It is the lost gem of the adventure world and the Arcadia of the east. Everest Base Camp is just that. Trekking in the Himalayas, where one may see breathtaking mountain panoramas, a secluded hamlet, the culture and way of life of the inhabitants, and the opportunity to make friends with the Sherpas, is likely to be the adventure pill that trekking fans have been looking for.
The journey to Everest Base Camp is a challenging and occasionally life-threatening experience; nevertheless, with the right equipment and guides, this journey is within the reach of any enthusiastic trekker who is in decent physical condition. One can obtain a sight of this famed Himalaya by a variety of means; nevertheless, the only way to get near to the mountain is through the process of hiking, and the only method to get there is by helicopter.
For those of you who are interested in learning more about the many routes that can be taken to reach Everest Base Camp, we have supplied the information that you require here. As is detailed below, there are three different routes that can be taken to reach Everest Base Camp.
Getting there from North America and Europe
To get to Everest Base Camp from North America or Europe, you’ll typically need to fly into Kathmandu, Nepal, as it’s the primary gateway to the Himalayas. Here’s a general guide on how to get there:
- Flight to Kathmandu: Start by booking a flight from your nearest international airport to Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM) in Kathmandu, Nepal. Many major airlines offer flights to Kathmandu with layovers in major hubs like Delhi, Doha, Istanbul, or Dubai.
- Arrival in Kathmandu: Once you arrive in Kathmandu, you’ll need to go through customs and immigration. Make sure you have all necessary travel documents, including your passport, visa (which can be obtained upon arrival for most nationalities), and any required permits for trekking in the Everest region.
- Transfer to Domestic Airport: From Tribhuvan International Airport, you’ll need to transfer to the domestic terminal for your flight to Lukla, which is the closest airstrip to Everest Base Camp. This domestic flight typically takes around 30 to 45 minutes, but flight schedules are subject to weather conditions, so be prepared for delays.
- Flight to Lukla: The flight from Kathmandu to Lukla is a scenic journey that offers breathtaking views of the Himalayas. However, it’s important to note that Lukla Airport is known for its short and challenging runway, so flights can be subject to delays or cancellations, especially in adverse weather conditions.
- Trek to Everest Base Camp: Upon landing in Lukla, you’ll begin your trek to Everest Base Camp. The trek typically takes around 10 to 14 days round trip, depending on your itinerary and pace. You’ll pass through picturesque Sherpa villages, rugged mountain terrain, and stunning alpine landscapes as you make your way to Base Camp.
- Arrival at Everest Base Camp: Finally, after several days of trekking, you’ll reach Everest Base Camp, located at an altitude of around 5,364 meters (17,598 feet). Take some time to soak in the awe-inspiring views of the surrounding peaks, including Mount Everest, Lhotse, and Nuptse, and celebrate your accomplishment!
Remember to plan your trip carefully, considering factors like weather, altitude acclimatization, and physical fitness. It’s also advisable to book your trek with a reputable trekking company or guide to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience in the Himalayas.
Flight and Trek
One of the most common ways to get to Everest Base Camp is to take a flight to Lukla and then hike to the base camp from there. After departing from Kathmandu, the ‘fly in’ trek to Everest Base Camp begins with a spectacular and exciting flight to Lukla by helicopter. Lukla is the starting point for the hiking. Namche, Tengboche, Dingboche, Lobuche, Gorakshep, EBC, Pheriche, and Pangboche are among of the stunning Sherpa settlements that are included on the hiking trail, which connects Namche and Lukla. When you board the flight that departs from Lukla, you will be transported back to the Kathmandu valley.
| Lukla Flight Fare (One Way) | ||
| For Nepali Citizen | NPR 6500 pp | |
| For Foreigners | USD 185 pp | |
| For Indian Citizen | NPR 10200 | |
Everest Base Camp can be reached by flying, which is the most popular alternative among those who are interested in climbing to the summit. This route is preferred by many trekkers since it allows for proper acclimatization at a few different locations, which makes it a handy, time-efficient, and cost-efficient journey.
Everest Base Camp can be reached in the shortest amount of time with the trekking option known as Flight and Trek. The ‘fly in’ trek is expected to be finished in around fourteen days. The comfort of being able to obtain food and lodging in the isolated highlands of Khumbu has been kept thanks to the well-trodden track that runs throughout the walk and the teahouses that will serve as accommodations at each and every stoppage.
Drive and Trek
The Everest Base Camp journey via Salleri is an excellent alternative for a “walk in” trek that can be used to finish the trek. Since this hiking path was only recently established, it is still relatively unexplored and largely uncharted. It is not necessary for you to take a flight to Lukla in order to start the trek; rather, you will be provided with a drive to Salleri via Okhaldhunga from Kathmandu. Even though this walk is a little longer than the most popular ‘fly in’ Lukla-EBC trek, it is still worth it because it will provide you the opportunity to enjoy the fresh and highly pure mountain vista in certain sections.
The settlements of Salleri, Taskindo, Kharikhola, and Paiya are all connected to Phakding over the course of the ‘walk in’ journey. Starting from Phakding, you will be walking over the well-trodden path that is the traditional route to Everest Base Camp. In addition, you will be making your way back to Lukla by way of the path that leads to Gorak Shep and Namche Bazaar. On your way back to the Kathmandu valley, you will take a flight that departs from Lukla. In spite of the fact that you can go back the same way you came, you should avoid going back on the same trail because you will be exhausted after a tough hike.
A climb to Everest Base Camp via Salleri typically takes approximately 18 days to complete from beginning to end. This walk is nevertheless worthwhile, despite the fact that a smaller number of hikers choose this path versus the “fly in” kind.
Helicopter flight to Base Camp
There are only a select few who are able to explore Mount Everest by helicopter, and this is for them. Through a helicopter trip departing from Kathmandu, you will be transported directly to Lukla, and once you have refueled, the chopper will take you to Base Camp. The helicopter will make its way back to the Kala Patthar after it has completed its exploration of the aerial vistas of Base Camp.
The most breathtaking views of Mount Everest can only be seen from Kala Patthar, which is the only location around the mountain. From this vantage point, you can take in a breathtaking view of the mountains in every direction. At this point, you will have approximately ten to fifteen minutes to take in the breathtaking scenery of the mountains in Khumbu before the helicopter will take you back to Lukla. Once again, once you have refueled at Lukla, it will take you back to Kathmandu without any interruptions.
In addition, if you want to get the most out of your time in Nepal, you may take advantage of the personalized choices that allow you to guide the helicopter to Gokyo or the Everest View Hotel.
The entire process can be finished in a time frame that is less than four hours. Within a span of four hours, you will have completed your exploration of the Everest Base Camp and gathered the most memorable aerial photographs of the Khumbu region.
Permits to reach Everest Base Camp
| Permit | Sagarmatha National park entry fee | Khumbu Pasang Rural Municipality entry fee |
| Cost for Nepali | NPR 100 | – |
| Cost for Indian | NPR 1500 | NPR 2000 |
| Cost for foreigners | NPR 2000 (~US$17) | NPR 3000 (~US$25) |
Related: How to get to Kilimanjaro
You will be able to acquire the permission prior to your arrival in Nepal if you intend to go on a trek to the Everest Base Camp. In addition to assisting you in organizing the trip, we will also give you with all of the information, details, and services that you require throughout the journey.
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