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Hi, would you reccomend taking any yak traks or crampons? We are going end of March/Beginning of April.
Cheers!
ReplyHi Corin, if you are trekking the standard route – strainght up and down the Khumbu Valley – then it is unlikely that you will need yak tracks, but if you have them then there is no harm taking them. If you plan to do any of the EBC trek variations that involve crossing some of the big passes – like Cho La on the Gokyo Lakes route – then I would definitely take yak tracks. Crampons are overkill, especially if you have to change your hiking boots. All the best!
ReplyI saw in the prices-breakdown that it mentions intenations travel. Does that mean it will include our tickets from the US?
What route would you suggest for best pictures?
Is it ok to trek in november ending around american thanksgiving holday?
Hi Marco, some international companies will include international flights in their tour prices, but most operators only include the domestic flight from Kathmandu to Lukla return. You need to get yourself to Nepal first! I would recommend the Gokyo Lakes route for the best scenery: https://ebctrekguide.com/gokyo-lakes-trek-everest-base-camp. November is fine, although expect cold weather. If you decide to do the Gokyo route then the Cho la Pass may be closed due to snow / weather. It may be better to do the classic EBC route if you decide to trek in November.
ReplyHi Mark, Just wondering if it is possible to trek EBC in late June. I understand this is the monsoon but I was just wondering if there would still be scenic views and good photograph opportunities? this is the only time of year that I am free that’s all haha.
cheers!
Hi Ivan, it is possible to trek in late June, but I wouldn’t recommend it. The weather can be very bad and many teahouses close for the monsoon season.
ReplyHi, thanks for the informative post. How many days did you take to complete the trek via Lukla? and how long more does the trip extend if you choose to go by Gokyo? Those two are the only routes right?
ReplyHi Joyce, the Classic EBC trek takes about 12 days – KTM to KTM, whereas Goyko adds on average 3 days (so 15 days KTM to KTM). It is possible to do both treks faster but I wouldn’t recommend it as acclimatisation takes time and the 12 day or 15 day profile is a conservative approach.
ReplyHi Mark,
My daughter and I are looking to do EBC via Gokyo, but would like to hire a guide. Everything I’ve read indicates we should try to hire in Kathmandu, but have zero knowledge of Nepal and have a bit of trepidation about completing that task. Do you have a recommended course of action for us? Do we just need to ask someone at our hotel or simply roam the streets? Also, because we intend to go mid-May do you have an idea of how cold it will be in high country?
Hi Gary, it is quite easy to find willing guides / tour operators in KTM. The Thamel area is rammed with tourist guide shops / gear shops where you can scout for a guide or company. Establishing the quality of the service / what’s included in the price etc. can be a bit of a minefield. The trick is to shop around to compare and contrast services / options. In terms of weather mid-May is a fine time to trek. You can expect freezing temperatures in the high country at night time and in the early hours of the morning. By mid morning and into the afternoon, the temperatures will be in the high single digits or early teens. The high passes, like Cho La can be pretty cold (weather dependent) so make sure you have lots of layers. All the best!
ReplyHi Mark!
Is it possible to buy medicine and items such as an anklet (if you were to sprain your ankle) on the Everest Base Camp Trek?
I fear that I am bringing too many kinds of medication to prepare for every possible scenario.
Hi Mike, most villages will have tea houses with basic medical supplies and if you are travelling with a reputable tour operator the lead guide should have a pretty comprehensive first aid kit. My recommendation is to bring basic medication – i.e. Paracetamol etc, and a basic first aid kit, but nothing too heavy or cumbersome. Cheers!
ReplyHi Mark, we are flying out to Kathmandu on the 27th April and trekking to EBC. Is the weather in the lower areas warm right now and it gets colder the closer we get to EBC?
As we get closer to EBC, what you recommended above for the packing list, does that still apply for the time we’re going?
Just want to make sure we don’t over pack as keeping weight down is crucial.
Thanks!
ReplyHi Yogi, yes, the day time temperatures in the lower regions around Lukla will be comfortable. But temperatures drop in the night. By the time your reach Namche you can expect very cold temperatures at night. Temperatures can rise into the low to mid teens during the day around Namche and further up the trail. As you get further north day time temperatures can be frigid. Packing light is important, but make sure to have sufficient layers so that you have options to layer up and down as temperatures fluctuate.
ReplyThanks Mark for getting back to me. What is the temperature like at night? Is there heating in the tea houses? Also, is there hot water in the tea houses, for like showers and do we have to pay for them?
Thanks
ReplyHi Yofi, the temperature varies as you get higher up the trail. But you can expect low single digits at night. All the way to below zero near EBC. Teahouses usually have a yak dung burner in the middle of their common rooms. These produce a good amount of heat but can be a little smoky. Rooms are not heated so you will need a warm four season sleeping bag. Hot water in a bowl is available in most teahouses but you will be charged for it. Showers are rare, but some teahouses lower Dow the trail have them. Again they are paid for.
Replythank you for very useful information specially for first time EBC trekkers
please inform me , is it necessary to take portable toilet which weighs 2 kgs as i read some of the toilets are pretty unusable
Hi Suresh, thanks for your comment. It is not necessary to take a portable toilet on the EBC trek. The toilets throughout the trek, particularly further up the trail, are very basic. Ranging from outdoor long drops and ceramic holes in the ground, to standard toilets but with no flushing mechanism. Despite being very basic, all toilet facilities beat the idea of a portable toilet that you have to carry with you. Hope this helps!
ReplyDear Mark
we are planning EBC in May. your information is very valuable and helping us a lot covering all the required information specially for first timers it is very useful
My sincere appreciation and thanks
dr suresh
mysore- india
Hi Suresh,
Did you go there in May 2018?
I chatted with man named Suresh and his guide on my way to from Namche to Lukla. And we met again several times while we were stuck for days in Lukla.
I was that girl with the wrong shoes… lol
Is that you, Suresh??
ReplyHi Mark,
Just wanted to ask you about the toiletries as moistures as what form is better to take up to that height -in a tube or bottle and cream or lotions as what is the effect of pressure on that height? And are there facilities to take shower every day or not?
We are planning to do the trek in Late Sep
Hi Ashi, generally tubes or bottles are fine. Even aerosol cans can be fine as the ascent to altitude is slow. There are basic facilities for shower in some teahouses, particularly those lower down the trail. Hot water is however a rarity. You can buy a bowl of hot water to do a wet wash with a clothe at all teahouses. Hope this helps.
ReplyHey Mark! We’re off to EBC next Friday 18 May, can you confirm exactly which insurance you bought on world nomads? I cant see anything in small print around travelling up to 6000m or helicopter support.
ReplyHi Dan, I recommend contacting World Nomads directly if you are struggling to find the right insurance product. From memory you need to select the Explorer option, not the Standard. Then you need to add a Sports & Activities premium. You can search for hiking and you will see they offer coverage up to 6,000m on known routes, like EBC. I believe Heli-vac in Nepal is included but there is an excess. Again, worth double checking with World Nomads. All the best!
ReplyHello Mark, we are two married couples from Zimbabwe trekking to BC next April, your site is extremely helpful. Biggest problem we have is we can’t buy much here but will purchase clothing in Kathmandu. On hiking boots we know the quality of Salomon however I note with interest you recommend Hi-Tech and Karrimor both of which have one or two negative reviews on the web. What should we look for when selecting from these ranges.
ReplyHi Ken, Thanks for getting in touch. Kathmandu has loads of gear shops, especially in Thamel so you should be able to find all the clothing you need. Quality is generally average to poor though. In terms of shoes, Karrimor and Hi-Tec are definitely budget brands so I’m not surprised that reviews aren’t great. If you are on a tight budget then the Hi-Tec Altitude or the Karrimor Mount aren’t bad. Otherwise, Salomon or Merrell is a much better bet! All the best!
ReplyI had a pair of expensive brand name backpacking boots (Solomon or Asolo, couldn’t remember which) and the sole fell off because they’re glued on instead of stitched on. So now I just use work boots with Goodyear welt.
ReplyHello Mark,
I am planning a solo trek of Everest base camp in the beginning of July (it’s the only time I can do it). I know it’s crazy during the monsoon season. However, is it possible to make it happen?? And is Everest base camp one that can be trekked as a solo trekker?
ReplyHi Eric, it is possible to trek during the monsoon season, but I wouldn’t recommend it. Views may be clouded over, expect lots of rain and landslide risk is higher. Many teahouse may also be closed for the season. I would recommend taking a guide, but you are able to hike solo if you want. All the best!
ReplyThis list is great! Thanks for putting it together. Do you suggest any edits to the general list for an early Oct hike?
ReplyHi Memo, thanks for getting in touch. The above list works perfectly across the year and is fine for October too!
ReplyHi Mark,
I’m doing the EBC trek in October. Do I need category 4 sunglasses? Or will category 3 be enough?
Thanks
Ross
Mark, This is a great site, thank you for making everything so clear.
I am heading to Kathmandu in October to meet my son (he’ll head there from Malaysia, me from UK). We will want to trek to EBC. My question is, should we book a guide (and maybe a porter) when we get to Kathmandu or should we pre-book that before flying out? Also, how much do you recon we should budget for that ?
Thanks
DB
Hi Dave, it really depends on how comfortable / experienced you are at arranging things on the ground. Major operators cost a little more but take all the hassle out of having to arrange hotels pre and post the trip, flights to Lukla and of course your support crew (guides / porters). Organising on the ground is possible but quality varies and finding a reliable operator can be challenging. Going with an organised group and pre-booking will cost between $900-$1500 pp (including domestic flights, hotels, teahouse accommodation, guides / porters etc). If you are happy to arrange everything yourself (i.e. domestic flights, teahouse accommodation, hotels pre and post), then you can get a guide and porter for around $300-$400 pp.
ReplyThanks Mark – we’re all sorted for our trip and your site and advice have been a tremendous help – do have any guidance on the tipping culture for the guides / porters. I am a bit English and, well, we have a reputation for getting that all wrong don’t we?
Thanks again
Dave
Hi David, tipping practices vary and there is no set procedure, but as a rule of thumb I would budget about 10% of the trek cost as tips. Around 60-70% for your guide and 40-30% split to porters (if you have any). Here is a bit more detail: https://ebctrekguide.com/everest-base-camp-trek-cost-financial-considerations
ReplyHi Mark,
We are going to EBC and Gokyo afterwards starting Oct. 13th. With the Gokyo segment being towards the end of October, should we expect the weather to be very cold and the pass possibly closed due to weather and snow ?
Richard
Hi Richard, the pass is generally open, but depending on snowfall can close in October and November. Unfortunatley there is no way to predict far in advance. I would just be aware that it is possible that the pass will be closed.
ReplyHi Mark!
My husband is planning a trek to Everest Base Camp midth October.
Is it a good period for trekking?
What would the weather be?
Thank you!
Hi Nathalie, yes, October is a good time to trek to EBC. Weather can be very variable week to week and at different altitudes, but generally October is dry and warm during the day (below 3000m) and then more frigid and cold above 3000m and at night and in the mornings. All the best!
ReplyMark – when it comes to currency – do they prefer the Rupee or the Dollar on the trek ?
ReplyHi Dave, you are best to bring some dollars for your on arrival visa and to have a little cash on you for the first day. I then recommend using a cash machine to draw local currency and use that on the trek and in Kathmandu.
ReplyHi Mark thans for all the great info. I am from Costa Rica. We are planing to do the EBC next September. Is that a good time of the year to do it?
ReplyHi Helga, September is a great time to trek to EBC. You might want to want till mid September to definitely be sure of missing the monsoon.
ReplyHello.
I will do the 12 days EBC this December. I read in the contract, that I have no porter. Will you advice me to have one ?
Have a nice day
Birgitte
Hi Birgitte, it really depends how comfortable you are carry a ~50L backpack. Hiring a porter is not expensive so you may want to get one just for the convenience. You might also want to check with your tour company if they use Yaks to transport your main bag.
ReplyHey Mark
Your recommendations and information is priceless! My wife and I are trying to plan our EBC Trek. We are 53 and love trekking. I was wondering are there any tour groups that are age specific so we would be with a group somewhat in our age range?
Thanks
Alex
Thanks Alex. Finding age specific groups can be challenging as most tour operators cater for a wide audience. Why don’t you try rope in some friends and create your own group.
ReplyHi Mark. Me and my husband are planning to make the trekking at the end of January/beginning of February. That’s the only time we can go. Basically we have trekking experience in places like Alpes, Andes, etc and we never had a guide. I read in many posts people suggesting a guide. Is it so that the trail is not well marked or what is the main reason for this suggestion?
Another question is the condition of the trail in Jan/Feb. we don’t mind that it is cold, but of course we mind that it is so slippery because of snow that we cannot go to end. Do you have any comment about this?
Also do you have any bad experience that the flights at this time of the year are cancelled due to snow falling?
ReplyHi Marcela, trekking independently on the standard EBC trail is not a bad idea if you are relatively experienced and have a good map. Way-finding is pretty easy. A guide though is always helpful, and can also help with arranging teahouse accomodation etc. It’s also a way to give back to the region. The trail in Jan / Feb is generally fine, especially if you don’t plan to go over any of the big passes (Cho La, Renjo etc.). If you are taking the classic trail (straight up and down the Khumbu Valley), then the route is pretty straightforward and won’t be impassable. Delayed flights into and out of Lukla airport are always a risk. I would plan a contingency day or two for bad weather. Hope this helps!
ReplyHi Mark, we are doing the Base Camp Trek in December and would like to know what should we add on top of to the list in the article? more layers? do you know if the tea houses have heaters?
ReplyHi Rocio, the packing list is sufficient for a December trek, although please make sure you get a good quality four season sleeping bag, quality outdoor winter jacket and warm gloves / beanie. Almost all teahouses have a yak burner in the common room, but all other parts of teahouse, including rooms are not heated (hence, a good sleeping bag is a must!).
ReplyHello Mark,
We are heading to ebc by gokyo ri and cho la pass from jiri. We are planning to start around end of february/ beginning of march. Do you think gokyo ri and cho la pass will be open? Also, do you have any recommandation of shop to buy or rent a third layer?
Thank you very much for your help!
Cedrik
ReplyHi Cedrik, Gokyo Ri and Cho La should be open around this time – as long as there isn’t a late massive snowfall in late Feb / early March. In terms of gear, there are loads of gear shops in the Thamel district of Kathmandu – just make sure you avoid bad ripoffs – these will fail on the trek.
ReplyHey Mark,
The level of detail you have provided is priceless and really helpful! Do you have any recommendation for travel consultants if we want to stay at EBC overnight? Also, I saw one of the consultants offering trek to the camp II on Everest. Do we need to be prepared like the hike to summit if we want to trek to camp II? I don’t have much experience in mountaineering but Iam really keen on doing the camp II or atleast stay for a night at EBC based on your suggestions.
Thanks in advance
Prashant
Hi Prashant, I recommend using our tour operator recommendation service. We will put you in touch with a trek operator who can arrange a night over in EBC: https://ebctrekguide.com/go. In terms of going to Camp 2 on Everest, I am not aware of any trek operators who offer this. In fact I’m pretty sure this is impossible without purchasing a climbing permit (cost: $12,000). The closest you can get to camp 2 is the EBC crampon point, just before you enter the Khumbu icefall. Any closer requires a climbing permit. All the best.
ReplyThank you Mark for the details, and your suggestion about the travel consultant. I will get in touch with them for further proceedings.
ReplyHi Mark. This is tremendous helpful information on EBC . Read up most of them. I needed to know about fitness levels before embarking on the trek and few reliable trek companies / guides i can approach for the EBC trek. Would also like to know the best months to do the EBC.
Thanks and regards ,
Aditi.
H Aditi, here is information on training: https://ebctrekguide.com/best-training-program-everest-base-camp-trek and in terms of best months check out this article: https://ebctrekguide.com/best-time-to-trek-to-everest-base-camp All the best!
ReplyHi Mark: I’m surprised you didn’t mention water filter or water purifier, instead of just purification tablets. Any rationale for this ? Thanks.
ReplyHi Linh, you can also use a water filter like Steripen. I recommend using it in conjunction with purification tablets.
ReplyHi Mark
I am sure it’s a question that has been asked 1000 times, but I’m currently short on time so apologise in advance!
The basic EBC hike – in YHO end April or end September??
Cheers
Jacqui
End April as it coincides with the climbing season so the mountain, teahouses and trails are teaming with interesting folk.
ReplyThe most simple and helpful list on the net for the trek to EBC. Very early stages of planning for March 2020. Trying to convince a few work mates to join me, we are all novices when it comes to trekking. One main question, what size duffel do you reccomend? im looking at the Patagonia Black Hole 60L or 90L. I do tend to over pack but will try my best not to on this trip with respect to the amazing porters 🙂
ReplyHi Tim, I recommend you take a 90L duffel: https://www.amazon.com/TYTN-Duffel-Expeditions-Travel-Sport/dp/B07D77F96L/
ReplyMark, thank you for the information on your site. I have a question regarding going independently in late September/October – is it hard to get accommodation on EBC and Gokyo treks if you do not have a guide? There will be 6 of us, including a couple of kids. Do we need to book teahouses in advance or can we just rock up and find some rooms. We are not particularly picky and would like to do it independently to have time/acclimatisation/weather flexibility.
Also – are there many kids trekking there? And – how busy does it get Sept/Oct months – this is the prime time – how many people are we expecting to encounter on the trail?
Thanks, Kasia
Hi Kasia, teahouse availability varies but as you have a large group I would recommend bring a porter or guide a long to help with securing rooms each day. A guide would also be helpful for way-finding, especially as you plan to do the Gokyo route. You will find the Gokyo section nice and quiet compared to the main EBC track. You won’t see many kids on the trail, I’ve hiked to EBC twice and have only ever seen a handful of kids. Hope this helps!
ReplyHi Mark, If you need to use the toilet in the middle of a days trek, is it OK to just stop and take a pee there and then?
ReplyHi Mark, can you tell me if I’m being a fool planning to do the Everest Three Passes trek in January? I’m a 31 year old female with good hiking experience in the UK and very fit and active but never done high altitude stuff. I’ve read that the passes can be closed due to snow and altitude sickness will be more problematic due to cold. I’d like to give it a try and need to decide ASAP but I need some help.
ReplyHi Madeleine, not at all. The three passes trek is a challenge, but as you sound fit and healthy I’m sure you will be fine. Just make sure to build in enough acclimatisation days to avoid altitude sickness. The passes in Nepal are super high (almost as high as Kilimanjaro) so you need to acclimatise properly, especially before going over the first pass. January does come with it’s own challenges though. Snow cover and cold are at or near its peak during this month so it is possible the passes will be closed. Make sure to go with an experienced guide and bring good quality / warm gear!
ReplyGreat info. Thank you. Regarding tea houses. Should I be concerned about lice or sanitary conditions (plates, untensils)? Bring my own pillow?
ReplyHi Keith, Lice is generally not a problem and sanitary conditions, although poor are also generally not a problem. I recommend using antibacterial gel to wash your hands before eating. You can also bring a pillow cover if you are concerned about bed bugs, but I have trekked extensively in the region and never had a problem. That being said, make sure to set your standards low.
ReplyI’m doing EBC November/beginning December will a 700 fill power down jacket be suitable?
ReplyHi, thank you for your insights and articles. I’ve gone through most of it. As a first time hiker, I would like to know what things I should rent and what should I buy. Personal items such as Base layer of cloths, shoes etc I will buy but can I rent out remaining items? Can you also suggest personal items available to me in India. I’ll be taking this trip with my wife during last week of coming March.
Thank you for your time and guidance.
Vibhor
Hi Vibhor, you can rent many of the items you need in Kathmandu. I would make sure to have the main clothing items, hiking boots etc., but when it comes to sleeping bags, trekking poles, daypacks etc, these can be rented. Also Kathmandu, particularly Thamel, has loads of gear shops when you can buy cheap rip off gear if you are missing anything.
ReplyI’m going on the EBC Sept 2020 , I’ve been advised to get a Canvas rucksack which im finding hard to find . I thought a Hiking rucksack would be better , what would you advise ? Thanks
ReplyHi Steven, if you are using porters then I would go for a 90L duffel bag for your main gear / clothes and a standard a standard hiking daypack, like the Osprey Talon 30. If you will be carrying your own gear then a hiking backpack with a capacity of 60L is sufficient. I would recommend Osprey again. I would not take a canvas bag.
ReplyYip, no need to bring food. Teahouses offer a wide variety of food and snacks. You may want to bring your favourite snacks or a spread (like peanut butter). All the best!
Reply