Everest Base Camp Classic
Most lovedModerateGuaranteed departures

Everest Base Camp Classic

5.0 · 350 reviews5,364mKhumbu, Nepal
Duration
16 days
Max altitude
5,545m
Difficulty
Moderate
Group size
6–10
Best season
Spring & Autumn

The world’s most iconic trek, paced the right way

The Everest Base Camp Trek is one of the planet’s great walks, a journey through rhododendron forest, swaying suspension bridges, and Sherpa villages steeped in Buddhist tradition, beneath Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, and Cho Oyu. It became a global dream after Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay first summited Everest on May 29, 1953, and reaching Base Camp has drawn adventurers ever since.

The journey begins with a scenic 30-minute flight to Lukla, gateway to the Everest region. From there the trail follows the Dudh Koshi Valley through Namche Bazaar, Tengboche, and Dingboche, climbing steadily into the heart of the Khumbu.

You’ll stand at Everest Base Camp (5,364m) beside the Khumbu Icefall, then climb Kala Patthar (5,545m) at first light for the clearest panorama of Everest itself. Our 16-day plan includes two acclimatization days and a buffer day for Lukla flights, because the mountain rewards patience, not speed.

Covering roughly 130 km round trip over 11 trekking days, the route is non-technical and suited to fit hikers, even without prior high-altitude experience. The real challenge is altitude, not terrain, which is exactly why our pacing matters.

Annapurna in Comfort

Great to see on the Everest

The world's highest peak nearby your naked eyes. The view is heart touching. Everyone dreams of it. Welcome to the Himalaya.

Key facts at a glance

RegionKhumbu, Nepal
Start / endLukla (flight from KTM)
Total distance~130 km round trip
Highest pointKala Patthar, 5,545m
Base Camp elevation5,364m
DifficultyModerate
AccommodationHotel + teahouses
Best seasonsSpring & Autumn

Trip highlights

Kala Patthar sunrise (5,545m) for close-up views of Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, and Pumori.

Four 8,000m peaks in view, Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, and Cho Oyu.

Evening prayers at Tengboche Monastery, the largest in the Khumbu.

The famous Lukla flight onto one of the world’s most dramatic runways.

Trek through Sagarmatha National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Authentic teahouse nights, dal bhat, butter tea, and Sherpa hospitality.

Day-by-day itinerary

Day
1
Arrive in Kathmandu (1,400m)Hotel+

Met at Tribhuvan International Airport by our team and transferred privately to your hotel. Rest and settle in after your flight.

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Day
2
Kathmandu, briefing & prepHotelBreakfast+

Meet your guide for a full trek briefing, gear check, and any last-minute rentals. Receive your duffel, down jacket, sleeping bag, and trek map.

Day
3
Fly to Lukla, trek to Phakding (2,610m)GuesthouseAll meals3–4 hrs+

Scenic mountain flight to Lukla, then an easy walk along the Dudh Koshi through pine forest and prayer-flag-draped bridges.

Day
4
Trek to Namche Bazaar (3,440m)GuesthouseAll meals7 hrs+

Enter Sagarmatha National Park at Monjo, cross the Hillary Bridge, and climb 800m to the vibrant Sherpa hub of Namche.

Day
5
Acclimatization, Everest View Hotel (3,880m)GuesthouseAll meals3–4 hrs+

Climb-high, sleep-low hike to the world's highest hotel for first views of Everest, Lhotse, and Ama Dablam.

Day
6
Trek to Tengboche (3,860m)GuesthouseAll meals5–6 hrs+

Ridge trails open to dramatic peaks before the climb to Tengboche, where you can join the monks' evening prayers.

Day
7
Trek to Dingboche (4,410m)GuesthouseAll meals5–6 hrs+

Cross the Imja Khola and climb past Pangboche into wide, open alpine terrain beneath Ama Dablam.

Day
8
Acclimatization, Nangkartshang Hill (5,083m)GuesthouseAll meals4–5 hrs+

A demanding acclimatization climb with sweeping views of Makalu and Island Peak, then back to Dingboche to sleep low.

Day
9
Trek to Lobuche (4,910m) via Thukla PassGuesthouseAll meals5–6 hrs+

Pass the poignant climbers' memorials at Thukla before following the glacial valley to Lobuche.

Day
10
Everest Base Camp (5,364m), back to Gorak ShepGuesthouseAll meals8–9 hrs+

The big day. Rocky moraine beside the Khumbu Glacier leads to Base Camp and the Khumbu Icefall, then back to sleep at Gorak Shep.

Day
11
Kala Patthar (5,545m), descend to PhericheGuesthouseAll meals7 hrs+

Pre-dawn climb to the trek's highest point for the classic Everest panorama, then a long descent to Pheriche.

Day
12
Trek to Namche Bazaar (3,440m)GuesthouseAll meals7–8 hrs+

Descend through Pangboche and Tengboche back to the comfort of Namche.

Day
13
Trek to Lukla (2,860m)GuesthouseAll meals7–8 hrs+

The final trekking day retraces the Dudh Koshi valley to Lukla, a good evening to thank your crew.

Day
14
Fly to KathmanduHotelBreakfast+

Morning flight back to the city. Rest, shower, and receive your Everest Base Camp completion certificate.

Day
15
Reserve day in KathmanduHotelBreakfast+

A buffer day that protects your onward flight against Lukla weather delays, or a relaxed day to explore the city.

Day
16
Final departureBreakfast+

Private transfer to the airport for your onward journey, carrying the memory of the world's highest trail.

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Distance & daily stages

StageElevationDistanceTime
Lukla → Phakding2,860 → 2,610m8 km3–4 hrs
Phakding → Namche2,610 → 3,440m11 km6–7 hrs
Namche (acclimatize)hike to 3,880m6–8 kmrest day
Namche → Tengboche3,440 → 3,860m10 km5–6 hrs
Tengboche → Dingboche3,860 → 4,410m11 km5–6 hrs
Dingboche (acclimatize)hike to 5,083m~5 kmrest day
Dingboche → Lobuche4,410 → 4,910m11 km5–6 hrs
Lobuche → EBC → Gorak Shep4,910 → 5,364m15 km7–8 hrs
Kala Patthar → Pheriche5,545 → 4,210m14 km7 hrs

What's included

Included

  • Airport transfers & 3 nights hotel in Kathmandu (B&B)
  • Round-trip Kathmandu–Lukla flights (or Ramechhap transfer)
  • All teahouse accommodation on trek
  • Three meals a day during the trek
  • Licensed English-speaking guide & porters
  • Sagarmatha National Park & Khumbu permits
  • Duffel bag, down jacket & sleeping bag on loan
  • Oximeter monitoring & first-aid support

Not included

  • International flights & Nepal visa
  • Travel insurance (mandatory, incl. heli evacuation)
  • Lunch & dinner in Kathmandu
  • Personal expenses, hot showers, Wi-Fi, charging
  • Tips for guide and porters

Good to know before you go

Food on the trail

Meals are hearty and carb-rich. Dal bhat, rice, lentils and veg, is the trekker’s staple (and endlessly refilled). Expect momos, Sherpa stew, noodles, fried rice, pancakes, porridge, and even pizza at many teahouses, plus endless cups of Nepali milk tea.

Teahouse lodges

Nights are spent in family-run teahouses, simple twin rooms, a warm communal dining hall, and shared bathrooms. Hot showers are usually available for a small fee lower down. Rooms get more basic and colder as you climb.

Wi-Fi & charging

Everest Link Wi-Fi cards work well in Namche and lower villages, then weaken above Dingboche. Charging is solar or hydro-powered and costs NPR 200–800 per charge higher up, so bring a power bank and keep batteries warm in your sleeping bag at night.

Weather & temperature

Daytime temperatures range from around 20°C lower down to below freezing up high; nights at Gorak Shep can drop to −15°C or colder. The clearest mountain views come in April–May and October–November.

Permits

Two permits are required: the Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit and the Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Permit. Both are included in your package, and your guide handles the checkpoints at Lukla and Monjo.

The Lukla flight

The 30-minute flight is weather-dependent and can be delayed. In peak season it often runs from Ramechhap (a 4–5 hr drive, included). Our Day 15 buffer protects your onward international flight, and a heli transfer is available as an option.

Packing essentials

LayersMoisture-wicking base layers, fleece, insulated down jacket, waterproof shell & rain pants
FootwearBroken-in waterproof boots, camp shoes, 4–5 wool socks, gaiters, microspikes in winter
Head & handsSun hat, warm beanie, buff, UV sunglasses (cat 3–4), liner & insulated gloves
Daypack (25–30L)Water, snacks, layers, headlamp, sunscreen SPF 50+, lip balm, documents
HealthPersonal meds, Diamox, rehydration salts, blister care, hand sanitizer, wet wipes
Tech & cashPower bank (20,000 mAh), adapter, spare batteries, ~NPR 25,000 for extras

Filght-one

What travelers say

Completing EBC with this team was one of the best experiences of my life. There was always a Plan A, B, and even C for every situation, it gave us total peace of mind.

D
Daniel H.England

As novice hikers the trek felt intimidating, but the team handled everything flawlessly. Our guide's leadership was excellent, we wouldn't trek Nepal again without him.

T
Thomas B.Australia

Smooth transfers, wonderful teahouses, clear daily briefings, and a fantastic, globally diverse group. Highly recommend for the Everest Base Camp trek.

P
Priya K.Canada

Frequently asked

Why 16 days instead of 14?+
A 16-day plan is better paced for real Khumbu conditions. It leaves room for Lukla weather delays and protects the key acclimatization stages at Namche and Dingboche, plus a buffer day before your international flight.
Is travel insurance required?+
Yes, it's mandatory. Your policy must cover high-altitude trekking above 5,545m and include emergency helicopter evacuation, medical treatment in Nepal, and trip disruption.
How fit do I need to be?+
Good general fitness and the ability to walk 4–7 hours a day over uneven terrain. The main challenge is altitude, not technical difficulty, so consistent endurance training beats short bursts of strength.
What are the acclimatization days for?+
Namche (3,440m) and Dingboche (4,410m) are natural altitude checkpoints. We climb high and sleep low to help your body adjust safely before the higher, more demanding sections.
How do you handle safety at altitude?+
Guides carry oximeters and check your oxygen data at overnight stops, watching symptoms alongside the numbers. If needed, we arrange assisted descent or a helicopter evacuation to Kathmandu.
What's the deposit and cancellation policy?+
A 20% deposit confirms your booking; the balance is due on arrival in Kathmandu. Plans changed? The deposit is held as lifetime credit toward a future trip.