The Trek to Everest Base Camp is undoubtedly the most coveted route in Nepal for trekking enthusiasts. Reachable from Lukla aerodrome in about 11 to 15 days, the Trek to Everest Base Camp is for the brave trekkers who can climb up to Kala Pattar (5643 m). It offers an incredible panorama of the roof of the world and is the most beautiful mountain on Earth.
To get to Nepal, all you need is a valid passport still six months after the return date, and a tourist visa, issued at Kathmandu airport, with a photo ID (provide two ). 25 € for 15 days, 40 € for 30 days, 100 € for 90 days, payable in euros.
Trekking permit
You will need the Trekkers’ Information Management System (TIMS) card, issued by the Nepal Tourism Board, which is located on Exhibition Road, east of Thundikhel: 2,000 rupees (NPR, or € 17) via an agency, 4,000 NPR (€ 34) for individuals. Requires two photos (free booth in offices for the dizzy). If your trek is organized by an agency, it will take care of these formalities.
Entrance to the national park
An entrance fee (3,500 NPR, 30 €) is required at the entrance to Sagarmartha National Park, at the Monjo checkpoint.
Khumbu local tax
It’s new, it just came out: since autumn 2017, the local authorities of Khumbu have implemented an additional tax of 2000 NPR (17 €), estimating that they never see the color of the taxes required for the TIMS permit. Until the conflict is resolved, the Nepalese authorities will reimburse you for this tax deemed “illegal” upon presentation of your receipt (go back to the Nepal Tourism Board office, on Exibition Road, in Kathmandu).
When to do the Everest base camp trek?
The two best seasons for traveling to Nepal are spring (March-April) and especially autumn (October-November-early December). From June to the end of September, the monsoon is fairly (even very) marked, with the exception of a few regions such as Mustang or Dolpo which remain more preserved. Snow is still very present at the start of the season (March-April), and certain high passes can be difficult or even impossible to cross. For treks evolving at high altitude (Khumbu, Manaslu, Annapurna, Haut-Dolpo.) we therefore prefer autumn.
What equipment for the Everest base camp trek?
Let it be said that it is (very) cold in the Everest Valley. Much more, for comparison, than in Annapurna, or in Ladakh at equivalent altitude. We will therefore ensure that we are fully equipped, starting with a sleeping bag around -10 ° C comfort , ideally (even if we sleep in a lodge, without heating). Also bring a large down jacket, appreciable in the evening and in the mornings when departing from the front, as well as warm gloves, a beanie, category 4 glasses and sun protection, as well as the classic equipment for (high) mountain treks. (Breathable waterproof jacket, high or mid upper shoes).
Please note: as much as possible, take this equipment as hand luggage on the plane, to avoid a loss of luggage compromising your trek. So as not to forget anything, compose your package with the downloadable Matos Trek magazine checklist.
