Everest Base Camp - Chola Pass - Gokyo Trek

Yes, the majority of travelers to Nepal will need a visa. You can acquire one upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu or at land border crossings. Alternatively, you have the option to apply for a visa beforehand at a Nepalese embassy or consulate in your home country.

Yes, Escape Himalaya offers airport pickup services for our clients. We recognize the significance of a seamless arrival and strive to guarantee a trouble-free beginning to your journey. When you reserve a trek or tour with us, you can coordinate with our team to schedule a representative to greet you at the airport upon your arrival.

Look for our staff member holding a signboard bearing your name or the company's name for easy recognition. Providing us with your flight details ahead of time, including your flight number and estimated arrival time, enables us to make suitable arrangements for your pickup.

Certainly! As a solo traveler, you're welcome to join one of the groups organized by Escape Himalaya. We frequently arrange group treks and tours that cater to individuals traveling alone. Joining a group not only allows you to meet other travelers but also offers the opportunity to share experiences and potentially lower costs.

When reaching out to Escape Himalaya, simply inform us that you're a solo traveler interested in joining a group. We'll then provide details about available group departures and assist you in selecting a trek or tour that aligns with your preferences and travel dates.

Generally, we use the best available 3-star, 4-star, and 5-star category hotels for travelers' accommodation in Kathmandu. Meanwhile, travelers can upgrade or prolong accommodation with us as required.

The costs to prolong or upgrade hotel accommodation in Kathmandu may vary based on preferred hotel rates.

Certainly! You have the option to upgrade your accommodation to a luxury hotel in Kathmandu. If you wish to elevate your stay from the standard 3-star hotel provided by Escape Himalaya, simply let us know, and we can arrange the upgrade for you. However, please bear in mind that availability and pricing for luxury hotels may fluctuate based on the hotel and the timing of your visit.

Nepal boasts breathtaking natural landscapes and a profound cultural legacy. Among the sought-after tourist spots are Kathmandu (the capital), Pokhara, Chitwan National Park, Lumbini (the birthplace of Lord Buddha), Bhaktapur, as well as the renowned trekking regions of Annapurna, Everest, Langtang, Manaslu, and Upper Mustang.

Yes, most travelers need a visa to enter Nepal. However, the process for obtaining a visa depends on your nationality. You can either obtain a visa from the diplomatic consulate office of Nepal in your respective country or apply for an “On Arrival” visa at the entry checkpoints of Nepal. Please click this link to get more information on ways to issue a tourist visa. Also please see the visa fee here below:

On-Arrival Visa Fee at Entry Points of Nepal:

• 15 Days – 30 USD
• 30 Days – 50 USD
• 90 Days – 125 USD

Indian nationals do not need to have a visa to enter Nepal however they need to bring an official document such as a Passport or Election card (issued by the Election Commission) that proves their identity.

Escape Himalaya offers both group and solo trek to Everest Base Camp. However, to choose to join which tour style completely depends upon the traveler itself.

If you are happy to meet people from other parts of the world and join in an experience of a lifetime with fellow travelers, then going for a group trek is also best.

However, if you prefer freedom and flexibility, trekking solo (private) will give you the independence to set your own pace and choose your itinerary. You will have the flexibility to make spontaneous decisions. You will not be bound by a group schedule and choose to lead your journey as you wish and even modify the plan if needed.

The trek to Everest Base Camp is moderate to challenging due to the high altitude, cold weather conditions, and the need for acclimatization. The trek involves several days of walking, and the terrain can be steep and rocky at times. Altitude sickness is a potential risk, so it's important to acclimatize properly, stay hydrated, and be aware of your body's signals.

The trek usually takes around 12 days from Lukla to Everest Base Camp and back, covering approximately 130 kilometers (80 miles). The altitude at Everest Base Camp is over 5,300 meters (17,500 feet), and the thin air can make physical exertion more demanding.

Even though the trek brings its challenges its adventurers, stunning landscapes and the sense of accomplishment that comes with reaching Everest Base Camp is worth every step taken. Proper preparation, including physical conditioning and acclimatization, is key to making the journey more manageable.

The best time to go for Everest Base Camp trekking is during the pre-monsoon (spring) and post-monsoon (autumn) seasons. These are some of the ideal times for exploring the trails as they offer favorable weather conditions and stunning mountain scenery of Everest massif.

Spring season which runs from late April to early June offers mild temperatures, blooming rhododendrons, and clear skies. It is a pre-monsoon as well as post-winter season so the weather is much more favorable and the mountain backdrop and the trails are much more enjoyable for trekking activities. Also, the trail to Everest Base Camp is vibrant with trekkers coming from all parts of the world to witness the glorious mountain scenery and lively trek route.

Autumn season is another best time to do the Everest Base Camp Trek. It lasts from late September to early November and these periods offer stable and clear weather with cool temperatures. These periods also bring a large number of trekkers as the weather is relatively stable, with excellent visibility, offering breathtaking scenes of the Himalayan peaks.

As per trekking during winter and summer/monsoon seasons, these are the least preferred times to do the trek. Winter season which is from November to early March, the weather is extremely cold, and thick layer of snow is another challenge. Nevertheless, one can tackle these challenges with the proper gear. Winter despite being an unfavorable time to do the trek, showcases one of the best vistas of the mountains with clear skies and a peaceful atmosphere with less crowd.

Summer/Monsoon which lasts from June to September grants scenes of green landscapes with blooming flowers and vibrant vegetation along the trails. However, the challenge of flight delays and cancellations with rain is the great challenge of trekking in these times. If you are looking to trek with few crowds, it is the best time but you need to be prepared with the right gear, knowledge, and flexible schedule.

Above all, despite what different season holds, trekkers are always requested to check in with an informed person for the latest weather information before planning a trip.

As Everest Base Camp trekking is a moderate to challenging trekking activity, some sort of prior preparation is needed. That being said, you do not have to have trekking experiences. No prior experience is needed yet it is a bonus if you have any. Nevertheless, if you are a beginner or looking to trek Everest Base Camp, you can prepare by doing physical exercises and by being mentally prepared.

For physical preparation, one can encompass cardiovascular exercises, strength training, and endurance workouts. Running, hiking, cycling, and swimming all help in improving cardiovascular condition by strengthening the heart, making it more efficient in pumping blood throughout the body. It also helps in enhancing lung function improving efficiency of oxygen exchange during physical exertion. As the air pressure is low in the mountain region, it is very important to acclimatize properly before continuing the journey. Moreover, cardiovascular activities help in ascending and descending more easily as Everest Base Camp trekking is mostly about hiking up and down.

And as per mental preparedness, is equally important because trekking at high altitudes can be mentally challenging. So, develop a positive mindset and habit of being motivated. Also, one must be aware of their body and not ignore the issues if they are facing any.

Along with physical and mental preparedness, trekking must also be familiar with their trekking gear beforehand. Oftentimes, new gear such as boots do not offer the same comfort as the old ones. Similarly, do not miss out on essential items such as trekking poles, sunglasses, and sunscreen as they are very precious throughout the trek. Prepare your gear as the trek gear recommended by the trek operators.

Remember to start your preparation well in advance to gradually build up your fitness and make necessary arrangements. It is crucial to be well-informed and be prepared for a safe, enjoyable, and smooth trek.

There are challenges on any high-altitude treks. While challenges such as rugged paths, ascents, and descents are there, another crucial one is altitude sickness. Although not everybody suffers from it, one needs to become prepared and aware of it. One of the easiest ways to get altitude sickness is by not properly acclimatizing while ascending higher altitudes. Thus, it is essential to trek gradually. Symptoms like headache, nausea, vomiting fatigue, dizziness, and shortness of breath should not be ignored. If someone is suffering from it, talk to your guide, take the doctor's consulted medication if you have any, and if possible do not hike up until you feel better. However, if the trekkers are not feeling well even after performing all the preventive measures, they must be evacuated from the location. For evacuation, emergency rescue helicopters are available and your trek operator will assist you in managing it. When symptoms get severe it is very important to seek professional medication attention. That being said, it is crucial to not panic, you are with our expert and experienced trek guide. They will be assisting you until help is reached. Moreover, trekkers need to follow guide instructions as they are familiar with the trail, its nature, and the conditions.

A few things one can do to avoid altitude sickness would be to ignore processed foods and drink alcoholic or soft drinks on the trail. Alongside, approaching the journey gradually is another way to avoid mountain sickness. Likewise, follow the plan, drink plenty of water, avoid foods that upset your stomach, and most importantly do not rush the journey. Similarly, do not ignore any symptoms and immediately take action if you feel uncomfortable. By following these guidelines and being attentive to your body's responses, you can significantly reduce the risk of altitude sickness during the Everest Base Camp trek.

It is highly recommended for travelers to have travel insurance before beginning their Everest Base Camp Trek. As we know, it is a high-altitude trek involving certain risks thus having travel insurance ensures travelers with coverage for any unforeseen conditions. Henceforth, please purchase nice travel insurance that covers medical emergencies and evacuation as well as trip interruptions. We suggest trekkers purchase a policy that covers any altitude over 5000 meters. And lastly, please do good research about policies before purchasing it.

The amount of extra money you should carry for the Everest Base Camp trek depends on various factors including your spending nature and trek duration. Your extra cash will be going towards snacks, drinking water, hot showers, electricity, and WIFI. We suggest you prepare about 2500-3000 Nepalese rupees per day while on the trek. Moreover, credit cards are rarely accepted so it is recommended to travel with enough Nepalese rupees. You can exchange your currency at the nearest exchange shops near your hotel area or at the airport.

Yes, there are alternative routes and variations to the Everest Base Camp trek that offer different perspectives, landscapes, and experiences. Classic Everest Base Camp trek with a drive to Phaplu is one of the serene ways to approach EBC. One can also explore other delights of the Everest region by incorporating three high passes. Or one can simply add Gokyo Lake with the Everest Base Camp trek and enjoy the turquoise glacial lake and enthralling Cho La pass. Similarly, to taste the luxury of the mountains, you can simply check out our Everest Base Camp Luxury Trek. Our expert team at Escape Himalaya is available to share our valuable insights and assistance in planning your beautiful journey.