Everest Base Camp Trek

Overview

Join the Adventure of a Lifetime with the Everest Base Camp Trek

The Everest Base Camp Trek is one of the most iconic treks in the world. It takes you into the heart of the Khumbu region, past Sherpa villages, Buddhist monasteries, swaying suspension bridges and glacial valleys, to the foot of the highest mountain on Earth. For anyone who has ever dreamed of standing in the shadow of Everest, this is the journey of a lifetime.

Mt. Everest (8,848.86 m), known as Sagarmatha in Nepal and Chomolungma in Tibet, draws trekkers from every corner of the globe. The trek is well established and accessible. It begins with a thrilling mountain flight to Lukla, and comfortable teahouse lodges line the trail all the way to Gorak Shep. No technical climbing experience is needed, but good fitness and a positive attitude go a long way at high altitude.

Most of the route lies within Sagarmatha National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The park is home to rare wildlife such as the Himalayan tahr, musk deer and the colourful Danphe (Himalayan monal), Nepal’s national bird. In spring, the lower trails along the Dudh Koshi River come alive with rhododendrons blooming in red, pink and white.

The Khumbu is the homeland of the Sherpa people, famed for their mountaineering skill and warm hospitality. Along the way you’ll explore Namche Bazaar, the bustling trading hub of the region, and visit Tengboche Monastery, the largest monastery in the Khumbu, set against a stunning backdrop of Ama Dablam.

Highlights

• Standing at Everest Base Camp (5,364 m) beside the Khumbu Icefall
• unrise view of Everest from Kala Patthar (5,545 m)
• The scenic mountain flight to Lukla
• Exploring Namche Bazaar and Sherpa culture
• Close views of Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Ama Dablam and Pumori
• Visiting the historic Tengboche Monastery

1. 1

   Day 1Fly to Lukla (2,860 m), trek to Phakding (2,610 m)

   A short, scenic mountain flight to Lukla, then an easy walk along the Dudh Koshi River to the village of Phakding.

2. 2

   Day 2Phakding to Namche Bazaar (3,440 m)

   Cross several suspension bridges, including the high Hillary Bridge, and enter Sagarmatha National Park. A steady climb brings your first glimpse of Everest before you reach Namche.

3. 3

   Day 3Acclimatization day in Namche Bazaar

   A short hike up to the Everest View Hotel area or Khumjung village for panoramic mountain views, followed by time to explore Namche’s markets, cafés and Sherpa museum.

4. 4

   Day 4Namche Bazaar to Tengboche (3,860 m)

   A beautiful trail high above the river with constant views of Ama Dablam, ending at Tengboche Monastery. You can join the evening prayers if you like.

5. 5

   Day 5Tengboche to Dingboche (4,410 m)

   Descend through forest to Deboche, then climb past Pangboche into the wide Imja Valley, where stone-walled fields surround Dingboche.

6. 6

   Day 6Acclimatization day in Dingboche

   A hike up Nangkartshang Peak (5,083 m) for sweeping views of Makalu, Lhotse and Island Peak, then return to Dingboche to rest.

7. 7

   Day 7Dingboche to Lobuche (4,940 m)

   Climb to Thukla and pass the memorials to climbers who lost their lives on Everest, then follow the edge of the Khumbu Glacier to Lobuche.

8. 8

   Day 8Lobuche to Gorak Shep (5,164 m), visit Everest Base Camp (5,364 m)

   The big day. Reach Gorak Shep, then continue across the glacial moraine to Everest Base Camp before returning to Gorak Shep for the night.

9. 9

   Day 9Hike Kala Patthar (5,545 m), descend to Pheriche (4,371 m)

   An early start for sunrise over Everest from Kala Patthar, the highest point of the trek, followed by a long descent to Pheriche.

10. Day 10Pheriche to Namche Bazaar (3,440 m)

    Retrace the trail down the valley through Pangboche and Tengboche, enjoying the thicker air as you descend.

What the price covers

Frequently asked questions

• How difficult is the Everest Base Camp Trek?

  The trek is rated moderate to strenuous. You’ll walk around 5–7 hours a day on rocky, uneven trails with steady ups and downs. No technical climbing skills are needed. The main challenge is the high altitude, not the terrain. Anyone with good general fitness can complete it, especially if they prepare with regular hiking, stair climbing or cardio in the months before the trek.

• When is the best time to do the trek?

  The best seasons are spring (March to May) and autumn (late September to November). Both bring stable weather, clear mountain views and comfortable daytime temperatures. Spring also brings rhododendron blooms on the lower trails. Winter (December to February) is very cold at higher elevations but quieter. The monsoon (June to August) brings rain, clouds and frequent flight delays to Lukla.

• What about altitude sickness?

  Altitude sickness can affect anyone, regardless of fitness. Common symptoms include headache, nausea, dizziness, loss of appetite and trouble sleeping. Our itinerary includes two acclimatization days, in Namche Bazaar and Dingboche, and follows a gradual ascent to reduce the risk. Your guide will monitor your condition throughout the trek. Drinking plenty of water and walking at a steady pace also help. If symptoms get worse, the only real cure is to descend, and your guide will arrange this. We recommend speaking to your doctor about preventive medication before you travel.

• What permits do I need, and are they included?

  You need two permits: the Sagarmatha National Park entry permit and the Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality permit. A TIMS card is not required for the Everest region. Both permits are included in the package price, and we arrange them for you.

• What is the accommodation like on the trek?

  You’ll stay in teahouses, which are simple, family-run mountain lodges. Rooms are usually twin-sharing with basic beds and blankets. At higher elevations, bathrooms are mostly shared and facilities become more basic. Hot showers, Wi-Fi and device charging are available in most places for a small extra fee. We recommend bringing a warm sleeping bag for the colder nights above Dingboche.

• What happens if the Lukla flight is delayed or cancelled?

  Flights to and from Lukla depend on the weather, and delays are common, especially in the early morning or during cloudy conditions. We strongly recommend keeping 1–2 spare days in your travel plans after the trek. During peak seasons, Lukla flights often depart from Ramechhap (Manthali) instead of Kathmandu, which involves an early-morning drive. If flights are cancelled for several days, a helicopter can be arranged at extra cost.

• Is travel insurance required?

  Yes, travel insurance is compulsory for this trek. Your policy must cover high-altitude trekking up to at least 5,600 m and include emergency helicopter evacuation and medical treatment. Please check the altitude limit in your policy carefully, as many standard travel insurance plans do not cover trekking at this height.

• What should I pack for the trek?

  Key items include: Broken-in waterproof trekking boots A warm down jacket and thermal base layers A waterproof outer jacket and trousers Fleece layers, gloves and a warm hat A sun hat and sunglasses A sleeping bag rated to around -10°C A daypack Reusable water bottles with purification tablets Sunscreen, lip balm and a personal first-aid kit

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