About the Trek
The Everest Base Camp trek is the ultimate bucket-list adventure for trekkers worldwide. This iconic trail takes you through the heart of the Khumbu region to the foot of Mount Everest (8,849m) at 5,364 metres, following the same path used by legendary mountaineers since the 1953 first ascent.
The journey begins with a dramatic flight to Lukla and passes through Sherpa villages, ancient monasteries, suspension bridges, and increasingly dramatic mountain scenery. Namche Bazaar, the capital of the Khumbu, serves as the main acclimatisation stop, with Tengboche monastery offering perhaps the most iconic mountain view on the planet.
At base camp itself, you stand on the Khumbu Glacier surrounded by the towering walls of Everest, Nuptse, and Lhotse. A side trip to Kala Patthar (5,545m) provides the classic panoramic view of Everest that graces countless books and documentaries.
Trek Highlights
- Stand at Everest Base Camp (5,364m) — foot of the world's highest peak
- Sunrise from Kala Patthar (5,545m) with panoramic Everest views
- Visit the famous Tengboche monastery beneath Ama Dablam
- Walk through Namche Bazaar — the Sherpa capital of the Khumbu
- Cross dramatic suspension bridges over deep gorges
- Fly into Lukla — one of the world's most dramatic airports
Day-by-Day Itinerary
A 14-day journey through the legendary Khumbu valley to the base of Mount Everest at 5,364m.
- Airport pickup and transfer to hotel in Thamel
- Trek briefing, permit processing, and gear check
- Overnight in Kathmandu
- Scenic flight from Kathmandu to Lukla (2,860m)
- Begin trek along the Dudh Kosi river
- Pass through Cheplung village
- Reach Phakding
- Overnight in teahouse
- Cross suspension bridges over the Dudh Kosi
- Enter Sagarmatha National Park
- Steep climb to Namche Bazaar — the Khumbu capital
- First views of Everest
- Overnight in teahouse
- Critical acclimatisation day
- Hike to Everest View Hotel viewpoint
- Visit the Sherpa Culture Museum
- Explore Namche Bazaar market
- Overnight in teahouse
- Trek through rhododendron forest
- Cross the Dudh Kosi on a high bridge
- Arrive at Tengboche — home to the famous monastery
- Views of Ama Dablam, Everest, Nuptse
- Overnight in teahouse
- Descend to Pangboche and continue to Dingboche
- Enter the Imja Khola valley
- Views of Island Peak and Ama Dablam
- Overnight in teahouse
- Hike to Nagarjun Hill (5,100m) for acclimatisation
- Views of Makalu, Lhotse face, and Island Peak
- Rest and prepare for higher altitudes
- Overnight in teahouse
- Pass the Dughla memorial for fallen climbers
- Cross the terminal moraine of the Khumbu Glacier
- Reach Lobuche settlement
- Overnight in teahouse
- Trek to Gorak Shep (5,170m)
- Continue to Everest Base Camp on the Khumbu Glacier
- Stand at the base of Everest — 5,364m
- Return to Gorak Shep
- Overnight in teahouse
- Pre-dawn climb to Kala Patthar for Everest sunrise
- The most iconic panoramic view of Everest
- Descend all the way to Pheriche
- Overnight in teahouse
- Long descent through familiar territory
- Reach Namche Bazaar
- Final evening in the Khumbu capital
- Overnight in teahouse
- Descend along the Dudh Kosi valley
- Cross the suspension bridges one last time
- Reach Lukla — farewell dinner
- Overnight in teahouse
- Morning flight back to Kathmandu
- Transfer to hotel
- Free afternoon — shopping and sightseeing
- Overnight in Kathmandu
- Airport transfer and departure
- Or extend your stay to explore Kathmandu valley
- Trek concludes
What's Included
- Meals as mentioned in the itinerary
- Accommodation — Hotel / Homestay / Tents on triple sharing
- All necessary entry fees and permits
- Professional trek leader, guide, cook and support staff
- Camping equipment — sleeping bags, blankets, mats, toilet tents
- Safety equipment — medical kit, oximeter, crampons & gaiters
What's Not Included
- Meals during the road journey
- Any kind of insurance
- Mules or porter to carry personal luggage (can be arranged at extra cost)
- Medical / evacuation expenses (assistance provided in emergencies)
- Any expense of personal nature
- Any expense not specified in inclusions
Things to Carry
Essentials
- Backpack (50-60 L) with rain cover
- Day pack (20 L)
- Trekking shoes with ankle support
- Headlamp / torch with spare batteries
- Water bottles (2 L)
- Personal medication
Clothing & Gear
- Thermal innerwear (top + bottom) x 2
- Heavy down jacket (-20°C rated)
- Waterproof hardshell jacket and pants
- Balaclava, insulated gloves, liner gloves
- Trekking pants x 2 + warm fleece pants
- Quick-dry t-shirts x 3
- Gaiters (high ankle)
- Mountaineering sunglasses (Category 4)
Documents
- Government photo ID (Aadhaar / Passport / DL)
- Two passport-sized photos
- Medical fitness certificate
Optional
- Trekking poles
- Sunglasses (UV protection)
- Sunscreen (SPF 50+)
- Power bank
- Energy bars / dry fruits
How to Prepare
This is a Moderate to Difficult grade trek. Expect long walking days (6–9 hours), steep ascents and descents, possible snow/glacier crossings, and altitudes above 4,000 m. Prior trekking experience and 6–8 weeks of dedicated preparation are strongly recommended.
Cardio — Start 6–8 Weeks Before
- Run: 5 km in under 25 minutes, 4–5x per week
- Long walks: 12–15 km weekend hikes with an 8–10 kg loaded pack
- Stairs with load: Climb 15+ floors with a backpack, 3x per week
- Incline training: Treadmill at 10–15% incline for 30 min, or find real hills
- Practice trek: Do at least 1–2 trail hikes (8–12 km) with full daypack before departure
Strength (4x per week)
- Weighted squats — 3 sets of 15 (10–15 kg)
- Bulgarian split squats — 3 sets of 12 each leg
- Step-ups with weight — 3 sets of 12 each leg
- Deadlifts or Romanian deadlifts — 3 sets of 10
- Core circuit: planks (90 sec) + mountain climbers (30) + Russian twists (20)
- Calf raises with weight — 3 sets of 20
Diet & Recovery
- 4+ litres of water daily throughout your training
- Protein-heavy diet (1.2–1.5 g per kg body weight) for muscle repair
- Load up on iron-rich foods (spinach, beetroot, dates) — helps with oxygen at altitude
- Avoid processed food, sugar and alcohol for 2+ weeks before departure
- Sleep 7–8 hours — recovery is as important as training
Altitude & Technical Readiness
- These treks cross 4,000–5,000 m — AMS is a serious concern
- Carry and know how to use Diamox (consult your doctor before the trek)
- Learn basic crampon walking if the trek involves snow — your leader will brief you, but practice helps
- Expect sub-zero camping nights — test your cold tolerance and layering system before departure
- Carry a personal first-aid kit: ORS, Diamox, Dolo, Avomine, bandages, antiseptic
- Inform the leader of ANY medical condition — no detail is too small at altitude
Photo Gallery
Photos from the trail. More coming soon — follow us on Instagram for daily updates.
Gallery photos will be added soon. Binoy is preparing the best shots from the trail.
Frequently Asked Questions
It is rated Difficult primarily due to the altitude (5,364m) and duration (14 days). The trail itself is well-established. Good fitness and proper acclimatisation are key.
No, the trek stays below 5,600m where supplemental oxygen is not typically needed. We carry emergency oxygen and our guides monitor your health with oximeters.
October-November offers the clearest views and stable weather. March-May is warmer but slightly hazier, with rhododendron blooms at lower elevations.
At Gorak Shep and EBC, temperatures can drop to -15 to -20 degrees Celsius at night. Proper layering and a 4-season sleeping bag are essential.