Everest Base Camp Trek

The journey to Everest’s base camp is more than just a trek. It is not uncommon to see stunning forests, Sherpa villages, glacial moraines, and foothills along a route referred to as “the steps to heaven.”. With our full trekking support team, you’ll experience local cultures before reaching the highest point in the world for an unforgettable experience.

Everest Base Camp Trek: Overview

Get ready for one of the best journeys of your life! Everest Base Camp Trek is known for being the best hike on earth. It got its moniker for a very good reason. A hiker on this epic journey will traverse forests and ridges full of precipitous peaks.

The trail passes through small mountain villages grouped beneath towering glaciers. Trekking in the legendary Khumbu area of Nepal gives you the opportunity to see fantastic scenery. This is the spot where ancient society and unmatched natural beauty come together to create an atmosphere of beauty that is associated with the world’s most extreme sport.

Plus, no other trip will take you closer to the tallest mountain in the world, Mt. Everest, considered the top inspirational display in all of the Himalaya. This sixteen-day trek, which the Nepal Hiking Team offers every year, introduces you to this memorable journey that draws explorers from all over the world. However, the trek is not just about the end destination – it is an experience in itself.

The trek begins as soon as you step off the plane at Lukla airport. While traversing this mountaintop village, you will encounter guides, mountaineers, porters, as well as adventurers of all kinds. After gathering with your group, you can prepare for your adventures ahead. You will also traverse prayer flag-draped suspension bridges and climb in the heart of the Himalayas, where sharp vantage points await you.

As part of the Everest Base Camp Trek, you’ll pass through the Sagarmatha National Park, where you’ll find multicolored rhododendron blooms dotted throughout the forests and rushing rivers created by glacial runoff. With every step you take, you get closer to the almighty mountain known in Nepal as Sagarmatha, and in Tibet as Chomolungma. It is during your trek to Everest Base Camp that you will learn more about the names of the towns and villages that surround the trek.

Several of these beautiful mountain villages can be found on this Everest Base Camp Trek, and you have likely heard about a lot of them already: Namche Bazaar, Tengboche, Dingboche. In these neighborhoods, you will find a deeper appreciation for Sherpa culture as well as the ancient Tibetan Buddhist school, which has enriched the local culture for hundreds of years.

A trip to the Everest Base Camp Trek is full of culturally significant sites, from the chortens and mani stones you will see alongside the trail to the monasteries you will see along the way. You can gain insights into the Khumbu region and make connections with locals and fellow trekkers by traveling with the Nepal Hiking Team. Contact us today to start planning your trip to Mt. Everest!

Specific training is needed for your Everest Base Camp Trek

The trek to Everest base camp is not easy at all. You will receive all the necessary information needed to make your trip successful thanks to our expertise, experience, and unique itinerary. You must train hard to make the trip a success and enjoyable experience. To make your trip to Everest Base Camp trek a pleasant and successful adventure, our team is available to help you prepare physically and mentally. We will provide you with the best training advice and all the necessary gear and equipment.

Best time to trek Everest Base Camp

Fall and spring are the most popular times of year to trek to Everest Base Camp. In Nepal, spring begins in February and lasts until May. Warm temperatures, lots of sunlight, and blooming rhododendrons and wildflowers describe this season.

Fall is the best time to hike the Himalayas, so those who wish to take in the best view should also consider this opportunity. Trekking is most popular between September and November. Mostly because there isn’t much rain, it’s entirely sunny, and it’s unobstructed views so you can see the horizon clearly. You can also add travel during other timeframes.

In Nepal, summer is characterized by the seasonal monsoon. There are heavy rains, fast-flowing rivers, and lush greenery here. During this period, you will not have to share the trail with many additional tourists.

Snowy mountain views and chilly temperatures make winter a great choice. We will make sure your trip to Everest Base Camp becomes a memorable one, no matter what timeframe you choose.

Here are a few reasons why you'll enjoy this trip

Discover vast rugged mountains, as well as glacial plains, frothy rivers, and enchanting valleys covered in pink blossoms.
Taking a trek like this provides people with the chance to build a true sense of comradery, and the feelings of camaraderie that develop will last a lifetime.
See the Himalayas for the first time on an included flight from Kathmandu to Lukla – the famed airport in the sky.
The trip will allow you to experience rich Sherpa culture with the guidance of an experienced and passionate English-speaking guide and porter team.
By partnering with local mountaineering and porter welfare programs, we ensure that our porters receive the kind of care they need, so that you can trek with confidence.

Itinerary for Everest Base Camp Trek

Day 01: Arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport Kathmandu

Kathmandu is located in a fertile valley surrounded by green hills. Arriving in Kathmandu, whether by car or by plane, is bound to be a memorable experience. You will be greeted at the airport terminal by our representative if you take a flight to Kathmandu. Seek out an individual holding a banner that has your name on it or your company’s.

Upon greeting you, he will drive you to your hotel and assist you in checking in. If you are arriving by car, our representative will meet you at a designated stop or send you the hotel’s address where your room is reserved.
Today’s schedule does not include any activities. Rest and regain energy for your upcoming adventure. Overnight at the hotel.

Note: You can ignore Day-1 if you’re in Kathmandu, Nepal.

Day 02: Kathmandu Valley Sightseeing Tour and Trekking Preparation

In today’s tour, you’ll see some of the most famous landmarks in Kathmandu. Stupa Boudhanath, Pashupatinath Temple, Kathmandu Durbar Square, and Swayambhunath Temple are cultural assets of Kathmandu and protected by UNESCO.

Experienced city tour guides will lead you to these cultural and religious sites. His/her knowledge of this history and the local legends and folklore will be valuable for you. Boudhanath Stupa is a Buddhist stupa that is one of the oldest in Asia.

Nepal’s most sacred Shiva shrine is the Pashupatinath Temple. Many travel brochures feature this temple, and Marvel’s Dr. Strange starred here as well. On the bridge below the temple, a part of this famous Hollywood film was shot. It may be eye-opening to observe Hindu cremation rites at Arya Ghat.

One of three royal squares in Kathmandu is Kathmandu Durbar Square. Durbar square was built in the medieval era and later served as the royal seat of the Malla rulers and the Shah dynasty. Inside the royal square is the house of Kumari, the Living Goddess. The hilltop shrine in Swayambhunath is a place of worship for both Buddhists and Hindus.

The legend tells that there was a stupa here built by Boddhisattva Manjushri exactly when Kathmandu took form. You will return to your hotel after your sightseeing tour. You will be called for a brief trip briefing in the hotel lobby after you have rested for a while. You will be briefed by your trekking guide and asked for any questions you may have.

Accommodation

(Teahouse for 1 night)

Meals

There are no meals included on this day.

Day 03: Fly to Lukla and Trek to Phakding (2652m)

Walking Distance – 8 km

Duration: 3 hours

One of the world’s most stunning trekking destinations, Mt Everest is the highest peak in the world sitting at 8848 m. Mountain Sagarmatha has long been revered as the home of the gods. The mountain was first conquered by Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay in 1953.

During this journey, you will climb to the mountaineer’s base camp and get a glimpse into the incredible Sherpa culture. Glaciers, plateaus, passes, and valleys will be crossed on your journey to the Everest Base Camp. Along the way, we have tea houses that are small and basic. They offer simple but delicious meals to sustain our efforts, as well as basic but cosy remote houses operated by mountain Nepalese. It is a challenging trip and involves trekking at high altitudes, but the overall experience is breathtaking!

Our flight from Kathmandu to Lukla (45 minutes) is very early today (approximately 6.30 am). From the small plane, you can see an amazing view of the Himalayas if the weather is good. A short safety talk and a brief introduction to our porters are followed by breakfast in Lukla (2840 m). Upon arriving at Phakding (2610 m), we will follow the milk-white Dudh Kosi River for approximately three hours.

Accommodation

(Teahouse for 1 night)

Meals

There are no meals included on this day.

Special Information

Ramechhap (also called Manthali) Airport may be the airport where domestic flights to and from Kathmandu arrive and depart during peak travel times. There is a 130km-distance between the airport and Kathmandu (approximately 4-5 hours drive).

Day 04: Phakding to Namche Bazaar (3440m)

Walking Distance – 10 to 12 km
Duration: 6 hours

The trek today will take you about 7 hours to Namche Bazaar, where you’ll spend a couple of days acclimatizing. Additionally, you may see Everest for the first time. Phakding is the starting point for the journey up the Namche Bazaar. After crossing the river, you will follow the path of the porters.

The trail, which runs through a blue pine forest, follows the river valley. Rhododendron flowers are particularly spectacular in spring. You’ll see two peaks above 6,000 metres at Benkar, including Kusum Kanguru (6369m) and Thamserku (6623m). We recommend stopping for lunch at Monjo (2835m).

It gets tougher from here, with a steep ascent to Namche Bazaar. Continue upstream once you enter the national park, passing through the village of Jorsale (2,805m). Continue up Namche Bazaar and cross yet another suspension bridge.

Take your camera out as you will be able to see the three peaks of Everest, Lhotse, and Nuptse for the first time. This is your last opportunity to check your equipment and hire any additional gear you may need for the high altitudes from Dingboche onwards. During Namche Bazaar, you can also enjoy the local nightlife and play pool or take in a movie.

Accommodation

(Teahouse for 1 night)

Meals

There are no meals included on this day.

Day 05: Acclimatization Day – Hike to Everest View Hotel (3,962m)

Walking Distance – 3 to 4 km
Duration: 3 to 4 hours

You will stay another night in Namche Bazaar in order to properly acclimatize to the altitude. It is recommended to ascend to a high altitude and then descend back down to sleep, so there will be an optional morning walk above the Bhote Khola Valley towards Thami (3,810m).

From the headquarters of the national park above the village, you can enjoy a beautiful view both in the morning and at sunset. Stunning views of the Khumbu peaks and Everest are included in this view.

There is a Sherpa lifestyle & culture exhibit at the park headquarters, along with displays on local flora & fauna. Namche became important during the trade of Tibetan salt for lowland grains in Nepal. In the village centre, you can still find clothing, rugs, salt, and dried meat, so don’t hesitate to haggle for anything you may need.

Accommodation

(Teahouse for 1 night)

Meals

There are no meals included on this day.

Day 06: Namche to Tengboche (3860m)

Walking Distance – 10 to 11 km
Duration: 5 hours

During our hike from Namche Bazaar to Phortse, we covered 9 km in about 6-7 hours. The route offers fascinating insights into the culture and life of the sherpas, and that night we stay in a village where a number of sherpas have reached the summit of Everest. Amadablam can be seen clearly from Phortse.

In total, we gain 370 meters in altitude between our sleeping spots.

Accommodation

(Teahouse for 1 night)

Meals

There are no meals included on this day.

Day 07: Tengboche to Dingboche (4410m)

Walking Distance – 11 to 12 km
Duration: 5 hours

Dingboche is about 8 km away at the top of the tree-line. The trek takes approximately six hours. Here, you’ll find a patchwork of stone walls enclosing a beautiful patchwork of small fields. Cold winds are protected from the crops of barley and potatoes by these walls.

As before, the scenery is breathtaking, and although Everest is hidden behind Lhotse-Nuptse Ridge, the giant peaks that rise above the eastern end of the valley make it well worth the trip. Depending on the weather, you might see incredible sunsets with the mountain peaks illuminated — Ama Dablam, Lhotse’s south face, as well as Island Peak in the valley’s center.

Our altitude gain between places we sleep is 600 meters.

Accommodation

(Teahouse for 1 night)

Meals

There are no meals included on this day.

Day 08: Acclimatization Day- Hike to Nagarjun hill and return

Walking Distance – 5 to 6 km
Duration: 4 to 5 hours

Today is another day of acclimatization. After spending the night in Dingboche, we take day trips to Amadablam, Nagarjun Hill, or Chukkhung.

Accommodation

(Teahouse for 1 night)

Meals

There are no meals included on this day.

Day 09: Dingboche to Lobuche (4910m)

Walking Distance – 11 to 12 km
Duration: 5 hours

On the small ridge behind Dingboche, just above Pheriche valley, ascend the small ridge. Taweche and Cholatse (6440m) can be seen across the valley to the west from the stupa at the summit. The skyline is dominated to the north by Lobuje Peak (6119m) and the snowfields of Cho La.

There are no rushes this time around, so take your time and drink plenty of water. The going will be more or less flat on open fields now. In the afternoon, you will cross the Khumbu Khola at Dughla and have lunch in the enormous terminal moraines of the Khumbu Glacier flowing off Everest.

The climb to the top of the moraines will begin in the afternoon on a rocky trail. Toward the top of the ridge, you’ll see a line of memorial cairns (stacks of stones), built as a tribute to the climbers and Sherpas who have perished on various Everest expeditions over the last 50 years or so.

Once again, the view is breathtaking, with Pumori (7145m), Lingtren (6697m), Khumbutse (6623m), and across the border in Tibet, Changtse (7550m), encircling you. You will arrive at Lobuje early afternoon after following the valley stream.

Lobuche is about six hours and seven kilometers away, bringing us closer to our goal!

Between the places we sleep, we gain a total of 490m in altitude.

Accommodation

(Teahouse for 1 night)

Meals

There are no meals included on this day.

Day 10: Lobuche to Gorakshep (5180m/16990ft) - Everest Base Camp (5364m) and back to Gorakshep

Walking Distance – 14 to 15 km
Duration- 8 hours

It’s the big day, Everest Base Camp day. While walking at altitude, you must initially gain a slow and steady rhythm in order to be able to process the rapid ascents and descents.

The approach to Changri Nup Glacier takes you over a rocky path marked with cairns until you reach the glacial sands of Gorak Shep (5160m) – halfway across the moraine in about three hours of walking.

Get your gear on and go to Everest Base Camp while you’re eating a quick snack. The trek to the base camp can be completed in three hours, and yaks and porters will almost certainly be supplying food and equipment to expeditions here during the popular climbing season of March to May.

Everest Base Camp does not offer views of Mount Everest, but you can see glaciers, lakes, caves, and the infamous Everest Ice Fall flowing from the Western Cwm. A section of the mountain regarded as being most dangerous and hard to climb.

Returning from Gorak Shep to Base Camp takes the same amount of time as the journey there. The next morning, you will wake up early to take in the breathtaking views of the Himalayan giants from Kala Patar.

NOTE: There is approximately a 3-hour trek to Gorak Shep (5160 m) and approximately a 5-hour round trip to Everest Base Camp.

Between the places we sleep, we gain a total of 240m of altitude.

Accommodation

(Teahouse for 1 night)

Meals

There are no meals included on this day.

Day 11: Gorakshep - Kala Patthar (5545m) then trek back to Pheriche (4210m/13810ft)

Walking Distance – 13 to 14 km
Duration – 7 hours

There are many recognizable sights in the Himalayas today. The best view of Everest can be found from Kala Pattar (5545 m), so we get up early to avoid the early morning clouds.

When you see Everest, don’t be surprised if you get a little tear in your eye. Enjoy this extra special moment for as long as you like and embrace that emotion. Ascend slowly, following a steady rhythm as you ascend from the lodge.

Kala Patar is a rocky hilltop below Pumori. Despite the difficulty of the walk due to the altitude, you’ll be amazed by the views from the top. To reach the summit from Gorak Shep will probably take about an hour and a half, although lower viewpoints will provide almost as good views.

The Everest massif – Nuptse, Changtse, Ama Dablam, Taweche, Kantega and Nuptse – are all here. At the bottom of Khumbu Ice Fall, some 200 meters below, can be found the Everest Base Camp, located about three kilometres away. From here, it is downhill all the way. When you reach Gorak Shep, the descent to the lodge is easy and you will have a quick drink before heading to your rooms to prepare breakfast.

Following breakfast, you will depart for Lobuche and Thugla, where lunch will be served. As you head for Pheriche, you will cross the Khumbu Khola and then descend the valley below Cholatse.

Your leader will decide where you will spend the night based on how your group feels after a long walking day (approx. 8 hours).

Accommodation

(Teahouse for 1 night)

Meals

There are no meals included on this day.

Day 12: Pheriche to Namche (3440m)

Walking Distance – 14 to 15 km
Duration- 7 hours

Continue to Namche by following the trail from Pheriche. As you travel, take in the views at intervals. At the end of a long day, it is nice to take a long hot shower. There are local bakeries and coffee shops where you can enjoy baked goods and coffee.

Accommodation

(Teahouse for 1 night)

Meals

There are no meals included on this day.

Day 13: Namche to Lukla (2800m)

Walking Distance – 18 to 19 km
Duration – 7 hours

You can reach Lukla by taking the downhill trail. When you reach the final point of your trek, take in as many views of the mountains as you can. You will stay overnight at a local teahouse once you reach Lukla. Your trip comes to an end in the evening when you celebrate with the crew.

The porters, guides, and assistant guides will sing, dance, and brew local beer endlessly. Taking this opportunity to thank your local EBC crew is a good idea. You can leave them tips before going to bed and bidding farewell to most of them.

Accommodation

(Teahouse for 1 night)

Meals

There are no meals included on this day.

Day 14: Flight from Lukla to Kathmandu

Today marks the end of your successful trek. Take your flight back to Kathmandu early in the morning before bidding farewell to the spectacular scenery of the Khumbu.

Now that you know the Himalayas, you can identify many of its significant peaks from your window. A trip to Kathmandu after the mountains can be a surprise after experiencing solitude in the mountains.

As we transfer you to your hotel, you can enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure. If you’d like to browse the local markets, please feel free to do so. Thamel has a number of great restaurants where you can have dinner before returning to your hotel for the night.

Accommodation

(Teahouse for 1 night)

Meals

Hotel, Breakfast included

Day 15: Reserve day in Kathmandu

Bad weather can cause weather delays and emergencies, so a buffer day is set aside. You can use this day however you wish as long as everything goes according to plan. Explore local markets, go souvenir shopping, relax at a spa, or take a city tour.

Accommodation

(Teahouse for 1 night)

Meals

Hotel, Breakfast included

Day 16: Farewell and Departure

Weave a fond farewell to Kathmandu before heading to the airport. You will be transported to the airport in plenty of time to catch your flight. We can help you further plan your journey into the Himalayas if you wish to extend your stay.

Accommodation

Meals

Breakfast included

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