
How hard is Everest Base Camp?
The Everest Base Camp trek is a tough challenge. But you require no technical skills, only good fitness and endurance. Read on for more detail.

by Paul Kelly
21 min read
Overview:
- 'Hard' in different ways
- Trek distance and elevation
- 14-day trek itinerary
- Return via helicopter itinerary
- What does the trail look like?
- Training for Everest Base Camp
- Hiring a porter
- Mental and health challenges
- Altitude sickness
- Very cold temperatures
- Bright sunlight
- Narrow suspension bridges
- Cleanliness can be challenging
- Limited food choices
- Motivation
- Get prepared
Our goal is not to put anyone off doing the trek, but rather help you identify if this is an investment suited to you physically as well as mentally.
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'Hard' in different ways

Trek distance and elevation



The start of your Everest Base Camp trek


Getting higher

Remote Himalaya


Break from the crowd

14-day trek itinerary

The oxygen level at Everest Base Camp is roughly half what it is at sea level, so every mile trekked here is a BIG effort!
Return via helicopter itinerary

What does the trail look like?

Training for Everest Base Camp
Training hikes

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Cardio and strength training

Hiring a porter
I can't think of anything that excites a greater sense of childlike wonder than to be in a country where you are ignorant of almost everything. Suddenly you are five years old again.

Mental and health challenges
Delays at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu or Tenzing-Hillary Airport in Lukla, usually because of uncooperative weather Not being able to trek for a day, or even days, as a result of poor weather conditions Suffering from headaches as a result of the extreme altitude Developing severe mountain sickness and having to descend without completing the trek Injuring yourself and having to abort the trek

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Be prepared for the challenge mentally
Altitude sickness
Less oxygen

Very cold temperatures
Bright sunlight
Narrow suspension bridges


Cleanliness can be challenging

Limited food choices

Motivation
Nothing in the world is worth having or worth doing unless it means effort, pain, difficulty.

Get prepared