Everest Base Camp Trek – 14 Days

Your Himalayan journey begins when you set foot in Kathmandu at Tribhuvan International Airport. As you get off the airplane, you get consumed by the bustling City’s liveliness, terraced fields and distant views of the mountains, you soon will be heading to.

We will send a representative to welcome you at the airport. The same person will drop you off at your hotel. We suggest you to rest and shake off that jet lag at the hotel at first. But you have another option too — you can also stroll around the colorful Thamel bazaar if you arrive in Kathmandu early. It is the place to get the first real taste of Nepali culture, be it through local street food, trek equipment shopping or immersing in city vibes.

You'll also meet your trekking guide for a briefing of the Everest Base Camp trek itinerary among other things. The guide is there to provide you with an overview of the upcoming journey, guidelines for trekking and inspect your trekking gear. In the case that you missed any of the must-haves like down jackets or trekking poles, you can find them in Kathmandu.

The additional purchase, however, might affect your overall Everest Base Camp trek cost. You may thus think of renting gear, too.

Listen to the guide's briefing carefully. If you have any questions, do not hesitate to ask your guide, the leader of your journey to follow. It is better to clear the confusion and prepare well to avoid last-minute hassle.

On this day, you will also get to meet and interact with the fellow trekkers. They are the ones you will be trekking for the next 13 days.

Elevation Gain: 1,440m/4.724 ft

Get up early and excited to set off on the journey of your lifetime — the Everest Base Camp trek. Following a light breakfast, head to the trip takes you to the Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu. From there, you take a panoramic flight to the Tenzing-Hillary Airport of Lukla. In the short flight of around 45 minutes you get an aerial preview of what has been waiting for you ahead, the Himalayas.

Then you land at the airport of Lukla known as the most adventurous airstrip in the world. Here you take a breath of cool and fresh mountain air. As you soak in the Himalayan freshness, the local porters greet you. They carry your backpack and ease your journey. And you set off your trek to the foothills of Everest.

From this point, porters, guides and meals are a part of your daily routine. Giving them tips is customary. So, you would want to spend wisely or it would affect your overall Everest Camp trek cost negatively.

Now you begin your trek to Phakding. This section of the trek is easier. You will be descending during this trek as Phakding rests at a lower altitude than Lukla. The trail goes down through pine forests. It also passes from scattered farms. The route to Phakding also takes you through small Sherpa villages. As you look around your surroundings you see mani-stoned walls inscribed with Buddhist prayers. Add to that the suspension bridges that sway over the Dudh Koshi River, giving a thrilling experience.

If nothing disturbs you during the trek you arrive at Phakding around mid-afternoon. Here, you can rest and relax for the day. Brace yourself up the trek tomorrow is going to be a difficult one.

About Lukla

Lukla is in the Solukhumbu district of Nepal. It serves as the main access to the Everest region. It is the main point from where almost any trek to Everest Base Camp commences. Located at an altitude of 2,840m this Sherpa town might appear insignificant at first. But it has its own value for the trekking world.

It is a home to the famous Tenzing-Hillary Airport. It is popular in the world for having a dramatic airport. Landing at this small airport is a thrilling experience one would not want to miss. You will not get that feeling in any other airport in the world.

The town of Lukla is very busy during peak trek season. You can see streets of Lukla are lined with teahouses, lodges, cafes, shops selling trekking equipment and bakeries. It seems like a festival venue for trekkers gathering from all over the world.

Elevation Gain: 830m/2,723ft

The third day is meant for your first significant ascent of the Everest Base Camp trek. The trek traces the Dudh Koshi River valley and climbs steadily until you reach Namche Bazaar.

You start with an early breakfast in Phakding. After that, you set off on the trek, and the trail passes through a dense pine forest with villages of Toktok and Benkar on the way. You also get views of Thamserku (6,608m) towering above the treeline.

It is the day to cross several suspension bridges, too. Each bridge is higher and longer than the previous one. This is a unique experience in itself. You can see the bridges draped in bright hues of prayer flags and they often sway a little underfoot. But it is the Hillary Suspension Bridge that will fill you with awe. It is the highest crossing of the day, hanging dramatically over the Dudh Koshi River.

Then, you enter the Sagarmatha National Park — the entry point is the Monjo village. The authorities concerned check your permits here. The trail then descends for a while before climbing through forests and narrow ridges. The last portion of the climb into Namche is challenging. That is because making the switchbacks hard on you but it is rewarding. You get the first glimpse of Mt Everest if the weather is clear.

After walking for 6 to 7 hours, you reach the market town of Namche Bazaar. It is also known as the gateway to the Khumbu region.

What’s next at this place? Spend a well-deserved rest and acclimatize your body for higher altitudes.

About Namche Bazaar

Namche Bazaar is another stopover during the Everest Base Camp trek. It is located at 3,440m. Because of the way it is shaped one may feel like visiting an amphitheater in the hillside of the Khumbu region.

Famous as the Sherpa capital of Nepal, this town features a bustling mountain settlement. It is a mix of ancient cultures and modern comforts — a perfect place for adventure seekers.

For your comfort, the town has tea houses, lodges, cafes and shops. You will bid goodbye to the human settlement and trek on icy trails after this place. So, you can buy any missing essentials here. You can also find stalls selling yak cheese, handwoven crafts and fresh pastries around the town. You can consider them as a souvenir upon your return from the trek.

Despite its location at high altitude, Namche is synonymous with comfort and luxury as you can get warm showers, Wi-Fi services and even ATMs.

Meanwhile, for those inspecting its cultural traits, visiting the Sherpa Museum and the Sagarmatha National Park Center is a good idea.

Overall, it is a vibrant town featuring Sherpa heritage and modern comfort in all one place, making it a perfect stopover for trekkers.

Since yesterday you have been resting at an altitude of 3,440m. And tomorrow you will begin the trek toward Tengboche and will ascend to about 3,860m. So, stopping here at Namche Bazaar is essential before you climb higher for acclimatization.

Our Everest Base Camp trek itinerary addresses that aspect of the trek. That is why we have allotted the fourth day of the trek as the first acclimatization day.

If you are a novice in the trekking world then note that acclimatization is one of the crucial elements in high-altitude trekking. It means you have to take a slow and measured ascent to prevent altitude sickness.

The activities of the acclimatization include a short hike to higher ground from Namche Bazaar and then back down to sleep at the same altitude. Many opt to trek to the Hotel Everest View (3,880m) as a part of this process and then descend to Namche later.

The hike is more than adjusting your body. It is an opportunity to treat your eyes, too. If you are lucky to be in the area when the weather is clear, you will catch a glimpse of Mt Everest as well. The mountain giant seems nearer than before. The incredible views of Lhotse, Ama Dablam and Thamserku add to your mountain experience.

After enjoying the short trek head down to Namche. You can use the remainder of the day to visit the Sagarmatha National Park Visitor Center and Sherpa Culture Museum. Or you can go around and explore the Namche market.

However, do not indulge yourself in alcoholic beverages just because it is a rest day. It will negatively impact your acclimatization process. Drink water to stay hydrated instead.

Elevation Gain: 420m / 1,377ft

Today, you will move deeper into the Khumbu region. The destination is the peaceful settlement of Tengboche. It is home to the most revered monastery in the Everest region. The trek distance is short. Nonetheless, the varying landscapes make the walk challenging.

You begin the trek tracing the path overlooking the Dudh Koshi River. The views of Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse and Ama Dablam appear with shifting clouds and light. It feels like you are looking at pretty postcards. On rare occasions, you might also spot wildlife. They comprise the musk deer and lophophorus. But since they are a shy and elusive species, you must be lucky to see them.

Towards the middle of the day, you must descend to Phunki Tenga, a small riverside area. Here you can have the lunch of the day. From this section begins the tougher part of the trek as you need to climb steadily through dense rhododendron and pine forest.

As you will be ascending to greater heights the air grows thinner and the pace of your walk can slow down. Nonetheless, you will not realize the difficulties as the beautiful forests, fluttering of prayer flags and sounds of prayer wheels give a peaceful experience.

The uphill trek will finally lead you to the Tengboche Monastery. It is the largest in the Everest region. It is a spiritual retreat for you after the day-long, tiring trek. Now that you have reached the destination for the day, check in the designated teahouse and enjoy the peaceful pause.

About Tengboche

Tengboche is a quiet settlement at 3,860 m. It is peaceful and spiritual place. At the same time it is surrounded by Himalayas. The Tengboche Monastery makes it special. That is because the monastery is the largest in all of Khumbu region. You can see it resting on a ridge and it seems like it is watching over the valley.

You are welcomed by prayer flags and pine-scented air here. It's not just another stop but a sacred pause in your journey to Everest Base Camp.

Though the village is small, it’s well prepared for trekkers. A few teahouses, cozy lodges, warm food. But the true highlight is the view. Ama Dablam stands near, sharp and beautiful. Lhotse and Thamserku loom nearby. And if clouds stay away, Everest peeks above the ridges, distant and mighty.

Beyond the scenery, Tengboche carries a quiet power. Monks in deep red robes move about. Their rituals unfold without hurry. You might also witness a chanting ceremony in the hall of the monastery. You can hear low, echoing chants along with incense swirling in the air. It is a timeless experience.

Elevation gain: 550m / 1,804ft

The destination today can be termed harsher as compared to Tengboche. On the sixth day, you trek to Dingboche leaving behind the beautiful woods of rhododendrons and pines.

You start by descending to Debuche. Here you will cross a suspension bridge across the Imja Khola. After crossing the river you need to ascend to Pangboche. It is one of the many Sherpa villages that you come across during your Everest Base Camp trek.

Like most other such villages this one too is regarded as culturally rich. Taking a brief detour to the Pangboche Monastery here is suggested. That is because it is the most ancient monastery in the Khumbu region. Along with its spiritual importance, the monastery was once believed to be a home for the scalp and hand of a Yeti, a mythical snow creature. The relics were later stolen.

Following a cultural immersion at Pangboche, you move ahead towards a high-alpine terrain. In this section the air gets thinner. You stop seeing trees. Open hillsides welcome you. Interestingly you might catch a glimpse of wildlife. They include musk deer and mountain goats.

Eventually, you reach a point where your trail splits. One path heads to Pheriche and the other to Dingboche. You know what to do — a steady climb towards Dingboche. After nearly an hour-long ascent towards the end of the trek, you arrive at your destination, Dingboche.

The pleasant views of Island Peak and Ama Dablam welcome you here. And you are amazed to see the fields of barley and potatoes protected by low stone walls. Along with treating your eyes, this is a stop to let your body rest and relax, too.

About Dingboche

Dingboche is a Sherpa village located in the Imja Valley. It rests at an altitude of 4,410m and is known for its fields enclosed by stone walls. It is done so to protect crops like barley and potatoes from cold wind and animal grazing. Otherwise, such crops are rare at this altitude.

On its eastern side are Lhotse and Island Peak, and Ama Dablam can be seen to the south.

As compared to Pheriche, this village is sunnier and drier. So, people often call it a ‘summer valley’. Despite being at such an altitude, Dingboche village has ample services on offer. There are teahouses and lodges, bakeries and cafes, options to charge your gadgets, and even Wi-Fi, though it can depend on the weather conditions.

It is also a popular acclimatization stop for three different treks in the Everest region. You can rest and acclimatize here as a part of the Everest Base Camp trek, trek to Island Peak and the Three High Passes trek.

Acclimatization is an essential part of your Everest Base Camp trek, and Dingboche is the second stop for this. On the seventh day, you do not go ahead with the trek. Rather, you remain at Dingboche for rest and acclimatization.

Remember, this does not mean you can just remain idle or that there is no activity at all. You will and must opt for a short hike to higher elevations to prepare yourself for the above 5,000m trek. The hike helps improve your body’s oxygen efficiency.

One of the popular destinations for this short hike is Nangkar Tsang. It is also popular as Dingboche Viewpoint. It is at an altitude of 5,083m. This viewpoint offering a perfect experience trekking above 5,000m. It takes its name from the monastery of the same name (Nangkar Tsang), which lies just below it.

The viewpoint offers the best view of Imja Valley along with the mountain giants: Lhotse, Cho Oyu, and Makalu. This is also the place to get the magnificent views of Island Peak, Ama Dablam, Kantega, Thamserku, Taboche, Cholatse and the Imja Glacier to name a few.

An early start to the hike allows you to experience clear skies and eventually clear views. It is a great photography opportunity, too.

After spending some time here, you head back to Dingboche, and use the day’s remainder to explore Dingboche. You can find shops with trekking equipment too, but they are limited. Yet if you still require something, you may get it here.

Along with the physical preparation, it is the time and place to be mentally prepared for the challenges ahead. So, let your body adapt to the high altitude. You can do so by drinking plenty of fluid, eating a nutritious diet as per the availability and avoiding alcohol.

And this is the way you get into acclimatization mode.

Elevation gain: 500m / 1,640ft

The Everest Base Camp trek itinerary on the eighth day requires an ascent to Dughla Pass aka Thukla Pass. You also need to traverse through the lateral moraine of Khumbu Glacier. Only then you arrive at Lobuche.

It begins from Dingboche with a climb to the ridge. The ridge rests right above Pheriche. The journey continues as the views of Taboche, Cholatse and Ama Dablam disappear behind you. The trek continues upward as you pass a yak pasture before reaching the Dughla Pass. It is at an altitude of 4,620m. It is the rest point of the trek. The pass has teahouses made up of stones, a convenient rest stop for lunch and refreshments.

Following a brief pause, the trek continues to the Thukla Memorial Pass. Following the steep climb, you see some stone chortens made in memory of the departed climbers. It is an emotional encounter. Here, you realize the harsh reality of the mountains.

But do not let it discourage you. Be humbled by the truth as you continue your trek. From here, the march towards Lobuche is through the rugged trails that are desolate. It feels as if they are carved by the strong mountain wind. Add to the sparse vegetation along the trail.

The temperature starts dropping, making you feel colder. That’s why you need layered clothing to address the needs. You also start noticing that the air is getting thinner with each stride. Yet the mountain spectacle before you gets sharper and sharper, something you want to behold forever.

Watching the vista of Nuptse, Khumbutse, Lingtren, Pumori, and the distant Mibo La Pass seems worth every breathless step.

Finally, you arrive at the small settlement of Lobuche. It is protected by the icy peaks and moraine hills that surround it. But the most notable part is the view of Mt Nuptse — Lobuche offers the best view.

This place has basic accommodation facilities, enough to cater to your basic needs. Upon dinner and rest, get an early sleep. After all, you need to be ready for the early ascent to the Everest Base Camp tomorrow. The trekker’s ultimate destination!

About Lobuche

Lobuche is a small, remote settlement in the Khumbu region. It sits just below the side edge of the Khumbu Glacier. As such, its surrounding landscapes are made up of a mix of glacial debris, frozen earth, and exposed rocks.

Upon arriving here you notice that Lobuche East and Lobuche West are just out there. And they are soaring high above the settlement. But as you are in the alpine area, you do not witness any trees or villages beyond this point. You need to be ready to witness the barren landscape until you reach Gorak Shep.

Also, it serves as one of the final resting points on the trail to Everest Base Camp that has a lodging facility. You will find stone teahouses and lodges here. The dining halls are common and most other facilities are shared. You need to share dormitories and bathrooms among other things.

As you are nearing Everest, it is only natural for the air to get thinner here. It can create some difficulties. Yet the excitement of reaching your destination, which is just a day away, makes you keep going.

Elevation gain: 454m / 1,489ft

It is the D-day today, you are reaching the Everest Base Camp. The day’s trek begins with a breakfast at Lobuche. Then you set off on the upward journey, featuring that path that winds and bends. Add to that the rough and exposed nature of the trail.

It is a challenging trip on the landscape formed from glacial moraine. The difficulty is there, yet you will make it to your first destination of the day — Gorak Shep — in about 3-4 hours of walking.

Gorak Shep, the last permanent settlement you will find in the Everest Base Camp trek, has basic teahouses. You will take a short rest and enjoy your lunch here before heading to the foothills of the roof of the world. Yes, following lunch, you head to the Everest Base Camp.

You leave the luggage at the teahouse in Gorak Shep on this leg of the trek. Carry only your essentials. You can bring along water bottle, snacks, beanie, sun block and trekking gadgets.

Then you arrive at the iconic Everest Base Camp in about 2-3 hours of walking through a rocky and uneven path.

Treading through a rocky and uneven path, you arrive at the iconic Everest Base Camp in about 2-3 hours of walking. You will have some time here to soak in the mountain glory, take photographs and observe the climbers preparing for their ascent fof the Mt Everest. After this extraordinary moment, you descend to Gorak Shep and rest.

Remember that afternoons are windy in the Himalayan region. So, start your trek early. It helps you avoid the winds. It also becomes easier to trek. Do not forget to dress in layers. And staying hydrated is mandatory.

About Gorak Shep

It is the last village with accommodation facilities on the route of the Everest Base Camp trek. You can find stone and wood lodges in Gorak Shep. The settlement is located near the Khumbu Glacier.

It is on the edge of a sandy and frozen lakebed. The landscapes in this area are barren. The towering mountain ranges that surround Gorak Shep are the only structures that you see here.

The village stays deserted for much of the year due to the harsh weather conditions. But it comes to life with the arrival of the trekking season as the climbers and trekkers pass through Gorak Shep.

After all, it is the stop point for rest and acclimatization for anyone heading to the Everest Base Camp or Kala Patthar.

About Everest Base Camp

This is almost the endpoint of your journey if you are on a trek. On the other hand it is the starting point for those on Everest expedition.

If you happen to reach the Everest Base Camp during the trekking season then colorful tents of mountaineers greet you. You can also see prayer flags along with the buzz of climbers and their Sherpas at the base camp.

You should note that you are unable to see the summit of Everest clearly from the Base Camp. It is surrounded by mountains like Nuptse, Lhumbutse and Pumori. But being at the Everest Base Camp is more than the view. Being here means immersing the the majesty of the world’s highest peak.

Elevation gain: 410m

Yesterday, despite being at the Everest Base Camp, you were unable to get a good glimpse of the Everest summit. If you were disheartened by it, then today’s trek to Kala Patthar is there to give you that opportunity.

The trek from Gorak Shep to Kala Patthar begins pretty early in the morning. Climbing through steep trails and breathing in the thin mountain air, you reach this viewpoint.

Kala Patthar is a viewpoint indeed, that presents to you the best close-up view of Everest. From here, you can also see Lhotse, Nuptse and Pumori mountains. Not to miss is the Khumbu Glacier.

Now that you are satisfied with the view of Everest and have taken photos that you will cherish for your lifetime, you descend to Gorak Shep for breakfast. The early morning hike is going to be a hike to remember.

Then you bid final adieu to Gorak Shep and descend back to Lukla. Wait, you are not going to Luka directly. The first stop en route is Pheriche. It is a breezy Sherpa hamlet by the riverside where you can spend a relaxing time.

About Kala Patthar

Kala Patthar is an iconic viewpoint that provides a complete view of Everest without climbing it. And it is also the highest point you reach in this region without obtaining a trekking permit.

The name ‘Kala Patthar’ comes from Nepali and translates to ‘Black Rock. Like its name, it is a barren rocky perch that boasts of being the most accessible point to see Everest. It is on the southern ridge of Pumori mountain.

However, it is not any mountain itself. Rather, it is just a rocky outcrop at an altitude of 5,5550m. But it is very popular amongst the trekkers who make sure to reach this point once they are at the Everest Base Camp.

This place is equally popular amongst those who set out on a helicopter tour of the Everest region. A shot ground time is given here during such tours.

About Pheriche

It is a remote village located in the Khumbu region that is popular amongst trekkers as an overnight stop. Trekkers returning from the Everest Base Camp, as well as the trekkers heading to it, tend to spend a night here before the next day’s journey.

Pheriche has stone lodges and tea houses to serve these trekkers. There is also an aid post of the Himalayan Rescue Association. It provides information on altitude sickness to the trekkers and mountaineers, and also helps them in case of need.

Other than that windswept village is known for stunning views of Taboche, Cholatse and Ama Dablam mountains. While talking about the village itself, there is very little vegetation, and the shelter is minimal. You can see yaks grazing in meadows. Nonetheless, the afternoon winds are very strong.

Despite its remoteness, the place offers comfortable accommodation and delicious food, even within its simplicity and limitations.

After a well-deserved overnight rest at Pheriche, you target Namche on the 11th day of the trek. The itinerary includes the descent to Pangboche followed by a walk through yak pastures, terraced fields and stone walls.

Beholding the graceful sight of the Ama Dablam in front, you head to Debuche from there. Then you go to Tengboche. You are retracing your steps back home. During the journey you once again walk through the rhododendron and pine forests.

Then you arrive at Phuki Tenga, and cross a suspension bridge before starting the uphill push to Kyanguma. And you finally arrive at the vibrant Namche.

In contrast to the desolate and remote settlements you encountered before, this is a lively bazaar offering you a comfortable stay and a warm meal.

Once again, you trek down the familiar trails as you head to Lukla from Namche. The gradual descent to a lower elevation means warmer air, denser forests and lively settlements.

You walk through dense rhododendron forests, along with the familiar Monjo and Phakding villages, among others, during this leg of the journey. But in this initial part of the descent be careful as the paths are steep and slippery. The chance of injuring your legs is high if you do not walk carefully.

You need to cross several suspension bridges over the Dudh Koshi River. And then you arrive at the bustling Lukla. The last day of the trek in the Everest region finally comes to an end.

At Lukla you bid farewell to your trek’s support staff, the porters and guides.

You can explore the village, celebrate and enjoy the success and spend a restful night.

Today is the end of your Everest Base Camp trek. You board a morning flight from Lukla Airport and return to Nepal’s Capital, Kathmandu.

During the flight you get the final view of the snow-capped mountains. You also see deep valleys and trails. All the landscapes that were very close to you during your Everest journey are seen from above. While you saw the region up close on foot, this flight offers an aerial view.

And you realise, your perspective of viewing mountains has changed. It has become more reflective and mature after spending time with the mountains.

Following the short flight it is time for you to get off the plane at Kathmandu Airport. From here our representative will take you to your hotel. You can either rest or spend the entire day exploring the City. The evening is allotted for a farewell dinner to celebrate the success of your journey.

It is time to say a final goodbye to Nepal and the Everest Base Camp trek. You will head to your home if you do not want to extend your itinerary on the 14th day. You can stay back for different other activities in Nepal.

Otherwise, a staff member from our company will transfer you to the international terminal of the Tribhuvan International Airport from the hotel you are staying at.

With this, your 14-day Everest Base Camp Trek comes to an end.