Accommodation is in mountain tea-houses, which are simple mountain lodges with few facilities. While not luxurious, they are suitable for relaxation and warmth and are run by local welcoming families.

Key Points:

• Twin-share rooms with beds, mattresses, pillows, and blankets.
• Shared (Western or squat) toilets and shared dining areas.
• Hot shower available for fee; water may be solar-heated or gas-heated.
• Dining rooms are the only warm rooms in most teahouses.

Bookings in advance are advisable for the peak season months (March–May, October–November).

Altitude sickness (Acute Mountain Sickness – AMS) is a severe risk on this trek since you’ll be going higher than 3,000 meters. Having knowledge of its symptoms and taking right preventive precautions is important to your success and safety.

Symptoms

• Headache (persistent and dull)
• Nausea or vomiting
• Dizziness or dizziness
• Loss of appetite
• Shortness of breath (even at rest)
• Fatigue and weakness
• Insomnia
• Confusion or difficulty walking (in severe cases)

Prevention

• Gradually ascend; don’t climb more than 300–500m per day above 3,000m.
• Have acclimatization days (commonly at Namche Bazaar and Dingboche).
• Drink at least 3–4 liters of water daily.
• Don’t drink alcohol, smoke, or use sleeping pills.
• Have high-calorie meals.
• Diamox (acetazolamide) can be used as a preventive—check with your doctor before use.

If symptoms increase, descend immediately—evacuation by helicopter in emergencies.

Having a personal first aid kit along is necessary on the Everest Base Camp trek since medical care is not available or is sparse on the path. Such minor complaints as blisters, headaches, gastrointestinal problems, and altitude sickness are ubiquitous, and attending to them early on will avoid more complicated issues. While a few teahouses may not have much supplies, it is better to be prepared, especially along the way up from Namche Bazaar when pharmacies run out. The kit should be compact but sufficient, such as for wound care, altitude, gastro-intestinal disease, and hypothermia. Also, talk to your doctor before traveling for specific medication needs or high-altitude advice.

Minimal First Aid Kit:

• Assorted sizes of adhesive bandages
• Sterile gauze pads and tape
• Antiseptic wipes or solution (Betadine, Dettol)
• Antibiotic ointment (Neosporin or equivalent)
• Scissors, tweezers, and safety pins
• Blister plasters (e.g., Compeed or moleskin)
• Medical gloves (disposable)
• Small roll of elastic bandage (for sprains)

Prescription & Altitude Medicines:

• Diamox (Acetazolamide) – for prevention/treatment of altitude sickness (consult doctor)
• Nifedipine – for High Altitude Pulmonary Edema (emergency use only, doctor’s advice)
• Dexamethasone – for High Altitude Cerebral Edema (emergency use only)
• Personal prescription medicines (sufficient stock for the entire trek + spare days)

General Medicines:

• Paracetamol or ibuprofen (for headache, fever, body aching)
• Antihistamines (for cold, allergy)
• Anti-diarrheal (Loperamide)
• Oral rehydration salts (ORS) or electrolyte powder
• Antacid (for indigestion or heartburn)
• Cough drops or throat lozenges
• Motion sickness tablets (if flying into Lukla bothers you)
• Sleeping aid (optional; avoid unless medically indicated)

Optional but Useful:

• Water purification tablets or iodine drops
• Altitude sickness symptom chart (for self-assessment)
• Digital thermometer
• Small notebook with emergency contact numbers and medical information

There are several official documents and permits needed for the Everest Base Camp trek. These are needed for entry into the national park, rural municipality, and for monitoring tourists for safety purposes.

Documents:

• Nepali Visa
• Valid Passport (at least 6 months from expiration date)
• 2–4 Passport Photos

Travel Insurance: Should cover high-altitude trekking (up to 6,000m) and emergency evacuation.

Permits:

• Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permits

To enter the Everest region (bought in Kathmandu or Monjo).

Cost: NPR 3,000 for foreign nationals.

• Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Permit

Required to visit the local region (issued in Lukla or Monjo).

Cost: NPR 2,000 per person.

• TIMS Card (No longer necessary for independent EBC trekkers but still possibly issued by agencies for other travel activities).

Travel Insurance:

Should cover high-altitude trekking (up to 6,000m) and emergency evacuation.

Should include:

• Medical for high-altitude trekking
• Helicopter rescue
• Optional: trip delays, lost luggage, cancellations

Appropriate clothing and gear are needed for safety and comfort on the trek. Himalayan weather is prone to sudden change, so layering and being ready are crucial.

Top (Upper Body)

• 2–3 base layers that wick moisture
• 1 insulated fleece or mid-layer
• 1 insulated down jacket (extremely warm, light)
• 1 water/wind-resistant outer shell (Gore-Tex or similar)
• 1 sun hat or cap (daytime sun)
• 1 beanie or woolen hat (evening)
• 1 neck gaiter or Buff
• UV-blocking sunglasses (category 3 or 4, whichever is available)

Lower Body (Bottom)

• 2–3 trekking pants (quick-drying, stretchy)
• 1–2 bottom thermal base layers
• 1 insulated or fleece pants, for evening use
• 1 waterproof shell pants
• Optional: hiking shorts, for lower elevation

Footwear

• 1 pair of well-broken-in waterproof trekking boots
• 3–5 pairs of trekking socks (synthetic/wool blend)
• 1 pair of gaiters, optional for mud or snow
• 1 pair of sandals or camp shoes, for breaks

Hands

• 1 pair of lightweight liner gloves
• 1 pair waterproof, insulated warm gloves

Gear & Accessories

• 30–40L daypack (with rain cover)
• 60–70L duffel bag (porter, if porting)
• Sleeping bag with -15°C to -20°C rating
• Trekking poles (folding)
• Headlamp with spare batteries
• Water bottles (1L x2) or hydration bladder
• Water purification tablets or filter
• Toiletries (toilet paper, biodegradable soap, toothbrush, etc.)
• Sunscreen (SPF 30+), lip balm with SPF
• Quick-dry towel and personal first-aid kit
• Power bank, charging cables, and universal adapter