Everest Base Camp FAQs

Trekking to Everest Base Camp is one of the all time greats for most people. The base camp itself is quite high at 5150 meters or just over 16,000 feet, higher than trekking to Machu Picchu for example. Trekking on the south side is the most popular and that is where most of our adventures are. Flying into Kathmandu you'll board an internal flight to Lukla, which is included in most tours, and from Lukla you'll begin your ascent.

Of course, there are a lot of questions about this adventure, so please see below for the answers to the most common questions we get. Remember, you can book this trip with a low deposit and a monthly payment plan if you wish, just let us know. OK, here we go...

Q:  How fit do I need to be?

A:  This trek is suitable for most people of average fitness. Going on longer than normal walks is often a good thing to do but you don't require any altitude training.

Q:  Will I get altitude sickness?

A:  One can never tell who will and will not suffer. All we can suggest is to drink lots of water, don't get drunk and the best thing to do is to acclimatise. As most treks are over 10 days this is fine as the elevation per day is low. You may consider spending a day or two in Kathmandu before hand though to let your body adjust.

Q:  When is the best time to go?

A:  Good question. If you want fewer people then around the winter months, if you want nice weather then the summer months. Of course trekking in hot weather has its pros and cons as does trekking cold weather! Prices don't really move around so much pending when you go.

Q:  How much spending money do I need?

A:  We'd recommend between £20 and £40 per day while on the trek itself, it really depends how much you eat and drink and where you eat. In Kathmandu you can of course get cash from cash machines, that is more tricky on the route as there are no cash machines! If in doubt take US dollars as they're widely accepted.

Q:  What happens to my luggage?

A:  Your main luggage is kept safe in Kathmandu at the operators base. You will carry a 5kg to 10kg pack per day and any extra luggage by the porters. It is a good idea to check the details of the trip.

Q:  Where do we eat?

A:  You'll eat at tea houses along the way. The guides are of course very experienced and know the good places to go. All tea houses will offer different flavours of tea, not to be missed. Breakfasts are usually toast and eggs with some potatoes (yes) as well of course as porridge. 'Sherpa Stew' is common, a veggie stew mostly and each tea house has its own version. There are also noodles, pasta, rice, lentils soup and more. Maybe not a 5 star experience but not bad considering where you are!

Q:  I am vegetarian, will I be OK food wise?

A:  Yes, in fact we'd suggest avoiding meat anyway as it's often carried for a few days and while that's fine for locals, anyone from the UK may suffer a little so you're much better sticking to the delicious vegetarian food.

Q:  What are the toilets like at base camp?

A:  Well you actually stay in a lodge or tea-house so will have a private toilet of good standard. If you're worried about going in a hole in the ground don't be because you won't be doing that!

Q:  Do we actually camp at base camp?

A:  That depends upon which adventure you've booked so check the details. Most adventures on our website are actually lodge-based rather than tents and camping.

Q:  How many people are in the group?

A:  The average number of people in a group is 10 to 12, a mix of male and female and often more than half are solo travellers. If you'd like to find out the mix of a group please contact us and we can tell you.

Q:  Are our flights included?

A:  Your international flights are not included in the prices but your internal flights from and to Kathmandu are included, but please check each trip for details.

Q:  Can I get a wifi signal along the way?

A:  There are no free wifi spots along the trek. Some tea houses will have wifi but there may be a charge.

Q:  How do I wash my clothes?

A:  You don't really. You'll take enough to be OK. Washing is cold but possible.

Q:  Can I get money along the route?

A:  Not on the route really so make sure you take enough from Kathmandu.