evererst view

Everest Base Camp Trek – 15 Days

Overview

If there’s one journey that every trekking enthusiast dreams of, it is the Everest Base Camp Trek. Nestled in the heart of the Himalayas, this 15-day adventure leads you to the foot of the world’s highest mountain, Mount Everest (8,848m), combining natural grandeur, cultural immersion, and personal achievement.

The trail follows in the footsteps of legendary climbers, passing through vibrant Sherpa villages, ancient monasteries, high suspension bridges, and rugged landscapes carved by glaciers. Along the way, trekkers experience the warm hospitality of the Khumbu region, jaw-dropping panoramas of Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, and Ama Dablam, and the ultimate thrill of standing at Everest Base Camp (5,364m) and climbing to Kala Patthar (5,550m) for sunrise.

This trek is not just about reaching a destination—it’s about the journey itself.

Trip Facts

  • Region: Everest / Khumbu
  • Duration: 15 Days
  • Grade: Challenging
  • Accommodation: Hotels in Kathmandu & teahouses during trek
  • Meals: Breakfast in Kathmandu, full board (B/L/D) on trek
  • Max. Altitude: 5,550m (Kala Patthar)
  • Activity: Trekking & Cultural Exploration
  • Transportation: Domestic flights + private transfers
  • Best Seasons: Spring (Mar–May) & Autumn (Sep–Nov)

Major Highlights

✨ Panoramic flight to Lukla, gateway to the Everest region
✨ Two acclimatization stops for safe altitude adjustment
✨ Sherpa capital Namche Bazaar, bustling with culture and trade
✨ Visit to the spiritual hub Tengboche Monastery with a backdrop of Ama Dablam
✨ Sunrise from Kala Patthar (5,550m) – the most iconic Everest viewpoint
✨ Trekking alongside the mighty Khumbu Glacier & Icefall
✨ Immersion into Sherpa lifestyle and traditions
✨ Achievement of reaching Everest Base Camp (5,364m)

Day-to-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu (1,350m)

  • Meet & greet at Tribhuvan International Airport.
  • Hotel transfer and trek briefing.
  • Evening welcome dinner with Nepali cultural dance.
  • 🏨 Overnight at Hotel (Dinner included).

Day 2: Fly to Lukla (2,800m) & Trek to Phakding (2,610m)

  • Scenic 35-min flight over Himalayas to Lukla.
  • First day of trekking begins – descend to Chheplung and Ghat.
  • Gentle walk following Dudh Koshi River.
  • 🏨 Teahouse stay | ⏱ 3–4 hrs trekking.

Day 3: Phakding to Namche Bazaar (3,440m)

  • Cross high suspension bridges including Hillary Bridge.
  • Pass Monjo and enter Sagarmatha National Park.
  • Long uphill climb to Namche with first view of Everest.
  • 🏨 Teahouse stay | ⏱ 6–7 hrs trekking.

Day 4: Acclimatization at Namche Bazaar

  • Side hike to Everest View Hotel (3,880m) for stunning panoramas.
  • Visit Sherpa Museum and local market.
  • Optional short hike to Khumjung village.
  • 🏨 Teahouse stay (rest/acclimatization).

Day 5: Namche to Tengboche (3,860m)

  • Gentle trails with breathtaking views of Everest, Lhotse & Ama Dablam.
  • Final steep climb to Tengboche Monastery.
  • Evening prayers at monastery with monks chanting.
  • 🏨 Teahouse stay | ⏱ 5–6 hrs trekking.

Day 6: Tengboche to Dingboche (4,410m)

  • Descend to Debuche through rhododendron forest.
  • Cross Imja Khola River and trek via Pangboche.
  • Arrive at Dingboche, a farming village surrounded by walls of stone.
  • 🏨 Teahouse stay | ⏱ 6 hrs trekking.

Day 7: Acclimatization in Dingboche

  • Optional hike to Nagarjun Hill (5,100m) or Chhukung Valley.
  • Acclimatization hike offers views of Makalu, Lhotse & Island Peak.
  • 🏨 Teahouse stay (rest & short hikes).

Day 8: Dingboche to Lobuche (4,910m)

  • Gradual climb through alpine meadows.
  • Visit Thukla Pass memorials honoring climbers who perished on Everest.
  • Arrive at Lobuche with views of Pumori & Nuptse.
  • 🏨 Teahouse stay | ⏱ 5 hrs trekking.

Day 9: Lobuche to Gorak Shep (5,164m) & Everest Base Camp (5,364m)

  • Walk along Khumbu Glacier to Gorak Shep.
  • Drop bags and continue trek to Everest Base Camp.
  • Stand among climbers’ camps with dramatic glacier views.
  • Return to Gorak Shep for overnight stay.
  • 🏨 Teahouse stay | ⏱ 7–8 hrs trekking.

Day 10: Sunrise at Kala Patthar (5,550m) & Trek to Pheriche (4,280m)

  • Pre-dawn hike to Kala Patthar for golden sunrise over Everest, Nuptse, and Lhotse.
  • Retrace back to Gorak Shep, then descend to Pheriche.
  • 🏨 Teahouse stay | ⏱ 7 hrs trekking.

Day 11: Pheriche to Namche Bazaar

  • Trek back through Pangboche & Tengboche.
  • Arrive in Namche for a relaxing evening.
  • 🏨 Teahouse stay | ⏱ 6–7 hrs trekking.

Day 12: Namche to Lukla

  • Final trekking day, retracing trail through Phakding.
  • Celebrate with team at Lukla.
  • 🏨 Teahouse stay | ⏱ 6–7 hrs trekking.

Day 13: Fly Lukla to Kathmandu

  • Scenic morning flight back to Kathmandu.
  • Free afternoon for rest or souvenir shopping.
  • 🏨 Hotel stay (Breakfast included).

Day 14: Contingency/Free Day in Kathmandu

  • Buffer day for possible flight delays from Lukla.
  • Optional sightseeing (Boudhanath, Pashupatinath, Bhaktapur).
  • 🏨 Hotel stay (Breakfast included).

Day 15: Departure

  • Airport drop-off for international departure.
  • End of the journey.

Services Included

✔ Airport transfers (international & domestic)
✔ Domestic flights Kathmandu ↔ Lukla (or Ramechhap in peak season)
✔ Hotel accommodation in Kathmandu (3★ standard, twin sharing)
✔ Teahouse accommodation during trek
✔ All meals on trek (Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner)
✔ Experienced English-speaking guide
✔ Porter service (1 porter for 2 trekkers, max 20kg)
✔ Sagarmatha National Park & Khumbu permits
✔ Down jacket & sleeping bag (returnable)
✔ Medical kit carried by guide
✔ Government taxes & service charges

Services Not Included

✘ Nepal entry visa fee
✘ International airfare
✘ Meals in Kathmandu (except welcome/farewell dinner)
✘ Extra porter charges
✘ Travel & rescue insurance (mandatory)
✘ Personal expenses (drinks, showers, Wi-Fi, laundry)
✘ Tips for guides & porters

Essential Information

  • Best Time to Trek: March–May & September–November
  • Difficulty Level: Challenging – requires 6–7 hrs daily walking at altitude
  • Altitude Sickness: Acclimatization days included; carry Diamox as precaution
  • Connectivity: Limited Wi-Fi in lodges; purchase local SIM (Ncell) for better coverage
  • Flight Note: In peak months, flights to Lukla operate from Ramechhap/Manthali Airport (4–6 hrs drive from Kathmandu).

Packing Suggestions

  • Layered clothing system (base layer, fleece, down, shell)
  • Good quality trekking boots (broken-in)
  • Trekking poles & gaiters
  • Thermal sleeping bag (–10°C to –15°C)
  • Sunglasses, sunscreen, lip balm
  • Reusable water bottle + purification tablets
  • Personal first-aid & medicines

Price: From USD $1,940 per person

(Based on twin sharing, group discounts available)

FAQs on Everest Base Camp Trek

General Information

1. What is the Everest Base Camp Trek?
The Everest Base Camp Trek is a world-famous adventure in Nepal that takes trekkers to the base of Mount Everest at 5,364 meters, offering stunning Himalayan views.

2. Where does the Everest Base Camp Trek start and end?
The trek usually starts with a flight from Kathmandu to Lukla and ends at Lukla after reaching Everest Base Camp and returning via the same route.

3. How many days is the Everest Base Camp Trek?
The classic Everest Base Camp Trek takes about 12–15 days, including acclimatization days.

4. How far is the Everest Base Camp Trek?
The total distance of the Everest Base Camp Trek is approximately 130 km (80 miles) round trip.

5. How high is Everest Base Camp?
Everest Base Camp is located at an altitude of 5,364 meters (17,598 feet).

6. What is the difficulty level of the Everest Base Camp Trek?
It is a moderate to challenging trek, requiring good fitness, stamina, and proper acclimatization.

7. Do I need prior trekking experience for Everest Base Camp Trek?
No, beginners can do it with preparation, though prior trekking experience is helpful.

8. What is the best time for Everest Base Camp Trek?
The best seasons are spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November) for clear skies and stable weather.

9. Can Everest Base Camp Trek be done in winter?
Yes, but it’s extremely cold and snowy, making it suitable only for experienced trekkers.

10. Can Everest Base Camp Trek be done in summer/monsoon?
It’s possible, but heavy rains and landslides can make trails difficult. Visibility is also lower.

Permits & Regulations

11. What permits are required for Everest Base Camp Trek?
You need the Sagarmatha National Park Permit and the Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Permit.

12. Where can I get the permits for Everest Base Camp Trek?
Permits can be obtained in Kathmandu, Monjo (near Namche Bazaar), or through a trekking agency.

13. Do I need a TIMS card for Everest Base Camp Trek?
No, the TIMS card has been replaced with the Khumbu local permit.

14. Is a guide mandatory for Everest Base Camp Trek?
As of 2023, foreign trekkers must hire a licensed guide for safety and regulation compliance.

15. Can I trek solo to Everest Base Camp?
Solo trekking without a guide is now restricted. You must trek with a guide or agency.

Health & Safety

16. What is altitude sickness in Everest Base Camp Trek?
Altitude sickness occurs due to low oxygen levels at high altitudes, with symptoms like headache, nausea, and dizziness.

17. How can I prevent altitude sickness on Everest Base Camp Trek?
Ascend gradually, take acclimatization days, hydrate well, and avoid alcohol.

18. Is oxygen required for Everest Base Camp Trek?
No, but some trekkers carry small oxygen cylinders for emergencies.

19. Is travel insurance mandatory for Everest Base Camp Trek?
Yes, comprehensive travel insurance covering high-altitude trekking is strongly recommended.

20. What medical facilities are available on Everest Base Camp Trek?
Basic health posts are available in Namche, Pheriche, and Dingboche. For emergencies, helicopter evacuation is possible.

Accommodation & Food

21. What kind of accommodation is available on Everest Base Camp Trek?
Tea houses and lodges are available throughout the route, offering basic to moderate comfort.

22. What type of food is served on Everest Base Camp Trek?
Typical meals include Nepali dal bhat, noodles, pasta, soup, potatoes, and limited Western dishes.

23. Is vegetarian food available on Everest Base Camp Trek?
Yes, vegetarian and even vegan meals are widely available.

24. Can I get drinking water on Everest Base Camp Trek?
Yes, bottled water and refill stations are available, but it’s recommended to use water purification tablets or filters.

25. Are hot showers available on Everest Base Camp Trek?
Yes, hot showers are available at tea houses, usually for an extra charge.

Cost & Logistics

26. How much does Everest Base Camp Trek cost?
On average, it costs $1,200–$2,000, depending on itinerary, services, and agency.

27. What is included in the Everest Base Camp Trek package?
Usually flights to Lukla, permits, accommodation, meals, guide/porter, and airport transfers.

28. Are flights to Lukla safe?
Yes, but weather delays are common. Pilots are highly skilled in mountain flying.

29. Can I take a helicopter to Everest Base Camp?
Yes, helicopter tours are available for those who want a shorter or luxury option.

30. Can I return by helicopter after Everest Base Camp Trek?
Yes, many trekkers combine trekking up and flying down by helicopter.

Trekking Experience

31. What is the daily walking time on Everest Base Camp Trek?
On average, trekkers walk 5–7 hours per day.

32. What are acclimatization days in Everest Base Camp Trek?
Rest days in Namche Bazaar and Dingboche help trekkers adapt to higher altitude.

33. What are the highlights of Everest Base Camp Trek?
Views of Everest, Lhotse, Ama Dablam, Khumbu Glacier, Tengboche Monastery, and Sherpa culture.

34. Is Wi-Fi available on Everest Base Camp Trek?
Yes, but it’s slow and comes with a charge in tea houses.

35. Is mobile network available on Everest Base Camp Trek?
Ncell and NTC networks work in some areas, but coverage is limited at higher altitudes.

Gear & Preparation

36. What should I pack for Everest Base Camp Trek?
Warm layered clothing, sturdy boots, a down jacket, sleeping bag, gloves, sunglasses, and trekking poles.

37. Do I need trekking poles for Everest Base Camp Trek?
Yes, trekking poles are helpful for balance and reducing knee strain.

38. Can I rent trekking gear in Kathmandu for Everest Base Camp Trek?
Yes, most gear including sleeping bags and jackets can be rented or bought in Thamel, Kathmandu.

39. How fit should I be for Everest Base Camp Trek?
You should be able to walk 5–6 hours daily with a light backpack. Regular exercise and cardio training are recommended.

40. Do I need vaccinations for Everest Base Camp Trek?
Recommended vaccines include Hepatitis A, Typhoid, Tetanus, and routine immunizations.