This high-altitude trek through Sherpa country brings you to the base of the world's tallest peak. You'll pass hilltop monasteries, Himalayan market towns, and craggy peaks as you follow in the footsteps of famous mountaineers—eventually making your way to the iconic starting point for all Everest expeditions.
Highlights
- Watch the sun set on Mt. Everest & Lhotse from Kala Patthar viewpoint
- Experience and learn about Sherpa culture, who have made this region their home
- Sip tea or coffee at one of the world's highest markets, Namche Bazaar
- Experience ground zero for all Everest expeditions at the foot of the Khumbu Ice Fall
Trek Overview
This classic trek takes you up and down the main trekking route in the heart of the Solu Khumbu. While there are many other stunning areas in the Khumbu, if your main goal is to reach Everest Base Camp, this is the trek for you. You'll get amazing mountain views and great experience of being high up in the Himalaya. Where there is smoke, there is usually fire—and if there's a good reason why this trek is so popular.
That said, this trek is not for everyone. If you're looking for a remote, undisturbed, away-from-it-all trek, you may want to consider longer versions of this trek (see below) or another region entirely. Especially during the spring and the fall, the Everest Base Camp route is busy, crowded, and comes with many of the modern amenities of back home, like WIFI, which you may be hoping to get away from.
Accessing This Trek
Most people opt to fly into Lukla, which is the starting point for most Everest base camp treks, including this one. But if you have the time and are looking for a challenge, you can trek in from Salleri. The scenic hub—headquarters of the Solu Khumbu region—can be reached by flight, bus, or jeep from Kathmandu, although accessibility depends on road conditions. Adding another four days to your trip, the extra trek guarantees a peaceful prelude to the more strenuous climb that awaits.
Best Time To Go
The Everest region can be visited year-round, although the spring (March to May) and the fall (late September to early November) are the best time for clear skies and comfortable temperatures. The winter (late November to February) can be quite cold with below-freezing temperatures—especially above Namche Bazaar and the summer (late June to early September) comes with clouds and potential flight delays out of Lukla.
Still, these off-seasons are a great opportunity to have a more unique experience of the Everest Base Camp trek. Even during the monsoon, the sky often clears up once you ascend above Namche Bazaar. And during winter, you'll encounter very few people on the trail and see the villages and valley covered in a light dusting of snow. Teahouses will also be more available and accommodating and you'll have more time to interact with the local people (although many will have left for Kathmandu for the winter).
If you would like to catch a glimpse of Everest expeditions in action and see their base camps the spring is the best time to go. The population of camps at Base Camp surges with dozens of expedition groups. You may not exactly experience the serenity of nature, but it's exciting to rub shoulders with soon-to-be Everest summiteers.
Accommodation During the Trek
The Everest Base Camp route is dotted with local teahouses where most trekkers spend the night. For more information on what these local teahouses are like, check out our article on Teahouse Trekking in Nepal. There are also luxury lodges, like Yeti Mountain Home and Everest Summit Lodges, available during the first 5-6 days of the trek. A great option we often recommend is to have a mixture of luxury lodges and local teahouses during your trek.
Unique Ways To Do This Trek
For a more unique experience, consider doing this trek during the monsoon season (June to September) when you'll have fewer crowds with still the potential of great views, especially at higher elevations. Or, if you have more time, you can start your trek from Salleri, in the Lower Everest region, and avoid the possibility of flight delays from Kathmandu to Lukla. You'll also be fitter and more acclimatized by the time you reach the upper Everest region, allowing you to enjoy this part of the trek even more. Best of all, there are hardly any people, lots of wildflowers out, the locals have time to talk to you and you will still see plenty of mountain views in the early mornings.
Itinerary
Day 1: Welcome to vibrant Kathmandu, where your Nepal adventure begins.
Upon clearance of the customs and immigration process, our staff will be in the Airport to meet you and transfer you to the hotel. After refreshment, your guide briefed you about your trekking program. Overnight at Samsara Resort or similar 3-star hotel
Day 2: Fly to Lukla and hike through colorful villages to Phakding.
In the very early morning (before 6 a.m.), we transfer to the airport to catch the scenic flight to Lukla, the entrance of Everest Base Camp Trek. The trek begins with a 4-hour hike down through terraced hillsides and along stone fences to the Dudh Kosi River and across a hanging bridge to our night in Phakding. Take notice of the huge boulder inscribed with the Buddhist prayer, "Om mani pad me hum" and be sure to hike clockwise around these special "mani (prayer) stones." Throughout the trek you'll encounter the local Buddhist people reciting this mantra over and over again – a virtuous deed believed to influence the next life.
Trekking: 4.5 miles, 3 to 4 hours. From Lukla (9,320'/2,840m) we lose 920'/280m over the first 3 miles, then hike a relatively flat final 1.5 miles to arrive in Phakding (8,560'/2,610m).
Day 3: Hike through fields and villages from Phakding to Namche Bazaar.
The dawn's air is crisp as the sun won't reach the bottom of the Dudh Kosi Valley until mid-morning, but your morning wake-up call each day on our trek is delivered complete with a hot cup of tea and a warm bowl of washing water delivered right to your room. After a hearty breakfast, we set out on the trail as it wanders through rolling terrain, past traditional homes, plowed fields, and pine and cedar forests. Ascending slowly to the entrance of Sagarmatha National Park, the snowy peak of Thamserku (21,680'/6,608m) gives us a taste of the unmatched mountain scenery to come. Lunch provides fuel for the final push, a steep 2,000'/610m hike to the village of Namche Bazaar. Namche is the largest Sherpa village and has long been the primary staging area for major Himalayan expeditions. It is a major establishment because of the abundant source of fresh water and its lively bazaar on Saturdays. PEREGRINE TREKS has a long history here and has cultivated many friendships. We know you'll enjoy this very special place and we'll spend two nights here on our way to the mountain. All meals included.
Trekking: 5.6 miles, 6 hours; elevation gain: 920'/280m over the first 4.2 miles, then 2,000'/610m in the final 1.4 miles for a total of 2,920'/890m to reach Namche Bazaar (11,285'/3,440m).
Day 4: Day hike for our first views of Everest, then return to Namche Bazaar.
Temple horns and yak bells awaken us to a sunrise surrounded by snowy summits over 20,000'/6,100m high! Today is an acclimatization day, meaning we plan to hike high to gain strength, then descend again to sleep low, enabling our bodies to better adjust to the altitude before we continue our ascent. A slow and steady pace with adequate time for acclimatization is key to an enjoyable trek. Peaks we'll view as we set out today include Kwangde (20,930'/6,380m), Thamserku (21,680'/6,608m), and Kangtega (21,932'/6,685m). And what's more, as we ascend to around 12,500'/3,820m we earn truly stunning views of Nuptse (25,790'/7,861m), Lhotse (27,605'/8,414m), AmaDablam (22,493'/6,856m) and even Mount Everest (29,035'/8,850m). Tonight we overnight again in Namche Bazaar. All meals included.
Trekking: 3 to 3.5 miles, 4 to 5 hours; elevation gain/loss: 1,250'/380m.
Day 5: Ascend to the village of Phortse Tenga through the rhododendron forest.
From Namche Bazaar, our trek leaves the standard Base Camp trail for the next two days. Crossing the valley, we ascend through a rhododendron forest traversing the beautiful southern slope of Khumbila, the sacred mountain of the Sherpas, which cannot be climbed. We trek over Moung La pass (13,000'/3,960m), stopping for lunch with the spectacular peak of Thamserku looming in the near background. Then we descended to PhortseTenga alongside the DudhKoshiRiver and fed by the glaciers, which are the tenth highest peak in the world, Cho Oyo. Finally, we ascend another 45 minutes or so through picturesque birch and rhododendron forest to Phortse where we'll stay for the night. Watch for iridescent imply pheasants, tahr mountain goats, and possibly musk deer when walking through the forests and among the high farms today. All meals included.
Trekking: 5.3 miles, 6 to 7 hours; elevation gain from Namche to Moung La pass: 1,705'/520m covered in 3.3 miles; elevation loss: 920'/280m in 1 mile to the Dudh Koshi River. Crossing a bridge there, our final ascent to Phortse (12,500'/3,810m) gains 425'/130m in just under 1 mile. Total elevation gain: 2,130'/650; total elevation loss: 920'/280m.
Day 6: Half-day ascent to visit Pangboche's impressive monastery.
Today we enjoy a leisurely half-day ascent to Pangboche during the morning hours. This more leisurely hike leads along a scenic contour, gradually gaining another 400'/120m as we approach our Pangboche camp situation among small traditional homes and fields. After lunch and a bit of rest, we'll enjoy a unique opportunity to visit Pangboche Monastery, the oldest monastery in the Mount Everest region. Lama SangwaDorji, believed to be the Peregrine Treks incarnation of Guru Rinpoche, founder of Buddhism in Tibet in the eight century and one of its most significant figures, is said to have founded Pangboche Monastery. The ancient and very special nature of this place is easily felt by visitors. Returning to camp for dinner, enjoy sitting among the 400-year-old juniper trees as you gaze across the valley at the magnificent mountain scenery here. All meals included.
Trekking: 3 miles, 3 to 4 hours; elevation gain: 400'/120m to Pangboche (12,895'/3,930m).
Day 7: Hike to Dingboche, the highest permanent Sherpa village in the Khumbu.
Today's hike is an extended half-day, with a challenging and scenic climb to Dingboche (14,400'/4,410m). After ascending fairly gradually along the river ImjaKhola for the better part of the morning, our trail swings off the main track to the east and climbs slowly up to the windswept potato fields of Dingboche village, the highest permanent Sherpa settlement in the region. AmaDablam's razor edges are particularly dramatic here. We'll expect to have arrived and enjoyed a late lunch by around 1:00 pm, so consider packing an energy bar or snack in your daypack as we set out in the morning. After lunch, the remainder of the afternoon is yours to rest, journal, read, enjoy the views, and soak in your surroundings. All meals included.
Trekking: 4 miles, 4 to 4.5 hours; elevation gain: 1,575'/480m.
Day 8: Day hike to remote monastic caves and views of Makalu.
We've scheduled another important acclimatization day today. To this point in the trek, we've ascended over 5,150'/1,570m, and before we attempt to sleep any higher, we'll once again hike high today then descend to sleep low for one more night. There are many options available to us, and the most likely is one of our Sherpa guides' favorite hikes. Few visitors to the Everest region will ascend the base of NangkarTshang peak, and this 3.5 to 5 hour round trip leads past cliff-side sacred sites to a stunning view of Makalu, the world's 5th highest peak at 27,762'/8,462m. We'll hike as high as we reasonably can, reaching our high point somewhere between 15,700'/4,785m and 16,400'/5,000m, then return to 14,400'/4,410m. This should help the body acclimatize more effectively, as the next three days bring ever more increasing challenges. All meals included.
Optional trekking: 3 to 4 miles, 3.5 to 5 hours; elevation gain/loss: 1,300' to 2,000'/375m to 590m.
Day 09: Traverse the Pheriche Valley and ascend past the Khumbu glacier.
Our ascent today begins with a gentle climb along the upper trail headed into the Pheriche valley. Well above Pheriche and the valley floor, we contour along the northwest side of the valley through alpine scrub and yak pastures, enjoying panoramic views of Tawoche (20,890'/6,367m) and Cholotse (20,785'/6,335m). Directly behind us, AmaDablam appears to rise directly from the valley floor to its fullest snowy height. After about two hours of gradual ascent along this path, we reach Thokla Pass and begin a challenging but relatively short ascent of about 690'/210m. At the top of the pass, long strands of prayer flags connect monuments and memorials dedicated to Himalayan climbers who've perished in pursuit of their climbing dreams. The scenery becomes ever more exceptional as we crest the pass to panoramic views of Nuptse, Lhotse, Lhotse Shar, and other 7,000+meter peaks. We continue hiking beyond Thokla Pass to reach Lobuche, a sparse trekkers' outpost amid dramatic alpine scenery where we'll stay for one night. The next two days will be very challenging, so it is important to eat well and drink lots of water tonight. You are likely to be tired by the end of this tough yet beautiful day of trekking. All meals included.
Trekking: 5 miles, 5 to 6 hours, elevation gain: 690'/210m over 2.5 miles before ascending Thokla Pass, gaining 690'/210m over a steep, short .5 mile section. Then, 265'/80m over 1 mile to reach Lobuche (16,110'/4,910m ). Total elevation gain: 1,645'/500m.
Day 10: Climb Kala Patar or hike to Everest Base Camp.
We pick our way through boulders and rock while trekking about 3 hours to reach Gorakshep. This tiny outpost resides in the immediate shadow of Kala Patar. We arrive in time for lunch and then evaluate conditions before moving on. If the weather suggests clear views, we'll set out for the summit of Kala Patar to enjoy the exceptional view of Mt. Everest (29,028') from its summit. If the views seem less likely to open up for us, we will instead head up on the 3-4 hour hike to Everest Base Camp, saving Kala Patar for the following morning. In either case, we may descend in the dark to Gorakshep, so bring warm clothes, a headlamp and check your batteries before setting out. Both hikes are optional but exceptional. You'll be glad if you've saved some energy for these hikes. All meals included.
Trekking from Lobuche to Gorakshep (16,865'/5,140m): 3 hours; elevation gain to camp: 755'/230m.
Round trip GorakShep-Kala Patar (18,510'/5,640m): 2 miles; 3 to 4 hours; elevation gain/loss: 1,645'/500m.
Round trip GorakShep-Everest Base Camp (17,600'/5,365m): 4.5 miles, 3 to 3.5 hours; elevation gain/loss: 735'/225m.
Note: While we travel to the Everest Base Camp area, we do not visit the climbing camp out of respect for the climbers' health and privacy.
Day 11: Cross Pheriche Pass and visit Deboche Nunnery.
Today we cover a lot of ground and descend thousands of feet into far more oxygen-rich air. We'll enjoy a stop at the Himalayan Rescue Association clinic in Pheriche, which is an important medical facility for trekkers, climbers, and local people. Staffed by volunteer physicians, it is a very interesting waypoint on this remote trail that is new to us. After lunch, we emerge from the valley and climb a short distance to Pheriche Pass before descending to cross the river ImjaKhola. Climbing on through the park-like rhododendron forests bursting with flowers on spring departures, we eventually reach Deboche, our destination for the night. Deboche is situated in a picturesque setting and boasts a long and significant religious history. This afternoon we have the option to visit the site of an important nunnery. All meals included.
Trekking: 7.5 to 9 miles, 5 to 6 hours. Groups setting out from Lobuche (16,110'/4,910m) descend 3,970'/1,210m to the ImjaKhola River (12,140'/3,700m). Groups setting out from Thokla (15,155'/4,620m) descend 3,015'/920m to reach the same point. From the river, the way is mostly flat to Deboche (12,170'/3,710m.
Day 12: Trek to Namche Bazaar, with views of Everest, Lhotse, and AmaDablam.
Today is another full day of descent with a healthy dose of uphill mixed in. We depart Deboche and climb a short 330'/100m to Tengboche Monastery. This Tibetan Buddhist temple sits at 12,685'/3,860m and offers us a glimpse into the monastic life. After a visit here, we continue descending to the Dudh Koshi river then climb for 1.5 hours to Kyangjuma for lunch. We finish our hike with a gradually descending walk from Kyangjuma to Namche Bazaar (11,285'/3,440m), where we'll enjoy once again the unforgettable panoramic views of Lhotse, Nuptse, Everest, and AmaDablam. We'll spend the night in Namche Bazaar where you can find services like internet access, local bars, and souvenir shops. There will likely be time to explore Namche Bazaar on your own before dinner. All meals included.
Trekking: 6 miles, 6 hours. Groups setting out from Deboche ascend 495'/150m over 1 mile to reach Tengboche (12,665'/3,860m), then all groups descend 2,005'/610m in 1.25 miles to the ImjaKhola River (10,660'/3,250m) before climbing 985'/300m in 1.75 miles to Kyangjuma (11,645'/3,550m). After lunch, we hike 2 miles to reach Namche Bazaar, losing another 360'/110m. Total elevation gain: 985' to 1,480'/300m to 450m; total elevation loss: 2,365'/720m
Day 13: Leave Namche Bazaar and descend to Lukla.
Leaving Namche Bazaar, we have a big descent today to Phakding. If the weather is clear, take plenty of photos of your final views of the great peaks we've enjoyed so much along the way, including Everest, Lhotse, and AmaDablam. We'll not see them again after reaching camp tonight. In Phakding, we'll stay in Yeti Mountain Lodge and enjoy another spectacular Himalayan sunset before turning in.
Today is a challenging final day of trekking from Phakding to Lukla as we begin with a descent, then climb 600' to end in Lukla as we leave the long trail behind. After the climb, enjoy a night in a small lodge where you can shower and then look forward to a truly memorable farewell party with all of the wonderful support staff that have contributed so much to the success of our great adventure. Overnight in Lukla. All meals included.
Day 14: Return flight from Lukla to Kathmandu, weather permitting.
We must prepare for our return flight to Kathmandu very early this morning. Taking off from the Lukla airstrip is an exhilarating experience, and our last look at the snowy Himalayas is bittersweet. After the flight, we are met by our ground staff and transferred to our hotel for hot showers, clean clothes and a relaxed day. Our staff will have double-checked your flights out and will update you on any important changes. Then the remaining of the day is for free time. Breakfast is included.
Note about flights: Most treks run during the best weather conditions of the year, and there is an extra day at the end of the trek to allow for poor weather, sightseeing, and shopping. Flights to and from Lukla are not always dependable; weather conditions may cause flight cancellations. Delays are possible at any time of year but are more typical of the summer departures. Costs of any evacuation are in addition to any previously paid air/land costs and are billed to trip members upon return to their States; thus, we highly recommend the purchase the trip insurance.
Days 15: Our Everest Base Camp trekking adventure ends today in Kathmandu.
We transfer to the airport for homeward-bound flights. This transfer is provided and will be tailored to suit your scheduled departure.
Note on Itinerary
Although we generally adhere to the schedule above, the itinerary is subject to change for numerous reasons beyond our control, including weather and terrain conditions, suitable campsite availability, and the group's general fitness level. It is important to understand that our trek is logistically complex, and it is not unusual that adjustments be made. Your guide will orient you each evening to the following day's plan, and their good judgment is the key to the long history of successful treks that PEREGRINE TREKS have led in the Everest region. Please remember that our ability to make adjustments as needed helps to ensure that your trek is successful.
