Everest Base Camp – 5,364m: My Most Powerful Journey Yet
If you’ve ever dreamed of trekking to Everest Base Camp, this post has everything you need — from personal stories and real emotions, to practical tips, budget breakdowns, and packing checklists.
Overview of What’s Inside:
Why I Chose to Do EBC (and how I trained with simple routines)
Real Stories from the Trail (altitude sickness, emotional moments, dry shampoo diaries 😂)
Day-by-Day Trekking Itinerary (from Kathmandu to the final steps at EBC)
What I Packed (and what I’d skip) – Girl-tested essentials only!
What No One Tells You About EBC (the truth beyond the Instagram photos)
Porter Tips & How Trekking Logistics Work
Why EBC
”Hey, wanna trek to Everest Base Camp?”
That’s what my friend Hooi casually asked one day.
And just like that, a spark lit up in my mind.
Yes, I love hiking.
Yes, I wanted to see Mount Everest with my own eyes.
But deeper than that, I realized something more personal...
I don’t know how life will look years from now —
Will I still have the strength?
The freedom?
The financial flexibility?
Will there still be a tomorrow?
What I do know is this:
Right now, at 28, I’m strong, healthy, and bold enough to chase something like this.
So... why not? Let's do it
.
”Hey, wanna trek to Everest Base Camp?” - hOOI
How I Trained
Three months before the trip, I didn’t go hardcore — I just stayed consistent:
🏃♀️ Weekly 5km runs
💪 One leg/back workout per week
⛰️ Two mini hiking adventures a month in KL
The day I flew to Nepal, I felt confident.
So if you’re reading this and wondering “Can I do it?” —
The answer is:
Yes. Start small. You’re not too late.
Real Stories from the Trail
You’d think reaching Base Camp would be the most emotional part.
But for me, it wasn’t about standing at the destination.
It was the tiny, weird, funny, and beautiful moments along the way:
💩 Doing my business behind a big rock with the most breathtaking Himalaya view (open-air toilet, nature’s best 😂)
🍜 Sipping the best curry soup ever in a cozy teahouse
🏔️ That one clear-sky day when the whole mountain range lit up in front of me — unreal
😂 Laughing till I couldn’t breathe as my new trek buddies shared hilarious stories at 4000m altitude
It’s those things I remember most.
And when I finally got to Base Camp?
No tears.
No big dramatic cry.
Just… peace.
It was calm. Quiet.
I felt proud, grounded, and steady.
Like I arrived not just somewhere, but back to myself.
(altitude sickness, emotional moments, dry shampoo diaries 😂)
Day-by-Day Itinerary – Everest Base Camp
We spent 17 days total for this trip, including city time in Kathmandu.
The EBC trek itself was 11 days: about 8 days up and 3 days down — just the right amount of challenge, views, and adventure!
Day 1 – March 1
Arrive in Kathmandu, check into hotel and rest
Day 2 – March 2
City walking tour: Monkey Temple and Shree Kamaladi Ganesh Temple
Day 3 – March 3
Fly to Lukla (2,827m), trek to Phakding (2,600m)
Day 4 – March 4
Trek to Namche Bazaar (3,440m)
Day 5 – March 5
Rest and acclimatization day in Namche
Day 6 – March 6
Trek to Tengboche (3,810m), visit the monastery
Day 7 – March 7
Trek to Dingboche (4,410m), surrounded by mountain views
Day 8 – March 8
Rest day in Dingboche with short hike or café time
Day 9 – March 9
Trek to Thukla (4,620m), pass climbers’ memorial park
Day 10 – March 10
Trek to Lobuche (4,910m) and hike to Everest Base Camp (5,364m)
Day 11 – March 11
Trek down to Pangboche (3,930m)
Day 12 – March 12
Trek back to Namche Bazaar
Day 13 – March 13
Final trekking day to Lukla (2,827m)
Day 14 – March 14
Fly back to Kathmandu
Day 15 – March 15
Free day in Kathmandu for shopping and exploring
Day 16 – March 16
Relax, journal, and enjoy final moments in Nepal
Day 17 – March 17
Final departure from Kathmandu
⏳ Trip Duration Summary
EBC Trekking Days: 11 Days
Kathmandu City / Travel Buffer: 6 Days
You can also do it in 12–13 days total if you skip buffer days or shorten the city stays.
💡 Plan based on your fitness, altitude adjustment, and how much you want to chill or explore in Nepal.
My Guide’s Contact Details
During my EBC trek, I was accompanied by an experienced local guide who has also summited Mount Everest before — which was pretty inspiring to hear along the journey!
If you’re curious, planning a trip, or just want to know more from someone local, here are his details:
Name: Bhimsen Shah
WhatsApp: +9779841263438
All the photos in this post were taken using my favorite camera — the Fujifilm X-S10.
I’ve been using it for most of my trips, and I still love how the auto film filters make every shot look vibrant and cinematic — especially for nature and outdoor photography.
Whether it's misty mountains or golden hour in the jungle, this camera just nails the mood.
Check it out if you're looking for a lightweight, powerful travel camera!
Packing Tips & What Helped Me Survive the EBC Trek
✨Pack light, but pack smart. You don’t need to overprepare, but you do need the right essentials.
(Quantities may vary depending on your preference. I also checked a lot of ideas on Xiaohongshu before finalizing mine!)
👕 Clothing – Layer Up
[ ] Thermal base layers (top & bottom)
[ ] Breathable quick-dry T-shirts (2–3)
[ ] Light fleece or down jackets (x2)
[ ] Waterproof windbreaker / shell jacket (x2)
[ ] Heavy down jacket (for -10°C and below)
[ ] Wool or thick hiking socks (4–5 pairs)
[ ] Warm gloves (1 pair)
[ ] Waterproof gloves (1 pair)
[ ] Warm hat (beanie)
[ ] Sun hat or cap
[ ] Buff / neck gaiter (1–2 pieces)
👖 Pants
[ ] Hiking pants (quick-dry)
[ ] Thermal leggings / base layer
[ ] Waterproof pants / shell pants (x2)
[ ] Down pants (for sleeping)
👟 Footwear
[ ] Waterproof trekking boots (broken-in)
[ ] Camp shoes or flip-flops (for rest time)
🎒 Bags & Storage
[ ] Main backpack (with rain cover)
[ ] Small daypack (for water, snacks, essentials)
[ ] Dry bags / zip pouches (keep gear dry & organized)
🍫 Snacks & Supplements
[ ] Energy bars or chocolates
[ ] Instant coffee / ginger tea
[ ] Electrolyte powder / glucose sticks
🥾 Trekking Essentials
[ ] Trekking poles (x2)
[ ] UV-protection sunglasses
[ ] Headlamp + spare batteries
[ ] Reusable water bottle or hydration bladder
[ ] Water purification tablets (optional)
🧴 Toiletries & Self-Care
[ ] Toothbrush & small toothpaste
[ ] Face wash or cleansing wipes
[ ] Quick-dry towel
[ ] Sunscreen (SPF 50+)
[ ] Lip balm (SPF + moisturizing)
[ ] Wet wipes (lots!)
[ ] Minimal skincare (moisturizer, face mist, etc.)
🛌 Sleeping Gear
[ ] Sleeping bag rated for -10°C to -20°C
[ ] Sleeping bag liner (optional for extra warmth)
📱 Electronics
[ ] Phone + charging cable
[ ] Power bank (x2, 20,000mAh recommended)
[ ] Camera + spare battery
[ ] Plug adapter (Nepal = Type D/M)
💊 Medications
[ ] Altitude sickness pills (Diamox – ask your doctor)
[ ] Headache, cold & stomach meds
[ ] Diarrhea pills (Imodium)
[ ] Band-aids, disinfectant wipes
[ ] Pain relief spray / patch (Yunnan Baiyao is great!)
[ ] Muscle recovery patches or gels
🌐 Wi-Fi & Data Tips
You’ll have basic 3G/4G signal in most places below 4000m
You can buy a local SIM card at Kathmandu airport or enable roaming
Above 4000m, signal becomes very weak — teahouses usually offer Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi charges: around NPR 1000 for 24 hours
Charging fees start at 4410m+ altitude — often NPR 1000 per device per 24 hours
🧳 Wait... Do I Really Have to Carry All That?
Short answer: Nope! That’s what porters are for — and they’re absolute legends. 🙌
When I first finished packing, I looked at my pile and thought:
“There’s no way I’m hauling 15kg of gear up to Everest Base Camp… I’m not a superhero!”
But that’s when I learned how essential and incredible porters are on treks in Nepal.
🧍♂️ What’s a Porter?
A porter is someone who helps carry your main backpack during the trek.
They’re usually included in your EBC trekking package.
You’ll only carry your small daypack (camera, snacks, water, jacket) —The rest goes on your porter’s back.
How Much Can a Porter Carry?
🚶♂️ 1 porter can carry 25–40kg comfortably, some even up to 50–80kg
Usually, 1 porter serves 2 trekkers
Each trekker is expected to limit their load to around 10–12kg
So you don’t need to bring everything yourself. Just pack wisely for your porter and don’t overload — they are strong, but they’re also human.
Tips for Packing for Your Porter:
Use a duffel bag or large backpack (clearly labeled)
Keep it under 12kg (they carry multiple people’s loads)
Put your daily must-haves in your own daypack
Pack snacks, electronics, meds, valuables with you — not in the porter bag
💡 Fun Fact:
Porters are often locals from the nearby villages, used to high-altitude trekking since childhood.
Their strength, stamina, and kindness are out of this world. Respect them, tip them well, and always greet with a smile and a “Namaste 🙏”
My Actual Budget for Everest Base Camp Trek (17 Days Total)
How much I really spent — from start to finish
If you’re planning an EBC adventure, here’s my full and honest budget from March 2025. Everything below includes flights, insurance, gear, trekking package, snacks, and daily costs in Nepal.
📊 Total Spent: RM13,820
(Approx. USD 2,900 for 17 full days – all in!)
Return Flights (KL ↔ Kathmandu): RM 2,700
Budget airline, round trip with 20kg checked in luggageTrekking Package (All-Inclusive): RM 8,350 (USD 1,850)
Includes Kathmandu + mountain stays, Lukla flights, guide, porter, permits, and all meals on trekPersonal Expenses in Nepal: RM 1,480
Wi-Fi, battery charging, tips, snacks, city meals, and souvenirsGear Purchase (before trip): RM 480
Basic trekking gear: jacket, gloves, poles (bought in KL)Snacks from Home: RM 50
Energy bars, ginger candy, and other personal trail snacksAirport Transport (in Malaysia): RM 200
Grab rides and van transfer to/from KLIA airportTravel Insurance (with altitude coverage): RM 560
Essential coverage for emergency evacuation
Cost Includes:
Hotel in Kathmandu with B/B (bed & breakfast)
Domestic flights (Kathmandu – Lukla – Kathmandu)
All land transport (airport pickup/drop-off)
Trekking guide, assistant guide, and porter
Trekking permits (Sagarmatha National Park + TIMS)
3 meals a day during the trek (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
Lodge/guest house stays along the trail
Trekking Package Details
💵 Cost per person: USD 1,850 (For group of 3–4 pax)
This was arranged through a local Nepali guide — super friendly, reliable, and experienced.
Altitude Hit Me Hard…
Two days before reaching base camp, I got hit with altitude sickness — and yes, it was rough.
It started the day we trekked up to around 4,600m. I was full of energy, bouncing around, laughing too hard at my friend’s silly stories (literally jumping on rocks like a mountain goat 😂)... and after 4–5 hours, boom — my body said “nope.”
I felt dizzy, low energy, and had a pounding headache.
Panadol, painkillers, altitude meds — I took them all (and maybe cried a little too 😅).
But what saved me?
My guide, who kindly offered to carry my personal backpack
My friend, who shared sweets and snacks to help boost my energy
And rest. Just lots of hydration, deep breaths, and slowing down.
By the time I reached the peak, I was feeling much better — thank god 🙏
🥹 Did I Cry or Want to Quit?
Honestly... yes.
The day we hit the endpoint (Everest Base Camp), we had already reached Lobuche, and after a quick lunch, we immediately continued trekking upwards — no long break, just go.
The trail was made up of loose crushed rock, and we were already at crazy high altitude. My body felt so heavy, my legs questioned every step, and my mind kept asking:
“Should I stop here?
Can I really finish this?”
But I didn’t want to miss the perfect weather window — the sky was clear, the sun was out, and my friends cheered me on. That support, plus the fact that I’d come so far already, gave me the strength to say:
“LET’S DO THIS.”
What No One Tells You About Trekking to EBC
The real struggles, the quiet wins, and the little things that stay with you forever.
💇♀️ For the Girls: The REAL Hardest Part
Let me be real:
The actual hardest part for me wasn’t the altitude.
It was going six whole days without washing my hair. 😭
Above 4,000m, there’s limited water supply, and showering — especially with cold water — can make you very sick.
So yeah… no hair-washing for almost a week.
My savior? → Dry shampoo.
Bless that little spray bottle. 😂
The Moment That Made It All Worth It
For me, the most meaningful part of the trek wasn’t the destination —
It was the long, quiet walks every day.
Spending 5–6 hours hiking daily gave me space for something I don’t always get in daily life:
Time to think. Time to feel. Time to reflect.
I had deep conversations with myself.
“Am I living the life I want?”
“Am I becoming the person I want to be?”
“What do I want more of? What do I want to leave behind?”
And you know what?
Some of the biggest decisions and deepest moments of clarity came to me on that mountain — when the only thing around me was nature, breath, and silence.
💭 Deep Thoughts
The Everest Base Camp trek wasn’t just a physical challenge.
It was a mental reset, a soul cleanser, and a mirror.
it showed me my limits — and how much I could actually go beyond them.
It showed me the strength in rest, the power of a good laugh, and the beauty of simply putting one foot in front of the other — even when it feels hard.
Choose Your Season Wisely: Spring and autumn offer the best conditions for trekking.
Book Flights Early: Domestic flights to Lukla fill up quickly during peak seasons.
Acclimatize Properly: Include rest days in Namche Bazaar and Dingboche to adjust to the altitude.
Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water to help prevent altitude sickness
Pack Smart: Bring essential medications, including those for altitude sickness, even if you're fit.
Train Ahead: Prepare with cardio and strength training to handle the trek's demands.
Respect Local Customs: Learn about and honor the traditions of the Sherpa people.
Leave No Trace: Carry out all trash and minimize your environmental impact.
Bonus Tips for Future Trekkers
My Hiking Essential for 6 Years: Osprey Farpoint 55
If there’s one item that has followed me through almost every adventure — from jungle treks to mountain sunrises — it’s my Osprey Farpoint 55 Travel Backpack.
I’ve been using it for over 6 years, and it’s still holding up like a champ. Comfortable straps, smart compartments, and the detachable daypack make it super versatile — whether I’m camping in Gunung Stong or backpacking abroad.
It’s truly one of the best gear investments I’ve made.
(This post contains affiliate links. If you purchase through them, I may earn a small commission — at no extra cost to you)
Spring (March to May)
Weather: Mild temperatures with increasing warmth as the season progresses.
Visibility: Clear skies offering stunning mountain views.
Flora: Blooming rhododendrons add vibrant colors to the trails.
Base Camp Activity: April and May coincide with Everest's climbing season, so the base camp is bustling with climbers and tents.
Considerations: Late May can bring occasional clouds and heat haze
Autumn (Late September to November)
Weather: Stable and dry conditions with crisp air.
Visibility: Exceptional clarity, offering panoramic views of the Himalayas.
Crowds: Popular among trekkers, so trails and teahouses can be busy.
Considerations: Early October is ideal to avoid the peak
Seasons to Approach with Caution
Monsoon (June to Mid-September): Heavy rainfall can lead to slippery trails and leeches; clouds often obscure mountain views.
Winter (December to February): Extremely cold temperatures, especially at higher altitudes; some teahouses may be closed due to snow.
Best Seasons to Trek Everest Base Camp
As a girl who loves to snap photos, collect memories, and turn little clips into stories, this trip was a goldmine of heartwarming moments I’ll treasure forever. Here are a few that still live rent-free in my mind:
Meeting kind, funny, inspiring people on the trail — from fellow trekkers to local porters
That first magical glimpse of Mount Everest, peeking through the clouds — I gasped and froze, then took 300 photos in 10 minutes 😆
Having morning tea with unreal mountain views, wrapped in a blanket, feeling like the main character
Laughing at myself for almost crying over dal bhat because I was cold, tired, and somehow emotional over rice
Filming silly little moments with my friends — like sliding down frozen paths, pretending to model on mountain rocks, and doing dramatic slow-mos under the prayer flags
That feeling of pressing the shutter, hearing the click, and knowing:
My Favorite Moments
💭 Deep Thoughts
Happiness is hiking with friends
" i really wanna be your friend, but i have no idea how to start a conversation, so... lets hike together then"
Trekking to Everest Base Camp isn’t just about hiking — it’s about stepping into one of the most legendary, spiritual, and breathtaking places on Earth. Here are some stories and fun facts that made me fall in love with EBC even more:
Fun Fact: Nepal = Never End Peace And Love
A lot of locals and travelers like to say that NEPAL stands for: "Never End Peace And Love." And after spending time there, you’ll feel why — the energy, the people, the simplicity… it’s something special.
What (and Where) is EBC Exactly?
Everest Base Camp (EBC) sits at an altitude of 5,364 meters (17,598 ft)
It’s the starting point for climbers attempting to summit Mount Everest, the tallest mountain in the world at 8,848.86m (29,031.7 ft)
The route starts from Lukla, and it takes 8 days up, 3 days down
The total round-trip distance is approximately 130 km (80 miles)
On average, trekkers spend 5–6 hours trekking per day, so expect 60–70 hours on your feet in total!
Why is Everest So Famous?
Everest is not only the world’s highest point — it’s also a symbol of human ambition, endurance, and awe.
Since Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay’s first successful summit in 1953, it has become the ultimate bucket-list dream for adventurers worldwide.
Everest Base Camp Highlights & Stories You Might Not Know
🐂Yaks & Donkeys: The Silent Workers of the Himalayas
Along the trail, you’ll often share the path with yaks and mules carrying supplies.
Since there’s no road access to EBC, all food, gear, drinks, and materials are transported by these animals — or carried on the backs of porters.
Yaks usually take over above 3,500m (they’re more cold-tolerant), while donkeys operate in lower altitudes.
Give way when they pass — they’re doing important work 🐾
🧗♂️ The Legendary Sherpa Community
The Sherpas are an ethnic group native to the Himalayas, known for their strength, endurance, and mountain knowledge.
Many of them serve as high-altitude porters and guides, and some have summited Everest over 20 times.
They are the heart and soul of Himalayan mountaineering — humble, spiritual, and incredibly hardworking.
🧡 Respect their culture. Learn a few words in Nepali. Always say “Namaste” with a smile 🙏
Lukla: The World’s Most Dangerous Airport
The trek begins with a flight to Lukla — a small mountain town at 2,800m.
Its short runway is surrounded by steep cliffs and mountains, earning it the title of “the world’s most dangerous airport”.
The adventure to Everest Base Camp starts with one of the most unforgettable flights of your life — a 30-minute ride from Kathmandu to Lukla Airport, officially named Tenzing-Hillary Airport.
Sitting at 2,845 meters (9,334 feet) above sea level, this tiny airstrip is carved right into the side of a Himalayan cliff. What makes it so legendary (and terrifying)?
First, the runway is only 527 meters long — that’s less than a sixth of a normal commercial runway. On top of that, it’s built at a 12% incline, so when the plane lands, it’s literally climbing uphill to slow down.
Now add in unpredictable mountain wind, sudden fog or cloud cover, and zero radar assistance — meaning pilots must land entirely by visual judgment. There’s no second chance: if they can’t see the runway clearly, they have to turn around.
Surrounded by dramatic cliffs and mountains on all sides, there's no room for error, and take-offs happen from a sloped downhill runway with a sharp drop-off at the end.
And yet — every day, experienced Nepali pilots fly in and out, bringing trekkers and locals to this iconic starting point of the EBC trail. It’s both thrilling and humbling to witness. Most of us held our breath the whole way... and clapped when the wheels touched down. 😅
But also? One of the most beautiful and thrilling landings ever. ✈️💥
It wasn’t just about reaching the destination — it was about every step,
If this blog helped you, inspired you, or made you smile —
leave me a comment, share your thoughts, or just say hi 🧡
Let’s stay connected — because stories are meant to be shared, and life is better when we grow together 🌍✨
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