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Kathmandu to Everest basecamp Complete Guide

      Yellowpages Nepal

Mark Twain, a famous poet and writer once quoted and said, “Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow mindedness., and many of our people need it sorely on these accounts”. The quote is is hortatory and entice the travellers to travel and trek. 

The most interesting fact about the Everest Base Camp is its two base camp lies in two different countries. One of the base camps lies in the south in Nepal and another in the north in China. Both base camps have their own idiosyncrasies. And both are best in their own beauty. The Everest base camp lies at an altitude of more than 5,000 meters above the sea level

While every year thousands of tourist visit the Everest Base Camp making the base camps one of the key attraction to the foreigners. It is not a cupcake to reach Everest and base camp is also not easy either, it needs proper acclimatization to weather of the region which is cold 12 months a year. 

How far is Everest Base Camp from Kathmandu?

Everest Base Camp is 140 kilometers north-east of Kathmandu. Kathmandu is the capital of Nepal and a major tourist destination of Nepal. It is the most beautiful place in the world where many foreigners congregrate to travel and explore the exquisite places of Nepal including the base camp of Everest.

Everest Base Camp

The rugged topography and lack of connectivity by road to the base camp the base camp of Nepal are much tougher than for those travelleing EBC in Tibet. One needs to take a long bus or car or a bike ride or at least one flight to reach from Kathmandu to Everest Base Camp in Nepal. Lukla airport or popularly known as Tenzing-Hillary airpot lies around 140 kilometers to the north-east of Kathmandu. Even though it is only 140 kilometers north east of Kathmandu. Lukala airport is one of the toughest airports to land at. Due to the small runway, the landing at Lukla airport is an enthralling experience. Lukla lies in the Solukhumbhu district in Khumbu region, the small town is packed with the tourist during March-April season. 

The to and fro movement from Everest camp is nearly 130 km trip beginning from Lukla. Nevertheless, the 65 km to Everest base camp takes far longer not only due to the rugged and undulating topography, but also the treekers are not acclimatized to the environment. And it takes minimum 1-2 days to acclimatize in the climate. If you do not acclimatize to the weather and go on treeking then there are chances of falling ill from altitude sickness. 

To travel a 130km the number of days you may take depends on many factors, one of them is the prior experience you have to travel on undulating topography. Average trekkers take 14-15 days to cover the Everest base camp trek, 7-8 days to climb to the base camp and rest of the days to return back. On a standard 14 day return trek to EBC, you will be walking for 9 days with an average of 15 km a day. The remaining days will be spent in acclimatizing to the weather. The rocky and steepy terrain can bog you down and can slow down your speed of walking. This comes to reality in when the trail is covered with snow. 

At no point is the path paved and the naturally hilly landscape means that your average walking speed will suffer a little. 

Kathmandu to Everest Base Camp Map

The North Face of Everest Base Camp lies in Nepal which is around 15 kilometers from the summit of the mountain and the border with China which crosses the peak. Everest Base Camp is located in Khumbu Region of Nepal, at the tongue of the Khumbu Glacier icefall, The mesmerizing views are vividly visible from the the Base Camp.

Distance from Kathmandu to Everest Base Camp Distance is 204 kilometers that include the walking distance from Lukla to EBC)
Distance fromLukla to Everest Base Camp Distance is 65 kilometers by trail (or 38 kilometers as the crow flies)
Distance from Pokhara to Everest Base Camp Distance is 340 kilometers (including the trekking distance from Lukla to EBC)
Distance from Lobuche to Everest Base Camp is 7.6 kilometers
Jiri to Everest Base Camp Distance: 185 kilometers which are a popular route to get to the base camp without flying to Lukla. 

Everest Base Camp in Tibet 

The South face of Mt. Everest Base Camp Lies in the Shigatse Prefecture of the Tibet Autonomous Region, it is located around six kilometers from Rongbuk Monastery in Tingri County.

There are no airport and railway station near Mount Everest, except there is a domestic airpot in Lukla, in Nepal, that means one has to take a long ride along the sloppy trail to reach to the base camp. 


 

Distance from Lhasa to Everest Base Camp is 613 kilometers, which takes about 11 hours 20 minutes to drive.

Distance from Shigatse to Everest Base Camp is 342 kilometers, which takes about 6 hours 30 minutes to drive)

Distance from Rongbuk Monastery to Everest Base Camp is 6 kilometers.

 

Kathmandu to everest base camp flight

The flight is the most popular way to get Lukla from Kathmandu. There are frequent flight between Kathmandu and Lukla, with around 6-8 flights per day in the peak season it is not that arduous to find the ticket. The flight starts to fly around 6:00 am in the morning till afternoon. It takes around 30-35 minutes to fly to Lukala, depending upon the weather condition. 

Kathmandu to Everest base camp helicopter

 

The best way for tourists with an aim to reach closest to Mt. Everest is choosing helicopter flight options to land at the Everest Base Camp. There is a helipad at Kalapather near Everest Base Camp. The mesmerizing views of glociers and infamous Khumbu Ice Falls and other blocks of ice is vividly seen from a few meters of distance. 

However, the cost of travelling on the helicopter is costly incomparision to other trips, but it is equally adventurous and once in a life time opportunity to see the enthralling views of glaciers and the be at the foot of the world’s tallest peak Mt. Everest. Furthermore, from the foothills of the Mount Everest other fantastic views of the Himalayan range are clearly visible. The views of Mountains begins with in a few minutes of taking a ride of the helicopter which is marvellous and worth to take the luxurious trip. 

Kathmandu to everest base camp by bike

A bike ride from Kathmandu won’t take you to the Everest base camp of Nepal’s side. There is no road, only rugged and undulating sloppy trails suitable for treeking in the south base camp of Mt Everest. However, there is road connectivity in the side of Tibet. Therefore, the riders who want to travel to the base camp of Everest must travel via Kerung the border town of Tibet. 

Starting from Kathmandu it takes 8 days to reach the Everest Base Camp on a bike via Kerung boarder and back to Kathmandu through the same way. It is considered that 7 days is for riding tour plans and one extra day to acclimatize to the local weather. Mostly, it is recommended to take the Himalayan Royal Enfield bike which can easily run through the sloppy trail of Kerung. Eventhough there are many alternatives to Royal Enfield bike, however the best fit recommended by many users are Enfield 550cc and Honda CRF and Enfield 800cc. 

The best time for Everest Base Camp tour is from the end of March to May months and October and November months every year. Tibet does not allow any foreigner to enter their country in the month of March. The first day of motor riding reach at the boardering town of Tibet—Kerung thorung Nuwakot, Rasuwa and Rasuwagadi. It is estimated that Kerung is situated at 2,900 meters above sea level. Many riders recommend taking a break in Kerung district to acclimatize the weather as weather is too cold in that part of the region. On the next day, the ride of a whole day taking a few rests takes you to Tingri through Tibetean plateau, from where scenic views of a range of Himalayas are seen. The Tibetean plateau is situated at 5,000 metres above sea level. On the third day, the ride reaches you near to the Mount Everest Base Camp. On the fourth day, you reach to the Everest Base Camp through Ronbuk monastery, one must be back to Tingri on the same day because there are no proper hotels and lodge at the Everest Base Camp. On the fourth day, you can see the world’s tallest mountain very close to your eyes. The fifth days you return back the same way through the Kerung borde to Kathmandu. 

Kathmandu to everest base camp by train

Unfortunately, there is no train from Kathmandu to Everest Base camp. Likewise, there is also no railway facility in the TIbetean side. 

Kathmandu to everest base camp day by day itinerary

Hardly there is anyone who does not know about the Mt. Everest. The highest peak of the world lies in Nepal and its base camp is also accessible from Tibet. While trekking through the  Khumbu region, you’ll be content with the verdant hills filled with diverse flora and fauna, frozen lakes, and beautiful mountain vistas. Similarly, during this trekking journey, you’ll encounter the rich Buddhist culture of the Sherpas. The Sherpas are famous mountaineers living in the high villages of Everest region. Everest region offers a large number of trekking options however, the purpose of the trekking is same i.e to view the mesmerizing view of Himalayan region along with Mount Everest. 

Outline for 14 Days Everest Base Camp Trek Itinerary

Day 1: Kathmandu arrival

Day 2: Flight to Lukla take a rest or trek to Phakding

Day 3: Trek up to Namche Bazaar

Day 4: One day break to acclimatize the weather

Day 5: Trekking up to Tengboche

Day 6: Trekking up to Dingboche

Day 7: One day acclimatization break Dingboche.

Day 8: Trekking to Lobuche

Day 9: Trekking to Everest Base Camp – back to Gorak Shep

Day 10: Hike up to Kala Pattar then trek to Pheriche

Day 11: Trek to Namche Bazaar

Day 12: Trekking from Namche to Lukla

Day 13: Fly back to Kathmandu

Day 14: Departure, or extend your tour for other activities in Nepal.

Everest base camp height 

The two Everest Base Camps in the Himalayas, have different height. Though they have similar properties, both of them lies in different countries. The Northern Base Camp lies in the Autonomous region of China—Tibet and the Southern Base Camp Lies in the Khumbu region of Nepal. The Northern Base Camp is situated at 5,150 m above sea level whereas the southern Base Camp in Nepal is situated at a little bit higher than Northern Base Camp i.e 5,364m above sea level.

Everest base camp weather

The weather in Everst Base camp is fickle and unpredictable. The Everest Base Camp can be colder than ice and reaches up to -18 degree Celsius in December and January at the altitude of 5364 m. Therefore, during the month of December and January, very few people dare to take the adventure due to a very low temperature. 

Here are the four seasons with details on their temperature and weather:

We have broken down in four seasons of spring, summer, autumn and winter as it is the most practical way to look at it. Here is the thorough look at temperature and weather of every season and every month of the year.

Everest Base Camp Weather in Spring Season:

The temperature is spring season is mostly hotter in other parts of Nepal. The average maximum temperature in spring season in Everest Base Camp is about 15 degree Celsius during the day time, and however, the minimum drops to -14 degree Celsius. With the wind point of view, this season is the windiest among 12 months but slowly decreases till August which again starts picking up. It is estimated that the wind can reach up to 38 km/hr in the month of March.

Everest Base Camp Trek in Autumn in Nepal!

In the Autumn season, the flower blossomos and the hills become verdant with insects, herbs and shurbs. Different variety of the flower can be seen along the Everest trail and the national flower of Nepal Rhododendron all blooms at the lower region of the trekking trail. The weather is neither cold nor too hot during this season and considered the best season for treeking. This season is popular among the tourists become the monsoon also comes to the end and there is also no or less wind along the trail. The surrounding becomes clear because the rain has swept all the dust from the environment and enthralling views of mountains are vividly visible. The minimum temperature autumn in Everest Base Camp is -10C and the maximum temperature is about 17C. The Everest Base Camp Trek in autumn is highly recommended.

Everest Base Camp Weather in summer/monsoon season:

The months of June, July and August in Nepal, are hotter with maximum temperatureabout 18C in the day time and the minimum temperature is about 2C. In this season the wind becomes slower and there is no or very less snow along the route. The First 2 weeks of June is still recommendable for the trek to Everest base camp however the rainy season starts then after and rains every day and the days are mostly cloudy. So, the summer season is not recommended for the Everest Base Camp trek.

Everest Base Camp Trek in Winter

It is possible to trek in the first 2 weeks of December and the last 2 weeks of the February, however, one must be well equipped and physically and mentally prepared to bear the cold weather. The day time average temperature in December is about 4C and the minimum temperature may drop to – 15C at night.

Best season to visit everest base camp

In the Autumn season, the flower blossomos and the hills become verdant with insects, herbs and shurbs. Different variety of the flower can be seen along the Everest trail and the national flower of Nepal Rhododendron all blooms at the lower region of the trekking trail. The weather is neither cold nor too hot during this season and considered the best season for treeking. This season is popular among the tourists become the monsoon also comes to the end and there is also no or less wind along the trail. The surrounding becomes clear because the rain has swept all the dust from the environment and enthralling views of mountains are vividly visible. The minimum temperature autumn in Everest Base Camp is -10C and the maximum temperature is about 17C. The Everest Base Camp Trek in autumn is highly recommended.

Everest base camp trek cost

Trekking cost in Everest depends on various reasons. We have included the cost that you may incur during the trek:

Cost of guides and porters

You will get numbers of guides and porters to assist you while on the treks. Most of them speak decent English. They will be helpful in arranging lodges and meals in advance.

Guide- Porter’s price varies according to the season. Also, if they have a license or associate with the company, then their price is quite similar. They usually charge $30 – $40. But if you choose local guides and porters then they will charge as per their interest. They usually charge $25 -$30 per day.

While in peak seasons, local porters may even charge more than you expected in some difficult trails. So it’s better to carry an extra penny in case of emergencies.

Costs of Permits

Two different permits are needed to trek in the Everest region. Trekkers need to have TIMS card and a Sagarmatha National Park Permit. The Sagarmatha National Park permit costs $33(Nrs 3,390). Also with this permit, you get to enter Khumbu region as well.

While the price of the TIMS card varies according to its type:

Organized TIMS card: $10

Individual TIMS card: $20

SAARC country TIMS card: $3

Note: You don’t need TIMS card for trekking in the Everest Region. You can buy a local permit for $20 in the Everest Region.

Round trip flights from Kathmandu to Lukla

The round trip of Lukla flight cost around the US $177, however it depends on the season and the availability of seats in the aeroplane.

Travel insurance costs

It is wise to take the insurance while travelling in the rugged Himalayas. It cost, on average, one month insurance policy costs around $150. It covers all the emergencies and requirements up to the height of 6,000 meters.

Trekking equipment

The basics you need for trekking in Everest region includes sleeping bags, thermal clothing. Also, waterproof hiking boots, camp shoes, trekking poles, waterproof clothes, gloves, sunglasses. Buying all these equipment costs around the US $2,000 if you buy it first hand.

If you already own some, then the costs reduce depending on the things you buy.

Costs for food and accommodations

How Much Does it Cost to Trek Everest Base Camp?

One can get average good accommodations and lodges on around the US $25- US $30 per day.

If you want to spend extra you can spend as much as you can up to Namche Bazar. While in higher altitudes, you do not get to spend except for food and lodges.

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