Everest Base Camp Trek

For the EBC trek, you need a tourist visa. And you can easily get an arrival visa upon your arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu.

You can get a multiple-entry tourist visa suitable for 30 days. This will cost you 50 USD or the equivalent in foreign currency.

Similarly, you can also get multiple-entry tourist visas for 90 days for a fee of 135 USD. Please don't forget to bring two passport-size photos with you. You can find other Nepalese visa details here.

Further, refugees with travel documents and some nationals from the following countries are not eligible for a visa on arrival.

• Nigeria
• Cameroon
• Iraq
• Ghana
• Somalia
• Palestine
• Zimbabwe
• Liberia
• Afghanistan
• Swaziland
• Ethiopia
• Syria

Citizens from the above nations should get a visa from a nearby embassy. If you have any difficulties getting a visa, the Heaven Himalaya team will guide you through the process.

Planning for the Everest Base Camp Trek in Nepal is very easy with Heaven Himalaya. Click on the Book Now button at the top of the page and make a booking according to your available dates. If you need to customize the trip, simply send us an inquiry about your new requirements.

However, here are a couple of things to follow before you plan for the Everest Base Camp Trek in Nepal.

Choose the best time.

While you plan a trek to Everest Base Camp, choosing the right weather and the best time is necessary. If you are trekking in the wrong season, the experiences you get may not live up to your expectations. So choose the right time wisely.

Decide on a luxury trip or a budget Everest Base Camp tour.

Second, decide with your team whether you want a budget tour or a luxury trip to Everest Base Camp. A luxury trip includes staying in luxury five-star hotels in Kathmandu and other routes along the journey.

Likewise, a normal budget tour includes three-star hotels in Kathmandu and the best guesthouses during trekking days.

Check the Everest Base Camp Trek Package Inclusions and Exclusions.

Before you jump in to make a booking, check the inclusions and exclusions in the package details. Most international companies don't provide porter service or meals during the trekking days. So, their display cost turns out to be cheaper.

Train for the high-altitude EBC walk.

Although the Everest Base Camp Trek is moderate in its trek grade, it requires a level of stamina and endurance capacity. Also, long daily walks can hurt your feet if you are not prepared beforehand.

Check your health status with a doctor.

Completing the Everest Base Camp Trek is itself an enormous achievement for a trekker. It requires firm determination, mental capacity, and good health.

So, if you are a regular user of some medicines or have any health complications, consult your doctor before you go on the trials.

Get a basic knowledge of altitude sickness.

Although you have trained trekking guides in Heaven Himalaya, always by your side, you should know the basics of altitude sickness. Mild illness is common for trekkers above 3000 m. Hence, read about the symptoms, complications, and medications of altitude sickness beforehand.

Get Everest Base Camp Insurance Coverage

Buying the right insurance package with emergency helicopter evacuation coverage is necessary before you plan for the Everest Base Camp Trek in Nepal.

Henceforth, buy insurance coverage from travel insurance companies before taking a flight to Nepal.

Buy the right gear.

Having the right gear allows you to enjoy any trip to the fullest. So, before you plan to take a flight to Lukla for the Everest Base Camp trek, make sure you have all the gear.

You can bring the equipment from your home country and rent it or buy it in Kathmandu. Get a packing list and buy things accordingly.

Wear your hiking boots beforehand.

Having new hiking boots is okay, but make yourself habitual with the shoes. When you wear new boots on the trails, you are likely to get blisters and minor injuries on your feet.

Customize the Everest Base Camp Trek itinerary 

Check the add-ons on the package itinerary and add your destination to the list. Add a trip to Gokyo Lakes or book a trek to EBC with a flight back from Kalapatthar. Besides, if you have extra days, you can also choose to do the Chola Pass Trek, which includes both EBC and Gokyo Lakes.

Difficulty depends on people's health, hiking experience, and training. Those who did long-distance hiking earlier find it relatively easier, but beginners may feel some difficulty. People of all age groups have completed the EBC hike within the past few years with some preparation and training. So, you can also do it.

This trek doesn't require any technical expertise or mountaineering skills, as it's simply a long altitude hike. The total length of the trek is 130km, so anyone can complete this trail within 14–16 days, including acclimatization days.

But hikers need to be more careful while trekking above 3000 m, as the journey goes to an altitude of 5500 m. Some may suffer from altitude sickness at this stage. Thus, prepare beforehand and gain an excellent knowledge of altitude sickness. Also, keep yourself hydrated while going uphill. When trekking with Heaven Himalaya, you will have a trained mountain guide, so it won't be a major concern for you.

No, crampons are unnecessary during your EBC trek. But if you are trekking in the off-seasons, like winter, then bring one if you have it. Always wear comfortable hiking boots that protect you from the cold. You can use waterproof hiking boots. Wearing new boots might give you a cut or blister, so wear those shoes before hiking.

Likewise, bring woolen or synthetic socks as per the temperature and weather.

The actual amount depends on you. Heaven Himalaya covers the price of food (breakfast, lunch, and dinner), accommodation, a guide, and other expenses for you.

Furthermore, if you choose to have some extra snacks or food, you have to pay for it. Other individual costs may include the cost of charging electronic gadgets, Wi-Fi, hot water, hot showers, and many others. The price for these extra services varies from place to place and also rises at higher altitudes.

Last, other expenses for you also come with tips for guides and porters. Your guides and porters expect tips from you as they work hard to make your trekking journey outstanding and memorable. There's no exact amount for tips; you can allocate them yourself.

For Everest trekking, you need local currency (Nepalese rupee). However, some stores also accept payments in American dollars.

ATMs are available in Lukla and Namche Bazaar, but it's difficult for you to use them as there will be many trekkers on the line. Sometimes, it doesn't work as well. So, you can't rely on them completely.

Therefore, visit money exchanges in Kathmandu and get the amount in Nepalese currency. Also, it's difficult to convert your Nepali rupee back to your currency. So, exchange your currency as per your needs.

The local currency, i.e., Nepalese rupees, is acceptable locally along the route. Also, USD is widely accepted.

Sure, EBC Trek can also be done with your family and kids. Studies show that children have a similar rate of altitude sickness as adults. No evidence shows children are more likely to get altitude sickness.

If your kid is physically and mentally fit for an altitude trek, go with them. But your children should be able to walk at a high altitude for around 5-7 hours a day on average.

Remember to always do some simple workouts and breathing exercises while traveling. Stay away from junk food and include a balanced diet more often, including carbs and fiber in your food. It's not advisable to bring small kids, but children over 13 years of age can attempt to complete the hike.

When you travel with an agency like us, we care about your safety. So, you will have a licensed and well-trained trekking guide to help on your journey. They will give you a better option for selecting a hotel, a ticket, permits, and porters, and will assist you in managing your entire journey.

Also, mountain guides are of great help when there's altitude sickness or a medical emergency. They are familiar with the local environment and wildlife areas and can assist you in learning about the area's major cultures, history, and traditions. It's not compulsory, but trekking guides are highly recommended.

No, it's not necessary to learn the Nepali Language while going for the Mt. Everest Base Camp Trek. You will have a trekking guide who understands English to communicate. Also, most of the locals in hotels, and shops understand English.

However, if you want to communicate with kids, and the sherpa locals in the villages, then learn a few Nepali words for travel. Nepali is not that hard to learn, give it a try.

Altitude sickness may occur as per the fitness level of an individual. Altitude sickness symptoms in Nepal start at a height of 3000 m for some people. It's quite common, as we have to trek to the maximum altitude of 5550 m.

Many people experience symptoms such as coughing, insomnia, shortness of breath, loss of appetite, sore throat, diarrhea, vomiting, dizziness, and exhaustion.

The body reacts differently for different people. Most people don't get any symptoms. If you feel these symptoms or any other uneasiness in your body, immediately contact your trekking guide. He will sort out your problem and provide you with some medicine. If you feel good, then continue; if not, take a rest in your current place.

The best way to avoid altitude sickness is to keep your body hydrated. Thus, take a sip of water every time. You can also have foods that are rich in calories and fiber.

Do some regular exercise, breathing exercises, and some simple workouts before starting your trek. Also, avoid drinking and smoking until the journey is completed.

We have the following guide to help you prevent altitude sickness during the Everest Base Camp Trek:

• Ascend slowly and gradually. Do not rush on the trail. Maintain your average speed while walking.
• Proper acclimatization is vital to avoid altitude sickness.
• Avoid the intake of alcohol, tobacco, and cigarettes because these products’ consumption may decrease the water level in your body and make you feel tired and lethargic.
• Drink plenty of water
• Take plenty of healthy food
• Prepare your mind mentally for the trek.

Yes, beginner hikers can also do the Everest Base Camp Trek if they are physically and mentally prepared. To do this, just do simple training enjoy swimming, breathing exercises, jogging, or walking to build stamina. Also, eat healthily and be prepared for long walks.

The major fear for beginners is the inability to walk for a long time in high altitudes and the risk of altitude sickness. So, if you prepare well to overcome these, you are ready.

Travel insurance gives a feeling of safety during the trip. Also, as EBC Trek includes trekking to high altitudes, it's advisable to buy trekking insurance before attempting to go on the journey. Nobody can predict the future. Also, in some rare cases of emergencies, travel insurance comes in handy in saving your hard-earned dollars.

Travel insurance assures you of safety and helps you enjoy your trip with no stress. It covers luggage theft, flight cancellation, medical evacuation, and many other losses during your trek. Make sure that your travel insurance also covers your altitude incidents, such as helicopter rescues. If you suffer from severe AMS at high altitudes, helicopter rescue is the only way to get out of the mountains.

You will find insurance companies in various locations around the world. Google which insurance company is better for you and go with them.

Here is a list of insurance companies that our previous travelers have recommended. These are only for recommendation; we don't guarantee the way they operate.

If you come from the USA or Canada, 

• Online Global Health Insurance
• Travelex
• Insure My Trip.com (Online Insurance Aggregator)
• Mondial Assistance
• Access America
• HCC Medical Insurance Services
• Good Neighbor Insurance (International Health)
• International Health
• Insuremytrip dot com
• Multinational Underwriters
• TIC Travel Insurance Coordinators Ltd
• Travel Assist
• Traveling

If you come from England, 

• Specialty Group (UK) Limited
• FirstAssist Services Limited
• Harrison Beaumont
• Buy cheap travel insurance.

If you come from Europe or Slovenia, 

• Assistance CORIS

If you come from Australia or New Zealand,

• Cover-More Travel Insurance
• CGU Insurance Limited

South African travelers, 

• Travel Insurance Consultants, Pty. Ltd.

Besides, World Nomads are also widely used to get insurance for EBC Trek.