Everest Base Camp Trek

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Trekkers sitting on the iconic rock at Everest Base Camp
On the way back to Tengboche, Everest Base Camp Trek, Everest Region
Namche Bazaar village on Everest Base Camp trail, Nepal
Duration14 Days
Trip GradeStrenuous
Maximum Altitude5,545 m / 18,192 ft
ActivitiesFlight/Trekking
Group Size1-14
StartsKathmandu
EndsKathmandu
Best TimeMarch – May & September – November

Key Highlights of the EBC Trek

  • Fly into Lukla (2,860 m / 9,383 ft), the gateway to the Everest region, on one of the world's most scenic short mountain flights
  • Acclimatize in Namche Bazaar (3,440 m / 11,286 ft), the Sherpa capital and trading hub of the Khumbu
  • Visit Tengboche Monastery (3,867 m / 12,687 ft), the largest gompa in the Everest region
  • Reach Everest Base Camp itself (5,364 m / 17,598 ft), the goal of the trek
  • Climb Kala Patthar (5,545 m / 18,192 ft) before dawn for the clearest view of the Everest summit on the entire route
  • Walk through Sagarmatha National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, past Ama Dablam, Lhotse, and Nuptse
  • Cross the Dudh Koshi River on high suspension bridges and pass through Sherpa villages including Phakding and Pangboche

Trip Overview

The Everest Base Camp Trek takes you to 5,364 m (17,598 ft), the base of the world’s highest mountain, over 14 days through the Khumbu region of Nepal.

The trek begins with a 35 minutes flight from Kathmandu to Lukla (2,860 m / 9,383 ft), the starting point for every Everest base Camp Itinerary. From there, the route follows the Dudh Koshi valley up through Namche Bazaar, the main Sherpa town and trading hub of the region.

The trail continues through Tengboche, Dingboche, and Lobuche, then reaches Everest Base Camp and the Kala Patthar viewpoint at 5,545 m (18,192 ft).

This is not a technical climb. There are no ropes or climbing skills involved. The real challenge is altitude. The trail spends five nights above 4,000 m (13,123 ft). Two acclimatization days are built into this itinerary, at Namche Bazaar and Dingboche. These are not optional extras. Skipping them is the single most common reason trekkers fail to reach Base Camp.

The trek passes through Sagarmatha National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and through Sherpa villages along the way. Daily life, monasteries, and mountain hospitality shape the experience as much as the mountain views do.

You'll cross the edge of the Khumbu Glacier and walk beneath Ama Dablam and Nuptse. Climbers have prepared for Everest summit attempts from this same ground since 1953.

The full round trip covers roughly 130 km (81 miles), with a net elevation gain of about 2,500 m (8,200 ft) from Lukla to Kala Patthar. Daily walking distances range from 4 km (2.5 mi) on acclimatization days to 19 km (11.8 mi) on the longest descent day.

Since April 2023, a licensed guide is legally required for all trekking in the Khumbu region. This is included in every Shikhar Adventure Everest Base Camp package, along with both permits needed for the route.

Lukla Flight Information

During peak season (March to May and late September to November), Lukla flights operate from Manthali Airport instead of Kathmandu. Tribhuvan International Airport's air traffic gets too congested to handle the volume safely during these months.

Manthali is roughly 130 km (81 miles) from Kathmandu, a drive of 4 to 5 hours on a winding mountain road. We leave Kathmandu around 2:00 AM to reach Manthali in time for the first flights of the day. Weather conditions over the mountains are most stable early in the morning.

Lukla flights are weather-dependent regardless of which airport you fly from. Delays of a day or more are common. This itinerary should never be booked back-to-back with an international departure. We recommend building in at least 2 extra buffer days beyond this 14-day plan.

In an emergency or time-critical delay, we can arrange a helicopter to or from Lukla at an additional cost of USD 500-700 per person. This is the fastest way to resolve a delay that threatens an international flight connection, and Shikhar Adventure can coordinate this directly on the ground when needed.

Itinerary

This is Shikhar's standard Itinerary. You can always tell us what you want or need, and we'll do our best to plan your trip the way you want it. Our team will be right there to help you plan your trip as soon as you hit the "customize trip" button.

Note: This plan is based on a normal 14-day Everest Base Camp trek, but we strongly advise that you allow at least two extra days before your international flight. Weather-related flight delays to and from Lukla are common most of the time, and they can sometimes mess up hiking plans.

Trip PlanExpand All

According to the flight schedule, Shikhar’s representative will be waiting at the airport’s arrival gate with your name on the board. S/he will then drop you off at the hotel and brief you about the upcoming adventurous journey.

The rest of the day is yours; you can relax at the hotel or visit nearby attractions.

Max Altitude: 1,400 m / 4,593 ft. Accommodation: 3 star hotel

We head to Tribhuvan International Airport this morning to board on our domestic flight to Lukla. We arrive at Lukla via a small plane from the airport after a 20-minute journey. This little town in the Khumbu Region is famous as the entryway to Mount Everest, and the airport is regarded as one of the most dangerous due to its difficult terrain.

At 2,860 meters, Lukla provides amazing perspective of the surrounding Himalayan mountains. This town is unique and unforgettable for the Everest trip since it also offers a window into Sherpa civilization.

Following a little respite, we begin our first official trek's steps. The landscapes of the Himalayas, Mani Walls, lovely Sherpa Villages, and countless hikers along the way make the trip wonderful.

After around four hours of walking, we reach Phakding, which is notable along this route because of its traditional teahouses, where trekkers may enjoy local hospitality and immerse themselves in the unique way of life of the Sherpa people.

Max Altitude: 2,610 m / 8,563 ft. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & DinnerAccommodation: Mountain Guesthouse

The first rays of the sun mark our morning; we eat breakfast in Phakding and then carry on our journey. We will go gently and steadily as we have to walk six to seven hours. The route we're heading today is narrow, and the suspension bridges, as well as the Yaks and mules, carrying the goods on the way, may make our journey more difficult. After walking for around 3 or 4 hours, we arrive at Jorsalle, which is located on the banks of the Dudhkoshi River.

We have our lunch there before continuing our trip along the river to Namche. After about an hour of walking, we have to cross a long and very high suspension bridge. After crossing the bridge, we walk for several hours to reach Namche Bazaar. If the weather goes our side, we may catch our first glimpse of Mount Everest along the route.

Namche Bazaar is well-known among Everest trekkers, and for good reason! If you missed packing something, you can get it in Namche! Known as the "gateway to Everest," the town is a colorful blend of cultures, traditions, and the best of Sherpa hospitality. The town is home to multiple businesses, cafes, computer cafés, inns, lodges, and guest rooms. Banks, ATMs, money exchanges, and a bustling local market say hello to visitors to Nepal's Everest area.

Max Altitude: 3,440 m / 11,286 ft. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & DinnerAccommodation: Mountain Guesthouse

Today is a rest day and a day set aside to acclimatize you to the higher altitude as we are now over 3,000 meters above sea level. You do not have to wake up early because it is our leisure day, but if you want to see the Himalayas in the morning, you should. We'll begin our day trip to the Namche viewpoint after a slightly later-than-usual breakfast, taking water bottles and dry fruits. This viewpoint provides a stunning and clear view of Mt. Everest and other nearby peaks such as Lhotse, Thamsherkhu, Ama Dablam, and Kongde.

We spend some time appreciating the landscape before going to the Sherpa Museum. There are stored the fossils of uncommon species discovered in Sagarmatha National Park as well as the ancient artifacts used by Sherpa people.

After that, we head for the Everest View Hotel to have a 360-degree perspective of every amazing peak. The hotel is one of the world's highest-altitude hotels! After taking in the incredible view, we return to our hotel to get some rest and prepare for the following day. You can also visit the local school, which Sir Edmund Hillary established in 1961 if you got time.

Max Altitude: 3,440 m / 11,286 ft. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & DinnerAccommodation: Mountain Guesthouse

After having our breakfast in Namche, we begin our hike to our next destination which is Tengboche. Tengboche is a village in Khumbu PasangLhamu municipality, situated at an elevation of 3,860 meters from the sea level. You will pass through thick pine forests, where, should you be lucky, you could see Himalayan Thar.

Not too long after walking for about five hours, we reach Tengboche. Since Lama Gulu founded the Dawa Choling Gompa, now Tengboche monastery, this place is important to the history of the Sagarmatha area. Among the gompas in the area, this is the largest. Not only that; Tengboche boasts amazing sweeping vistas of the high mountains. We stayed there late, taking in the surrounding countryside.

Max Altitude: 3,860 m / 12,664 ft. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & DinnerAccommodation: Mountain Guesthouse

On a chilly morning, we kick off our day with a steaming cup of coffee and a yummy breakfast. We're on our way to Dingboche, and because we're climbing up high, the green scenery is changing to rocky hills. Along on our trip is Mount Ama Dablam, sometimes said to as the most spectacular mountain on Earth.

We pass through a beautiful Sherpa settlement called Pangboche, tucked close to Ama Dablam, while we hike for perhaps six to seven hours. Staying longer is appealing, but we keep on. to last we arrive to Dingboche, the highest settlement in this area. It's very fantastic to feel so high after a day of walking.

Max Altitude: 4,410 m / 14,464 ft. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & DinnerAccommodation: Mountain Guesthouse

It is an acclimatization day that includes a rewarding hike to Nagarstang Peak. The trail climbs upwards, with breathtaking views of Makalu, Ama Dablam, and other towering peaks. It takes 3-4 hours to hike and reaches up to an altitude of 5,083 meters.

Return to Dingboche and spend the afternoon looking around the village or lounging in a teahouse. This is a rest day at 4,410 meters to get you acclimatized for the higher altitudes that are coming.

Max Altitude: 4,410 m / 14,464 ft. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & DinnerAccommodation: Mountain Guesthouse

Our excitement increases as we get nearer to the base camp. Today you may feel a little uneasy to breathe as we are now very high up in the mountains. If you feel anything such as feeling short on oxygen, just immediately inform the guide and he’ll suggest you do the right thing. After having our breakfast, we make our way to Lobuche, which is 4,940 meters above sea level.

After trekking for almost two hours, we stop at Thukla for a basic lunch. Then we begin the upward walk to Thukla Top, where hundreds of sculptures are erected in memory of those who died during the Everest Summit Expedition. After observing these memorials, we hike for a few hours to Lobuche. There are only a few teahouses there; after resting for a little, we'll trek to the nearby Khumbu Glacier to complete our day.

Max Altitude: 4,940 m / 16,207 ft. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & DinnerAccommodation: Mountain Guesthouse

Our final steps to the Everest base camp are quite tough and rewarding at the same time. After we have our breakfast in Lobuche, we make our way along the edge of the Khumbu Glacier to Gorakshep. This place is the last place available for accommodation, after booking our room there, we let our eager feet continue to the majestic Everest Base Camp. It takes around 2 hours to reach the base camp.

If you do this trek in the Spring season, the base camp is full of adventure enthusiasts ready to summit Everest. After capturing the moments, we made it there, we head back to our hotel for our stay.

Max Altitude: 5,364 m / 17,598 ft. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & DinnerAccommodation: Mountain Guesthouse

Waking up early, eager to see the stunning sunrise from Kala Patthar, a well-known spot in the Everest Region. Named after its black stones, this place is famous for giving the best sunrise view. Situated at a whopping 5,545 meters, Kala Patthar marks the highest point on the Everest Base Camp Trek.

Even though the climb is tough, your determination pushes you to reach this spot because the view is unlike anything else. From here, you get to see the first rays of the sun touching the top of the world. Kala Patthar gives a spectacular view of the world's tallest mountain and other peaks like Nuptse (7,861 meters), Pumori (7,161 meters), Ama Dablam (6,872 meters), and more, all standing proudly in their full glory. Here you may see the magic of the tallest mountains in the world and relax in the splendor of nature.

We return to the hotel with a gallery of moments caught and beloved memories in our hearts. We leave Gorakshep following a wonderful breakfast and start the trail to Pheriche. To get to our destination—where we will spend the night—it takes us a fulfilling six or seven hours of walking.

Max Altitude: 5,545 m / 18,192 ft. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & DinnerAccommodation: Mountain Guesthouse

Inspired both with nostalgia and enthusiasm, the well-known route opens out before us as we return from Pheriche to Namche. From the high-altitude Pheriche highlands to rich greenery and thriving cities along the way, the path meanders across a variety of settings.

The fall provides relief as well as an opportunity to calm down and enjoy the surroundings. We pass via suspension bridges gently spanning flowing rivers, rhododendron forests, and little Sherpa villages. Every step returns us to the path we previously passionately followed, but now with a sense of accomplishment and greater proximity to the amazing Himalayan landscape.

Approaching Namche, the regular packed market, vibrant prayer flags, and breathtaking mountains marked the end of our amazing trip. Along with our physical homecoming, the road back to Namche presents lifetime memories of the spectacular Everest Region.

Max Altitude: 3,440 m / 11,286 ft. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & DinnerAccommodation: Mountain Guesthouse

As we go back from Namche to Lukla, we find ourselves going back to familiar routes across the great Everest Region. Every step reminds us of our prior trip as the undulating paths guide us over amazing landscape.

Arriving at the Himalayan tranquility, we go via lovely Sherpa settlements and aromatic pine trees. Softly guiding us across mountain streams, iconic suspension bridges create a rhythmic accompaniment for our return path.

This 7-hour walk back to Lukla catches the essence of the Himalayas, therefore allowing you one more opportunity to savor their magnificence before bidding farewell to this amazing place.

Max Altitude: 2,840 m / 9,383 ft. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & DinnerAccommodation: Mountain Guesthouse

We say goodbye to the spectacular panorama of the Everest Region as we got aboard the plane headed from Lukla to Kathmandu. Surrounded by magnificent mountains, the small airplane leaves the well-known Lukla airfield and inspires us to yearning and appreciation. On the short but interesting trip, we think of the difficult paths, little settlements, and towering Himalayan scene we left behind.

Glancing out the window, we are in awe of the bird's-eye view and identify known ground from our path. The flight offers a different viewpoint, therefore augmenting the dimension of the walk we last undertook on foot.

When we arrive in Kathmandu, we are greeted with a vibrant capital full of activity. Our spectacular Himalayan experience concludes with this flight from Lukla to Kathmandu, which quickly transitions from mountain quiet to metropolitan action.

Your guide will take you from the airport to the hotel, where you will rest, prepare, and pack for your trip back home or to your next destination.

Max Altitude: 1,400 m / 4,593 ft. Meals: BreakfastAccommodation: 3 star hotel

We at Shikhar Adventure make sure your leaving goes as naturally as possible when your trip in the Everest Region draws to a conclusion. Whether your trip back home or forward to your new location, our crew helps you to get to the airport.

Our staff carefully and precisely plans the transfer so you may relax and consider your amazing Himalayan adventures. From the peace of the mountains to the busy activity of the airport, we guarantee a flawless transition so that your leaving is as stress-free as your whole trip with us.

Spend some time considering the incredible trip, the friendship developed along the paths, and the magnificent views as you wait for your aircraft.

Safe journey.

Meals: Breakfast
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Cost Details

Included

  • Airport arrival and departure transfers (private vehicle)
  • Two nights in a 3 - star hotel in Kathmandu, breakfast included (Hotel Nirvana Garden or Similar).
  • All ground transportations.
  • Kathmandu - Lukla - Kathmandu flights
  • Teahouse accommodation for all 12 nights on the trail.
  • 3 meals a day (breakfast, lunch, dinner) while trekking
  • Sagarmatha National Park entry permit and Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality permit
  • Licensed experienced local English-speaking guide.
  • Porter (one porter per two trekkers)
  • Guide and porter wages, food, accommodation, and insurance
  • Sleeping bag, and duffel bag for the duration of the trek
  • First aid kit and pulse oximeter carried by your guide
  • Government taxes and service charges

Excluded

  • International airfare to and from Kathmandu
  • Nepal visa fees (USD 30 for 15 Days, USD 50 for 30 Days for foreigners)
  • Travel insurance, including emergency helicopter evacuation cover - this is essential, not optional, and should be arranged before departure
  • Meals in Kathmandu other than breakfast
  • Personal expenses (WiFi, hot showers, charging, snacks — these rise with altitude on the trail)
  • Alcoholic drinks and bottled beverages
  • Tips for guide and porter
  • Extra nights or meals caused by flight delays or itinerary changes
  • Costs arising from cancellations, weather disruption, illness, or other unforeseen events

Route Map

Best Everest Base Camp Trek Map

Altitude Chart

Everest Base Camp Trek Altitude Guide

Dates & Availability

Unexpected factors such as politics, weather, and natural disasters can impact your trip. This may cause changes or modifications to your itinerary. In such instances, our guides or leaders will attempt to arrange the best alternative itineraries. We will do our utmost to minimize the impact, but we will not be liable for any delays, changes, or annoyance caused by it.

Essential Information

What permits/fees are required for the Everest Base Camp trek?

The Everest Base Camp Trekking is situated in the Sagarmatha National Park; thus, you will require three permissions to enter this area. Each of the three permits can be obtained from three distinct locations: Trekking Agency Association Nepal (TAAN) in Kathmandu, Lukla, and a checkpoint in Manju before arriving at Namche Bazaar or can be obtained from numerous authorized trekking agencies in Kathmandu.

The Permits/Fees are:

Lukla VDC Charge

Every trekker headed to the Everest Region must pay the Lukla VDC Charge when they arrive in Lukla to continue their journey.

This permit is intended to assist the local government in the development projects of the Lukla VDC and promote sustainable tourism, which will cost you NPR 3000 (approx. USD25).

Sagarmatha National Park Fees

Trekkers traveling along this route also have to pay Sagarmatha National Park fees along with Lukla VDC fees, and TAAN permission.

This permission aims to improve and repair routes and electricity in the Everest Trekking Region, and it may be obtained at a checkpost in Manju on the way to Namche from Phakding. This fee costs 3000 Nepali rupees (about USD25).

When is the greatest time to hike in the Everest region? What is the usual weather there?

Spring (March–May) and fall (September–November) are the finest times for the Everest Base Camp climb. Spring brings pleasant, consistent weather with clear sky offering amazing views of Himalayan mountains and blossoming rhododendron woodlands adding beautiful hues. Trekking circumstances in autumn are perfect since it brings cool, dry weather, excellent visibility, and pure air.

While fall days are sunny with clear vistas, nights can be chilly, in spring a normal day consists of pleasant temperatures, which makes trekking fun during the day. These seasons allow one to really appreciate the beauty of the area.

Still, given enough preparation, the trip to the Everest Base Camp might be completed all year. Trekkers should be careful of the many weather conditions; even in less popular months, the trip is achievable with enough preparation and suitable gear.

What are the alternative treks you can consider?

For those looking for alternatives to the Everest Base Camp trek that suit a range of interests and tastes, there are several fascinating options. Celebrated for its several points of view, the Annapurna Circuit Trekking guide walks tourists throughout luxuriant forests, terraced farming land, and high alpine deserts.

The Manaslu Circuit Trek will appeal greatly to anyone seeking cultural variety since it offers amazing mountain views together with knowledge on old Tibetan living. For a shorter but equally interesting trip, the Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek offers panoramic views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountains.

The path of choice for an other trip is defined by personal preferences, physical capacity, and chosen degree of difficulty. Every path is different, allowing hikers to savor the many beauty of the Himalayas of Nepal.

FAQs

The Everest Base Camp trip takes as little as 12 days to accomplish, but if you want to experience the adventure to the utmost, you can take the 16-day typical trip.

Video Reviews

Tengboche Monastery
An Epic Adventure
Justin Lee Mason
Fantastic Everest Base Camp Experience with Shikhar Adventure

We completed the Everest Base Camp Trek with Shikhar Adventure from 19 May to 1 June 2026 and had an excellent experience from beginning to end.

Our guide, Jite...

read more +
Abhimanyu Singh
Abhimanyu Singh- India
June 02, 2026
Life-Changing Experience Trekking Through the Himalayas with the Highly Skilled Team at Shikhar Adventure!

I completed the 16-day Everest Base Camp Trek from Jiri, and booking through Shikhar Adventure was one of the best decisions I made. As a solo female traveler, my guide,...

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Kaitlyn
Kaitlyn- Australia
May 22, 2026
Excellent Communication and Experienced Guide

My wife and I did this trek and it was perfect. Just save yourself the time and book with Shikhar Adventure.

We looked into so many different trekking companies before...

read more +
Kimball B
Kimball B- United States
January 05, 2026

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