Everest Base Camp Trek
At a Glance
- DestinationNepal
- Duration16 days
- Trip DifficultyModerate to Strenuous
- ActivitiesTrekking
- AccommodationHotel/Lodges
- MealsB.L.D
- Max. Elevation5545m.
- Group SizeMin. 1 Pax
- Best TimeMarch - May & Sept - Dec
Trip Overview
Imagine a place like a dream, surrounded by the lap of snow-capped mountains that pierce the sky. But this dream also comes with bone-chilling winds and a challenge that will push you to your limits. Yet, the Everest Base Camp Trek is further than a test of strength and spirit. It is your chance to engage with friendly Sherpa people and witness the mountain ranges and the natural beauty.
Firstly, the history of Everest Trekking in Nepal. Everest Base Camp's (EBC) history is more exciting than you think- It's all about how people have been trying to climb Mt. Everest at 8849 m for a long time. In the early days, climbers focused on reaching Everest's peak. They used different approaches from Nepal and even from Tibet.
After many tries and failures, Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Sherpa finally reached the very top of Mount Everest. They became famous names in Everest's history on May 29, 1953. Since then and even now (present), climbing has remained a specialized activity, while trekking in the Everest region has become more popular than ever.
Secondly, talking about the route of Mount Everest Base Camp Trek. Your starting destination is the renowned World Heritage site Sagarmatha National Park, the country's first natural heritage site where you can explore various flora and fauna of Everest Region. Here, you can view a forest of Rhododendron and Juniper plants in its all-natural habitat. Also, you can see different species of birds (snowcock, alpine choughs, and lammergeyer) and animals (Himalayan Tahr, musk deer).
Lastly, the main reason travelers go on this legendary EBC trek is to reach an altitude of 5,364 meters / 17599 ft at the Everest Base Camp. The route towards Everest passes through several well-known locations such as Lukla, Namche Bazaar, Tengboche, and Gorakshep, the final destination before Base Camp and Kala Patthar.
Kala Patthar (5545m) is another major attraction in this EBC trek. It is the best viewpoint in Nepal for the sunrise above Mount Everest. During your trek to EBC, you will be able to witness the world’s largest glacier: the Khumbu Glacier. Also, you will see the highest mountains from the route of EBC like Nutpse, Makalu, Cho Oyu, Lhotse, Ama Dablam, and many other Peaks.
Top Highlights of the Everest Base Camp Trekking
- Everest became famous after Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay reached the summit in 1953 AD.
- Begin with an exciting landing at Lukla Airport, high in the mountains. Landing there gives you a sense of thrill and excitement.
- Visit Sagarmatha National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, to explore diverse Himalayan flora and fauna in a pristine environment.
- Visit Namche Bazaar and learn about the Sherpa Community's diverse culture, traditions, and lifestyle.
- Enjoy stunning panoramic views of all the mountain ranges from Hotel Everest View, the world's highest hotel. Marvel at the snowcapped mountain ranges from its viewpoint.
- Explore Tengboche Monastery, a Tibetan Buddhist monastery en route to EBC.
- Reaching Everest Base Camp is the ultimate goal of the trek, giving a sense of extraordinary accomplishment.
- Get an awe-inspiring sight of the mighty Khumbu Glacier.
- Kala Patthar offers a sunrise that strikes Mount Everest, and its sunset turns the horizon golden.
- The EBC trek offers a 360-degree panoramic view of the entire Himalayan range, including Ama Dablam, Mount Nuptse, and Everest.
Route Overview of the Everest Base Camp
Your adventure on the Everest Base Camp Trek in Nepal begins upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA). A member of the Nepal Hiking Team will warmly welcome you and facilitate your transfer to a hotel in Kathmandu. You can explore the surroundings on foot or go shopping and discover eateries & restaurants near the hotel according to your arrival time.
You'll spend two nights in Kathmandu, after which you will take a flight to Lukla Airport, the gateway to Everest. This flight could depart from Kathmandu Domestic Airport or Manthali Airport in Ramechhap, depending on the season. Once you land, your journey through the Everest region begins. After securing permits at the Pasang Lhamu Memorial Gate, you will trek through Chauri Kharka and Chheplung to reach Phakding village for your first overnight stay.
The next day, you cross the thrilling Hillary Suspension Bridge and move through Benkar and Monjo as you make your way to Namche Bazaar. In Namche, you spend two nights to adjust to the higher altitude. This stay includes a visit to the Hotel Everest View, which offers sweeping views of the Himalayas and a chance to visit local cultural sites such as ancient stupas and museums.
Furthermore, your trek continues to Tengboche village, known for housing the largest Buddhist monastery in the region. From there, you advance to Dingboche, the highest Sherpa village on this route, where you prepare for a challenging hike to Nangkartshang Hill. This hill presents exclusive vistas of Mount Makalu, the world's fifth-highest peak.
Moreover, as you trek from Dingboche to Lobuche, you pass through memorials at Thukla Pass that honor mountaineers who have perished on Everest. This part of the journey offers a moment to reflect on the history and challenges of mountaineering.
It becomes more challenging as we progress from Gorakshep to Everest Base Camp through glaciers with unstable terrain. Gorakshep, with no permanent residents, serves as our resting point. The most awaited part of the journey! To reach the Base Camp is an unmatched experience; you will stand at the foot of the world's tallest mountain.
The real reward comes when you ascend Kala Patthar for the most magnificent sunrise views over Mount Everest and its neighboring peaks. Following this, you begin your descent through Pheriche, revisiting Tengboche, Namche, and Phakding before concluding your trek in Lukla.
On the 14th day of Nepal Everest Base Camp Trekking, you return to Kathmandu. On your last day, our NHT staff will take you to the airport to bid you farewell, but this farewell is just the start of your new journey ahead. Remember the achievements and journey you have after completing the best iconic trek in Nepal. You will always be welcome with open arms.
For any customized EBC trek as per your preference and qualified Everest guide, Contact the Nepal Hiking Team.
Trip Alternative Options for Everest Trek
The trek to 16-day Everest Base Camp is fascinating, isn’t it? But if you are looking for something else or alternatives, we have more options for this trekking. Check out some additional treks in the Everest Region;
The 14-day short Everest Base Camp Trek is the shortened version of this legendary 16-day adventure to Everest. The main difference is there are no two extra leisure days (one at the beginning and the other at the end of the trek). This option is perfect for those who want to complete the iconic EBC trek in a limited time.
If you are looking for a more relaxed itinerary with families or elders, the 20-day EBC Trek for seniors and kids will be the ideal option. This trek features shorter walking hours and more free time for rest and exploration, which makes it comfortable and enjoyable for all ages.
The Everest base camp with Heli return tour is a 12-day adventure that combines trekking and an exciting heli ride. You can experience the thrill of reaching the base of the world’s tallest Mountain and enjoy the helicopter ride directly to Lukla.
Lastly, our Everest Base Camp Luxury Trek 16-day is a luxurious option. It features an overnight stay in opulent mountain lodges (in available places) during the trip and accommodation at a 5-star hotel in Kathmandu. Enjoy comfortable stays with excellent service while discovering Sherpa traditions and culture.
Let us know if you are interested, and we can customize the trip according to your preferences.
Itinerary
Day 01: Arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu, followed by a transfer to your Hotel
Day 02: Rest in Kathmandu for jet-lag recovery, trip briefing, and trek preparation.
Day 03: Fly to Lukla (2,860m), trek to Phakding (2,652m). Walking Distance: 8 km, Duration: 3 hrs.
Day 04: Trek from Phakding to Namche Bazaar (3,440m). Distance: 10-12 km, Duration: 6 hrs.
Day 05: Acclimatization in Namche, hike to Everest View Hotel (3,962m), then return. 3-4 km, 3-4 hrs.
Day 06: Trek to Tengboche (3,860m) from Namche Bazaar . Distance: 10-11 km, Duration: 5 hrs.
Day 07: Trek from Tengboche to Dingboche (4,410m). Distance: 11-12 km, Duration: 5 hrs.
Day 08: Acclimatization: Hike to Nangkartshang Peak (5,083m) and return. Distance: 5-6 km, 4-5 hrs.
Day 09: Trek from Dingboche to Lobuche (4,910m). Distance: 11-12 km, Duration: 5 hrs.
Day 10: Trek to Everest Base Camp (5,364m) then return to Gorak Shep. Distance: 14-15 km, Duration: 8 hrs.
Day 11: Morning hike to Kala Patthar (5,545m), then trek to Pheriche. Distance: 13-14 km, Duration: 7 hrs.
Day 12: Return back from Pheriche (4,210m) to Namche Bazaar. Distance: 14-15 km, Duration: 7 hrs.
Day 13: Trek from Namche Bazaar to Lukla (2,860m). Distance: 18-19 km, Duration: 7 hrs.
Day 14: Fly directly to Kathmandu or Fly to Ramechhap and drive back to Kathmandu.
Day 15: Enjoy a reserve day in Kathmandu
Day 16: End of tour: Transfer to Tribhuvan International Airport for your departure
Cost Includes
- All ground transport in a private vehicle, including airport transfers.
- Four nights' accommodation with breakfast at a 3-star category hotel in Kathmandu.
- Three daily meals with tea/coffee (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) during the trek.
- Best available twin-sharing lodge for accommodation during the trek. Private bathrooms with hot showers are provided at Phakding, Namche, and Lukla.
- Snacks of seasonal fruits during the trek.
- One highly experienced, helpful, and friendly guide. Porters (1 porter for two people) including their food, accommodation, salary, and equipment. Accident insurance for all staff.
- Round-trip to/from Lukla, including transfers. (Flights operate via Ramechhap Airport during peak season).
- Use of down jacket and sleeping bag while trekking.
- Duffle bag for trekking.
- Trekking map and trip achievement certificate.
- First aid medicine kit, including an oximeter to monitor oxygen level and heartbeat.
- All necessary paperwork and permits, including Sagarmatha National Park entry permit fee (Please bring two passport-size photos for the permit).
- Government taxes & office service charges.
Cost Excludes
- Lunches and dinners while in Kathmandu.
- Personal travel insurance.
- International airfare.
- Nepal entry visa.
- Snacks and other personal expenses.
- Hot showers during the trek, except in Phakding, Namche, and Lukla.
- Personal trekking equipment.
- Wi-Fi internet and phone calls unless they are free.
- Tips and gratuities for trekking staff and drivers.
Trip Route Map
Everest Base Camp Trek Route Map
Elevation Chart
Detailed Elevation and Duration Chart of the Everest Base Camp Trek
Everest Base Camp Trek Video
Good to Know
Cost and Date
Start Dates refer to your arrival date in Nepal. End Dates correspond to your return date from Nepal.
The Everest Base Camp Trek set departure dates are tailored for the group joining option. If the 16 days Everest Base Camp Trek departure dates don’t fit your schedule, we can include alternative dates that better suit your needs.
Media Gallery
Everest Base Camp Trek Photos
![Hiker overlooking snow covered Mountain Peaks](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fnht-api.nepalhikingteam.com%2Fmedia%2Ftrip-gallery%2Fmedia-1719395016.jpg&w=3840&q=75)
![Hotel Everest View Hotel at height-3880m - Nepal Hiking Team](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fnht-api.nepalhikingteam.com%2Fmedia%2Ftrip-gallery%2Fmedia-1719395724.jpg&w=3840&q=75)
![Heli over the everest tengboche monastery](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fnht-api.nepalhikingteam.com%2Fmedia%2Ftrip-gallery%2Fmedia-1719394502.jpg&w=3840&q=75)
![Enjoying the light snow fall at EBC](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fnht-api.nepalhikingteam.com%2Fmedia%2Ftrip-gallery%2Fmedia-1719394394.jpg&w=3840&q=75)
![Trekking path with pack animals, porter in Monjo everest Trek](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fnht-api.nepalhikingteam.com%2Fmedia%2Ftrip-gallery%2Fmedia-b71cd513-1722322894.jpg&w=3840&q=75)
![Everest Base Camp trek-overlooking snowcovered-Himalayan](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fnht-api.nepalhikingteam.com%2Fmedia%2Ftrip-gallery%2Fmedia-1719395816.jpg&w=3840&q=75)
![Everest Base Camp -5346m with NHT banner](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fnht-api.nepalhikingteam.com%2Fmedia%2Ftrip-gallery%2Fmedia-1719393209.jpg&w=3840&q=75)
![Kalapathar- Sunset View - Everest Region Trek](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fnht-api.nepalhikingteam.com%2Fmedia%2Ftrip-gallery%2Fmedia-1719395881.jpg&w=3840&q=75)
![Hillary Suspension Bridge Everest Base Camp Nepal Trek](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fnht-api.nepalhikingteam.com%2Fmedia%2Ftrip-gallery%2Fmedia-76114b37-1719477699.jpg&w=3840&q=75)
Things to Know about Everest Base Camp Trek
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