Everest Base Camp Trek
- Duration
- 14 days
- Max altitude
- 5,555 m
- Difficulty
-
Strenuous
Difficulty scale
- Easy Short walking days on good trails below about 3,000 m. Suitable for anyone in ordinary health, including families.
- Moderate 5 to 6 hours a day with some steep sections, reaching up to about 4,000 m. A reasonable level of fitness and a few weeks of preparation walking recommended.
- Strenuous 6 to 8 hours a day, high passes or altitudes above 5,000 m, and remote stretches. Good fitness, prior trekking experience and proper acclimatisation days are essential.
- Very strenuous Long days, multiple high passes or technical sections, sustained time above 5,000 m. For experienced, well-conditioned trekkers only.
- Best season
- Autumn (Sep–Nov) · Spring (Mar–May)
- Group
- Private
- From
- $1,210.00
Overview
The walk most people picture when they picture Nepal, done at a pace built around acclimatisation rather than the calendar. From Lukla the trail follows the Dudh Koshi to Namche Bazaar, climbs past Tengboche monastery under Ama Dablam, and finishes on the moraine at 5,364 m below the Khumbu Icefall.
Every departure is private and led by a government-licensed Nepali guide, so the plan flexes to your party and to the mountain. Permits, park fees and local taxes are inside the price you see.
Trip highlights
- Sunrise on Everest from Kala Patthar
- Two full acclimatisation days, never skipped
- Namche Bazaar, the trading heart of the Khumbu
- Tengboche monastery beneath Ama Dablam
- Standing at Base Camp below the icefall
Day by day
The itinerary
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Day 1: Arrive in Kathmandu (1,400 m) and transfer to your hotel 1,400 m Hotel
One of our team meets you at Tribhuvan International Airport and takes you to your hotel in a private vehicle. In the afternoon we run the pre-trip briefing, where you meet your guide, go through the plan day by day and check your kit.
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Day 2: Fly to Lukla (2,840 m), trek to Phakding (2,610 m) 2,610 m 3-4 hrs Teahouse L/D
In peak season (March to May, September to November) the Lukla flight leaves from Ramechhap rather than Kathmandu, so we drive five to six hours through the night and fly at first light. Outside those months the flight goes direct from Kathmandu and takes 35 minutes. From Lukla it is a gentle three to four hours downhill along the Dudh Koshi to Phakding. A short first day on purpose: it lets your body settle and leaves room if the flight is delayed.
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Day 3: Phakding to Namche Bazaar (3,440 m) 3,440 m 5-6 hrs Teahouse B/L/D
The first real climb. The trail crosses five suspension bridges over the Dudh Koshi, enters Sagarmatha National Park at Monjo where permits are checked, and stops at Jorsalle for lunch. After the Hillary bridge comes a long steady ascent through pine forest, with the first view of Everest about an hour below town on a clear afternoon.
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Day 4: Acclimatisation day in Namche. Hike to Hotel Everest View (3,880 m) 3,880 m 4-5 hrs Teahouse B/L/D
A rest day that is not a rest day. We walk up towards the Everest View Hotel and back, gaining around 400 m, then come down to sleep low. This is the day that makes the rest of the trek work. Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Ama Dablam and Thamserku are all visible from the top on a clear morning. The afternoon is free in Namche, which has cafes, gear shops, a bank and the Sherpa museum.
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Day 5: Namche Bazaar to Tengboche (3,860 m) 3,860 m 5-6 hrs Teahouse B/L/D
A contouring trail with Ama Dablam opening up ahead, past the Tenzing Norgay memorial stupa and down to Phunki Tenga for lunch. Then a steep climb of two to three hours to the monastery. We aim to arrive by three so there is time for the afternoon prayer ceremony, which is worth planning around.
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Day 6: Tengboche to Dingboche (4,410 m) 4,410 m 5-6 hrs Teahouse B/L/D
Down through rhododendron forest to Debuche, across the Imja Khola, then up through Pangboche and Somare. Below the treeline the landscape opens out and the walking gets colder and more exposed. Stone-walled potato fields at Dingboche.
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Day 7: Acclimatisation day in Dingboche. Hike to Nangkartshang (5,083 m) 5,083 m 4-5 hrs Teahouse B/L/D
Up the Nangkartshang ridge for the altitude, then back down to sleep. It is a steady two to three hours of climbing and the views take in Makalu, Cho Oyu, Ama Dablam, Island Peak and Lobuche East. Take water, sunscreen and a warm layer, the wind on the ridge is cold even in sunshine.
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Day 8: Dingboche to Lobuche (4,910 m) 4,910 m 5-6 hrs Teahouse B/L/D
A gradual climb to Thukla for lunch, then the steep pull to Thukla Pass and the memorial stones for climbers who died on Everest. A sobering stretch. From there the trail follows the lateral moraine of the Khumbu Glacier to Lobuche, with Pumori and Nuptse ahead.
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Day 9: Lobuche to Gorak Shep (5,190 m), then Everest Base Camp (5,364 m) 5,364 m 8-9 hrs Teahouse B/L/D
The long day. Two to three hours over glacier moraine to Gorak Shep, lunch and drop the packs, then one to two hours out to Base Camp beneath the Khumbu Icefall and back. Expect eight to nine hours of walking at altitude. Take water, snacks, sun protection and a warm layer for the walk back.
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Day 10: Kala Patthar (5,555 m) at sunrise, descend to Pheriche (4,240 m) 5,555 m 7-8 hrs Teahouse B/L/D
A pre-dawn start for the highest point of the trek. This is where the Everest photograph comes from, with Lhotse, Nuptse and Pumori around it. Back to Gorak Shep for breakfast, then a long descent past Lobuche and Thukla, dropping right at the pass to reach Pheriche in thicker air.
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Day 11: Pheriche to Namche Bazaar (3,440 m) 3,440 m 7-8 hrs Teahouse B/L/D
Down the Imja valley through Somare, Pangboche, Debuche and Tengboche. A long day but everything is easier now. Namche feels almost tropical after a week above 4,000 m.
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Day 12: Namche Bazaar to Lukla (2,840 m) 2,840 m 7-8 hrs Teahouse B/L/D
The last walking day, and a long one, back over the Hillary bridge and through Monjo, Phakding and Cheplung. A celebration dinner in Lukla.
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Day 13: Fly back to Kathmandu 1,400 m Hotel B
Morning flight out, weather permitting, either direct to Kathmandu in 35 minutes or to Ramechhap in 20 followed by the drive. We keep a buffer in the plan because Lukla flights are weather-dependent and pretending otherwise would be dishonest. Transfer to your hotel and the rest of the day is yours.
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Day 14: Departure 1,400 m B
One of our team takes you to the international airport for your flight home.
Altitude profile
The climb, day by day
Comfort tiers
Choose your level of comfort
| Amenity | Standardfrom $1,450.00 | Comfortfrom $1,711.00 | Luxuryfrom $2,102.50 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kathmandu hotel | 3★ | 4★ | 5★ |
| Trail accommodation | Standard teahouse | Best lodge in each village | Premium lodge where the route has one |
| Porter support | Shared porter | Private porter, lighter load | Extra porter, carry almost nothing |
| Transfers | Shared | Private | Private, throughout |
What's included
Included
- Included: In Kathmandu: four nights of twin-share accommodation at a three-star hotel such as Hotel Woodapple and Spa or similar, subject to availability (two nights before and two nights after the trek)
- Included: On the trail: comfortable lodge accommodation on a twin-share basis, with private bathrooms and hot showers in Phakding, Namche and Lukla
- Included: Breakfast in Kathmandu
- Included: Full board meals during the trek
- Included: Fresh seasonal fruit
- Included: All international and domestic airport transfers by tourist vehicle
- Included: Round-trip airfare between Kathmandu or Manthali and Lukla
- Included: Kathmandu to Manthali to Kathmandu transport by shared tourist vehicle
- Included: Sagarmatha (Everest) National Park permit
- Included: Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality fee
- Included: TIMS card
- Included: One experienced, English-speaking, government-licensed senior guide
- Included: Assistant guides assigned by group size for parties over four
- Included: One porter for every two trekkers (each porter carries up to 25 kg, roughly 12 to 13 kg per trekker)
- Included: Wages, accommodation, meals, equipment, insurance and medical coverage for all trekking staff
- Included: First aid kit including an oximeter carried by the guide for daily altitude and health monitoring
- Included: Duffel bag, trekking map, sun hat and neck gaiter
- Included: Trip completion certificate
- Included: All applicable government taxes and administrative service charges
Not included
- Not included: Lunches and dinners while in Kathmandu
- Not included: International airfare to and from Nepal
- Not included: Nepal entry visa
- Not included: Personal travel insurance
- Not included: Personal trekking gear, equipment and clothing
- Not included: Hot showers at lodges, except in Phakding, Namche and Lukla
- Not included: Wi-Fi, mobile calls and charging fees, unless the lodge provides them free
- Not included: Extra snacks, alcoholic drinks, bottled water and other personal purchases
- Not included: Excess baggage charges on Lukla flights (USD 2 per kg over 15 kg)
- Not included: Optional helicopter upgrade to or from Lukla (approximately USD 450 per person)
- Not included: Extra nights in Kathmandu
- Not included: Tips for your guide, porter and driver
Meeting & logistics
Getting there & back
We meet at our office in Thamel at 5pm the day before departure for a full briefing and gear check. If you land late we can brief you over WhatsApp instead and meet you at the domestic terminal in the morning.
Your Lukla flight leaves early. In peak season flights operate from Ramechhap, a four-hour drive from Kathmandu, so we leave the city around 1am. We confirm which airport about a week before you fly.
Know before you go
Suitability & requirements
Altitude is the real difficulty on this trek, not the walking. The itinerary has two acclimatisation days built in and we will not skip them to save time.
Lukla flights are weather-dependent and delays of a day or two happen every season. Please keep a buffer day in Kathmandu before any international flight home.
ATMs in Namche are unreliable. Bring enough Nepali rupees in cash for drinks, charging and tips.
Your team
Led by a licensed guide
Every route is led by a government-licensed guide from our team. Licences are on record with us before departure, and you'll meet your guide once your trip is confirmed.
Guide language(s): English, Nepali
Group-size pricing
Walk together, pay less
Every trip is private, so the guide, permits and transfers cost the same however many walk. Sharing them is why the per-person price falls: arithmetic, not a sale.
| Group size | per person | You save each |
|---|---|---|
| 1 trekker | $1,450.00 | base rate |
| 2 to 3 trekkers | $1,210.00 | $240.00 |
| 4 to 6 trekkers | $1,135.00 | $315.00 |
| 7 or more | $1,065.00 | $385.00 |
Per person, including permits, park fees and taxes. Nothing is added at checkout.
Weather
What to expect, month by month
- Autumn (Sep–Nov)The most reliable trekking season: clear air, stable weather and cold nights, right after the monsoon clears.
- Spring (Mar–May)Warmer than autumn, with rhododendron forests in flower and slightly hazier mountain views as the season goes on.
Questions
Asked about this trip
Do I need previous trekking experience?
No, but you need to be comfortable walking five to seven hours a day on consecutive days. Most people who prepare with regular hill walking for a couple of months manage this trek well.
What happens if I get altitude sickness?
Your guide carries a pulse oximeter and checks everyone daily. Mild symptoms mean we rest or descend. Serious symptoms mean immediate descent and, if needed, helicopter evacuation, which is why insurance covering evacuation is mandatory.
Is the Lukla flight safe?
The landing is dramatic but the operators we use have a strong safety record. The bigger practical issue is weather delays rather than safety.
Can I charge my phone and get wifi?
At most teahouses, for a fee that rises with altitude. Bring a power bank and do not count on a connection above Dingboche.
How does booking confirmation work?
Because every trip is private and arranged around your dates, bookings are confirmed by our team rather than instantly. You will get written confirmation and your private trip link once your guide and permits are secured.
Can I pay a deposit and settle the balance later?
Yes. Choose the deposit option to secure your dates, and we will send a secure payment link for the balance before departure, or you can settle by bank transfer.
What is the cancellation policy?
Free cancellation, less the bank transaction fee charged by the payment provider, which is non-refundable. Full terms are in our published cancellation policy.
Traveller reviews
What trekkers say
Good to know
FAQ & policies
Do I need previous trekking experience?
No, but you need to be comfortable walking five to seven hours a day on consecutive days. Most people who prepare with regular hill walking for a couple of months manage this trek well.
What happens if I get altitude sickness?
Your guide carries a pulse oximeter and checks everyone daily. Mild symptoms mean we rest or descend. Serious symptoms mean immediate descent and, if needed, helicopter evacuation, which is why insurance covering evacuation is mandatory.
Is the Lukla flight safe?
The landing is dramatic but the operators we use have a strong safety record. The bigger practical issue is weather delays rather than safety.
Can I charge my phone and get wifi?
At most teahouses, for a fee that rises with altitude. Bring a power bank and do not count on a connection above Dingboche.
How does booking confirmation work?
Because every trip is private and arranged around your dates, bookings are confirmed by our team rather than instantly. You will get written confirmation and your private trip link once your guide and permits are secured.
Can I pay a deposit and settle the balance later?
Yes. Choose the deposit option to secure your dates, and we will send a secure payment link for the balance before departure, or you can settle by bank transfer.
What is the cancellation policy?
Free cancellation, less the bank transaction fee charged by the payment provider, which is non-refundable. Full terms are in our published cancellation policy.
Why book with us
