Everest Base Camp Trek
Everest Base Camp (EBC) Trek is the classic high‑altitude trek through the Khumbu (Solukhumbu) region of Nepal that takes you from the warm river valleys and Sherpa villages up to the foot of the world's highest mountain. The route passesSagarmatha National Park, lush rhododendron forests, traditional Sherpa monasteries, high alpine moraine and glacial landscapes, rewarding trekkers with close-up views of Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse and Ama Dablam. This trek is high‑altitude but non‑technical — no climbing gear is required, though good fitness and careful acclimatization are essential.
Location
Everest Base Camp (via Lukla — Khumbu Valley), Solukhumbu (Khumbu region) — nearest gateway city Kathmandu; airstrip town Lukla, Nepal
Duration
Typical 12–16 days (Kathmandu to Kathmandu) depending on itinerary and acclimatization days. Common itinerary length: 14 days.
Best Time to Visit
Spring (March–May) — clear views, rhododendron bloom and milder temperatures; Autumn (late September–November) — most stable weather, excellent visibility. Winter (Dec–Feb) is cold with limited services; monsoon (Jun–Aug) is wet and visibility poor. Lukla flights are most reliable in the autumn and spring windows.
Pricing
Approximate cost ranges (per person):
- Budget independent (self‑guided, sleeping lodges/tea houses): USD 600–1,000 (does not include international flights).
- Mid‑range guided package (group or private with guide, porter, permits, domestic flights): USD 1,000–2,200.
- Full service/luxury packages (experienced guide, top lodges, extra acclimatization days, private services): USD 2,500+. Additional costs to budget for: Kathmandu–Lukla return flights (~USD 150–300 round trip depending on season and booking), park and TIMS permits (combined roughly USD 20–50 for most foreign trekkers, variable), equipment, tips, travel insurance (high‑altitude & helicopter evacuation recommended).
Activity Type
Coordinates
Highlights
Scenic Lukla mountain flight — spectacular takeoff and landing into the Khumbu.
Namche Bazaar — the Sherpa capital and acclimatization hub with shops, cafes and cultural sites.
Tengboche Monastery — iconic hilltop monastery with panoramic views of Everest, Ama Dablam and other peaks.
Ama Dablam, Lhotse, Nuptse & Everest vistas — frequent, dramatic views along the trek.
Everest Base Camp (5,364 m / 17,598 ft) — the classic goal beside the Khumbu Glacier (note: final location is a glacial moraine, not the summit).
Kala Patthar sunrise — short pre‑dawn climb that gives the best, closest sunrise views of Everest and surrounding peaks.
Sagarmatha National Park — protected Himalayan flora and fauna and stunning landscapes.
Itinerary
Arrive in Kathmandu (1,300 m).
Obtain or finalize permits, last‑minute gear, and briefing with guide. Overnight in Kathmandu.
Fly Kathmandu to Lukla (2,860 m) and trek to Phakding (2,610 m).
Short scenic flight (30–40 min). Easy trek 3–4 hours to Phakding to start gradual ascent.
Phakding to Namche Bazaar (3,440 m).
5–6 hours. Cross suspension bridges over the Dudh Kosi, enter Sagarmatha National Park. Arrive at busy Sherpa town.
Acclimatization day in Namche Bazaar — short hikes and exploration.
Hike to the Everest View Hotel or Khumjung for acclimatization and culture; rest and shop.
Namche Bazaar to Tengboche (3,860 m).
4–6 hours. Steep climb out of Namche, then gently up to historic Tengboche Monastery with exceptional mountain views.
Tengboche to Dingboche (4,410 m).
5–6 hours. Trail becomes more alpine; views of Ama Dablam improve.
Acclimatization day in Dingboche.
Short hikes (e.g., Nagarjun Hill) to aid acclimatization and prepare for higher altitudes.
Dingboche to Lobuche (4,930 m).
4–5 hours. Steady uphill trek into the high alpine zone; sparse vegetation and spectacular rocky scenery.
Lobuche to Gorak Shep (5,164 m) and trek to Everest Base Camp (5,364 m), return to Gorak Shep.
Long day (8–10 hours). Reach the moraine at EBC; return to Gorak Shep for overnight.
Pre‑dawn hike to Kala Patthar (5,545 m) for sunrise, then descend to Pheriche / Dingboche.
Early start for the best views of Everest; long descent afterward. This is often the highest point visited and best viewpoint.
Descent: Pheriche / Dingboche to Namche Bazaar.
Long day of descending; easier on lungs but still takes time—trekking rhythm and rest are important.
Namche Bazaar to Lukla.
Final long day returning to Lukla for overnight; celebrate completion of the high‑altitude portion.
Fly Lukla to Kathmandu.
Morning flight back to Kathmandu; buffer day recommended in Kathmandu in case of Lukla weather cancellations.
Buffer days in Kathmandu or extra acclimatization/side‑trek days in Khumbu.
Add days to reduce rush and improve safety if flights are delayed or if you want extra acclimatization and exploration.
Safety Requirements
Acclimatization days are essential — follow a gradual ascent profile and heed your guide's advice.
Know the signs of Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS): headache, nausea, dizziness, breathlessness — descend immediately if symptoms worsen.
Carry travel insurance that explicitly covers high‑altitude trekking and emergency helicopter evacuation.
Trek with a licensed guide and/or experienced crew; Lukla flights can be canceled — allow buffer days.
Stay hydrated, avoid alcohol at altitude, and eat well to maintain energy for cold and strenuous days.
Weather can change rapidly; bring layered clothing and a warm sleeping bag rated for below‑zero temperatures for high nights.
Tips
Book Lukla flights and permits early for peak seasons (spring and autumn).
Hire a porter to protect your legs and enhance enjoyment — many trekkers carry only a daypack.
Bring cash (Nepalese Rupees) for teahouses, tipping, snacks and hot showers — ATMs are only in Kathmandu and Namche (limited).
Layering is critical: base layer, insulating mid layers, windproof/waterproof outer shell, warm hat and gloves.
Acclimatize by following ‘climb high, sleep low’ where possible and keep daily elevation gains moderate.
Carry a small medical kit, altitude medication (e.g., acetazolamide) if prescribed, and consult your doctor about vaccinations and high‑altitude fitness.
Respect local customs and monasteries; dress modestly in villages and ask before photographing people.
Bring spare batteries/power bank — cold drains batteries quickly and electricity in teahouses can be limited/paid.
Allow extra days in your plan for weather or health-related delays — flexible itineraries lower risk and stress.
