Everest Base Camp Trek by Road [Premium]
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Everest Base Camp by Road offers a unique and thrilling alternative to the traditional flight to Lukla, providing an adventurous journey through the diverse landscapes of Nepal. This trek starts with a scenic drive from Kathmandu to Salleri, followed by a challenging but rewarding trek through picturesque villages, dense forests, and breathtaking mountain vistas.
Who Should Take This Trek? This trek is ideal for adventure enthusiasts, those seeking a more immersive experience, and travelers looking to avoid the often unpredictable flights to Lukla. It’s perfect for trekkers who prefer to acclimatize gradually and enjoy the varied terrain of the lower Khumbu region.
Why Choose the Road Route?
- Gradual Acclimatization: The trek from Salleri to Everest Base Camp allows for a more gradual acclimatization process, reducing the risk of altitude sickness.
- Scenic Drive: The journey from Kathmandu to Salleri offers stunning views of the countryside, giving trekkers a glimpse of rural Nepal.
- Cultural Immersion: Trekking through local villages provides a richer cultural experience and the opportunity to interact with the friendly inhabitants of the region.
- Avoid Flight Uncertainties: Bypass the frequent flight delays and cancellations at Lukla, ensuring a more reliable and stress-free start to your adventure.
Everest exerts a pull like no other mountain and trekking to the base of Everest with a group is the perfect way to experience the spectacle of one of the world's most excellent treks. The mountain scenery is simply spectacular, the complete cultural immersion in the Sherpa culture is fascinating, and the physical challenge is a reward in itself.
We get some spectacular views of mountains like Mt.Everest, Ama Dablam, Nuptse, Lhotse, Imja Tse, Pumori, etc. Passing through various Sherpa villages like Namche bazaar, Monasteries like Tengboche, and Rhododendron forests, crossing over numerous hanging bridges and ascending and descending over multiple types of terrain. This trek becomes all the more cherishable because of the company of friendly and loyal Sherpas. The highest point of the trek is Kala Patthar (5,545m) from where we get a panoramic view of Mt.Everest 8,848 m and surrounding peaks. It will take around 16 days to cover the Everest base camp trek distance. The best time to trek Everest base camp is from April to June. There will be plenty of time to enjoy the culture of the Sherpas and visit ancient monasteries, walk through the towns and explore the shops, and stop at any of the numerous teahouses to sip a glass of sweetened tea or Chang [Millet beer, for the brave hearts] and get a taste of hospitality unique to the Sherpas. Beautiful, multi-hued prayer flags, prayer wheels and intricately carved Mani stones line every hilltop, rock wall and trailside singing prayers to the gods with every breeze and every passing traveler. To get details about the Mount Everest base camp trek cost, reach out to us.
You’ll be captivated by Nepal, a country of hospitable people, beautiful scenery, and a large variety of cultural traditions. This blend of outdoor adventure and artistic exploration is a great way to experience the Himalayas – the world’s most awe-inspiring mountains.
Location
Highlights
- Explore the ancient city of Kathmandu, Nepal
- Scenic travel to the remote villages of Salleri and Thandada
- 3 Night stay in Kathmandu with breakfast
- Rest easy at comfortable eco-lodges/guest houses/tea houses during the trek
- All meals, beverages and mineral water included
- Hike through small Sherpa villages and experience their exciting culture
- Maximise your enjoyment of this magnificent region with ample acclimatisation
- Get up close and personal with the very famous Khumbu Glacier
- Visit the popular Tengboche Monastery
- Stand face to face with Mount Everest, “Goddess Mother of the Earth,” from the attainable high-point of Kala Patthar and marvel at the stunning views
Itinerary
EBC Trek without Lukla flight:
- Day 01: Arrive in Kathmandu (1375m) – Gear Check and Stay.
- Day 02: Drive to Salleri (266 km - 8 Hours) – Stay at a local lodge.
- Day 03: Drive to Thandanda (6 hours on rough roads).
- Day 04: Trek to Phakding (2650m).
- Day 05: Trek to Namche Bazaar (3440m) – 6/7 Hours.
- Day 06: Acclimatization at Namche – Hike to Everest View Hotel (3,880m).
- Day 07: Trek to Tengboche (3,860m) – 5/6 hours.
- Day 08: Trek to Dingboche (4,410m) – 5/6 hours.
- Day 09: Acclimatization at Dingboche – Hike around Nagarshtang Peak.
- Day 10: Trek to Lobuche (4,910m) – 4/5 hours.
- Day 11: Trek to Everest Base Camp (5,360m) and back to Gorakhshep (5,180m).
- Day 12: Climb Kalapathar (5,545m) early morning and trek down to Pheriche (4210m).
- Day 13: Trek to Namche (3410m) – 6/7 hours.
- Day 14: Trek to Surke (6 Hours).
- Day 15: Trek to Thandanda (5 Hours) and drive to Salleri (6 Hours).
- Day 16: Drive back to Kathmandu (8 Hours) and transfer to the Hotel.
- Day 17: Sightseeing in Kathmandu / Buffer Day.
- Day 18: Departure from Kathmandu.
Everest Base Camp by Road: Detailed Day-Wise Itinerary
Day 01: Arrive in Kathmandu
- Altitude: 4,511 ft (1,375 m)
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Activities: Airport Pick-Up, Gear check and stay in Kathmandu
Arrive in the vibrant city of Kathmandu. Meet and greet your fellow trekkers and team leaders. Complete a thorough gear check to ensure you have all necessary equipment for the trek. Spend the night in a comfortable hotel, preparing for the adventure ahead.
Day 02: Drive to Salleri
- Altitude: 8,730 ft (2,660 m)
- Travel Distance: 165 miles (266 km)
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Travel Duration: 8 hours
Embark on a scenic drive from Kathmandu to Salleri, passing through beautiful landscapes and rural villages. This journey provides a gradual acclimatization process. Overnight stay at a local lodge in Salleri.
Day 03: Drive to Thandanda
- Drive Starting Altitude: 8,730 ft (2,660 m) - Salleri
- Drive Ending Altitude: 9,500 ft (2,896 m) - Thandanda
- Drive Distance: Approximately 47 miles (75 km)
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Drive Duration: 6 hours on rough roads
Continue the adventure with a bumpy and adventurous drive from Salleri to Thandanda. The drive offers stunning views of the surrounding landscapes and prepares you for the trekking days ahead.
Day 04: Trek to Phakding
- Starting Altitude: 9,500 ft (2,896 m) - Thandanda
- Ending Altitude: 8,701 ft (2,650 m) - Phakding
- Trek Distance: 5 miles (8 km)
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Trek Duration: 5-6 hours
Begin your trek towards Phakding, where you will join other team members. The trail takes you through lush forests, charming villages, and across suspension bridges over the Dudh Koshi River. Overnight stay in a cozy teahouse in Phakding.
Day 05: Trek to Namche Bazaar
- Starting Altitude: 8,701 ft (2,650 m) - Phakding
- Ending Altitude: 11,283 ft (3,440 m) - Namche Bazaar
- Trek Distance: 7.4 miles (12 km)
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Trek Duration: 6-7 hours
Trek from Phakding to Namche Bazaar, following the Dudh Koshi River and crossing several suspension bridges. The route becomes steeper as you approach Namche Bazaar. This bustling hub offers various amenities and stunning mountain views. Overnight stay in Namche Bazaar.
Day 06: Acclimatization at Namche
- Altitude: 11,283 ft (3,440 m)
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Activities: Hike to Everest View Hotel (3,880m) and back to Namche
Spend the day acclimatizing in Namche Bazaar. Hike to the Everest View Hotel (12,730 ft / 3,880 m) for panoramic views of Everest and surrounding peaks. Return to Namche Bazaar for overnight stay.
Day 07: Trek to Tengboche
- Starting Altitude: 11,283 ft (3,440 m) - Namche Bazaar
- Ending Altitude: 12,664 ft (3,860 m) - Tengboche
- Trek Distance: 6.2 miles (10 km)
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Trek Duration: 5-6 hours
Trek through beautiful rhododendron forests and along the Dudh Koshi River. Arrive at Tengboche, home to the famous Tengboche Monastery. Enjoy stunning views of Everest, Lhotse, and Ama Dablam. Overnight stay in Tengboche.
Day 08: Trek to Dingboche
- Starting Altitude: 12,664 ft (3,860 m) - Tengboche
- Ending Altitude: 14,469 ft (4,410 m) - Dingboche
- Trek Distance: 6.2 miles (10 km)
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Trek Duration: 5-6 hours
Continue trekking through alpine meadows and pastures. Arrive at Dingboche, a charming village with views of Lhotse, Island Peak, and Ama Dablam. Overnight stay in Dingboche.
Day 09: Acclimatization at Dingboche
- Altitude: 14,469 ft (4,410 m)
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Activities: Hiking around Nagarshtang Peak
Spend the day acclimatizing in Dingboche. Hike around Nagarshtang Peak for stunning views and further acclimatization. Return to Dingboche for an overnight stay.
Day 10: Trek to Lobuche
- Starting Altitude: 14,469 ft (4,410 m) - Dingboche
- Ending Altitude: 16,210 ft (4,910 m) - Lobuche
- Trek Distance: 4.3 miles (7 km)
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Trek Duration: 4-5 hours
Trek through rocky terrain and along the Khumbu Glacier. Arrive at Lobuche, a small settlement with breathtaking views of Nuptse and Pumori. Overnight stay in Lobuche.
Day 11: Trek to Everest Base Camp and back to Gorakhshep
- Starting Altitude: 16,210 ft (4,910 m) - Lobuche
- Ending Altitude: 17,598 ft (5,360 m) - Everest Base Camp
- Return Altitude: 17,008 ft (5,180 m) - Gorakhshep
- Trek Distance: 9.3 miles (15 km) round trip
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Trek Duration: 7-8 hours
Trek from Lobuche to Everest Base Camp, experiencing the thrill of reaching this iconic destination. After exploring the base camp, return to Gorakhshep for an overnight stay.
Day 12: Climb Kalapathar early morning and trek down to Pheriche
- Starting Altitude: 17,008 ft (5,180 m) - Gorakhshep
- Kalapathar Altitude: 18,192 ft (5,545 m)
- Ending Altitude: 13,780 ft (4,210 m) - Pheriche
- Trek Distance: 8 miles (13 km)
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Trek Duration: 7 hours
Climb Kalapathar early in the morning for breathtaking sunrise views of Everest and surrounding peaks. Descend to Pheriche, enjoying the change in scenery and altitude. Overnight stay in Pheriche.
Day 13: Trek to Namche
- Starting Altitude: 13,780 ft (4,210 m) - Pheriche
- Ending Altitude: 11,283 ft (3,440 m) - Namche Bazaar
- Trek Distance: 8.7 miles (14 km)
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Trek Duration: 6-7 hours
Continue descending to Namche Bazaar, passing through familiar trails and enjoying the lush scenery. Overnight stay in Namche Bazaar.
Day 14: Trek to Surke
- Starting Altitude: 11,283 ft (3,440 m) - Namche Bazaar
- Ending Altitude: 7,250 ft (2,210 m) - Surke
- Trek Distance: 10.5 miles (17 km)
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Trek Duration: 6 hours
Trek from Namche Bazaar to Surke, navigating through diverse landscapes and crossing several suspension bridges. Overnight stay in a local teahouse in Surke.
Day 15: Trek to Thandanda and drive to Salleri
- Starting Altitude: 7,250 ft (2,210 m) - Surke
- Ending Altitude: 8,730 ft (2,660 m) - Thandanda
- Trek Distance: 6 miles (10 km)
- Trek Duration: 5 hours
- Drive Distance: 47 miles (75 km)
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Drive Duration: 6 hours
Continue trekking to Thandanda, enjoying the scenic trails. Upon reaching Thandanda, drive back to Salleri, appreciating the rugged beauty of the region. Overnight stay in Salleri.
Day 16: Drive back to Kathmandu
- Starting Altitude: 8,730 ft (2,660 m) - Salleri
- Ending Altitude: 4,511 ft (1,375 m) - Kathmandu
- Travel Distance: 165 miles (266 km)
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Travel Duration: 8 hours
Embark on the final drive back to Kathmandu, transitioning from the serene mountains to the bustling city. Transfer to your hotel for a comfortable stay. Use the rest of the day to relax or explore Kathmandu.
Day 17: Sightseeing in Kathmandu / Buffer Day
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Activities: Sightseeing or rest day
Spend the day sightseeing in Kathmandu, visiting iconic landmarks such as Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple), Boudhanath Stupa, and Pashupatinath Temple. This day also serves as a buffer day in case of delays during the trek.
Day 18: Departure from Kathmandu
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Activities: Departure, Airport Drop
Depart from Kathmandu, taking with you unforgettable memories and experiences from your Everest Base Camp trek by road.
Everest Base Camp Trek Insurance
Trekking in the Himalayas comes with its own set of risks. While adventure is fun and can be extremely thrilling, nature can be unpredictable, and to help secure you during your trek, it is of utmost importance that you are covered with insurance.
We've gone a step ahead and made sure that you don't have to worry about scouting for the best insurance option out there. When you trek with us, we get you in touch with the best insurance providers who can help you cover your trek to Everest Base Camp with ease.
Everest Base Camp Trek Risk and Liability:
According to Everest base camp trek map, we will endeavor to make your program smooth and as pleasant as possible. However, the entire course of trekking depends on the ranges of the mighty mountains, physical health, and environmental conditions. Therefore, TrekNomads shall not be responsible for any changes in the itineraries due to unavoidable circumstances and natural disasters such as landslide, road blockage, flood, snowing, cancellation of flight and delay, any types of sickness including altitude sickness.
Everest Base Camp Trek - What to Expect:
The Everest Base Camp trek is a challenging trek that requires prior Himalayan trekking experience. During the course, we will trek 4 to 10 hours per day on moderate to steep grades, at varied elevations. Some days will be rest days with optional hikes to properly acclimatize, while on other days you will continue your journey towards EBC. Your Trek Captain will set a suitable pace to minimize the risk of altitude issues. Porters and pack animals will transport your gear. A signed medical consent form from your doctor will be required for participation. You will also be required to sign an indemnity bond before heading on the trek.
Everest Base Camp Trek Fitness Criteria:
This trek requires a good level of fitness.
To register for this trek you are required to complete any of the below-mentioned fitness criteria.
5K run in 35 minutes or Cycling 10kms in 40 mins or Swimming 1 km in 40 mins or Stair climbing 50 floors (10 floors up and down 5 times) in 30 mins.
Once you do register, please share the proof of fitness criteria with your Trek Captain anytime 30 days before departure.
If you're not already following a fitness regime, you would need to follow the regime that will be shared with you. The training routine is spread over four months and you would be expected to work out at least 4 times a week. The regime is designed to help you climb smarter even in higher altitudes. The regime consists of a good combination of exercises that works on all parts of your body including - Upper Body, Core, Endurance, Lower Body, Shoulder strength and improving your breathing pattern. When followed religiously, you can be assured that you will be ready for the trek. Not only does this regime help you with the trek, but it will also help you inculcate a sense of fitness in your day-to-day life.
NOTE:
Trekkers who have already trekked in the same route or have trekked at a similar altitude (highest altitude of this trek) or even higher, automatically get qualified. However, they would have to get both the Medical Certificate and Indemnity Bond singed as a mandate.
Trekkers who do not qualify the fitness criteria or fail to share the fitness criteria proof have to get both the Medical Certificate and Indemnity Bond singed with the same mentioned in the documents respectively.
Trekkers will not be allowed to join the group if the duly filled, signed and sealed copies of the Medical Certificate and Indemnity Bond are not shared.
Everest Base Camp Trek Trek Gradient:
This trek is graded challenging to extreme because you will be trekking for 13 consecutive days over rough terrain, you will be exposed to increasing altitudes each day, averaging 4,000 m and up to a maximum of 5,545 m.
Your Trek Captain will brief you on the next day's trek every evening so you have ample time to prep and be ready for the climb the next morning. You are expected to wake up at the time told by the Trek Captain. This is highly important because the earlier you start the trek, the faster you can reach the next village.
Being away from home comforts and family for an extended period of time is often a challenge for Nomads although access to communications on the trail is very good overall.
Do’s and Don’ts for Everest Base Camp Trek:
- We believe in leaving the mountains in a better condition, which is why we follow a no-litter policy on our treks. Each trekker will have to bring back the waste that is created during the trek.
- Trekking is best enjoyed when you’ve worn comfortable clothes. Try and avoid wearing Jeans, bright colors and heavy apparels as much as possible.
- A lighter backpack always helps you have a better trek, try and carry just as much as needed.
- Always be in sight of your trek lead, if you feel the need to stop for any reason at all, please keep the trek lead informed.
- If you do come across any reptiles, animals or even insects during the trek, please keep your calm and let it patiently pass by. Any kind of noise and panic will scare them as well.
- Do not venture out into the forest/waterfalls on your own as it may be dangerous.
- Trekking is a good adventure, having said that, it is our primary responsibility to take good care of ourselves and be compassionate towards fellow trekkers
- If, at any point, during the trek, you feel uneasy or unwell, please inform the trek lead immediately
- Tune in to the sounds of nature while on a trek and avoid carrying speakers or playing music during the course of the trek
- To help you enjoy the trek to the fullest, we avoid smoking and consumption of alcohol, and other intoxicants during the course of the trek
Inclusions
- Arrival and departure transfer to the international and domestic airport in a private vehicle
- Kathmandu/ Salleri / Kathmandu transport in a private vehicle
- Salleri / Thandanda / Salleri transport in a private vehicle
- 03 Nights accommodation at Kathmandu at a 3-star category hotel with breakfast on twin sharing basis
- 14 Nights of accommodation in TeaHouses during the trek on twin sharing basis
- Accommodation with attached bathrooms will be available at Lukla, Phakding, Namche Bazaar, Dingboche and Pheriche and not available at Tengboche, Lobuche and Gorakshep.
- Three meals (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner) a day during the trekking period (open menu to choose any one item per meal from the menu)
- Three times tea or coffee in a day during the trekking period
- 2 litres of mineral water or hot water during the trekking period
- 11 days of trekking with an experienced, English-speaking and government-licensed trek guide and assistant trek guide
- 1 porter for every 2 persons’ luggage (max 10-12 kgs per head allowed)
- Necessary land transportation for our involved trekking staff
- Insurance, meals, transportation daily salary of guide & porter
- Sagarmatha National Park Fees and TIMS (Trekkers’ Information Management System)
- Domestic airport taxes at Kathmandu and Lukla
- 3 litres oxygen cylinder with mask regulator for emergency (additional charge if used)
- Kathmandu sightseeing with a van and a guide full day for Pashupatinath – Bhaudhanath – Monkey temple – Patan Darbar Square
- Farewell dinner in Kathmandu
- All government, local taxes and service charges
- TrekNomads Fee, Trek Captain support and expertise
- 15% discount coupon on Gokyo Trek Apparel and Gear
- 10% discount coupon on Fast&Up products
- 20% discount coupon on BMore products
- Personalized Dri-Fit T-shirt
- Expedition grade duffle bag
- TrekNomads goodies
Exclusions
- International airfare
- Nepal Visa fee
- Lunch and dinner at Kathmandu
- Any personal expense
- Personal Adventure Insurance
- Excess baggage charge(s), if it exceeds 15kg
- Insurance Fee
- Any type of soft drinks
- Boiled hot water, shower, etc, during the trek
- Extra meals apart from inclusions
- Tips to porters and guides (calculated per person at 10$ per day per person)
- Any other activity such as Bungee Jumping/River Rafting
- Helicopter fares
- Transportation to and fro Ramechhap in case of early return from the trek
- Extra days at the hotel in Kathmandu apart from the schedule
- Any other expenses incurred apart from inclusions
- All personal, medical, evacuation and emergency expenses like extra day stay out of itinerary, helicopter services and vehicle charges due to delays, landslides, evacuation
- Expenses incurred for guide or porter during extra days stay, transport, flight, helicopter service, etc (divided amongst the group which utilises the services of guides/porters on extra days)
Treknical Details
Altitude Map:
- Salleri: 9,547 ft (2,190 m)
- Thandanda: 7,631ft (2,326 m)
- Phakding: 8,562 ft (2,610 m)
- Namche Bazaar: 11,286 ft (3,440 m)
- Tengboche: 12,700 ft (3,870 m)
- Dingboche: 14,470 ft (4,410 m)
- Lobuche: 16,210 ft (4,940 m)
- Gorakshep: 16,942 ft (5,164 m)
- Everest Base Camp: 17,595 ft (5,363 m)
- Kala Patthar Peak: 18,192 ft (5,545 m)
- Periche: 14,340 ft (4,371 m)
Other Details:
- Trek Gradient: Difficult
- Trek Distance: 160+ Km
- Assembling Point: Kathmandu
- Trek Duration: 80 + hours
- Average Temperature: 20°C to -10°C
- Best Months to trek: April, May, October, November
Trek Gradient
Difficult
FAQ's
Everest Base Camp FAQs
What is Everest base camp? What Route should I take on the Everest Base Camp Trek?
The Everest Base Camp is either one of two base camps on either side of Mount Everest. South Base Camp is located in Nepal at an altitude of 5,364m and North Base Camp is at 5,5150m in Tibet. These camps are primarily used by mountaineers to ascend and descend the World's highest mountain.
The classic and most popular route to Everest Base Camp starts at Lukla and continues through Phakding, Namche Bazaar, Tengboche, Dingboche, Lobuche, Gorak Shep and Everest Base Camp. This Everest Base Camp route is extremely popular and almost 95% of the trekkers and Everest summiteers take this route.
The other route is to Everest Base Camp via Gokyo Ri and Chola Pass. This route is slightly more difficult and longer. This route offers spectacular views of the Gokyo Lakes and the opportunity to summit Gokyo Ri (17,575 Feet / 5,357 M) and cross Chola Pass (17,782 Feet / 5,420 m).
Does this trek require any kind of training? If yes, what is the fitness regimen to be followed?
Yes. This trek necessitates a good level of fitness. If you don't already have a fitness regimen, we suggest you start as soon as possible. You should work out at least four times a week. Training well in advance will help you climb better and more efficiently.
Your workout regimen should consist of a good combination of exercises that work on all body parts, such as your upper body, core, endurance, lower body, and shoulder strength. Working out will help streamline your breathing pattern as well. If you train consistently, you can be confident that you will finish the trek safely.
We suggest that you indulge more in cardiovascular exercises and focus on building your leg muscles by jogging, running and stair climbing. Practice running/jogging on different terrains. This can be done by going on a hike on a nearby hill. Practising walking uphill and downhill is extremely important. More detailed tips are shared in this blog.
Are your staff equipped/trained & insured?
Yes! Our guides and porters are fully trained, equipped and provided for. Our Trek Captain comes with the experience of doing the EBC trek priorly. Every member in a trekking group work as a team and take care of each other's responsibility.
Is there an age limit to do the Everest Base Camp Trek?
No, there is no age limit for Everest Base Camp trekking but, you need to be in good physical shape with a positive attitude. We also suggest you to prior to the trek though we suggest you to please see your doctor and obtain necessary permission and advice, as well as medications for traveling in extreme altitude prior to the trek.
Are there any fitness criteria for this trek? If yes, what are those and how to achieve them?
Yes, we have kept very simple easily achievable fitness criteria. In order to qualify our fitness criteria you should either complete a 5K run in 35 minutes or Cycling 10kms in 40 mins or Swimming 1 km in 40 mins or Stair climb 50 floors (10 floors up and down 5 times) in 30 mins. Any fitness app proof would suffice to qualify. We will also assist you with a fitness training program for free and guide you in getting fit to complete this trek.
Our fitness criteria are not a blocker or to stop people from joining this trek. However, it is a conscious effort to make sure you have a comfortable and memorable experience during the trek.
NOTE: Trekkers who have already trekked in the same route or have trekked at a similar altitude (highest altitude of this trek) or even higher automatically get qualified.
Is acclimatisation essential for the Everest Base Camp trek?
Acclimatization is essential because Everest Base Camp is at an altitude of (17,595 ft / 5,363 m) where oxygen levels are low. You might get Acute Mountain Sickness if you don't acclimatise properly to the high altitude. Acute Mountain Sickness is also known as AMS in trekking parlance. Namche Bazaar and Dingboche(11,286 ft / 3,440 m) are where you will stay for an extra day for acclimatization.
You can spend the day visiting the Everest viewpoint or relaxing and exploring Namche Bazaar. It is in the main centre of the Everest (Khumbu) region and has government offices, shops, restaurants, a bakery, ATMs, cyber cafes, and a beautiful market.
At Dingboche, you will go on a hike to Nangkartshang Peak (5,615 M) It takes about 2-3 hours hike from Dingboche to reach the top of Nangkartshang Peak. You will get the best view of Imja Valley including the three highest mountains in the world Mt. Makalu (8,463m), Lhotse (8,749m), Cho Oyu (8,201m) and Island peak (6,189m), Amadablam (6,812m), Kangtega (6,782m), Thamserku (6,623m), Taboche (6,542m), Cholatse (6,440m), etc.
Physical fitness can help prevent AMS to some level but does not rule it out completely.
Read about AMS here.
What if I get Acute Mountain Sickness on the Everest Base Camp trek? Are there any medicines to cure AMS?
The best way to avoid AMS is to follow simple tips before and during the trek.
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Avoid over-exerting yourself at the beginning of the trek. Climb slow, and enjoy the views. Trekking is not a race.
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Drink plenty of water. Try to drink at least 3-4 litres of water during the trek. Follow the 2-sip rule - after every few hundred metres, take 2-3 sips of water.
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NO Alcohol, Cigarettes and intoxicants before and during the trek. (These are things to avoid after the trek as well.) This increases your risk of getting AMS multifold.
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Eat lite and easy-to-digest foods - fruits, vegetables, and carbohydrates (rice, daal). Avoid fried foods, bread, noodles, and non-vegetarian items during the trek. These can cause stomach upset - which can cause dehydration and AMS. Also avoid any yak milk products during the trek if you haven’t tried them before.
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Get enough sleep - Sleep for at least 8-9 hours during the night.
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Check medicines with your doctor before taking them. Avoid over the counter drugs. Avoid medicines suggested by fellow trekkers, online blogs or google - unless you are very sure about it. You may never know how medicines may react to your body at high altitudes.
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Make sure you are physically and mentally fit to take any trek. Exercise regularly at least 5-6 months in advance, reduce stress levels and be healthy.
Some of the symptoms you can experience when you have AMS are:
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Headache
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Disturbed sleep
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Loss of appetite/nausea
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Shortness of breath
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Cough
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Palpitation
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Swelling of the hands and face
AMS does not discriminate between new and experienced trekkers; if you notice any of the above symptoms, please inform your trek leader immediately.
Our trek leaders and guides have received basic first-aid training and can effectively monitor you. However, if the situation gets worse, you might have to visit a doctor.
Do I need to carry a medical kit on the Everest Base camp trek?
We advise you to consult your doctor regarding the medicines you will need to carry. However, while our trek leaders do have a first aid kit along with a portable oxygen cylinder, we suggest you bring regular medicines as advised by your doctor.
Are toilets/washrooms available on the Everest base camp trek?
Most of the teahouses on the Everest Base Camp trail have western-style toilets. It is strongly advised to bring your toilet paper and other sanitary essentials. Depending on the package you choose, you may get a private (in the room) or shared toilet in the tea house. Please note that the water in the toilets may be freezing cold.
How do I get the Nepal Visa for the Everest Base Camp trek?
Indians do not require a visa to enter Nepal. Citizens of countries other than India will be required to purchase a Visa. The Visa fee can range between USD 30 and USD 50, depending on the days you must stay in Nepal. We always recommend getting a 30-day visa because there is a chance of unprecedented delays and setbacks during the trek.
Are ATMs on the Everest Base Camp trek?
ATMs are only available in Namche Bazaar and Lukla. However, the services may stop working or even run out of cash. So, we suggest you bring some extra cash on the trek for food, snacks, and other necessities.
What is the perfect time to trek to EBC?
You can trek to Everest Base Camp during two seasons. The first period runs from April to May (Spring), and the second from October to November (Autumn). The latter is considered a post-monsoon period, with fewer chances of rain along the trail. During the autumn, the Sagarmatha region is in full bloom, providing beautiful picturesque views for you to enjoy. During the spring season, many indigenous flowers also put on a colourful sight.
Read more about the best time to do the EBC trek here!
What is the Everest base camp trek cost? How can I book the Everest base camp trek package?
Mount Everest base camp trek cost from Kathmandu with TrekNomads is ₹88,799 per person. To get more details about our mount Everest base camp package , you can reach out to us on info@treknomads.com.
Type of Trek
Himalayan Treks, International Treks