Everest Base Camp Trek
- See Qomolangma for routes to the Tibetan Everest Base Camp on the north side.
Everest Base Camp Trek is a famous and moderately challenging trek in Khumbu, Nepal.
For information on preparing for this trek, including when to go, what to bring, what permits are required, and safety precautions including altitude sickness, and water contamination, see Trekking in Nepal.
Understand
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Famous for its spectacular mountain peaks and the loyalty and friendliness of its inhabitants (the Sherpas), the Everest region (Khumbu) is one of the most popular destinations for tourists in Nepal. While many of the routes through the mountains are arduous, there are ample places to rest and enjoy a meal along the way. Furthermore, don't worry about getting lost. Just ask a local the way to the next village on your route, and they will direct you. Most Sherpas under the age of 50 can at least understand basic English, and many speak it fluently.
While trekking is possible in this area the whole year round, the best times to visit are from the beginning of March to mid May and from the beginning of September to mid November. The winters are very cold and snow may make it difficult to travel higher than Tengboche, and also lodges may be closed above this altitude. Summers, on the other hand, are wet, and the spectacular peaks are often lost in the clouds. April and early May is a good time to see the hedgerows and trees bursting into bloom, with rhododendrons, in particular, adding a spectacular splash of colour to the landscape. However, dust from the plains of India during the spring routinely provide less than ideal conditions for clear mountain views. The views are much better after the summer monsoons have cleared the atmosphere of dust, but the days are shorter and cooler.
Hiring guides/porters
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Neither a guide nor a porter is required for the journey, although hiring one does provide welcome income for poor families and may give more flexibility. If you do hire a porter, keep your valuables with you. The vast majority of porters are honest, but it only takes one who is not to ruin a holiday. Expect to pay around Rs. 2,500–4,500 a day (more if your load is very heavy) for a porter's services, and as far as Namche Bazaar you are not expected to pay for their accommodation and meals. However, due to the high price of food and lack of provisions for porters above Namche, meals should be provided. (Namche has a cheap and clean lodge specially for porters). Anyway, ensure that your terms are clear at the time of hiring to avoid trouble later.
Guides are definitely not necessary if you are travelling no higher that Tengboche or Pangboche. Above that, you might consider hiring one. Not only can they guide you on the right path and explain local sights, but they can also be invaluable should you fall ill. Guides speak English (and often other languages: specify your choice when hiring) and need an official licence to operate. They command a much higher rate than porters (negotiate), and carrying your bags is not part of their service. Like porters, they will find their own accommodation and meals unless you invite them.
In general, guides are local Sherpas or Tamangs, while porters are Rai or belong to ethnic groups from other areas.
Guides and porters can be hired for a fee through trekking operators in Kathmandu or you can inquire at lodges in Lukla or Namche. At Lukla airport, there are always hopeful porters milling around the exit, but it is better to use a lodge owner as an intermediary. They can help you negotiate a good deal and translate your specific needs. Eco Paradise in Lukla or Namche Hotel in Namche are convenient and good places to do this.
Get in
editFly to Lukla Airport (LUA IATA) from Kathmandu. There are several airlines operating dozens of flights every day. Tara Air is generally considered the most reliable. Sita Air also operates two flights every morning from Kathmandu to Lukla at 07:00 and 08:20. The flight takes around 25 minutes. During the summer rainy season, there may be substantial delays, even a wait of a week is not unheard of. For the return journey, the flights leave Lukla at 07:40 and 09:00. Helicopter charter service is also available on demand and is mostly used for rescue operations. Be aware that airline safety regulations in Nepal are poor, and as a result the country has more than its fair share of plane crashes.
Alternatives are to fly to Phaplu airport, which has been pushed the last few years, in part due to renovations at KTM, 2–3 trekking days south of Lukla, or to walk in from Jiri, which is 5–7 trekking days west of Lukla. These alternatives take more time and therefore are less popular, but are very peaceful and pleasant, and safer than flying into Lukla.
Permits
editJust as you leave Lukla you will need to stop at two windows and pay two fees of Rs. 3,000 each, one for the park permit and the other for a trekker safety card. Just after the village of Monju, there is a check point for entering the Sagarmatha National Park and another check point just before entering Namche.
Walk
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Khumbu is an area for trekking. The trek can be as short as a two day walk from Lukla to Namche Bazaar or an eight to ten day trip to Everest Base Camp. Irrespective of the length of the journey, as there are no roads in the area, it will definitely involve putting on hiking boots and walking the mountain paths. Below is an itinerary from Lukla Airport to Everest Base Camp and all points in between.
Day one - 1 Lukla airport 
(about US$195 from KTM IATA) to Monju (2800m): Pass directly through the village of Lukla (there is no compelling reason to stop here, though it is a good place to have breakfast or lunch) and follow the path to Namche. There will no doubt be a string of porters carrying goods up to the Sherpa capital, so the route is easy to locate. The first village after Lukla is Chheplung, and further down the trail, you will pass through Ghat and Phakding. Both these villages have a good selection of lodges and restaurants and are conveniently located for taking a meal break. However, if you still have enough stamina, it is advisable to press on to Monju (about 90 minutes to two hours from Phakding) to spend the night as this will give you a good start for the steep ascent to Namche the following morning. Lukla to Monju 6 miles and 6.5 hours.
Day two – 2 Monju to Namche: After passing through the Sagarmatha Park entrance (3,390 Rs for foreigners), the trail passes through the village of Jorsale and then along the river. You will cross two bridges before beginning the steep ascent to Namche, which can take up to three hours to complete. Be aware that there are no tea houses or lodges on this path, so ensure that you have ample water to get you to the top. In addition, you are now heading into a high altitude area, so take it easy. Even the fittest people are prone to altitude sickness. Monju to Namche 3 miles and 3 to 4 hours, almost all uphill.
Days three and four – 3 Namche Bazaar (3,440 m): It is recommended to take an altitude acclimatisation rest day in Namche. Although no more than a village, the Sherpa capital has two museums, several internet cafes, and, at last count, two pizza parlours and three cafes (locally known as bakeries), so there is much to keep you occupied during your stay here. Namche also has two official money changers, so it is a good place to stock up on local currency for the days ahead (lodges and restaurants in Khumbu only accept Nepali rupees). There is also a reasonable selection of English books, though the prices are higher than in Kathmandu.
During your acclimatisation rest day, you might like to visit neighbouring villages. 1 Khumjung (3790m) is over the hill directly behind Namche, and takes 1½–2 hours to reach. There are several sights in the village (See listings below) and a few lodges and cafes. Khunde is a short walk from Khumjung. Getting there: Take the Tengboche trail, then at the top of the hill above Namche, near the huge mani stone and just past the bank, head straight up the mountain; the wider path to the right goes to Tengboche. After a steep climb, you will arrive at an airstrip. Cross this and rejoin the path at the other side. After a short distance you'll pass a stupa. From there, take the paved path down the hill. Soon you will see the playground and school buildings of Khumjung Hillary School. 2 Thame (3750m) is a more traditional village that is about a 2 1/2- to 3-hour walk from Namche. Getting there: Leave Namche on the path that passes the ochre coloured Namche Monastery (Namche Gompa). From here, it is a relatively flat walk that takes in some very pleasant scenery. The first hamlet on the route is Phurte, identified by the forest nursery, and then Tesho. The water that runs through Tesho comes directly from Mount Khumbi Yui Lha, the most sacred mountain to the Sherpas, so there are several retreat huts built into the niches. Thame is the next village on the trail, and a good place to take lunch. Thame has a few lodges and is home to one of Khumbu's oldest monasteries. This trail was also a traditional route to Tibet; however, the border crossing has been closed for at least 20 years.
Day five – Namche to 4 Tengboche (3,870 m/12,696 ft): After a short but steep climb out of Namche Bazaar, then walk on a fairly level trail to the villages of Kenjuma and Sanasa. Here there are extensive displays of souvenirs to tempt you and food and drinks. The Ama Dablam Lodge in Kanjuma has some good food and the sitting area out front offers uninhibited views of Ama Dablam. In addition, the lodge reputedly has the best selection of jewellery for sale in Khumbu, so if you don't plan to return this way, pick out a few light souvenirs; they will forever remind you of this sun-blessed place and the sparkling snow capped peak of Ama Dablam. After a short while, the trail descends to the level of the Dudh Koshi River, and you will pass a few hamlets and cross several bridges. Then at the hamlet of Phunki Thanga (marked by its water driven prayer wheels), the trail ascends steeply. There are no tea houses or lodges on this stretch, so take some refreshment in Phunki Thanga and stock up on water for the one and a half to two hour climb to Tengboche. Take it easy going up here. The air is thinner than you are aware! You want to avoid mountain sickness.
Day six: For those heading for Everest, the trail passes through the villages of Deboche (here, there is a small nunnery on the left – definitely worth a visit), 5 Pangboche (3,860 m (12,660 ft)), 6 Dingboche and finally 7 Periche (4,240 m (13,910 ft)). All these villages offer food and lodgings. Pangboche (especially Upper-Pangboche, where the local monastery is located) is, however, probably the most pleasant as it is surrounded by trees. So, if you decide to take the journey slowly, this is the best place to rest and relax. For those heading for Island Peak Trek or the Lhotse Glacier, your final destination will be Chukhung. As this is further than Periche, you will definitely need to stop the night in Pangboche or Dingboche.
Day seven: In Periche, you will need to take a day to acclimatise to the high altitude. Take short, slow walks around the village, marvel at the peaks and dig out the book you bought in Namche, but whatever you do, don't push it at this point. If you begin to feel unwell, inform your guide or lodge owner and return as quickly as possible to a lower altitude. The experts say hike high sleep low. So some Nepal experts recommend that if you are feeling well, to hike each day to a higher elevation than you will sleep.
Day eight – Periche to 8 Lobuche (4,930 m/16174 ft): Spend the night in this small village packed with tourists. There are several lodges at this village but not much to do here besides eat and sleep. Often trekkers entering Lobuche will find the lodges full and may have to share a room with a stranger or sleep in the common room. Even if you have a room, you may be asked by the lodge owner to share it with someone.
Day nine - Lobuche to 9 Gorak Shep (5,160 m/16,929 ft): This is a fairly easy hike and should take about 3 hours. You can take a short side-trip and visit the Everest Pyramid, a weather station built by Italians. In Gorak Shep there is a small, usually frozen lake. This village now has three lodges: Himalaya Lodge, Snowland Lodge and the Kala Pattar lodge. Gorak Shep will be your base to visit the 10 Everest Base Camp (5,380 m/17,650 ft) and to climb the hill behind the lodges called 11 Kala Patthar (5,643 m/18513 ft) with great views of 1 Mt. Everest and surrounding mountains.
2 Pokalde (5,806 m/19,049 ft) is described as one of the shortest and easiest trekking peaks in the Everest Region. As such, this can possibly be considered as a side trip.
Alternate return trip: From Lobuche, the trail via the pass 12 Cho La (5,370 m) to the wonderful 13 Gokyo valley with its glacier lakes and fine views offers some stunning scenery and is not as crowded as that to Everest.
Mount Everest
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WARNING: Climbing to the top of Mount Everest is an extremely dangerous endeavour, even for experienced mountaineers led by guides and using supplemental (bottled) oxygen. Inexperienced climbers should not even think about attempting it, and deaths and serious injuries to experienced climbers, including guides and Sherpas, are common. If you decide you want to attempt the summit anyway, always follow your guide's instructions: failing to do so can easily cause serious permanent injury or even death. |
Mount Everest is the highest mountain in the world. Its height is 8,848 m (29,028 ft). Its alternate names are Qomolangma, Sagarmatha, and Chomolungma. Mount Everest lies on the border of Nepal and China, with about half of the mountain lying on each side of the border. Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay first climbed it in 1953, with Hillary taking the famous photograph of Tenzing Norgay on the summit.
There are several bodies still lying on the upper portions of the mountain above the South Col on the Nepal side and the North East ridge on the Tibetan side. The Governments of Nepal and China requires all prospective climbers to purchase a permit. The fees depend on the route and season of the climb. A standard Nepali permit is $USD 50,000 for 7 climbers. There are also additional bonds to ensure refuse is removed from the mountain.
There are two main routes, Southeast and Northeast, for climbing Mt. Everest. Southeast is the most frequently-used route because it is generally considered safer and has easier access.
The ascent via the southeast ridge begins with a trek to Base Camp at 5,380 m (17,600 ft) on the south side of Everest in Nepal. Expedition members usually fly into Lukla (2,860 m) from Kathmandu and pass through Namche Bazaar. Climbers then hike to Base Camp, which usually takes six to eight days, allowing for proper altitude acclimatisation in order to prevent altitude sickness. Climbing equipment and supplies are carried by yaks, dzopkyos (yak hybrids) and human porters to Base Camp on the Khumbu Glacier.
When Hillary and Tenzing climbed Everest in 1953, they started from Kathmandu Valley, as there were no roads further east at that time.
Everest base Camp
At Everest Base Camp, climbers will often spend 4–8 weeks, acclimatising to the altitude. During that time, the "Icefall Doctors" will set up ropes and ladders in the notoriously unstable Khumbu Icefall. Seracs, crevasses and shifting blocks of ice make the icefall one of the most dangerous sections of the route. Many climbers and Sherpas have been killed in this section. To reduce the risk, climbers will usually begin their ascent well before sunrise when the freezing temperatures glue ice blocks in place. Above the icefall is Camp I at 6,065 m (19,900 ft) Camp 1 is mostly a temporary camp with most climbers just spending one night at this camp.
Camp II
Base Camp II, Advanced Base Camp (ABC) is established at 6,400 m (21,300 ft). The Western Cwm is a relatively flat, gently rising glacial valley, marked by huge lateral crevasses in the centre which prevent direct access to the upper reaches of the Cwm. Climbers are forced to cross on the far right near the base of Nuptse to a small passageway known as the "Nuptse corner". The Western Cwm as the topography of the area generally cuts off wind from the climbing route. The high altitude and a clear, windless day can make the Western Cwm unbearably hot for climbers.
Camp III
From ABC, climbers ascend the Lhotse face on set ropes up to Camp III, situated on small ledges at approximately 7,200 m to 7,400 m. From there, it is another 500 metres to Camp IV on the South Col at 7,920 m (26,000 ft). From Camp III to Camp IV, mountaineers are faced with two additional obstacles: The “Geneva Spur” and The “Yellow Band”. The Geneva Spur is an anvil shaped rib of black rock named by a 1952 Swiss expedition. Fixed ropes help climbers in scrambling over this snow covered rock band. The Yellow Band is a section of sedimentary sandstone. The route from the base of the Lhotse face to the Summit is almost always completely fixed with static line.
On the South Col, climbers are very close to 8,000 m and can only spend limited time at those altitudes even with supplemental oxygen. Climbers typically only have a maximum of two or three days they can tolerate at this altitude for making peak bids. Clear weather and low winds are important factors when deciding on a summit attempt. If weather does not cooperate within these short few days, climbers are forced to move down, many all the way back to Base Camp.
Camp IV
From Camp IV, mountaineers will start their summit push from 20:00 to 02:00 with the hope of reaching the summit (still another 1,000 m above) within 10 to 12 hours. Climbers will first reach "The Balcony" at 8,400 m (27,700 ft), a small platform where they can rest and gaze at peaks to the south and east in the early dawn light. Continuing up the ridge, climbers are then faced with a series of impressive rock steps which usually forces them to the east into waist deep snow. At 8,750 m (28,700 ft), a small table-sized area of ice and snow marks the South Summit (Peak).
From the South Peak, climbers ascend the knife-edge southeast ridge, known as the "Cornice traverse" where snow covers irregular rock. This is the most exposed part of the climb, as a misstep to the left would send one 2,400 m (8,000 ft) down the southwest face, while to the immediate right is the 3,050 m (10,000 ft) Kangshung face. At the end of this traverse is an imposing 12 m (40 ft) rock wall called the "Hillary Step" at 8,760 m (28,750 ft).
Tenzing and Hillary were the first mountaineers to rise to this step and they did it with early ice climbing equipment and without fixed ropes. Now, climbers will ascend this step using fixed ropes previously set up by Sherpas. Once above the step, it is a comparatively easy climb to the top on fairly angled snow slopes, although the exposure on the ridge is extreme, especially while traversing very large cornices of snow. After the Hillary Step climbers also must traverse a very loose and rocky section that has a very large entanglement of fixed ropes that can be troublesome in bad weather. Climbers will typically spend less than a half-hour on "top of the world" as they realise the need to descend to Camp IV before darkness sets in, afternoon weather becomes a serious problem, or supplemental oxygen tanks run out.
Currency
editMajor currencies (AUD, EUR, GBP & USD) are accepted to obtain a visa. There are ATMs in both Kathmandu and Pokhara and credit cards are accepted in limited shops and many restaurants in Kathmandu and Pokhra. Outside the cities, credit and debit cards are difficult to use owing to the lack of card-reading machines. It is recommended to convert currency to Nepali rupees (Rs.) in Kathmandu or before, as it is accepted everywhere in Nepal.
Sleep and buy
editLodges and restaurants in Khumbu only accept Nepalese rupees. Budget Rs. 3500–4500 per person per day for food and accommodation: prices rise with the altitude, and you may spend more in Namche because there is more on offer.
Prices are as follows:
- Lodges, basic room Rs. 700–1200
- Water Rs. 250–450
- Coke Rs. 150–400
- Meals Rs. 700–1500
- Hot Shower Rs. 400–800
- Candy Rs. 120–280
- Battery Charging Rs. 100–300 per hour.
Stay safe
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Khumbu is a very safe region and violent crime is almost unheard of. However, due to the number of people flowing through the area on treks, it is advisable to always keep your valuables in sight.
Altitude sickness affects even young and healthy people and is a genuine problem in Khumbu. If you feel dizzy, suffer palpitations or severe headaches, return immediately to lower altitude. Do not take altitude sickness lightly. It can and does kill!
Yaks may be photogenic, but they are aggressive and unpredictable. Always stand on the upper slope (i.e., above the path, away from the drop-off) to let yaks pass. Every Sherpa has a tale about Westerners who have stood on the lower side of a trail to let a herd of yaks pass and died after being pushed off.
Oxygen bottle thefts have been reported on the mountain; bottles are stolen for use or for resale at the base camp.
There is an emergency rescue centre based in Namgyal’s lodge in the village of Machhermo in the Gokyo Valley manned by two volunteer doctors. Note: This is purely an emergency rescue centre, and the doctors will not treat common ailments.
You should also be careful about the scam involving helicopter evacuation for people suffering from altitude sickness. The opportunist trekking operators will either inflate the cost of heli evacuation by charging single-trip prices for a full helicopter or persuade the trekkers to take pre-arranged helicopter by misinforming that they've already guaranteed payments with insurers.
Stay healthy
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Clinics are a sparse resource in Khumbu. However, should you require medical attention there are two possibilities:
Contemporary medicine — Kunde Clinic, in Kunde Village (above Namche) has Western trained doctors and is a surprisingly well equipped facility; they even have a decompression chamber for those suffering with severe altitude sickness. On your return journey, you might like to donate your unused medicines, although ensure that they are clearly labelled in English as even the most valuable medicine is useless if there are no instructions on its use.
The Himalayan Rescue Association operates a clinic staffed by western physicians in Pheriche. They give a daily lecture on taking care of your health in the Khumbu region, and, for Rs. 100, check your blood oxygen content and pulse rate. This is a good place to stop at even if you are not experiencing any health problems. Sales of t-shirts, scarfs and hats go towards operating the clinic.
Traditional Tibetan medicine — the Healing Centre [dead link] in Namche offers treatments using natural formulas. It is next to the Camp de Base hotel, but entered from the path in front of the library. The clinic provides free treatment for porters and others on low income. In order to continue this service, donations are greatly appreciated.
Along the trail are small medical stations. These stations generally have very rudimentary facilities and can only realistically offer treatment for very minor ailments, such as cuts and bruises and (non-altitude sickness related) headaches etc.
Namche also has a dental clinic, on the right side slope of the village when looking up.
Don't drink the water no matter how pristine it appears. Use iodine tablets as a purifier or purchase boiled water. Exceptions: Namche and Phortse have clean water supplies that the locals drink directly from the tap. However, this may not be a good idea for outsiders lacking immunity to local bacteria, but it may be OK for brushing teeth.
Connect
editThere are no telephone lines or mailing addresses in the Everest region.
Namche has a post office, but there are mixed reports of letters reaching their destinations. Postage stamps are also available in local shops.
International phone calls can be made in Namche and many of the other villages in the region, however this is very expensive compared to Kathmandu. The cheapest place is the one-phone government telephone office, on the second floor of the nondescript wooden building behind Hotel Buddha, identified with an official yellow sign in Nepalese with a faded paper sign in English stuck on to it. Expect a lengthy queue on Saturdays, which is market day.
LTE service is available at the summit through China Mobile, but mobile phone service elsewhere in the region is uncertain at best.
Namche also has several Internet cafes. A good one is Namche Cyber Cafe next to Everest Bakery. They also have Wi-Fi. Rs. 100 Rs per half hour, Rs. 200 an hour.
Tengboche has an Internet cafe, its Rs. 20 per min.
Dingboche has an Internet cafe called Peak 38th with fast satellite Internet laptops at Rs. 20 per min.
Gorak Shep Internet cafe is Rs. 25 per min, and is very slow.