The Everest Base Camp trek is one of the most famous and iconic treks in Nepal. Located in the Khumbu region, this trek takes you through awe-inspiring Himalayan scenery and allows you to view the tallest mountain in the world, Mt. Everest (8,848m), up close. The highlight of the trek is reaching Everest Base Camp located at an altitude of 5,364m.
The Everest Base Camp trek usually takes between 10-12 days and starts from Lukla, known for its thrilling airport runway perched on a cliff. From Lukla, you trek north through the villages of Phakding, Namche Bazaar, Tengboche, Dingboche, and Lobuche before finally reaching Everest Base Camp. The trail passes through the Sagarmatha National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and offers stunning views of mountains like Ama Dablam, Thamserku, Nuptse, and Lhotse.
EBC Trek Highlights
Witness incredible views of Mt. Everest and other high Himalayan peaks up close
Cross suspension bridges like the Hillary Bridge on your way to Everest Base Camp
Hike to the famous Everest View Point in Kala Patthar (5,555m) for sunrise views of Everest
Visit ancient Buddhist monasteries like the Thyangboche Monastery
Pass through traditional Sherpa villages and experience the local culture
Trek to the Khumbu Glacier, the world’s highest glacier
Cross the geographical milestone of Everest Base Camp (5,364m)
Itinerary
Day 1 : Kathmandu Arrival
Day 2 : Kathmandu to Lukla Flight, then Trek to Phakding
Day 3 : Phakding to Namche Bazaar
Day 4 : Acclimatization Day in Namche Bazaar
Day 5 : Namche Bazaar to Tengboche
Day 6 : Tengboche to Dingboche
Day 7 : Acclimatization Day in Dingboche
Day 8 : Dingboche to Lobuche
Day 9 : Lobuche to Gorak Shep to Everest Base Camp and back to Gorak Shep
Day 10 : Gorak Shep to Kala Patthar and down to Pheriche
Day 11 : Pheriche to Namche Bazaar
Day 12 : Namche Bazaar to Lukla
Day 1 : Kathmandu Arrival
Max Altitude
1,400m (Kathmandu)
Meals
Welcome Dinner
Upon your arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, you’ll be picked up and transferred to your hotel. After some rest, you might want to explore the vibrant streets of Thamel or other parts of Kathmandu. In the evening, there’s often a welcome dinner where you can meet fellow trekkers.
Day 2 : Kathmandu to Lukla Flight, then Trek to Phakding
Trek Distance
Approximately 8km
Max Altitude
2,850m (Lukla)
Meals
Lunch, Dinner
Early morning flight to Lukla. After landing, prepare for the trek and head towards Phakding. The walk is relatively easy and downhill, serving as a warm-up for the days to come.
Day 3 : Phakding to Namche Bazaar
Trek Distance
Approximately 11km
Max Altitude
3,440m (Namche Bazaar)
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
The trail goes through beautiful pine forests and over the Dudh Koshi River. After crossing several suspension bridges, you will reach the Sagarmatha National Park. A steady climb then takes you to Namche Bazaar
Day 4 : Acclimatization Day in Namche Bazaar
Max Altitude
Around 3,440m
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
An essential day for acclimatization. You might hike to nearby places like Khumjung or Everest View Hotel to adjust to the altitude. Exploring the Sherpa Museum in Namche is also recommended.
Day 5 : Namche Bazaar to Tengboche
Trek Distance
Approximately 10km
Max Altitude
3,870m (Tengboche)
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
The trail offers majestic views of Everest, Nuptse, Lhotse, and Ama Dablam. Arriving in Tengboche, you can visit the famous Tengboche Monastery.
Day 6 : Tengboche to Dingboche
Trek Distance
Approximately 12km
Max Altitude
4,360m (Dingboche)
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
The trail descends through rhododendron forests and crosses the Imja River. Then, it gradually ascends to Dingboche, which offers striking views of the Himalayas.
Day 7 : Acclimatization Day in Dingboche
Max Altitude
Around 4,360m
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Another crucial day for altitude adjustment. You can hike to Nangkartshang Peak or just rest and enjoy the village.
Day 8 : Dingboche to Lobuche
Trek Distance
Approximately 11km
Max Altitude
4,940m (Lobuche)
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
The trail continues alongside the lateral moraine of the Khumbu Glacier. You’ll pass by stone memorials for climbers who have perished on Everest.
Day 9 : Lobuche to Gorak Shep to Everest Base Camp and back to Gorak Shep
Trek Distance
Approximately 13km
Max Altitude
5,364m (Everest Base Camp)
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
This challenging day takes you to EBC and back to Gorak Shep. The trail can be rocky and icy. Upon reaching EBC, you’ll get close views of the Khumbu Icefall.
Day 10 : Gorak Shep to Kala Patthar and down to Pheriche
Trek Distance
Approximately 15km
Max Altitude
5,545m (Kala Patthar)
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Early morning hike to Kala Patthar for a breathtaking panoramic view of Everest and neighboring peaks. Afterward, you’ll descend to Pheriche.
Day 11 : Pheriche to Namche Bazaar
Trek Distance
Approximately 20km
Max Altitude
3,440m (Namche Bazaar)
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
This is mostly a downhill journey, retracing your steps back through Tengboche and into the bustling town of Namche.
Day 12 : Namche Bazaar to Lukla
Trek Distance
Approximately 19km
Max Altitude
2,850m (Lukla)
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Descend to Lukla while passing through several villages. Celebrate your successful trek in Lukla, preparing for your flight back to Kathmandu the next day.
NOTE: If the above itinerary does not meet your needs, we can design individualized travel plans based on your preferences.
Design Your Travel Plan
We can design individualized travel plans based on your preferences.
Airport transfers to/from hotel on arrival and departure days
Kathmandu accommodation in a 3 star hotel on twin sharing basis
All meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner) during the trek
Accommodation in local lodges during the trek
Necessary permits and entry fees
Experienced English-speaking guide
Porters to carry luggage (2 trekkers: 1 porter ratio)
Flight tickets Kathmandu-Lukla-Kathmandu
First aid medical kit
Cost Excludes:
Nepal visa fees
International airfare
Travel Insurance
Meals in Kathmandu
Beverages (coffee, tea, bottled water)
Tips for guides and porters
Personal expenses and gear
Showers and battery charges during trek
Unforeseen expenses due to natural calamities, strikes, etc
Equipment
Trekking to Everest Base Camp requires proper planning and packing the right gear. At an altitude of over 5,300 meters, the conditions on the trail can be harsh and unpredictable. Having the proper clothing and equipment is essential for a safe and relatively comfortable trek. Here is a list of the key items to pack for the Everest Base Camp trek:
Footwear: The most important item is a sturdy pair of hiking boots with good ankle support. The boots should be broken in before the trek to avoid blisters. Trekking poles are highly recommended as they reduce strain on the knees during steep ascents and descents. Bring a pair of comfortable shoes for the evenings.
Clothing: Bring quick-dry, breathable layers that can be added or removed as the weather shifts. Must-haves are base layers, hiking pants, waterproof and windproof jackets and pants, down jacket for warmth, fleece jacket, thermal underwear, and several pairs of hiking socks. Temperatures can dip below freezing around Everest Base Camp, so having adequate warm layers is vital. Also pack sun hats, scarves and gloves.
Daypack: A roomy daypack (around 30 liters capacity) to carry essentials like snacks, water, sunscreen, camera, extra layers, etc. Most days involve 4-6 hours of hiking. Some trekkers bring a small duffel bag for porters to carry their main luggage.
Sleeping Bag: Bring a warm, lightweight sleeping bag rated for subzero temperatures. Nights at the higher altitudes routinely drop below freezing. A sleeping bag liner adds extra warmth.
Personal Items: Sunglasses, headlamp with spare batteries, quick-dry towel, toilet paper, blister kit, medications, hand warmers, sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher), lip balm with SPF. Bring antibacterial hand gel and face mask due to COVID-19.
Water Storage: Hydration is critical to avoid altitude sickness. Bring a large reusable water bottle and water purification tablets or a Steripen to treat water along the route. CamelBak-style hydration packs are also popular.
Travel Documents: Passport, permits, extra ID photos and insurance documents should be packed with you at all times.
With the proper preparation and gear, trekkers can have a relatively safe and enjoyable experience of a lifetime at Everest Base Camp. Proper acclimatization to the altitude and listening to your body is key.
Gallery
Additional Information
The best time for the Everest Base Camp trek is from March to May and September to November when the weather is ideal.
There are several flight options between Kathmandu and Lukla in the mornings. Keep buffer days in your itinerary in case of flight delays/cancellations.
Walk slowly with frequent breaks to acclimatize properly to avoid altitude sickness. Stay hydrated and limit alcohol intake.
Carry cash as ATMs are limited once you leave Lukla.
Permits are checked at multiple checkpoints, so ensure they are in hand.
Temperatures can drop to -15°C during the night, so carry proper trekking gear and layer clothing.
Accommodation facilities at the EBC Trek
You will be staying at local tea houses every night during the Everest Base Camp trek. Tea houses offer shared room accommodation with basic facilities.
Some amenities at tea houses:
Twin sharing rooms with spare blankets
Basic shared washrooms with cold water
Charging facilities in the dining area
Attached dining area where you can get meals
Common lounge area to relax
Note that showers, WiFi and heating facilities are limited at higher altitudes. Bring your own battery packs to charge devices.
Best time to trek Everest Base Camp
Trekking to Everest Base Camp in Nepal is an incredible experience. With breathtaking views of the highest mountain in the world, it’s no wonder that thousands flock here each year. Deciding when to go depends on your preferences and weather conditions. Here’s an overview of the best times to trek to Everest Base Camp by season:
Spring (March to May)
Spring is one of the most popular seasons for trekking to Everest Base Camp. Days are warmer and skies are clearer as the monsoon rains have not yet begun. Temperatures average around 15°C during the day but can drop below freezing at night. The views of Everest and surrounding peaks are excellent during this pre-monsoon period.
The spring season brings the benefit of seeing blooming rhododendrons on the trail. However, it is also the windiest time of year. Trails may be very dusty as well. Trekking in April and early May means less crowds on the trail compared to late May.
Summer (June to August)
Summer is monsoon and rainy season in Nepal. While the rains bring greens to the landscapes, they also obscure mountain views and can make for slippery trails. Temperatures may reach 25°C during the day but the humidity is very high during this season.
Trekking is still possible but prepare for wet conditions. The benefit of trekking in the summer is the trails are much less crowded. Bring good rain gear if planning to trek during the monsoon.
Autumn (September to November)
Fall is the most ideal time for trekking to Everest Base Camp. September to early December provide sunny days, clear mountain views and moderate temperatures. Nighttime temperatures start dropping in late October.
The busiest time is October when the weather is still favorable and dry. Trails may be packed with fellow trekkers at this time. After the crowds of October, November is a great quieter period to trek before the colder winter sets in.
Winter (December to February)
The Everest region is very cold in the winter, with average temperatures around -17°C. High winds and heavy snowfall can make trekking quite dangerous during this time. Many tea houses along the trail may be closed for the season.
That said, winter trekking is still possible for well-prepared trekkers who bring sufficient gear. The trails will be deserted offering a remote experience. The beauty of the mountains covered in snow is exceptional but visibility can be poor at times.
Overall the best times to trek to Everest Base Camp are in the spring (March to May) and fall (September to early December) when the weather is mild, skies are clear and mountain scenery is at its best.
Absolutely! The Everest Base Camp trek takes you through stunning landscapes, allows you to experience the Sherpa culture, tests your endurance and offers once-in-a-lifetime views of Mount Everest. The feeling of accomplishment after completing this iconic trek is unmatched.
It typically takes between 10-12 days to complete the Everest Base Camp round trip starting and ending at Lukla. The itinerary can be customized based on your timeline.
It is strongly advised to do this trek with an experienced guide due to the high altitude, rapidly changing conditions, and quirky logistics. Self-guided trekking in the Khumbu region is not allowed without proper permits.
The trek requires an average level of fitness. The major challenges are the high altitude (over 5,000m), steep uphill climbs, rocky terrain and cold weather. Proper acclimatization days have been built into the itinerary.
Yes, a licensed guide accredited for the Khumbu region is mandatory for the Everest Base Camp trek. Ensure your guide has ample high-altitude trekking experience and credentials. We use highly experienced, certified guides to lead the treks safely.
Overall Reviews
John Smith
Rated 5 out of 5
August 1, 2023
The Everest Base Camp trek was the most incredible experience of my life. Trekking through the majestic Himalayas, surrounded by some of the highest peaks in the world, was truly humbling. The views of Everest itself, especially from Base Camp, took my breath away. The sherpas were so friendly and helpful, making the challenging trek doable. I’ll never forget watching the sunrise over Everest from Kala Patthar – it brought me to tears. I can’t recommend this adventure enough for any avid trekker looking to push themselves and create lifelong memories.
Ram Shrestha
François Dubois
Rated 5 out of 5
July 18, 2023
12 Days trek to Everest Base Camp was the most magical experience of my life. Getting up close views of the tallest mountain in the world felt like a dream. The trails winding through the hills dotted with prayer flags made me feel like I was truly imThe two week trek to Everest Base Camp was the most magical experience of my life. Getting up close views of the tallest mountain in the world felt like a dream. The trails winding through the hills dotted with prayer flags made me feel like I was truly immersed in the local Sherpa culture. Our guides were excellent and kept us safe through the more dangerous parts of the trek. Camping under the stars and watching the sunrise hit Everest each morning were memories I’ll cherish forever. I cannot recommend this bucket list trek enough, it exceeded all my expectations!mersed in the local Sherpa culture. Our guides were excellent and kept us safe through the more dangerous parts of the trek. Camping under the stars and watching the sunrise hit Everest each morning were memories I’ll cherish forever. I cannot recommend this bucket list trek enough, it exceeded all my expectations!
Nitesh Adhikari
Claudia Müller
Rated 4 out of 5
July 18, 2023
Don’t underestimate the Everest Base Camp trek! As an experienced hiker and trekker, I thought I was prepared but this tested me both mentally and physically. The altitude really affected me and there were moments I wasn’t sure I could make it. But our expert Sherpa guides encouraged me through and getting to base camp felt like a major accomplishment. I’m proud I pushed myself out of my comfort zone to complete this trek. The views of the Himalayas are jaw-dropping. Just be ready for a tough hike! It’s worth it in the end.
Bishal Sherpa
Maria Rodriguez
Rated 4 out of 5
July 18, 2023
I loved the Everest Base Camp trek but want to provide an honest review about the challenges. It is not an easy trek by any means – be prepared for high altitude, steep ascents and rough terrain. I suffered from altitude sickness at points but the payoff at Base Camp is so worth it. The views are jaw-dropping and unlike anything I’ve ever seen. The Nepali people are also extremely kind. I recommend this to any experienced hiker looking to take their trekking to the next level. Just know it won’t be easy but it will be life-changing!
