No. of Persons | Price per Person |
---|---|
1 - 4 Pax | US$ 1395 |
5 - 11 Pax | US$ 1290 |
12 - 21 Pax | US$ 1190 |
Everest Base Camp Trek is a marvelous journey to the base camp of the world’s highest mountain Everest. Experiencing nature, warm loyalty, and friendliness of its inhabitants – Sherpas.
Mt. Everest (8848.86m) is the highest mountain in the world and the journey to its base camp, which is at 5364m/17598ft height, is one of the best walks in the world. This trek to the base of Everest is not entirely about getting up-close to the highest point on Earth. It is equally about making the exhilarating journey, which is a tapestry of breathtaking views of the mystical Himalayas, exploration of the centuries-old villages, getting acquainted with the resilient and welcoming Sherpas, and experiencing nature in its pristineness and exclusivity
A flight from Kathmandu to Lukla sets off your trek; the actual trek commences as soon as you dismount your flight. A relatively short trek on your first day warms you up and offers a glimpse of what to expect from this much-coveted trek. Everest Base camp Trek moderately challenges you, lets you wander off to the foot of Everest, and savor the closest view possible of the Himalayan giants, beaming right back at you. As you hike through the antiquated villages to the base of Everest, you are greeted by the Himalayan giant and other peaks such as Mt. Lhotse which is also featured in the list of top 10 highest peaks in the world. Amadablam, Nuptse, Kusum Kanguru, Khantega, and Thamserku are amongst some prominent mountains that you can witness from the highs and lows of the narrow trails. The trail also takes you through the Sagarmatha National Park, a UNESCO ‘World natural heritage site’ and ‘Important Bird Area’, recognized by Birdlife International. The terrain of the park ranges from Temperate to Alpine and opens up prospects for diverse floral and faunal encounters. You also have a chance to closely experience the culture and tradition of the Himalayan Buddhists and demystify Himalayan Buddhism as you pass through local monasteries including the largest and one of the most prominent in the Khumbu region — the Tengboche monastery.
Everest Base Camp trek lasts for 11 days – 9 days trek and 1 easy-hike day to Khumjung and a rest day at Dingboche with a short hike for acclimatization. Beginners, as well as experienced trekkers with reasonable fitness, can complete this trek. Before the start of the trek 2-3 months earlier, we recommend trekkers to include certain exercises like aerobics, jogging, hiking in rough terrain, climbing staircases, cycling, swimming, etc in their travel plan. If you have a weak respiratory system or a heart disorder, you need to consult a physician before booking this trip.
If you are looking for a challenging route then our Everest Three High Passes Trek – 19 days or Everest Base Camp Trek with Gokyo Lakes- 18 days, might just be right for you.
Welcome to the land of the Himalayas! On your arrival, you are received by a representative from Access Nepal and taken to your hotel in Kathmandu. A representative meets you at your hotel the following evening (or the next day, depending on your arrival time). We brief you on the trekking, introduce you to your trek leader and have further discussions regarding the trek. Overnight at Kathmandu.
Included: Airport pick-up, Accommodation in Kathmandu hotel
Early the next morning, we fly to Lukla. The Tenzing-Hillary (Lukla) airport is perched atop a hill with the Dudhkoshi River flowing beneath. The flight duration is around 30 minutes and allows us to witness the Manaslu, Ganesh, Langtang, Rolwaling ranges, and a peek of the Everest range, given the weather is favorable. On your arrival at Lukla, you are served breakfast and briefed regarding the day. Your porter welcomes you at the airport and after your baggage is packed and loaded, we can instantly begin our adventure to the Everest Base Camp!
The trek begins on the trail along the Dudhkoshi River. Peaks such as Kongde Ri, Kusum Kanguru and Thamserku grace you intermittently all along the trail onward to Namche. We make our way through Pine and Rhododendron forests, greeted by the Sherpas as we traverse the vivid Sherpa hamlets en route. The Mani walls (rocks inscribed with Tibetan prayers) and the wavering prayer flags are sure to be etched into your vision for quite some time. Three to four hours later, we arrive at Phakding. We have the soothing option of a much deserved hot shower. Dinner and overnight at Phakding.
Included: Breakfast at Kathmandu hotel, Lunch and Dinner with Mountain lodge Accommodation
An eventful trek day is in store for us. The trail marked by some high suspension bridges and worthy viewpoints adds excitement to the trek. Brace yourself if you are phobic about heights! After about an hour and a half’s walk along the Dudhkoshi River, we arrive at the beautiful village of Monjo, near the entrance to the Sagarmatha National Park. Following the trail ahead that goes up and down, we approach an interesting standpoint, which is a confluence of the Bhotekoshi and Dushkoshi Rivers, locally, Larja Dobhan, above which floats the Hillary suspension bridge. Bear in mind- the bridge isn’t as scary as it appears! You couldn’t miss the fluttering prayer flags along the railing. The trail across the bridge is an uphill, along which we can get our first peek of Everest before we reach Namche. Refreshments, hot shower, dinner and rest at Namche.
Included: Mountain lodge accommodation with a full board of meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner)
Today is the first acclimatization day of the Everest Base Camp Trek. Mind you, it’s not a complete day-off! The air gets thinner as we ascend to high altitude, meaning the air has far less oxygen than we are accustomed to. What makes us vulnerable to altitude sickness is climbing too high, too fast. The acclimatization day is a mix of mild action and required rest involving a hike of three to four hours and a free half-day to allow the body to brace itself to take on the ascents in the following days. We begin our hike to the Everest Viewpoint (3880m/12730ft) in the morning after breakfast. The viewpoint offers a scintillating outlook of Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Taboche, Kusum Kanguru, Amadablam and Thamserku among others. We return to Namche, enjoy lunch and spend the rest of the day exploring the stores, cafés, bakeries and restaurants, a museum, a monastery and more! Overnight at Namche.
Included: Mountain lodge accommodation with a full board of meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner)
Next stop- Tengboche. A pleasant serpentine trail unfolds a vista of mountains including Lhotse Shar, Taboche, Amadablam and others, Amadablam standing out. An hour and a half later, we may find ourselves sipping some refreshments while soaking in the scintillating view at Kenjoma. Moving further through a junction at Sanasa, we take the trail that slopes slightly downwards until one and a half hours. Up ahead is another confluence where the Dudhkoshi meets the Imja River. The trail drops further to Phunke Tenga. Tengboche is a two-hour uphill climb from here. The Tengboche monastery with Amadablam as the dramatic backdrop is the largest in the Khumbu region and a must-visit. Overnight at Tengboche.
A relishing view of Mt. Ama Dablam in the backdrop of Tengboche Monastery with breakfast and it’s time to resume the trek with a short descent along the Imja River. The next thirty minutes, we walk through beautiful Rhododendron forest, and after crossing the bridge over a local stream, the tree line ends. The terrain starts to don a dry and deserted look. After Pangboche, Everest disappears and we make our way alongside memorial Mani boulders to reach Shomare an hour later. We continue a little further to Orsho and make a short uphill journey lasting about half an hour to Dingboche where we call it a night.
Included: Mountain lodge accommodation with a full board of meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner)
At 4410m, Dingboche, which has a gentle breeze and longer daylight is a great place to acclimatize. A short hike to a viewpoint on the way to Nangkar Tshang peak is part of the acclimatization. Peaks within view: Tabuchi, Cholatse to the North and to the East, Chhukung Ri and Makalu–the 5th highest mountain in the world, one of the limited places where it can be viewed in the region. The rest of the day can be enjoyed back at Dingboche. It has some café and restaurant, a high vision hall that presents Everest documentary and a bakery among others. Overnight at Dingboche.
Included: Mountain lodge accommodation with a full board of meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner)
We begin our trek to Lobuche with a gradual uphill lasting about two hours before we reach Dughla where we rest for a while. The trek is a moderate two hour uphill until Dughla. The stone-etched trail continues further to Dughla Pass, which takes an hour. At Dughla pass, we cross a metal bridge over a river, which is the Khumbu Icefall gaining momentum, which goes on further to meet the Imja River. An hour further to Lobuche, along the ridge, lies scattered memorial stones. These have been inscribed with heartfelt words in memory of the fallen adventurers. An hour further and we reach Lobuche. If we have the zeal, we may check out the Khumbu glacier a little further. Overnight at Lobuche.
Included: Mountain lodge accommodation with a full board of meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner)
A big day awaits–probably the most thrilling! Today is when we set foot on the Everest base camp. We make an early start after breakfast. A slow-paced, slight ascent to Gorakshep lasting not more than three hours takes you alongside the Khumbu glacier and is marked by moraines, high ridges and huge boulders. A warm lunch awaits you at Gorakshep and also a strikingly close view of Pumori, Lingtren, Khumbutse, and Changtse. We resume our path to the Everest Base Camp over the Khumbu glacier, which is mostly flat. However, the sheer altitude rears its head. Passing the Khumbu Icefall is a thrill after which a site marked by a cluster of memorials, rock inscriptions and strings of prayer flags appears, which is the Everest Base Camp. Although the surrounding view is great, we cannot see Everest from here. We’ll have to wait until you get to Kalapatthar. If it’s between April to May, we may find this place bustling with a colony of aspiring summiteers. We trek back to Gorakshep for some warm dinner and rest. Overnight at Gorakshep.
Included: Mountain lodge accommodation with a full board of meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner)
A very early start to catch that gratifying view of the Everest massif with the sun rising over it. We make sure we have ourselves covered for the strong wind and harsh cold in the trail. The trek to Kalapatthar lasts an hour and a half. At Kalapatthar, we are in a treat for an open, all-round view amidst the Himalayas. Apart from the Himalayan bigwigs Everest and Nuptse, we can witness Lhotse, Amadablam, Pumori, Chhukhung to name a few and a lot of smaller but beautiful peaks. After taking in the rewarding view, we get ready to descend back to Gorakshep to get breakfast, our dose of calories to trek further.
After breakfast at Gorakshep, we descend the same trail back to Dughla via Lobuche, which takes about three hours. Lunch is served. We need to be mindful of the harsh winds that blow towards us as we descend southwards–goggles strongly recommended! From Dughla, we take another trail to Pheriche. Overnight at Pheriche.
Included: Mountain lodge accommodation with a full board of meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner)
Today we trek back to Namche along the same trail while reminiscing the stops on our way up. As we begin the reverse trek from Pheriche we cross the bridge over Khumbu Khola and descend down to Orsho and continue downwards until Pangboche. We cross a small bridge again to enter the forested areas and continue our descent to Tengboche. The trails drop to Phunke Tenga and lead to Sanasa and then the high ridge above the Dudhkoshi River. Taking several turns and leaving behind the splendid views, but taking beautiful memories, we arrive at Namche. Overnight at Namche.
Included: Mountain lodge accommodation with a full board of meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner)
The trek begins with a steep drop to the Dudhkoshi River– we strongly recommend using trekking poles to save the knees from getting sore. After we cross the Dudhkoshi River the trail mostly levels out and then climbs up and down before arriving at Lukla which ends this epic trek. Finally, time to celebrate the feat. We can enjoy a hot shower, rest and replenish. Overnight at Lukla.
Included: Mountain lodge accommodation with a full board of meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner)
Our flight to Kathmandu is in the morning. After breakfast, we check in to the Lukla airport and board the plane to Kathmandu. On arrival at Kathmandu, you are transferred to your hotel. In the evening, we meet up before your farewell dinner. At this point, we would love to hear your experience and appreciate any feedback regarding the trek. You are then escorted to the restaurant for a farewell dinner. Overnight at Kathmandu.
Included: Farewell Dinner and accommodation in Kathmandu
After breakfast at your hotel, you may have some spare time. You are dropped off at the airport on time for your flight unless you wish to extend your stay and get more of Nepal.
Included: Breakfast and airport drop-off
All visitors to Nepal (except Indian nationals) require an entry visa. Please make sure you have a visa to cover the entire length of your trip, including buffer days. A 30-day visa adequately covers the trip duration for most of our packages. Visa can be acquired at your local Nepalese Embassy or consulate or on arrival in Kathmandu. However, some Asian and African nationalities are required to obtain a visa in advance. It is better to obtain the visa prior to your arrival to avoid delays at the airport. The visa is valid for 6 months.
On-Arrival Visa Fee:
Multiple entries 15 Days – 30 USD
Multiple entries 30 Days – 50 USD
Multiple entries 90 Days – 125 USD
Note: It is advisable to carry some cash (in US$ or other major currencies) to pay for the visa fee. Traveler’s cheques are not accepted.
Click here to stay updated on any changes in rules and regulations.
Click here to download the online visa application.
Please make sure the validity of your passport is 6 months post your arrival in Nepal. We recommend that you keep with you a photocopy of your passport separate from the original to help you in case you lose your passport. It is mandatory to carry your passport on the trek with you as it is required for internal flights.
Access Nepal would obtain the permits for trekking on your behalf. Also, the costs of permits are already included in your package cost. No extra payment is required to obtain them. The following information has been compiled for your understanding.
To embark on a trek to Everest Base Camp, you need to secure two permits:
Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Permit costs NPR 2,000 per person for four weeks and is available in Lukla or Monjo at the Sagarmatha National Park Counter. Keep your passport with you when applying for the permit, as it is the only document that proves your identity. It’s important to note that there are no alternative offices in Kathmandu that issue this permit.
Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit costs NPR 3,000 per person for foreign nationals, NPR 1,500 per person for SAARC nationals, and NPR 100 per person for Nepalis. Children under ten years old can enter for free. You can obtain this permit at the Nepal Tourism Board Office in Kathmandu or at the Sagarmatha National Park Entry Gate in Monjo. Documents Required for Permits
To obtain the necessary permits for classic trekking to Everest Base Camp, certain documents must be provided as part of the permit application process. The application process involves following specific procedures and cannot be obtained without submitting the required documents. Below is a list of the documents required for Everest Base Camp permits:
Accommodation during the trek will be mountain lodges run by local entrepreneurs. The rooms on offer generally include two single beds with a mattress, warm blanket, and pillow each, accommodating two persons. The rooms are reasonably decent and clean given the remoteness of the trekking regions. At some of the camps (Phakding, Namche, Lukla, and a few others), an attached bath with a hot shower is offered. The rest of the camps have common bathrooms. Hot bucket showers may be available at some camps above Namche. At higher camps (like Gokyo and Gorakshep), although we would do our best to avail a separate room, you might have to manage in dormitory-styled rooms, in case separate rooms are not available, especially during busy seasons.
The package includes one course each of breakfast, lunch, and dinner with a cup of tea/coffee. Most of the teahouses on the trail (with the exception of more remote ones) offer some variety of Nepali, Oriental, and Western cuisine. Breakfast options include cereals (oat porridge, muesli, cornflakes, roasted barley or wheat flour), bread (toast, sandwiches), pancakes, eggs, and chapatti (Indian-styled wheat bread). As for lunch and dinner: dal-bhat (staple Nepali food comprising a set of steamed rice, vegetable curry, and lentil soup), hashbrowns, mashed potatoes, noodles, dumplings, spaghetti, soup, and pizza among others. Breakfast and dinner would be served at the lodge/teahouse that we overnight in. We would stop for lunch at one of the teahouses in between the day’s trek. After dinner, some fruits will be provided.
Your guide can advise you on the best diet to maintain sound health and fitness level. If you have a special dietary requirement (vegetarian, vegan, food allergies, etc.), please communicate it to your guide so that necessary arrangements can be made. Additional orders would attract extra costs payable directly to the respective lodge.
It is worth noting that most of the places on the trek are deprived of electricity and they do not have proper refrigeration facilities. Therefore, it is recommended that you maintain a vegetarian diet during your trek as the meat available may not be fresh.
As transport of supplies to the mountain lodges and teahouses involve considerable manual labor and costs, trekkers are expected to be extra careful to keep wastage of food to a minimum.
While on trek, please drink plenty of water to keep yourself hydrated. Dehydration while on a trek can lead to fatigue and other unpleasant experiences that can take the fun out of trekking. It is advisable to drink at least 3 to 4 liters of water a day, mostly during the daytime. Please carry a water bottle along and some water purification pills which can be bought at the shops in Thamel. You may refill your bottles at the lodge or at natural water sources. Please, only fill in places that your guide recommends as safe. Also, please make sure you purify it before drinking. If available, you can also buy bottled water at the lodges where you stay. Please note that the cost of bottled water increases as you reach higher. It may cost from USD 1 to around USD 4 per 1-liter bottle.
Drink half a liter of water as you wake up on an empty stomach. You can have another half-liter within an hour of waking up. When you start trekking, have regular sips of water in brief intervals before you experience dryness in your mouth. Your water intake while trekking should be 1.5 to 2 liters. When you feel tired, take a break and hydrate. When you reach your campsite, have a liter of water in small breaks.
It is advisable for you to carry extra cash for your personal expenses. As far as possible, please carry the cash in Nepalese rupees from Kathmandu itself, so that you get a fair exchange rate. The amount of money to carry with you depends on your personal spending habits. However, we suggest you to carry cash in Nepalese rupees equivalent to USD 15 to 20 per person, per day.
When it comes to offering a fulfilling trek or a safe one, we tip a little in favor of safety. As you ascend higher, chances are, you may be affected by altitude sickness (also, Acute Mountain Sickness). We strictly follow certain safety guidelines that ensure a gratifying, but more importantly, safe trek for our guests. Although the itinerary itself has been designed to allow your body 2 days of rest and acclimatization in appropriate intervals and the average walking hours have been set at a comfortable 5-7 hours a day, we do take extra precautions to avert any health issues during and after the trek. Our experienced trekking guides are also trained in ‘Mountain sickness and first aid’ and know how to prevent mountain sicknesses and also act in case of emergencies.
We urge you to get yourself medically examined before taking on the Everest challenge. Please make sure you are cleared by your doctor to make this trip, which involves flying, hiking, and trekking. If you are given a conditional clearance or have a special medical condition (asthma and others) or allergy that may be induced in specific conditions, be sure to let us know in full detail so that we can plan accordingly.
Although the trek is not technically challenging, a prior experience of altitude hike/trek is preferred. A good level of mental and physical fitness needs to be developed and maintained. It is advisable to train your body at least two months prior to the trek with cardiovascular workouts. Practice hikes with a pack of weight roughly equivalent to your actual pack would be really helpful. While on trek, do not let your determination wither, and maintain a positive attitude at all times.
Altitude sickness or Acute Mountain Sickness can be triggered in high altitudes (generally higher than 2400m/7874ft) where there is less oxygen than in lower altitudes. It happens when you ascend much height in a short time before your body can adjust to the change. Symptoms that take anywhere between 6 hours to a few days to develop include severe, persistent headache, coughing, pressure in the chest, shortness of breath even while at rest, dizziness, tiredness, loss of appetite, and others. The illness may cause a medical emergency, especially when the condition worsens to High altitude cerebral edema (HACE) or High altitude pulmonary edema (HAPE).
A major section of the trekking region falls under the protected area of Sagarmatha National Park – home to floral and faunal life including endangered species. Trekkers are expected to be responsible and adhere to the rules and regulations of the national park. Access Nepal promotes and encourages environment-friendly practices. All our actions and practices while traveling is based on respect and care for the environment. Responsible disposition of waste, minimizing the disturbance while traveling, and preserving the trees and shrubs are a must.
Nepal is a country of diverse cultures, religions, and ethnicity. Although small in area, the people have a variety of their own unique set of cultures, traditions, and lifestyles. In the Everest region, the Sherpas form the majority of the inhabitants. The Sherpas originated from Tibet and have made Everest their home since the 15th century. They are a spiritual, hardworking people also famous for their warm hospitality, and joyful nature. Buddhism is the major religion here. The vivid monasteries, and skillfully crafted mani walls (rocks or stone walls with Buddhist prayers etched on them) are apparent instances of the rich art of the Sherpas. The local monasteries are the heart of the Sherpa communities. Lhosar is the major festival that marks the beginning of a new year, observed during the month of February. Mani Rimdu is an equally important festival that falls in the ninth month of the Tibetan Calendar year, corresponding to October (or November). It involves ritualistic masked dances, songs, communal gatherings, and the enactment of legendary stories along with merry feasts. Although the Sherpas are known by the world as skilled mountaineers, not every Sherpa is a mountaineer or a trekking guide.
While visiting the communities within the trekking regions, trekkers are expected to be sensitive and respectful towards the local culture. Keep an eye out for instructions with regard to common etiquette. For instance: leaving your shoes outside sacred areas like monasteries, temples, and other shrines, maintaining decent clothing, and taking care of physical gestures with women of the community. While the locals are friendly and may not openly object to such actions, it is our duty to be alert towards it.
Some of the lodges (in more remote areas) are powered by solar panels and the energy supply is limited. You may be required to pay a minimum price (USD 1 to 3 per full charge) for charging the cellphones and other electronic devices which will be directly collected by the lodge owner.
Local mobile networks operators like Ncell and NTC offer limited coverage along the EBC trek. You can avail of a local sim for as low as NRs. 100 (less than 1 USD) with limited validity and internet data volume. On average NRs. 100 to 500 would take care of your internet usage for the duration of the trip. Internet via the SIM network generally works fairly well at Lukla, Namche, and Gorakshep. If you’re not taking the local SIM, you can buy Everest link cards at Lukla or Namche for internet connection with fair coverage at the teahouses in Lukla, Namche, and a few others. It would cost you around USD 10.
A good quality sleeping bag and down jacket would be required to withstand the drop in temperature in the high altitude on the trek. A minimum rating of -15 C (5 F) would be advisable for the gears. Access Nepal offers the option of free borrowings of a decent quality sleeping bag and down jacket. These are rated up to -20 C (68 F). The gears are checked thoroughly for quality and cleaned after each usage. Please, let us know in advance once you have booked your trip with us to enable us to arrange one for you. Also, please remember to return them once you are back from your trek.
Always walk in a group. The guide will try to stick around with everyone. However, there is a possibility that some people walk faster than others. If that is the case, he shall be walking in turns with the participants. The rest of the group will be accompanied by the porter/s or an assistant guide in a bigger group.
To ensure a safe and secure trekking experience to the Everest Base Camp, it is highly recommended to obtain travel insurance. As you embark on your journey, you may face various challenges like altitude sickness, harsh weather, accidents, and flight cancellations. By purchasing travel insurance, you will have coverage in case of any unforeseen events and enjoy a worry-free trekking adventure. Specialist travel insurance would be required to guarantee you are adequately insured. In addition to covering medical expenses and trip cancellation, please ensure that all activities and destinations in the itinerary are included in your policy, specifically mountaineering or alpinism. Coverage in the event of emergency helicopter evacuation, medical treatment, and hospitalization in case of injury, or death is mandatory.
At Access Nepal, we recommend that you do your own research to select the insurance company. A valid proof of your insurance certificate should be brought along during the trek. While we don’t have any affiliations with insurance providers, we’re happy to offer advice and assistance if you need help understanding your insurance policies or selecting an insurer. Please note that the insurance policy is a contract between you and the insurance company and we cannot be held responsible for any dispute between you and your insurance company. Failure to provide proof of insurance may prevent you from joining your program and you wouldn’t be eligible for a refund.
In an event of a rescue/evacuation situation, your guide will be handling your rescue situation in coordination with the base office. In case an evacuation situation arises, the helicopter companies are contacted immediately. However, due to recent changes in regulations, rescue helicopters can only respond to a rescue call once the Guarantee of Payment (GOP) is received from the client’s insurance company. It is therefore mandatory to carry with you a summary of your insurance policy containing the policy number and details along with the Specialty Assistance (24X7) helpline number. Please, make sure you share the insurance policy information with us before you depart for the trek.
We do our best to ensure the above itinerary is adhered to, but cannot fully assure you of the same. The conditions in the remote Himalayan regions can be volatile, and susceptible to unforeseen weather changes and natural disasters, rendering the existing trails unsafe and may also affect the health of the trekkers. In case of any emergencies due to the afore-mentioned reasons or any other, you are requested to respect any decision that your team leader (guide) makes which is in the best interest of your safety. We humbly request for your full co-operation should such a situation arise.
Access Nepal arranges for your transportation to the trek start and end points as part of the package services. A private car with a professional driver is arranged for the transfers.
Kindly note that the weather condition of both Kathmandu and Lukla is taken into consideration before all Kathmandu-Lukla-Kathmandu flights are given the green signal. Delays of a few hours and even cancellations due to unsafe weather conditions and visibility are not uncommon. We request your patience in such circumstances. However, if possible, we can arrange for helicopter services, if you are willing to pay for the extra cost. We recommend that you arrange for at least a few extra days before your return flight. In the event of the flight being canceled prior to your trip, we make arrangements for extra nights of accommodation in a hotel in Kathmandu for as many days as needed, the additional costs to be borne by the client. If the unfavorable condition prolongs to the extent of affecting your trekking, you are welcome to select an alternative package to other areas of Nepal.
Please Read: Current arrangements for your Lukla flights and Ramechhap Airport blogs.
Luggage Capacity for domestic flight
The baggage capacity for the domestic flight will be 15 kg in total i.e.
Luggage: 10 Kg
Hand carry: 5 kg
While it is feasible to do the Everest Base Camp trek at any time, the most favorable times to undertake it are from March to May and September-end to November, when the weather is expected to be at its best. The weather during these months is generally clear with bright sunny days making for an ideal trekking condition. The temperatures during the day range from 15°C to 20°C, while at night, they can drop to as low as -15°C. However, the climate at higher elevations is highly unpredictable, and it can get quite cold and windy. It is best to avoid the monsoon season from June to August, as the trails can be slippery and hazardous, and the views are often obscured by clouds and mist.
It is the best way to explore a country as naturally and culturally diverse as Nepal. Aside from immersing in the wonders of nature, you get to meet people who are known for their friendliness and hospitality. The adventurous walk cuts through rhododendron forests (even at lower altitude), streams and rivers, interesting villages, monasteries and monuments and also climbs over glaciers and high altitude viewpoints.
If you are physically fit and guided by a sense of adventure, you would love trekking! The mountains and hills of Nepal have trails that match all abilities. The remotest trails that are mostly unexplored to well-marked trails with ample facilities, Nepal has it all.
The prime challenges trekkers face in the trekking regions are language barrier and navigation. A major section of the trekking regions are uninhabited and in the remaining sections that are, the locals hardly understand English or other foreign languages. Weather conditions and other unanticipated challenges can make it difficult to plan the day’s trek, meals and shelter options. A wrong turn could push you off the trail into harm’s way.
A guide on the other hand, eases things for you, enriches your experience and ensures safety. Guidance that comes from experience and deep local knowledge lets you to enjoy and make the most out of your trip while you leave the arrangements and planning to your guide who becomes an important part of your team.
There is no specific age limit. Trekkers as young as 6 and as old as 75 have trekked in the Himalayas. However, trekkers under the age of 18 are required to be accompanied by a guardian. Younger trekkers should only be brought along if they can be appropriately cared for and can properly communicate any problems to their guardian.
Trekking in the Himalayas can be moderately challenging to difficult based on the terrain, number of trekking days, time of the year and current weather conditions. It also depends on previous trekking experience and skill of the trekker.
It is preferable, but not necessary. However, physical fitness and the ability to cope with strenuous conditions in high altitudes is necessary to make the experience a pleasant one. It is therefore recommended that you begin physical training, involving cardiovascular workout and stamina enhancement months ahead of the trek.
Although the destinations in lower altitude can be trekked throughout the year, Spring (February to May) and Autumn (October to December) are the best times to trek in high altitude. Nepal receives monsoon rain from June through September, which is not a great time to trek. However, the rain shadow areas of Upper Mustang, Dolpo and Nar-Phu offer a great escape during the season. Winter is very cold in the upper mountains with heavy snowfall which cause obstructions in the trekking routes.
A Trekkers’ Information Management System (TIMS) card is necessary for most trekking regions. An entrance permit is required for protected areas such as the Annapurna Conservation Area, Sagarmatha National Park and others. Upon confirmation of your booking, we acquire all necessary permits on your behalf.
Most of our treks range from one to four weeks.
The average trekking hours is around six hours. It can range from four to eight hours a day depending upon trail conditions, day of the itinerary, and weather conditions.
All treks with an exception of a camping trek include accommodation in a mountain lodge or guest house for overnight stays and meals.
Teahouse trekking is a popular trekking option wherein trekkers stay at cozy local tea houses in the mountainous regions on a full-board basis. This trekking style is preferred by most trekkers who do not want to carry the additional burden of tent, food supplies and other daily necessities.
Camping trek involves spending the night in designated outdoor campsites at the end of each trekking day. The team caters to all your meals and you sleep in tents. We have a team of professional cook and support staff in addition to guides and porters.
During the trek, we provide as much chlorinated water as you need. You may also refill your bottles at refreshment stops or at the hotel if you happen to carry chlorine tablets or other water purification options. You can also buy bottled water along the trail on most treks. A liter of bottled water ranges from USD 1 in shops and teahouses at lower elevation up to USD 4 in high altitude teahouses.
Most trekking trips involve eating at teahouses or lodges along the trail. These facilities have existed for quite some time at key places and have been serving trekkers and travelers with hygienic food and shelter. Most lodges source the ingredients from their own organic kitchen garden.
You can find common continental and oriental dishes on the menu while the staple dal-bhat-tarkari (lentil soup-rice-vegetable or meat curry) is the specialty almost everywhere. It is recommended that you stick to vegetarian dishes while on trek as the meat available is not refrigerated and therefore unsafe to consume. Although the menu gets limited as you ascend higher, it is common to find dal-bhat and noodles with soup almost anywhere. You may be surprised to find good bakeries in high altitude villages in the Everest and Annapurna region though.
The nationwide expansion of mobile network has made it possible to enjoy 4G and 3G network in most parts of the trek up to moderate altitude. A simcard for NCell and NTC, the leading mobile telecommunications providers can easily be availed. Uninterrupted connection however is greatly affected by weather conditions and terrain. More high altitude remote areas like the Everest base camp require satellite phones.
A good level of overall fitness, sound health and stamina is necessary to go on and enjoy the trek. If you have any chronic or acute health condition, we recommend that you consult your physician before signing up for the trip.
It is a known fact that oxygen levels at higher altitudes are significantly lower than the level that we are used to and the body needs to adjust to this change in atmosphere. The best way to aid acclimation is to climb slowly. We have prepared our itinerary to allow enough time for acclimation and not put too much of strain on the body. Adequate acclimation days, a combination of rest and a short hike have been arranged to further support the process. Minor symptoms of altitude sickness include severe, persistent headache, coughing, pressure in the chest, shortness of breath even while at rest, dizziness, tiredness, loss of appetite and others. It is vital you constantly monitor your health condition and report any signs of sickness to your team leader.
With gradual ascent of altitude, prolonged exposure to increased solar radiation can harm our skin and eyes. Fresh snow in high altitudes reflect hazardous levels of UV rays that can cause much damage, especially to the eyes. It is thus vital to adequately protect them. Use of hats, long-sleeved clothing, sunblock lotion with adequate SPF and goggles are strongly recommended.
If you fall sick or get injured despite precautions, our first-aid trained guides would be your first help. Depending upon the nature of sickness or injury, you would either be immediately taken to a lower altitude (in case of altitude sickness) or evacuated by a rescue helicopter for medical attention. We would require your insurance details to arrange for a rescue helicopter if you are injured in a remote area and in no condition to trek further.
Safety of all our guests is our utmost priority. Nepal has been well-known as a safe destination and the Nepalese as friendly and welcoming people. We generally trek in small groups in constant care and company of our experienced and expert guides. The places that we frequently utilize as our stops have been known to be reliable and safe over the years that we have been served. As such the safety of all travelers is ensured.
Your insurance is mandatory and should cover emergency air ambulance and/or helicopter rescue services and all related medical expenses for injury, death, loss of baggage, theft and trip cancellation. Please ensure that all activities and destinations in the itinerary are included in your policy, specifically mountaineering or alpinism. You are required to send in you insurance details while booking the trip. For more information, please refer to Useful trek info.
Please refer to our detailed packing list for guidance. It is important that you consider your trekking route and the season you would be trekking in to pack adequately and properly. You would neither want to be underprepared for the freezing high mountains nor burdened with extra clothing and gears you would hardly use. Broadly speaking, a good quality backpack, down jacket (rated up to -10ºC), a warm fleece jacket, moisture-wicking top, trekking pants and shorts, thermal underwear, a pair of comfortable boots, woolen socks with extras, woolen caps, hat, scarves, UV protection goggles, trekking poles, water bottle and a good quality sleeping bag are the essentials. If you happen to miss out any items, you can easily purchase or rent any gears or supplies in Kathmandu or Pokhara.
The maximum weight of baggage per person on a mountain flight is 15 kg including hand carry, so please make sure you do not carry any extra items that you would hardly use on trek. This is also to strictly ensure that our porters are not overburdened. Any additional baggage that you bring along would be subject to additional cost from the airlines company and for hiring of an extra porter.
A sturdy yet comfortable pair of walking boots with ankle support is recommended for trekking. Always pick a broken-in pair of boots over new ones to prevent blisters and other inconveniences while on trek. The soles must be thick enough to protect your feet from sharp rocks and have a good tread for grip. If possible, opt for water-resistant boots that help keep your feet dry. Use woolen socks to keep your feet warm and do not forget to pack in extra pairs. A pair of crampons makes walking on ice easy.
A porter carries 10 to 12 kg per person of your baggage depending upon the trekking route, altitude and weather conditions. We allocate one porter for every two trekkers. A camping porter carries more.
Tipping your guide and porter is not obligatory, but it has become a standard practice to tip your guide and porter in Nepal in appreciation of their care and service. Most of the guides and locals belong to communities in the trekking regions and even a small support can help them look after their families better. Although the tip amount depends upon your satisfaction and financial conditions, trekkers normally tip around 15% of the trip cost.
Our trip costs include all expenses during the trip. It covers your transportation to and from the trek start and end destinations, accommodations, meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner), permit and fees. You may require some pocket money for your personal expenses. It can be used to cover bottled water, snacks, extra coffee and tea, souvenirs, voluntary tips and donations.
ExcellentBased on 318 reviewsDavid M2023-06-27Excellent all round Completed the three peaks pass with access Nepal. Hiked for 15 days straight. Found a couple of day’s challenging. The challenge made the adventure even more special. Found access Nepal to be a great company. Everything was organised and constant communication between their office and our designated go between. Our guide Subodh was fantastic. Provided plenty information on cultural landmarks along the walk and of Nepal itself. He encouraged us to go at our own pace and was flexible with the path to make some days easier and catch up on other days. We had 3 sherpas Netra, yubaraj and Dipesh. These guys are beasts and well deserve a generous tip. All in all the trip was fantastic and the price for the trip was on the low side compared to other tour companies and they are a local company that rely on word of mouth. Would book them in again when going back to Nepal. David (Australia)Fernanda M2023-06-07Guaranteed support and unique experience with Access I did the Three Passes Trekking with Access and I can assure you that it was the best experience of my life. Sadhana gave me all the support a few weeks before the trip, organized the itinerary, a guide gave me all the tips before the trip, clothes, health, itinerary, tips and everything else. In addition to everything, Lakpa was my guide, I don't know what would have become of me without him, he recognized the moments when I was very tired, he arranged all my organization for a peaceful stay in the lodges and he gave me a lot of support. Anyway, I recommend Access with my eyes closed, I want and will go back to Nepal in the near future and do other trekkings. It was my life's dream come true!Marita R2023-05-28Fantastic company that will give you the experience of a lifetime! This is our second time going with Access Nepal, this time for our honeymoon, and it was just as fantastic the second time around. It's an absolutely lovely company that will handle your trip as professionally as possible, from arriving at the airport to leaving again. They listen to your needs and wishes, and customize the trip accordingly. We are always incredibly well taken care of by one of the managers, Sadhana, who is a dear friend by now, who always does anything she can to make the trip the absolute best it can be. And we couldn't have asked for better company or a more trustworthy guide than our guide Giri. The company has very high standards as to how they treat and compensate their staff, and its really visible in the content and pride shown by all of their staff members. As for the treks they offer, we've done both the Everest three high passes and the Manaslu circuit now, and both have been absolutely mind-blowing. There really is no other place in the world like the Himalayas. Every single part; the Jeep ride into the areas, the high roads, the mountain sides, the mountains following your every step; everything is just absolutely amazing. It's too amazing to describe in words or pictures. I can't tell you anything but to GO!!! It's well, well, well worth the time and cost!!Alcenir2023-05-273 passes with Accsess Nepal I had one of the best experiences of my life with Accsess Nepal, in the mountains of Nepal. To go to the Everest Base Camp is a dream of many. However, I wanted a little bit more, so I chose the "Everest 3 High Passes - 19 days" trek. Incredible. The sights and people of this wonderful place will remain etched in my memory forever. The company provided all the administrative support for my arrival in Kathmandu, through Sadhana. She was always very prompt with my various questions and ensured a perfect organization for my comfort and safety. And, finally, Devman. He was our guide during the trek. A first-rate professional. Very concerned about the safety of the group. Knowledgeable about the mountain and the fantastic Nepalese culture. He ensured that everyone individually enjoyed the best possible experience on this spectacular trek. I really recomend this company and if you can, choose Devman as your guide. Enjoy the mountain!Izabele F2023-05-22It was worth waiting so many years I did the Everest Base Camping trek with this agency and it was much better than I expected. I made the trip alone and received all the support from Sadhana and had the most partner guide along with the porter. I felt safe and respected the entire time. We form a family and enjoy every day with great joy. This trip will stay forever in my memory and heart. Very grateful to the entire Access Nepal family, especially my guide Sobodh for all his care and teachings.Girish B2023-05-03Grand tour of Nepal Our whole trip to Nepal was excellent from the tailor made itinerary organized by Pratap to the internal transfers by car. The whole trip was professionally organized after several discussions until it was exactly as we wanted and the tour company did not fail us. Our guide Bimal was very protective and very knowledgeable and the driver Laxman was safe and very experienced. I would definitely recommend this company to friends and family as we got the exact trip that we wanted and expected. The hotels selected were fantastic throughout. If we were to do this trip again we would fly internally rather than drive as the roads were not that great. Thankyou Pratap for a memorable trip. Girish and Leena Bhome (UK)Vro v2023-05-02Perfect! They are very professional my trip to Langtang with "Access Nepal" was perfect, wonderful and great. I would repeat with them in ny futures trip to Nepal .Thanks for everthing Access Nepal! :)Arancha E2023-05-01Valle Langtang Creo que he conseguido realizar uno de mis grandes sueños pero no hubiera sido lo mismo sin esta gran familia de guías y sherpas , ellos han conseguido que me sintiera super segura y sobre todo han conseguido que el trekking que he realizado con otras 22 personas se volviera todo como en un cuento de hadas. Super profesionales y muy muy atentos en todo momento, facilitandonos el día a día. Muchísimas graciasBeatriz T2023-05-01Conectar con lo esencial Me encanto, fue una experiencia muy positiva todo , las calles , los templos un lugar muy seguro con muchas tradicionesArturo2023-04-24Thanks Acces Nepal for the amazinn Langtang Valley Trek!! Spectacular trekking through the Langtang Valley, with wonderful views and a great feeling of peace and nature. The guides (Nava and Vicas) are excellent, very professional, always attentive to any customer need. The porters are very nice and hard workers. And the people in charge of the company welcomed us and said goodbye very kindly, always with smiles and nice words. Namaste Acces Nepal!!
I did the Everest Base Camping trek with this agency and it was much better than I expected. I made the trip alone and received all the support from Sadhana and had the most partner guide along with the porter. I felt safe and respected the entire time. We form a family and enjoy every day with great joy. This trip will stay forever in my memory and heart. Very grateful to the entire Access Nepal family, especially my guide Sobodh for all his care and teachings.
Access Nepal organised the Everest Base Camp trek for my wife and I and my cousin. It was well planned and well organised with good communication. Our guide, Dev, and porters were awesome and I could not say enough about how good they were. They could not have looked after us better and managed our trek so we all made it to EBC and enjoyed the experience. Highly recommended.
If you are looking for a trekking company to do Everest base camp trek – look no further. This company will take care of you from start to finish! We had subodh as our guide. And Netra as our porter. It was just my husband and I with these two. They were an amazing team! They made our experience so good I would consider this trip a huge success! Our guide had everything we needed from water purification tablets to all the knowledge you need to help altitude sickness. He also helped me consistently carry my day pack. 🥲 Help that I needed on the trek. He also helped find good tea houses the entire way. Anytime we had a request he worked really hard to make sure we can get what we asked for at the tea houses! From a shower, to an outlet, to having a room above the dining area (it makes the room warmer). Netra went above and beyond. And was not just a porter. He took photographs and videos of us while we went up kala pathar on horses. I now have this beautiful experience captured thanks to him. 🥲 I am not a fast hiker and these two were very very patient. We made it to Base camp December 1, 2022. It was an amazing experience! I could not have done it without Subodh and Netra! Thank you so much! Pratap from Access Nepal also helped us with information, prior and after the trek. He was available on WhatsApp – at all times for any questions. He was with us before the trek, and after. Look no further. Book your trek with them NOW! 🙂
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