Short Trek to Everest Base Camp – 9 Days

Best Time for the short trek to Everest Base Camp

Like all the regions of Nepal, Everest also enjoys spring from March to May, summer/monsoon from June to August, autumn from September to November, and winter from December to February.

The most common months for the short EBC Trek are April and October, but it is possible to hike throughout the spring and fall seasons, and some hike the trail well into January.

The choice of the timeframe depends on your goal: why you are going to the Everest Base Camp. If you want to get a glimpse of the expeditions that go up to the top of Everest, you should go in April (May).

It is only then that summit ascents are possible and there is an actual camp at Base Camp. At other timeframes, the Everest Base Camp is generally empty of tents.

If you like to see the green contrast against the pink hue of the blossoming rhododendrons and, at the same time watch the surging waterfalls, then spring would be the ideal time.

If you want the complete unimpeded Himalayan views, then autumn would be the time for you to go for our 9 days short trek to Everest Base Camp.

Winter trek is best suited for the already high-altitude accomplished trekkers. While summer is the time you want to avoid completely due to the possibility of road blockages, flight cancellations, cloudy weather, and landslides.

Elevation and Distance during the Short trek to Everest Base  Camp

Nestled at a staggering altitude of 5,364 m, the Everest Base Camp offers a serene view of the Khumbu Icefall. Our 9 days Everest base camp trek runs along the 130 km long round trail from Lukla to Everest Base Camp to Lukla.

Lukla will be the town from where our journey initiates, 135 km afar from the capital. The distance may seem long but it can be covered swiftly within 30 minutes by flight. A hike from Lukla to Everest Base Camp involves an ascent of 2,504 m in altitude and takes about 5 days.

Our short trek to Everest Base Camp trip will also see us reaching the top of Kala Patthar- 5550 m- the highest altitude of our entire adventure. Among the various overnight accommodations along the way, Gorakshep at 5180 meters will be our highest sleeping altitude we experience.

Maximum/Minimum walk per day on short trek to Everest Base Camp

In the 9 days short trek to Everest Base Camp itinerary, we will walk somewhere between five and six hours per day and it is important to walk calmly and allow it to take time as you have to get used to the altitude.

Most days of our trek will not be too demanding, except for day 6 when we will have to walk for up to 8 hours from Lobuche to Gorakshep, then advance to Everest Base Camp and walk back down to Gorakshep. However, there will also be a day when our walk will be more relaxed as we descend from Lukla to Phakding in just 3 hours on the very first day of our journey.

Difficulty and Acclimatization on short trek to Everest Base Camp

Our short Everest Base Camp trek falls under the medium-level trek in Nepal. That being said, if you are in decent shape, focused, and follow the altitude sickness prevention instructions then you will easily reach the Everest base camp.

There is a lot of altitude increase and loss within few days on this hike. After Phakding, the track can rise and descend sometimes gradually and sometimes sharply, however, it is never too risky. After Namche, our walk will be mostly on a slow uphill.

Many senior citizens in their 70s and pre-teen children have easily completed this trek without any great difficulty. On the other hand, many trekkers at their prime age and health have failed trying to speed it without enough altitude acclimatization.

Discipline, trust, and patience are vital to the journey at Everest Base Camp. A slow and gentle approach like a tortoise will win you the race.

Can a beginner join the short trek to Everest Base Camp?

Little Zara of 4 years old from the Czech Republic, together with her 7-year-old brother, Sasha, and her father, David Sifra, reached Everest Base Camp in January 2024.

If such a little child can trek to the base camp, then of course, you can too even if you are a new hiker or inexperienced traveler to Nepal. A decent shape and physical and mental well-being are all you need for this short trek to Everest Base Camp journey.

The availability of quality lodges along the path also makes this trek more attractive to inexperienced hikers. In addition, our guide will be present throughout this trek who will not only lead you on the trail but also take care of your well-being. Additionally, our porter will carry your luggage, another burden off your shoulder!

Preparation and training for short trek to Everest Base Camp trip

Our 9 days short trek to Everest Base Camp is not a simple hike as Ghorepani or others. Here, our bodies will be exposed to more stresses, especially those related to height. Therefore, you should make sure you have as good a foundation by preparing well and building mental strength.

First of all, you ensure that you are not too still in your everyday life. This means walking a lot to work or a few extra bus stations. Use a backpack to carry your things such as a computer, extra shoes, jacket, or other items.

But to prepare the body for a more active challenge, you can cycle or go hiking. Go off-road with the clothes and shoes you intend to take with you and fill your backpack you wish to use with as much as you intend to carry. Try to walk in different types of terrain and preferably on slopes.

Short Everest Base Camp Trek Altitude Sickness

When it comes to the risks of hiking up to Everest Base Camp, there’s really only one that’s essentially different from other hikes: Altitude. Already at 2,500 m. some people can feel symptoms and it doesn’t matter if you are young or old, fit or a couch potato.

You may breathe faster, your pulse may increase, you feel difficulty moving your legs, you may sleep worse, get headaches, lose your appetite, become nauseous, or even vomit.

All of these are natural symptoms and nothing to be immediately concerned about. But if you feel them, it is still a sign that the body has a little difficulty keeping up with the climb and it is then important that you identify the signals your body sending you and help it resolve.

Find a steady pace that works to maintain during a longer hike. Make sure to stay well hydrated while hiking. Eat even if you have no desire or no appetite. Don’t stress about the situation and worry about whether or not you have altitude sickness.

Some may even start taking Diamox before their short trek to Everest Base Camp journey begins and it can also help. Diamox often seems to help the body acclimatize faster than it can naturally. However, it is a diuretic drug and you must drink lots and lots of water even if you don’t feel thirsty.

If you have any renal (Kidney) ailments, please ask your physician first before taking Diamox.

Alternate Routes of Short Everest Base Camp Trek

Our short trek to Everest Base Camp 9 days itinerary is designed for those eager to arrive at the base camp as quickly as possible. Therefore, we have shortened the trek by omitting rest days in between. If you have the luxury of time, it is beneficial to rest in Namche and Dingboche for gradual acclimatization.

If you don’t even have nine days but only say a day to spare, then you can take the one-day Helicopter EBC tour that will land you in Kalapatthar and at Namche over the helipad in the periphery of the Everest View Hotel.

However, if you have 22 days to spare, then you can take the original route that was once taken in 1953 going through Jiri to Lukla.

On the other hand, you may also consider incorporating the ascent of Lobuche, Island Peak, or Mera Peak alongside the Everest Base Camp trek. Additionally, it is possible to integrate the three high passes of Renjo La, Cho La, and Kongma La, with a brief diversion to Gokyo Valley.

Transportation, Accommodation, Food and Drink during short trek to Everest Base Camp

Transportation will be arranged from your hotel to either TIA or Ramechhap Manthali Airport in a private car or van. Additionally, our team will also coordinate a domestic flight to Lukla for you.

Throughout the 9 days short trek to Everest Base Camp, your nights will be spent in small guesthouses along the route, called teahouses. Here, you will have your meals and drinks for the hike, along with conveniences like a shower, charging, or WiFi.

A complete meal service (Dinner, Lunch, Breakfast) with seasonal fresh fruits will be offered to you. You have Western food options, or the typical local food like fried rice with vegetables, momos (steamed dumplings), and mushroom soup.

Communication, Gadgets charging, and Internet/WIFI

NCELL or NTC SIM cards can be bought in Kathmandu or Lukla or Namche for conversation. Or, you can also opt for Nepal eSim of the same networks to be bought in Kathmandu. They had 4G service with improved coverage in the Everest area.

WiFi can be accessed in all the lodges in the Solukhumbu Area which can cost between 5 and 10 dollars a day. Alternatively, you can go for 10 GB Everest Link Wifi prepaid card that is valid for up to a month at Namche Bazaar.

All the teahouses on the way to Everest Base Camp sell outlets for charging electronic devices, and prices range from $2 to $10 for a full charge, depending on how high up the trail you are.

You can bring an extra powerful power bank so you can charge your gadgets any time any place you wish.

Permits for short trek to Everest Base Camp

There are two permits you must have near the start of the 9 days short trek to Everest Base Camp. The local government permit for Khumbu Municipality (Khumbu Rural Municipality Permit) and permit for Everest Park (Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit). As mentioned in the itinerary, our guide will get these permits in Lukla.

Why Travel Insurance?

Traveling to Everest Base Camp is an exciting journey; however, trekking in the high Himalayas has some genuine risks, which is why insurance is a must-have for all treks and hikes in Nepal, and the Everest Base Camp trek is included. The rugged high-altitude terrain and unpredictable mountain weather make weathering the storm a critical safety issue rather than a formality.

The Everest Base Camp trek passes through remote terrains, with no nearby roads. In the case of altitude sickness, injury, or a serious illness, helicopter evacuation may be the only viable option. Travel insurance is a must-have for the reallocation of these extremely pricey emergency evacuations. Emergency roadside assistance is a must-have for trekking, as the insurance policy confirms protection from medical emergencies, trip interruptions, or trip cancellations for unforeseen events.

High Altitude Coverage

The most critical point of travel insurance for the short trek to Everest Base Camp is high-altitude insurance. Many travel insurance plans only cover activities based on a ceiling of 3,000 meters, a threshold significantly lower than the altitude of the Everest Base Camp trek.

Everest Base Camp, Annapurna Circuit, and Manaslu Circuit are just some of the famous trekking routes in Nepal, all of which reach elevations above and beyond 5,000 meters. Everest Base Camp, for example, is 5,364 meters tall, and panoramic viewpoints like Kala Patthar are even higher at a whopping 5,545 meters. It is critical to verify that your insurance policy specifically includes coverage for trekking up to a minimum of 5,600 meters, or else your coverage could become void when it is needed the most.

Helicopter Evacuation in the Everest Region

Helicopter evacuation insurance coverage is one of the most pertinent requirements for trekkers doing the Base Camp trek, even if it is a short one. Because there are no roads through most of the Khumbu region, helicopters are the only method for transporting trekkers in emergencies, such as critical cases of altitude sickness, broken bones, severe chest infections, and other emergencies.

Helicopter evacuation without insurance is a problem, as it can cost anywhere from 2,500 to 8,000 USD and is often required to be paid in full and up front. Once you have a full travel insurance policy, you will be able to have a helicopter evacuation that is fully paid for, plus transport to Kathmandu for any medical emergencies you need. This way, you will be able to receive emergency medical care without the high out of pocket cost.

Medical Treatment and Hospitalization Coverage

Medical treatment and hospitalization coverage are equally necessary for anyone trekking to Everest Base Camp or doing a short trek to Everest Base Camp. High-altitude travel comes with a greater risk of altitude sickness, respiratory complications, falls, and infections.

Quality medical care, particularly in privately-owned international hospitals in Kathmandu, tends to be expensive and may require upfront payments. A travel insurance policy that covers outpatient treatment, emergency care, hospitalization, medications, and recuperation will allow you to focus on healing rather than worrying about expenses.

Choosing the Right Travel Insurance for a Short Everest Base Camp Trek

World Nomads, IMG Global, Allianz, Covermore, True Traveller, and SafetyWing (with a high-altitude add-on) are popular among trekkers, and many international insurers offer plans that are appropriate for high altitude trekking. It is important to point out that each provider has varying altitude caps, policies for helicopter evacuations, and activity coverage (for adventurous activities).

Prior to purchasing insurance, make sure to thoroughly check the policy to confirm coverage of high-altitude trekking, helicopter evacuations, and medical emergencies. Some providers may offer more competitive pricing or coverage depending on your nationality. If your insurance provider is experienced with trekking in the Himalayas, you’ll likely have faster help when you need it most.

Insurance Requirements with Hill Sherpa Trekking

In case of an emergency, Hill Sherpa Trekking needs to keep on file specific details on all trekkers’ insurance coverage to facilitate emergency evacuation insurance claims with their trek participants. The trekkers must submit the name of the insurer, policy number, emergency contact number, details of their coverage, and verification that their insurance provides high altitude flight coverage and helicopter evacuation insurance.

Insurance information must be carried by all guides on the brief trek to Everest Base Camp. If emergency evacuation procedures need to be carried out, the proper insurance company must be contacted at once. Emergency evacuation procedures can be markedly less complicated if the guides have the insured’s details immediately available to them.

Conclusions

Travel Insurance Is Non-Negotiable for a Brief Trek to Everest Base Camp

Insurance coverage for a brief trek to the Everest Base Camp is a requirement and, most importantly, a safety net for the world’s most challenging trekking valleys. Without proper insurance, all trekkers – first timers or seasoned trekkers – will have a lean on their peace of mind and put their life at risk.

Completing a brief trek to Everest Base Camp will be an experience of a lifetime. You will be rewarded with stunning landscapes and a rich and diverse culture. To be able to enjoy this experience with peace of mind knowing that all the right insurance coverage is on file for you is a real treat. This peace of mind insurance coverage will include adequate altitude range coverage for high altitude trekking, helicopter flight evacuation coverage, and medical coverage.