The Everest Base Camp Trek is one of those dream journeys people travel around the world for, and now it's especially popular among Indian trekkers. Due to Nepal's close proximity and the easy access to its border, Everest Base Camp trekking from India has seen a steady rise in interest.
Notably, the Everest Base Camp trek for Indian passport holders does not require a visa to enter Nepal; language similarities between India and Nepali make communication easier in the country, and as such, the trek has become an even more enjoyable one for Indian people.
Compared to trekkers from other countries, the cost of the Everest Base Camp trek for Indians is usually much lower owing to reduced permit fees for Indian citizens to Everest Base Camp. Affordability, proximity, and visa-free access are some of the factors that have increased the number of Everest Base Camp hikes by Indian citizens.
This Everest Base Camp Trek for Indians is a well-rounded challenge for those with about two weeks available and a strong desire for adventure. When well-prepared for ebc trek, it can be an achievable, life-changing experience that combines natural wonders with cultural familiarity to make it memorable for all.
Trek to Everest Base Camp from India
What are the visa requirements for Indian citizens trekking to Everest Base Camp?
Indian citizens do not need a visa to enter Nepal for the Everest Base Camp Trek. A valid passport or government-issued ID, such as an Aadhaar card or voter ID for Indian citizens, will be sufficient for travel, though a passport is highly recommended for smooth travel.
Accepted ID Forms for Entry into Nepal
Valid Indian passport
Election ID card from the Indian Election Commission
A photo identity card issued by the Indian government
Emergency or identity certificate issued by the Embassy of India, Kathmandu
Special Requirements for Minors and Certain Age Groups
Minors should have a birth certificate or, if under 18 and traveling with parents, a school ID card.
Those over 75 or under 10 may not need a government-issued ID but should carry a document with a photo for age and identity verification.
Permits Needed for Indian Trekkers at Everest Base Camp
There are two main Everest base camp trek permits for indians. For the SAARC nationals including Indian citizens, the permit fees are generally lower compared to the trekkers from other regions.
Khumbu Rural Municipality Permit
Price: 2,000 NPR per person for the first 4 weeks and 2,500 NPR per person thereafter
Where to Get: This can be obtained either at the Lukla entry point upon arrival or at the Sagarmatha National Park Counter in Monjo.
Requirements: It is mandatory for all trekkers who want to enter the Khumbu region.
Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit
Price: NPR 1,500 per person for SAARC nationals including Indians.
Where to Obtain: At the park's entrance gate in Monjo or the Nepal Tourism Board Office in Kathmandu.
Requirements: This permit is mandatory once one enters Sagarmatha National Park.
Having Breakfast at Hotel Everest View with Himalayan Views
Best Time of Year for Indian Hikers to Visit Everest Base Camp in 2025 and 2026
The best time for Everest base camp trek for Indians is spring and fall. Really popular with the Indian trekkers, the spring season falls in March to May. The weather is normally mild, skies clear, while temperatures are moderate during these months-a real ideal condition for long days on the trail. With longer sun hours, the trekkers are allowed to enjoy the awesome mountain scenery. Similarly, spring sees a bohemian blend of adventurers, so it's never a boring time on the track.
The next best season to see Indian trekkers in Everest Base Camp is during the autumn season, which stretches between September and November. During this part of the year, it's usually more stable with less chance of snowstorms or heavy rain. The weather is still pretty great, and the mountains often stand out against clear skies, affording breathtaking views. It is a busy season in full swing, as many trekkers take full advantage of the favorable conditions.
How to Reach Everest Base Camp from India
Indian travellers have two options to get to Nepal and go for EBC trek, here is how
Flying from India to Everest Base Camp
Flying from India to Everest Base Camp, one needs a connecting flight to Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, Nepal. Most of the tourists fly from Kathmandu to Lukla. The 30-minute flight to Lukla is amazing, offering a visible view of the Himalayas. From Lukla, one continues with the actual trek to EBC, which takes around 8 to 10 days normally, depending on the nature of the itinerary and stops for acclimatization.
During peak trekking seasons, flights to Lukla are often diverted to Ramechhap Airport, also known as Manthali Airport, situated about 132 kilometers from Kathmandu. This alternative involves travel by road from Kathmandu to Ramechhap, taking approximately 4 to 6 hours by bus or private vehicle. From here onwards, a flight of only 15-20 minutes reaches Lukla while avoiding the acute problem of flight delays in Kathmandu because of heavy air traffic. Thereafter, one can proceed to Everest Base Camp by trekking.
Reaching Everest Base Camp from India by Land
To make a journey by road, cross the border into Nepal at any of the many border-crossing points from India: for example, Raxaul-Birgunj (Bihar) or Sonauli (Uttar Pradesh). Further inland, you will reach Kathmandu by bus or private car; it will take around 8-10 hours of travel distance from the border.
Once in Kathmandu, you have two routes: either fly directly to Lukla or drive overland to Jiri or Phaplu. From Jiri, the trek to EBC will take roughly twenty days, thus allowing better acclimatization.
EBC Trek Itinerary for Indians
If you’re an Indian citizen looking to do the Everest trek, you can follow the standard itinerary.
Day 1:Arrival in Kathmandu (1,350 meters)
Day 2:From Kathmandu, take a flight to Lukla (2,840 meters) and then hike to Phakding (2,610 meters).
Day 3:Trek from Phakding to Namche Bazaar
Day 4:Acclimatization Day in Namche Bazaar
Day 5:Trek from Namche Bazaar to Tengboche
Day 6:Trekking 4,410 meters from Tengboche to Dingboche
Day 7:Acclimatization Day in Dingboche
Day 8:Trek from Dingboche to Lobuche
Day 9:Visit Everest Base Camp (5,364 meters) and trek from Lobuche to Gorak Shep (5,170 meters).
Day 10:Descend to 4,010-meter Pangboche after trekking to 5,545-meter Kala Patthar.
Day 11:Trek from Pangboche to Namche Bazaar
Day 12:Trek from Namche Bazaar to Lukla
Day 13:Flight from Lukla to Kathmandu
Day 14:Departure from Kathmandu
Mount Everest View from Sagarmatha National Park Office in Khumbu
How much does the Everest Base Camp trek cost for Indian travellers?
The Everest base camp trek cost for Indians ranges from approximately INR 69,900 to INR 99,900 per person for Indians, depending upon your traveling style. If you're budget-conscious and would want basic accommodations and local meals, you can spend less than this. However, for comfort or if you decide to do an organized tour, the budget can higher then the suggested price, anyway group price will be less than private trip.
The most expense involved, and quite necessary for the trek, is your flight from Kathmandu to Lukla. You will also spend some cash on accommodation in teahouses and eating on the way, whose prices will go up as you ascend.
Other expenses include the permits.The hiring of a guide is compulsory, while if you want to hire a porter, this will increase your costs.
Added expenses might include hot showers and laundry services, charging of devices, and Wi-Fi in the high-altitude areas. Most trekkers also carry some ready-to-eat food and water-purifying tablets to ease into their food and water budget. If you are going to stay in Kathmandu before the trek, you will need to consider accommodation and the hiring of equipment as well.
To budget for a trek, consider: trekking in the off-season, joining a group to split the cost of guides, booking flights well in advance, and eating vegetarian. Here is a group price for indian passport holders
1 Person Trip Cost: 99,900.00 INR Per Person (only for Indians)
2 to 3 Persons Trip Cost: 89,900.00 INR Per Person (only for Indians)
4 to 6 people Trip Cost: 79,900.00 INR Per person (only for Indians)
7 to 10 Person Trip Cost: 77,900.00 INR Per Person (only for Indians)
11 + people Trip Cost: 69,900.00 INR per person (only for Indians)
Everest trek Cost Details for Indian Passport Holders
Cost Includes
International and Domestic airport transfers
2 nights accommodation at a 3-star category hotel in Kathmandu
3 standard meals a day for 12 days
Twin-sharing tea house accommodation during the trek.
Round-trip Lukla flight
Hindi and English-speaking trekking guide.
Porter (1 porter = 2 trekkers).
Sleeping Bag and Duffel bag to use on trek, Trekking map and trip achievement certificate
Required permit fee,
First aid medicine kit
Farewell dinner on the second last day.
Government taxes and office service charges
Cost Excludes
Personal Travel insurance,
Personal trekking equipment or expenses
Any kind of drinks, Alcoholic drinks and beverages.
Tips for trekking guides, porters (tipping is expected)
if any expenses that are not mentioned in the 'Price Includes' section.
Indian trekkers heading to EBC
Can Indian Passport Holders Trek to Everest Base Camp Solo?
Similar to trekkers from any other country, Indian citizens can go on a solo trek to Everest Base Camp. However, Nepal has implemented a policy that from 2023, all trekkers in the Everest area must hire a licensed guide or porter-guide, orienting their policy to issues of safety and local employment. Thus, while you can plan and organize the Everest Base Camp Trekking independently from India, you will need at least one licensed guide accompanying you.
While the Everest base camp hiking for Indian citizens is possible with a compulsory guide, there is much to be considered. The EBC trail is well-marked and popular; there are a lot of teahouses for food and accommodations lined up throughout the way. However, altitude sickness, sudden changes in weather, and other such emergencies are real concerns where a guide's expertise becomes highly valued. Most of them are trained in first aid and response to emergencies, and the guides have local contacts that will be of ultimate importance during urgent situations.
Food and accommodation for Indian trekkers in Everest Base Camp Trek
The Everest Base Camp Trek is comfortable for Indians in regard to foodand accommodation. During the trek you can find several vegetarian meals, which are prepared to suit Indian taste. Various vegetarian dishes such as vegetable curry, dal bhat, vegetable momos, vegetable fried rice, vegetable noodles, and thukpa-are also served by teahouses lining the route. Availability of Indian dishes such as aloo paratha, vegetable pulao, and mixed vegetable curry makes the trek slightly decent. One can find porridge, toast, pancakes, and eggs for breakfast, while drinks such as masala tea, coffee, hot chocolate, and ginger-lemon honey tea are available at almost every stop. Many of the teahouses will also serve garlic soup, which helps people acclimatize to the altitude, and can make dishes less spicy upon request for Indians.
Accommodation on the Everest Base Camp Trek for Indian Passport holders is basic yet comfortable.Keep in mind that the facilities usually vary by altitude. At lower altitudes, in areas like Lukla and Namche Bazaar, teahouses can provide twin-sharing rooms that have beds with mattresses and blankets. Attached or shared bathrooms may have western toilets, hot showers (which can be availed with some extra payment), and charging points. The dining room is cozy, usually heated, with places for trekkers to sit and gather around.
Accommodations become increasingly scarce the higher one ascends; thinner walls, shared toilets-often of the variety-and cold water. Indian trekkers who might also find it too challenging to bear can carry a sleeping bag to sleep warmer. The tea houses sell everything from a roll of toilet paper and boiled drinking water onwards; the local hospitality makes for friendliness throughout the trek.
Everest View from Kala Patthar
How Indian Trekkers Can Avoid Altitude Sickness on EBC Trek
The two most preventive measures foraltitude sickness while going on the Everest Base Camp Trek for Indians are proper acclimatization and a gradual ascent rate. There is a 'golden rule' of "climb high, sleep low," which keeps trekkers safe by allowing them to increase the altitude of sleeping by only 300-400 meters every day. It is very important to follow the schedule of the 12-14 day itinerary including compulsory acclimatization days at Namche Bazaar (3,440m) and Dingboche (4,410m). Trekkers also spend their rest days making short climbs to higher altitude and then returning to lower elevation to sleep, thus acclimatizing their bodies to the thinner air.
Hydration is another of the keys to success for Indian nationals on this trek in Nepal. Drinking 3-4 liters of water each day prevents altitude sickness, while avoiding alcohol and cutting down on caffeine reduces dehydration risks. Many experienced trekkers also take Diamox, or Acetazolamide, beginning 24 hours before entering high altitude, but this must be done with the approval of a doctor. For the more nature-oriented, garlic soup, which is found in almost every teahouse during the Everest Base Camp trek for Indian people, is a local favorite that's supposed to help with acclimatization.
It is important to set a steady, slow pace-usually said by the local guides, "bistari, bistari" meaning, slowly, slowly in English. The symptoms of altitude sickness can come if someone rushes it; it's just important to pay attention to your body and to vocalize symptoms when you're accompanied by a guide. These could be headaches, dizziness, loss of appetite, sleep problems, or inability to catch one's breath. If symptoms appear, the best thing to do is rest for a day or go down to a lower altitude; to push through may be dangerous.
Eating light, carbohydrate-rich meals throughout the trek provides one body with constant energy, thereby helping an Indian trekker maintain their stamina in higher altitudes. While appetite may be lowered, meals at regular intervals remain vital. Getting sufficient rest and staying warm also help one's body adjust more effectively since cold stress is known to make all symptoms of altitude worse. Taking into consideration all these practices will make this Everest Base Camp trek for Indian citizens not only safer but more fun as well.
Everest Base Camp Trek Packing List for Indian Passport Holders
Essential Documents
Valid passport with at least 6 months validity
Nepal visa (obtainable at Kathmandu airport)
Travel insurance covering high-altitude trekking
4 passport-size photographs for permits
Permits for trekking (TIMS card and Sagarmatha National Park permit)
Currency Exchange Guide for Indian Travelers to Everest Base Camp
For Indian travelers planning the Everest Base Camp trekking from India, a very important thing is how the currency will work. The official currency of Nepal is called the Nepalese Rupee (NPR), and for travel to most parts of Nepal-including the Everest region-Indian Rupees have to be changed over at official money changers.
It is a good idea to carry some emergency money in Indian notes, denominations of Rs.100 and below, but the larger denominations of Rs. 2000, Rs. 500, and Rs. 200 must be exchanged. Good rates are available from authorized money changers and banks in Kathmandu, and also the rate in Thamel, so it is best to change most of your money there before commencing the trek.
There are some ATMs available in Namche Bazaar, and some exchange services, though they sometimes can't be relied upon due to power or network problems, and above Namche, the exchange facilities are limited. It is better to have both Nepali Rupees and US Dollars with you for the actual trek since often teahouses in higher altitudes accept them.
Credit cards do work in Kathmandu and some places in Lukla and Namche Bazaar, but they usually have an additional service charge of 3 to 4%. For the trek, cash is vital as ATMs are few and sometimes never work. As a rough estimate, food and accommodation per day costs between NPR 3000-4000 per day, excluding the guide and porter costs. This will help in the estimation of the cost of the Everest Base Camp Trek for Indians.
Indians Trekkers at Everest Base Camp
FAQs for Indian trekkers
Are there any direct flights from India to Lukla?
No, there are no direct flights available to Lukla from India. Usually, trekkers fly from major Indian cities to Kathmandu of Nepal and then to Lukla by a domestic flight.
How is mobile network connectivity for Indian SIM cards during the trek?
Note that Indian SIM cards do not work in Nepal. It's highly recommended to purchase a local SIM card either from Ncell or Nepal Telecom in Kathmandu or in Lukla for better connectivity during the trek.
What is the minimum age requirement for Indian citizens to trek to Everest Base Camp?
Although there is no such thing as a minimum age limit for trekking in Everest Base Camp, the participants need to be healthy and also have previous experience with trekking. It's recommended to consult with a trekking agency for specific guidelines.
Can I use my Indian credit/debit cards in the Everest region?
Credit and debit card facilities are limited in the Everest region; hence, it is better to carry enough cash in Nepali Rupees to cover expenditures en route.
What fitness level is required for Indians to complete the EBC trek?
The trek to EBC is moderately challenging; previous trekking experience and good physical fitness are needed, besides proper acclimatization. Regular aerobic exercise and muscle training can be helpful in getting better prepared for the trek.
Conclusion
The Everest base camp trek for Indian people is indeed a great adventure, promising them a peek into excitement, culture, and simply beautiful mountain views. Free-visa entry to Nepal, inexpensive permits, and cultural touches make this famous journey quite easily accessible for trekkers from India. It is also well-marked, and, with basic planning, people in good health can complete it. Whether it's in spring with the rhododendrons in flower or in autumn with its clear skies, the trek offers some unforgettable views of the snowy peaks, old monasteries, and the wonderful warmth of Sherpa hospitality.
Our team at Himalayan Recreation knows what exactly Indian trekkers need, from basic permits to skilled guides and comfortable places to stay. With local knowledge and care for safety in mind, we make the Everest Base Camp trek comfortable and smooth. Contact us to help make your Himalayan dreams come true, whether for a solo trip, group trek, or a custom plan.
Barsha Thapa is our competent team member, currently pursuing her studies at Public Youth Campus. Since 2022, she has been a dedicated part of Himalayan Recreation, where she contributes her skills and enthusiasm to promoting the wonders of Nepal.
Inspired by her colleague Jyoti, a travel enthusiast and expert content creator, Barsha has developed a deep passion for sharing the beauty and culture of the majestic Himalayas. Her role at Himalayan Recreation allows her to combine her academic pursuits with her love for travel and nature.
Committed to showcasing Nepal's unique experiences, Barsha assists in content creation and planning unforgettable journeys, ensuring that every traveler experiences the true essence of Nepal.
When she is not immersed in her studies or work, Barsha enjoys exploring new trails, discovering hidden gems, and immersing herself in the serene landscapes of Nepal. The mountains have become a significant part of her life, fueling her passion and drive to connect with nature and inspire others to do the same.
As a part of the Himalayan Recreation family, Barsha is always eager to share her knowledge and help fellow travelers create lasting memories. Feel free to contact her via WhatsApp or email; she is available online 24/7 for any inquiries or travel plans.
