Forget bucket lists — this is a life-list moment. While summiting Mount Everest is the ultimate dream of mountaineers, you can still experience the thrill of the Himalayas without climbing the world’s highest peak.
The Everest Base Camp Trek is a legendary 14-day journey into the heart of Nepal’s Khumbu Valley, culminating at the foot of Mount Everest. This journey is not just about reaching 17,598 ft, but about immersing yourself in Sherpa culture, crossing beautiful suspension bridges, and witnessing the sun rise over Everest from the iconic Kala Patthar viewpoint.
This is a moderate to difficult trek and may not be suitable for beginners. Trekkers cover approximately 100 km over 14 days at altitudes ranging from 8,600 ft to 18,200 ft. If you have prior experience trekking at high altitude, this journey is an ideal challenge.
Trekkers should begin preparing their bodies at least six weeks before the trek. Focus on stamina-building and strength training exercises such as long walks, uphill climbs, and trekking with a weighted backpack.
Due to the high altitude, trekkers may feel altitude sickness. In case of emergencies, trekkers can exit the trek via helicopters. This is a safety measure we take seriously to ensure your well-being.
Arrive at Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal. Rest here for a day and acclimatize. Tip: Lukla's weather is unpredictable, so consider taking a buffer of 3-4 days in Kathmandu. Alternatively, take a cab to Ramechhap and book a flight to Lukla from there.
Arrive at one of the most dangerous airports in the world. Lukla Airport is small with a sloping runway that drops off at the end. Both the takeoff and landing give you an adrenaline rush. The airport itself is an out-of-the-world experience with its exciting yet dangerous slopping airstrip.
The trek begins right outside the airport. The trek starts with a small forest trail that ascends to small Nepali villages. Walk along the beautiful Dudh Koshi River to Phakding. The views are beautiful and the air gets chillier as you progress. Rest at Phakding and prepare for the next day.
Head to Namche, the capital of Khumbu region. Start early as it is a long trek. The trail goes up and down as you progress to higher altitudes through forest trails. Monjo Village is the midpoint. After, there's a 3-4km steep climb to the beautiful Swiss suspension bridge over Dudh Kosi river. Enter Sagarmatha National Park and see Kongderai & Thamserku peaks with glimpses of the Everest range.
Take rest and explore the vibrant market of Namche Bazar. Find beautiful souvenirs and essential trek gear. Visit the Sherpa Cultural Museum to explore Sherpa culture and enjoy views of Ama Dablam and Everest.
Trek to the Tengboche Monastery, the largest monastery in the Khumbu region. Find forest areas in the outskirts of Namche village leading to a ledge walk. The Doodh Koshi river accompanies you along with Buddhist stupas. Tengboche is a small village with great religious and spiritual value for Buddhists.
Start with a descending rhododendron forest. After 2km, reach Deboche and walk on flat ground for a while. Cross a suspension bridge over the Imja River. Walk on a ledge encountering multiple Buddhist stupas. The land becomes barren and the trail gets steeper. Cross the Lobuche stream and reach Dingboche.
Take a rest day at Dingboche (4,410 ft) to acclimatize properly. Optional: Trek to Nangkartshang, which has an elevation of 1,000 ft higher than Dingboche. This helps your body adjust to the altitude before the final push.
Trek at high altitude (14,200 ft), and you may experience altitude sickness. Walk along beautiful peaks of Taboche and Jobo Lhaptshang. Most of the trail descends, then ascend on a zigzag trail called Thukla Pass. Reach a graveyard (for people who died on the way to Everest). Find a river stream which gradually descends to Lobuche.
It takes 3-4 hours to reach Gorakshep (16,900 ft) from Lobuche. This is where all trekkers assemble before heading to Everest Base Camp. Stay hydrated on this trail. The trek is moderate but the area bordering Khumbu Glacier is quite windy and slippery. Rest and have lunch before heading to Base Camp.
Early morning climb to Kala Patthar (18,209 ft), the highest point of the trek. It takes 2-2.5 hours with stunning sunrise views. Experience views of Makalu, Khumbu Glacier, entire Everest Base Camp, and Lhotse. Descend to Gorakshep and trek to Pheriche (4,280 ft).
Trek the traditional Everest Highway from Pheriche to Tengboche. You may encounter many trekkers on the way, some famous ones as well. Stay at the Tengboche Monastery campus and experience glorious Everest trek stories from renowned trekkers.
It is a steep trail from Tengboche to the familiar hustle and bustle of Namche Bazar. Rest and recover in this vibrant town before the final descent.
Descend from Namche Bazar to the trail you climbed up. Stay at Lukla overnight and take the early flight to Kathmandu. Complete your Everest Base Camp adventure with unforgettable memories!