Everest Base Camp Trek

The Everest Base Camp Trek stands out as the most popular trek in Nepal and one of the most iconic and renowned treks globally. Sitting atop many travel bucket lists, the journey to Everest Base Camp often marks the initiation of dreams for a trip to Nepal.

Moreover, reaching the base of the world’s highest peak, whether you refer to it as Chomolongma (Tibetan), Sagarmatha (Nepali), or Everest, is an exhilarating experience. However, its fame has brought challenges such as overcrowding and environmental concerns.

Yet, these issues pale in comparison to the awe-inspiring thrill accompanying the ascent toward the world’s highest peak. The Everest Base Camp trek unfolds as an exhilarating adventure, beginning with a scenic flight into Lukla, a quaint small airport nestled in the Himalayas. From Lukla, the journey propels forward along a wooded trail, immersing you in the natural beauty of the region.

As you navigate through picturesque villages, dense rhododendron forests, and high-altitude terrain, each step brings you closer to the awe-inspiring Everest Base Camp. This expedition is not just a physical challenge but a profound exploration of Nepal’s natural beauty and the allure of the world’s highest mountain.

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu
Upon your arrival at Kathmandu airport, a Wind Horse representative will meet you and transfer you to the hotel. The rest of the day is at your leisure until the evening. Later in the evening, there will be a briefing regarding the schedules for your upcoming days. If you have any questions regarding the trek you can clear with your guide and also if you have missed any equipment or trekking gear, you can go for the last minute shopping after the breifing session. Overnight in Kathmandu

Day 2: Fly to Lukla-Trek to Phakding(2620m, 3-4hrs, Approx. 8kms)
The mountain flight into Lukla is spectacular, and the landing is an exciting experience. One end of the runway is 60 meters higher than the other. The flight is typically on a small Dornier or Twin Otter aircraft, with a duration of around 25–30 minutes.

Upon arrival in Lukla (2800m), you will meet your Sherpa guides and porters before commencing the trek towards Phakding. Your permits will be entered and checked at the park entrance. Begin the trek by descending gradually for about 2 hours to Thado Koshi, then gradually ascend, crossing several suspension bridges, passing through villages, and finally arriving at Phakding (2610m). Overnight in Phakding

Please be advised that during the high season (March, April, May, October, and November), flights to Lukla are routed through Ramechhap (Manthali) airport, approximately a 4-5 hours’ drive away from Kathmandu. To accommodate this, you must start early (several hours before dawn around 2 am).

Day 3: Trek to Namche Bazaar(3440m, 5-6hrs, Approx. 11kms)
Follow the Dudh Koshi River, passing through Sherpa settlements like Bengkar and Chumao, before entering Sagarmatha National Park at Monjo. Cross the long Hillary Hanging Bridge, and as you continue the steep climb uphill, reach a resting point called Chautara, where you can catch a first glimpse of Everest through the trees.

Continue the ascent, and eventually, you’ll arrive at the bustling Namche Bazaar (3440m). This serves as the heart of the Sherpa community, providing lodges, cafes, and shops selling souvenirs and trekking gear. If you’ve forgotten anything, you can find it here. Spend the remainder of the day in Namche Bazaar acclimatizing to the altitude. Overnight in Namche Bazaar

Day 4: In Namche Bazaar(acclimatization day)
Today is our acclimatization day, and you will embark on a short hike to Syangboche Hotel Everest View, situated at 3880m, which takes about 1-2hrs. This location is renowned as one of the best vantage points, offering breathtaking views of Everest, Ama Dablam, Lhotse, Nuptse, and other peaks.

After relishing the panoramic scenery, a brief descent on the other side leads you to the large village of Khumjung, home to Hillary’s School. Following the visit, you will descend back to Namche, where you have the rest of the afternoon to relax or explore on your own. Overnight in Namche Bazaar

Day 5: Trek to Tengboche(3860m, 5-6hrs, Approx. 10kms)
After a short climb out of Namche Bazaar, you’ll arrive at Kyangjungma, a spot with tea shops, where the trail from Khumjung also merges. The views of Everest and Ama Dablam are excellent from this part of the trek. Continue by passing through the small settlement of Sanasa, from where the trail descends to the river at Phunki tenga (3300m).

From here, the trail ascends steeply through pine and rhododendron forests, following the side of a hill to reach the saddle on which the Tengboche Monastery sits at 3870m. On a clear day, the views are breathtaking through the rhododendron trees, showcasing the Himalayan giants such as Kwangde, Tawachee, Everest, Nuptse, Lhotse, Ama Dablam, Kantega, and Thamserku. Visit Tengboche Monastery, the largest one in the Khumbu region. Overnight in Tengboche

Day 6: Trek to Dingboche via Pangboche(4410m, 5-6hrs, Approx. 11kms)
Descend through a forest of rhododendrons, birches, and conifers to reach Deboche (3820m), a village with a few lodges and a nunnery. Cross a beautiful hanging bridge and ascend to Pangboche village (3980m). There is an option to visit Pangboche Monastery, situated higher up than the village. After passing Pangboche, the trail ascends above the tree line, entering alpine meadows of scrub juniper and, in summer, a profusion of wildflowers.

Along the way you will encounter several yak herders’ camps and, after crossing a river and ascending a small ridge, arrive at Dingboche (4410m), a large village offering outstanding mountain views. Dingboche is also the only place in the region where barley is grown, and you will see old houses scattered around. You will arrive early, so you have plenty of time to wander around. Overnight in Dingboche

Day 7: Acclimatization day(Hike to Nangkartshang hill)
At this stage of the trip, a second acclimatization day is essential due to the significant altitude gain. Hike to Nangkar Tshang, standing at nearly 5,100m, where you’ll have panoramic views of peaks such as Taboche, Thamserku, and Ama Dablam. From this vantage point, enjoy vistas looking down onto the Imja and Pheriche Valleys. Afterward, return to Dingboche and spend the night there. Overnight in Dingboche.

Day 8: Trek to Lobuche(4940m, 4-5hrs, Approx. 8kms)
Leaving Dingboche, the path gently ascends through the highlands, characterized by sparse alpine shrubs. Cross a gushing stream, and after a brief climb, reach Thugla (4600m), the designated lunch stop for the day.

From Thugla, the ascent becomes steeper, passing by stone memorials adorned with colorful prayer flags, constructed in memory of departed souls of climbers. Continuing onward, after a short while, you will arrive at the small settlement of Lobuche (4950m).

The village offers massive mountain vistas of Nuptse, Lobuche, and Pumori. In the evening, you can take a stroll along the side hills to aid in acclimatization. Overnight in Lobuche.

Day 9: Trek to Gorakshep(5164m)-Excursion to Everest Base Camp(6hrs, Approx. 12kms)
Today is one of the most anticipated days of the trek as you make our way to Everest Base Camp. The higher elevation makes today’s trek quite challenging. The first part of the journey involves a flat walk, and soon the trail weaves over rocky highland terrains and glaciers until you reach Gorakshep (5,164m).

Gorakshep is a small and the last permanent settlement with trekking lodges, clinging to the edge of the Khumbu Icefall. Take a short break or have lunch, and then continue further afield alongside the Khumbu glacier moraine for another hour and a half to reach Everest Base Camp (5,364m).

Congratulations on reaching the base camp! Take pictures and soak in the surrounding views of peaks, the Khumbu Glacier, Khumbu Icefalls, and the colorful expedition tents in contrast to the surroundings and retrace your steps back to Gorakshep. Overnight in Gorakshep.

Day 10: Hike to Kalapatthar(3hrs round trip)-Trek to Pheriche(5-6hrs, Approx. 12kms)
Rise early for a short yet challenging hike to Kala Patthar (5,540m/18,176ft), ascending approximately 400m in an hour over a distance of mere 1.5 KM. (Note that recent measurements put Kala Patthar over 5600m.) After departing Gorakshep, the trail ascends sharply. After about a 100m climb, you’ll be treated with views of Lingtren, Khumbutse, and Changtse.

Continuing the climb, a grand panorama of the Khumbu glacier and Nuptse massif unfolds. The final ascent to the rocky viewpoint of Kala Patthar places you in the midst of an unbelievable Himalayan panorama, featuring peaks, icefalls, and glaciers (weather permitting).

Descend back to Gorakshep for breakfast and retrace your steps to Lobuche and down to Tughla. Instead of returning to Dingboche, take a different path descending along the Khumbu Khola valley to reach Pheriche (4,370m). Overnight in Pheriche.

Day 11: Trek to Namche(8+hrs, Approx. 20kms)
The hike down the Pheriche valley is long as it joins the Imja Khola valley, passing through Pangboche and Debuche. There is a brief climb to Tengboche monastery. From there, you descend to cross the river at Phunki Tenga at 3300m.

The final climb brings you to Kyangjungma, from where it is a gradual descent down to Namche Bazaar, where you can celebrate the completion of the Everest trek. Overnight in Namche Bazaar.

Day 12: Trek to Lukla(6-7hrs, Approx. 18kms)
Your final day of the trek will drop you back down to the Dudh Koshi River, crossing numerous suspension bridges and retracing your route past Jorsale, Monjo, Bengkar, Phakding, Ghat, and Choplung, before arriving back at Lukla. The last section from Ghat to Phakding is a steep step climb of approximately 3 kilometers. Overnight in Lukla.

Day 13: Fly to Kathmandu
With a bit of luck and favorable weather, you should have no trouble making your flight back to Kathmandu. The rest of the afternoon is free for you to pursue your interests at leisure. Overnight in Kathmandu

Day 14: Free day in Kathmandu
Today has been designated as a contingency day in case the flight from Lukla is canceled due to the unpredictable mountain weather, which is unfortunately quite common. If everything goes according to plan, you may spend this day at your leisure. You could go souvenir shopping or, if you prefer, request a sightseeing tour of the Kathmandu Valley. Overnight in Kathmandu.

Day 15: Departure
Transfer to the airport for your departure flight homewards.