Everest Base Camp Hiking

As with most treks in Nepal, the best seasons for the Everest Base Camp trek are spring or fall/autumn. The spring seasons lasting from March to May offer trekkers warmer days, the joy of seeing the lower Himalayas in bloom, and clear blue skies with great views. The fall or autumn season in Nepal lasts from mid-September to end-November. Not only do two of the main Nepalese festivals happen during this season but also reasonably warm trekking days accompanied by clear blue skies offering amazing views.

You’ll be happy to know that your physical fitness level to complete the Everest Base Camp trek, should not be that of a professional athlete. Alpine Eco Trek has successfully guided novice trekkers to and from Everest Base Camp over the years. In order to fully enjoy and get the best experience of the trek we do suggest doing some type of fitness training and if possible light altitude training before commencing the Everest Base Camp trek in Nepal.

High-altitude sickness or Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) is dreaded by every high-altitude mountaineer or adventurer. This phenomena occurs due to a lack of oxygen. As you reach higher altitudes oxygen becomes less, and by rapidly ascending great altitudes our bodies can’t adjust to different oxygen levels in the air. AMS, causes its victims insomnia, headache, rapid fatigue, stomach cramps and in the worst cases can even lead to death. Alpine Eco Trek takes the utmost care when it comes to the safety of our trekkers. With our carefully planned itinerary for the Everest Base Camp trek, we plan for special acclimatization days which will allow our bodies to adjust to the new oxygen levels. There are lots of ways to prevent high altitude sickness or even self-cure by retreating to a lower elevation for the night. Should you feel any of the symptoms we can only advise informing your guide so proper steps can be made. At Pheriche, a town between Tengboche and Dingboche, the Himalayan Rescue Association has set up a health post in order to treat AMS victims and to give lectures on how to prevent this affliction.

Insurance for the Everest Base Camp trek is a MUST-HAVE! While the trek itself is relatively safe, you can never be sure enough. The trek takes you to altitudes above 5,000m/16,404ft, if any rescue is required only helicopters have access to you, and in case of flight cancellations to Lukla you’ll lose your entire holiday. Make sure your insurance covers altitudes above 5,000m/16,404ft, and has flight cancellation and helicopter rescue options. Unfortunately, Nepal does not offer any type of travel insurance for foreign nationals. So you’re better of getting your travel insurance for the Everest Base Camp trek via your local insurance dealer or via a reliable online insurance agent.

Food & accommodation during the Everest Base Camp trek is quite standard. Meals at the lodges or tea houses are a mix of local cuisine and some international dishes such as pasta and even pizza. While non-veg items are available we do recommend choosing vegetarian options at higher altitudes as preservation facilities become less modern. Accommodations are standard rooms fitted with two or three one-person beds, a public bathroom and a common mess hall. Wi-Fi and charging plugs are available at an hourly rate or overnight rate as well as hot water. If you choose to overnight at one of the luxury accommodations during the Everest Base Camp trek you’ll be able to enjoy a private room and bathroom and 24/7 hot water with descend Wi-Fi connectivity.