Everest Base Camp Trek from Hong Kong
From the Fragrant Harbour to the Roof of the World: A Complete Handbook.
Planning an expedition to Everest Base Camp (EBC) from Hong Kong is one of the most accessible “big mountain” adventures available to you. With a direct flight of under 6 hours, you can trade the humidity of Victoria Peak for the crisp air of the Himalayas in less than a day.
This guide covers every aspect of the journey, updated with the latest 2026/2027 regulations, costs, and Hong Kong-specific logistics.
1. Best Time to Trek (2026 & 2027 Outlook)
To maximize your chances of a Lukla flight landing and clear views of Everest, timing is critical.
Option A: Pre-Monsoon (Spring)
- When: March to May
- Best For: Social atmosphere, warmer days, and blooming rhododendrons.
- 2026/27 Note: This is when major Everest climbing expeditions happen. Base Camp will be a tent city full of climbers preparing for the summit.
- March: Colder, fewer crowds, clearer skies.
- April: Peak season, busiest trails.
- May: Warmer, hazier afternoon views, but great for seeing the expedition action at EBC.
Option B: Post-Monsoon (Autumn) — Photographer’s Choice
- When: Late September to November
- Best For: Crystal clear visibility and mountain sharpness.
- 2026/27 Note:
- Late Sept: Risk of lingering monsoon rain (flight delays).
- Oct/Nov: The “Golden Window” for weather. Crisp air, but nights are significantly colder (dropping to -15°C).
2. Difficulty & Preparation in Hong Kong
Difficulty: Moderate to Strenuous. No technical climbing is involved, but you will be hiking 5–7 hours daily at 50% oxygen.
Hong Kong Training Plan
You have some of the best training grounds in the world right at your doorstep. Focus on stairs and endurance.
- The “Twins” (Wilson Trail Sec 1): The endless stairs from Parkview to Stanley are the closest simulation to the Day 3 ascent to Namche Bazaar. Goal: Complete with a 6kg pack.
- Lantau Peak (from Pak Kung Au): Sustained elevation gain. Goal: Two ascents in one day or combine with Sunset Peak.
- Sharp Peak: Good for testing your balance on loose terrain, similar to the glacial moraine near EBC.
3. 2026/2027 Cost Breakdown (Estimates)
Currency: 1 HKD ≈ 17-18 NPR (Nepalese Rupee) Note: Exchange rates vary by date. Please check the rate on the day you plan to book.
| Item | Cost (USD) | Cost (HKD) | Notes |
| International Flights | $900 – $1,200 | $7,000 – $9,300 | Direct CX or Nepal Airlines. Book 4+ months out. |
| Trek Package (Local) | $1,200 – $1,600 | $9,300 – $12,500 | Includes permits, Lukla flights, porter, guide, lodge. |
| Trek Package (Int’l) | $2,500 – $4,000 | $19,500 – $31,000 | Western guides, luxury hotels in KTM. |
| Visa (HKSAR) | FREE | FREE | Gratis visa for first visit in a visa year (Jan-Dec). |
| Spending Cash | $250 – $400 | $1,900 – $3,100 | For Wi-Fi, hot showers, charging, and tips. |
| Insurance | $150 – $250 | $1,100 – $1,900 | Must cover 6,000m evacuation. |
| Total Estimated | ~$2,800 | ~HKD 21,800 | Based on standard package + flights. |
4. Equipment: Hong Kong Shopping vs. Kathmandu Rental
Buy in Hong Kong
Head to Mong Kok (Sneaker Street) or Causeway Bay for these essentials:
- Boots: The Overlander (Mong Kok/Causeway Bay) or Protrek for brands like Lowa, Scarpa, or Salomon. Break them in on the MacLehose Trail!
- Base Layers: Decathlon (various locations) offers excellent Merino wool tops at unbeatable prices.
- Socks: Smartwool or Bridgedale (available at Escapade Sports or GigaSports).
Rent in Kathmandu (Thamel)
Do not waste luggage space or money buying these heavy items in HK:
- Sleeping Bag (-20°C): Rent for ~$1-2 USD/day.
- Heavy Down Jacket: Rent for ~$1-2 USD/day.
- Tip: Most reputable local agencies will provide these free as part of their package.
5. Route Map & Elevation Profile
| Day | Route Segment | Start Elev. | Max/End Elev. | Sleeping Elev. | Activity / Notes |
| 01 | Arrive Kathmandu | 1,400m | 1,400m | 1,400m | Transfer to Thamel hotel. |
| 02 | Fly to Lukla, Trek to Phakding | 1,400m | 2,840m (Lukla) | 2,610m | 30-min flight; 3-hr easy trek. |
| 03 | Phakding to Namche Bazaar | 2,610m | 3,440m | 3,440m | Hardest Day: Steep ascent, cross Hillary Bridge. |
| 04 | Namche Bazaar (Rest/Acclimatize) | 3,440m | 3,880m (Hike) | 3,440m | Hike to Everest View Hotel. Sleep low. |
| 05 | Namche to Tengboche | 3,440m | 3,860m | 3,860m | Visit the famous monastery. |
| 06 | Tengboche to Dingboche | 3,860m | 4,410m | 4,410m | Tree line ends; windy and exposed. |
| 07 | Dingboche (Rest/Acclimatize) | 4,410m | 5,100m (Hike) | 4,410m | Hike Nangkartshang Peak. Crucial day. |
| 08 | Dingboche to Lobuche | 4,410m | 4,940m | 4,940m | Pass the Memorial Stupas (Thukla Pass). |
| 09 | Lobuche to Gorak Shep to EBC | 4,940m | 5,364m (EBC) | 5,164m | Base Camp Day. Return to sleep at Gorak Shep. |
| 10 | Gorak Shep to Kala Patthar to Pheriche | 5,164m | 5,545m (Peak) | 4,371m | Best View: Sunrise on Everest. Long descent. |
| 11 | Pheriche to Namche Bazaar | 4,371m | 3,440m | 3,440m | Long walk, feel the oxygen return. |
| 12 | Namche to Lukla | 3,440m | 2,840m | 2,840m | Celebration night with guides/porters. |
| 13 | Fly Lukla to Kathmandu | 2,840m | 1,400m | 1,400m | Buffer day for flight delays. |
| 14 | Depart Kathmandu | 1,400m | – | – | Evening flight back to HKG. |
6. Why Choose Langtang Treks?
For Hong Kong travelers, booking directly with a local Nepali operator is the smartest choice. It is significantly cheaper than international agencies while ensuring your money goes directly to the local economy.
Our Commitment to You
As a reliable operator with a strong track record of handling international groups, we at Langtang Treks are dedicated to your journey. We offer what is arguably the best everest base camp trekking package for trekkers looking for a balance of cost, safety, and service quality.
Group Joining for Solo HK Travelers
If you are flying solo from HK, you don’t need to pay for a private trek.
- Fixed Departures: We offer guaranteed “Fixed Departure Dates” throughout the 2026/2027 seasons.
- The “Hong Kong” Connection: We frequently host trekkers from Hong Kong, Singapore, and Malaysia, ensuring you are grouped with like-minded adventurers with similar walking paces.
Booking Procedure
- Contact: Reach out to us 3–6 months early to secure your slot.
- Deposit: Send a 20% deposit via bank transfer (SWIFT) to confirm.
- Flights: Book your HKG-KTM flight immediately after we confirm your dates.
- Insurance: Buy your policy immediately after booking flights.
7. Crucial Logistics for HK Residents
Insurance (Specifics)
Standard travel insurance often excludes trekking above 3,000m. You need specific coverage up to 6,000m (to cover Kala Patthar at 5,545m).
- HK Providers to Check:
- AXA: Look for “Sports Cover” add-ons.
- Prudential: Check “PRUChoice” with adventure sports riders.
- World Nomads: The “Explorer Plan” is a standard choice for global trekkers.
Permits (2026 Updates)
- TIMS Card: No longer needed for EBC.
- Required:
- Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Permit: NPR 3,000 (Buy in Lukla).
- Sagarmatha National Park Permit: NPR 3,000 (Buy in Kathmandu or Monjo).
- Note: As your agency, we handle all permit paperwork for you. You simply need to provide us with your passport details and photos.
Next Step
Ready to start your journey? Visit our website or reply to this guide to check availability for our Spring 2026 departures!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Hong Kong Trekkers
At Langtang Treks, we host many adventurers from Hong Kong, Singapore, and Malaysia. Over the years, we have noticed that our guests from the “Fragrant Harbour” often have specific questions regarding visas, money, and hygiene.
Here are the answers to the most common questions we receive from our Hong Kong clients for the 2026/2027 seasons.
I hold a HKSAR passport. Do I really get a free visa?
Yes. As of current regulations, HKSAR passport holders are entitled to a Gratis (Free) Tourist Visa for their first visit to Nepal within a visa year (January–December).
Process: When you arrive at Kathmandu Airport (TIA), you will still fill out the arrival card and queue at the immigration counter. However, you do not need to pay the standard USD 30/50 fee.
Note: If you hold a BNO passport, you are not eligible for the free visa and must pay the standard fee (approx. USD 50 for 30 days).
Do I need to bring passport photos?
Yes. While the visa process is becoming digital, the trekking permits for the Everest region often still require physical photos. We recommend bringing 4–5 passport-sized photos (white background) to hand over to us during the briefing.
Can I use Hong Kong Dollars (HKD) in Nepal?
you can exchange HKD for Nepalese Rupees (NPR) at money changers in Kathmandu (Thamel). However, HKD is not accepted on the trekking trail.
Our Recommendation: Bring USD (US Dollars) in small denominations ($10, $20 bills) for the trek itself. USD is universally accepted for tips, coffee, and emergency snacks.
Credit Cards: Do not rely on them. They are rarely accepted on the mountain, and if they are, the surcharge is 4–5%.
How much cash should I carry on the trek?
Even if you buy a full board package, we suggest carrying USD 250–300 (approx. NPR 30,000–40,000) in cash. This covers:
Hot showers (NPR 500–800 per use).
Wi-Fi cards (NPR 600–1,000).
Device charging (NPR 300–500 per hour/device).
Tips for the crew.
What are the toilets like?
This is the #1 worry for our HK clients!
Lower Trail (Lukla to Namche): Most teahouses have western-style flush toilets.
Higher Trail (Dingboche/Gorak Shep): Toilets become basic. You may encounter squat toilets or frozen cisterns where you have to flush manually with a bucket of water.
Tip: Bring your own toilet roll (buy in Kathmandu) and hand sanitizer.
Can I shower every day?
echnically, yes, but we advise against it above 4,000m.
Why: It is extremely cold, and undressing increases the risk of catching a chill/cold, which can ruin your trek.
Solution: Use “Wet Wipes” or a damp towel for a “body wash” in your room. Save the hot shower for Namche Bazaar on the way down—it will feel like the best shower of your life!
Is there Wi-Fi? Can I Instagram from Base Camp?
Yes, but it is not free.
Everest Link: This is a prepaid Wi-Fi card system used in the Khumbu region. It is generally reliable (even at Base Camp) but can be slow in the evenings when everyone is using it.
Mobile Data: Ncell (local SIM) has 4G coverage up to Pangboche, but it is spotty.
Advice: treat the trek as a digital detox. Tell your family you might be offline for 2–3 days at the very top.
How do I charge my phone/camera?
plugs in teahouse rooms are rare. You usually charge devices in the communal dining hall.
Cost: You pay per hour or per device (approx. HKD 20–40).
Pro Tip: Bring a high-capacity Power Bank (20,000mAh). Keep it warm inside your sleeping bag at night so the cold doesn’t drain the battery.
I am used to Canto-style food. Will I survive on Dal Bhat?
Absolutely. The menus are surprisingly diverse. You can find fried rice, noodle soup (Thukpa), pasta, and even “Sherpa Stew.”
Warning: Avoid meat after Namche Bazaar. The meat is carried up by porters for days without refrigeration. Stick to a vegetarian diet (eggs, cheese, lentils) to avoid stomach bugs.
Is the water safe to drink?
Never drink tap water.
Option A: Buy bottled water (expensive and bad for the environment; can cost HKD 30/bottle at Gorak Shep).
Option B (Best): Bring a Grayl bottle or water purification tablets (Aquatabs). You can fill up from the tap, treat it, and drink safely.
I am a solo female traveler from Hong Kong. Is it safe?
Nepal is very safe for female travelers, but we understand the concern.
Our Approach: We will never put you in a group where you are the only female if we can avoid it. We generally pair solo HK travelers with other English-speaking groups or families.
Accommodation: You can request a single room (supplement applies) or we can pair you with another female trekker of similar age.
What happens if I get Altitude Sickness?
Our guides are trained to check your oxygen levels (Oximeter) every evening.
Mild Symptoms: We stop, rest, and may use Diamox.
Serious Symptoms: We initiate a helicopter evacuation. This is why your insurance must cover up to 6,000m. Helicopters can fly you from Pheriche back to a Kathmandu hospital in 60 minutes.
Ready to Book?
If you have a specific question not listed here, simply reply to this email. We look forward to welcoming you to the Himalayas!
