The Everest Base Camp has been the world's premier mountain trek since the 1960s when Nepal opened it's doors to commercial trekkers. Viewing the world's highest mountain, Mount Everest (Sagamartha), in person is undoubtedly the biggest draw to the trek. There are however many other reasons that make this the world's most popular trek.

Reaching Everest Base Camp is one of the most popular bucket lists items on many peoples lists

These include viewing 8 of the world's highest mountains. Following the same trail as the first summiteers of mount Everest. Engaging with the friendly Sherpa people who live in the Solukhumbu region the trek takes place in. Enjoying pristine Himalayan natural trails that have captivated trekkers for decades.

I've been on the Everest Base Camp Trek (EBC) on several occasions and this guide to the Everest Base Camp trek is the most up to date in the world today.

Below is a list of categories on this page that will hopefully answer all your questions about the trek.

Distance shown is a return trek, the final distance will depend on side treks, extra days taken e.t.c. Acclimatization days should always be adhered to. You should assess your own fitness levels and assess each treks difficulty level yourself before trekking.

There are two Mt Everest Base Camps. One on the Chinese/Tibetan side of Mount Everest and one on the Nepali side in the northern most part of a province known as Solukhumbu.

Map of Nepal showing the location of Everest Base Camp

Everest North Side Base Camp: Tibet/China

You can literally drive nearly all the way to Mount Everest's North Base Camp if you are in Tibet and on a restricted package tour. There's a one day same day return hike to the camp. You'll be limited to a tour and have to deal with the hassles of Chinese visas, permits etc. And you don't get all that close to Everest. The North side does offer a good view though. The Chinese are still building a new "resort" at the north camp which is due to open in late 2019 but earlier in the year the closed it for "environmental reasons". For trekkers, Tibet's Everest Base Camp is not really an option as it's more of a photo opportunity and tour with much less trekking involved plus there are still visa issues to overcome.

Everest South Side Base Camp: Nepal

This is the most popular trekkers base camp for Mt Everest and the more famous one. Reached by a 12/16 day trek its views of Everest are limited up close due to some other mountains in front of it. However by climbing Kala Patthar beside basecamp you do get spectacular views of Mount Everest and all of the Himalayan mountain range while being right on them. The Nepali side also offers a fantastic trekking experience with no permit or visa hassles. There are several trekking routes to start the Everest Base Camp but all converge on the main route to base camp.

This map shows you the trekking routes from Jiri, Lukla and Gokyo

The RED line is the famous Lukla to Everest Base Camp Trek

The YELLOW line shows a side trek to Gokyo

The ORANGE line shows the route from Jiri to Lukla

Please note this map should not be used as a practical trekking map. While the main Everest Base Camp Trek route remains the same there are variations depending on weather conditions, time of year, natural events and physical changes to the trek paths. Detailed trekking maps can be obtained in Nepal at very low costs.

The above map of the Everest Base Camp Trek is from my First Time Trekking in Nepal Guidebook & Nepal Guidebook - the map can be zoomed right in to display the trails up close in the digital editions. In the paperback version there are additional maps.

Everyone knows Mount Everest is the tallest mountain in the world but here are a few more facts to fill some voids.

Height of Mount Everest

Mt Everest is 8,848 meters (29,029 feet) in height. A measurement officially recognized by both the Nepali and Chinese governments.



On the way to Everest Base Camp!

How high is Everest Base Camp?

South Everest Base Camp is 5,364 meters (17,598 ft)

The Tibetan North Side Base Camp is 5,545 meters (18,192 ft)

Who discovered Mount Everest?

No one really. It has always there and in plain sight. However there have been several people accredited for accurately measuring Mount Everest in being the tallest mountain in the world.

Original British surveyors in the 19th century began mapping the world's highest mountains. Between politics, weather, and other obstacles if took over 50 years to finally confirm Everest as being the tallest mountain on earth. In 1847 Andrew Waugh, the British Surveyor General of India, James Nicolson and Radhanath Sikdar (India) are accredited with completely most of the early surveying.

What's Mount Everest's real name?

Before the survey Mount Everest had many names from the many peoples that lived in the area. Andrew Waugh named the mountain "Everest" after his predecessor as Surveyor General of India: George Everest. This was initially rebuked by George Everest but the name stuck none-the-less.

In Nepal the Nepali call Mount Everest - "Sagarmāthā".

The Chinese have launched several campaigns to call the mountain - "Qomolangma" as was their first recorded name.

What's a teahouse?

What's a Sherpa?

Who was the first person to climb Mount Everest?



Trekkers on the way to Everest Base Camp

George Mallory made the first expedition in 1921 on the North Face and failed.

in 1921 on the North Face and failed. George Finch made another attempt in 1922 on the North Face and failed.

Over the next few years both Mallory and several others made many attempts to reach the peak of Mount Everest but failed.

On 8 June 1924 George Mallory and Andrew Irvine made a joint attempt to climb Mount Everest but neither man ever returned. In 1999 an expedition team found Mallory's body and controversy has reigned ever since on whether either Mallory or Irvine had made it to the top.

Due to China's take over of Tibet the North Face was closed off for a period in the 1950's.

In 1953 Raymond Lambert and Sherpa Tenzing Norgay were able to reach a height of about 8,595 metes (28,199 ft) on the southeast ridge.

Again In 1953 a British expedition of Tom Bourdillon and Charles Evans came within 100 m (300 feet) of the summit on May 26th 1953 but ran into oxygen problems and had to turn back.

Two days later the same expedition made a second attempt on the summit with its second climbing pair Edmund Hillary (New Zealand) and Tenzing Norgay (Nepal). They reached the summit of Mount Everest at 11:30 a.m. local time on 29 May 1953.

This is traditional trekking term giving to basic guesthouses on a trek in Nepal. The number one rule at a teahouse is if you stay there you must also eat there. Most have shared bathrooms, many have privates.Sherpa is the ethnic name for the people who live in the Solukhumbu region of Nepal. Contrary to bad reports a Sherpa is not a guide. Learn more about Nepali people . However many more before them climbed Mount Everest but did not reach the summit.

Though both Hillary and Tenzing said it was a joint effort. After many years Tenzing finally spoke out and said Hillary was the first to put his foot on the summit of Mount Everest.

Where is the best place to see Mount Everest?

From Everest Base camp you won't see much other than the tip of Mt Everest. The best places to see Mount Everest up close would be a trek up to Kala Patthar which is on the Everest Base Camp trek itinerary or by trekking a different route to Gokyo.

Second to that the Tibetan approach to Everest offers a full view. Outside of trekking there are numerous Everest viewing flights from Kathmandu (weather permitting).

If you don't plan to go trekking to Everest Base Camp then you can also read places where can you see Mount Everest from.





Everest Base Camp (North Side, Tibet) Tours

Treks need to be arranged either in Nepal, Lhasa, or mainland China through an official tour. Tibet permits are now needed. The tours are about 7 days by jeep from Lhasa and require only one day of hiking. There are slight variations on this tour based on the operators.

Everest Base Camp Trek (South side, Nepal)

There are many options here ranging from package tours to independent trekking on EBC. Booking online can be significantly more expensive than booking in person when in Nepal unless using a find a local trekking guide service.

Local trekking permits are required.

Either by package tour or independently you have the choice of taking a bus from Kathmandu to Jiri and trek to Lukla then onwards to EBC. Or fly into Lukla and begin your trek from there. The trek from Lukla to EBC takes about 12 days return. From Jiri to Lukla is 6-8 days.

Trekkers with a guide going to Everest Base Camp

Is it more expensive to hire a guide online through an agency or can I do it when I get to Nepal?

If you are looking for a guide for the Everest Base Camp trek I recommend you read my article on how to hire a trekking guide in Nepal.

Booking a trek online through an agency is far more expensive than going with an independent guide. Many online agencies are often not Nepalese companies and just have a small office in Kathmandu. Likewise be careful of too good to be true or cheap prices. Unfortunately many of these rock bottom priced package treks involve a fraudulent insurance claim. The only advantage to booking through an agency is if you are seriously stuck for time on your trip. That said, you still manage the same for a lot less with an independent guide.

You may use my get a local trekking guide service if you find all the online options overwhelming.

Everest base camp weather is subject to change but does have peak seasons to visit

As with all mountainous climates the weather can change hourly. However the following weather charts and graphs will show you clear indications on temperatures and precipitation (snow) at Gorak Shep which is the accommodation area beside Everest Base Camp.

Weather chart for Gorak Shep (Everest Base Camp Trek)

Temperature and precipitation table for Everest Base Camp (Gorak Shep)

Avg. Temperature (°C) Avg. Temperature (°F) Precipitation / Rainfall (mm) January -10.9 12.4 7 February -10.1 13.8 5 March -6.8 19.8 8 April -3 26.6 9 May 0.6 33.1 9 June 4.5 40.1 37 July 5.3 41.5 103 August 4.8 40.6 116 September 3 37.4 45 October -1.8 28.8 21 November -6.6 20.1 1 December -8.9 16.0 3

It's very important to note that wind chill is not calculated into the temperatures above. Wind chill can drive temperatures down -10 to -15 degrees with ease depending on conditions.

The following months have traditionally been used as a guide for preferred times of the year to visit Everest Base Camp as they have the clearest weather.

October - November/December: this is Nepal's peak and best time to go trekking.

February-March-April: this is the end of the dry season and the second best time of year to go trekking.

November/December to January/February: the skies are clear but it can get very cold.

May - June: This is Nepal's hot season and it can get very warm indeed.

June - September: this is Monsoon season and the least popular time to go trekking in Nepal.

For more details please see my guide on the best time of year to go trekking in Nepal

December, January & February can mean snow at Everest Base Camp which this Yaks knows all about!

If trekking to Everest Base Camp in Nepal you'll need the following permits:

Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit Solukhumbu Regional Permit

Additional: Trekker Information Management System (TIMS Card) - Not currently required (2020)

The Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit can be purchased in Kathmandu at the Tourist Information Center for 3,000 rupees. Or at Monjo (on the trek). Both the Kathmandu permit and TIMS offices open between 10am - 5pm.

The Solukhumbu Regional Permit is available from a counter at Lukla. It costs 2,000 rupees. Get a receipt.

How to get a Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit



A Sagarmatha National Park Permit

Fill out the Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit form Hand over the completed form, your passport and 2 passport photos Pay the 3,000 rupees (only payable in Nepali Rupees) - there is no tax added. Get your permit

If you are trekking with a guide then they will most likely get your permits for you. Good guides will even get them ahead of your arrival to Nepal. Meanwhile Independent trekkers can get their Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit at the Tourism Office in Kathmandu. There is another permit office at Monjo (a village just past Namche Bazar on the trek).The permit is only valid for one entry and one exit. However, so long as you don't exit, you can use it for as many treks as you want in the Sagarmatha National Park. It is a mandatory permit.

How to get a Solukhumbu Regional Permit

Solukhumbu region has a 2,000 rupee regional fee to all trekkers.



A Solukhumbu Permit

This is payable within the region itself.

The Solukhumbu permit can only be obtained in Lukla (while you are on the trek). The counter is at the end of Lukla Village.

Pay 2000 rupees Get your Solukhumbu Regional Permit



No more TIMS Cards needed for Everest

Once the Solukhumbu region started issuing their own permits they stated there was no need for a TIMS card. However the Tourism Office who oversees the issued permits disagreed and throughout 2017-2018 they both went back and forth. You can read more about the details on additional Solukhumbu fee information As of 2020 TIMS cards are still no longer necessary. This may however change at a whim as it did previously. TIMS cards cost USD $10 with a guide or $20 if you are trekking independently. They are available at the tourism board (where they sell the Sagarmatha permits). Again, they are not currently needed for the Everest Base Camp trek.

Here's a fully up to date list of National Park entry permits and TIMS fees for trekking in Nepal.

Some tour operators provide basic equipment

If going to the North Base Camp in Tibet your tour operator should have all your equipment for you aside from basic clothing. However do take note of the following list as you can't go wrong including them.

Warm breathable clothing, trekking shoes/boots, hats, sunglasses, sun protection cream are needed but trekking poles will help save your knees from wear and tear!

If going to the south or Nepali Everest Base Camp then you'll basically need to look after yourself. Although some local trekking companies are starting to offer sleeping bags and trekking poles for free (you'll need to return them after the trek).

Clothes

A lot of your clothing requirements will depend on the time of year you go. The following are necessities:



Trekking Store in Kathmandu

A good pair of hiking boots

Good quality socks

A wind cheater style jacket

Long sleeve shirts

Trekking pants

Hat

Shorts

Sunglasses

Sun protection cream

Rubber sandals

Travel towel

Water bottles (heat proof & water tight)

Water purification system

Wet Wipes

Toiletries

Washing powder

Map

For a more extensive trekking equipment list see below. Or if you'd like you read about the latest trekking gear available in Kathmandu. There's also an extensive list of trekking equipment and trekking stores in my trekking in Nepal guidebook.

Keep in mind if you do the trek during the off-peak winter season you'll need to carry extra clothing. Wearing layers is essential as it can get hot during the day so you'll remove clothing then. While when the sun goes down it can get very cold very fast.

Meanwhile during the monsoon season you'll need to bring a rain jacket, cap and think about additional socks. It's harder to dry things out so spares are essential.

Should I buy all my trekking gear at home or in Nepal?

Buy your trekking boots at home and break them in before arriving. The trekking boots available in Kathmandu are plentiful but bad quality fakes from China. Only use them as an emergency. Good quality trekking socks from home can help too. Though you can get trekking socks in Kathmandu. Sunglasses should also be bought at home as there are many fakes in Nepal. After that you can buy most things in Kathmandu.

See below for a more extensive list of things and equipment to pack.

Can I do laundry on the trek?

Yes, you can either have a tea house do your laundry at a cost per kg. This will not be by machine, it will be by hand. Very few people opt for this. Or, you can do your own laundry in a bucket. There are some teahouses that will charge you for the use of a bucket. You'll need to bring your own washing line as there might not be one provided or it might be full. Do obey teahouse rules about not hanging laundry in your room!

Please note the above is a very basic list. For a full comprehensive list please see my article on trekking equipment you need for Nepal

A certain level of fitness is required.

I would advise anyone going to either the North Base camp or Nepal's South Base Camp to see a doctor before you go for a check up and to talk about dealing with altitude sickness.

If you go to the Tibet side of Everest you'll spend most of your time in a Jeep with only the minimal of trekking effort needed.

For trekking to Everest Base Camp in Nepal you'll need to consider the amount of days you'll be out trekking. Most days include 4-7 hours of slow hiking. Altitude is the biggest problem (time of year & weather pending). Going slowly is essential to avoid sickness. Do not shorten your trek below 12 days. Do read about altitude sickness in Nepal.

This is one of the more difficult sections of Everest Base Camp trek where you need to climb over boulders so some fitness is certainly needed - it's also a lot steeper than it looks.

Many people from all walks of life, ages and fitness levels have trekked to Everest Base Camp. In the peak season there's nothing much to worry about in terms of cold (unless you are from a hot climate) or extreme weather. Do see above for more information about the weather at Everest Base Camp Trek.

Generally speaking, the slower you trek, the easier it is.

I have bad knees (or arthritis) can I still go to Everest Base Camp?

There are no paved roads so you will be walking on rough paths with loose rocks and rubble. Most people find they can manage this with the aid of walking poles. There are however some larger boulders that need to be climbed. There are not too many steps going downhill compared to other treks. Again, going slowly is the key to knee preservation too.

The biggest problem for people with bad knees will be the decent. This is where knees take the most stress. Again trekking poles will help but only you can be the judge of what you are capable of. Do keep in mind things like the time of year which will be factor too (cold), altitude and carrying a backpack.

I would recommend anyone with bad knees, ankles, back or any joint problems to strongly consider taking a porter.

Can my children go on the Everest Base Camp trek?

Yes is the general rule. It's advisable that your child is reasonable and able to understand and obey instructions immediately. Your child should be mature enough to recognize altitude sickness symptoms. Do keep in mind that unless you have a porter your child will need to carry their own clothes in a backpack. While it is possible for children to do the Everest Base Camp trek it's also important to realistically assess if they are capable.

What training can I do before going on the Everest Base Camp trek?

There's no specific training needed if you are reasonably fit. If you are completely sedentary then yes some cardiovascular training would be recommended. Stair climbing or hill walking will get most people ready.

Remember you'll be walking up and down rough paths for 8-12 days. You'll be at altitude too which will make things much harder.

Having a good level of fitness will help you enjoy your trek more and always remember - it's not a race!

People can get sick when trekking. Altitude sickness is the biggest problem. After that the odd bad stomach can happen as can a sprained ankle.

Do read about AMS and understand the dangers of ignoring it. A quick decent is needed if you start to feel unwell.

Are there medical facilities on the trek?

Most larger villages will have "some" form of medical clinic during peak season. Lukla, Namche, Khumjung, Pheriche and Gokyo all have clinics but none are modern and are best used for minor ailments.

You should bring your own personal medicine with you as medical supplies are basic.

For serious medical attention helicopter evacuation is available. It's highly recommend you get proper travel insurance to cover this in Nepal.

In terms of terrain there are no ropes needed and no ice picks needed. There is no vertical climbing involved. You will have to trek between 5 and 8 hours a day plus trek in high altitude.

The ground is not paved. It is rough, rocky and gravel strewn. Most of the trek involves long paths that go up and then down. People with weak ankles should take caution. Depending on the time of year you go there can also be snow and ice in the trails.

There are some boulders that need climbing, but you can also walk around many. The Khumbu Glacier can be tricky to walk on due to potholes, rocks and unsettled ground. Use caution or seek the expertise of a guide.

Chart showing the Everest Base Camp Difficulty

The above chart shows that difficulty generally increases with altitude.

For many day 2 from Phakding to Namche is one of the first real test as you reach Namche Bazaar and then hit the 3,435m mark. Many people start to feel the effects of altitude here. The good news is that on day 3 you stay in Namche Bazaar to further acclimatize. You may also venture up to Everest View at 4,000m as part of acclimatization.

Day 5 Tengbouche to Dingbouche sees another increase in altitude as you reach 4,400m. Once again the good news is the next day is part of your acclimatization days as you do a side trek to 4,600m

Day 7 Dingbouche to Lobuche is another long tough day for those effected by altitude and tiredness at 4,910m.

Some days are definitely tougher than others ... it's not a race - go slow but surely.

Day 8 Lobuche to Gorak Shep to Everest Base Camp is a long 8 hour day which culminates at 5,380m. The good news is that you come back down a little to sleep at Gorak Shep which is 5,164m

Day 9 is long day with a tough start as you climb up Kala Patthar at 5,545m but after that it's down to 4,320m

Days 10-12 the altitude drops and things become easier though again many people find day 11 tiring due to the long day and the end of the trek.

I've never trekked before, can I still go to Everest Base Camp?

Yes of course! The word "Everest" gives many people the impression of snow blizzards, summits and frostbite. During peak season you are more likely to see tanned people in shorts, selfie sticks and faces covered in sun cream.

If the above days seem to tough for you then add more days to your trek for rest. It's that simple. I've met people who've taken a 12 day trek and turned it into 16 leisurely days. They've spent their rest days exploring side treks and quite simply sitting out in the sun. Trekking to Everest Base Camp does not have to be tortuous!

So long as you are reasonably fit and come prepared you'll do well!

Here is a full breakdown on the cost an Everest Base Camp Trek. Meanwhile here is a short version. Do remember that budget is subject to many things and relevant to your own needs.

Firstly here is a list of the most expensive types of treks to the cheapest:

$1,600-$5,000+ All inclusive package tours bought overseas are the most expensive. $1, 400+ Package tours bought within Nepal are next (accommodation, meals, permits & flights are included). $1,300 Going with an independent guide and porter is next (accommodation, meals, permits & flights are included). $1,200 Going with just a guide is next (accommodation, meals, permits & flights are included). $1,100 - 1,200 Going with a guide and paying for your own accommodation, meals, permits & flights. $800-900 Going it alone is cheaper. $750-850 Going with partner shares accommodation costs $ 700+ Leaving from Salleri (no flights -note this will take 2 extra days)



With large online companies you can never be sure who you are trekking with

1

Online Package Tours

There's a staggering amount of online package tours to Everest. So many that's it's hard to tell the difference. The issue is in the small print and over charging. Many don't include meals or bundle you with a group. You also don't get to talk with your guide before going. Costs vary between too good to be true to $1,600+++. Here are some online package treks to Everest.

2

Package Tours bought in Nepal

Cheaper than buying a package tour online. Kathmandu is filled with trekking agents and companies. It's just a questions of visiting them and picking a company/service you like. Do read the itineraries carefully. There's a list of recommended trekking companies in my Trekking in Nepal Guidebook and my Nepal guidebook and do read how to hire a trekking guide in Nepal.

3

Independent Local Guide/Company & Porter Packages

By going with an independent company or guide you avoid the high overhead costs of the big trekking companies. All guides should be registered and licenses just like the company they work for. All your accommodation, meals, flights and permits are arranged by the guide. To find these guides/companies you can use the Find a Guide Service.

4

Independent Local Guide/Company Packages



Trekking guide at Base Camp

Just like the above but slightly cheaper as you won't have a porter. Everything else is included from permits, accommodation, meals and flights. Once again to find these guides/companies you can use the Find a Guide Service.

5

Local Guide Only

Going with just a guide and paying for your own permits, flights, accommodation and meals brings you a little independence. You'll need to bring a big bundle of cash but the trek can be quite rewarding. At the end of the day the trek will probably cost you the same as a guide package trek and you may lose out on a nicer bed. Once again to find these guides/companies you can use the Find a Guide Service.

6

Trekking to Everest Base Camp Alone

If you've never trekked in Nepal before, I don't recommend going alone. Do please see MissingTrekker.com for more.

I've trekked alone, with a trekking partner, with a guide and with a porter. I generally much prefer trekking with a guide. They know what they are doing, you do not have to keep up with anyone, you can take a rest day whenever you want, you can take a side trek wherever you want and you get to make friends with someone and learn more about a place than through any other method.

That said, if you have trekked in Nepal before and want to trek alone to Everest Base Camp here are the costs.

Daily costs of the Everest Base Camp Trek

Average 12 day trek cost to Everest Base Camp

Item Cost USD $ Permits (Sagamartha & Solukhumbu) 50 Guide x 12 days 336 Accommodation x 12 60 Meals 3x5 230 Water 4 liters a day 96 Charging Batteries (3 charges) 15 Transport (public) 10 Flights (RTN) 330 Total 1,223

Extras: Don't forget to include a tip for your guide 10%. Any soft drinks, sweets, hot drinks etc. you may want to purchase along the way.

Do you need a porter? Charging electronics? Taking a hot shower? Taking private (faster) transport? Add it on to the total.

The cost of an average teahouse with shared bathroom is 300 rupees in the off season and 500-800 rupees in peak season (USD $3-$8.50). Privates cost from $15-$20. Room heaters can cost from $20.

The cost of one liter of water starts at 100 rupees and reaches a maximum of 400 rupees at Gorak Shep.

The cost of a plate of Dal Bhat starts at around 500 rupees and climbs to 1000 rupees (USD $5-$10.50).

Charging a battery 200-500 rupees.

Hot Showers cost 300-500 rupees.

Average cost of guide USD $28 per day.

Average cost of porter USD $20.

Getting the right guide for the Everest Trek can make all the difference in the world!

How to reduce costs on your trek?

You could take a water filtration system like a steripen, lifestraw just remember that they are not 100% protective and don't remove microscopic minerals, chemicals or viruses. Boiling water on the trek helps (100+ rupees) as does water sterilization drops.

If you take a porter make sure you used your full 20kg allowance. Bringing snacks etc. helps to keep costs down.

A solar charger may help to keep your phone going!

Guides often get discounted flights.

Do read my article for a full break down on how much an Everest Base Camp trek costs.

Accommodation on the Everest Base Camp Trek

Accommodation on the Everest Base Camp trek is mix of traditional tea houses, more modern guesthouses and commercial hotels. The general rule of thumb is the higher up you go the lower the standard of accommodation. There is still one golden rule though.

All accommodation require that if you stay there you must eat all your meals there too.



Teahouses are generally owned by local families however things have been getting more commercial recently. They can have anything between 3 and 15 rooms. The rooms are basic with thin plywood walls. Some have private bathrooms while nearly all have shared bathrooms. Some will have squat toilets while others western. They have a large communal dining area. Costs for a teahouse room are around $2-5.

Guesthouses or lodges on the Everest Trek have become more popular in recent years. They offer more modern accommodation. They are usually found in the larger villages and are more wide spread in lower altitude. They offer plywood, concrete or stone walls. They usually have more private rooms and more western toilets. Costs for a guesthouse or lodge are around $5-20 depending on shared or private bathrooms.

Hotels are dotted along the lower portions of the Everest Trek (Lukla, Phakding, Namche & one in Pangboche). They offer modern facilities like concrete walls, private bathrooms with hot water. Costs for a hotel are around $25-100+

Not all types of accommodation are available so don't expect hotels all the way to base camp. Likewise all types of accommodation can get booked out.

Booking a room on the Everest Base Camp Trek

Don't believe the hype about being able to book a room on the trek online. While technically some places are online not all are, moreover there are other reasons it doesn't work to book online.

Internet connections not working at the hotel

Your internet or mobile connection not working

Payments from credit cards being rejected

Delays on the trek mean (you'll need to pay for cancelations)

Overbooking by tour groups (many places will tell you they were overbooked so you'll need to move on)

Overbidding by local groups (as wealth increases in Nepal local groups are out bidding tourists for accommodation so again you'll be told there was an overbooking)

Don't panic. There's plenty of accommodation on the trails. There are also plenty of villages and houses between the main stopover points.

Trekkers with guides usually have the benefit of the guide calling ahead to book a room for you. This is great as the guides often personally know the accommodation owner and get the inside scoop on what's being booked out, big groups arriving etc.

Personally I find this one of the best reasons to be with a guide. I personally often don't like saying in accommodation with a large group there so I often ask my guide to check first.

If you are independently trekking then unless it's peak season you won't have a problem getting a room. During peak season you may have to shop around a little and visit a couple of places in case they are booked out. Worst case scenarios are either having to share a room with another independent trekker or sharing the common room area with other trekkers. The best advice for independent trekkers during peak season is to start your trek early and arrive early to secure a room.

All in all the Everest Trek Route has plenty of accommodation.

Blankets, heaters, showers & facilities

Bedding: In teahouses and guesthouses (lodges) you'll usually get one thick blanket with your bed. Unless there's a full booking there will be more blankets available. Most places don't charge for an extra blanket however in recent years a few have tried to.

Mattresses in teahouses and guesthouse are usually thin with one sheet over them. If you are in a room with two beds you can pile one mattress over the other if they are two thin. Or bring a light camping foam mat if it's a big issue.

Bringing your own sleeping bag is a good idea especially in the winter season for extra warmth. Many people will sleep in their clothes. Personally I prefer to strip down and use my jackets as extra covers (they are warm to get into the next morning too).

Staying warm. Heaters are available in some accommodation. They are usually electric heaters and you'll be charged around USD$20. Another option is have water boiled and placed into your water tight and heat proof drinking bottle to use as a hot water bottle at night. Otherwise there is usually a fire in the common room where people gather around.

Showers: Cold showers or bucket showers are generally available everywhere at no charge. A hot (gas powered) shower costs $3-5. Hot showers can be good or they may not be working well. It's best to ask first before paying.

Charging: If you have a private room with bathroom then you'll probably be able to charge your electronics at no extra charge. However for shared bathrooms your room will only have light switch and no more. You'll need to charge your electronics in a common room. The price of charging a battery ranges from $3-6.

List of hotels & teahouse telephone numbers on the Everest Trek

Tea House/Lodge Name Telephone Number

Location Shangri-La +977-38-550078 Lukla Everest +977-38-550051 Lukla Snowland +977-8901158022 Phakding Green Village +977-9842868767 Phakding Ama Dablam +977-9808670272 Namche Alpine +977-38540300 Namche Tengbouche Guest House +977-9841450594 Tengbouche Tashi Delek +977-9803442403 Tengbouche Snow Lion +977-38-540461 Dingbouche Mountain Paradise +977-38-540390 Dingbouche Alpine +977-9808942483 Lobuche Mother Earth +977-9841591209 Lobuche Snow Land +977-9841581552 Gorak Shep

Buddha +977-9841069395 Gorak Shep Yeti +977-9803682055 Gorak Shep

There are many more villages and teahouses in each of the above locations. Likewise there are even more in the village and trails between the above village names.

Read more and see what trekking accommodation is like when trekking in Nepal.

What type of food is available on the Everest base camp trek?

Every tea house you come across will offer a menu. On it you will find things like, pancakes, chow mien, eggs, potatoes, pasta and Tibetan bread.

This is a plate of typical Dal Bhat on the Everest Base Camp Trek - rice, lentils, curry, fresh vegetables and soup (will change slightly at every meal)

Many will offer Sherpa stew (homemade noodles, meat, veg), momos and even Yak Steaks. The menus are in fact very similar to that which you will find in Kathmandu at a basic restaurant albeit more expensive.

Typical Everest Menu

Item Price Pancakes 300-600 Rupees Fried eggs (2) 250-500 Rupees Porridge 400-600 Rupees Tibetan Bread 200-400 Rupees Dal Bhat (Meat) 500-1200 Rupees Dal Bhat (Veg) 450-900 Rupees Boiled Potatoes 400-600 Rupees Fried Noodles (Veg) 450-600 Rupees Fried Potatoes with Cheese 550-900 Rupees Pasta with sauce 500-800 Rupees Tea/Coffee 100-400 Rupees 1 liter beer 1000+ Rupees Soft Drinks (Coke, Sprite etc.) 200-500 Rupees 1 liter tap water (from underground spring or stream) free 1 liter boiled water (for filtering) 100-300 Rupees 1 liter bottled water 100-400 rupees

Meat is harder to find past Namche and you might want to think twice about it unless you are really staying in high-end accommodation. The reason is simple: refrigeration (or lack thereof). The second thing to keep in mind is that meat is quite costly on a trek due to getting it there and keeping it fresh. That said, you can still buy a steak at EBC if you want (peak season) but it will cost you and I don't really recommend it!

As you can see from the above food price graph both food and water on the Everest Base Camp trek prices increase with the altitude. Meat and fresh vegetables also become scarcer. It should be noted that food is more expensive on the Everest Trek than on other treks.

I often bring some Yak cheese on a trek to supplement my diet. Speaking of Yaks, it's probably best to avoid the infamous Yak steaks - many are just tough buffalo steaks. If you have porter you might also consider bringing some cans of tuna. But again, these are also available on the trek but will cost double or triple more than in Kathmandu.

By far the most popular food on the trek is Dal Bhat. A mix of rice, soup, vegetables and vegetable curry. It's served in large portions and satisfies most large trekking appetites as second servings are free!

Every trekking region in Nepal has a slightly different approach to food and water. While Dal Bhat is always a staple bottled water in some regions is not always available. The Everest Region is planning to ban plastic bottles by early 2020. One important factor to remember is that in Nepal

A plate of fried potatoes with cheese is many a trekkers favorite - however those with weak stomach should give the cheese a skip!

Note:

Depending on the weather Kala Patthar climbs and EBC visits are often swapped. e.g., you might climb Kala Patthar on arrival and go to EBC the next day or visa versa.Please be aware of Everest Base Camp trekking itineraries from trekking companies suggesting less than a 12 day trek. 12 days is the minimum safety recommendation for the Everest Base Camp trek due to acclimatization requirements. Any trek under that number of days is high dubious and may well put your life in danger.

Those confused about extra itineraries should note that the trek to EBC pretty much does not veer off the main route. So do be aware of "other" itineraries making it out like they are taking you a new way. They are not - they are just listing off different villages on the same route. What does happen is that you can stop for the night at different villages along the way. And of course you can stay in them if you wish. This is normal as you'll be passing them anyway. The truly different itineraries will include side treks to Gokyo Ri but do know that these will add significant days onto your EBC trek.