Everest Base Camp Trek   

From $1,900 pp

  • Duration

    16 days

  • Bookable From

    September - November March - May

  • Trip Style

    Privately Guided

  • Country

    Nepal

  • Physical Rating

    Strenuous

Overview

This 11-day trek to Everest Base Camp is an amazing and challenging experience for those whose dreams rise even higher than the clouds!

Looking for the ultimate adventure of a lifetime that combines culture, nature, and breathtaking views? Look no further than our Everest Base Camp Trek! Your journey begins in the heart of Kathmandu, where you can immerse yourself in the vibrant city at your leisure before embarking on a trek that will take you to the foothills of the world's highest peak. As you make your way through the picturesque landscapes of the Khumbu region, you'll be surrounded by stunning views of snow-capped mountains, cascading rivers, and tranquil forests of birch and bamboo trees.

Highlights

  • Experience the vibrant cultural fabric of Kathmandu Valley on a guided tour
  • Appreciate the religious harmony of Nepal at Monkey Temple and see local rituals
  • Hike to Phakding following the Dudh Koshi River
  • Walk through traditional villages such as Benkar, Monjo, Jorsale, and Namche to immerse in local traditions
  • Trek through different trails encountering local fauna and soaking in stunning views of Ama Dablam, Everest, and Khumbila mountains
  • Visit the sacred and historic Pangboche Monastery, highly revered by the Sherpa people

While this trek offers amazing vistas of the natural settings, it is also an opportunity to connect with the warm and hospitable Sherpa people who call this region home. From ancient monasteries to colorful Mani walls, you'll get a glimpse into their rich cultural heritage as you make your way toward Everest Base Camp. And when you reach your destination, you'll be rewarded with a breathtaking view of the world's highest peak, along with many other massive white peaks in closer proximity.

After an unforgettable time at Everest Base Camp, your journey continues with an ascent to rocky Kala Patthar, where you'll stand at the highest point of the adventure and take in the mesmerizing scenery. And when you need a break from trekking, you can retreat to cozy, clean mountain lodges operated by locals who will ensure you have an authentic experience.

Everest Base Camp is an ideal option to trek with family (older kids, young adults, grown children), solo, or in school groups. So, if you're ready to embark on an adventure that will take you to the top of the world, book your Everest Base Camp Trek today! With cozy, locally-operated accommodations and experienced guides to ensure an authentic experience, this is an opportunity you won't want to miss.

Seasonal Notes

The ideal season for trekking is autumn (September-November), as it offers pleasant weather conditions, moderate temperatures with clear skies, and enticing mountain vistas. In addition, trekkers can have opportunities to explore local people’s festivals and culture because these months are festive seasons when most Hindu festivals in Nepal celebrate grand festivals like Dashain and Tihar.

Spring in Nepal is another great season for trekking and climbing. Extended through the months of March to May, this period offers a diverse range of wildflowers blossoming that create a real paradise. The weather is mildly warm at lower altitudes and there are quite moderate temperatures at higher elevations over 4000 meters.

Itinerary

Day 1 Kathmandu [Nepal] (arrival day)

Upon arrival at Tribhuvan International airport, our representative will be awaiting you to cordially welcome you with great hospitality. The representative will be displaying the “Yugen Earthside” placard outside the airport terminal.

You will be then escorted and transferred to the hotel in our private vehicle. Further, you will be given a brief description of the activities that will take place during the upcoming trip and a preliminary briefing on hygiene and safety by our representative.

  • Accommodation in a hotel
  • Driving time: 30 minutes approx, depending on traffic
  • Altitude above sea level: 1,302 m.

Day 2 Cultural Introductory Tour - Drive to Mulkot

After breakfast, we start our guided cultural tour around Kathmandu Valley. You will experience the numerous colors, sounds, and tastes of authentic Kathmandu and its surroundings.

You will take a short drive to Kathmandu Durbar Square, an ancient site that used to be the residence of the Nepali royal family and administrators. It incorporates an architecturally extraordinary complex of ancient palaces, temples, courtyards, and shrines dating from the 15th to the 18th century.

After that, visit Swayambhunath (monkey temple), which is the magnificent ancient religious architecture and center faith of Hinduism and Buddhism. This place provides a great chance to observe the religious harmony in Nepal.

In the afternoon you take a drive to Mulkot, a small settlement, from where Manthali Airport is just 37 km away (1 hour’s drive).

  • Accommodation in a hotel
  • Breakfast included
  • Tour duration: approx. 4 hours
  • Altitude above sea level: Kathmandu (1,302m), Mulkot (493m) 

Day 3 Start trek. Ramechhap - Lukla: Hike to Phakding (~4-5 hrs)

After an early breakfast, you will be transferred to the Ramechhap airport for a spectacular flight to the mountain airstrip at Lukla. During the flight, you get to see the world’s soaring mountains including  Cho Oyu (8,153m), Lhotse (8,516m), Gauri Shankar (7,145m), Menlungtse (7,181m).

Once landed at Lukla, you will set off on the hike to Phakding. You follow the ridge on the bank of the milky Dudh Koshi River to the village of Phakding. Dudh Koshi, or Milk River, is named for its chalky color that emerges from all the glaciers up above.

Follow this river the rest of the day, passing through picturesque hamlets filled with tea houses, suspension bridges, and shops, carved Mani stones, prayer wheels, and packed animals. At the end of your walk, you arrive at the Phakding.

  • Accommodation in a lodge
  • Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included
  • Hiking duration: 4-5 hours approx.
  • Altitude above sea level: Lukla (2,840m), Phakding (2,610m)

Day 4 Phakding - Namche Bazaar (~6-7 hrs)

After a hearty breakfast, you will cross and re-cross the thundering glacial "Dudh" (milk) Koshi river. Sections of today's walk are through pine forests and cleared areas to reveal terraced fields and a variety of crops. You pass small groups of donkeys and yaks carrying trading goods and trek gear along the trail. You will also walk through the villages of Benkar, Monjo, and Jorsale, to then climb to the market town of Namche.

Namche is the largest town in the Khumbu region, surrounded by an awe-inspiring natural setting. This vibrant village is a central hub of the area and food, sundries and even mountain climbing equipment may be purchased here.

  • Accommodation in a lodge
  • Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included
  • Hiking time: 6-7 hours approx.
  • Altitude above sea level: 3,445 m.

Day 5 Namche: Acclimatization Day

Namche is an ideal place for acclimatization, as there is plenty to do. You can take a short walk above the town to get a view of Everest. You might spot yaks grazing nearby, or a Himalayan Tahr (wild goat) balancing perfectly on the cliffs. There is also an interesting Sherpa Culture Museum which is well worth a visit.

Spend the afternoon at leisure. You can either relax or visit the colorful Namche Bazaar.

  • Accommodation in a lodge
  • Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included
  • Hiking duration: 2-3 hours approx.
  • Altitude above sea level: 3,963m.

Day 6 Namche - Phortse (~5 hrs)

After breakfast, you leave Namche behind and take a steady climb. Further, the steep walk takes you to the Mong La pass (3,975 m) with spectacular views of Ama Dablam and Khumbila mountains. We stop at Mong La Pass for lunch.

Walk through a steep downhill to the river below and then up to reach Phortse, a traditional Sherpa village, where you may encounter mountain goats or Lophophorus, the national bird of Nepal.

  • Accommodation in a lodge
  • Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included
  • Hiking duration: 5 hours approx.
  • Altitude above sea level: 3,810 m.

Day 7 Phortse - Dingboche (~5-6 hrs)

Today we take one of the most beautiful trails, with an outstanding view of an enormous mountain and deep valley. We walk through typical Sherpa villages like Pangboche. There, the ancient monastery filled with ancient sculptures and the exaggerated appearance of carved masks is a must-see.

On the way to our lunch spot, you can see musk deer, mountain goats, and birds. Further, continue up the glacial valley toward Dingboche to be welcomed by the Buddhist Stupa.

  • Accommodation in a Lodge
  • Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included
  • Hiking duration: 5 – 6 hrs. approx.
  • Altitude above sea level: 4,350 m (Dingboche)

Day 8 Dingboche: Acclimatization Day

You spend the acclimatization day of your Everest Base Camp trek in Dingboche today. A hike to Nagerjun Hill would be a great option to spend time at Dingboche. The hike provides panoramic views of Lobuche East and West, Kangtega, Taboche Peak, and the Ama Dablam.

You can also embark on a couple of hours' hike towards Chukkung. Also, you have the option to take a day hike to Samso Chopo Ridge. This hike is one of the least crowded and most picturesque of the trip.

  • Accommodation in a lodge
  • Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included
  • Hike duration: Optional 3 hours hike to Nangkartshang (View Point), Chukung village approx. 5-6 hours, Samso Chopo Ridge 6 hrs. Approx.
  • Altitude above sea level: Nangkartshang (5,080 m), Chukung village (4,730 m), Samso Chopo Ridge (5,140 m)

Day 9 Dingboche - Lobuche (~5 hrs)

After breakfast, we start trekking uphill gradually along a plateau of yak herder shelters. The trail offers superb views of different mountains including Everest. An important part of the hike will be the visit to the Sherpa Memorial, a park to remember those who lost their lives climbing Everest.

You then keep hiking into the glacial moraine, to finally reach the valley of Lobuche where you will spend the night.

  • Accommodation in a lodge
  • Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included
  • Hike duration: 5 hours approx.
  • Altitude above sea level: 4,931 m.

Day 10 Lobuche - Gorak Shep - Everest Base Camp - Gorak Shep (~8-9 hrs)

Today is the main day as you summit Everest Base Camp. Leaving Lobuche, the trail to Gorak Shep is extraordinary through the rocky moraine undulating trail.

After a light lunch at Gorakshep, continue to hike across the rocks towards the several colorful prayer flags that mark the spot.  Celebrations and screams fill the air as you reach the spot that marks where base camp is.

Spectacular views of the notorious Khumbu icefall will be revealed in proximity. After spending remarkable time in the base camp, you take a descent back to Gorakshep.

  • Accommodation in a lodge
  • Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included
  • Hiking duration: (Lobuche – Gorak Shep) 3hrs approx. (Everest Base Camp) 4–5 hrs. approx.
  • Altitude above sea level: Gorak Shep (5,288 m), Everest Base Camp (5,360 m)

Day 11 Gorak Shep - Kalapathar - Pheriche (~8 hrs)

In the early morning, you set off for Kala Patthar, the big hill located next to Gorak Shep. Kalapathar is a popular vantage point for panoramic vistas of Mount Everest, Nuptse, Lhotse, Pumori, and several other peaks. Like sunrise and sunset, the views are more vibrant. Kalapattar is one of the prime highlights of the Everest Base Camp Trek.

After soaking up the captivating views from Kala Patthar, you will begin descending back down to Gorakshep for the breakfast. Thereafter, you continue to trek down to Pheriche.

  • Accommodation in a lodge
  • Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included
  • Hiking duration: (Gorak Shep – Kalapathar) 3 hrs. approx. (Pheriche) 5 hrs. approx
  • Altitude above sea level: Kalapathar (5,545 m); Pheriche (4,240 m) 

Day 12 Pheriche - Namche (~8 hrs)

Have breakfast and get back to the tree line area and retrace your steps back to Pangboche. After two hours climb, you will reach Tengboche, where you can visit the Tengboche monastery.

The trail is a domain of native animals like Tahr and Goral, both endangered species of wild goat antelope, along with the musk deer. In the spring, the soaring rhododendron forests of various types and colors decorate the landscape.

From Tengboche, continue to take the descent trail all the way to Namche. If you are trekking during the month of October-November, you get an opportunity to see the delightful Mani Rimdu Festival celebrated in Tengboche monastery.

  • Accommodation in a lodge
  • Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included
  • Hiking duration: 8 hours approx.
  • Altitude above sea level: 3,445 m. Namche

Day 13 End trek. Trek Namche-Lukla (~7 hrs)

After breakfast, you take a descent to Monjo. Further, continue to descend to the Dudh Koshi valley through the villages of Phakding, Ghat, and Cheplung.
As the roar of the fast-rolling Dudh Koshi River is always in the background you will cross numerous suspension bridges. Charming villages, farms with terraces, and several monasteries are also visible throughout the hike.

Once you reach Chaurikharka, start climbing the final hill of the trek to reach Lukla.

  • Accommodation in a lodge
  • Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included
  • Hiking duration: 7 hours approx.
  • Altitude above sea level: 2,840 m. Lukla

Day 14 Lukla - Ramechhap - Kathmandu

You will have an early breakfast and then fly back to Ramechhap from Lukla airport. Once you land at Ramechhap airport, you will take a drive back to Kathmandu.

  • Accommodation in a hotel
  • Breakfast included
  • Flight duration: 25 minutes approx.
  • Altitude above sea level: 1,302 m. Kathmandu

Day 15 Buffer Day

Today is also a spare day in case of bad weather in Lukla if we could not fly on the scheduled date and time. You can spend your leisure time shopping for souvenirs for your beloved ones or simply relaxing after an exhausting but momentous adventure.

  • Accommodation in a hotel
  • Breakfast included
  • Altitude above sea level: 1,302 m.

Day 16 Kathmandu (departure day)

It is time to fly back home, keeping all the incredible experiences of Nepal in mind. The representative from “Yugen Earthside” will transfer you to TIA airport, where you should check in 3 hours prior to your scheduled flight.

  • Accommodation in a hotel
  • Breakfast included
  • Altitude above sea level: 1,302 m. Kathmandu

Route Map

Inclusions & Exclusions

  • Private transfer to/from Ramechhap

  • Guided Kathmandu sightseeing tour with entrance fee

  • Internal flight: Ramechhap-Lukla –Ramechhap

  • 3 nights in Hotel Manaslu or similar in Kathmandu with breakfast

  • 1-night hotel in Mulkot with breakfast

  • Tea house lodges during the trek on full board

  • Trek Permit & National Park Fees

  • Staff insurance on the trek

  • Trek guide, assistant guide & porter/s

  • Map

  • Additional tours and meals not mentioned

  • Beverages

  • Personal equipment

  • Personal bills

  • Visas

  • Excess Baggage beyond 15 kilos including day pack

  • Travel Insurance (for cancellation, accident, health, emergency evacuation and loss, theft of or damage to baggage and personal effects)

  • Liability insurance

  • Tips

Pricing

Prices exclude flights to/from the destination.

Prices are for double room occupancy unless indicated otherwise.

Contact us for pricing if your group has more than 10 travelers.

  • Deposit per person

    $200 pp

  • Group of 2-4 Travelers - price per person

    $2,050

  • Group of 5-10 Travelers - price per person

    $1,900

  • Single Supplement

    $150 (if traveling with a group and you prefer a private room in the Kathmandu hotel)

Sustainability

Our company is Travelife certified, and we are committed to minimizing our negative impact on the environment and society. To achieve this, we work with our business partners such as accommodation providers and excursion providers to encourage the adoption of sustainable practices. We also create awareness among our guests and staff about the importance of sustainability. We believe that by promoting sustainable tourism, we can contribute to the preservation of natural and cultural resources for future generations.

Environmental Initiatives

We have taken various measures to reduce our carbon footprint. For example, we encourage guests to bring reusable water bottles and water filter tablets to reduce plastic waste. Our guides also collect trash along the trail and dispose of it in designated areas. During the trip, we avoid plastic-related items as much as possible, and we use cloth bags instead. Additionally, the trip is centered around trekking, which is a low-carbon impact activity. Our accommodations, including hotels and mountain lodges, are environmentally friendly, and most electricity and heating are generated by solar power and village electricity schemes.

Lastly, our office is an example of our economic practices, where we prioritize the use of sustainable products. We use biodegradable hand soap and cleaning powder, which are handmade and hand-packed by women from poor, remote communities. The office is solar-powered, and we use energy-efficient lights and water-efficient toilets. By incorporating sustainable practices in all aspects of our operations, we aim to promote responsible tourism that benefits both the environment and society.

Sociocultural Initiatives

We support the local community in various ways. The mountain lodges we use are made by locals with local materials, and they employ locals as staff. These lodges serve organic meals prepared from local produce and ingredients, catering to guests' dietary requirements such as vegetarian and vegan. The trip also includes hiking through villages, providing guests with an opportunity to interact with locals and witness their traditions and way of life.

Health & Safety

Be sure you have traveler's insurance.

FAQs

What does the Physical Rating of "Strenuous" mean?

You should be able to walk for 7 to 9 hrs in a day on undulating terrain (i.e. going up and downhill) and not feel exhausted! There are also a few steep hills to negotiate (takes about 2hrs) and so you should be ready for these.

Physical fitness for trekking is important and we recommend you undertake a variety of exercises to prepare for your trek, and specific activities that you relish to help you stay motivated. It is also important to take on some outdoor trek training, rather than just walking on flat terrain.

Pre-existing health conditions can create trekking at high altitudes even more complicated for you. We do recommend you consult your doctor or health advisor beforehand and talk about your trekking plans to take medical advice.

When is the best time of year to visit Nepal?

There are two main trekking seasons in Nepal: Spring and Autumn. It is also possible to trek in Nepal during Winter as well.

What are the accommodations like?

You will be staying in different types of accommodations. The hotels are all boutique, ranging from 3-5 star categories. The hotels offer furnished rooms with all the modern amenities and Wi-Fi. We accommodate our guests at established hotels that are sustainable and implement safety, security as well as quality plan.

For the rest of the days we offer lodges. We carefully select them to be as environmentally friendly as possible while of good quality and comfort. Generally, they have a clean and basic shared room containing two or three beds. Mattress, pillows, blankets, and sheets are provided. Services vary according to altitude so, lodges in higher altitudes tend to be more basic.

Meals served at the lodges range from local Nepali dishes to western food like steaks and chips. For breakfast, you can choose porridge, cornflakes, Tibetan bread with honey, boiled eggs, an omelet, and tea for breakfast. While you can also select a wide range of food for lunch and dinner such as Nepali Thali set, momo, thukpa, pizza, noodle soup, fried noodles, fried rice (veg, meat), curry, and pizza.

What clothes and personal kit should I bring on my trek in Nepal?

Trekking equipment and clothing are requisite items for the trekking and expedition in the Himalayas. The following trekking gear and clothes are essential to bring for your trekking:

Lightweight walking boots with ankle support and rubber soles are best, along with waterproof/wind trousers, jackets, and gloves. Down jackets are also recommended due to the higher altitude, along with light, comfortable, and quick-drying T-shirts, jumpers, and trekking trousers. Thermal underclothing is also advisable. A torch or head torch with spare batteries, a basic medical kit, and a multipurpose knife are also essential for the treks. We highly encourage bringing sunglasses with UV protection, for the sun and snow can be quite harmful to your eyes.

Other important items to bring include reusable bottles, tissue and toilet paper, a separate change of clothes to wear in the lodges and overnight, a 30-liter day bag, and a duffel bag to make transport easier on the porters. Snacks such as energy bars, electrolyte replacement drinks, cookies, and multivitamins are recommended.

Additionally, you should bring suntan lotion, soap, toothpaste, and insect repellent if you trek during the summer months. As regards accessories, we suggest that you bring camera equipment, binoculars, adapters, and earplugs. A Nepalese phrasebook, a walking stick, a cotton scarf or bandana, a sun hat, chapstick with SPF protection, spare shoelaces, a padlock or combination lock, whistles for emergencies, and a large plastic bag for lining your backpack are all items that would come in handy during this holiday trek.

Can I rent or purchase trekking equipment and snacks in Kathmandu to save bringing from home?

Yes, there are stores to buy clothes and personal equipment, we recommend Shonas Store in Thamel. So, in case you do not already have the personal gear, there is no need to purchase it at home.

Will it be possible to recharge the camera batteries? Do mobile phones work on the trek?

In most lodges, it is possible to recharge your batteries. The cost is approx. 300 rupees (US $ 4) per hour of charging.

Over the last few years, the mobile/ cell phone network has improved significantly in more remote areas of Nepal. There are now cell phone masts installed at Gorakshep so it is possible to get 3G connectivity throughout the entire Everest Base Camp trek. It is advisable to use local SIMs which are very reasonable. You will need one passport picture and a passport copy to get them. Roaming would be very expensive to use.

The electrical sockets in Nepal are one of two types: the most common being the European two-pin plug and also in some places the Indian three-pin plugs are also used.

What happens if I get sick in Nepal? Do I need to take malarial medicine as a prophylactic when traveling in Nepal?

On the vast majority of our trips, there are no issues with sickness as we allow sufficient time for acclimatization to the high altitude and people follow our guidelines regarding health and hygiene.

We strongly recommend you visit your local doctor or travel clinic before departure to get their latest advice.

How long do I need to trek every day?

The walk after breakfast is usually 3-4 hours long. Stop.
for lunch and take a rest and then walk for another 2-3 hours to the campsite/lodge.

We encourage members to walk at their own pace. There will usually be a guide to bring up the rear. On average you walk for about 6 to 7 hours on a trek per day.

Do I need travel insurance covered while trekking/traveling in Nepal?

Yes, travel insurance is a must for air/surface evacuation, medical, and lost baggage (especially cameras).

Where do I get my Nepal Visa?

All nationals must hold a valid passport. Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your expected date of departure from Nepal.
An entry visa for all Nationals except Indians for Nepal is required. You need to arrange these prior to departure with the relevant embassy/consulate or you even get a visa on arrival. If you plan to obtain it in Nepal be sure to bring one passport-size photo with you for this purpose as well as the current visa fee in cash.

Are the trekking guides certified?

Our guides are well-trained, certified guides, have many years of experience in providing customized services, and speak very good English. They are trained in First Aid procedures and carry a comprehensive First Aid kit as well.

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