Why Guide is Compulsory for Everest Base Camp trek?

1. Complete guidelines for Everest Base camp trek

The Everest base camp trek is one of the world’s most attractive and famous treks. The EBC trek offers a mixed experience of unique culture, nature, and the Himalayas. Dramatic views, ascending and descending to the Himalayas, walking through lush forests, and exploring the UNESCO-listed Sagarmatha National Park are key highlights of the trek. Likewise, close-up views of mesmerizing mountain peaks, the oldest monasteries, and the Khumbu icefalls are thrilling parts of the trail. Trekking to Everest base camp with a guide is highly recommended for safety and a comfortable trip.

Your trek begins with a 35-minute flight from Kathmandu to Lukla, followed by a trek to Phakding via the Dudh Koshi rivers. The trail passes through beautiful lush forests, Monjo, and several suspension bridges. Once you reach Namche Bazar, the trail gradually passes through Tengboche, Dingboche, Lobuche, Gorakshep, EBC, and finally the highest point of Kalapathar. From there, you can see amazing 360-degree views of Mount Everest, Makalu, Lhotse, Nuptse, Pumori, and many more. The trek also offers encounters with diverse landscapes, flora and fauna, and various wilderness areas.

Different routes to approach Everest base camp trekking

• 14 days Everest base camp trek
• Short Everest base camp trek
• Everest base camp luxury trek
• Everest base camp Helicopter tour

2. Food and accommodation

Everest base camp trekking trails offer a variety of accommodations. Generally, guesthouses are available, ranging from standard to luxury hotels. However, accommodation is limited during the high season, so booking in advance is highly recommended. You can choose accommodations based on your budget, and electricity and internet facilities are available but usually come at an extra cost.

The trek offers a variety of national and international cuisine. You can have breakfast, lunch, and dinner from selected menus. You can drink bottled water, boiled water, or safe drinking water. Some hotels and restaurants also offer mini-bar menus.

3. Is it possible to trek the Everest base camp trek without a guide and porters?

Many trekkers from around the world visit to explore the foothills of Mount Everest. However, trekking to Everest base camp without a guide can be challenging.

Hiring a guide for the Everest Base Camp trek is highly recommended for safety and comfort. While it wasn't always mandatory to hire a guide, the government has recently implemented a rule that requires trekkers to hire a guide or porters after Namche Bazar. A guide will ensure a safer and more enjoyable trip, making the experience more fulfilling.

Reasons why it's best to hire guides or porters:

• Guides can arrange all bookings and ensure your trip goes smoothly.
• Guides are familiar with all trekking trails and have a good sense of mountain weather.
• Guides are knowledgeable about the trekking routes, flora, fauna, and safety protocols.
• Guides are well-trained and physically fit, ensuring you stay safe and acclimatized.
• Guides can communicate and translate with local people, making your trip more enjoyable and motivating.

4. How to ascend to Mount Everest base camp and how long is it in KM/miles?

There are mainly two routes to reach Everest base camp: one from Nepal and another from Tibet. The trek involves walking on snowy and rocky trails, which are physically demanding. Some hiking experience is helpful when doing the EBC trek.

The real trekking starts from Lukla (2,840 m) and goes up to Everest base camp (5,364 m) and the highest point at Kalapathar (5,545 m).

The Everest base camp trek covers a distance of 130 kilometers (about 80 miles). You'll be walking for around 5 to 8 hours each day. While no mountain climbing skills are required, good trekking experience and physical fitness are necessary for the EBC trail.

5. Trekking highlights of Everest base camp trek

• 14 days trek duration and moderate to strenuous level
• Maximum altitude 5555 meters
• Food and accommodation in tea houses, with some luxury hotel options available
• Extreme thrilling flight experience to Lukla - Tensing Hillary airport
• Means of transportation: Kathmandu-Lukla-Kathmandu flight, Kathmandu-Manthali-Kathmandu drive, Manthali-Lukla-Manthali flight, and Kathmandu to Salleri/Phaplu jeep drive
• Explore Sagarmatha National Park, Sherpa culture, diverse flora and fauna, unique landscapes, and Khumbu glaciers
• Massive views of snowcapped mountains, including Mount Everest, Makalu, Lhotse, and Ama Dablam

6. When is the best time for the Everest base camp trek?

Spring (March, April, and May) and autumn (September, October, and November) are the best seasons for trekking to Everest base camp. During the spring season, you can see full climbers at base camp living in tented camps; it’s also the busiest season for climbing Mount Everest. Spring is a season of greenery, bringing newness to nature and beautiful landscapes. Winter and monsoon are considered low seasons. Winter is the coldest season of the year, and while people can still do the EBC trek, the monsoon brings heavy rains, obscuring views of the Himalayas; therefore, only a few people hike to EBC during this time.

7. Need to know safety rules and health issues during Everest base camp hiking

As you trek higher, you will feel the effects of high altitude and thin air. Health issues can vary based on age and physical fitness. It’s essential to understand some safety approaches and health issues while hiking. Below are some do's and don'ts:

• Drink 3 to 4 liters of water every day to keep your body hydrated.
• Have travel insurance in case of any emergencies.
• Be aware of altitude sickness (AMS), which may include headache, diarrhea, loss of appetite, difficulty sleeping, dizziness, tiredness, low oxygen levels, and changes in heart rate.
• Ensure you have enough food and get good sleep after long walks.
• Walk slowly and rest as needed; do not rush.
• Take care of your safety by having all the necessary trekking gear.
• Prepare for high-altitude trekking by gaining experience in walking/running, ascending/descending, cycling, jogging, cardio exercises, yoga, and swimming.