How to Get to Everest Base Camp?

Fortune and fame seem unavoidable for those willing to pay substantial money and dedicate time to the Everest Base Camp. Trekkers watch out for great views, bright culture, and a closer feeling to the most attractive untouched destination on the planet.

Everest Base Camp also allows them to self-fulfil in physical and mental effort and simultaneously have fellow travellers’ company.

Also, to the delight of the beautiful landscapes, snow-capped mountain peaks, and improved villages add an appeal to the trekking. Thus, adventure is an appreciation of beauty. And the accomplishment one feels when one succeeds in climbing the Everest Base Camp makes this trek so sought after.

How to get to Everest Base Camp?

Get EBC From South Side (Nepal)

How to get to Everest base camp many people ask this question. This is for people planning to have access to EBC from the southern part of Nepal. This comes as an added characteristic of an adventurous trek. These are one of the most frequent types is trekking. This usually involves a flight from Kathmandu to Lukla, a city with a short but dramatic runway located at 2,860m above sea level.

The elevation of EBC is 5364 meters. In a more literal sense, it takes between 10 and 12 days to trek from Lukla to reach EBC. This spans an approximately 130 km return trip.

They trek through some of the most significant villages of the region, including Phakding, Namche Bazaar, Tengboche, Dingboche, Lobuche, and Gorakshep, besides passing through some of the most inevitably challenging terrains such as steep terrains, jagged rock faces, and hanging suspension bridges among others.

While on trekking, one can find breathtaking scenery like Ama Dablam & Lhotse. The Everest permits necessary for this trip are Sagarmatha National Park permits, and if the trek does not start from Lukla, then the Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Permit is required.

The following are entertaining activities for visitors who cannot trek around: The Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour. You can arrange a helicopter to pick you up from Kathmandu or Lukla. Then, you can trek to the base camp directly or stay at Kala Patthar and look down and see the tallest mountain in the world or other mountains.

Get EBC from North Side Tibet (China)

It is important to note that one can reach the Everest Base Camp from the northern side. This entails starting the journey from Tibet to China. This is usually done by flying to Lhasa, the capital of Tibet.

Then, you will take a long drive through the Tibetan plateau to get to the base. It takes several days to cover the distance from Lhasa to EBC. With overnight halts at places like Shigatse and Shekar to adapt to the high altitude.

The route to EBC is smooth tarmac, but one is physically weary, mainly due to the altitude. One may get affected by altitude sickness. Travellers must have several permits comprising a Chinese visa, a Tibet Travel Permit, and an Alien Travel Permit. These permits are usually obtained through a tour operator; travelling independently in Tibet is difficult.

The route on the north side of Everest base camp is by road. Hence, it is less strenuous than that of the south side. But even then, the altitude and rock terrain can present some difficulties. It has the north face of Everest, which is also incredible and is usually less crowded than the south side base camp.

Tourists can spend the night at the guest house provided by the Rongbuk Monastery. Or even in temporary camps provided by tour operators, which makes it possible for tourists to immerse themselves in a cultural experience on the Tibetan plateau.

Way to Reach EBC from Nepal

The trek to the world’s highest mountain base camp is done from the southern side. The easiest way to get to Lukla – a small village with an airstrip in the mountains – is by flying in from Kathmandu.

Everest Base Camp Trek begins from Lukla, and trekkers cross the Sagarmatha National Park. Walk through the colourful Sherpa settlements of Namche Bazaar, Tengboche, Dingboche, and Gorak Shep. This trek typically lasts between 12-14 days on the mountain. This provides ample room for acclimatization if there are altitude issues.

They are complex, especially in steep up and down slopes, narrow roads, and rope suspension bridges that cross gorges.  Because of the high altitude and degree of exercise encountered in the trek, it is traditionally regarded as a rather challenging but rewarding adventure. This trek is best for people who want to explore the culture on the trek and have enough time to trek the Everest region.

Booking EBC Trek Package

If you want to explore EBC thoroughly, trekking is the best option. A trek to Everest Base Camp takes around 12-14 days. The route takes you through beautiful Sherpa villages, stunning landscapes, and iconic landmarks like Tengboche Monastery. The trek suits adventurous travellers who are physically prepared to walk through high altitudes and challenging terrains.

Booking EBC Helicopter Tour Package

A helicopter tour is a perfect choice for those who are short on time or want to experience the grandeur of EBC from above. You can reach Everest Base Camp in a single day, starting early in the morning and returning in the afternoon. This option provides a thrilling experience with stunning aerial views of the Himalayan range.

Booking Everest Base Camp Heli Trek

Besides that, for those with less time or interest in strenuous activities. The EBC Heli Trek can be another fascinating way of getting to the base camp. These tours begin with the helicopter transfer from Kathmandu, over the green hills and valleys of the territory to the Khumbu area and then from Syangboche to EBC.

Everest Base Camp Heli Trek could be the best way to spend your lifetime moment in the Himalayas. It is best for people who do not have good physical health but want to see Everest once. Although you need a bunch of dollars for this trip, it is unforgettable. You can enjoy this trip for your birthday celebration, proposal, anniversary, or other events.

Usually, the helicopter drops the passengers to EBC or Kala Patthar. People get a fantastic view of Everest’s mountain and many other places. It can be done in one day, giving some stunning views of the Himalayas without having to cover long tracks on foot.

Booking Everest Base Camp Trek with Helicopter Return

Combining the best of both worlds, the Everest Base Camp trek with a helicopter return option allows trekkers to experience the adventure of trekking to EBC and then enjoy a scenic helicopter flight back to Lukla or Kathmandu.

This option reduces the overall trekking time and provides a comfortable return journey, avoiding the need to retrace steps back down the trail. Trekkers still need to secure the necessary permits and prepare for the bodily challenges of the trek, but the helicopter return adds a luxurious and exciting end to the adventure.

Having an Everest Base Camp Trek with a Helicopter return is best for people who cannot trek back to Lukla. Or even the people who have some medical difficulties while on the trek and want to return via helicopter for better access. Also, some people have limited days to trek in Nepal.

How to get to Everest Base Camp from Kathmandu?

How can one get to the Everest Base Camp? To get to the Everest Base Camp, start the journey from Kathmandu. It would help if you first flew from Kathmandu to Lukla, a small town in the Everest region. The flight lasts approximately 30-45 minutes.

It is one of the most spectacular, offering a view of the Himalayas. Once you land at Lukla, you will start the trek into the magnificent area of the Khumbu through numerous Sherpa settlements, Buddhist monasteries, and dense forests.

The trekking to the Everest Base Camp ranges from 10 to 12 days. Depending on the itinerary and necessary acclimatization. En route, you will cross through famous places such as Namche Bazaar, Tengboche Monastery, and Dingboche. After a thrilling hike to the Everest Base Camp, one will be rewarded with magnificent views of Mount Everest.

Trek to the EBC is demanding, and it is recommended that anyone who wants to undertake the trek be in reasonable physical condition. It is recommended that some time is spent getting accustomed to high altitudes to prevent altitude-related ailments.

Local guides and porters are advised to engage since they know the terrain and can assist in booking accommodation. The best time for an EBC trek is from March to May and September to November because the environment is ideal, and there is little or no precipitation.

How long does it take to get to Mt Everest Base Camp from Kathmandu?

The duration taken to reach the Mount Everest Base Camp (EBC) depends on the transport used. However, if you decide to go for the standard trekking trail, it will take you between 12 and 14 days. This includes an aerial trip from Kathmandu to Lukla, the entrance to Everest territory. And hiking past numerous beautiful Sherpa settlements and stunning terrains. The distances hiked daily are between 5 to 7 hours daily, and the round trek distance is 130 km because of altitude acclimatization.

On the other hand, if you decide to take a helicopter to EBC. Then, you do not need even one day to reach the base camp. Helicopter tours leave Kathmandu or Lukla and showcase flying views of the breathtaking Himalayas and Mount Everest. Another option is to take a helicopter to EBC or even Kala Patthar, which offers a stunning view of Mount Everest.

Routes to Reach South EBC Trek

There are several ways to reach South Everest Base Camp Trek. We have made a list of some of the best routes for South EBC Trek:

1. Fly from Kathmandu to Lukla and start trekking to Everest Base Camp
2. Drive from Kathmandu to Bhandara and start trekking to South EBC

Can you fly to Everest Base Camp?

Yes, one can do a helicopter tour and get to the Everest Base Camp. Adventure helicopter services provide a flexible way of achieving the dream of visiting EBC, as it does not require long and tiring hiking-like trekking routes.

This would typically be from Kathmandu or Lukla. Then, ride through the actual base of the Himalayas, Lhotse, Nuptse, Ama Dablam, Mount Everest, etc. The helicopter ends at the EBC or Kala Pathar, yet another vantage point for a bird’s eye view of Mount Everest.

This option is suitable for tourists who need more time or physical strength. For those who want to see the beauty of the Everest region but not on foot, it only takes a few hours to reach EBC. Most tour companies that offer the helicopter shuttle service to EBC provide all the necessary permits for the trip, which provides an easy means for tourists to get a feel for the helicopter experience.

How do you get from Lukla to Everest Base Camp?

After arriving at Lukla trekkers, start walking to the base of the tallest mountain in the world during the Everest Base Camp trekking. The distance from Lukla to the base camp is about 65 kilometres. The duration of the trek takes 8 to 10 days on average, depending on the rate of severity and climbers’ need to adapt to the altitude.

Lukla to the Everest Base Camp through numerous Sherpa townships, including Phakding, Namche Bazzar, Tengboche, Dingboche, Lobuche, and Gorak Shep. You will also trek to Sagarmatha National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage list with beautiful mountains and a wonderful world of flora and fauna.

How do I get back from Everest Base Camp?

Once trekkers have arrived at the Everest Base Camp and reached their destination, They usually descend back to Lukla, where they retrace the footsteps along the same path they used to get to Base Camp. The journey from the Base Camp to Lukla usually takes three to four days. The duration varies based on the speed of the trekker and additional halt durations, if necessary, due to acclimatization.

This is for those who want to avoid walking through the hills or climbing through helicopters. There are options to take a helicopter to evacuate from EBC to Lukla or immediately to Kathmandu or upgrade to charter flights directly to Lukla or Kathmandu.

Evacuations are usually done by helicopters and are used mainly in life-threatening situations like high levels of altitude, an accident, or any other situation when one finds it hard to breathe.

A third option of return transportation for trekkers is to book a helicopter from the Everest Base Camp or Gorak Shep to Lukla or directly to Kathmandu. This option is less arduous, takes more time, and offers better views, but the cost could be as much as 4 times more to trek back. The cost of helicopter charters ranges from $500 to $2000, depending on distance and services.

Around 50,000 People go to Everest Base Camp Each Year

On average, around 40,000 to 50,000 people visit Everest Base Camp each year. This number includes a mix of trekkers, climbers, guides, and support staff. The flow of visitors is highest during the main trekking seasons of spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November), when the weather is most likely for trekking and climbing in the Himalayas.