Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: How physically demanding is the Everest Base Camp trek?
A: This is a moderate-to-demanding trek with long days—typically 5–7 hours per day, over 12–16 days on rocky and uneven terrain at high altitudes. While non-technical, you’ll need strong cardiovascular endurance, leg strength, flexibility, and mental resilience. Training with a loaded backpack (10–15 lbs), hill work, and strength training for 3–6 months beforehand is highly recommended.

Q: Do I need previous trekking experience?
A: It’s helpful but not required. Our experienced guides and training resources support trekkers at all levels. If you are committed and prepare ahead, you’ll successfully complete the trek.

Q: What if I experience altitude sickness?
A: We build in acclimatization days at Namche Bazaar and Dingboche. Our guides monitor symptoms continuously and are trained to manage altitude sickness. In emergencies, descent is prioritized. Some participants choose acetazolamide (Diamox) for prevention—always under medical supervision.

Q: What gear is required?
A: Essentials include hiking boots with ankle support, moisture-wicking layers, insulated jacket, thermal base layers, gloves, trekking poles, sleeping bag (or rental), and daypack. You’ll receive a full checklist upon registration or soon after.

Q: Are meals and accommodations included?
A: Yes—three meals per day while trekking, local lodge accommodations, and four nights in Kathmandu hotels before and after the trek.

Q: What is the price for the expedition?
A: The price is $3000 USD per person.

Q: What exactly is included in the $3,000 package?
A:

• Hotel accommodations in Kathmandu before and after the trek
• Professional guidance from Elite Exped’s expert Sherpa guides and support team
• A carefully designed, safe daily itinerary with acclimatization strategies
• Local cultural experiences and authentic Himalayan hospitality
• Group camaraderie with fellow trekkers, shared stories, and life-changing connection
• Opportunities to learn firsthand from Everest summiteers and experienced climbers

Q: What is excluded from the cost?
A: International airfare, Nepal visa, travel insurance, personal gear purchases, optional helicopter flights, and tipping (for porters, guides, support crews).

Q: Can I join as a solo traveler?
A: Absolutely. Solo participants integrate easily into our supportive group environment, where shared meals, acclimatization, and team-building discussions foster strong camaraderie.

Q: Do I travel to Nepal with the group or solo?
A: We’ll share recommended group flight itineraries (commonly Qatar Airways). You’re welcome to join others on flights, including mine, to arrive in Kathmandu around April 1. Morning or late-night arrivals are common—followed by rest, breakfast, and briefing later that day.

Q: Is laundry available in Nepal?
A: Yes! Several towns offer inexpensive laundry services. Yaks carry most group equipment, so you can pack minimally and refresh essentials such as socks/underwear mid-trip.

Helicopter Return Options

Q: How do helicopter returns work, and what do they cost?
A: We offer optional helicopter flights from either Gorakshep or Pheriche to Kathmandu:

• Gorakshep: 2-person capacity, $6,500–$6,900, shaving off ~3 trekking days.
• Pheriche: 4-person helicopters, $5,400–$5,900, saving ~2 days.

Flights are third-party operated with ~80% on-time reliability; weather-related delays of 1–2 days are possible. We’ll coordinate logistics but operations are externally controlled.

Administrative / Logistics Questions

Q: When is the deposit due?
A: Please confirm participation with deposit by late 2025, ideally aligning your arrival window within ±5 days of April 1 to sync with group logistics.

Q: What is the full trek itinerary timeframe?
A: Expect ~16 days total: ~14 days trekking (approx. 130 km) plus travel days from and to Kathmandu. Daily hiking ranges from 5 to 8 hours based on elevation and pacing.

Altitude & Acclimatization: Why It Matters

• Trek begins at Lukla (~2,860 m) and ascends gradually to Base Camp (~5,364 m).
• Avoid increasing sleep elevation by more than ~300 m per day above 3,000 m.
• Early signs of altitude sickness—headache, fatigue, nausea, dizziness—are monitored carefully. Descent or medical evacuation via hot-oxygen support may be used if needed.