14 Days Everest Base Camp Trek

By Flight

Lukla is a village in Nepal that serves as the gateway to Everest Base Camp. A 40-minute flight from Kathmandu to Lukla is the quickest and most popular way. There are frequent flights connecting Lukla to Kathmandu, making it convenient for travelers. The flight itself is memorable, offering stunning views of the Himalayas.

• Flight Cost: A one-way flight from Kathmandu to Lukla ranges from $150 to $200.
• Where to Get It: Flights can be booked online through various travel websites or at the Kathmandu airport.

From Lukla, you can start your trek through the Sagarmatha region unless you choose to take a helicopter.

By Bus

Another way to reach Lukla is by road, though it takes longer. You can take a bus from Kathmandu to Jiri. From Jiri, you will trek to Lukla, which takes about 5-6 days. This route is more time-consuming but can be an adventure in itself. It offers beautiful scenery and a chance to acclimatize gradually.

• Bus Cost: The bus ride from Kathmandu to Jiri costs around $10-$15.
• Where to Get It: Buses to Jiri can be booked from the Kathmandu Bus Station.

This road journey is a great option for those who have more time. It is also perfect for those who want to experience Nepal’s landscape and culture more immersive way.

We will start our 14-day trek in Kathmandu, the capital city of Nepal. We will spend a day or two preparing and exploring the city. Then starting our trek, we will travel to Lukla by flight or road. The road trek takes us to Jiri, where we must start our trek towards Lukla. We mostly have the option of taking a scenic flight to Lukla. The bird-eye scenery includes diverse landscapes, terraced fields, lush forests, and snow-capped mountains.

Our walk-in trek journey starts from Lukla. Ascending through many uphill and downhill, we will go through many small villages such as Phakding, Namche Bazaar, Tengboche, Dingboche, Lobuche, and many more. You can experience the rich Sherpa culture and visit ancient monasteries with prayer flags. We take two days of acclimatization in our 14-day trek. With the continuous hike of about 8 days, we will make it to Everest Base Camp.

The next Everest expedition includes hiking to the Kalapatthar, the trek’s highest point at 5545 meters. Then, finally, our journey starts to descend towards Lukla and take a scenic flight back to Kathmandu.

There are several things you should keep in mind if you are trekking to the Everest Region. Remembering the points below, you can have a successful and enjoyable 14-day trek to Everest Base Camp.

Rest Properly: Ensure adequate rest to prevent altitude sickness. Ascend gradually and take acclimatization days seriously.

Layer Your Clothing: Lower regions like Phakding, Lukla, and parts of Namche Bazaar are less cold. Temperatures drop significantly above 4,000 meters, so layer your clothing to stay warm.

Choose the Right Season: The best times to trek are from September to early December and mid-March to June. Each trekking season has its benefits.

Spring Blooms: Mid-March to June is less cold and offers views of wildflowers, especially in lower altitude regions like Gokyo Lake Valley.

Prepare for Cold: The Khumbu Icefall and surrounding glacier-filled areas are always cold, so be prepared with appropriate gear.

Hydrate Well: Staying hydrated helps with acclimatization and overall health during the trek.

Monitor Weather: Keep an eye on the weather forecast and be prepared for sudden changes in conditions.

You need two main permits for the Everest trek: the Sagarmatha National Park Permit and the Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Permit.

The Sagarmatha National Park Permit is essential for entering the national park where Mount Everest is located. You can obtain this permit either at the Nepal Tourism Board office in Kathmandu or at the park’s entrance in Monjo, which costs around $30. This permit helps fund the conservation efforts within the park and its wildlife.

The Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Permit is required for trekking in the Khumbu region, including areas like Lukla and Namche Bazaar. You can get this permit in Lukla or Monjo for about $20. This permit supports local development and the maintenance of trekking routes. Together, these permits ensure that trekkers contribute to the preservation and infrastructure of the region they are exploring.

The best time to trek to Everest Base Camp (EBC) is during the pre-monsoon (spring) and the post-monsoon (autumn). These two seasons offer stable weather conditions with clear skies, making the trek safer and more enjoyable.

In the spring season from March to May, the weather is mild and the rhododendron forests bloom with vibrant colors, creating beautiful landscapes along the trail. The temperatures are moderate during the day, although nights can still be chilly at higher altitudes. This season is popular among trekkers because of the clear views of the Himalayan peaks, including Mount Everest itself.

During the autumn season, from late September to November, the weather remains stable with clear skies and excellent visibility. The temperatures are similar to spring, making it comfortable for trekking during the day. The autumn months are also less crowded than spring, offering a quieter trail experience while enjoying spectacular mountain views.

The Everest Base Camp Trek is moderately difficult. Trekking through this trial, you will have to pass through several difficulties which are listed below:

High Altitude: The trek reaches up to 5,364 meters (17,598 feet), which can cause altitude sickness. The higher the altitude you climb, the lower the oxygen level can get. Thus, it is very common to get altitude sickness, no matter your fitness level. Some major symptoms include headaches, nausea, and dizziness.

​Long Duration: It typically takes 12-14 days to complete the trek. This means you will walk for several hours each day for nearly two weeks. The continuous physical effort over this period can be exhausting and demands good physical and mental stamina.

Harsh Weather: The weather in the mountains can change quickly and can be very cold. Temperatures can drop below freezing, especially at night. Strong winds and snowstorms can occur, making the trek more difficult. Trekkers need to be prepared with warm clothing and gear.

Limited Facilities: Accommodation and food options are basic and can be scarce in higher altitudes. Teahouses may have limited heating and no hot water. Food choices are simple and repetitive. Trekkers need to be prepared for a lack of comfort.

Remote Location: The trek is in a remote area with limited access to medical facilities. If someone gets injured or very sick, help can be far away. Communication can also be difficult with poor or no cell signal. It’s important to trek with a guide and carry a first aid kit.

Accommodations in teahouses are basic but adequate, typically featuring rooms with two single beds and provided bedding. Bringing a sleeping bag for extra warmth is recommended, especially in higher-altitude locations. Lower-altitude teahouses may offer additional amenities such as hot showers (often for an extra fee), Western-style toilets, and Wi-Fi.

In contrast, higher-altitude teahouses have more basic facilities, squat toilets, and fewer amenities. Room rates are generally low, around – per night, but there is an expectation that trekkers will dine at the teahouse where they are staying.

During the trek to Everest Base Camp, meals and accommodations are primarily provided by teahouses along the route. These teahouses offer a variety of meals, including:

• Breakfast: like porridge, eggs, toast, and pancakes
• Lunch and dinner: rice, noodles, soups, and the traditional Nepali dal bhat.

Snacks and drinks, including tea, coffee, and bottled water, are also available, though it’s advisable to bring water purification tablets to save money and reduce plastic waste. As you ascend, the cost of food increases due to the logistical challenges of transporting supplies to higher altitudes.

When you travel to high altitudes like the Everest region, your body has to adjust to getting less oxygen with every breath. This process of adjusting your body to thinking air is called acclimatization. It is crucial for preventing altitude sickness during your trek to Everest Base Camp. As you gain elevation, the air becomes thinner, and less oxygen is available. You may feel unwell with headaches, nausea, fatigue, and serious symptoms without proper acclimatization. Thus, acclimatization allows your body to adapt slowly to the reduced oxygen levels.

Steps for Acclimatization:

1. Climb Gradually: Take your time and ascend slowly to let your body adjust. A good rule is not to climb more than 300-500 meters (1,000-1,500 feet) daily. This gradual approach helps reduce the risk of altitude sickness.
2. Rest Days: Plan rest days during your trek to give your body a chance to acclimate. Popular rest spots include Namche Bazaar and Dingboche, where you can relax and enjoy the surroundings.
3. Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water to help your body handle the altitude. Staying hydrated is key because dehydration can make altitude sickness worse. Aim to drink enough water throughout the day.
4. Avoid Alcohol and Caffeine: Avoid drinking alcohol and too much caffeine, as they can dehydrate you and hinder the acclimatization process. Stick to water and herbal teas to keep your body in top shape.
5. Listen to Your Body: Pay attention to your feelings, and don’t push yourself too hard. If you start to feel severe symptoms of altitude sickness, such as intense headaches or dizziness, descend to a lower altitude immediately. Your health and safety come first.

All these items will help you stay warm, dry, and comfortable throughout your trek to Everest Base Camp. Make sure to check the weather forecast and adjust your packing list accordingly.

• Backpack (30-40 liters) for day use
• Duffel Bag
• Sleeping Bag
• Trekking Poles
• Trekking Boots
• Hiking Socks
• Base Layer
• Trekking Pants
• Insulating Layer (fleece jacket or down jacket)
• Waterproof Jacket
• Waterproof Pants
• Gloves
• Warm Hat
• Sun Hat
• Sunglasses
• Headlamp
• Water Bottles
• Water Purification Tablets or Filter
• Personal First Aid Kit
• Personal Toiletries (toothbrush, toothpaste, wet wipes, etc.)

Optional Items

• Camera with extra batteries and memory cards
• Portable Charger or Solar Charger
• Snacks (energy bars, nuts, dried fruit)
• Trekking Map or Guidebook

Booking your trek with Nepal Base Camp Treks offers many benefits that ensure a safe and enjoyable trip to Everest Base Camp.

Experienced Guides: Our guides know the trails well. They are trained to keep you safe and share interesting facts about the area.

Flexible Plans: We can adjust our trekking plans to fit your needs and schedule. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced trekker, we have options.

Full Support: We help you from start to finish. This includes getting permits, planning your trek, and answering any questions.

Good Accommodations and Meals: We work with trusted teahouses to provide comfortable places to stay and good food.

Safety First: Your safety is our top priority. Our guides carry first aid kits and know how to handle altitude sickness. We also keep an eye on the weather and trail conditions.

Eco-Friendly: We care about the environment. We follow practices that help protect the area’s natural beauty, like managing waste properly and using reusable water bottles.