Our 15-day Everest base camp trek takes you along the main route to the base of Mount Everest (8848.86m). Due to the fluctuating and cold temperatures in the mountainous region, especially around Lukla Airport, trekkers choose to travel to Lukla by Jeep since the Lukla flight is inconsistent.
The Everest Base Camp trek by Jeep starts in Kathmandu City and reaches all the way to famous Everest Base Camp. Enjoy beautiful scenery in a four-wheel drive at the beginning and end of the adventure.
Lukla airport lies in 2,845 meters. So if you choose the land route, you will also gradually gain elevation, which gives you a chance to get used to the altitude instead of landing directly at Lukla airport.
For travelers who want to get close to the Himalayan beauty, the Everest Base Camp Trek by Jeep is an ideal option. This amazing trip gives you a wide view of green valleys, rushing rivers, and snow-capped peaks at every turn, making it the perfect choice for people who want to get the most out of their time in the Himalayas.
Our carefully planned itinerary mixes well-known trails with less-traveled paths that haven't been touched by many tourists yet. You'll see all the well-known sights, but you'll also go into hidden valleys and spend the nights in peaceful, off-the-beaten-path spots that most tourists don't even know exist.
Mount Everest (8848.86m) is in the eastern part of the Himalayas in Asia. Not only does it lie right on the border between Nepal and China, but its peak also forms part of the border between the two countries.
There are two Everest Base Camps, one in Tibet and one in Nepal. This shouldn't surprise you because the mountain is on the border between China and Nepal. You could call the one in Tibet North Base Camp and the one in Nepal South Base Camp.
The base camp in Tibet is where you start your climb up the north side of Mt. Everest, and the base camp in Nepal is where you start your climb up the south side of the mountain. Everest South Base Camp in Nepal is the more famous and busy base camp, and visitors often just call it Everest Base Camp.
Because it is more than 5000 meters high and the weather is bad at that height, it is fair to say that trekking to Everest Base Camp is moderately challenging depending on the weather, elevation, trip length, strength, and the trail.
However, travelling by jeep may be more strenuous, as it takes two days to make it to our trekking point destination, Surky. But the best part is that when you take the ground route, you will gradually gain altitude, which gives the trekkers a chance to get used to the higher altitude instead of landing directly at Lukla airport, which could make them sick.
To go to the Everest base camp, you need two permits: one for the Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality and one for Sagarmatha National Park. The cost of our Everest base camp trek by jeep package includes the fees for both permits.
You are required to come to the office with the necessary documents, which include photographs that are the size of a valid visas, passport, and the fees for the permit.
Hidden trek Nepal will assist you get the permits you need in Kathmandu. If you missed out to do that in Kathmandu, we can get the permits for the Everest Base Camp Trek in Lukla or at the Monjo Checkpost in Monjo Village if you are already in Lukla. You have to go through the same steps in Kathmandu.
To start your trip to Everest Base Camp, using a guide service can make the experience much better and help you stay safe as you go through the difficult Himalayan terrain.
If you hire a guide service from Hidden Trek Nepal, you will be able to talk to your guide directly before and during the trip, which will help you avoid confusion.
When you use this service, you usually only have to pay for the guide service, which means you can enjoy your trip without spending too much.
You can choose and pay for your own lodging, meals, or transportation. When you hire an independent guide, you can make your own choices along the way. This is different from agencies that usually offer set packages with pre-chosen hotels or lodges.
This service helps you and an independent guide grow their careers, which is good for tourism in the community.
The best times of year to trek to Everest are when the weather is nice and the trekkers are comfortable. Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) are the best times to hike to Everest base camp.
The peak trekking season has clear skies, a good trail, and a low chance of rain. This is not the case during the off-seasons of summer/monsoon (June to August) and winter (December to February), when the paths and weather are at their worst.
You can still do the Everest Base Camp Trek by road all year round if you get to Thamdanda by jeep and start the trek there. Taking a jeep ride to the Everest region is definitely a good way to avoid the risk of flight disruptions that often affect people going to Lukla, which is the gateway to the Everest Base Camp.
One of the tough things about a high-altitude trek is getting altitude sickness. Also, keep in mind that not everyone who does Everest Base Camp Trekking gets altitude sickness.
On the other hand, this trek has an advantage: people get altitude sickness less on this trek. Since traveling by road takes a few extra days and we will be going up slowly, individual travelers will have time to acclimate.
Still, we strongly advise that you be mentally and physically ready for this trek. You need to know that you can get altitude sickness if your body doesn't get used to the higher elevation. So, how do you get used to it? By taking a break to get used to the altitude during the hike.
Keep an eye out for signs like headaches, vomiting, feeling sick, having trouble breathing, insomnia, and so on. Every day, drink at least 2 liters of water and don't smoke or drink alcohol.
Thorough preparation and a strong physical foundation are essential for the physically demanding trek to Everest Base Camp. Trekkers should work on their core stability, leg strength, and cardiovascular endurance to prepare for the high altitude, long days of hiking, and rough terrain.
You don't need to be an Olympic athlete to do it, but if you're new to intense walking, it can be tough. It helps to have some experience walking on uneven terrains. If you aren't in good shape, this hike will be very hard for you. If you want to improve your stamina, we recommend that you do a few basic exercises.
Remember, facilities in teahouses decrease as one ascends in elevation.
You will also be staying in tea houses and lodges along the way to Everest Base Camp, and you will be sharing a room with another person. Most of the time, these teahouses are simple but clean. The bed are comfortable and equipped with basic amenities, ensuring that you can rest comfortably in preparation for the upcoming day of the trek.
Most of these teahouses have their own bathrooms with hot showers, but only a few places to stay have communal bathrooms with separated shower areas. In the same way, some well-known places like Namche and Syangboche have lodgings with amenities you would expect from a five-star hotel. There are also luxury properties along the way that you can stay at for an extra fee.
Foods and Drinks at Everest Base Camp Trek
During the trek, different cuisines like, Nepali, Tibetan, Indian, Continental, Local, and a few Western will be available. Our Everest Base Camp Trek by Jeep package includes all three meals: breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
The locals cook the food in a clean way using fresh vegetables that they grow themselves. These meals are very important and full of nutrients during the trek. Namche also has a lot of cafes, restaurants, and pubs. If travelers want to, they can go to them at their own expense. The guide is happy to help you find or recommend some of the finest places with great food and atmosphere.
EBC trekkers who don't want to fly to Lukla or who want to start their trek at a lower altitude can take a Jeep ride to Surke. Surke is a trailhead near Lukla that promises an easier way to get used to the altitude. You can get to this place from Kathmandu by taking rough roads, but you need to plan ahead to make sure your trip is safe and comfortable.
The road is mostly paved from Kathmandu to Salleri. After that, it's just a dirt and gravel path. It has steep hills, sharp turns, and landslides that happen sometimes during the monsoon.
Be ready for an exciting 14-16 hour Jeep ride before and after the EBC Trek. You'll get to experience the unique flavor of Everest Base Camp Trekking on the Kathmandu to Surke Jeep Ride.
It can be hard to stay connected on the Everest Base Camp Trek because of both environmental and technological problems. But it's very important to pick the right network partner.
Most tea houses and lodges on the Everest Base Camp Trek also have Wi-Fi. Ncell and NTC both offer mobile network bundles for 2G and 3G. For enhanced internet connectivity in the Himalayan region, the Everest Link Card prepaid broadband wireless service is an option.
To book the Everest Base Camp Trek, you'll need to work with a registered trekking agency in Nepal like us. Hidden Trek Nepal will handle the necessary permits, guide, and potentially accommodation and transportation.
We are concerned about your safety whenever you book a local company like ours, and we are here to help. Throughout every step of your trip, you will constantly have someone with years of experience to provide you with the best recommendations.
By making the reservations as early as possible, particularly during the peak trekking seasons, you may assure that you will be able to secure your desired accommodation without encountering any difficulties. Given that the majority of the most desirable places to stay in the region are often reserved well in advance, it is always a good idea to begin your planning process as early as possible.
Thamel is Kathmandu’s tourist hub and the most visited part of the city. There are hundreds of hotels, guesthouses, and hostels in town; therefore, if you’re a budget traveller or backpacker, you’ll likely stay in this part of town.
You will love spending time in Thamel; It’s a great place to hang out and meet fellow travellers, walk the streets and soak in the atmosphere that only really exists in this area.
It’s also right in the heart of town, close to all of the major things to do in Kathmandu. Thamel is also the perfect place to rent or buy trekking gear.
It is possible to obtain a visa on arrival for individuals from the majority of countries by visiting the online website of the Immigration Department of Nepal. Online forms must be filled out, printed, and brought with you.
The online system can be accessed at https://nepaliport.immigration.gov.np/ from any location and at any time. The Online Application System can keep your application for 15 days in its system, allowing you to apply at your convenience and present it to the Immigration Authority at the time of admission or visa extension.
Visas on arrival are valid for 15, 30, or 3 months and are priced at:
Before the Trek
We recommend hiking before the Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek, helping your body adjust to higher elevations. Test your gear and break in your hiking boots on these short walks to find and correct any problems while still near city shops and resources.
Some suggestions for hiking places near Kathmandu are: Champa Devi Hiking, Jamacho (Nagarjun Hill) Hiking, Sundarijal Hiking, Chandragiri Hiking, etc.
You can also visit some very popular cultural locations carrying significant histories while in Kathmandu before the trek: Boudhanath (Boudha), the Monkey Temple (Swayambhunath Temple), Pashupatinath Temple, and three Durbar Squares (Kathmandu, Lalitpur, and Bhaktapur).
After the Trek
After the Everest Base Camp Trek, relaxing and enjoying Nepal's splendor is worth it. After the lengthy trek, Nepal is also a great place to relax with views, and cozy cafés. We recommend:
Hidden Trek Nepal is known for having skilled porters and making each tour unique. They know both the history and geography of the area well enough to make sure you have a safe and useful trip.
Everest Base Camp is a commercialized route, yet we design treks that explore the beaten path, leading you through hidden valleys far from the usual tourist crowds. Instead, you’ll stay overnight in quiet, beautiful valleys that most tourists don’t visit. We offer a more peaceful, authentic, and immersive experience in nature.
We also provide flexible solutions, such as a "guide only" service for independent trekkers who would rather handle their own logistics with expert advice. With Hidden Trek Nepal, you interact with people, environment, and the desire of adventure at every turn rather than simply travel.
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Yes. You can get to Everest Base Camp without flying to Lukla. You can drive from Kathmandu to Surke and then start your trek there. This way, you can finish the trek faster without having to take a flight.
The best times to trek Everest Base Camps by jeeps are during the pre-monsoon (March to May) and post-monsoon (September to November) seasons. These periods offer stable weather, clear skies, and optimal trekking conditions.
The trail leading to Everest Base Camp is not particularly difficult. The trail is largely flat and comfortable, with the sole exception of the steep ascent to Namche Bazaar. The trail does not contain any technical climbs with snow, with the exception of the winter season's peak.
You can hire a guide or porter for the Everest Base Camp Trek in Kathmandu or by contacting trusted trekking agencies, like Hidden Trek Nepal. We clearly communicate your requirements, and provide guide options who can navigate the trails, especially in challenging conditions. We also arrange to meet your guide or porter before your trek (in Kathmandu or Lukla).
Hidden Trek Nepal’s Everest Base Camp Trek set departure dates are tailored for the group joining option.
Of course, the most important part of the Everest Base Camp Trek is Everest Base Camp itself, which is the base camp for the world's highest mountain (5364m).
Furthermore, the most breathtaking moments of the Everest Base Camp Trek include the opportunity to witness the Khumbu Glacier and capture Mt. Everest, the highest point on Earth, during a stunning sunrise from Kalapatthar. Putting one's foot in the Everest Base Camp and seeing Mt. Everest is the greatest achievement in people's lives, and it is extremely important.
There are jeep services that go directly, and the trip takes about 17 to 18 hours. The jeep leaves Kathmandu early in the morning and gets to Surke in the evening. It is best to ask about the present condition of the roads and make a reservation ahead of time, especially during the busiest trekking times.
The price of a jeep ride from Kathmandu to Surke depends on a number of things, such as the type of Jeep, the season, extra services, whether the Jeep is shared or private, and the number of people in the group. A ride to Surke, on the other hand, is available at a discount through Hidden Trek Nepal. Get in touch with us if you have questions about how much the Jeep costs in Surke.
Because the Khumbu municipality didn't mind people trekking alone, you can go to Everest Base Camp by yourself. Nevertheless, it is important to keep in mind that the region can be more easily navigated and the trek more enjoyable and challenging if you travel with a group of at least a few other trekkers and hire a guide.
You should make sure that you have both medical and evacuation insurance. When you choose an insurance plan for a trip to a Himalayan country like Nepal, you should be careful because some companies may make exceptions for adventure travel.
Please let us know if you don't understand something about the insurance, and we will help you. Most of the time, getting insurance in your home country before you go abroad is better.
Yes! Kathmandu has many shops (Thamel area) selling:
It is not compulsory to have a porter for the Everest Base Camp Trek. However, we highly recommend hiring one, which will relieve you of your luggage and enable you to fully appreciate the journey. Hidden Trek Nepal provides the best porters, and the service is added on our package too.
The highest point of our journey is over 5000 meters. Most of the time, we'll be walking 3000 to 5000 meters above sea level. At this altitude, the weather is unpredictable and the temperature is low.
The nighttime temperature varies between 5 degrees Celsius in the summer and -15 degrees Celsius in the winter. Everest region has sunny days and temperatures that range from 15 degrees Celsius in the summer to -5 degrees Celsius in the winter.