How to Prepare for Everest Base Camp Trek?
Good preparation makes the Everest Base Camp Trek more comfortable and enjoyable. Build your walking stamina before the trek, as you will typically trek for several hours each day on uphill and downhill mountain trails. You don’t need technical climbing experience, but regular walking, hiking or cardio exercise can help you to prepare.
Acclimatization, hydration, nutrition, rest, and proper packing are equally important. Our itinerary includes acclimatization time in the Everest region; however, you should drink plenty of safe water, eat regular nutritious meals and sleep well. Pack light but bring appropriate clothing and trekking gear according to the season. See our detailed Everest Base Camp Trek Packing List for recommended equipment.
Luggage Storage in Kathmandu
You can leave extra luggage in Kathmandu’s hotel for free. This will let you enjoy your trek without carrying any unnecessary weight. Our team can also assist you on arranging luggage storage if required.
Lukla Flight Information
Lukla flights are an important part of the standard Everest Base Camp Trek. Tenzing-Hillary Airport in Lukla is located above 2800 meters and it is the main gateway to the Everest region. The flights operate from Kathmandu or Ramechhap (Manthali) Airport depending on the season and the flow of tourists.
Mountain flights run mostly in the early morning when the weather is generally clear and stable. The flight is operated by small twin-otter aircraft carrying 15-18 passengers per flight. And the flight schedules can be changed because of weather conditions. Domestic airlines such as Tara Air, Sita Air, and Summit Air operate regular flights from Kathmandu or Ramechhap.
Our office team in Kathmandu arranges all your Lukla flights in advance and provides information about the airport departure and flight schedule prior to the trek.
Kathmandu to Lukla Flight
Flight to Lukla operate directly from Kathmandu airport during the off seasons. It takes 15–30 minutes drive from your hotel to Kathmandu airport, followed by a 30-minute flight to Lukla.
And these off season months are December, January, February in winter season and June, July, August in rainy season.
Ramechhap (Manthali) to Lukla Flight
During the peak trekking seasons Lukla flights are operates from Manthali airport in Ramechhap district. Due to the high demands of Lukla flights, it creates air traffic in Kathmandu airport. So, in order to take maximum flights within the short clear weather window the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN) reroutes Lukla flights to Ramechhap.
Ramechhap is approximately a 4–5 hour drive from Kathmandu, while the flight from Ramechhap to Lukla is only about 12–15 minutes.
The main trekking seasons in the Everest region are March, April, May, September, October, and November.
Note: If the flow of tourist is lower in the Everest region, airlines operates direct flight from Kathmandu to Lukla even in the peak trekking months.
Lukla Flight Delays & Contingency Day
Lukla flights can be delayed or cancelled due to poor visibility or unfavorable weather conditions in Lukla. So, we recommend adding at least 1–2 extra days to your Everest Base Camp Trek itinerary to allow your unexpected flight disruptions and ensure a smoother home return.
Weight Limit in Lukla Flight
Lukla flight allows a total of 15 kgs of baggage including 5 kgs of handbag. But, if the weight exceeds, extra charges apply according to the airline’s rules. So, make sure you pack your things lightly keeping weights under the maximum allowance point. Each extra kgs weight is charged around 2 dollars. Please note that sometimes even if you are willing to make the extra payment, they might not allow you to bring more weight due to higher risks invited by overweight mountain flights.
Note: Before your trek, our team will help you organize your luggage according to the current flight and porter requirements.
Helicopter & Jeep Options
If your flight to Lukla is delayed or canceled due to uncertain weather, two alternative options are available to keep your trek on track. And our team can arrange the most suitable alternative based on your schedule and interests.
Helicopter Flight: A shared helicopter flight to Lukla can be arranged with other trekkers for comfort and a hassle-free flight. It usually costs an additional USD 500–600 per person, depending on availability and conditions.
Jeep Overland Drive: If you prefer a more budget-friendly option, you can travel by road from Kathmandu or Ramechhap toward Lukla. Please note that this option requires 2 extra days in your standard itinerary, as the drive to the trailhead near Lukla takes two days.
Accommodation During the Everest Base Camp Trek
During our 15 Days EBC trek, you will experience the level of accommodations from well-organized hotel to simple teahouse accommodations which includes total 14 nights of accommodations throughout the journey. You will stay 3 nights at a hotel in Kathmandu and 11 nights at teahouses in the mountain region.
Hotel accommodations in Kathmandu: You get twin or double occupancy accommodation at 3 star standard hotels in Kathmandu at Thamel area where you stay 2 nights before the trek and 1 night after the trek. Those hotel rooms have attached bathroom, WI-FI, AC, TV, Tea Table, Chair and space for your luggage store.
Start your morning with buffet breakfast served at hotel in Kathmandu. There are many bars, restaurants, ATM, shops in Thamel so that you can purchase trekking gears, withdraw cash from ATM and eat varieties of foods at local restaurants.
Teahouse Accommodations: It is popular in Nepal’s trekking regions. There are many teahouses along the Everest Base Camp trek trail from basic to luxury resorts. On this trek, you will spend 11 nights in standard teahouses where twin-sharing rooms with common toilets are provided throughout the trek.
Most rooms are simple and comfortable, usually with twin beds, mattresses, pillows, and blankets, while shared bathrooms are common, especially at higher elevations. Dining areas are generally heated in the evenings, providing a warm place to relax, eat, and meet fellow trekkers after a day on the trail. Our team selects good teahouses for you based on availability, cleanliness, location, and overall trekking conditions.
Attached toilet and bathroom facilities on the trek
Attached bathrooms and toilets are available at some teahouses along the Everest Base Camp route. In lower villages such as Lukla, Phakding, Namche Bazaar, Pheriche and Dingboche, you may find lodges with attached bathrooms, hot showers and more facilities. You can upgrade this service at an additional cost before the trek departure.
Meals on Everest Base Camp Trek
You can find a variety of meals on the Everest Base Camp Trek trail. Most teahouses serve Nepali, Indian, Tibetan, Chinese, and Western-style dishes. However, the food options become more limited as you trek higher toward Lobuche, Gorakshep, and Everest Base Camp.
Dal Bhat (rice, lentils, and curry) is one of the most popular meals among trekkers because it provides plenty of energy for a long day hike and you can also refill it as needed.
We will serve three meals each day on trek: breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Generally, hearty breakfast is served in the morning before the trek, followed by lunch along with hikes in between. And dinner is served in the evening after the hike. As a complimentary service, seasonal fresh fruits are provided every evening after dinner as desserts.
Some of the foods that are available at every teahouse’s menu in the Everest Base Camp trek trail are mentioned below.
| Timetable |
Meal |
Common Food Options |
Meal Ordering Information |
| 7:00 AM – 7:30 AM |
Breakfast |
Tibetan bread, porridge/oatmeal, pancakes, toast, eggs (fried, boiled, scrambled or omelette), chapati, muesli, cornflakes, tea or coffee |
Our guide takes your breakfast order the previous evening after dinner. This helps the teahouse prepare your meal on time without requiring an early wake-up to place your order. |
| 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM |
Lunch |
Dal Bhat, vegetable curry, Sherpa stew, Thukpa, Momo, fried rice, noodles, pasta, macaroni, Chow Mein, potato dishes, chapati and seasonal vegetables |
Order lunch after reaching the teahouse following your morning hike. |
| 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM |
Dinner |
Dal Bhat, vegetable curry, Sherpa stew, Thukpa, Momo, fried rice, noodles, pasta, macaroni, Chow Mein, potato dishes, chapati and seasonal vegetables |
Order dinner before 5:00 PM so the teahouse has enough time to prepare your meal and you can finish dinner on time before bedtime. |
Snacks Bars for Instang Energy
You can also purchase snacks at teahouses along the EBC trail to boost your energy. Popular snacks options include nuts, energy bars, dried fruits, chocolates, biscuits, and other packaged snacks.
We recommend bringing some of your favorite energy snacks from Kathmandu before starting the trek, especially if you have specific dietary preferences.
Drinking Water on Everest Base Camp Trek
Safe drinking water is available throughout the Everest Base Camp route. There are several options for safe drinking water.
Tap or natural water sources: Tap or natural water sources are budget-friendly options available at many teahouses along the Everest Base Camp Trek. However, do not drink untreated tap, stream, or river water directly because it can cause serious health issues while trekking. Use water purification tablets, a filter, or another suitable treatment method before drinking.
Boiled Water: It is a popular and safer option which is available at every teahouse at an additional cost. We recommend our trekkers carry a reusable thermal water bottle or hydration bladder to refill it along the trek. Using a reusable bottle is also a more environmentally responsible choice. Teahouses charge between $2 and $4 per liter for boiled water, depending on the altitude.
Mineral Bottled Water: Mineral bottled water is also available at teahouses on the trek. If you are willing to pay high amount instead of compromising your health, mineral bottled water can be your preferred choice. The cost of 1 liter of mineral bottled water is between 3-6 dollars on the Everest trek trail.
Tips:
- Drink plenty of fluids throughout the day because proper hydration is vital for preventing altitude sickness
- Don’t drink untreated water such as tap or other water sources.
Recommended Foods & Drinks on the Everest Base Camp Trek
Foods: Freshly cooked meals are the most recommended foods for the Everest Base Camp Trek. Choose nutritious, carbohydrate-rich and easily digestible meals to maintain high energy levels throughout the journey. Dal Bhat is a complete combination of rice, lentil soup, pickle and vegetable curry. It is a traditional Nepali staple that remains a favorite among mountain trekkers. Additionally, potato dishes, eggs, Sherpa stew, momos, porridge, pasta and garlic soup are healthy food options to energize. For quick energy during the day hike, carry portable snacks such as nuts, dried or fresh fruits, energy bars and chocolates.
Drinks: Stay well hydrated throughout the trek by drinking plenty of safe, treated water and carrying a reusable water bottle or hydration system. The recommended drinks for the Everest Base Camp Trek are black tea, ginger tea, lemon tea, herbal tea and hot water that keep body warm in the cold mountain environment. Electrolyte drinks can also be useful during strenuous trekking days. Avoid relying heavily on alcohol and limit excessive caffeine, particularly as you ascend to higher elevations. At higher altitudes, use bottled, boiled or properly treated water to reduce the risk of waterborne illness.
Food Allergies & Dietary Requirements
If you have any food allergies or dietary requirements such as vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free or dairy-free foods, please inform us before the trek and remind our guide when ordering meals during the trek. We will do our best to arrange suitable foods although food choices are more limited in the mountain regions.
For serious food allergies, you should clearly tell us which ingredients you need to avoid and consider carrying suitable snacks or backup foods for the trek.
ATM, Cash & Laundry Service
ATMs: ATMs are available in Kathmandu, Lukla and Namche Bazaar during Everest Base Camp Trek. You should not rely entirely on ATM availability in the mountains. Network problems, power outages, technical issues, or insufficient cash can occasionally make withdrawals difficult in Lukla and Namche.
Cash: For this reason, we recommend carrying enough cash from Kathmandu to cover your extra expenses for the trek. Most of the teahouses accept payment in cash only.
Some teahouses and shops may accept card payments or use POS machines, but they charge an additional service or processing fee, which is up to 8%.
Laundry Service: It is available in Lukla, Phakding, Namche Bazaar and Dingboche. But it can be relatively expensive compared to Kathmandu. Most trekkers carry enough quick-drying clothes rather than relying on regular laundry services. The cost of laundry service in the mountain region is on a per-piece basis.
Tips:
- ATM cash withdrawals are limited in Nepal, and foreign card fees can be quite high. Therefore, we recommend carrying sufficient cash in dollars, euros or pounds for your trek.
Extra Budget & Currency
Even if you book the Everest Base Camp Trek on full-board services, you need some extra money for your personal expenses during the trek.
Extra Budget: Your daily spending depends on your personal habits. But you should budget approximately NPR 30,000 – 37,500 ($200 -250) for basic amenities such as Wi-Fi, battery charging, hot showers, snacks, and extra drinks. You should also keep some extra budget to tip your guide and porters at the end of the trek.
Currency: Nepalese Rupees (NPR) is the official currency of Nepal and most teahouses along the EBC trail accept payment in local currency only. While a few teahouses may take US Dollars or Euros but their exchange rates are usually much lower than the official rate. Therefore, it is best to carry local cash instead of foreign currency from Kathmandu.
You can easily change Dollars into Nepalese Rupees at money exchange shops near your hotel in Thamel, Kathmandu. If needed, our guide can also assist you with it after you arrive in Nepal
Charging, Hot Shower and Internet Facilities
All these facilities are available at teahouses along the Everest Base Camp Trek to make your journey more comfortable. Please note that these services are not included in our standard trek package. So any additional charges for using Wi-Fi, charging, hot showers, or other optional teahouse services which are beyond our package must be paid directly by you.
Battery Charging on the Everest Base Camp Trek
Charging facilities are reliable in most places on the Everest Base Camp Trek. Free charging may be available in Lukla, Phakding, and Namche Bazaar. Beyond Namche, electricity is primarily generated from solar power and generally they charge around USD 3–5 per device for charging service to cover system maintenance and manage heavy energy demand within the limited supply.
Tips:
- Bring high capacity power bank to reduce charging costs.
- Two or three-pin adaptors are very useful in Nepal to charge your device
Hot Shower
Hot showers are also available at most teahouses or lodges along the Everest Base Camp Trek route. At lower altitudes, many teahouses offer hot showers with running water from a tap up to Namche Bazaar. From Tengboche to Gorak Shep, hot shower service is getting limited and bucket showers are commonly available due to limited electricity and water-heating facilities at higher elevations.
It costs around USD 3–6 per shower, depending on the altitude and teahouse level. You can also upgrade from standard to luxury teahouse accommodations for more comfortable hot shower facilities along the EBC Trek route.
Internet on the EBC Trek
Internet service is also available at many stops along the Everest Base Camp Trek route, although connection speed varies according to the altitude and weather conditions. There are several options to use internet in the Everest region. Below are some popular options.
SIM card: You can purchase a local SIM card of NTC or NCEll in Kathmandu before the trek and use for phone call & internet data during the trek. Both companies’ SIM cards work well; however, NTC offers better coverage than Ncell. Internet data on both SIM cards works better up to Namche; after that, the signal gets weaker and speeds slow down.
WIFI: Along the route, most teahouses also offer Wi-Fi at an additional fee. Generally, they charge around USD 4–6 per device, depending on the location. The teahouses’ Wi-Fi works better up to Namche Bazaar thereafter, they don’t provide WIFI
Airlink Card: The Everest Link or Airlink card is another popular option for WI-FI access throughout the Everest region treks. Although it is relatively expensive, it provides convenient and reliable internet access along the Everest trail. If you want to stay in touch with family, it is more reliable in higher-altitude stops like Tengboche, Dingboche, Lobuche, and Gorakshep. An Airlink card costs between NPR 1,200 and 1,500 for 24 hours of data.
A Typical Day On The EBC Trek
A typical day on a trek begins with a freshly prepared breakfast at the teahouse.
After breakfast, between 6:30 and 7:30 am, you start trekking with your guide and group. Most days’ hikes involve around a 5–7 hours walk. However, some days can be shorter or considerably longer depending on the itinerary, altitude, terrain, and distance.
Lunch is normally taken at a teahouse between 12 and 1 PM along the trail. After lunch, trek continues toward your overnight destination and generally reaches it in the afternoon.
Once you reach the teahouse, you can take rest, enjoy hot drinks or charge your devices. Dinner is generally served between 6 and 7 pm. Also, you can socialize with fellow trekkers to exchange your experiences. Your guide gives a briefing about the next day’s plan after dinner.
We advise you to sleep on time after dinner, particularly at higher elevations, so your body gets enough time to recover and acclimatize.
Guides & Porters
All our Everest Base Camp Trek guides are certified by the Government of Nepal and have years of experience leading trekkers in the Himalayas. They are well-trained in mountain safety, first aid and altitude sickness. Our porters are well equipped and strong enough to carry belongings in the high altitude regions.
You will meet our guide in Kathmandu before the trek. Our guide takes care of your accommodations, meals and navigates the trails throughout the trek.
Our local porters are from the Everest region and you will meet them at Lukla Airport. They will take care of your belongings throughout the trek and allowing you to trek comfortably.
Porter Baggage Limit
Usually, a porter carries up to a total of 20 kgs which includes duffle bags of two trekkers which should not exceed 10 kgs each. It’s always a better choice not to carry heavier bags because at the end of the day, porters are also humans who have a certain capacity of physical endurance.
Trekking Safety and Acclimatization
Your safety is our priority while you are on Nepal vacation with us. To ensure a safe and comfortable journey to Everest Base Camp, we follow proper trekking safety procedures and maintain a steady but slow pace. Our every guide carries comprehensive medical and first-aid equipment to handle emergencies promptly, allowing our clients to enjoy their time in the Himalayas with complete peace of mind. Every day on the trek, our experienced local guides monitor your oxygen level, altitude symptoms and also provide information about the weather and trail conditions.
Our standard EBC itinerary includes necessary acclimatization days to adjust the body with the increasing altitude. Trekkers visit Hotel Everest View during acclimatization day at Namche and hike toward Nangkartshang Peak at Dingboche before continuing toward Everest Base Camp.
Emergency Evacuation
If any serious health issue occurs during the Everest Base Camp Trek, our guides will quickly assess the situation and coordinate the appropriate emergency response. Depending on the trekker’s condition and location, our guides can assist with a descent to a lower elevation, arrange local medical care or coordinate helicopter evacuation if necessary. Our Kathmandu office team maintains regular communication with the guides to ensure timely support in an emergency.
Temperature and Weather
During the Everest Base Camp Trek, you can experiences different weather conditions throughout the year. Spring and autumn seasons are generally mild to cool, with daytime temperatures around 5°C to 15°C at lower elevations and colder conditions above 4,000m. The weather is usually dry and offer clear mountain views.
Summer/Monsoon (June–August) is warmer at lower elevations, generally around 10°C to 20°C, but brings rain, clouds, and reduced mountain visibility. Winter (December–February) is the coldest season and daytime temperatures are often below 5 degree Celsius. And nightmare temperatures potentially dropping to -10°C to -25°C near Gorak Shep and Everest Base Camp. Temperatures vary significantly with altitude, time of day, wind, and weather conditions.
Check the Everest Base Camp Trek temperature and weather in each season in the table.
| Seasons |
Approx Daytime Temperature |
Approx Nighttime Temperature |
Weather Condition |
| Spring |
10°C to 15°C |
-1°C to -10°C |
Clear mornings, good mountain visibility; occasional cloudy afternoons. |
– |
| Summer/ Monsoon |
10°C to 20°C |
2°C to -5°C |
Cloudy and wetter conditions; rain is more common at lower elevations, with cloud and reduced mountain visibility at higher elevations. |
| Autumn |
5°C to 15°C |
-5°C to -20°C |
Generally dry and stable; clear skies and excellent mountain visibility, especially in October and November. |
| Winter |
1°C to -10°C |
-10°C to -28°C |
Very cold and dry; freezing temperatures, possible snowfall, and strong winds at higher elevations. |
Travel Insurance
Proper travel insurance is highly recommended for the Everest Base Camp Trek. The trek passes through high-altitude remote terrain where immediate medical treatment and ground transportation are not possible. Therefore, make sure your travel insurance covers trekking up to at least 5,600 meters, emergency medical treatment, helicopter evacuation and repatriation.
We also recommend adding trip cancellation, interruption and flight delays in your policy. Always read the policy inclusions and exclusions carefully and confirm that altitude-related illness and emergency helicopter evacuation are covered.
15 Days Everest Base Camp Trek Cost
The Everest Base Camp Trek cost depends on the trek you want to experience. The average price for the luxurious EBC trek ranges from $3500 to $8000 per person. However, you will receive a group discount. In the average EBC luxury trek, the services are excellent, such as the lodges or five-star hotels with private rooms, gourmet chefs preparing meals, and the guides are highly trained with over ten years of experience.
If you plan to enjoy the average EBC trek experience, the cost will be less expensive than the luxury trek. The average price of the usual trek ranges from $1000 to $3000, where you get regular services like twin beds and hot showers, but they are not as expensive as the luxury trek.
You can also experience the budget-friendly trek of the EBC, which ranges from $800 to $1200, where you get average services. You will stay in the average teahouse or the budgeted hotel. You can hike independently; however, if you want to enjoy the trek safely, hiring local guides and porters is a must.
Difficulty Factors of EBC Trek
Although the Everest Base Camp Trek is among the easy treks in Nepal, certain factors can increase the difficulty of the EBC trek. Some factors of difficulty can increase based on the weather, season, etc, while other factors constantly challenge the trekkers regardless of the time. Here are some of the factors that influence the difficulty of the EBC trek.
High Altitude
High altitude is a common difficulty for trekkers in the Everest region. As you climb higher, significantly above 3,500 meters, the risk of altitude sickness increases. You will go above 5,000 meters on this trek, so altitude sickness is likely. Make sure to carry medications and descend if you experience any symptoms. Altitude sickness is also why you should trek with other people or a guide and not attempt it alone.
Harsh Terrains
The Everest Base Camp passes through different types of landscapes. From sub-tropical barren lands to lush green forests, rocky peaks, snowy mountains, and glacial moraines of the Khumbu glacier, the trekkers will get different types of experience. However, such different terrains are also challenging to trek. The trails pass through ups and downs with steep ascents and descents each day. So ensure you are physically fit to hike through these challenging terrains easily.
Long Trekking Distance and Duration
The duration of the EBC trek usually lasts between 10 and 15 days or even longer. Each day, you will trek for about 6 to 7 hours. This can be tough because it requires a lot of energy, and you will walk for a long time. It’s important to take breaks to help your body adjust to the higher altitude. Preparing well and staying strong during the trek is essential. Different trek packages to Everest vary in length, so you can choose shorter options if you don’t have much time. However, shorter treks allow less time for acclimatization.
How is the Weather at Everest Base Camp Trek?
The Everest Base Camp Trek weather has constantly changed throughout the years. However, the weather remains stable and ideal during the Best time for Everest Base Camp Trek, like Spring and Autumn. During this season, the temperature of the region is about 25 degrees in the day and decreases up to 10 degrees in the night.
However, if you decide to trek the EBC during winter, you must be prepared. The weather is dynamic and constantly changing throughout the trek, so you must be ready for sunny days, rainfall, snowfall, blistering winds, and snowstorms. The temperature reaches way below the freezing point, up to -20 degrees. So, if you don’t want to face the difficulty of changing weather, ensure you are trekking in the ideal seasons.
Permits Required to Reach Base Camp of Everest
Everest Base Camp Trek needs two permits to enter the Khumbu region. These two permits are the Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit and Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality entry card. All required permits are included in our package. Hence, we arrange these permits for our trekkers before or during the trek, so you can focus on enjoying the journey through the Everest region.
Get further details about the Everest Base Camp Trek Permits through our blog post.
We did the trek to EBC with our daughter and son-in-law in mid March. Our guide Rajan and two porters Guvan and his brother Deluve were the best. With their kind and helpful manners and their knowledge of the trek. They were all super encouraging and very positive. They were there for us every step of the way. We couldn’t have been in better hands.
Everything was planned out perfectly from the tea houses where we stayed to equipment needed for each days trek.
I would highly to Glorious Himalayas for anyone seeking to trek around Mt Everest.
Visited in March 2026
Jim Young
Michigan, USA