Everest Base Camp Trek Guide

Introduction

The Everest Base Camp trek is one of the world’s most famous walking routes — 130km round trip from Lukla to the base of the world’s highest mountain at 5,364m. It’s not technically difficult (no climbing equipment needed) but the altitude makes it demanding. With proper preparation, it’s achievable for any fit person.

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Trek Overview

Distance: ~130km round trip

Duration: 12–14 days standard itinerary (don’t rush acclimatization)

Maximum altitude: Kala Patthar viewpoint: 5,545m (most trekkers’ highest point). EBC: 5,364m

Difficulty: Moderate-strenuous (altitude is the main challenge, not technical difficulty)

Best season: October–November and March–May

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Standard Itinerary

Day	Route	Altitude
1	Fly Kathmandu → Lukla (2,860m), trek to Phakding	2,610m
2	Phakding → Namche Bazaar	3,440m
3	Acclimatization day in Namche	3,440m
4	Namche → Tengboche	3,860m
5	Tengboche → Dingboche	4,410m
6	Acclimatization day in Dingboche	4,410m
7	Dingboche → Lobuche	4,940m
8	Lobuche → Gorak Shep → EBC → Gorak Shep	5,364m
9	Gorak Shep → Kala Patthar sunrise → Pheriche	5,545m
10	Pheriche → Namche	3,440m
11	Namche → Lukla	2,860m
12	Fly Lukla → Kathmandu	—

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Altitude Sickness

The main risk on the EBC trek. Symptoms: headache, nausea, dizziness, fatigue at altitude.

Golden rule: Never ascend if symptoms are present. Descend if symptoms worsen.

Acclimatization days are mandatory — the itinerary above includes them. Skipping them to save time is dangerous and counterproductive.

Diamox: Acetazolamide prescription medication helps with acclimatization. Consult a doctor before the trek.

Pulse oximeter: Carry one. Measure blood oxygen regularly. Below 80% at rest = concern. Below 70% = descend immediately.

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Permits Required

Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit: NPR 3,000 (~$22). Obtained in Kathmandu or Monjo.

TIMS Card (Trekkers’ Information Management System): NPR 2,000 (~$15). Required for all trekkers.

Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality fee: NPR 2,000 (~$15). New requirement since 2023.

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Costs

Item	Cost
Kathmandu–Lukla flight (return)	$250–350
Permits	~$50
Guide (recommended)	$25–35/day
Porter (strongly recommended)	$18–25/day
Teahouse accommodation	$3–15/night
Meals on trek	$5–15/day
**Total (independent, no guide)**	**~$800–1,200**
**Total (with guide and porter)**	**~$1,500–2,500**

Organized tours from Kathmandu: $1,500–3,500 including all logistics.

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Packing Essentials

• Down jacket (temperatures can be -20°C at high altitude, especially at night)
• Waterproof jacket and trousers
• Trekking boots (broken in before the trek)
• Trekking poles (essential for knees on descent)
• Sleeping bag (rated to -10°C minimum)
• Headlamp
• Pulse oximeter
• Water purification tablets or filter

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