The Everest Base Camp Trek is the most celebrated trekking route in Nepal and one of the most recognised hiking trails on Earth. Over 15 days, the journey carries trekkers from Kathmandu deep into the Khumbu region of the Sagarmatha National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, on foot to the base of Mount Everest (8,849m) at 5,364 metres.
The trek begins with a short, scenic mountain flight to Lukla, the gateway to the Khumbu, then follows the Dudh Koshi river valley through Sherpa villages and rhododendron forest to Namche Bazaar, the trading hub of the region. From there the trail climbs steadily through Tengboche, home to the largest monastery in the Khumbu, and on through Dingboche, Lobuche, and Gorak Shep, with two built-in acclimatisation days to help the body adjust to altitude safely. Along the way, Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, and Ama Dablam dominate the skyline, and a side trip to Kala Patthar (5,545m) delivers the single best close-range panorama of Everest on the entire route.
Beyond the physical challenge, this is a journey through living Sherpa culture: prayer flags strung across high passes, mani walls carved with Buddhist scripture, chortens marking the trail, and warm hospitality in every teahouse along the way. For trekkers seeking the world's most iconic Himalayan adventure, combined with genuine cultural depth, the Everest Base Camp Trek remains the benchmark against which every other trek is measured. See our Everest region trekking page for alternative routes, including the Gokyo Ri Trek and the more challenging Everest High Passes Trek.
Duration: 15 days (Kathmandu to Kathmandu) | Max Altitude: 5,545m (Kala Patthar) | Trek Grade: Strenuous | Starts/Ends: Kathmandu | Best Season: March-May, October-November | Accommodation: Hotel in Kathmandu, teahouses on trek | Permits Required: Sagarmatha National Park Permit, Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Permit
Meet our representative at the airport who will transfer you to the Hotel. Hotel checking-in and go for sightseeing tour. Overnight in Kathmandu.
After breakfast you will be free till afternoon. You can go for trekking shopping, etc. Late afternoon there will be a meeting where you will meet with your guide, porter and other trekking who will be hiking with you for next 11 days. Overnight in Kathmandu.
In the morning you board for a scenic mountain flight to Lukla - a gateway from where the trek begins. The scenic mountain flight about 35 minutes gives you a perfect sight of tremendous Himalayan Range. From Lukla, the trek begins passing through the stone paved trails towards Bhaisekharka and in due course gets in to Phakding. On the trail you come across plenty of prayer rocks. Overnight at Phakding.
Walking through a pine forest, the trail leads you along the Dudh Koshi River. While on the way you encounter with wonderful view of the glistening Mt. Thamserku (6618m). Passing through the settlement of Benkar, Chumoa, Monjo, you reach at the entrance of Sagarmatha National Park. Next, the trail climbs through the forests and bridges to reach the confluence of the Dudh Koshi and Bhote Koshi rivers. Prior to reaching in Namche Bazaar, the trail pass through Jorsale Village and while on the trail you will have first sight of Mt. Everest. Overnight in Namche.
You will spend three nights in Namche Bazaar to allow you to slowly acclimatise. During this period you trek to the Everest View Hotel (3,900m) and to Thame (3,844m), where Tenzing Norgay grew up. Most trekkers spend just two nights in Namche before continuing up the trail, but in our experience this additional night greatly increases you chance of reaching base camp without a head ache!
After breakfast in Namche, the trek begins to Tengboche. The wonderful views of Mt. Everest, Mt. Aba Dablam (6,856m), Lhotse (8,511m), Nuptse (7,896m) and close up view of Mt.Thamserku make you breathless. While crossing wild lives like pheasant, musk deer, herd of Himalayan Thar, the trail gradually leads you to Sansa. Next you travel to Dudh Koshi River and then prepare for a little tough climb to Tengboche. Tengboche is popular for close up views of Ama-Dablam, Nuptse, and Everest and it has a biggest Buddhist Monastery all over in the Khumbu region. Overnight at Tengboche.
On this day, you reach at Dingboche enjoying beautiful scenarios of mountains, landscapes, several Chortens, Mani walls and small villages. While passing through north to Pheriche beneath the towering north face of Mt Ama Dablam (6,856m) you come to Imja Valley enjoying panoramic views of snow capped mountains and varied landscapes. The valley gradually unfolds as you approach the confluence of the Lobuche River. From Lobuche River you trek the steepest climb of the day up to Dingboche. At Dingboche, you will see beautiful array of fields and grazing animals. Overnight at Dingboche.
Today's trek starts from Dingboche and initially passes through the Khumbu Khola valley. In this section of the trail you will have awesome views of mountains on all sides. On the way to Duglha, you come across Dusa- a yak herder's place and Phulung Karpo-the camp site of the first successful Everest Expedition in 1953. As you trek on, the majestic view of Mt. Pumori (7,161m) comes into view. Prior to reaching Duglha, you will be greeted with the fantastic views of Mt Cholatse, Mt Thamserku, and several other magnificent peaks including the tip of Mt Nuptse (7,896m). Overnight at Duglha.
From Duglha, today’s trek starts with climbing up the steep terminal moraine of the Khumbu Glacier. While moving ahead you will find the memorials to Scott Fischer and 10 times Everest submitter Babu Chiri Sherpa. As the trail passes down to the Khumbu Glacier, you face several great peaks - Khumbutse, Lingtren, Pumori and Mahalangur Himal. In addition, Mt Nuptse towers to the right as the trail crosses the Khumbu Glacier. Overnight at Lobuche.
The trail to Gorak Shep goes ahead through the lateral moraine of the Khumbu Glacier. While trekking ahead to Gorak Shep you will see the crest of north ridge of Everest along with Mt. Pumori, Mt. Mahalangur, Mt. Lingtern, Mt. Khumbutse, Mt. Nuptse, etc. As you reach Gorak Shep, you will see snow-capped mountains looming all around you including the top of the world - Mt. Everest (8,848m). From Gorak Shep you move towards Everest Base Camp. Upon reaching the base camp of top of the world you will have the views of Nuptse, Khumbuste and Pumori. Mt. Everest is not visible from the base camp. The experience of being at the foothill of world’s highest mountain cannot be expressed in words. Next, trek down to Gorakshep. Overnight at Gorak Shep.
Today's journey starts early in the morning to get Kalapattar. This is the place from where you can see the wide view of Everest. Your dream will come true here. During the trek to Kala Patthar familiar peaks such as Lingtren, Khumbutse, Changtse tower including Nuptse and Everest. While ascending to Kala Patthar, you can pause to catch several outstanding view points to snap pictures. As you reach the top, gigantic views of mountains and glaciers around you give a sense of heaven including close-up view of Mt. Everest, Amadablam and Pumori. You wander from one mighty massif to another at this junction. It will be a tremendous moment in your life that comes once in a lifetime. After taking photo shots of spectacular mountain massifs you again trek down to Gorak Shep. Overnight at Gorak Shep.
On this day, you descend from Gorak Shep along the Khumbu trail, passing back through Lobuche and Pheriche before reaching Pangboche and Tengboche. The trail is pleasant with views of impressive mountains and forests. From Pangboche the trail follows the Dudh Koshi gorge descending rapidly through pine forests. While on the trail you pass Tengboche Monastery, the largest monastery in the Khumbu region. The journey stops at Kyangjuma (3,570m) for lunch, with fine views of Ama Dablam, Thamserku, and Nuptse. The trail to Namche then passes through pleasant valleys and pasturelands. Overnight in Namche Bazaar.
The return journey passes through rhododendron and pine forests enjoying snow covered peaks in the distance. Adding to this you walk through the Sherpa villages' noticing impressive faith in Buddhism and culture of prayer stones and prayers flags. It will be the day of accomplishment of trekking section of this adventure. Overnight at Lukla.
In the morning, we take the tiny aircraft to flight from Lukla to Kathmandu which is very interesting scenery flight journey on the earth. After arrival in Kathmandu airport we drive you to hotel.
Morning, you will be free. Afternoon we will drop you to the Kathmandu International Airport for the departure flight to home.
This price covers a standard 15-day guided departure with shared teahouse accommodation. The final cost depends on the season you travel, group size, accommodation upgrades, and whether you add a helicopter return from Gorak Shep. Contact us for a group discount or a fully tailor-made quote.
How many days does the Everest Base Camp Trek take?
The classic itinerary takes 15 days from arrival in Kathmandu to departure, including 12 trekking days and 2 acclimatisation days in Namche Bazaar. The walking portion covers roughly 11 to 12 days.
How much does the Everest Base Camp Trek cost?
A standard guided package costs around USD 1,400 to 1,600 per person, including domestic flights, teahouse accommodation, meals on trek, a licensed guide, porter, and permits.
What permits are needed for the Everest Base Camp Trek?
Two permits are required: the Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit (around NPR 3,000) and the Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Entry Permit (around NPR 2,000). We arrange both for you as part of your package.
What is the best time of year for the Everest Base Camp Trek?
October to November and March to May offer the most stable weather and clearest mountain views. Winter is quieter and colder; the June to August monsoon is generally avoided.
Do I need previous trekking experience?
No technical climbing skill is required, but a good level of cardiovascular fitness is essential. Training with regular hill walking for two to three months before departure is strongly recommended.
Getaway Nepal Adventure (P.) Ltd.
Thamel Kathmandu, Nepal
Tel: +977 98510 38 908
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