How to Trek to Everest Base Camp
Trekking to Everest Base Camp can be done in multiple ways when the question of the number of days occurs. Firstly, one has to make sure about the time frame he/she has for this trek.
The shortest way for the Everest Base Camp Trek is 7 days, and for this one will trek to the base camp of Mount Everest in 6 days without acclimatization, and then on the 7th day fly via Helicopter to Kathmandu or Lukla.
The second option for trekkers is to go on a 9-day Everest Base Camp Trek. This can be done in two different ways. Firstly, trek to the Base Camp of Mount Everest in 8 days, and then on the 9th day fly back via Helicopter. Here, one can trek one-way to Base Camp with acclimatization. However, if you are fit, then you can HIKE both ways to/from Kathmandu/Everest Base Camp within 9 days, skipping the helicopter back from Base Camp, and this will be reasonable and cost-friendly.
Moreover, the alternative, easy, and relaxing way to TREK to Everest Base Camp is to follow the regular12-day Everest Base Camp Program. This includes acclimatization days with the regular overnight camp and is fit for all trekkers.
Further, for Senior Citizens, trekking to Everest Base Camp might not be an easy option unless they follow the regular Everest Base Camp Trek for Senior Citizens. This is specially designed for Senior citizens who are first-time hikers at such an altitude and are not regular hikers. However, one can also complete the Everest Base Camp in 12 days, but if this is a first-time trek at such an altitude, then keeping an additional day will be highly beneficial.
Everest Base Camp Trek Packages
The best part of the Everest Base Camp Trek is its diverse package for travelers, depending on age and time limit. This can be selected depending on how fit or regular one is with the hike.
The fastest version of the Everest Base Camp Trek is a 9-day trek, which is a two-way trek starting and ending point Kathmandu, covering a distance of 130 KM altogether and an altitude ranging from 1350 meters to 5364 meters.
The starting and ending point for the Everest Base Camp Hike is Lukla. Trekkers will have to take a short flight from Kathmandu to Lukla and end via the same route flight to Kathmandu from Lukla. This makes the actual trekking distance 130 KM altogether.
Furthermore, one can extend the Everest Base Camp Trek with multiple alternative trails that fall within the region. This can be Ama Dablam Base Camp, Cho La Pass and Gokyo Lake, and the Three Pass Trek. With a couple of days as an extra, you will easily be able to do those with Everest Base Camp. OR if someone is restricted by the time frame or worried about high altitude, then the Namche Bazaar Trek can be an alternative option of 5 days.
Moreover, if one is a first-time visitor at such an altitude, then 12 days will be the regular package to follow for the Everest Base Camp Trek, and for Senior Citizens, 14+ Days will be the best option for the Everest Base Camp Trek.
However, starting not less than 9 days, one can customize the Everest Base Camp Trek keeping personal choice of interest according to their allocated time frame. The best part of trekking in the Everest Region, including the Everest Base Camp Trek, is that the trip can be easily customized.
For more details about multiple choices for the Everest Base Camp Trek, below is the list one can see:
How much does the Everest Base Camp Trek Cost
Cost for Everest Base Camp Trek varies from the service one prefers to take and also the number of days one takes to accomplish the Everest Base Camp Trek. However, in general, the cost for the Everest Base Camp Trek ranges from USD 1300 to USD 4500 Per person.
This variation in cost for the Everest Base Camp Trek is determined by the number of days and the standard of accommodation during the trek. However, if one prefers to upgrade the Luxury Everest Base Camp Trek, then the cost will hike up to USD 4500+. This is a super luxury trek in the Everest region.
The variation of the cost is mainly determined by 3 factors:
- The service one prefers to take, from basic, standard to luxury accommodation, along with meals.
- The cost is also determined by the flight and helicopter option to/from Lukla/Kathmandu/Gorakshep
- The number of days it takes to complete the trek
| Treks | Cost | Booking |
| Everest Base Camp Trek - 15 Days | $1450 to $1750 | Inquiry |
| Everest Base Camp Trek - 12 Days | $1150 to $1450 | Inquiry |
| Everest Base Camp Trek - 10 Days | $ 1050 to $1150 | Inquiry |
| Luxury Everest Base Camp Trek - 12 Days | $ 4050 to $5900 | Inquiry |
| EBC Trek with Helicopter Return - 9 Days | $2550 to $3250 | Inquiry |
| Everest Base Camp Trek -9 Days | $875 to $1150 | Inquiry |
| Everest Base Camp Trek for Senior Citizens | $2050 to $3000 | Inquiry |
How to make the Everest Base Camp Trek a budget-friendly
The most expensive part of the Everest Base Camp Trek is the cost of flight to/from Lukla/Kathmandu, and this route is inevitable and cannot be skipped, unless one wants to go with the option of an off-road drive will require an additional 4-5 days extra. This will further increase the number of days of the entire trek.
Secondly, the meals, the cost of meals during the trek will go higher depending upon the altitude, because of the transport cost of all the food stuff and other supplies being carried out from the lower altitude. However, the above-mentioned part cannot be skipped during the Everest Trek, and all costs are covered while booking the trek..
Now, apart from those, there will be miscellaneous other expenses during the trek that are not included in any travel packages, and those can, to some extent, be avoided.
Firstly, mineral water, this cost from USD 1 to USD 3.5 per liter depending upon the altitude and trekkers who wants to do the Everest Trek in a budget way, then better to carry water purification tablets/liquid or a water filter. This will reduce the cost to some extent.
During the trek, one can refill water from the tap and use water purification tablets/filters to treat and then drink. This will be easy and budget-friendly.
Secondly, the WiFi/Internet, during the trek, tea houses/lodges charge extra for the use of the internet. So, it is better to buy a local SIM Card in the city with an internet data pack and use it in the mountains, and the best recommended will be NCELL SIM.
Thirdly, charging an electronic device also costs an extra in the mountains and will cost roughly USD 1/2 for a full charge of a mobile. To avoid, one can carry power back-up or solar to self sufficient one’s mobile power backup.
NOTE: Carrying a cooking device in the mountain is not allowed because there won’t be any electric point/holder inside the room.
Lastly, always try to trek with a companion; the larger the size of the trekkers, the lower the cost goes; however, try not to join a group of unknown travelers. Group joining might be one possible option to make a budget-friendly trek, but here you have to be fit enough to follow the group.
In a large group joining, your guide won’t be able to take care of a single individual, and you have to follow the pace of other travelers. Instead, try to have at least one companion/friend with you. This helps you to follow your own pace, and you can hike more comfortably, and the trip cost will be reasonable.
How to book the Everest Base Camp Trek
There are a couple of things one needs to know before booking the trip to Everest Base Camp. The first will be to figure out the number of days one has for the Trek. The shortest version of the Everest Base Camp Trek will be 9 days, and the standard/regular version will be 12 days. However, one can easily complete the Everest Base Camp Trip in between 9-12 Days.
Secondly, one has to move on with the registered locally based trekking and travel company. To make the cost of the trip affordable, it is highly recommended to go with the local agency of Nepal. Discover Altitude Trek can be one of the options.
Avoid travelling with an international-based company and OTA (Online travel agency) platform. This is so because those agencies work based on a commission ranging from 25% to 35% and then pass it down to the local agency.
This huge commission makes a huge difference when service is delivered to the travelers because the local agency receives a reduced amount from those agencies, and this minimizes the service while trekking, and the cost is high.
Finally, one can check the status of the local agency and some reviews by the prior travelers listed on their website (TRIPADVISOR). One always has to make sure, you are traveling via a registered local agency, this guarantees your safety and security and also the success of your trip.
Conclusion
Always follow the local travel agency for your trip to Everest Base Camp. This will guarantee you a cost-effective package with standard service. However, you will have an option of ADD-ONS where needed, and you can customize the trip according to your interests and comfort.
