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Everest Base Camp Trek

Base Camp & Everest views - Magnificent Himalayan Peaks - Sherpa Villages - Thyangboche Monastery

ALL MEALS ON TREK INCLUDED

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Duration

16 Days
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Grade

Challenging
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Max Altitude

5500m
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Walking Days

13 Days
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Accommodation

2 Nts Hotels - 13 Nts Trekking Lodges
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Trip Overview

The world-famous, classic walk to Everest Base Camp Spectacular and alluring, but never to be underestimated.

Following good trails the route to EBC is made more challenging due to the high altitudes involved, thus making the walking physically harder. At lower altitudes this trek would be a more moderate affair, but it isn't. A good level of fitness and the capability to walk in mountainous terrain for several days continuously remain essential. The somewhat moderate daily walking distances as well as the amount of ascent and descent each day taken by themselves mislead many an inexperienced 'EBC would be'. The altitudes involved in the trek up to EBC demand respect and thus the walking becomes more challenging as a result. Don't forget our trekking holidays are tailor-made and whilst this itinerary includes acclimatisation days. You can always have the inclusion of rest days, more acclimatisation days (not less) and also add some contingency days (highly recommended) added. The itinerary is merely a suggested itinerary and is  not entirely  'set in stone'. So you can have your very own customised trek to Everest. This is a challenging trek and at high altitude and through experience we consider it as not suitable for novices. Previous experience is essential. Sleeping bags (4 season) will be required for nights spent in trekking lodges. We can arrange sleeping bag rental if required.

Find out more about the different trekking routes to Everest Base Camp HERE

IMPORTANT NOTE: During certain months flights to/from Lukla are changed from Kathmandu to Manthali, which is several hours from Kathmandu! You may wish to consider allowing an extra day for this eventuality. See our FLIGHTS TO LUKLA INFORMATION for more.

The world-famous, classic walk to Everest Base Camp Spectacular and alluring, but never to be underestimated.

  • Following good trails the route to EBC is made more challenging due to the high altitudes involved, thus making the walking physically harder. At lower altitudes this trek would be a more moderate affair, but it isn't. A good level of fitness and the capability to walk in mountainous terrain for several days continuously remain essential. The somewhat moderate daily walking distances as well as the amount of ascent and descent each day taken by themselves mislead many an inexperienced 'EBC would be'. The altitudes involved in the trek up to EBC demand respect and thus the walking becomes more challenging as a result. Don't forget our trekking holidays are tailor-made and whilst this itinerary includes acclimatisation days. You can always have the inclusion of rest days, more acclimatisation days (not less) and also add some contingency days (highly recommended) added. The itinerary is merely a suggested itinerary and is  not entirely  'set in stone'. So you can have your very own customised trek to Everest. This is a challenging trek and at high altitude and through experience we consider it as not suitable for novices. Previous experience is essential. Sleeping bags (4 season) will be required for nights spent in trekking lodges. We can arrange sleeping bag rental if required.

    Find out more about the different trekking routes to Everest Base Camp HERE

    IMPORTANT NOTE: During certain months flights to/from Lukla are changed from Kathmandu to Manthali, which is several hours from Kathmandu! You may wish to consider allowing an extra day for this eventuality. See our FLIGHTS TO LUKLA INFORMATION for more.

Example Itinerary

    • Day 1
      Arrive Kathmandu
    • Day 2
      Fly to Lukla & trek to Phakding
    • Day 3
      Trek to Namche Bazaar
    • Day 4
      Acclimatisation Day
    • Day 5
      Trek to Thyangboche
    • Day 6
      Trek to Dingboche
    • Day 7
      Acclimatisation Day
    • Day 8
      Trek to Lobuche
    • Day 9
      Trek to Gorak Shep
    • Day 10
      Everest Base Camp
    • Day 11
      Kala Patar and to Pheriche
    • Day 12
      Trek to Phortse
    • Day 13
      Trek to Monjo
    • Day 14
      Back up to Lukla
    • Day 15
      Fly to Kathmandu
    • Day 16
      Depart Nepal
  • DAY
    1

    Arrive Kathmandu

    Arriving at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, you'll be met and receive a private transfer for the short distance into central Kathmandu and to the "KGH" Hotel in the heart of the Thamel district. You'll be given a briefing on your forthcoming adventure, and in the evening, you can take dinner at your leisure in one of the many choices of cafes and restaurants in Kathmandu, although the open-air courtyard cafe of the KGH Hotel is as good as anywhere.

    IMPORTANT NOTE: During certain months flights to/from Lukla are changed from Kathmandu to Manthali, which is several hours from Kathmandu! You may wish to consider allowing an extra day for this eventuality. See our FLIGHTS TO LUKLA INFORMATION for more.

    Accommodation: KGH HotelKathmandu
    Included Meals: None

    DAY 1

    Arrive Kathmandu

    Arriving at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, you'll be met and receive a private transfer for the short distance into central Kathmandu and to the "KGH" Hotel in the heart of the Thamel district. You'll be given a briefing on your forthcoming adventure, and in the evening, you can take dinner at your leisure in one of the many choices of cafes and restaurants in Kathmandu, although the open-air courtyard cafe of the KGH Hotel is as good as anywhere.

    IMPORTANT NOTE: During certain months flights to/from Lukla are changed from Kathmandu to Manthali, which is several hours from Kathmandu! You may wish to consider allowing an extra day for this eventuality. See our FLIGHTS TO LUKLA INFORMATION for more.

    Accommodation: KGH HotelKathmandu
    Included Meals: None

    DAY
    2

    Fly to Lukla & trek to Phakding

    A private transfer to the airport for the 40-minute spectacular flight to the airstrip at Lukla Here you'll meet your porter team, and then your first day of trekking is actually downhill and relatively short as you descend a trail to the bottom of the river valley below. It's around 3–4 hours of walking to the village of Phakding (2610 m), and your overnight stop is staying in a typical trekking lodge. The walking distance is around 10 km, with an approximate 650m descent and 390m ascent.

    Accommodation: Trekking Lodge, Phakding
    Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner


    Find out more about Trekking Lodges

    DAY 2

    Fly to Lukla & trek to Phakding

    A private transfer to the airport for the 40-minute spectacular flight to the airstrip at Lukla Here you'll meet your porter team, and then your first day of trekking is actually downhill and relatively short as you descend a trail to the bottom of the river valley below. It's around 3–4 hours of walking to the village of Phakding (2610 m), and your overnight stop is staying in a typical trekking lodge. The walking distance is around 10 km, with an approximate 650m descent and 390m ascent.

    Accommodation: Trekking Lodge, Phakding
    Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner


    Find out more about Trekking Lodges

    DAY
    3

    Trek to Namche Bazaar

    Today's walk begins in a straightforward manner as you follow the trail alongside the river and through pine forests to Jorsale. You'll cross the river a couple of times by suspension and plank bridge, and in around 2 hours, you'll hopefully get your first glimpse of Everest's summit poking over the Nuptse ridge in the far distance. It's then a stiff climb of 2–3 hours as the Everest Base Camp trail winds its way up and up to the Sherpa capital of Namche Bazaar. Walking time is approx. 5–6 hours to an altitude of 3440m. Altitude gain: 800m. The distance today is around 10 km, with 1150 m of ascent and 400 m of descent.

    Accommodation: Trekking Lodge, Namche Bazaar
    Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

    DAY 3

    Trek to Namche Bazaar

    Today's walk begins in a straightforward manner as you follow the trail alongside the river and through pine forests to Jorsale. You'll cross the river a couple of times by suspension and plank bridge, and in around 2 hours, you'll hopefully get your first glimpse of Everest's summit poking over the Nuptse ridge in the far distance. It's then a stiff climb of 2–3 hours as the Everest Base Camp trail winds its way up and up to the Sherpa capital of Namche Bazaar. Walking time is approx. 5–6 hours to an altitude of 3440m. Altitude gain: 800m. The distance today is around 10 km, with 1150 m of ascent and 400 m of descent.

    Accommodation: Trekking Lodge, Namche Bazaar
    Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

    DAY
    4

    Acclimatisation Day

    At 3440 m, you really have to have an acclimatisation day today and let your body take it easy. Namche is a fascinating place to explore, with plenty of souvenir shops, cafes, and bars, as well as a particularly good German bakery! If you like, you can take an acclimatisation walk up to the Museum of Sherpa Culture. Near the museum is an excellent Everest viewpoint and magnificent views of the iconic peak of Ama Dablam.

    Accommodation: Trekking Lodge, Namche Bazaar
    Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

    DAY 4

    Acclimatisation Day

    At 3440 m, you really have to have an acclimatisation day today and let your body take it easy. Namche is a fascinating place to explore, with plenty of souvenir shops, cafes, and bars, as well as a particularly good German bakery! If you like, you can take an acclimatisation walk up to the Museum of Sherpa Culture. Near the museum is an excellent Everest viewpoint and magnificent views of the iconic peak of Ama Dablam.

    Accommodation: Trekking Lodge, Namche Bazaar
    Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

    DAY
    5

    Trek to Thyangboche

    A reasonably straightforward day, firstly with a steep climb out of Namche and being greeted by spectacular views of the main valley with Everest sitting behind the Nuptse Ridge, as well as being able to see a considerable amount of the next few days walking route too. You now contour the hillside with a couple of shorter but steep climbs to then lose height as you walk down to the Imja Khola and cross the river via a bridge. It's then a steady climb up the ridge to reach the village of Thyangboche, not only renowned for its great views (of Ama Dablam in particular) but also for the monastery here where hopeful Everest summiteers usually seek the blessings for their challenges that lie ahead. The total distance walked today is just over 11km over 6-7 hours of walking, with around 870 m of ascent and 420 m of descent.

    Accommodation: Trekking Lodge, Thyangboche
    Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

    DAY 5

    Trek to Thyangboche

    A reasonably straightforward day, firstly with a steep climb out of Namche and being greeted by spectacular views of the main valley with Everest sitting behind the Nuptse Ridge, as well as being able to see a considerable amount of the next few days walking route too. You now contour the hillside with a couple of shorter but steep climbs to then lose height as you walk down to the Imja Khola and cross the river via a bridge. It's then a steady climb up the ridge to reach the village of Thyangboche, not only renowned for its great views (of Ama Dablam in particular) but also for the monastery here where hopeful Everest summiteers usually seek the blessings for their challenges that lie ahead. The total distance walked today is just over 11km over 6-7 hours of walking, with around 870 m of ascent and 420 m of descent.

    Accommodation: Trekking Lodge, Thyangboche
    Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

    DAY
    6

    Trek to Dingboche

    More up and down (but mostly up) as you gradually make your way ultimately to Dingboche. After around 3 hours, you'll reach Pangboche, which is home to the oldest monastery in the region. The distance covered today is around 11.5 km, with an approximate 870m ascent and 415m descent. Walking time is around 6 hours. Now at 4410 m, another acclimatisation day is necessary tomorrow.

    Accommodation: Trekking Lodge, Dingboche
    Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

    DAY 6

    Trek to Dingboche

    More up and down (but mostly up) as you gradually make your way ultimately to Dingboche. After around 3 hours, you'll reach Pangboche, which is home to the oldest monastery in the region. The distance covered today is around 11.5 km, with an approximate 870m ascent and 415m descent. Walking time is around 6 hours. Now at 4410 m, another acclimatisation day is necessary tomorrow.

    Accommodation: Trekking Lodge, Dingboche
    Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

    DAY
    7

    Acclimatisation Day

    Before overnighting any higher, today is a further acclimatisation day. It's good practise to aim to go a little higher and then to come back down again to give the body the best chance of acclimatising. An acclimatisation day isn't necessarily a rest day as such. So, today you can walk up into the Imja Valley towards Chukung. It's worth it for the views! The walking is about 10.5km with 440 m of ascent and descent as you spend a further night in Dingboche.

    Accommodation: Trekking Lodge, Dingboche
    Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

    DAY 7

    Acclimatisation Day

    Before overnighting any higher, today is a further acclimatisation day. It's good practise to aim to go a little higher and then to come back down again to give the body the best chance of acclimatising. An acclimatisation day isn't necessarily a rest day as such. So, today you can walk up into the Imja Valley towards Chukung. It's worth it for the views! The walking is about 10.5km with 440 m of ascent and descent as you spend a further night in Dingboche.

    Accommodation: Trekking Lodge, Dingboche
    Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

    DAY
    8

    Trek to Lobuche

    Distance-wise, today's walking is a bit less than the past few days, but at this higher altitude, it will likely feel harder. It takes around 5–6 hours to make the steady ascent up to Lobuche (4910m). The distance is around 8.5 km, with approximately 650 m of ascent and precious little in the way of descent.

    Accommodation: Trekking Lodge, Lobuche
    Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

    DAY 8

    Trek to Lobuche

    Distance-wise, today's walking is a bit less than the past few days, but at this higher altitude, it will likely feel harder. It takes around 5–6 hours to make the steady ascent up to Lobuche (4910m). The distance is around 8.5 km, with approximately 650 m of ascent and precious little in the way of descent.

    Accommodation: Trekking Lodge, Lobuche
    Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

    DAY
    9

    Trek to Gorak Shep

    Lobuche is traditionally where people trek all the way to Base Camp. But this makes for a very long, tough day. We prefer to break that day up, particularly mindful of the high altitudes involved, which make easy walks feel tougher than they would at lower levels. So today you'll walk up to Gorak Shep (5140m). At these far reaches, the lodges are becoming increasingly basic. The distance today is around 5.5 km, with about 300 m of ascent. If you're going well, it takes around 3–4 hours of walking to reach Gorak Shep, and if you have some energy reserves, it may be possible to make the ascent of Kala Patar in the afternoon. The Everest view point If you're struggling, then today will take much longer, and so Kala Patar can and should wait for another day.

    Accommodation: Trekking Lodge, Gorak Shep
    Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

    DAY 9

    Trek to Gorak Shep

    Lobuche is traditionally where people trek all the way to Base Camp. But this makes for a very long, tough day. We prefer to break that day up, particularly mindful of the high altitudes involved, which make easy walks feel tougher than they would at lower levels. So today you'll walk up to Gorak Shep (5140m). At these far reaches, the lodges are becoming increasingly basic. The distance today is around 5.5 km, with about 300 m of ascent. If you're going well, it takes around 3–4 hours of walking to reach Gorak Shep, and if you have some energy reserves, it may be possible to make the ascent of Kala Patar in the afternoon. The Everest view point If you're struggling, then today will take much longer, and so Kala Patar can and should wait for another day.

    Accommodation: Trekking Lodge, Gorak Shep
    Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

    DAY
    10

    Everest Base Camp

    Today you will walk up to EBC and then back to Gorak Shep. The round trip sounds easy—just under 7km with under 200 m of ascent and descent. But it generally takes a good 6 hours to get to EBC and back at this high altitude. Still, you should have a good hour or so to appreciate EBC itself. The summit of Everest cannot be seen from EBC, but there are some pretty impressive views of the tumbling Khumbu Icefall and the west shoulder of Everest. During the trekking season, there is little in the way of activity at EBC (other than curious trekkers), and while it is from Kala Patar that the best views of Everest can be had on the Everest Base Camp trek, you kind of have to come to EBC to say you've been there.

    Accommodation: Trekking Lodge, Gorak Shep
    Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

    DAY 10

    Everest Base Camp

    Today you will walk up to EBC and then back to Gorak Shep. The round trip sounds easy—just under 7km with under 200 m of ascent and descent. But it generally takes a good 6 hours to get to EBC and back at this high altitude. Still, you should have a good hour or so to appreciate EBC itself. The summit of Everest cannot be seen from EBC, but there are some pretty impressive views of the tumbling Khumbu Icefall and the west shoulder of Everest. During the trekking season, there is little in the way of activity at EBC (other than curious trekkers), and while it is from Kala Patar that the best views of Everest can be had on the Everest Base Camp trek, you kind of have to come to EBC to say you've been there.

    Accommodation: Trekking Lodge, Gorak Shep
    Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

    DAY
    11

    Kala Patar and to Pheriche

    We firmly believe that the 'jewel in the crown' of this trek is the view from the top of Kala Patar and not EBC itself. Hoping for the often clear morning weather, it takes around 2 hours to follow the now well-worn trail to Kala Patar (5500m) and the classic view of Everest. Returning to Gorak Shep, you walk back down to Lobuche and then onto Pheriche (4270m), where there is also a permanent clinic staffed by western doctors during the main trekking season. Today's walk of just over 16km takes around 7-8 hours, with around 500 m of ascent and 1400 m of descent.

    Accommodation: Trekking Lodge, Pheriche
    Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

    DAY 11

    Kala Patar and to Pheriche

    We firmly believe that the 'jewel in the crown' of this trek is the view from the top of Kala Patar and not EBC itself. Hoping for the often clear morning weather, it takes around 2 hours to follow the now well-worn trail to Kala Patar (5500m) and the classic view of Everest. Returning to Gorak Shep, you walk back down to Lobuche and then onto Pheriche (4270m), where there is also a permanent clinic staffed by western doctors during the main trekking season. Today's walk of just over 16km takes around 7-8 hours, with around 500 m of ascent and 1400 m of descent.

    Accommodation: Trekking Lodge, Pheriche
    Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

    DAY
    12

    Trek to Phortse

    You're essentially heading down the way you came up, and today the walk to Phortse takes around 6-7 hours to complete the 14km distance with around 450 m of ascent and 1300 m of descent.

    Accommodation: Trekking Lodge, Phortse
    Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

    DAY 12

    Trek to Phortse

    You're essentially heading down the way you came up, and today the walk to Phortse takes around 6-7 hours to complete the 14km distance with around 450 m of ascent and 1300 m of descent.

    Accommodation: Trekking Lodge, Phortse
    Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

    DAY
    13

    Trek to Monjo

    A long descent down to the river and then up a zig-zag trail to the Mon La. A slight deviation off the main EBC trail, which you now rejoin and descend to Namche, and after a couple of hours of mostly downhill, you're in Monjo. The distance is around 14km with 650 m of ascent and 1350 m of descent and takes around 6-7 hours of walking.

    Accommodation: Trekking Lodge, Monjo
    Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

    DAY 13

    Trek to Monjo

    A long descent down to the river and then up a zig-zag trail to the Mon La. A slight deviation off the main EBC trail, which you now rejoin and descend to Namche, and after a couple of hours of mostly downhill, you're in Monjo. The distance is around 14km with 650 m of ascent and 1350 m of descent and takes around 6-7 hours of walking.

    Accommodation: Trekking Lodge, Monjo
    Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

    DAY
    14

    Back up to Lukla

    At first, you continue to head down the valley, passing through Phakding, and then climb back up to Lukla. The distance is around 13.5 km, with about 670 m of ascent and 580 m of descent, and it takes about 5 hours of walking.

    Accommodation: Trekking Lodge, Lukla
    Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

    DAY 14

    Back up to Lukla

    At first, you continue to head down the valley, passing through Phakding, and then climb back up to Lukla. The distance is around 13.5 km, with about 670 m of ascent and 580 m of descent, and it takes about 5 hours of walking.

    Accommodation: Trekking Lodge, Lukla
    Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

    DAY
    15

    Fly to Kathmandu

    An adrenalin-filled takeoff from Lukla for the short flight out of the Himalayas and back to Kathmandu A private transfer will take you from the airport back to the KGH Hotel. However, you may wish to consider some additional contingencies for this trek, whether it be for any delays or cancellations that can and do occur for flights both to and from Lukla or any difficulties that may arise on the trek.

    Accommodation: KGH Hotel, Kathmandu
    Included Meals: Breakfast

    DAY 15

    Fly to Kathmandu

    An adrenalin-filled takeoff from Lukla for the short flight out of the Himalayas and back to Kathmandu A private transfer will take you from the airport back to the KGH Hotel. However, you may wish to consider some additional contingencies for this trek, whether it be for any delays or cancellations that can and do occur for flights both to and from Lukla or any difficulties that may arise on the trek.

    Accommodation: KGH Hotel, Kathmandu
    Included Meals: Breakfast

    DAY
    16

    Depart Nepal

    A private transfer will take you to the airport for your return international flight.

    Included Meals: Breakfast

    Of course, there's no reason to depart today; your Nepal holiday can be readily tailor-made.

    DAY 16

    Depart Nepal

    A private transfer will take you to the airport for your return international flight.

    Included Meals: Breakfast

    Of course, there's no reason to depart today; your Nepal holiday can be readily tailor-made.

    IMPORTANT

    This is an EXAMPLE ITINERARY and can be customised for you accordingly.

    Please consider whether you want your customisable, private trip itinerary to also include CONTINGENCY.

    See our ABOUT CONTINGENCY Information

    Please CONTACT US to discuss CONTINGENCY and ADDITIONAL ACCLIMATISATION, as well as other CUSTOMISATION POSSIBILITES for your PRIVATE CUSTOM TREK

Price Guide

Price based on a private party of 4 persons, twin share rooms, low season.
  • $ US 1990

IMPORTANT INFO ABOUT OUR PRICE GUIDES

What's included

The price shown is for guideline purposes only. The price is inclusive of all accommodation described in the detailed itinerary, all airport and land transfers, private overland travel, internal flights as indicated in the itinerary, meals as indicated in the itinerary (all meals on trek), porterage on trek, permits and National Park fees, and a Snow Cat Travel Trekking Guide. All guides are English-speaking professionals and fully licenced.

Don't Forget

We can customise
all our trips.

extend. shorten. upgrade

Don't Forget

We can customise
all our trips to Nepal.

extend. shorten. upgrade

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