Everest Base Camp Trek
Trek

Everest Base Camp Trek

Khumbu Himalayas, Everest, Koshi, Nepal
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Altitude
18,225 ft
Duration
12-16 days
Distance
130 km
Difficulty
Difficult
Best Time
March–June and October–November
Base Camp
Lukla

Overview

Everest Base Camp Trek is one of the most recognized trekking routes in the Himalayas of Nepal. This trekking trail starts from Khumbu and goes into Sagarmatha National Park, which is a World Heritage site due to its unique mountain landscapes and rich flora and fauna and Sherpa culture. The common trail of this trek starts from Lukla in Dudh Koshi Valley towards Namche Bazaar.

As they traverse the route, climbers get to see traditional villages, Buddhist monasteries, prayer wheels, mani walls, and suspension bridges. Tengboche is especially famous for its monastery as well as the views of Ama Dablam. The higher up the route you travel, the more exposed the environment becomes, with spectacular views of Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, and other peaks.

Finally, climbers get to Gorak Shep, which has the base camp of Mount Everest near the Khumbu glacier. Kala Patthar is another peak that lies outside of the main trekking route and offers stunning views of the Everest range.

Though the path will not entail technical climbs just to get to the base camp, the altitude is high, and there may be some harsh conditions. There may be some cold, sickness due to high altitude, change in weather, and even problems with transport. This hike should always be done with adult supervision and planning.

Highlights

  • Everest Base Camp
  • Kala Patthar
  • Namche Bazaar
  • Tengboche Monastery
  • Ama Dablam
  • Sagarmatha National Park
  • Sherpa heritage
  • Khumbu Glacier landscape

Trek Details

Altitude
18,225 ft
Total Distance
130 km
Trek Duration
12-16 days
Route Type
Out And Back
Base Camp
Lukla
Accommodation
Guesthouse
Best Time
March–June and October–November
Difficulty
Difficult
Fitness Level
Advanced
Region
Khumbu Himalayas, Everest, Koshi, Nepal
Season
Spring, Autumn
Family Friendly
Check with operator

Seasons

SpringAutumn

Departure Cities

KathmanduLukla

Terrain

SnowHigh altitudeRocky TrailForestValley

Itinerary

  1. 1

    Arrival in Kathmandu

    Arrive in Kathmandu, meet your trekking team, check your equipment and prepare for the journey. Use this day to organise permits and confirm flight arrangements. Overnight: Kathmandu · approx. 1,400 m

  2. 2

    Lukla to Phakding

    Flight + trek · 3–4 hours walking Fly to Lukla and begin trekking along the Dudh Koshi River, passing small villages, prayer wheels and suspension bridges. Overnight: Phakding · approx. 2,610 m

  3. 3

    Phakding to Namche Bazaar

    Trek · 5–6 hours Continue through Monjo and the Sagarmatha National Park entrance area. Cross suspension bridges and climb the steep trail to Namche Bazaar, the main Sherpa town in the region. Overnight: Namche Bazaar · approx. 3,440 m

  4. 4

    Acclimatisation at Namche Bazaar

    Take a rest and acclimatisation day. You can make a gentle hike towards the Everest View Hotel or nearby Khumjung village, returning to sleep at Namche. Overnight: Namche Bazaar

  5. 5

    Namche Bazaar to Tengboche

    Trek · 5–6 hours Follow the scenic hillside trail before descending towards the river and climbing to Tengboche. Visit the famous Tengboche Monastery if it is open. Overnight: Tengboche · approx. 3,860 m

  6. 6

    Tengboche to Dingboche

    Trek · 5–6 hours Pass through Pangboche and continue into the higher, more open alpine landscape, with impressive views of Ama Dablam and surrounding peaks. Overnight: Dingboche · approx. 4,410 m

  7. 7

    Acclimatisation at Dingboche

    Spend another day adjusting to the altitude. Rest or take a gentle acclimatisation hike with your guide, returning to sleep at Dingboche. Overnight: Dingboche

  8. 8

    Dingboche to Lobuche

    rek · 5–6 hours Walk through the high-altitude valley towards Thukla Pass and the memorials dedicated to climbers. Continue to Lobuche near the Khumbu Glacier. Overnight: Lobuche · approx. 4,940 m

  9. 9

    Lobuche to Gorak Shep and Everest Base Camp

    Trek · approximately 7–9 hours total Continue over rocky glacial terrain to Gorak Shep, then hike to Everest Base Camp and return to Gorak Shep. The route is demanding because of the altitude and uneven ground. Overnight: Gorak Shep · approx. 5,160 m

  10. 10

    Kala Patthar and descent to Pheriche

    Trek · approximately 6–8 hours If weather and your condition permit, hike to Kala Patthar for panoramic views of Everest and neighbouring peaks. Descend through Gorak Shep towards Pheriche. Overnight: Pheriche · approx. 4,240–4,370 m

  11. 11

    Pheriche to Namche Bazaar

    Trek · 6–7 hours Retrace the trail through Pangboche and Tengboche, descending into the Dudh Koshi valley before climbing back to Namche. Overnight: Namche Bazaar

  12. 12

    Namche Bazaar to Lukla

    Trek · 6–8 hours Descend through Monjo and Phakding, crossing suspension bridges and following the river valley back to Lukla. Overnight: Lukla · approx. 2,860 m

  13. 13

    Lukla to Kathmandu

    Take the return flight to Kathmandu, subject to weather and airport operations. Keep onward travel flexible in case the flight is delayed. Overnight: Kathmandu

  14. 14

    Buffer day and departure

    Keep this day free for weather-related flight delays, recovery or onward travel. If it is not needed, use the time to explore Kathmandu.

Things to Carry

40–50L backpack
daypack
trekking shoes
trekking poles
gaiters
backpack rain cover
headlamp with spare batteries
Thermal base layers
quick-dry T-shirts
trekking pants
fleece jacket
down jacket
waterproof jacket
waterproof pants
warm socks
woollen cap
sun hat
insulated gloves
spare undergarments
Water bottles or hydration bladder
water purification tablets/filter
energy bars
dry fruits
electrolyte sachets
First-aid kit
personal medicines
blister patches
sunscreen (SPF 50)
lip balm
UV-protection sunglasses
power bank
charging cable
camera (optional)
spare batteries
Toothbrush
toothpaste
biodegradable soap
hand sanitiser
wet wipes
toilet paper
tissues
quick-dry towel
waste bags
Government-issued photo ID
required permits
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