Short Everest Base Camp Trek 12 Days

Best time to do the short Everest Base Camp trek

The best time to do the short Everest Base Camp trek is March, April, May, September, October, and November.

If we have to pick the ultimate trekking month, that would be April and October. These months see the highest numbers of trekkers on the EBC trail.

The weather is stable in March, April, May, September, October, and November. Therefore, Lukla flights are on time. The climate is pleasant, which makes long hours of trekking bearable.

You will witness excellent landscapes and breathtaking mountain vistas throughout the trek. The crisp air and excellent visibility make the journey incredible.

If you want to avoid the crowds of peak months, trek in early March, early September, and late November.

Short Everest Base Camp trek in winter (December to February):

December to February is the coldest time of the year. The weather can also get unstable. So, these months are not so popular for the EBC trek.

However, if you want to truly experience the tranquility of the Everest region and witness magical winter panoramas, trek between December and February.

Short Everest Base Camp trek in summer/monsoon (June to August):

The biggest challenge of the short Everest Base Camp trek in summer/monsoon season is volatile weather. Rainfall can fall anytime, affecting Lukla flights and the mountain views.

Once the monsoon starts, it can last for several days. The trails become slippery and muddy. There are also leeches on the lower tracks. And the sky is mostly cloudy.

Short Everest Base Camp trek difficulty, distance, and duration

The short Everest Base Camp trek is beginner-friendly. Its difficulty is considered moderate/challenging. You do not need previous trek experience to do this trek. But decent fitness and good health are a must.

What makes the short Everest Base Camp trek successful is your willpower and determination to complete it. You will be faced with many small and big challenges on this trek. You have to be willing to accept them and keep hiking.

The major challenges of the short Everest Base Camp trek are:

• High altitude
• Steep sections
• Continuous ascents and descents
• Limited facilities
• Daily 5-6 hours of hiking

The short Everest Base Camp trek is 12 days long. You will walk around 130 kilometers on this trek.

Altitude sickness and preventive measures

Trekkers suffering from altitude sickness while trekking to Everest Base Camp is common. It is because they are experiencing high altitude for the first time. Not every trekker suffers from altitude sickness. If you follow the preventive measures, you can totally avoid it.

• Ascend slowly and maintain a steady pace.
• Drink 2-3 liters of water daily. You have to stay hydrated to avoid altitude sickness.
• Locals highly recommend ginger-honey tea and garlic soup. They do wonders for acclimatization.
• Avoid alcohol and smoking.
• Eat carbohydrate-rich meals and get ample sleep.
• Listen to your body and address any discomfort quickly.
• Do not take medicine without your guide's knowledge.
• Be aware of symptoms of altitude sickness, which are headache, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, breathlessness, insomnia, and loss of appetite.

Where do you sleep during the short Everest Base Camp trek?

You will sleep in a standard lodge during the short Everest Base Camp trek. These are basic accommodations. Rooms are twin-shared, and bathrooms are also common in most places.

Western-style toilets are available in many places. However, you may have to use squat toilets too. You should pack all toiletries, including toilet paper, soap, hand sanitizer, etc.

Rooms are small but clean and cozy. As the walls are not too thick, the lodge can be noisy, especially during peak trekking seasons. So, we recommend carrying earbuds. Also pack a sleeping bag, hot water bag, and fizzy socks.

*The short Everest Base Camp trek also has premium lodges that offer insulated rooms, electric blankets, running hot water, and private bathrooms (guaranteed Western-style toilets). If you have a budget, consider upgrading to premium lodges.

Food and drinking water

During the short Everest Base Camp trek, you will enjoy a variety of food, and clean drinking water is also available throughout the trail. Our package includes three meals a day, but you can buy more food and drinks on your own. So, definitely carry some spending money.

From local dal bhat and momo to pizza, pasta, and burger, the lodges will surprise you with their menu. Thukpa, syakpa, fried rice, Sherpa stew, curry, meat dishes, French fries, and sandwiches are a few other popular items.

Similarly, soups, porridge, toast, eggs, pancakes, pudding, pies, oats, and many other bakery items are also available. You have to carry reusable water bottles (2 preferably of different sizes).

Fill your water bottle with boiled water in lodges to drink throughout the day. It is less expensive than a plastic water bottle and also good for the environment. Finally, different types of tea, coffee, hot chocolate, and local wines are also available.

Travel insurance

Travel insurance ensures your safety during unforeseen circumstances. It lets you have immediate evacuation or rescue when needed and protects you from the big financial burden that comes with rescue expenses and medical bills.

So, get good travel insurance and cover high-altitude trekking, emergency helicopter evacuation/rescue, and medical bills in it. You can find many good travel insurance providers for the EBC trek online.

Communication and charging

Mobile network is okay on the short Everest Base Camp trek, and the same goes for WiFi. You can buy a local SIM in Kathmandu for the trek and pay a small service fee in lodges for WiFi. The network can be unstable.

Charging facilities are available in all lodges along the short Everest Base Camp trek route. It may cost you NPR 100 to NPR 200 to charge your device because the lodges have invested heavily in solar panels for electricity.

Personal expenses

Our short Everest Base Camp trek package covers guide, porter, permits, Lukla flights, standard lodge accommodation, and three meals a day.

However, expenses like extra food, bar bills, hot shower, WiFi, charging, tips, and souvenirs are not covered in our short Everest Base Camp trek package cost.

Trekkers have to take care of these expenses themselves. So, we recommend having a USD 100 to USD 150 budget for personal expenses.

Trek safety and tips

➤ If you come across yaks or mules on the way, let them pass first and stand on the cliffside.

➤ If you have any allergies, be aware of what you eat and inform your guide too.

➤ If you have any health issues, do let us know during trek booking, so we can plan and support you accordingly.

➤ Make sure your trekking boots are not brand new. It will give you blisters.

➤ We highly recommend using a buff above Dingboche village to avoid Khumbu Cough. Also, carry eye drops.

➤ If you feel sick or get hurt during trekking, inform your guide immediately.