Before you go: Everest Base Camp Trek

The Everest Base Camp Trek is a high-altitude Himalayan journey that reaches Everest Base Camp at approximately 5,364m (17,598ft) and, on our itinerary, includes a morning hike to Kala Patthar at around 5,545–5,550m. The trek involves multiple days above 4,000m, changing mountain weather, basic accommodation at higher elevations and long walking days. Good preparation makes a major difference to both comfort and safety. Nepal Tourism Board also emphasizes the importance of proper acclimatization because altitude gains in the Everest region can be rapid.

Our standard Everest Base Camp itinerary is designed with two acclimatization days, one in Namche Bazaar and another in Dingboche. These are not rest days in the usual sense. Your guide will normally arrange an acclimatization hike that allows you to gain elevation during the day before returning to a lower altitude to sleep.

Please remember that a Himalayan itinerary cannot be treated like a fixed city-tour timetable. Flights to and from Lukla are particularly dependent on visibility and weather conditions. Trail conditions, snowfall, landslides, local restrictions or health issues may also require changes.

Your guide and Amigo's operations team may adjust walking times, departure times, accommodation or transportation when required for safety or operational reasons.

Before leaving home, make sure you have:

• A valid passport and the correct Nepal entry documents.
• Comprehensive travel insurance suitable for high-altitude trekking.
• Emergency evacuation and helicopter-rescue cover appropriate for the maximum altitude of the trek.
• Suitable trekking boots that have already been worn in.
• Warm layered clothing.
• Personal medication and a small first-aid supply.
• Copies of your passport, insurance policy and emergency contact details.
• Sufficient cash for personal expenses in the mountains.
• Extra time after the trek if you have an important international flight connection.

We strongly recommend avoiding a tight international flight connection immediately after your planned return from Lukla. Mountain flights can be delayed or cancelled.

Your Everest Base Camp journey begins in Kathmandu.

After completing immigration formalities and collecting your baggage at Tribhuvan International Airport, proceed to the international arrival area. An Amigo Treks & Expedition representative will meet you and arrange your transfer to your hotel.

Send us your arrival information in advance

Please provide:

• Full name as shown on your passport.
• Airline.
• Flight number.
• Arrival date.
• Scheduled arrival time.
• Departure airport.
• Any last-minute flight changes.

Sending final flight information at least 72 hours before arrival helps us coordinate your airport transfer correctly.

If your flight is delayed, please contact our Kathmandu team as soon as communication becomes available.

Pre-trek briefing

A trek briefing will normally be arranged in Kathmandu. During this meeting we will discuss:

• Your day-to-day itinerary.
• Lukla flight arrangements.
• Expected weather.
• Trekking pace.
• Altitude and acclimatization.
• Accommodation.
• Meals and drinking water.
• Baggage arrangements.
• Guide and porter support.
• Personal equipment.
• Emergency procedures.

Your guide may also inspect essential trekking equipment. If something important is missing, Kathmandu—particularly Thamel—has numerous trekking-equipment shops where items can usually be purchased or rented.

International travelers should check Nepal's current immigration requirements before travelling.

Nepal's Department of Immigration currently offers tourist visas of:

• 15 days – USD 30
• 30 days – USD 50
• 90 days – USD 125

Tribhuvan International Airport provides Visa on Arrival facilities for eligible nationalities. Travelers can complete the tourist visa application online or use the immigration kiosks at the airport. Some nationalities are not eligible for Visa on Arrival and must obtain appropriate authorization in advance.

Because visa rules may change and eligibility depends on nationality, travelers should confirm current requirements through Nepal's Department of Immigration or the nearest Nepalese diplomatic mission before departure.

Passport

We recommend travelling with a passport valid for at least six months beyond your intended travel period, with adequate blank pages.

Keep:

• Your original passport securely with you.
• A digital copy on your phone/email.
• At least one printed photocopy.
• A copy of your travel insurance.

Trek permits

The Everest Base Camp route passes through protected and locally administered areas. Required trekking permits and entrance arrangements included in your package are organized as specified in your confirmed booking.

Keep permits readily accessible because they may be checked at trail checkpoints.

You do not need to be a professional athlete to complete the Everest Base Camp Trek, but you should arrive with a reasonable level of cardiovascular fitness, leg strength and endurance.

The trek involves approximately two weeks of mountain travel, with several walking days of 5–8 hours and some longer or more demanding days.

The main challenge is not technical climbing. It is the combination of:

• Continuous walking.
• Steep ascents and descents.
• Uneven trails.
• Cold temperatures.
• Reduced oxygen at altitude.
• Multiple consecutive trekking days.
• Basic living conditions at higher elevations.

Recommended preparation

Ideally, begin regular training several weeks before departure.

Useful activities include:

• Hiking.
• Stair climbing.
• Hill walking.
• Cycling.
• Running or brisk walking.
• Strength training.
• Squats and lunges.
• Walking with a light backpack.

If possible, complete several consecutive hiking days before travelling to Nepal.

Altitude

Everest Base Camp is approximately 5,364m, while Kala Patthar is about 5,545m according to Nepal Tourism Board.

At these elevations, altitude illness is possible regardless of age or fitness.

Common early symptoms may include:

• Headache.
• Reduced appetite.
• Nausea.
• Unusual fatigue.
• Dizziness.
• Poor sleep.
• Shortness of breath during light activity.

Tell your guide immediately if you feel unwell. Do not hide symptoms because you are worried about slowing down the group.

Severe or worsening altitude illness may require immediate descent and, in an emergency, evacuation.

Medication

Consult your doctor or travel-medicine professional before travelling, particularly if you:

• Have heart or lung conditions.
• Have high blood pressure.
• Take regular medication.
• Have previously experienced altitude sickness.
• Have recently undergone surgery.
• Have significant allergies.

Do not begin altitude medication simply because another trekker is taking it. Discuss medication and possible side effects with a qualified medical professional.

Carry essential medication in your hand luggage rather than checked baggage.

Food on the Everest Base Camp route is prepared in mountain lodges and teahouses.

Menus are surprisingly varied in larger settlements such as Namche Bazaar, but choices become more limited as you travel higher.

Typical meals may include:

Breakfast

• Porridge.
• Eggs.
• Toast.
• Pancakes.
• Chapati.
• Tibetan bread.
• Muesli.
• Tea or coffee.

Lunch and dinner

• Dal bhat.
• Rice and curry.
• Fried rice.
• Noodles.
• Pasta.
• Soup.
• Potatoes.
• Momos.
• Sherpa stew.
• Pizza or similar lodge-style meals at some locations.

Dal bhat, consisting mainly of rice, lentil soup and vegetable curry, is one of the most practical trekking meals because it provides carbohydrates, protein and energy.

Dietary requirements

Please tell us before arrival if you are:

• Vegetarian.
• Vegan.
• Gluten-free.
• Lactose intolerant.
• Allergic to particular ingredients.
• Following a medically restricted diet.

Vegetarian meals are widely available. Vegan, gluten-free and highly specialized diets can usually be managed to some degree, but options become increasingly limited in remote settlements.

If you rely on specific foods, consider carrying some suitable snacks.

Drinking water

Do not rely exclusively on disposable bottled water.

Depending on the location, drinking water can be obtained from lodges or local water sources and treated by:

• Water-purification tablets.
• Chlorine dioxide.
• A suitable filtration system.
• Boiling.

Your guide can advise on the safest available option each day.

Staying properly hydrated is especially important at altitude.

06. Where You'll Stay

The Everest Base Camp Trek combines hotel accommodation in Kathmandu with mountain lodges or teahouses along the trekking route.

Kathmandu

Our standard package uses a comfortable 3-star hotel or equivalent, normally on a twin/double-sharing basis unless otherwise stated in your booking.

Kathmandu hotels normally provide:

• Private bathroom.
• Hot shower.
• Wi-Fi.
• Electricity.
• Bedding and towels.

During the trek

Accommodation is in locally operated trekking lodges.

Rooms generally contain:

• Two single beds.
• Mattress.
• Pillow.
• Blanket.
• Basic bedding.

Facilities become progressively simpler as elevation increases.

In lower settlements such as Lukla, Phakding and Namche, upgraded rooms and attached bathrooms may sometimes be available. Above Namche and particularly around Dingboche, Lobuche and Gorakshep, accommodation is considerably more basic.

Do not expect city-hotel standards in high mountain settlements.

Bathrooms

Depending on the lodge:

• Bathrooms may be attached or shared.
• Toilets may be Western-style or squat-style.
• Hot showers may be available for an additional charge.
• Running water can occasionally freeze at high altitude.

Heating

Dining areas may have a stove during colder periods, particularly in the evening.

Bedrooms generally are not centrally heated.

A suitable sleeping bag is therefore important.

Charging and Wi-Fi

Electricity is available in many lodges, but charging may carry an additional cost. Supply can also be limited.

Carry a power bank for backup.

Single rooms

Single rooms can normally be arranged in Kathmandu for a supplement.

In the mountains, single rooms are subject to lodge availability and cannot always be guaranteed, particularly during busy seasons or at higher settlements.

Your Everest Base Camp journey combines road transportation, a mountain flight and trekking.

Kathmandu to Ramechhap

During busy trekking periods, many Lukla flights operate from Ramechhap/Manthali Airport rather than Kathmandu. The Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal describes Ramechhap as an important hub for Lukla flights during peak trekking seasons.

When your flight operates from Ramechhap, the itinerary normally includes an overland journey from Kathmandu.

Road travel typically takes around 4–5 hours, depending on traffic and road conditions.

Departures may be very early in the morning.

Ramechhap to Lukla

The flight to Lukla is short—usually approximately 12–20 minutes depending on the aircraft and operating conditions.

During other periods, airlines may operate Kathmandu–Lukla services directly.

Exact airport arrangements depend on airline schedules, aviation regulations and seasonal traffic.

Weather delays

Lukla flights operate under visual and weather-dependent mountain conditions. Flights can be delayed or cancelled because of:

• Poor visibility.
• Cloud.
• Strong wind.
• Rain.
• Snow.
• Operational restrictions.

For this reason, we recommend allowing flexibility in your Nepal itinerary.

Trekking

After Lukla, transportation is mainly on foot.

There are no normal roads connecting the settlements on the classic EBC trail.

Supplies are transported by porters, pack animals and aircraft.

Nepal's official currency is the Nepalese Rupee (NPR).

Cards and ATMs are widely available in Kathmandu, but cash becomes increasingly important once you enter the Everest region.

Before leaving Kathmandu

We recommend obtaining sufficient Nepalese rupees for:

• Drinks.
• Snacks.
• Hot showers.
• Wi-Fi.
• Charging electronics.
• Personal purchases.
• Extra meals not included in your package.
• Tips.
• Unexpected expenses.

ATMs

ATMs are available in Kathmandu and commonly in Namche Bazaar, but machines in mountain areas can be:

• Temporarily offline.
• Out of cash.
• Unable to process international cards.

Do not plan your trek around withdrawing cash in Namche.

Cards

Some hotels, shops and larger businesses accept international cards, particularly in Kathmandu.

Card acceptance in mountain lodges is inconsistent and additional fees may apply.

Currency exchange

Authorized money-changing services are readily available in Kathmandu, particularly around Thamel.

Exchange your main trekking cash before leaving the city.

Packing correctly is more important than packing heavily.

The best approach is a layering system that lets you adjust your clothing throughout the day.

Trekking clothing

Bring:

• Moisture-wicking base layers.
• Trekking shirts.
• Trekking trousers.
• Thermal top and bottom.
• Warm fleece.
• Insulated/down jacket.
• Waterproof shell jacket.
• Waterproof trousers.
• Comfortable clothes for evenings.

Footwear

Bring:

• Broken-in trekking boots.
• Trekking socks.
• Warm socks.
• Lightweight lodge shoes or sandals.

Never start the trek with completely new boots.

Head and hand protection

Bring:

• Sun hat.
• Warm hat/beanie.
• Neck gaiter or buff.
• Lightweight gloves.
• Warm insulated gloves.

Trekking equipment

Recommended items include:

• Trekking poles.
• Daypack.
• Duffel bag where applicable.
• Sleeping bag suited to cold mountain conditions.
• Headlamp.
• Sunglasses with strong UV protection.
• Water bottles or hydration system.
• Water-purification method.
• Rain cover/dry bags.

Personal items

Carry:

• Sunscreen.
• Lip balm with SPF.
• Toiletries.
• Hand sanitizer.
• Wet wipes/tissues.
• Personal medication.
• Basic blister treatment.
• Small first-aid kit.

Electronics

Consider:

• Phone.
• Camera.
• Charging cables.
• Universal adapter.
• Power bank.
• Spare batteries.

Cold conditions drain batteries faster, so keep spare batteries warm when possible.

Important hand-luggage items

Keep these with you during international travel:

• Passport.
• Cash/cards.
• Travel insurance.
• Medication.
• Phone.
• Essential electronics.
• One change of clothing.

Do not put irreplaceable medication or important documents in checked baggage.

Mobile and internet access has improved significantly in the Everest region, but it should not be expected to function with the consistency of Kathmandu.

Nepal SIM cards

International travelers can purchase a local Nepalese SIM after arrival, subject to the provider's registration requirements.

Mobile coverage exists in parts of the Everest region, but signal quality changes considerably with:

• Elevation.
• Valley position.
• Weather.
• Network load.
• Electricity supply.

Wi-Fi

Many trekking lodges provide paid Wi-Fi or internet access.

Connections are normally better in major settlements such as Namche and less dependable at higher elevations.

At Lobuche and Gorakshep, internet access may be:

• Slow.
• Intermittent.
• Expensive.
• Temporarily unavailable.

Therefore, tell family or business contacts that there may be periods when you cannot respond.

Emergency communication

Your trekking guide remains your primary point of communication for operational or emergency matters.

Do not depend solely on your personal mobile internet connection for safety.

Everest Base Camp can technically be approached during much of the year, but conditions change dramatically by season.

Spring: March to May

Spring is one of the main EBC trekking seasons.

Expect:

• Generally stable trekking conditions.
• Longer daylight.
• Rhododendron blooms at lower elevations.
• Increasing temperatures.
• Busy trails during peak periods.

April and May also coincide with the main Everest climbing season, so Base Camp can be particularly active.

Autumn: September to November

Autumn is another major trekking period.

After the summer monsoon, the weather commonly becomes drier and visibility improves.

Expect:

• Clearer mountain views.
• Cool mornings and evenings.
• Increasingly cold temperatures later in the season.
• Busy trails in October.

Winter: December to February

Winter trekking is possible, but conditions are colder.

Advantages can include quieter trails and excellent visibility on clear days.

However, trekkers should be prepared for:

• Sub-zero nights.
• Snow.
• Ice.
• Very cold mornings.
• Reduced lodge activity in some areas.

Monsoon/Summer: June to August

The lower section of the trek receives monsoon rainfall.

Possible issues include:

• Cloud.
• Rain.
• Muddy trails.
• Reduced mountain visibility.
• Greater chance of Lukla flight disruption.

Higher elevations can experience different weather from Kathmandu, so conditions should never be judged solely by the city forecast.

High-altitude temperature

Even during the main trekking seasons, temperatures around Lobuche and Gorakshep can drop below freezing at night.

Always prepare for mountain weather rather than average seasonal temperatures.

Your trekking guide is much more than someone who shows you the trail.

The guide coordinates the practical operation of your trek and acts as the main link between you, lodges, porters and Amigo's Kathmandu operations team.

Your guide manages:

• Daily departure times.
• Walking pace.
• Route decisions.
• Lodge coordination.
• Meal timing.
• Permit checkpoints.
• Porter coordination.
• Weather assessment.
• Altitude monitoring.
• Health concerns.
• Emergency communication.
• Operational changes.

Your guide will also explain local culture, mountain landscapes and Sherpa communities along the route.

Communicate early

Tell your guide immediately if:

• You develop a headache.
• You feel unusually weak.
• You have persistent nausea.
• You have breathing difficulty.
• You develop diarrhea or vomiting.
• You have knee, ankle or foot pain.
• Your equipment fails.
• You are struggling with the pace.
• You have any other concern.

Do not wait until a small issue becomes a serious problem.

At altitude, honest communication is an important part of safe trekking.

Safety takes priority over reaching a particular destination or following the schedule exactly.

The main risks associated with an EBC trek include:

• Altitude illness.
• Slips and falls.
• Cold exposure.
• Dehydration.
• Gastrointestinal illness.
• Sun exposure.
• Flight disruption.
• Trail hazards.
• Exhaustion.

Altitude safety

Our itinerary includes acclimatization days in Namche Bazaar and Dingboche.

These help the body gradually adapt before continuing toward Lobuche, Gorakshep and Everest Base Camp.

Nepal Tourism Board specifically advises allowing sufficient acclimatization in the Everest region because of rapid altitude gain.

Never hide altitude symptoms

If you experience headache, nausea, dizziness, loss of appetite, unusual exhaustion or difficulty sleeping, inform your guide.

If symptoms become serious, descent may be required.

The decision to descend is a safety decision—not a trekking failure.

Trail safety

Certain sections of the trail can be:

• Rocky.
• Icy.
• Muddy.
• Narrow.
• Exposed.
• Crowded with trekkers or pack animals.

When yaks, dzopkyos or other pack animals approach, move to the inside/mountain side of the trail, not the exposed edge.

Sun protection

UV radiation becomes stronger at altitude.

Use:

• High-SPF sunscreen.
• Sunglasses.
• Lip protection.
• Hat or cap.

Hydration

Drink regularly throughout the day, even if cold weather reduces your sense of thirst.

The Everest region is not simply a trekking route. It is home to generations of Sherpa communities with their own language, Buddhist traditions, monasteries and cultural practices.

Travelers are guests in these communities.

Monasteries and religious sites

The route passes important Buddhist sites, including the Tengboche area. Tengboche Monastery is one of the best-known Buddhist monasteries in the Khumbu region.

When visiting monasteries:

• Dress respectfully.
• Keep your voice low.
• Ask before photographing monks or ceremonies.
• Follow your guide's instructions.
• Respect areas where photography is prohibited.

Mani walls and chortens

On Himalayan trails, local tradition generally follows the practice of passing mani walls, chortens and similar sacred objects respectfully according to local custom. Follow your guide when uncertain.

Photographing people

Ask before taking close photographs of local residents.

Children, monks, porters and lodge staff should not be treated as photo props.

Environmental responsibility

Please:

• Carry reusable bottles.
• Avoid unnecessary single-use plastic.
• Do not leave rubbish on the trail.
• Use established toilets.
• Do not contaminate water sources.
• Minimize hot-water and electricity consumption where resources are limited.
• Stay on established trails where possible.

Respecting the Everest region helps protect both the mountain environment and the communities that depend on it.

Group trekking requires flexibility and consideration.

People naturally walk at different speeds, acclimatize differently and have different energy levels.

Your guide will manage the trekking pace so the group can move safely.

Good group trekking practice includes:

• Being ready at the agreed departure time.
• Informing the guide if you need additional breaks.
• Not leaving the trail without informing the guide.
• Respecting slower trekkers.
• Avoiding pressure on others to walk faster.
• Informing the guide about health symptoms.
• Remaining flexible when weather changes the plan.

Walking pace

At altitude, faster does not mean better.

A slow, consistent pace is often more effective than walking quickly and repeatedly stopping.

You may hear the phrase “bistari, bistari” in Nepal—meaning “slowly, slowly.”

That approach is particularly useful at altitude.

If one person becomes ill

The guide will assess the situation according to:

• Severity of symptoms.
• Location.
• Altitude.
• Weather.
• Group size.
• Availability of additional staff.
• Evacuation options.

Depending on circumstances, the group may be separated temporarily or the itinerary may change.

Comprehensive travel insurance is strongly recommended for the Everest Base Camp Trek.

A standard sightseeing policy may not be sufficient.

Because the itinerary reaches Everest Base Camp at 5,364m and Kala Patthar at approximately 5,545m, make sure your insurer explicitly covers trekking at the maximum altitude of your itinerary.

Your policy should ideally cover:

• Emergency medical treatment.
• High-altitude trekking.
• Helicopter rescue/evacuation.
• Hospitalization.
• Repatriation.
• Trip cancellation.
• Trip interruption.
• Flight disruption.
• Lost or delayed baggage.
• Personal liability where appropriate.

Helicopter evacuation

A helicopter evacuation is not automatically free.

When evacuation is required, approval and payment procedures depend on:

• Your insurance company.
• Your policy wording.
• The emergency situation.
• Weather.
• Helicopter availability.

You may need to communicate directly with your insurer or assistance provider.

Before travelling, save:

• Policy number.
• Emergency-assistance telephone number.
• Insurer email/contact.
• A digital copy of your policy.
• Emergency contact person's details.

We recommend sending your insurance details to Amigo before beginning the trek.

Most importantly, read the actual insurance wording rather than relying only on a sales summary.