Everest Base Camp Trek
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| Starts at: Lukla | Ends at: Lukla |
| Trek Region: Everest | Transport: Flight |
| Duration: 14 Days | Trip Grade: Strenuous |
| Max Altitude: 5555m/18225ft | Accomodation: Teahouse |
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!
Everest Base Camp Trek Highlights
- 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
- 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
- Visit Tengboche Monastery with its strong spiritual connection
This is not a luxury tour, this is an experience of a lifetime!
Accommodation is on a twin-share basis. 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 Himalayas 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.
If you don’t want to trek but wish to see Everest, check out Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour.
Permits Required For Everest Base Camp Trek
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 2000 Per Person)
- Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit (NPR 3000 Per Person)
Click here to know more about Everest base camp trek permits
Everest Base Camp Trek Itinerary
Day 1: Welcome to Kathmandu!
Kathmandu – 1300 m / 4265 ft
Day 2: Kathmandu to Lukla (Flight) to Phakding
Phakding – 2651 m / 8697 ft – 4 hrs
Day 3: Phakding to Namche
Namche – 3440 m / 11286 ft – 5 to 6 hrs
Day 4: Acclimatization Day in Namche
Namche – 3700 m / 12139 ft – 4 to 5 hrs
Day 5: Namche to Tengboche
Tengboche – 3956 m / 12979 ft – 5 to 6 hrs
Day 6: Tengboche to Dingboche
Dingboche – 4380 m / 14370 ft – 4 to 5 hrs
Day 7: Acclimatization Day in Dingboche
Dingboche – 4380 m / 14370 ft – 3 to 4 hrs
Day 8: Dingboche to Lobuche
Lobuche – 4938 m / 16200 ft – 4 to 5 hrs
Day 9: Lobuche to Gorakshep (Afternoon hike to Kalapatthar)
Gorakshep – 5160 m / 16929 ft – 6 to 7 hrs
Day 10: Gorakshep to Pheriche (Morning hike to EBC)
Pheriche – 4371 m / 14340 ft – 8 to 9 hrs
Day 11: Pheriche to Namche
Namche – 3440 m / 11286 ft – 6 to 7 hrs
Day 12: Namche to Lukla
Lukla – 2860 m / 9383 ft -7 hr
Day 13: Lukla to Kathmandu (Flight)
Kathmandu – 30 min
Day 14: Departure
Departure
Day 1: Welcome to Kathmandu
- Accommodation: Hotel
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 center of the city, in the vibrant and colourful area known as Thamel. With its restaurants, bars, and 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.
Day 2: Kathmandu to Lukla (Flight) to Phakding
- Flight time: 35 to 40 minutes
- Trek time: 3 to 4 hours
- Accommodation: Tea House
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.
Day 3: Phakding to Namche
- Trek time: 5 to 6 hours
- Accommodation: Tea House
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.
Day 4: Acclimatization Day in Namche Bazar
- Trek time: 5 to 6 hours
- Accommodation: Tea House
Today is an acclimatization day to allow our bodies to adjust to the high altitude. But that doesn’t mean we do anything! The best way to acclimatize is to be active.
There is an opportunity to spend a few hours 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).
Day 5: Namche to Tengboche
- Trek time: 5 to 6 hours
- Accommodation: Tea House
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.
Day 6: Tengboche to Dingboche
- Trek time: 4 to 5 hours
- Accommodation: Tea House
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.
Day 7: Acclimatization Day in Dingboche
- Trek time: 4 to 5 hours
- Accommodation: Tea House
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 a 3.5 to 5 hours round trip and the ascending altitude on this hike will help our bodies prepare for the high altitudes ahead.
Day 8: Dingboche to Lobuche
- Trek time: 4 to 5 hours
- Accommodation: Tea House
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 photographer’s paradise as there are panoramic views of Nuptse, Lhotse, Lhotse Shar, and a few other 7,000 plus meter peaks!
After crossing the pass we reach Lobuche. Not a very attractive settlement in itself, the scenery surrounding it is both beautiful and dramatic.
Day 9: Lobuche to Gorakshep (Afternoon hike to Kalapatthar)
- Trek time: 6 to 7 hours
- Accommodation: Tea House
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 set 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.
Day 10: Gorakshep to Pheriche (Morning Hike to EBC)
- Trek time: 7 to 8 Hours
- Accommodation: Tea House
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 to 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 as well as the health of the local people. Staffed mainly by volunteer medical personnel, this is an interesting feature of the area.
Day 11: Pheriche to Namche Bazaar
- Trek time: 6 to 7 hours
- Accommodation: Tea House
The trail descends quite considerably today, but there are some uphills to be tackled also! As we approach Namche the forests and greenery return.
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.
Day 12: Namche to Lukla
- Trek time: 5 to 6 hours
- Accommodation: Tea House
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.
Day 13: Lukla to Kathmandu (Flight)
- Flight time: 35 to 40 minutes
- Accommodation: Hotel
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.
Day 14: Departure
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.
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Includes
- Local transfers for your international flight x 2 (arrival/ departure)
- Local transfers for your domestic flights x 2
- Kathmandu Lukla Kathmandu flight
- Sagarmatha National Park Entry Park and Local Entry Permits
- Guide for 12 days
- Porter for 11 days
- 2 nights accommodation in a Kathmandu (Bodhi Boutique or similar)
- 11 nights accommodation in mountain teahouses
- Staff insurance and necessary ground transport for support staff
- 12 x set breakfast, 11 x set lunch and 11 x set dinner while on the trek
- Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu
- Personnel expenses of any kind and travel insurance
Equipments
The following gives you a general idea of trekking equipment and clothing needed for the Everest Base Camp trek.
Everest Base Camp Trek FAQ
Is Everest base camp trek worth it?
Yes! It is definitely worth it to trek to Everest Base Camp. The views are spectacular, particularly in October and November. During the expedition period from April to May base camp is busy with climbers. If you feel you can do this trek in the winter there will be far fewer other trekkers and climbers and the views will be clear. However, it will be more challenging and cold!
Is Everest base camp trek harder than Kilimanjaro?
The daily walking distance of EBC is longer than trekking Kilimanjaro. Elevation lost and gained each day is also more with more nights at high altitudes than Kilimanjaro. However, summiting Kilimanjaro is harder than any part of the EBC Trek.
How much money do I need for the Everest base camp trek?
If you are doing a solo trek, you should budget USD 35+ a day. The flight return flight to/from Lukla will cost you another USD380 to USD 400. If you decide to go for an all-inclusive package, guided trek these start from around USD 1300 up to around USD 4500 for luxury accommodation and a helicopter flight on the return journey from Base Camp instead of walking to Lukla for a fixed-wing flight.
How cold is it at Everest base camp?
When you arrive at Lukla you are already at 2800 m so you will feel the difference in the air temperature straight away. Once you get to Dingboche (above Namche Bazaar) the temperature will have dropped. And continue dropping the higher you go. During the winter the temperature can go down to -20 Celsius at night.
When is the best time to visit Everest base camp?
Being that this is the most popular trek the teahouses and lodges are open throughout the year and people do trek all months of the year. The best time in terms of weather and scenery is October, November, and April, May.
How hard is it to walk to Everest base camp?
You do not require any technical expertise or mountaineering skills to trek to Everest Base Camp. Be aware this is not a climb it is a trek. There are also no high passes to cross. However, there is the altitude to consider and you need to acclimatize properly. Which will be done when you trek with an experienced guide. If trekking solo does take note of your health and go slowly.
How long should you train for Everest base camp?
If you know you are planning to come to Nepal to do the Everest Base Camp Trek (or any trek), start straight away on preparing yourself physically. Aim to make walking the main part of the training by taking long and regular walks to keep fit.
What is it like at Everest base camp?
Base Camp is marked by prayer flags and stone piles. During expedition time you will see tents of climbers in preparation for their push to the summit. There are no tea houses at base camp the nearest one is around 2.5 hours away at Gorak Shep. You will witness the Khumbu Icefall and glacier.
Where is the base camp for Mount Everest?
There are actually two base camps for Mount Everest. One is located in Nepal, and the other is located on the Tibet side near the Rongbuk Monastery. On the Nepal side, base camp is at the base of Lho La Mountain next to the Khumbu Icefall.
Has anyone died trekking to Everest base camp?
Although the Himalayan Database has an excellent record of deaths occurring during Everest expeditions, there are no official statistics of deaths on the Everest Base Camp Trek. Magical Nepal estimates around 3 or 4 people die annually on this trek. Which is around 0/01% of the 35,000 who trek on average to EBC each year.
How long does the Everest base camp trek take?
There are several answers! If you follow the regular, and most popular route, from Lukla to Lukla it will take 12 days in total. If you want to explore more and go to Gokyo Lake or the Three Passes then the number of days will vary from 14 to 16. If you decide to walk in from Jiri then fly out from Lukla it will take you 18 to 20 days.
Is it dangerous to go to Everest base camp?
The main ‘danger’ to trek to Everest Base Camp is the altitude. You will be spending three days at 5,000m elevation. However, going slowly and taking the recommended acclimatization days will reduce that danger considerably. Landslides are very rare and there is no record of avalanches on this trek.
Can you trek to Everest base camp on your own?
Yes. You can trek to EBC on your own by following other trekkers or groups on the way. However, we never suggest trekking alone is a good idea. If you are taking any side routes crossing passes, please consider hiring a local porter if you do not want a guide. This is for your own safety. And the safety of others who might have to come to your aid if you get into difficulties.
Is there WIFI at Everest base camp?
Yes! There is WIFI at Everest Base camp and at more than 200 hot spots along the route thanks to Everest Link company.
Is there cell service on Mount Everest?
There has been 3G connectivity since 2010 in the Everest Region. However, it does not work everywhere. In some parts of Gokyo and the Thame Valley, you will not receive service.
Everest Base Camp Trek Map
Related Trips in Everest Region
Everest View Trek | Gokyo Lake Trek | Gokyo Chola Pass EBC Trek | Everest Three Pass Trek | Jiri To Everest Base Camp Trek | Island Peak Climbing | Lobuche Peak Climbing | Mera And Island Peak Climbing | Mera Peak Climbing | Baruntse Expedition | Everest Helicopter Tour