EBC Trek Etiquette

EBC Trek Etiquette is one of the most important things every trekker should understand when exploring the pristine Himalayan environment. Are you wondering how you can be a responsible and welcome trekker on the iconic trek to Everest Base Camp?

The EBC Trek etiquette helps trekkers to respect the Khumbu culture, safeguard the mountain environment, and maintain harmony on the trail. Respecting the guides, porters, and other trekkers on the trails and following a narrow path courteously helps you create a positive and more rewarding experience on the trails.

Ready to trek smartly with responsibility? Continue reading for more details on the EBC trek courtesy.

Common Courtesies

When planning for the EBC trek, learn the common Nepali greeting, “Namaste” or “Namaskar,” which means respecting the god inside a person. Namasakar is done by bowing our head and keeping both palms together near our heart, and fingers should face upwards.

Everyone should know that saying “Hi” or “Hello” looks kind of informal, and a man should never offer a hand to a woman unless she offers to shake hands. Also learn “Dhanyabaad,” which means Thank you, so that you can delve closer to the Himalayan communities on your Nepal trekking journey.

Trail and Environmental Etiquette

EBC trekkers should always focus on protecting the fragile Everest ecosystem.

Keep Low Levels of Noise

Avoid listening to loud music and enjoy the natural sounds of birds chirping and the wind whistling in the Himalayas.

Greet Other Trekkers

Smile or say “Namaste” when you meet other group trekkers on the trails.

Walk on Designated Trails

Always walk on trekking trails and avoid damaging vegetation and walking off-trails.

Avoid Littering

Don’t litter everywhere; pack your trash in trash bags and dispose of them only in designated compost bins.  Follow the principle “Leave no trace”.

Always Prioritise Yaks and Porters

When you are on the EBC trail, always give way to mules, yaks, or porters carrying loads by standing on the mountainside. Do not rush on a narrow path and always walk in a single file.

Respect Wildlife

Always observe wildlife from a distance; do not poke them or feed them.

Avoid Burning Fire

Do not burn fires in sensitive areas of the trekking trails. Always use stoves where there is no vegetation.

Always Toilets and Restrooms

Trekkers should always focus on human waste management in toilets. Do not pollute the rivers and streams of the Himalayas.

Accommodation Etiquette

You should follow certain accommodation etiquette to maintain peace and comfort in teahouses and lodges of the EBC trails.

Respect the Teahouses and Lodge Hosts

Trekkers in EBC should greet the lodge owner respectfully and politely while always appreciating their hospitality. Also, be respectful to staff and lodge hosts.

Follow Teahouse hours

Always follow the teahouse’s guidelines, like being on time at the dining hall during lunch and dinner hours. A gluten-free diet option is also available in Everest teahouses and lodges. We suggest you opt for a vegetarian option, as it is more easily digested than non-vegetarian items.

Avoid Noise

Most of the trekkers follow the “sleep early and wake up early” principle. Avoid talking in a loud voice and always use headphones for listening to music or making phone calls at night.

Preserve Resources

Use hot water, electricity, and heaters responsibly. Do not leave water running in bathrooms or in dining hall basins.

Support the Lodge

Always eat in the teahouses or lodges where you plan to stay overnight. The income of teahouses depends on food sales, so you should respect them and eat there.

Eating Manners

Following these simple points, you can make your dining experiences more memorable:

Maintain Good Hygiene

Trekkers in EBC teahouses should practice good hygiene. Must wash or sanitise your hands before meals. Clean your table and dispose of dropped food in the dustbins.

Be Patient

Meals in high altitude region teahouses or lodges are only prepared after ordering. So, you should wait patiently, as it takes time to make fresh foods during lunch and dinner time.

Eat Where You Stay

When trekking to EBC, trekkers should always eat and stay at the same teahouses and lodges. As teahouses’ income depends on the sale of food rather than renting rooms.

Do not Waste Food

Tea houses and lodges of the higher Everest regions require a yak or a porter to carry essentials from lower regions like Namche Bazaar. So, you should avoid wasting food and only order the quantity you can eat.

Respect Food Customs And Other

When exploring the Himalayas of Nepal, opt for traditional Dalbhat instead of ordering momo and chowmein. Eat thoroughly without complaining.

Clothing Etiquette

Wearing appropriate clothing in the Everest village and monastery shows respect towards the locals and their culture.

Dress Modestly

Always wear clothing that is not too revealing. Cover yourself fully when entering monasteries and Sherpas’ homes. Wear pants and tops with full sleeves in religious places.

Change in Private

Always use the restroom or teahouses for changing clothes. Never change in the trails or in public areas.

Remove Hats or Sunglasses

When entering monasteries like Tengboche or Pangboche, always remove gats or sunglasses. This is a sign of respect, and every trekker should follow this rule.

Wear Clean Clothing in Dining Halls

Always change your muddy shoes and dirty clothes when entering dining halls. Change your sweaty clothing when having dinner or lunch in teahouses and lodges.

Respect Local Norms and Values

Always follow the local norms and values and be respectful towards their culture.

Cultural Respect

Every trekker, while exploring the Sherpa communities and religious places, should have respect for their culture and traditions.

Ask for Permission

Always ask for consent when taking pictures inside the gompas and monastery periphery. Do not capture a picture of monks and Sherpa people without asking them beforehand.

Talk Politely with Locals

Exchange conversation with Everest locals with a warm smile and say Namaste.

Avoid Display of Affection

Trekkers in the Everest Base Camp region should avoid displays of affection. Traditional Sherpa communities find these behaviors offensive.

Respect Religious Sites

Always remove hats and sunglasses when entering Sherpa monasteries like Tengboche, Pangboche, Namche, and Khumjung. Also, rotate prayer wheels in a clockwise direction, and avoid touching sacred objects like mani walls.

With Guides and Porters

Guide and porters are the companions who make your EBC Trek safer and memorable.

Respect and Treat Them Well

You should always respect and obey your guide’s advice related to safety and altitude on the trails. Always use kind words when engaging in conversation.

Tip Appropriately

Always tip generously to your trekking companions, porters, and guides.

Avoid Overloading

Do not make porters carry overweight and respect their efforts.

Clear Communication

Always talk clearly with porters and guides. Share your little unease with the guide so that they can manage your altitude sickness in time.

EBC Trek Etiquette for Health and Safety Courtesy

Everest Base Camp trek health and safety are crucial for the success of the journey.

Report Health Issues to Guides

If you suffer from any medical symptoms like headache or dizziness, you should immediately share them with the guides.

Use Trekking Poles and Gear

Walking at a higher altitude requires trekking poles for support. So do not forget to buy them. Pack sleeping bags to withstand the chilly nights of the high altitude, like Gorakshep and Lobuche.

Follow the Guide’s Advice

Always respect the guide’s advice and follow it thoroughly, whether it is related to acclimatisation or altitude sickness prevention.

Stay Hydrated and Eat Well

Trekkers, while exploring the dry and windy region of higher altitude, should hydrate themselves by drinking 3 to 4 litres of water daily. Also, choose reliable water bottles instead of buying multiple water bottles. Drink boiling water only in teahouses and lodges during meals.

Also, have a plate full of meals to maintain energy. Carrying electrolytes saves you from dehydration and fatigue.

Carry a Basic First-Aid Kit

The Everest base camp trek takes you to an altitude of above 5,000 meters above sea level. Exploring these high-altitude places is full of risk and dangers; at any time, you can injure yourself. Carrying a basic first aid kit helps you avoid major complications. Also, carry Diamox for altitude sickness.

Responsible Trekking on the EBC Trail

The EBC trail demands proper following of the etiquette in trails, the teahouses, monasteries, and health and safety procedures. Every trekker trekking in Nepal must respect the culture and tradition of the locals with a smile on their face. Nepalese are kind-hearted; if you greet them saying “Namaste,” they become happy.

Every trekker should avoid plastic use and practice proper waste management to protect the fragile ecosystem of the Khumbu region. EBC trekkers should respect the wildlife and cultural norms and values while exploring the rough terrain of the region. Your Everest journey will be filled with unforgettable memories when you follow the EBC trek etiquette properly.