Everest Base Camp Trek

Meals on the Trek

Throughout the trek, meals are provided at teahouses along the route, offering a variety of simple yet fulfilling options to keep trekkers energized. Breakfast typically includes items such as Tibetan bread, pancakes, porridge, eggs, and toast, accompanied by tea or coffee. Lunch and dinner menus feature a mix of traditional Nepali and Tibetan dishes, including the staple dal bhat (rice, lentils, and vegetables), along with noodles, pasta, momos (dumplings), fried rice, and soups. The higher you go, the fewer options may be available, and prices tend to increase due to the remote location. Vegetarian choices are widely available, making it easy for trekkers with dietary preferences. While boiled water is available for refilling bottles, trekkers are advised to bring water purification tablets or filters to ensure safe drinking water. Bottled water is available for purchase but becomes increasingly expensive as you ascend.

Accommodation on the Trek

Accommodation during the trek consists of basic teahouses and lodges, providing twin-sharing rooms with simple beds, blankets, and pillows. In lower-altitude villages like Namche Bazaar and Dingboche, some lodges offer slightly better facilities, including attached bathrooms in select rooms. However, as you move to higher altitudes, accommodations become more basic, with shared bathrooms and limited heating. Hot showers are available in most teahouses for an extra cost, but at higher elevations, they may be replaced with bucket showers due to water shortages. Charging electronic devices is possible at teahouses, though it often comes with an additional fee. Wi-Fi and mobile network connectivity are available in some villages, but they tend to be slow and unreliable, especially at higher altitudes.

Logistics & Facilities

Electricity is available in most lodges, but it may be limited or solar-powered, requiring trekkers to pay extra for charging phones, cameras, or power banks. Internet and mobile network coverage are accessible in some areas, but they can be unreliable, particularly in higher-altitude locations like Lobuche and Gorakshep. Teahouses offer hot drinks such as tea, coffee, and hot chocolate, but prices increase significantly with altitude. While clean drinking water is available, trekkers should either carry a water filter, purification tablets, or a SteriPEN to treat the water before consumption. Laundry services are available in lower villages like Namche Bazaar, but beyond that, washing clothes becomes difficult due to freezing temperatures.

How a Typical Day on the Trek Looks Like?

A typical trekking day begins early in the morning with a wake-up call around 6:00 AM, often accompanied by a cup of tea or coffee. After freshening up, breakfast is served at 7:00 AM, and by 7:30 to 8:00 AM, the trek begins. The morning involves a few hours of trekking through varied terrain, including forests, river crossings, and mountainous landscapes. Around midday, trekkers stop at a teahouse for lunch, where they rest for about an hour before continuing the journey. The afternoon walk is usually shorter but can involve steeper ascents. By 3:00 to 4:00 PM, the group reaches the next teahouse, where trekkers check in, freshen up, and relax. Dinner is served between 6:00 and 7:00 PM, followed by a briefing from the guide regarding the next day's itinerary. Evenings are usually spent socializing, reading, or playing card games before heading to bed early to rest for the next day’s trek.

Lukla Flight Issues & Possible Delays

Flights to and from Lukla, the gateway to Everest, are notoriously affected by weather conditions, visibility, and air traffic congestion. During the peak trekking seasons of spring and autumn, all flights to Lukla operate from Ramechhap Manthali Airport instead of Kathmandu’s Tribhuvan International Airport. This requires trekkers to take a 4 to 5-hour drive from Kathmandu to Ramechhap before boarding the flight to Lukla. Weather conditions in Lukla are unpredictable, and delays or cancellations are common, sometimes leading to trekkers being stranded for a day or more. It is highly recommended to keep at least one or two buffer days at the end of the trek to account for any unexpected flight disruptions. Alternatively, for those on a tighter schedule, a helicopter flight can be arranged at an additional cost in case of flight cancellations.

Staff Provided by Himalayan Leisure

Himalayan Leisure ensures that every trekking group is accompanied by a licensed and experienced trekking guide, knowledgeable about the route, altitude challenges, and safety precautions. Additionally, porters are provided to carry trekkers' luggage, with one porter assigned for every two trekkers, allowing each person to carry up to 10–12 kg of personal belongings. For larger groups, assistant guides may also join to ensure better support and coordination. The guides and porters are highly experienced in the Everest region, ensuring a safe, enjoyable, and well-organized trekking experience.

Altitude Sickness & Acclimatization

Altitude sickness, also known as Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS), is a major concern for trekkers heading above 3,000 meters. Symptoms of AMS include headache, dizziness, nausea, loss of appetite, and shortness of breath. To reduce the risk, the trek follows a gradual ascent with two acclimatization days—one in Namche Bazaar and another in Dingboche. Trekkers should stay hydrated, avoid alcohol, ascend slowly, and follow the “trek high, sleep low” principle. Those prone to altitude sickness may consider taking altitude sickness pills, but it is recommended to consult a doctor before using it. If symptoms worsen, descending to a lower altitude immediately is the best course of action. Guides are trained to recognize AMS symptoms and take necessary action for safety.

Trek Difficulty & Fitness Level Required

The Everest Base Camp trek is rated as moderate to challenging, requiring good physical fitness and endurance. The trek involves long walking hours (5–8 hours per day), steep ascents and descents, and high-altitude exposure. While no prior technical climbing experience is required, it is beneficial to have some trekking experience in mountainous terrain. Trekkers are advised to engage in physical preparation at least a few months in advance, incorporating activities like cardio workouts, strength training, and long hikes. Mental preparation is equally important, as the trek can be physically demanding, especially at higher altitudes where oxygen levels are lower. With proper preparation, acclimatization, and guidance from experienced staff, trekkers can successfully complete the journey to Everest Base Camp and enjoy one of the most incredible adventures in the Himalayas.