Budget Everest Base Camp Trek

Budget Everest Base Camp Trek is one of the highly recommended treks. This trek focuses on budget without having customers overflowing the cash. This route to Everest includes ascent and descent on icy trails, hills. The route passes by snow capped mountains, hanging bridges, raging rivers, deep forests, and waterfalls. 

Seasonal Information:

The best season for this trek  is Spring(March-May). In this season, the weather is stable with clear skies and Rhododendron blooms. It is the best for photography and a comfortable trekking experience. You get to see the view of Mount Everest, Cho Oyu, Lhotse and Makalu. Likewise, the Autumn(September-November)  season is also a recommended season. In this season, the weather is stable with pristine mountain vistas. It is a peak trekking season as well as the festive season of Sherpas. The temperature is moderate at day and chill at night. In winter(December-February), the temperature is cold. There are high chances of snowfall and the route is also difficult for trekking. Therefore, it is only recommended for highly experienced trekkers. This season is challenging but peaceful.  In Monsoon(June-August), frequent rainfall occurs. The trail is slippery and there is a high risk of landslides. The visibility of view is less due to fog and cloud cover. It is the least recommended season.

Cultural and Natural Insights:

For Cultural aspect, You can explore Namche Bazaar. It is the vibrant town of sherpas known for its monasteries, bakeries and trading market. Namche Bazaar is the economic hub  of Khumbu region and a center of Sherpa culture. You can visit Thame Monastery which is a century old Buddhist Monastery that provides spiritual insights. You can experience Tibetan-influenced culture, you can participate in Dumji Festival and Mani Rimdu festival. Similarly for Natural insights, You can witness the panoramic view of Mount Everest along with other Himalayan peaks. You can encounter snow leopards, Himalayan Tahrs, Yaks and Danphe.You get to trek through Lush Rhododendron forest, alpine meadows.

Preparation Guide:

1. You need to be physically fit, you should do cardiovascular fitness, strength training like legs, core and upper body to handle long days of trekking with a backpack. 

2. For clothing you should have waterproof jackets, warm fleece, and a down jacket. Gloves, hats and thermal wears and trekking boots with ankle supports.

3. For gear, trekking poles, sunglasses, headlamp, sleeping bag(-10c to -20c) and sunscreen is recommended.

4. Bring a first aid kit, water purification tablets, altitude sickness medication.

5. You should have TIMS permit and Sagarmatha National Park Permit

6. You should have travel insurance with you during the trek.

7. Likewise, mental preparation is also very important, like having patience, flexibility about the weather.
   

Sustainability and Responsibility

1. You should ask for local’s permission before taking photos with them.

2. Follow the dress code or dress decently, respecting their cultures and values.

3. You should carry reusable water bottles and avoid plastic waste.

4. You should use water purification tablets instead of buying water every time.

5. Hire local guides for an authentic experience of the trek.

6. Buy local products and stay in local tea houses to boost the local economy.

7. You should stick to the defined trails to avoid erosion.

8. You should carry non-biodegradable waste.

Modern Trekkers Expectations

1. For Comfort and Accessibility

1. Availability of wi-fi

2. Availability of hot showers and charging stations

3. Better accommodation

2. For Food and Hydration

1. Simple but nutritious food like dal, bhat, noodles

3. For connectivity : as some trekkers like to be connected and update their family and friends through social media.

Budgeting Tips for EBC Trek

1. Affordable tea houses like on an average tea house cost around NPR 500-1000

2. Meals price varies from location to location so you may expect to pay around NPR 500-1000.

3. Hiring a guide or porters may cost around NPR 3000-4000 per day.

4. The Flight from Kathmandu to Lukla cost around $150 - $200.

5. The TIMS and Sagarmatha National Park permits cost around $50-$60.

Treks You Might Like:

• Upper Dolpo Trek
• Manaslu and Annapurna Trek
• Arun Valley Trek
• Makalu Sherpani Col Pass Trek