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Faqs Everest Base Camp Trek

Faqs Everest Base Camp Trek

Frequently Asked Questions

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Can you do Everest Base Camp in 10 days?

Yes, you can do Everest Base Camp Trek in 10 days but only with flying with the itinerary Everest Base Camp Trek with helicopter Fly Out. Otherwise, if you are planning to walk to Everest Base Camp and walk down to Lukla, it is totally impossible to do Everest Base Camp Trek in 10 days. If you have 10 days, you must ask the trekking company or travel agent to set the itinerary with helicopter fly out from Kalapatthar (5545m) or Lobuche (4900m).

 Actually, it takes 8 complete days to walk up to Everest Base Camp (5364m) and Kalapatthar  with 2 days acclimatization: one at Namche Bazaar(3400m) and the other Dingboche (4400m) and it minimum takes 3 days to walk down to Lukla and 2 more days to fly to Lukla and  fly back to Kathmandu. So, it takes, minimum 12 day to do Everest Base Camp Trek by walking beginning from Lukla and ending at the same place. But if you use helicopter while returning, you can complete Ebc trek in 10 days.

How many days does it take to trek to Everest Base Camp?

Normally, Everest Base Camp Trek takes minimum 13/14 days including trekking days, acclimatization, fly to and from Lukla and arrival and departure days. To go up to Everest Base Camp from Lukla, it takes minimum 8 days with 2 acclimatization days:  one at Namche and the other at Dingboche, three days to walk down to Lukla and one  more day for flying out from Lukla and two more days for arrival and departure.  So, if you count the total days, it becomes 13/14 days. You’d better have one spare day in case your Lukla flight is delayed or postponed and even sometimes cancelled.

 But, you can do Everest Base Camp Trek in 10 days. It is possible only with helicopter fly out from Kalapatthar/Lobuche after you step at Everest Base Camp.

Can you do Everest Base Camp Trek in 7 days?

No, it is impossible to do Everest Base Camp Trek in 7 days. It takes minimum 8 days to go up to Everest Base Camp (5364m) and takes 3 days to walk down to Lukla. Even if you use helicopter fly out from Lobuche or Gorekh Shep, it seems impossible to do Everest Base Camp Trek in 7 days, but you can do it in 8 days with helicopter fly out from Lobuche or Kalapatthar directly back to Kathmandu. If the weather condition gets worse, it will be impossible to do Everest Base Camp Trek in 7 days. You can Annapurna Base Camp Trek, Mardi Himal Trek, Langtang Valley Trekking in 7 days. 

How much Everest trek cost?

The Everest Trek cost ranges between USD 1100-1300 USD. This is the cost of 15 days Everest Base Camp Trek from Kathmandu to Kathmandu. This cost includes air and ground transportation from and to Lukla from Kathmandu, all pick ups and drops, your breakfast, Kathmandu Hotel accommodation and all accommodation during the trek in lodge, guide and porter service and all required trekking permits. At this cost, you just need to worry about the cost of your lunch and dinner and other extras like drinks and tipping. Otherwise, if you have got minimum budget of 1500 USD, you can do Everest Trek to Everest Base Camp and enjoy this marvelous adventure stepping at the highest mountain base camp. 


For the comprehensive cost details about Everest Trek, you can click: Everest Base Camp Short Trek Cost and get benefitted hugely by it and you can make your EBC Trek more magnificent and  successfully memorable. 

How difficult is EBC trek?

EBC Trek is moderately difficult in the sense that initially, it seems to be moderate but while approaching to Everest Base Camp, it seems it’s impossible because of high altitude and thin layer of oxygen at Everest Base Camp(5364m) and Kalapatthar(5545m). Therefore, one requires preparing very well with a boosted stamina for walking at least 7 hours above 4000m. You also have to have very reliable trekking equipment and professional trekking crew for your EBC trek.


Until Namche Bazaar (3400m) and Tengboche( 3860m), the EBC Trek seems easy or moderate for the trekkers. As you ascend from Tengboche to Dingboche, you feel a bit harder and you will feel really tough while ascending from Lobuche to Gorekhshep, Everest Base Camp and Kalapattahr.  Actally, even some trekkers cannot do Everest Base Camp Trek or EBC Trek and they require rescue due to high altitude sickness. So, you need to prepare very well with all required things to do prior to the trekking for your EBC Trek. 

What is the perfect Everest Base Camp Itinerary?

The perfect Everest Base Camp is 14/15days Everest Base Camp Trek Itinerary. The 14/15 days Everest Base Camp Trek Itinerary is perfect for the trekkers who are doing their Everest Base Camp Trek as it consists of all required acclimatization days: one day at Namche Bazaar and the other at Dingboche. And most importantly, it requires perfect pacing while ascending above 5000m and 14 days Everest Base Camp Trek Itinerary is set with 6-7 hour working each day including the time of breakfast, rest and lunch so that you can feel comfortable in the mountain and there is less chance of getting high altitude sickness. If the itinerary is set like this, definitely, you will celebrate your Everest Base Camp Trek tremendously.

Which Everest Base Camp Itinerary do People follow mostly?

Majority of the people follow 14/15 days Everest Base Camp Trek Itinerary since it is perfect to the people of all levels and age group. Also, some of the people who are restricted by time, follow 12/13 days Everest Base Camp Trek itinerary as an alternative. Similarly, there is a trend of flying out from Kalapatthar or Everest Base Camp These days among the trekkers and they follow 10 days Everest Base Camp Trek itinerary with helicopter fly out from Kalapatthar to Lukla or directly to Kathmandu.


So, the trekkers who don’t want to fly out from Kalapatthar while returning back from Everest Base Camp, they follow 10 days Everest Base Camp Trek with helicopter fly out and those who want to trek back along the same trail back to Namche and Lukla from Everest Base Camp without flying by helicopter, they follow 14 days Everest Base Camp Trek Itinerary. And it depends on you which itinerary you want to follow according to your time frame, budgeting and wish. Best of all, you can go with 14/15 days Everest Base Camp Trek Itinerary.

How hard is the trek to Everest Base Camp?

Trek to Everest Base Camo is graded as moderately hard. It is considered so because the ebc trek begins with moderate hike from Lukla to Namche and then the trek tends to become difficult due to high altitude above 4000m to Lobuche( 4900m) to Gorekhshep ( 5180m) and then to Everest Base Camp (5364m) and finally to Kalapatthar ( 5545m).


Beginning with moderate hike, the trekkers end it with a very challenging ascend to Everest Basecamp and Kalapatthar through Lobuche and Gorekhshep. So, the trekkers who are preparing or planning to do their Everest Base Camp trek needs to prepare as they are conquering over a challenging trekking trip in Nepal. Therefore, a sound level of fitness and preparation are required beforehand the trek with all required trekkingequipment checklist.  

How long is the hike to Everest Base Camp?

The hike to Everest Base Camp ranges between 10 -15 days. If you choose to go with 12/13/14/15 days Everest BaseCamp Trek, then, it will be with normal and regular flight from Ramechhap or Kathmandu to Lukla and if you go with 10/11 days Everest Base Camp Trek Itinerary, you will go with helicopter fly out from Kalapatthar or Lubuche.


Actually, you need to allocate some spare days like 2 spare days for your Everest Base Camp Trek as the weather condition in Everest region is always unstable which will interrupt the regular helicopter and plane flights and you may miss your important things like international flights too. So, it is very mandatory to have at least 2 spare days if you are doing Everest Base Camp Hike. Hike to Everest Base Camp will be beautiful  and less stressful if you have got 15-16 days with you to allocate to it.


If you don’t have all 15/16 days to spare for your Ebc trek, then, you can go with either jeep drive to Paiya or helicopter fly back from Lobuche or Kalapatthar back to Lukla or directly Kathmandu. 

Is Everest Base Camp trek for beginners?

No, Everest Base Camp Trek is not for the beginners. Beginners should not dare to venture onto the Everest Base Camp Trekking Trail in Nepal since the trek is graded as moderately challenging. However, even the beginners can go up to Namche Bazar and Everest View Hotel and can see Mt. Everest. But. The beginners shouldn’t try to go Everest Base Camp (5364m) which is very challenging due to high altitude above 5000m above the sea level. The trek grows more difficult after move your footsteps from Tengboche and Dingbcohe till you get to Lobuche(4900m) and Everest Base Camp.  


But still the beginners wish to see Everest right? Yes, if you really excited to see Everest as a beginner, then, you can go with Everest Short Trek/ Everest View Trek or Everest Panorama Trek which will astonish you stunning views of all Himalayan panoramas including Mt. Everest, Nupse, Loatse, Amadablam and Thamaserkhu from Everest View Hotel and the Namche Viewpoint located next to Army camp just above Namche Bazaar. The Everest View Trek or Everest Short Trek will take only one week.


If you do this as a beginner, then, next time you can do Everest Base Camp Trek after you experience the Everest region slightly and its atmosphere and the people on the trail and altitude as well. 


And the final alternative to see Everest from Everest as a beginner is Everest Helicopter Tour which will take you to Everest Base Camp directly from Kathmandu and lets you witness Mt. Everest within 2 hours. 

How much extra cash required on this trek to Everest base camp?


On booking with Haven Holidays Nepal, where most expenses are included in the trek cost. Like hotels in Kathmandu on B/B, sightseeing tour, as well domestic flights both ways with services of guide and porters. Included all meals and accommodation throughout the treks. The only extra money required for own individual expenses for extra snacks, drinks, and tipping for the guide and porters as well buying souvenirs.


Trekkers needs to carry extra cash in local currency that is Nepali Rupees equivalent to US$ 300 to 500. For own personal expenses and tipping of the staff and porters at the end of trekking. People who enjoy drinking hard drinks or beer needs to carry extra US$ 100 to 200. As the drinks are expensive around Everest region, best to drink on the way down, drinking alcohol on the way up is not advisable can lead to serious circumstances.

Do all lodges provides electricity and internet or Wi-Fi?


All lodges do have facilities of electricity either run by local hydro plant or with solar power. At present nearly all overnight places in lodges do have internet and Wi-Fi services, in some places can be quite slow and disturbing depending upon the areas and weather wise. Where all clients’ needs to pay extra for charging each electronic items. As for internet services it’s free in some places, and other lodge might charge extra, where you can learn from your guide about the cost.

How are the foods and accommodation on treks?


Trekkers will be surprised with comprehensive food list on the menu, all foods are served healthy and hygienic. One can choose from La Carte to Set Menu which is mainly the common and popular Nepali Dal / Bhat (Rice and lentil soup served with mild veg / meat curry). Trekkers can enjoy continental, Chines, Korean, Italian, and Indian, Tibetan or Sherpa foods also. Some places provides fresh bakery products also. The lodges of various class, from budget, standard to luxury depending upon the trip cost. Most lodges are of simple tourist standard with common toilet and bathrooms. Where one needs to pay extra for using hot showers.

What happens if one get sick on route trekking?

Normally our guide takes care of each clients and taking much precaution regarding the altitude and foods, drinks on treks. However, some might get mild sickness from high altitude or from spicy foods. In case of severe and bad situation the patient is brought down to safe altitude. For very sick people immediate evacuation by any means of fast transportation. The only quickest ways is taking a Helicopter Services to bring the victim back to Kathmandu for treatment in the best hospitals. For this types of incidence if occurs, where all trekkers are informed regarding the Travel and Medical Insurance to cover all the extra expenses incurred on this situation.   


How long will be the helicopter flight?

Actually, the Everest Base Camp Helicopter flight takes off from Kalapattahr and lands at either Lukla or directly at Kathmandu airport. So, if you want to fly back to only to Lukla and then take another normal regular flight to Kathmandu, the helicopter flight duration will be only for 20 minutes, on if you are directly flying to Kathmandu from Kalapattahr with EBC helicopter, then, it will take around an hour. you can directly land at Kathmandu airport wihtout troubling your legs walking all the same way down to Lukla via Tengboche and Namche bazar spending all 4-5 days. 


If you really want, then, you even can fly to Everest Base Camp or Kalapattahr directly and fly back to Kathmandu via Lukla. This is called Everest Helicopter Tour or Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour or ebc Heli tour. 

What types of aircraft flies to Lukla and model of Helicopter?


For Lukla and all mountainous airport around Nepal Himalayas, only smaller aircraft operates. The models are Twin Otter which is 18 seated aircraft, but due to load and heavy baggage, allows 15 to 16 passengers. The other similar type is 
Dornier which is faster than Twin Otter with same seating order like in Twin Otter.


Sometimes, the airlines also operates Pilatus Porter, a small aircraft of maximum 6 seated with single pilot. All these STOL aircraft are meant for Short Landing and Take Off. The Helicopter that operates on mountainous region are is Euro copter AS 350 Squirrel. Including Ecureuil helicopters are certified to fly above 2,300 feet / 7,010 m high. AS Euro copter AS 350 and Ecureuil models are most efficient and reliable for mountainous region like in Nepal Himalayas. The helicopter normally accommodates a maximum number of 5 adult passengers only. Subjective to high altitude and temperature on the landing site.

What is the distance of walking from Lukla to Everest Base Camp?


Approx. 62 k.m. or 38.5 miles, walking distance from Lukla to Everest base camp one way. Not counting the extra hike to Kalapathar or excursion on rest day at Namche and Dingboche. 

What is the shortest time to do Everest Base Camp Trek?

You can see Everest from Hotel Everest View if you venture on Everest Short trek, But if you really want to step at Everest Base Camp, then, you need to undertake Everest Base Camp Trek which even can be done in 10 days. So, 10 days Everest Base Camp Trek is the shortest time to do Everest Base Camp Trek. This 10 days Everest Base camp Trek doesn’t consist of acclimatization days so it can also be risky for the trekkers. Therefore, if you really want an ideal Everest Base Camp Trek itinerary, 15/16 days Everest Base Camp Trek which is set with all required acclimatization and good pacing and ascent. 

What is the difference between Everest Short Trek and Everest Base Camp Short Trek?

Actually, there is vast difference between Everest Base Camp Short Trek and Everest Short Trek. Everest Short Trek, actually, takes the trekkers only up to Hotel Everest View (3480m.) and Namche and Tengboche and still let them witness Mt. Everest, the top of the world from Hotel Everest View. But the Everest Base Camp Trek takes you to the Everest Base Camp and offers a glorious opportunity to create a history of putting your footsteps at the highest mountain base camp of the world passing through Namche, Tengbcohe, Dingboche, Lobuche and Gorekhshep. You will also ascend up to Kalapatthar and capture marvelous Everest and all towering mountain peaks in Khumbu region.


Everest Base Camp short Trek is actually the shorter itinerary of Everest Base Camp Trek. It may be like 10-11 days but Everest Short Trek can be 5-6 days long but still can see Everest. If you are well-prepared and have sound level of physical fitness, then, you can go with Everest Short Trek and if you are the beginner and just want to experience Nepal’s mountains in Khumbu region along with Mt. Everest, then, go for Everest Short Trek only up to Hotel Everest View and Tengboche. 

Why Everest Base Camp Trek?

The emperor of trekking trips in Nepal is Everest Base Camp. Everyone wishes to step at Everest Base Camp (5364m) and make a history of adventure in their life.

 

Everyone wishes to witness Mt. Everest (8848.86m) from closest point of views, Everest Base Camp and Kalapatthar( 5545m) and celebrate the moments.

 

Everyone wishes to follow the trekking trail used by two legendary climbers: Tenging Norgay Sherpa and Edmund Hillary while scaling Mt. Everest in 1953.

 

Everyone prefers to walk through Sagaramtha National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Sites and the national park located at the highest elevation of the world.

 

Everyone wants to ascend up to Everest View Hotel, the hotel located at the highest elevation of the world witness Mt. Everest.

 

These are the reasons why people choose to do Everest Base Camp Trek. 

How quick can you do Everest Base Camp?

You can do Everest Base Camp Trek, the quickest, in 10 days with helicopter fly out from Everest Base Camp or Kalapatthar. It takes minimum 7 -8 days to walk up to Everest Base Camp and Kalapatthar and one day for return flight with helicopter and another two days for arrival and departure. So, one can do Everest Base Camp Trek in either 10 or 11 days if you are well set with all required preparations including trekking equipment checklist.


But, if you choose to walk all the way up and down in your ebc trek, then, it takes at least 12 days to complete Everest Base Camp Trek. So, make up your mind whether to take helicopter flight back from Everest Base Camp or trek all the way back to Lukla without it and then go for the Ebc trek itinerary. 

Can you do EBC in 10 days?

Yes, it is possible to do Everest Base Camp Trek in 10 days but possible with helicopter fly back from Everest Base Camp. Otherwise, it takes at least 12 days to accomplish your ebc trek. If you have got 10 days to spend Nepal and willing to do EBC trek and you are all set up, you can follow this itinerary with helicopter fly out from Kalapatthar/EBC. 


Everest Base Camp Trek 10 days with helicopter 

Day1: Arrival in Kathmandu 1,320 m and transfer to hotel.

Day2: Day 3 Fly to Lukla/2840m, Trek to Phakding 2,610m/30 minutes flight 3 - 4 Hours trek

Day3: Trek to Namche Bazaar 3,440 m / 11, 350 feet - 06 hrs.

Day4: At Namche for acclimatization and short scenic hike up to Everest View Hotel ( 3880m)

Day5: Trek to Tengboche Monastery( 3,867 m) - 05 hrs.

Day6: Trek to Dingboche 4,410 m / 14,470 feet -05 hrs.

Day7: At Dingboche, rest day for acclimatization.

Day8: Trek to Lobuche 4,960 m - 05 hrs.

Day9: Trek to Everest Base Camp 5,364 m and Back to GorakShep - 07 hrs.

Day10: Climb Kalapatthar 5,545 m, and fly to Lukla on a Heli and Fly to Kathmandu with regular flight - 04 hrs.

How many different Everest Base Camp Trek itineraries are there?

There are, basically, 6 different Everest Base Camp Trek Itineraries. These are: 10 Days Everest Base Camp Trek with Helicopter Return, 11 Days Everest Base Camp Trek with helicopter Return, 12 Days Everest Base Camp Hike, 13 Days Everest Base Camp Trek, 14 Days Everest Base Camp Trek and 15 Days Everest Base Camp Trek. Also, one of the popular trek itineraries to go to Everest Base Camp is: Everest Base Camp Jeep Ride with Helicopter Return. 

With an extension of rural road and to quench the new desire and wish of the people, the travel agents are offering various novels and exciting EBC Trek Itineraries in recent time. You even can do Everest Base Camp Trek without Lukla and Manthali Flight from and for Kathmandu. You can simply go with jeep ride to Salleri and Paiya and then walk to Everest Base Camp and then walk down to the same spot to get the jeep ride back to Kathmandu. 

However, 14 days Everest Base Camp Trek Itinerary is the best trekking itinerary to go Everest Base Camp and come back to Kathmandu. It has got proper acclimatization days (2 days), one at Namche(3400m) and the other at Dingboche (4400m)and all arrivals and departures days. So, among various Everest Base Camp Trek Itineraries, 14 Days Everest Base Camp Trek Itinerary is highly recommended for your safety and full enjoyment. 

How many days needed for Everest Base Camp Trek?

You even can do Everest Base Camp Trek in 10 days but the most ideal itinerary for Everest Base Camp is 14 days. 10/11 days itineraries are only possible with helicopter fly back from Everest Base Camp. But, other itineraries like 14/15 days will take you to Everest Base Camp(5364m) and Kalapatthar(5545m) on walk and offers the same opportunity while coming back to Lukla before taking the flight back to Manthali or Kathmandu. But, if you choose one way walk to EBC and return back with helicopter either to Lukla or Manthali or directly Kathmandu, then, you can go with 9/10 days Everest Base Camp Trek with helicopter returnThis 9/10 days itinerary excludes arrival and departure. 

Frankly telling, you require at least two weeks period for Everest Base Camp Trek if you are planning doing it completely on your foot, walking in and to and walking out. 

Can you do Everest Base Camp in 10 days?

Yes, you can do Everest Base Camp in 10 days but with helicopter fly back to Lukla or Manthali or Kathmandu. And if you have got only 9/10 days and  planning to do Everest Base Camp, it is possible but only with helicopter and if you want to explore the Everest region extensively on walk by passing through local Sherpa Villages, you require at least 14 days which includes your arrival and departure.

Can a beginner do Everest Base Camp Trek?

No, if you are a beginner, don’t dare to do Everest Base Camp Trek as it is graded as moderately challenging. Till Namche Bazaar(3400m), the trek is moderate while ascending up to Everest View Hotel(3880m), the trek, then, gets more challenging while passing through Tengboche (3800m) and Dingboche. Similarly, the trek gets more strenuous while ascending up to Lobuche( 4900m) and Everest Base Camp (5354m) and Kalapatthar(5545m). So, if you are a beginner and passionately willing doing Everest Base Camp Trek, you can do Everest Short Trek up to Everest View Hotel and walk down to Lukla to explore and experience Everest region and to witness Mt. Everest (8848.86m).

How do I plan a trek to Everest Base Camp?

You need to plan comprehensively to conquer over Everest Base Camp (5364m) and Kalapatthar(5545m), with all necessary things including personal gears and other trekking equipment. More importantly, you must boost up your stamina by doing regular physical exercises in order to make your body capable to adjust with new atmosphere and elevation. 

Plan your Everest Base amp Trek by following ways:  
  • Do regular exercises basically related to Cardio 
  • Boost up your stamina mentally and physically in order to be capable to adjust with the new elevation and atmosphere you will get to during the trip 
  • Get and pack up all necessary equipment for the trek 
  • Get and pack all required personal equipment and gears 
  • Do some research on the trek you are doing and the region you are heading to and you are going to explore 
  • Ask about the trip with someone who have already done it and collect important information 
  • Address health issues if you have any before you depart for the trip 
  • Prepare all required medicines you must take on the trip regularly if you are doing it 
  • Let your friends, family or relatives know that you are going Nepal for the trip, destination and duration 
  • Prepare mentally how you are going to spend your budget on different titles and carry/collect enough budget for the trip but don’t try to be prodigal, just enough   
  • Prepare travel insurance and confirm that your trip is booked and reserved 
  • Check the weather condition before you depart for the trip 

How much money should I take on Everest Base Camp trek?

Everest Base Camp Trek Cost ranges between USD 1100-1500. If you choose to do half- board Everest Base Camp Trek Package with basic accommodation in Kathmandu and on the trekking trail, you can do it at USD 1100. Here, half-board package means only bed and breakfast with other includes like permits, transportation and guide and porter. But, unlike that, if you want a full-board package with luxury accommodation in Kathmandu and all round the trekking trail, the cost will be USD 1500 including all required things for the Everest Base Camp Trek. 

USD 1100-1500 will be the trip cost and you require taking other money for extras. The extras like: the money for drinks ( alcoholic and non-alcoholic), the money to get souvenirs, the money to get trekking equipment and personas gears, some little donations if you like and tipping to your guide and porter. 

The guidelines for drinks: you can spend USD 10 maximum for your drinks a day in the mountain, USD 100 to get souvenirs during the trip if you really love something to pick up, USD 100-200 extra to get some spare trekking equipment and personal gears, USD 10-20 for little donations and USD 10 for your guide and porter per day. So, if you carry/take USD 500 extra money with you excluding the real trip cost, your Everest Base Camp Trek will be more fascinating and memorable. You and all the crew members will be satisfied and happy during the trip. 

In case , you get altitude sickness and requires treatments and rescue, your travel insurance will cover them. For this, please prepare and take a very reliable, authentic and comprehensive travel insurance with you during your Everest Base Camp Trek. 

Where do you sleep on Everest Base Camp Trek?

You use local lodges and teahouses to sleep and stay overnight on Everest Base Camp Trek. A decade ago, there would be camping trekking trips and the trekkers and the trekking operators had to manage tents for overnight stay. But, nowadays, trekkers can get lodges and teahouse easily on the trail for overnight stay. They also get all the meals they want during their Everest Base Camp trek on the menu prepared by the local teahouse owners. They prepare all required meals for your including all kinds of drinks like tea, coffee, alcoholics and other cold drinks too at local lodges. 

 Your trekking leader or your trekking company will arrange accommodation for overnight stay and you have to go with it. The local lodges will offer you an ordinary and common twin sharing bedrooms with no toilet attached. You have to go outside of bedroom for the toilet and shower. The toilet and shower you are using will be common and sharing to all other people who are staying at the lodge. If you want to know more about facilities of toilet in Everest region, you can click: Toilets Facilities in Everest Base Camp Trek. 

The beds will be comfortable enough to spend a single or a couple of night at the local lodge on Everest Base Camp Trek. You also can get luxury and attached accommodations during the trek from Lukla to Dingboche, but from Lobuche to Gorekhshep is not possible. If you want a luxury accommodation from Lukla to Dingboche, you can ask your trekking company to provide you Luxury Everest Base Camp Trek and you should be ready to pay little more for it. 

What is the best way to go Everest Base Camp?

The best way to go Everest Base Camp (5364m) is Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour. Although there are other two ways: Everest Base Camp Trek and Everest Mountain Flight, Everest Heli Tour is the best option to go and land at Everest Base Camp/Kalapatthar (5545m). 

Everest Base Camp Trek required at least 2 weeks for walking to EBC through Lukla, Namche, Tengboche and Lobuche. Some people find it very tiring and they want to go with either Everest Heli ride or Everest Mountain flight to see Mt. Everest(8848.86). You can step at Everest Base Camp and make a history in your life while doing Everest Base Camp Trek. 

If you choose Everest Mountain Flight, you can see Mt. Everest but you cannot land at Everest Base Camp/Kalapatthar. But, if you go with Helicopter Tour to Everest Base Camp, you can land at Kalapatthar and witness Mt. Everest from the closest viewpoint. Not only Mt. Everest, you can see Pumori, Loa Tse, Nupse, Makalu and many other snow-fed peaks in Everest region. At the same time, one can witness Khumbu Glacier and all surrounding of Sagarmatha National Park. You can do all these things within 4 hours. 

While landing at Kalapatthar during your Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour, you will have maximum 30 minutes to explore and capture the mountain views all round you. 

How much extra personal expenses should I take for Everest Base Camp Trek?

One requires taking at least USD 500 as extra personal expenses in Everest Base Camp Trek. You can disperse USD 500 to different titles like extra drinks like juice and alcoholic, extra coffee and tea, getting extra and spare pieces of clothing and trekking equipment, little donations to the local loges/hotels and local organization if you want, getting souvenirs you like to collect at Namche Bazaar and Lukla and most importantly, tipping your guide and porter. 

One fine coffee costs USD 3-4, one beer costs USD 5-7, one item of souvenir cost may range between USD 10-100 and can make little donations like USD 10-20 if you like. Tipping your guide and porter is optional but they will definitely hope something extra money from you as they work harder helping you all the time from starting to the end of the trek. There is not bottom-line how much to tip for your guide and porter but you can plan it such a way that you can allocate at least USD 10 per individual porter or guide per day. This is just a guide line and you can reward them with more handsome amount if you are satisfied and happy with the care and services they provided you. If you don’t tip them, yet, they will be happy because they are Nepali people. 

However, you can spend more than USD 500 in your Everest Base Camp Trek as an extra personal expenses if you want. You can collect as many souvenirs as you like and spend as much as you want for extra drinks and tipping your guide and porter. This is your trip and you can enjoy in the way you like by making your Everest Base Camp Trek Crew happy.  

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