Classic Everest Base Camp Trek

As there are many routes to the Everest base camp, Classic Everest Base Camp Trek is no other exception. It is an alternative option to be in the lap of the world’s biggest Mount Everest. It is that route Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay Sherpa took in 1953 to reach Everest.

This 21-day classic EBC trek is a week longer than the Everest Base Camp Trek from Lukla. The classic route adjoins in Lukla or Namche Bazaar after a week of trekking through the villages such as Jiri, Bhandara, Sete, Junbesi, Nunthatla, etc. And, the remainder of the route follows the standard route till the end. This trekking route provides enough time to adjust to the altitude and learn about Sherpa culture.

This route to the base camp of Everest at 5364 meters goes through the Sagarmatha National Park with its varied topography, secluded environment, distinctive culture, simple way of life, and breathtaking mountains. Along the way, you will pass via glacial rivers, and alpine woods, and enjoy the friendly welcome of local residents. You get to relish the breathtaking Himalayan views along the route, from the Sherpa villages, and from the famous viewpoint at 5545 meters elevation named Kalapatthar. Not only Everest but, Lhotse, Makalu, Cho Oyu, Ama Dablam, etc. will accompany your journey.

After an unforgettable road route from Kathmandu to Jiri, prepare to be greeted by crystal clear air and an alpine world dotted with colorful prayer flags fluttering in the cool Himalayan breeze. Following the famous Everest classic route, we will trek to the prosperous village of Namche Bazaar and onwards, besides the torrential Imja Khola (river), to the high valley below Everest.

During the course of this exceptional and comfortably-paced trek, we will visit many delightful Sherpa villages, including the stunningly located Tengboche with its impressive backdrop of Mount Everest and Mt. Ama Dablam.

The paths we will journey through on this holiday to Nepal are generally easy and well maintained as we will stick to the commonly used routes and yak trails. Furthermore, due to the Khumbu region’s long-standing presence as one of Nepal’s most popular trekking destinations, the area delivers numerous options for lodging and relaxation.

The teashops lining our well-traversed route will provide much respite as we journey onward through the Sherpa villages. However, the altitude (over 3,000 m) takes its toll on the body differently as compared to traversing the same distance on plains.

The ideal fusion of adventure, culture, nature, and wildlife is captured in the Classic Everest Base Camp Trek. With the promise of breathtaking mountain views and a wonderful insight into the way of life of the hardy Sherpas, this is the perfect trek for first-timers to Nepal and the Himalayas. So, why not embark on the trek of a lifetime with Himalayan Trekkers?

Highlights of Classic Everest Base Camp Trek

• The classic route to the Everest Base Camp walked by Tenzing Norgay and Edmund Hillary

• Enjoy the serene and uncrowded trek with amazing surrounding vistas 

• Attractive Sherpa villages with kind Sherpa People

• Unique cultures, traditions, and warm hospitality

• Visit the Yak Cheese Factory in Bhandar

• Pay the visit to Thupten Chholing Monasteries in Junbesi

• Explore the significant monasteries in the Everest region including Tengboche & Pangboche 

• Panoramic Himalayan views from the famous Kala Patthar which lies at 5545 meters 

• Discover the Khumbu Icefall and Khumbu glacier (the biggest glacier in Nepal)

• One of the most scenic flights from Lukla to Kathmandu 

• Experience crossing the hanging/suspension bridges above the Dudh Koshi Khola (Milk River)

Classic Everest Base Camp Trek Difficulty 

There are different factors that determine the difficulty level of a trekking journey. The factors are such as the route distance, duration, and condition, destination, weather & temperature, availability, etc. Considering these factors, this Classic Everest Base Camp Trek is a moderately difficult journey. It is somewhat longer than the standard Everest Base Camp Trek, making it a little more difficult. However, there is no technical climbing involved and no prior climbing experience is necessary.

Trekkers are expected to walk 15 kilometers, i.e., 5-6 hours per day on average. Hence, it is advisable to ensure fitness levels competent enough to allow continuous walking with a backpack. You can engage in some the cardio exercises and sports such as swimming and cycling. Ideally, fit and active hikers would be able to successfully make out this trek without any hitches.

The Everest Base Camp route is the most famous trekking route in Nepal and one of the most developed routes too though given the high height. EBC Trek is a teahouse-based trek where you will easily find teahouses to eat and stay for the nights.

Elevation hikes are challenging even for fit and seasoned hikers. Hence, we have carefully designed this classic trek route itinerary with generous resources for acclimatization, including extra days at Namche Bazaar and Dingboche. You can also carry Diamox or any other prescribed AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness/Altitude Sickness) medications. In case, you see symptoms of the sickness during the trek, you are advised to inform your guide as soon as possible. 

Similarly, the weather conditions of the trek route also affect the difficulty of the trek. So, you need to choose the right time to do the trek for the best experience as explained below.

Best time to do Classic Everest Base Camp Trek 

Spring and autumn seasons are the peak seasons for the Classic Everest Base Camp Trek like any other Himalayan trek in Nepal. However, you can visit the base camp via the classic route any time of the year depending upon your purpose. Each season has its own distinct beauty to offer to you.

Spring, which starts from March and lasts till May has a clear blue sky with sunny days and windy evenings. The weather is quite stable and the temperatures are pleasant for the trek. The trails are dry and filled with new vegetation with clear Himalayan pictures as the backdrop. The lower parts of the Everest route will be filled with rhododendron and magnolia blooms making your trek more lively and exciting.

Autumn is the first pick for the Everest Base Camp Trek as it is the most suitable time for the amazing trekking experience. The weather is stable and the temperature is pleasant. The skies are clear and blue with sunny bright days. This period is the best time to view the Himalayas without obstructions. The terraced farms are filled with yellow golden crops, the paths are covered with the dry autumn vegetation and the villages are getting ready to celebrate the festivals. The nights could be a little chilly, especially after mid-November but they are not intolerable.

Summer/monsoon is not that highly recommend for this Classic Everest Base Camp Trek because you might encounter several landslides and mudslides due to heavy rain. The trekking trails will be wet and slippery attracting the leaches. The Himalayan & surrounding views are mostly obstructed by the clouds and fog, especially during the core monsoon months of July and August. However, you still can make it to the base camp with the proper gear and guidance.

Another off-season winter sees very few to no tourists on the route because of harsh weather. The temperatures drop below freezing point, especially during the nights. The route at the higher altitude will be filled with snow making it difficult to track it. The teahouses in the higher elevation will be shut down temporarily making you set your camp if you do the trek in winter. On the contrary, the views of the Himalayas are the most breathtaking during this time. 

Permits required for Classic Everest Base Camp Trek 

Trekkers need to obtain the following permits to do the classic Everest Base Camp Trek-

1. Sagarmatha National Park Permit

2. Khumbu Municipality Rural Development Permit 

Note: Both permits are included in the package.