Mount Everest might be the (literal) high point in any adventurer’s career. But while we might associate Mount Everest with high-octane expeditions and a lot of risk, Everest Base Camp is a different story. While reaching the summit of Mount Everest is a serious feat of physical accomplishment, beginners can trek to Everest Base Camp with (relative) ease. Of course, that doesn’t mean it’s an easy trek! If this is an expedition you’re considering, read on to find out more…
How can beginners trek to Everest Base Camp?
The same way beginners accomplish any expedition – training! Completing any multi-day expedition requires training and a good level of fitness. While Everest Base Camp may not require any technical mountaineering skills, you will need to have a good level of fitness before you head off.
What does that mean?
We give all of our expeditions a difficulty rating at Earth’s Edge. The trek to Everest Base Camp is a level 4. This means you can expect…
An average of 5 to 7 hours per day at altitudes not usually exceeding 5,500 metres. Some days may be up to 12 hours long but that is not typical. Typical elevation gain per day would be 400 – 800 metres, with some days as much as 1000 metres. As a rough guide,you should be comfortable hillwalking for 6 to 7 hours per day for two days in a row.
If you’re talking levels, that means that trekking to Everest Base Camp is “easier” than Kilimanjaro, Machu Picchu and Aconcagua.
How do I train for Everest Base Camp?
For many people, trekking to Everest Base Camp will be the toughest physical challenge of their lives. While it’s not technical, it can be very steep and you will be gaining height quickly. As well as hitting the gym and increasing your overall level of fitness, we recommend hiking at least twice a month in preparation. In the 3 months prior to departure, try to include two multi-day treks, carrying an 8kg rucksack. Don’t forget, our expedition to Everest Base Camp includes a training weekend in Ireland, too.
If this has given you a goo for the Himalayas, you can read all about our expedition to Everest Base Camp here.
FAQs
The short answer is yes, Everest Base Camp can be for beginners, but with a caveat. It's not a walk in the park, and you'll need to prepare physically and mentally. The Everest Base Camp trek is often considered moderate to challenging, but don't let that deter you.
Can a normal person trek to Everest Base Camp? ›
A trek to Everest base camp is a very realistic opportunity for most people who enjoy the outdoors and have a good level of fitness and stamina. The walking is reasonable on well established paths with lots of villages and amenities, good food along the way and plenty of people to meet in the lodges.
How fit do you need to be to trek to Everest Base Camp? ›
What level of fitness do I need to have for the Everest Base Camp treks? We have a couple of Base Camp treks to Everest. The classic one is a level 7 so you do want to have a good active hill walker level of fitness and be prepared for 6 to 7 hours days and consecutive days of walking.
How hard is the trek to Everest Base Camp? ›
In terms of physical effort, the EBC trek itself is not especially tough. There are only a couple of steep climbs, lasting about an hour each, and most days involve less than four hours of walking. The thing that makes the EBC trek tough is the altitude.
Can you do Everest Base Camp with no training? ›
I've done the trek twice. So I can speak from a bit of actual experience. You can do it with no training. But then again, to compare, you could fly from sea level to 12,000 feet, run a marathon, bike a century and then swim a few miles nonstop, all in in three days too.
How much money needed for Everest Base Camp trek? ›
Everest Base Camp Trek Costs for 2024, 2025, and 2026
| No. of Person | Price Per Person |
|---|
| 1 pax | US $1550 |
| 2 to 4 pax | US $1450 |
| 5 to 10 pax | US $1295 |
| 11 to 15 Pax | US $1195 |
Everest Base Camp has a success rate of around 90%. Kilimanjaro's average is only around 45%! The average success rate on Kilimanjaro is half that of Everest Base Camp.
Is it hard to breathe at Everest Base Camp? ›
Altitude sickness is a common concern for trekkers heading to Everest Base Camp, and it's something you should take seriously. The symptoms of altitude sickness can range from mild to severe and typically include headaches, nausea, dizziness, and shortness of breath.
What percentage of people get to Everest Base Camp? ›
About 70% of people make it to Everest base camp 5,364m/ 17,598 feet. Even less, around 50% of people make the summit of Kala Patthar 5,645m/ 18,520 feet. Now adays about 30% of people trek all the way back to Lukla.
Will I lose weight on Everest Base Camp trek? ›
Some of the trekkers have reported that they have lost 7- 8 KG from the 12-day Everest base camp trek alone. Now, that will not happen if your body lives in the mountains with comfort and relaxation.
A warm sleeping bag is critical to keeping warm and having a good nights sleep on an Everest Base Camp trek. The nights on your trek, especially in the high mountain regions, can get extremely cold! I strongly suggest a duck or goose down sleeping bag if it's within budget.
How much weight do you need to carry to Everest Base Camp? ›
The porters' weight limit for your main pack is 15kg (33lbs) once on the trek, but this shouldn't be a problem as long as you don't buy too much in Namche. A spare stuff-sack or bag is useful for leaving behind in Kathmandu with gear not needed on the trek. Your luggage allowance on the plane is usually 20kg (44lbs).
Can a beginner go to Everest Base Camp? ›
But while we might associate Mount Everest with high-octane expeditions and a lot of risk, Everest Base Camp is a different story. While reaching the summit of Mount Everest is a serious feat of physical accomplishment, beginners can trek to Everest Base Camp with (relative) ease.
Which is harder Kilimanjaro or Everest Base Camp? ›
Kilimanjaro's overall summit success rates have been around 40 percent while Everest Base Camp is a lofty 90 percent. So which is harder should be a no brainer. Judging by recent posts on Tusker's VIP Adventure Group by those who did both trips, Kilimanjaro appears to be the tougher haul.
Is Everest Base Camp worth it? ›
For many trekkers, the Everest Base Camp Trek is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. However, many people find the climb to Everest Base Camp arduous in numerous ways. Most individuals will find this journey difficult. It is not a tourist journey and requires much training and planning ahead of time.
How much training do you need to get to Everest Base Camp? ›
I would recommend 12-16 weeks if you aren't already hitting the gym regularly. I know I could have used a few extra weeks training on hills and trails before the trek to reduce fatigue on uphill climbs.
How long does it take to prepare for Everest Base Camp trek? ›
You need to be building up your preparation 3 to 6 months ahead of your climb. If you do not have access to hills and mountains, then you need to focus on how you are going to get the strength and conditioning for the trek to Everest Base Camp.
Do people just climb to base camp Everest? ›
Most travelers do that with a flight to Lukla and then walk from there, but it's also possible to trek all the way if you have the time. Still, most Everest Base Camp Trek itineraries officially start at Lukla airport.
Can you climb Everest as a beginner? ›
While it is possible for a beginner to train for and successfully climb Everest, it is highly unlikely without significant prior experience and training.
