OVERVIEW – EVEREST BASE CAMP TREK
The Everest Base Camp trek features towering peaks from Everest to Lhotse to Ama-Dablam. And picturesque Sherpa villages with sacred monasteries. The trek traverses through the Khumbu region, the home of the Sherpas in the lap of Mount Everest (8,848m). Many visitors travel to the Everest region to glimpse the world’s highest peak. But they go home with much more; they return with an appreciation of the local people who make their home in this high and difficult landscape. Everest Trekking is the crown jewel of trekking in Nepal!
THE TREK
The Everest trek begins with an exciting flight to Lukla. On the trek, you will be rewarded with daily spectacular and dramatic views of snow-capped mountains that rise above the clouds. From Gorakshep at 17,100 ft., your highest camp, hike further to Everest Base Camp. This is the site from where hundreds of climbers attempt to reach the summit of the tallest peak in the world. Also optionally climb Kalapathar (18,195 ft) for an up-close view of the south face of Everest. The duration of our standard Everest Base Camp Trek is 19 days. So this will allow for optimal time to help you acclimatize. Furthermore, this gives you the best chances of making it to the Everest Base Camp without suffering the ill-effects of high altitude sickness.
If you are short on time, do consider our 15-day fast-paced Everest Base Camp Trek. On the other hand, if you have more time and wish to be more adventurous, check out the Ultimate Everest Trek. This involves crossing the Cho La pass (Everest Base Camp to Gokyo lake) and the Renjo La pass (from Gokyo lake to Thame). Furthermore, an even more physically challenging trek is the Everest Three Passes Trek. This trek involves crossing the Kongma La pass (Chukkung to Lobuche) besides the Cho La pass and the Renjo La pass. No climbing skills are required for trekking in the Everest region. We are also happy to customize any trek for you.
ACCOMMODATION AND MEALS
The Everest Base Camp Trek is a lodge trek. This means you will sleep and eat meals in local lodges along the trail. The quality of the lodges on this trek are the best among all trekking trails in Nepal. And several lodges on the trail have en suite rooms with hot showers. Meals are also quite varied with many options including rice with veggies, noodles, local breads etc. Read our article about food options on Everest treks.
BEST SEASON
Like most treks in Nepal, the best seasons for trekking in the Everest region are Spring (March-May) and Autumn (October-November). It is also possible to do this trek in Winter months of December, January and February if you do not intend to cross the passes. While it will obviously be very cold (upto -20 C/, -4 F), it will be less crowded as there aren’t as many trekkers in the area.
TREK RATING
The Everest Base Camp trek is rated “STRENUOUS”. It is rated 4 on a rating scale from 1 (easy) to 5 (challenging). The highest altitude reached is at Kalapathar (5,545 m/19,195ft) and the highest overnight elevation is at Gorakshep (5,212m/17,100 feet). There are two acclimatization days and several short days to allow for proper acclimatization. Average daily hiking times is 5 to 6 hours with one long day of around 7 hours on the optional day hike to the Everest Base Camp. Regardless of the rating, it is important to prepare for any trek in Nepal. Read our advice on training for treks.
WHY TREK WITH US?
All our Everest Base Camp Treks are PRIVATE TREKS for a minimum of two participants. We do NOT nickel-and-dime on services. And all inclusions and exclusions are clearly listed in cost details. Some companies will advertise trips for very low prices but they have a lot of exclusions that is usually not clear. With over 30 years of experience, most of our trekkers are either repeat clients or referrals. We employ the most professional and friendly staff.
We are also proud to give back to our community through 3 Summits For Nepal managed by Crystal Mountain Treks staff. Contact us to learn more…