 2500m, trekkers are always at risk of altitude sickness. Headaches, fatigue, and dizziness are the early symptoms of altitude sickness. The symptoms can threaten to damage the vital inner organs when ignored. Further, the difficulty grows further when your body is not used to trekking.

The mental and physical exhaustion can become unbearable for beginners when trekking 5-8 hours per day for 2 weeks. Likewise, the climate turns extremely unfavorable, with frequent fluctuations, particularly in the winter. Afternoon weather fluctuation is not uncommon in areas like Kalapathhar, which further increases the complexity of the trek. 

Preparation for Everest Base Camp Trek

Physical Fitness

Training plan: The trek to the base camp of the world’s tallest mountain requires trekkers to be physically fit. While no technical climbing skills are needed in the journey, you must be in the best possible physical shape for the trek. Include cardiovascular exercise, like running, cycling, etc., daily. Further, you can prepare for the trek by performing strength exercises twice a week. Likewise, yoga and stretching (thrice a week) can effectively increase balance and stability.

Everest Base Camp Trek for Beginners
Physical Challenge and Achievement

Recommended duration: We recommend you prepare for 3-4 months, depending on your current fitness level and eventual goal. Also, it is advisable to begin with lighter exercises and gradually transform them into heavier drills. We recommend the beginners to start with small hikes and treks. Your body must get used to the physical activities and should be in shape to continuously walk for 5-8 hours a day. Beginners can make necessary adjustments to the trek itinerary.

Mental Preparation

The Everest Base Camp expedition can exhaust you mentally. The demanding trail can drain out the energy quickly. As such, prepare yourself mentally for the grueling journey. Cultivate a positive mindset to stay motivated during challenging moments. Also, prepare yourself mentally for long trekking days, varying weather, and basic accommodation. We advise beginners to thoroughly research the trail and its difficulty. The hardships during the trek can take a toll on the mental health of the beginners. 

To improve their mental endurance, concentration, and focus during the trek, beginners can learn mindfulness techniques and perform deep breathing exercises. Such practices can help the beginners to stay calm and complete the trek. 

Gear and Packing

Trekking in the Everest Base Camp takes you through the remoteness of the Himalayas. You would not want to get stranded in the middle of before reaching Everest Base Camp due to the missing essentials. Hence, plan and prepare every essential item before you begin the trek. Essentials such as trekking boots, warm clothing, sleeping bags, backpacks, poles, sunglasses, sunscreen, and lip balm are mandatory for the journey. Further, medication, first aid tools, electronic gadgets, and personal accessories help you complete our 10-16 days Everest Base Camp trek seamlessly.

Beginners must make sure that they are equipped with the following gears before they begin the journey

  • Multi-layered hiking clothes, fleece jackets, sweaters, etc.
  • Gloves, including heavyweight winter gloves
  • Sun hats, woolen hats, and woolen socks
  • Waterproof and windproof jackets
  • Thermal bottles, trekking poles, etc.
  • Chargers, power banks, and other electronic necessities, etc.
  • Sleeping bags

Best Time to Trek for Beginners

Spring (March to May)

Considered one of the best times to trek Everest Base Camp, weather and temperature remain ideal for the outdoor adventure in Spring. The average maximum temperature hovers around 10-15 degrees Celsius in March-May. Nights can still be chilly, especially at higher elevations (-10°C to -5°C). Sporadic rain showers are expected. However, skies remain clear for most of the time. The landscapes remain vibrant, with rhododendron and other wildflowers blooming at its fullest. 

Autumn (September to November)

Autumn happens to be one of the best seasons for an outdoor adventure in the Himalayas. The weather remains stable and mild throughout. The average maximum temperature ranges between 12°C to 16°C. Further, rainfall is minimal in September-November, with skies remaining crystal clear. The dry trails make the trekking even better. The villages in the Khumbu region bustle with life due to the festive mood and busy trails. 

Why Avoid Monsoon and Winter?

Monsoons and winter bring weather-induced hardships to adventure. Such disturbances derail the trekkers’ momentum, hampering the trek’s ambition, duration, and cost. Lying in the Eastern part of Nepal, the Khumbu region is prone to heavy rainfall from the monsoon wind. Mudslides and landslides block the trails throughout as navigating through the trail becomes increasingly difficult. 

Camping Tour Package in the Himalayas
Camping

The regions in and around Everest suffer from heavy snowfall in the winter (December-February). Snow-covered trails increase the risk of slipping and make navigation harder. The temperature drops to extreme degrees, especially at higher altitudes (-20°C or lower). Many teahouses at higher altitudes close for the season. The harshness of the winter makes the expedition extremely difficult in the winter. 

Permits

The Everest Base Camp trek lies entirely in the Sagarmatha National Park. As Sagarmatha National Park is one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites, you need a Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit. Further, to preserve the pristine nature of the Khumbu valley, trekkers are only permitted to enter with Khumbu Rural Municipality Permit. The permit cost varies depending on your nationality (SAARC, non-SAARC citizen). Various officials of the Nepal Army and the Nepal Police are stationed along the trek to ensure the authenticity and validity of the permits. 

1. Khumbu Rural Municipality Permit : 

Permit NameCostDurationAdditional Information
Khumbu Rural Municipality PermitNPR 2,000 per person for the first 4 weeksAfter 4 weeks: NPR 2,500 per personForeign nationals, including SAARC citizens, can apply. A passport is required for the permit.

Trekkers can not obtain the Khumbu Rural Municipality Permit in Kathmandu. When you arrive in Lukla for the expedition, you can collect the permit from the office counter lying in the trails. Trekkers arriving from different routes, i.e., Jiri or Salleri area, can collect the permit in Monjo at Sagarmatha National Park

2. Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit : 

Permit NameCostEligibilityAdditional Information
Sagarmatha National Park Entry PermitNPR 3,000 per person (foreign nationals)SAARC nationals: NPR 1,500 Nepalis: NPR 10013% VAT applies. Children under 10 years enter for free. A passport is required for permit issuance.

The Nepal Tourism Board Office in the Pradharshani Marg, Kathmandu, issues the Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit. The Sagarmatha National Park entry at Monjo also has the authority to disburse the SNP Permit. Most travel agencies shoulder the burden of obtaining these permits for their clients. 

Costs for Beginners

Our 14-day Everest Base Camp trek is priced at $1290 per person. Several factors, such as duration, amenities, services, season, etc., affect the cost of the trek. For beginners, necessary itinerary adjustments can help bring the cost down. It is advisable for beginners to plan the trek to avoid the peak trekking season. Further, beginners must prepare themselves to live with basic amenities and facilities. Luxuries in the Everest Base Camp route are priced at really expensive. Hence, budget-friendly planning allows beginners to complete the adventure without sustaining a financial burden. 

You should plan your budget properly for the trek. Haphazard expenses can result in financial overburden. Trekkers can expect to spend anywhere between $8-12 per night per person in accommodations. Likewise, food expenses can cost $2-$8 per meal, depending upon the type of dish. Other expenses, such as internet, communication, etc., cost you around $3-$10, depending on the service.

Tips for a Successful Trek

It is essential for travelers to accomplish challenging treks like the Everest Base Camp trek and Annapurna Trek successfully. Unfulfilled treks do not provide the same thrill as successful ones. To ensure the seamless completion of the Everest Base Camp journey, trekkers, particularly beginners, must keep several things in mind. Avoid rushing on the journey, as it allows your body to acclimate to an altitude above 2500 meters. 

Beginners must understand that the ~130km EBC trek is not a sprint but more like a marathon. Likewise, the gradual ascent reduces the risk of exhaustion and altitude sickness. Trek at your own pace in the Himalayas, as it allows your body to get acclimated to the sub-alpine climate. We recommend that trekkers not climb more than 900 meters daily. Staying hydrated and eating nutritious meals is equally important. Further, consume nutritious meals such as snack bars to maintain your energy levels. If you feel unwell or experience symptoms of altitude sickness, take appropriate breaks and seek help from your guide. Prioritize your health and always listen to your body.

Everest Base Camp Trek for Beginners
Everest Base Camp Trek

Further, we advise you to hire a guide and porter for the expedition. Trek guides are your biggest companion on the trek. They will guide you through difficult terrain, work as emergency responders, and help you break the language barrier with natives. Porter carries heavy loads of equipment and backpacks, making the Everest Base Camp trek route easier for beginners.

Experts recommend that trekkers avoid non-vegetarian items as much as possible during the journey to Everest Base Camp. Due to logistics issues, it takes days for the food and supplies to arrive in the villages. As such, imported meats may not be fresh for consumption. 

Common Challenges and How to Overcome Them

Altitude sickness is one of the most common problems that trekkers face during the high altitude treks. As most of the trail lies in the altitude sickness zone, it is important for travelers to prepare themselves for the journey. Beginners are more prone to altitude sickness. To overcome this, acclimatize properly by allowing your body time to adjust to higher elevations. You can plan rest days at key trek points like Namche Bazaar. Stay hydrated and avoid alcohol or caffeine. Always walk at a steady pace and avoid climbing more than 900m in a day

The temperatures in the Himalayas can drop significantly, especially during evenings and nights. To combat the cold, dress in layers to regulate your body temperature efficiently. Carry high-quality gloves, thermal socks, and a woolen hat in your backpack. Trekkers must carry a sleeping bag to stay warm at night. Staying active, eating warm meals, and drinking hot beverages can also help keep you warm and comfortable throughout the trek.

FAQs

Mr. Sappa Lama is a professional tourism expert who runs the entire operations of Nepal Base Camp Trek in the position of an Executive Managing Director. Sappa is a native Nepali, was born and raised in the Mid North West region of Nepal’s Himalayas & began his career in Tourism 20 years ago to this day. His hard earned experience has garnered many accolades for the company & he has trekked the length & breadth of the Himalayas, escorting his clients from around the world to some of Nepal’s most famous Himalayan destinations.

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Sappa Lama

Trekking Guide with experience of 18+ years in tourism
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