Everest Base Camp Short Trek

  • Private
  • Family
Dingboche Village
View from Namche
Thukla
Duration8 Days
Trip GradeModerate
Maximum Altitude5,545 m
ActivitiesTrekking & Flights
Group SizeMin. 2 pax
StartsKathmandu
EndsKathmandu
Best TimeMarch-May & September-November

Trek Overview

The Everest Base Camp Short Trek is perfect for adventure seekers. This trek takes you to one of the most famous places on Earth. You’ll stand at the base of Mount Everest, surrounded by towering peaks. It’s a dream come true for anyone who loves the mountains.

This is a short trek for those who have less time. One can experience the wonder of Everest in this short trek. It takes one through fascinating views and thrilling trials.

This short adventure trail offers everything a trekker dreams of. Enjoy great views and the grandeur of Everest, all without a long journey ahead.

In just over a week, you will discover Nepal’s beautiful landscapes. You’ll walk through historic Sherpa villages. You’ll visit famous spots like Namche Bazaar, Tengboche Monastery, and Everest Base Camp.

Your adventure begins with an exciting flight into Lukla. This airport is known for its high altitude and dangerous runway. This flight sets the mood for your journey.

From Lukla, you will trek through valleys and alpine forests. You’ll also cross high-altitude deserts. Stunning mountain views will be with you every step of the way.

Unlike other treks, Everest Base Camp Short Trek holds something unique, different even from the destination itself: the journey to it. From each new vision to every obstacle, colorful prayer flags flapping in the gentle breeze, the soft jingling of yak bells making their way across the valleys compose each day.

Few treks attain such an altitude as Everest Base Camp at 5,364 meters, with stunning views of the Khumbu Icefall. Furthermore, the trek allows for an included helicopter flight back from Gorakshep to Lukla upon return without having to re-trek the usual route downhill-to see from above the route that one will have done.

If you’re short on time but don’t want to miss out on the Everest experience, this trek is an ideal choice. You’ll immerse yourself in the unique culture of the Sherpa people, witness the grandeur of the world’s highest peaks, and achieve something extraordinary – all in a more condensed timeframe than the standard trek.

Challenging, rewarding, yet above all, unforgettable, both for a hardcore trekker and amateur, visiting Nepal perhaps for the first time in one's life.

Highlights of Everest Base Cap Short Trek

  • Fly into Lukla, one of the most exciting airports in the world.
  • Hike through the Dudh Kosi Valley. This beautiful valley is surrounded by forests and peaks.
  • Visit Namche Bazaar, the lively hub of Sherpa culture and the gateway to Everest.
  • Visit the famous Tengboche Monastery and enjoy panoramic views of Everest and Ama Dablam.
  • Hike through wild landscapes to reach Everest Base Camp. Take in stunning views of the Khumbu Icefall.
  • At Kala Patthar, catch magnificent sunrise views over Everest and other towering peaks.
  • Take a helicopter flight back from Gorakshep to Lukla. This saves time and energy.
  • Experience Sherpa hospitality in cozy tea houses and enjoy delicious Nepali meals along the trail specially Dal Bhat.
  • Marvel at the changing scenery, from alpine meadows to snow-capped mountains.
  • Feel a sense of achievement while standing at the foot of the tallest mountain on Earth—Mt. Everest.

What to Expect

The trek is as challenging as rewarding, it starts right from the flight to Lukla. You'll trace the curvy trail that winds through villages, rivers, and also those iconic suspension bridges.

Further ahead, the Namche Bazaar, the full-of-life center of the Sherpa peoples, finally yields to Tengboche Monastery. Higher uphill, the rugged terrain is tiring, but the view compensates for every step taken.

Coming to Everest Base Camp is surreal, and you get to see the breathtaking Khumbu Icefall.

The climb to Kala Patthar is your trek's ultimate altitude achieved before dawn. The strenuous hike is repaid by this fantastic vista of Mt. Everest, otherwise known as Sagarmatha, Nuptse, among other giants, at sunrise.

It gives it a bit of a luxurious twist back from Gorakshep to Lukla by helicopter. You shall enjoy thrilling aerial views of the trail you have just trekked. You will return back to Kathmandu with lifetime memories.

Trip Gallery
Everest Base Camp Trek Video
Itinerary
Trip PlanExpand All

Your adventure starts with an exciting flight to Lukla, sitting at 2,860 meters. The 35-minute flight offers breathtaking views of the Himalayas. As you fly over the peaks, the thrill begins to build.

After landing at Lukla’s small airport, you start your trek. The trail slowly makes its way along small villages, several crossings of suspension bridges, and the Dudh Kosi River. The four-hour walk to Phakding is downhill for most of the time and thus forms a soft beginning. Phakding lies in the banks of Dudh Koshi river. Arriving at the this village in the afternoon, you'll have free time to visit or relax on the riverbank.

Max Altitude: 2,860 meter Meals: Lunch & Dinner IncludedAccommodation: Guesthouse

On Day 2, you go uphill towards Namche Bazaar and that too in about 6-7 hours. You take the river upward, through pine forests. You cross the suspension bridges with prayer flags as the trail rises and drops.

This steepens with altitude gain, especially beyond Monjo, and the last stretch upwards to 3,440-meter Namche Bazaar is exhausting. It is compensated for with a rearview of Everest and the busy Sherpa town. Actually, Namche, which is a gateway into the Khumbu, is ideal place to rest.

Max Altitude: 3,440 meter Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner IncludedAccommodation: Guesthouse

Acclimatization is important for higher altitudes. Today, you hike to the Everest View Hotel at 3,880 meters. The uphill walk takes about 2 hours. Along the way, you'll see breathtaking views of Everest and other peaks.

The hotel offers one of the best spots to view Mount Everest. Afterward, you return to Namche to explore shops, markets, and local cafés. It’s a relaxing day which gives your body time to adjust to higher altitudes.

Max Altitude: 3,880 meter Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner IncludedAccommodation: Guesthouse

From Namche, it's a 5-6 hour steep climb to reach Tengboche. The start is uphill, having great views of Everest, Lhotse, and Ama Dablam. Also, this path comprises pine forests, from where one has to cross the Imja Khola river.

The final climb to Tengboche is exhausting but a natural amphitheater not to be missed. At an altitude of 3,860 meters lies the famous Tengboche Monastery. In the evening, visit the monastery and feel the serenity in its surroundings.

Max Altitude: 3,860 meter Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner IncludedAccommodation: Guesthouse

You go up for 6 to 7 hours to reach Dingboche. Now, it winds up through forests and across stone walls with gains in elevation. The landscape gets rocky and desolate as you go upward.

The view from Dingboche, 4,410 meters above sea level, is very beautiful: Ama Dablam and other peaks are seen from here. The most vital part is that it's very important for acclimatization. Thin air; hence, trek slow and enjoy the breathtaking mountain scenery.

Max Altitude: 4,410 meter Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner IncludedAccommodation: Guesthouse

Then you start by hiking up to Lobuche through a windy valley for nearly 4-5 hours. The trail becomes steep as you pass by memorials of the climbers who lost their lives in the Everest region. This is quite the reflective and humble part of your journey.

It is at an altitude of 4,940 meters higher and the surrounding peaks will be towering more than before, making you on top of the world. Hope you can spend a night up here before your last trek to the Everest Base Camp.

Max Altitude: 4,940 meter Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner IncludedAccommodation: Guesthouse

Today is a highlight in your trek, the day you go to Everest Base Camp. Once more, a 7- to 8-hour journey, starting from Gorakshep at 5,160 meters up to 5,364 meters, awaits. It is rocky and upward, but the feeling of reaching base camp keeps you going.

And by the time of arrival, forget the Khumbu Icefall views. Finally, your arrival at Everest Base Camp amidst towering peaks is out of this world. Then all the way down to Gorakshep for the night, where one can catch everything.

Max Altitude: 5,364 meter Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner IncludedAccommodation: Guesthouse

From here, on the last day, hike up to Kala Patthar-the best viewpoint to see Everest. The peak is 5,545 meters high, offering stunning views of Everest, Nuptse, and Pumori.

You reach Gorakshep again and fly directly to Lukla through a helicopter, without trekking. Finally, you fly back to Kathmandu from Lukla in a Hawker Siddley plane, recollecting your experiences of this fabulous Everest.

Max Altitude: 5,545 meter Meals: Breakfast Included
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Cost Details
Included
  • Kathmandu – Lukla – Kathmandu flight tickets
  • Gorakshep to Lukla in a Helicopter (Sharing basis)
  • All meal (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner) with accomodation during trekking
  • Sagarmatha national park fee
  • Lukla V.D.C charge
  • Government issued license holder guide and porter(1 porter per two participant)
  • Food, insurance, and wage for guide and porter
  • Sleeping bag, and duffel bag (to be returned after completion of the trek)
  • First Aid Kit
Excluded
  • International airfare
  • Stays and meals in Kathmandu
  • Your personal expenses, shopping, etc
  • Alcoholic and packaged drinks, chocolates, tea and coffee
  • Tips for guide and porter
  • Extra accommodation and meals outside of itinerary
  • Costs from unexpected occurrences (i.e. cancellations, weather problems, damages of property, illness, etc.)
Route Map
Short Everest Base Camp Trek Map
Altitude Chart
Short Everest Base Camp Trek Altitude Chart
Essential Information

Trek Difficulty

The Everest Base Camp Short Trek is graded as a moderate trek. The trekking days are long, about 5 to 7 hours each day. You will get serious altitude gain on this.

Although the path is well-traveled, altitude can impact even experienced hikers. That’s why acclimatization is essential. The itinerary includes rest days and gradual climbs to help your body adjust.

You don’t need to be an athlete to join this trek, but physical fitness is important. Regular walking, carrying a backpack, and staying hydrated will help.

The helicopter return shortens the usual trek time. This option is perfect for those wanting a quicker yet rewarding experience.

Best Time to Visit

March to May and from mid September to November are the best time for Everest Base Camp Short Trek. These months see relatively stable weather conditions with clear skies.

Expect daytime temperatures between 10-15°C at lower altitudes. Nights will be colder as you climb higher. 

Spring offers beautiful rhododendron blooms. In autumn, you get crisp, clear views of the mountains. 

Winter treks are possible but come with freezing temperatures and snow. The monsoon season, from June to August, brings muddy trails and cloudy views. It’s best to avoid trekking during this season.

Accommodation Options

Accommodation on the Everest Base Camp Short Trek ranges from basic tea houses to very comfortable lodges. Teahouses are very amicable, warm, and homely, serving delectable but simple and nutritious meals. The traditional Nepali meal of dal bhat to the Western menu is all there to try.

Rooms are usually twin-shared with shared bathrooms. Some lodges offer private bathrooms for an extra cost. 

As you ascend, amenities become more basic. However, the stunning views and warm hospitality make up for any lack of luxury. 

You’ll have the chance to interact with the friendly Sherpa community. This gives you a glimpse into their rich culture.

What Makes This Trek Unique?

One of the best parts of the Everest Base Camp Short Trek is the helicopter return. Most treks require you to retrace your steps, but this option lets you enjoy the return from the air. 

After an exhilarating morning hike to Kala Patthar, you will board a helicopter back to Lukla from Gorakshep. This gives you a bird's-eye view of the stunning Khumbu region.

The shorter itinerary does not skip any highlights. You will still visit all the major sights, including Namche Bazaar, Tengboche Monastery, and Everest Base Camp. 

The quicker pace allows you to complete the trek in less time. You won’t miss out on any key experiences of the classic trek.

What to Pack?

Packing light yet intelligently is a very crucial factor on the Everest Base Camp Short Trek. Wear in layers to match the different temperatures you go through as you ascend. A good down jacket, thermal base layers, and trekking pants will keep you warm at high altitude.

Comfortable trekking boots are essential. Woolen socks help to avoid blisters.

Other basic equipment includes a hat, gloves, and neck gaiter against cold winds. Do not forget sunglasses, sunscreen, and lip balm. It is full of sun at high elevations that may burn the skin.

A good backpack is absolutely required, as is a water bottle or hydration system. Snacks containing some sort of energizer are just that - normal.

Is This Trek Right for You?

If you're short on time but want to trek in the Himalayas, the Everest Base Camp Short Trek is for you. This trip includes all the key highlights in a condensed schedule. It’s perfect for trekking enthusiasts with limited vacation time.

The trek is moderately challenging, making it suitable for fit hikers. You can enjoy this trek even if it’s your first time at high altitude.

Whether you seek spectacular views, cultural experiences, or personal achievement, this trek delivers. The helicopter ride back to Lukla adds a luxurious touch. It ensures you make the most of your time in the Everest region.