Everest Base Camp Trek Guide

Everest Base Camp Trek Highlights

Stunning Mountain Views.

Phenomenal Everest views from Syangboche, the world's highest airport (3,780m / 12,400ft).

Possibility to investigate the culture and way of life of the local Sherpa people.

The awe-inspiring vistas of the world's tallest mountain, 8,848.68 meters/29,029 feet tall, are breathtaking.

Mt. Lhotse (8,516m), Cho Oyu (8,201m), and Mount. Makalu are also visible (8,463m).

Experience Sagarmatha National Park's prayer wheels, flags, Mani stones, and elevated suspension bridges.

Extensive variety of flora and fauna.

Tengboche's (3,867 m / 12,4 ft) ancient monastery.

Fauna such as musk deer, multicolored pheasants, snow leopards, and Himalayan Tahrs inhabit this region.

Khumbu Glacier is the world's highest glacier (4,900 m).

Incredible panoramic views from the Kala Patthar (5,555m).

Why Everest Base Camp Trek

The famous Everest Base Camp Trek takes you through the Khumbu Valley, where you can see the beautiful Sagarmatha National Park and breathtaking views of 4 of the 6 highest peaks in the world, including Mt. Everest (8,848m), Mt. Lhotse (8,516 meters), Mt. Makalu (8,470 meters), and Cho Oyu (7,516 meters) (8,201 meters).

As you walk from Lukla to the Base Camp, the classic trek follows in the steps of Sir Edmund Hillary, Tenzing Norgay, and many other early explorers of Mount Everest. As part of a teahouse trek, you will stay in some of the world's highest villages and learn about the local Sherpa culture and traditions by finding out about their spiritual connection to the mountains.

During the trek, you will have the chance to climb to the top of Kala Patthar, which is 5,500m high, and see amazing views of Mount Everest. You will also be able to visit the Buddhist monasteries that are dotted along the trail and learn about a culture that is steeped in history and tradition and is deeply connected to the mountains from which you will see some of the most amazing views.

Everest Base Camp Trek- best time to go

The Everest region is accessible throughout the year, but the spring (March to May) and fall (late September to early November) offer the clearest skies and most pleasant temperatures. The winter (late November to February) can be extremely cold with temperatures below freezing — especially above Namche Bazaar — and the summer (late June to early September) is cloudy with possible flight delays out of Lukla.

Yet, these off-seasons offer an excellent opportunity to have a more distinctive Everest Base Camp expedition. Even during the monsoon, the sky above Namche Bazaar frequently clears. Throughout the winter, there will be relatively few people on the trail, and the villages and valley will be dusted with snow. Also, teahouses will be more accessible and welcoming, and you will have more time to engage with locals (although many will have left for Kathmandu for the winter).

If you like to observe Everest expeditions in action and view their base camps, you should visit their base camps. Spring is the ideal season to travel. Dozens of expedition groups swell the population of camps at Base Camp. Although you may not feel the tranquility of nature, it is fascinating to rub elbows with aspiring Everest summiteers.

Everest Base Camp trek - A Typical Day

Early in the morning, around 6 or 7 a.m., we all meet in the teahouse (lodge) dining room for breakfast. We tell the owner of the teahouse what we want for breakfast the night before so that it will be ready when we get there. Prepare your duffel bag, which the porter will carry, after breakfast. He'll go at his own speed. All you need is a day pack with things like a water bottle, sunscreen, snacks, etc. that you might need for the day.

Then you and your guide will start hiking. Your guide will have told you about the day's best parts the night before, so you'll know the way. We keep walking until we reach the trail stop for lunch. Most likely, this will happen at a small settlement. After lunch, stay on the trail until you reach the teahouse for the night.

At the teahouse, it's time to pick dinner from the menu before you hang out with other travelers or write in your journal. During or after dinner, the guide will talk about the next day's route and scenery. Before you go to bed, don't forget to order breakfast.

Everest Base Camp Trek Difficulty

The trek to Everest Base Camp is one of the most popular trekking vacations on the planet. Walking through Nepal's stunning Khumbu region to see the world's highest peaks is an adventure of a lifetime that everyone should (and can) do at least once. While no climbing skills are required for this iconic trek, you will need to be physically fit and determined.

Expect some rough terrain, a lot of steps, steep ascents and descents (sometimes 500 meters or more), and changing weather. Activity will generally not exceed eight hours per day, but stamina, confidence, and consistency are more important. The trek to Everest Base Camp is doable for enthusiastic, relatively fit hikers who enjoy the mountains or simply want an incredible adventure.

Everest Base Camp Trekking Permit

In Everest Region, a new permit system has been put in place because of decentralization. You won't need a Trekker's Information Management System (TIMS) Card anymore. The old trek permit in Khumbu has been replaced by this new local entry permit, which has caused a lot of controversy and debate.

Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Entrance Permit

The old TIMS Card was taken away on October 1, 2018, and replaced with this new permit. The local government of Khumbu takes NPR 2,000 from each foreigner in person. Please keep in mind that you can't get these permits in Kathmandu. First, you can get this in Lukla if you are flying through there. You can get this in Monjo if you are trekking from Jiri or Salleri.

Permit to Enter Sagarmatha National Park

This is how you get a permit to get into a National Park. You can get it at the Nepal Tourism Board Office in Kathmandu or at the Park Entrance Gate in Monjo. Each person will have to pay NPR 3000. The easiest way to do this is to get it at Monjo. At Monjo, there is an office where they show different things about the Khumbu Region.

Extra Permit for Trek from Jiri to Everest Base Camp

If you are doing the classic Jiri to Everest Base Camp Trek, you will need to get an extra permit for the Gaurishankar Conservation Area. This permit has to be picked up at the Nepal Tourism Board in Kathmandu. Each person will have to pay NPR 3000.

Documents required for Everest trekking permits

Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality and Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permits require passport information. The Gaurishankar Conservation Area Project Entrance Permit requires two photographs, as well as the completion of a brief application form. These fees are only payable in the local currency.

Everest Base Camp with Guide and Porter

People like guides and porters can make your trek to Everest Base Camp much easier. Guides will help you find your way, check on you, make sure you have food and water, pace you, and teach you about your surroundings, the culture, and the altitude.

Porters are the people who help you move your biggest bags. You'll carry your day pack, which has water, snacks, gloves, extra layers, and other things you might need. Everything else will fit in your main bag. For the sake of the person carrying your bag, try to keep it under 15 kilos.

If you do hire a guide and a porter, make sure to tip them at the end of your trek. It's common to give your guide 15% of the total cost of your trek and your porter 10%.

Everest Base Camp Trek Food and water

This is something else that could make this trip much harder than it needs to be. Since Sagarmatha National Park has a "no-kill" policy, meat has to be carried up from Lukla on the back of a porter, and you don't know how long it's been out. There is also a lot of dried meat, but you should be careful and maybe only eat meat on the way down.

There will be a need to clean the water. Bring tablets or a way to filter the water. We strongly suggest that you pack some of your favorite candy. It's amazing how much a Twix or Snickers at the end of the day can motivate you when you're hiking.

Don't give candy or chocolate to the kids if you do bring it. Giving kids candy, no matter how cute they are, encourages them to beg, and many people in the area are against it. It's also not great when it's hard to find a dentist. Instead, it would be great to give the villages toothbrushes, pens, crayons, and notebooks.

Everest Base Camp Terrain

When you hike to Everest Base Camp, you will see many different kinds of terrain. Most of the walking is done on trails or paths made of rocks. If your ankles are weak, get a pair of hiking boots with a mid-rise or wear an ankle brace. The last few days have been hard on the ankles because of the rocks near Gorak Shep. And just remember that because you're going up and down the whole way, the way back will be more uphill than you remember, especially going up towards Tengboche and Namche Bazaar.

Training for Everest Base Camp Trek

Training for Everest Base Camp should consist of aerobic conditioning, altitude training, and strength endurance. While it is impossible to recreate the extreme altitude of Everest Base Camp, aerobic training will teach your body to work hard with less oxygen, and elevation training will strengthen your muscles so that they are better able to manage the ascent.

Many individuals envision the journey to Everest Base Camp as a marathon up the world's tallest mountain, a physical endeavor that is beyond their capabilities. The walk is difficult, but not quite as difficult as this. Young and senior trekkers can successfully reach Everest Base Camp and have a lovely experience on route if they have the proper mentality, the right speed, and are well-prepared.

Physical and mental preparation for a journey to Everest Base Camp should not feel daunting. You do not need to be a marathon runner or elite athlete to complete the journey. Nonetheless, practice and planning will make your journey significantly more enjoyable.

Everest Base Camp Trekking options

Some of the best options for Everest base camp trek are here.

9 days Everest Base Camp Trek with Helicopter Return Itinerary

Day 1: Fly to Lukla and trek to Phakding (2,652m/8699ft), 4-5 hours.

Day 2: Trek to Namche Bazaar (3,440m/11,283ft), 5-6 hours.

Day 3: Acclimatization day at Namche Bazaar and hike to Everest View Hotel (3,9880m), 4 hours.

Day 4: Trek to Tengboche (38,60m/12,660ft), 5-6 hours.

Day 5: Trek to Dingboche (4410m/14464ft), 4-5 hours.

Day 6: Acclimatization day ad Dingboche.

Day 7: Trek to Lobuche (4,910m/16,105ft), 5-6 hours.

Day 8: Trek to Everest Base Camp (5,364m/17,594ft) and back to Gorekshep (5,181m/16,994ft), 8 hours.

Day 9: Hike to Kalapattar (5545m/18188ft) – Gorekshep – Kathmandu by Helicopter.

10 days Everest Base Camp Itinerary

Day 1: Scenic flight to Lukla and trek to Phakding (2,610m), 4-5 hours.

Day 2: Trek from Phakding to Namche Bazaar (3,440m), 5-6 hours.

Day 3: Acclimatization day at Namche Bazaar.

Day 4: Trek from Namche to Pangboche (3,930), 5-6 hours.

Day 5: Trek from Pangboche to Thukla (4,620m), 5-6 hours.

Day 6: Trek from Thukla to Everest Base Camp (5,170m) and back to Gora Shep (5,180m), 6-7 hours.

Day 7: Hike up to Kalapathar (5,550m) & trek to Pheriche (4,280m), 6-7 hours.

Day 8: Trek from Pheriche to Namche Bazaar (3,440m), 6-7 hours.

Day 9: Trek from Namche Bazaar to Lukla (2,860m), 6-7 hours.

Day 10: Fly from Lukla to Kathmandu (1,350m).

11 days Everest Base Camp Itinerary

Day 1: Fly from Kathmandu to Lukla (2850m) 40 minutes & trek to Phakding (2,650m), 4-5 hours.

Day 2: Trek from Phakding to Namche Bazaar (3,440m), 5-6 hours.

Day 3: Acclimatization at Namche Bazaar Hike to Everest View Hotel; Duration 34-5 hours.

Day 4: Trek from Namche Bazaar to Tengboche (3,860m), 5-6 hours.

Day 5: Trek from Tengboche to Dingboche (4,360m), 4-5 hours.

Day 6: Trek from Dingboche to Lobuche (4,930m), 5-6 hours.

Day 7: Trek from Lobuche to Gorakshep (5160m) & to Everest Base Camp (5360m) – return to Gorakshep;, 7-8 hours.

Day 8: Hike to Kalapathar (5,550m) & return to Pheriche (4,280m), 6-7 hours.

Day 9: Trek from Pheriche to Namche Bazaar (3,540m), 5-6 hours.

Day 10: Trek from Namche Bazaar back to Lukla (2,860m), 6-7 hours.

Day 11: Fly to Kathmandu from Lukla and transfer to hotel.

12 days Everest Base Camp Itinerary

Day 1: Fly to Lukla and trek to Phakding (2610m).

Day 2: Phakding to Namche Bazaar (3445m).

Day 3: Acclimatization in Namche Bazaar (3445m).

Day 4: Namche Bazaar to Tengboche (3867m).

Day 5: Trek to Dingboche (4360m).

Day 6: Day 08: Acclimatization in Dingboche (4360m.)

Day 7: Day 09: Trek to Lobuche (4930m).

Day 8: Trek to Gorakshep, Hike to Everest base camp & back to Gorakshep.

Day 9: Trek to Kalapathar (5,643m) & back to Pheriche (4,371m).

Day 10: Trek to Namche Bazaar.

Day 11: Trek back to Lukla.

Day 12: Fly to Kathmandu from Lukla and transfer to hotel.

13 days Everest Base Camp Itinerary

Day 1: Fly to Lukla (2,804 m) and Trek to Phakding (2,610 m), 4-5 hours.

Day 2: Trek to Namche Bazaar (3,441 m), 5-6 hours.

Day 3: Acclimatization day at Namche Bazaar.

Day 4: Trek to Dole (3,680 m), 5-6 hours.

Day 5: Trek to Gokyo (4,790 m), 5-6 hours.

Day 6: Trek to Gokyo Ri (5,483 m) and Back to Gokyo via Trek to Thangnak (4,500 m), 6-7 hours.

Day 7: Cross Chola Pass (5,368m) and trek to Dzongla (4,830m), 6-9 hours.

Day 8: Trek to Lobuche (4,910 m ), 4-5 hours.

Day 9: Trek to Everest Base Camp (5,365 m) and then Back to Gorak Shep (5,180 m), 6-7 hours.

Day 10: Hike Up to Kala Patthar (5,555 m) and Trek Down to Pheriche (4,300m), 6-7 hours.

Day 11: Trek to Namche Bazaar (3,441 m), 6-7 hours.

Day 12: Trek to Lukla (2,804 m), 6-7 hours.

Day 13: Morning Flight from Lukla to Kathmandu.

15 days Everest Base Camp Itinerary

Day 1: Fly to Lukla (2,850m/9,350 ft) 40 minutes, Trek to Phakding ( 2650 m/8562 ft ), 4-5 hours.

Day 2: Trek from Phakding to Namche Bazaar (3,440m/11,285 ft), 5-6 hours.

Day 3: Rest day and Acclimatization at Namche Bazaar.

Day 4: Trek to Tengboche (3790m), 5-6 hours.

Day 5: Trek to Dingboche (4,410m), 3-4 hours.

Day 6: Day trip to Chhukung valley and back to Dingboche, 4-5 hours.

Day 7: Trek to Lobuche (4950m), 5-6 hours.

Day 8: Trek to Everest Base camp (5364m), back to Gorakshep (5,180m), 6-7 hours.

Day 9: Early morning to Kalapather then trek to Dzonglha (4830m), 6-7 hours.

Day 10: Cross the Chola pass (5420m) then trek down to Tagnag(4695m), 7-8 hours.

Day 11: Trek to Gokyo (4800m) then visit fifth lake back to Gokyo, 3-4 hours.

Day 12: Climb to Gokyo Ri (5360m) and trek down to Dole (4,200m), 5-6 hours.

Day 13: Trek down to Namche (3,440m), 5-6 hours.

Day 14: Namche Bazaar to Lukla (2,850m/9,350 ft) 6-7 hours.

Day 15: Fly from Lukla to Kathmandu.

17 days Classic Everest Base Camp Itinerary

Day 1: Fly to Lukla (2,850m/9,350 ft) 40 minutes, Trek to Phakding ( 2650 m/8562 ft ), 4 hours.

Day 2: Trek from Phakding to Namche Bazaar (3,440m/11,285 ft), 5-6 hours.

Day 3: Rest day at Namche Bazaar for acclimatization.

Day 4: Namche Bazaar to Thame (3750m/12,303ft), 5-6 hours.

Day 5: Thame to Lungden (4500m/14,764ft), 5-6 hours.

Day 6: Lungden to Gokyo Lake (4750m) through Renjola Pass (5446m/17867ft)), 7-8 hours.

Day 7: Rest day to Acclimatize at Gokyo.

Day 8: Gokyo to Thangnak (4,700m/15,400ft) )Duration: 4-5 hours.

Day 9: Thangnak to Dzongla (4,855m/15,930 ft) through Cho La Pass (5420m/17,783ft), 6-7 hours.

Day 10: Dzongla to Lobuche (4,910m/16,175ft), 3-4 hours.

Day 11: Lobuche to Everest Base Camp and back (5,364m/17,598ft)to Gorak shep (5,185m/17,010 ft) 6-8 hours.

Day 12: Climb to Kala Patthar(5,55 5m/18,208ft) and trek to Lobuche (4,910m/16,175ft (4,250m/13,945ft) 5 hours.

Day 13: Lobuche to Chhukung (4730m/15580 ft) Via Kongma La (5535m/18159ft), 7-8 hours.

Day 14: Chhukung to Tengboche (3,855m/12,850ft), 4-5 hours.

Day 15: Tengboche to Namche Bazaar (3,440m/11,285 ft), 4-5 hours.

Day 16: Namche Bazaar to Lukla 2,850m/9,350 ft, 6-7 hours.

Day 17: Fly back to Kathmandu.

18 days Classic Everest Base Camp Itinerary

Day 1: Drive to Jiri & trek to Shivalaya (1,800m), 7-9 hours.

Day 2: Trek from Shivalaya to Bhandar (2,190m), 5-6 hours.

Day 3: Trek from Bhandar to Sete (2,575m), 6-7 hours.

Day 4: Trek from Sete to Junbesi (2,700m), 6-7 hours.

Day 5: Trek from Junbesi to Trakshindu (2,930m), 5-6 hours.

Day 6: Trek from Trakshindu to Paiya (2,730m), 5-6 hours.

Day 7: Trek from Puiyan to Phakding (2,600m), 5-6 hours.

Day 8: Trek from Phakding to Namche Bazaar (3,445m), 5-6 hours.

Day 9: Acclimatization at Namche Bazaar (3,440m)

Day 10: Namche Bazaar to Tengboche (3,860m), 5-6 hours.

Day 11: Trek from Tengboche to Dingboche (4,360m), 4-5 hours.

Day 12: Acclimatization at Dingboche & trek to Chhukung (4,360m), 4-5 hours.

Day 13: Trek from Dingboche to Lobuche (4,930m), 5-6hours.

Day 14: Trek from Lobuche to Gorakshep (5160m) & Everest Base Camp (5360m) – return to Gorakshep:, 6-7 hours.

Day 15: Hike to Kalapathar (5550m) & trek to Pangboche (3,985m), 7-8 hours.

Day 16: Trek from Pangboche to Namche Bazaar (3,440m), 5-6 hours.

Day 17: Trek from Namche to Lukla (2,860m), 6-7 hours.

Day 18: Fly from Lukla to Kathmandu.

Insurence for Everest Base Camp Trek

Travel insurance is a must if you are going hiking or traveling at a high altitude. It is one of the most important things you need to trek in Nepal's high mountains. EBC trek is a high altitude trek, and these kinds of hikes can be pretty dangerous. If travelers have any problems while trekking, these travel insurance plans might be the best choice. It keeps you from having to pay a big sum all at once, so we recommend that all travelers get travel insurance before going to Nepal for trekking or other activities. Also, make sure that your insurance policy covers emergency helicopter evacuation, medical costs, and altitudes up to 6,000 meters.

Training for Everest Base Camp Trek Packing List

Making sure you have the right clothes, gear, and supplies for your Everest Base Camp trek will go a long way toward making sure you have a great time. As you pack for Everest Base Camp, keep in mind that your gear will be split into two bags: your daypack, which you will carry with you every day, and your duffle bag, which porters will carry between tea houses. You can leave any extra bags at the hotel before you start your hike.

This list has everything you need to bring to Everest Base Camp. It tells you what layers to bring to stay warm when the weather changes in the Himalayas, what gear you'll need to make your trek easy and comfortable, and what supplies you'll need to have the best time possible.

Clothing

Moisture-wicking long-sleeve t-shirts (2)

Moisture-wicking short-sleeve t-shirt (1)

Heavy fleece or down jacket

Gortex or waterproof jacket with hood

Windbreaker

Rain poncho

Fleece pants

Trekking pants (2)

Hiking shorts (1)

Waterproof pants

Hiking socks (10)

Warm thermal socks (1)

Long underwear (2)

Underwear (10)

Hiking boots with ankle support

Camp shoes or tennis shoes

Light inner gloves/glove liners

Insulated wool or down mittens/gloves

Sunglasses

Broad-brimmed hat

Neck gaiter or bandana (for sun protection)

Wool hat or balaclava (should cover ears)

Gaiters (needed Dec-Feb)

Sweatshirt (optional)

Sock liners (optional)

Trekking Gear & Supplies

40L Daypack for carrying what you need on the trail

Waterproof cover for daypack

Water bottles or hydration bladder

Sleeping bag rated to -18°C/ 0°F

Trekking poles

Headlamp with extra batteries

Lightweight water filter or iodine water tablets (personal preference)

Hand warmers

Travel pillow or pillowcase

Sleeping bag stuff sack

Drybags in several sizes

Stuff sacks for dirty clothes/shoes

Camera with extra batteries and memory cards

Small lock(s) for duffle bag and daypack

Sleeping bag liner (optional)

Quick-drying trekking towel (optional)

Toiletries

Sunscreen

Lip balm with sunscreen

Toilet Paper

Moleskin, medical tape, and/or duct tape for treating/preventing blisters

Advil or Ibuprofen

Diamox (for altitude sickness)

Personal prescriptions

Antibiotics (Cipro for travelers’ diarrhea)

Anti-chafe balm (e.g. Body Glide, to prevent chafing)

Diaper rash cream (Can treat rashes or chaffing)

Soap

Deodorant

Toothbrush/toothpaste

Razor (as needed)

Shampoo

Wet wipes

Hand sanitizer

Feminine hygiene products (as needed)

Face lotion

Hairbrush

Hair ties

Earplugs (for sleeping)