The Everest Base Camp Trek, also known as the EBC Trek, is one of the world’s most significant trekking expeditions, as it leads to the base camp of Mt. Everest, the tallest mountain on Earth (8,848 m / 29,029 ft).
The most suitable trekking course to Mt. Everest Base Camp is a 14-day itinerary that covers approximately 130 kilometers (81 miles) of a circuit from Lukla to Everest Base Camp and back.
Over two weeks, our 14-day Everest Base Camp Trek package will allow you to immerse yourself in the legendary adventure where you will see a most unique mountain scenery, rich Sherpa culture, the raw beauty of Khumbu villages such as Namche Bazar, Tengboche, Dingboche, etc., and experience a challenging yet rewarding high-altitude trek.
This 14-day trek to Everest Base is convenient for intermediate-level trekkers as it requires a 5-7 hour hike per day. Physically fit individuals are also encouraged to participate, as the route allows for a gradual ascent and acclimatization to its altitude.
EVEREST BASE CAMP TREK HIGHLIGHTS:
Your entrance into the Everest region, also called the Khumbu region, will be made at the Tenzing-Hillary Airport in Lukla, through an exciting mountain flight. The airstation was named to honour the first climbers in mankind’s history to summit Mount Everest. Therefore, while you take on this journey, you will be entering a dignified realm of history, tradition, and exotica of the mountains.
The journey will instantly reward you with the vibrancy of Sherpa hospitality in Namche Bazar, which is a gateway market on the way to Mount Everest. Here, you can also indulge yourself with Yak cheese, pure butter, and if you have missed any trekking gear, you may even buy them here. Along with that, this small town in Khumbu will take your breath away as you acclimatize, with the views of Mount Everest, Thamserku, and Ama Dablam.
As the trek continues, you will trail through other small villages like Phadking, Monjo, Dingboche, Lobuche, see the world’s largest glacier, the Khumbu Glacier (5,164 m / 16,942 ft), and spend a night in the extraordinary village Gorak Shep, which is a frozen lakebed blanketed with sand, and also the last colony where you will stop in before reaching the camp.
In the end, you will be left amazed as you witness the sunrise from Kala Patthar and panoramic views of Mount Everest and the Himalayan range, making you completely satisfied with joining us in this adventure together.
EVEREST BASE CAMP TREK OVERVIEW
As you land after the short yet thrilling flight from Kathmandu to Lukla, you will find yourself at the entrance of the Khumbu region. Onwards, passing through green valleys, you will hike through peaceful routes covered with Buddhist flags and see some important Sherpa villages, which highlight the legacy of Sherpa culture.
The first stop will be Namche Bazar, where you will instantly feel a pulse of long-preserved Sherpa culture. We will also hike towards Syangboche Hill, where the “highest-placed hotel in the world”, Hotel Everest View (3,880 m/12,730 ft) is located. This is an optional hike which you may omit if you wish.
En route to Dingboche from Namche, we will come across Tengboche Monastery, which is the largest sacred Buddhist compound in the region. As it is located amidst the Sagarmatha National Park, it holds its status for being a part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site of “Outstanding Universal Value”. In Dingboche, you will get a spectacular view of Ama Dablam. Here we also have an optional hiking session to Nangkartshang Peak.
From Dingboche onwards, you can feel a decrease in air density while you trek alongside the moraine of Khumbu Glacier and reach the small community/village of Lobuche. Reaching here will mark one week of your trekking journey. On the eighth day, we will reach Gorak Shep, and just further up from this settlement is the Everest Base Camp. One-night stay in Gorak Shep.
On the morning of our ninth day, we will climb the Kala Patthar to watch the sunrise you will never forget. Kala Patthar (5,545m /18,192 ft) is the trek’s highest point, ascending even the base camp, from where you will have a comprehensive panoramic view of not just Everest but a range of Himalayan peaks such as Lhotse, Nuptse, Pumori, etc. The best of the Khumbu region. Perhaps the destination matters just as much as the journey, or even more so.
After the Kala Patthar sunrise, we will begin descending back to Pheriche and commence the return trails. After a daily 7-8 hour trek downhill, we will be back at Namche Bazaar for an overnight stay. Day 13 will bring us back to Lukla and Day 14 back to Kathmandu, marking the completion of an unforgettable Everest Base Camp trek.
Everest Base Camp Trek Short Itinerary
Day 01: Arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu (1,400 m/4,593 ft)
Day 02: Fly to Lukla from Kathmandu, 35 Minutes, or drive to Manthali/Ramechhap (474 m/1,555 ft) – 5 to 6 hours & Flight to Lukla, 20 minutes, and then trek to Phakding (2,610 m/8,563 ft), 3 to 4 hours. Overnight at a guesthouse.
Day 03: Trek to Namche Bazaar (3,440 m/11,286 ft) from Phakding – 5 to 6 hours. Overnight at a guesthouse.
Day 04: Acclimatization Day at Namche (3,440 m/11,286 ft). Hike to Hotel Everest View (3,880 m/12,730 ft) and back – 4 to 5 hours. Overnight at a guesthouse.
Day 05: Trek to Tengboche (3,860 m/12,664 ft) from Namche Bazaar – 5 to 6 hours. Overnight at a guesthouse.
Day 06: Trek to Dingboche (4,410 m/14,469 ft) from Tengboche – 5 to 6 hours. Overnight at a guesthouse.
Day 07: Acclimatization Day in Dingboche (4,410 m/14,469 ft) – 4 to 5 hours. Overnight at a guesthouse.
Day 08: Trek to Lobuche (4,910 m/16,109 ft) from Dingboche – 5 to 6 hours. Overnight at a guesthouse.
Day 09: Trek to Everest Base Camp (5,364 m/17,598 ft) and Back to Gorak Shep (5,190 m/17,028 ft) – 8 to 9 hours. Overnight at a guesthouse.
Day 10: Morning Hike to Kala Patthar (5,555 m/18,225 ft) and Descend to Pheriche (4,240 m/13,911 ft) – 7 to 8 hours. Overnight at a guesthouse.
Day 11: Trek to Namche Bazaar (3,440 m/11,286 ft) from Pheriche – 7 to 8 hours. Overnight at a guesthouse.
Day 12: Trek to Lukla (2,840 m/9,318 ft) from Namche Bazaar, 7 to 8 hours. Overnight at a guesthouse.
Day 13: Fly back to Kathmandu—35 minutes, or Manthali/Ramechhap—20 minutes from Lukla. Then, the same day, drive to Kathmandu by shared tourist vehicle—5 to 6 hours. Overnight at a 3-star hotel.
Day 14: International Departure/Farewell
Note:
The scheduled itinerary for the 14 day EBC trek may slightly be affected due to unforseen events beyond our control. Factors like flight cancellations or delays, bad weather, natural disasters, government regulations, political situations, and health issues among trekkers can all influence our plans.
We aim to keep the trek on track as much as possible, based on the best options we have. We really appreciate your cooperation and flexibility during these times.
Lukla flight information
During prime Everest Base Camp trekking months, i.e. March, April, May, September, October and November, flights to Lukla will be operated from Ramechhap/Manthali instead of Kathmandu. The heavy air traffic of Tribhuvan International Airport causes delays, and in most cases cancellations as well. Additional delay/cancellation factors include unsteady weather conditions, airport congestion, short runways, and the Lukla’s geography.
To avoid the delay, a 5-6 hour drive to Ramechap will be arranged. Flights usually do take off from Kathmandu to Lukla in off season months. Please note that the decision regarding flight operation is completely at the discretion of the airline and is affected by the number of passengers traveling in a month. So, we advise you to include an extra 1-2 days at the end of your trek as a safety margin so you do not miss your international flight back home.
DIFFICULTY LEVEL
Understanding the level of the Everest Base Camp trek is crucial for you to decide if this journey is suitable for you. The Everest Base Camp difficulty level is considered moderate to challenging due to its high altitude and a minimum walking requirement of 5-7 hours every day for two weeks. With the right trekking equipment, preparation, determination, and mindset, one can complete this 14-day EBC trek.
Trekking Altitude and Oxygen Levels
Our objective is to reach an altitude of 5,545 m/18,192 ft above sea level. Over 5,000 meters, the oxygen levels drop to about 50% of what they are at sea level. However, we are not getting there in one day. Gradual acclimatization is key, and we will take the trek one day at a time. This is the safer way to avoid altitude sickness.
Terrain and Acclimatization
The route involves high climbing through villages, rocky and uneven paths, moraine landscapes, and glacier trails. These diverse terrains will test your physical endurance as well as mental focus. Adaptation requires us to trek slowly, staying hydrated, eating well, and resting sufficiently. Acclimatization days in peaceful villages like Namche and Dingboche will help your body adapt to thinner air.
Recommended Fitness and Training Plan
We suggest you desensitize yourself to some prior strength training, as an intermediate-level physical fitness is necessary. Try cardio, small hikes, regular walking, and leg strengthening exercise for at least 2-3 months before the Everest Base Camp trek. These prior exercises will help you enjoy the trek even more.
Who can do this trek?
The trek is open to everyone who is in good physical and mental health. Old age is also no barrier. A bonus is basic trekking knowledge and experience. Soft skills like determination, patience, and adaptability will be your best strengths.
BEST TIME TO TREK EVEREST BASE CAMP:
The EBC Trek is conceivable at any time of the year, but Spring and Autumn are regarded as the most favourable, as these weather conditions are stable, comfortable, and offer a crystal clear visibility of Khumbu’s Himalayas.
Spring (March to May) may have colder nights, but the daytime temperatures are mild and vibrant with the Rhododendrons in full bloom. Autumn (September to November) experiences a post-monsoon rinse of the environment, providing an extremely lucid view of landscapes.
Winter (December to February) trekking is not impossible. The route is more peaceful due to fewer trekkers, and the skies are a lot more serene and clear. However, freezing temperatures and heavy snowfall at higher elevations require you to be more prepared. Monsoon (June to August) can make the route slippery and the views are often obscured, making it the worst time to trek.