Ultimate Guide to Trekking Everest Base Camp Independently

Trekking to Everest Base Camp is an experience of a lifetime, and getting there is easier than you think. If hiking to EBC is on your bucket list, we’ve got everything you need to make this dream a reality (even if you’re not rich or a world class athlete!). We’ve put together a perfect route you can follow without a guide. Plus were including a packing list, how much to budget, and stories (and photos!) from the trail.

Trekking to Everest Base Camp was that one thing on our bucket list that felt unattainable. Sitting on that list for a long time, we never thought we’d have the skills, knowledge, money or opportunity to even try.

Then during our travels we met other people, just like us, who said they made the EBC trek. After talking about their experiences for a while, we were convinced we had to go to Nepal. There would be no better time than now. It was kind of like when we were in South America and persuaded into going to the Galapagos.

We didn’t do much training for Everest and our knowledge of the how to make the trek was very minimal, but we knew we wanted to do it on our own, independently, without any tour company.

After making the hike to EBC and back, we’ve put together a complete guide to show you exactly how you too can trek to Everest Base Camp independently on a budget without being a super athlete or an expert on the Himalayas.

Before You Go: be sure to purchase this. We never travel without it.

What else is there to see in Nepal?

Lots! This country is so much more than trekking. We loved Exploring Kathmandu, Chitwan National Park and Pokhara, but we are already making a wish list of things to do in Nepal!

Responsible Trekking to Everest Base Camp

Wherever we travel in the world, we aim to do so responsibly. There are so many easy ways you can travel sustainably, and we would strongly encourage you to do the same in the fragile ecosystem of the Himalayas. we encourage you to trek responsibly. Here are a few ways you can trek consciously in Nepal:

1. Please, please, please don’t throw any rubbish on the ground!

If you do, we can’t be friends! The Everest Base Camp trek has received some bad press in the past for all the trash hikers leave behind.

Over the last decades though, many organizations have worked to clean up this wilderness area and educate those passing through about the environment. While we were there, we didn’t notice much trash (other than one specific path).

But we need to work hard to keep it this way. I’d even urge you to pick up some pieces of trash you see, especially on your way down the mountain.

2. Hire a local guide or porter

Although we didn’t do this, it can be a great way to create meaningful work for the local people. Going with a local guide/porter is less expensive than going with a larger company, and you it ensures that the money is going to an individual rather than to a company’s advertising budget or office rental fees.

3. Be kind

Say “Namaste” to passing porters, be courteous and get out of their way. Be respectful if you enter monasteries and treat the wildlife and nature around you with respect.

4. Consider the waste you create

Any wrappers, plastics or bottles you throw away on the trail in a bin will need to be trekked down on a person’s shoulders. When you consider it that way, it makes it all that much more important to limit the amount of waste you create.

A couple easy ways to limit your waste on an EBC trek:

• Sterilize your water with a SteriPen instead of buying bottles along the way (it’ll save you money too!).

• Ladies: bring tampons without applicators (I like OB brand), or use a menstrual cup (although it may be difficult to clean properly on the trail).

• Have a bag dedicated to wrappers you use. This way, you’re carrying it out yourself rather than passing that job off on someone else.

Everything you need to know for trekking to Everest Base Camp

One of our goals was to create the most extensive and informative list of articles on the Everest Base Camp trek on the Internet. And we think we did it.

Below are all the articles (and videos) to help you plan your own trip to EBC:

Perfect Everest Base Camp Trekking Itinerary

This 16-day itinerary will bring you to Everest Base Camp, across the infamous Cho La Pass, and to the beautiful Gokyo Lakes. No need for a guide, we got everything you need here. 

Complete Everest Base Camp Packing List

Having the right packing list is essential to surviving the the trek to Everest Base Camp. We’ve got you covered with what to pack for EBC, everything from clothes to snacks to electronics to toiletries. It’s loaded with tons of tips you’ll want to know before you leave Kathmandu.

How Much Does Everest Base Camp Trek Cost?

The highest trek in the world doesn’t have to come at a high price. We’ll breakdown all our expenses throughout our 16-day trek to Everest Base Camp and Gokyo Lakes and show you how inexpensive it really is to reach the base of the tallest peak on Earth. We’ll take you through our cost per meal, teahouse prices and everything else it’ll take to get you there!

Everest Base Camp Trek Video Diaries

Follow along with us on our trek to Everest Base Camp and Gokyo Lakes. We hiked independently without a guide or porter and describe what life is like on the trail. Watch as we pass through the villages, encounter yaks, battle sickness, hike through challenging routes and reach Everest Base Camp, accomplishing a travel dream!

Photographic Journey to Everest Base Camp

Stories are great, but sometimes pictures speak louder. This photo diary documents our entire trek to Everest Base Camp. Come along for the ride!

Stories from 5,000 Meters: To Everest Base Camp and Back

Ever wonder what it’s like to trek in the high altitude Himalayas? Come along with us as we poetically describe each step of the journey.

Other epic hikes to add to your bucket list

If you’re reading this article, I imagine you’re a hiking enthusiast. 

• Inca Trail: This classic trek in Peru is worthy of a top spot on your hiking bucket list.
• Tongariro Crossing, New Zealand: Widely considered to be the best day hike in New Zealand, this is a can’t-miss if you’re visiting the North Island. 
• Routeburn Track, New Zealand: If you’re traveling in New Zealand, you’ll want to add this hike to your list as well. This multi-day trek on the South Island is one of the best hikes in the country.
• Fimmvorduhals Hike, Iceland: This is one of our very favorite day hikes ever, and if you like the Tongariro Crossing, this should also be on your list!
• Old Man of Storr, Scotland: This hike on the Isle of Skye brings you up close to some otherworldly rock formations.
• Kumano Kodo, Japan: This multi-day pilgrimage trek in Japan is a perfect blend of adventure, nature and culture.
• Volcan Acatenango, Guatemala: This overnight hike just outside Antigua allows you front seat views to watch the neighboring Volcan Fuego erupt all night long.
• Ijen Crater, Indonesia: This classic sunrise hike in East Java ends with epic views over a neon blue crater lake.

Are you planning to visit Nepal soon?

We have TONS of other articles on Nepal that we think you’ll like. Check out ourNepal Homepage for all the important travel information, or read some of our favorite articles below.

• Top 10 Things to Do in Nepal

• Everything You Need to Know for Your First Trip to Nepal

• Mohare Danda Trekking Guide: 5-Day Annapurna Trek

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We want to hear from you!

Have to trekked to Everest Base Camp? Do you want to make the hike to EBC? We would love to hear your stories or dream travel plans in the comments below.