Everest Base Camp Trek
Everest Base Camp Trek: Unforgettable Himalayan Adventure to Mount Everest with Sherpa Culture
Embark on a life-changing adventure with the Everest Base Camp trek, a journey that takes you to the very heart of the Himalayas and the base of the world’s tallest peak, Mount Everest (8,848m). This iconic trek in Nepal is more than just a hike—it’s a deeply personal experience that weaves together awe-inspiring landscapes, rich Sherpa culture, and the thrill of pushing your limits in one of the planet’s most breathtaking regions. As a seasoned traveler, you’re likely seeking not just a trek but a transformative journey that blends adventure, cultural immersion, and personal growth. This trek delivers all that and more, making it a must-do for anyone craving an unforgettable escape.
How does the Everest Base Camp trek unwind ?
Your journey begins with a heart-pounding flight into Lukla, a small mountain airstrip that feels like the edge of the world. From there, you’ll weave through lush rhododendron forests, cross swaying suspension bridges over rushing rivers, and ascend through rugged trails that reveal jaw-dropping views of Himalayan giants like Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, and the strikingly beautiful Ama Dablam. Each day brings new wonders: the bustling market of Namche Bazaar, where traders and trekkers mingle; the serene Tengboche Monastery, its chants echoing through the mountains; and the remote, wind-swept villages of Dingboche and Lobuche, where the air grows thin and the peaks loom larger.
Reaching the Everest Base Camp
Reaching Everest Base Camp (5,364m) is the pinnacle of this adventure, but the real magic lies in the journey itself. You’ll feel the burn in your legs, the crisp mountain air in your lungs, and the warmth of a Sherpa teahouse at the end of a long day. The trek challenges you to adapt to high altitudes and embrace the unpredictability of the mountains, but the rewards are profound: standing at the foot of Everest, surrounded by towering peaks, you’ll feel a sense of achievement that’s hard to match. Along the way, you’ll connect with the Sherpa people, whose resilience and hospitality offer a humbling glimpse into life in the Himalayas.
For enthusiasts, this trek ticks all the boxes: adventure, cultural discovery, and the chance to disconnect from the everyday grind. The Everest Base Camp trek is designed to be accessible yet exhilarating, with expert guides, cozy teahouses, and a well-trodden trail that’s as safe as it is spectacular. Unlike generic tours, this journey feels personal—every step is a story, every view a memory. You’ll return home with not just photos but a deeper connection to the world and yourself.
Ready to stand in the shadow of Everest? Join us for a trek that’s as much about the journey as the destination.
Highlights of the Everest Base Camp Trek
- Reaching Lukla Airport – A great start to the journey, the flight to Lukla is both thrilling and scenic. As the plane takes off from Kathmandu or Ramechhap, you are immediately greeted by jaw-dropping views of the Himalayas.
- Namche Bazaar – The Vibrant Sherpa Capital: Namche Bazaar offers a great view of the amphitheatre-like valley. A vibrant market offering unique handicrafts, high-quality gear, and cozy coffee shops. It is probably one of the most modern and vibrant Himalayan towns and a headquarters for people climbing the mountains in the region.
- Khumjung – The Hidden Gem of Sherpa Culture: Khumjung, a Sherpa village that often gets overlooked by trekkers. Here, you can visit the Khumjung Monastery, which holds a mysterious Yeti scalp. This village is also home to the Hillary School, established by Sir Edmund Hillary. Khumjung offers a more authentic Sherpa experience, with traditional stone houses set against a stunning backdrop of Ama Dablam.
- Tengboche Monastery – Spirituality in the Shadows of Everest: Tengboche Monastery, a place where spirituality meets stunning natural beauty. This is the largest monastery in the Everest region, and its setting is nothing short of breathtaking. With Everest, Ama Dablam, and Lhotse towering in the background.
- Pangboche – A short trek from Tengboche takes you to Pangboche, the oldest Sherpa village. It is home to Pangboche Monastery, the oldest in the Everest region. The village offers stunning close-up views of Ama Dablam, a mountain often called the “Matterhorn of the Himalayas” due to its striking shape.
- Thukla Memorial – A tribute to fallen mountaineers, Thukla is a windswept plateau filled with stone memorials dedicated to climbers who lost their lives on Everest. The memorial is a sobering reminder of the risks involved in high-altitude mountaineering, yet it also stands as a tribute to human endurance and the desire to conquer the impossible.
- Nangkartshang Peak – A hidden gem for stunning views, Nangkartshang Peak (5,083m) is an experience not to be missed. This peak offers some of the best panoramic views of the trek, including Makalu (8,481m), the fifth-highest mountain in the world.
- Everest Base Camp – Standing at the foot of the world’s highest mountain, reaching the Everest Base Camp (5,364m) is the defining moment of the trek. The Khumbu icefall, with its towering walls of ice, looms ahead, reminding everyone of the extreme challenges that lie beyond this point.
- Kala Patthar – One of the best views of Everest comes from Kala Patthar (5,545m). This is the highest point of the trek and offers a spectacular panoramic view of Everest, Nuptse, and Pumori. Many trekkers choose to hike up before sunrise or sunset, creating a magical moment that makes all the effort worthwhile.
Everest Base Camp trek features
Duration of your trek
Day-min : The minimum number of days required for the trek (from Kathmandu to Kathmandu)
Day-max : The maximum number of days you can spend on this trek. A prolonged itinerary can be discussed with our team.
AWTD : Average walking time per day (<3 : easy, 3 to 5 : moderate, >5 : strenuous
Altitudes of your trek
Min : Minimum altitude of your trek.
Max : Maximum altitude of your trek.
Ascent : The total ascent throughout the trek.
Descent : The total descent throughout on the trek.
Difficulty of your trek
Stamina : The physical effort involved during your trek. Rated from 0 (easiest) to 100 (most strenuous). If you have an average fitness you can consider all the treks up to 50. See here for more details
Technical : Difficulty of your trek in terms of exposure to danger and required experience.
0 to 20 : No difficulties,
20 to 40 : Walking on good mountain trails,
40 to 60 : Some walking on difficult mountain trails (steep slopes, rocks, etc.),
60 to 80: You are exposed to some dangers (void, snow, falling rocks, etc.),
80 to 100 : Experience required (please inquire).
Overall : Average between Stamina and Technical rating.
Duration
Altitudes
Difficulty
Everest Base Camp trek map
Everest Base Camp Trek Map with illustrative itinerary
The Everest Base Camp trek will ideally take 13 days from Kathmandu to Kathmandu. We can customize the trek for you if you want to spend more time at the campsites en route the base camp.
Everest Base Camp trek elevation profile
Trek ascent and descent
The trek to the Everest Base Camp involves a great ascent and descent. The trek includes an acclimatization hike to Nangkartshang Peak (5,083m) which offers breathtaking views of Makalu, Ama Dablam, and Lhotse. The Thukla pass that we conquer at 4620m will offer great views of Taboche and Cholatse peaks.
The challenge of this trek lies in the physical demands required to conquer the strenuous trail at higher altitudes
Everest Base Camp trek, best time to go
Best time to trek to the Everest Base camp is in spring from March to May and then in autumn from September to November. However, the trail is over-crowded during the peak seasons. There is a probability that you may even find yourself queuing up at certain points along the route. If you are someone who would not like to be in a queue on a trek, plan your trip for the off-season.
Winter from December to February is an ideal time to visit if you are seeking a true adventure. With possible snowfall at higher altitudes, you will need to carry the proper layers of clothing. Optimum fitness and the will to trek even in lower temperatures will allow you the opportunity to enjoy the trail at this time of the year when there are fewer crowds. You may come across snowfall and storms on certain days, but you also have clear skies after the storm passes. Trekking to the Everest Base Camp in winter not only ensures fewer crowds but also tests you physically and mentally.
JAN
Adventure & fewer crowds
FEB
Adventure & fewer crowds
MAR
Best time
to go
APR
Best time
to go
MAY
Best time
to go
JUN
Avoid
JUL
Avoid
AUG
Avoid
SEP
Best time
to go
OCT
Best time
to go
NOV
Best time
to go
DEC
Adventure & fewer crowds
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From our gallery
Everest Base Camp Trek Photos
Itinerary
Day One : From Delhi [220m] to Kathmandu [1400m]
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You may need to arrive in Delhi before you fly to Nepal. The Kathmandu airport has very few direct flights from Europe/US/UK. There are frequent flights from Delhi to Nepal. A 90 minute flight will take you from Delhi to Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal. On arrival cab will transfer you to your hotel in Lalitpur. . |
Day Two : Kathmandu [1400m] to Phakding [2610m] via Lukla airstrip [2860m]
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We will take an early morning flight from Kathmandu airport to Lukla airstrip. Enjoy the scenic views of the Himalayas during your flight. After landing, we will trek to Phakding. An 8 km descent that follows the Dudh Koshi river, passing through villages of Cheplung and Ghat |
Day Three : Phakding [2610m] to Namche Bazaar [3440m]
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The trail crosses several suspension bridges, including the famous Hillary Suspension Bridge, and enters Sagarmatha National Park at Monjo (2,800 m). A steep 3-4 km climb through forests leads to Namche Bazaar, the Sherpa capital. We will cover a total distance of approx 11 km today. Namche Bazaar has become a busy tourist hub where climbers and trekkers can do last-minute shopping for essentials. |
Day Four : Namche Bazaar [3440m] to Khumjung [3780m]
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A short trek of around 4 km today to Khumjung via Khunde. We will visit the Khumjung Monastery. The monastery which lies within the Khumbu region of Nepal. The Khumjung gompa has great spiritual signifance and houses an ancient relic, which, the locals believe to be the scalp of the legendary Yeti |
Day Five : Khumjung [3780m] to Pangboche [3985m]
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We will cover a trail of approx 7 km today as we trek to Pangboche via Tengboche. We will also visit the Tengboche monastery. Enjoy the views of Lhotse, Everest and Ama Dablam. The day will start with a short descent towards Sanasa before we start ascending towards Tengboche and Pangboche |
Day Six : Pangboche [3985m] to Dingboche [4410m]
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Trek through alpine meadows and enjoy the scenic views of Island peak, Nuptse and Lhotse. |
Day Seven : Acclimatization hike to Nangkartshang Peak [5083m]
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We will engage in an acclimatization hike before we trek further to the Everest Base Camp. The hike to Nangkartshang peak will offer breathtaking views of Makalu, Ama Dablam and Lhotse. Return to the same guesthouse for the night. |
Day Eight : Dingboche [4410m] to Lobuche [4910m]
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As we trek for over 8 km today, we will cross Thukla, the only notable pass on the Everest Base Camp trek. After a gentle incline from Dingboche, the trail includes a steep, zig-zag ascent to Thukla Pass, a short but challenging climb. At the top, trekkers encounter a memorial site with stone chortens honoring climbers who died on Everest. The pass offers stunning views of peaks like Taboche and Cholatse. From here, the trail continues to Lobuche, passing through alpine pastures and along the Khumbu Glacier’s lateral moraine |
Day Nine : Lobuche [4910m] to Gorak Shep [5164m]
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We will engage in a 12 km trek today. This includes an acclimatization hike to Kala Patthar. The hike from Gorak Shep to Kala Patthar will also reward you with magnificent close-up views of Everest and Pumori. Gorak Shep is the final village before the Everest Base Camp. Kala Patthar allows you the opportunity to climb up to 5648m |
Day Ten : Gorak Shep [5164m] to Everest Base Camp [5364m] & descend to Pangboche [3985m]
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The day when you reach the base of the Everest Base Camp. Spend some time at EBC, breathe in the pleasure of completing this feat and get your knees ready to descend back to Pangboche. Today will be the longest walk of our entire trek, we will cover approx 15km in total |
Day Eleven : Pangboche [3985m] to Monjo [2800m]
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Continue our descent as we are closer to finishing the trek. Trace back your steps through Namche Bazaar and reach Monjo where we will relax for the night. The total descent will be approximately 13km |
Day Twelve : Monjo [2800m] to Lukla [2840m]
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Last day of the trek. Cross the suspension bridges, bid goodbye to the Sagarmatha National Park and celebrate your trek accomplishment in Lukla. Total trek distance will be approx 9 km |
Day Thirteen : Lukla [2840m] to Kathmandu [1400m]
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Take an early morning flight back to Kathmandu. Your body deserves a good spa day today at the hotel |
Day Fourteen : Buffer day
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We will keep a day for buffer incase flights are rescheduled owing to bad weather or we take an additional day during our trek |
Day Fifteen : Flight back to Delhi & return home
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Take a morning flight back to Delhi. You can plan your departure from Delhi for late evening or spend a couple days to explore Delhi. |
Gallery
Everest Base Camp Trek Photos
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