Everest Base Camp Trek

Everest Base Camp Trek Gear Lists

Clothing

1. Trekking Trousers
2. Trekking shirts
3. Inner Thermals (Top/bottom)
4. Breathable Underwear
5. Fleece Jacket
6. Windproof jacket
7. Dawn jacket
8. Trekking Towel

Head Gears

1. Sun Hat
2. Head Band
3. Buff (snood)

Hand Gear

1. Inner Gloves
2. Outer Gloves

Foot Gears

1. Hiking Boots
2. Hiking shocks
3. Thermal shocks
4. Gaiters

Bags

1. Duffle Bag*
2. Backpack (rucksack for day pack)
3. A few Ziploc/waterproof bags

Equipment

1. Sleeping Bag
2. Sleeping bag liner (if you rent)
3. Trekking Pole
4. Sunglasses
5. Water bottle or Hydration Bladder
6. Headlamps
7. Camera/video camera
8. Water purification tablets*/ filters/ UV light
9. Diamox/Dzolamode
10. Sunscreens
11. Toiletries
12. If you take any specific medicine

Permits Information

Everest Base Camp trek permits are essential documents required for trekking in the Everest region of Nepal, including the Sagarmatha National Park. There are three main permits necessary for the Everest Base Camp trek:

1. TIMS Card

   (Trekkers’ Information Management System) Card: The TIMS card is a mandatory permit for all trekkers in Nepal to enter the Mount Everest base Camp. It helps authorities keep track of trekkers and ensures their safety. There are two types of TIMS cards: the green TIMS card for individual trekkers and the blue TIMS card for organized trekkers. You can obtain your TIMS card from the Nepal Tourism Board office or the Trekking Agencies Association of Nepal (TAAN) office at Maligaun or Thamel counter. As you are doing the trip with the registered company they will be obtaining your trekking TIMS card.

2. Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit

   This permit is specifically for entering the Sagarmatha National Park, which encompasses the Everest region. It supports conservation efforts and helps manage the flow of tourists in the area. Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit: You can obtain this permit either in Kathmandu or in the town of Lukla, depending on your trekking route. In Kathmandu, you can acquire a permit from the Nepal Tourism Board office. In Lukla, you can obtain it at the Sagarmatha National Park entrance checkpoint. You’ll need to fill out an application form, provide a copy of your passport, and pay the permit fee

3. Khumbu Pasang Lamu Rural Municipality Fee

   This local Government entry Permit is Mandatory in Everest Base Camp trekking to enter the region. The local body of the government of Nepal started collecting the fees at the start point which directly helps local to build the infrastructure development. You can obtain this Permit at Lukla just before starting your trekking. There is an office just right after the village where you can purchase your permits to start your trek.

As for the cost, the TIMS card fee varies depending on whether you’re trekking independently or with an organized group. The Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit fee also varies based on nationality. As of 2024, the National Park permit fees are around $12 for SAARC nationality & $24 for those except SAARC nationality. TIMS card is around $16 for FIT & $9 for the people trekking through the company & Khumbu Pashang Lhamu municipality fees are about $16

These permits are typically valid for the duration of your trek and must be carried with you at all times. You may be required to show them at various checkpoints along the trekking route. It’s essential to check the latest permit requirements and fees before embarking on your Everest Base Camp trek.

EBC Trek for Beginners?

The Everest Base Camp trek is considered challenging due to its high altitude, varying weather conditions, and demanding terrain. While it is a popular trek and achievable for many, it may not be the best choice for absolute beginners with no trekking or high-altitude experience. Here are some factors to consider:

1. Altitude

   The trek takes you to high altitudes, and altitude sickness is a major concern. It’s important to acclimatize properly, and individuals without previous experience at high elevations might find it more challenging. So, you have to be prepared and take precaution.

2. Duration

   The trek usually takes around 12 to 14 days, covering a considerable distance and involving several hours of trekking each day. Beginners may find the duration and daily distances challenging. So, you should try out cardiovascular exercises beforehand to be more fit.

3. Terrain

   The trail includes steep ascents and descents, rocky paths, and suspension bridges. While it doesn’t require technical climbing skills, a reasonable level of physical fitness and endurance is necessary.

4. Weather Conditions

   Weather conditions in the Everest region can be unpredictable, with cold temperatures and the possibility of snow even during trekking seasons. Proper clothing and preparation are essential.

If you are a beginner but keen on trekking in Nepal, many other trekking options are more suitable for those with limited experience. The Annapurna region, for example, offers various trekking routes with diverse landscapes and less extreme altitudes, making it more accessible for beginners.

Before attempting any trek, especially in high-altitude regions like Everest, it’s crucial to:

• Assess your fitness level.
• Acquire basic trekking skills.
• Spend time at higher altitudes gradually to acclimatize.
• Consult with a healthcare professional regarding altitude-related health concerns.

If you’re determined to trek to Everest Base Camp and are a beginner, consider hiring an experienced guide and joining a trekking group for added support and safety.

Our Company Happy Mountain Nepal always gives priority to ensure the safety of our customers.

Guide to Everest Base Camp Trek

Trekking Day

While you are Trekking to Everest Base Camp you will stay in Tea Houses (Basic Lodges that provide accommodation & Food), You will have a nice descent Tea House During the Trek to Everest Base Camp, before your departure to Trekking you will need to pack your trekking bag before your breakfast in Tea House, as porters will set off early. After breakfast we need to walk approximately 3-4 hours for lunchtime, some time in some places it takes even longer,  After a relaxing lunch, you typically spend around 2-3 hours or more sometimes on the trail before reaching your Tea House (Overnight Stay Place). Throughout the day, you will take frequent rest breaks and take time to admire the fascinating mountain views. You take plenty of pictures of yourself with the incredibly panoramic mountains of the Everest Region, Farmlands, Terraces, locals,  Rivers, landscapes, Buddhist prayer flags, temples, shrines, cairns, monasteries, Stone Mani walls  & many different heard of Mules & Yaks. Etc. Once you arrive at your tea house, you check in at your hotel & order your dinner around 5 pm so they will have some time to prepare your dinner as the tea houses are very busy during the peak seasons. You take some rest and Dinner is generally around 6- 7 pm. After your dinner, your Trip Leader will give you a briefing for tomorrow’s trip like what time you are starting, what time you are waking, breakfast, stops, temperatures & general insight into the day so you are prepared for the day after the commentary season your crew will take your breakfast order for tomorrow. Now your bedtime!

Day Pack

You need to carry your day pack for your essential items like a water bottle, wallet, medicine (if you have any), camera, sunscreen, etc. Your guide will let you know every evening after dinner about any extra items you will need for the following day. If you have a comfortable day pack your load will only be a few kilograms and hardly noticeable. You are carrying it because you may not see your porter during the trekking hours. After all, he is carrying the big loads & his pace might be different than the rest of the group.

Food/Meal

During your stay In Kathmandu descent Breakfast will be provided in the Hotel you are staying but during the trek, you will have three meals (Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner), Every Tea House has its menu so you can order menu food items but if you are traveling in a group we request you to select from few different options as it is difficult sometimes when 20 people order 20 different verity of food in the mountain as they are basic.

Accommodation/ Bathrooms

Your Accommodation in Kathmandu will be provided deluxe room with private facilities on Breakfast basic. During the Trekking you will have Basic Descent Tea House which is a basic (normal) standard.  Normally they have Clean Comfortable Twin sharing Rooms & can be arranged single supplement room for an additional cost. Hot Showers are available in some places but they will charge directly to clients when they ask for a hot shower.

Bathrooms in the Everest region are pretty good most of the places & tea houses have clean western toilets. All the Toilets/bathrooms are built inside the same building but only very few are inside the room (Attached). To book the Attached ones we need prior bookings & also availability. Happy Mountain Nepal is always here to book the best accommodations in your Everest Base Camp Trekking.

Transportation

Transportation in Kathmandu Valley will be with private transportation like Cars, vans, or buses depending upon the group size. In the trekking region, transportation means hiking and in some cases, Yaks/horses and donkeys are used for baggage carriage. In this trekking route, hiking is the major means of transportation while your baggage will be carried by porters.

On your journey to Everest Base Camp Trekking, Landing & taking off from the Lukla Airport are the most important attractions these days as lots of people want to experience this unique airport & you are also Landing & taking off from the Lukla airport on a short twin otter flight (Fixed Wings)

Trekking Staff

The Trip Leader/ Guide is overall in charge of the trek and looking after you. This is the person you should go to with all problems, concerns, and questions. All our guides are well-trained in all aspects of trekking, conservation, high-altitude medicine, and first-aid and emergency procedures. They are professionals selected for their knowledge and passion for Nepal and its people. We are hiring a local porter from Lukla as we empower the local community. Your field staff is extremely powerful to carry your bags & assist you on your journey to Everest Base Camp.

Grading of EBC

Everest Base Camp Trek is an Adventure Trekking in Nepal you must have well fitness level and be well prepared, before you come to Everest Base Camp Trekking it’s much better to go Swimming, Cycling, or walking every day 4 km or take the stairs instead of an elevator. Remember that no trek in the Himalayas is a stroll as all treks involve going up and down at altitude and that altitude affects everyone differently.

Money

It is better to bring the USD to Nepal because you can change it everywhere easily. You can exchange enough money for Nepalese Rupees to last the entire time of your trek before leaving Kathmandu. You can find the money exchange counters near your hotel and also get on trekking trails but they will take more commission. You have an option for withdrawing your cash on the ATMs in Kathmandu but they have limited transactions only & sometimes it may not work that easy as you have to get permission from your bank to use your card in a foreign land.

Tipping

Tipping is a personal and voluntary matter and tips are not included in the trip price, but those who will be working on this lifetime journey of EBC are expecting some tips as a measure of happiness/success to their Clint. You can directly reward them for their big support for your journey. Tipping has no limitation on specific rates so you can give tips as much as you like if they make you happy with your trip.

Insurance

It is an important part of the trip. Your Travel insurance is not included in the trip price. Your travel insurance must provide coverage against personal accident, medical expenses, emergency evacuation and repatriation (including helicopter evacuation), and personal liability. It includes trekking crews and also against personal accidents the company will have field staff Insurance for emergencies.

Health

There are no specific health-related requirements for travel to Nepal. However, for the trekking in the Himalayas, you are in excellent health with average physical fitness and have a positive attitude, self-confidence, and strong determination, you can accomplish this trek but you should consult your doctor for up-to-date information regarding vaccinations, high altitude medication and medications for any reasonably foreseeable illnesses whilst traveling in Nepal. Some parts of trekking have a small health post for emergency treatment with limited equipment, limited health workers, and medication. (Himalayan Rescue Associations) Be aware that some drugs, including anti-malarial, have side effects at altitude. Please discuss this carefully with your doctor.
Be aware that you will be in remote areas and away from medical facilities for some time during this trip. We strongly recommend that you carry a personal First Aid kit as well as sufficient quantities of any personal medical requirements (including a spare pair of glasses). Happy Mountain Nepal Field crew will also have a comprehensive first-aid kit through the EBC trek.

High Altitude Sickness

AMS (acute mountain sickness) is a serious issue. It is the result of the failure of the body to adapt to high altitude and can affect anyone, regardless of age or fitness. It usually occurs above 2,500 meters and the likelihood of being affected increases as you ascend. The way to reduce the effects of altitude is to ascend slowly, 300-500 meters per day above 3,000 meters until you have acclimatized. Poor acclimatization results in headache, nausea, sleeplessness, difficulty breathing, and swelling of fingers and glands. The only cure for AMS is to descend to a lower altitude and your guide’s decision on this matter is final. When you are planning to trek above 3,000 meters we recommend not walking faster. Walking slowly, drinking plenty of fluids, proper acclimatization is crucial. If you get altitude sickness or any health-related symptoms please consult with your guide/trip leader to go down at least 500 meters to recover.

Important Note:

During the very Peak season, the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal has announced an air congestion issue in Kathmandu Airport for the flight operation to Lukla from Kathmandu. Most of the flights to Lukla will commence from Ramechhap Airport until further notice. The airport in Ramechhap is located 130km east of Kathmandu (approximately 4-5 hours drive).

Why EBC Trek with Happy Mountain?

Everest Base Camp Trekking with Happy Mountain Nepal offers several benefits for adventurers seeking memorable experiences in the Himalayas:

1. Expert Guidance

   Happy Mountain Nepal employs experienced guides who are familiar with the local terrain, culture, and safety protocols. They can enhance your trekking experience by providing insights into the surroundings and ensuring your safety throughout the journey.

2. Tailored Itineraries

   The Company offers a variety of trekking routes and customizable itineraries to suit different preferences and fitness levels. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced trekker, Happy Mountain Nepal can design a trekking package that meets your specific needs and interests

3. Cultural Immersion

   Trekking with Happy Mountain Nepal provides opportunities to immerse you in the rich cultural heritage of Nepal. You can interact with local communities, visit traditional villages, and learn about the customs and traditions of the Himalayan people along the way.

4. Stunning Scenery

   Nepal is home to some of the world’s most breathtaking landscapes, including snow-capped peaks, lush forests, and picturesque valleys. Trekking with Happy Mountain Nepal allows you to experience these stunning vistas up close and capture unforgettable moments in nature.

5. Responsible Tourism

   Happy Mountain Nepal is committed to promoting responsible tourism practices that minimize negative impacts on the environment and support local communities. By choosing to trek with them, you can contribute to sustainable development initiatives and conservation efforts in the region.

Overall, trekking with Happy Mountain Nepal offers a unique opportunity to explore the beauty and diversity of the Himalayas while enjoying personalized service, cultural immersion, and unforgettable adventures.