What is the occupancy per room in Kathmandu and along the trekking trail?

Accommodation options in Kathmandu include both shared and single supplement rooms. However, during peak season, teahouse lodges along the trekking trail have limited capacity to accommodate all trekkers. So, these teahouses provide rooms on a shared basis with communal bathrooms to accommodate the high number of trekkers.

If someone gets sick or is struggling (altitude issues), during Everest Base Camp Trek how is that handled?

Our trekking crew regularly monitors the Lake Louise and Oxygen level of the client. In addition, a comprehensive first aid kit and Portable Altitude Chamber are carried in every trek. All our guides, porters, and staff are facilitated with cellphones during the trips covering most parts of the region. In the case of a very remote area, they are provided with a satellite phone for communication during an emergency. In addition, the itinerary is designed to allow gradual acclimatization.  In case of altitude sickness, we descend the client with one of our assistant guides.  In the event of urgent evacuation, rescue is done by helicopter and sent back to the hospital in Kathmandu. Note: Helicopter evacuation costs must be borne by the client on their own.

What is the price point for the different Everest Base Camp Trek options?

The costs of the trek depend on a number of days, a number of pax, type of trek i.e standard teahouse lodge trek and comfort lodge trek.

Everest Base Camp Comfort Trek is a comfort lodge with ensuite facilities. Those lodges are run by the organization and can find the chain lodges along the way. However, this trek accommodates in comfort lodges up to Pangboche and standard tea house lodges above Pangboche. The hotel in Kathmandu is based on a 4-star category.

Whereas the Everest Base Camp trek is a standard teahouse lodge trek.  The lodges along the way are operated by locals, offering basic rooms on a sharing basis with a shared bathroom and simple meals. Besides, staying at family-run teahouses allows interacting with them and knowing their culture in proximity. The hotel in Kathmandu is based on a 3-star category.

Can I charge my electronic devices during trek?

While trekking in Nepal, you can charge your devices at most lodges and tea houses, especially on popular trekking routes. Charging usually costs USD 1-5, though many places offer it for free. As you trek higher, electricity becomes less reliable, so it’s advisable to bring a power bank. Nepal uses two-pin (type C) and three-pin (type D) plugs, so you can pack adapters or buy them in Kathmandu.

 

Are there any ATM facilities available during the Everest Base Camp trek?

During the Everest Base Camp trek, ATM access is limited to Lukla and Namche Bazaar. Lukla has a few ATMs, but they can be unreliable due to power and connectivity issues. Namche Bazaar has more dependable ATMs, but it’s still wise to carry spare cash. As you ascend beyond Namche, the availability of ATMs decreases considerably, and there are no ATMs in villages such as Tengboche, Dingboche, and Lobuche.

What essential items should be included in the packing list for the Everest Base Camp Trek?

Please find the comprehensive packing list for Everest Base Camp Trek:

Footwear:

  • Walking boots. A pair of water-repellent boots with ankle support.
  • Gaiters. A pair used to keep boots dry if walking through deep snow.
  • Walking socks.
  • Yaktrax
  • Trainers or trail shoes. Can be used in and around the lodge in the afternoons/evenings.

Clothing:

  • Waterproof jacket and trousers (Gore-Tex or similar).
  • Trekking trousers.
  • Long sleeve shirts (not cotton).
  • Micro fleece.
  • Mid to heavyweight fleece.
  • Sleeveless or body warmer type fleece.
  • Thermals or base layer for top & bottom (merino wool or synthetic).
  • Fleece pants.
  • Medium weight down jacket (e.g.: Nuptse jacket by The North Face).

Handwear:

  • Fleece gloves.
  • Warms mittens and/or gloves.

Headwear:

  • Wool or fleece hat.
  • Sun hat.
  • Bandana or scarf.
  • Head torch. Bring extra batteries.
  • Sunglasses.

Personal Equipment:

  • Sleeping bag (Note: it is possible to rent this in Kathmandu for about $1 per day).
  • Day packs large enough to carry water bottles, a camera, lunch, and extra clothing.
  • Stuff sacks for keeping your gear dry and organized.
  • Two water bottles (Nalgene wide-mouth bottles are the best).
  • Sunscreen and lip salve with a high SPF.
  • Water purification tablets (Pristine, Biox Aqua, or Aqua Mira).
  • Favorite snack food.
  • Trekking poles (optional).
  • Camera with spare batteries and memory cards.
  • Insurance certificate.
  • Earplugs (optional).
  • Baby wipes
  • Hand sanitizer
  • Face Mask

Traveling:

  • Bring a small combination padlock to secure the bag.
  • Travel clothes. You will need casual clothing for air travel days and time spent in Kathmandu.
  • Toiletry bags include toilet paper, soap, towel, toothbrush, etc.

Personal first aid kit:

Note: we provide a comprehensive group first aid kit, but please bring personal medications and other items you might use regularly, such as:

  • Any personal medications.
  • Malaria prophylactic tablets.
  • Blister treatment (Compeed patches are the best).
  • Rehydration powder, e.g. Dioralyte.
  • Analgesics (paracetamol, ibuprofen and aspirin).
  • Plasters and zinc oxide tape.
  • Throat lozenges.
  • Diamox (helps with acclimatization).

How challenging is the Everest Base Camp trek, and what level of physical fitness is recommended?

EBC Trek considered a strenuous trek that requires a good level of fitness, a good training plan prior to your trip will make the trek that much more enjoyable. Depending on your individual fitness level, a few weeks to a few months of prior training should be enough to get you into shape for the Everest Base Camp Trek.

Starting from Lukla, you’ll be walking an average of 15 km a day for around 5 – 7 hours. Whilst some days will be far easier than others. Typically, the trek starts from 2,600m, Lukla Airport and reaching a high point of just beyond at Kala Patthar (5,500m). For acclimatization, the itinerary includes rest days which would give you enough time to acclimatize yourself with the altitude.

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