Everest Base Camp Trek - 17 Days

Detail Itinerary

Day 01: Arrive at Kathmandu and transfer to hotel
Depending on how you plan to arrive at Kathmandu, we will arrange for you to rendezvous at your hotel in Thamel. In most cases, you will arrive at Kathmandu via Tribhuvan International Airport where you will meet your guide.

In the evening, you will join for a program briefing with your group members. In case you arrive late at night, you will meet your group members next day at breakfast during which you will also be briefed about your program.

Accommodation: 3-star hotel in Kathmandu
Meals: None
Transportation: Private Transfer
Max. Elevation: 1,400 m

Day 02: Guided full day tour of Kathmandu valley heritage sites
Today, you will embark on a walking tour of two UNESCO heritage sites; the Swayambhunath Stupa and the Kathmandu Durbar Square.

The Swayambhunath Stupa lies atop a hill north-west of Thamel. It is the oldest religious site in Nepal and an important pilgrimage site for both Hindus and Buddhists. The main temple complex overlooks the Kathmandu valley and in the olden days offered clear views of the Kathmandu Durbar Square and the old city of Kathmandu.

Bidding farewell to the sights and sounds at Swayamabhunath, you will head towards the Kathmandu Durbar Square (palace courtyard). The courtyard is a complex of structures of the royal palaces, quadrangles, towers, temples, and monuments of the Malla kings of Kathmandu. Plus, you will also get to visit the palace museum which are now open to visitors. The 2015 Nepal earthquake landed significant damages to the palace but renovations are in full swing. Click this link to know more about Kathmandu Durbar Square.

After Kathmandu Durbar Square, you will head back to your hotel in Thamel via the Asan Market, the traditional bustling market area and a hub of Newari culture where for centuries merchants from India and Tibet, alongside farmers and others, have fared their goods. The market offers everything; from foodstuff and traditional spices to electronics. But keep in mind the narrow streets lined with a mix of old traditional houses with ornately carved doors and window frames, important temples, and modern concrete houses, and a bustling crowd of shoppers.

At Thamel, you will attend a last-minute brief on your Everest Base Camp Trek and prepare all required essentials, and in the evening join a group dinner to celebrate your arrival in Nepal.

Accommodation: 3-star hotel in Kathmandu
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Transportation: None
Max. Elevation: 1,400 m

Day 03: Fly to Lukla (2,880 m) & trek to Phakding (2,640 m)
You will start early for the long day ahead with a quick tea and drive to Kathmandu domestic airport for a scenic flight to Lukla, the gateway to Khumbu. In clear weather, you will have ample views of the Himalayas as you fly over rivers, forests, mountain passes and tiny settlements.

At Lukla, you will be welcomed by majestic views of Mt. Karyolung (6465 m), Mt. Khatang (6776 m), Mt. Nupla (5869 m), and the rest of your trek crew. After sorting out your bags, you will begin the day's hike on a gentle undulating trail high above the Dudh Koshi river.

On the trail, you will get to interact with the local Sherpa people who are mostly Buddhists. The major attractions of the day include the suspension bridge crossing over the landslide at Ghat, a huge boulder painted with Tibetan scriptures, and a mane wall just before arriving at Phakding - your destination for the day. Also, the gorgeous Mt. Thamserku (6623m) will reveal itself and welcome you to the Himalayas just before you arrive at Phakding.

Accommodation: Local Lodge at Phakding
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner (Fruits and Canned Desert Optional)
Transportation: Private Transfer
Kathmandu - Lukla flight duration: 25 minutes
Total Hiking Distance: 7.9 km
Approximate Hiking Time: 3 hrs
Total Ascend: 245 m
Total Descend: 430 m
Max. Elevation: 2,880 m

Day 04: Trek from Phakding to Namche (3,440 m) 
Another superb day of hiking, you will start the day with a hearty mountain breakfast. The undulating trail can be challenging but equally rewarding. A few minutes our of Phakding, you might see wild honey bee hives high up on mountain cliffs. The trail gets exciting when you reach the landslide crossing at TokTok, and is followed by a small waterfall at Benkar. A river crossing above a suspension bridge after Benkar brings you to the quaint little hamlet of Monjo where you will need to show your National Park permits at a checkpoint. You will then continue to Jorsalle, where you can enjoy local cuisine with views of the famous twin suspension bridge over the Dudh Koshi river.

After lunch, you will cross the suspension bridge and begin a slow grueling climb up a steep trail to Namche. As you climb, during clear weather, you might get a first peek at Everest (8848m), Nuptse (7879m) and Lhotse (8383m) at Top Danda. Once you arrive at the bustling town of Namche, you have the rest of the day at leisure to either explore the town and indulge in luxury - proper coffee and delicious bakery, shop for gears at one of the many stores in town or just call it a day with a book in your lodge.

Accommodation: Local Lodge at Namche
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner and Dinner (Fruits and Canned Desert Optional)
Total Hiking Distance: 14.5 km
Approximate Hiking Time: 5 to 6 hrs
Total Ascend: 1,135 m
Total Descend: 340 m
Max. Elevation: 3,440 m

Day 05: Acclimatization day - explore Namche and Khumjung (3,800 m) 
You will begin your acclimatization routine of gradually climbing high today. In the morning, you can explore the beautiful town of Namche, visit the local museum, and explore the nooks and crannies in search of yourself.

After lunch, you will hike to Khumjung and Khunde, where you can visit the Khumjung Hillary School and the Khunde monastery. Also, we suggest climbing down to the Everest view point for a panoramic sunset over the Himalayas.

Accommodation: Local Lodge at Khumjung
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner and Dinner (Fruits and Canned Desert Optional)
Total Hiking Distance: 3 km
Approximate Hiking Time: 3-4 hrs
Total Ascend: 345 m
Total Descend: 96 m
Max. Elevation: 3,875 m

Trek from Khumjung to Deboche (3,716 m) 
You will start the day with a short - 20 minute descend to Sansa, followed by a further descend to Phunke Tenga, a small hamlet besides the Dudh Koshi river. After lunch, the trail steeply ascends to Tengboche through a pine, juniper, rhododendron and Himalayan birch forest. At the top of the climb is the Tengboche village and home to the famous Tengboche Monastery. After exploring the monastery, you will descend gently through a pine, juniper, rhododendron and Himalayan Birch forest to Deboche.

Please note: the forest is protected as part of the Sagarmatha national park and is an important habitat of Alpine musk deer, the inquisitive Pika, Eurasian lynx, red foxes and other animals. We advise you to not disturb the forest as much as possible and keep an eye out for rare wildlife sightings.

Accommodation: Local Lodge at Deboche
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner and Dinner (Fruits and Canned Desert Optional)
Total Hiking Distance: 7.2 km
Approximate Hiking Time: 4-5 hrs
Total Ascend: 726 m
Total Descend: 796 m
Max. Elevation: 3,834 m

Day 07: Trek from Deboche to Dingboche (4,352 m)

Today marks another milestone on your Everest Base Camp journey as reach 4,000m.

After breakfast, you will arrive at a river crossing over the Imja Khola that leads to Pangboche village. And just across the river, you will be greeted by the most stunning view of Amadablam; the marvelous mountain with its dazzling twin peaks and in full view is truly a sight to behold.

Every Sherpa village has a stone gate engraved with sacred prayers and scriptures, which the locals believe wards off evil spirits. At the Pangboche village stone gate, you will come across two paths; one leading to upper Pangboche where lies the Pangboche monastery, the most famous and oldest monastery of the Khumbu region, and the other trail that leads to the Pangboche village. The Pangboche monastery is also said to house a yeti skull, and is open for viewers.

From the Pangboche village, you will take the well-trodden higher trail to Somare and continue on your journey to Everest Base Camp. The lower trail across the village takes you across the settlement of lower Pangboche, and to the Imja river. The trail across the river leads to Ama Dablam base camp.

After a short walk, you will arrive at the 4,000m mark at Somare - beyond which vegetation is sparse. After lunch at Somare, you will continue on an even trail until you arrive at the climb up to the rim of the Dingboche valley. The Dingboche valley is shaped like a basin and has a few lodges. Hereon, electricity is a luxury as there are no transmission lines. The only source of electricity is batteries charged by solar panels – hence why you will need to pay to charge your phone and other electronics. Regardless of the hardships, on clear days, you be accompanied by superb scenery throughout the trail.

Accommodation: Local Lodge at Dingboche
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner and Dinner (Fruits and Canned Desert Optional)
Total Hiking Distance: 10.7 km
Approximate Hiking Time: 5-6 hrs
Total Ascend: 1,041 m
Total Descend: 427 m
Max. Elevation: 4,352 m

Day 08: Rest day at Dingboche | Excursion to Nangkartshang Peak (5,052 m)
Because you've crossed the 4,000 m mark, you will further the acclimatization routine by climbing high to Nangkartshang Peak and sleeping low at Dingboche.

Nangkartshang Peak lies directly north of the Dingboche valley. Except for some minor scrambling on some dirt and loose stones plus the altitude, it is for the most part an easy ascent to Nangkartshang. You will arrive to a panoramic view of Kangtega, Ama Dablam, Nuptse, Lhotse, Makalu, Cho Oyu, Taboche, along with three highest mountains in the world; Mt. Makalu (8,463m), Lhotse (8,749m), Cho Oyu (8,201m) in the horizon at the Nangkartshang Peak summit. Plus, Imja Glacier on the valley floor is a wonderful sight.

Accommodation: Local Lodge at Dingboche
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner and Dinner (Fruits and Canned Desert Optional)
Total Hiking Distance: 6 km
Approximate Hiking Time: 3-4 hrs
Total Ascend: 700 m
Total Descend: 700 m
Max. Elevation: 5,052 m

Day 09: Trek from Dingboche to Lobuche (4,920 m)
From Dingboche onwards, the settlements and vegetation is sparse, the air thin and the land dry, almost like a dessert, but you will find yourself inching closer to the mountains with every wheezy breath.

The morning doesn't offer much in terms of change in views. You will arrive at Thukla by taking the high trail above the Lobuche river, and spend some time waiting for lunch. The steep trail to Lobuche is clearly visible and doesn't look like much. But the ascent to Thukla pass takes a toll as you will need to vertically climb almost 220 m. At the pass, a wide field opens up where an Everest memorial park has been established in memory of those who've perished while trying to summit Everest. Stone cairns adorn the field and add a touch of melancholy. You will now follow the Lobuche river all the way to Lobuche village, the last permanent settlement on the EBC trail.

Accommodation: Local Lodge at Lobuche
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner and Dinner (Fruits and Canned Desert Optional)
Total Hiking Distance: 9.2 km
Approximate Hiking Time: 4 hrs
Total Ascend: 952 m
Total Descend: 379 m
Max. Elevation: 4,920 m

Day 10: Trek from Lobuche to Gorakshep (5,180m) | Excursion to Everest Base Camp (5,364m) and back to Gorakshep
Its finally the day you've waiting for - the highlight of your trek - Everest Base Camp.

You will start early in the morning to get back on the EBC highway. The hike starts easy as you steadily climb along the Khumbu Glacier till the trail drops to a run-off and climbs on the other side to arrive at the Gorakshep valley rim. Gorakshep is a temporary settlement of lodges, occupied only during trekking season, that sits on the edge of a frozen lakebed. The surrounding views, except for the throng of people, yaks and helicopters, are superb but almost unearthly - as if you've transported to some distant planet full of rocks, endless sky and colossal peaks.

After a quick lunch and unpacking, you will hike towards the EBC which is almost 3 hrs away. The trail is mostly scree and ascents and dips to arrive at the Everest Base Camp. While you cannot see Everest from the base camp, only partially from the trail, the hike to the foot of the world's tallest mountain is one-of-a-kind experience, especially during climbing season in April-May when the base camp is covered in colorful tents and buzzing with excitement with Everest aspirants.

You will head back down to Gorakshep after spending sometime at the Everest Base Camp and we recommend to call it an early night as you'll need to recharge for the finale of your trek - Kalapattar.

Accommodation: Local Lodge at Lobuche
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner and Dinner (Fruits and Canned Desert Optional)
Total Hiking Distance: 13.5 km
Approximate Hiking Time: 8 hrs
Total Ascend: 734 m
Total Descend: 527 m
Max. Elevation: 5,364 m

Day 11: Morning excursion to Kalapattar (5,640 m; 3-4 hrs), and descend to Pheriche (4,276 m)
Kalapattar excursion is grueling but equally rewarding - you will finally be able to see Everest in all its might and glory towering over both mountains and mortals.

You will start very early, preferably at 4.30 am. Initially, the hike is easy as you climb up to a well-trodden trail just north of Gorakshep but after about an hour, the path changes to loose rocks and boulders till the summit of Kalapattar. You will preferably arrive at dawn to witness the magnificent sunrise behind Everest, while its surrounded by its brothers and sisters, Nuptse, Changtse, Ama Dablam, Chumbu, Thamserku, Kangtega, Taboche & Lobuche.

While the views are amazing, it can get very windy very easily - mountain weather changes rapidly. Hence, you will descend down to Gorakshep for a hearty breakfast and retrace your steps to Thukla and finally down the valley and into Pheriche.

Accommodation: Local Lodge at Pheriche
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner and Dinner (Fruits and Canned Desert Optional)
Total Hiking Distance: 17.1 km
Approximate Hiking Time: 8-9 hrs
Total Ascend: 518 m
Total Descend: 1,429 m
Max. Elevation: 5,640 m

Day 12: Backtrack to Kyangjuma (3,600 m)
The trail out of Pheriche eventually meets at Pangboche and you will retrace your steps back to the small settlement of Kyangjuma on the EBC highway.

Accommodation: Local Lodge at Kyangjuma
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner and Dinner (Fruits and Canned Desert Optional)
Total Hiking Distance: 15.7 km
Approximate Hiking Time: 5-6 hrs
Total Ascend: 700 m
Total Descend: 1,253 m
Max. Elevation: 4,280 m

Day 13: Backtrack to Monjo (2,830 m)
You will backtrack on the same trail you started from almost a week ago and stay overnight at the quaint little village of Monjo.

Accommodation: Local Lodge at Monjo
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner and Dinner (Fruits and Canned Desert Optional)
Total Hiking Distance: 9.7 km
Approximate Hiking Time: 4-5 hrs
Total Ascend: 988 m
Total Descend: 1,738 m
Max. Elevation: 3,600 m

Day 14: Backtack to Lukla (2,880 m)
Alas, your journey in the mountains have come to an end!

You will retrace your steps back to Lukla with ample sunlight to roam the mountain town, enjoy a delicious cup of coffee or go souvenir shopping. In the evening it is customary, but not compulsory, to celebrate and party with your crew and present a parting gift as the local crew will bid you farewell tomorrow.

Accommodation: Local Lodge at Lukla
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner and Dinner (Fruits and Canned Desert Optional)
Total Hiking Distance: 14.5 km
Approximate Hiking Time: 5-6 hrs
Total Ascend: 928 m
Total Descend: 901 m
Max. Elevation: 2,880 m

Day 15: Morning flight from Lukla to Kathmandu. Rest of the day at leisure.  
You will catch an early morning flight back to Kathmandu and have the rest of the day at leisure. We recomment getting a soothing massage after handing out your laundry for cleaning and getting a scrumptious dinner at one of the eateries in town.

Accommodation: 3-star hotel in Kathmandu
Meals: Breakfast
Lukla - Kathmandu flight duration: 25 minutes
Transportation: Private Transfer

Day 16: Morning guided tour of Pashupatinath and Boudha. | Afternoon at leisure.
This is actually a contingency day in case the flights out of Lukla can't take off due to unforseen reasons.

After breakast, you will embark on a guided tour of Pashupatinath Temple and Boudhanath Stupa; borth UNESCO world heritage sites, tll mid-afternoon. The rest of the day is at your own leisure.

Accommodation: 3-star hotel in Kathmandu
Meals: Breakfast
Transportation: Private Transfer

Day 17: End of Trip: Departure
Depending upon your exit plans, with the most probable being your return flight back home, your guide or a representative will accompany you to the Tribhuvan International Airport.