Everest Base Camp Trek is one of the top trekking destinations of the world. The Everest Base Camp trek gives an opportunity to get a glimpse of some of the highest exotic landscapes in the world including the highest peak of the world Mt. Everest to trekking enthusiast.
The journey starts with a dramatic flight to Lukla from Kathmandu, then, passing through pine forests, Sherpa villages, monasteries, gushing rivers fed by the Himalayan glaciers. Be prepared to be humbled by the majestic Himalayas.
Nestled across the backdrop of the Himalayas, Nepal is a diverse country hosting the elusive Royal Bengal Tiger; picture-perfect Pokhara to a few of the world’s highest peaks. At the heart of Nepal is enchanting the Kathmandu valley, almost a portal into medieval Nepal with its own cultural identity.
DAY 01 Arrival Kathmandu
Arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport; met by our representatives and transferred to the hotel.
Free for the rest of the day with a small brief in the evening about the trek.
Overnight: Hotel
DAY 02 Half Day Sight Seeing
A.M.: In the morning, explore Kathmandu Valley. Visit the ancient Durbar Square and a peek into Nepal’s rich history and a visit to Boudha Stupa, another UNESCO World Heritage.
P.M.: The rest of the day is left free to pack and purchase any last-minute essentials for the trek.
Overnight: Hotel
DAY 03 Flight to Lukla (2880m): Trek to Phakding(2652 m)
Early morning flight to Lukla; steal glimpses of the Himalayas as the plane maneuvers through the valleys and hills making your way to Lukla – the gateway to the Everest Region.
Upon arrival, meet the porters. We follow the trail towards the north-east. We cross a suspension bridge to leave Lukla behind. Pass small picturesque villages of Chaunrikharka and Ghat ultimately descending to reach Phakding, by the raging Dudh Koshi River.
Overnight: Phakding
Trek Duration: 3 hours.
DAY 04 Jorsale to Namche Bazaar (3447m)
Pursue the trail with the raging Dudh Kosi on your right. Cross Dudh Kosi at Benkar and view glimpses of snow-capped peaks Kusum Kanguru (6369m) and Thamserku (6623m). Steep climb for 20 mins to reach Monjo – our lunch stop.
We enter Sagarmatha National Park after having our permits cleared. After crossing the river again, we hit a busy trail with small villages and pine forests. A Steady climb is accompanied by the first glimpses of the mighty three ahead – Everest (8848m), Mt. Nuptse (7879m), and Lhotse (8383m).
We reach Namche Bazaar – a bustling little prosperous town in the Khumbu region surrounded by beautiful mountain peaks.
Overnight: Namche
Trek Duration: 5 – 5 ½ hours.
DAY 05 Namche Bazaar to Khumjung (3780m)
We set out from Namche Bazar and reach a small pass – a steep ascent awaits you. Reach Syangboche which features an inoperative airport with a stone plowed runway. A pleasant hike through meadows and small remnants of coniferous forests with beautifully scattered rhododendrons.
We reach Everest View Hotel which features unspoiled views of Mt. Everest, Lhotse, and Nuptse amongst other Himalayan peaks. Head towards Khumjung– the largest Sherpa village in Khumbu.
Overnight at Khumjung
Trek Duration: 3 ½ – 4 ½ hours.
DAY 06 Khumjung toPhortse (3800m)
We take a steep walk towards Mong La pass as we pursue our journey towards EBC. Soak in the spectacular views of Ama Dablam and Khumbila mountains. Our destination for the day is a very traditional Sherpa village by the name of Phortse.
Himalayan tahr (mountain goats), musk deers and Daphne, the national bird of Nepal, are often visible at distant mountains.
Overnight at Thyangboche.
Duration of Trek- 5 ½ hours.
DAY 07 Phortse to Dingboche (4350m)
Stunning views of Tengboche and AmaDablam greet us as we climb up a ridge towards Imja Khola Valley. We reach Pangboche Monastery allegedly in possession of Yeti scalp. Stop for lunch.
We continue up the glacial valley to Dingboche – en route we pass beautifully carved and inscribed prayer stones – a tribute to the gods as offered by the natives of Khumbu region who revere the Himalayas.
Overnight: Dingboche.
Trek Duration: 5 ½ hours.
DAY 08 Rest and acclimatization at Dingboche (4350m)
As per the study on high altitude sickness, it has been found that most of the people suffer or show signs of Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) from the altitude of 2,500 meters and above. Thus it is highly recommended to have a rest day to acclimatize at this altitude before starting an ascent.
Overnight: Dingboche.
Trek Duration: 3 ½ hours.
DAY 09 Dingboche to Lobuche (4931m)
An ill-defined track traverses across the open landscape with a short steep ascent to arrive at a hilltop. We then traverse along the ridge to join the main trail. Enjoy the views of the beautiful view of the Mt. Chola tse (6442m) and Mt. Amadablam. After arrival at the ridge, descend, for about ten minutes, cross a bridge and arrive at Thugla for an early lunch.
(Note: due to unavailability of water, this is the only lunch stop available).
After Lunch, we tread along a very steep ascent for about an hour to the ridge to pay homage to a Sherpa memorial in memory of the brave mountaineers who lost their lives during expeditions. Further on the trail leads to the terminal moraine of the Khumbu Glacier with views of Pumori or Widow’s Peak in the foreground.
We reach the lodge at Lobuche after an hour of steady trekking through the moraine with the enchanting views of the Tawatse (6501m) and Nuptse (7855m).
Overnight: Lobuche.
Trek Duration: 3 ½ – 4 ½ hours.
DAY 10 Gorakshep (5160m) to Everest Base Camp (5360m) and back to Gorakshep
From Lobuche, a short climb brings one to another valley. Travel along the Khumbu Glacier through the jumbled moraines and scattered rocks. The trail continues to slowly contour on the open landscape through an ablation continuing to a steep ascent for about 20 minutes. Climb slowly to a ridge and then continue on a trail of rocks. On a clear day Mt. Everest can be seen looming behind Nuptse. Arrive at the ridge above Gorakshep and then descend to Gorakshep, a settlement with few tea houses to stay for the night.
Gorakshep was the base camp for the 1952 Swiss Everest expedition. In 1953 the British Everest expedition called this “lake camp’. workshop or “graveyard of the crows” has a small frozen lake and several monuments dedicated to the climbers who lost their lives to Everest.
After some rest at Gorakshep, we start the trip to Everest base camp.
The Everest Base Camp is also the site for the base camp for Lhotse and Nuptse. Base Camp is not a specific point as various expeditions have elected different locations for a semi-permanent camp during their assault on the mountains. The highlight of the day is the Khumbu icefall and the trek along the Khumbu Icefall is an exhilarating but interesting one. Later return to Gorakshep
Overnight: Gorakshep.
Trek Duration: 7 ½ – 8 ½ hours.
DAY 11 Kala Pattar & back to Pheriche (4371m) via Lobuche
After an early breakfast, we head straight up the hill to Kala Pattar (5545m) for views of Mt. Everest. The climb to the Kala Pattar though tough, about an hour to two hours, is worthy of the view from this vantage point.
The giants of the earth are all around Pumori (7145m), Everest (8848m), China’s peak Changtse (7553m), Nuptse (7855m), Lhotse(8516m) among others. Later return to Gorakshep.
After a short rest and refreshments, we set out backtracking on scattered rocks and jumbled moraines to return to Lobuche. We pass Lobuche, cross the stream and then head towards the Sherpa Memorial and then further down to Thugla. The going is easier as we lose altitude. Cross the Thugla bridge and climb the ridge. We follow the right-hand trail to Periche.
Overnight: Pheriche.
Trek Duration: 7 ½ – 8½ hours.
DAY 12 Pheriche to Namche (3441m) via Thyangboche
Most of the Trek is downhill today, with the trail from Periche joining up with the main trail we had ascended on, before gradually descending into the bustling town of Namche Bazaar.
After passing the Tengboche Monastery and other landmarks, we finally arrive back into the town of Namche Bazaar. After descending almost 1000 meters, and arriving back in this busy trekking hub is quite surreal after the remote towns and villages.
Overnight: Namche.
Trek Duration: 7-7 ½ hours.
DAY 13 Namche to Lukla via Phakding
We retrace our steps through the forests of juniper, rhododendrons, and fir to Phunk Tanga. Cross Dudh Kosi, ascend to Trashinga. Stop for a short break and Shanasa – a small town where Tibetan traders have traditional artifacts and souvenirs for sale. Indulge yourself. An easy walk brings us to Namche Bazaar.
We exit the Sagarmatha National Park at the same point we had entered a few days ago. Follow the same footsteps, and make way to Lukla to officially conclude our trek.
In the evening, a farewell dinner, and may be followed by a few celebratory drinks and dance with our Sherpa companions.
Overnight: Lukla
Trek Duration: 6 ½ – 7 hours.
DAY 14 Trek: Lukla / Kathmandu by Flight
After a hearty breakfast, board the 45-minute flight back to Kathmandu. Upon arrival meet, assist and transfer to the hotel.
The rest of the day is Free.
Overnight: Hotel.
DAY 15 Free day in Kathmandu
Free day in Kathmandu for leisure and shopping.
Overnight at the hotel.
DAY 16 Final Departure
Free for final minute packing and shopping until transfer to the airport for final departure.
** End of Arrangements**
Note: Please bear in mind that all Trek and Drive duration are approximate times.
Best Period | February to May, October to December |
Total Duration | 15 Nights / 16 Days. |
Trek Duration | 11 Nights / 12 Days |
In Kathmandu | 4 Nights |
Flights | Kathmandu-Lukla-Kathmandu |
Highest Altitude | 5,545 meters (18,192.26 ft) |
Precautions | Altitude Sickness |
Trekking Grade | Strenuous |
Trek Start Point | Lukla |
Trek End Point | Lukla |
Accommodation | Hotels in Kathmandu/ Lodges in Trek |
Kathmandu Valley | Visit Hindu & Buddhist World Heritage Sites |
National Park | Sagarmatha National Park (1148 km²) |
Mountains | Everest, Lhotse, Thamserku, Ama Dablam, Nuptse, Tawa-tse, Kantega, Pumo-ri, etc |
Rivers | Bhote Kosi, Dudh Kosi, and Imja-tse Khola. |
Villages | Lukla, Namche, Thyangboche, Lobuche, etc |
Tribes | Mostly Sherpas & Tibetans |
Forests | Rhododendron and Pine. |
Landscapes | Varying from temperate valleys to snow-clad mountains. |
(Please get comprehensive medical insurance/ accidental insurance and should include evacuation by helicopter due to any emergencies that may arise)
Any extra luggage not needed on the trek can be left at the hotel in Kathmandu during your expedition.
PACKING SYSTEM | You will need to carry a daypack. Other luggage will be carried by porters. We recommend you pack your items in a durable and large backpack/ duffel bag including your sleeping bags. |
CARRIED BAG WEIGHT LIMIT | 15 kg |
VALID PASSPORT | Your passport must be valid for 6 months after your arrival date in Nepal. |
MEDICAL INSURANCE CARD | Should anything happen, we can get you the care you need |
REQUIRED VACCINATIONS | It is important to receive required (or recommended) vaccinations before traveling abroad. |
TREKKING GEAR |
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DOCUMENTS & LOGISTICS |
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OTHERS (optional) |
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