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Above 17500 feet. At Everest Base Camp. Amidst the towering peaks. These three are the main attractions of sleeping at the Everest Base Camp Trek. Yes, you heard it right. You can sleep at the base camp of the world’s highest mountain.
Many travel agencies have been selling this trip that lets you sleep at the base camp in recent years. The Sleeping at Everest Base Camp Trek is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to experience the world’s highest mountain from a unique perspective. However, as tempting as it may sound, there are several reasons why you shouldn’t sleep at Everest Base Camp.
In this blog post, we will discuss everything you need to know about sleeping at Everest Base Camp, including why you shouldn’t do it, how it differs from the standard EBC trek, the cost, the itinerary, and more. So, let’s delve into the details of this incredible adventure.
While sleeping at Everest Base Camp is definitely an enticing adventure, there are compelling reasons why it’s not advisable to do it. Here are the reasons that will make you think twice before signing up to sleep at the Everest Base Camp:
Limited facilities and resources: There are no tea houses, and the lack of basic facilities like toilets and showers can make the experience uncomfortable. Accommodation options are basic, limited to tents carried by the support staff. Limited facilities and resources at Everest Base Camp also extend to food provisions. Trekkers may have to rely on basic and repetitive meals, such as dal bhat (a traditional Nepali dish of lentils and rice) or noodles.
Altitude sickness: The major downside of trekking to high altitudes like the Everest Base Camp is the high chance of altitude sickness. You probably know that the human body is prone to high-altitude sickness just above 2500 m, and the EBC is at twice that altitude. Everest Base Camp is at 5,364 m, and sleeping here definitely carries the risk of developing altitude sickness, which can be life-threatening.
Harsh weather conditions: The base camp weather can be unpredictable, and the temperature often drops below freezing points. At night, it can become exceedingly difficult to endure. Strong winds and avalanches are common hazards in the Everest region. Exposure to these elements can increase the likelihood of hypothermia, frostbite, and other cold-related injuries.
Safety Concern: The Everest Base Camp is located above 5000m, and in a remote environment, accessing medical assistance in emergencies could be challenging. And especially at night, it’s highly improbable that the trekkers and team get help from an outside source. The inhospitable environment of the EBC is one solid reason you should think twice before doing it.
The most convincing and compelling reason to sleep at Everest Base Camp would be an extraordinary experience that transcends ordinary travel. By embarking on this adventure, you unlock a realm of experience that would otherwise remain inaccessible.
Sleeping at an altitude of 5,364 meters is remarkable, offering unbelievable views and an unforgettable sense of achievement. It is literally a portal to an unparalleled and unique experience. You will have the rare opportunity to witness the stunning sunrise and sunset at the base camp of the mighty Everest.
Imagine setting up a tent and sleeping at the foot of the world’s tallest peak. That feeling of laying your head down beneath the shadow of Everest and snuggling up in your sleeping bag, soaking in the grandeur of Everest Base Camp, is a crowning achievement.
And in the morning, you will awaken to a world transformed, the mountains glowing to an ethereal radiance. The surrounding landscape offers a glimpse into the hidden world of the base camp. The sight of jagged edges of rocky outcrops and icy glaciers is nothing short of awe-inspiring. The Khumbu glacier, stretching as far as your eyes can see, evokes a profound sense of wonder. The sight is so stunning that your eyes can scarcely believe it.
If you’re lucky, you’ll witness the Sherpa puja ceremony. The Sherpa gathers to perform a sacred ritual, seeking blessing from mountain gods and goddesses for a safe and successful ascent. This ceremony holds immense significance to the mountaineers as it is a way to honor the sacredness of the mountains.
You are also rewarded with the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity of capturing photos from the vantage viewpoints of base camp. Remember that each moment is an opportunity to capture extraordinary shots. Whether it’s a star-studded sky above during the night or the stunning sunrise painting the horizon with the hues of gold in the morning, the base camp turns into a photographer’s paradise.
In general, the trip is no different from the standard EBC trek, but the key difference lies in the experience of spending nights at the Everest Base Camp. You will follow the same route and itinerary but will spend one or two nights at Everest Base Camp.
In the standard or regular Everest Base Camp trek, trekkers reach the base camp, spend some time there, and return to a lower altitude, Gorak Shep, to sleep. However, in sleep at Everest Base Camp trek, trekkers spend nights camping in basic accommodations at the base camp.
While this trek offers a unique opportunity, it also comes with additional challenges and considerations. The higher altitude at the base camp demands careful preparations from trekkers. Furthermore, logistic arrangements for camping and permits must be planned meticulously. We will discuss them further in the following section of the blog.
The cost of sleeping at Everest Base Camp Trek can vary depending on various factors, including the travel agency chosen, their service, duration of the trek, and level of comfort. In a rough estimate, the cost of sleeping at the EBC trek is around AUD 1500 to AUD 2500 more than the standard EBC trek.
That means if the standard 14-day EBC trek costs you AUD 2500, then sleeping at the EBC trek comes at around AUD 4500 or even more. Now again, this price can vary from travel agencies to travel agencies.
The price includes expenses such as permits, special arrangements at the base camp, accommodations (including camping gear), meals, and staff service. Most travel agencies provide tents (twin-shared tents), mattresses, delicious meals, and staff for meals and support.
Please note that there are no teahouses at the base camp, so the only option is camping. All the gear and equipment, including food, must be brought from Kathmandu, Lukla, or from the nearest rest points (under special arrangements) like Gorak Shep.
The itinerary for the sleeping at Everest Base Camp trek follows the same route as the Everest Base Camp trek. The itinerary adds an extra one or two days at the base camp before retracing steps to Lukla. From Lukla, trekkers board a scenic flight to Kathmandu. Here’s the itinerary for sleeping at Everest Base Camp:
Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu
Day 2: Lukla to Phakding
Day 3: Phakding to Namche Bazaar
Day 4: Acclimatization Day at Namche
Day 5: Namche to Tengboche
Day 6: Tengboche to Dingboche
Day 7: Acclimatization Day at Dingboche
Day 8: Dingboche to Lobuche
Day 9: Lobuche to Everest Base Camp
Day 10: Everest Base Camp to Gorak Shep
Day 11: Gorak Shep to Kala Patthar and to Pangboche
Day 12: Pangboche to Namche
Day 13: Namche to Phakding
Day 14: Phakding to Lukla
Day 15: Lukla to Kathmandu
The level of accommodation and comfort depends on the service provided by the travel agency. We recommend you inquire and confirm the services provided beforehand. This ensures clarity regarding what to expect for an overnight stay at the base camp.
Most travel agencies generally offer comfortable and waterproof tents equipped with sleeping mattresses and other essential gear for overnight stays at the base camp.
You will likely be sharing the tent with other trekkers unless you pay for a single supplement. This also includes communal dining tents where meals are served and shared toilet facilities, such as pit latrines. As for electricity and internet access, it will not be available. Rest assured, you will be immersed in the grandeur of the Himalayas. There will be no running water at all.
Despite the basic facilities, trekkers and mountaineers alike often find the experience of staying at the base camp unforgettable. It’s a rare chance to witness the raw beauty of the base camp and the Everest region up close.
At the Everest Base Camp, the food is simple yet hearty. The food menu largely depends on what the travel agency can manage and offer. Expect to eat dal bhat, a traditional Nepali dish popular among trekkers and mountaineers. In addition to dal bhat, the menu also includes dishes like noodle soup, pasta, and fruit.
The meals are often prepared using locally sourced ingredients such as fresh vegetables and grains and are cooked using portable stoves or gas burners. The cook and support staff hired by the travel agency prepare all the meals for you. They often go to great lengths to ensure trekkers are well-fed and satisfied.
The typical food served is:
Please note that the food items mentioned above serve as a general guide. The actual food menu may vary depending on the company providing the services. If you have special dietary preferences, you must communicate with the agency in advance, and they shall arrange accordingly.
