Everest Base Camp Trek
Journey to the base of the world's highest peak
Trip Overview
With its ancient culture and the Himalayas as a backdrop, Nepal has long been the destination of choice for travelers in search of adventure. Landlocked between the high plateaus of Tibet to the north and the hot, fertile plains of India to the south, Nepal is a land of ancient history, colorful cultures and people, amazing architecture and stunning scenery.
On this trek, you go from the hustle and bustle of Kathmandu, a cosmopolitan city very much in the 21st century, but still with pockets dating back to ancient times, into the supreme majesty of Nepal's high Himalayas. The pathways you will tread will not only take you to the foot of the world's highest mountain through jaw-dropping scenery but will envelop you in the spirit of Nepal and its people. As you pass through villages following traditional trade routes you will be given an insight into life in rural Nepal and marvel at the adaptability, resilience, and tenacity of Nepal's Sherpa people.
- Day 1 : Trek briefing and preparation day
- Day 2 : Fly to Lukla (2,886m), trek to Phakding (2,640m) approx 3-4 hours
- Day 3 : Trek Phakding to Namche Bazaar (3,440m), approx 5-6 hours
- Day 4 : Acclimatisation day in Namche Bazaar and local excursion
- Day 5 : Trek Namche Bazaar to Tengboche (3,870m), approx 5-6 hours
- Day 6 : Trek Tengboche to Dingboche (4,410m), approx 5-6 hours
- Day 7 : Rest at Dingboche for acclimatisation and a local excursion
- Day 8 : Trek Dingboche to Lobuche (4,910m) via Dongla (4,620m), approx 6 hours
- Day 9 : Trek Lobuche to Gorakshep, to Base Camp (5,486m) approx 8-9 hours
- Day 10 : Trek Gorakshep to Kalapatthar (5,545m) and down to Pheriche approx 9-10 hours
- Day 11 : Trek Pheriche to Phortse (3,810m), approx 4½ hours
- Day 12 : Trek Phortse to Khumjung (3,790m), approx 3½ hours
- Day 13 : Trek Khumjung to Phakding (2,640m), approx 5 hours
- Day 14 : Trek Phakding to Lukla (2,800m), approx 4 hours
- Day 15 : Fly Kathmandu
Day 1: Trek briefing and preparation
Briefing and preparation day in Kathmandu.
Day 2: Fly from Kathmandu to Lukla (2,886m), approximately 30 minutes.
Our trek to Phakding (2,640m) starts directly from the airport and will take three to four hours. You will trek along a pleasant trail gently descending, with a steep climb from Tarhe Khola, where you have a superb view of the Kusum-Kangru (6,369m). After another short climb, you reach Ghat village, and after another 1½ hrs of trekking, you arrive at Phakding village.
Day 3: Trek from Phakding to Namche Bazaar (3,440m), approximately 5-6 hours.
After crossing a suspension bridge over the Dudh Kosi River, the walk is pleasant with a few short uphill climbs and then downhill, with magnificent views of Thamserku (6,808m). From the village of Benkar, you will cross a long suspension bridge over the Dudh Koshi River once more and then continue on this trail of trekkers, Ghopkyo (mix of yak and cow) and porters, before finally arriving at the small village of Monjo. After a few minutes' walk from Monjo, you will enter the Sagarmatha National Park. From here there is a short descent to Jorsalle village, the last village before Namche Bazaar. You will continue to trek by the river until the last bridge over the Imjatse River is reached. From here the walk is along a winding uphill path all the way to Namche Bazaar, with views of Kwangde Peak and its other sister peaks to the east.
Day 4: Acclimatisation day in Namche Bazaar.
Namche is tucked away between two ridges amidst the giant peaks of the Khumbu and has an abundance of lodges, tea shops, and souvenir shops. As part of our acclimatization process, we undertake a morning walk to Syangboche (3800m) where the Everest View Hotel is situated offering (subject to weather) outstanding views of Everest, Nuptse, Lhotse, Ama Dablam, Thamserku, and Kusum Kangaru. From here we return to Namche for lunch and you are at leisure to spend the afternoon as you wish.
Day 5: Trek from Namche Bazaar to Tengboche (3,870m), approximately 5-6 hours.
The trail leads along a winding path high above the Dudh Koshi with great views of Mt. Everest, Nuptse, Lhotse, Ama Dablam and a close-up view of Thamserku. From Shanasa, the trail steeply drops to a bridge over the Dudh Koshi at Phunki Tenga (3,250m). Tengboche is one of the most beautiful places in the Himalayas, and the first thing that you will see is a big Ghompa (monastery) beneath the peak of Ama Dablam, with Everest looming above.
Day 6: Trek from Tengboche to Dingboche (4,410m), approximately 5-6 hours.
Trekking today you gently descend through a forest of birch, fir, juniper and rhododendron and come out at a lovely spot at Deboche (3,650m) with further views of Mt. Ama Dablam, Mt. Everest, Nuptse, and Lhotse. Dingboche is a beautiful patchwork of fields enclosed by stone walls protecting the crops of barley and potatoes from the cold winds and grazing animals.
Day 7: Rest at Dingboche for acclimatization and a local excursion.
Here you can climb steeply up to Nakartsang Gompa for the rare outstanding view of Mount Makalu (8,463m) along with Lhotse, Island Peak, Baruntse, Ama Dablam and Thamserku or head up the Imja Valley to Chhukung, a small summer settlement at 4,730m, with fantastic views.
Day 8: Trek from Dingboche to Lobuche (4,910m) via Dongla (4,620m), approximately 6 hours.
Today's onward journey leads north. The path climbs gently along the glacier, to eventually reach the cluster of houses at Lobuche, hidden and sheltered from the wind.
Day 9: Trek from Lobuche to Gorakshep (5,140m), then on to Base Camp (5,486m).
The first hour's walk is gradual, followed by a short climb to the top of the pass. The walk from here follows a rocky moraine path. You will have lunch and a rest at Gorakshep, and for those who feel up to it, you can walk to your ultimate destination, Everest Base Camp. A great view of the Khumbu Icefall awaits you.
Day 10: Trek from Gorakshep to Kalapatthar (5,545m) for sunrise and down to Pheriche.
This morning you have the option to ascend to the summit of Kalapatthar for sunrise. At the top of Kalapatthar the view is beyond the imagination, as Everest looks within a stone's throw distance. From here you will head back down to Gorakshep for breakfast and then on to Pheriche.
Day 11–15: Return via Phortse, Khumjung, Phakding to Lukla, then fly to Kathmandu.
The trail descends through Pangboche and Phortse, then to Khumjung (with its well-equipped school and hospital built by Sir Edmund Hillary). From Khumjung you walk to Syangboche and down to Namche for lunch, then retrace your route to Phakding and Lukla. Early morning flight back to Kathmandu on Day 15.
Note: The trek itinerary is a guide only and may be subject to change at short notice.
Upper body layers
| Equipment | Quantity | Comments |
|---|---|---|
| T-Shirts – walking | 2 | Merino wool or synthetic; no cotton |
| Base layers (thermal top) | 1 | Lightweight or mid-weight long-sleeved |
| Top insulating layer | 1 | Mid-weight fleece |
| Rain jacket | 1 | |
| Down jacket | 1 |
Lower body layers
| Equipment | Quantity | Comments |
|---|---|---|
| Thermal long johns | 1 | |
| Trekking trousers | 2 | Lightweight quick-dry; zip-offs are good |
| Rain pants | 1 |
Footwear
| Equipment | Quantity | Comments |
|---|---|---|
| Hiking boots | 1 | Well worn, comfortable, ankle support |
| Socks | 3 | |
| Flip flops / camp shoes | 1 | Lightweight for evening use |
Miscellaneous
- Water bottles (2 × 1 litre), water purification drops
- Sunscreen SPF 30+, lip balm with SPF
- Personal first aid kit, sunglasses, head torch + extra batteries
- Travel towel, wash kit, hand sanitizer
- Sun hat, warm hat, gloves; trekking poles optional
- Camera with charger/extra batteries; passport photos; photocopies of documents
Your trek cost includes
- Pre-trip advice and detailed information
- Expert trip leadership and motivated staff for the duration of the trek
- Airport transfers in Nepal (where applicable)
- 2 nights accommodation pre-trek & 1 night post-trek in Kathmandu
- Transportation to and from trek start and finish
- Basic teahouse accommodation during the trek on twin sharing basis
- All meals on full board basis (breakfast, lunch, dinner) during the trek
- All permits, conservation area and restricted area fees
- Porters; insurance and equipment for Nepali staff
- Rescue assistance; group medical kit
Your trek cost does NOT include
- International flights to and from Kathmandu, Nepal
- Visa for Nepal
- Travel insurance (evacuation cover mandatory; ensure correct altitude cover)
- Personal expenses (drinks, chocolate, gifts, snacks, hot showers during trek, etc.)
- Meals unless specified; sightseeing; gratuities
- Excess baggage on internal flights
- Charges due to delays beyond our control
