Everest Base Camp Trek

The ultimate Himalayan adventure to the foot of the world's highest peak (8,848m). This classic 12-14 day trek combines Sherpa culture, suspension bridges, and breathtaking mountain vistas.

Key Facts

  • Challenging Difficulty (but no technical climbing)
  • Best Seasons: March-May & September-November
  • Max Altitude: 5,364m (Base Camp) 5,545m (Kala Patthar viewpoint)
  • Duration: 12-14 days round trip from Lukla
  • Distance: ~130km round trip
  • Start/End: Lukla (2,860m) - accessible by flight from Kathmandu

Classic 12-Day Itinerary

Day Itinerary Highlights
Day 1 Flight from Kathmandu to Lukla (2,840m) - Trek to Phakding (2,610m)
Flight: 30-40 mins
Trek: 3-4 hrs
  • Scenic flight into the Himalayas
  • Easy walk through forests and Sherpa villages
  • Overnight: Teahouse in Phakding
Day 2 Phakding to Namche Bazaar (3,440m)
Trek: 6-7 hrs
  • Cross iconic suspension bridges
  • Enter Sagarmatha National Park
  • First view of Mt. Everest!
  • Overnight: Namche Bazaar
Day 3 Acclimatization Day in Namche Bazaar
  • Short hike to Everest View Hotel (3,880m)
  • Explore Namche's shops, cafes, and museums
  • Overnight: Namche Bazaar
Day 4 Namche Bazaar to Tengboche (3,860m)
Trek: 5-6 hrs
  • Beautiful forested trail with Everest views
  • Visit Tengboche Monastery - spiritual highlight
  • Overnight: Teahouse in Tengboche
Day 5 Tengboche to Dingboche (4,410m)
Trek: 5-6 hrs
  • Views of Ama Dablam, Lhotse, and Everest
  • Gradual ascent to alpine terrain
  • Overnight: Dingboche
Day 6 Acclimatization Day in Dingboche
  • Hike to Nagarjun Hill (5,100m) for stunning vistas
  • Rest and adapt to higher altitude
  • Overnight: Dingboche
Day 7 Dingboche to Lobuche (4,940m)
Trek: 5-6 hrs
  • Pass memorials for fallen climbers at Thukla Pass
  • Glacier and mountain views intensify
  • Overnight: Lobuche
Day 8 Lobuche to Gorak Shep (5,164m) - Everest Base Camp (5,364m) - Return to Gorak Shep
Trek: 7-8 hrs
  • Big day! Reach Everest Base Camp
  • Walk along Khumbu Glacier and icefall
  • Overnight: Gorak Shep
Day 9 Hike to Kala Patthar (5,545m) - Return to Pheriche (4,240m)
Trek: 7-8 hrs
  • Best panoramic view of Everest and sunrise
  • Descend to lower altitude for rest
  • Overnight: Pheriche
Day 10 Pheriche to Namche Bazaar
Trek: 6-7 hrs
  • Retrace steps through rhododendron forests
  • Warm showers and bakeries in Namche!
  • Overnight: Namche Bazaar
Day 11 Namche Bazaar to Lukla
Trek: 6-7 hrs
  • Final trek through villages and forests
  • Celebrate with your trekking team
  • Overnight: Lukla
Day 12 Flight from Lukla to Kathmandu
Flight: 30-40 mins
  • Farewell to the Khumbu region
  • Optional celebration dinner in Kathmandu

EBC Trek Route Map

[Interactive map would show route with elevation profile, tea houses, and emergency points]

Essential Permits

Permit Cost (USD) Where to Obtain
Sagarmatha National Park Entry $30 Monjo checkpoint
Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Permit $20 Lukla or Kathmandu

Critical Altitude Advice

  • Acclimatization days are mandatory (Namche & Dingboche)
  • Symptoms: Headache, nausea, dizziness = warning signs
  • Golden rule: "Climb high, sleep low" and drink 3-4L water daily
  • Emergency: Helicopter evacuation available (ensure insurance covers this!)

Packing List Essentials

  • Clothing:
    • Merino wool base layers
    • Insulated down jacket (-10°C rating)
    • Waterproof shell jacket & pants
  • Gear:
    • Sturdy hiking boots (broken-in!)
    • Trekking poles (reduces knee strain)
    • Headlamp + extra batteries
  • Health:
    • Diamox (acetazolamide) for altitude
    • Water purification tablets/filter
    • Basic first aid kit

Teahouse Accommodation

Location Facilities Avg Cost (per room)
Lower Elevations
(Phakding, Namche)		 Hot showers, WiFi (paid), charging outlets $5-15
Higher Elevations
(Dingboche, Lobuche)		 Basic beds, shared toilets, limited electricity $3-8

Food & Water

  • Staples: Dal Bhat (unlimited refills!), Sherpa stew, garlic soup (helps with altitude)
  • Water: Boiled (Rs. 100-400/liter) or treated with tablets
  • Budget: $20-30/day for meals/snacks (prices rises with altitude)
  • Tip: Avoid meat at higher elevations (difficult to refrigerate)

Cost Breakdown

Expense Independent Trekker Guided Group
Flights (KTM-LUK) $350 round trip Usually included
Permits $50 Included
Accommodation $5-15/night Included
Food/Water $20-30/day Some meals included
Guide/Porter $25-40/day (guide)
$15-25/day (porter)		 Included

Pro Tips for Success

  • Flight insurance: Lukla flights cancel frequently due to weather
  • Battery management: Power banks essential - charging costs Rs. 300-800/hour at higher elevations
  • Kala Patthar: Sunrise view (5:30am) is coldest but clearest
  • Cash: No ATMs beyond Namche - carry enough NPR (Rs. 30,000-50,000 total)