Everest Base Camp Entry: What You Need to Know Before You Go

When you think about Everest Base Camp entry, the official access point to the foot of Mount Everest in Nepal, requiring permits, physical preparation, and careful planning. Also known as EBC trek start, it’s not just a hike—it’s a high-altitude journey that thousands attempt each year, but far fewer fully understand. This isn’t a casual walk in the park. You’re stepping into one of the most demanding trekking routes on Earth, where thin air, unpredictable weather, and remote terrain make preparation non-negotiable.

Getting Everest Base Camp entry means dealing with three big things: permits, altitude, and logistics. First, you need the Sagarmatha National Park Permit, a mandatory entry pass issued by Nepal’s government for all trekkers entering the Everest region. Then there’s the Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Permit, a local fee required since 2023 to support community infrastructure and conservation. These aren’t optional—they’re checked at checkpoints all along the trail. Skip them, and you won’t get past Namche Bazaar.

Altitude sickness isn’t just a risk—it’s a real threat. Most people start feeling symptoms above 2,500 meters. By the time you reach Everest Base Camp at 5,364 meters, your body is operating on less than half the oxygen it gets at sea level. That’s why slow ascents matter. The standard 12-day itinerary isn’t just for sightseeing—it’s your body’s best chance to adjust. Rush it, and you might end up in a helicopter evacuation. And yes, that happens more often than you think.

What you’ll find in the posts below isn’t just a list of tips. It’s real advice from people who’ve done it—what worked, what didn’t, and what no guidebook tells you. You’ll see how to pick the right gear without overspending, why some tea houses are safer than others, and how to avoid the common mistakes that leave travelers sick, stranded, or disappointed. Some posts break down the exact steps to get your permits online. Others show you how to recognize early signs of altitude sickness before it turns dangerous. And one even explains why carrying your own water bottle saves you money and reduces plastic waste in the mountains.

This isn’t about chasing a photo op at the base of the world’s tallest mountain. It’s about understanding what you’re signing up for—and walking away with more than just a story. Whether you’re planning your first high-altitude trek or you’ve done a few and want to get it right this time, the posts here give you the facts, not the fluff. No hype. No exaggeration. Just what you need to know before you step onto the trail.