Everest Base Camp Trek

If you are a novice trekker, the Everest Base Camp Trek might be a bit challenging for you. But having said that, it is not impossible for beginners to trek on this route. With the right preparation and mindset, you will achieve your goal. On the difficulty level, the Everest Base Camp Trek is graded as moderate to strenuous. No technical climbing skills are required. But you need to be in top physical form and mentally tough to complete the trek.

You can expect to walk 6–7 hours daily, covering 11–12 kilometers on a mix of up and down trails. The biggest hurdles are the high altitude and thin air. You will be hiking at elevations above 5000 meters, which can prove hazardous if you are not fully prepared. Thus, it's crucial to acclimatize properly and walk at a steady pace. You should also remember to stay hydrated on the trail and watch out for symptoms of AMS (acute mountain sickness).

Preparing in advance makes all the difference. Activities like walking, jogging, or swimming are the best way to build endurance, while uphill hikes or stair training will prepare you for the mountainous terrain.

With the right preparation, this Everest trek can become one of the most rewarding experiences of your life, offering awe-inspiring Himalayan views and a profound sense of achievement.

While many trekking companies and tour operators offer EBC trekking packages, here's why Nepal Hiking Team stands out from the rest:

• Over 17 years of experience in creating safe and memorable trekking adventures.
• Friendly local guides with expert knowledge of the Everest region and its culture.
• Hassle-free trekking. From trekking permits to arranging the Lukla flight tickets and the best guides for the trek, NHT takes care of everything.
• Prioritizing your safety with acclimatization checks, first-aid kits, and emergency evacuation plans.
• Clear pricing with no hidden costs. Meals, permits (government taxes), and accommodations are all included in the EBC Trek package.
• Small groups (max 10 people) for a more personal experience, with extra guides for bigger groups.
• Customizable itineraries and flexible dates to fit your schedule.
• Support is available 24/7 via phone, WhatsApp, or Zoom.
• Trusted by our clients. We have received thousands of five-star reviews on TripAdvisor (over 2000+), Lonely Planet, TrustPilot, and Google from happy trekkers.
• Committed to sustainability. We hire local people, support mountain communities, and use eco-friendly trekking practices.

The best time of year to do the Everest Base Camp Trek are spring (March to early June) and autumn (September to November). These are the best seasons, as the weather conditions remain ideal, and one can enjoy clear views of the mountains.

• During spring, one can experience mild temperatures and longer days on the trail. Additionally, the trail explodes with pretty pink and red rhododendron blooms during this season. The vibrant trails make the experience truly special.
• Autumn is a popular season for trekking as one can expect clear skies and stellar views of mountain peaks. This season is perfect for those who want the best visibility and stunning photographs.

However, the peak seasons bring in a lot of trekkers, and the trail remains busy and crowded.

Trekking to Everest Base Camp is also possible in summer (June to August) and winter (December to February).

• Summer (monsoon season) offers quieter trails and lush green surroundings. However, you should be prepared for inclement weather and cloudy days.
• A winter trek will allow you to enjoy snow-covered landscapes and secluded trails. While the temperature dips below freezing point high up in the mountains, winter is a good time to enjoy the hike in solitude and view the mountains fully blanketed by snow.

Nepal Hiking Team organizes the Everest Base Camp trek in all four seasons, helping you experience the world's highest hiking trail in a way that suits your preferences.

The distance from Lukla to Everest Base Camp and back is approximately one hundred and thirty kilometers (130 Km) or eighty miles (80 miles). The one-way journey covers around 65 kilometers (40 miles).

Our 16-day itinerary breaks this distance into manageable segments, allowing for proper acclimatization and a comfortable trekking pace.

Yes, you can communicate with our guide in English. Since we employ local guides familiar with the Everest trekking routes, you can look forward to a safe hike. They can also stand as a translator while you interact with the Sherpa villagers, teahouse owners, and shopkeepers. Trekking with a guide won't be boring, as they will share stories, legends, and cultural insights about the mountains and the region.

The booking process is simple.

• First, you can review the Everest Base Camp Trek itinerary.
• Next, select your preferred date from the departure section (for 2025 and beyond).
• Once you have selected your departure date, click "Book This Date," and fill out the booking form with all your details (Full name, Email Address, Date of birth, etc.).
• You have to pay a 20% deposit to confirm your booking. You can make the full payment online or choose the "Book Now, Pay Later" option, and make the payment once you arrive in Nepal.

After your booking is complete, we will send you a confirmation email and payment details. You will also have to send a copy of your passport (valid for at least 6 months at the time of your EBC trek) for the trekking permit. The outstanding balance should be cleared once you arrive in Kathmandu.

Yes, you can cancel your trip if you are unable to travel due to unavoidable circumstances. You can simply send us an email with your cancellation request, and we will process it promptly. Please note that the 20% deposit is non-refundable.

However, the deposit will remain as credit for a future trip, which you can use at a later date. For full details, we recommend reviewing our booking and cancellation policy before confirming your trip to avoid any misunderstanding.

Yes, you can obtain an on-arrival visa once you land at the international airport in Kathmandu. To get the visa, you will need

• A passport with at least 6 months of validity and at least one blank page.
• Two passport-sized photos (though not always required).

You can fill out the online visa application form in advance or use the visa kiosks at the airport to do the same. The visa fee can be paid in USD or other major currencies at the immigration counter. Processing time varies based on the number of travelers.

For detailed instructions, check our Nepal Visa Information page.

No, we don't arrange international flight tickets. We only organize your trip within Nepal. You will have to book your international flights by yourself.

Your trek starts and finishes in Kathmandu, so if you need any tips on flight timings to match your itinerary, we can share the details with you.

Yes, airport pickup and drop-off services are included in the package. Upon your arrival at the Tribhuvan International Airport, our staff will meet you and transfer you to your hotel.

For your departure, we will arrange a drop-off at the airport approximately three hours before your flight. If you arrive earlier or depart later than your scheduled itinerary, we will arrange transportation, provided you send us your flight details in advance.

Yes, travel insurance is mandatory for the Mt. Everest Base Camp Trek. A comprehensive travel insurance policy helps you handle unexpected situations, such as helicopter rescues, medical emergencies, or delays, without facing financial burdens, allowing you to focus on enjoying your trek.

Your policy should specifically cover high-altitude rescue and evacuation up to 5,500 meters in case of emergencies. It should also include protection for accidents, injuries, and medical expenses that may occur during the trek. Coverage for flight delays and cancellations, particularly for the Lukla flights, is highly recommended due to frequent weather disruptions.

Immunizations are not mandatory for trekking to Everest Base Camp. However, standard vaccinations recommended by health authorities are advisable to ensure your safety and good health during the trek. Make sure to drink only bottled mineral or filtered water during the trek. While trekking, consume only freshly cooked meals.

Yes, you can purchase a local SIM card. You can buy it at the airport or at any of the shops close to your hotel. Nepal has two major networks, NTC and Ncell. Both these telecom companies have booths in the arrival terminal. For the Everest Trekking route, an NTC SIM card is recommended for better connectivity in the region.

Yes, the Everest Base Camp Trek is a family-friendly adventure and is suitable for children. We welcome trekkers of all ages, and children as young as 4 years old have successfully reached Everest Base Camp with careful planning.

Trekking with children requires additional acclimatization and adjustments to the itinerary to ensure their safety and comfort. While the standard 16-day trek might be challenging for kids, we recommend our 20-day extended itinerary, which allows more time for rest and acclimatization.

No, there is no strict age limit for the Everest Base Camp trek. Trekkers of all ages can do join the Mount Everest trek if they are in good health and ready for the physical demands of high-altitude trekking. With proper preparation, a carefully designed itinerary, and adequate acclimatization, EBC trek can be a safe and rewarding adventure for anyone.

Yes, it's safe for solo female travelers to hike to Everest Base Camp. Nepal is known for being welcoming and friendly, and many solo female trekkers have had positive experiences. It is a generally safe and welcoming country for female travelers, and the Everest Base Camp trek is a popular and well-frequented route, contributing to a sense of security.

With our experienced guides and team, you will have the support you need throughout the journey. However, it's still crucial to take necessary precautions and be aware of your surroundings.

To get ready for the Everest Base Camp Trek, focus on building cardiovascular endurance, strength training, and practicing hiking with a backpack. Cardiovascular exercises like running, cycling, swimming, and hiking should be performed 3-4 times per week, gradually increasing intensity and duration.

Strength training should focus on legs and core, with exercises like squats, lunges, deadlifts, step-ups, and core exercises. Practice hiking with a weighted backpack to simulate the conditions of the trek. Yoga or regular stretching improves flexibility, making it easier to manage long trekking days.

For more detailed tips and a step-by-step preparation guide, check out our training guide blog for "How to train for Everest Base Camp Trekking in Nepal". It covers everything you need to know to feel ready and confident on the trail.

At Nepal Hiking Team, safety has always been the top priority while organizing treks. Our experienced local guides are trained in first aid and are well-versed in managing altitude sickness (Acute Mountain Sickness). They use oximeters to monitor your oxygen levels and heart rate to catch any potential issues early.

If unexpected situations arise, such as the need for route adjustments or logistical changes, our guides are skilled in handling them efficiently. Local communities also manage accommodations in areas with limited teahouses and share valuable insights into local culture and traditions, ensuring a safe and seamless trekking experience.

We also prioritize safety during Everest Base Camp treks through various measures, including regular communication with guides, providing trained guides with first aid, and swift evacuation in case of serious health issues, and also emphasize acclimatization, proper gear, and following our guides' instructions for a safe and enjoyable experience. 

If you experience symptoms like headache, dizziness, nausea, or shortness of breath during the trek, let your guide know immediately. He will ensure that you are properly rested and will monitor your condition closely. If the symptoms worsen, he may arrange for you to descend to a lower altitude, which is the most effective way to recover. In severe cases, a helicopter evacuation can be organized through our head office in Kathmandu to get you to safety quickly.

Our team is fully equipped to manage altitude-related concerns. If one member of the group becomes unwell, an assistant guide or trekking staff will assist them, allowing the rest of the group to continue the trek without disruption. With these measures in place, you can focus on enjoying your adventure, knowing that your safety is always prioritized.

Yes, our guides will be there to assist you while crossing the metal suspension bridges en route. Our guides will offer guidance and support and ensure you trek safely with confidence while on the EBC trail. The suspension bridges on the Everest Base Camp trip are sturdy, well-maintained, and equipped with strong metal railings on both sides for your security.

Yes, you can take Diamox to prevent altitude sickness. Typically, you start taking it on the first day of the trek, such as at Phakding, with a recommended dose of 250 mg after dinner. While it's effective in reducing the risk of altitude sickness, you may experience mild side effects like tingling in your hands, lips, or cheeks. Staying hydrated is essential, as Diamox increases your body's need for water.

Our guides carry Diamox in their first-aid supplies, but it's always best to follow your doctor's advice for safe and effective use.

The Khumbu cough is a common health issue during high-altitude trekking, such as the Everest Base Camp trek. It occurs at high altitudes where the oxygen level is very low, and cold temperatures make breathing difficult. It is caused by inhaling cold and dry air and fine dust particles. These conditions irritate your respiratory tract, leading to persistent coughing and sleep disruption. But it's manageable with the right precautions.

You can prevent Khumbu cough by following these steps.

• Protect your mouth and nose with a buff, scarf, or balaclava to warm and humidify the air you breathe. Covering your mouth and nose also prevents fine dust particles from entering your airways.
• Layer up and stay warm, especially at night, to keep your body and respiratory system from feeling the chill.
• Sip on warm water or tea regularly to stay hydrated and soothe your throat.
• Keep throat lozenges handy to ease irritation caused by dry air.
• Trek at a steady, slow pace and take frequent breaks to avoid overexertion, which can strain your lungs.

When preparing for your EBC trek, pack smart and light, keeping essentials only. Here's a quick rundown.

You will need a mix of layers: lightweight base layers, fleece or insulated jackets, and a reliable windproof and waterproof outer shell. Add gloves, a hat, and a buff for extra protection against the cold and dust.

Bring comfortable trekking pants, thermal layers for the evenings, and waterproof pants for unpredictable weather. Make sure your trekking boots are well broken in and pair them with warm, moisture-wicking socks. Medical kits, documents, and additional items such as headlamps, cameras, extra memory card, reusable water bottles, and many more items are also required.

For a detailed packing guide, check out our Everest Trekking Packing Checklist. Don't worry if you miss something. You can buy or rent most gear in Thamel before your trek.

For your 16-day Nepal Everest Base Camp tour, a 20 to 30-liter daypack with a rain cover is ideal. Look for one with comfortable shoulder straps, a padded hip belt for even weight distribution, and multiple compartments or sections to organize your water bottles, snacks, and other essentials.

This is for carrying your daily needs (documents, water bottles, snacks, and other items that you require frequently). Porters will carry your heavier luggage (duffel bag with a capacity of over 60 liters).

We do not typically include oxygen cylinders or chamber bags in our standard Everest trek packages, but these can be arranged upon request at an added cost.

• Oxygen Cylinders: Available for $180.
• Chamber Bags: Available for $250.

If you would like to add these items to your package, please let us know when booking your trek.

Additionally, oxygen cylinders and chamber bags are accessible for emergencies along the route. Teahouses at high altitudes, like Dingboche, Lobuche, and Gorak Shep, often offer these services on a pay-per-use basis, with hourly charges. Check your travel insurance policy, as these costs might be reimbursable.

For your Everest Base Camp trek, we provide a 4-season sleeping bag, an Everest Base Camp route map, a duffel bag for packing your clothing, and a down jacket that can handle temperatures as low as -15°C.

These items must be returned after your trip to Everest. As part of our service, you will also receive a complimentary company t-shirt, a cap, and a trip completion certificate that highlights the maximum altitude of the Nepal Everest trek (5,545 m "Kala Patthar") you reached.

In Kathmandu, you will be staying at a 3-star hotel like Woodapple Hotel and Spa or a similar establishment, depending on room availability during your travel dates. You can enjoy a complimentary buffet breakfast at the hotel. However, you will have to make your own arrangements for lunch and dinner in Kathmandu.

Additional nights at the hotel will cost you around USD 50 for a double or twin room and USD 45 for a single room. These rates include breakfast and tax/VAT and are for a comfortable 3-star hotel.

If you would like to upgrade to a 4-star or 5-star hotel, let us know your preference. Upgraded accommodations are available at an additional cost, depending on the hotel you choose.

During the trek, you will stay in lodges or teahouses that offer clean rooms with basic amenities for a good night's rest. Rooms are typically twin-sharing, but single rooms can be arranged upon request at an additional cost.

In Lukla, Phakding, and Namche, you will find rooms with ensuite bathrooms and hot shower facilities. Beyond Namche, most teahouses provide shared facilities, and hot showers are available for an extra charge.

For more detailed information on accommodations along the Everest Base Camp route, check out our complete Accommodation Guide to make your EBC adventure an easy trek.

Yes, laundry services are available at Namche Bazaar for an additional cost. However, due to unfavorable weather conditions, same-day delivery is not always guaranteed.

During acclimatization stops, you can hand-wash small items like socks and undergarments if needed. But it's recommended to pack enough clothing for the trek rather than relying on limited laundry options. You can also carry a light laundry bag or polythene bags to store your dirty clothes.

Teahouses along the Everest Base Camp trek route offer a mix of Western-style toilets and squat toilets, with squat toilets becoming more common at higher elevations.

Teahouses at Lukla, Phakding, and Namche, offer rooms with attached bathrooms and western-style toilets. However, as you leave the lower altitudes and go higher, Asian-style squat toilets and shared facilities become more common. Hot water availability in bathrooms also becomes increasingly limited as you gain altitude.

While trekking, if you need a bathroom break, let your guide know. He will guide you to the nearest facility. In areas without teahouses, you may need to use a private spot along the trail (e.g., behind a bush or rock).

We recommend packing essentials like toilet paper, wet wipes, hand sanitizer, and soap to maintain hygiene throughout the journey. Female travelers can bring sanitary pads or tampons and a sealable bag for discreet disposal.

Teahouses along the Mount Everest Base Camp Trek serve a variety of fresh and nutritious meals to keep you energized throughout the journey. You can expect a blend of local and international items on the menu such as Dal bhat, Pizza, Macaroni, Porridge, Tibetan momo soup, Egg, Pancakes, Spaghetti, Thukpa, Momo, Pasta, Rice, Rice pudding, Shurpa soup, Chapati, Nepalese bread, Noodles, Sandwiches, Bread, Garlic soup, Tibetan bread, Toast, and Apple porridge.

For breakfast, you have options like warm porridge with honey, muesli with milk, Tibetan bread with jam or eggs, apple or cinnamon pancakes, scrambled eggs, cheese omelets, or fried eggs. Hot drinks such as tea, coffee, hot chocolate, and herbal tea are served to warm you up for the day.

Lunch and dinner feature hearty dishes, including tomato, garlic, or potato soups, along with Sherpa stew, a traditional vegetable soup with rice. Other favorites include fried rice, spaghetti with simple sauces, yak steak served with rice and vegetables, boiled potatoes, or mixed chow mein.

One of the most popular and nutritious choices is the traditional Nepali Dal-Bhat, a wholesome meal of rice, lentils, and vegetable curry, which provides long-lasting energy to fuel your trek.

For more detailed information, check out our food manual for Everest Base Camp to help you plan your meals during the journey.

Nepal is a country where people include a lot of vegetables in their diet and consume less animal protein. Therefore, it’s easy to find vegetarian and vegan options while eating out. While trekking on the Everest trail, you will find teahouses offering a range of vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free items.

Vegetarian travelers can enjoy a variety of meals, including vegetable curries, soups, rice, and lentils (Dal Bhat). For vegans, options such as green vegetables, boiled potatoes, and other plant-based dishes are easily available. Gluten-free meals can also be arranged, with guides helping you select suitable options from the menu.

If you have a food allergy or specific dietary needs, please let us know in advance so we can make the necessary arrangements.

The Everest region is the source of many great rivers in Nepal. You will find plenty of fresh water springs and rivulets, which are a source of drinking water for the locals on the Everest Base Camp trail. While mineral water is available for purchase, we urge you to carry a reusable water bottle with a filtration system. You can stock up on your drinking water by filling your reusable water bottle with water from natural sources or teahouses. Our guides will help you locate refill points or assist with filling your bottle in areas where water sources are less visible.

To be on the safe side, you can use water purification tablets, sterilizer pens, or portable filters to ensure the water is safe to drink. Boiled water is also available at teahouses for an additional cost.

Please avoid buying mineral water bottles to reduce plastic waste in the mountains and help protect the pristine environment of the Khumbu Region. Carrying a reusable water bottle and purifying your water is an eco-friendly choice on the trail.

Yes, it’s possible to fly directly from Kathmandu to Lukla. However, during the peak seasons, direct flights to Lukla are not operated from Kathmandu due to congestion at the airport. The Lukla flights are rerouted to the Manthali Airport in Ramechhap district.

In the off-season or quieter months, direct flights to Lukla generally operate from Kathmandu.

If you find it inconvenient to drive all the way to Ramechhap, you can opt for a helicopter ride to Lukla, which can be arranged at an additional cost.

Heli flight companies operate regular helicopter charters during peak seasons. A shared helicopter flight from Kathmandu to Lukla or vice versa may cost you around USD 450 per person for one way. The flight takes about 40 minutes and offers a convenient and time-saving alternative to the drive to Ramechhap. However, do remember that bad weather conditions may lead to flight cancellations,

Manthali (Ramechhap) Airport lies 132 km (82 miles) away from Kathmandu, and it takes approximately 4 to 5 hours to drive to the airport from the capital city.

To catch a flight bound for Lukla from Manthali Airport, you will have to leave Kathmandu at around 2 AM and drive past a winding mountain road to Ramechhap.

If you are on a private trip and thus enjoy a more flexible schedule, you can opt for an afternoon drive to Manthali. You can stay overnight at a guesthouse in Ramechhap and catch an early flight the next morning.

If your flight to Lukla gets cancelled due to unfavorable weather conditions, you can reschedule your flight for the next day and stay overnight at a guesthouse in Ramechhap. Your guide will assist you in rescheduling your flight for the next available departure.

You can also fly to Lukla via helicopter. Since Lukla lies closer to Manthali Airport, helicopters can easily fly to Lukla even when fixed-wing aircraft get grounded due to bad weather. A shared helicopter ride will cost you approximately USD 400 (per person, one way). After deducting the cost of your unused flight ticket, we can arrange a helicopter ride for you if you require.

The helicopter ride takes around 20 minutes and is a quicker alternative to reach Lukla when the regular flights get cancelled.

Nepal Hiking Team has been organizing treks to Everest Base Camp for more than sixteen years. With more than a decade of experience in Himalayan trekking, we understand the risks of high altitude and the value of proper acclimatization. Our 16-day Everest Base Camp trip itinerary is perfectly safe. We have incorporated two acclimatization days at Namche Bazaar and Dingboche for proper acclimatization of our clients.

Acclimatization day at Namche Bazaar (3,440 m) will include a short hike to the Everest View Hotel (3,880 m) and exploration of the lively Sherpa town.

In Dingboche (4,100 m), you will enjoy a guided hike to Nangkartshang Peak (5,000 m) before returning to Dingboche for the night, allowing your body to adjust to higher altitudes gradually.

The acclimatization days are planned carefully to reduce the risk of altitude sickness and help you adapt to the thin air at higher elevations.

One can stay overnight at Everest Base Camp, but only as part of a private tour group. There should be a minimum of two trekkers in the group. You need to add an extra day to your itinerary to spend a night at Everest Base Camp. Since there are no teahouses at the base camp, you will have to sleep in a tent. The tent can be arranged at an additional cost.

While it is possible to sleep at EBC, we strongly advise against overnight stays at the base camp due to safety concerns. The temperature dips below zero degrees during the night, and it gets extremely cold. There is a high risk of suffering from Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) and hypothermia when you are exposed to extreme cold. Emergency descents can also be challenging in the rough and icy terrain.

For your safety, we recommend visiting Everest Base Camp during the day and returning to Gorak Shep to rest at a lower elevation.

While Cho Oyu cannot be viewed from the traditional Everest Base Camp trek route, you can enjoy a glimpse of this eight-thousander and other iconic peaks in the Khumbu Valley like Everest, Ama Dablam, Lhotse, Nuptse, and Thamserku during your acclimatization hikes to Nangkartshang Peak and Kala Patthar.

For better views of Cho Oyu, we recommend extending your trek to Gokyo Lake by joining the Everest High Passes Trek or opting for a route that leads into the Gokyo Valley. These trails offer incredible panoramas of Cho Oyu and the surrounding Himalayan peaks.

Both treks follow the same route to Everest Base Camp, but the key difference lies in the accommodations provided.

The Luxury Everest Base Camp Trek (16 Days) is a premium adventure featuring overnight stays at plush 5-star hotels in Kathmandu and high-end luxury lodges in Lukla, Phakding, and Namche Bazaar. The accommodation at the luxury mountain lodges comes with added comfort and better amenities like en-suite bathrooms, hot showers, and classy dining options. Accommodations remain the same as the standard trek at overnight stops beyond Namche.

The standard Everest Base Camp Trek (16 days) includes overnight stays at a 3-star hotel in Kathmandu and standard teahouses or guesthouses along the trail. The teahouse accommodations are clean and basic, offering a comfortable trekking experience.

Other services, such as experienced guides, porters, and support staff, are consistent for both packages.

Yes, we offer trip extensions as well as guided day tours in Kathmandu's best places. We highly recommend exploring the city's iconic UNESCO World Heritage Sites like the Durbar Squares, Swoyambhunath Temple, Boudhanath Stupa, Pashupatinath Temple, etc.

A visit to Nepal is incomplete without a Kathmandu sightseeing tour. Our guided tours cover all the major highlights, ensuring you experience the city's rich cultural heritage and vibrant atmosphere.

You can do it only if you have booked a private trek. If you have joined a group tour, then this option of extending your trekking trip won’t be available.

While private treks offer the convenience and flexibility to adjust the itinerary to match your schedule, interests, and preferences, group treks follow a fixed schedule and cannot be altered.

Everest Base Camp sits at an elevation of 5,364 meters (17,598 feet) in the Khumbu Region. It serves as the base camp for climbing expeditions to Mount Everest, the tallest mountain in the world at 8,848 meters (29,028 feet).

For trekkers, the highest point of the journey in Khumbu Valley is Kala Patar, standing at 5,545 meters. Kala Patthar is one of the most popular viewpoints in the Khumbu Valley and offers stunning, close-up views of Mount Everest, Pumori, Ama Dablam, Lhotse, Nuptse, and other giants.

Yes, Nepal Hiking Team offers private trips to those travelers seeking a more personalized holiday experience. If your group size consists of two or more people, booking a private trip comes at no extra cost.

Unlike fixed group departures, private trips are available year-round, allowing you to set your schedule and travel at leisure.

Private trips work best for couples, families, and elderly travelers. The itinerary is more flexible and relaxed, allowing you to walk at your own pace and enjoy a holiday tailored to your needs.

For solo travelers, additional costs will apply for a private tour.

We recommend carrying an additional NPR 25,000–30,000 (approximately USD 190–230) for personal expenses during the trek. This amount will be enough to cover extra expenses like drinks, snacks, internet access at teahouses, hot showers, charging fees for electronic gadgets, etc.

You can withdraw or exchange money in Kathmandu, as ATMs in Lukla, Phakding, and Namche Bazaar are often unreliable.

Additionally, it's a good idea to set aside some emergency funds for unforeseen circumstances, such as delays due to bad weather requiring extended stays in Lukla or other locations.

Credit card payments are widely accepted at hotels, restaurants and shopping malls in Kathmandu. However, card payments will include an additional fee.

In the remote mountain villages of the Everest Region, only local currency (Nepalese rupee) is accepted as payment. While some larger hotels and restaurants in the Everest Region may accept credit cards, smaller shops and local businesses are more likely to rely on cash payments.

You can exchange your cash for Nepalese rupees before starting your trek. To exchange money, you can do it at a bank or a money exchange center. You can find money exchange counters at the airport and in Thamel. We advise you not to exchange money in your home country, as currency exchange rates are generally more favorable in Nepal.

While tipping is not mandatory, it is a great way to show your appreciation for the hard work of your trekking crew. On the Everest Base Camp trek, tips are a thoughtful gesture to acknowledge the effort your guide and porter put into making your journey safe and enjoyable.

There is no fixed tipping amount. It is entirely up to you and can depend on your satisfaction with their service. Most trekkers tip in Nepalese rupees or US dollars, as both are equally accepted.

Tipping is a meaningful way to express gratitude to the support crew for their support and contribution in making your trekking experience memorable.