At CTSS, we offer a variety of different climb options to customize your Ecuador experience to your climbing style and ability.

Customizing your expedition to suit your needs is a top priority for us.

As mountaineers ourselves, we understand that it’s the little things that can make the difference. Comfortable, well-rested climbers are successful climbers, and climbers who have objectives that are suited to their skill level are happy climbers.

What is a good fitness and training program for this climb?
● Climbing-specific conditioning: pack-loaded uphill hiking, stair climbing, and long, steady aerobic sessions.
● Strength work: focused lower-body strength (quads, glutes, hamstrings) and upper-body stability for carrying a pack and using an ice axe.
● Cardiovascular training: a mix of aerobic endurance and shorter anaerobic intervals, performed without pack weight.
● Mobility and flexibility: stretching or yoga to support recovery and maintain movement quality under load.

How difficult is the Everest Base Camp trek?
The trek to Everest Base Camp is a moderate, steady journey that requires good basic fitness. Days are spent walking established trails with significant elevation gain, but no technical climbing. A positive attitude and consistent conditioning are the best preparation.

What accommodations are provided during the Everest Base Camp trek?
You’ll stay in reputable teahouses throughout the Khumbu Valley and in a shared tented camp at Everest Base Camp. Accommodations are simple but clean, warm, and well-located for each stage of the trek.

What is altitude sickness, and how is it managed on the trek?
All trekkers experience altitude differently. Our itinerary is designed with a gradual ascent and rest days to support proper acclimatization. Guides monitor guests closely for early symptoms and adjust pace or schedule when needed. Diamox or other altitude medications may be used at the discretion of your personal physician.

What is the food like on the Everest Base Camp trek?
Meals along the trail are hearty and locally prepared—soups, noodles, rice dishes, vegetables, and omelets are common. Simple, energy-rich foods help you maintain strength at altitude. Dietary requirements can often be accommodated with advance notice.

What should I pack for the Everest Base Camp trek?
Trekkers should bring layered clothing, warm outerwear, sturdy footwear, and personal essentials. Your main duffel is transported daily by porters or yaks, while you carry a light daypack with layers, snacks, and water. A detailed packing list is provided upon registration.

How heavy will my pack be?
Trekking packs on this program are relatively light. You’ll typically carry 15–20 lbs (7–9 kg) during the approach to Base Camp. Most of your gear travels separately with our support team, so your daypack holds only the essentials: layers, water, snacks, and personal items.

If you plan to bring a large camera, laptop, or other fragile equipment, keep them in your daypack and factor their weight into your estimate. Otherwise, most guests find the carry very manageable with routine pre-trip conditioning.

Do I need previous trekking or altitude experience?
No prior altitude or trekking experience is required. This route is well-suited for motivated first-time trekkers and experienced hikers alike. Proper training and preparation will help ensure a successful trip.

What safety protocols are in place for the Everest Base Camp trek?
Safety is overseen by highly trained guides using the same proven protocols Climbing the Seven Summits employs on their high-altitude expeditions. Guides monitor weather, pacing, hydration, acclimatization, and overall guest health, and they carry essential medical equipment throughout the journey.

What makes this Everest Base Camp trek different from other operators?
Climbing the Seven Summits brings extensive Himalayan experience and a safety-first approach built over decades of guiding. Our logistics, guiding standards, and acclimatization strategies are modeled on full mountaineering expeditions, delivering a highly organized and well-supported experience.
This itinerary also includes something most trekkers never get: the rare opportunity to stay at Everest Base Camp proper. Standard treks stop at a spray-painted rock roughly half a mile below the actual expedition camp, but CTSS guests enter the true Base Camp and spend the night on the Khumbu Glacier.

Can family or friends join the Everest Base Camp trek?
Yes. Companions may join the trek if space is available in Kathmandu hotels and teahouses along the route. Because lodging fills quickly during peak season, we recommend confirming additional travelers as early as possible.

Will I have access to phones, Wi-Fi, or connectivity during the trek?
Many trekkers buy a local Ncell SIM card in Kathmandu, which provides coverage through much of the Khumbu Valley. Wi-Fi is available for purchase in many teahouses, though speeds vary. As you approach Base Camp, coverage becomes limited, so connectivity should be considered a convenience rather than a guarantee.

What are the rooming arrangements on the Everest Base Camp trek?
All hotel and teahouse rooms are double occupancy unless you have selected and paid for the single-room upgrade. Single rooms may not always be available due to limited space during peak trekking and climbing seasons, but we will accommodate requests whenever possible.

Will I need to purchase trip insurance?
Yes. Comprehensive trip insurance is mandatory for this expedition. Your policy must include trip interruption or cancellation coverage, rescue coverage, repatriation coverage, and medical protection. High-altitude programs involve factors beyond anyone’s control, and we’ve seen climbers withdraw due to illness, injury, family emergencies, or unexpected travel issues. Insurance ensures you’re protected and able to make decisions based on safety—not financial pressure.

“A Milestone Trek with CTSS. I joined the Everest Base Camp trek with CTSS to mark a personal milestone: turning 60—and, even more meaningfully, celebrating 20 years of living symptom-free after being diagnosed with MS at 40. Back then, I pictured myself in a wheelchair two decades later. Instead, I found myself standing at the base of the world’s highest peak. Reaching Everest Base Camp was a deeply emotional accomplishment.

I chose CTSS because it was the only company offering trekkers the rare opportunity to spend the night at Base Camp in tents, alongside climbers preparing for their summit push. That detail mattered to me. I didn’t want just a photo at the rock—I wanted to experience the atmosphere, and I did.

The itinerary included three acclimatization days, which made a real difference: everyone in our group made it safely to Base Camp. We were nine people—different ages, different backgrounds—supported by three incredible local guides and one CTSS guide. This level of care and attention ensured that we felt safe, prepared, and looked after every step of the way.

The group dynamic was something special. We looked out for each other, we laughed, and we shared moments that still bring us together even after the trek. There was no ego—just a quiet sense of shared purpose.

I hope this story encourages someone to step outside their comfort zone and not let fear set the limits. You never really know what you’re capable of until you try.”

– 2025 Everest Base Camp Trekker, Irina M.

“I cannot even put into words how incredible that trip was for me – you truly run everything top notch and it shows in every single part of the trip. Your patience in teaching/coaching in a way that I didn’t feel intimidated by was amazing and so so appreciated. I am in awe of this whole experience”

– Julie M., USA

“An incredible experience from start to finish. I can’t say enough what a difference it makes to have a great guide who cares so much about the whole experience and a great time to make the journey so special. I hope this is the first of many climbs with CTSS for me.”

– Kevin A., USA