Everest Base Camp Yoga Trek: 14 Days

Introduction: Everest Base Camp Yoga Trek

Everest base camp, with an elevation of 5,364 meters/ 17,598 feet lies in Nepal, is known as the South Base Camp, and the North Base Camp is located in China. The Everest Base Camp is located in the Khumbu region of Nepal. Mount Everest, the highest mountain in the world, is situated in the Khumbu region, which is the most prominent choice for trekkers who wish to travel to Nepal.

Journey to the Everest Base camp can take at least 14 days, during which visitors can view some of the most majestic peaks on the planet. These grandeurs of nature include Mount Everest, Lhotse, the fourth tallest mountain in the world; Makalu, the fifth tallest mountain in the world; Cho Oyu, the eighth tallest mountain in the world; Khumbu Yui Lha, Ama Dablam, Mera Peak, Imja Tse, Ombigaichan, Lobuche, Kusum Kanguru, Kongde Ri, Chhukung Ri and many more.

Similarly, the Everest region is also the most favored location for yoga. The yoga session in the backdrop of such pristine mountains is considered one of the most amazing experiences in life. The Khumbu region is cherished for its rich culture, religion and history. There are many monasteries, chortens, stupas, and other holy places where yoga can be practiced. Yoga trek in Everest offers personal growth through physical activity, meditation, breath control, pain or stress relief, improved flexibility, and strength.

Everest Base Camp Yoga Trekking promotes mind and body connection with a greater sense of body awareness. The yoga trek also provides a deeper understanding of the emotional side of human beings, aiding in calmness of mind and body.

Besides yoga, the journey towards the Everest Base Camp provides a chance to witness the crystal-clear rivers, waterfalls, glaciers, wildlife, and the hospitality of the Sherpa community, who are the natives of the region.

As Everest lies in the Sagarmatha National Park, visitors can get a chance to see the diverse flora and fauna settled here. Some of the most exotic and rare animals and birds that visitors can encounter during the Everest Base Camp route are Snow Leopard, Red Panda, Musk Deer, Himalayan Tahr, Himalayan Goral, Himalayan wolf, Himalayan Marmot, Himalayan Monal (national bird of Nepal), Blood pheasant, Golden eagle and many more.

Everest Base Camp Yoga trek route is off-beaten and rugged, with steep slopes, ups and downs, and gradual elevation. However, the Everest trek is considered moderately complex, and proper physical and mental fitness is required to encounter the path. The increased elevation can challenge beginner trekkers as the chance of Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) is possible. However, proper guidance from the guides provided by Holiday Tours Nepal can significantly help to complete the trek. So, the proper logistics and preparation should be done while acquiring travel insurance from a trusted insurance company that can safeguard against any unforeseen circumstances.

Besides physical preparation, various permits are required to enter the Everest Region as it is labeled as a protected area by the government of Nepal. So get all the gear, equipment, and adventure spirit ready to travel to one of the most anticipated locations in the world with Holiday Planner Nepal.

How does the Everest base camp yoga trek start and end?

The Everest yoga trek starts in the bustling city of Kathmandu and heads towards the more remote but beautiful side of the Khumbu region on a scenic and thrilling flight to Lukla. Lukla, also known as the gateway of Everest, is on a 30-minute flight from Kathmandu. Upon landing, the actual trek begins towards Namche Bazaar. Namche Bazaar is the trading hub and center in the Khumbu region, where a day of acclimatization is often recommended.

After Namche, the trek to Everest Base Camp continues towards Tengboche, which hosts the oldest monastery in the Everest region, called the Tengboche Monastery. As the quick exploration of the monastery is completed, the next destination in the Everest Base Camp Yoga trek itinerary is Dingboche. Dingboche portrays a magnificent view of Nangkartshang Peak. Trekkers and visitors can see this majestic peak from two viewpoints, which are called the low viewpoint and the high viewpoint. These viewpoints are just an hour's walk apart from each other. Similarly, the front view of Ama Dablam can also be seen here.

Likewise, Dingboche is another destination for acclimatization during the yoga trek on Everest. This enables travelers to explore the area further and get immersed in the culture and tradition of the communities, which provides insights into mountain life. When proper acclimatization is done, the Everest Base Camp yoga trek route continues toward a higher altitude. The next destination is Lobuche, the last stop before reaching Everest Base Camp. From Lobuche, the Lobuche peak can be seen, followed by a view of Nuptse and Pumori. Lobuche is also on the way to Thula Pass, where the memorial site for climbers who previously attempted Everest has been established.

The following location in the Everest Base Camp yoga trek map is Gorakshep. 360-degree view of the mountain can be seen from this beautiful village. As the walk continues, trekkers will now traverse the rugged terrain along the Khumbu glacier, considered one of the most enormous glaciers in the Khumbu region. After moving past Gorakshep, the journey continues towards the Everest Base Camp, which is the major highlight of the trip. As individuals reach the base camp, they will explore the area with the magnificent view of Everest, Kwande Peak, Kusum Kang guru, Lhotse, Nuptse, Taweche, and many more. Photographs of the famous Everest base camp rock are a must.

Afterward, the hikers move towards the trek's highest point, which is Kalapatthar, for a mesmerizing sunrise view, and then the walk moves to Pheriche. Pheriche Village has a medical center providing emergency evacuation and medical care services. Moving past Pheriche, the return trip commences towards Namche bazaar, then to Lukla, from where the flight to Kathmandu progresses, marking the journey's end.

Everest Base Camp Yoga Trek Distance & Altitude coverage

Best season and time for Everest Base Camp Yoga Trek

The best seasons for Everest Base Camp Yoga trekking are Spring (March to May) and Autumn (September to November). While the trek can be done in any season all year round, spring and autumn are the most recommended times.

Spring is one of the best seasons for trekking in the Everest region, where the moderate temperature provides a comfortable walking environment. The clear skies, with an average temperature of 15 C (59 F), make the trekking experience relatively easier. The rhododendron flower becomes in full bloom during spring, making the forests lively. This creates a more comfortable scenario and a sense of relaxation during the trekking period. The day is more extended in spring, allowing for longer exploration time. The trails are relatively in good condition.

Another best season for trekking in the Everest is autumn. The sky is clear with appropriate weather conditions. The average temperature in the autumn months is -5 °C to 10 °C (23 °F to 50 °F), while the night temperature is lower. The mountains, landscapes, and vegetation come alive to show the sparking natural surroundings. The traditional sherpa villages, monasteries, glaciers, and water sources make the Everest base camp journey a mystical destination. The autumn season offers an unobstructed view of Lhotse, Everest, Ama Dablam, and Pumori.

Despite trekking to Everest in spring and autumn, Nepal faces two more seasons: winter and summer/monsoon. These seasons are less favored, and the number of trekkers could be higher. Trekking in the winter and monsoon is a challenge and comes with risk. Hiking in the monsoon and winter is possible but requires logistic preparation. During these seasons, the climate is extreme, with bone-chilling temperatures. The trails are covered with snow, and the skies are only frequently clear. Thus, trekking in these seasons is often recommended for expert trekkers who love to face challenges and like adrenaline.

So, anyone who intends to travel to Everest Base Camp Yoga Trek needs to keep the weather conditions in mind and travel accordingly. It is better to consult with Holiday Planner Nepal to prepare the travel itinerary for extreme weather, as they need a detailed work plan.

Fitness for Everest Base Camp Yoga Trekking

The Everest base camp is a moderate trek according to difficulty. Trekking to the base camp does not require prior expertise; however, proper physical and mental fitness is necessary.

Walking past the rugged trails, steep uphill, on the glaciers requires good stamina and endurance. A person who wants to trek to the Everest Base Camp must have good physical fitness. However, any hardcore trekking experience or prior knowledge is optional. Enrolling in cardio exercises like walking, jogging, swimming, cycling, and running is necessary before heading to the trek for one month. Avoiding lifts, taking the stairs, and walking for 45 minutes daily can be minor changes to prepare the body for trekking.

This high-altitude trekking also needs mental stability. As the trekking is on the remote side of Nepal, expect luxury only some of the way. The accommodation, food, and bathroom facilities might not meet someone's expectations, so it is necessary to keep an open mind. The trails can be hectic, the luggage may need to be a better friend, and communication can be troublesome; however, maintaining a solid mentality and adjusting small changes can help achieve one of the most memorable treks ever.

So proper physical fitness, good balance, endurance, and a strong mentality can significantly enhance the yoga trek in Everest. As there will be yoga sessions in different locations of the Everest region, one can keep a steady mentality and adjust to the high altitude accordingly.

Similarly, it is essential to note that individuals who have a long history of chronic disease and severe medical conditions like heart and lung disease should not attempt this trek. It is advised to go for some more accessible trekking packages like the Mardi Himal trek, Ghorepani Poon Hill trek, Langtang Valley trekking, Annapurna Base Camp trekking, and others.

Accommodation facilities at Everest Yoga trekking

Accommodation facilities are crucial factors while trekking in the Everest region. The type of accommodation directly impacts the mentality of the trekkers. A proper night's rest after a long day of walking helps to regain fitness and reduce stress. Thus, appropriate accommodations with good amenities must be chosen.

There are a variety of accommodation types that can be selected to spend the night in the Everest region. Some of the accommodation options in the Everest region are as follows:

• Teahouses: these are the basic accommodation types in Everest. The teahouse provides a convenient facility with basic beds and blankets. Teahouses are small guesthouses with single or double beds. A room in the teahouse can accommodate up to 2–3 people at maximum. While they are the cheapest accommodation option, the bathrooms are shared. Showers in the teahouse can be buckets, geysers, or solar showers with hot water. However, showers in the teahouse always come with an extra cost.
• Guesthouses and hotels: These are more expensive forms of accommodation for trekkers, only available in densely populated areas or places with higher settlements. In guesthouses and hotels, the trekkers stay with the local families and savor the regional cuisines on the menu. This allows visitors to communicate with the people of the Solukhumbu area and get insights into their mountain life. A room in the guesthouse has only two beds where only two trekkers can rest. So, they work on one individual on a one-bed basis.

These guesthouses similarly provide good bed and blanket facilities; however, anyone who wishes to book rooms with attached bathrooms should book it in advance as such rooms are taken first.

• Luxury houses: As the name explains, these are the most lavish and most comfortable night options. However, luxury houses are present only in the prominent places along the Everest Base Camp route. Such hospitality and facilities come at a cost, so luxury houses are the most expensive accommodation options. Amenities like attached bathrooms, heating systems, hot showers, and delicious cuisines for breakfast, lunch, and dinner are available.
• Camping: Camping on Everest is also an option and is widely followed by many mountaineers and trekkers. Individuals who attempt the Everest summit camp mandatorily. However, those who wish to spend time close to nature in the lap of the Himalayas can also sleep while setting up the camp. Trekkers, guides, and porters can carry tents, sleeping bags, and other equipment required for camping. Thus, it is understandable that camping during the Everest Trek requires more logistic preparation and careful planning.

We have the option of providing rooms with electric blankets and attached bathrooms at an additional cost of $400 per person. These types of lodges are not luxurious lodges, but they are comfortable lodges compared to normal and basic lodges and are warm and comfortable. Places like Phakding, Namche, Tengboche, Debouche, and Dingboche offer these facilities. For the last two days at Gorakshep and Lobuche, attached bathrooms have not been available, but electric blankets are available, which work through solar panels. In case the blankets are not working, we provide hot water bags to all the clients and trekkers.

Communication and electricity facilities at the Trail of Everest

Communication, Charging, and Electricity will be of significant importance while going to any region for traveling, and Everest is no different. As Everest comes under high-altitude trekking, communication, and electricity facilities may be compromised in certain sections. Due to the remoteness, the communication tower may not work at high altitudes or inside forests, and some passes, besides this communication facility, are effortless.

Holiday Tours Nepal provides a sim card that is free of cost and has 20 GB of data. This will help you communicate and surf data until your stay in Nepal.

Charging and electricity are available in all the accommodations. Cell phones and cameras can be charged in personal rooms of lodges, hotels, guesthouses, and luxury houses. However, anyone residing in the teahouse must charge their devices in the hotel lobby. Charging in the teahouse comes with an extra cost, ranging from 3 to 5 USD. During the trekking route and camping, charging is not an option, so carrying power banks, a different set of batteries, and solar chargers is advisable to have an undisputed power supply.

Permits and Documents required for Everest Base Camp with cost

The Everest Base camp lies in the Khumbu region, which the Government of Nepal labels as a protected area. So, various permits and documents are required to enter the area, and they must be made as multiple check posts and permit points thoroughly check the records. The following are the permits for trekkers, nature lovers, and adventurers to reach the Everest Base Camp.

• Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Permit

Tourists and SAARC nationals can get this permit by paying NRS 2,000 per person, valid for the first four weeks. However, if the travel extends for more than four weeks, the permit cost is NRs. 2500 per person. Similarly, this permit can be obtained in Lukla.

• Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit

Foreign nationals must pay NRs 3,000 per person to enter the Sagarmatha National Park, a protected area under the Khumbu region. However, the cost of the permit is NRs. 1,500 for SAARC nationals. Similarly, children who are under the age of 10 do not require this permit. Visitors can obtain their permit in Kathmandu at the Nepal Tourism Board Office or Sagarmatha National Park entry point in Monjo.

• Trekkers Information Management System (TIMS) Card

The TIMS card is a required document for the safety of all trekkers. The TIMS card helps to maintain a record of the trekkers and their destination of travel to update the information to the authorities in case of unforeseen circumstances during the trek. The cost of a TIMS card is projected below:

 Altitude Sickness during Everest Base Camp Yoga Trekking

Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS), also known as Altitude Sickness, is a common problem for individuals who trek in the high-altitude region. The leading cause of altitude sickness is rapid ascent to higher elevations without enough time for acclimatization. The body needs to adapt to reduced oxygen levels at higher altitudes. The common symptoms can be a headache, dizziness, nausea, fatigue, loss of appetite, and shortness of breath. However, if necessary precautions are not taken, things might be complicated. Some of the extreme forms of AMS are high-altitude pulmonary edema (HAPE) and high-altitude cerebral edema (HACE).

HAPE affects the lungs and causes them to fill with fluid, which is not the most severe form, but it can cause severe health problems.

Similarly, HACE is the most severe form, where altitude sickness causes the brain to swell. This is the most dangerous condition and requires immediate emergency care.

Note: If any uneasiness or discomfort in the health condition is felt while trekking in the Everest region, it is advisable to seek immediate assistance. The condition must be shared with the guide, who is an expert in such a condition. 

Holiday Tours Nepal has the following points prepared to prevent altitude sickness during the yoga trek in Everest:

• Acclimatization: It is necessary to deal with lower oxygen levels at higher elevations. This means that people must rest frequently before rising to more significant elevations. This will familiarize the body with the environment, which will help to lessen the likelihood of altitude sickness. It is also advised to gain at most 300–500 meters of height each day and to relax every 3–4 days.
• Hydration: Stay hydrated to avoid dehydration, which may worsen altitude sickness. Trekkers should avoid caffeine and alcohol because they dehydrate the body.
• Medicine: To avoid altitude sickness, eat garlic soup or consider taking medication. Before beginning any medicine, consult your doctor and ensure you take the correct dosage.
• Descend: If you begin to experience symptoms of altitude sickness, descend quickly to a lower altitude. Stop climbing as soon as your symptoms have eased.
• Determine Symptoms: If you see any of the symptoms of altitude sickness, notify your guide or hiking partner. Symptoms include headache, nausea, vertigo, and dyspnea.
• Fitness: To prepare for the physical demands of the climb and to reduce your chances of altitude sickness, train properly before the hike. This will improve your endurance and fitness level.

Is Travel Insurance Necessary for Everest Base Camp Yoga Trekking?

Anyone planning to tackle the Everest Three Pass Trekking route should get travel insurance. This type of insurance can cover many hazards and unanticipated scenarios that may develop when hiking. Keep the following considerations in mind while purchasing travel insurance for the Everest Base Camp Yoga Trekking:

• Medical insurance: Check that coverage covers medical expenses, which can be costly at high heights, such as emergency medical care and evacuation.
• Trip interruption and cancellation: Purchase trip cancellation and interruption insurance to protect yourself in unforeseen events, such as illness, injury, or natural catastrophes, forcing you to postpone or cancel your holiday.
• Lost or stolen items: Look for insurance that covers lost or stolen items such as gear, equipment, and personal things.

As some insurance policies do not, check to see if the policy covers high-risk activities like trekking and mountaineering.

Search for coverage that provides round-the-clock emergency help in a medical or other emergency.

Pre-existing conditions: Check to see if the insurance covers your pre-existing medical conditions or if you can get a waiver if you have any.

How is the rescue done in the Everest region?

There are two types of policies. The first one is in which the trekkers pay first and get paid back by the insurance company, and the other is in which the insurance company pays up all the amount upfront.

For rescue, the helicopter charges $5500 for chartering it from Everest Region to Kathmandu. Then, from the airport, the trekkers are taken to the hospital in an ambulance, and the doctors and nurses take over from there. The patient is kept in the hospital for observation and treatment and is discharged when the hospital gives discharge clearance.

Everest Yoga Trek Outline Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu (1350 m/4430 ft)

Day 2: Flight to Lukla (2,828 meters/9,279 feet), 35 meters, and trek to Phakding (2,780 meters/9,121 feet, 3-4 hours walk); walking Distance: 9 km (5.50 miles)

Day 3: Trek to Namche Bazaar (3,440 meters/11,287 feet) 5 6 hours hrs walk, Walking Distance: 12 km (7.45 miles)

Day 4: Rest day at Namche Bazaar/acclimatization day

Day 5: Trek to Tengboche (3,850 meters/12,632 feet) 4-5 hours of walking Distance: 10 km (6.21 miles)

Day 6: Trek to Dingboche (4,350 meters/14,272 feet) 4-5 hours of walking Distance: 12 km (7.45 miles)

Day 7: Rest day in Dingboche/acclimatization day

Day 8: Trek to Lobuche (4,910 meters/16,109 feet) 4-5 hours of walking Distance: 12 km (7.45 miles)

Day 9: Trek to Gorak Shep (5,180 meters/16,995 feet) (about 3 hours walk) and Everest Base Camp (5,364 meters/17,600 feet) 2-3 hours of walking Distance: 15 km (9.32 miles)

Day 10: Trek to Kala Patthar (5,545 meters/18,193 feet) 2-3 hours walk to Pheriche (4,280 meters/14,042 feet) 5 6-hour walk; walking Distance: 13 km (8.07 miles)

Day 11: Trek to Namche Bazaar (3,440 meters/11,287 feet) 4-5 hours of walking Distance: 14 km/8.69 miles

Day 12: Trek to Lukla (2,828 meters (9,279 feet)) 5 6 hours of walking Distance: 21 km (13.0488 miles)

Day 13: Fly back to Kathmandu (1,350 meters/4,430 feet) in about 35 minutes.

Day 14: International departure