Travelers Information — Everest Trekking Company

Everything you need to know before your Everest Base Camp trek. Our team has guided thousands of trekkers since 2010 — here is the practical information we share with every client.

1. Nepal Entry — Visa Requirements

Citizens of most countries can obtain a Tourist Visa on Arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM) in Kathmandu, or apply in advance through a Nepalese embassy. Visa fees as of 2025:

Most Everest Base Camp treks require 14–17 days — a 30-day visa is sufficient for the majority of itineraries. Bring two passport photos and US dollars in cash for visa on arrival.

2. Permits Required for EBC Trek

Two permits are mandatory for all trekkers on the Everest Base Camp route:

• Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit — NPR 3,000 (~$22). Issued at the park entrance in Monjo or in Kathmandu at the Department of National Parks.
• Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Permit — NPR 2,000 (~$15) per week. Collected at checkpoints on the trail.

We handle all permit arrangements for every client. You do not need to visit government offices yourself — bring passport photos (2 copies) and we take care of the rest.

3. Altitude Sickness (AMS) — What You Must Know

Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) is the most common health concern on the EBC trek. Namche Bazaar sits at 3,440m, Dingboche at 4,410m, and Base Camp at 5,364m. Key rules:

• Acclimatize properly — never ascend more than 500m per day above 3,000m
• Hydrate — drink 3–4 litres of water daily at altitude
• Know the symptoms — headache, nausea, dizziness, loss of appetite, shortness of breath
• Descend if symptoms worsen — descent is the only cure for severe AMS
• Diamox (Acetazolamide) — consult your doctor before the trek; 125–250mg twice daily can help with acclimatization

Our itineraries include built-in acclimatization days at Namche Bazaar (Day 4) and Dingboche (Day 8). Our guides are trained in wilderness first aid and carry pulse oximeters on every trek.

4. Travel Insurance — Mandatory

Travel insurance that covers high-altitude trekking up to 6,000m and emergency helicopter evacuation is mandatory for all Everest Trekking Company clients. A single helicopter evacuation from Khumbu can cost $4,000–$8,000 USD — insurance is not optional.

Recommended providers used by our past clients: World Nomads, True Traveller, Battleface, and Allianz. Verify your policy explicitly covers helicopter rescue at high altitude before purchasing.

5. Lukla Flights

The EBC trek begins with a 35-minute mountain flight from Kathmandu to Lukla (Tenzing-Hillary Airport), one of the world’s most dramatic runways at 2,860m. Key points:

• Flights operate early morning (typically 6–8am) and are highly weather-dependent
• Delays and cancellations are common, especially during monsoon (June–August) and winter
• Allow 1–2 buffer days in Kathmandu at the start/end of your trip for flight delays
• Luggage limit: 15kg checked + 5kg carry-on
• We book your Lukla flights as part of your package and rebook if cancelled

6. Physical Fitness Requirements

The EBC trek is rated strenuous. You will hike 5–8 hours per day for 12–16 days, covering 130+ km with cumulative elevation gains above 5,000m. You do not need technical mountaineering skills — but you should be:

• Comfortable walking 6–8 hours on uneven terrain
• Able to carry a daypack of 5–8kg
• Physically active in the 3 months before your trek
• Free of serious cardiac or respiratory conditions

7. Currency, ATMs & Payments on the Trail

Nepal’s currency is the Nepalese Rupee (NPR). As of 2025, 1 USD ≈ NPR 133. Important notes:

• Withdraw NPR in Kathmandu or Namche Bazaar — no ATMs beyond Namche
• Cards are not accepted in mountain teahouses; bring adequate cash
• Budget approximately $30–50 USD per day for meals, drinks, and tips above Namche
• Tipping guides (10–15% of trek cost) and porters ($5–10/day) is customary and expected

8. Emergency Contacts