Everest Base Camp Trek

Our 14-day Everest Base Camp Trek takes you on an unforgettable journey from the lush, pine-scented river gorges of the lower Dudh Koshi into the rugged, stark terrain of the high Himalayas. As you pass the high alpine threshold near Dingboche, the landscape shifts into a spectacular display of massive ice walls and towering peaks.

The main reward of the trek is reaching Everest Base Camp at 5,364m / 17,598ft beside the Khumbu Icefall. The following morning, the climb to Kala Patthar at 5,555m / 18,225ft gives you a clear sunrise view of Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, and the surrounding Himalayan peaks.

Tour Plan

1. Day 01Arrival in Kathmandu

   Upon touching down at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, our team will greet you outside the arrival terminal, handle your luggage, and drive you directly to your hotel in a private vehicle. After checking in, take some well-deserved time to freshen up, rest, and recover from your international flight.

   In the evening, you can head out for a relaxed introductory walk through the colorful shops and cafés of Thamel. We will conduct a concise trip briefing and gear check this night before our early flight to the mountains the next morning.

   • Trip duration: 25 to 30 minutes for airport transfer

   Note: Keep your passport, insurance details, and a recent passport-size photo handy this evening so our team can verify your trekking documentation

2. Day 02Kathmandu to Lukla (2,860m / 9,383ft) and Trek to Phakding (2,610m / 8,562ft) | 4 to 5 hours

   Following an early morning transfer to the airport, you board a scenic, thrilling twin-otter flight to Lukla. The 35-minute aerial journey cuts through rolling green hills and reveals distant views of snow-capped peaks before landing cleanly at the mountain airstrip of Tenzing-Hillary Airport.

   Once on the ground, your guide introduces you to your porter team, and you take your official first steps onto the trail. The path begins with an easy, gradual descent past prayer walls and small farming hamlets, following the bright blue waters of the Dudh Koshi River down to the overnight stop at Phakding.

   • Flight duration: 35 minutes
   • Trek duration: 3 to 4 hours
   • Trek distance: 8 km / 5 miles
   • Maximum altitude: 2,860m / 9,383ft
   • Elevation loss: -250m / -821ft

   Note: Depending on the trekking season, flights to Lukla may operate from Ramechhap Airport (a 4-hour drive from Kathmandu) to avoid capital city air traffic.

3. Day 03Phakding to Namche Bazaar (3,440m / 11,286ft) | 5 to 6 hours

   You leave Phakding after breakfast, tracing the banks of the river through sweet-smelling pine forests. The trail crosses several high suspension bridges draped in colorful prayer flags, weaving through small villages like Monjo, where we formally register your entry permits for Sagarmatha National Park.

   After crossing the final, spectacular Hillary Suspension Bridge hanging high above the river fork, the trail throws its first big challenge at you. You face a sustained, steep uphill climb on dirt paths and stone steps that test your lung capacity before finally bringing you into the crescent-shaped mountain town of Namche Bazaar.

   • Trek duration: 5 to 6 hours
   • Trek distance: 12.3 km / 7.6 miles
   • Maximum altitude: 3,440m / 11,286ft
   • Elevation gain: +830m / +2,724ft

   Note: This is your first major exposure to high altitude. Pace your steps very slowly and drink plenty of water to help your body adapt.

4. Day 04Acclimatization Day at Namche Bazaar (3,440m / 11,286ft) | 4 to 5 hours

   To ensure safety and comfort over the coming week, today is set aside as a mandatory active rest day. Staying active helps your body adjust to thin air much better than resting inside a teahouse all day, so we embark on a panoramic morning hike.

   We climb the ridge up to the historic Everest View Hotel at 3,880m (12,730ft), where you can sit on the terrace and enjoy hot tea while taking in your very first clear look at Everest, Lhotse, and Ama Dablam. Afterwards, you descend back to Namche to browse the mountain shops, visit the Sherpa cultural museum, or enjoy a coffee at a local bakery.

   • Hike duration: 4 to 5 hours
   • Hike distance: 7.2 km / 4.5 miles
   • Maximum altitude: 3,880m / 12,730ft

   Note: Do not skip this acclimatization hike. Reaching a higher altitude and returning to sleep lower is the golden rule of mountain safety.

5. Day 05Namche Bazaar to Tengboche (3,860 m / 12,664ft) | 5 to 6 hours

   You leave the Namche amphitheater along a wide, scenic trail carved smoothly into the mountainside. This section offers dramatic views of the peaks before dropping steeply down through rhododendron forests to the riverside settlement of Phunki Tenga for a hot lunch.

   Following lunch, you cross a final bridge and begin a long, steady afternoon climb under a canopy of pine and fir trees. The trail opens up onto a high mountain ridge, revealing the stone gateway of Tengboche Monastery, the spiritual centerpiece of the valley, backed by an absolute wall of snow and ice.

   • Trek duration: 5 to 6 hours
   • Trek distance: 10.7 km / 6.6 miles
   • Maximum altitude: 3,860m / 12,664ft
   • Elevation gain: +420m / +1,378ft
6. Day 06Tengboche to Dingboche (4,410m / 14,468ft) | 5 to 6 hours

   The morning starts with a gentle descent through moss-draped birch forests to Deboche, crossing a rushing gorge of the Imja Khola. From here, you walk past long mani walls to reach Pangboche village, where the local stone houses sit in the shadow of the soaring Ama Dablam peak.

   As you push past Pangboche, you will notice a distinct shift in the geography. The last remaining trees drop away completely, replaced by low alpine shrubs and dry, open grass plains. The trail climbs gradually but steadily into the wide Imja Valley, bringing you to the high stone-walled fields of Dingboche.

   • Trek duration: 5 to 6 hours
   • Trek distance: 10.8 km / 6.7 miles
   • Maximum altitude: 4,410m / 14,468ft
   • Elevation gain: +550m / +1,804ft

   Note: You are now crossing well above the 4,000-meter mark. The air will feel significantly thinner and colder from this point forward.

7. Day 07Acclimatization Day in Dingboche: Hike to Nangkartshang Peak (5,083 m / 16,676 ft)

   This is your second mandatory physiological adaptation window. To prepare your body for the push past 5,000 meters, we spend another day practicing our active recovery routine to stimulate additional red blood cell production.

   Your guide will lead you up the steep ridge toward Nangkartshang Peak, reaching approximately 5,083 m / 16,676 ft before descending back to Dingboche. This high vantage point rewards your effort with breathtaking views of Makalu (the world’s fifth-highest peak), Island Peak, and the massive ice walls of Lhotse before you descend back to Dingboche for a warm afternoon rest.

   • Trek duration: 4 to 5 hours
   • Trek distance: 5.2 km / 3.2 miles
   • Maximum altitude: 5,083 m / 16,676 ft

   Note: Keep your hydration levels high today by drinking an extra liter of water or tea, even if you do not feel actively thirsty.

8. Day 08Dingboche to Lobuche (4,910m / 16,108ft) | 5 to 6 hours

   You leave Dingboche along a high, wind-swept trail that cuts gently across the wide alpine valley. The path leads you to the small cluster of huts at Thukla, where you stop for an early lunch to build up your energy before tackling the steep slope ahead.

   Following lunch, you climb the challenging Thukla Pass, a steep terminal moraine of the Khumbu Glacier. At the crest of the pass, you walk through a deeply moving collection of stone memorials dedicated to the climbers who have lost their lives on Everest. From here, the trail levels out onto a rugged, boulder-filled landscape that leads to the high outpost of Lobuche.

   • Trek duration: 5 to 6 hours
   • Trek distance: 8.8 km / 5.4 miles
   • Maximum altitude: 4,910m / 16,108ft
   • Elevation gain: +500m / +1,640ft

   Note: Ensure your warm beanie and windproof gloves are easily accessible, as the wind cutting across the Khumbu glacier here is exceptionally cold.

9. Day 09Lobuche to Everest Base Camp (5,364m / 17,598ft) and back to Gorak Shep | 8 to 9 hours

   This is the long-awaited highlight of the entire expedition. You start very early from Lobuche, weaving through loose shale paths and frozen moraine ridges along the edge of the active glacier to reach Gorak Shep, the highest overnight stop on this itinerary, where we stop briefly to check into rooms.

   Leaving your heavy gear behind, you pack your daypack and set out for the final push to Everest Base Camp. The trail twists across rocky moraine waves until you finally drop down onto the glacier itself. Standing at 5,364m, surrounded by prayer flags, towering ice blocks, and the massive Khumbu Icefall, you celebrate reaching EBC before walking back to Gorak Shep for the night.

   • Trek duration: 8 to 9 hours
   • Trek distance: 11.5 km / 7.1 miles
   • Maximum altitude: 5,364m / 17,598ft
   • Elevation gain: +454m / +1,490ft

   Note: Walk deliberately and at a slow, measured pace today. Navigating loose glacial rock above 5,000 meters requires absolute concentration.

10. Day 10Gorak Shep to Kala Patthar (5,555m / 18,225ft) and descend to Pheriche | 7 to 8 hours

    Your day starts with a pre-dawn wake-up call in freezing temperatures. Under the light of your headlamp, you tackle the steep, challenging switchbacks up the dark slopes of Kala Patthar, pushing through the cold air to reach the summit at 5,555m (18,225ft), the absolute highest point of the trip.

    From this rocky peak, you are rewarded with the ultimate view of Mount Everest, standing completely unobstructed as the morning sun rises directly behind its massive black pyramid. After taking your photos, you descend to Gorak Shep for a hot breakfast, pack your bags, and begin a long, knee-jarring downward trek out of the high zone to the windy village of Pheriche.

    • Trek duration: 7 to 8 hours
    • Trek distance: 17.2 km / 10.6 miles
    • Maximum altitude: 5,555m / 18,225ft
    • Elevation loss: -1,315m / -4,314ft

    Note: The descent brings a rapid increase in oxygen levels. Your legs will feel instantly lighter, and your breathing will become much deeper as you drop altitude.

11. Day 11Pheriche to Namche Bazaar (3,440m / 11,286ft) | 7 to 8 hours

    Leaving Pheriche, you cross the river valley and follow a familiar trail down past Pangboche. You cross back over the Imja Khola gorge and tackle a short, warm uphill climb through the trees to re-enter the grounds of Tengboche Monastery for a quick rest.

    From Tengboche, you plunge straight down through the rhododendron forests to the bottom of the valley at Phunki Tenga. The final leg of the day winds smoothly back along the high panoramic cliffs, eventually bringing you back into the familiar, welcoming streets of Namche Bazaar.

    • Trek duration: 7 to 8 hours
    • Trek distance: 19.7 km / 12.2 miles
    • Maximum altitude: 3,440m / 11,286ft
    • Elevation loss: -800m / -2,624ft
12. Day 12Namche Bazaar to Lukla (2,860m / 9,383ft) | 7 to 8 hours

    Your final day of trekking is a long but rewarding one. You exit Namche Bazaar and begin a steep descent down the rocky staircase to the Hillary Suspension Bridge, leaving the high park boundary behind. The trail follows the roaring river valley southward through Monjo and Phakding.

    The air feels warm, thick, and full of life as you pass local farms and forests. The trek finishes with one last, gradual uphill push that brings you back up to the stone gates of Lukla, where you enjoy a final celebratory dinner with your guide and porter team to thank them for their incredible support.

    • Trek duration: 7 to 8 hours
    • Trek distance: 19.9 km / 12.3 miles
    • Maximum altitude: 3,440m / 11,286ft
    • Elevation gain/ loss: -580m / -1,903ft

    Note: Gather all your personal gear tonight and double-check your packing before the domestic flight back to the city the next morning.

13. Day 13Lukla to Kathmandu (1,400m / 4,593ft) | 35 minutes

    You head to the Lukla airstrip early this morning to board your return twin-otter flight. Saying a final goodbye to the Khumbu peaks, you take off and enjoy a smooth 35-minute scenic flight back across the terraced middle hills of Nepal.

    Upon landing, our private vehicle meets you at the airport and drives you directly back to your hotel. The remainder of your afternoon is completely free to relax, catch up on laundry, or enjoy some easy shopping along the lively streets of Thamel. In the evening, we gather for a final farewell dinner to celebrate your successful expedition.

    • Flight duration: 35 minutes
    • Maximum altitude: 2,860m / 9,383ft
    • Elevation loss: -1,460m / -4,790ft

    Note: High-altitude mountain flights are highly dependent on weather conditions. Your guide will keep you updated on any scheduling variations.

14. Day 14Final Departure from Kathmandu

    The morning is left open and flexible for you to rest at your hotel, pack your bags, or take one final walk around Thamel to pick up local gifts, tea, or souvenirs.

    Our team will meet you at your hotel lobby according to your international flight schedule and transfer you to Tribhuvan International Airport in a private vehicle. As you head to the departure terminal, your 14-day Everest Base Camp Trek comes to an end.

    • Trip duration: 25 to 30 minutes for airport transfer

    Note: Ensure you are packed and ready to leave your hotel lobby approximately 3.5 hours prior to your international flight time to guarantee smooth check-in logistics.

What’s Included & Excluded

Packing List for Everest Base Camp Trek

The trail transitions from warm, humid lower valleys to freezing, sub-zero alpine conditions at base camp. Pack light, but carry enough warm layers and trekking gear for changing weather and long walking days.

Route Map & Seasonal Conditions

Seasons & weather

The best times for the Everest Base Camp Trek are during the spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) seasons. Spring rewards trekkers with longer daylight hours, warmer trail temperatures, and exceptional displays of red and pink rhododendrons blooming across the lower national park paths. Autumn provides highly reliable, clear skies, exceptionally crisp morning air, and unmatched visibility that showcases the massive ice walls of Nuptse, Lhotse, and Everest perfectly.

Winter journeys (December to February) are possible for experienced hikers seeking quiet trails, though temperatures drop drastically to sub-zero levels and upper routes feature thick snow. The summer monsoon window (June to August) is generally the least optimal choice, as heavy cloud cover blocks mountain views and wet weather causes frequent flight delays to and from Lukla.

Teahouses & meals

Lodging along this world-famous route consists of established, family-operated trail teahouses. While you will enjoy standard 3-star city hotels in Kathmandu, trail accommodations are simpler but comfortable. Rooms typically feature wooden beds, clean sheets, and heavy quilts, with bathroom facilities generally being shared across the hallway. Many lodges in lower hubs like Namche offer attached bathrooms for an extra fee.

Menus on the trail are simple meals to power your daily steps. Options include the signature Nepali Dal Bhat, alongside fried noodles, garlic soups, egg scrambles, pancakes, pasta bakes, and hot teas. As you push above the 4,000-meter mark past Dingboche, meat products are discouraged due to local cultural protections, making personal high-energy snacks like protein bars and nuts highly useful.

Fitness & altitude

The Everest Base Camp Trek is rated as a strenuous wilderness walk. You do not require technical mountaineering experience, ropes, or climbing equipment, but you must possess a good level of cardiovascular fitness and the endurance to tackle steep, uneven trails for multiple hours daily.

The specific challenge of this trek lies in its sustained altitude profile. You will spend several days walking and sleeping above 4,000 meters, culminating in a high point of 5,555 meters at Kala Patthar. Navigating rocky glacial moraines, crossing steep suspension bridges, and climbing rocky paths in thin air requires a controlled, steady pace and strong leg conditioning.