About the Everest Base Camp Trek
The Everest Base Camp (EBC) Trek is one of the world's most legendary and sought-after trekking adventures. Located in the Khumbu region of northeastern Nepal, this iconic route takes you through Sherpa villages, ancient monasteries, rhododendron forests, and high Himalayan terrain to reach the foot of Mount Everest at 5,364 meters.
Standing on the moraines of the Khumbu Glacier and gazing up at the world's highest mountain is an experience that transcends mere achievement — it is a journey of the spirit. Along the way, you'll pass through the legendary Namche Bazaar, visit Tengboche Monastery, and summit the viewpoint of Kala Patthar (5,545m) for the closest, most breathtaking view of Everest.
Trek Highlights
- Stand at Everest Base Camp (5,364m)
- Summit Kala Patthar (5,545m) at sunrise
- Fly to/from Lukla via Tenzing-Hillary Airport
- Visit Tengboche Monastery
- Walk through Sagarmatha National Park
- Views of Lhotse, Nuptse, Ama Dablam
- Explore Namche Bazaar's vibrant culture
- Interact with Sherpa communities
This trek involves high-altitude terrain. Acclimatization days are built into the itinerary. Please consult your doctor before booking and ensure you have comprehensive travel insurance including emergency helicopter evacuation.
14-Day Detailed Itinerary
Arrival in Kathmandu (1,400m)
Arrival, airport pickup, hotel check-in, evening briefing by trek leader, welcome dinner.
Kathmandu to Lukla (2,860m) — Trek to Phakding (2,610m)
Early morning mountain flight to Lukla. Start trekking through Dudh Koshi valley to Phakding. (~3.5 hrs)
Phakding to Namche Bazaar (3,440m)
Cross suspension bridges over rushing rivers, enter Sagarmatha National Park, steep climb to Namche. First views of Everest! (~6 hrs)
Acclimatization Day — Namche Bazaar
Rest day for acclimatization. Hike to Everest View Hotel for 360° Himalayan views. Explore the local market and Sherpa Cultural Museum.
Namche to Tengboche (3,860m)
Trek through rhododendron forests with continuous Himalayan panoramas. Visit the legendary Tengboche Monastery. (~5.5 hrs)
Tengboche to Dingboche (4,410m)
Enter the Imja Khola valley, pass Pangboche village, reach Dingboche. Views of Ama Dablam. (~5 hrs)
Acclimatization — Dingboche
Hike to Nagarjuna Hill (5,100m) for views of Makalu, Lhotse, Island Peak, and the Amphu Labsta.
Dingboche to Lobuche (4,910m)
Trek along moraine ridge with dramatic views of the Khumbu Glacier and surrounding peaks. (~5 hrs)
Lobuche to Gorak Shep — Everest Base Camp (5,364m)
The BIG DAY! Trek to Gorak Shep, then to Everest Base Camp. Stand at the legendary EBC and celebrate! Return to Gorak Shep. (~8 hrs)
Kala Patthar (5,545m) — Pheriche (4,280m)
Pre-dawn hike to Kala Patthar for the best sunrise view of Everest. Descend to Pheriche for lunch, continue to Dingboche. (~8 hrs)
Dingboche to Namche Bazaar (3,440m)
Long descent day back to Namche. Relax and celebrate your achievement. (~7 hrs)
Namche to Lukla (2,860m)
Final long descent back to Lukla for the farewell dinner. (~7 hrs)
Lukla to Kathmandu (Contingency Day)
Early morning flight back to Kathmandu. Contingency day in case of flight delay. Transfer to hotel, farewell dinner.
Departure Day
Transfer to Tribhuvan International Airport for your onward flight. Trek complete — you've conquered EBC!
What's Included
- Return flights Kathmandu–Lukla–Kathmandu
- Sagarmatha National Park permit & TIMS card
- All teahouse accommodation (twin sharing)
- Three meals per day (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
- Experienced licensed English-speaking guide
- Porter (1 porter per 2 trekkers, 15kg limit)
- All ground transportation in Kathmandu
- Welcome & farewell dinners
- First aid kit & oxygen cylinder
- Duffel bag & trek certificate
What's Excluded
- International airfare to/from Nepal
- Nepal visa fees (USD 30/50 on arrival)
- Travel & health insurance (mandatory)
- Emergency helicopter evacuation costs
- Personal gear & equipment
- Alcoholic beverages & personal expenses
- Hot showers & battery charging fees
- Tips for guide and porter
Preparation & Packing Tips
Physical Fitness
Train for 3+ months with hiking, cardio and strength training. Practice multi-day hikes with a loaded backpack (10–15kg). Good fitness significantly enhances your experience.
Essential Gear
Layering system: thermal base, fleece mid-layer, down jacket, and waterproof outer shell. Quality trekking boots (broken in!), trekking poles, UV sunglasses, sunscreen SPF50+.
Health & Altitude
Consult your doctor about altitude sickness medication (Diamox). Stay well hydrated (3–4L/day). Never skip acclimatization days. Know the symptoms of AMS, HACE, and HAPE.
Insurance
Mandatory: comprehensive travel insurance covering high-altitude trekking (up to 6000m+) and emergency helicopter evacuation from mountain terrain. This is non-negotiable for your safety.
Best Season to Trek
"Absolutely life-changing trek! Raintree's team was professional, our guide Pemba was incredible. Every detail was handled perfectly. Reaching EBC felt surreal. Worth every penny and every aching muscle!"
"As a solo female traveler, I felt completely safe throughout the trek. The guide was attentive to altitude symptoms and made conservative but smart decisions. The lodges were comfortable. I'd do it again in a heartbeat."
"We did this trek for our 10th anniversary and it was the best decision ever! Raintree organized everything flawlessly. The sunrise from Kala Patthar with Everest glowing in golden light brought us both to tears. A memory for life."
- All permits included
- Lukla flights included
- Expert licensed guide
- Porter service
- All meals on trail
- First aid & oxygen
- Free cancellation (30 days)
