Everest Base Camp Trek for Indian Passport Holders

Why traveling to Everest Base Camp for Indian passport holders can have financial benefits?

Indian passport holders have financial benefits when they go to Everest Base Camp. The price of the food and hotels are the same for all the tourists trekking to the Everest base camp. However, some factors mentioned below make the trip less costly to Indian passport holders. 

• As India and Nepal share an open border, there are eight places where people can enter or exit Nepal and India. These places are official points for immigration. One can travel by train or via Airplane to arrive at Kathmandu. If you travel by train, you will visit places like Gorakhpur Junction, New Jalpaiguri, Jogbani, and Raxaul Junction. After that, you can take buses, jeeps, or cars to the nearest border. There are different types of public transportation available, like deluxe and microbuses. They often start their journeys close to the border and go towards Kathmandu, the capital city of Nepal. If you travel by Airplane, you land straight in Kathmandu. Traveling by plane can be costly but saves much time. Traveling by train can be cheap but extends your travel days. Therefore, you must choose your means of transportation according to your needs. Despite the transportation you choose, both are very cheap compared to the other trekkers who come from far land to trek to the base camp.

• Also, the permit costs 50% less (Rs 1500) to the Indian trekkers compared to other foreign trekkers.

Trek Through Regular Everest Base Camp Trails

If you go straight to the base camp and come back, you would walk a trail 130 kilometers long. You'll walk through the Sagarmatha National Park to reach the base camp. The journey begins in a pretty green forest and takes you to a rocky and dry area.

The adventure begins with an exciting flight from Kathmandu, Nepal, to Lukla. Lukla is the starting point of our trip. The route passes through small villages close to Mount Everest. We start walking to Phakding when we reach Lukla. We then walk to Namche Bazaar - a bustling market. Namche is an excellent place for tourists to adjust to high altitude. We spent a day in Namche before moving on to Everest Base Camp. After a resting day, we will walk from Namche Bazaar, Tangbouche, to Dingboche. We hiked the next day from Dingboche up to Lobuche. We then walk across the frozen Gorakshep region to reach the Everest Base Camp.

Our longest hike is Pheriche-Namche. Our trek will end when we return from Namche to Lukla. We'll celebrate our achievement after an exciting journey to Kathmandu from Lukla.

Customizing Everest Base Camp Trek itinerary and Prices for Indian passport holders

Designing a tailored Everest Base Camp trek itinerary for Indian passport holders involves meticulous planning to ensure an enriching experience. The journey typically starts in Kathmandu, Nepal's capital, with acclimatization and gear checks. The trek encompasses breathtaking landscapes, Sherpa culture, and alpine terrain.

For a 12 to 14-day itinerary, consider a gradual ascent to aid acclimatization. Trekking via Namche Bazaar, Tengboche, Dingboche, and Lobuche allows optimal altitude adaptation. Reaching Everest Base Camp, trekkers relish stunning vistas of Himalayan giants.

Customizing costs involves several factors: permits (Sagarmatha National Park, TIMS), guide/porter fees, flights, accommodations, and meals. Budget lodges and teahouses offer affordable stays, while luxury lodges provide more comfort at a higher cost. Hiring a guide enhances safety and cultural insights. Porters aid with baggage, easing the trekking load.

Estimated costs for Indian passport holders range from 80,989 Indian Rupees to 60900 Indian Rupees, excluding international flights. Seasonal variations, group size, and personal preferences influence expenses. Extra days for contingencies enhance the experience.

Crafting a personalized Everest Base Camp journey ensures safety, enjoyment, and an unforgettable adventure amidst the world's highest peaks.

Everest Base Camp Trek Itinerary for 2023/2024

• Day 01: Fly to Lukla and trek to Phakding (2652m): 8km, 35-minute flight 3 hrs trek.
• Day 02: Trek Phakding to Namche Bazaar (3,440m): 11km, 5-6 hrs
• Day 03: Namche Bazaar: Rest and Acclimatization Day
• Day 04: Trek Namche Bazaar to Tengboche (3,870m): 10km, 5-6 hrs
• Day 05: Trek Tengboche to Dingboche (4,360m): 9km, 5-6 hrs
• Day 06: Acclimatization Hike to Nangkartshang Hill (5,083m): 4 hrs
• Day 07: Trek Dingboche to Lobuche (4,940m): 7km, 5 hrs
• Day 08: Trek to Gorekshep (5,170m), visit Everest Base Camp (5,380m) - Gorekshep: 13km, 7 -8 hrs
• Day 09: Hike up to KalaPatthar (5,555m), and trek back to Pheriche (4200m):16km, 7-8 hrs
• Day 10: Trek from Pheriche to Namche (3,440m): 20km, 6-7 hrs
• Day 11: Trek Namche to Phakding to Lukla (2,860m):19km, 6-7 hrs
• Day 12: Fly back to Kathmandu, a 35-minute flight

Everest Base Camp Trek Cost for Indian Passport Holders:

• A person costs 82,000 Indian Rupees (only for Indians).
• Cost of 2- 6 people: 72,000 Indian Rupees per person. (Only applicable to Indians).
• Cost of 7-12 people: 62,500 Indian rupees each (only applicable to Indians).

Detail itinerary

• Day 01: Fly to Lukla and trek to Phakding (2652m): 8km, 35-minute flight 3 hrs trek.

As we leave Kathmandu, we fly 40 minutes to Lukla (9186ft). The journey ends with a breathtaking mountain range. We fly over a hillside with towering mountains. At Lukla, we'll pack our gear and meet our team. Our trek begins in Lukla.

After an hour of gradual descent, we will reach the village of Cheplung. We can see Mt. Khumbila (18.900ft) is a sacred mountain that has never been climbed. We will descend from Cheplung to Phakding, where we will stay the night. The gradual descent will provide breathtaking views. After acclimatizing and resting, we'll spend a night in Phakding before continuing our journey. Spend the night in a Phakding guesthouse.

• Accommodation: Guesthouse.
• Walking hours: 3 hours.
• Max. Altitude: 2,610m.
• Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.

Manthali to Lukla Flight (March, April, May, October, and November)

During peak seasons, such as March, April, May, October, and November, the flight to Lukla will be operated from Ramechhap/Manthali due to air traffic expansion. The Manthali/Ramechhap airport is about 4 hours drive from Kathmandu. On this day, we wake up at 2:30 a.m., take an escorted shuttle to Manthali airport on a shared tourist vehicle, and board a 20-minute flight to Lukla.

Kathmandu to Lukla Flight (January, February, June, July, August, September, and December)

The flight to Lukla is typically operated from Kathmandu during nonpeak seasons, which include January, February, June, July, August, September, and December. Please be aware that the decision regarding the operation of flights solely depends on the airline and is influenced by the volume of travelers during a specific month. On this day, we wake up at 5 to 6 a.m. Our staff will escort you to the domestic airport terminal in Kathmandu and board a 35-minute flight to Lukla.

• Day 02: Phakding to Namche Bazaar (3,440m): 11km, 5-6 hrs

After breakfast, we'll begin our trek by passing through a beautiful pine forest and then follow the trail up north to the Benkar Valley. After crossing the Dudh Koshi River, we'll pass through Chumoa, Monjo, and the Everest National Park entrance. After crossing a suspension footbridge, we will continue our walk along the Dudh Koshi River and Bhote Koshi Rivers. We will pass through the charming village of Jorsale. We'll ascend steeply to reach the heartland for the Sherpa people - Namche Bazaar. We'll be able to see the breathtaking sights of Mt. Everest, and Mt. Lhotse is just an hour away from Namche Bazaar. It will be an experience we will never forget. We will spend the night at Namche Bazaar.

• Accommodation: Guesthouse.
• Walking hours: 5- 6 hours.
• Max. Altitude: 3,441m.
• Included Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.

• Day 03: Acclimatization rest day at Namche Bazaar

Namche Bazaar is the biggest town on the Everest trail. It has many restaurants, hotels, shops, bakeries, and exchange services. Today, we acclimatize. Many activities are planned for the day to adjust to the high altitude. After breakfast, we hike to the Khumjung Valley via Everest View Hotel, considered one of the highest-placed hotels. You can enjoy the magnificent up-close view of the world’s tallest mountain, Everest. As we return, we take a detour to a local museum that houses local flora and fauna along with the history of the Everest region. We also explored the Syangboche Airport.

If you wish to hike more, we have set aside an option to visit Khumjung village. It is approximately a 5-6 hour walk, and upon reaching the village, we explore the Khumjung Monastery, where a Yeti’s scalp is on display. You can also visit Khumjung School, built in 1961 by Sir Edmund Hillary Himalayan Trust. Overnight in a guesthouse in Namche Bazaar.

• Accommodation: Guesthouse.
• Walking hours: 3- 4 hours.
• Max. Altitude: 3,441m.
• Included Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.

• Day 04: Namche Bazaar to Tengboche (3,870m): 10km, 5-6 hrs

After breakfast, our trek to Tengboche takes us through one of Everest's most scenic routes. We begin our trek after breakfast in Namche Bazaar with a gradual descent that offers spectacular views of AmaDablam (6,623m/21.720 ft.), Thamserku (6623m/21.750 ft.), and Mt. Kusum Kanguru (6. 367m/20.890 ft.). After descending for about 3 hours, we arrive at a river valley, where we stop for lunch. We ascend through a rhododendron forest to Tengboche after lunch. Tengboche village is situated at the Sangam between the Dudh Koshi River and the Imja Khola River. Tengboche Monastery is the largest monastery in the Khumbu Region. Monks praying in the monasteries and surrounding areas with Mt. AmaDablam offers a breathtaking view. Get ready for a spiritual experience! Overnight in Tangbouche.

• Accommodation: Guesthouse.
• Walking hours: 5-6 hours.
• Max. Altitude: 3,870m.
• Included Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.

• Day 05: Tengboche to Dingboche (4,360m): 9km, 5-6 hrs
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As we continue our trek, we will descend through dense forests full of birch trees, conifers, and rhododendrons. This trek will reward us with stunning views of Mt. Everest, Lhotse, and Ama Dablam. We cross the Imja River on our way to Pangboche and take in the beautiful scenery of the Himalayas. The Pangboche Monastery is also visible from this trail. Then we head to the Imja Valley, Lobuche River, and climb up to Dingboche. We will pass beautiful fields surrounded by stone walls that protect barley, potatoes, and buckwheat from cold winds and animals. We will stay the night in Dingboche.

• Accommodation: Guesthouse.
• Walking hours: 5-6 hours.
• Max. Altitude: 4,360m.
• Included Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.

• Day 06: Acclimatization Hike to Nangkartshang Hill (5,083m): 4-5 hrs

Another day for acclimatization. You will hike up Nagerjun Hill, which is located near Dingboche. It is a strenuous hike, but it is well worth it for the spectacular views of Imja Valley from the top. You can also see the Everest peaks like Ama Dablam and Lhotse from the top and Nuptse, Everest, and Nuptse, among others. You will then hike down after spending some time on the vantage point. Overnight in Dingboche.

• Accommodation: Guesthouse.
• Walking hours: 4-5 hours.
• Max. Altitude: 5083m.
• Included Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.

• Day 07: Dingboche to Lobuche (4,940m): 7km, 5 hrs

We are now ready for the next day of our journey. Today, we reached the 5,000m mark on our trek. We begin our climb uphill after an early morning breakfast. After walking for two to three hours, we will arrive at our lunch location, Duglha (4600m/15090 ft.). We maintain a steady pace as the trail is steep and strenuous. This is essential when ascending. This trail will take us along the Khumbu Glacier to Chupki Lhara. It is an array of memorial cairns, large piles of stones decorated with prayer flags. They commemorate mountaineers who died on Everest missions. This is also the beginning of the rockier terrain in Khumbu. After a short rest at Chupki Lhara, we trek towards the Khumbu glacier marine. You can see the majestic Khumbuste, Mahalangur Himal, and Pumori. We will arrive at Lobuche shortly after and settle into a guesthouse. Be prepared for a cold night! We will have a cool evening.

• Accommodation: Guesthouse.
• Walking hours: 5 hours.
• Max. Altitude: 4,940m.
• Included Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.

• Day 08: Lobuche to Gorekshep (5,170m), visit Everest Base Camp (5,383m) - Gorekshep: 13km, 7 -8 hrs

There are two parts to the trek today. The first section of the trek follows the route from Gorak Shep to Everest Base Camp.

We leave Lobuche after breakfast and hike along the Khumbu Glacier while admiring the spectacular view of Mount. Nuptse. We soon reach Gorak Shep. After a quick lunch, we continue on our journey to Everest Base Camp from this point. The terrain is rough and challenging. You can see the stunning Khumbu Glacier & Khumbu Icefall along the way.

Once we reach the base camp, you will be rewarded with a panoramic view. Everest, Nuptse, and the surrounding peaks. The feeling of being at the foot of the highest mountain in the world is incredible. During peak season, we might also encounter climbing teams and expeditions. Then we retrace our steps back to Gorak Shep.

• Accommodation: Guesthouse.
• Walking hours: 7-8 hours.
• Max. Altitude: 5,383m.
• Included Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.

• Day 09: Hike up to KalaPatthar (5,550m), and trek back to Pheriche (4200m):16km, 7-8 hrs

We hike today to Kala Patthar, the highest point on the Everest Base Camp Trek. The hike starts early in the morning, with an amazing sunrise over the giant mountains. Kala Patthar offers a spectacular view of Mount Everest, Nuptse, and Lhotse. Enjoy every moment you spend in Mount Everest’s lap. We then descend to Gorak Shep and continue our trek to Pheriche.

• Accommodation: Guesthouse.
• Walking hours: 7-8 hours.
• Max. Altitude: 5550m.
• Included Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.

• Day 10: Pheriche to Namche (3,440m): 20km, 6-7 hrs

After breakfast, we will descend through a hillside covered with rhododendrons and junipers. We continue our trek through the Dudh Koshi Gorge, quickly descending through the pine forest after crossing the bridge decorated with prayer flags. We may encounter mountain goats and colorful pheasants along the way. We will eventually reach Sansa, where we can see the Ama Dablam and Nuptse Mountains. After passing through a forest, we arrive at Namche Bazaar. Overnight in Namche Bazaar.

• Accommodation: Guesthouse.
• Walking hours: 6-7 hours.
• Max. Altitude: 3,440m.
• Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.

• Day 11: Namche -Phakding to Lukla (2,860m):19km, 6-7 hrs

After breakfast, the downhill trek continues from Pheriche. We follow the Imja Khola River through the forest and hamlets. We pass Orsho and Somare and Pangboche and Deboche. Then we have lunch. We continue our excursion by walking through lush forests, passing Tengboche and Phungi Tenga. Finally, we arrive at the wonderful town of Namche, with its dramatic Everest peaks. Overnight at Namche Bazaar.

• Accommodation: Guesthouses.
• Walking hours: 6-7 hours.
• Max. Altitude: 2,840m.
• Included Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.

• Day12: Fly back to Kathmandu, a 35-minute long flight

After our long journey through the mountains, we will take an early morning flight back to Kathmandu. We can rest in Kathmandu or shop for souvenirs. We will celebrate our successful journey with a farewell meal in the evening. Overnight in Kathmandu.

• Accommodation/A.
• Walking hours: N/A.
• Included Meal: N/A

Everest Base Camp Trek Cost Includes:

• The best available twin-sharing Teahouse or lodge for accommodation during the trek.
• Full board meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) during the trek.
• Government-licensed, English, and Hindi-speaking guides trained in wilderness first aid
• Round-trip airfare between Kathmandu and Lukla including airport departure tax
• Everest National Park permits and TIMS permits for trekking.
• Assistant trekking guides walk with the group to support as necessary
• Staff costs include their salary, food, accommodation, domestic airfare, and medicine.
• Insurance covering all staff and porters in base camp KalaPatthar hike.
• Duffle bag for trekking
• Medical kit (carried by your trek leader)
• Travel and rescue arrangement
• All government and local taxes.

Everest Base Camp Trek Cost Doesn’t Includes:

• Nepal visa (USD 30 for 15 days and USD 50 for 30 days and US 125 for 90 days)
• Lunch and evening meals in Kathmandu
• Porter Service if needed.
• Laundry, telephone, hot shower & internet charge.
• International air fares/flights (fares and flights can be arranged upon request)
• Personal expenses (alcoholic drinks, bottled water, cold drinks)
• Your Travel Insurance (Compulsory)
• Personal trekking equipment
• Tips for guides, porters, and drivers (tipping is expected, but it is not mandatory)

Why does the cost of Everest Base Camp trekking for Indian passport holders is lower?

Indians are charged much less than other people to visit Everest Base Camp. Indians don't need a Visa to enter Nepal. You can opt for cheaper ground transportation or even bring your car.

Indians have an advantage on the Everest Base Camp Trek as their travel costs and permits are reduced by one-third. Food and lodging costs are the same, but it's still cheaper.

A trip to Everest Base Camp costs approximately INR 74000 for an Indian. The price includes the flights from Kathmandu to Lukla, a trekking guide and accommodation in twin-sharing arrangements, and breakfast, lunch, and dinner on the trek.

Group Joining Everest Base Camp Trek

Trekking in a group can be a good option for those with limited time and who want to make a well-planned trek. You can meet new people or receive assistance in an emergency.

However, its disadvantages are the high costs and the limited adaptability. The departure dates, routes, and services are fixed. You cannot choose your service. As altitude affects everyone differently, keeping pace with the group is often necessary to avoid developing AMS.

When you trek in a group, the service cost is divided, making your trip comparatively cheaper. Guides and porters can be hired to entertain you. You will not need to carry heavy loads when you have extra hands.

Trekking with only a guide and no porter

When you go hiking with just a guide rather than a helper to carry your things, you'll need to carry your bags and stuff while walking in the mountains. The guide will help you find the right path and tell you about the places. You have to be strong to carry all your stuff on your own. It can be a fun trip where you can enjoy yourself more freely.

When you trek with us, we make sure you're safe. We arrange trips with guides. If you want to save money and you don't want to hire someone to carry your things, you can skip that and save money. This is good if you plan to stay in the mountains for about 12-14 nights!

Everest Base Camp Trek Difficulty

The Everest Base Camp Trek is a medium difficulty. It is a familiar trek because of the pre-established routes and constant flow. Everest Base Camp has a unique vibe that draws people despite the high altitude. Always plan your trip. Don't rush. Start cardio exercises to be healthy and ready. Always stay hydrated. Altitude sickness is the biggest problem many hikers face during their Everest Base Camp trek. In an emergency, helicopter evacuations may be required. Insurance from a reputable provider is recommended. When planning your trip, consider the weather and climate.

Accommodation On Everest Base Camp Trek

We offer accommodation in Teahouses and Guesthouse on Everest Base Camp Trek. This way, it can be used in a room holding two hikers of the same gender. The room has two separate beds for each hiker. The rooms are equipped with beautiful, warm blankets and pillows. They also have comfortable matrices and bathrooms attached (not always). These rooms also offer beautiful views. Hotel guests like Yeti Mountain Home can upgrade to deluxe accommodations. We will ensure that you can stay in the most beautiful teahouses with breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains.

Everest Base Camp Trek Best Time, Climate & Weather

From March to June, the weather is perfect for hiking. Summer temperatures can reach up to 25 degrees; at night, they can drop as low as -20. The high temperatures attract a lot of tourists. Monsoons start in mid-July and continue until mid-September. The heavy rains can make the roads slippery, so it is not recommended to go hiking during this time. The best time to trek in the Everest region is September and November. During this period, the area is covered in wildflowers and Rhododendrons. Winter officially begins in November and lasts until February. This time of year is characterized by extreme cold. January is the coldest month of the year, with temperatures between -60- and -36 degrees Fahrenheit.

What is needed to know about Everest Base Camp Trek?

• We recommend having a backup day, as flights between Kathmandu and Lukla can change anytime.
• All forms of identification are acceptable, including passports, driver's licenses, and voter ID.
• You should bring some extra cash in case of emergency, as no ATMs are available in Lukla. You can buy hiking gear even in Kathmandu. The best place to buy hiking gear is in Kathmandu.
• Tea is expensive at Everest. You will have to pay a small fee for hot water. Take your tea bags on the EBC tour.
• Pack warm clothing, sunglasses, hiking accessories such as gloves, trekking sticks, wool hats, and hiking boots. Packing a pair of sturdy hiking boots, you're used to is the most important thing to do. Kathmandu is the best place to buy cheap, high-quality trekking clothes. You can rent a trekking pole for 500-600 rupees daily if you don't own one.
• Be sure to consume enough water while on your trip. Always keep extra water bottles handy.
• You must take care of your eyes and skin. Use sunscreen and wear a hat to protect yourself from sunburns. If you have prescription glasses, bring them or at least a clip-on.
• Headaches are often the first sign of altitude problems. Keep the required medications on hand. It would help if you were not scared or stopped hiking because of a small headache. If the headache persists or worsens, hiking down or climbing up is best.

Permits Required for Everest Base Camp Trek

To trek to Everest Base Camp, you need two permits: the Sagarmatha National Permit and the Khumbu Rural Municipality Permit.

The Sagarmatha National Permit is necessary because the trekking route passes through Sagarmatha National Park. You can get this permit from the entry gate in Monjo or the Tourist Service Center in Kathmandu. The permit cost is NPR 3000 (USD 30) for foreigners, NPR 1500 (USD 15) for SAARC countries (Indian Citizens), and NPR 100 for Nepalese. These prices do not include a 13% VAT.

The Khumbu Rural Municipality Permit is required to enter the Khumbu region. You can buy this permit in Lukla or Monjo. For foreigners, the permit costs NPR 2000 (USD 20) per person for the first four weeks and NPR 2500 (USD 25) afterward. Please note that this permit is not available in Kathmandu.