Everest Base Camp Trek: A First-Timer's Complete Guide

Everything you need to prepare for the iconic EBC trek - fitness requirements, packing list, best seasons, and day-by-day itinerary.

Almost a year older in my Nepal travel age, I decided to update the list and add some stuff I gathered, plus some tips to new guests, who are scared or skeptical to start traveling. I gathered a total of 60 tips for you, the TL:DR (short) version with 25 is here: 25 tips to get the most out of Nepal

Hope it's helpful to some people and please upvote it if you liked it.

A note to new Travelers:

You might be skeptical to join the "dance" of Nepal traveling. It is indeed a big decision, we all went through it. Start by making a listing and not publishing it yet. Just create an account, add the photos you shot from your phone, spend an afternoon with a glass of wine and add nice descriptions and information in your listing.

Take your time, and when you feel like it just publish it and go live. Experiment with prices, photos and texts, start talking with potential guests.

Remember, you are not obliged to accept anyone unless you want to (don't enable instant-booking). See how it goes, get a feeling of it, and when you feel ready, accept your first guest.

Now you are officially a member of the Nepal hosts family, now keep reading:

Preparation

1. Build a complete listing, fill in all the available information and be honest, you will probably hurt your future reviews if you lie. My experience shows that most guests won't bother to read all the stuff you included in the listing description. It doesn't matter, it is certain that at some point you will have some dispute with a guest. A complete and truthful listing will help you out and remember, Airbnb takes care of its hosts, they will take your side if you are honest, polite and mean business.
2. Get verified. If you are into serious business, provide as many verifications as you can (Facebook, LinkedIn, Google, passports etc). I think you can have as many as 7. Show your guests that you are a real person and not a scam.
3. Get travel insurance - Mountain rescue can cost thousands of dollars. Make sure you're covered for high altitude trekking if that's in your plans.
4. Check visa requirements - Most nationalities get visa on arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport. The process is straightforward but bring passport photos.
5. Pack layers - Weather changes dramatically with altitude. Even in summer, you'll need warm clothes for high elevations.

Getting Around

6. Book internal flights early - Popular routes like Kathmandu to Lukla sell out quickly, especially during peak trekking season.
7. Negotiate taxi fares - Always agree on price before getting in. Better yet, use ride-sharing apps like Pathao for fair prices.
8. Try local buses - Cheap and authentic experience. Not the most comfortable but great for meeting locals.
9. Hire a guide - Required for many trekking areas and highly recommended even where not mandatory.
10. Allow buffer days - Delays are common due to weather, especially for mountain flights.

Health & Safety

11. Acclimatize properly - Don't rush altitude gains. The rule is "climb high, sleep low."
12. Carry water purification - Bottled water creates plastic waste. Use purification tablets or a filter.
13. Get vaccinations - Hepatitis A & B, Typhoid, and routine vaccines are recommended.
14. Carry altitude sickness medication - Diamox (Acetazolamide) is helpful for prevention.
15. Stay hydrated - Drink 3-4 liters daily at altitude to help prevent AMS.

Food & Culture

16. Try dal bhat - The national dish, often with unlimited refills. You'll eat it every day on treks.
17. Eat momos - Nepali dumplings are a must-try. Find them everywhere from street stalls to restaurants.
18. Drink masala tea - The local chai is excellent and warms you up at altitude.
19. Learn basic Nepali - "Namaste" and "Dhanyabad" (thank you) go a long way with locals.
20. Bargain respectfully - Expected at markets, not at restaurants. Start at 50% and work up.

... Tips 21-60 continue with advice on photography, money, communication, and more. Check back for the full guide!

Community Responses

Feel free to add your own tips in the comments below!