Being the highest peak in the world with an altitude of 8,849m, Mount Everest is beautifully located between the Nepal and Tibet border in the Solukhumbu district of Nepal. The Sanskrit name for Mount Everest is Sagarmatha which means “peak of heaven”. Justifying the name gives us the vibes of heaven itself. Sir Edmund Percival Hillary along with Sherpa mountaineer Tenzing Norgay, was the first person to reach the summit of Mount Everest on July 20, 1919. The trail passes through natural landscapes, glaciers, and stunning views of the Himalayas. This region is highly protected by Sagarmatha National park where you can see many endangered animals like snow leopards, red pandas, Himalayan Tahr, wild boars, etc. Apart from being amazingly beautiful Mount Everest or base camp may have some disadvantages like suffering from altitude sickness. It is most likely to have breathing difficulties when you are at such heights. Many accidents have been reported on Everest base camps and Mount Everest peak itself.
Temperature and weather in Everest base camp
The temperature in Everest base camp (EBC) can be extremely cold. Generally, the altitude of 5,200m which is definitely above sea level has characterized a climate called mountain plateau climate which is coldest throughout all the months. The coldest months in EBC are November-February when the temperature reaches -17 degrees Celsius. July and August are rainy seasons they are comparatively warmer.
Spring in EBC i.e. (April – May) generally has the daytime temperature around 15 degrees Celsius whereas at night it can fall to -1 degrees Celsius. With this bearable temperature, the spring season is the best time to visit EBC providing clear and blue skies, and a view of the summit.
During the monsoon season (June to September) the temperature is good. At day time reaching up to 22 degrees Celsius and at night falling around 4 degrees Celsius this season seems to have a warmer climate. But due to heavy rainfall, the roads might be muddy and may cause some trouble to trekkers. In autumn the daytime temperature reaches 17 degrees Celsius and falls around -8 degrees Celsius at night.
Well, winter is cold everywhere. In EBC, being the coldest season the temperature in winter (November to April) can be around -5 degrees Celsius in day time whereas, it greatly falls to -10 to -15 degrees Celsius at night. However, if you like the cold, you can still visit EBC in early winter. You will get an amazing view of clear blue skies and bright sunshine.
Best time to visit EBC
Even though EBC welcomes everyone almost all the months, still the best time to visit EBC is April to May and September to October. At this time the temperature is moderate with slight rainfall. You get the chance to see the dazzling view of mountains, clear blues skies, and snow. However, if you are on a limited budget the best time for you is early winter. You can get cheaper accommodation and food in early winter.
Note: it is almost impossible to trek in mid and late winter due to extreme cold and snowfall and higher chances of avalanches.
Transportation-
Bus-The bus is a suitable and moderately easier way to reach Lukla, especially for those who have acrophobia. They can always travel by bus or jeep to Phaplu and then trek to Lukla. It usually takes 10-12 hours of bus/jeep journey to reach Phaplu from Kathmandu. During dry seasons the bus reaches Khari Khola whereas in summer seasons the bus only reaches Phaplu because of slippery and muddy roads.
Trains- since there are no trains available in Nepal this option is for people coming through the northern side of Tibet. There is a training facility up to Lhasa. From Lhasa, there is the easiest roadway to northern EBC. This makes the journey easier and more comfortable.
Airplane- the two airports here are Kathmandu and Lukla so you cannot directly fly from Kathmandu to EBC. But you can reach Lukla airport. From Lukla, you need to start a tour trek to EBC. It takes around 35-40 minutes and costs you 15000-19000 NRS from Kathmandu to Lukla.
Helicopter- Helicopter allows you to visit and return to Kathmandu in a very short time. It takes 4 hours to fly from Kathmandu to Lukla. From Lukla, it takes 40-45 minutes to reach the base camp or Kalapathar. You can reach 17,700 feet (5,400m) by helicopter and enjoy views from your window seat. However, the price is very expensive around 150$ for one way. But this may differ depending on the size of the group.
accommodation and food
Accommodations- accommodations are basic yet comfortable in EBC. You can get a friendly environment staying on the teahouses, made and run by Sherpa. They are small lodges with small rooms.
Teahouses- here, Rooms are usually provided with twin-sharing beds and small tables. They also provide a clean mattress, bedsheet, and pillow with a warm blanket. You can also use your sleeping bag for additional warmth. They have one common dining room to eat in and also to socialize with other trekkers. Staying in teahouses or lodges may cost up to 5- 10$ (500 -1000 NRS) per night. Teahouses have proper facilities for bathrooms, hot showers, and internet access.
itinerary
Day 1 Arrived in Kathmandu.
Day 2 Valley sightseeing and Everest base camp trek preparation.
Day 3 Taking off from Kathmandu to Lukla and walking downhill up to Phakding along the edge of the Dudh Koshi river.
Day 4 Uphill to Namche bazaar from speaking. It took about 4 hours to reach Namche Bazar.
Day 5 It’s an accommodation day in which you can stay and enjoy the sights of Namche Bazar.
Day 6 Walk to Deboche around 5 hours which is close to the renowned thyangboche monastery from Namche bazaar.
Day 7 Trek to Dingboche for around 5-6 hours seeing the spectacular Ama Dablam
Day 8 Another day of accommodation and rest day of the trek where you can visit the Himalayan Rescue Association and get a medical checkup from the medical staff
Day 9 Trek up the high valley from Dingboche to Lobuche feeling the thin air as the hike treks up.
Day 10 Trek to Gorak Shep and walk around 1.5-2 hours to visit Everest base camp.
Day 11 Early morning hike to kala patthar(5540 m) to see the sunrise behind the peak of Everest.Back at the lodge for breakfast and a walk back down past Lobuche, dropping to Pheriche at 4370m.
Day 12 Trek to Namche Bazar to Lukla, experiencing different lodges and homestays
Day 13 Trek to Lukla from Namche bazaar walking for 7-8 hours. and then resting and sightseeing.
Day 14 Fly back to Kathmandu.
Note: Book a trekking guide
Includes
Airport pick-up and drop by private vehicle
Three nights standard Hotel in Kathmandu with breakfast
Guided Kathmandu sightseeing tour
All Domestic flights and airport tax as listed in the itinerary
Standard meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) during the trek
Government license holder guide
Stong and helpful porter with proper equipment (1 porter for 2 people)
Salary, food, accommodation, and insurance for guides and porters
Tea house/lodge accommodation during the trek
TIMS (Trekking Information Management System) card
Sagarmatha National Park entry permit
Comprehensive first aid kit
Government taxes and official expensestinerary
Congratulation!