Trek to Everest Base Camp with Dad

My dad and I went trekking to Everest Base Camp in Nepal in May 2022.

Dad & I at Kala Patthar (5640 meter) — the highest point during the trek

We wanted to do it without a guide, porter, or trek operator. So we had to figure out many things on our own — route, stay, permits, tickets etc.

Taking cues from several blogs (TripTin, Halfway Anywhwere, Tripoto Solo), we made an 8-day trek itinerary for the round-trip to Lukla. We made changes to the itinerary later and also hired a porter. I am sharing the final versions here.

ID Proofs

I read that Passport and Voter ID are valid for Indians. However, we couldn’t book flights to Kathmandu without Passport. Hence, practically only passport worked for us.

Itinerary

We finally did a 9-day trek from Lukla to EBC and back to Lukla. I would recommend keeping 2 extra days for comfortable acclimatization.

We flew from New Delhi to Kathmandu and Kathmandu to Lukla. The dates for flights to and from Lukla can easily be changed as needed.

Currency

Indian Rupee (INR) can be exchanged for Nepali Rupee (NPR) at multiple places (1 INR = 1.6 NPR then).

1. The currency exchange shops in Kathmandu take some commission over the exchange rate.
2. We exchanged INR for NPR at our hotel in Kathmandu without paying any commission.
3. NPR can be drawn at a few ATMs in Kathmandu and Lukla using Indian bank debit cards. I was charged a flat fee of 500 INR at Kumari Bank ATM in Lukla.
4. Visa cards work in Kathmandu and at a few places in Lukla but are not recommended due to poor connectivity.

Permits

1. TIMS (Trekker Information and Mgmt System) can be obtained at the Kathmandu Tourist Board office for 600 NPR for Indians
2. Sagarmatha National Park Permit can be obtained at Monjo for 1500 NPR for Indians
3. Tourist registration fee of 2000 NPR needs to be paid at Lukla

Insurance

I would highly recommend getting insurance for high altitude, especially if you are going with your parents. I bought a 15-day plan from ASC 360; it is valid up to 6,000 meters in Nepal and covers heli-rescue in case of mountain sickness. The plan was expensive but I was relieved as I trekked with my dad.

Network Connectivity

1. Buying a local sim in Kathmandu is most recommended.
2. You can access free wifi till Namche Bazar. After Namche Bazar, the wifi is a paid service and connectivity is not guaranteed.
3. We tried international roaming but it got exhausted in one taxi ride where we had to check Google Maps; the driver didn’t have a smartphone.

Stay and Food

Accommodation options during Everest Base Camp trek

And here are some pictures from our trek :)

Dad & I during our trek to Everest Base Camp in 2022.