Best Seasons for Everest Base Camp Trek by Jeep
The best seasons for the Everest trek are those that give comfort and ease to the trekkers when they are trekking. The ideal trekking seasons
Spring
Spring is the right choice for the Everest Base Camp trek by Jeep. The season begins in March and lasts till May, also known as the pre-monsoon season. The moderate temperatures, clear skies, and stable weather make it ideal for the trek from the perspective of a safe and enjoyable journey. The stable weather, with temperatures ranging from 10°C to 15°C during the day and dropping to -10 °C in the Everest region, makes it suitable for trekking activities. The rhododendrons blossom with red, pink, and white colors, enhancing the expedition during the spring.
Autumn
Autumn falls from September to November and comes after the monsoon season. Autumn in Nepal is a favorite month among tourists and travelers with favorable weather conditions. The temperature ranges from 12°C to 16°C during the daytime and drops to -5°C during the night in Autumn at Sagarmatha National Park area. The stable weather with crystal-clear skies made it an excellent choice for the EBC trek by Jeep in Autumn. As the season comes after the monsoon season, the road and trekking trails are generally dry, making the ride and trek safe.
Off Seasons
Since there is an appropriate or ideal time for trekking EBC, there are also off-seasons. Off-season means it is the least perfect time for high-altitude trekking due to different circumstances, such as high altitude, cold weather, wet and slippery trekking routes, and natural disasters like floods, landslides, and avalanches. In these off seasons, the demand for tourists or trekkers is less than in peak seasons. However, the seasons are suitable for some trekkers since the trails and teahouses will be less crowded, and it is cheaper to trek in those seasons.
Monsoon
June and July are the monsoon months in Nepal, which fall during the summer. During these months, heavy rainfall occurs throughout Nepal, including in the Everest region. The rainfall makes the off-road driving route slippery and muddy, making it difficult for jeeps to drive. Similarly, the rain makes the trekking trail muddy and slick, and there is a risk of landslides and flooding in certain areas, making it unfavorable for EBC trek by Jeep. The wet condition of the trail invites leeches and other insects, creating problems during the trek to Everest Base Camp. Thus, we don’t operate the trek due to the higher challenges the Monsoons face.
Winter
Winter from December to February brings extreme cold in Nepal and freezing weather in the Himalayas, including the Everest region. The temperature drops significantly during the winter, making it challenging for trekkers. The chilly temperature brings heavy rainfall in the Everest region, covering the trail and making walking difficult. Likewise, the increased risk of avalanches makes winter unsuitable for expeditions in the Khumbu region. Therefore, we don’t operate the Everest Base Camp trek by Jeep during Winter.
Everest Base Camp Trek by Jeep Difficulty Level
Everest Base Camp Trek by Jeep ranges from easy to moderate level difficulty. It is one of the most developed trekking destinations in terms of commercialization, which is why a lot of infrastructure is built around the place to aid the trekkers. However, certain factors increase the trek’s difficulty, especially for beginners. So, let’s get into it.
Altitude Sickness
The high altitude is one major factor that increases the difficulty of the EBC trek by Jeep. During your EBC trek, you will trek over an altitude of over 4000m, which increases the risk of altitude sickness. In high altitudes, the oxygen level depletes as you climb, making it difficult for your body to cope with your surroundings and harder to breathe. If you suffer from Altitude or Acute Mountain Sickness, you will start feeling severe symptoms like fever, headache, nausea, Khumbu cough, shortness of breath, dizziness, and joint pain. Even before the risk of altitude sickness, it is wise to be prepared and find a way to minimize it. To reduce altitude sickness, you have to acclimatize properly.
Rugged Terrain
Another trek difficulty for your EBC by Jeep is the rugged terrain. Initially, you will pass through simple tropical roads through different vegetation types, plants, and forests, such as rhododendrons, furs, and pine forests. However, as you climb the altitude, the terrain changes to rocky valleys, gravel roads, and snowy mountains. You will travel in your Jeep to Thamedanda, which will be a bit jarring due to uneven roads, and after that, you will start your teahouse-to-teahouse trek. You have to trek in the rugged terrains daily and for many hours each day, which will take a massive toll on your body.
Pokhara to Everest Base Camp by Jeep
Pokhara is in the west, and Mount Everest Base Camp is east of Kathmandu. The areas are opposite; thus, traveling by Jeep from Pokhara to Everest Base Camp is impossible. As the Jeep from Pokhara to EBC is unavailable (travelers must come to Kathmandu from Pokhara first), travelers who prefer the expedition must start their journey from Kathmandu.
However, Pokhara is the gateway to the Annapurna and Upper Mustang. Travelers who want to start a trekking journey from Pokhara can choose any of the trekking destinations of the Annapurna region. Boundless Adventure operates a distinct package for the Annapurna region from Pokhara.
Everest Base Camp from Kathmandu
Kathmandu is a well-known and reliable starting point for expeditions to the Everest region. From Kathmandu, travelers have three options for reaching the Everest Base Camp. You may check it out following.
EBC from Kathmandu by Lukla flight
The flight to Lukla from Kathmandu is one of the most convenient ways to reach the Everest Base Camp. Trekkers get to Lukla by a 35-minute flight from Kathmandu, and from Lukla, they start trekking. After trekking for several days, trekkers reach the final destination, Everest Base Camp, at 5364m. As the trek finishes at Everest Base Camp, the journey returns to Lukla by descending via the same route that took to Base Camp. From Lukla, travelers take a flight to get back to Kathmandu.
EBC from Kathmandu by Jeep
Trekkers who want to experience driving rather than flying can take a Jeep to reach Everest Base Camp from Kathmandu. The drive from Kathmandu takes up to Thamdanda, and from onward, trekkers start hiking via Paiya and continue until they reach Everest Base Camp. After appreciating the beauty of the EBC, trekkers return to Thamdanda by walking and taking a Jeep to return to Kathmandu.
EBC by helicopter from Kathmandu
Another suitable and luxurious option for the Everest Base Camp from Kathmandu is a helicopter flight. The helicopter tour from Kathmandu to Everest Base Camp is ideal for visitors who have less time but who want to experience and appreciate the Khumbu Valley in a short time. The helicopter takes off from Kathmandu’s domestic airport and flies to the home of Mount Everest. The helicopter tour lasts for three hours, and during those three hours, travelers can experience the beauty of Everest sincerely without being involved in any physical excursion. Travelers have 45 minutes of ground landing at Gorakshep to make their heli tour more remarkable.
Views
The spectacular panorama at every turn is indeed the highlight of the Everest Base Camp trek by Jeep. From the drive from Kathmandu to Thamdanda to the adventurous trek to Base camp, each part of the expedition promises to offer a mind-blowing view of Nepal’s natural beauty in every arc.
The drive from Kathmandu to Thamdanda offers a scenic view of the diverse landscape. As the drive begins from Kathmandu, the views transform from a crowded area to a peaceful environment. As the drive continues, the dense forest comes into view. The first driving phase takes place in Salleri village. As the second driving path begins from Salleri village, the view becomes more awe-inspiring, with snow-capped peaks passing through traditional villages before reaching Thamdanda.
As the trek commences from Thamdanda and moves forward, trekkers can be awed by the astonishing view of the Sagarmatha National Park area. The trek starts with walking through dense rhododendrons and pine forests, offering a tranquil environment and lush greenery.
The beautiful sight of the Dudh Koshi River accompanies trekkers throughout the trek. The journey from Phakding to Everest base camp provides a stunning vista of alpine landscapes, glacial valleys, and high-altitude terrain with snow-covered peaks.
The views from Everest Base Camp and Kalapathar are surreal. 360-degree views of surrounding mountain ranges from both areas are spectacular. However, the mountain views from Kalapathar are even more admirable. Views of Mountains are the highlight of the entire journey. Throughout the Everest Base Camp trek by Jeep, trekkers can admire the view of Mount Everest (8848m), Mount Ama Dablam (6812m), Mount Nuptse (7861m), Mt.Lhotse (8516m), Mt.Lhotseshar (8383m), and Mount Thamserku (6608m).
Furthermore, the journey to Trek to EBC by Jeep offers a vista of traditional Sherpa villages and monasteries with prayer wheels and flags fluttering in the skies.
Salleri village
Salleri village, at 2362m / 7749 feet, serves as the administrative center of the Solukhumbu district. The town lies in the Solududhkhuda municipality and Solukhumbu district. Salleri is one of the tourist areas with facilities including electricity, schools, telephones, hospitals, post offices, transportation, restaurants, and lodges.
Salleri is accessible by ground transportation from Kathmandu. The village is 275 km from Kathmandu, which requires 9-10 hours to reach, taking the BP highway. The town has a Phaplu airport 35 minutes away.
Salleri is a peaceful village offering spectacular mountain views. It is the first stop on the journey to Everest Base Camp by Jeep. Moreover, Salleri is close to the major villages of the Everest region, including Phakding and Namche Bazaar.
Religion
On the Jeep excursion to Everest Base Camp trek, visitors experience distinct ethnic groups and various religions in the lower parts, including Salleri. However, as the journey moves further, the trekkers experience Sherpa communities and Tibetan Buddhism.
Monasteries at each Everest region’s corner serve as the area’s cultural hub. The monks of the region who live in the monasteries play a crucial role in the religious life of the Sherpa people of the Khumbu region, as they are the spiritual leaders. Regarding their celebrations, the inhabitants celebrate the Dumji festival, a celebration of the birth of Guru Rinpoche (the founder of Tibetan Buddhism). Likewise, Mani Rimdu is another religious festival held in the Tengboche monastery to symbolize the victory of Buddhism over the ancient Bon religion.
Local culture
Influenced mainly by the Sherpa community, the local culture of the Everest region is rich and deeply connected to its environment and spirituality. Tradition and language are evident in Sherpa culture in the Everest area.
During the journey to Everest Base Camp by Jeep, trekkers can immerse themselves in the area’s local culture. Every village in the Mount Everest region follows the local culture associated with Sherpa, so trekkers can gain knowledge from different places and perspectives from each town they pass through.
Trekking permits
Everest trekking destination requires specific permits, as does the Everest base Camp trek. Trekkers who trek to EBC by Jeep require some mandatory licenses. Before starting an expedition to EBC by Jeep, travelers must prepare themselves by obtaining the necessary trekking permits. The licenses needed for the journey Trek to Everest Base Camp by Jeep include:
Khumbu Municipality Trekking Permit
The Khumbu Municipality Trekking permit is a vital permit you need to issue if you want to hike the EBC by Jeep. This permit is required to enter the Khumbu region, which is the initial point of the Everest Trek. You will get this municipality permit after landing in Lukla. If you are trekking via Jiri, you can issue the municipality permit when you arrive in Monjo.
In terms of the permit fees, Foreign citizens, including those from SAARC countries (India, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Maldives, and Pakistan), can obtain a Khumbu Rural Municipality Permit by paying NPR 2,000 per person for the first four weeks. After four weeks, the permit fee increases to Rs. 2,500 per person (No VAT applicable). Remember that
You must have your passport, photos, and other documents to be issued this trekking permit.
Sagarmatha National Park Permit
Everest region lies within the territory of the Sagarmatha National Park; thus, a permit to enter the national park is mandatory for every destination’s visit and trek in the Khumbu area. Monjo is the first point where the authorities check the Sagarmatha National Park permit. The checkpoint at Everest checks the permits, and trekkers must check in at each checkpoint. The license of Sagarmatha National Park aims to manage the flow of tourists and sustainable tourism practices in the Khumbu Valley.
Trekkers Information Management System (TIMS)
TIMS is not a mandatory permit for the Everest Base Camp trek by Jeep tour; it is optional. Previously, the TIMS card was compulsory, but ever since the emergence of the local municipality permits, TIMS has become an optional permit. The trekker’s information management system card assures the safety of travelers in the Everest region in case of emergencies by tracking their movements. Like the Sagarmatha National Park permit, local authorities check the TIMS at each checkpoint.
Boundless Adventure is an authorized trekking agency in Kathmandu that provides both permits for the EBC trek by Jeep. However, the trekking package covers the cost of both licenses.
Porters
Trekking is challenging, and carrying heavy backpacks on such adventures can be difficult. However, porters are there to support you. Porters carry trekking gear, supplies, and equipment during trekking expeditions to EBC. They also let trekkers focus on enjoying the trek and appreciating the scenery.
Boundless Adventure provides one porter for two trekkers for our clients’ comfortable and load-free journeys. The trekking package covers the cost of the trekkers and their insurance. Our porters have extensive experience in their jobs and carry trekkers’ backpacks. They also ensure the safety of the trekkers’ belongings and enhance the overall trekking experience.
Packing List
Packaging the necessary equipment is crucial before starting a trip to the Himalayas. Trekkers should invest in high-quality equipment and pack the right items for a successful and enjoyable trekking experience. Here is an essential list of equipment for the Everest Base Camp trek by Jeep:
Headwear
- Woolen Hat
- Sun Hat
- Sunglasses with UV protection
Body
- Moisture-wicking base layers from top to bottom.
- Fleece or down jackets.
- Waterproof and windproof jacket and pants.
- Trekking pants and shorts.
- Gloves.
Feet
- Hiking Boot.
- Moisture-wicking socks.
- Gaiters.
Other Essentials
- Backpack.
- Sleeping Bag.
- Trekking Pole.
- Headlamp.
- First Aid Kit.
- Navigation tool.
- Water Bottle.
- Energy drinks and snacks.
- Personal hygiene items (toothbrush, toothpaste, hand sanitizer, and underwear).
- Sunscreen.
- Personal electronic items.
