“The Everest Base Camp trek was life-changing. Our guide was incredibly knowledgeable and the logistics were flawless. MountainTour made every step feel safe and memorable.”
SM
Sarah Mitchell
London, UK · March 2024
NepalChallenging
4.9 (247 reviews)
Everest Base Camp Trek
The Everest Base Camp Trek is the ultimate Himalayan adventure — a 14-day journey through the heart of the Khumbu region to the base of the world's highest peak. Trek through ancient Sherpa villages, cross suspension bridges strung with prayer flags, and stand face-to-face with Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, and Ama Dablam. This is not just a trek; it's a pilgrimage to the roof of the world.
📅
Duration
14 Days
🏔️
Max Altitude
5,545m
🥾
Trek Distance
130 km
👥
Group Size
4–12 People
☀️
Best Time
Oct–Nov, Mar–May
About This Trek
The Everest Base Camp Trek is the ultimate Himalayan adventure — a 14-day journey through the heart of the Khumbu region to the base of the world's highest peak. Trek through ancient Sherpa villages, cross suspension bridges strung with prayer flags, and stand face-to-face with Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, and Ama Dablam. This is not just a trek; it's a pilgrimage to the roof of the world.
Highlights
1Stand at Everest Base Camp (5,364m) — the foot of the world's highest peak
2Visit the iconic Tengboche Monastery with panoramic Everest views
3Cross the Imja Glacier and witness the Khumbu Icefall
4Explore Namche Bazaar — the vibrant Sherpa capital of the Khumbu
5Sunrise view from Kala Patthar (5,545m) — the best Everest panorama
6Walk through ancient rhododendron forests and alpine meadows
7Experience authentic Sherpa culture, cuisine, and hospitality
8Visit the Hillary School and Everest Museum at Lobuche
Day-by-Day Itinerary
1
Arrival in Kathmandu (1,400m)
Welcome to Nepal! Upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, you'll be met by our team and transferred to your hotel in Thamel. Evening briefing about the trek, equipment check, and meet your fellow trekkers over a traditional Nepali welcome dinner.
🍽️ Meals: Dinner🏠 Hotel
2
Fly to Lukla (2,840m) & Trek to Phakding (2,610m)
Early morning flight to Lukla — one of the most exhilarating airstrips in the world. After landing, we organize our gear and begin the trek through pine forests and rhododendron groves, crossing the Dudh Kosi River on suspension bridges adorned with prayer flags.
🍽️ Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner🏠 Teahouse📏 8 km
3
Phakding to Namche Bazaar (3,440m)
Today we enter Sagarmatha National Park and make the steep ascent to Namche Bazaar. The trail crosses multiple suspension bridges, including the famous high bridge where — on a clear day — you get your first glimpse of Everest. Namche is a bustling Sherpa town carved into a hillside amphitheater.
🍽️ Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner🏠 Teahouse📏 11 km
4
Acclimatization Day in Namche Bazaar
Rest day for acclimatization. Optional hike to the Everest View Hotel (3,880m) for stunning views of Everest, Lhotse, and Ama Dablam. Visit the Sherpa Culture Museum and the weekly Saturday market. Explore the town's bakeries, gear shops, and cafés.
🍽️ Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner🏠 Teahouse📏 Hike 3–5 km
5
Namche to Tengboche (3,860m)
A spectacular day of trekking along the Dudh Kosi River valley with constant views of Everest, Ama Dablam, and Thamserku. We descend to the river, climb steeply through rhododendron and cloud forest to Tengboche — home to the largest monastery in the Khumbu region.
🍽️ Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner🏠 Teahouse📏 10 km
6
Tengboche to Dingboche (4,410m)
We descend through forest to Pangboche (visit the oldest monastery in the Khumbu), then climb steadily into the Imja Khola valley. The landscape transforms from lush forest to alpine scrubland. Stunning views of Ama Dablam accompany us throughout the day.
🍽️ Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner🏠 Teahouse📏 12 km
7
Acclimatization Day in Dingboche
Rest day with an optional hike to Nagarjun Hill (5,100m) for panoramic views of Makalu, Lhotse, Chhamser Kangri, and the Imja Valley. Afternoon free to explore Dingboche, visit the local bakery, or simply rest and hydrate.
🍽️ Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner🏠 Teahouse📏 Hike 4–6 km
8
Dingboche to Lobuche (4,940m)
We trek along the lateral moraine of the Khumbu Glacier through the memorial-strewn Thukla Pass (4,830m). Hundreds of stone memorials here honor climbers who lost their lives on Everest, including Scott Fischer and Babu Chiri Sherpa. The terrain is stark and dramatic.
🍽️ Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner🏠 Teahouse📏 10 km
9
Lobuche to Everest Base Camp (5,364m) via Gorak Shep
The highlight of the trek! We trek to Gorak Shep (5,164m), the last permanent settlement, drop our bags, and continue across the Khumbu Glacier moraine to Everest Base Camp. Stand in the shadow of the world's highest peak. In spring, you may see expedition teams preparing for their summit bids.
🍽️ Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner🏠 Teahouse📏 13 km
10
Kala Patthar Sunrise (5,545m) & Descend to Pheriche (4,240m)
Pre-dawn start for the hike to Kala Patthar — the famous viewpoint that delivers the most iconic Everest panorama. Watch the sunrise paint the summit pyramid gold. After soaking in the views, we descend through Lobuche and drop to Pheriche for a well-earned rest.
🍽️ Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner🏠 Teahouse📏 12 km
11
Pheriche to Namche Bazaar (3,440m)
A long but beautiful descent back through Pangboche and Tengboche, retracing our steps down the Dudh Kosi valley. The return journey offers completely different perspectives of the mountains we climbed past on the way up.
🍽️ Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner🏠 Teahouse📏 20 km
12
Namche to Lukla (2,840m)
Final day on the trail! We descend through forests and villages back to Lukla. Evening celebration dinner with your guides and porters — a chance to thank the team that made your Everest dream possible. Overnight in Lukla.
🍽️ Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner🏠 Teahouse📏 19 km
13
Fly Lukla to Kathmandu
Morning flight back to Kathmandu. Free afternoon for shopping, sightseeing, or relaxing. Optional visit to Kathmandu's UNESCO World Heritage sites: Boudhanath Stupa, Pashupatinath Temple, or Durbar Square. Farewell group dinner.
🍽️ Meals: Breakfast, Dinner🏠 Hotel
14
Departure from Kathmandu
Transfer to the airport for your onward journey. Or extend your stay to explore more of Nepal — Pokhara, Chitwan, or Bandipur. We can help arrange extensions. Safe travels, and congratulations on reaching Everest Base Camp!
🍽️ Meals: Breakfast
Altitude Profile
5545m3473m1400m
Kathmandu
1400m
Lukla
2840m
Namche
3440m
Tengboche
3860m
Dingboche
4410m
Lobuche
4940m
Gorak Shep
5164m
EBC
5364m
Kala Patthar
5545m
Inclusions & Exclusions
What's Included
- ✓Airport pickup and drop-off in Kathmandu
- ✓2 nights hotel in Kathmandu (twin sharing)
- ✓Domestic flights: Kathmandu–Lukla–Kathmandu
- ✓Sagarmatha National Park entry permit
- ✓Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality permit
- ✓TIMS card (Trekkers' Information Management System)
- ✓Experienced English-speaking guide (government licensed)
- ✓Assistant guide (for groups of 6+)
- ✓Porter to carry your main bag (1 porter per 2 trekkers)
- ✓All teahouse accommodation during the trek
- ✓3 meals a day during the trek (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
- ✓Sleeping bag rated to -20°C (if needed)
- ✓Duffel bag (yours to keep)
- ✓First aid kit with altitude medication
- ✓Farewell dinner in Kathmandu
- ✓All applicable government taxes and service charges
Not Included
- ✗Nepal visa fee ($30 for 15 days, $50 for 30 days)
- ✗International airfare to/from Kathmandu
- ✗Travel insurance (mandatory — must cover high altitude trekking up to 6,000m)
- ✗Personal expenses (hot showers, device charging, snacks, alcoholic drinks)
- ✗Tips for guides and porters (budgeting guideline provided)
- ✗Extra nights in Kathmandu due to flight delays or early arrival
- ✗Personal trekking gear (jackets, boots, trekking poles, etc.)
- ✗Emergency helicopter evacuation (covered by insurance)
- ✗Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu (Days 1, 13, 14)
Packing List
Clothing
- Moisture-wicking base layers (2–3 sets)
- Insulating mid-layer (fleece or down jacket)
- Waterproof/windproof shell jacket and pants
- Trekking pants (2 pairs, zip-off preferred)
- Warm hat, sun hat, and balaclava/neck gaiter
- Gloves (liner + insulated waterproof)
- Trekking socks (4–5 pairs, merino wool)
- Sturdy waterproof trekking boots (broken in)
- Camp shoes/sandals for teahouses
Equipment
- 40–55L backpack (or use porter service)
- Sleeping bag (-20°C comfort rated)
- Trekking poles (adjustable, collapsible)
- Headlamp with spare batteries
- Water bottles (2x 1L) and water purification tablets
- Sunglasses (UV400, glacier-rated)
- Daypack for camera and essentials
Personal Items
- Sunscreen SPF 50+ and lip balm with SPF
- Personal medications + Diamox (consult doctor)
- Toiletries (biodegradable soap, hand sanitizer)
- Camera with extra batteries (cold drains batteries fast)
- Power bank (10,000–20,000 mAh)
- Passport and permits (we provide permits)
- Cash in Nepali Rupees (ATMs available in Namche)
- Snacks (energy bars, chocolate, trail mix)
Read Before You Book
Physical Fitness
This trek is challenging and requires good cardiovascular fitness. You should be able to walk 5–8 hours daily at altitude with a light daypack. We recommend 3–6 months of regular hiking, running, or cycling before the trip. A doctor's clearance is required.
Altitude Awareness
Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) is a real risk above 3,000m. Our itinerary includes two acclimatization days to minimize risk. Symptoms include headache, nausea, and fatigue. Severe cases require immediate descent. Diamox can help — consult your doctor.
Weather & Seasons
Best seasons are pre-monsoon (Mar–May) and post-monsoon (Oct–Nov). Temperatures at EBC can drop to -15°C to -25°C at night. Expect snow, wind, and sudden weather changes. Spring offers rhododendron blooms; autumn offers clearest skies.
Insurance Requirement
Travel insurance covering high-altitude trekking up to 6,000m and helicopter evacuation is mandatory. Standard travel policies do NOT cover trekking. We recommend World Nomads, Global Rescue, or similar adventure sports coverage.
Flight Reliability
Lukla flights are weather-dependent and frequently delayed. We build buffer days into the schedule, but delays of 1–3 days are common. We recommend keeping your international flight flexible or adding an extra day in Kathmandu.
Teahouse Accommodation
Accommodation is basic but comfortable — twin beds, shared bathrooms, communal dining rooms. Rooms are cold at night (your sleeping bag is your best friend). Hot showers are available for a small charge. Wi-Fi is available in most teahouses.
Trekker Reviews
“Standing at EBC was a dream come true. The sunrise from Kala Patthar was the most beautiful thing I've ever seen. Our guide knew every shortcut and viewpoint.”
DP
David Park
Seoul, South Korea · October 2023
“The acclimatization schedule was perfect — I never felt rushed. The teahouses were comfortable, and the food was surprisingly good. Highly recommend MountainTour for EBC.”
AB
Anna Bergström
Stockholm, Sweden · November 2023
Frequently Asked Questions
How difficult is the Everest Base Camp Trek?
It's rated as challenging. You'll be trekking 5–8 hours daily at altitudes up to 5,545m. No technical climbing is required, but good cardiovascular fitness is essential. Previous trekking experience at altitude is highly recommended but not mandatory if you're well-prepared.
What is the best time to do the EBC trek?
The two best seasons are October–November (post-monsoon) for clear skies and stable weather, and March–May (pre-monsoon) for warmer temperatures and blooming rhododendrons. Avoid monsoon season (Jun–Sep) and deep winter (Dec–Feb).
Do I need prior trekking experience?
While prior trekking experience is helpful, it's not mandatory. You need good cardiovascular fitness — able to hike 6–8 hours with a daypack. If you can run 10km or hike 15km comfortably, you should be fine. We recommend a training program 3–6 months before the trek.
What happens if I get altitude sickness?
Our guides are trained in high-altitude first aid. Mild symptoms (headache, nausea) are common and usually resolve with rest and hydration. If symptoms worsen, we descend immediately. We carry oxygen canisters and a pulse oximeter. Severe cases require helicopter evacuation (covered by insurance).
Is there phone/internet access on the trek?
Wi-Fi is available in most teahouses (paid service, sometimes slow). Ncell and NTC SIM cards work in many areas up to Gorak Shep. There's no signal at EBC itself. We recommend purchasing a local SIM card in Kathmandu for ~$5.
What's the accommodation like?
Basic teahouse lodges with twin beds, foam mattresses, and shared bathrooms. Dining rooms have wood-burning stoves. Rooms are unheated — your sleeping bag is essential. Hot showers are available for $3–5. Accommodation quality improves on the descent route.
How heavy is my backpack?
With our porter service, your main bag (carried by porter) should be under 15kg. You carry a daypack (5–8kg) with camera, water, snacks, warm layers, and personal items. Without a porter, you'd carry 20–25kg — we strongly recommend using a porter for this trek.
Can I do this trek solo?
Yes, solo trekkers are welcome. You'll join a group at the start. Single room supplement applies for private hotel rooms in Kathmandu. Teahouses have shared rooms. Many solo trekkers form strong bonds with fellow trekkers on the trail.
What about emergency evacuation?
Helicopter evacuation is available 24/7 from most points on the route. Evacuation from EBC to Kathmandu takes approximately 1.5 hours. Cost is $3,000–$5,000, which is why travel insurance covering helicopter evacuation is mandatory.
Do I need travel insurance?
Yes, it's mandatory. Your policy must cover high-altitude trekking up to 6,000m, helicopter evacuation, trip cancellation, and medical expenses. Standard travel policies exclude trekking. We recommend World Nomads, IMG Global, or Global Rescue.
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