Country: Nepal
Trip Difficulty: Moderately Challenging
Activities: Trekking
Accommodation: Teahouse
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Max. Elevation: 5,550m
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Best Time: Spring and Autumn
Everest stands as the crown of the Earth, and for those who have already been there marks it as an unforgettable milestone in their life’s journey. Tick this off your bucket list – an unforgettable experience you’ll cherish forever.
This popular trekking destination in Nepal, Everest Base Camp, is located at the base of the world's highest mountain (8848 m), and it is a relatively short trek of 12 days, but it is packed with adventure and breathtaking natural scenery. The Everest Base Camp Trek is likely the most famous and well-known trekking route in the Himalayas.
This exciting itinerary gives you the best of both "famous trail" and "peaceful journey" in a short period. In addition to seeing all the famous attractions, our itinerary also provide you the opportunity to explore and spend the night in less-visited valleys.
Even if you only have 12 days to spend on vacation, you will still get the full Everest experience on this 12-day trek to Base Camp. The beauty of Everest can be enjoyed without climbing it. Anyone with an adventurous spirit will be satisfied standing at its base, and the memory of the magnificent sight that towers above will stay with them forever. This is why trekking packages to Everest Base Camp have been so talked about recently, and it's all justified.
Mount Everest is located in the Himalayas, separating Tibet and Nepal. With an elevation of 8,848.86 meters (29,032 feet), it is the tallest mountain in the world. Not only is it naturally beautiful, but it also has a lot of history, mystery, and cultural significance.
The various names given to Mount Everest, which includes "Sagarmatha" in Nepal and "Chomolungma" in Tibet, are a reflection of the region's cultural and historical diversity.
"Everest" is a name that comes from the history of British colonies. In the middle of the 1800s, Sir George Everest led the Great Trigonometric Survey of India, which was very important for measuring and mapping the Himalayas. The mountain was named after Everest in recognition of his contributions.
On May 29, 1953, under the leadership of New Zealand's Sir Edmund Hillary and Nepal's Tenzing Norgay, the first ascent was successfully completed, marking the summit of this historical period. Every year on May 29th, which is known as Everest Day, people remember this victory and the significance it held.
The Everest Base Camp trek is generally regarded as a challenge, primarily because of the physical demands of the terrain and the high altitude. Indeed, it is. The trek isn't technically difficult, so you won't need any special gear or mountaineering expertise, but you will still need to be in good physical shape and prepared to deal with altitude sickness.
Getting the necessary permits is an important part of getting ready. Trekking in the Everest region requires two permits:
The initial step in the process to acquire permits for the Everest Base Camp trek is to arrive in Nepal and contact the Tourism Board of Nepal. The office must be visited with the necessary documents, such as valid visas, passport-sized photographs, passports, and permit fees.
Hidden Trek Nepal can help you with the process of getting the permits. The permits for the Everest Base Camp Trek can be obtained at the Monjo Checkpost in Monjo Village or in Lukla if you are already there. You need to follow the same steps as you did in Kathmandu.
| Day | Route | Altitude | Duration | Activity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Kathmandu → Lukla (flight), trek to Phakding | 2,610m | 3–4 hrs | Scenic mountain flight to Lukla, begin trek through forests and along the Dudh Koshi River |
| 2 | Phakding → Namche Bazaar | 3,440m | 6–7 hrs | Trek through pine forests, cross suspension bridges, enter Sagarmatha National Park |
| 3 | Acclimatization hike to Everest View Point, visit Khumjung village | 3,880m (view point), 3,780m (Khumjung) | 3–4 hrs | Acclimatization hike with views of Everest, visit Khumjung monastery and Hillary School |
| 4 | Khumjung → Phortse | 3,810m | 5–6 hrs | Trek along less-traveled trail with great views of Ama Dablam and Thamserku |
| 5 | Phortse → Dingboche | 4,410m | 6–7 hrs | Trek through alpine terrain with views of Lhotse and Island Peak |
| 6 | Acclimatization hike to Nangkar Tshang Hill | 5,000m (hike) | Varies | Acclimatization day, panoramic views of Ama Dablam, Makalu, Island Peak, Lhotse |
| 7 | Dingboche → Lobuche | 5,050m | 5–6 hrs | Pass through Thukla Pass, see memorials for fallen climbers |
| 8 | Lobuche → Gorakshep → Everest Base Camp → return to Gorakshep | 5,364m (EBC) | 5–8 hrs | Trek to the base of Everest, explore glacier terrain, return to Gorakshep |
| 9 | Climb Kalapatthar → Gorakshep → Pheriche | 5,550m (Kalapatthar), 4,240m (Pheriche) | 7–8 hrs | Sunrise climb for panoramic Everest views, long descent to Pheriche |
| 10 | Pheriche → Namche Bazaar | 3,440m | 6–7 hrs | Retrace steps, descend through alpine forest and villages |
| 11 | Namche Bazaar → Lukla | 2,840m | 7–8 hrs | Final day of trekking, celebrate end of trek in Lukla |
| 12 | Lukla → Kathmandu (flight) | 1,340m | 30 min | Early morning mountain flight, return to Kathmandu |
We will depart from Kathmandu for Lukla via the domestic airport after breakfast. The flight to Lukla is about 30-45 minutes and offers beautiful scenery. The flight will be short and will show you Nepal's diverse beauty.
We continue our trek towards Phakding after landing in Lukla and taking a short break. As you walk along the stone-paved paths, you can no longer see Lukla. Overnight in Phakding. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are included.
Along with Dudh Koshi River and through the Sherpa villages, the trail goes through pine forests and parallels the suspension bridge. You will be crossing a lot of suspension bridges today, and the Hillary Suspension Bridge is one of the more well-known ones.
The entryway to Sagarmatha National Park also opens to us today. Our path continues to go up through forests and over bridges until it comes to where the Dudh Koshi and Bhote Koshi rivers meet. Namche is the starting point for trekking to Everest Base Camp and the main trading hub in the Everest region. Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included.
As mentioned, Namche Bazar is a vibrant market town and a popular acclimatization point on the Everest Base Camp trail. After exploring the Namche Bazaar, we will leave this town aside and stay at Khumjung to experience a deeper, more authentic experience of local home and community life.
Moving your body is very important during the acclimatization day too. Following this rule, we hike to Everest View Point and stayover at Khumjung, a total 3-4 hours of hike.
Khumjung is a beautiful village that embodies the Sherpa culture, which is known for its religious belief, close community, and admiration for nature. We will also go to the famous Khumjung Monastery. We will spend the night in the village and take our time exploring the area. The village is probably going to be quiet and peaceful since it's not on a common trekking route. Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included.
We will be heading to Phortse today and will have our first glimpses of several massive peaks along the trail, including Ama Dablam (6812m), Lhotse Shar (8393m), Taboche (6495m), Khangtega (6782m), and Thamserku (6623m).
We will prioritize the proper acclimatization by stopping at Phortse Thanga, despite the fact that today's trek is relatively shorter than other ones. Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included.
We will begin our trek from Phortse to Dingboche from visiting the oldest Buddhist monastery of the region. We ultimately reach Dingboche by climbing the path beyond Imja Khola. Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included.
Today, we will acclimatize at Dingboche and observe the most breathtaking views of Island Peak, Lhotse, Ama Dablam, Makalu, Lhotse Sar, and other peaks. While we'll mostly be resting to let our bodies get used to the altitude, we will still be moving around as our bodies need it. We rest for the day when we get back from Nangkar Tshang Hill to Dingboche. Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included.
We will leave Dingboche after breakfast and trek along the EBC trail to Lobuche today. The trail runs next to the Pheriche valley and goes by small yak pastures and a few mountain streams. The first part of the hike gives you a good view of Cholaste and Ama Dablam Peak. The path then goes up very steeply toward the Thokla Pass.
You can see several mountains over 7000 meters from the top of Thukla, such as Nuptse, Lhotse, and Lhotse Shar. You will cross the pass and then take an easy trek along a rocky path to the small village of Lobuche. Spend the night in Lobuche. Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included.
After eleven days of trekking to Everest Base Camp, today is the most crucial day as you continue your journey to Gorakshep along the Khumbu Glacier. The path you're on goes through the pyramid sign.
You can see snow-capped mountains all around you from Thangma Riju, which is accessible via an average trek. The snow-capped mountains, including the world's highest peak, greet you as you approach Gorakshep.
Your journey to Everest Base Camp will begin in Gorakshep. Upon your return to Gorakshep, you will spend the night there after enjoying the breathtaking views of Mount Everest and the surrounding mountains. Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included.
An early morning sunrise over the Himalayas can be experienced on the 2-3 hours ascent from the village to Kala Patthar. Views of Everest and other majestic mountains will be yours to enjoy after the short climb to Kalapathar. The breathtaking images of Everest that are often seen on the internet are captured from this viewpoint.
We will head back to Gorakshep and Pheriche, where you will spend the night. Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included.
Leaving Pheriche, we take a 30-minute easy trek to Tengboche before descending to Phunkithanga (3200m). Our final destination is Namche, where we may toast our achievements and recollect about the best moments.
This is also your last chance to admire the beauty of these towering peaks. Namche allows you to reconnect with the outside world via the internet, visit the bread shop, and possibly hang out at a bar. Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included.
Following the journey down from Namche to cooler altitudes, the trail passes through the welcoming farming villages of Jorsale, Monjo, and Phakding. After that, it crosses the suspension bridge at Thado Koshi and then ascends to Ghat and Cheplung. Finish off the journey with the final ascent to Lukla, which is 700 meters and takes 35 minutes. During this time, you will say goodbye to your dedicated porter people. Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included.
This is the final day of an 11-day trek to Everest Base Camp. You will fly back to Kathmandu and reach your chosen hotel. Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included.
On the trail, you have the option to stay in cosy tea houses or lodges. The Everest accommodations are cosy and simple, providing basic rooms for a relaxing stay. Many tea houses offer meals, hot drinks, and a wonderful opportunity to connect with fellow trekkers.
The Everest trail offers a variety of options for lodges, making it a great experience for everyone! We offer charming teahouses with warm and inviting services. If you’d like to switch it to something more luxurious, just let us know in advance!
On the Everest Base Camp Trek route, you'll find that most teahouses offer a delightful variety of foods, ranging from traditional Nepalese dishes to international favourites. Many of the tea houses along the EBC trek are operated by the friendly locals. You'll have a wonderful chance to explore local and fresh foods as you go along!
Meals are offered three times a day! You'll find that all the food menus are quite similar throughout the trek, decreasing the options as you move uphill.
The local transportation service provides transfers between the hotel and Kathmandu domestic airport, and vice versa. The transport service covers the Kathmandu-Lukla-Kathmandu route as well. The transportation is generally included in the trip cost, unless an additional fun ride around Kathmandu is requested.
Mobile network coverage is accessible on the Everest Base Camp trek, mainly via Ncell and NTC. A lot of tea houses and lodges have Wi-Fi access as well. Ncell and NTC offer mobile network bundles ranging from 2G to 4G, but connectivity weakens and becomes less reliable as you climb higher.
To book the Everest Base Camp Trek, you'll need to work with a registered trekking agency in Nepal like us. Hidden Trek Nepal will handle the necessary permits, guide, and potentially accommodation and transportation.
We are concerned about your safety whenever you book a local company like ours, and we are here to help. Throughout every step of your trip, you will constantly have someone with years of experience to provide you with the best recommendations.
By making the reservations as early as possible, particularly during the peak trekking seasons, you may assure that you will be able to secure your desired accommodation without encountering any difficulties. Given that the majority of the most desirable places to stay in the region are often reserved well in advance, it is always a good idea to begin your planning process as early as possible.
Thamel is Kathmandu’s tourist hub and the most visited part of the city. There are hundreds of hotels, guesthouses, and hostels in town; therefore, if you’re a budget traveller or backpacker, you’ll likely stay in this part of town.
You will love spending time in Thamel; It’s a great place to hang out and meet fellow travellers, walk the streets and soak in the atmosphere that only really exists in this area.
It’s also right in the heart of town, close to all of the major things to do in Kathmandu. Thamel is also the perfect place to rent or buy trekking gear.
It is possible to obtain a visa on arrival for individuals from the majority of countries by visiting the online website of the Immigration Department of Nepal. Online forms must be filled out, printed, and brought with you.
The online system can be accessed at https://nepaliport.immigration.gov.np/ from any location and at any time. The Online Application System can keep your application for 15 days in its system, allowing you to apply at your convenience and present it to the Immigration Authority at the time of admission or visa extension.
Visas on arrival are valid for 15, 30, or 3 months and are priced at:
We recommend hiking before the Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek, helping your body adjust to higher elevations. Test your gear and break in your hiking boots on these short walks to find and correct any problems while still near city shops and resources.
Some suggestions for hiking places near Kathmandu are: Champa Devi Hiking, Jamacho (Nagarjun Hill) Hiking, Sundarijal Hiking, Chandragiri Hiking, etc.
You can also visit some very popular cultural locations carrying significant histories while in Kathmandu before the trek: Boudhanath (Boudha), the Monkey Temple (Swayambhunath Temple), Pashupatinath Temple, and three Durbar Squares (Kathmandu, Lalitpur, and Bhaktapur).
After the Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek, relaxing and enjoying Nepal's splendor is worth it. After the lengthy trek, Nepal is also a great place to relax with views, and cozy cafés. We recommend:
Hidden Trek Nepal is known for having skilled porters and making each tour unique. They know both the history and geography of the area well enough to make sure you have a safe and useful trip.
Everest Base Camp is a commercialized route, yet we design treks that explore the beaten path, leading you through hidden valleys far from the usual tourist crowds. Instead, you’ll stay overnight in quiet, beautiful valleys that most tourists don’t visit. We offer a more peaceful, authentic, and immersive experience in nature.
We also provide flexible solutions, such as a "guide only" service for independent trekkers who would rather handle their own logistics with expert advice. With Hidden Trek Nepal, you interact with people, environment, and the desire of adventure at every turn rather than simply travel.
Short treks to Everest Base Camp are perfect for people with little vacation time who still want to stand in the shadow of the highest peak in the world. These treks offer the ideal blend of adventure, culture, and nature, and are suitable for both seasoned hikers and those just starting out with proper training.
Some of the most memorable parts of the trip include seeing the sunrise from Kala Patthar, exploring the Tengboche Monastery, and experiencing the Sherpa culture and hospitality. Other highlights include the stunning views of Everest, Lhotse, and Ama Dablam.
Although reaching Everest Base Camp (EBC) alone is certainly possible, there are many aspects in which the experience can be improved with the help of a guide.
Everest Base Camp (EBC) is generally a safe destination for trekkers who starts the journey with appropriate preparation and caution. There are well-maintained trekking routes with well-defined pathways and basic amenities like lodges and tea houses located around. Trekkers often hire experienced guides because they know a lot about the terrain, the weather, and the risks that come with being at a high altitude, which makes the trip safer.
Most itineraries include enough time for acclimatisation, so hikers can ease into the high altitude and lessen the likelihood of experiencing altitude sickness. In the case of a health issue, there are emergency services available, including the option for a helicopter to be used for evacuation.
A helicopter return option makes it possible to reach Everest Base Camp (EBC) in under ten days, but only if you organise your time wisely and focus on the most important parts of the trek.
A typical route departs from Kathmandu and flies to Lukla. From there, the trek continues quickly through Namche Bazaar, Tengboche, Dingboche, Lobuche, and Gorak Shep on the way to Kala Patthar and Everest Base Camp. Hikers can make the most of their time on the trail and reduce the amount of time and effort required for the return journey by taking a helicopter from Gorak Shep to Lukla.
Prior to going to Nepal for Everest Base Camp trekking, make sure you have both medical and evacuation insurance. Some insurance companies may have exceptions for adventure travel, so it's important to be cautious when choosing a policy for a Himalayan country like Nepal.
Just let us know if you need any clarification regarding the insurance, and we'll be happy to assist you. You should usually get your travel insurance in your home country before you leave.
There are no places you will miss on the Short Everest Base Camp Trek. The route is the same as the normal Everest Base Camp Trek. The most famous places on this trip are seen, such as Everest Base Camp, Namche Bazaar, Pangboche, Pheriche, Dhugla, Lobuche, and Gorakshep.
Yes! Kathmandu has many shops (Thamel area) selling:
Yes, you can always join our fixed departure treks at the last minute. For customised treks, please stay in touch with us to check availability and arrangements.
It is not necessary to have a porter on the Short Everest Base Camp Trek. However, we strongly recommend hiring one, as it can free you of your luggage and allow you to fully enjoy the journey. Hidden Trek Nepal hires the best porters, and the service is included in our package.
Our journey's highest point is more than 5,000 meters. We will be walking at an altitude of 3000 to 5000 meters for the majority of our journey. The temperature is low and the weather is unpredictable at this altitude.
Temperatures drop to -15 degrees Celsius in the dead of winter and 5 degrees Celsius in the height of summer at night. Sunny days and temperatures between 15 and 5 degrees Celsius characterise the Everest region.
