About This Trek
The Ultimate Himalayan Pilgrimage to the Foot of Everest
Trekking to Everest Base Camp is the ultimate bucket-list adventure - a 16-day journey to the foot of the world's highest mountain at 5,364m. This is a profound journey through the Khumbu region, home of the legendary Sherpa people, where every teahouse has a story and every mountain view stops you in your tracks.
The route follows the classic trail from Lukla through iconic Namche Bazaar, past Tengboche Monastery, through the increasingly barren and spectacular Khumbu valley to Gorak Shep and Base Camp itself. As a bonus, our itinerary includes the dawn hike to Kala Patthar (5,545m) for the closest view of the Everest summit available without a climbing permit.
Proper acclimatization days are built into our itinerary at Namche Bazaar and Dingboche. Our local Sherpa guides monitor your health throughout using pulse oximeters and apply their decades of experience reading altitude symptoms. This is our most demanding trek, but with proper preparation, it is achievable for fit and determined trekkers.
Summit
Everest Base Camp (5,364m)
Stand on the Khumbu Glacier at the base of the world's highest mountain
View
Kala Patthar (5,545m)
Best close-up view of the Everest summit available to trekkers anywhere
Monastery
Tengboche Monastery
Ancient Sherpa monastery with Everest as a backdrop - most beautiful setting in Nepal
Town
Namche Bazaar
The legendary Sherpa capital and hub of Everest expeditions for over a century
Glacier
Khumbu Icefall
See the terrifying Khumbu Icefall from base camp on a clear morning
Culture
Sherpa Culture
Deep immersion in Sherpa history, traditions, and Himalayan Buddhist culture
Day-by-Day Itinerary
1
Day 1
Arrive Kathmandu (1,400m)
Arrival dayAirport pickupHotel Kathmandu
Arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport, transfer to your Thamel hotel. Welcome dinner and full trek briefing covering permits, gear, health, and what to expect at altitude.
2
Day 2
Kathmandu - Fly to Lukla (2,860m) - Trek to Phakding
Scenic mountain flight3-4 hrs trekkingTea House Phakding
Early morning scenic 30-minute flight to Lukla's famous Tenzing-Hillary Airport. Trek alongside the Dudh Koshi river through pine forests and suspension bridges to Phakding village.
3
Day 3
Phakding to Namche Bazaar (3,440m)
5-6 hrs trekkingHillary Suspension BridgeTea House Namche
Cross the iconic Hillary Suspension Bridge and climb steeply through pine and rhododendron forest to the Sherpa capital. First distant glimpse of Everest from the trail above Namche.
4
Day 4
Acclimatization Day in Namche Bazaar
Rest and acclimatizeEverest View Hotel hikeTea House Namche
Crucial rest day. Guided hike to the Everest View Hotel (3,880m) for first clear view of Everest and Lhotse. Visit the Sherpa Culture Museum and the famous Saturday market if timing allows.
5
Day 5
Namche to Tengboche Monastery (3,860m)
5-6 hrs trekkingMonastery visitTea House Tengboche
Spectacular ridge walk with constant views of Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, and Ama Dablam. Arrive at Tengboche Monastery for an afternoon puja ceremony - the most atmospheric moment of the entire trek.
6
Day 6
Tengboche to Dingboche (4,410m)
5-6 hrs trekkingAma Dablam viewsTea House Dingboche
Continue deeper into the Khumbu through Pangboche with its ancient monastery. Climb to Dingboche in a broad glacial valley with extraordinary views of Ama Dablam, Makalu, and the Island Peak massif.
7
Day 7
Acclimatization Day in Dingboche
Rest dayHike Nagarjun HillTea House Dingboche
Second vital acclimatization day. Morning hike to Nagarjun Hill at 5,083m for sweeping Khumbu valley views. HRA health check optional. Afternoon rest and preparation for the high camps ahead.
8
Day 8
Dingboche to Lobuche (4,940m)
5-6 hrs trekkingThukla memorial chortensTea House Lobuche
Climb across high moraines and barren alpine terrain. Visit the Thukla Pass Everest memorial chortens, honouring climbers lost on the mountain - a moving and sobering experience. Overnight at Lobuche where the altitude is felt strongly.
9
Day 9
Lobuche to Gorak Shep - Everest Base Camp (5,364m)
7-8 hrs totalBASE CAMP reachedTea House Gorak Shep
The day that defines the entire journey. Trek to Gorak Shep at 5,164m, leave bags, then push to Everest Base Camp at 5,364m. Stand on the Khumbu Glacier surrounded by the sounds and sights of the icefall. Return to Gorak Shep for a well-earned rest.
10
Day 10
Kala Patthar Sunrise (5,545m) - Descend to Pheriche
Pre-dawn 4am startEverest summit viewsTea House Pheriche
Pre-dawn start to climb Kala Patthar by sunrise for the closest and most dramatic view of the Everest summit. Watch the peak turn gold as the sun rises. Begin the long descent to lower altitude at Pheriche - the extra oxygen feels like a gift.
11
Day 11
Pheriche to Namche Bazaar
6-7 hrs descentReturn to NamcheTea House Namche
Long steady descent back through Tengboche and Phakding to Namche. The downhill always feels faster. Final celebratory night in Namche with your guide and group.
12
Day 12
Namche to Lukla
6-7 hrs trekkingFinal trekking dayTea House Lukla
Final full day on trail, descending through Phakding back to Lukla. Farewell dinner with your Sherpa guide and porter team. Traditional raksi rice wine toast to celebrate your achievement.
13
Day 13
Lukla to Kathmandu - Fly
Morning flightFree afternoonHotel Kathmandu
Morning flight from Lukla back to Kathmandu. Afternoon free to explore the city, visit Boudhanath Stupa or Pashupatinath Temple, or simply rest and reflect on an extraordinary achievement.
14
Day 14
Free Day Kathmandu
Optional cultural tourShopping and restHotel Kathmandu
Free day in Kathmandu for sightseeing, souvenir shopping, or spa recovery. Optional half-day guided tour of Durbar Square and Swayambhunath.
15
Day 15
Departure from Kathmandu
Airport transferDeparture
Transfer to Tribhuvan International Airport for your onward flight. Congratulations on completing one of the world's greatest treks.
16
Day 16
Flight Buffer Day - Built Into Itinerary
Weather buffer dayLukla delay insuranceHotel Kathmandu if needed
Lukla airport frequently experiences delays due to mountain weather. This buffer day ensures your onward international flights are not at risk from any weather-related delays at Lukla.
