Everest Base Camp Trek

Upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA), Kathmandu, our representative will welcome you and transfer to your hotel. After check-in, you will be briefed about the trek and answer any last-minute questions. If time permits, step outside your hotel to explore the surrounding area. In the evening, you will be picked up from the hotel for a short walk to a local restaurant, where you will enjoy a welcome dinner.

Overnight in Kathmandu

After breakfast, take a short drive for a half-day sightseeing tour of Patan (Lalitpur) – the oldest city in the valley. Patan Durbar Square, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is famed for its exquisitely carved temples and courtyards, and is the epitome of traditional Newari architecture. The Patan Museum, housed inside the former royal palace, is regarded as one of the finest museums in South Asia for its authenticity, scholarship, and preservation. Return to the hotel by lunchtime, after which you will have leisure time for a final check of your trekking gear. If you find anything missing, there are many hiking shops near your hotel.

Flights to Lukla operate from Ramechhap Airport, which is about a 4-hour drive from Kathmandu. Today, you will take a very early morning drive (around 1:00–2:00 a.m.) to Ramechhap, as all flights to Lukla depart in the morning. Upon arrival at Lukla, take a moment to reorganize your backpack and duffel bag in preparation for the trek. Make sure you carry everything you need for hiking in your backpack, as your duffel bag will be carried by porters who usually walk ahead.

The first leg of your trek takes you to Phakding, 2,610 m (8,563 ft), covering a distance of 5 miles. As you descend through pine forests, you’ll pass through terraced fields and quaint Sherpa villages, crossing the Dudh Koshi River over swaying suspension bridges adorned with prayer flags. Enjoy the pleasant walk as you soak in the natural beauty and immerse yourself in the Sherpa culture along the way. After about 3-4 hours of hiking, you’ll arrive in Phakding, a peaceful riverside village where you’ll spend the night.

OPTIONAL:

Scenic helicopter flight from Kathmandu to Lukla for a faster, breathtaking start to your adventure. Shared helicopters are subject to availability. Each helicopter carries 5 people. If fewer than 5 passengers are available for the helicopter upgrade and a shared helicopter cannot be arranged, the cost equivalent to 5 passengers must be shared among the available passengers.

The day starts with a scenic walk along the river, passing through the lovely villages of Benkhar, Jorsale and Monjo where you will enter Sagarmatha National Park, a UNESCO site. After the permits check at Monjo, you will cross the famous Hillary Suspension Bridge, then climb 600 meters (2,000 ft) uphill to Namche Bazaar. This section is considered one of the difficult ascents of the trek, but walking at a steady pace and taking regular breaks makes it more manageable and also supports proper acclimatization. Though steep, the first glimpse of Everest and Lhotse enroute is unforgettable. Arrive in Namche Bazaar, the vibrant Sherpa capital.

Namche Bazaar, known as the Sherpa capital and gateway to Everest, has a rich history as a trading hub. For centuries, Tibetan traders brought yak caravans over the Nangpa La Pass (19,000 ft), carrying wool, butter, salt, dried meat, and Chinese goods to exchange with locals. Today, Namche retains its importance – though now as a vibrant trekkers’ hub. You’ll find everything from trekking equipment shops, banks, and ATMs to internet cafes, bakeries, pubs, and restaurants, making it a lively and fascinating stop on your journey.

Today is a rest day at Namche Bazaar to give you time to acclimate to the altitude. After breakfast, set out on a short acclimatization hike up to Syangboche (12,200 ft), which offers breathtaking views and helps your body adjust to the higher altitude. The trail begins with a steep climb from Namche, winding past stone steps and switchbacks. As you ascend, views gradually open to Everest, Lhotse, Ama Dablam, Thamserku, and Kongde Ri. It is about 1 hour 15 minutes uphill to Syangboche, and takes about 30-40 minutes to return. The airstrip of Syangboche Airport (one of the highest in the world, though not in regular use) is the highlight. Upon returning to Namche, visit the Sagarmatha National Park Museum to learn about the region’s ecology towering peaks, mountaineering history, and Sherpa culture. Afterwards, take a stroll through Namche Market, known for its bakeries, trekking shops, cafes, and handicrafts.

After breakfast, take a pleasant acclimatization hike to the picturesque village of Thamo, a quieter Sherpa settlement known for its centuries-old Buddhist nunnery and traditional yak pastures surrounded by alpine scenery. The trail gently climbs out of Namche, winding through pine and juniper forests, with prayer flags strung across the trail and mani stones lining the way.

As you make your way along the ridge, following the old trading route to Tibet, you’ll enjoy views of the Dudh Kosi River valley below and glimpses of towering peaks like Thamserku and Kusum Kanguru. Along the way, enjoy serene forested trails with chances to spot wildlife such as Himalayan thar, musk deer or colorful pheasants. Return to Namche by afternoon and unwind at a cozy cafe or explore the local shops. This second acclimatization day plays an important role in adjusting to the altitude, ensuring that your onward journey is safer, more comfortable, and more enjoyable.

Begin the day with a scenic walk along a winding trail to Sanasa, offering spectacular views of Everest, Ama Dablam, and Nuptse. Descend to the Dudh Koshi River at Phunki Tenga, then make a steady climb through pine and rhododendron forests to Tengboche. Visit the Tengboche Monastery – the largest and most important monastery in the Khumbu region, and gain insight into Tibetan Buddhism.

Nestled in the lap of Mt. Ama Dablam, Tengboche, which translates to ‘great high place’ in the Sherpa language, holds deep spiritual significance. Here, climbers receive blessings before attempting Everest, preparing themselves to face the sheer magnitude of the formidable challenges on the route to the summit. After exploring the monastery, continue downhill through rhododendron forests to the peaceful village of Deboche, known for its tranquility and surrounding beauty.

Today’s walk takes you through the alpine forest and along the Imja River where you’ll start to see a change in the vegetation. Forests give way to an alpine landscape, with stone walls protecting Yellow shrubs replace the lustrous green trees. The journey towards Dingboche is picturesque. The trail drops down to the riverbed, crossing the Imja River before climbing up to Dingboche, a typical Sherpa village that offers spectacular mountain views. You’ll pass through Pangboche, home to one of the oldest monasteries in the Khumbu. Views of Ama Dablam dominate much of the day, with glimpses of Lhotse and Island Peak.

After breakfast, set out for an acclimatization hike to Chhukung (15,518 ft) for even more spectacular views of the surrounding peaks. The roundtrip hike to Chhukung takes about 4–5 hours. The hike is not steep, but the altitude makes the gradual climb more demanding. The path follows the Imja Khola Valley, with dramatic views of Ama Dablam, Lhotse, and Island Peak (Imja Tse) dominating the horizon. Along the trail, you will pass scattered Sherpa settlements, mani walls, and small chortens, while the landscape gradually transitions from cultivated fields to alpine meadows. Chhukung itself is a quiet Sherpa village, offering stunning 360-degree panoramic views of major peaks, making it an ideal spot to rest and take in the grandeur of the Khumbu region before returning to Dingboche.

The trail to Lobuche climbs the ridge above Dingboche, passing chortens (Buddhist shrines), then descends to Thukla – a broad terrace above the Khumbu Khola valley. From Thukla, a broad terrace overlooking the Khumbu Khola valley. From Thukla, the trail steeply ascends onto the terminal moraine of the Khumbu Glacier. At the Thukla pass, with breathtaking views of the surrounding peaks, you will find a line of memorials honoring climbers who lost their lives on Everest. From the memorial, the route descends slightly and follows the moraine of the Khumbu Glacier, leading to Lobuche.

Today is both the most challenging and the most rewarding day of your trek. From Lobuche, the trail climbs steadily for about two hours to reach Gorakshep, where sweeping views of the world’s highest peaks greet you. After a brief rest, continue onward to the legendary Everest Base Camp – a round-trip of approximately five hours from Gorakshep. Enjoy the blissful moment and feel the exhilaration of standing at the base of Mt. Everest! After soaking in the magic of Everest Base Camp, return to Gorakshep for an overnight stay amid the dramatic Himalayan scenery.

This is another remarkable and important day of the trek. After an early breakfast, make the steep ascent to Kala Patthar (18,190 ft), a legendary viewpoint renowned for its breathtaking mountain panorama. From here, the world’s highest peak, Mt. Everest, stands in striking proximity, barely 6 miles away, appearing close enough to touch. The summit of Kala Patthar rewards you with a 360-degree view of the Himalayan giants, including Nuptse, Pumori, Lhotse, and Changtse, along with sweeping vistas of the Khumbu Glacier snaking far below. The scenery is nothing short of awe-inspiring, a moment many consider the true highlight of the journey.

After experiencing this unforgettable sight, descend back to Gorakshep, and then retrace your steps down the trail. Pass through Lobuche and the memorials at Thukla Pass, before reaching Pheriche, a tranquil village set in a broad valley surrounded by rugged peaks. Here you can enjoy a well-earned rest after one of the most exhilarating days of the trek.

Today is one of the longer trekking days, so an early morning start is essential. From Pheriche, begin your descent on familiar trails, gradually leaving behind the high alpine terrain. The path leads you down through Pangboche and Tengboche, After Tengboche, descend steeply through shaded forests, cross the Dudh Koshi River on suspension bridges, and then climb gradually along the valley trails. Passing through smaller Sherpa villages, prayer wheels, and mani walls, the path eventually brings you back to the vibrant hub of Namche Bazaar.

Today marks the final day of trekking on your Everest Base Camp adventure. After breakfast, begin your descent from Namche, retracing the familiar trail that winds steeply down toward the Dudh Koshi River. Cross several suspension bridges draped with colorful prayer flags, and pass through the charming villages of Monjo, Jorsale, and Phakding, each offering one last glimpse into the Sherpa way of life. The trail, though mostly downhill at first, includes a few short uphill climbs before finally leading you into Lukla, where the journey began.

Upon arrival, take time to relax, refresh, and reflect on the incredible experiences of the past two weeks. In the evening, you can celebrate your achievement with your trekking team.

This morning, bid a heartfelt farewell to your guide and porters before boarding the plane for your flight back to Ramechhap. Enjoy the scenic drive to Kathmandu, taking in spectacular landscapes and views of Nepal’s middle hills. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel. The remainder of the day is free for rest, relaxation, or independent exploration. You may also choose to indulge in a well-deserved massage or spa treatment at the hotel.

OPTIONAL:

Scenic helicopter flight from Lukla to Kathmandu for a faster, breathtaking start to your adventure. Shared helicopters are subject to availability. Each helicopter carries 5 people. If fewer than 5 passengers are available for the helicopter upgrade and a shared helicopter cannot be arranged, the cost equivalent to 5 passengers must be shared among the available passengers.

Begin with a visit to the ancient city of Bhaktapur Durbar Square, a UNESCO World Heritage Site often regarded as the cultural capital of Nepal for its well-preserved traditions and heritage. The square is one of the most captivating architectural showpieces of the Kathmandu Valley, showcasing some of the finest examples of medieval Nepali art and craftsmanship.

Continue to Boudhanath Stupa, one of the largest Buddhist stupas in the world and an important center of Tibetan culture in Nepal. Explore the surrounding monasteries and a traditional thangka painting school to gain deeper insight into Tibetan Buddhist philosophy and way of life.

Today is departure day and there are no scheduled activities. At the appropriate time, a representative will pick you up and take you to the airport for your onward journey.