Everest Base Camp Trek FAQs

Planning a trekking adventure to the Himalayas takes so many things, especially if you are trying to visit for the first time. You may have so many questions to ask about the trip and things in general. This post includes some Everest Base Camp Trek FAQs that people normally ask when they plan to travel.

Trekking to the Base Camp of the highest mountain on earth is certainly a beautiful adventure and having your questions answered makes the experience better. The list has questions that travelers generally ask but if any questions you want to ask are not on the list, feel free to reach out.

Here are some Everest Base Camp Trek FAQs

Do I require a visa to visit Nepal?

Yes, you do need a valid visa to enter Nepal that you can get upon arrival from the immigration desk at the airport or other ports of entry if you choose to enter Nepal overland.

You can only fly into Kathmandu but there are some ports of entry if you choose to enter Nepal via land from India or Tibet.

Is this trip guaranteed to depart?

This trip is guaranteed to depart on the dates mentioned. You can choose the date that suits you and book the trip. We will run this trip even if that is only you on the trip but that will add you a little more cost for the single supplement. We have mentioned the single supplement cost in our cost info. Please check there.

Do you provide transportation service on my arrival and departure?

Yes, we will pick you up from the airport when you arrive and drop you off when you depart. But you will have to provide us with your arrival and departure details in advance. The hotel that we will put you in is more or less 20 minute drive from the airport.

How do you allocate the room for the trip?

The trip runs on twin sharing basis. And if you are a solo traveler, you will have to share the room with another person of the same gender from the group. If we do not have a partner of the same gender for you, you will have a room for yourself. But if you want to stay single, you can do so with the payment of an additional cost. The single supplement works only in the cities, not in the mountains. You have no choice of sharing a room while on the trek.

How high does the trip go?

This is one of the most common Everest Base Camp Trek FAQs. The trip goes up to 5,545 meters or 18,192 feet above sea level in the mountains. This is a pretty high altitude so be careful enough.

What is the chance of altitude sickness on this trip?

Any trip that goes above 3,000 meters or 9,842 feet from sea level always bears the chance of altitude sickness. As this trip goes well above 5,000 meters, it has the risk of altitude sickness. You have to take this into consideration and understand it well before booking the trip.

How do I deal with the altitude sickness or any other serious problems if I get one during the trip?

The best way to stay safe from altitude sickness is to walk at an easy pace and drink enough water. But sometimes, even after being careful enough, you may feel the early symptoms of it. In this situation, you have to know what is happening to your body and if you feel uncomfortable, share this with your guide.

The best way to deal with altitude sickness, if you get it, is to descend immediately. An assistant will take you to a lower elevation. The early stage of altitude sickness can be treated with a descent. In case of serious health conditions, emergency medical evacuation is the best and only option.

Do I need travel insurance for the trip?

Yes, you do need travel insurance that covers emergency medical evacuation. Please make sure the insurance covers the highest elevation level that you are going to be on the trip. Mountains are so unpredictable that emergency situation may arise at any time and all of a sudden. So, being prepared is always a wise thing.

How long do we walk on the trip?

Although the walking duration varies every day and hugely depends on the pace of the individual, you can expect to walk 5 hours every day on average. The higher you go, the slower you will walk. You will have to walk anywhere from 4-8 hours in the mountains. Please take the walking hours to be approximate in the mountains.

What kinds of gear will I need?

Another of many common Everest Base Camp Trek FAQs, we get this question often. You will need to be properly geared up for the trip, for sure. As an adventure trekking trip, you will need to have proper trekking gear. A comprehensive list of gear list for the trip will be sent to you after you book the trip and we have a way to send you the info.

Do I have to carry my own luggage?

There will be supporting staff members to carry your luggage in the mountains. You will get a porter between two people. Please remember to pack as lightly as possible for the mountain. You can keep the rest of the stuff, which you do not need in the mountains, in your last city hotel that you will return back to.

You will just need to carry your day pack with essentials for the day like drinking water, energy bars, sunscreen cream, a camera, other gadgets, and other stuff that you will need during the day.

Can you tell me more about the accommodation facilities?

This is not only of Everest Base Camp Trek FAQs but also a general question when people travel to Nepal. When you are in the city like Kathmandu, Pokhara, and Chitwan, we will keep you in good tourist class hotels. But, only basic guesthouses are available in the trekking region so you will get accommodated in the simple guesthouses.

However, hotels can be upgraded in the cities upon your request and with additional cost. Some of the trekking routes in the Everest and Annapurna regions have luxury lodges that you may choose to stay in at an additional cost.

What currency is used in Nepal? Can I exchange dollars or other currencies?

Nepal uses the Nepali Rupees. US$ 1 will be more or less equivalent to Nepali Rupees 120 in the round figure. Exchange rates fluctuate every now and then. Nepal Rastra Bank decides the exchange rate. However, when you exchange the currencies in a money changer, you get lower rates than the listed rates on the bank’s website.

Can I withdraw money from ATM in Nepal? Can I pay by card?

You will find ATM counters on your easy access when you are in the cities in Nepal where you can withdraw money with a charge of about USD 4 per transaction.

You can use your card to pay in most of the places in cities nowadays however they will have about a 4% of surcharge on top of your billed amount.

Are there any restrictions or limitations that I should be aware of while in Nepal?

As a multicultural country, Nepal respects people of all faiths, creeds, and cultures and definitely expects the same from the visitors too. There are no such restrictions or limitations on your activities, except those considered illegal and immoral, while you are in Nepal.

However public display of affection is somewhat unacceptable in Nepal. Holding hands and walking around is okay.

Let us know if you have any questions.