Short Everest Base Camp Trek-10 days

The best time for the short Everest base camp trekking falls primarily in two seasons: Spring and Autumn.

These periods offer excellent visibility of the mountain ranges, stable weather conditions and optimal trails to walk on.

Spring (March to May)

Spring is a peak season for Everest expeditions.

You will observe blooming rhododendrons and wildflowers along the trail, making the landscape colorful.

Daytime temperatures are moderate, making it easier to trek in higher altitudes, while the nighttime still remains cold.

The clear skies during these times offer good visibility of Mt Everest, Lhotse, and other peaks.

Autumn (September to November)

Autumn starts after the monsoon season, which clears away the dust, making the trekking route and the air clean.

It’s the most popular time for Everest trekking as it offers pleasant weather and perfect trekking conditions.

The skies are perfectly clear (most of the time), which gives an exceptional panoramic view of Mt Everest and its surrounding peaks.

This season has high crowds along the trail, as it is the busiest trekking season.

Stamina Training

Engaging in cardio activities such as cycling, jogging and swimming helps build your stamina.

Having good stamina is critical for long days trekking to Everest base camp.

Strength Training

Exercises like squats and lunges strengthen your leg, back and core, helping you carry gear during your short Everest base camp trek.

Also practice hiking with weights to simulate the real trekking.

Mental Toughness

Have a conqueror mindset.

No matter the challenges, believe that you will tackle all of them.

Practice mindfulness or meditation which helps you remain calm during harder trekking sections.

Understand Altitude Sickness

Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) can cause problems to anyone, no matter the age or physical fitness level.

So educate yourself about it, its symptoms and what to do if you get caught by it.

Be prepared to take an extra acclimatization day if you are having hard times.

Hydration and Nutrition

Drink plenty of water throughout your base camp Mt Everest short trek.

Also consume foods that are high in nutrients and energy.

This helps sustain your energy during the EBC trekking.

While venturing in the Everest/Khumbu region, there are lists of gear that you need to pack.

Without the gears, going in the region is next to impossible. 

Documents 

• Passport copies and passport-sized photos
• Travel insurance
• Permits

Clothing 

• Down jacket
• Waterproof and windproof outer shells
• Trekking t-shirts (quicky dry)
• Quick dry towel
• Trekking Pants
• Underwears
• Base layers
• Sun hat and woolen hat
• Buff

Footwear

• Quality trekking boots with good grip and ankle support 
• Moisture-wicking socks
• Sandal and sports shoe
• Gaiter (optional)

Accessories

• Sleeping bag
• Hydration system
• Trekking poles
• Backpack (40-50 liters capacity)
• First aid kit
• Medication for altitude sickness
• Local cash
• Polarized sunglasses
• Sanitary pads (for ladies!)
• An SPF 50 Sunscreen and lip care
• Flashlight
• Camera, power bank and charger
• Water purification tablets

Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit

This permit is required to enter the Sagarmatha National Park region which includes the Everest base camp.

You can get this permit in Kathmandu or Monjo, the place where your permit will be checked.

Cost:

Foreign Nationals: NPR 3000 (around 30$).

SAARC Nationals: NPR 1500 (around 15$).

Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Permit

This permit (by the local government) is required to trek in the Khumbu region.

You can get this permit at Lukla or the checkpoint Monjo.

This permit has replaced the TIMS card for Everest region treks.

Cost:

NPR 2000 (around 20$) for all nationals.

Acclimatize Properly

Rest regularly, especially at Namche Bazaar, to avoid altitude sickness. 

Some of the symptoms you may experience are headaches, dizziness and shortness of breath.

Stay Hydrated

Dehydration heightens the altitude effects. 

Drink at least 3-4 liters of water per day, avoiding alcohol and caffeine during the trek.

Trek Slowly and Steadily

Go slowly, especially during the ascents​. 

Don’t get too excited and rush as you may face problems, during this short everest base camp trek.  

Pack for Extreme Weather

Weather patterns in the Everest region are highly unpredictable.

Ensure you are wearing the right layers of clothes on and a well-insulated jacket, gloves and a hat.

Also, make sure you pack a high-quality sleeping bag and waterproof gear​. 

Carry a First Aid Kit

A personal first aid kit including altitude sickness medication, blister care and pain relief are essential.

And also, you can carry the water purification tablets.

Know the Trail Dangers

Be careful of icy patches, narrow trails, yaks or steep paths. 

Give ways for yak and be on your guards to avoid accidents.

Hire a Guide or Porter

Having a local Sherpa guide increases safety, as they know the land, the culture and what to do in case of an emergency.

And the porter helps carry your bags, helping you get relief from loads and enjoy the trek fully.

While trekking to EBC, one will have different options in the field of accommodations and food.

The teahouses are the commonly available housing options whereas other options are less available.

Accommodations Options

• Tea Houses (Mostly Available)

Description: Basic, family-run lodges offering twin-sharing simple rooms with shared bathrooms. 

Tea houses remain the prime choice of accommodation in the Khumbu region as a whole.

Amenities: This varies depending on the elevation.

Lower-elevation teahouses, like Namche Bazaar and Phakding, may offer hot showers, electric services and even Wi-Fi all for a minimal charge.

As you get higher up in elevation, like Gorak Shep or Lobuche, the facilities become less elaborate with minimal or no electricity.

Cost: Varies according to location and elevation, but generally $2 to $15 per night​

• Luxury Lodges

Description: Trekkers who need more comfort can avail luxury lodges in key stops like Namche Bazaar, Phakding and Lukla.

These offer private rooms with en-suite bathrooms and hot showers, premium services and more.

Amenities: Private rooms, en-suite bathroom, electricity and gourmet meals

Cost: $100 to $300 per night, luxury lodges provide an upscale experience​

• Guesthouses

Description: Guesthouses en route at places like Lukla and Namche Bazaar boast superior facilities and more spacious rooms than tea houses.

Facilities: The majority of them offer en-suite bathrooms, Wi-Fi and comfortable beds.

Cost: Price ranges from $10 to $50 depending on the place and what’s on offer​.

• Camping

Description: Fewer do this now, as there are so many tea houses, but some trekkers still love guided camping treks.

This can be for those that want to go more remote or have a more private experience.

Facilities: Tents and meals provided by tour operator companies. 

Generally, campsites are established near tea houses.

Cost: More expensive than tea houses since extra equipment and staff are required.

Foods on Short Everest Base Camp Trek

The food on the Mount Everest Base Camp short trek is designed to energize you for your long hours of trekking. 

There is not a complex list of dishes available, but it includes very nutritious food.

• Common Meals

Dal Bhat: The traditional Nepalese dish of rice and lentil soup with vegetable curry. 

It is usually available as an all-you-can-eat option, which gives much energy while trekking.

Food Options for Breakfast: Tibetan bread, pancakes, omelets, porridge and chapati.

Lunch and Dinner: Fried rice, noodles, momo, soups-in majority garlic soup for altitude acclimatization and pasta​

• Drinks and Hydration

Boiled water is often available at tea houses, for a minimal charge, while most trekkers bring their own water purification tablets.

Hot drinks of tea, coffee, and hot chocolate are readily available at nearly all stops; however the prices increase with the altitude.

Price Range of Drinks: Tea houses charge about $1 to $5 for hot drinks depending on the altitude.

Highly recommended is ginger tea for health benefits in high altitude​​

EBC trek has much to offer, not only in amazing and mind-blowing landscapes.

You can also immerse yourself into the rich Sherpa culture and traditions of the Khumbu region. 

Some of the interesting cultural experiences are

Tibetan Buddhism

The main religion of this region is Tibetan Buddhism.

In fact, many monasteries and chortens, lining the trek route, remind you constantly of this.

Arguably the most famous is the Tengboche Monastery, 3,867 meters up, where trekkers often make a stop to get blessed for a safe journey.

Trekkers will encounter mani stones-prayer engraved stones, prayer flags and prayer wheels along the trail, symbolizing peace and compassion.

It is customary to walk around these symbols clockwise as a show of respect​.

Sherpa Community

The Sherpa people are scattered over the whole Everest area and have gained much international experience in mountaineering.

Their hospitality, bravery and knowledge of the mountains are beyond praise. 

It is in the Himalayas that the Sherpas have grown up and have special attachment to Everest.

They call Everest, Chomolungma (the Mother Goddess).

Many Sherpas work as guides and porters.

Hence, they form part of the crucial elements in the business of trekking and climbing.

Being around them enables you to share some of the toughness in their way of life and Buddhism in action​

Festivals and Traditions

There are a number of festivals celebrated by the Sherpa people, which include the Losar (Tibetan New Year) and Dumje.

The former is a very colorful festival of dances and rituals in order to chase away evil spirits and bring in blessings for the New Year​.

Another important festival is Mani Rimdu, which is celebrated at the Tengboche Monastery.

 Here, monks perform ritual dances and prayers in favor of Guru Rinpoche, one of the most important figures in Tibetan Buddhism.

Physical fitness

The steep terrain and long days EBC trek demands good fitness from you. 

Prepare yourself for this short EBC base camp trek, engaging in activities to increase your endurance and strength. 

Weather conditions

Everest base camp weather can change from clear skies to rain and snow in a matter of time.

So keep up to date information and prepare required gears and clothes.

Cultural consideration

Be respectful of local Sherpa customs and rituals.

Also dress properly and modestly, especially when visiting monasteries.

Emergency preparedness

Buy a comprehensive travel insurance plan that covers high altitude trekking, medical treatments, and emergency rescue operations.

Photography 

Don’t click pictures of people and religious sites without asking for permission first.

And also, don’t disturb the wildlife or local for capturing the images.