The Everest Base Camp Trek in Nepal is one of the world’s most iconic high-altitude journeys — a classic route through the Khumbu region that follows the same historic expedition trails used by early Everest climbers since the 1950s.
The trek passes through dramatic river valleys, suspension bridges, rhododendron forests, and traditional Sherpa villages including Namche Bazaar, Tengboche, and Dingboche. As the trail climbs higher, the landscape transforms into a high-altitude alpine environment shaped by glaciers and towering peaks. Along the way, trekkers experience genuine mountain life — prayer flags above mani walls, ancient monasteries, and Tibetan-Buddhist communities that have remained unchanged for generations.
A major highlight is the ascent to Kala Patthar at 5,545m — the most famous sunrise viewpoint over Mount Everest and the Khumbu Glacier. Furthermore, no technical mountaineering is required at any stage.
Because of the altitude, proper acclimatisation is essential. Learn more about acclimatisation in Nepal trekking →
Comparing routes? Read our Everest Base Camp vs Gokyo Lakes guide →
Already done EBC and want to go higher? Mountain Hike Nepal also offers Lobuche Peak Climbing (6,119m, 16 days) and Island Peak Climbing (6,189m, 17 days) — both built on the same Khumbu approach with 3–4 extra summit days added.
| Trip Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Trip Name | Everest Base Camp Trek in Nepal |
| Duration | 11 Nights / 12 Days |
| Maximum Altitude | 5,545m — Kala Patthar |
| Major Highlights | Everest Base Camp (5,364m), Kala Patthar (5,545m), Namche Bazaar, Tengboche Monastery, Khumbu Glacier |
| Trek Difficulty | Moderate to Challenging — High Altitude Trek |
| Trek Start / End Point | Lukla |
| Best Season | Spring (March–May) and Autumn (September–November) |
| Low Season | Winter — fewer trekkers, colder temperatures, exceptional clarity |
| Not Recommended | Monsoon Season (June–August) |
| Accommodation | Teahouse Lodges |
| Meals Included | Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner |
| Trek Style | Guided High-Altitude Trekking |
| Region | Everest (Khumbu), Nepal |
Lukla → Phakding → Namche Bazaar → Tengboche → Debuche → Dingboche → Lobuche → Gorakshep → Everest Base Camp (5,364m) → Kala Patthar (5,545m) → Pheriche → Namche Bazaar → Lukla
Most treks in the world take you toward mountains. The Everest Base Camp Trek takes you into them. The Khumbu Valley is not a viewpoint — it is a working mountain environment where expedition teams, yak trains, and Sherpa communities share the same trails that have been walked since the first Everest attempts in the 1950s.
The EBC approach covers more than altitude. Furthermore, it crosses Sagarmatha National Park — a UNESCO World Heritage Site — passing through Tengboche Monastery, over the Hillary Suspension Bridge, through Namche Bazaar with its Saturday market and expedition outfitters, and up the Khumbu Glacier moraine to the foot of the icefall that stands between Base Camp and the summit. Consequently, the trek is as culturally rich as it is physically demanding — and the combination is what makes it genuinely unforgettable.
Want to add a Khumbu summit? If the EBC approach is not enough and you want to stand above 6,000m, read our comparison: Lobuche Peak vs Island Peak — which Khumbu trekking peak is right for you? →
This trek is moderate to challenging — not casual. The highest overnight is Gorakshep at 5,160m and the total route covers approximately 130 km over 11 trekking days. Furthermore, specific fitness preparation of 6–8 weeks before departure is the minimum. Consequently, the trekkers who enjoy the EBC route most are not necessarily the fittest — they are the ones who prepared specifically and follow the guide’s pacing throughout. For the complete preparation guide read: Everest Base Camp Trek for Beginners →
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We arrange your complete Everest Base Camp journey — airport transfers, Kathmandu hotel with breakfast, and seamless coordination from arrival to departure.
✅ Round-trip domestic flights — Kathmandu to Lukla and return (via Ramechhap Airport in peak season)
✅ Round-trip airport transfer — Kathmandu hotel to Ramechhap Airport (midnight sharing bus)
✅ All teahouse accommodation on trail (twin-sharing, Lukla to Lukla)
✅ All meals — Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner every day on trail
✅ Licensed English-speaking trekking guide
✅ One porter per two trekkers (maximum load 18 kg)
✅ All permits — Sagarmatha National Park entry and Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality
✅ Guide and porter wages, meals, accommodation, insurance, and local transport
✅ All applicable government taxes and service charges
❌ International airfare to and from Nepal
❌ Nepal entry visa — USD 50 for 30 days, on arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport
❌ Travel and medical insurance — must cover trekking above 5,500m and helicopter evacuation
❌ Personal trekking gear — boots, sleeping bag, down jacket (rentable in Kathmandu)
❌ Hot showers, Wi-Fi, and device charging on trail — small fee at teahouses
❌ Bottled drinks, snacks, alcohol, and personal trail expenses
❌ Tips for guide and porter
❌ Any costs from weather delays, Lukla flight cancellations, or circumstances beyond our control
Altitude: 2,800m | Flight: 35 min | Trek: 3–4 hrs | Meals: Lunch, Dinner | Stay: Teahouse, Phakding
The morning flight — departing from Ramechhap Airport in peak season, included in the package with the midnight sharing transfer — lands at Tenzing-Hillary Airport after 35 minutes. The cliff-edge runway, the immediate mountain backdrop, and the thin clean air all signal that this is not an ordinary beginning. The trail descends through pine forest and Sherpa settlements along the Dudh Koshi River to Phakding at 2,800m. Furthermore, Day 1 is deliberately short — the body has gained significant altitude quickly and the afternoon rest is the first acclimatisation step. Consequently, do not push the pace today. The altitude work begins properly tomorrow.
Altitude: 3,438m | Trek: 5–6 hrs | Ascent: +638m | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner | Stay: Teahouse, Namche Bazaar
The trail climbs north through suspension bridges over the Dudh Koshi, crosses into Sagarmatha National Park at Jorsale, and makes the steep final ascent to Namche. Furthermore, the first view of Everest appears through a gap in the ridge just below town — a moment every trekker on this route describes as unexpectedly moving. Namche Bazaar arrives at 3,438m as a horseshoe of teahouses, bakeries, and gear shops. Consequently, two nights here begins the most critical acclimatisation phase of the entire trek.
Altitude: 3,438m overnight / 3,880m hike | Hike: 3–4 hrs | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner | Stay: Teahouse, Namche Bazaar
The acclimatisation hike climbs to the Everest View Hotel ridge at 3,880m — Everest, Lhotse, Ama Dablam, and Thamserku simultaneously visible on a clear morning. Descend to Namche for the afternoon. Furthermore, this day is non-negotiable in this itinerary — the body needs 24–48 hours at 3,438m before performing safely above 4,000m. Consequently, the afternoon is well used at the Sagarmatha National Park Museum, the Saturday market if timing allows, and a full gear check with your guide.
Altitude: 3,820m | Trek: 5–6 hrs | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner | Stay: Teahouse, Debuche
The trail rises from Namche through rhododendron and juniper forest to Tengboche — the most sacred and atmospheric monastery in the Khumbu, set on a ridge with Ama Dablam rising immediately to the south and Everest visible to the north. Furthermore, morning light at Tengboche before the afternoon cloud builds is one of the finest moments on this approach — arrive before noon. Consequently, the trail descends through deep forest to Debuche on the valley floor for the overnight.
Altitude: 4,410m | Trek: 5–6 hrs | Ascent: +590m | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner | Stay: Teahouse, Dingboche
Above Pangboche the vegetation thins and the high alpine landscape begins. The trail passes Ama Dablam Base Camp before reaching Dingboche at 4,410m — a broad open valley with views of Ama Dablam, Lhotse, and Island Peak on the eastern horizon. Furthermore, Dingboche is where the Khumbu starts to feel genuinely remote. Eat a complete dinner, drink 3–4 litres of water, and rest fully tonight — the acclimatisation hike tomorrow is one of the most important days on the trek.
Altitude: 5,000m high point / 4,410m overnight | Hike: 4–5 hrs | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner | Stay: Teahouse, Dingboche
The acclimatisation hike climbs to Nagarjun Hill at approximately 5,000m — the first time on this trek the body crosses above 5,000m. Furthermore, the panorama from Nagarjun Hill is extraordinary: Ama Dablam, Lhotse, Makalu, Baruntse, and Chamlang across the full horizon. Sleeping at 4,410m after a 5,000m hike — the climb-high-sleep-low principle — is the most effective acclimatisation method available. Consequently, the body uses tonight at Dingboche to adapt before the push to Lobuche at 4,910m tomorrow.
Altitude: 4,910m | Trek: 4–5 hrs | Ascent: +500m | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner | Stay: Teahouse, Lobuche
The trail climbs past the Thukla memorial cairns — stone monuments to Everest climbers and Sherpas who lost their lives on the surrounding peaks. Above Thukla the valley opens onto the Khumbu Glacier lateral moraine. Furthermore, Lobuche at 4,910m is noticeably thinner-aired than anything on the approach so far. Consequently, headaches and reduced appetite are normal — report every symptom to your guide, hydrate aggressively, and go to bed early.
Altitude: 5,160m overnight / 5,364m at EBC | Total: 6–7 hrs | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner | Stay: Teahouse, Gorakshep
The glacier moraine trail reaches Gorakshep at 5,160m — the highest teahouse in the world and the coldest overnight on this trek. Daypacks are left at Gorakshep for the 2-hour walk to Everest Base Camp at 5,364m. Furthermore, EBC is not a viewpoint — it is a working expedition base at the foot of the Khumbu Icefall. Consequently, what you feel at 5,364m looking up at the same icefall that has challenged every Everest expedition since 1953 cannot be described in advance. Return to Gorakshep for the night.
High point: 5,545m | Overnight: 4,240m | Total: 6–7 hrs | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner | Stay: Teahouse, Pheriche
The alarm goes at 4:30am. The pre-dawn trail climbs Kala Patthar in cold darkness. Then sunrise — Everest’s southwest face turns gold at 5,545m with Nuptse, Lhotse, and Pumori surrounding the full horizon. This is the finest Everest sunrise viewpoint on earth and the highest point of the entire trek. Furthermore, after the moment passes the team descends all the way to Pheriche at 4,240m — a significant drop that gives the body its first proper altitude recovery. Consequently, energy and breathing both improve noticeably with every hundred metres of descent.
Altitude: 3,438m | Trek: 6–7 hrs | Descent: -802m | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner | Stay: Teahouse, Namche Bazaar
The descent continues through Tengboche and the rhododendron forest back to Namche. Furthermore, breathing becomes noticeably easier below 4,000m and energy returns quickly. Namche’s bakeries, hot showers, and reliable electricity feel genuinely earned after the high-altitude section. Consequently, use the Namche evening to charge all devices, eat a proper meal, and tip your guide and porter in cash — they earned it on the trail above Dingboche.
Altitude: 2,860m | Trek: 5–6 hrs | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner | Stay: Teahouse, Lukla
The final trekking day drops through the Hillary Suspension Bridge and the lower Dudh Koshi valley back to Lukla. Furthermore, the trail carries a completely different quality on the return — lungs at full capacity, legs carrying 10 days of mountain memory. Confirm the morning flight time with your guide, pack luggage within carry-on limits, and sleep early.
Flight: 35 min | Meals: Breakfast
The morning flight returns to Kathmandu. The Everest Base Camp Trek ends on landing. 12 days. Namche Bazaar. Tengboche. Khumbu Glacier. Everest Base Camp at 5,364m. Kala Patthar at 5,545m. Done.
Important: Always build 2–3 buffer days into your Kathmandu schedule after this flight. Lukla departures are weather-dependent. Never book a connecting international flight on the same day or the day after your scheduled Lukla return.
Everything you need to plan EBC in one place. Each guide covers a specific part of the journey in honest detail — no fluff, just the information that actually matters before you book:
The EBC Trek rates as moderate to challenging. It involves no technical climbing, glacier crossing, or rope work — pure trekking on well-maintained trails throughout. The real challenge is sustained altitude above 3,400m for 10 consecutive days, two overnights above 5,000m, and the endurance required for 5–7 hour walking days at altitude. Trekkers who prepare with 6–8 weeks of sustained uphill walking before departure handle the route comfortably. For the complete section-by-section breakdown read: Everest Base Camp Trek difficulty guide →
Yes — round-trip Lukla flights and shared transfer from your Kathmandu hotel are fully included in the package price. During spring and autumn peak seasons, most Lukla flights operate from Ramechhap Airport — expect a midnight departure from Kathmandu to arrive by 5:00–5:30am for the first flight window. Mountain Hike Nepal handles all bookings — nothing needs arranging independently. If you prefer flying direct from Kathmandu to Lukla, this is possible with at least 30 days advance notice at an additional USD 110–120 per person round-trip. Always build 2–3 buffer days in Kathmandu after your trek and never book a same-day international connection — Lukla weather delays are real and unpredictable.
You need two permits — the Sagarmatha National Park entry permit and the Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality permit. Both are included in the Mountain Hike Nepal package price — no independent purchase is needed at any point. Your guide carries and presents all permit documentation at every checkpoint from Jorsale onward. Your only permit-related action is carrying your original passport for identity verification at each checkpoint. For full details on permit costs and checkpoint locations read: Everest Base Camp Trek permits guide →
The Mountain Hike Nepal package starts from USD 1,039 per person for groups of 8–12 and USD 1,379 for solo trekkers — covering round-trip Lukla flights, Ramechhap transfer, all permits, all accommodation, all meals, and a licensed guide. The total all-inclusive budget including international flights, Nepal visa (USD 50), travel insurance, and gear rental typically runs USD 2,800–4,000 per person from most origins. For the complete budget breakdown read: Everest Base Camp Trek cost guide →
October is the finest month — post-monsoon clarity, stable weather, and the most reliable trail conditions of the year. April is the best spring month — strong summit views before the pre-monsoon haze builds and rhododendron forests in full bloom on the lower Khumbu approach. Avoid June, July, and August — monsoon conditions reduce mountain views significantly and make the trail slippery. For the full month-by-month breakdown read: Best time for Everest Base Camp Trek →
The highest point is Kala Patthar at 5,545m — reached before dawn on Day 9 for the Everest sunrise panorama. The highest overnight is Gorakshep at 5,160m on Day 8 — the coldest night of the trek, requiring a sleeping bag rated to at least -15°C comfort. Everest Base Camp at 5,364m is a day trip from Gorakshep on Day 8. Two nights above 5,000m make this the most altitude-demanding section of the trek. For the complete altitude profile and acclimatisation explanation read: Everest Base Camp elevation guide →
Yes — Nepal’s trekking regulation requires all foreign trekkers to have a licensed guide on all standard routes including EBC. This regulation has been in effect since 2023 and applies regardless of prior trekking experience or solo preference. Mountain Hike Nepal includes a licensed, experienced English-speaking guide on every EBC departure as a standard inclusion — not an optional add-on. Your guide covers navigation, altitude safety, permit logistics, and teahouse bookings throughout the full 12 days.
The three critical items are trekking boots broken in for 8 weeks at home, a sleeping bag rated to -15°C comfort, and a down jacket. All three are rentable in Kathmandu’s Thamel district if you prefer not to travel with them. No special climbing gear is needed — EBC is a trekking route with no technical sections at any point. The simple rule is: buy boots at home and break them in, rent the heavy gear in Kathmandu. For the complete gear checklist with buy vs rent guidance read: Everest Base Camp packing list →
Follow the acclimatisation schedule without cutting corners — the two nights at Namche and two nights at Dingboche are not optional rest days. Drink 3–4 litres of water daily from Namche onward, walk at a conversational pace, and report every headache to your guide immediately. Trekkers who follow these principles and do not push pace above the guide’s recommendation manage altitude well on this route consistently. For the full AMS prevention and treatment guide read: Altitude sickness on EBC Trek →
Yes — and the EBC approach is specifically what makes both Lobuche East and Island Peak achievable in the same expedition. The acclimatisation builds naturally through the EBC route. Lobuche Peak Climbing (6,119m) adds 4 days from Gorakshep. Island Peak Climbing (6,189m) adds 5 days via the Chhukung Valley from Dingboche. Combining EBC with a trekking peak in one Lukla-to-Lukla expedition is the most efficient and cost-effective way to stand above 6,000m in Nepal.
Mountain Hike Nepal requires travel insurance before finalising any booking. The policy must explicitly cover trekking above 5,500m and helicopter evacuation from the Khumbu region. Standard policies covering trekking to 4,000m are not sufficient — confirm the altitude limit in writing with your insurer before purchasing. Helicopter rescue from Gorakshep without adequate coverage costs USD 4,000–7,000 out of pocket. Do not book this trek without a policy that explicitly covers these two requirements. Mountain Hike Nepal can recommend suitable policy providers on request.
Yes — for well-prepared beginners. The EBC Trek is the most-walked high-altitude route in the world for good reason — no technical sections, a well-serviced teahouse network, and a logical acclimatisation structure built into every itinerary. Thousands of first-time Himalayan trekkers complete it successfully every season from every continent. The most important factor is 6–8 weeks of specific uphill fitness preparation before departure — not prior trekking experience. For the complete first-timer’s preparation guide read: Everest Base Camp Trek for beginners →
The best alternative to Lukla flights is a helicopter. Mountain Hike Nepal arranges this in several ways depending on your group size and budget. For the inbound leg, we adjust your standard Lukla flight cost and top up the difference — shared helicopter runs approximately USD 650–700 per person one way. Groups of 4–5 can charter a full helicopter to Lukla at a comparable per-person cost with zero weather delay risk. For the return, we pre-book a helicopter pickup from Gorakshep, Dingboche, Namche, or Lukla — your choice depends on how much descent you want to walk and your budget. Many trekkers fly in by plane and helicopter out from a higher point, saving 2–3 days of descent. If you feel exhausted or unwell at any stage on the trail, rescue and evacuation is available immediately — your travel insurance covers the cost and the helicopter flies directly to a hospital in Kathmandu for medical assessment. Contact us before booking and we will build the right helicopter option into your itinerary.
