Destination wedding at Everest Base Camp-11 Days

Trip Introduction: Destination wedding at Everest Base Camp

Mount Everest lies in the Solukhumbu district of Nepal. The Solukhumbu district is in the Himalayan region of Nepal, which can be reached through a scenic flight from Kathmandu, "the capital city of Nepal," to Lukla, "the gateway to the Khumbu region."

Everest is the holy grail for travelers, trekkers, and mountaineers who wish to visit here. The foot of Everest is known as Everest Base Camp (EBC). EBC has much to offer hikers and travelers, with magnificent views of the grandest mountain on the planet, Mount Everest (8,848.86 meters/ 29,031.7 ft).

The base camp is not only famous for mountaineering and trekking but also a popular destination for couples willing to tie the knot. In simple terms, Everest Base Camp is a popular marriage destination.

Imagine committing your vows on the foot of Everest to your loved one by your side. It is a dream come true. It is incredible to make a promise to your better half in the lap of the world's highest peak, and it is also a fortunate event to get blessed by the holy deities of the Himalayas. The Everest Base Camp destination wedding is a popular package choice for those who seek to fill their special day with extraordinary adventure, breathtaking beauty, and spiritual allure.

Likewise, the mark of true love can be expressed at Everest Base Camp with an allure of saying "I do" on the base of the Himalayas, which brings the ultimate sense of union of love and strength to their bond. It is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that creates unforgettable memories at the world's highest peak. As couples move closer to their Destination Wedding at Everest, every step will beacon their love with a testament to the resilience and strength of their bond.

On the other hand, the Everest Base Camp destination wedding package offers couples a blend of adventure, exploration, romance, and the opportunity to immerse themselves in the rich culture and tradition of Himalayan communities. A wedding at Everest is a love story waiting to happen. It's about two people ready to explore life together, hand-in-hand, with a promise to help, support, and uplift each other until death departs them.

So, this is an open invitation for those who dare to dream beyond the ordinary and want to immerse themselves in the sense of sacredness while fostering a deeper connection with the love of their life and nature around them. You will get a chance to view the raw beauty of mountain peaks in the Khumbu region, including Everest (8849 m/29,032 ft), Lhotse (8,516 m/27,939 ft), Pumori (7,161 m/23,494 ft), Ama Dablam (6,812 m/22,349 ft), Nuptse (7,861 m/25,790 ft) , Thamserku (6,608 m/21,679 ft), Cho Oyu (8,188 m/26,863 ft), Makalu (8,485 m/27,838 ft), and many more.

Similarly, face the world's highest mountain while declaring love in a place where only a few have ventured. The Everest Base Camp Wedding Trek invites fellow couples to explore the beauty of the Khumbu region, view Khumbu icefalls and glaciers, and traverse the Sagarmatha National Park, with a chance to view exotic flora and fauna.

History of Destination wedding at Everest

Destination wedding in Everest created history when 35-year-old James Sissom and 32-year-old Ashley Schmieder married on the lap of Mount Everest on march 16,2017. Since then, Everest has become a popular choice for marriage with storm of couples heading towards the base camp for their special day. Another reason for the popularity of wedding at Everest is the stunning photographs. Although, James and Ashley initiated the trend of destination wedding in Everest Base Camp, the photographs which they took inspired a lot of couples to do the same.

How does the Destination wedding at Everest Base Camp start and end?

Marriage in Everest Base Camp starts with a scenic flight from Kathmandu, landing at Tenzing Hilary Airport in Lukla. The flight lasts 35 minutes, and passengers can get an aerial view of the Khumbu region's Himalayan landscapes, glaciers, icefalls, and settlements. After reaching Lukla, Everest Base Camp trekking officially begins with the walk from Lukla to Phakding.

After reaching Phakding, the trek moves towards the vibrant settlement of Namche Bazaar, where trekkers will spend an additional day acclimatizing in the higher altitude and region of low oxygen availability. On the acclimatization day, various activities can be done in Namche, including a trek to Everest View Hotel, Irish Pub, Sherpa Cultural Museum, and the Saturday Market.

As the acclimatization day in Namche is completed, trekkers continue their walk to the Everest region, with the next destination being Tengboche. The Sherpa village of Tengboche has the oldest Buddhist monastery in the Everest region, Tengboche Monastery. Another specialty about the monastery is that it is inhabited by only male monks who bless fellow trekkers traveling in the Everest region.

As trekkers move past Tengboche, the next destination in the Everest Base Camp route is Dingboche, which provides a splendid view of Mt. Everest, Lhotse, and Ama Dablam. Some prominent settlements along the road to Dingboche are Debouche and Pangboche. Pangboche also has the Pangboche Monastery, which only female monks inhabit.

Hikers will spend their second day of acclimatization in Dingboche, exploring and engaging in activities in and around Dingboche. Similarly, as the additional acclimatization day in Dingboche is completed, the trek continues toward Lobuche. Lobuche is a Sherpa settlement where the view of Mt. Nuptse is clear.

After Lobuche, the trek continues towards Gorakshep, the last settlement in the Everest base Camp trekking. Once moving past Gorakshep, the Everest trekking trail diverges into two. The first leads to Kalapatthar, and the other reaches Everest Base Camp. Upon reaching Base Camp of Everest, the grand time to join in marital life with your loved ones is finally here. The special ceremony can be organized with all the necessary rituals to complete the marriage procedure in the presence of a priest provided by Trekking Planner Nepal.

Congratulations and a happy married life!! Afterward, the couple will celebrate their marriage in the lap of Everest, and from there onwards, they will head back to Gorakshep. Early in the morning from Gorakshep, couples will take a helicopter tour towards Kalapatthar for a mesmerizing sunrise view, which adds an extra touch of glory to completing the Everest Base Camp trek. After spending quality time at Kalapatthar, couples will continue their helicopter tour to reach Lukla, where they will take an early morning airplane to Kathmandu, which sums up the Everest Base Camp Marriage Trek.

Local Culture and Tradition in the Everest Region

The Everest region is dominated by the Sherpa community, identified by its long history of trekking and mountaineering. The Sherpa community resides in villages like Lukla, Phakding, Namche, Tengboche, Dingboche, Lobuche, and Gorakshep. Visitors to the Everest region can see mani walls encrypted with mantras and chants, which portray the rich Buddhist religion of the area.

Similarly, throughout the Everest Base Camp, prayer flags and wheels surround chortens, stupas, sculptures, shrines, temples, and gompas. The fact that there are two monasteries in Everest the Tengboche and Pangboche is evidence of the predominance of Buddhism there. Similarly, the main festival for the people who live on Mount Everest is the Mani Rimdu festival, also known as a trekking festival. The 19-day festival honors the founding of Buddhism by Guru Rinpoche Padmasambhava and is hosted at Tengboche monastery. It includes cultural performances, mask dancing, and a taste of delicious local cuisine.

However, the Sherpa culture offers its visitors a very high degree of hospitality. Tea houses, lodges, or other accommodations are open to trekkers with the highest regard and kindness. This increases the community's sense of togetherness by providing opportunities for gatherings, celebrations, and labor.

Is marriage at Everest right for you?

Most people find Destination marriage in Everest an odd choice. This is mainly because they need more experience and more knowledge about the destination, which does not convey the whole reality. Marriage in Everest is a popular choice among individuals who want to spend their special day against the backdrop of the Himalayan peaks of Nepal. It is suitable for those who want a unique approach to tying the love knot and who are passionate enough about mountain climbing and extraordinary experiences.

Trekking on Everest requires good physical fitness, endurance, and stamina. It is necessary to ensure that the couples can undertake the challenge. Similarly, it is also essential to understand that individuals with adequate fitness can complete the Everest Base Camp trekking. It mainly depends upon the balance between mind and body, followed by considerable logistical planning.

On the other hand, couples should understand what marriage in Everest means to them. Is it symbolic significance, or is it primarily about the adventure and thrill of the experience? Whether it is one or the other, couples should rest assured that picking Everest for their special day will be the best decision they can make. The allure of Everest will make the day more memorable.

It is also necessary to understand that Trekking Planner Nepal has been conducting wedding ceremonies in Everest for some time, which has provided us with expertise in orchestrating such memorable events. We highly respect the personal significance that means to you and your partner. We are bound to share the same values, interests, and readiness for adventure as you do. However, determining whether an Everest marriage is the right choice for your unique relationship and wedding is up to you.

How to prepare for Marrying on Everest?

Marriage in Everest seems like a hectic decision, but it isn't. Couples who wish to take the love oath at Everest can do so with little preparation. This involves physical fitness exercises and mental stability that must be done at least one month before the trekking.

Couples need to engage in cardiovascular activities like swimming, running, hiking, cycling, and jogging a month before to improve their fitness level. As the trek involves walking on a rugged, off-beaten route through the Himalayan terrain with a progressive increase in elevation, trekkers must be physically prepared. Similarly, maintaining a solid mentality is necessary without irritation on minor matters. Doing thorough research about the landscapes, facilities along the route, and weather conditions can help to keep an open mind.

On the other hand, proper packing can help to achieve a comfortable trekking experience. Be sure to carry warm clothing, hiking poles, water bottles, purifying capsules, UV protection glasses, and cream to protect the skin. To get an idea about What to Pack for Everest Base Camp Trekking? Do follow the packing list provided on the website. Similarly, any materials you require during the marriage ceremony can be bought in Kathmandu. Trekking planner Nepal can help to conduct the marriage ceremony according to the religious background, or as desired by the couples, which will be authentic without a doubt.

What is the best time for Everest Base Camp Trekking for Marriage?

The Everest Base Camp trek can be done year-round in Nepal. However, for the best experience, it is better to go to Everest Base Camp during the best trekking seasons, which are spring and autumn.

Spring in Nepal lasts from March to May and is considered one of the best seasons to trek to Everest Base Camp. It is marked by crimson-red rhododendron forests, which fully bloom during this season. Similarly, the spring season in Everest has moderate temperatures that offer comfortable walking conditions. Everest's average spring day temperature is 10 to 15 degrees Celcius (50 to 59 degrees fahrenheit), while the night temperature can drop to -10 to -15 degrees celcius (14 to 5 degrees fahrenheit)

Likewise, autumn in Nepal lasts from September to November. Trek to the Everest region is considered another of the best seasons. Autumn months are characterized by clear skies, which provide an unobstructed view of mountain peaks. Similarly, the autumn months have moderate temperatures, which provide a comfortable walking experience. The average day temperature of the Everest region during autumn is 12 to 16 degrees celcius (53.6 to 60.8 degrees fahrenheit) while the nighttime is much more relaxed, with temperatures dropping to -10 degrees celcius (14 degrees fahrenheit).

Despite spring and autumn, trekking to Everest Base Camp can be done in winter and summer. Still, these months are generally considered off-season for trekking due to harsh climatic conditions. Frigid temperatures below freezing mark the winter season in Everest. The Everest region faces heavy snowfall during winter that obstructs the mountain view.

Similarly, the summer season, also known as the monsoon season, is marked by heavy rainfall and fog, which can make viewing the mountain peaks difficult. Heavy rain in summer also makes trails slippery, making walking difficult. Thus, marriage at Everest in the summer and winter is not recommended. Still, it is possible after prior notice as it requires more logistical preparation.

Amenities available in Everest region

There are some things that need to be cleared before selecting Everest as a wedding destination, and that is the facilities which Everest need to offer. There might be confusion regarding accommodation, food, communication and electricity. So, to cleat such queries detail explanation on the amenities available in Everest is provided below:

Accommodation options in Everest

Many believe that as the Everest region is a difficult destination to reach, the area is remote and needs proper facilities. However, rest assured, the Everest region is one of the most developed trekking destinations in Nepal. The accommodation options can range from basic to more luxury hotels and guesthouses. However, on such auspicious day, Trekking Planner Nepal arranges a luxury level of accommodation for couples on Marriage on Everest Package. Luxury hotels and restaurants are available in settlements, including Namche, Tengboche, Dibouche, Gorakshep, and all along the route. These hotels can provide exceptional treatment on your special day. Electric blankets, hot showers, internet facilities, and private bathrooms are some amenities available in the luxury hotels of Everest. The deluxe suite rooms with intricate interior decoration and splendid mountain views provide an essence of royalty on your special day.

Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner options during the Everest Trek

• Breakfast: Tibetan bread, Chapati, cereals, pancakes, eggs, milk, porridge, peanut butter, jam, muesli and many more.
• Lunch: Yak steak, soups, sandwiches, pizza, rice with curry, spring rolls, burgers, Mo: Mo, Tibetan bread, spaghetti, sherpa stew, macaroni and many more.
• Dinner: Dal Bhat Tarkari (Rice with lentil soup and mixed vegetables with meat option), Thukpa, Sherpa stew, Soups, Steaks, Potato items, Sandwiches, Pizza, Spring rolls, Ramen soups, Burgers, Pizza, Yak Steak, and many more.
• Drinks and Beverages: A variety of tea (milk, black, green, lemon, ginger, lemon, honey, masala, apple, jasmine), coffee (milk, black, mustang), hot chocolate, fresh fruit juice, and soft drinks. 

Note: Alcoholic drinks like beer, whiskey, and rum can also be found on Everest; however, it is not recommended during the trek as this causes dehydration, which increases the chances of altitude sickness).

Communication facilities

Nepal Trekking Planner provides Nepalese SIM facilities with a 20+5GB data package, which will provide good communication and internet surfing facilities. The SIM is provided free of cost, but individuals should pay for the data package. There is good network availability along the Everest Trekking route; however, in areas that include dense forests and mountain passes, there may be some problems with communication connections.

What are the Permits required to enter the Everest region?

The Everest region is marked as a protected area by the government of Nepal. So, special permits are required to enter the Everest region. The licenses required to enter the Everest region are as follows:

Khumbu Rural Municipality Permit

The Khumbu Rural Municipality Permit replaces the Trekkers Information Management System (TIMS) Card, which the Khumbu Municipality authorizes.

For foreigners, including SAARC countries, the NRP is 2,000 per person for the first four weeks, while the cost becomes NRP 2,500 per person for later than four weeks.

People can obtain the permit at the check post counter in Monjo or Lukla. In Kathmandu, there are no substitute offices available. Trekking Planner Nepal's representative may assist with obtaining this permit for the trek.

Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit

The entry fee for Sagarmatha National Park entry is given below:

Trekkers can obtain permission to go to Kathmandu and Monjo. After submitting the required paperwork, a Trekking Planner Nepal agent can assist them in obtaining the permit in Kathmandu. This will make it possible for them to buy the entry without difficulty.

Note: 13% VAT is added to the permit purchase fee in addition to the previously stated amount. In the same way, children under ten don't need permission.

Is Travel Insurance Required for Everest Base Camp Trekking?

Getting travel insurance for trekking in Nepal is not compulsory. However, purchasing travel insurance has its own perks in case of safeguarding against any unforeseen circumstances. Nepal Trekking Planner recommends that each individual visiting Nepal purchase travel insurance from a reliable and reputed insurance company.

Various uncertainties can occur during the trek, and having insurance can ensure a problem-free trek. Be sure to purchase Travel insurance that encompasses the following policies:

• Trip cancellation: If individuals have to cancel their trip due to any circumstances, having travel insurance can help cover such conditions. So be sure to purchase insurance that can compensate.
• Trip interruption: Look for insurance that offers compensation against trip interruption, which can be due to personal difficulty, health conditions, or natural catastrophes. This helps cover the cost, which includes airfare, lodging, and the cost of the permit for the trek.
• Emergency evacuation: Buy insurance that includes an emergency evacuation that can assist in transferring you to the closest medical facilities in case of any medical complications. Due to the remoteness of the region, the evacuation is carried out in a helicopter.
• Medical Insurance: Ensure the insurance policy covers your medical expenses, including prescriptions, hospital stays, and transportation facilities.
• Loss of Baggage and belongings: Although baggage theft in Nepal is not common, it can be a problem during the trek. Therefore, it is recommended that you take travel insurance that can cover lost baggage and belongings.
• High-altitude Trekking Coverage: Verify that your insurance specifically covers high-altitude trekking activities, including the journey to Everest Base Camp. Make sure the insurance you have selected covers altitudes higher than 4,000 meters (13,000 feet) or the precise altitudes you will be walking at. Some insurance policies may restrict altitude.

Are there chances of Altitude Sickness during the Everest Base Camp marriage trek?

While marriage at Everest takes place at a high altitude of above 5,000m, beginner trekkers may experience altitude sickness. Altitude sickness, also known as Acute Mountain Sickness, can be caused by low oxygen availability at a higher altitude. Proper acclimatization while ascending to a higher elevation and understanding the causes of AMS are necessary to prevent the signs and symptoms of altitude sickness.

Signs and symptoms of altitude sickness

• Headache
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Fatigue
• Trouble sleeping
• Dizziness
• Loss of appetite
• Insomnia and lethargy
• Breathlessness

Causes of Altitude Sickness

• Rapid ascent with little or no time to acclimatization
• Dehydration
• Drinking alcohol, smoking, and consuming unnecessary medication
• Individuals with a history of altitude sickness are prone to AMS

Complications of Acute Mountain Sickness

Acute Mountain Sickness can be troublesome and pose life-threatening scenarios if the conditions are complicated and necessary precautions are not taken. There are mainly two complications of acute mountain sickness, which are mentioned below:

• High-altitude Pulmonary Edema (HAPE): HAPE is a complication of AMS in which altitude sickness affects the lungs, causing them to fill up with liquid.
• High-altitude Cerebral Edema (HACE): HACE is another complication of AMS and is considered the most severe form. During HACE, altitude sickness causes the brain to swell, which needs immediate attention; otherwise, it can be life-threatening.

Prevention of Altitude Sickness

• Follow proper acclimatization procedure, rest, and adapt to lower oxygen levels.
• Take smaller steps and avoid rapid ascent at higher altitudes.
• Only climb or trek with experienced guides.
• Explain the situation to guide or medical personnel if symptoms of altitude sickness are seen.
• Drink plenty of water and fluids (at least 6 liters daily) to reduce dehydration.
• Avoid smoking cigarettes, alcohol, and excessive coffee.
• Pack all the necessary first aid items to prepare against altitude sickness.

Outline itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu
Day 2: Fly to Lukla from Kathmandu and trek towards Phakding.
Day 3: Trek from Phakding to Namche Bazar.
Day 4:  Acclimatization Day at Namche with a hike to Everest View Hotel
Day 5: Trek from Namche to Tengboche.
Day 6: Trek from Tengboche to Dingboche.
Day 7: Rest and acclimatization day at Dingboche with a hike.
Day 8: Trek from Dingboche to Lobuche.
Day 9: Trek from Lobuche to Gorakshep, trek to Everest Base Camp, complete the marriage ceremony, and back to Gorakshep.
Day 10:Hike to Kalapathar 5,643 m- 2 to 3 hrs walk and fly to Kathmandu with Heli service- about 1 hrs flight and Total Elevation Gain 415 m/ 1362 ft
Day 11:Final International departure from Nepal