Trip Overview
Everest Base Camp Trek 12 Days lead you to an exciting and scenic culture within a short timeframe. Besides the EBC Trek is an amusing adventure destination in the world and it’s discovering the mythical peaks with the astonishing Khumbu Himalayas. Roaming around the lovely Sherpa villages and observing impressive colorful Buddhist culture is the major part of the Everest trek. Everest Base Camp Trek we have set and designed the itinerary of eleven nights with 12 Days including a short scenic flight both ways from Kathmandu to Kathmandu.
A Blissful Adventure Journey to Base Camp of Everest
An adventure to the foot of the world’s tallest Mt. Everest often revised as 8,850 m with a new survey scale, is more common and popular with the original early height. Everest Base Camp Trek 12 Days is a well-organized trekking adventure accompanied by our professional team, expert guide, and strong cheerful porters.
Using pack animals like Yaks or half-breed animals called the “Jokyo”. Flying in, at Lukla small airstrip from Kathmandu as the walk starts towards our higher destination to reach the very foot of Mt. Everest at base camp. Everest Base Camp is also a pleasant trek on a nice trail following the Dudh Kosi River.
Mount Everest
The primary attraction of the EBC Trek is the opportunity to witness the majestic Mount Everest up close. Standing at 8,848 meters (29,029 feet), Everest is the highest mountain in the world. Trek to Everest Base Camp allows you to admire its grandeur and experience the awe-inspiring presence of this legendary peak.
Kala Patthar Golden Viewpoint:
At an altitude of 5,545 meters (18,192 feet), Kalapatthar is a stunning viewpoint soaking into a spectacular view of Everet. It’s an ideal place to capture the majestic scenarios of Khumbu Valley. Likewise, it offers a stunning panoramic view of Everest, along with the surrounding peaks, making it a must-visit spot for trekkers to capture breathtaking sunrise or sunset views. It is always tough to reach at the viewpoint of Kalapathar but it would be worth a place throughout your journey.
Sagarmatha National Park – UNESCO World Heritage Site
As the walk progresses and enter Sagarmatha National Park which is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1979. You will find treasures of exotic rare endangered flora and fauna within some world’s highest peaks. Sagarmatha is a name in Nepal for Mt. Everest and for Sherpa known as Chomolungma of Tibetan origin language. From here walk amidst lovely woodland of tall rhododendrons, pine, firs, and oak trees. Slowly adventure takes you on a slow climb uphill to the famous Namche Bazaar the gateway to Everest base camp and other various adventure destinations around the high scenic Khumbu valley.
Namche Bazaar: The most beautiful town and a gateway to Everest
At Namche Bazaar rest day for acclimatization, is the most important and safe precaution. Highly recommend hiking to Hotel Everest View (3880 m). You must climb up approximately 400 m from Namche. Before heading much higher area on this leisure day, enjoy exploring the streets of Namche. It is a small charming town lined with many shops, stores, banks, restaurants, and a good many hotels and lodges. From Namche onward, the way to Everest base camp provides grand views of the sibling peaks Everest, Lhotse, and Amadablam. Furthermore, a beautiful scenic spot Tengboche Monastery from the highest altitude appears in your sight.
Oldest & Largest Tengboche Monastery (Dawa Choling Gomba)
Tengboche is the monastery, located on a high ridge surrounded by snow peaks and green forest facing views of Mt. Everest and majestic Amadablam. Many trekkers come here to visit the monastery of great religious and cultural interest. The adventure continues towards the high windswept and dry country. The tree lines and lush green vegetation fade for complete mountain wilderness to reach the main highlight at Everest base camp.
The World’s Highest Base Camp and Fasching Places:
Enjoy the most exciting views of the journey, as you stand beneath towering Mt. Everest, Lhotse, Amadablam, Pumori, Nuptse, and massive Ice-Fall, after a great fabulous lifetime experience at base camp return journey back to Lukla. Before heading back to Lukla, with one more adventure climb on top of Kalapathar Viewpoint, the highest point of the trek at above 5, 643 m high facing a breathtaking panorama of giant mountains that surrounds you with closet views of Mt. Everest and Mt. Pumori.
Lastly, the journey continues from the high valley of Khumbu heading back into the lush green forest and then at Lukla for the last final overnight stop around the Everest region. Where next early morning sweeping scenic flight land you at Kathmandu, after a marvelous adventure and great experience on 12 Days Everest Base Camp Trek.
Highlights of the 12 Days Everest Base Camp Trek
- Stand at the base of the world’s tallest Mt. Everest close to the massive Khumbu Ice-Fall
- From green coniferous and deciduous forests to remorseless fields of ice, glaciers
- Scenic panoramic flight with an awesome panorama of the Himalayan peak range
- Traditional Sherpa villages festooned with colorful prayer flags and monuments
- Lovely forest of tall rhododendrons, magnolia, blue pines, and oaks with silver fir trees
- On scenic trail facing high snow-capped peaks with rolling green hills landscapes”
- Sagarmatha National Park
- The world’s largest Khumbu glacier
- Various high landscapes of Khumbu
- Numerous peaks with stunning Himalayas.
Trek at a Glance
Mode of Trekking: Accommodation in the best local lodge available
Trek Grade: Moderate to Adventurous walks.
Highest Altitude: On top Kalapathar is 5555 m / 18,514 feet and Everest Base Camp at 5,364 m and 17,600 feet high.
Trekking Region: Nepal North Mid-East around Khumbu / Everest region.
Trekking Duration: 11 Nights / 12 Days (Lukla-Kathmandu-Lukla).
When to trek to Everest Base Camp?
Nearly all months of the year round for Everest base camp trekking, except summer during monsoon heavy rainy and the worst time to walk around the mountains. Furthermore, where dark clouds and much rain obstruct the views and muddy trails. However, the best time initiates from March to May and September to early December months during the spring and autumn/fall to early winter seasons. We would highly recommend the spring and autumn are the best time to do treks in Nepal. In these seasons the weather remains stable and comfortable temperatures too.
Throughout the spring season, various wildflowers are in bloom including the national flower of Nepal, the rhododendron of various species. Most days are fine and clear with longer sunlight hours, however cold morning and late afternoon till night time, with chances of rain and snow sometimes. The next best season is during early autumn ( September, October & November) /fall till mid-winter when days are clear for views and walking. But winter bitter cold morning and night times with a clear bright starry night sky. Chances of snowfall sometimes around high altitudes.
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Details Itinerary
Day 01: Fly to Lukla 2,820 m from Kathmandu trek to Phakding 2,645 m – 04 hrs.
As per scheduled flight time for Lukla in the morning, transfer to Kathmandu domestic airport terminal, after security check then board in a small aircraft (Dornier, Twin Otter, or similar type of small plane). During 35 minutes on air superb panorama of Himalayan peaks with Mt. Everest In view, as the plane makes landing on the unique runway of Lukla airport.
On arrival at Lukla an interesting busy town, where walk beings through a nice Sherpa farm enriched with immense Buddhism culture encountering Mani (prayer) monuments with large spinning prayer wheels. Walk follows above Dudh Kosi River to reach at Phakding for an overnight stop with time for afternoon tea and dinner in this lovely village.
Day 02: Trek to Namche Bazaar 3,440 m / 11, 350 ft – 06 hrs.
The morning after breakfast walk lead on a nice trail with a short up and down crossing over Dudh Kosi on the suspension bridge to reach Monjo village and then enter Sagarmatha National Park with views of Tharmasarku peaks.
Sagarmatha National Park starts from here, the park listed in world heritage sites, from the park entrance cross over Dudh Kosi River to Jorsalle, the last village before Namche Bazaar. After a refreshing lunch stop, walk on the riverside and from the last high bridge climb starts to Namche Bazaar for two overnight stops.
Day 03: At Namche for acclimatization and short scenic hike to the viewpoint.
Free day for acclimatization at Namche Bazaar, where once a week Saturday market takes place, hence the name bazaar, on this spare day enjoy a short hike for grand views of Mt. Everest, Lhotse, and Amadablam with an array of peaks.
At Namche visit an interesting museum with an option for a hike to Everest View Hotel (the first luxury hotel around the Khumbu area), perched on a high hill above Namche Bazaar. Namche with many facilities from stocked shops, stores, and banks with international standard hotels and restaurants.
Day 04: Trek to Tengboche 3,867 m -05 hrs.
After a pleasant stop at Namche trek continues on a good scenic trail with grand views of Everest with an array of peaks as walk lead down to Imjatse River at a small settlement called PhunkiTenga, afternoon few hours climb through a forest of pine, juniper, and rhododendron trees then reach on top of an open ridge at beautiful Tengboche monastery.
At Tengboche enjoy super views Mt. Everest, Lhotse, and Amadablam with a chain of the snow mountain range, after checking into a lodge enjoy a short tour of the monastery enriched with great Buddhism religion and interesting Sherpa culture.
Day 05: Trek to Dingboche 4,340 m – 05 hrs.
Enjoy breakfast with grand views of Everest and Amadablam at close distance with a series of peaks, and then head downhill through nice lovely woodland to cross over a bridge. From here on tree lines drop, as the route leads to a gradual climb to reach the last permanent village of Pangboche, further on are small settlement with the lodge to cater the travelers on route Everest base camp.
From Pangboche short climb to a small settlement at Somare for a possible lunch stop, afternoon walk on dry and windy terrain to reach at scenic Imjatse valley in Dingboche for overnight stops. Dingboche a large settlement located right at the beneath towering North Face of Amadablam with views of Lhotse, Nuptse, and Island Peak a popular and stunning looking trekking peak.
Day 06: At Dingboche rest day for an acclimatization hike.
Another rest day to support acclimatization on this beautiful scenic spot, morning enjoy a short hike up to Nakarjung Hill, adding more heights with super views of surrounding high mountains with Mt. Makalu in the east direction.
Day 07: Trek to Lobuche 4,960 m – 05 hrs.
After Dingboche, a morning short climb to a hilltop festooned with Buddhist prayer monuments and a Stupa, from here on gradual slow uphill on a winding trail to reach at Thugla, a small place with a few small lodge and shops.
At Thugla where Khumbu glacier melts into a raging river, after lunch a steep climb for an hour or less to reach on Thugla pass, a small open ground with many stone memorials of unfortunate mountaineers who risk their life climbing Mt. Everest and other high Khumbu mountains.
After a short break an easy walk of an hour with a slow walk to reach Lobuche for an overnight stop with views of Nuptse and Lobuche peak, a place with some nice lodge.
Day 08: To Mt. Everest Base Camp 5,380 m via Gorakshep 5,180 m-06 hrs.
Today’s walk leads to our main highlight of the adventure, as the morning route takes you on a pleasant high trail and with a short climb above Khumbu glacier. After few hours of morning walk reach at Gorakshep, a place with few lodge as morning walk continues towards Everest base camp as a faint rocky path heads through moraine and glacier to Everest base camp.
Enjoy breathtaking scenery of arctic-like landscaped of ice and glaciers with towering peaks that surround the base camp, located beneath Nuptse, Lhotse, and Everest. After an exciting moment and great experience return to Gorakshep for an overnight stop on completing our major highlight and goal of the adventure.
Day 09: Climb Kalapathar 5,643 m and trek to Pangboche 3,900 m – 06 hrs.
Our next adventure starts early morning with a steep climb to reach Kalapathar rocky hilltop, the highest point of the adventure at 5, 643 m (in the past few years it was recorded 5, 545 m high, but the latest measurement shows the present height).
From the top enjoy the amazing panorama of giant towering mountains with close views of Mt. Pumori and Mt. Everest at near distance, after a glorious scenery head downhill to Gorakshep, having breakfast continue to walk on the same trail to Thugla, where Dingboche and Pheriche trail joins.
After Thugla downhill to Pheriche windy valley to reach at Pheriche settlement with many nice lodges, a place where the HRA post stationed (Himalaya Rescue Association). Having lunch break walk down to a river and a short climb to a ridge with a long descend to Pangboche village for an overnight stop.
Day 10: Trek to Namche Bazaar via Tengboche – 06 hrs.
From Pangboche walk leads on the same scenic route with a climb to Tengboche and then downhill to Imjatse River, where steep climb for an hour to reach Shanasa village and Kyanjuma a small settlement facing views of Amadablam and Mt. Everest, from here on the nice wide path to Namche Bazaar for overnight.
Day 11: Last day walk to Lukla – 06 hrs.
After a wonderful time on the high valley of Khumbu, our last day walk continues with downhill to Dudh Kosi River and through Sagarmatha National Park exit point as walk follows Dudh Kosi River to Phakding village.
From Phakding on nice pleasant trail with an hour climb to Lukla, and then check into a nice lodge for last overnight around Everest and Khumbu area.
Day 12: Fly from Lukla to Kathmandu and transfer to hotel.
Start the early morning with a short walk to Lukla airport, named after great Mountaineers late Tenzing and Hillary, as soon the plane arrives from Kathmandu and then board in a small aircraft for the sweeping scenic flight back to Kathmandu. On arrival at Kathmandu domestic air-terminal short transfer to your hotels, after a wonderful adventure on Everest base camp trek.
Cost Includes
- All ground transportation.
- Meals During Trek: (Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner).
- Two-night boutique hotel in Kathmandu with breakfast.
- Three cups of tea during the trek.
- Everest National Park Permit.
- Khumbu Rural Municipality Entrance Ticket.
- Sagarmatha National Park permit.
- Domestic Airfare ( Kathmandu – Lukla -Kathmandu)
- 11 nights of Good Accommodation throughout the trek.
- Fresh fruit during the trek
- Trekking equipment, Dawn jacket, sleeping bag & duffle bag. (If required )
- An experienced, expert, helpful and friendly Guide and Their well-paid Salary, Food, Drinks, Accommodation, Transportation, and Insurance for the Guide.
- Adventure Certificate: NHTE provides Adventure Certificate.
- 1 Assistance Sherpa above the 7 people.
- An arrangement of Emergency Helicopter service will be paid by your Travel insurance company.
- Medical kit bag.
Cost Excludes
- Your Travel and rescue insurance.
- All the Food in Kathmandu. Also in the case of early return from the mountain (due to any reason) than the scheduled Itinerary.
- Porter cost $25 per day.
- Extra night Hotel in Kathmandu if arrive early or late departure than scheduled Itinerary.
- All the Bar bills and personal expenses (phone call, laundry service, battery recharge, a bottle of water, hot water, shower.
- Tips for the guide and porter.
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Everest Base Camp Trek 12 Days Route Map
Frequently Asked Questions
2. Can I fly directly to Lukla from Kathmandu?
You can directly fly to Lukla from Kathmandu which is about 30 to 35 minutes of flight in a small twin otter or pilateaus plane. During peak trekking season (spring and autumn) trekkers must board a plane from Ramechhap airport instead of Kathmandu Domestic Airport. It is to avoid traffic and to defy odds of bad weather. The climatic conditions of the Lukla Airport is very unpredictable. Moreover, the route between either Kathmandu to Lukla or Ramechhap to Lukla has many high hills and aircraft must be flown in visuals seen directly from cockpit instead of technological screening. Thus, flying to Lukla is always captivating and full of wilderness adventure thrill!
3. Is it possible to book helicopter after reaching Everest Base Camp?
Yes, you can book helicopter after reaching Everest Base Camp. Unlike expedition or peak climbing, landing in the Everest Base Camp is not possible. You will have to land in Kalapathar (5545 m) instead of Everest Base Camp. If you are booking a helicopter return flight from Everest Base Camp instead of trekking back to Lukla via Pheriche and Namche Bazaar then you will have to use this service either from Gorakshep or from Lobuche. From Gorakshep a helicopter can carry or lift only 2 to 3 persons. Therefore, a group of trekkers more than 3 persons have to wait for others either in Kalapathar or in Pheriche. The chopper will lift 2 to 3 persons first then assemble everyone in Pheriche for flight to Lukla. Normally, 4 to 5 people are easily accommodated inside the chopper while coming back from Pheriche.
4. When is the best time to do Everest Base Camp Trek?
Everest Base Camp Trek is possible throughout the year but highly recommended time to do the Everest Base Camp Trek in Nepal is during months of spring and autumn season in Nepal. Usually, March, April, and May are months of spring season. September, October, and November are months of autumn season. So, during this time of the year, sky is clear and you will be able to witness of snowy mountains to the fullest.
5. How difficult is the Everest Base Camp Trek?
The journey of Everest Base Camp Trek also known as the EBC Trek is considered as moderately difficult trekking trip to do in Nepal. However, the difficulty level of the trek depends upon your own physical fitness level and acclimatization activities. The major hindrances on this trekking trip are high altitude, need for stamina to at least walk 6 to 7 hours per day, and physical fitness level. The trek is however accessible to most people with reasonable fitness levels. Proper preparation is key. Trekking at a steady pace, staying hydrated and following proper itinerary can make this trekking easy but not like a stroll in a park. Expect that you will have to walk steep ascents and descents on a rocky path on a high altitude places.
6. What is the total distance between Lukla and Everest Base Camp?
The total distance between Lukla and Everest Base Camp is about 64 to 70 kilometers one way. It depends upon the specific trekking route that you take. Normally, the round trip from Lukla to Everest Base Camp and back to Lukla is about 115 kilometers including acclimatization hiking in Namche Bazaar and Dingboche.
7. Can I do shopping in Namche Bazaar?
Yes, you can do shopping in Namche Bazaar. The place is the nerve center of Khumbu and is a popular stop for trekkers on the Everest Base Camp Trekking route. There are various banks and shops in the marketplace where you can do last minute shopping. As the major commercial hub of the region, the bazaar has a variety of shops where you can buy trekking gear, jackets, sovenirs, clothing, and snacks. You will also be able to enjoy in this place’s bars, eateries, and bakeries.
8. What are the major Sherpa villages on the Everest Base Camp Trek Route?
Major Sherpa villages on the Everest Base Camp Trekking route are Lukla, Phakding, Monjo, Namche Bazaar, Khumjung, Debuche, Pangboche, Dingboche, and Lobuche. Lukla and Namche Bazaar are towns and you can call Dingboche as a town too nowadays. Besides Monjo, Phakding, and Lukla there are few small villages on the Everest Base Camp Trekking route before reaching Namche Bazaar. They are Benkar and Jorsalle. These villages also have many Sherpa houses where you can visit and know about culture and traditions of these people. Dingboche is the last densely populated Sherpa village on the Everest Base Camp Trekking route. Lobuche is the small village with few tea houses and lodges as there are not regular houses of local people. Earlier, places like Gorakshep, Lobuche, Thukla, and Pheriche were just a village where yak herders used as a temporary shelter places. Nowadays, trekking activities have made these places a vibrant place for trekkers to spend overnight.
9. How much should I tip my guide and porter?
Tipping is not mandatory but after guiding you and accompanying you in the journey of the Everest Base Camp Trek your porter and guide will expect certain amount as a tip. A typical tip for a trekking guide ranges from $ 100 to whatever you wish to tip and for a porter a tip of $ 60 to whatever you wish to tip is expected. If you are trekking in a group then you can pool together and tip your trekking guide and porter collectively. At the end of the trip, tipping is a personal choice but please remember that you must tip your trekking crew members even if tipping is not mandatory in Nepal. These people work on minimum wage with hope of getting good tip from guests. Therefore, always remember to tip your trekking guide and porter after the trek. Usually, tipping is done on the last day of the trip in Lukla where you will bid farewell to your local porter and Sherpa!
10. What kinds of accommodation and meals are available in EBC Trek route?
Nowadays, there are many luxury lodging establishments in the Everest Base Camp Trekking route. You can find world class rooms and hospitality up to Dingboche. However, in places like Lobuche and Gorakshep, don’t ask for more elaborated rooms. All you need to focus is the availability of warm bed and beddings for a good night sleep. Throughout the normal Everest Base Camp Trekking trip you will mainly stay in tea houses along the route which are basic guest houses run by locals. These tea houses have basic facilities of bed, common toilets and common dining area.
Food choices are similar throughout the trekking trip. Almost every eateries and tea houses serve similar menu items ranging from local delicacies to international dishes. Momo, Pizza, Yak Stew, Nepalese Dal Bhat Tarkari, and Chowmein are the most popular food items available during the Everest Base Camp Trekking trip. As you trek higher the choice of food items decreases. However, you can find good coffee, tea, bakery items, and chocolates in all places within the Everest Base Camp Trekking route. If you drink normal water then it is not charged but bottled water and hot drinking water is charged as per the glass or pitcher.
11. In how many hours can I reach Everest Base Camp from Gorakshep?
The trekking trip from Gorakshep to Everest Base Camp is about 2 to 3 hours depending upon your walking ability and weather conditions. From Gorakshep, you will have to walk on a rocky path over the Khumbu Glacier. You will steadily gain altitude until you finally reach the Everest Base Camp located at an altitude of 5364 m. The distance between Gorakshep and Everest Base Camp is relatively short the thin air and steep incline as well as high altitude make the walking arduous. Moreover, the journey is to the base camp of the world’s tallest mountain Mt. Everest. Expect hardship! There are no tea houses and lodges in the Everest Base Camp. So, you will have to return back to Gorakshep for overnight sleep. The round trip is about 4 to 5 hours including the time that you spend in the Everest Base Camp.
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