Everest Base Camp Trek Difficulty & Challenges
The Everest Base Camp trek can be considered a moderately challenging trek. Although we believe its difficulty level is moderate, the high-altitude region can make it strenuous for many trekkers.
The main reason it’s not that difficult to consider is that there are tons of tea houses in the trail. In fact, the lodges and restaurants are also pretty modern compared to other trails of Nepal.
That’s mainly because of the popularity of the Mt. Everest expedition. And expect to see quite a lot of crowd, especially during the peak season.
In fact, it feels like you’re trekking with your entire squad. So, even if you face any sort of difficulties, not just the guides but there would be even more helping hands.
The thing that makes the EBC trek a little more challenging, besides altitude sickness due to the high-altitude region is the unpredictable weather and that dangerous flight to Lukla.
So, even if many trekkers term the Everest Base Camp Trek as difficult, just go for it as your safety is guaranteed by the travel agency, like Mount Glory ourselves.
Similarly, there are other challenges that can come your way but still can be tackled easily with the help of Mount Glory. Let’s list everything down:
- Altitude sickness: As we mentioned earlier, you’ll be in a high-altitude region (above 5,000 meters). So, the altitude sickness possibility is high, especially after the fourth day.
- Weather and Temperature: At times, the weather is open with fantastic views, and the other times, fog covers everything up. The mornings and evenings are also very cold (sometimes, even going below zero degrees). Choosing a good pair of clothing can help.
- Permits and documents: If you’re planning to arrange this yourself, it’s going to be super hard and also has a risk of being canceled. So, let Mount Glory or any other travel agency do this job for you.
- Hiring Porters: Finding a trustworthy porter to carry your expensive items is risky, of course. Good for you that if you request us to find a trustworthy person, we’ll help you do it but with extra fees.
- Extra Luggage: Of course, there won’t just be your trekking bag. You have to manage all those items, which is super hard (especially for beginners). That’s when the porters come to your aid by helping you carry 10 to 15 kg.
- Limited Electricity: You have to understand the Everest Base Camp is in a remote region of Nepal. So, taking electricity poles all the way to the high-altitude region is a bit risky. So, the Sherpa people use solar light, which is very limited, and hence you’ll have problems charging your electrical devices too.
- Limited Water and Shower: Similar is the case with drinking water and showers. You’ll have to rely on the streams and your own purifying tablets. While showers can be ko managed, the cold temperature of the Everest region might not allow you to take any shower for 14 days. Also, you’ll have to pay extra for hot water.
- Poor Network: Make sure you inform your loved ones before starting the trek itself. That’s because, after Name Bazaar, the network is limited and unexpected. Better if you switch off your smartphone and indulge in nature for the coming days.
- Arranging Cash: Online payment is almost impossible due to limited network and Wi-Fi. Even if you’re looking for an ATM, it won’t be possible after Namche Bazaar. So, you have to take the hassle of carrying Nepali cash from Kathmandu itself.
Keep in mind that no matter any challenge, Mount Glory is always ready to help you in the best way possible. Never hesitate when you want anything as we shall do our best in terms of hospitality and services. That’s what we Nepalese are known for!
Best Time to Trek Everest Base Camp
The beauty of the Everest Base Camp Trek is that it can be done in all seasons. However, the monsoon and winter seasons aren’t considered very favorable. So, it’s best that you avoid them.
Other than that, here we have ranked the best time to go for the Everest Base Camp Trek:
- Spring Season (March-May): Warm weather and blooming rhododendron flowers are what make this season the #1 for trekking the Everest region.
- Autumn Season (End of September/October/November): Clear views and chances of snowfall are what make this season #2 on the list.
- Summer Season (June/July/August/mid-September): The possibility of landslides, leeches, and slippery surfaces is what makes this season one to avoid for your Everest Base Camp trek.
- Winter Season (December, January, and February): Too much cold weather, temperatures dropping zero degrees, and heavy snowfall with the possibility of avalanches make this the worst season to trek EBC.
Permits Required for Everest Base Camp Trek
Everest Base Camp is located in the eastern Khumbu region of Nepal. It lies within the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Sagarmatha National Park.
Note the keywords used here: “Khumbu” and “Sagarmatha National Park”. For these regions, you need separate permits, and that’s about it.
Allow us to break down the permits in a much clearer way with their cost too. Note that if you were thinking about the TIMS (Trekkers' Information Management Systems) card, that’s not required for the Everest Base Camp Trek.
| Permit | Nationality | Total Cost |
| Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit | Nepalese SAARC Other Countries | NPR 100 NPR 1500 NPR 3000 |
| Khumbu Pashang Lhamu Muncipility Entry Permit | SAARC Other Countries | NPR 2000 NPR 2000 |
To obtain these permits, all you require is your passport, two to four passport-sized photographs, and emergency contact information.
And once you get the permits, you have to comply with the rules and regulations in the region. You shouldn’t litter around, start campfires, disrespect wildlife, or break the marked trail and get deeper inside the forests. These are some restricted things to do.
Note that Mount Glory will help you get these permits. So, you don’t have to take the headaches.
And if you have a child below 10 years doing the EBC trek, there won’t be any charge included for the permits. This is a sign to take your son or daughter to the trek too. Let them get close to nature from a young age itself!
Packing List For Everest Base Camp Trek
Considering the fact that the Everest Base Camp Trek is a long 14-day journey, Mount Glory is pretty sure that you are thinking of the things to carry and those you don’t. Worry no more!
We’ve taken our time, asked our professional guides, and consulted the trekkers who were already in the region to prepare a complete packing list for the EBC Trek. Check the list below and you can manage the items as per your wish:
- Passport & visa: Valid for at least 30 days (not 15, as the trekking time can be delayed due to over-crowd)
- Insurance and Emergency: Should include the one that covers your health issues, injuries/accidents, air ambulance, helicopter rescue, and personal treatment costs
- All the necessary permits that we mentioned earlier
- Photos and Identifications (multiple preferred)
- Copies and backups of your documents
- Nepali cash
- Headgear: Wide-brimmed hat, Sun Cap, Woolen Cap, etc.
- Body gear: Categorize based on base-mid-outer layer (thermals, jackets, sweaters, t-shirts, raincoats)
- Handwear: Inner and outer gloves
- Footwear: Trekking boots, Trekking Socks, Gaiters, Rain Shoe Covers, etc.
- Innerwear: Undergarments and sports bras (based on gender)
- Backpacks: Trekking bag, duffle bag, zip-lock bags, garbage bags, etc.
- Hiking Essentials: Trekking poles, Water bottles, Crampons, Swiss Army knives, etc.
- Navigation & Communication: Guidebook, Map, Local SIM cards, etc.
- Toiletries & Personal Hygiene: Sunscreen, Lipbalm, Toothpaste, Toothbrush, Moisturizing cream, Deodorants, Tissue papers, Wet tissues, Makeup items, etc.
- First Aid Kit With Medicines: Antibiotics, painkillers, Pain relief sprays, Adhesive bandages, personal medical prescription (important), etc.
- Food and snacks: Protein/energy bars, Dried fruits and nuts, Biscuits, Garlic and cloves, etc.
- Electronics and Accessories: Your smartphone, cameras, earphones, power bank, solar charger, Headlamp, extra batteries, etc.
- Optional Comfort Items: Sewing set, Small padlocks, Sunglasses, Purse, etc.
In case you have problems shopping for any of the aforementioned items, you could let us know. We do make renting facilities for all of our guests.
And when shopping for any item from the list, make sure it’s of the highest quality. You certainly do not want to face troubles in case anything goes wrong when you’re trekking in the Himalayas.
Accommodation and Food During the EBC Trek
You don’t have to worry about a nutritious diet during the Everest Base Camp Trek. That’s because the lodges and tea houses here have everything to offer, from Nepali to American cuisine.
Although the same food is difficult to get in the higher altitude regions, you can still find your favorite food item even at the base camp. That’s the amazing part of this journey.
Yet, we do not encourage you to eat wherever you want. Nepalese food is already considered the best when it comes to trekking or even climbing. So, it’s best to stick with the advices of the professionals and grab Nepali food for the entire 14 days.
Here’s a list of food items that you can expect during your EBC trekking journey:
- Dal Bhat Tarkari
- Momos
- Tibetan bread
- Toast with Butter/Jam
- Thukpa
- Tea and Coffee
- Soft drinks and juices (the famous here is Coca-Cola)
- Tsampa (roasted barley flour)
- Pasta, noodles, pancakes, pizza, burgers, omelets, etc.
- Protein bars, nuts, dry fruits, granola bars, jerky (carry them on your own!)
Note that our packages shall serve you with breakfast, lunch, and dinner throughout your trekking days. So, besides the ones Mount Glory provides, you need to pay extra.
And if you have been reading this article from the very top, you’re definitely aware that there are mountain lodges for accommodation. For a budget-friendly trip, you could even stay in tea houses with limited facilities.
In fact, do not forget that some regions of the EBC trail even feature 3-star to 5-start hotels, which is surprising but shows the developmental progress of Nepal!
Cultural and Natural Attractions of the EBC Trek
While the Everest Base Camp route is naturally attractive for sure, there are some other cultural factors that you need to understand before heading to do this trek. We’ve listed the important ones for the time being:
- Religions: Hinduism and Buddhism
- Festivals: Dashain, Tihar, Mani Rimdu Festival
- Ethnic Groups: Sherpas, Rais, Tamangs, Brahmins, and Chhettris
Don’t hesitate to ask our guide and porters to learn more in-depth. This shows the importance of these professionals—they’re not just there to help you with the climb but also offer you the best pieces of information.
Now that you’ve learned about the cultural attractions, let’s peek into the natural as well as artificial attractions that make Everest Base Camp trek a must-do adventure:
- Tenzing-Hillary Airport: #1 most dangerous airport in the world, located in Lukla, Solukhumbu district.
- Monjo: The entry point of Sagarmatha National Park, which is in the UNESCO World Heritage site.
- Namche Bazaar: Considered the ‘gateway to Everest’. A town full of Sherpa community and a tourist hub for both trekkers and climbers.
- Everest Base Camp: Take a peek into the base camps being set up by the climbers.
- Tengboche Monastery: The largest Buddhist monastery in the Khumbu region.
- Khumjung Monastery: There’s a Yeti scalp here. So, don’t forget to visit!
- Everest View Hotel: 5* hotel in the Everest region, the highest-located 5* hotel in the world.
- Sherpa Culture Museum: It’s in the Namche Bazaar. Pay a visit to learn about the Sherpa community's history and culture in depth.
- Pangboche Monastery: The oldest monastery in the Khumbu region.
- Dudh Koshi River: You’ll be passing along this scenic river most of the time.
- Hillary Suspension Bridge: The highest and longest suspension bridge in the Khumbu region.
- Kala Patthar: The main viewpoint of Mt. Everest at 5,644 m (great view of the sunrise from here).
- Nangkartshang Peak: A peak at 5,083m that you can climb during your EBC trek.
- Chhukung Ri: Another optional hiking destination located at an elevation of 5,546 m.
- Khumbu Glacier: The largest glacier in Nepal.
- Khumbu Icefall: You’ll get a glimpse of this when hiking towards Kala Patthar.
- Ama Dablam Viewpoint: Another great spot that offers a very close view of Mt. Ama Dablam.
Essential Tips For EBC Trek
After reading this informational guide, we're pretty sure you've been motivated enough to start the trek. However, the difficulty might be making you think twice about whether or not to join in on this expedition.
We completely understand this. That's the first reason Mount Glory is presenting you this blog. So, if you've been waiting to hear the essential tips, here they are:
- Start your physical activity preparation before even coming to Nepal. Since this is a long 14-day journey and requires 7-8 hours of daily hiking whilst carrying a heavy backpack, it's essential to have a physically fit body.
- Also, you need to have a mentally strong attitude too. Sleeping at high altitudes ultimately leads to altitude sickness. While these kinds of illnesses aren't easy to cure, you can certainly be prepared for this thing to be coming your way. And Mount Glory always believes that a mentally strong attitude helps tackle even the toughest challenges.
- And if you have any long-form sickness, please don’t hide it. Share it with us, so we think of ways to make your trip even more comfortable.
- Don't carry everything that you bring during your trip to Nepal. We shall help you leave the non-essential items in a budget hotel or a locker itself.
- Even during your EBC trekking, don't think twice about hiring a porter. This way, you won’t just lighten the burden but even help them financially.
- Always carry your permits and documents with you (in your pocket or somewhere close to you).
- For drones and professional cameras, you’ll require a separate permit. So, please don’t hide and take shots or yours might be confiscated.
- Always help each other during the trek. Some of us might not be as fit as the other. The EBC trek brings you closer.
- Start learning some basic Nepali from today itself. This is a way of showing respect.
- Similarly, make a habit of opening your shoes when entering somebody’s home or saying ‘Namaste’ when greeting somebody. That’s the culture we follow here in Nepal.
- Before coming to Nepal, it’s a good idea that you learn the religion and culture of Nepal in-depth. Keep following Mount Glory as we’re bringing you more about Nepal via our blogs!
Post-Trek Activities
Everest Base Camp is surely not the only attraction in Nepal. Once you’ve completed the trek, there’s so much more to learn about Nepal. And we’re pretty sure you’ll love it here in Nepal.
One of the best post-trek activities is to celebrate the closest festival in Nepal. These include:
Even other local festivals are celebrated. You’ll learn about that once you visit Nepal. So, don’t think twice before booking this Everest Base Camp Trek.
And if you have a longer visa and wish to travel across the country, check out Mount Glory’s other packages catered just for you:
You may check other tour and trek packages on our site itself!
Everest Base Camp Trek Cost Breakdown
Now, let’s talk money! You’ve probably got your eyes on the right-hand side of the screen. We know that!
Tell us from your side–don’t you think USD 1490 for such a wonderful 14-day Everest Base Camp is worth every penny? We truly believe that this is the best budget price you’ll find on the internet. Also, we have a group breakdown cost depending on the number of trekkers.
Mount Glory is already the best in terms of hospitality and servicing, which you should have figured out after reading this comprehensive guide.
But if you’re still hesitant about the price, don’t just skip the page. We’re leaving our contact number and hoping to hear from you soon: +977 9849856378. Call us or send us a Whatsapp message. Mount Glory is always there for our guests.
Note that the government of Nepal had recently increased the climbing fee of Mount Everest. And for that reason, the overall cost of the Everest Base Camp trek has also increased slightly.
Booking and Payment Process
This web page of Mount Glory features two buttons, each serving a different purpose:
Hit the ‘Send Inquiry’ button to clear your doubts on the Everest Base Camp trek.
There’s also a ‘Reserve Now’ button. That’s to directly book this EBC trek.
Remember that you have to fill up the provided form in both the options. And if you’re still having a troublest, just contact us via WhatsApp and we shall proceed accordingly.
Tipping Culture
There’s one thing left for us to say. After seeing the hard work of Nepalese people (especially the porters), many international tourists leave tips.
It’s just like dining in a restaurant and tipping the waiter who serves you. The culture in Nepal is somewhat very similar.
For that, make sure you pre-plan your budget while considering tipping your potters and other people in Nepal. Don’t worry! You don’t have to spend a fortune—just a few bucks is more than enough!
Why EBC Trek is a Must-Do Adventure?
Getting to the base camp of the tallest mountain in the world is a dream for many. And if you have read this article to the very end, we’re pretty sure you have this dream too.
If you already have prior experience hiking in the high-altitude region and still have not done the Everest Base Camp, you’re seriously missing out! So, hesitate no more now. Just hit the
Reserve Now button and Mount Glory shall be all excited to serve you.
Of course, there are risks but that shouldn’t hold you back. Everest Base Camp takes you so close to Mt. Everest and its mesmerizing view shall stun you for not just days or weeks, but for a lifetime.
Come to Nepal and let’s do this trek together. We’re excited and hope you are too!
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