Everest Base Camp trek is the most popular trekking adventure experience in the Everest region of Nepal. During our Everest Base Camp (EBC) trek, we will certainly get amazing views of the world’s highest peak Everest. Along with the eye-dazzling vistas of Lhotse, Makalu, and Cho Oyu enhancing our journey up to Everest Base Camp.
EBC trek is also an opportunity to explore the culture and traditions of local Sherpas – The unsung heroes of Everest. From visiting local Buddhist monasteries and Chortens to spotting Himalayan flora and fauna; we get the chance to follow the steps of the great Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay Sherpa in 1953. You can Watch video documentation of our Everest Base Camp Trek captured with a drone for Visit Nepal 2020 promotion.
After your arrival at Kathmandu Airport followed by sightseeing around the world heritage sites (optional) and necessary trek preparation, we fly to Lukla on a scenic mountain flight. Then we start trekking towards Phakding. Initially, we follow the Dudh Koshi River crossing over various suspension bridges, through dense forests, and arrive at the Sherpa village of Namche Bazaar.
We design our Everest base camp trek itinerary professionally to minimize the risk of Acute Mountain Sickness. Hence, we acclimatize at Namche Bazaar which is a major hotspot for trekkers and adventure lovers.
Continuing our EBC trekking journey, we trek towards Tengboche, Dingboche, and Lobuche. At Tengboche, we visit an ancient monastery where we get to see their traditions and rituals. From Lobuche, we cross Gorakshep.
Finally, we step into the base camp of the highest mountain in the world i.e. Everest Base Camp. While returning we will also have great panoramic views of Everest, Ama Dablam, Lhotse, Nuptse, and other neighboring peaks from the popular viewpoint of Kalapatthar. People claim that the Kalapatthar is the best viewpoint of Everest. We will follow the same route down to Lukla and fly back to Kathmandu concluding our EBC Trek.
Everest base camp trek can be joined by anyone who loves to trek around the foothills of the Himalayas while possessing a good level of physical fitness and a passion for walking and exploring new places. The best seasons for the EBC trek would be autumn from Sept to Nov and spring from March to May.
Join EBC Trek in 2024 with Nepal Mountain Trekkers for amazing Everest memories that you will cherish for years to come. Simply fill out the Quick Enquiry Form and let us know about your interest. Or you can contact us directly by sending us an email/WhatsApp message to get more information about this trek.
Trekking Terrain
Everest Base Camp Trek has varieties of terrain during the trek. The initial section of the trek passes past the lush hills and green valleys. However, at the higher altitudes, there are high passes and rocky terrains as you proceed to the Everest Base Camp and to the challenging spots such as the Kala Patthar or the Gokyo region. While the itinerary is designed with proper acclimatization for the trekkers, you still need to understand the challenge that trekking in such high altitudes poses, even if the trail doesn’t seem much challenging. Slight headaches and shortness of breath may still be there as you move. You may not have accurate distances for the places but the guides accompanying you are well aware of this and shall provide you with proper guidance. We shall interact with you if you need further information.
Weather (…and bad weather periods)
The rainy season or the monsoon season starts in mid-June and continues till September. However, there may still be rain in early October. Spring and Autumn seasons have clear weather and are dry as well. The temperature in the higher attitudes is influenced by the local conditions such as the altitude itself. The weather may change on short notice in higher altitudes. October to November/December is the most popular season for Everest Base Camp Trek.
The flight to and from the hill town of Lukla is relatively uncertain due to its typical geographical location. Flights are often delayed due to bad weather conditions due to which most of the flights start early in the day. Trekkers are therefore advised to spare some days for such delays during the trek owing to the bad weather periods.
Everest Base Camp Trek Expenses
The details of the expenses included and excluded are mentioned in the respective sections. However, it is to be noted that trekkers should bear the expenses of their own food, accommodation, and other activities in case they arrive prior to the starting of the trekking expedition or extend their stay after the tour. Furthermore, in case the flight gets delayed and trekkers are stuck in either trekking areas such as Lukla or in a city such as Kathmandu due to such delay, they should bear the expenses of food, accommodation, etc. on their own as these delays take the stay outside the decided itinerary.
Customization of Everest Base Camp Trek Itinerary
We shall stick to the decided itinerary during the Everest Base Camp trek. However, the trekkers shall have the flexibility to customize the itinerary as per their requirements. If they are physically fit and have the ability to complete the trekking faster, we shall arrange the itinerary accordingly. The only major consideration is that the customization of the itinerary shouldn’t pose any difficulty or threat to the health of the trekkers. All in all, we provide flexibility and customization of the itinerary for the trekkers.
Supporting Staff during the EBC trek
During the trek, the supporting staff shall include both the experienced staff and leaders from our trekking company as well as the local support crews. Our leaders and trekking guides selected are well experienced in handling various issues, related to the harshness of the environment, traveling in remote and difficult terrains, and possess the soft skills of communication, friendliness, a good sense of humor, and are trained with first aid and acclimatization related issues with the capability to handle difficult situations. The local crews (guides, porters) may not have fluency in speaking the English language but they are friendly, hardworking, and approachable. We ensure proper coordination between the supporting staff for your smooth trek. The expenses of supporting staff, their insurance, and other necessities are taken care of.
Gears and Equipment for EBC Trek
Trekkers should pack their clothes, trekking gear, and equipment for the trekking to Everest base camp and the surrounding Khumbu region. The details of clothing, gear, and other equipment shall be finalized after discussion with the trekkers. The weight limit for your luggage is 15 kg or 33 pounds and because your luggage shall be carried by porters, you may carry the valuables and anything important in a day pack to be carried on your own.
Scarfs, warm hats, sunglasses with UV protection, and headlamps give protection to your head while you will need thermal tops, pullovers, down vests, and Gore-Tex jackets among others for your upper body. Gloves and mittens protect your hands, and non-cotton underwear briefs, hiking shorts and trousers, fleece or woolen trousers, and shell pants are essential for your lower body. Pack socks, hiking boots, running shoes, gaiters, and other gear for feet along with the rucksack and travel bags, and sleeping bags during the trek. Required medicines, toiletries, and other practical items are required as well.
Best Season for trekking Everest Base Camp
October-November/December is the best season for trekking in the Everest region. This season has fine weather, a clear sky, and thus the best view of the mountains and marvelous scenery along the route. February to April is the dry season in Nepal and the second-best time for trekking. June to September is the monsoon season in Nepal with frequent downpours which makes this the least popular season for trekking for general trekkers, while the botanist and other enthusiasts look out for lush vegetation and rare vegetation En route Everest base camp. The skies are clear but the weather can get very cold from December to January/ February while the months of May and June are hot and it can get very warm during the trek.
Health and Related issues
Altitude Sickness is the biggest health-related concern during the trek to Everest Base Camp. Enough rest (acclimatization) and hydration are the keys to avoiding this medical issue besides the medicines such as Diamox, antibiotics for stomach-related problems, and other medicines help trekkers cope with the issue of altitude sickness. Without proper care, prevention, and following of the guidelines related to altitude sickness, the issue of altitude sickness can get worse and put a threat to the life of trekkers. Convey any difficulty that you experience to the trek leader so that immediate action may be taken.
Carry a personal first aid box which shall come in handy to you during the trek. Though the trekking guides and leaders shall carry the required first aid items, carrying on your own provides additional support for the guides.
Get concerned about the use of tap water as these are not suitable for drinking directly without treatment. Carry water purifier tablets and you may buy bottled water during the trek. Foods are available in teahouses that are healthy and safe for consumption. However, you may carry some snacks if you wish to. Consult with us regarding the expense bearing regarding the meals during the whole trekking.
For more frequently asked questions about Everest Base Camp Trek: FAQs Everest Base Camp Trekking.
Day 1 : Arrive in Kathmandu (1,300m /4,264 ft)::
A warm welcome to the naturally blessed and culturally rich Himalayan country, Nepal. Upon your arrival at Kathmandu for joining Everest Base Camp Trek, you will be met by a representative from Nepal Mountain Trekkers at Tribhuvan International Airport arrival terminals and he will transfer you to your respective hotel (Hotel Green Horizon or a similar standard). After check-in at the hotel, you can enjoy your free time relaxing in the cozy room or stroll around the tourist hub Thamel area until the end of the day.
Day 2 : Kathmandu: Sightseeing and Trek Preparation::
You will be beginning your first morning in Nepal with an early meal at your hotel and a visit to the Nepal Mountain Trekkers office at Thamel. After being introduced to our team including the tour guide, trekking leader, and director of operations, we head for necessary trekking preparations, getting needed equipment with the initiation of Kathmandu sightseeing around world heritage sites. Kathmandu Durbar Square, Swayambhunath Stupa, Pashupatinath temple, and Boudhanath Stupa are UNESCO world heritage sites that we explore till sunset. Overnight stay at a hotel in Kathmandu.
Day 3 : Kathmandu – Lukla – Phakding (2,652m/8,700ft): 40 minutes flight, 3- 4 hours trek (Trekking times only)::
After having your early meal, you will be transferred to the airport to catch a short domestic flight from Kathmandu to Lukla, the gateway to Everest. In just 45 minutes of flight, we get a wonderful chance to view snow-capped mountains and will be landing between the hills at Tenzing-Hillary airstrip in no time. After arriving at Lukla, we get introduced to our trekking crew and start our trekking activity towards Phakding. It will be quite an exciting first day of trekking in the Everest region. Overnight stay at Phakding.
Day 4 : Phakding – Namche Bazaar (3,440m/11,280 ft): 5 – 6 hrs::
We have our early meal and start our journey with a few ascends and descends crossing the Dudhkoshi River through a suspension bridge. Gradually moving ahead entering Sagarmatha National Park located at Monjoo, proceed towards Jorasale, and continue the day’s walk until we arrive at the popular Sherpa village of Namche Bazar. Today, we have our quick stop at Chautara and the fabulous views of snow-capped peaks already start to appear. We stay overnight at Namche Bazar.
Day 5 : Namche Bazaar: Acclimatization day::
Today we have our first acclimatization days. It is very important to have proper acclimatization to avoid possible risks of acute mountain sickness or altitude sickness. And during the acclimatization days, it is recommended to get involved in physical activities instead of just taking a rest. We will, therefore, go for a short hike around nearby Thame or simply take a look around Namche bazaar. Here, we also get an exclusive chance to meet like-minded travelers, and Everest summiteers and have a close look at the lifestyle of local Sherpa inhabitants. We will stay overnight in Namche Bazar.
Day 6 : Namche Bazzar to Tengboche (3,870m/12,694ft): 5 – 6 hrs::
We start our day after having our breakfast and continue our journey to Tengboche with awesome views of the Everest Himalayan ranges. We gradually make our way through beautiful Everest trekking trails, spot alpine flora, and fauna, have our lunch at Phuki Thega, and finally arrive at Tengboche at the end of the day. The major attractions here would be a visit to the ancient Tengboche Buddhist monastery with rich cultural/traditional insights and capture close views of Everest, Amadablam, and other neighboring peaks. Overnight stay in Tengboche.
Day 7 : Tengboche to Dingboche (4,360 m/14,300ft):5 – 6 hrs ::
It will be another exciting day of our Everest Base Camp Trek while heading towards Dingboche crossing through beautiful forests, and numerous suspension bridges via Imja River, and visiting Chortens while exploring rare Himalayan flora and fauna. As we climb higher and gain altitudes, the views become more and more clear. We stay overnight at Dingboche.
Day 8 : Dingboche (4,360 m/14,300ft): Acclimatization Day::
We will be setting up acclimatization day today as it is very important in EBC to let your body adapt according to changing altitude surroundings. Before trekking towards glacier moraines and tougher trails at high altitudes, we get ready for the challenges by going for hikes to nearby hills and monasteries that provide great insights into local cultures and traditions. So, even if it’s called a rest day, it will be a rather active day instead of hiking around nearby hills. And at the end of the day, we return to Dingboche for an overnight stay.
Day 9 : Dingboche -Lobuche (4,940 m/16,207 ft): 6 – 7 hrs ::
Today we start our day early in the morning after having our breakfast pushing ourselves forward through the small isolated small village of Dughla. After having our lunch at the trails, we slowly climb up towards Lobuche through barren lands surrounded by small shrubs without much vegetation. In this way, we finally arrive at Lobuche where we will be staying for an overnight stay.
Day 10 : Lobuche – Gorak Shep (5,170 m/16,961ft) – Everest Base Camp (5,364m/17,594ft) – Gorak Shep: 8 – 9 hrs::
Leaving behind Lobuche, we move ahead towards our last overnight station during our Everest base camp trek at Gorakshep. Situated at 5100 meters altitude above sea level, there might be a chance of high altitude sickness. However, with our proper acclimatization stops and professionally designed itinerary with experienced guides, the risks of getting affected by altitude sickness will be significantly lower. It will also be the most important day of our trip as we will be stepping at the base camp of Everest, the highest Himalayas on the planet. After capturing the best moments at base camp, we return to Gorakshep for an overnight stay.
Day 11 : Gorak Shep – Kala Patthar (5,545m/18,192ft)- Pheriche (4,280 m/14,070 ft): 8 – 9 hrs::
Today before having our breakfast before sunrise, very early in the morning, we head in for the Kalapathher hike to witness the amazing sunrise views over the highest Himalayas, Everest, Amadablam, Lhotse, Nuptse, and other surrounding peaks. After immersing in the natural beauty of panoramic Himalayan views, we return to Gorakshep and descend towards Pheriche for an overnight stay.
Day 12 : Pheriche to Khumjung (3,780m / 12,401 ft ) 6 – 7 hrs::
It will be a long day of trekking downhill through quite a few ascents and descents. Crossing through the wooden bridges, yaks, and jokpos carrying loads. Along the trail, we also witness the locals drying the potatoes in the sun, which is a local staple diet. In this way, we arrive at a large Khumjung village, where we get to explore the amazing cultures, traditions, and lifestyles of local Sherpa inhabitants. And at the end of the day, we stay overnight at the local tea house in Khumjung.
Day 13 : Khumjung to Phakding (2,652m/8,700ft): 4 – 5 hrs::
Today, it will be around four to five hours of trekking from Khumjung village to Phakding. Initially, we descend down towards Namche Bazar first and keep trekking down along the riverbank of Dudh Koshi River. Continually passing through the beautiful rhododendron forests, crossing the permits checking point at the entrance of Sagarmatha National Park, and finally arriving at Phakding. Overnight stay at the local guesthouse in Phakding.
Day 14 : Phakding to Lukla (2,860 m/9,383 ft): 3 – 4 hrs::
In the final few days, while trekking from Phakding to Lukla, we will be walking for around 3 to 4 hours. Upon arrival at Lukla, we celebrate our final night around the foothills of the Himalayas. And get ready for tomorrow’s domestic flight to Kathmandu.
Day 15 : Lukla – Kathmandu::
After getting up in the morning, we have our early meal and get ready for the scenic flight from Lukla to the capital city of Kathmandu. Upon arrival at Kathmandu, stroll down across the streets of culturally affluent Kathmandu Valley for shopping souvenirs, and share the moment while having a complimentary farewell dinner at a cultural restaurant at the end of the day.
Day 16 : Departure Day::
Today will be the final day of our Everest Base Camp Trek, and we have all the delightful adventures around Everest Himalayas, recalling the memories, we will drop you at Tribhuwan International Airport for International departures. Farewell, friend.
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