Everest Base Camp Trekking For Indians

Everest Base Camp Trekking For Indian Travelers: Ultimate Guide

Before diving directly into the topic, we should know a little about Nepal and its record in the world of adventure. You know, the country has a distinct legacy when it comes to trekking and other outdoor recreational activities. But since the blog is especially about trekking, we will be sticking with it till the end.

Okay, so here for you, according to recent data provided by the Nepal Tourism Board (NTB), the country has welcomed over 1.1 million visitors, most of whom came for a nature walk. Such a huge number of tourists visiting here is kind of a normal thing.

All the credit goes to the world's highest peak, Mount Everest, located at an elevation of 8,848.86 m (29,031 ft ) on the Nepal-China Border, with the southern part and main summit point lying in the Solukhumbu district of Koshi province. After the first-ever summit on 29 May 1953 by the New Zealander climber, Sir Edmund Hillary and his Nepalese companion, Tenzing Norgay Sherpa, the trail that leads to its base camp has become popular for trekking along with mountaineering.

Since India is a neighbouring country of Nepal, it has a huge number of Indian tourists visiting here every year, and among them, there are an equal number of trekkers as well. It is very easy for them to visit here, as there is no visa required to visit each other country.

In addition to this, there is also no language barrier for Indians in Nepal, as both Nepalese and Indian languages have come from the same root, Sanskrit. As a result, there are many similarities in both languages, and Hindi is easily understandable here, making the life of Indian travellers easy during their visit. You can easily say that the Everest Base Camp hiking for Indian Citizens is more enjoyable than hiking or touring in any other country.

With the mutual understanding of both countries, Indian people have several privileges while visiting Nepal for trekking purposes or any kind of tourism activities. The costs of the Everest Base Camp (EBC) Trek package and the permits needed to hike this trail are also lower for them than for any other citizens.

If you are also the one belong to India and planning to visit the Everest Region shortly for a nature walk, then below are some key things about trekking the EBC in order to make you aware of the trek and feel easy while working out on it:

Location

EBC is exactly located in the Everest Region, also called Khumbu Region and falls within the area of the Sagarmatha National Park in Solukhumbu district. The district is also a part of the eastern development region of Nepal.

Total Area And Trek Duration

The total area occupied by the EBC trail is 130 km (80 mi). The trek generally takes approximately 14 days to complete with a slow walking pace. It is also a round-trip trek, meaning you will need to retrace the same path to get back from where you begin your journey.

Difficulty Level

It is considered moderate in difficulty, as the trail is not that tough like other trails in the country, such as the Annapurna Circuit Trek and Manaslu Circuit Trek. However, it can be challenging, as you walk straight for 14 days and reach a height above 5,000 m, which can be tough sometimes, especially for beginners.

So, to avoid the challenging moment during the trek, you need to be very careful with your walking pace and take enough breaks along the way. Doing so will make your adventure successful. No matter even if you're a beginner.

Main Point And Highest Point

The highest point and main point are different in this trek. The main point of the trek is the EBC (5,364 m/17,598 ft), where you will find the camp of various Everest expedition groups.

On the other hand, the highest point is known as Kalapatthar (5,555 m/18225.07 ft). Most people think that it is the base camp from where they can witness the exceptional views of the world's highest peak and other mountains in the same range, such as Lhotse (8,516 m/27,940 ft), Nuptse (7,861m / 25,791 ft), Makalu (8,485 m/27,838 ft), and Cho Oyu (8201 m/26,906 ft).

Nevertheless, it is only possible to get the chance to enjoy a close-up view of Everest from Kalapatthar. The reason behind this is that the base camp is situated in the valley surrounded by other mountains stated above, and also the angle of view makes it difficult to see Everest from a closer look.

Starting And Ending Point

Since the trek is round-trip, both the starting and ending point is Lukla (2,860 m/9,383 ft), where one of the famous domestic airports of Nepal is also located. In the beginning, you will trek to Phakding (2,660 m to 8727.034 ft and to conclude the trek, you will return to Lukla from Namche Bazar (3,440 m to 11,286.09 ft), one of the famous settlements in the high-altitude of the country.

Locals and Culture

As for locals and their culture and traditions, the entire region is dominated by the ethnic group, Sherpa. Consequently, you will also have the opportunity to learn about their lifestyle which is heavily influenced by Tibetan Buddhists. Apart from Sherpa, there are also other ethnic groups residing, especially in the lower part of the Solukhumbu, such as Rai, Newar, Tamang, and Chhetri.

Accommodation

As mentioned above, the EBC Trek is a highly commercialized trail in Nepal. Hence, you don't need to be worried about finding good hotels or teahouses along the route. You will find plenty of hotels that are equipped with some modern amenities, such as internet, electricity, hot showers, and intercontinental cuisine.

But you may sometimes face the problem of finding the room of your choice, especially during the peak season. Nevertheless, you also have an option of pre-booking the room for the dates of your arrival at hotels at every destination along the way with the help of your trusted trekking agencies.

What Is The Best Time For Indians To Trek To Everest Base Camp?

The best time for Everest Base Camp Trek for Indians is during spring and autumn, where March to May falls in spring and September to November in autumn. They are considered the best time for trekking not only in the Everest Region but for any destination in Nepal.

And the reason behind this is during these months, the weather is often stable, the sky is also clear, and the temperature is mild which lets you have a relaxing and satisfying adventure. Trekking to the base camp during spring offers you booming green lush forests along the route, whereas trekking during autumn delivers a flawless view of Mount Everest and other peaks in the same range.

Is Winter A Good Time For Everest Base Camp Trekking For Indians?

December to February is considered a winter season when the climate gets freezing and snowfall is a normal thing, especially in the Himalayan region of Nepal and the Everest Base Camp Trail is also situated in the same region. However, December is just the beginning of the winter, which means you have a high chance of getting weather in your favour, as snowfall does not often occur during this month even if it is cold.

And the route is also clear with fewer crowds, allowing you to enjoy your adventure in a peaceful environment, which you cannot expect during the spring and autumn seasons. Consequently, if you have no issue with the cold weather, then during winter, the month of December is a good time to trek to the EBC for Indians.

Nevertheless, you should always be aware of the weather being unpredictable at any time. Thus, you should check the forecast for the dates of your adventure while mapping out your journey and should be monitoring it regularly during trekking.

What Are The Altitude Sickness Tips For Indians On Everest Base Camp Trekking?

As stated above, the base camp sits at an altitude of 5,364 m (7,598 ft) and the highest point, Kalapatthar is at 5,555 m (18225.07 ft), which are excessive height for the people from sea level and most of the Indians reside near the sea. For that reason, there is a high chance of getting sick for the individual from India while trekking the EBC if it is taken lightly.

To assist you in preparing for your safe journey, we provide you with the altitude sickness tips for Indians on Everest Base Camp Trek below:

Drinking Enough Water

As we already know water is an essential thing in the world because no water no life. Hence, you should make a habit of drinking water at least 2 to 3 litres daily. It is most significant when you are at a high-altitude location.

While trekking in the Everest Region, you should be drinking sufficient water daily to avoid altitude sicknesses, such as Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS), High-Altitude Pulmonary Edema (HAPE), and High-Altitude Cerebral Edema (HACE). Additionally, you should be checking your urine every time you go to the bathroom or anywhere in nature during trekking.

If you find urine clean and clear, you are drinking enough water and in a safe zone. But if you find it yellow and unclear, you are close to those altitude sicknesses and should take matters seriously before it is too late. Moreover, during the trek, eat foods that contain high levels of water, such as apples, cucumbers, etc.

Steady Pace

During the trek, your style of walking plays a key role in preventing altitude sickness. You shouldn't be getting over-excited and walking fast to reach the destination of your overnight stay.

Just hike at a slow pace and keep taking a break frequently for at least 7 to 8 minutes along the way. Because the more your body gets a rest, the more it preserves energy to fight high-altitude sickness.

Consume Sufficient Carbohydrates

Foods that are rich in carbohydrates like rice, pasta, potatoes, etc are the ideal ones that you should consume more while trekking in a high-altitude region like Everest. It is because these foods are heavy, give high energy, and take a long time to digest.

You will need to walk 6 to 7 hours every day during the trek to the Everest Base Camp by carrying a heavy backpack, which burns lots of calories in your body and to maintain a good level of calories in your body, carbs are the best option to do it.

Medication

If you haven't been to a high-altitude location like the Everest Region before and you're not feeling confident or don't wanna take a risk, then you can take medicine, Acetazolamide, easily available in the market anywhere with the brand name Diamox. The processes of taking it are as follows:

• Start taking Diamox 1 to 2 days before you go on the EBC trail and keep taking it for two days after you ascend above 3,000 m.
• The recommended dosage is half of 250 mg tablet at a time, which is 125 mg by breaking it from the middle, twice a day, once after having breakfast and another after dinner.
• Keep your body hydrated by drinking plenty of water to avoid its side effects, such as tingling feeling in fingers or toes, frequent urination, etc.
• Shouldn't be taking it if you already have issues in parts of your body like the kidney or liver.

Note: It is a dangerous step to take Diamox directly whenever you want. Therefore, please concern your doctor before you think of taking it.

 

How Much Does The Everest Base Camp Trekking Cost For Indians?

The Everest Base Camp Trek cost for Indian travellers is not fixed, as it depends on the size of a group and most especially, your style of trekking. However, it ranges from around INR 70,000 to 90,000 per person.

The mentioned prices apply when you book a package from a trekking agency in Nepal. Nevertheless, you can also go on the EBC Trek privately, but not solo because a guide is mandatory for this trek. To hire a professional guide, it costs you approximately INR 2,000-3,000 per day and a porter is optional, which costs you INR 1,500-2,000 per day.

And if you choose to go privately, then the total expense depends on how you spend money during trekking. However, if you go through the trekking agency, then those package prices include the following things:

• Two-night stay in a 3-star hotel in Kathmandu and other accommodations at teahouses along the trail to EBC.
• Round trip domestic ticket fare from Kathmandu to Lukla and back.
• All three meals: breakfast, lunch, and dinner
• An experienced guide authorized by the Nepal Government.
• Garbage deposit and other required fees.
• The Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality and Sagarmatha National Park entrance permit fee.

Is a permit required for Indian citizens to trek the Everest Base Camp?

Yes, a permit is required for Indian citizens to trek the EBC. For your kind information, there is not just a single Everest Base Camp Trek permit for Indians, but two.

As stated earlier, if you book a package from a trekking agency in Nepal, then the permits and other expenses are all included in the package already. However, if you want to trek privately with a guide then, the kinds of permits and their costs are as follows:

Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit

To apply for this permit, it costs you NPR 1,500 per person for the entire SAARC Nations. You can easily obtain it at the Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) office in Bhrikutimandap, Kathmandu or at the entrance gate of the park in Monjo, a small village in the Khumbu Region.

Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality

It costs you NPR 2,000 per person for the first four weeks and NPR 2,500 per person for additional weeks. You can obtain this one at the Lukla entry point upon your arrival or at the park's counter in Monjo.

Everest Base Camp Trekking Malayalam

The EBC Trekking is for every person who is into the adventure. Anyone can make it to the base camp if they are well-prepared for the trek and very careful while walking. The trail is also famous in south India, which is touched by the Indian Ocean.

Everest Base Camp Trek for Malayalam speakers, a people from the state of Kerala located in southwest India can also enjoy this trek, though they reside near sea level. All they have to do is:

• Walk at a slow pace with no rush.
• Drink enough water daily at least 2-3 litres a day.
• Eat foods that contain high amounts of carbohydrates.
• Avoid non-veg food, alcohol, and smoking.
• Do regular exercises, such as squatting, running, and stretching for an hour at least two weeks before the trek if not a regular work out person.