How to Get to Everest Base Camp
Nestled in the heart of the Himalayas, surrounded by glaciers, forested valleys and some of the largest mountains on the planet, the base of Everest is a bucket list item for many. So how do you get to the Everest Base Camp? Let us find out.
- Palsang Sherpa
- From Swaziland
Where is Everest Base Camp
Everest Base Camp is located on the south side of the world's highest peak at around 5,364 meters above sea level. This guide will tell you about the popular but challenging route of trekking Everest Base Camp from the south in Nepal. Your journey will begin in Kathmandu, and you have a 300 kilometers route ahead. When you arrive, you will be greeted by views of the mighty Khumbu Glacier.
Best Season to Visit Everest Base Camp
The best times to trek to Everest Base Camp are during spring (March—May) and autumn (October—November). These two key trekking seasons offer the most clement weather for climbers and trekkers alike. Summer is usually accompanied by rain and winter is full of snow, making the mountain and the path leading to it highly treacherous. Anyway, you will probably find that most tours will only offer Everest Base Camp treks during spring and autumn.
How to Travel to Everest Base Camp
Trying to work out the best way to get to Everest Base Camp? Well, there are a few modes of transportation.
- Everest Base Camp by helicopter: If you are short on time but have a budget to spend, you can take a direct helicopter flight from Kathmandu to Everest Base Camp and back. This is the quickest way to the base camp and it only takes around 45 minutes to fly via helicopter to Lukla airport from Kathmandu. You will stop for fuel and refreshments in Lukla. Then you will resume your journey and take a flight to the highest point Kala Patthar (5180 m) while also enjoying views of Khumbu Icefall and Tengboche village. This option requires next to no trekking but the trip is highly dependent on weather conditions.
- Everest Base Camp trek: When you are traveling by road to the Everest Base Camp, you will likely travel from the regional airport of Lukla first. The flight from Kathmandu takes roughly 25 minutes and costs around *USD 180. You will then trek through the Sherpa village of Namche Bazaar and through the Summer Valley to Dingboche, and so on. This more challenging route will take you through three mountain passes; Renjo La, Cho La, and Kongma La. If you take the flight to and from Lukla, you will need 10 days to complete the Everest Base Camp.
In terms of value for money and popular route, flying into Lukla and trekking to the southern Everest Base Camp is the best way to get to this iconic trekking destination. Need help planning your trip to Everest Base Camp? Contact our in-country travel experts and learn more about our customized trips to Nepal.
*Note: The prices mentioned are for 2022 and are subject to change.
