17th Aug, 2019 by: Himalayan Magic Treks

Everest Base Camp Group Join Trek

Everest Base Camp Group Join Trek you must have noticed the different difficulty levels in trekking pages. But you might wonder what exactly does the level indicates and on what basis is it measured. If you are planning to travel and trek in a country like Nepal, then you should properly consider and plan which trek is most suitable for you. The trekking grade lets you select the suitable trekking for your physical body. Sometimes, strong desire and motivation is not enough, you should be physically fit and prepared for some extreme trekking trails.

An Everest Base Camp Group Join typically refers to a guided trek where individuals join a pre-arranged group to hike to the Everest Base Camp (EBC) in Nepal. The trek is one of the most popular and iconic trekking routes in the world, offering stunning views of the Himalayas and an opportunity to experience Sherpa culture along the way.

Easy trekking Destination in Nepal

If you are looking for Easy trekking destinations that offer stunning natural beauty but don’t require advanced trekking skills or high-altitude acclimatization, here are some great options. These treks are ideal for beginners or anyone seeking a more relaxed, yet still rewarding, hiking experience:

1. Annapurna Sanctuary Trek (Nepal)

• Duration: 7-10 days
• Difficulty: Easy to moderate
• Max Altitude: 4,130 meters (13,550 feet)
• Best Time: March to May, September to November

This trek takes you through lush forests, traditional Gurung villages, and high alpine meadows, offering breathtaking views of the Annapurna range. The trail is well-established, with gradual ascents, making it suitable for beginners. You’ll also have a chance to experience the local culture and enjoy the serene beauty of the Annapurna Sanctuary.

2. Tengboche Trek (Nepal)

• Duration: 5-7 days
• Difficulty: Easy to moderate
• Max Altitude: 3,867 meters (12,687 feet)
• Best Time: March to May, September to November

A shorter trek in the Everest region, this trek takes you to the famous Tengboche Monastery with stunning views of Mount Everest, Lhotse, and Ama Dablam. The trail is not as strenuous as the full Everest Base Camp trek, and you get to experience the Himalayan beauty and Sherpa culture.

3. Poon Hill Trek (Nepal)

Duration: 4-5 days
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Max Altitude: 3,210 meters (10,531 feet)
Best Time: March to May, September to November
One of the most popular short treks in Nepal, the Poon Hill Trek offers panoramic views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges. This trek is relatively short and not too difficult, making it perfect for those who want a taste of trekking in the Himalayas without the extended duration and altitude challenges.

Extreme Trekking in Nepal

Nepal is home to some of the most extreme trekking routes in the world, offering an once-in-a-lifetime experience for adventure seekers and seasoned trekkers. These treks take you through rugged terrain, high-altitude passes, and remote regions, often with limited infrastructure and harsh conditions. Below are some of the most extreme treks in Nepal:

1. Annapurna Circuit via Thorong La Pass

Duration: 14-21 days

• Difficulty: Very difficult
• Max Altitude: 5,416 meters (17,769 feet) at Thorong La Pass
• Best Time: March to May, September to November

The Annapurna Circuit is one of the most famous trekking routes in the world, known for its extreme altitude challenges and stunning diversity of landscapes. The trek crosses the Thorong La Pass, one of the highest trekking passes in the world, requiring significant acclimatization due to its high altitude. The circuit also takes you through remote villages, forests, and high deserts, offering panoramic views of the Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, and Manaslu ranges.

• Challenges: Long trekking days, crossing high-altitude passes, risk of altitude sickness, unpredictable weather, and remote conditions

2. Everest Three Passes Trek

• Duration: 18-22 days
• Difficulty: Very difficult
• Max Altitude: 5,545 meters (18,192 feet) at Kala Patthar and multiple passes over 5,000 meters (16,404 feet)
• Best Time: March to May, September to November

The Everest Three Passes Trek is an extension of the classic Everest Base Camp trek and takes you over three high-altitude passes: Kongma La, Cho La, and Renjo La. This trek offers stunning views of Mount Everest and other peaks, but it’s extremely challenging due to the high-altitude passes and the demanding trek through remote, rugged landscapes.

• Challenges: Steep ascents and descents, three high passes over 5,000 meters, unpredictable weather, and the need for serious acclimatization.

3. Makalu Base Camp Trek

• Duration: 18-22 days
• Difficulty: Extremely difficult
• Max Altitude: 5,250 meters (17,220 feet) at Makalu Base Camp
• Best Time: March to May, September to November

The Makalu Base Camp Trek takes you to the base of Makalu, the fifth-highest mountain in the world. This trek is one of the most remote and challenging treks in Nepal, offering spectacular views of Makalu, Baruntse, and other peaks in the region. The trek is known for its rugged trails, steep ascents, and long days, making it suitable for highly experienced trekkers.

• Challenges: Remote trail, high-altitude trekking, demanding ascents and descents, and unpredictable weather conditions.

4. Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek

• Duration: 20-26 days
• Difficulty: Extremely difficult
• Max Altitude: 5,143 meters (16,876 feet) at Kanchenjunga Base Camp
• Best Time: March to May, September to November

The Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek is one of the most difficult and remote treks in Nepal, taking you to the base of Kanchenjunga, the third-highest mountain in the world. This trek is challenging due to its long duration, high altitudes, and limited facilities. The trek offers spectacular views of Kanchenjunga, as well as diverse landscapes and wildlife.
• Extremely remote, long duration, high-altitude trekking, and limited infrastructure.
5. Dolpo Trek
•    Duration: 18-24 days
•    Difficulty: Extremely difficult
•    Max Altitude: 5,190 meters (17,027 feet) at Numa La Pass
•    Best Time: March to May, September to November
•    The Dolpo Trek takes you through the remote, isolated Dolpo region, located in the far western part of Nepal. This trek is known for its high-altitude passes, ancient Tibetan Buddhist culture, and stunning landscapes. The trek crosses over several high passes, including Numa La and Baga La, and offers stunning views of snow-capped peaks and pristine lakes.
•    Challenges: Very remote, difficult passes, limited facilities, and long trekking days in harsh conditions.
6. Manaslu Circuit Trek
•    Duration: 14-18 days
•    Difficulty: Very difficult
•    Max Altitude: 5,160 meters (16,929 feet) at Larkya La Pass
•    Best Time: March to May, September to November
•  The Manaslu Circuit Trek is one of the most challenging treks in Nepal, taking you around Mount Manaslu, the eighth-highest peak in the world. The trek is relatively remote, and it requires crossing the difficult Larkya La Pass at over 5,000 meters. The trek offers breathtaking views of the Manaslu range and takes you through traditional villages and high-altitude terrain.
•  Difficult high-altitude pass, remote trails, limited facilities, and a demanding duration.
7. Tsum Valley Trek
•    Duration: 12-14 days
•    Difficulty: Difficult
•    Max Altitude: 3,930 meters (12,894 feet) at Mu Gompa
•    Best Time: March to May, September to November
•  The Tsum Valley is a remote, sacred valley in the Everest region, offering an off-the-beaten-path adventure. While the altitude is not as high as some of the other treks, the valley's isolation and the rugged terrain make it a challenging journey. The trek is culturally significant, with monasteries and Buddhist sites to explore along the way.
•  Remote and isolated, limited infrastructure, steep climbs, and a rugged trail.
8. Upper Dolpo Trek (Over Numa La and Baga La Passes)
•    Duration: 20-25 days
•    Difficulty: Extremely difficult
•    Max Altitude: 5,190 meters (17,027 feet) at Numa La Pass
•    Best Time: March to May, September to November
•  The Upper Dolpo Trek is one of Nepal's most remote treks, offering an opportunity to experience the Tibetan culture, high-altitude wilderness, and remote landscapes. The trek includes crossing two high passes—Numa La and Baga La—and takes you to the stunning Shey Phoksundo Lake, the largest lake in Nepal. The terrain is rugged, and the altitude can cause challenges.
• High-altitude passes, remote region, demanding trekking conditions, and long distances.
9. Kangchenjunga Circuit
•    Duration: 24-30 days
•    Difficulty: Extremely difficult
•    Max Altitude: 5,143 meters (16,876 feet) at Kangchenjunga Base Camp
•    Best Time: March to May, September to November
•  The Kangchenjunga Circuit offers an extremely challenging and remote trek around the third-highest mountain in the world. The trek takes you to both the North and South Base Camps of Kangchenjunga and offers spectacular views of the surrounding peaks, glaciers, and valleys.
• Long trek duration, extremely high altitude, remote and rugged terrain, and the need for acclimatization.
Key Considerations for Extreme Trekking in Nepal:
1.  Many of these treks go above 5,000 meters (16,400 feet), where altitude sickness is a serious concern. Proper acclimatization and hydration are critical.
2. Extreme treks require good physical fitness. Prepare with cardio and strength training before the trek.
3. The weather can be unpredictable, and some of these treks are in areas with limited access to rescue services. Be prepared for harsh conditions.
4.  Most of these treks require special permits, such as Trekking Information Management System (TIMS) cards, National Park permits, and, for some regions like Dolpo and Kanchenjunga, restricted area permits.
5. Hiring an experienced guide and porter is recommended for safety, especially on extreme treks in remote areas.
Extreme trekking in Nepal offers an unforgettable adventure for those who are physically prepared and ready for a challenge. It’s not just about reaching the destination but about experiencing some of the world’s most remote and awe-inspiring landscapes.

Key Details of an Everest Base Camp Group Join Trek:

1.    Duration:

• Typically, the trek takes around 12-16 days, depending on the itinerary and the pace of the group. It includes time for acclimatization to prevent altitude sickness.

2.    Difficulty:

• Moderate to challenging. The trek involves several days of walking through high-altitude terrain, with the highest point being 5,364 meters (17,598 feet) at Everest Base Camp.

3.    Accommodation:

• Tea houses or lodges along the route, offering basic facilities (bed, food, and sometimes heating).

4.    Cost:

• Prices can vary, but typically range from $1,250 to $2,000 for the full trek, including guide, porters, permits, and accommodation.

5.    Itinerary:

• The trek generally starts with a flight from Kathmandu to Lukla (a small airport in the Khumbu region). From there, the group treks through villages like Namche Bazaar, Tengboche, Dingboche, and Gorak Shep before reaching the base camp.

6.    Group Size:

• Usually, group sizes range from 4-16 trekkers. It’s an opportunity to meet like-minded individuals and share the experience.

7.    Acclimatization:

• The trek includes rest days to help your body adjust to the high altitude, especially around Namche Bazaar, Dingboche, and Gorak Shep.

8.    Best Time to Go:

• The best times are pre-monsoon (March to May) and post-monsoon (September to November), when the weather is clearer and more stable.

9.    Trekking Support:

• Guides are often experienced and fluent in English, and porters can be hired to carry your main gear, leaving you with just a small daypack.

10.    Permits:

• You'll need permits like the Sagarmatha National Park Permit and TIMS (Trekkers' Information Management System) Card to trek in the Everest region.

Highlights of the Trek:

• Stunning Views: The trek offers incredible views of Mount Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Ama Dablam, and other peaks.
• Sherpa Culture: You’ll pass through villages like Namche Bazaar and Tengboche, where you’ll get a chance to learn about the Sherpa people’s culture, traditions, and Buddhism.
• Everest Base Camp: The main goal of the trek is to reach Everest Base Camp itself, a dream for many mountaineers and trekkers.
• Kala Patthar: Many groups add an early morning hike to Kala Patthar, a peak offering one of the best panoramic views of Everest.

Joining a group trek to Everest Base Camp can be an excellent way to experience this incredible adventure if you're not familiar with the region or prefer the camaraderie of a group setting. The guided nature of the trek ensures that you're in good hands for both safety and logistics.

Everest Base Camp Group Join Trek Guide

If you're planning to join a group trek to Everest Base Camp (EBC), this guide will provide you with all the essential details to help you prepare and understand what to expect. A group join trek allows you to share the adventure with fellow trekkers while benefiting from the expertise of professional guides. Here's a breakdown of the key aspects:

1. Everest Base Camp Group Trek

•    Duration: Approximately 12-16 days, depending on your group’s pace and acclimatization schedule.

•    Group Size: Typically 4 to 16 trekkers. It’s a great way to meet like-minded people, and the group size is large enough to ensure safety and a social atmosphere but not so large that it’s overwhelming.
•    Trekking Difficulty: Moderate to difficult. The trek is physically demanding, and the altitude increases as you ascend, requiring proper acclimatization.

2. Everest Base Camp Trekking Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu

• Activities: Arrive in Kathmandu, Nepal’s capital. You’ll be met by your trek leader and team.
• Overnight: Stay at a hotel in Kathmandu.

Day 2: Flight to Lukla & Trek to Phakding 

• Activities: Early morning flight from Kathmandu to Lukla (2,860 m). Upon arrival, begin trekking to Phakding (2,610 m).
• Trek time: 3-4 hours.
• Overnight: Tribeni Lodge in Phakding 

Day 3: Phakding to Namche Bazaar

• Activities: Trek through small villages and cross suspension bridges along the Dudh Koshi River to reach Namche Bazaar (3,440 m), the gateway to the Everest region.
• Trek time: 5-6 hours.
• Overnight: Lodge in Namche Bazaar.

Day 4: Acclimatization Day in Namche Bazaar

• Activities: Acclimatization hike to Everest View Hotel or Syangboche for spectacular views of Everest, Lhotse, and other surrounding peaks.
• Overnight: Lodge in Namche Bazaar.

Day 5: Namche Bazaar to Tengboche

• Activities: Trek along the ridge, passing through lush forests of rhododendron and pine, to reach Tengboche (3,860 m), home to the famous Tengboche Monastery.
• Trek time: 5-6 hours.
• Overnight: Lodge in Tengboche.

Day 6: Tengboche to Dingboche

• Activities: Continue trekking through the Imja Valley, passing the small village of Pangboche before reaching Dingboche (4,410 m).
• Trek time: 5-6 hours.
• Overnight: Lodge in Dingboche.

Day 7: Acclimatization Day in Dingboche

• Activities: Acclimatization hike to Nangkartshang Peak for panoramic views of the Himalayas.
• Overnight: Lodge in Dingboche.

Day 8: Dingboche to Lobuche

• Activities: Trek to Lobuche (4,940 m), passing through the memorials of climbers who died on Mount Everest.
• Trek time: 5-6 hours.
• Overnight: Lodge in Lobuche.

Day 9: Lobuche to Gorak Shep, then Everest Base Camp

• Activities: Trek to Gorak Shep (5,160 m), and then head to Everest Base Camp (5,364 m) for stunning views of the Khumbu Icefall and surrounding peaks.
• Trek time: 7-8 hours.
• Overnight: Lodge in Gorak Shep.

Day 10: Early Morning Hike to Kala Patthar, then Return to Pheriche

• Activities: Early morning hike to Kala Patthar (5,545 m) for the best panoramic views of Mount Everest, then descend to Pheriche (4,240 m).
• Trek time: 7-8 hours.
• Overnight: Lodge in Pheriche.

Day 11-12: Trek Back to Namche and Lukla

• Activities: Retrace your steps back through Dingboche, Tengboche, Namche Bazaar, and finally to Lukla.
• Trek time: 5-6 hours per day.
• Overnight: Lodges in the respective villages.

Day 13: Flight Back to Kathmandu

• Activities: Fly from Lukla back to Kathmandu.
• Overnight: Hotel in Kathmandu.

Day 14: Departure

• Activities: Depending on your schedule, enjoy a free day in Kathmandu for sightseeing or shopping before departure.

3. Key Considerations for Group Join Trek

• Physical Fitness: While the trek is not a technical climb, it requires physical stamina to handle long trekking days and the high altitudes. It's important to prepare with cardio exercises like walking, running, and hiking.
• Altitude Acclimatization: The itinerary is designed to allow for gradual ascent with acclimatization days in key locations, such as Namche Bazaar and Dingboche. Always listen to your body and communicate with your guide if you feel symptoms of altitude sickness.
• Team Spirit: Trekking in a group provides camaraderie and motivation, but be prepared to walk at a consistent pace that suits the group. Some days will be longer than others, so staying flexible is key.
• Guides and Porters: A certified English-speaking guide will lead the group and ensure your safety throughout the trek. Porters can carry your main luggage, but you’ll need to carry a small daypack with essentials.
• Group Dynamics: In a group trek, you’ll meet people from all over the world. Embrace the social atmosphere but be mindful of others' paces and preferences.

4. What’s Included in a Group Join Trek?

• Trekking Permit: Sagarmatha National Park Permit and TIMS (Trekkers' Information Management System) Card.
• Accommodations: Tea house lodges along the route (shared rooms with basic facilities).
• Guide and Porter: Professional trek leader and porters (porters carry up to 15 kg).
• Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner in the trekking lodges.
• Transportation: Flight from Kathmandu to Lukla and return.
• Insurance: Basic trekking insurance, but you may need to purchase additional coverage for high-altitude trekking.

5. Packing Tips for Everest Base Camp Trek

•    Clothing: Layered clothing is key. Bring lightweight clothes for the lower altitudes and warmer gear for the higher elevations (fleece, down jacket, waterproof layers, gloves, hat).

•    Footwear: Sturdy, waterproof trekking boots with good ankle support.
•    Essentials: Trekking poles, sunglasses with UV protection, sunscreen, headlamp with extra batteries, water bottle, snacks, first aid kit, and personal hygiene items.
•    Sleeping Bag: A 4-season sleeping bag rated for temperatures down to -10°C or lower is advisable.
•    Backpack: A comfortable daypack for essentials and a duffel bag for your main gear (carried by porters).

6. Best Time to Trek

•    Spring (March to May) and Autumn (September to November) are the best times for this trek. These months offer clear skies, stable weather, and moderate temperatures, making them ideal for hiking in the Himalayas.

7. Budget Considerations

•    Costs: A group join trek typically costs between $1,300 to $2,000 USD for the entire trip, including permits, accommodation, guide, porter, flights to Lukla, and meals.
•    Additional Costs: Personal expenses like snacks, drinks, souvenirs, tips for guides and porters, and travel insurance.
Final Tips
•    Travel Insurance: Ensure you have comprehensive insurance that covers emergency evacuation, altitude sickness, and other medical contingencies.
•    Mental Preparedness: Prepare for long days of walking in remote areas. The trek will challenge you physically and mentally, but the rewards are unforgettable views and a sense of accomplishment.
•    Stay Hydrated & Rest: Drink plenty of water to prevent dehydration and altitude sickness, and make sure you rest during acclimatization days. Joining a group trek to Everest Base Camp can be a life-changing adventure. You'll witness the beauty of the Himalayas, experience Sherpa culture, and achieve a goal that many people dream of.

Difficulty levels of trekking are defined through factors such as:

• Altitude (per day and the highest reach)
• Number of the days of the trip
• Weather and season
• Geography Structure
• Temperature
• Reach of facility

Considering these factors, people divide the levels of difficulty of a trekking with their own measures and reasons. The levels may vary with travel agencies, so only take it as a reference. If you see a difficulty grade for a trip then you should also check their difficulty measures description in their website also.

Generally, the difficulties of trekking are classified into four grades:

Easy Trekking
Easy trekking is perfect for the trekkers with less or no experience in trekking. An average person with regular physique can smoothly do this trekking . This trekking is perfect for family tours as everyone including children, senior and the parents can complete this trek effortlessly. Easy trekking can be usually completed in few days. It does not exceed 4000 meters of altitude which makes it very less dangerous to altitude sickness (HAPE and HACE) and other trekking threats. This trekking is not usually affected by the weather due to the less altitude reach.

→Some easy trekking in Nepal are Ghorepani Poon Hill, Everest view trek, Panchase trek, Helambu Valley Trek , Rara Lake Trek

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Moderate Trekking
Moderate trekking could be a bit tough for old people (65+) and kids but an inexperienced with strong physical shape and endurance can complete this trek. Routine exercise and healthy diet is very helpful in this trekking. Most of the moderate trekking is tea house trekking type. The walking distances are bit long and stiff in moderate trekking but it also blesses you with the stunning views of the mighty Himalayan Mountains. The unconditional weather could lead to the change in the itinerary and course of the journey.

→Some moderate trekking in Nepal are Annapurna Base camp, Langtang valley trek, Everest Pikey Trek, Manang Valley Trek,

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Strenuous/Difficult Trekking
Now we are talking about the real adventure of the mountains. To complete this third difficulty levels in trekking, it requires solid physique, stamina and sound health. Some basic knowledge in trekking equipment and techniques is helpful and could be life-saving. It requires more acclimatization days for a safe and successful journey. As a result, the duration of trekking long. Walking hours are also long (5-7 hours per day). This trekking could be very dangerous for old people, children and disabled people but as they say age, gender and disability are just a matter of perception; the most important thing is the passion and purpose. The facilities are poor on top since there is very less reach of people. Weather change makes strenuous trekking more risky and hard to complete. Only tea house lodge and basic facilities are available there.

→Some strenuous and difficult trekking in Nepal are Everest base camp, Annapurna circuit, Kanchenjunga Trek, Langtang Ganja La pass trek

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Challenging/Extreme Trekking
Challenging/extreme trekking the last grade of difficulty for trekking in Nepal. Challenging trekking involves very high altitude trails, high passes, ice climbing and all other extreme mountaineering activities. You should be extremely cautious in this trekking. You need tremendous stamina and past trekking experience in extreme trekking trails. There are many dangers in challenging treks like altitude sickness, avalanche, crevasses (Khumbu Ice Fall), frostbites, snow-blinds etc. The duration for extreme trekking stretches from 3 weeks to months. Change in weather is extremely dangerous in this trekking.

→Some challenging and extreme trekking in Nepal are Upper Dolpo trek, Everest high passes trek, Manaslu treking, Kanchenjunga trekking etc.

Thank you for reading.