Everest Base Camp
12 days · Challenging · up to 5,545 m
Fly to Lukla and follow the Dudh Koshi into the Khumbu, through Namche and Tengboche to the foot of the Khumbu Icefall and the summit of Kala Patthar.
OVERVIEW
Everest Base Camp is the most famous trek in the world for good reason. Beyond the summit views, it is a walk through Sherpa culture: monasteries, prayer walls, yak trains and villages that have welcomed climbers for seventy years.
I plan the itinerary around safe acclimatisation, with two rest days and a slow, steady climb above 4,000 metres.
Day by day
A sample itinerary. I adjust stages and rest days to your pace, the season and the weather.
Day 12,610 m
Fly to Lukla, walk to Phakding
An early mountain flight to Lukla, then an easy afternoon along the Dudh Koshi to Phakding.
Day 23,440 m
Phakding to Namche Bazaar
Suspension bridges over the river and a long climb to Namche, the Sherpa capital of the Khumbu.
Day 3
Acclimatisation in Namche
A morning hike to the Everest View Hotel or Khumjung for a first look at Everest and Ama Dablam.
Day 43,860 m
Namche to Tengboche
A balcony trail high above the river, then a climb to Tengboche monastery.
Day 54,410 m
Tengboche to Dingboche
Through Pangboche and into the Imja valley below Ama Dablam.
Day 6
Acclimatisation in Dingboche
A morning climb up Nangkartshang hill for views of Makalu and Island Peak, then rest.
Day 74,940 m
Dingboche to Lobuche
Past the climbers' memorials at Thukla to Lobuche below the Khumbu Glacier.
Day 85,364 m
Gorak Shep and Everest Base Camp
Along the glacier moraine to Gorak Shep, then an afternoon walk to Everest Base Camp.
Day 95,545 m
Kala Patthar and descent to Pheriche
A dawn climb of Kala Patthar for the best view of Everest, then down to Pheriche.
Day 103,440 m
Pheriche to Namche
A long descent back through Pangboche and Tengboche to Namche.
Day 112,860 m
Namche to Lukla
The last day on foot, back down the valley to Lukla.
Day 12
Fly to Kathmandu
Morning flight back to Kathmandu. Keep a spare day in your plans in case flights are delayed by weather.
Included
- Licensed guide (wages, meals, lodging, insurance and flights)
- All trekking permits
- Lodge accommodation on the trail
Not included
- Kathmandu to Lukla return flights
- Meals and drinks on the trail
- Travel insurance with helicopter evacuation cover
- Porter (available on request)
- Tips
Permits
- Sagarmatha National Park entry permit
- Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality permit
I arrange the permits for you. Nepal Tourism Board permit guidance
Questions about Everest Base Camp
Do I need to be very fit?
You should be comfortable walking 5 to 7 hours a day for many days in a row. Altitude affects everyone differently, which is why the itinerary includes two acclimatisation days.
What happens if Lukla flights are cancelled?
Mountain weather often delays flights. Build at least one spare day into your travel plans after the trek.
PRIVATE TREK
Make Everest Base Camp yours.
Send me your dates and group size, and I will reply with a tailored itinerary and price.