Everest Region
EverestBaseCamp
Overview
About This Trek
The Everest Base Camp trek is the most iconic trek in the Himalayas, following the footsteps of Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay into the heart of the Khumbu region. Starting with a dramatic flight to Lukla (2,860m), the trail follows the Dudh Kosi river valley northward through Sherpa villages, across suspension bridges draped in prayer flags, and past ancient Buddhist monasteries before reaching the base of the world's highest mountain.
The trek builds altitude steadily, with acclimatisation days built into the itinerary at Namche Bazaar (3,440m) and Dingboche (4,410m). The Sherpa capital of Namche is a fascinating town carved into a hillside amphitheatre, with its Saturday market, bakeries, and views of Everest from the lookout above town. Higher up, the landscape becomes increasingly stark and glacial, with towering ice seracs and the Khumbu glacier dominating the approach to base camp.
The highlight for many trekkers is not base camp itself — which is a rocky moraine camp used by expedition teams — but the pre-dawn climb of Kala Patthar (5,644m) for sunrise views over Everest, Nuptse, and Lhotse. Standing at the highest point of the trek with the sun illuminating Everest's summit pyramid is a moment that stays with you for life.
Trek Highlights
- Stand at Everest Base Camp (5,364m)
- Kala Patthar sunrise over Everest
- Namche Bazaar — the Sherpa capital
- Tengboche Monastery with Everest views
- Khumbu glacier and icefall views
- Rich Sherpa Buddhist culture throughout
Day by Day
SampleItinerary
Every itinerary is customised to your pace and fitness. This is a typical schedule — Deu adjusts based on conditions and your preferences.
Day 1
Kathmandu to Lukla, trek to Phakding
Scenic 35-minute flight to Lukla's Tenzing-Hillary Airport. Short afternoon trek along the Dudh Kosi river to Phakding.
Altitude: 2,610m
Day 2
Phakding to Namche Bazaar
Cross suspension bridges and enter Sagarmatha National Park. Steep climb to Namche with first views of Everest on the final ascent.
Altitude: 3,440m
Day 3
Acclimatisation day in Namche
Essential rest day. Hike to Everest View Hotel (3,880m) or explore the Sherpa Culture Museum and Saturday market.
Altitude: 3,440m
Day 4
Namche to Tengboche
Contour above the Dudh Kosi with panoramic views of Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, and Ama Dablam. Arrive at Tengboche Monastery.
Altitude: 3,867m
Day 5
Tengboche to Dingboche
Descend through rhododendron forest, cross Imja Khola, and climb to Dingboche in the broad Imja valley.
Altitude: 4,410m
Day 6
Acclimatisation day in Dingboche
Day hike to Nagarjun Hill (5,100m) for views of Makalu, Lhotse, and the Imja valley. Return to rest at lodge.
Altitude: 4,410m
Day 7
Dingboche to Lobuche
Pass the stone memorials to fallen climbers at Chukpo Lari and continue along the lateral moraine of the Khumbu glacier.
Altitude: 4,940m
Day 8
Lobuche to Gorak Shep, trek to EBC
Trek to Gorak Shep on the sandy flats above the glacier. Drop packs and continue 2 hours to Everest Base Camp.
Altitude: 5,364m
Day 9
Kala Patthar sunrise, descend to Pheriche
Pre-dawn climb of Kala Patthar (5,644m) for the best sunrise views of Everest. Long descent to Pheriche for recovery.
Altitude: 4,240m
Day 10
Pheriche to Namche Bazaar
Rapid descent through familiar terrain with new perspectives. Celebration dinner in Namche.
Altitude: 3,440m
Day 11
Namche to Lukla
Final day on the trail. Retrace the route down to Lukla. Last night in the Khumbu.
Altitude: 2,860m
Day 12
Lukla to Kathmandu
Morning flight back to Kathmandu. Buffer day included in case of weather delays (Lukla flights are weather-dependent).
Altitude: 1,400m
The Landscape
Terrain
The trail begins in pine and rhododendron forest along the Dudh Kosi river, crossing numerous suspension bridges. Above Namche, the terrain becomes drier and rockier with dwarf juniper and alpine scrub. Beyond Dingboche, the valley opens into glacial moraine — grey, rocky, and lunar. The final approach to base camp follows the lateral moraine of the Khumbu glacier, a jumbled landscape of ice, rock, and frozen lakes. Kala Patthar is a steep scramble over loose rock.
The People
Culture
The Khumbu is the heartland of Sherpa culture. Sherpa people migrated from eastern Tibet around 500 years ago and have built a unique mountain civilization. Namche Bazaar serves as the trading hub, with its Saturday market where goods from Kathmandu meet products from across the Nangpa La. Tengboche Monastery (3,867m) is the most important Buddhist monastery in the Khumbu, hosting the annual Mani Rimdu festival. Chortens (Buddhist stupas), mani walls, and prayer wheels line every section of the trail. The Sherpa tradition of high-altitude mountaineering has made them legendary worldwide.
Before You Go
PracticalInformation
Permits Required
- Sagarmatha National Park Entry Fee — NPR 3,000 (~USD 23)
- Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Fee — NPR 2,000 (~USD 15)
Guide Fees
- Guide — €40 per day
- Porter — €30 per day
Deu arranges all permits before your arrival. Permit costs are in addition to guide fees.
Packing Essentials
- Four-season sleeping bag (-15°C minimum rating)
- Heavy down jacket for base camp and Kala Patthar
- Thermal base layers (top and bottom)
- Sturdy trekking boots, broken in before the trek
- Trekking poles (essential for steep descents)
- Diamox for altitude sickness prevention (consult doctor)
- Snacks and energy bars (appetite decreases at altitude)
- Portable battery pack (charging costs NPR 300-500/hr above Namche)
When to Go
Best Season
October-November & March-May
October and November offer the clearest skies and most stable weather across Nepal, with excellent visibility and comfortable daytime temperatures. March to May is warmer with longer days and rhododendron blooms at lower altitudes, though afternoon clouds are more common. Deu can advise on the best timing for your specific trek and preferences.
Common Questions
FrequentlyAskedQuestions
How hard is the Everest Base Camp trek?
The trek is rated challenging due to the altitude (5,364m at base camp, 5,644m at Kala Patthar) and the sustained multi-day effort. The trekking itself is walking, not climbing — no technical skills are needed. The main challenge is altitude acclimatisation, which requires patience and careful pacing. Deu builds rest days into every itinerary and monitors trekkers for altitude sickness symptoms.
Can I see Everest from Base Camp?
No. Everest Base Camp sits at the foot of the Khumbu Icefall, and Everest's summit is hidden behind the Lho La ridge from this angle. The best view of Everest is from Kala Patthar (5,644m), a viewpoint climbed the morning after reaching base camp. The pre-dawn ascent is worth every step — the sunrise illuminating Everest's summit pyramid is the trek's defining moment.
How reliable are the Lukla flights?
Lukla's Tenzing-Hillary Airport is weather-dependent. Flights operate in clear weather, usually in the early morning. Delays of a day or two are common during monsoon and winter. Every itinerary includes a buffer day for this reason. If flights are cancelled for multiple days, helicopter evacuation is available (at extra cost) or the trek can be extended to walk out to Jiri.
What is the accommodation like on the Everest trek?
Teahouses (mountain lodges) with twin rooms, shared bathrooms, and communal dining areas. Quality decreases with altitude. Below Namche, lodges are comfortable with hot showers and WiFi. Above Dingboche, expect basic facilities, no showers, and expensive charging. Rooms are cold — sleeping bags are essential. Food is surprisingly good throughout, with menus offering dal bhat, pasta, pizza, and soups.
Is the Everest Base Camp trek worth it?
The EBC trek is one of the world's great adventures. The combination of extreme mountain scenery, Sherpa culture, the physical challenge, and the emotional significance of standing at the base of Everest creates an experience that most trekkers describe as life-changing. The Kala Patthar sunrise alone justifies the entire journey.
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