Everest Base Camp Trek

Fly from Kathmandu to the legendary Lukla airstrip and walk through the Sherpa heartland of Khumbu to Everest Base Camp at 5,364m, one of the world's great high-altitude treks.

• Stand at Everest Base Camp (5,364m)
• Sunrise view from Kala Patthar (5,545m)
• Visit Tengboche Monastery
• Experience authentic Sherpa culture in Namche Bazaar
• Iconic views of Lhotse, Nuptse, and Ama Dablam

1. Day 1Arrival in Kathmandu (1,400m)
2. Day 2Fly to Lukla, Trek to Phakding (2,610m)
3. Day 3Phakding to Namche Bazaar (3,440m)
4. Day 4Acclimatisation Day in Namche
5. Day 5Namche to Tengboche (3,870m)
6. Day 6Tengboche to Dingboche (4,410m)
7. Day 7Acclimatisation Day in Dingboche
8. Day 8Dingboche to Lobuche (4,940m)
9. Day 9Lobuche to Gorak Shep, EBC (5,364m)
10. Day 10Kala Patthar Sunrise, Trek to Pheriche
11. Day 11Pheriche to Namche Bazaar
12. Day 12Namche to Lukla
13. Day 13Fly Lukla to Kathmandu
14. Day 14Departure

1. Day 1

   Arrival in Kathmandu (1,400m)

   Trek DurationTransfer only

   Upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, our representative will greet you with a traditional marigold garland and transfer you to your hotel. In the evening, you will have a detailed trek briefing where your guide will go over the itinerary, check your gear, and answer any questions.

   Kathmandu itself is a fascinating city. If time permits, you can explore the bustling streets of Thamel, visit the sacred Pashupatinath Temple, or stroll through the ancient Durbar Square.

   Make sure to get a good rest as the adventure begins early the next morning with the flight to Lukla.

2. Day 2

   Fly to Lukla, Trek to Phakding (2,610m)

   Trek Distance8km / 5mi

   Flight Hours40/20 Minutes

   Highest Altitude2,610m / 8,563ft

   Trek Duration3-4 hours

   The day begins with a thrilling 35-minute mountain flight from Kathmandu to Tenzing-Hillary Airport in Lukla (2,860m), widely considered one of the most dramatic landings in aviation. The small runway is carved into the mountainside with a steep drop at one end.

   From Lukla, the trek begins immediately. You descend gently through the village and along the Dudh Koshi River, crossing several suspension bridges decorated with colourful prayer flags. The trail passes through small Sherpa settlements and rhododendron forest.

   Phakding is a quiet village along the riverbank with comfortable teahouses. After checking in, there is time to explore the village or simply relax by the river and take in the mountain scenery.

   
3. Day 3

   Phakding to Namche Bazaar (3,440m)

   Trek Distance11km / 6.8mi

   Highest Altitude3,440m / 11,286ft

   Trek Duration5-6 hours

   Today is the first real challenge of the trek. You follow the Dudh Koshi River valley, crossing it multiple times on high suspension bridges. The trail passes through forests of oak, pine, and rhododendron with occasional glimpses of snow-capped peaks above.

   After entering Sagarmatha National Park at the Monjo checkpoint, you begin the steep 600m climb to Namche Bazaar. This is the most demanding section of the day. Along the way, on a clear day you will catch your first breathtaking glimpse of Mount Everest.

   Namche Bazaar is the bustling Sherpa capital of the Khumbu, perched in a horseshoe-shaped bowl at 3,440m. It has bakeries, gear shops, a weekly market, and spectacular mountain views from every corner.

   
4. Day 4

   Acclimatisation Day in Namche

   Acclimatisation is critical at this altitude, so today is a rest day in Namche. However, staying active helps the body adjust, so an optional hike is highly recommended. The most popular option is a walk up to the Everest View Hotel at 3,880m for stunning panoramic views.

   You can also visit the Sherpa Culture Museum, the Sagarmatha National Park visitor centre, or hike to the nearby village of Khumjung to see the Hillary School and the famous yeti scalp kept at the local monastery.

   In the afternoon, explore Namche market, sample the bakeries, and enjoy the unique atmosphere of this high-altitude trading hub.

   
5. Day 5

   Namche to Tengboche (3,870m)

   Trek Distance10km / 6.2mi

   Highest Altitude3,870m / 12,694ft

   Trek Duration5-6 hours

   Leaving Namche, the trail contours along the hillside high above the Dudh Koshi gorge with spectacular views of Everest, Nuptse, Lhotse, and Ama Dablam. You gradually descend to Phunki Tenga before climbing through forest to Tengboche.

   Tengboche Monastery is the spiritual heart of the Khumbu and the largest gompa in the region. With Ama Dablam towering directly behind it, this is one of the most photographed locations on the trail. If you arrive in time, you may be able to attend the afternoon prayer ceremony.

   The monastery was rebuilt after earthquakes and fire, and remains a centre of Buddhist learning and culture for the entire Sherpa community.

   
6. Day 6

   Tengboche to Dingboche (4,410m)

   Trek Distance12km / 7.5mi

   Highest Altitude4,410m / 14,468ft

   Trek Duration5-6 hours

   You descend from Tengboche through rhododendron and birch forest to the river, then climb past the village of Pangboche, one of the oldest Sherpa settlements in the Khumbu. The ancient monastery here is said to house a yeti relic.

   The landscape becomes more arid as you enter the Imja Khola valley. Views of Ama Dablam dominate, and you may spot Himalayan tahr and pheasant along the trail. The final approach to Dingboche involves a steep climb up the valley side.

   Dingboche sits in a wide, flat valley surrounded by towering peaks. The fields are enclosed by stone walls to protect potato and buckwheat crops from the wind. It is an excellent place to rest and prepare for the higher altitudes ahead.

7. Day 7

   Acclimatisation Day in Dingboche

   Another essential acclimatisation day. The recommended hike is to Nangkartshang Peak (5,083m) above Dingboche, which offers extraordinary views of Makalu, Island Peak, Ama Dablam, and the Lhotse wall.

   Alternatively, you can take a shorter walk to Chhukung village for views of the Chhukung glacier and Island Peak. Your guide will assess how everyone is adjusting and advise on the best option.

   Spend the rest of the day resting, reading, playing cards in the teahouse, or simply watching the clouds roll across the Himalayan peaks. Stay hydrated and eat well to prepare for the push above 5,000m.

   
8. Day 8

   Dingboche to Lobuche (4,940m)

   Trek Distance10km / 6.2mi

   Highest Altitude4,940m / 16,207ft

   Trek Duration4-5 hours

   The trail crosses the Khumbu Khola and climbs gradually through sparse vegetation. You pass the memorial chortens at Thukla dedicated to climbers who lost their lives on Everest, a sobering and beautiful spot.

   Above Thukla, the landscape becomes stark and glacial. You walk along the lateral moraine of the massive Khumbu Glacier with views of Pumori, Lingtren, and Nuptse. The air is noticeably thinner and each step requires more effort.

   Lobuche is a small collection of teahouses at nearly 5,000m. Nights are cold and the atmosphere is charged with anticipation as you are now just one day from Everest Base Camp.

9. Day 9

   Lobuche to Gorak Shep, EBC (5,364m)

   Trek Distance13km / 8mi

   Highest Altitude5,364m / 17,598ft

   Trek Duration7-8 hours

   This is the big day. You leave early, trekking across the Khumbu Glacier moraine to Gorak Shep (5,164m), where you drop your bags and continue to Everest Base Camp at 5,364m. The final stretch is rocky and demanding.

   At Base Camp, during the spring season you may see expedition tents scattered across the glacier, with the notorious Khumbu Icefall towering above. Standing at the foot of the world's highest mountain is an emotional and unforgettable experience.

   After spending time at Base Camp, you retrace your steps to Gorak Shep for the night. Rest well because tomorrow brings another highlight at Kala Patthar.

   
10. Day 10

    Kala Patthar Sunrise, Trek to Pheriche

    Highest Altitude5,545m / 18,192ft

    Trek Duration7-8 hours

    You wake well before dawn for the 1.5-hour climb to Kala Patthar (5,545m), the highest point of the trek and the best panoramic viewpoint of Everest. Watching the sunrise paint Everest gold is a once-in-a-lifetime moment.

    From the summit you can see Everest, Nuptse, Changtse, Lhotse, and many other peaks stretching across the horizon. After soaking in the views and taking photos, you descend back to Gorak Shep for a late breakfast.

    The rest of the day is spent descending to Pheriche (4,240m), where the thicker air and warmer temperatures make sleeping much more comfortable.

    
11. Day 11

    Pheriche to Namche Bazaar

    Trek Distance20km / 12.4mi

    Trek Duration6-7 hours

    Today is a long but rewarding descent through familiar territory. You drop over 1,200m in altitude, and the difference in air quality and warmth is immediately noticeable. Your body will feel stronger with every step.

    The reverse perspectives of the mountains are often more spectacular than on the way up. Ama Dablam in particular reveals new angles. You pass through Tengboche and Phunki Tenga before climbing back up to Namche.

    Back in Namche, celebrate your achievement with a hot shower, pizza, and maybe a cinnamon roll from one of the famous bakeries.

12. Day 12

    Namche to Lukla

    Trek Distance19km / 11.8mi

    Trek Duration6-7 hours

    The final trekking day takes you down from Namche, back across the suspension bridges, through the national park checkpoint, and past the villages you walked through on day two and three.

    The descent is relatively easy and the mood is celebratory. You may spot langur monkeys and colourful birds in the lower forests that you were too focused on the climb to notice earlier.

    Arriving in Lukla, you check into your teahouse and enjoy a farewell dinner with your guide and porter team. It is customary to share tips and thanks at this meal.

13. Day 13

    Fly Lukla to Kathmandu

    Flight Hours30 Minutes

    Trek Duration30 min flight

    Weather permitting, you board the early morning flight from Lukla back to Kathmandu. The 30-minute flight offers one last sweeping view of the Himalayan range before you descend into the Kathmandu valley.

    Back at your hotel, you have the rest of the day free to explore the city, shop for souvenirs, or simply relax. In the evening, your team will host a farewell dinner at a traditional Nepali restaurant.

    You will receive your trek completion certificate and have a chance to share stories and photos from the trail.

14. Day 14

    Departure

    Your guide will arrange your airport transfer based on your flight time. Depending on your departure schedule, you may have time for a final temple visit or some last-minute shopping in Thamel.

    We hope the memories of Everest, the kindness of the Sherpa people, and the beauty of the Khumbu valley will stay with you for a lifetime.

    Safe travels and we look forward to welcoming you back to Nepal for your next adventure.

Here is a list of what you might want to pack for the Everest Base Camp Trek. Please take this as a starting point. You'll need additional layers of warmer clothing during winter. We provide a 75-litre duffel bag for you to use during the trek, given at your pre-trip meeting in Kathmandu. The duffel bag is yours to keep. You can also rent a sleeping bag and down jacket for an additional USD 35 each.