Everest Base Camp Trek with Chitwan Tour

Trip Route and Daily Experience

Everest Base Camp & Chitwan Tour is a combination of a high-altitude Himalayan trek and a wildlife tour in the southern lowlands of Nepal. During the first part, we travel from Kathmandu to Lukla, trek through Sherpa villages, visit Everest Base Camp and hike to Kala Patthar. The second segment leads us to the jungle at Chitwan National Park, where we can enjoy jungle activities and birding.

The following day-by-day description of the route and activities, overnight accommodation and approximate walking or trip times is provided.

Distances and times given are only approximate and subject to the changing conditions of the trails, weather, walking speed and transport. The Day 7 hiking distance varies according to the viewpoint of Nagarjun Hill.

Trek Difficulty, Daily Walking Hours and Physical Fitness

In the Everest Base Camp and Chitwan Tour, there is moderate to challenging physical activity due to the high altitude and a number of consecutive days of walking. The Everest section is for those with good stamina who can walk for many hours comfortably and who can find the steep up-and-down sections of trails not too difficult.

The average distance covered per day on most of the treks is 5-9 hours. The days to Everest Base Camp and Kala Patthar are extremely strenuous due to the altitude and rugged nature of the landscape. The jungle part of the Chitwan is not as tough as the mountain part; there are guided activities to see the wildlife rather than walking the mountains.

We suggest that you get ready to go by walking, climbing stairs, cycling and cardiovascular exercise regularly. First-time trekking experience is useful but not required.

Altitude Profile, Acclimatization and Altitude Sickness

Everest Base Camp and Chitwan Tour reaches a great height, including Kala Patthar (5545 m / 18192 ft). The higher the altitude, the less oxygen there is and if a traveller’s body doesn’t adjust properly, he or she can suffer from a condition referred to as “altitude sickness.

Our itinerary includes acclimatization days in Namche Bazaar (3,440 m / 11,286 ft) and Dingboche (4,410 m / 14,469 ft). These hikes are done to higher elevations and then back down to lower ones for sleeping.

Some common signs of altitude sickness are:

• Headache and dizziness
• Loss of interest in food and vomiting
• Unusual tiredness
• Difficulty sleeping
• Shortness of breath

Ensure ample hydration, walk slowly and do not climb higher if symptoms occur. If the symptoms are severe, immediate medical attention and descent are necessary. Even after acclimatization, there is still a risk throughout the trek, so follow your guide’s advice.

Weather, Temperature and Best Season for the Combined Trip

The Everest Base Camp Trek and Chitwan Safari pass through two different climatic regions. Everest has a cold mountain climate, whereas Chitwan has a warm subtropical climate. Changes in temperature are significant, varying by location and time of year.

Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) are generally the most suitable seasons for this journey. Spring offers relatively mild daytime temperatures and displays flowering plants; autumn often offers a clear view of the mountains as well as good trekking conditions.

Winter is colder, particularly around Lobuche and Gorakshep, while the monsoon season brings rain, cloudy mountain views and possible flight disruptions.

Chitwan is generally warm all year round, but during the summer months, it can be hot and humid. It is a pleasant time of year for trekking up mountains and jungle pursuits in spring or autumn.

Accommodation in Kathmandu, Mountain Teahouses and Jungle Lodges

Depending on the location, different accommodations are offered during the Everest and Chitwan adventure. In Kathmandu, we will arrange a comfortable tourist-standard hotel with breakfast. The rooms will have private bathrooms, hot showers and basic amenities such as Wi-Fi.

On the mountain trek, we will be staying at local teahouses. Simple rooms with usually twin beds, mattresses, pillows and blankets. Bathrooms might be shared and hot showers, internet and charging facilities can be charged for. Because heating is not usually provided in rooms, it is usually provided in common areas.

Accommodation in Chitwan will be provided at a jungle resort/lodge. These facilities are dependent on the property chosen and typically include comfortable rooms, private bathrooms and dining spaces.

Meals, Drinking Water and Food Availability Along the Route

Meals are included throughout the trekking and Chitwan sections of this journey. In Kathmandu, breakfast is included in the package, but lunch and dinner will be paid separately. Everest Base Camp and Chitwan Tour includes breakfast, lunch and dinner as per the itinerary.

Tea houses are located in the mountains and provide a variety of local dishes like dal bhat, noodles, soups, rice, potatoes, eggs, etc. Chitwan hotel is likely to offer more options for local and international cuisine.

Throughout the route, you can find drinking water; boiled, filtered or treated water is recommended. Bring your reusable water bottle and purification tablets, if necessary. Avoid drinking untreated stream or river water.

Please advise My Everest Trip of any food allergies or dietary requirements before travel.

Lukla Flights, Domestic Air Travel and Road Transportation

The journey begins with a domestic flight from Kathmandu to Lukla, which usually takes around 30–35 minutes. Flights are subject to weather conditions, visibility and operations at the airport. Some flights have Ramechhap Airport as an alternate during peak trekking seasons. If so, then an extra road transfer will be necessary.

On completion of the trek, we will return to Kathmandu via air from Lukla. Allowances for flexibility in travel plans should be made as there may be delays and cancellations.

On the Chitwan section, one can reach by tourist vehicle or take a domestic flight from Kathmandu to Bharatpur and then transfer to the road. The road journey usually takes 5-7 hours depending on traffic and the weather conditions.

My Everest Trip will arrange the scheduled transportation and make arrangements to help with alternate transport arrangements if necessary.

Trekking Permits, National Park Entry and Safari Regulations

Everest Base Camp and Chitwan Tour involves mountain trekking and jungle safari both and the two sections have different entry permits. These permits are intended to control use and enhance conservation efforts on protected lands.

Main permits and access arrangements are:

• Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit for the Everest trekking region
• Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Permit for trekking in the Khumbu area
• Chitwan National Park Entry Permit is a permit issued to allow visitors to enter the Chitwan National Park

Our staff will arrange the necessary trekking permits and make the entry arrangements into Chitwan as per the package.

During the trip, carry your passport and trip documentation with you as they will be called upon at checkpoints. Visitors will be expected to follow the national park rules and regulations such as staying in the designated places and following the instructions of official guides and park employees. The requirements and fees that apply may vary and will be decided in advance of travel.

Travel Insurance, Emergency Rescue and Medical Facilities

Travel insurance is important on the Everest Base Camp trek and Chitwan Safari. This trip involve remote hiking trails and safaris with wildlife. Mountain trekking up to at least 6000m (19,685 ft), helicopter evacuation and medical care should be covered by your insurance.

Some of the medical centers on the Everest route, like Namche Bazaar and Pheriche have medical facilities. But more advanced treatment could necessitate transfer to a larger medical facility.

Make sure your insurance policy will cover before traveling:

• High altitude trekking
• Helicopter emergency evacuation
• Treatment at a hospital and medical costs
• Trip cancellation and travel delays
• Personal accident coverage

If you are feeling unwell or have an injury, you should notify your guide at once. My Everest Trip will support you in case of emergency, although it is important to have suitable insurance in place before travelling.

Packing List for Everest Trekking and Chitwan Jungle Safari

Preparing for the Everest and Chitwan Adventure means packing for a chilly mountain adventure and a warm jungle visit. Lightweight clothes for Chitwan and thermal garments for high trekking regions.

Essential trekking clothing and equipment

• Stylish waterproof and windproof jacket
• Wearable jackets and thermal layers
• Hiking Pants and T-Shirts
• Gloves, hat and woollen socks
• Waterproof trekking boots
• Camp shoes or sandals that are comfortable to wear
• Sleeping bag suitable for cold temperatures
• Sunglasses, sun cream and lip balm
• Headlamp with spare batteries
• Trekking poles and reusable water bottle

Jungle safari essentials

• Lightweight, breathable clothing
• Comfortable walking shoes
• Binoculars for birdwatching
• Insect repellent
• Sun hat and sunscreen
• Extra batteries and camera batteries

Use a small daypack for day-to-day items and a waterproof bag to store keys and other important items.

Wildlife Encounters, Jungle Safari Activities and Birdwatching

Chitwan section provides a different experience from the Everest Base Camp tour and Chitwan Tour. Once you reach the top of the mountain, you’ll visit the lowland forests, grasslands and river regions of the Chitwan National Park with local, experienced naturalists.

Jungle activities may include jeep safaris, canoe rides, guided nature walks and bird watching, depending on the package arrangements and/or park regulations. One-horned rhinoceroses, Bengal tigers, spotted deer, crocodiles, monkeys and numerous kinds of birds are a part of the park.

Early morning is an ideal time to view birds as many species are active around wetlands and forest edges. Wildlife viewing is subject to the elements and will not occur if conditions are not ideal. Always maintain a safe distance and follow your guide’s instructions.

Wildlife Encounters, Jungle Safari Activities and Birdwatching

Chitwan section is an additional experience to the Everest Base Camp tour and Chitwan tour. Once you have trekked the mountain, you will visit the lowland forests, grassland and river landscape of Chitwan National Park, where you will learn from local naturalists.

Activities in the jungles can be jeep safaris, canoe rides, guided nature walks and bird watching, depending on the package schedules and park rules. One-horned rhino, Bengal Tiger, spotted deer, crocodile, monkey and various birds are found in the park.

Birdwatching in the early morning hours is a good time as it is when many birds are active around wetlands and forest edges. There is no certainty that certain animals will be seen and wildlife depends on the natural environment. Stay at a Distance and follow the directions of your guide.

Mobile Network, Internet and Charging Facilities

The Everest and Chitwan sections are not necessarily connected and do not have internet access at all times. Most hotels in Kathmandu have Wi-Fi and good mobile signal. As you travel up to the higher settlements along the Everest route, network coverage is less reliable.

The most popular SIM cards in the country are Ncell and Nepal Telecom; coverage is dependent on the location and local conditions. The Internet is available at some teahouses for a fee.

In many mountain teahouses, charging facilities are available, but electricity may not be available during peak hours. Additional charges may apply for charging electronic devices.

We strongly advise bringing one fully charged power bank, charging adapters and offline maps. Mobile connectivity and charging points are more widely available in hotels and jungle lodges in Chitwan.

Additional Expenses, Tipping and Personal Budget

While the Everest tour or the Chitwan tour is inclusive of accommodation, meals and arranged activities as per the package, you should have some extra cash for personal expenses. It all depends on your tastes, budget and any last-minute travel plans.

Other potential costs are:

• Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu
• Snacks, chocolates and drinks of your own
• Bottled or additional drinking water
• Mountain teahouses offer hot showers and Wi-Fi
• Electronic device charging
• Personal shopping and mementos
• Additional activities outside of the package
• Tips for guides, porters and local staff
• Cost of incidental travel due to unforeseen delays

Have some cash in Nepalese money as card payments and ATMs might not be available in remote mountain villages. Tipping is not compulsory and is only done when you are pleased with the service.

Responsible Trekking, Cultural Etiquette and Wildlife Conservation

During the entire Everest Base Camp and Chitwan Tour, responsible travel is a key concern as the trip goes through the traditional mountain villages and the protected wildlife areas. It is important to take care of these sites to preserve them for future generations by respecting their traditions and adhering to conservation rules.

In Sherpa villages, treat people with respect and respect their privacy when taking their pictures or pictures of their property. Take off shoes when necessary at religious places; walk clockwise around Buddhist stupas and mani walls.

On the jungle safari, be responsible with these tips:

• Don’t feed or approach wild animals
• Keep at least six feet away from animals
• Don’t make loud noises while on safari
• Never litter in forests, in rivers or on trekking trails
• Avoid using plastic bottles and cut down on the use of plastics
• Obey the guidance of park officials and guides
• Respect the local communities, traditions and wildlife habitats

My Everest Trip asks the travellers to follow responsible practices throughout the trip and support local communities wherever they go.