Everest Base Camp Trek

This 15-day trek to Everest Base Camp takes you into the heart of the Khumbu (the local name for the Everest Region), home to the renowned Sherpa people, and to the base of the world's highest mountain—Mount Everest (8,848 m / 29,028 ft).

Starting your trek from Lukla, well-known for its high-altitude airport, the tour to Everest Base Camp is a challenging trek through stunningly beautiful scenery ranging from the rivers and forests of the lower sections to the snow and ice in the higher reaches. Being surrounded by some of the highest mountains in the world and trekking through some of the harshest trails makes you realise how wonderful Mother Nature is in all her beauty. The Tibetan name for Everest is Chomolungma, which means Mother Goddess of the World.

Namche Bazaar is a name almost as famous as its neighbouring mountain. This is the main market town of the area, sitting at 3,440 m / 11,286 ft.  Here take the time to acclimatize, learn of Sherpa culture and the first climbers – Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay, and take in the reality of the task in front to achieve your dream of hiking to EBC.

The highlights of the Everest Base Camp Trek are, of course, the mountains.  Lhotse, Ama Dablam, Everest, and many others towering above 6,000m / 19,685 ft. But you cannot forget the other highlights.  Tengboche Monastery will long remain in your memory with its spiritual atmosphere, so befitting its stunning location with panoramic mountain views.  Kala Patthar, with its even more impressive panorama of the Everest Massif, is a place unlike any other.  When you stand at 5,645m / 18,520 ft, panting after the gruelling climb to reach that height, it’s hard to describe the feeling of awe and achievement. 

Finally, there is Everest Base Camp itself. Close by the Khumbu Icefalls, which moan and crackle as the ice shifts and moves, if the season is right, you will see mountaineers preparing for their dream—to scale the highest mountain. Meanwhile, you have achieved your goal as you stand at base camp (  5,364 m / 17,598 ft) and stare up into the heavens.

Everest Base Camp Trek Difficulty

Make no mistake, the Mount Everest Base Camp 15-day trek is not easy!  EBC trek is a hard to challenging trek, and a good level of general fitness is required to complete it. That said, people of all ages and abilities have done this trek successfully.  Let’s take a closer look:

Overall difficulty: hard! We recommend starting or increasing your fitness routine several months before arriving in Nepal. People often underestimate the number of ascents and descents involved while hiking in the Himalayas. Remember, those downhills are extremely hard on the knees!

What makes it so hard, aside from those ups and downs,is the altitude and the long hours spent on the trail, which are to be taken seriously.  With around 5 to 6 hours a day of trekking, and some even longer days, and altitudes up to  5,160 m / 16,929 ft.  This is a high-altitude trek, with most days sleeping above 3,500 m / 11,482 ft.   You feel breathless, exhausted, tired, and sore a lot of the time.  But You also feel a great sense of achievement, awe and reverence.

Is this trek beginner-friendly?: While it is a hard trek, many reach Everest Base Camp with little or no prior trekking experience. As long as you are physically fit, and can squeeze in more time at the gym/ hiking around your area before you come, it is doable. We do recommend that beginners (or those with pre-existing medical conditions) check with their doctors before coming to Nepal for a greenlight to trek at such a high altitude.  We also offer other, lower altitude, and less strenuous treks for those who would find this trek too challenging. 

Is the EBC trek safe for me? Overall, yes, Everest base camp is a safe trek.  But like everything in life, there are no guarantees.  If you are well prepared mentally, and physically fit, with the correct gear and have a sense of adventure, many risks can be avoided. This is the Himalayas however, and there may be unavoidable risks (avalanches, bad weather).  Insurance coverage should be included in your ‘to-do’ list before you come.  Our guides are trained in first aid, including what to do in the case of altitude-related illness, and there are medical facilities at some locations. As mentioned above, please check with your doctor if you have pre-existing medical conditions.

Best Time for the Everest Base Camp Trek

Spring Season (March to May)

Spring is a beautiful season in the mountains.  Skies are clear and there are lower chances of snowfall. Overall, the temperatures in the Everest Region are around 5 to 20C, making it a very pleasant time to trek to Everest Base Camp. 

Cons: it is the busiest time of year when accommodation is harder to find.

Summer Season/  Monsoon (June to August)

Monsoon season does not mean it rains 24/7 as shown in some movies but the chances of heavy rain during your trek are high.  Not only does this make for slippery trails and potentially soggy clothing, but flights into Lukla are often delayed or cancelled due to bad weather. 

 Pros: fewer trekkers on the trails and plenty of space in the teahouses.

Autumn Season (September to November)

Another popular time to hike to Everest Base Camp is during the autumn.  Again, the mountain views are clear and less chance of delayed flights.  It will be colder at night and average temperatures will range from 2 to  12C. This is also festival time in Nepal with two of the biggest Hindu festivals being celebrated in the autumn.  Exact dates vary each year, as they follow the lunar calendar.  While it may be harder to hire a guide or porters (unless you are travelling with a trekking company) at this time, everyone will be in a jolly, festive mood.  Cons: like spring it will be pretty crowded on the trails and accommodation will be in demand.

Winter Season (December to February)

As you may imagine, winter in the Everest Region is cold, with unpredictable weather and high chances of trails being closed or tricky to navigate because of snowfall.  It can be as cold as -17C in the night which is why many locals go down for the winter.  This also means many teahouses will be closed during this period.  Winter is not for the beginner trekker, and should you wish to take on the challenge (and the cold), a guide is a must in terms of the logistics behind locating trails and accommodation.  Pros: empty trails and incredibly stunning snow-covered mountain views!

What is the best time to trek to Everest Base Camp?

While it is true that Everest Base Camp is open all year round, the actual logistics involved in getting there vary from season to season. So, when is it the best time to go?  The answer to that is it really depends on your level of experience, what you wish to get out of your trek, and how you interact with other trekkers.

In terms of scenery and temperatures, the best times for the EBC trek are spring and autumn.  The downside is that spring and autumn are also extremely busy.  This is fine if you love to talk with other trekkers in the evenings and don’t mind seeing hundreds of people on the trails.  And if you don’t mind perhaps having to share your accommodation (two single beds per sleeping room) with others.

If you are interested in cultural activities, again spring and autumn are the best times.  Both Hindu and Buddhist festivals are celebrated.  In autumn Dashain and Tihar are celebrated by Hindus (but many others in Nepal celebrate this time also as the country closes down for a month).  Also, in the autumn Mani Rimdu is celebrated in Tengboche, Chiwong and Thame monasteries.  This celebrates the foundation of Buddhism by Guru Rinpoche and for visitors, it is best seen in Tengboche which has 3 days of public celebrations.   In the spring, Buddhist communities celebrate their new year.  In the Everest Region, Gyalpo Losar is celebrated by the Sherpa community with much of the celebrations being within people’s homes.   Should you find yourself on the EBC trek at the start of the monsoon season, the Dumji festival celebrates the birth of Guru Rinpoche over four days.

Should you be interested in seeing any of these festivals, please ask us.  The actual dates vary annually! 

To avoid the crowds, then monsoon is best.  But with the obvious downside of rain, the possibility of cancelled flights and mountains being obscured by clouds and rain.  As a rule, we do not recommend the winter season as it is extremely cold, and extremely tricky in terms of actual hiking, locating the trails, snowfall etc.

Something you can consider is the shoulder seasons.  That is that time just between winter and spring and between autumn and winter when you could be lucky to get fabulous weather and views and definitely you will get less crowds on the trail.

Packing List For Everest Base Camp Trek

There is a pretty standard list of gear for trekking in Nepal.  It does vary a bit depending on the season you trek, as also highlighted below.

Let us also mention that should you be hiring a porter for your trek (highly recommended) please understand that a porter can carry up to 20kg / 44 lbs.  Therefore, we recommend you keep your pack down in weight as much as possible. In any event, the airlines allow 10 to 15kg per passenger.  If you can keep your pack down to 10kg (which excludes your day pack which you will be carrying yourself even if you hire a porter), you can also share one porter between two trekkers.

General Packing List

•   Well-worn trekking boots

•  2 pairs of trekking trousers

•  2-3 drip-dry shirts or T-shirts

• 2 warm sweaters

•  2 sets of thermal underwear

•  underpants/bras

• pairs of woollen socks

• 3 pairs of cotton inner socks

•  sandals or other shoes to wear in the teahouse

• woollen hat for the cold

•  sun hat for the sun

•  gloves

• sleeping bag

•  down jacket for mornings and evenings all year round

• fleece jacket which can be worn year-round and gives more warmth under the thicker down jacket in winter or other cold times

•  sunglasses

• sunblock

•  water bottle and purifying tablets or LifeStraw

• towel

•  headlamp/ torch

• phone charger and power pack

•  trekking poles

• personal snacks i.e. power bars, dried fruit/ nuts, chocolate

Medical kit and toiletries

• any medicines you require to take, plus extras

• medicine for diarrhoea

• throat lozenges and cough drops

• eye drops

• blister pads

• bandages

• antiseptic solution and cotton

• headache tablets

•  We recommend bringing/ buying anti-altitude tablets only on your doctor’s advice

• Elastoplast  for cuts

• antiseptic cream

• safety pins

• body soap/shampoo

• body/ face lotion

• sanitary items for women

• toilet paper (if required)

• plastic bags for any damp clothes, etc

Monsoon and winter add-ons:

• raincoat

•  rain hat

•  waterproof trousers

• waterproof gloves

•  warm bluff/scarf

•  crampons

Renting Items in Kathmandu

If you are not a regular trekker or if you do not wish to carry everything from your home country, you can hire some trekking gear in Kathmandu. The rental shops charge by the day, and you will have to pay extra if you are late returning the goods! They are dry-cleaned when they are returned.  Some items are cheaper to buy new than either take home or donate before you leave.

Normally, people rent a sleeping bag and a down jacket.  Both will cost around USD2 per day to rent.  Note prices may vary depending on the shop and the trekking season. 

Should you plan to buy some items in Kathmandu, please note that many of the ‘branded’ items are knock-offs.  Some items you can buy here, and approximate prices  include:-

*prices vary, and you may need to bargain.   

Reaching the starting point: Lukla

The gateway to the Everest Region, and therefore the starting point of the Mount Everest Base Camp Trek, is Lukla which is situated about 370 km from Kathmandu at an altitude of  2,860 m / 9,383 ft. Lukla itself is around 62km from Everest Base, which translates to 8 days on the trail.

Flight: The easiest way to reach Lukla is by flight.  But that is no longer as simple as it used to be.  Due to overcrowding at the Kathmandu airport, flights to Lukla now depart from Manthali Airport in Ramecchap.  So, despite the flight being less than 40 minutes, to reach Manthali Airport takes around 4-5 hours.  Since flights can only move in and out of the high-altitude airport at Lukla in the morning (due to high winds), all flights depart Manthali around 6 am.  This means you have to depart Kathmandu around 1 am to reach there on time.  The only way to do this is with transport through your trekking agency, or by hiring a jeep yourself.  The other alternative is public transport.  Which you would need to take the day before and stay overnight in Ramechhap.

Road and Trek:  We are often asked if there is a way to reach Lukla without flying. Yes, there is a way. The alternative to flying is to drive to Jiri and trek into Lukla.  In this way you avoid flying completely and can see something of the countryside as well as this road trip is in the daylight. The options are to take a jeep or public bus from Kathmandu to Jiri and then trek to reach Lukla.  A private jeep will cost around USD300, which, if there are 3 or 4 of you might be well worth the expense. Local buses will be a lot cheaper, but not as comfortable and will take longer, with limited food/toilet stops.   To cover the less than 200km, it takes 8 or 9 hours.  Therefore, you will need to overnight in Jiri before heading out to hike to Lukla. Depending on the route you take, and there are alternatives where you can miss out on Lukla completely (and miss the thrill of seeing planes coming and going off the side of a cliff, basically), it can add another week onto your trek. And do remember to collect a Gaurishankar Conservation Area permit in Kathmandu to enter this area.

Should you be interested in doing the EBC Trek by road, rather than flight, please ask us at Swotah Travel and Adventure and we will draw up an itinerary for you.

Accommodation During the Trek

Some of the most frequently asked questions we get from potential clients are about the accommodation on the Everest Base Camp Trek. 

As most of you know, trekking lodges are known as teahouses in Nepal.  Quite a unique name for a unique country!   And they do vary in terms of facilities from trek to trek and settlement to settlement.  

At the lower altitudes, there are a few very comfortable lodges but as the altitude rises the teahouses begin to get a bit more basic with fewer amenities. A standard sleeping room in teahouses above Namche has two single beds and not a lot else!  Having said that, due to demand in this heavily trekked region, standards are rising so there are some very nice, comfortable and clean teahouses in most locations. Be aware there is no heating in the sleeping rooms and bringing your sleeping bag is a definite plus.   Again, at the higher altitudes attached bathrooms are not normal.  You will have to share a toilet with other guests. Some teahouses may still have the Asian squat toilets, while others are upgrading to Western style.  Toilet paper is not usually supplied! Hot showers are available, although there is an extra charge for this, normally around USD3 per shower.   Dining rooms are heated so you can enjoy your dinner and after-dinner conversation in the comfort.

While it is possible to find accommodation in all seasons, in the winter many locals, including teahouse owners, go down out of the mountains to avoid the cold.  There is also less business i.e. trekkers looking for accommodation, goods needed to be transported etc at that time of year to keep people in their village.  It is good to have a guide who can call ahead to enquire which teahouses are open during this season.  On the other hand, although everything is open during the spring and autumn, as it is peak season, it may be difficult to find accommodation and you may even have to sleep in the dining room! 

Food and Drinking Water During the Trek

Since the Everest Base Camp Trek has long been established, teahouse owners are now pretty good at knowing what trekkers from around the world want. This is reflected in the food menus although there are a few things you should know before you set off.

What to expect in terms of food?: menus are still pretty heavy on carbs.  Which is a good thing when our bodies have to work hard.  It's normal to eat three meals a day, breakfast, lunch and dinner.  Breakfast and dinner are taken in the teahouse while lunch is mainly taken on the trail in a smaller eating place. There is plenty of vegetarian food available we should all be eating vegetarian on the trekking trails!  Vegans are also catered for as the national dish, Dal Bhat is vegetable curry and rice.  Many Chinese and Tibetan foods are also vegan. 

Simple menu choices: menus at lower altitudes, Lukla, Phakding and Namche will be more varied as they are closer to the supply chain.  As the altitude rises, some items are more difficult to obtain and may be more expensive.

Breakfast:

• Bread (toast, Tibetan bread – which is fried, chapati-like dry bread)

•  Pancakes

• Eggs in different forms

• Porridge (always a great choice!)

• Tea/ coffee / Tibetan butter tea (an acquired taste!)

Lunch:

•  Momos (little packets of steamed vegetables)

• Dal Bhat

• Noodles/noodle soup

There may be other items depending on the location, but these are standard.

Dinner:

• Soups

• Noodles

•  Dal Bhat

•  Fried rice

•  Pasta

• Potatoes in different formats

• Pizza (easily achieved with a base of chapati topped with Yak cheese!

• Custard

•  Rice Pudding

• Bakery items when available

•  Pancakes

If you are trekking with a trekking company (us for example!) three meals are included in the cost.  Not included are snacks and soft drinks/ alcohol.  If you are paying for your food, expect to pay around USD 25 to USD 30 per day for food.  Depending on how much you eat!

Foods to avoid: Always avoid meat products on a trek.  Refrigeration is not always available and even when it is, the meat has to reach the village by slow transport methods!  You may be fine with meat in Namche Bazaar, but perhaps save that craving until you are on your way back down after reaching Base Camp.  Better to be safe than sorry!   Generally, you don’t get seafood in Nepal (landlocked right?) but if fish does appear on the trek menu, again, it's not guaranteed to be fresh so best avoid it. Otherwise, everything is pretty much safe to eat. 

Avoid alcohol!  After a long day on the trail, there may be nothing better than a bottle of beer.  But be warned, alcohol and high altitude do not mix!  Intoxication happens quicker, and a hangover may mask the symptoms of the start of altitude sickness.  And alcohol is very expensive!  Stick to tea/coffee and soft drinks.

Water: is it easily available?  Can I drink the tap water? Drinking water is a must when trekking and you may find yourself drinking around 4 ltr per day.  Which can become expensive if you are purchasing water.  Bottled mineral water starts at Nrs150 - 200 at Namche Bazaar, and the cost rises as you go further up the trail.  

Bottles of mineral water have been banned in the Everest Region in an effort to keep the environment clean. However, it is still easily available in local shops, but we recommend not buying these plastic water bottles.

So, the options are to buy boiled water from the teahouse (bring a metal, not plastic water bottle with you), or use purifying drops/tablets/filter bottle/ LifeStraw and ‘make’ your water.  Tap water is not safe unless you use these methods.  Streams along the route may look crystal clear, but also should not be drunk without purification.  We find trekkers use a combination of purification and boiled water.  Think how lovely a hot metal water bottle is under the covers at bedtime!

Permits for the Everest Base Camp Trek

Like other trekking areas in Nepal, you need some permits to enter the Everest Region.  These are:

1. Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Entrance Permit 

This is obtained at Lukla or Monjo.  It is not available in Kathmandu as the money collected goes directly to the Khumbu local government for the upkeep of the area.

Cost: Nrs 2,000 (USD 15) per person for the duration of your trek.

2. Sagarmatha National Park Permit

A fee is collected for entry into all national parks in Nepal, Sagarmatha is no exception.  You can buy this in Monjo or in Kathmandu.

Cost: Nrs 3,000 (USD 23) per person for the duration of your trek.

3. Gaurishankar Conservation Area Permit

Only required if you are trekking in from Jiri.  Obtainable in Kathmandu only.

Cost: Nrs 3,000 (USD 23) per person for the duration of the trek.

Please note that TIMS Cards are no longer required to trek to Everest Region.

Payment in local currency only.

We will get these permits issued for you if you are trekking with us.

Documents Required for Trekking Permits

Passport details (photocopies).

Photographs x 2 for the Gaurishankar Conservation Area

Should I Do a Group Trek, a Private Trek, or A Solo Trek?

Generally, we find trekkers on the EBC Trek fall into two categories.  Those who are trekking with an agency, and those who are trekking independently on their own. Let’s look at solo trekking first.

Solo Trek

Have you experienced trekking?  Have you trekked at altitude i.e. over 3,000m / 9,842 ft? Have you experienced trekking for 5 plus hours per day in a mountainous area?  Are you physically fit?

If the answer is yes to these questions then you are most likely an experienced trekker who knows your capabilities and has confidence in your ability to not just do this trek but enjoy it also.

The Everest Region is now the only area in Nepal where solo trekking is allowed. In every other area, trekkers must be accompanied by a trekking guide from a registered agency.  This came into force in 2023.  Thus, we expect to see an increase in solo trekkers on the Everest Base Camp.

Cost-wise, expect to spend approximately USD 30 per day on meals, USD 5 upwards per night on accommodation (remember to factor in more for hot showers, WiFi, charging your phone etc), and around USD 350 for the return flight in/out of Lukla.  If you take a porter, you can also factor in around USD 300 for the porter for the whole trip.

Pros/ Cons of Trekking with a Guide

If you opt to go solo you do not have a guide with you.  So, what are the benefits of a guide?

Pros: 

Less chance of getting lost: a guide knows the trails

Better accommodation: a guide can call ahead and has a good relationship with the teahouses.

The guide is knowledgeable about the mountains, and landscape.

Guide can explain about the culture of the locals.

A guide and his trekking agency will take care of all logistics for you.

Safety: a guide is there to help with small issues which can become huge if alone i.e. a twisted ankle.  Similarly, for more serious issues, i.e. altitude sickness a guide knows what to do and will assist you.  He is also trained in first aid.

Just more fun – period! 

Cons: You may feel less freedom.

You won’t have the flexibility to join others if you find a person you like on the trail.

Group Trek or Private Trek?

Deciding between a group trek and a private trek hinges on several key considerations. Firstly, your budget will play a significant role in determining which option is more feasible. Secondly, the flexibility of your dates can influence your choice, as group treks require aligning with preset schedules while private treks offer more freedom. Lastly, your personal travel preferences are crucial; if you enjoy meeting new people and sharing experiences, a group trek might be for you. However, if you value solitude or wish to trek exclusively with your companions, a private trek would be more suitable.

Pros/ Cons of a Group Trek

Pros: Less expensive

       Usually available throughout the main seasons

       The comradery on the trail

Cons: You do not know how large the group may be.

       Travelling with strangers.

       Travelling with people of different trekking abilities.

       Less flexibility to stop or change the route. 

Pros/ Cons of a Private Trek 

Pros:  Only you, or you and your friends.

       Form a closer bond with the guide.

       More flexibility to stop longer, visit different places etc.

       Hike at your own pace.     

Cons: More expensive.

Do I Need a Porter? 

Whether you are doing a group trek, a private trek, or going solo you should consider if you need a porter or not.  You may feel that is an added expense – you also pay extra for a porter when booking through an agency.  But the benefits really do outweigh the cost.  So, unless you are an experienced trekker who usually carries your gear, you should carefully consider taking a porter. 

If trekking solo a porter will help you find the trails if they are not clear.  While he is not a guide, he will have local knowledge and can point out if you are heading in the wrong direction!  While he may have limited language skills, sometimes it's nice just to have someone there.  Having said that, it is normal for porters to go ahead of the trekker (they walk faster!) so if you are trekking solo, you can request him to slow down a bit.  And of course, he is carrying your burden! 

If trekking in a group, private or otherwise, a porter will free you up, so you don’t have to carry extra weight and are free to take pictures or climb a rock without care.  If there is more than one of you, you can share the cost of a porter between 2 people, making it much more cost-effective. 

Internet and WiFi Availability

Most of the teahouses on the EBC Trek have WiFi; for a price.  Again, the cost depends on the altitude, but you are looking at around USD 3 to USD 10 for access.

The alternative is to use a data package.  Everest Link is available in most of the region and data packages range from 10GB to 40GB which is valid for a month. There are hot spots in many of the settlements along the trail and overall, this data package is better than the teahouse Wi-Fi. Prices start from USD 25 for 10GB and cards can be purchased in Lukla, Namche, Dingboche and Gokyo. Or in your teahouse.

Other data packages, NTC and NCELL work better at lower altitudes, not so much as you go higher.  You can buy these SIM cards at the TIA Airport in Kathmandu on your arrival in the country.

Electricity / Battery Recharge

While you will find electricity in all the teahouses these days, there are still no sockets for charging in the sleeping rooms.  That is because to charge your items i.e. phone, there is a charge.  There are sockets in most of the teahouse dining rooms and you can use them at the rate of around Rs250 (USD2) upwards per hour.  Please consider other people when using the sockets and don’t keep them all night!

Travel Insurance for the Trek

While we at Swotah provide insurance for our guides and porters, none of the trekking agencies, including us, provide insurance for trekking clients.  It is up to the individual trekker to have their insurance issued in their own country.  Unfortunately, trekking insurance for foreign visitors is not available in Nepal.

Your insurance should cover you for trekking up to 6,000m / 19,685 ft and for helicopter evacuation.  Please shop around, as the cheapest option is not always the best option!  One good insurance company used by many travellers is World Nomads.

Altitude Sickness and Preparation

When you cannot get enough oxygen, in this case from the air at high altitude (which has less oxygen the higher you go), you may suffer from what is called altitude sickness or AMS (acute mountain sickness).

Usually, it happens when people who are not used to being at high altitude, ascend too quickly.  This can be avoided by ascending slowly and acclimatizing well.   Medically, being over 2,500m / 8,202 ft is considered to be at altitude and therefore susceptible to AMS.  In our experience, the majority of people are not at risk until over 3,500 m / 11,482 ft.   It is not possible to say who is more at risk of AMS as age and gender does not influence it.  The only thing we know is that people who live permanently at high altitudes (like the Sherpas) are less likely to get sick as their bodies have adapted. Which makes them ideal trekking guides and mountaineers! If you feel unwell, go down in altitude.  This will help you acclimatize.

Mild symptoms include headache, difficulty sleeping, nausea or vomiting, difficulty sleeping, shortness of breath, loss of appetite, and rapid pulse.  As you can see, it might be hard to distinguish mild symptoms from what we may feel after a long day on the trek.  Therefore, it is important to listen to our bodies and watch out for friends. 

What do I do if I have these symptoms? Resting may be enough. If not, your guide will advise you to go down to a lower altitude. If your symptoms are resolved, you can normally safely rejoin the trek the following day.

What happens if I get worse? High altitude pulmonary Edema (HAPE) or High Altitude Cerebral Edema (HACE) is more serious. It should be noted that people suffering from these may be disoriented and not realise how serious a condition they are in.  Therefore, if your guide, teahouse owner or friends tell you to go down in altitude you should follow their advice without question. Going down in altitude will help.  If not, evacuation may be considered. 

Before you Come

Since we do not know who is likely to suffer from AMS it’s hard to give pre-trek advice.  Although we state it is a good idea to increase your fitness level through the gym – weights/ cardio, and hiking before coming to Nepal there is little evidence to say this will help prevent altitude sickness.  

Key Points to Remember:-

• Never go up higher if you have any symptoms of altitude sickness.

• Always go down if the symptoms continue or get worse.

• Stay hydrated.

• Acclimatize as per the itinerary; don’t try to save time by cutting acclimatization days or by walking too fast. 

Everest Base Camp Trek for Senior Citizens

We often hear of older people doing amazing things; from movie stars to Royalty still working well into their later years.  But we tend to think of them as the exceptions to the rule, those with the wealth to have access to the best health care and lifestyles.  But ordinary people can be extraordinary too.

For example, Naba Kumar Mondal, a 72-year-old from Calcutta reached Everest Base Camp in 2023.  Having been inspired by the film Oonchai starring Amitabh Bachchan in which several old friends make their way to Everest base camp, Mondal started thinking about doing this trek.  Modal states he went into training for the trek well in advance.  Swimming, hiking, walking, and yoga.  What should be noted is that he approached his family doctor for the all-clear and got it.  He and two neighbours completed this amazing feat in the standard EBC Trek time.  What does he say about it now?  “Why must we age? Elderly people too should exercise, of course with medical clearance. What is the use of living long if one becomes dormant?”

Trekking to Everest Base Camp is not for everyone of course, and even some young people find it very challenging.  But with good health, prior physical and mental preparation, the go-ahead of your doctor, and a good insurance policy, seniors can do it! 

Everest Base Camp Trek with Your Family (Children / Toddlers)

We suspect there have been quite several children making the trek to Everest Base Camp in the past, but now, with social media, we have proof that even a toddler can do it!

Let’s take the case of eighteen-month-old Lucy Brown, who along with her parents and 65-year-old grandmother reached base camp in the autumn season of 2023.  Interestingly, Lucy’s late grandfather, Ray Brown, summitted Everest in 1999.  So, we can say it’s in her blood! One of the most touching days for her family would have been when they visited the Sherpa-built memorial for her grandfather.

Naturally, Lucy didn’t trek the 38.5 miles / 62 km on her own feet.  That would be more than astounding!  But the fact that such a young child made it at these altitudes is a credit to her parents and guide, and most likely had her grandfather smiling in heaven!

Aside from a great guide to ensure the safety of everyone, what does Lucy’s father say about taking your children on such a trip?  "For those parents out there that are keen to travel with their kids, I'd say go for it," he said. "Be prepared to change your plans … but it shouldn't stop you. And, I guess, as long as you're in tune with your kids, you read them and keep them happy – go for it."

Similar to setting out on the trek to Everest Base Camp at a senior age, taking young children and/or teenagers into the mountains needs a lot of planning and probably some tweaking of the itinerary.  We are happy to discuss that with you!

EBC Trek Variations

It is possible to switch things up a bit rather than just do the straightforward EBC trek by the classical route.  These variations can suit everyone: from those who may find trekking to Everest Base Camp too difficult, or for people who just don’t have enough time but want to see something of the region; to people who wish to see something different (did you know there are lakes around Everest too?), to those who want to push themselves a bit more and experience climbing in the Himalayas.    Here are just three possibilities. Ask us about others.

Gokyo Ri and EBC

This 18-day adventure brings you the best of the Everest Region, and then some.  Following the traditional route to Namche Bazaar, after acclimatizing there we veer off to the villages of Dole and Machhemo and on to Gokyo. Gokyo Lake is the name that the six lakes in this area go by.  Yes, they all fall under the same name!  Aside from gazing at some of these lakes, lying above 4,750m / 15,584 ft, this trek sees us hiking up Gokyo Ri at 5,137m / 16,853 ft with views of the lakes and mountains around us.  On this trek, we also see the astounding sight of the Nagozbuma Glacier and hike over the Cho La Pass (5,330 m /17,486 ft ). We do not fail to visit Gorkashep and hike up Kala Pattar for the best possible views of Mt Everest before rejoining the classic EBC trail at Namche and homewards.

Lobuche Peak

For those who want to try their hand at climbing with ropes, ice axes and the rest of the gear, Lobuche Peak might be just the thing.  At 6,119 m / 20,075 ft, this is a one-day climb to summit Lobuche Peak, with an overnight in a tent at High Camp. Now that is a day and night to remember always!  Prior climbing experience would be beneficial although our guides are there to assist you and ensure your safety.   Aside from the thrill of summiting a peak, this 17-day adventure takes in Namche Bazaar, Gorkashep and hiking to the top of Kala Pattar, as well as visiting the renowned and spiritual home to dozens of monks at Tengboche Monastery. 

Stargazing Trek to Sagarmatha National Park 

This 5-day tour is perfect for those who wish to visit the Everest Region to see the vast sky and mountains up close but who do not wish to trek for many days or who simply do not have the time.  Flying into Lukla Airport, there is a 4-hour trek to the first overnight at Phakding and a 5 to 6-hour trek the following day to Namche Bazaar.  On these days you will pass over amazing suspension bridges high over rivers, and hike through forests and Sherpa villages.  On reaching Namche Bazaar you have time to explore the town before night falls and the Himalayan stars begin to twinkle. An astrophysicist is on hand, with a powerful telescope, to introduce you to the heavenly skies.  There is also an opportunity to visit the Sherpa Museum and learn of the culture and of the pioneers of climbing and perhaps to hike to the Hillary Memorial viewpoint to gaze at the mountains.  After spending two nights in Namche, trek back down to Lukla to overnight there before the morning flight out of the region. 

Cultural Insights

The Everest Region, locally known as Solu Khumbu, is the home of the Sherpa people.  Descendants of a Tibetan ethnic group, the Sherpas migrated from Tibet several hundred years ago (13th and 14th centuries according to oral history).  Today, they keep their Tibetan-looking features, follow Tibetan Buddhism, and have many cultural similarities to Tibetans.  In recent times the name Sherpa is often used to mean something like ‘porter’ or ‘guide’, as many are employed in the tourism/mountaineering sector.  Previously their economy was based on agriculture, trading and yak herding.  Today you can still see fields of potatoes and other crops and yak trains going between Nepal and Tibet, but the more lucrative business lies with the trekkers and mountaineers.

Has tourism impacted the culture of the Sherpas? If you visit the Sherpa Museum in Namche Bazaar you will discover life was very different before 1953.  When Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay completed the first summit of Mt Everest the Sherpa community was not as it is today.  We could say Hillary put Sherpas on the map.  Hillary himself was instrumental in establishing Lukla Airport, which made life easier (carrying goods to the mountains etc).  He also set up a school and health centre at Khumjung village and the Himalayan Trust for the welfare of the Sherpa people. But it is perhaps the advent of commercial tourism that has most impacted the Sherpa people.

With hundreds being employed as guides and porters, and with families operating trekking lodges/teahouses, the financial standing of many local communities has risen.  Despite this, the Sherpas have managed to hold on to their traditions and culture, which is something that adds to the attraction for visitors.

Traditions in the Everest Region

Buddhism: Sherpas are Buddhist, which is obvious in their homes, on the trails, and by the monasteries in the region. While trekkers may find the colourful prayer flags and mani (prayer) walls an added interest on their trek, make no mistake, these would be there whether trekkers came to the region or not. 

Festivals: There are three main festivals specific to the Everest Region and Sherpa people.   They are Mani Rimdu, held in the autumn in the monasteries of Tengboche, Chiwong and Thame; Gyalop Losar (or Sherpa New Year) held in the spring, and Dumji Festival around July, which is held in a different location each year.  What is interesting about Dumji is that different families take turns organising and funding this festival so that no one community/ family has the financial burden every year.  As a result, most families will only have to organise this festival once or at most twice in their lifetime.

Conservation:  Buddhists follow the practice of not harming living creatures.  They do not slaughter animals for food (although it’s a paradox that they can eat meat).  They respect the landscape and mountains: you will find they will pray to the mountain goddess for permission and forgiveness before climbing Mt Everest. 

This region became a National Park in 1976.  Sagarmatha (the Sherpa name for Everest) National Park is overseen by both the National Park and Wildlife Conservation Office, Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation, Ministry of Forests, Government of Nepal, and the region’s local government, Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality.  Fees paid by tourists for permits to enter etc. 

But how do locals treat tourists? In Nepal, there is a saying that the guest is a god.  Sometimes it's hard to see whether this tradition is still upheld in the cities as modern life and social media have had a strong influence.  But in more remote mountain areas and Buddhist culture guests are still given a warm welcome.  Local teahouse owners have come to understand what foreign tourists want and need and try to provide it.  While teahouses may not all yet have modern amenities, some do.  Visitors also have changed over the past couple of decades, and not always for the better.  There has to be understanding and respect on both sides when dealing across cultures.    If you are travelling with children, you will find everyone wants to meet them.  This is one way to break down barriers. If you are travelling alone, just smiling and saying Tashi Delek (hello) or Namaste will go a long way to break the ice.

 Is this area LGBTQ-friendly?  Interestingly, Nepal has very recently seen its first same-sex marriages and has acknowledged a space for male, female and ‘others’ in legal documents.  In places like Thamel, you can find LGBTQ bars.  But overall, this is not something that registers in the minds of the average Nepali.  Different-sex couples are frowned on for open shows of affection (even if nothing is said towards foreigners) so we suggest same-sex couples also refrain from showing affection in public.

Naturally, tourism has created extreme stress on safeguarding and conserving the area. We try to ensure that any visitors coming through our agency do not add to this stress by being respectful of local customs and culture and taking all garbage out of the region to reduce their footprint. 

Tourism: Tourism is now a tradition in the Everest region, as it has been established here for decades and has become the way of life for many families.

We can see the impact we have on these families, the positive – better income, better education, better work opportunities, and the negative – the dangers of being a mountaineer / Icefall Doctor/porter, loss of cultural identity and traditions due to the increasing influence of external factors.

Sustainability and Responsible Trekking 

We at Swotah Travel and Adventure do our best to ensure our staff act responsibly when trekking to ensure the sustainability of the trails and local communities. We encourage our clients to do the same.

Minimizing Environmental Impact

The people in the Everest Region are doing their own bit to minimize the impact of tourists.  But there is only so much these small communities can do against the thousands of trekkers and mountaineers who come through every year. The Nepal Government also does its bit to encourage mountaineers to bring their own trash down off the mountain.  

What can I do as a visitor to the region? There are several things you can do as an individual. 

• Do not buy water in plastic bottles.  Bring your own water bottle and purify tap/stream water, or buy boiled water from the teahouses.

• Do not litter on the trail.  Take all your trash i.e. snack bar wrappings, to the next teahouse.  

• Do not throw your rubbish into the kitchen fire, this is considered impolite in Nepali culture.

•  Do not throw anything into the rivers or streams.

• Do not draw/ disfigure mani walls. Or anything else.

• Do not pull down or take away prayer flags. You can buy them.

•  Do be respectful in monasteries.

Supporting Local Communities

Fees for the Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Permit are used directly to support conservation and local communities so straight off, you are helping!  You can support local communities further by:

• Visit the Sherpa Mountain Museum in Namche Bazaar.

• packing

  Visiting and making a small donation to the school started by Sir Edmund Hillary in Khumjung village (approx. 2 hours hike from Namche).  Do this rather than giving to any children along the trail.

• Eat local – buy your meals from the teahouse or teashops along the trails rather than bringing in your own food (with the exception of snacks!)

•  Purchase souvenirs made locally.

• Hire a porter – the majority of whom are local.  This provides income for their families and has a trickle-down effect in the community.