Blog Everest Base Camp Trek Difficulty

22 Feb 2024 Outdoor Himalayan

Everest Base Camp is undeniably a trekker’s best trekking destination. Nepal is a trekker’s paradise and Everest Base Camp is a hit list in many trekker’s travel diaries. Everest Base Camp at an elevation of 5,364 m offers an adrenaline rush adventurous experience to the trekkers. This trekking teases travelers with the mesmerizing natural beauty of the Himalayas, local Sherpa culture and their lifestyle, vibrant Namche Bazaar, authentic local villages, towering snow-capped mountains including the world’s highest Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, and other peaks, and Buddhist Monasteries.

Pass through steep rough trails admiring the surrounding landscapes, crossing suspension bridges, and experiencing elevation gain which is thrilling. Everest Base Camp Trek Difficulty exists but undoubtedly trekking to the base camp is a worthy experience for trekking enthusiasts and mountain lovers. Everest Base Camp is a moderate level trek and it is possible to complete this trek. Trekkers should plan and prepare for this trek strategically, after all, it is Everest Base Camp. It’s not a piece of cake to easily trek to the base camp. Multiple factors determine the Everest Base Camp Trek Difficulty. Thus, we present this article with some useful insights and tips to plan for their Everest Base Camp trek systematically.

Everest Base Camp Elevation

Everest Base Camp has an elevation of 5,364 m but during this trek, the maximum elevation gain is 5644.5 m which is Kalapatthar. Despite such elevation gain, this trek doesn’t involve any technicality or the use of heavy gear.

Everest Base Camp Trek Grade

Everest Base Camp trek is graded as a moderate-level trek suitable for trekkers with a medium level of physical fitness. Due to its geographical structure, elevation gain, and daily long walk hours, this trek is preferable for previously experienced trekkers. For beginner trekkers, it is slightly challenging for them. But with good physical fitness, perseverance, and proper preparation beginners can accomplish with smoothly.

Everest Base Camp Trek Duration

The standard trek duration is 12 days which starts and ends in Lukla with 6-8 hours of daily walking. Namche is the gateway to the Everest Base Camp. Since the elevation gain is maximum, the itinerary is scheduled properly to adjust to the surroundings for the trekkers. Thus, the trek duration starting and ending in Lukla is 12 days. Trekkers can choose other routes as well like Jiri or Salleri which extends the trek duration.

Everest Base Camp Trek Difficulty Factors

Trek Route of Everest Base Camp

Everest Base Camp trek is possible to do through 3 major trekking routes (Lukla, Jiri, and Salleri). Trekkers can choose their preferred route for the Everest Base Camp trek. Lukla trek route is most popular and trek duration is short while the Jiri and Salleri trek routes take longer but allows enough time for beginners to acclimatize and complete the trek at their pace.

Trek Duration of Everest Base Camp

The standard trek duration taking a scenic Lukla flight that ends in Lukla is 12 days while Jiri and Salleri trek routes can take 15 or 16 days to complete the trek. It also demands trekking for long hours but has the advantage of witnessing the natural scenery of Jiri and Salleri. Also, trekkers get enough time to adjust to the surroundings.

Trek Distance of Everest Base Camp

The trek distance from Lukla is 130 km for a standard 12-day trekking itinerary. Trekkers demand to walk daily 10-20 km which is tough for beginners. But with proper preparation this trek is achievable. Trekkers should be both physically and mentally prepared for this trek.

Altitude Sickness

Everest Base Camp has an elevation of 5,364 m and Kalapatthar has an elevation of 5644.5 m which is the maximum elevation gain during the trek. It is normal to get altitude sickness above 3,000 m. As trekkers traverse above 3000m, they gain elevation and might feel altitude sickness.

Acknowledge the altitude sickness symptoms such as headache, nausea, dizziness, uneasiness, appetite, and sleep loss. Some can experience unconsciousness and hallucinations in extreme cases. Thus, acclimatization rest is essential to prevent altitude sickness.

Besides acclimatization, the other preventives for altitude sickness are trekking slowly knowing the body limit, eating a balanced diet, avoiding alcohol and salty foods, drinking water and urinating frequently, informing the guide, getting good rest and sleep, and using medicine consulting a guide.

Trekking Trail of the Everest Base Camp

Everest Base Camp’s trekking trail is one difficult factor for trekkers. The trekking trails during the trek consist of steep steps, numerous ascends and descends, rough terrain, and zig-zag trails. Walking on rough trails daily for long hours is demanding for trekkers, especially beginners. Thus, trekkers must have good physical fitness, high stamina, and sound mental fitness to complete this trek. Maintain your pace, don’t push yourself hard, eat a balanced diet, stay hydrated, and be aware of your physical strength.

Weather of Everest Base Camp

Weather is another difficult factor for trekkers during the trek. As you trek higher, the weather becomes colder. Everest Base Camp has an elevation of 5,364 m, thus weather at the base camp is colder than in the lower regions. It is advisable to trek in the peak seasons for trekkers especially beginners as the weather and temperature are mostly stable and predictable. Expect the day temperature during Spring to be 7-15℃, Autumn to be 12-15℃, Winter to be 5-10℃, and Monsoon/Summer to be 15-20℃.

During the night, the temperature is chilling and cold and falls below 0℃. During Spring, Monsoon, and Autumn, the temperature falls between 5℃ to (-10) ℃. The temperature falls below between 0℃ to (-30)℃ during Winter which makes trekking very difficult as it gets very cold. Thus, we recommend trekking during Spring and Autumn as it offers clear views, good weather, and stable temperatures. Make sure to pack wisely according to seasons for a comfortable trekking experience.

Cost Management

Trekkers find difficulty in proper cost management which makes their Everest Base Camp trek expensive. The trek cost varies according to the chosen trek itinerary, trek duration, trek route, transportation, accommodation, additional services, and personal expenses. Manage your budget wisely, discuss with your tour operator beforehand, and arrange accordingly. Prepare a day-to-day budget plan following the itinerary schedule. In higher regions, the costs of goods are higher. In advance, be prepared and we suggest carrying extra cash in case of emergencies. With proper planning, cost management is not difficult for trekkers. Overall good preparation and proper cash management lead to the best and memorable Everest Base Camp trekking experience.

Preparation Tips for the Everest Base Camp Trek

Before the Trek:

• Participate in exercises and training including cardio to stay physically fit.
• Build strength and stamina by cycling, jogging, and hiking at high altitudes.
• Eat a balanced diet and healthy foods.
• Avoid junk or unhealthy foods, drinking alcohol, smoking, and using unhealthy substances.
• Practice yoga or meditation for mental fitness.
• Make a habit of waking up early and strictly follow your daily routine schedule.
• Do necessary health check-ups before the trek and consult a doctor if necessary.

During the Trek:

• Follow the strict schedule (early wake-up, guidelines, guide’s instructions, eating and drinking habits).
• Maintain a good physical and mental fitness.
• Avoid smoking and drinking alcohol.
• Avoid salty and junk foods during the trek.
• Keep drinking frequently to stay hydrated.
• Take an acclimatization rest to prevent altitude sickness and adjust to the surroundings.
• Use water-purifying solutions to purify drinking water.
• Use sunglasses to protect the eyes and sunscreen to protect the skin.
• Maintain the trek speed and if any difficulty inform the guide immediately.
• Wear warm but light seasonal clothes and comfortable shoes.
• Make sure to hire a guide and a porter for a safe and memorable trekking experience.
• Stay in the group, follow the main trails, and strictly follow the itinerary schedule.

Additional Info for the Trek

Permits Required

Khumbu Rural Municipality Permit

Foreigners- NPR 2000
SAARC- NPR 1000

Sagarmatha National Park (SNP)

Foreigners- NPR 3000
SAARC- NPR 1500

Packing Essentials

• Clothing (Quick-drying lightweight T-shirts, Long-sleeved shirts, Fleece, Shorts, Down Jacket, Trekking pants, Thermal Inners, Leggings, Inners, Thick socks, Gaiters, Full-finger gloves)
• Beanie, Hat, Scarf, Ear warmers, Cap (seasonal)
• Raincoat, Waterproof jacket
• A light backpack
• Comfortable sturdy shoes, slippers
• Sleeping bag, Camping Tent (Remote regions and High Passes Trek)
• Water bottle and water purification kit
• Prescribed medicines and First-aid kit
• Personal Items (Money, Money Belt, Passport Photograph, Documents, ID, Phone, Camera)
• Personal care kit (Sunscreen, lotion, dust masks, lip balm, face and body wipes, tissues)

Trekking Accessories

• Sunglasses
• Trekking Poles
• Duffle bag or kit bag
• 2-4 Large Plastic bags (to separate clean and dirty clothes)
• 6-10 smaller plastic bags (to dispose of garbage)
• Daypack bag (to carry your requirements)
• Toiletries (Quick drying towel, Toilet paper, Toothbrush, Toothpaste, Soap, Shampoo, Small mirror, Nail cutter)
• Umbrella (optional)
• Headlamp, Torch, Candles, Matches / Lighters, Pocket knife, Whistle
• Binocular, Power Bank, Spare Batteries, Trekking map and compass, Insect Repellant, Sewing Kit, Reading materials, pencil, rubber, pen, and notebook (extras)

Notes

• You can choose to bring this equipment yourself. However, we can help you get these things after you arrive here if you want to travel light.
• We will arrange your pick-up/drop-off according to your flight schedule.
• We can customize the itinerary according to your interests and preferences.

TAGS: Altitude Sickness Cost Management Everest Base Camp Elevation Everest Base Camp Trek Difficulty Everest Base Camp Trek Duration Everest Base Camp Trek Grade Preparation Tips for the Everest Base Camp Trek Trekking Trail of the Everest Base Camp Weather of Everest Base Camp