How difficult is the 11-day Everest Base Camp Trek?
Everest Base Camp is by far the most popular trek in Nepal. Over 30,000 tourists visit the pristine Everest Region every year. Among them, the majority of tourists embark on the trek to Everest Base Camp located at the sheer altitude of 5,210 meters. It traverses the historical expedition route that has seen the likes of Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay Sherpa. The 11 days Everest Base Camp Trek remains popular for its challenging endeavors. As high altitude and its health-related problems remain the major issue during this trek, we ensure that the trekkers don’t need to climb over 600 meters in a day. The highest you’ll climb is 780 meters from Phakding to Namche Bazaar. Above all, Alpine Eco Trek strictly follows the policy of one porter for one trekker for any trip over 4,000 meters. The porter carries the entire luggage making it easy for the trekkers to walk at their own pace.
How can I prepare for the 11-day EBC Trek?
EBC Trek is an arduous trek comprising of the high-altitude climb, which isn’t appropriate for trekkers with weak ankles, knee, or joint problems. Tourists with heart or lung problems should think twice before undertaking this trek. However, those who have cleared their physician's exam and are good to go can undertake this trek. The kids as young as ten and adults over 70 have completed this trek before. This is a promising sign for every trekker. Alpine Eco Trek ensures that the itinerary is simple and doable for every age of trekkers. It is well accommodated with easy and short walks. The standard itinerary requires a six to seven-hour-long trek excluding lunch. With enough physical preparation, anyone can undertake this trek.
What type of Food and Accommodation do I get on the 11 Days EBC Trek?
Alpine Eco Trek ensures that the trekkers get to eat quality meals at the best family-oriented lodges with twin bed sharing rooms and clean standard toilets.
The meal menu is as such:
Breakfast menu -Oatmeal, Corn Flakes, French toast with Jam-Butter-Cheese- Honey, Tibetan bread or Chapati, Local tsampa porridge, Hashed-brown eggs, Varieties of egg items, Pancakes, Muesli, Bread, Fruits and Vegetables, Caffeinated drinks, Hot chocolate, etc.
Lunch Menu -Rice and lentils, Tibetan bread, Varieties of soups, Sherpa Stew, Steaks, Sandwiches, Momo (Dumplings), Thenduk, Spaghetti/Noodles, Thukpa, Pasta and Macaroni, Vegetable curry, Varieties of potato items, Vegetable and salad, Pizza (Tomato, Mushroom, Mixed), Snacks (Papad or Prawn), Desserts, etc.
Dinner menu - Rice and lentils, Tibetan bread, Varieties of soups, Sherpa Stew, Steaks, Sandwiches, Momo (Dumplings), Thenduk, Spaghetti/Noodles, Thukpa, Pasta and Macaroni, Vegetable curry, Varieties of potato items, Vegetable and salad, Pizza (Tomato, Mushroom, Mixed), Snacks (Papad or Prawn), Korean Ramen, Desserts, etc.
When it comes to accommodation, one can enjoy the quality and cozy rooms. Many lodges offer the attached bathroom while another offers a common and clean toilet. There are zero complaints when it comes to lodging and meals in the 11 days of EBC Trek.
What if I am very slow in the group?
Alpine Eco Trek ensures that each member of the trek receives direct assistance from the guide. While each group is assigned a leader trek guide and assistants, the leader guide will segregate the group into sub-groups with an assistant guide. For ease, the group is generally divided into sub-groups according to the walking speed of the trekkers. The trek guide or leader accompanies the last group with the slowest members of the team.
What is Acute Mountain Sickness?
Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) or altitude sickness is a common medical condition in high-altitude regions. The lack of oxygen or thin air can often trigger altitude sickness in a person who isn’t used to traversing high altitudes. Although the 11 days of EBC Trek comprises gradual ascents not reaching over 600 meters in a day, trekkers without enough acclimatization can become prone to AMS. Alpine Eco Trek ensures the availability of first-aid and emergency medical treatments at the go. The trek staff carries proper medications, oxygen cylinders, and oxygen chamber bags for any emergency.
What am I to bring or carry with me on the 11 days of Everest Base Camp Trek?
The flight to/from Lukla restricts heavy luggage weights. A tourist can carry 15kg with them at most; hence we recommend keeping the luggage light by storing only necessary clothing, gear, and equipment. Each trekker receives a trip dossier with a specific detailed list of what or what not to bring in the trek. As the porter carries most of the luggage, the trekker can keep a day pack or backpack with only valuables or essential items such as a camera, water bottle, cap, wallet, etc.
What are some of the common mountain ailments encountered on the EBC Trek?
Each year, thousands of trekkers come to Nepal and do Teahouse Trekking. Many trekkers hear horror stories regarding bad treks, food poisoning, stomach problems, and altitude sickness, most of which are true. Altitude sickness is the most common condition that trekkers face during the 11-day EBC trek. To prevent such a life-threatening situation, all trekkers need to acclimatize properly. The group leader updates each trekker with preventive measures for choosing the right food and maintaining a precise pace while walking.
How is the weather in Lukla?
The weather in Lukla often remains unstable. Lukla airport sits at 9,400 feet above sea level with 2,000 feet cliff. The unpredictable mountainous weather often postpones or cancels the flight. Hence, trekkers must prepare themselves to face such hurdles during this trek. Nepal’s aviation guidelines restrict small planes such as fixed-wing to flying when there is the slightest weather chaos or high winds, which is common in the Everest Region.
Do I need travel insurance to join the 11 days Trek?
Trekkers are strongly suggested to obtain travel insurance before embarking on the trek to EBC. The arduous EBC trek can go as high as 5,600 meters. Fatigue, AMS, and other medical problems are common during this trek. The said travel insurance must cover emergency evacuation and rescue as well as medical support. Get insurance worth at least USD 100,000 that covers both evacuation and medical support. Although we assure you to undertake every possible precaution during the trek, it's always wise to have insurance as a backup.
What are the distance and walking hours on the 11 days Everest Base Camp Trek?
The total distance from Lukla to Everest Base Camp is 62km (38.5miles). A trekker will traverse over 120km during this trek. The entire trek may last 8-9 days with six to seven hours of walk each day. A side trip during acclimatization day may cover an additional 20km. The standard itinerary offers two days of acclimatization during the trek.
Can I buy drinking water during the Trek?
Drinkable and hygienic water is available throughout the trail. We strongly oppose using plastic water bottles in this trek for environmental concerns. The staff of Alpine Eco Trek carries kerosene to provide the trekkers with boiled water each morning and evening without any additional charge. Trekkers can easily fill their bottles at almost every stop and use water-purifying tablets or iodine tablets to sanitize the water. We suggest you carry at least two metal or plastic Nalgene bottles so that you can have enough to last the day. Besides, you can always use the hot bottles at night to keep as a hot pack in your sleeping bag.
Why undertake 11 Days EBC walking tour with a Reputed Company?
Nepal Government recommends each trekker book Everest Base Camp Trek with the local, licensed, and reputed trek agencies. Joining the trip with a licensed agency makes the entire trip a hassle-free experience. You can obtain necessary permits, and book hotels, and transportation at a go. Alpine Eco Trek is a reputed company that provides you with quality service at a very competitive price. Our experienced and licensed staff are always present to assist you with the necessary information throughout the trek.
When is the best time for the 11 Days short Everest Base Camp Trek?
Everest Base Camp trail is easily accessible during two different seasons, spring and autumn. April to mid-June months mark the spring season, and September to November months mark the autumn. During these two seasons, trekkers can easily access the trail and enjoy the best sceneries, including mountains and river valleys. The season of monsoon/summer isn't recommended for trekking, as the incessant rainfall can often affect the flight to/from Lukla. Winter is one of the beautiful seasons to visit EBC. The months of December until February experience serious wind chill and snowfall. However, the daytime offers crystal clear weather and exceptional mountain views. Alpine Eco Trek offers specialized and custom Christmas and New Year trips to Everest Base Camp.
Can we customize the 11 Days Everest Base Camp Holiday?
Yes, you can customize the trek at your convenience. You can choose to customize the trek according to your schedule, fitness level, and other preferences. At Alpine Eco Trek, our clients are always free to customize the itinerary as per their respective requirements.
