Everest Base Camp overland Trek

Salleri to Everest Base Camp Trek difficulty

The most difficult road leads to the most beautiful destination. The Salleri to Everest Base Camp Trekking trail is world-class. As being the most beautiful trail it is also dangerous and difficult. Ranking-wise the trekking is still moderate but for first-timers sometimes it becomes a nightmare. As gaining altitude it becomes difficult to breathe and results in difficulty in walking.

Don’t take this trip too lightly and don’t think it is too hard, just walk consistently and you will reach your destination. With a good fitness level, you can complete this trip easily. Some of the difficulties while doing Everest Base Camp Trekking are categorized below:

The altitude of  Salleri to Everest Base Camp

Everest Base Camp is precisely located at 5364m, which is not a simple trek to do. At this altitude, it becomes a very challenging trip. This makes the Everest base camp trip one of the most amazing and adventurous trips of your lifetime.

Length of the Trek

It is not a small trek to complete this trek you will need around 2 weeks. The distance from the Trek starting at Point Lukla to Everest Base Camp and back to Lukla is 130 kilometres. Each day you need to hike for 5-6 hours.

Weather in the Salleri to Everest Base Camp trek

It is difficult to guess the weather in the Everest Region as Everest lies in the Himalayas and the weather in the Himalayas fluctuates too much. This makes the Mountain scarier.

Doing Everest Base Camp during Spring and Autumn will be your best choice as the weather during that time will be good with clear skies, and visible Mountain Peaks. So when choosing a time to do Everest Base choose either Spring or Autumn.

Best Time to do Salleri to Everest Base Camp Trekking

The Best time to do Everest Base Camp Trekking would be in Spring which starts from March to May and in Autumn which starts from mid-September to November. You must be careful while choosing Everest Base Camp Trekking. This trek is a high altitude trek so you must consider lots of things regarding doing this trip.

There are lots of trekkers visiting Everest Base Camp at the specific time of Spring and Autumn. Spring is a season of flowers, you will be able to see a thick forest of flowers in the lower altitudes. At this time the environment in Everest Region is more beautiful.

Autumn is the weather with a clear sky and a high chance of seeing mountains every day during your hike. The mountain looks beautiful if the weather is favourable.

The climate in the Salleri to Everest Base Camp Trekking

Mount Everest has an iced cap climate. Above 6500m there is a minus degree throughout the year. It is warmer in the lower altitude around 4000m as sunlight is strong over there.

Everest now is warming up due to global warming which results in the melting of the Khumbu glacier. This is very bad for all of us as it took time for about 50 or more million years to form the Khumbu glacier and now it’s melting. Because of this Government of Nepal has planned to move Everest Base Camp to a 100-200m Lower Altitude.

After hiking for 5-6 hours each day, you will reach your camp which is Tea House Lodge. Tea House Lodge is the place where you stay for a night. Food and water are all you get in the Tea House. Tea House is not like hotels in cities. It is very simple with a normal common room. Most of the Tea House are made up of stones and wood, so it will be a new experience for you.

Acclimatization During the Salleri Everest Base Camp Trekking

High Altitude Trek is difficult. As you gain altitude you might feel difficulty in breathing, so you need to acclimatize during your trip to Everest Base Camp.

There are a few days that you need to acclimatize during your Everest Base Camp Trek. The first acclimatization will be at Namche which is at 3400m, where you spend 2 nights and the Second acclimatization will be at Dingboche which is at 4400m.

Staying for 2 nights in these places will help you a lot during the trip. If you are used to the mountain then you will be able to reduce all the difficulties you might face during the trip.

Accommodation During Salleri Everest Base Camp Trekking

Everest Base Camp Trek suits all budget travellers. Nearly all the accommodation in Everest is Tea House lodges. Tea House Lodges are the classic form of Lodges in the Everest Region.

The rooms in the Tea Houses are on a twin-sharing basis and do not have an attached bathroom. Tea Houses come with basic furniture. The dining in the tea house is an amazing place to spend time. During the evening time, there will be a wood fire or yak dung fire burning inside the dining which warms the whole dining area.

Showers are also available in tea houses. Whoever uses the shower they are charged. Normally per shower charge is 500-1000 NPR.

What kind of People are fit to do Everest Base Camp Trekking?

Coming on eligibility to do Everest Base Camp Trekking, there is no age gap or restrictions to this trip. A normal healthy person can do an Everest base camp trip. Children and old people also can do this trip but the itinerary might be longer for them.

Everest Base Camp Trekking Package?

With years of serving in the Industry, INFO NEPAL TOURS AND TREK is well aware of the client’s needs. We here bring you the best of the Everest package depending upon your budget, and time.

The cost of the Everest Base Camp Trekking ranges from 1300-1900 USD. The cheaper the normal service, the more expensive the luxurious services. Remember what you pay you get.

Required Permits For Salleri To Everest Base Camp Trekking Route

For Salleri to Everest Base Camp trekking, it is necessary to obtain Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Entrance Permit and Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit.

Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Entrance Permit

Due to its immense popularity, the local government has made it mandatory for all visitors to the Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality to obtain an Entrance Permit. This applies to both foreign nationals and Non-Resident Nepalis (NRNs). The permit is collected by the local government at Lukla, or if you are starting your trek from Phaplu, you will need to get the permit from the Sagarmatha National Park Counter in Monjo.

Cost: The cost for foreign nationals is NPR 2,000 per person (for the first four weeks), and NPR 2,500 per person (beyond four weeks). VAT is not applicable.

Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit

The Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit is required for all trekkers entering the park, and its cost varies according to the nationality of the trekker.

Cost:

• For foreign nationals, the cost is NPR 3,000 per person per entry plus 13% VAT.

• For SAARC nationals, the cost is NPR 1,500 per person per entry plus 13% VAT.

• For Nepali nationals, the cost is NPR. 100 per person per entry plus 13% VAT.

• Children under the age of 10 years are allowed to enter the park free of cost.

Once you have acquired the necessary permits, you are free to explore the park and appreciate the stunning beauty of the Khumbu region. The area is home to Nepal’s highest mountain, Mount Everest, along with numerous other peaks, glaciers, forests, and plenty of local wildlife. With your Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit in hand, you can immerse yourself in this awe-inspiring and picturesque landscape.

How to get the required permits for Salleri Everest Base Camp Trekking?

The process of getting the permit is straightforward and quick, and you should fill out the necessary forms at the counter. You will need to provide a valid photo ID, such as a passport or government-issued identity card. Once issued, the permit will be valid for up to four weeks.

For those who wish to apply online, the permit can be obtained from the Nepal Tourism Board website, which will help you with the process.

The Permit is an important step in your journey to the Everest Base Camp, and it helps the local government monitor the number of visitors in the region. It also helps to maintain the balance between tourism and the conservation of the area. For this reason, it is strongly recommended that you obtain the Entrance Permit before starting your trek.

Read: Everest Base Camp Trek Permit, Cost & Details

Altitude sickness.

Altitude sickness, also known as acute mountain sickness (AMS), occurs when you ascend to high altitudes too quickly and your body struggles due to a lack of adequate oxygen. It typically affects people after ascending beyond 2500 metres (8,200 ft) and can escalate if ignored.

Common signs and symptoms.

Symptoms usually begin 6-24 hours after ascent and can range from mild to life-threatening. It’s crucial to recognise early signs:

Mild Symptoms

• Headache (Most common)
• Nausea or Vomiting.
• Loss of appetite.
• Dizziness or Lightheadedness
• Fatigue or unusual tiredness
• Difficulty sleeping.

Moderate to severe symptoms:

• Persistent, worsening headache.
• Confusion or disorientation
• Shortness of breath, even at rest.
• Difficulty walking (ataxia)
• Tightness in the chest.
• Severe fatigue.
• Bluish lips or fingernails.

Serious Symptoms:

High-altitude cerebral edema.

• Swelling of the brain.
• Symptoms include Confusion, hallucinations, poor coordination, Drowsiness or even coma.
• Life-threatening and requires immediate descent.

High altitude pulmonary oedema.

• Fluid builds up in the lungs.
• Symptoms include breathlessness at rest, coughing (Possibly with pink froth), Tight chest, and blue lips.
• Fatal if untreated.

Preventive measures.

• Ascend gradually.
• Stay hydrated and avoid beverages like alcohol and caffeine, especially in the early days of the trek.
• Consumers consume a high-calorie diet with carbohydrates. And avoid overeating and spicy food. That could lead to stomach upset.
• Climb high, sleep low.
• Consider medication. Often recommended for the high elevation trekkers, Acetazolamide is often taken 1-2 days before reaching high altitudes.
• And most importantly, know when to stop or descend.

Extras to Expect:

• No hot showers daily- Even if available, for a few days, for free.

• Charging costs extra: power banks are lifesavers.
• Wi-Fi is rare or costly_ best to unplug and enjoy the immersion into nature.
• Toilets vary- Western at lower elevations; squat-style or basic higher up.

Hiring a guide and porter: 

Decide early: independent or through an Agency?

Trekking  agency (most reliable):

• Offers licensed, insured guides and porters.
• Handles all logistics: flights, permits, accommodations, etc.
• You pay more, but it’s stress-free and safer.

Independent guide/porter

• Slightly cheaper, but you’ll need to ensure they are licensed and experienced.
•  You’ll need to coordinate everything yourself ( permits, itinerary, bookings)

Recommended: Use a government-registered trekking agency in Kathmandu or online ahead of time for verified and insured staff. 

2. Verifying Credentials and Experience

Guide: 

• Must be government-licensed.
• Should have basic English and first aid knowledge.
• Experience in high-altitude trekking is a must.

Porter:

• Usually from the local sherpa or rai communities.  
• Can carry 20-25 kg of loads.
• Often have limited English but are incredibly strong and helpful.

If you’re booking independently, ask for their trekking licence, insurance details and past client reviews.

3. Permits and documents (usually handled by guides/agency) 

You’ll need:

• • Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit.
  • Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality  Permit.

• TIMS card: (if trekking solo without a guide, guided treks, may not require this anymore)

4. costs ( as of 2024-25 estimates) 

• Licensed guides: $25-35/day (including food, lodging, and insurance)
• Porter: $ 18- $ 25/day (same inclusions)
• Guide-porter (combined role): $20-30/day- good for budget solo trekkers.

5. Formal agreement and payment 

• With agency:

• You’ll sign a contract with clear terms on cost, itinerary, responsibilities, and cancellations.
• You may pay 50% advance and the rest on arrival.

Independent hire

• Draft a basic written agreement (many guides carry a template).
• Agree on payment terms, workload, and responsibilities.
• Make sure they’re insured against high-altitude accidents.

6. Insurance Requirements

• You should have travel insurance covering trekking up to 5,500m and emergency evacuation.

7. Guide/porter.

• Must be insured by the agency or employer. Ask for confirmation.

Electricity and the Internet

Kathmandu to Namche Bazaar (up to 3,440m)

• Reliable electricity in all teahouses- charging is usually free in low elevations.
• Plug types: Mostly type C and D

Above Namche (Tengboche,DIngboche,Lobuche, etc)

• Electricity becomes scarce and solar-powered.
• Charging your devices often comes at a fee, especially after Tengboche.

Pro tip: Carry a high-capacity power bank (20,000 mAh or more) and a solar charger if possible. Charging is limited above 4,000m.

Internet access on the EBC

Wi-Fi availability:

• Kathmandu to Namche:

Strong wifi in most teahouses, free or with small charges.

• Above Namche 

Wi-fi has become less reliable and expensive.

Most tea houses offer Everest Link or Airlink cards for purchase. 

Everest link internet card

You can buy from tea houses or shops, or for multiple uses.

Pricing:

• 600 Mb for $5-10.

• 1 GB for $10-15

Speed is good for WhatsApp, email, and occasional social media posts, but not for Netflix and YouTube.

Mobile network.

• Ncell and NTC work up to Namche and patchily beyond that.
• Travellers often prefer Ncell, saying it has slightly better coverage up to the Everest base camp.
• By a local SIM card in Kathmandu with a passport copy.

Essentials to bring.

• High-capacity power bank.
• Solar Charger ( for off-grid charging).
• Local SIM with a data package.
• Preload offline maps, books and music.
• Extra batteries for the camera, GoPro.

Note: Anyone who needs to be under regular medication, please bring an adequate amount of medication while on the route and also have insurance in case of emergency evacuation by helicopter.

Equipment list

Hands

• Mittens 
• Woollen gloves
• Hand-warmers
• Trekking poles
• Fist wraps

Footwear

• Four pairs of woollen socks 
• well-gripped waterproof boots
• Flip-flops
• Crampons

Toiletries

• Toothbrush
• Mid-sized towel
• Sanitary napkins
• Shampoo sachets
• Soap bars 
• Shaving kits
• Nail kits
• Hand-sanitisers 

Additional

• Water bladders of min. 2-liter capacity 
• Chargers and power banks
• First-aid kits
• Regular medicines 
• Notebooks 
• Cameras
• Multi-purpose Swiss army knife