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14 days
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Everest
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Challenging
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5,545 m
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From 1 person
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Trekking
Highlights
- Everest Base Camp (5,364 m) at the foot of the Khumbu Icefall
- Sunrise over Everest from Kala Patthar (5,545 m)
- Namche Bazaar, the Sherpa capital of the Khumbu
- Tengboche, the largest monastery in the region
- Scenic mountain flights to and from Lukla
- Acclimatization days in Namche Bazaar and Dingboche
Overview
The Everest Base Camp Trek is the classic route into the Khumbu, the home of the Sherpa people. After a scenic flight to Lukla, you follow the Dudh Koshi valley to Namche Bazaar and continue past Tengboche Monastery and the villages of Dingboche and Lobuche to Everest Base Camp at 5,364 m.
For many trekkers the highlight is sunrise from Kala Patthar (5,545 m), the best viewpoint for Everest itself. The 14-day itinerary includes acclimatization days in Namche Bazaar and Dingboche. Because Lukla flights can be delayed by weather, we recommend planning a spare day in Kathmandu after the trek.
Know before you go
Best time to go
Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) are the best seasons, with stable weather and clear mountain views. In spring the rhododendron forests are in bloom, and autumn brings the clearest skies after the monsoon.
Winter (December to February) is possible but cold, especially at night. The monsoon (June to August) brings rain, cloud and slippery trails, so we do not recommend it for this trek.
Difficulty and fitness
This is a high-altitude trek with five to seven hours of walking on most days and a high point of 5,545 m at Kala Patthar. No technical skills are needed, but you should be in good health and comfortable with several days of hiking in a row on rough trails.
Acclimatization days in Namche Bazaar and Dingboche help your body adjust to the altitude. Training with long walks, hill hikes and cardio exercise in the months before the trip makes the trek far more enjoyable.
Permits
You need a Sagarmatha National Park entry permit and the Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality permit.
We arrange all permits for you before the trip. See Includes/Excludes for what is covered in the price.
Itinerary
Welcome to Nepal. On arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, a Pikey Sherpa Adventure representative will meet you and transfer you to your hotel. Later in the day your guide gives a trek briefing, checks your equipment and answers any questions. Overnight in a hotel in Kathmandu (1,400 m).
An early morning flight takes you to Lukla (2,860 m), a short and spectacular flight into the Khumbu region. After meeting your porters, you begin with an easy walk of around 3–4 hours, mostly downhill along the Dudh Koshi river. Please note: in the main seasons (March–May and October–November), Lukla flights usually depart from Manthali airport in Ramechhap, about a 4–5 hour drive from Kathmandu, so the day starts very early. Overnight in a teahouse in Phakding (2,610 m).
The trail follows the Dudh Koshi river across several high suspension bridges and enters Sagarmatha National Park. A long, steep climb then brings you to Namche Bazaar, the main Sherpa trading town of the Khumbu. Walk slowly and drink plenty of water. Overnight in a teahouse in Namche Bazaar (3,440 m).
A rest day to help your body adjust to the altitude. A morning hike climbs to the Everest View Hotel for views of Everest, Lhotse and Ama Dablam, returning via the Sherpa village of Khumjung. Overnight in a teahouse in Namche Bazaar (3,440 m).
The balcony trail high above the Dudh Koshi offers fine views of Ama Dablam and Everest. After descending to the river, a climb through pine and rhododendron forest leads to Tengboche and its famous monastery. Overnight in a teahouse in Tengboche (3,860 m).
Descending through forest, you pass through the village of Pangboche and continue into the Imja valley. The landscape opens up above the tree line, with Ama Dablam towering overhead on the way to Dingboche. Overnight in a teahouse in Dingboche (4,410 m).
A second acclimatization day. A hike up Nangkartshang ridge (5,083 m) gives views of Makalu, Lhotse and Ama Dablam, before you return to Dingboche to rest. Overnight in a teahouse in Dingboche (4,410 m).
The trail crosses open pastures to Thukla, then climbs steeply to the memorials built for climbers who lost their lives on Everest. From here the walk continues more gently up the valley to Lobuche. Overnight in a teahouse in Lobuche (4,910 m).
A rocky trail beside the Khumbu Glacier leads to Gorak Shep. After a rest you continue to Everest Base Camp (5,364 m) at the foot of the Khumbu Icefall, then return to Gorak Shep for the night. The day takes about eight hours in total. This is the highest overnight of the trek. Overnight in a teahouse in Gorak Shep (5,164 m).
An early climb of Kala Patthar (5,545 m) rewards you with the classic sunrise view of Everest and the surrounding peaks. After breakfast at Gorak Shep, a long descent takes you down the valley to Pheriche, where the thicker air is welcome. Expect around seven hours on the trail. Overnight in a teahouse in Pheriche (4,240 m).
Descending further, you pass Pangboche and Tengboche before following the trail back along the Dudh Koshi to Namche Bazaar. It is a long day of around seven hours, but each step down makes walking easier. Overnight in a teahouse in Namche Bazaar (3,440 m).
On your final trekking day you descend to the Dudh Koshi and retrace the trail back to Lukla, a walk of around seven to eight hours. In the evening you can celebrate the end of the trek with your guide and porters. Overnight in a teahouse in Lukla (2,860 m).
A morning flight takes you back to Kathmandu. Flights from Lukla depend on the weather, so departure times can vary. The rest of the day is free to rest and enjoy a hot shower at your hotel. Overnight in a hotel in Kathmandu (1,400 m).
Your trip ends today. Depending on your flight time, you may have a few free hours for last-minute shopping or a final stroll, before a Pikey Sherpa Adventure representative transfers you to Tribhuvan International Airport for your onward flight.
