Everest Base Camp sits at 5,364 metres above sea level at the foot of the Khumbu Icefall in Nepal's Sagarmatha National Park. The trek to reach it is not the highest walk in the world, not the hardest, and not the longest. But it is, by almost any measure, the most famous - a 12 to 14-day journey through Sherpa villages, Buddhist monasteries and increasingly dramatic mountain terrain to a viewpoint of the highest peak on earth from the closest point accessible without mountaineering equipment.
This complete guide covers everything: the route day by day, altitude and acclimatization, difficulty and fitness requirements, cost breakdown, permits, best season, what to pack, how to book, and what makes the experience different from any other trek in the world. Use it as your single planning resource for the EBC trek, and connect with Getaway Nepal Adventure when you're ready to make it happen.
The standard EBC route begins with a flight from Kathmandu to Lukla (2,860m) - a 45-minute mountain flight that deposits trekkers at one of the most dramatic small airports in the world. From Lukla, the trail follows the Dudh Koshi River valley northeast through a sequence of increasingly high villages: Phakding, Namche Bazaar, Tengboche, Dingboche, Lobuche, and Gorak Shep, the last settlement before Base Camp itself.
The trail passes through Sagarmatha National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1979, crossing multiple high suspension bridges over glacial rivers, passing through rhododendron and fir forests at lower elevations, and emerging above treeline into the stark, beautiful high-altitude landscape of the Khumbu. Along the route, Sherpa villages maintain an active Buddhist tradition visible in mani walls, chortens, monasteries (Tengboche Monastery is the most significant) and prayer flags strung across every ridge and pass.
The return follows the same route back to Lukla, with a final night before the flight back to Kathmandu. Most trekkers also include the climb to Kalapathar (5,545m) - the highest and most famous viewpoint on the trek, offering a panoramic view of Everest's summit, the Khumbu Icefall and the surrounding peaks that no point at Base Camp itself can match.
| Location | Altitude (m) | Altitude (ft) |
|---|---|---|
| Kathmandu | 1,400m | 4,593ft |
| Lukla (start) | 2,860m | 9,383ft |
| Namche Bazaar (acclimatization hub) | 3,440m | 11,286ft |
| Tengboche Monastery | 3,870m | 12,697ft |
| Dingboche (acclimatization hub) | 4,410m | 14,469ft |
| Lobuche | 4,940m | 16,207ft |
| Gorak Shep | 5,140m | 16,863ft |
| Everest Base Camp | 5,364m | 17,598ft |
| Kalapathar (summit) | 5,545m | 18,192ft |
Two mandatory acclimatization days are built into all responsible EBC itineraries: one at Namche Bazaar and one at Dingboche. These are not optional rest days - they are the physiological mechanism that makes reaching Base Camp safely possible. Skipping them dramatically increases the risk of Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS). See our full altitude sickness and acclimatization guide for the detail.
The EBC trek is rated moderate to challenging. No technical climbing skills are required - the entire route follows established trails that any reasonably fit person can complete with proper preparation. The challenge comes from altitude (5,364m at Base Camp, 5,545m at Kalapathar), the cumulative fatigue of 12 to 14 consecutive walking days averaging 5 to 7 hours each, cold temperatures above 4,000m, and basic teahouse accommodation at higher elevations.
Physical preparation matters enormously. Trekkers should train for 2 to 3 months before departure, focusing on hiking with a loaded pack, stair climbing and general cardiovascular endurance. See our detailed EBC trek difficulty and fitness guide for a complete training program.
| Day | Route | Altitude |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Fly Kathmandu to Lukla, trek to Phakding | 2,651m |
| Day 2 | Phakding to Namche Bazaar | 3,440m |
| Day 3 | Acclimatization at Namche (hike to Everest View Hotel) | 3,440m |
| Day 4 | Namche to Tengboche | 3,870m |
| Day 5 | Tengboche to Dingboche | 4,410m |
| Day 6 | Acclimatization at Dingboche (hike to Nangkartshang) | 4,410m |
| Day 7 | Dingboche to Lobuche | 4,940m |
| Day 8 | Lobuche to Gorak Shep, trek to Everest Base Camp | 5,364m |
| Day 9 | Climb Kalapathar, descend to Pheriche | 5,545m |
| Day 10 | Pheriche to Namche Bazaar | 3,440m |
| Day 11 | Namche to Lukla | 2,860m |
| Day 12 | Fly Lukla to Kathmandu | 1,400m |
| Day 13 | Buffer day Kathmandu (flight delays common) | - |
| Day 14 | Departure or extend exploration | - |
For the full day-by-day breakdown with teahouse details, walking times and elevation profiles, see our complete 14-day EBC trek itinerary.
| Trek Style | Cost Range (per person) | What's Included |
|---|---|---|
| Budget independent | USD 1,000-1,400 | Permits, Lukla flights, teahouses, food (no guide/porter) |
| Standard guided package | USD 1,400-2,500 | Guide, porter, permits, flights, teahouses, most meals |
| Premium guided | USD 2,500-4,000 | Higher-end teahouses, small groups, senior guides |
| Luxury with helicopter return | USD 3,500-5,500+ | Lodge upgrades, helicopter from Gorak Shep |
For the complete cost breakdown including flights, permits, food, gear and tipping, see our dedicated EBC trek cost guide for 2026-2027.
Two permits are required for the EBC trek: the Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit (approximately NPR 3,000 / USD 25 plus 13% VAT) and the Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Permit (approximately NPR 3,000 / USD 23). Total permit cost is around USD 55-60 per person. A licensed guide is now mandatory for all foreign trekkers. Full permit details are in our EBC trek permits guide.
October-November (post-monsoon autumn) is the most popular season: stable weather, clear skies, excellent Everest visibility, and comfortable daytime temperatures. March-May (spring) is the second best window, with warmer temperatures and rhododendrons in bloom at lower elevations. December-February is possible for experienced cold-weather trekkers but very cold above 4,000m. June-September (monsoon) is not recommended due to rain, leeches and cloud cover. See our full best time for EBC trek guide.
Key gear categories: layered clothing system (base, mid and outer layers), down jacket rated to -20°C, sleeping bag rated to -15°C, trekking boots already broken in, trekking poles, headlamp and spare batteries, water purification, altitude medication (Diamox - discuss with your doctor), and a first aid kit. Full packing details with specific recommendations are in our EBC trek packing list. Note: most major gear can be rented in Kathmandu's Thamel district, reducing baggage costs considerably.
The golden rule of high-altitude trekking is: climb high, sleep low. Spend the acclimatization day at Namche hiking to 3,880m (Everest View Hotel area) then return to sleep at 3,440m. At Dingboche, hike toward Nangkartshang Peak (5,090m) and return to sleep at 4,410m. Drink 3-4 litres of water daily. Avoid alcohol above 3,500m. Walk slowly regardless of how fit you feel at lower elevations - AMS does not respect fitness levels, only acclimatization protocol. Full guidance is in our altitude sickness guide.
How long is the Everest Base Camp trek?
12 to 14 days from Lukla to EBC and back, plus travel days to/from Kathmandu.
How high is Everest Base Camp?
5,364m (17,598ft). Kalapathar, the most-visited viewpoint on the trek, is 5,545m (18,192ft).
Do I need a guide for the Everest Base Camp trek?
Yes. Since 2023, a licensed guide is mandatory for all foreign trekkers in the Everest region.
What is EBC trek difficulty?
Moderate to challenging. No technical climbing required, but high altitude and cumulative walking days make it physically and mentally demanding.
Getaway Nepal Adventure is a Kathmandu-based destination management company with years of experience running Everest region treks for solo travelers, couples, groups and senior trekkers. We provide licensed, experienced mountain guides, pre-vetted teahouse accommodation, all permit arrangements, Lukla flight coordination and emergency protocol documentation before departure. Tell us your dates, group size and preferred trek style, and we'll send you a detailed proposal within 24 hours.
Tell us your preferred dates, group size and fitness level. We respond within 24 hours with availability, pricing and a suggested itinerary.
Getaway Nepal Adventure (P.) Ltd.
Thamel Kathmandu, Nepal
Tel: +977 98510 38 908
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