Trekking to one of the highest altitudes would be a great idea and adventurous, wouldn’t it? So, if you are an adventure lover, then 12 Days Everest Base Camp Trek is the best option to go.
Taking a 12 Days Everest Base Camp Trek is a spectacular way to manifest this dream and make it come to life. From rookies to experienced trekkers, this incredible journey has something for everyone. You have the chance to take on a wild filled with unknowns, whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned expert. From beginners to veterans, this experience will be nothing short of fantastic. With so much excitement and surprises held in store, you can relish the sheer thrill of this beautiful escapade.
Your journey begins in Lukla as you become ready to tackle the incredible mountain trails before you. With every step, the stunning beauty and tranquil aura of the Himalayas will be revealed. Wander past the cascading hillsides, inhaling the fresh, quiet mountain air. Exchange cheerful pleasantries with the local inhabitants and share a genuine smile with those you meet. This is an invitation to get up close and personal with mother nature’s most majestic creation, as your path eventually brings you face-to-face with the highest peak on Earth- Mount Everest. An experience you will cherish forever.
The daunting Everest symbolizes power and tenacity, commanding admiration from afar and awe from those brave enough to venture its treacherous path within. Tracing the holy lands to its base camp is an unforgettable journey that provides a lifetime of memories. With every twist and turn comes a new landscape to feast on – lush forests, local Sherpa settlements, glacial moraines, and never-ending stretches of foothills. All of this converges to make this journey a breathtaking experience, sometimes called the stairway to paradise.
The renowned Everest Base Camp has been a haven sought out by daredevil travelers and thrill-seekers who seek to take on the unnerving Himalayas. Despite the dramatic 2015 earthquake that shook Nepal, the resolute strength of the people never faltered, and intrepid adventurers still upheld their ambitious quest to reach the top. On average, roughly 30,000 resolute trip-makers yearly make the trek, which surges to over 10,000 during the peak trekking season. The innumerable trekkers have benefited from the trail, making it well-trodden and providing it with top-notch facilities that can compete with other trails in Nepal.
Our Related packages to EBC trek: 7 Days EBC trek | Everest Cho La pass Gokyo trek | Everest Luxury Trek
Highlights of 12 Days Everest Base Camp Trek
Stunning Mountain Views: The 12 Days Everest Base Camp Trek will give you the insights of 360 degree view of several peaks like Mount Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, and Ama Dablam.
Kala Patthar: You will be at the viewpoint of Everest Base Camp, Kala Patthar, located at an altitude of 5,545 meters. It is a popular viewpoint for stunning panoramic views of Mount Everest and the surrounding peaks.
Tengboche Monastery: During the 12 Days Trek Everest Base Camp, you will be able to experience some Buddhist monasteries including Tengboche Monastery.
Sherpa Culture: While you are on the trek, you will be passing across several Sherpa settlements including Gorakhsep and others. These places provide a glimpse into Sherpa’s unique culture, lifestyle, and traditions.
Sagarmatha National Park: Your 12 Days Everest Base Camp Trek passes through the Sagarmatha National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which is home to a variety of flora and fauna, including rare Himalayan species like the snow leopard and red panda.
Best Month For Everest Base Camp Trek
The best month for trekking to Everest Base Camp is during the Spring and Autumn. The months during the Spring; March to May are mild and temperate with less clouds and clear skies. It is the best time to view the surroundings of EBC clearly. Also, the temperature is not too cold and not too hot, so you will not have any trouble adjusting.
Similarly, the Autumn season from September to November is also considered best. These months also have pleasant weather with less clouds and temperate climate.
Benefits of Trekking Everest Base Camp During Different Months
Advantages of Trekking Everest Base Camp During March:
March brings a pleasant environment with jaw-dropping surroundings of snow-capped mountains and green forest. The temperature is moderate ranging between 2 to 7 degree celsius in Everest Base Camp in the daytime. However, when the darkness hits, the temperature gradually slows down but with proper gears, you can adjust the environment.
Besides, the weather is stable and the rain precipitation is low, that makes EBC more accessible during March.
Advantages of trekking Everest Base Camp during April:
April is the first month in the pre-monsoon season, and is generally considered the best time for trekking in Nepal as the weather is warm and dry. The days are also longer and warmer, making it easier to cover ground.
Advantages of trekking Everest Base Camp during May:
May is still considered to be a good time to trek in Nepal as the weather is still dry and warm. However, it is important to note that by this time, the days are getting shorter and colder.
Advantages of trekking Everest Base Camp During September
September comes with the average temperature of 15-20 degrees celsius around Everest base Camp. The weather conditions and temperature of EBC in September are mild and pleasant with less clouds and clear skies. Similarly, September has no rainfalls or snowfalls in the region, which makes the trekkers more accessible to the place.
Advantages of trekking Everest Base Camp during October:
October is the beginning of the post-monsoon season and is considered by many to be one of the best times to go on an Everest Base Camp Trek. The weather is typically dry and clear, with crisp mountain air and breathtaking views.
Advantages of trekking Everest Base Camp during November:
November is usually still a good time for trekking in Nepal, with dry weather and clear skies. However, by this time, temperatures have started to drop significantly at higher altitudes, so it’s important to come prepared with suitable clothing.
Things To Consider For 12 Days Everest Base Camp Trek
If you’ve ever dreamed of exploring the thrill and challenge of a high-altitude trek to Everest Base Camp, then you’re not alone. This 12 Days Everest base camp trek is an amazing journey that takes you through some of the most beautiful landscapes in the world. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience that offers stunning views of Mount Everest and the Himalayan peaks.
If you’re an outdoor enthusiast eager to experience this incredible trek, then you should know what to expect. Here are some of the details that you should consider before taking 12 Days Everest Base Camp Trek:
Fitness Level
12 Days Everest Base Camp Trek will take you to the high altitude over 5000 meters above sea level, which means that it will be more challenging than your survival in the normal altitudes. The air will be thinner and the oxygen levels lower. Also, you will be trekking for hours day by day, for which you will have to be in good physical shape – your endurance, energy, and strength are the three factors that are very essential here. Therefore, it’s important for you to be physically fit before embarking on this trek. You can practice trekking short hikes and participate in immunity gaining physical exercises, so you will be ready for the 12 Days Everest Base Camp Trek.
Altitude Sickness
Altitude Sickness is another thing that you should consider for 12 Days Everest Base Camp Trek. The risk of altitude sickness increases with altitude and EBC is above 5000 meters, which means that trekkers are more prone to altitude related illness. It’s important to understand the symptoms of altitude sickness and to take proper precautions to avoid it. If your body starts showing symptoms of altitude sickness, take enough rest or return back to lower altitudes.
Weather Conditions
Everest Base Camp is one the main attractions of Khumbu region, that manifests the beauty of Himalayas. But unlike adventure and beauty, the weather in the Himalayas can be unpredictable, and you should be prepared for all kinds of weather conditions, including snow, rain, and wind. The snowfall rate is heavy and the temperature can go below 0 degrees celsius all the time. So, it will be better if you acknowledge them before going on for 12 Days Everest Base Camp Trek.
Equipment and Gear
You cannot complete your Everest Base Camp Trek without proper equipment and gear. You will be in need of essential gear like sturdy trekking shoes, warm clothes, sleeping bags, and equipment like cramptons, and more. These are the right gears that make your EBC trek comfortable and safe.
Trekking Permits
Everest Base Camp lies inside Sagarmatha National Park, a restricted area, so you will need a special permit to enter the National Park. There are several permits like Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit and Pasang Lhamu Municipality Entry Permit required before you start your journey. Make sure that you have all the licenses so you will not get in any trouble later.
Guides and Porters
Whether you are a beginner or a pro trekker, hiring a guide and porter is always highly recommended for your trek. They can be of great help with navigation and carrying your gear. Not only that but they can also be a perfect partner to take you through the local communities and culture – they can help you through the routes and trails and also communicate with the local people.
Accommodation and Food
12 Days Everest Base Camp Trek is a long package, so you will have to consider your accommodation and food options beforehand. In the Everest region, accommodations vary from basic lodges to high-end hotels (in Namche). You can choose your accommodations depending upon your allocated budget or choice.
Preparation During The Trek
Once you arrive in Nepal, your journey to 12 Days Everest Base Camp begins. Before setting off on the trek, it’s important to acclimatize to the altitude and understand the risks associated with high-altitude treks. Always stay hydrated and know the limits of your body for any signs of altitude sickness.
During the 12 Days Everest Base Camp Trek, you’ll be staying in tea houses or lodges along the route; these provide basic accommodation and meals. The trekking routes vary but typically take you through villages and up to breathtaking viewpoints offering stunning views of Mount Everest. A reputable trekking company will provide excellent services along the way, such as guides and porters who can help make your journey more enjoyable and safe.
Post-Trip Reflections
Once you reach Everest Base Camp, you’ll have one last chance to take in the beauty of the surrounding landscape before heading back down the mountain. As you descend and reflect on your experience, you’ll likely have lasting impressions of the breathtaking scenery and of meeting local people. If you’re lucky enough to make it back down safely, then it’s time for post-trip reflections. Consider writing down your thoughts about your experiences on the trail as well as any advice for future trekkers. Connecting with the local community is also a great way to learn more about their culture and way of life. Finally, think about what comes next in your outdoor journey – perhaps another high-altitude trek or something entirely different!
Detailed Itinerary For 12 Days Everest Base Camp Trek
Day 01: Fly to Lukla from Kathmandu Airport and trek to Phakding (2,651m/8,695 ft) 3 – 4 hours, Tea House Accommodation.
Location: Lukla To Phakding
Altitude: 2,860 meters (Lukla)/2,610 Meters (Phakding)
Accommodation: Tea House
After you arrive in Nepal, you will first take a flight from Kathmandu to Lukla. Lukla is the starting point of Everest Base Camp trek – the total flight period is around 30 to 45 minutes from the capital city. You will land in the Lukla Airport and then take a rest for some time.
After that, your hike starts – your destination is Phakding, which takes around 3 to 4 hours from Lukla. You will be walking through the rugged routes uphill from Lukla. After you reach Phakding, you will stay at a tea house for accommodation.
Day 02: Phakding to Namche Bazaar Trek (3,430 m/11,283 ft), 5 – 6 hours, Tea House Accommodation
Location: Namche Bazaar
Altitude: 3430 Meters
Accommodation: Tea House
This is the second day of your trek and you will be starting your hike from Phakding. The destiny is to reach Namche Bazaar at the altitude of 3430 meters above sea level. Namche is also called the ‘Gate of Everest,’ which is rich in Sherpa Culture and consists of high-end services and facilities.
You will reach Namche Bazaar after walking for 5 to 6 hours from Phakding. You will have to cross the Monjo village, where you can obtain the Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit. Once you reach Namche Bazaar, you will see the cinematic views of Mount Everest and Ama Dablam. You will stay at a teahouse there.
Day 03: Acclimatization Day at Namche Bazaar (3,430 m/11,283 ft), Tea House Accommodation.
Location: Namche Bazaar
Altitude: 3430 Meters
Activity: Acclimatization
Traveling to high altitude requires a strong physical shape and endurance. So on the third day, you will take a whole day rest and acclimatize yourself in Namche. You can visit the nearby place though.
Stay hydrated and eat enough food to keep yourself strong. You will stay at a tea house for this day.
Day 04: Trek to Tengboche (3,870m/12,694 ft) 5 – 6 hours, Tea House Accommodation
Location: Tengboche
Altitude: 3870 Meters
Accommodation: Tea House
Now, it’s time to climb uphill – on the fourth day, you will walk uphill to Tengboche at the altitude of 3870 meters. It takes around 5 to 6 hours from Namche Bazaar to reach Tengboche. You will walk through the lush forest and enjoy the majestic scenes of Mount Everest and Ama Dablam.
At Tengboche, you can experience Buddhist culture and tradition. You can see the mani walls, chortens and prayer flags along the route. You can visit Tengboche Monastery in Tengboche, which carries a great significance in the local Buddhist culture.
Day 05: Trek to Dingboche (4,360 m/14,300 ft) 5 – 6 hours, Tea House Accommodation
Location: Dingboche
Altitude: 4360 Meters
Accommodation: Tea House
Tengboche to Dingboche is a 5 to 6 hours trek. You will start your hike early in the morning on the fifth day and start walking uphill to Dingboche. You will have to walk through the Imja Valley – be assured that the view of the surroundings are more than pleasant that will captivate your heart.
After a few hours, you will reach Pangboche, where most of the trekkers rest for having lunch. From there, you can follow a trail that leads to Dingboche.
Day 06:Acclimatization at Dingboche (4,360 m/14,300 ft), Tea House Accommodation
Location: Dingboche
Altitude: 4360 Meters
Activity: Acclimatization
The sixth day is the second acclimatization in your 12 Days Everest Base Camp Trek. You will have a full day’s rest in Dingboche enjoying the views of the Himalayas. Don’t forget to join the short hikes nearby and the viewpoint. Focus more on your health and take enough rest for the day.
Day 07: Trek to Lobuche (4940 m/16,203 ft)5-6 hours, Tea House Accommodation
Location: Lobuche
Altitude: 4940 Meters
Accommodation: Tea House
The seventh day in your 12 Days Everest Base Camp Trek marks the hike from Dingboche to Lobuche. You will catch a trail that leads to Pheriche valley, where you can see the Yak pastures and green open lands with a close view of Ama Dablam.
Then the trail leads you to Thokla Pass and then head towards Lobuche. You will enjoy the views of Lhotse, Nuptse, and Everest while you walk for a few hours to Lobuche from the Thokla Pass.
Day 08: Trek to Gorak Shep (5,170 m/16,957ft), visit Everest Base Camp (5,364 m/17,594 ft) 6-7 hours, Tea House Accommodation.
Location: Gorak Shep
Altitude: 5170 Meters
Accommodation: Tea House
Trek to Gorak Shep takes around 6 to 7 hours from Lobuche. You will travel through a rugged trail from Lobuche that leads you to the last Sherpa Settlement in the Everest region. After reaching Gorakshep, you will travel to Everest Base Camp at 5,364 meters and be involved in the fun and recreational activities.
After your time in Everest Base Camp completes, you will have to return back to Gorak Shep since you will not find any accommodation facilities around the base camp. You will stay at a tea house in Gorak Shep on the eighth day of your 12 Days Everest Base Camp Trek.
Day 09: Trek to Kala Patthar for sunrise of Mt Everest (5,545 m/18,187 ft) to Pheriche (4,288m/14,264 ft) 7-8 hours, Tea House Accommodation.
Location: Kala Patthar
Altitude: 5545 Meters
Accommodation: Tea House
From Gorakshep, now it’s time to trek to Kala Patthar which sits at the altitude of 5545 meters. To reach Kala Patthar, you will need to walk for around 7 to 8 hours from Gorakshep, which is one of the longest hikes in your 12 Days Everest Base Camp Trek.
Once you reach Kala Patthar, you will be experiencing a 360 degree view of Mount Everest, Ama Dablam, Lhotse, Nuptse, and other peaks.
Day 10: Trek to Namche Bazaar (3,430 m/11,283 ft) 6 – 7 hours, Tea House Accommodation.
Location: Namche Bazaar
Altitude: 3430 Meters
Accommodation: Tea House
It’s time to return now – on the tenth day of your trek, you will head back towards Namche Bazaar at 3430 meters above sea level. You will have to cross through Pheriche and Pangboche along the lush forest of Rhododendron and oak trees before reaching the Gate of Everest, Namche Bazaar.
You will have to trek for around 6 to 7 hours to reach Namche Bazaar, where you will stay at a tea house.
Day 11: Trek from Namche Bazaar to Lukla (3,430 m/11,283 ft) 6 – 7 hours, Tea House Accommodation.
Location: Lukla
Altitude: 860 Meters
Accommodation: Tea House
On the eleventh day, you will hike back to Lukla and it takes around 6 to 7 hours from Namche Bazaar to reach the spot. You will be walking through the steep landscapes in the route, so make sure that you have a quality and sturdy hiking boot.
You will stay at a tea house in Lukla and explore the Sherpa culture prevailing there.
Day 12: Fly back to Kathmandu from Lukla
It’s the final day of your 12 Days Everest Base Camp Trek. You will catch a flight from Lukla to Kathmandu. There are several flight operators like Yeti Airlines, Buddha Airlines, and others – the choice is yours to take.
You will reach Kathmandu, the capital city of Nepal after a 30 to 45 minutes flight from Lukla. Then, our travel agent will escort you to your hotel, where you will stay overnight. You also can indulge yourself to explore the beauty of the city – you can visit several tourist places and go out for clubbing and music parties in the night time. When you depart from Nepal to your home, let your memories speak for the rest of your life.
Accommodation Facilities Available During The Trek
While you are setting off for 12 Days Everest Base Camp Trek, you should be aware of the accommodation facilities available in the region. The important thing to remember is that there are no high-end accommodation facilities in the region, except for Namche Bazaar. You will have to either camp or live in a tea house (very limited) for an overnight stay. So you will have to prepare accordingly as per the available means and resources.
Basically, there are three major types of accommodation facilities that you will cherish during your 12 Days Everest Base Camp Trek; Hotel/Lodges, Tea Houses, and Camps. Hotels and lodges are available in Accommodation in Namche Bazaar provides you a wide array of services and facilities like hot shower, attached bathroom, unlimited internet connections. But after you leave Namche Bazaar, you are on your own, either you have to live in a tea house or make a camp for yourself. Let’s explore more on this topic:
Hotel/Lodges: There are Hotel and Lodges like Panorama Lodge And Restaurant, Hotel Khangri, Nirvana Home, and Khumbu Lodge which comes with the local cuisine and great hospitality. They have hot water services, internet, and spacious rooms. You can sit in front of the snow-capped mountains and enjoy the beauty of nature and surroundings.
Tea House: Tea Houses in Everest Base Camp are in very limited numbers. They also provide you the basic amenities like hotels and lodges but might not be the top-notch one like them. You have to lower down your expectations if you are choosing tea houses for staying but they cover all your food and accommodation.
Camping: When it comes to camping, it’s all up to you. You will have to carry your own camping tents and other essential equipment required for camping. You also have to take your own food and utensils to cook that includes the gas or stove. Some agencies provide camping facilities too, so look for the one who provides the services if you are more comfortable in camps and do not want to share privacy during the Everest Base Camp Trek.
Cost Of 12 Days Everest Base Camp Trek
On average, 12 Days Everest Base Camp will cost you anywhere from $1200 to $1500 per person. It includes your total cost including accommodation, permits, food, and travel. But the price may vary from person to person and agency to agency. It all depends on what type of activities you are engaged in and how many days you stay here in Nepal.
Here is the detailed breakdown of the cost required for your 12 Days Everest Base Camp Trek.
Permit Cost:
To get the permits for Everest Base Camp Trek, you will have to pay from 2000 to 3000 Nepali rupees, it sums around $15 to $23. There are certain discounts for Indian citizens and the cost for them is around 1500 Nepali Rupees. There are basically three types of permits required for Everest Base Camp Trek;
- Sagarmatha National Park Permit
- Pasang Lhamu Municipality Entry Permit
- Gaurishankar Conservation Area Permit
Sagarmatha National Park permit costs around 2000 to 3000 NRP and Pasang Lhamu Municipality Entry Permit has the price of 2000 NPR. Similarly, Gaurishankar Conservation Area Permit has the price of 3000 Nepalese Rupees – this license is required if you are trekking from Jiri.
You can get all permits in the Tourism Board in Kathmandu or Monjo (for Sagarmatha N.P. License).
Accommodation Cost
The accommodation cost comes as a total of what type of living space you choose to live during the trek. The hotels and lodges in Namche Bazaar will cost you anywhere from $50 to $100 per night as they offer a wide range of services and facilities. You also can find cheap lodges for around $15 to $30 per night – it all depends on your choice.
Tea houses cost you anywhere from $7 dollars to $12 dollars per night. They don’t provide the same amenities like the Hotels or lodges but some of the tea houses have hot showers.
If you are staying in a camp, then you will have to take care of all the required materials and services by yourself. This might be expensive since you not only have to carry the tents but also food, sleeping bags, utensils, gas, and stoves by yourself. If you sum up all the amenities, then, the cost might come more than $40 per day.
Transportation Cost
Your transportation cost includes all of your expenses on transport from flight to vehicle. The flight from Kathmandu to Luka costs you around $100 to $150 per person. The cost may vary depending on which month you travel to EBC.
Conclusion
Exploring Everest Base Camp is an incredible journey that offers breathtaking views, physical challenge, and cultural exploration. So 12 Days Everest Base Camp Trek will be the great choice to explore all the areas around the Everest region from the bottom to the top. Be sure to pack appropriately and prepare both your body and mind for the rigors of high altitude. Once on the trek, stay safe and enjoy every moment – from connecting with locals to taking in stunning views of Mount Everest!
