AsiaChallengingSherpa villages, prayer flags, thin air, tea-house dal bhat

Everest Base Camp Trek (Nepal)

The classic Himalayan trek — no technical climbing, all altitude and legs

Fly into Lukla (the world's scariest airstrip), then walk 6–8 hours a day through Sherpa villages to Everest Base Camp and up Kala Patthar for the postcard view. Everest Base Camp itself has no view of Everest — Kala Patthar is where the photo is. Acclimatisation days at Namche Bazaar and Dingboche are non-negotiable.

Duration
12–14 days
Distance
130 km round trip
Best months
March – May, October – November
Max altitude
5,644 m (Kala Patthar)
Cost
USD 1,300–1,800 independent (guide, permits, tea-houses, Lukla flights). USD 2,500–3,500 guided package.
Best for
Bucket-list trekkers · Sherpa culture · Long slow challenge

Route outline

Day 1–2: Kathmandu → Lukla flight → Phakding → Namche Bazaar
Day 3: Namche acclimatisation day (hike to Everest View Hotel)
Day 4–5: Namche → Tengboche monastery → Dingboche
Day 6: Dingboche acclimatisation day (Nangkartshang peak, 5,100 m)
Day 7–8: Dingboche → Lobuche → Gorak Shep → Everest Base Camp (5,364 m)
Day 9: Kala Patthar sunrise (5,644 m) → begin descent
Day 10–12: Descent to Lukla and Kathmandu flight
Permits & booking

Sagarmatha NP permit + Khumbu Pasang Lhamu permit (~USD 50 total) — buy in Kathmandu or Lukla. No TIMS card needed anymore.

Honest fitness prerequisite

You must handle 6–7 hours walking daily at 4,000–5,600 m altitude. Cardio training 3–4 months prior. Not a beginner trek.

Book these before you fly

Trekking insurance MUST cover the max altitude of your route — most standard policies cap at 3,000 m. Airalo eSIM for offline maps and check-ins from the trail.

The honest downside

Altitude sickness kills — take Diamox, ascend slowly, descend if you get worse. Lukla flights cancel for weather (add 2 buffer days).

Other treks worth planning

Aviasales, EKTA and Airalo links are affiliate — we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Permit rules and prices reviewed for 2026 season.