Overview
The Everest Base Camp trek is the classic Himalayan adventure. It takes you deep into the Khumbu, home of the Sherpa people, through forests and high mountain villages to the base of Everest (8,849 m) itself.
Along the way you’ll see four of the world’s six highest peaks (Everest, Lhotse, Makalu and Cho Oyu), visit Buddhist monasteries, and feel the special energy of a place that has drawn mountaineers for generations.
Why I love this trek
Every day on this trail feels different. One day you’re sipping coffee in Namche, the next you hear monks chanting at Tengboche, and soon after you’re walking beside a glacier under walls of ice. Reaching base camp is emotional for almost everyone.
Good to know
- Fitness: This is a high-altitude trek. Good cardio fitness and some previous hiking experience help a lot.
- Altitude: We build in two acclimatisation days and follow the “climb high, sleep low” rule. Going slowly is the key to success.
- Flights: Lukla flights depend on the weather and can be delayed. In busy seasons flights often leave from Ramechhap (Manthali), a few hours’ drive from Kathmandu. Keep a spare day or two in your plans.
- Variations: The trek can be combined with the Gokyo Lakes and the Cho La pass for a bigger loop.
Trek highlights
- Standing at Everest Base Camp (5,364 m) beside the Khumbu Icefall
- Sunrise over Everest from Kala Patthar (5,545 m)
- Namche Bazaar, the lively Sherpa trading town built into a hillside
- Tengboche Monastery with Ama Dablam and Everest as its backdrop
- Suspension bridges, prayer wheels, mani walls and Sherpa hospitality
Day-by-day itinerary
A typical plan. Every trip is flexible, so days can be added for rest, side trips or bad weather.
- Day 1
Fly to Lukla (2,860 m) → Phakding (2,610 m)
A thrilling mountain flight to Lukla, then an easy first walk down to the Dudh Koshi river.
- Day 2
Phakding → Namche Bazaar (3,440 m)
Cross high suspension bridges, enter Sagarmatha National Park and climb to Namche, with your first glimpse of Everest.
- Day 3
Acclimatisation in Namche
A short hike up to the Everest View Hotel or Khumjung village, then time to explore Namche's bakeries and markets.
- Day 4
Namche → Tengboche (3,860 m)
A beautiful balcony trail with Ama Dablam ahead, finishing at the famous Tengboche Monastery.
- Day 5
Tengboche → Dingboche (4,410 m)
Through rhododendron forest and past Pangboche into the wide, stone-walled fields of Dingboche.
- Day 6
Acclimatisation in Dingboche
Hike up Nangkartshang Peak for huge views of Makalu, Lhotse and Island Peak, then rest.
- Day 7
Dingboche → Lobuche (4,940 m)
Climb past the climbers' memorials at Thukla Pass and follow the Khumbu Glacier moraine.
- Day 8
Lobuche → Gorak Shep (5,164 m) → Everest Base Camp (5,364 m)
The big day! Reach Gorak Shep, then walk along the glacier to Everest Base Camp before returning to sleep.
- Day 9
Kala Patthar (5,545 m) → Pheriche (4,371 m)
Pre-dawn climb to Kala Patthar for the best view of Everest, then a long descent to Pheriche.
- Day 10
Pheriche → Namche Bazaar
Back down the valley, with plenty of oxygen and a celebratory dinner in Namche.
- Day 11
Namche → Lukla
The final day on the trail, retracing our steps to Lukla.
- Day 12
Fly Lukla → Kathmandu
Morning flight back to Kathmandu (weather permitting).
