ACCOMMODATION
In a standard category hotel (base: double room) in Kathmandu and Pokhara, during the rest of the trip in a tent (3-person tents for 2 people) or in a lodge depending on the trip. The lodges in Nepal are very comfortable random. In general, conditions are quite good around the Annapurnas and the Everest region. On the other hand, in Mustang, in the Manaslu, Tsum valley, and in the region of Kangchanjung or Makalu, they can be very rudimentary to the point of being a dormitory sometimes even a kitchen. lodges can look like a refuge or sometimes a bed and breakfast from home. Most of the time it is a family house with double, triple, or dormitory rooms. Toilets and showers are always separate.
MEAL
In the cities, many restaurants allow us to discover the typical local cuisine. Meat is scarce in the high mountain, the Nepalese are generally vegetarians. The basic ingredients are rice, pasta, lentils, potatoes, and vegetables. Snacks are included during the trek (cereal bars, dried fruits, etc.).
For camping trek accommodation: during the trek, breakfasts and evening meals are prepared by the kitchen team. They are taken under the mess tent. Depending on the profile of the stages (length of the day’s walk and/or presence of water), midday snacks will be served hot or cold in the form of picnics.
For tea house trek accommodation: meals are prepared by the cooks of the lodge and are taken in the dining room. Here is a typical one-day menu:
breakfast: eggs, toast or chapati, Tibetan bread or pancakes, or pancakes, butter/jam, tea or coffee
lunch: the main course, tea or coffee.
dinner: soup, main course, fruit (fresh or canned), tea or coffee
NB: Hindus and Buddhists are most often vegetarians. We, therefore, eat very little meat or fish. The dishes are pasta, rice, potatoes, lentils, etc.
DRINKS: during the trek, tea is served with meals (two cups of tea per meal). Additional cups of tea and other beverages, including mineral water, are the responsibility of the participants. You can fill your gourds with water in the lodges, but it is essential to treat them with purifying tablets.
SIMILAR TRIPS
Everest Base Camp refers to two base camps on opposite sides of Mount Everest. The South Base Camp is in Nepal and is the starting point for most climbing expeditions to the summit of the mountain. The North Base Camp is in Tibet and is primarily used for climbing the north side of the mountain. Both base camps offer stunning views of the mountain and surrounding Himalayan ranges, and the trek to either base camp is a popular adventure for hikers and mountaineers. The trek to South Base Camp is considered to be more challenging and is typically done in about 12-14 days, whereas the trek to North Base Camp is relatively easier and can be done in about 7-10 days.
There are several ways to reach the base camp of Mount Everest, depending on which side of the mountain you are planning to trek to and your level of experience. Here are some steps you can take to plan a trip to the base camp:
Choose which side of the mountain you want to trek
The South Base Camp is in Nepal, and the North Base Camp is in Tibet.
Obtain necessary permits: You will need a permit to enter the Everest Base Camp on either side of the mountain. In Nepal, you will need a TIMS card and a Sagarmatha National Park permit. In Tibet, you will need a Tibet Travel Permit and an Mt. Everest permit.
Decide on a trekking itinerary: There are a variety of itineraries available for the trek to the base camp, ranging from 12-16 days. It’s important to choose an itinerary that suits your fitness level and time constraints.
Hire a guide or porter: Hiring a guide or porter is not mandatory but is highly recommended, as they can help with navigating the trail, arranging accommodation, and carrying your gear.
Get in shape: The trek to base camp is a challenging hike requiring a good physical fitness level. It’s important to begin training well in advance of your trip.
Pack and prepare: Make sure you have all the necessary gear and equipment for the trek, including warm clothing, a sleeping bag, and a good pair of hiking boots.
The temperature in the Everest base camp trek
The temperature at Everest Base Camp can vary depending on the time of year and the altitude. During the trek to base camp, temperatures can drop below freezing at night, especially at higher elevations.
The flight to Lukla, also known as the Tenzing-Hillary Airport, is the starting point for the trek to the Everest Base Camp in Nepal. It is considered one of the most scenic and challenging flights in the world, as the small aircraft flies through the Himalayan mountains and lands on a small runway with steep inclines.