The Everest Base Camp Trek
The Everest Base Camp trek crosses the Khumbu region of eastern Nepal, inside Sagarmatha National Park. Most trekkers fly from Kathmandu to Lukla, then walk up the valley through Sherpa villages such as Namche Bazaar (listed by the Nepal Tourism Board at 3,500 m). The Board also describes a longer alternative that starts on foot at Jiri and “will roughly add 10 days” to reach Namche.
There is no single official length. Operator itineraries vary: one lists 15 to 20 days depending on the route, another offers 13 days with a helicopter return or 18 days with Gokyo Lakes added. Plan on two weeks or more, plus spare days for weather.
Best Time to Go
The Board’s Sagarmatha National Park page gives October to November and March to May as the best seasons. December to February brings snow, and June to September is the rainy season. The good months are also the busy ones: one operator puts the busiest periods at late March to mid-May and late September to mid-November.
Visa Basics
The Board’s tourist visa page lists about US$30 for 15 days, US$50 for 30 days and US$125 for 90 days. Visas are issued on arrival at Kathmandu airport and other entry points, and you can fill in the form online first. Citizens of some countries must get a visa in advance, so check that page. The UK government advises a passport valid for at least 6 months after entry.
Permits and Guides
- Park entry: the Board lists NPR 3,000 per person per entry for foreigners, payable in Kathmandu or at park entry points.
- Local permit: the Board’s trekking permit page lists Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality at about US$20 per person per week. In 2023 the municipality also introduced a Trek Card at NPR 2,000. Confirm the current amount before you pay.
- TIMS card and guide: since 31 March 2023 the Board says specific protected areas, including Everest, require a licensed guide and a TIMS card. A registered trekking agency buys the card, at about NPR 2,000 for non-SAARC nationals. The UK government likewise says independent foreign trekkers need a local guide or porter and should not trek alone.
The Everest rule was disputed at the start: the local municipality said guides were not mandatory in the region. Because it can change, book through a government-registered trekking agency and ask it to confirm current requirements.
Getting to the Start
Flights to Lukla are weather-dependent; the UK government notes internal flights can be delayed or cancelled, so carry spare funds and days. Some Lukla departures have operated from Manthali in Ramechhap rather than Kathmandu, as reported in 2019. Ask your airline which airport applies.
Altitude Sickness and Safety
The Board’s safety page states that “altitude illness can be life-threatening”. Its guidance:
- Above 2,500 m, do not sleep more than 300 to 500 m higher than the previous night, and rest a day after every 1,000 m gained.
- If you get a headache, nausea or dizziness, stop climbing and rest. Do not go higher until it clears.
- Severe headache, vomiting, unsteady walking, confusion or breathlessness at rest mean descend.
The CDC agrees, and adds that confusion or loss of coordination (cerebral edema) and breathlessness with cough (pulmonary edema) need immediate descent. Ask a doctor beforehand about prevention medicines, especially with heart or lung disease. According to the Board, the Himalayan Rescue Association staffs a clinic at Everest Base Camp (5,350 m) and an aid post at Pheriche (4,250 m).
The UK government mentions isolated reports of guides taking inexperienced trekkers up too fast and urges caution with unusually cheap deals. It also advises insurance that covers mountain rescue and helicopter costs.
What to Book Ahead
- A government-registered trekking agency for your guide and TIMS card.
- Lukla flights, with spare days either side. One operator suggests booking a couple of months ahead in peak season.
- Insurance that covers trekking at altitude and helicopter evacuation.
- A doctor visit and vaccines well before departure.
Last updated 2026-10-29.