Everest Base Camp Trek in a Nutshell
You Can Do It!
In an ideal world, most of us would love to stand on the top of the world, 8,848m high on Mt Everest. Realistically, most of us are not going to be able to achieve this! But if you are of good fitness and strong determination, you can make it to Everest Base Camp! And between you and me, the views of Everest from Kalapatthar are the most spectacular you can get without having to spend weeks trudging up to the summit!
Hopefully, you have gone through our sections about the Everest Base Camp Trek and have gathered all the information you need to help you make the decision as to when you would like to do this trek, what to bring with you on the EBC trek and some of the highlights of the trek itself. We believe this is one of the best trekking routes in the world!
To briefly recap here is the Highlights of the Everest Base Camp Trek
- Stand at the base of Mt Everest in awe of its majesty and size.
- Witness the sun setting over Everest from Kalapatthar, known as the Everest viewpoint.
- Fly into the high altitude Hilary Tenzing Airport at Lukla, an experience in itself.
- Visit Sherpa villages with their Tibetan like peoples and yak herders.
- Stay in Namche Bazaar, the starting point for all Everest expeditions.
- Visit Tengboche Monastery with its strong spiritual connection and the surrounding panorama of mountains –what views!
- Be stunned by the chilling beauty of the Khumbu Glacier and Khumbu Icefalls.
- Use the essential acclimatization days to learn something of the lifestyle of the Sherpas.
- Pass through Sagarmatha National Park with its unique flora and fauna.
- Follow the footsteps of Sir Edmund Hillary and many other famous mountaineers.
- Simply absorb the atmosphere of the Khumbu Valley and recognise the power of ‘Goddess Mother of Mountains’ (English translation of Chomolungma, Tibetan for Everest)
Important Points to Remember About your Everest Base Camp Trek
This is not a luxury tour: this is an experience of a lifetime!
Accommodation is on twin-share bases. Hot showers, wifi and power sources are provided, with a small charge. The rooms might not be luxurious, but where else can you get views of the Himalaya mountains from your window?
Enjoy fresh Himalayan foods in teahouses along the trail. Where else can you be part of such beauty that is the Khumbu Valley while enjoying steaming hot DalBhat?
A good level of fitness is required. But we will ensure you are well acclimatized to the altitude. We suggest you keep well hydrated on the trek, keeping alcohol to a minimum.
Although a young and energetic trekking company, our guides and porters are exceedingly well trained and experienced to ensure you have the best trek you can. We carry a first aid kit in case of minor injuries and will have a copy of your travel insurance details in case of larger problems.
But most of all, enjoy your trip of a lifetime to Everest Base Camp!
Ask Us
Once you have read the information (and don’t forget to watch our unique EBC videos) and made up your mind to come to Nepal, if you have further questions please do get in touch with us at Magical Nepal. Don’t forget we can also arrange your sightseeing trips in Kathmandu and other parts of Nepal as well as your once-in-a-lifetime trip to Everest Base Camp.
| Durations days | 14 days |
| Max. elevation | 5,643 m / 18513 ft (Kala Patthar) |
| Trek Start/Finish | Lukla/Lukla |
| Difficulty | Challenging |
| Accommodation | Teahouse |
Everest Base Camp Trek Map
Everest Base Camp Trek Video
The Lukla to Everest Base Camp trek begins with a short 40-minute early morning flight from Kathmandu to Lukla Airport, which lies at an altitude of 2,860m.
On the first day, trekkers begin their trip with a short descent of 3 to 4 hour to Phakding. After that, it is an average of 5 hours walking each day, with a couple of long days of 7 to 8 hours.
Built into this trek is time to acclimatize before trekking to Everest Base Camp (5,364m) and the Everest viewpoint at Kalapatthar, with an altitude of over 5,500m.
The trekking route goes through alpine forests, through villages, and along the Dudh Koshi and Bhote Koshi rivers to a market town with a name that conjures up pictures of red-cheeked Sherpa children and generations of mountain expeditions from around the world – Namche Bazaar.
Here it is possible to trek to Khumjung Village to visit the school set up by Sir Edmund Hillary, the first man to successfully summit Mount Everest in 1953.
Of course, no one can climb alone, so the setting up of this school was one of the ways Sir Edmund gave back to the Sherpa community who continue today to be the backbone of an expedition to Everest.
Another highlight of this trek is a visit to Tengboche Monastery. Unfortunately, the monastery was extensively damaged by the earthquakes in 2015.
The panoramic views from the monastery area, are, however, still spectacular and include views of Mount Everest, Nuptse, Lhotse, Ama Dablam, and Thamserku. With all this natural beauty it is easy to see why the biggest monastery in the Khumbu Region was built on this spot.
Both natural and spiritual beauty has always drawn people to this area. Interestingly, the Tibetan and Sherpa name of for Mount Everest is in Chomolungma or Mother Goddess of the Universe.
In more recent times the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) has added this area, which is part of Sagarmatha National Park, to its Sacred Himalayan Landscape initiative.
The trail to Base Camp from Gorakshep and back is quite arduous and will take 6 to 7 hours of walking over rocky ground, formed by millennia of glacial debris.
The trail runs alongside the Khumbu Glacier with views of the Khumbu icefall. During the climbing season there maybe is an opportunity to witness expeditions setting up camp in order to attempt to summit Everest. Needless to say, the scenery is breathtaking!
Aside from the Base Camp itself, there is a spectacular close up view of Everest from the highest point of the trek at Kalapatthar. Not for nothing is Kalapatthar called the Everest View Point. Also seen from here are Mount Pumori and Ama Dablam.
This trek comes to an end by returning to Lukla for the short flight back to Kathmandu.
If you don’t want to trek but wish to see Everest, check out Everest Helicopter Tour with the landing.
Permits Required for the Everest Base Camp Trek Nepal
The Everest Base Camp Trek, or EBC as its known, takes you into the heart of the Khumbu Region, home to Sherpa Buddhist people, closely related to their Tibetan neighbour.
It is here you will see rhododendron forests, glaciers, such as the famous Khumbu Glacier, raging rivers, yak pastures, high strung suspension bridges, small villages and Sherpa settlements and monasteries such as Tengboche Monastery.
Naturally, to preserve the beauty that surrounds Mt. Everest and the other mountains in the Himalayan range, the Government of Nepal imposes permit entrance fees.
All national parks in Nepal need a permit, and the Sagarmatha National Park is no different. When you compare the cost of the permits to the overall cost of your trip to Nepal and the Everest Region, the amount is relatively small and is an investment in the future of this beautiful area with its snow, forests, ice, pastures and culture.
Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay may have been the people to put the Khumbu on the map but since then countless mountaineers and trekkers have enjoyed the beauty of the likes of Mt. Everest, Ama Dablam, Goyko Lakes and much more. Let’s ensure this area stays as it is for future trekkers and Nepali people.
For the Everest Base Camp (EBC) Trek you need entrance permits as explained below:-
Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Entrance Permit
- NPR 2,000 per person
Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit
- NPR 3,000 per person
Where to Obtain the Permits for the Nepal Everest Base Camp Trek
New regulations allow us to now obtain permits for the Everest Region in the region itself. This certainly saves time! But in any case, we at Magical Nepal will organise the correct permits for you, as below.
Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Entrance Permit
Payment is made directly to the Local Government of Khumbu and can be obtained in Lukla. For those trekking from Jiri or Salleri, this permit can be obtained in Monjo. This permit is not available in Kathmandu but must be obtained in the Khumbu.
Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit
All national parks in Nepal require an entry permit. This can be obtained in advance at the Nepal Tourism Board office in Kathmandu or in Monjo at the park entrance gate.
Documents Required to Obtain Everest Base Camp Trek Permits
For the Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality and Sagarmatha National Park permits, your passport details are sufficient.
Important Information
- All permits are for a single entry.
- Once issued permits are non-refundable and non-transferable.
- The validity of your permit is based on your application.
- Permits are the same price regardless as to how many days you are going, therefore, it is a good idea to build in extra days in case of delays.
- Permit fees not only support local communities and help protect conservation areas, they act as a way to help ensure your safety as it will be noted when you enter and exit an area.
Click here to know more about Everest base camp trek permits
What to Expect from your Accommodation on the Everest Base Camp (EBC) Trek
Accommodation on the EBC Trek
There are plenty of lodges along the Everest Base Camp Trek route, from the simple lodges to the highest 5-star hotel in the world; which is located between Namche and Tengboche.
On your trek with Magical Nepal, we are aiming for a ‘middle path’ as the Buddhist’s might say. Which basically means mid-range lodges. Indeed, all the settlements along the way are inhabited by Sherpa people who follow the Buddhist way of life.
Your arrival at the Hillary Tenzing Airport at Lukla is your gateway to the Khumbu Valley, otherwise known as the Everest Region, so leave any high expectations regarding accommodation at home!
We do try to use the best accommodation available but please be aware that at high altitude locations such as Gorakshep, and during peak season accommodation is limited and it maybe you have to share your room, even if you have opted for a ‘single’ room.
In fact, all the rooms are provided on a twin-share basis. If you would like a single room, there will be an additional charge for this.
Hot showers are widely available but in some of the small villages, the bathrooms are likely to be shared ones. You might want to consider bringing your own sleeping bag for extra warmth (available for hire in Kathmandu).
Wifi is available at some places, such as Namche Bazaar, but why not forget social media for a while and live in the moment, enjoying the beauty of the surrounding mountains!
*Please be aware you will be charged for hot showers, wifi and charging your electronic devices at the lodges.
Accommodation in Kathmandu
In Kathmandu, we will provide you with a twin-share room in either Maya Boutique Hotel/Bodhi Boutique Hotel or similar Standard in Thamel.
This is the tourist centre of town, convenient for bars, restaurants and souvenir shopping. Again, should you wish a single room, there will be an additional charge. These hotels provide hot showers and wifi free of charge!
In Conclusion
To recap, we at Magical Nepal will ensure you get the best possible accommodation available at the time of your Everest Base Camp Trek.
If you would like to upgrade to those hotels in the Yeti Mountain Home group please let us know. There will be an additional charge for this. Otherwise, enjoy the Tibetan like Sherpa hospitality at many of the comfortable lodges and hotels along the way.
Everest Base Camp Trek Detailed Itinerary
Welcome to the Land of the Yeti and Mount Everest
Your trek to Everest Base Camp begins when you fly into Lukla. At 2,860m this high altitude airport gives a free mountain flight on route! Here you will meet your porters and set off to hike to Phakding, 3 or 4 hours away.
As your cross glacier-fed rivers and breath in the cool fresh air, you already have an idea that something great is happening! The trekking route goes through alpine forests and Sherpa villages, along rivers such as the Dudh Koshi and Bhote Koshi up to Namche Bazaar where you will acclimatize for what is to come.
At Namche you have time to explore the surrounding area, perhaps visit the school that Sir Edmund Hilary built for Sherpa children at Khumjung Village or simply get used to the rare air at this altitude.
In general walking, days is an average of 5 hours per day, with a couple of long, 7 to 8 hours ones. As well as simply being in the lap of Everest, the highlights include standing on the top of Kalapatthar, known as the Everest viewpoint at over 5,500m and being immersed into Buddhist culture, including a visit to Tengboche Monastery and others.
But actually it’s hard to pin down the highest points (no pun intended!) of this trip. The trail takes you through Sagarmatha National Park, and the Sacred Himalayan Landscape initiative by WWF; to the base camp and Gorakshep, and alongside the Khumbu Glacier where you can also see the Khumbu Icefall that all Everest mountaineers must cross.
Sherpa hospitality is strong and your lodge, although perhaps quite basic, is a welcome sight at the end of the day, with its warm kitchen, friendly host, and tasty food.
Day 01 Arrival in Kathmandu
On your arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, you will be met by our representative and transferred to your hotel.
Your hotel is in the centre of the city, in the vibrant and colourful area known as Thamel. With its restaurants, bars, shops with unique Nepali handcrafted items and trekking gear this is an interesting place to spend the afternoon.
There will be the opportunity to meet your guide today and ask any questions you still may have about your trip to Everest Base Camp.
Meals not included.
Overnight in Maya Boutique Hotel or Bodhi Boutique Hotel
Day 02 Kathmandu to Lukla: Flight and Trek to Phakding (2,651m) 4 hrs drive, 20 minutes flight, 3-4 hrs trek
Due to changes in the regulations and upgrading at the domestic airport in Kathmandu, it is very likely that flights to Lukla will operate out of Manthali Airport in Ramechhap District.
This involves a four-hour drive from Kathmandu during the night. The flight from Manthali will depart early in the morning and take 20 minutes.
On arrival in Lukla our experienced, local porters will meet you. Heading down the trail to Phakding we already notice the fluttering Tibetan prayer flags and meet local people reciting Tibetan mantras as they walk.
All meals included
Overnight in Phakding
Day 03 Phakding to Namche Bazaar (3,440m) 5 – 6 hrs trek
Today the trail takes us through forests, traditional villages with their ploughed fields, and yak pastures. As we reach the entrance to the Sagarmatha National Park we can see Thamserku rising above us.
After lunch, we continue on to Namche Bazaar. This is the largest Sherpa village in the Khumbu Region and is the starting point for expeditions and trekking groups.
Here you can purchase a few last minutes items (such as chocolate) should you have forgotten to do so in Kathmandu.
All meals included
Overnight at Namche Bazaar
Day 04 Acclimatization Day in Namche
Today is an acclimatization day to allow our bodies to adjust to the high altitude. But that doesn’t mean we do nothing! The best way to acclimatize is to be active.
There is an opportunity to spend a few hour hiking around the area or visiting Visit the school set by Sir Edmund Hillary in the Khumjung village as a thank you for all the assistance the Sherpa people gave him in his successful ascent of Mt Everest.
Some of the mountains on view today are Kwangde (6,011m), Thamserku (6,623m), Kangtega (6,782m), Nuptse (7,861m), Lhotse (8,516m), Ama Dablam (6,812m) and, of course, Mount Everest (8,848m).
All meals included
Overnight in Namche Bazaar
Day 05 Namche to Tengboche (3,856m) 5-6 hrs trek
Today there are not many steep ascents and descents today which gives plenty of time to concentrate on photography! Stupas (Buddhist shrines), prayer flags, mani walls (walls with Buddhist prayers carved into them), mountains, such as Ama Dablam, and Tengboche Monastery are all worth photographing.
The trail up to Tengboche is a dusty switchback route but the panoramic views from the monastery make it all worthwhile. If you are lucky you will be able to attend a service, for which a small donation would be appreciated. Definitely you can light some butter lamps.
All meals included
Overnight at Tengboche or Deboche (15 mins hike away)
Day 06 Tengboche to Dingboche (4,380m) 4 – 5 hrs
The trail is of course very scenic, but also quite challenging today. We start off following the Imja Khola before climbing up to the windswept fields (mainly potato) of Dingboche.
This is the highest Sherpa settlement in the Khumbu Region. The views of Ama Dablam from here are particularly spectacular and dramatic. As we will arrive at Dingboche in time for lunch. The rest of the afternoon is free to relax with a book or simply gaze at the surrounding mountains.
All meals included
Overnight at Dingboche
Day 07 Acclimatization Day in Dingboche
With the ever-rising altitude, it is important to take another day to acclimatize. There are a number of options available for short hikes today.
Such as visiting the base of Nangkar Tshang Peak, with its sacred sites and views of Mt Makalu. This trip is 3.5 to 5 hours round trip and the ascending altitude on this hike will help our bodies prepare for the high altitudes ahead.
All meals included
Overnight at Dingboche
Day 08 Dingboche to Lobuche (4,938m) 4 – 5 hrs
Today the trek begins with a gentle climb towards the Pheriche Valley. Trekking above the valley floor we pass through alpine scrub and yak pastures. On display are Tawoch and Cholotse, with Ama Dablam behind us. From here it appears Ama Dablam is rising directly from the valley floor.
The trail continues on to Thokla Pass where the ascent is challenging. Again a photographers paradise as there are panoramic views of Nuptse, Lhotse, Lhotse Shar and a few other 7,000 plus metre peaks!
After crossing the pass we reach Lobuche. Not a very attractive settlement in itself, the scenery surrounding it is both beautiful and dramatic.
All meals include
Overnight in Lobuche
Day 09 Lobuche to Gorakshep (5,160m) 2-3 hrs plus 4 hrs
This is an exciting day! Today we ascent to the viewpoint for Everest. First, the trail takes us for about 3 hours over boulders and rough terrain to the small settlement of Gorakshep.
After lunch starts out for Kalapatthar from where the views of Everest are simply the best views you can possibly get. At 5,545m this is the highest altitude we can trek in Nepal without requiring climbing permits. Its name means black rock, and it is more of a ridge than a mountain.
If the weather is not clear, we may leave Kalapatthar for the morning as sunrise is over Everest is equally as awe-inspiring as sunset is. Should we decide on this option, today we will hike to Everest Base Camp itself. Please be aware, trekking groups do not go right into the base camp where expeditions are setting up.
This is so we do not disturb the activity of the climbers nor place their health at risk. (We don’t want to give them our colds and flu when they are embarking on such an epic journey!) But we get a good view of all the on-going activity.
All meals included
Overnight at Gorakshep
Day 10 Gorakshep to Pheriche (4,371m) 4 hrs plus 4hrs
If we didn’t make it to Kalapatthar yesterday, we will do this morning, returning to Gorakshep for breakfast. Similarly, if we did not visit Everest Base Camp on day 09 we will do that this morning. Each trip takes 3 – 4 hours return from Gorakshep.
After breakfast, we head to Pheriche, approximately 4 hours. This little settlement houses the Himalayan Rescue Association Clinic.
Long established it is now a hospital but still remains focused on altitude sickness and altitude related problems of trekkers and climbers and well as the health of the local people. Staffed mainly by volunteer medical personal, this is an interesting feature of the area.
All meals included
Overnight in Pheriche
Day 11 Pheriche to Namche Bazaar (3,440m) 6 – 7 hrs
The trail descends quite considerably today, but there are some uphills to be tackled also! As we approach Namche the forests and greenery returns.
This is a long day of walking, made harder by the hard hiking the day before. But push on because a good dinner and a hot shower await! And now is the opportunity to celebrate your successful trek to Everest Base Camp with a beer!
And with wifi available now is also time to touch base with loved ones at home and perhaps upload a few pictures of your trip.
All meals included
Overnight in Namche Bazaar
Day 12 Namche to Lukla (2,860m) 7 hrs
In the earlier part of the day, take a good final look at the magnificent Himalayan mountains, and say goodbye to the Khumbu Valley and Mount Everest. Then put your head down as we make a final long ascent into Lukla.
All meals included
Overnight in Lukla
Day 13 Lukla to Kathmandu (1,400m) 20 or 40 minutes flight, 4 hours drive
This morning says goodbye to Mt Everest and the Khumbu Region as we board our flight back to either Kathmandu or Manthali Airport. Depending on which airport is open at that time, and of course weather conditions, either we will be back in Kathmandu for brunch or in the early afternoon. Then there is time to do some shopping before our farewell dinner in the evening.
Meals: Breakfast and farewell dinner
Overnight in Kathmandu
Day 14 Departure from Kathmandu
After breakfast, our representative will take you to Tribhuvan International Airport in time for your onward flight. Should you be staying longer in Nepal or have a late flight, please note hotel check-out time is 11 am.
Meals: breakfast only
| Days | Itinerary | Altitude | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrival in Kathmandu | 1400 m / 4593 ft | |
| Day 2 | Kathmandu to Lukla Flight and Trek to Phakding | 2651 m / 8697 ft | 35 min + 3 hr |
| Day 3 | Phakding to Namche | 3440 m / 11286 ft | 5 - 6 hr |
| Day 4 | Acclimatization Day in Namche | 3700 m / 12139 ft | 4 - 5 hr |
| Day 5 | Namche to Tengboche | 3956 m / 12979 ft | 5 - 6 hr |
| Day 6 | Tengboche to Dingboche | 4380 m / 14370 ft | 4 - 5 hr |
| Day 7 | Acclimatization Day in Dingboche | 4380 m / 14370 ft | 3 - 4 hr |
| Day 8 | Dingboche to Lobuche | 4938 m / 16200 ft | 4 - 5 hr |
| Day 9 | Lobuche to Gorakshep | 5160 m / 16929 ft | 2 - 3 hr + 4 hr |
| Day 10 | Gorakshep to Pheriche | 4371 m / 14340 ft | 4 hr + 4 hr |
| Day 11 | Pheriche to Namche | 3440 m / 11286 ft | 6 - 7 hr |
| Day 12 | Namche to Lukla | 2860 m / 9383 ft | 7 hr |
| Day 13 | Lukla to Kathmandu | 1400 m / 4593 ft | 30 min |
| Day 14 | Departure |
