Everest Base Camp Short Trek

The Everest Base Camp Trek – 11 Days is a remarkable journey that takes you through the heart of the Himalayas, offering stunning vistas and a deep immersion into Sherpa culture. Starting with a scenic flight from Kathmandu to Lukla, you’ll trek through picturesque pine forests and charming villages, gradually ascending to the iconic Everest Base Camp. Over the course of 10 days, you will traverse diverse landscapes, from the lush forests of Phakding and the bustling markets of Namche Bazaar to the spiritual heights of Tengboche and the rugged terrain leading to Lobuche and Gorak Shep. The trek includes acclimatization days in Namche Bazaar and Pheriche to ensure your safety and comfort at high altitudes.

Highlights include panoramic views from Kala Patthar and the awe-inspiring experience of standing at the base of the world’s highest peak. Accommodation is provided in comfortable hotels in Namche and Lukla, and cozy teahouses along the trek, with all meals included except on the final day. Female Guide Holiday ensures a well-supported and memorable adventure with experienced guides, comprehensive support, and meticulous planning.

Everest Base Camp Trail and Route

The Everest Base Camp trek begins with a breathtaking flight from Kathmandu to Lukla, offering stunning views of the Himalayan range. From Lukla, the journey starts with a trek through the picturesque Dudh Kosi River valley, passing through traditional Sherpa villages. The trek to Everest Base Camp typically takes around six days.

Along the trail, you will stay overnight in charming Sherpa villages such as Phakding, Namche, Tengboche, Dingboche, Lobuche, and Gorak Shep, the last stop with teahouse accommodation. From Gorak Shep, you’ll hike to Everest Base Camp and Kala Patthar for unparalleled views before retracing your steps back to Lukla. The return trek to Lukla takes about three days, followed by a scenic flight back to Kathmandu, concluding your adventure.

Best Time for Everest Trekking

The ideal times to undertake the Everest Base Camp trek are during the spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November). These seasons offer stable weather, moderate temperatures, and clear skies, which enhance the trekking experience and provide stunning views of the Himalayan landscape. These conditions ensure a more comfortable and enjoyable trek. If you have extra time, opting for a more relaxed pace with additional acclimatization can enrich your journey, allowing you to fully appreciate Everest’s grandeur and immerse yourself in the local culture.

Join us on this extraordinary adventure and discover the awe-inspiring beauty of the Himalayas, the vibrant Sherpa culture, and the breathtaking natural scenery.

Flight Route Change Information for Lukla – Kathmandu – Lukla

For the peak trekking seasons in spring (March) and autumn (September to October), flights between Kathmandu and Lukla will now be operated from Manthali Airport in Ramechhap. This adjustment has been made to alleviate the traffic congestion at Kathmandu’s Tribhuvan International Airport and to reduce the likelihood of flight cancellations.

This change means that on the first day of your trek, you will need to start your journey early to accommodate the drive from Kathmandu to Manthali Airport, which typically takes between 3 to 4 hours. This drive is necessary to catch your flight to Lukla. While this alteration will require some additional travel time on the first day, it will not impact the overall trekking itinerary.

Once you arrive at Manthali Airport, you will board a flight to Lukla as usual, and the rest of your trek will proceed as planned. This modification is designed to enhance the reliability of your travel arrangements and ensure a smoother start to your adventure.

Lukla Flight and Weather Information

During the peak trekking seasons—March, April, May, September, October, and November flights to and from Lukla will be rerouted to Manthali/Ramechhap. This change helps alleviate congestion at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu and aims to reduce the risk of flight cancellations.

For those participating in the Everest Base Camp trek, please note that the trekking times provided in your itinerary are approximate and should be used as general guidelines. The actual trek duration can vary depending on your pace and current trail conditions. For the peak trekking seasons in spring (March) and autumn (September to October), flights between Kathmandu and Lukla will now be operated from Manthali Airport in Ramechhap. This adjustment has been made to alleviate the traffic congestion at Kathmandu’s Tribhuvan International Airport and to reduce the likelihood of flight cancellations.

This change means that on the first day of your trek, you will need to start your journey early to accommodate the drive from Kathmandu to Manthali Airport, which typically takes between 3 to 4 hours. This drive is necessary to catch your flight to Lukla. While this alteration will require some additional travel time on the first day, it will not impact the overall trekking itinerary.

Once you arrive at Manthali Airport, you will board a flight to Lukla as usual, and the rest of your trek will proceed as planned. This modification is designed to enhance the reliability of your travel arrangements and ensure a smoother start to your adventure.

Lukla Flight and Weather Information

During the peak trekking seasons—March, April, May, September, October, and November flights to and from Lukla will be rerouted to Manthali/Ramechhap. This change helps alleviate congestion at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu and aims to reduce the risk of flight cancellations.

For those participating in the Everest Base Camp trek, please note that the trekking times provided in your itinerary are approximate and should be used as general guidelines. The actual trek duration can vary depending on your pace and current trail conditions.

To ensure a smooth start to your trek, we recommend arriving in Kathmandu at least one day before your trek begins. This will give you ample time to meet with our trekking team, go over your itinerary, and make necessary preparations.

Additionally, consider planning for an extra day or two in Kathmandu after completing your trek. This buffer will provide greater flexibility in case of any delays with mountain flights between Kathmandu and Lukla, which can be impacted by unpredictable weather conditions.

Accommodation:

Lukla: Your trek begins with a stay in Lukla, where you will be accommodated in a well-maintained lodge. Lukla offers basic amenities to ensure a comfortable start to your trek.

Namche Bazaar: In Namche Bazaar, you will stay in one of the best available hotels, with options for a 3-star hotel based on your budget. Accommodations here offer a higher level of comfort compared to other trekking areas, featuring well-furnished rooms and modern amenities to enhance your stay.

Trekking Route (Phakding, Tengboche, Dingboche, Lobuche, Gorak Shep): Along the trekking route, you will stay in teahouses or lodges. These are simple, family-run establishments that offer basic amenities such as a bed, blankets, and shared bathrooms. While teahouses are modest, they are clean and provide a warm environment after a day of trekking.

Food:

Meals Provided: During the trek, you will receive full board meals, which include breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Meals are typically served at the teahouses or lodges where you are staying.

Meal Options: The menu in teahouses generally includes a variety of options catering to different tastes and dietary needs. Traditional Nepalese dishes such as dal bhat (rice and lentil soup), momo (dumplings), and various vegetable curries are commonly served. Western options like pasta, noodles, and soups are also available. Breakfast usually includes items such as eggs, toast, porridge, and fruits.

Meal Quality: While the food is simple, it is nutritious and designed to meet the energy needs of trekkers. Teahouse owners prepare meals using locally sourced ingredients, and hygiene standards are maintained to ensure food safety.

Drinking Water:

Availability: Drinking water is available at the teahouses along the trekking route. You can purchase bottled water at most stops. However, to minimize environmental impact and reduce costs, many trekkers opt to use water purification methods.

Purification Methods: To ensure safe drinking water, you can use purification tablets or carry a portable water filter. Some teahouses offer boiled water for a small fee, which is another safe option. It is advisable to carry a reusable water bottle to refill along the way.

Environmental Considerations: To help reduce plastic waste, it is encouraged to use reusable water bottles and purification methods rather than relying on bottled water.

Personal Travel Insurance

Travel insurance is mandatory for all participants engaging in trekking activities. Ensure your policy covers personal injury, death, medical expenses, repatriation, helicopter rescue, and illness. Female Guide Holiday strongly advises obtaining a comprehensive insurance package from a reliable provider in your home country.

Health and Fitness Requirements

The Everest Base Camp trek demands a good level of physical fitness and health to ensure a successful and enjoyable experience. Trekkers should have strong cardiovascular endurance and stamina, as the journey involves long days of hiking at high altitudes on rugged terrain. Regular cardiovascular and strength training exercises are recommended to build the necessary endurance and muscle strength. Additionally, it’s crucial to be aware of altitude sickness and prepare for high-altitude conditions by consulting a healthcare professional before the trek. Proper acclimatization, hydration, and nutrition are essential to support the body’s adaptation to the altitude. Mental resilience is also important, as the trek can be mentally and physically demanding. Preparing with practice hikes and maintaining a positive attitude will greatly enhance your trekking experience and help manage the challenges along the way.

Passport, Visa and Permit Requirements

Passport: Your passport should be valid for at least six months beyond your intended departure date from Nepal. Make sure it has enough blank pages for visa stamps.

Visa: You will need a visa to enter Nepal. The visa can be obtained on arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu or through a Nepalese embassy or consulate before you travel.

Visa on Arrival: The cost is approximately $25 for a 15-day visa, $40 for a 30-day visa, or $100 for a 90-day visa. Payment is accepted in cash (US dollars or Euros) or by credit/debit card. You will need to complete a visa application form and provide a passport-sized photo.

Permits for the Trek: Besides the visa, you will need specific permits for the Everest Base Camp trek:

Sagarmatha National Park Permit: This is required for trekking in the Everest region.

TIMS (Trekkers’ Information Management System) Card: This is also necessary for tracking and safety purposes.

This Everest Base Camp trek, organized by Female Guide Holiday, offers an unforgettable experience through some of the most breathtaking landscapes on earth, led by experienced guides and supported by a dedicated team to ensure a memorable and safe journey.

Why Choose Female Guide Holiday?

At Female Guide Holiday, we are dedicated to providing an exceptional Everest Base Camp trek experience. Our professional guides and support team expertly manage all aspects of your trek, from meticulous planning to on-the-ground support, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the adventure. We offer personalized itineraries, top-notch accommodations, and comprehensive support to ensure a memorable and seamless journey. For more details and to book your Everest Base Camp trek, contact us at info@femaleguidekathmandu.com. Experience the grandeur of the Himalayas with us!

What to Expect

Challenging Yet Rewarding: The Everest Base Camp trek is a classic adventure, combining physical challenge with awe-inspiring scenery. It spans ten days, making it suitable for trekkers with a good level of fitness who are ready for a rewarding experience.

Comfortable Accommodation: Enjoy a range of accommodations, from comfortable 3-star hotels in Namche Bazaar and Lukla to cozy teahouses along the trail, providing a comfortable base for your trek.

Full-Board Meals: Relish full-board meals throughout the trek, including breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The variety of local and international dishes will keep you well-nourished and energized.

Cultural and Scenic Richness: Engage with the vibrant Sherpa culture, witness the spiritual practices at Tengboche Monastery, and marvel at the stunning landscapes and diverse flora and fauna of Sagarmatha National Park.

Flexible Itinerary: Our itinerary allows for acclimatization and exploration, ensuring a safe and enjoyable trek with ample time to appreciate the majestic Everest region.

Packing List for the Everest Base Camp Trek

Preparing for the Everest Base Camp trek requires careful selection of warm and comfortable clothing, as well as essential trekking gear. Below is a comprehensive list to help you gather the necessary equipment. Remember, if you prefer, you can also purchase or rent trekking gear in Kathmandu, where a range of shops offer everything from budget to high-end options.

• 2-3 pairs of thermal tops
• Fleece jacket or pullover
• A waterproof shell jacket
• Down jacket provided by Female Guide Holiday in a rent if you don’t have your own
• Comfortable fleece or wool trousers
• Trekking pants, two pairs
• Mittens or woolen gloves
• Warm hiking socks
• Trekking shoes with spare laces
• Pair of flip-flops
• Underwear & swimwear
• Hiking cotton trousers and t-shirts
• Sun hat or scarf
• Sunglasses
• Sleeping bag: Provided by Female Guide Holiday if you don’t have your own
• Trekking poles
• Day pack at least 40 liters
• Headlamp with extra batteries
• Small lock for securing your day pack
• Reusable water bottles/thermus 1 is for warm and another one id for cold water
• Water purification tablets or a filter
• Wash towel
• Toiletries include wet wipes, quick-drying towel, toilet paper, moisturizers, lip balm, sunscreen, sanitary pads, hand sanitizer, nail clippers, small mirror, toothpaste, and toothbrush
• Rain poncho
• Health Supplies: Imodium or Pepto-Bismol for upset stomach, Diamox for altitude sickness (guide assistance available), small personal first-aid kit with blister treatments.

Important Note:

Your safety is of paramount importance to us at the Female Guide Holiday. We have the absolute authority to cancel the trip or change the itinerary, when deemed necessary or when we have reason to believe your safety is at stake. Weather conditions, the health condition of a group member, natural disasters, and such, can contribute to changes in the itinerary when traveling in remote mountainous regions. In these extreme situations, we kindly request that you offer your full cooperation to the trusted leader of the group appointed by the Female Guide Holiday. However, we assure you that we will make every effort to keep to the above itinerary.