Everest Base Camp Trek

14 days · 5,364m max altitude · Khumbu Region, Nepal

Trek Overview

The Everest Base Camp trek is one of the world's most iconic journeys — a 14-day adventure that takes you deep into the heart of the Khumbu Himalaya to stand at 5,364 metres at the foot of the world's highest mountain. The trail passes through the legendary Namche Bazaar, the gateway to Everest, weaves past ancient Sherpa villages and gompas, and crosses dramatic suspension bridges strung with colourful prayer flags over glacial rivers.

More than a physical challenge, this trek is a cultural immersion into the Sherpa way of life. You'll be hosted in family-run teahouses, share meals of dal bhat with local porters, and witness Buddhist ceremonies at monasteries that have stood for centuries. Our experienced Sherpa guides have completed this route dozens of times and will ensure your safety and acclimatisation throughout.

Trek Highlights

  • Stand at Everest Base Camp (5,364m) and view the Khumbu Icefall up close
  • Sunrise panorama over Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse and Ama Dablam from Kala Patthar (5,545m)
  • Explore Namche Bazaar, the vibrant Sherpa capital at 3,440m
  • Visit Tengboche Monastery — the most famous Buddhist monastery in the Khumbu
  • Acclimatisation hike to Chhukhung and Dingboche for spectacular 360° mountain views

Day-by-Day Itinerary

Arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu. Our representative will meet you and transfer you to your hotel in Thamel. In the evening, attend a welcome dinner where you'll meet your guide and fellow trekkers. Overnight in Kathmandu.
Early morning scenic flight to Lukla's Tenzing-Hillary Airport (2,840m) — one of the world's most thrilling landings. Begin trekking through Dudh Koshi valley to Phakding (2,610m), passing through Cheplung and Ghat villages. Overnight in teahouse.
Trek through rhododendron forests and cross several suspension bridges over the Dudh Koshi. Pass the Sagarmatha National Park checkpoint and make the steep climb up to Namche Bazaar, the bustling Sherpa capital and main trading hub of the Khumbu. First views of Everest.
Essential rest and acclimatisation day. Morning hike up to the Everest View Hotel (3,880m) for stunning panoramas of Everest, Lhotse and Ama Dablam. Visit Khumjung village and its famous monastery. Afternoon free to explore Namche's markets and Sherpa Culture Museum.
Continue along the Dudh Koshi valley with spectacular views of Ama Dablam, Everest and Lhotse. Pass through Kyangjuma and Sanasa to reach Tengboche, home to the famous Tengboche Monastery (3,860m), the most revered Buddhist site in the Khumbu.
Descend to Debuche, crossing the Imja Khola river, then climb through Pangboche (3,930m) — the highest permanently inhabited village in the Khumbu. Continue to Dingboche in the upper Imja Valley, with views of Ama Dablam and Island Peak.
Second acclimatisation day. Hike up to Nagarjun Hill (4,850m) for breathtaking 360° views of Makalu, Lhotse, Ama Dablam, Cholatse and Island Peak. The hike follows the acclimatisation principle of "climb high, sleep low."
Trek up the Khumbu Valley past Dughla and the Thukla memorial cairns honouring fallen climbers and Sherpas. Views of the Khumbu Glacier improve dramatically as you ascend to Lobuche. One of the more strenuous days as altitude begins to take effect.
The most anticipated day of the trek. Trek along the lateral moraine of the Khumbu Glacier to Gorak Shep (5,170m), then continue to Everest Base Camp (5,364m). Stand where legendary expeditions begin their ascent of the world's highest peak. Return to Gorak Shep for the night.
Pre-dawn climb to Kala Patthar (5,545m) for the most spectacular sunrise view of Mount Everest available to trekkers. Watch the summit glow golden at first light. Descend all the way to Pheriche for better sleep at lower altitude.
Begin the descent back down the valley. The return journey is considerably faster. Trek through Tengboche and Kyangjuma to reach Namche Bazaar. Celebrate the successful trek with your guides and fellow trekkers.
Final day of trekking. Descend from Namche through Monjo and Phakding back to Lukla. Farewell dinner with your guide and porters in the evening. Overnight in Lukla.
Morning flight back to Kathmandu (weather permitting — always have buffer days built in for mountain flights). Afternoon free for last-minute shopping in Thamel, spa, or cultural sightseeing. Farewell dinner at a Nepali restaurant.
Transfer to Tribhuvan International Airport for your international departure. Our staff will ensure you reach the airport in plenty of time. The adventure of a lifetime is complete — but the memories will last forever.

What's Included

✓ Included

  • Licensed, English-speaking Sherpa guide
  • Airport and hotel transfers in Kathmandu
  • Kathmandu–Lukla–Kathmandu flights
  • Teahouse accommodation throughout
  • 3 meals per day (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
  • Sagarmatha National Park permit
  • TIMS (Trekkers' Information Management) card
  • Porter (1 porter per 2 trekkers)
  • First aid kit and oxygen emergency kit
  • Welcome and farewell dinners
  • Government taxes and service charges

✗ Not Included

  • International flights to/from Kathmandu
  • Nepal visa fee ($30–$100 depending on duration)
  • Travel insurance (mandatory — must include helicopter evacuation)
  • Personal trekking gear and equipment
  • Hot showers, WiFi and battery charging on trail
  • Alcoholic beverages and soft drinks
  • Tips for guides and porters (customary)
  • Personal expenses and shopping
  • Extra accommodation costs due to flight delays

Best Season

Spring (March–May) and Autumn (September–November) are the prime trekking seasons for Everest Base Camp.

Best season
Possible (less ideal)
Avoid (monsoon/extreme cold)

Difficulty & Fitness

The Everest Base Camp trek is rated Hard. You do not need mountaineering experience but you must have good cardiovascular fitness. We recommend 2–3 months of preparation including regular hiking (8–10 km with elevation gain), cycling, or running.

The biggest challenge is altitude, not terrain. Proper acclimatisation is built into the itinerary with two dedicated rest days. No technical climbing is involved. The trail is well-established and teahouses are available throughout.

Trek Map

Photo Gallery

Everest Base Camp with Khumbu Icefall in background
Sherpa guide leading trekkers on high alpine trail
Tengboche Monastery with Ama Dablam peak rising behind
Prayer flags strung across suspension bridge in Khumbu Valley
Sunrise over Himalayan peaks from Kala Patthar viewpoint
Namche Bazaar terraced town nestled in the Khumbu mountains

Trekker Reviews

David O'Brien 🇦🇺 Australia · October 2023
★★★★★

"The EBC trek with Himariva was the greatest experience of my life. Guide Pemba was exceptional — he knew every stone on the trail, kept us safe with perfect acclimatisation pacing, and shared fascinating stories about Sherpa culture. Every teahouse was clean and the food was surprisingly good. Highly recommend!"

Keiko Tanaka 🇯🇵 Japan · April 2023
★★★★★

"I was nervous about the altitude but the team managed every aspect beautifully. The two acclimatisation days made a huge difference. Seeing Everest at sunrise from Kala Patthar brought tears to my eyes — absolutely worth every step of the journey. The organisation from Kathmandu to Lukla was flawless."

Thomas & Marie Dubois 🇫🇷 France · November 2023
★★★★★

"We did this as a couple and it was the ultimate adventure holiday. The small group of 8 people felt like a proper team by the end. Our guide Dawa was warm, knowledgeable and incredibly experienced. The whole trip was perfectly paced — never rushed, always safe. We're already talking about Annapurna Circuit next year!"