Tips for Preparation
Physical preparation and training
The Everest Base Camp trek with Cho La Pass and Gokyo Ri, without a doubt, is physically demanding. Preparing your body and getting in shape before embarking on this journey is important. Start incorporating cardiovascular and muscle-building exercises into your routine at least 6-8 weeks before your trek.
Packing and gear considerations
It is important to pack light but practical. Bring only the essentials and extra layers of clothing, as temperatures can drop drastically during the night. Also, get a good quality sleeping bag and waterproof gear.
Acclimatization tips
Acclimatization is critical when it comes to the successful completion of this trek. Make sure to take your time by slowing down your pace or adding additional rest days if needed. Additionally, drink plenty of fluids and avoid alcohol and smoking.
Tips for selecting a tour provider
When selecting a tour provider, it is essential to consider their reviews, safety record, and experience leading successful treks. Additionally, make sure that there is an appropriate support system in place in case of an emergency.
Safety Considerations
Risk of altitude sickness and how to prepare
Altitude sickness can be very dangerous if not taken seriously. Since Everest Base Camp lies above 5000 meters, it is crucial to consider altitude sickness. Pay attention to any signs or symptoms of altitude sickness, such as headache, nausea, shortness of breath, fatigue, etc. If you experience any symptoms, you must descend immediately and seek medical help.
Weather hazards and safety tips
Weather conditions can change quickly at high altitudes and can be unpredictable in the Everest region. If you are trekking in the winter season, you might get in trouble due to heavy snowfall. Make sure always to have an eye on the weather forecast and be prepared for sudden changes. Additionally, wear proper attire when needed, such as fleece jackets or windbreakers.
Tips for avoiding theft and scams
Thefts and scams are rare on the Everest Base Camp Trek, but it is important to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions such as not carrying large amounts of cash or leaving your valuables unattended. Additionally, make sure that you are aware of any current regulations in place regarding permits and fees.
Food safety and hygiene considerations
Food safety is essential when it comes to high-altitude trekking. Ensure only to consume foods that have been cooked properly, wash your hands regularly, avoid raw foods, and drink only boiled or bottled water.
Accommodation and Meals During Everest Base Camp Trek
The accommodation and meals during the Everest Base Camp Trek are basic but comfortable. You will be staying in teahouses, guest houses, or lodges. They feature traditional Nepali food as well as western cuisine. You can also experience the traditional Nepali kitchen and food items like Dal Bhaat, Dhindo, and many others.
Here is a detailed overview of the accommodation facility in Everest Base Camp Trek:
Teahouses
Teahouses are the most common accommodation during the Everest Base Camp trek. Basic lodges along the trail offer meals, drinks, and dormitory-style rooms for trekkers. Teahouses vary in quality and amenities, but most provide a comfortable place to rest, recharge and socialize with fellow trekkers.
Hotels
Hotels are available in some larger villages along the trek, such as Namche Bazaar and Gorak Shep. These offer more comfortable rooms, hot showers, and western-style toilets. However, they can be more expensive and less accessible than teahouses.
Camping Stays
Camping stays are a more rugged option for the adventurous trekker. They involve setting up a tent and cooking meals in the wilderness. This option offers a unique and immersive experience but requires more gear and planning.
Cost Required For Everest Base Camp Trek With Cho La And Gokyo Ri
An estimate of the cost for an Everest Base Camp trek with Cho La and Gokyo Ri can range from $1000-$1500 depending on where you stay, what you eat, etc. This estimate does not include additional costs, such as travel insurance or tips for porters/guides, which are highly recommended while trekking in Nepal. For more information on trekking in Nepal, see below:
Accommodation Cost
In terms of accommodation, there are plenty of options available in the Everest region ranging from basic guesthouses to luxury lodges. Prices range from $10-$50 per night, depending on the type of accommodation you choose and the season.
If you are camping on your own, you will be free from paying the organizer. But remember, you will have to manage all your necessities by yourself, including tents, utensils, food, and gas.
Permits Cost
In addition to accommodation, there are also permits and other fees that need to be taken into consideration when planning an Everest Base Camp trek. The cost of tickets for the Everest Base Camp Trek ranges from 2000-3000 NPR, equivalent to approximately $16-$25. Indian tourists may benefit from slightly reduced pricing at 1500 NPR. According to policy, children under ten years of age may also receive a reduced fee. The Sagarmatha National Park, Entry Permit fee is estimated at 2000-3000 NPR, while the Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Entrance Permit fee is 2000 NPR or higher.
When traveling from Jiri, obtaining a Gaurishankar Conservation Area Permit is necessary, which can be purchased for 2000 NPR at the Tourist Service Center. The price of permits in Shivalaya is significantly higher, costing around 4000 NPR. To reduce costs, purchasing the license at the Tourist Service Center is recommended. It is important to ensure the Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Permit and Sagarmatha N.P.
Food Cost
Food is also plentiful in the Everest region, with many options available. Prices range from $3-$15 per meal, depending on where you eat and what you order.
For options, you can get traditional Nepali dishes (Dal/Bhaat/Dhindo) and Chinese Dumplings to western cuisine. If you are in a remote place up in the Everest region, you can have the experience of tasting traditional Nepali food - if you are in Namche Bazaar, you can still go with the Western one or the food of your choice.
Transportation Cost
Regarding transportation, there are two options: flight and local ride. A flight from Kathmandu to Lukla is the primary option to reach the Everest region. A one-way flight from Kathmandu to Lukla can range from $120 to $200, depending on the time of year and availability. Local transportation includes private vehicles like jeeps or minivans and shared jeeps for transport between towns and villages in the Everest region. The cost of vehicles for airport transfers can range from $30-$50, while shared jeeps can cost around $15-$20 per person.
Moreover, you can also reach Lukla by bus from Kathmandu. You can take the bus to Salleri or Ramechhaap and start trekking to Lukla from there.
What Are The Required Permits for Everest Base Camp Trek?
Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit
Nestled within the new boundaries of Sagarmatha National Park - a World Heritage Site and one of Nepal's most treasured natural gems, boasting a sprawling expanse of 1,148 square kilometers (443 square miles) - lies the revered Everest Base Camp. This national park serves as a sanctuary for some of the world's most endangered species, including the musk deer, snow leopard, and the elusive Red Panda (Habre). With a dedicated mission to conserve these precious creatures, Sagarmatha National Park is a true gem of Nepalese biodiversity.
As your Everest Base Camp trek with Cho La Pass and Gokyo Ri primarily traverses through the Sagarmatha National Park, obtaining Entry Permits is a mandatory requirement. Due to their status as protected zones, National Parks and Conservation Areas have restricted access, requiring authorized permission for entry. Obtaining entry permits before arrival is essential to ensure a seamless and safe experience within these protected zones.
Upon successful payment of entry fees, embark on an awe-inspiring journey to conquer the Khumbu region in Solukhumbu District, including the iconic Everest Base Camp and the challenging Three Passes.
The local administration requires a modest fee for permit access.
Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Entrance Permit
The Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Entrance Permit serves as an additional form of authorization, in conjunction with the Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit, for those embarking on their trek. Obtaining this permit is essential for every trekker to ensure a seamless and successful adventure.
The new Entrance Permit System was implemented on October 1st, 2018, to replace the previously utilized Trekkers' Information Management Systems (TIMS) Card. A designated fee must be paid to obtain this permit, and failure to possess it renders travelers ineligible to explore the picturesque Khumbu region, including the iconic Everest Base Camp.
Gaurishankar Conservation Area Permit
For those tackling the epic journey to the Everest Base Camp in 2023, obtaining a Gaurishankar Conservation Area Permit is a requirement. This permit is only necessary for those trekkers who plan to travel the alternate route through Jiri and is deemed optional for those who choose a different trail. Individuals who travel from Jiri to the Everest Base Camp can obtain their permits from either Shivalaya or the Tourism Board in Kathmandu.
Some Other Destinations To Visit During Everest Base Camp Trek
Kala Patthar
Located at an altitude of 5,545 meters, Kala Patthar is one of the highest points on the Everest Base Camp trek with Cho La Pass and Gokyo Ri and offers a magnificent view of Mount Everest. The ascent to Kala Patthar involves navigating a steep ridge with several deceptive peaks that may give the illusion of proximity to the summit.
Nonetheless, the panoramic views from the top are truly captivating and make the ascent well worth the effort. Upon reaching the peak, one will have an unobstructed view of Mount Everest, along with other towering peaks such as Nuptse and Changtse. Kala Patthar is also renowned for its picturesque landscapes, making it one of the most photogenic destinations on the Everest Base Camp Trek.
Tengboche Monastery
The Tengboche Monastery, located at an altitude of 12,687 feet, is a must-visit destination in the Everest Base Camp trek with Cho La Pass and Gokyo Ri. Known for its vibrant and stunning architecture, the monastery offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in a spiritual ambiance and take in breathtaking views of Mount Everest and other neighboring peaks like Ama Dablam and Mt. Lhotse.
Visitors can participate in prayer sessions with the monks or witness a puja ceremony during festival times. Whether you explore the interior, the Tengboche Monastery is a highly recommended stop on your trek.
Island Peak
The next destination on Everest Base Camp trek with Cho La Pass and Gokyo Ri is Island Peak, commonly referred to as Imja Tse. This mountain affords trekkers breathtaking panoramic vistas of the Himalayas, and its peak sits at 6,160 meters, rendering it an ideal option for an advanced climbing expedition. Before embarking on this majestic challenge, it is imperative to ensure that appropriate gear and sufficient experience have been secured.
Gokyo Lakes
Gokyo Lakes is a beautiful destination situated near the village of Gokyo. This scenic location boasts six emerald-green lakes surrounded by glaciers and snow-capped peaks and is considered the main attraction of Everest Base Camp trek with Cho La Pass and Gokyo Ri. While all five of the primary lakes - Thonak Tsho, Ngozumpa Tsho, Longpongo Tsho, Gyazumpa Tsho, and Tanjung Tsho - are worthy of admiration, it is the sixth lake, Dudh Pokhari, that truly embodies magnificence.
Dudh Pokhari, measuring approximately 4 kilometers in length and over 1 kilometer in width, is one of the largest glacial lakes in Nepal. The highlight of this serene location is the awe-inspiring backdrop of four prominent mountains - Cho Oyu, Gyachung Kang, Everest, and Lhotse - that form a stunning frame around its tranquil waters.
Chhukung Valley
Chhukung Valley is the must-visit site during your Everest Base Camp trek with Cho La Pass and Gokyo Ri. Upon passing Chhukung Ri on the EBC route, you will see the stunning views of the tallest peaks in the Himalayas. You will behold the breathtaking views of Ama Dablam and Cho Polu, which rise majestically above the surrounding terrain. You will also see the majestic Nangkartshang Peak and Makalu, towering at over 5,000 and 8,000 meters - they serve as inspiration to numerous thrill-seekers.
