Trekking

Everest Base Camp Trek – The Classic Journey to the Foot of the World’s Highest Mountain

Duration: 14 Days / 13 Nights
Max altitude: 5,364 m / 17,598 ft at Everest Base Camp, 5,545 m / 18,192 ft at Kala Patthar
Group size: 2+
Grade: Hard
Best season: March–May and October–November

Accommodation: Teahouse / Lodge

The Everest Base Camp Trek is Nepal’s legendary Himalayan adventure and one of the world’s most iconic trekking journeys. The trail takes you deep into the Khumbu Valley, through Sherpa villages, Buddhist monasteries, dramatic suspension bridges and high-altitude mountain landscapes, ultimately reaching Everest Base Camp at 5,364 m.

The journey begins with the spectacular flight from Kathmandu to Lukla, followed by a gradual trek through the famous Sherpa settlements of Phakding, Namche Bazaar, Tengboche, Dingboche, Lobuche and Gorak Shep.

The trek’s ultimate rewards are the arrival at Everest Base Camp and the sunrise ascent of Kala Patthar at 5,545 m, from where trekkers can enjoy one of the finest viewpoints of Mount Everest and the surrounding Himalayan giants.

Along the way, you experience the unique culture of the Sherpa people, visit ancient Buddhist monasteries and walk beneath some of the world’s highest mountains, including Mount Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Ama Dablam, Pumori and Thamserku.

For High Altitude Dreams, the 14-day itinerary provides a practical balance between trekking, acclimatization and mountain exploration rather than rushing the route.

Why Trek to Everest Base Camp?

Stand at the base of Mount Everest – 8,848.86 m
Experience the legendary Khumbu trekking route
Scenic flight between Kathmandu and Lukla
Explore the Sherpa capital of Namche Bazaar
Visit the historic Tengboche Monastery
Acclimatize in the high Himalayan village of Dingboche
Walk through the Imja and Khumbu valleys
Reach Everest Base Camp at 5,364 m
Sunrise panorama from Kala Patthar at 5,545 m
Spectacular views of Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Ama Dablam and Pumori
Experience traditional Sherpa villages and Buddhist culture
Cross iconic suspension bridges over the Dudh Koshi and its tributaries

Everest Base Camp Trek – The Classic Journey to the Foot of the World’s Highest Mountain

Itinerary

Arrival in Kathmandu

Accommodation: Hotel
Meals: Welcome Dinner

Upon your arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, a representative from High Altitude Dreams will meet you and transfer you to your hotel.

After check-in, you will receive a trek briefing and have time to prepare your equipment for the Everest Base Camp adventure.

If time permits, you can explore the streets of Kathmandu or visit nearby cultural attractions.

In the evening, enjoy a welcome dinner featuring traditional Nepali cuisine.

Overnight: Kathmandu

1400 m
Kathmandu to Lukla – Trek to Phakding

Flight: Approximately 30–40 minutes
Walking: 3–4 hours
Accommodation: Teahouse
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Early morning, take a scenic mountain flight from Kathmandu to Lukla.

After landing at Lukla, meet your trekking crew and begin walking toward Phakding.

The trail initially passes through small settlements and gradually descends toward the Dudh Koshi Valley.

After several hours of relatively easy walking, arrive at Phakding, your first overnight stop.

Overnight: Phakding

Lukla 2,860 m / 9,383 ft → Phakding 2,610 m / 8,563 ft
Phakding to Namche Bazaar

Walking: 5–6 hours
Distance: Approximately 10–12 km
Accommodation: Teahouse
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Today is your first substantial trekking day.

Follow the Dudh Koshi River through pine and rhododendron forests, crossing several suspension bridges along the way.

Enter Sagarmatha National Park and continue toward the famous Hillary Suspension Bridge.

The trail becomes steeper as you approach Namche Bazaar.

After the final uphill section, the spectacular amphitheater of Namche Bazaar comes into view.

Namche is the commercial and cultural heart of the Khumbu region.

Overnight: Namche Bazaar

2,610 m → 3,440 m / 11,286 ft
Namche Bazaar – Acclimatization Day

Hike: Approximately 3–5 hours
Accommodation: Teahouse
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Today is an essential acclimatization day.

Rather than remaining completely inactive, take a gradual hike to higher elevations before returning to Namche.

A popular option is the hike toward Syangboche, Khumjung and Khunde, with excellent views of Everest, Ama Dablam, Thamserku and Kongde.

You may also visit the Everest View Hotel for one of the first panoramic views of Mount Everest.

Return to Namche in the afternoon and spend another night at altitude.

Overnight: Namche Bazaar

3,440 m / 11,286 ft
Namche Bazaar to Tengboche

Walking: 5–6 hours
Accommodation: Teahouse
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Leave Namche and follow the scenic trail above the Dudh Koshi Valley.

The route offers spectacular views of Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Ama Dablam and Thamserku.

After descending toward the river at Phunki Tenga, the trail climbs through beautiful rhododendron and pine forests toward Tengboche.

Arrive at Tengboche, home to the famous Tengboche Monastery.

If timing permits, visit the monastery and experience the peaceful atmosphere of this important Himalayan Buddhist center.

Overnight: Tengboche

3,440 m → 3,860 m / 12,664 ft
Tengboche to Dingboche

Walking: 5–6 hours
Accommodation: Teahouse
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Descend through forests toward Debuche before crossing the Imja Khola.

The trail then gradually climbs toward Pangboche and continues into the increasingly barren alpine landscape of the upper Khumbu.

The distinctive pyramid of Ama Dablam dominates the scenery.

Continue toward Dingboche, a beautiful high-altitude settlement surrounded by stone-walled fields.

Overnight: Dingboche

3,860 m → 4,410 m / 14,469 ft
Dingboche – Acclimatization & Exploration

Hiking elevation: approximately 4,700–5,000 m depending on route
Walking: 3–5 hours
Accommodation: Teahouse
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Another important acclimatization day is spent in Dingboche.

After breakfast, hike toward one of the surrounding ridges for panoramic views of Ama Dablam, Island Peak, Makalu and the surrounding Himalayan peaks.

The purpose is to gain elevation during the day while returning to Dingboche to sleep at the same altitude.

Spend the afternoon relaxing and preparing for the higher section of the trek.

Overnight: Dingboche

4,410 m / 14,469 ft
Dingboche to Lobuche

Walking: 5–6 hours
Accommodation: Teahouse
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

The landscape becomes increasingly rugged and alpine.

The trail climbs gradually toward Duglha, where you encounter memorials dedicated to climbers and Sherpas who lost their lives on Everest and other Himalayan peaks.

From Duglha, the trail climbs toward the terminal moraine of the Khumbu Glacier before continuing along the valley to Lobuche.

At this altitude, the air is noticeably thinner, so maintaining a steady pace and staying hydrated is important.

Overnight: Lobuche

4,410 m → 4,910 m / 16,109 ft
Lobuche to Everest Base Camp – Gorak Shep

Walking: 7–9 hours
Accommodation: Teahouse
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Today is the defining day of the trek.

Start early from Lobuche and follow the trail alongside the Khumbu Glacier toward Gorak Shep.

After checking into your lodge and having a short rest, continue toward Everest Base Camp.

The trail crosses rocky glacial terrain and gradually reaches the famous base camp area.

At 5,364 m, stand beneath the world’s highest mountain and take in the extraordinary surroundings of the Khumbu Icefall, Khumbu Glacier, Nuptse and Pumori.

After spending time at Base Camp, return to Gorak Shep for the night.

Overnight: Gorak Shep

Lobuche 4,910 m → Gorak Shep 5,164 m / 16,942 ft → Everest Base Camp 5,364 m / 17,598 ft
Kala Patthar Sunrise – Gorak Shep to Pheriche

Walking: 7–8 hours
Accommodation: Teahouse
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Wake before dawn for the trek’s most spectacular viewpoint.

Climb toward Kala Patthar, reaching approximately 5,545 m.

As the sun rises over the Himalayas, Mount Everest, Nuptse, Lhotse and Pumori are illuminated in spectacular morning light.

Kala Patthar is widely regarded as one of the best accessible viewpoints for seeing Mount Everest from the Nepal side.

After descending to Gorak Shep, have breakfast and begin the long descent toward Pheriche.

The lower altitude brings noticeably easier breathing.

Overnight: Pheriche

Gorak Shep 5,164 m → Kala Patthar 5,545 m / 18,192 ft → Pheriche 4,371 m / 14,340 ft
Pheriche to Namche Bazaar

Walking: 6–7 hours
Accommodation: Teahouse
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Continue your descent through the Khumbu Valley.

The trail passes through Pangboche and Tengboche before descending toward the Dudh Koshi.

From Tengboche, climb back toward Kyangjuma and then continue to Namche Bazaar.

Enjoy a comfortable evening in Namche after completing the highest sections of the trek.

Overnight: Namche Bazaar

4,371 m → 3,440 m
Namche Bazaar to Lukla

Walking: 6–7 hours
Accommodation: Teahouse
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Your final trekking day takes you back toward Lukla.

Follow the Dudh Koshi Valley, crossing suspension bridges and passing through the familiar villages of the lower Khumbu.

The trail gradually descends before reaching Lukla.

After arriving, celebrate the completion of your Everest Base Camp adventure with your trekking team.

Overnight: Lukla

3,440 m → 2,860 m
Lukla to Kathmandu

Flight: Approximately 30–40 minutes
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals: Breakfast

After breakfast, take the scenic flight back to Kathmandu, weather and flight operations permitting.

Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel.

The remainder of the day is free for rest, shopping or exploring Kathmandu.

Overnight: Kathmandu
Important: Mountain flights to and from Lukla are highly weather-dependent. During busy trekking seasons, flights may also operate from Ramechhap/Manthali with a road transfer from Kathmandu, depending on current flight operations.

Lukla 2,860 m → Kathmandu 1,400 m
Fly to Kathmandu & International Departure

Flight back to Kathmandu (weather permitting).

Transfer to the international airport or additional night in Kathmandu if required.

Included / Not Included

Included

Airport arrival and departure transfers in Kathmandu
Kathmandu hotel accommodation as specified in the itinerary
Kathmandu–Lukla–Kathmandu domestic flights, subject to the selected package
Alternative road transfer to/from Ramechhap/Manthali when required for Lukla flights
Licensed, experienced and English-speaking trekking guide
Porter service, based on the selected package
Guide and porter transportation, accommodation, meals and insurance
Teahouse/lodge accommodation throughout the trek
Breakfast, lunch and dinner during the trekking period
Sagarmatha National Park entry permit
Khumbu/Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality permit
TIMS card/trekking registration as applicable
Required local permits and government taxes
Trekking map
Company duffel bag for the trek
Basic first-aid kit
Guide’s necessary trekking equipment
Trekking certificate upon request
Welcome/farewell dinner as specified
Government taxes and official service charges
High Altitude Dreams trekking team assistance throughout the trek

Not Included

International airfare
Nepal tourist visa
Travel insurance
Emergency helicopter evacuation
Medical treatment and personal medical expenses
Personal trekking equipment and clothing
Extra hotel nights in Kathmandu or Lukla caused by weather, flight cancellation or personal reasons
Meals in Kathmandu other than those specifically mentioned
Bottled/mineral water
Soft drinks, alcoholic beverages and personal beverages
Snacks and personal purchases
Hot showers and laundry during the trek
Wi-Fi and charging fees where applicable
Porter service if not included in the selected package
Tips for guides, porters and support staff
Personal expenses
Costs caused by flight delays/cancellations, bad weather, natural disasters, road closures or other unforeseen circumstances
Any services or expenses not specifically mentioned under Cost Includes

Gallery

More information

Visa information

Most travelers need to obtain a tourist visa to enter Nepal. This visa can be easily obtained upon arrival in the country.

The tourist visa can be arranged:

On arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu
At major land border crossings into Nepal
In advance at a Nepalese embassy or consulate in your country

Travelers may also complete the visa application form online before arrival, which can help speed up the process at the airport.

To obtain a visa on arrival, travelers must complete the immigration form, present a valid passport, and pay the visa fee.

It is recommended to bring US dollars in cash to pay the visa fee.

In some cases, a passport-sized photo may be required, so it is advisable to bring one with you.

Tourist Visa Fees

15 days: $30 USD
30 days: $50 USD
90 days: $125 USD

Tourist visas are generally issued as multiple-entry visas, allowing travelers to leave and re-enter Nepal during the validity period of the visa.

Indian Citizens

Indian citizens do not require a visa to enter Nepal. However, they must carry a valid passport or an approved identification document when crossing the border.

Travel insurance

Adequate travel insurance is mandatory for all participants joining our treks and expeditions.

Travel insurance is not included in the trip price, and each participant is responsible for arranging their own policy before traveling to Nepal.

We strongly recommend that your insurance policy covers:

Medical expenses abroad
Emergency helicopter evacuation
Mountain accidents
Trip cancellation or interruption
Loss or delay of luggage

Helicopter evacuations in the Himalayas can be very expensive, especially in remote areas where road access is limited. For this reason, having proper insurance coverage is essential for your safety and peace of mind.

Altitude Coverage

For most treks in Nepal, we recommend insurance coverage for trekking activities up to at least 4,000–6,000 meters, including emergency helicopter evacuation.

For mountaineering expeditions or peak climbs above 6,000 meters, it is mandatory to have insurance that covers high-altitude mountaineering and rescue operations.

Participants must carefully check that their insurance policy covers the maximum altitude of their chosen trip.

Important Information

Participants should carry a copy of their insurance policy and emergency contact numbers during the trek or expedition.

Having appropriate insurance provides safety and peace of mind for both participants and the mountain team supporting the expedition.

Tipping Guidelines

Tipping is not mandatory but is a common practice in Nepal and a way to show appreciation for the local team supporting your trek or expedition.

Guides, Sherpas and porters work hard to ensure a safe and enjoyable journey in the mountains, assisting with logistics, equipment and support throughout the route.

As a general guideline, many trekkers choose to tip approximately:

Porters: around $8–10 USD per day
Guides / Sherpa Guides: around $10–15 USD per day

Tips are usually given at the end of the trek as a gesture of appreciation for the service provided.

The final amount is always at the discretion of each participant and may vary depending on group size and personal satisfaction with the service.

Personal First Aid Kit

Each participant should carry a small personal first aid kit with basic medications that may be needed during the trek or expedition.

It is important to bring any personal medication prescribed by your doctor, as well as any specific treatments you normally use.

A personal first aid kit may include, for example:

Personal medication
Basic pain relief medication
Medication for digestive problems
Bandages or basic supplies for minor wounds
Sunscreen and lip protection

We recommend consulting your doctor before the trip if you require specific medication for high-altitude activities.

Our mountain team carries a group first aid kit and essential safety equipment, but each participant is responsible for their own personal medication.