Kathmandu
Kathmandu
Hotel or Lodge (Tea House)
3 Course Meals (B, L, D)
Moderate
5550 m / 18209 ft
Trekking and Sightseeing
16 Days
109.7 km (68.16 miles)
Stunning Mountain Views Including Mt. Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Ama Dablam, etc.,
Kala Patthar – Majestic Viewpoint
Tengboche Monastery
Sherpa Culture
Sagarmatha National Park
Everest Base Camp Trek is an adventure that brings you face-to-face with the ‘mother of all peaks’, Mt. Everest, the highest peak in the world. This adventure, also known as the Himalaya Base Camp Trek or Mount Everest Base Camp Trek, is a bucket-list adventure for trekkers and adventurers.
Everest Base Camp Trek, popularly known as EBC Trek, is about getting to the highest navigable points on Earth. Everest Base Camp is one of the most iconic treks in Nepal that takes you to the very base of Mt. Everest (8848.86 m/29031.69 ft), which sits at an altitude of 5,364 meters (17,598 feet) above sea level. Additionally, the trail passes through the exceptional scenery of the Everest region, with the cultural richness of highland Sherpa settlements and monasteries.
As the day ascend through the trail, you get view of natural wonders of Himalayan giants including Everest (8848.86 m/ 29031.69 ft), Lhotse (8516 m / 27840 ft), Makalu (8463 m / 27766 ft), Cho-Oyu (8201 m / 26906 ft), Nuptse (7855 m / 25771 ft), Pumori (7161 m / 23494 ft), Ama Dablam (6814 m / 22356 ft), Changtse (7543 m / 24747 ft), etc.
The Everest Base Camp trek in the Himalayas, considered the best trek in the Himalayas, begins in Kathmandu, with a day dedicated to exploring the city’s cultural wealth. Subsequently, the adventure continues with an energizing flight to Lukla airport, perched on a cliff at 2840m (9318 ft).
From Lukla, the gateway to the Everest region, the journey winds through the rich flora and fauna of Sagarmatha National Park. Meanwhile, it follows spectacular views of Himalayan giants, including Mt. Everest, Lhotse, Cho Oyu, and Ama Dablam, forming unforgettable memories.
Beyond the natural grandeur, as the trail ascends, you’ll immerse yourself in the astounding cultural highlights of highland Sherpa villages. The monasteries, stone houses, prayer flags, and engraved mani walls along the way create a mystical atmosphere throughout your journey.
The Everest Base Camp Trek’s walking distance is 109.7 km (68.16 miles) and with every step, you’ll move closer to Himalaya Base Camp (5364 m), located at the foot of the Khumbu Icefall. From there, your glacial walk continues to Kala Patthar (5550 m), the most scenic viewpoint to Everest and other Khumbu peaks. Finally, after relishing the sublime beauty of Khumbu, your Everest Base Camp Trek culminates as you retrace your route back to Lukla.
It’s a panoramic thrill flying into Kathmandu on a clear day. The views of snow-capped mountain peaks sprawling down below you are almost ecstatic, beginning a whole chain of memorable experiences that stay with you for a long, long time. As your plane lands at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, our waiting support team will meet and greet you at the arrivals and escort you to your hotel. At the hotel you will be briefed about your daily activities.
Kathmandu is the historical and cultural heart of Nepal and has been a popular destination for tourists ever since Nepal opened its doors to visitors. The city presents a wonderful mix of Hinduism, Tibetan Buddhism and Western influence. There will be a guided tour to UNESCO World Heritage Sites Boudhnath, the largest Buddhist stupa in Nepal and after that to Pashupatinath, the most popular Hindu shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva. You take a tour to Patan also called as Lalitpur (the City of Artisans), which is 5 km away from Kathmandu. You will walk through Patan Durbar Square and delight in the architectural wonders of Malla era. Mahaboudha Temple, Kumbeshwor Temple, Krishna Temple and Golden Temple are the major attractions at the square.
Early morning you will be transferred to Ramechhap airport to catch the Lukla flight. A scenic flight of 15 minutes from Ramechhap brings us to Lukla airport, a cliff-hanging airport in Khumbu from where most of the Everest trekking is started. After meeting the crew, you head up the Dudh Koshi Valley on a well-marked trail and then stay overnight in Phakding.
From Phakding, you cross and re-cross the river on high suspension bridges. Beyond Monjo (2835 m/ 9301 ft) is the entrance to Sagarmatha National Park which was set-up in order to protect and preserve the fragile mountain environment. You then take a steep hike to Namche, one of the most important stopovers while trekking in Nepal. If the weather is clear, you get the first glimpse of Mt Everest on this day. Namche is the main trading center in the Khumbu region and has a busy Saturday market – a meeting place for the locals and the people from neighboring vicinity.
Namche is tucked away between two ridges amidst the giant peaks of the Khumbu and has an abundance of lodges, teashops and souvenir shops. It is an ideal place to spend a day, acclimatizing to the new altitude before heading off towards Tengboche. To acclimatize, you can visit Khunde Village (3840 m / 12598 ft) which has Hospital set-up by Sir Edmund Hillary, and Khumjung Village (3780 m / 12402 ft) which have a monastery known for having famous yeti scalp or take a one hour walk up to the Everest View Hotel above Namche for the sunset view of Ama Dablam, Nuptse, Lhotse and Everest. There are also good views from the National Park Centre and Museum just above the town.
From Namche Bazar, the trail contours on to the side of the valley, high above the Dudh Koshi. You get our first really good views of the great peaks of the Khumbu including Mt Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse and Ama Dablam. Passing by some settlements with numerous teashops, you descend steeply to a bridge over the river at Phungi Thanga (3250 m / 10663 ft). The village is an ideal stopover for lunch. Here you can rest before making the steep climb to Tengboche Monastery, one of the most remarkable monasteries you visit during Everest Base Camp Trek. Although the hike up the zigzag path is tiring, it presents us with many beautiful sights of rhododendron bushes with beautiful birds and superb mountain scenery. Tengboche is famous for its legendary monastery, the largest in the Khumbu. A spectacular panorama of Everest, Lhotse and Ama Dablam rising in the horizon can be seen from here.
You descend downhill through a forest, cross the Imja Khola and climb steadily to the village of Pangboche. This village is directly opposite Ama Dablam (6814 m / 22356 ft) and has exceptional views of the mountain with the monastery, mani walls and scattered pine trees in the foreground. A further two hours’ walk-through scrub junipers bring you to Dingboche.
A full day has been allocated for acclimatization. You get to wander up the valley to the summit of Nangkartshang Peak (5083 m/16677 ft), from where you can get the stupendous 360-degree view of the mountains including Mt. Makalu (8463 m / 27766 ft), Lhotse (8516 m / 27490 ft), Cho Oyu (8201 m / 26906 ft), Imja Tse (Island Peak) (6165 m / 20226 ft), Ama Dablam (6814 m / 22356 ft), Khangtega (6783 m / 22254 ft), Thamserku (6623 m / 21729 ft), Tawoche (6501 m / 21329 ft) and Cholatse (6423 m/21073 ft). Another option can be a hiking to Chhukung Village (4730 m / 15518 ft)) – the last village before Island Peak. If you want to push yourself a bit harder, you can also climb Chhukung Ri (5550 m / 18209 ft), from where you can get the impressive view of Imja Tse (Island Peak), Imja Glacier, Ama Dablam, Makalu and Nuptse. In that case an early start from Dingboche is required.
You continue up the wide valley beneath the impressive peaks of Cholatse and Tawoche on the left. Then turn right and take a steep climb towards the foot of the Khumbu Glacier. The tea house at Thogla (Dughla) (4620 m / 15157 ft) is a good spot to have lunch. The trail zigzags up through the boulders of the glacier's terminal moraine. At the top of this climb there are many stone cairns, built as memorials to many Sherpas and international climbers like Scott Fisher who have died while climbing Mt. Everest. The path then climbs gently along the glacier, to eventually reach the cluster of houses at Lobuche.
A very early start is required to reach Gorak Shep. The trail offers superb views of the surrounding mountains, especially where the path is forced to rise to cross a tributary glacier. You stop for lunch at Gorak Shep. Later in the afternoon, you make your way to the Everest Base Camp. It takes several hours as the trail weaves its way through ice pinnacles and past the crevasses of the Khumbu Glacier. On the return leg, you can take a higher route to get a spectacular view of the Khumbu Icefall and the route to the South Col. You will return back to Gorak Shep for the overnight stay.
Early morning, you make your way to the top of one of the finest viewpoints in the Everest region, Kala Patthar (5550 m / 18209 ft). Way to Kala Patthar is steep trail so you will take comfortable pace to reach on the top. The view from the top of Kala Patthar is one of the finest views of mighty Everest. You can also see Lintren (6713 m / 22024 ft) and Khumbu Tse (6639 m / 21782 ft) and Pumori (7161 m / 23494 ft) mountains. You will spend some time on the summit and stroll back to Gorak Shep and continue down to Pheriche.
Today’s trek is mostly downhill. You continue to follow the river and after crossing it, climb back up through birch and rhododendron forest to Tengboche. Kwangde, Tawoche, Everest, Nuptse, Lhotse, Ama Dablam, Kantega and Thamserku are just a few of the Himalayan giants to be seen. From Tengboche you descend to the bridge over Imja River. At Phungi Thanga, you get to see the water driven prayer wheels, before making our way back to Namche Bazar.
Our final day’s trek follows the Dudh Koshi back down to Lukla. This last evening calls for a celebration. You have a party with your Sherpa guides and porters. You sample some ‘Chhyang’ (local beer) and try out some Sherpa dance steps. Altogether an end to a memorable trip on a merry note!
As your trek has concluded, you pack up early and head for the airstrip to hop a flight back to Ramechhap. And you will be transferred to Kathmandu by the private vehicle. The rest of your day is free to do your own things. You could do some last-minute shopping and packing, or even go down for a stroll in Thamel, an internationally known hub for tourists in Asia.
This is a contingency day in case of Lukla flight delays. If you have free time, you can let go the strains of your trekking in the Himalaya. You can explore around the Heritage sites in the city, stroll down the streets of Thamel for local cultural experience, visit nearby monasteries, relax at a nearby spa centers or do some souvenir haunting in the local bazaar.
Our Nepali support team will take you to the airport for your flight back home. (Or stay longer for short tours such as jungle tours at National Parks, do some wild-water rafting, a Tibet tour or even mountain biking, etc.). Please ask us.
TRIP GRADE: Moderate (Grade 3)
Longer trek going right into high mountain country, to some of the famous mountaineering Base Camps over high passes. Physically quite tiring, involves approx. 6-8 hours trekking along rocky ridges The trek will be a long journey that takes us directly into high mountains, leading us to some of the renowned mountaineering base camps and viewpoints. Physically quite tiring, involves approx. 6 – 8 hours trekking along rocky ridges of high Himalayan peaks. No previous experience is required, you should be moderately fit, used to some regular exercises and enjoy walking in the high-altitude conditions..
TREKKING TYPES
Trekking in Nepal is categorized in three different types based on their way of organization (Camping Trek, Tea House Trek and GAP Trek). Everest Base Camp (EBC) Trek is organized in two ways (Tea House Trek and GAP Trek) due to the abundance of accommodation facilities available in the region.
ACCOMMODATION
Trekking in Everest region doesn’t need tremendous logistics in terms of accommodation as you will find plenty of clean and friendly lodges along the trail.
You often have to share rooms but you can also stay in single rooms where possible. Rooms are basic, normally just a bed with a pillow and blankets. A few have electric blanket, hot bags (luxury lodges) and all have a spacious dining room-lounge. We will accommodate you and your group in a comfortable local lodge each day. The Guide coordinates with the local lodge owners and a porter is sent ahead to book the required rooms for the group (rooms cannot always be booked in advance).
Please remember that some of them are very basic and a sense of adventure is necessary. It is cheaper to stay in lodge rather than organizing a camping trek.
FOOD
Lodge Trek: Meals are included in our price and are taken in lodges available along the trail. You can find a considerable variety of Nepali (rice, curry & lentil, momo, noodles, chapattis, etc.) and Western food (pizza, pasta, sandwich, chips, porridge, toast, pancake, soup, etc) as well as drinks (coffee, tea, milk, soft drinks, and beer). The Guide suggests you the best option as per the availability.
GAP Trek: You will have to make your own eating arrangements in the lodges available along the trail. Expect to spend around $ 25 – $ 30 a day for food. Guide, accommodation and porters are covered in the price.
WATER
You will be provided filtered water about 3 – 4 liters per person per day. The good thing about such water is it doesn’t smell chlorine. We normally use Sawyer Filters. However, you can also buy bottled water in tea houses. You can also bring water purification pills in case you want to drink water from local taps.
PERSONAL EXPENSES – MONEY TO TAKE ON TREK
Money requirement depends largely on type of trek style, duration and trekking region.
For a two-week Everest trek, you can take about $ 200 – $ 300, more if you intend to get more table drinks (alcoholic/non-alcoholic beverages), snacks while walking (a few smaller shops are available along the trail in some areas), souvenirs, battery charge, internet, hot shower (available in some places) etc. We pay for your accommodation and meals at mountain hut (tea house) along the trail and bear all the expenses of staffs assigned by us. However, for extra bar bills, snacks, hot shower, battery charge, internet etc. you have to pay directly to lodge owner on the spot.
CHANGING MONEY
You can change money at your hotel or the money exchange counter in Kathmandu. Many Tourist class Hotels have money exchange facilities. These days, there are availability of ATMs everywhere in Kathmandu and some in Lukla and Namche.
TIPS
Tips are appreciated by your support team after the completion of your trip. The amount depends on your budget and appreciation of their work. As a suggestion, we advise that you can allocate 5 – 10 % of the total tour cost as tips. It is recommended that you talk to the members and hand it over individually as per the hierarchy on the last day of the trek.
GROUP SIZE ON FIXED DEPARTURE
If you opt to join our ‘fixed departure trip’, you are likely to be joining people from different countries of any age group except minors. The size of group varies, minimum number of persons required to operate a trip is 2 and the maximum is 15 people.
For a Private Booking, any number size from 1 pax to 20 pax are acceptable and can be comfortably organized. We go for special planning for handling group size bigger than 20 pax.
GROUP LEADER AND CREW
All our trips are led by Government licensed local trekking guides. The guides have vast knowledge and have trekked the area multiple of times depending on the group size, the main guide will be accompanied by assistant guides.
We will also have a team of porters to carry your main gag. We provide 1 porter for 2 members, 15 kg allowance for each member.
COMMUNICATION
Communication during Everest Base Camp Trek is not challenging but there are certain things to be considered. For using Internet/Wi-Fi service is available in lower altitudes. You have to pay extra charge for this service about $ 5 (per stay) up to Namche Bazar though you can’t be really sure about signal strength. Beyond Namche Bazar, teahouses normally don’t have Wi-Fi facilities. A better option is to use Everest Link network which works throughout the region. It has better connectivity and faster speed. You can buy the data package at approximately $ 10 (10 GB) and $ 20 (20 GB) valid for 30 days. You can also use local service provider (both for internet and mobile network) but they don’t work properly in some places as you go higher. If it is crucial for you to keep in contact with your family or others, we can provide you a mobile satellite phone (rental charge on request).
FLIGHT / LAND TRANSFERS
The starting and ending point of Everest Base Camp Trek is Lukla, which is connected by a 30 min flight from Kathmandu (or 15 min flight from Ramechhap). We will arrange flight and airport pick up and drop transfers as per the itinerary.
LUGGAGE WHILE TREKKING
During Everest Base Camp trekking, your main luggage will be carried by porter. Please keep your luggage as light as possible around 12 kg to 15 kg for flight safety and porter welfare as per IPPG standard. You simply carry a day pack with water bottle, camera, sun-screen, spare jacket, etc. You can leave your valuable items at your hotel in Kathmandu while trekking. Many hotels have a locker system and provide a deposit slip for the valuables kept under the hotel’s safekeeping.
TYPICAL DAY ON TREK
A typical day while trekking in Nepal consists of about 6 – 8 hours of activity. Each morning after packing our bags and having a good breakfast, we set off on the day’s walk. After walking for 3 – 4 hours we stop for lunch at around midday. The afternoon’s walk is generally shorter and we usually arrive at our destination in time for afternoon tea. The remainder of the afternoon can be spent exploring the village, doing a bit of washing or simply relaxing with a good book. On some days, we will arrive at our destination by lunchtime and the entire afternoon will be free. After dinner, the evening will often be spent playing cards and reliving the day’s adventures, before heading off to bed for a well-earned sleep.
TREKKING GEARS AND EQUIPMENT
You will need walking boots, sleeping bag (4 seasons/-20 0C rated), waterproof jacket and trousers, fleece jacket, warm hat and gloves, sunglasses, water bottle, sun-screen and day pack. Comprehensive list of equipment will be provided once you book your trip. It’s not necessary to spend a lot of money buying extra equipment and clothing before your trip. Majority of these gears can be bought or hired at reasonable rates in Kathmandu.
GEARS AVAILABLE IN KATHMANDU
There are numerous suppliers of trekking gears in Kathmandu supplying genuine branded items or imitations depending on your choice and price. You can get anything from down jackets and sleeping bags to socks or thermal wears that you need for your trek.
EQUIPMENT PROVIDED BY COMPANY
We provide company duffle bag (80 L) to use on the trek. You can store your bag in your hotel and use it after the trek.
TREK SECURITY
Security of our clients is our foremost priority. All our guides are licensed by Nepal Government. Our guides and support crew are carefully chosen for your trips. They will ensure your safety and security throughout your trip. During your trek, you will be sleeping in local teahouses. You have to take precautions yourself at all times. Never leave your baggage unattended and keep your lodge room locked when you go out.
MEETING AND GREETING AT AIRPORT
You need to pass on your International flight details to us for a “meeting and greeting” service at airport. You just pass the customs desk and come out of the terminal building where you will see someone standing with a placard with either ‘Explore Himalaya’ or your name written on it. Our airport representative or tour officer will greet you and welcome you with a garland and escort you to your hotel.
TREK DURATION
We ensure liability as indicated in itinerary and list of services. If the holiday is cut short or completed earlier than the projected period upon client’s wish, we shall not be responsible or make refund against unutilized days or services. Clients need to pay for hotels/services incurred in Kathmandu or elsewhere in such cases.
CLIMATE AND BEST TIME TO GO
The best seasons for trekking in Nepal are autumn (from mid-September till November end) and spring (from the beginning of March until mid-May). Temperatures will drop considerably as you trek higher every day. The nights are cold (between -10 0C to 5 0C) but the days are sunny and hot (between 10 0C to 20 0C). The mornings are usually clear, with clouds building up during the afternoon, disappearing at night. Trekking during the monsoon and winter is not recommended, as the visibility during monsoon is limited, upper parts and high passes could be covered with snow in winter.
March, April, October and November are the most favored months. Please choose the date that is convenient for you.
ITINERARY CHANGES
The itinerary for this trek is a standard itinerary. Depending on the prevailing situation while on trek, you can modify it to some extent after consulting with your guide. However, the date of trek completion should always coincide with the original itinerary. You should keep in mind that this is an adventure trip into the remotest region, where many unforeseen events may contribute to the need for a change in itinerary. In such cases, we or your guide will suggest the best alternative similar to your original.
HEALTH ISSUES AND VACCINATIONS
As vaccination requirements change frequently, we suggest you consult your doctor at least 2 months prior to the beginning of your trip. We recommend protection against malaria, tetanus, typhoid, hepatitis and polio. The main health consideration during the trek is Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS). You may experience some mild symptoms initially, such as headache, lethargy, nausea and difficulty sleeping, but these should lessen within a few days. To avoid Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS), people take pills called ‘Diamox’ (actazolamide). You can also use these pills after consulting with your doctor and purchase them in Kathmandu. Our itinerary will allow your body to acclimatize properly and handle the low oxygen rate.
If you have ever suffered from altitude sickness, or have a heart or breathing complaint, we highly recommend you consult your doctor about your suitability for trekking in high altitude areas before booking. We suggest that you take some pain-killing pills with you and enough medicine for cold, diarrhea, nausea and fever. Some nasal ointment and throat-moistening pills will greatly help for those who are sensitive to chilly or freezing weather conditions.
FIRST AID KIT
We supply a medical bag with standard medicines prescribed by trekking doctors and a user’s manual. Since our staffs/guides are not qualified for suggesting medications to western clients, we would request you to use the medicines upon your own risk. It is safer and more reliable if you have your own medicine kit and not depend on what we have.
VISA
All visitors except the Indian nationals must hold passport and valid visa. Visa can be obtained at the Nepalese diplomatic missions and consulates abroad. You can also get “On Arrival Visa” at entry points. For doing Everest Base Camp Trek, you can come with a 30 days visa which costs US $ 50. You should have a passport size photo to get it at airport upon arrival. Some countries’ nationals need to get visa prior their arrival.
Please check http://www.nepalimmigration.gov.np/page/tourist-visa for detailed information.
JOIN A GROUP OR PRIVATE TRIP
Our trips are available on both fixed departure and private basis. If you are looking for a group to join this trek, please check our “Fixed Departures” link for availability, dates and price. If you would like to travel independently, or with your friends, families and colleagues, you are invited to choose any of the trips at your convenient timeframe for any number of people (minimum 1 and maximum 20 at a time).
If you want to do something that is not included in our trip list, we are ready to tailor your trip to suit your exact requirements. In short, we will make every effort to meet your needs.
RESCUE / EVACUATIONS
We take your safety and security very seriously, and make sure that nothing untoward happen to you. However, if anything serious like sickness or a casualty occurs, we will do everything to transfer you to the nearest hospital. As you are responsible for all the expenses incurred in evacuation, please make sure that it is covered by your insurance before assigning for it.
INSURANCE
Before joining this trip, we recommend you take a travel insurance which should cover cancellation, medical expenses, helicopter evacuation and emergency repatriation during high-altitude trekking, specifically up to Everest Base Camp. Our staff will collect your insurance details before you leave for the trek.
RESPONSIBLE TRAVEL
We are among the few companies in Nepal to receive Travelife Certificate Award https://www.travelife.info for our long-term efforts in sustainable practices.
1.Care for Porters and Staffs
We ensure that all the porters and other staffs going into high altitude conditions during Everest treks are provided with adequate clothing and equipment. All our porters carry less than 30 kg and underage porters are strictly prohibited in our operations. We run the trek according to the guidelines of the International Porter Protection group (IPPG – www.ippg.net).
2.Environmental Responsibility
Wonderful environment of the Himalayas is also an extremely fragile one. Increasing population density and numbers of trekkers threaten the very beauty of Nepal. At Explore Himalaya, we are extremely conscious about the environment and aim to minimize our impact as much as possible. As deforestation is one of the greatest environmental threats, we do not have camp fires and use LPG gas or kerosene for cooking as an alternative fuel to wood. We don’t use plastic bottles. We also discourage trekkers from using wood-fueled hot showers in lodges along the way. Many lodges, however, now provide solar hot showers, a far more eco-friendly alternative.
Garbage disposal is another major problem and some of the busier trails can, at times, appear strewn with litter. Our staff members are well motivated towards eco-friendly practices. Our staff carry garbage bag with them all the time and collect our garbage and other litters they find on trail and dispose them on the designated area. We also volunteer to bring garbage down to Lukla while returning back. Our aim is to help protect and preserve this beautiful environment for future generations of trekkers to enjoy.
3.Social Responsibility
Explore Himalaya works with the motto ‘Development through Tourism’. Keeping in line with this motto, Explore Himalaya Community Service Project (EHCSP) has been conceived to empower underprivileged, marginalized, poor and minority segments of Nepal.
Since its inception, EHCSP has been incessantly facilitating and advocating for school education, health, community development, forest conservation, agro practices and culture preservation. A certain amount of your trip money goes to these projects. For more details on our CSR initiatives, please visit https://explorehimalaya.com/csr/
The Everest, or Khumbu, region lies in eastern Nepal. Inhabited by the mountain people who have lived in harmony with their surroundings for hundreds of years, the Khumbu region has still retained its age-old practices. The region has some of the world’s tallest peaks, including Everest (8848.86 m/29031.69 ft). This region, along with the Annapurna region, is ranked among Nepal’s most popular trekking destinations. Villages and places in this region lie above 2000 m (6562 ft). Solu region in the south includes villages like Junbesi, Phaplu, and Chiwong. Pharak is situated between Solu and Khumbu. Khumbu includes villages named Namche, Thame, Khumjung, Lobuche, Pangboche, Tengboche, etc. Major mountains include Everest, Lhotse, Cho Oyu, Nuptse, Pumori, Ama Dablam, Thamserku, Khantega, Mera Peak, Imja Tse (Island Peak), Lintren, Cholatse, Lobuche, etc.
Sagarmatha National Park is the world’s highest national park. It was formally opened to the public on July 19, 1976. The park covers 1,148 sq km. It rises from its lowest point of 2845 m (9335 ft) at Jorsale to 8848.86 m (29031.69 ft) at Everest’s summit. The park’s terrain is rugged and steep, cut by deep rivers and glaciers. It includes three peaks higher than 8000 m – Mt. Everest (8848.86 m/29031.69 ft), Lhotse (8516 m/27940 ft) and Cho Oyu (8201 m/26906 ft). In 1979, UNESCO inscribed the park as a World Heritage Site. The park’s visitor center is located on a hill in Namche Bazar, the fabled town of Everest trekking. The park’s southern entrance is a few hundred meters north of Monjo at 2835 m/9301 ft. Sagarmatha Pollution Control Committee (SPCC), funded by the World Wildlife Fund and the Himalayan Trust, was established in 1991 to help preserve Everest’s environment. More than 118 species of birds, such as the Impeyan pheasant and snow cock, and more than twenty species of butterflies have made this park their home. The park is also home to musk deer, wild yak, red panda, snow leopard, Himalayan black bear, Himalayan thars, deer, langur monkeys, hares, mountain foxes, martens, and Himalayan wolves.
The climate you experience during the Everest Base Camp Trek can be divided into four climate zones owing to the gradual rise in altitude. These zones include a forested lower zone, an alpine scrub zone, an upper alpine zone (the upper limit of vegetation growth), and the Arctic zone, where no plants can grow. The types of plants and animals found depend on altitude. In the lower forested zone, birch, juniper, blue pines, firs, bamboo, and rhododendron are found. Above this zone, vegetation is entirely shrubby. As the altitude increases, plant life is restricted to lichens and mosses. At an elevation of 5,750 m, the permanent snow line begins in the Himalayas. From this point, there is no sign of greenery or vegetation. A common animal sighted in the higher reaches is the hairy animal yak. Dzokyo (Jopkyo), a sterile male crossbreed between a yak and a cow, is used to transport goods along the trail. Red panda, snow leopard, musk deer, wild yak, and Himalayan black bear are some of the exotic animals that are found in this region. You can spot a variety of birds in the lower regions.
Everest Base Camp is Nepal’s most popular trekking destination. Its popularity has grown since the first expedition to the Nepali side of Everest in the 1950s. You can do the base camp trek the old way, starting from Jiri. From Jiri, it takes around nine days to reach Namche. Along the way, you will pass Rai settlements. The other (quicker) alternative is to fly to Lukla and begin the trek from there. The trek follows the Dudh Koshi Valley route, ascending to Namche Bazar, the Sherpa capital. From Namche Bazar, you follow a high trail with your first good view of Everest. You head to Tengboche Monastery, perched atop a mountain ridge, then descend Imja Khola and continue to the villages of Pangboche and Pheriche. Next, you reach the Khumbu Glacier. The trek through the glacier takes you first to Lobuche and then to Gorak Shep. From Gorak Shep, you continue to your destination: base camp at the foot of the Khumbu Icefall. You can also climb up to Kala Patthar for even more spectacular views of the surrounding mountains, including Everest’s southwest face. Besides the Everest Base Camp Trek, other longer and shorter Everest trekking routes are popular among trekkers worldwide.
Mt. Everest (Sagarmatha)
Rising to 8848.86 m (29031.69 ft), the world’s highest mountain, named in 1865 after Sir George Everest. The mountain received its Nepali name, Sagarmatha, in the 1960s, when the Government of Nepal officially adopted it. In Sanskrit, Sagarmatha means “Head of the Sky”. The Tibetan name for Mount Everest is Chomolungma or Qomolangma, meaning “Goddess Mother of the Snows.” Climbers wishing to scale the peak have to obtain an expensive permit from the Nepal Government. Everest Base Camp, which serves as a resting area and base of operations for climbers organizing their summit attempts, is located on the Khumbu Glacier at an elevation of 5364 m (17598 ft). It receives an average of 450 mm (18 in) of precipitation a year. Mount Everest’s climate is extreme. In July, the warmest month, the average summit temperature is -19 °C (-2 °F).
George Mallory, a famous British adventurer, was one of the first climbers to attempt Everest. When he was asked why he wanted to climb Everest, he replied, “Because it is there” –the line has become immortal in the history of Everest expeditions. After two unsuccessful attempts, he tried again in 1924 with Andrew Irvine. They started on June 8, 1924, to scale the summit via the North Col route and never returned. The Mallory and Irvine Research Expedition later discovered their bodies near the old Chinese Camp in 1999. Edmund Hillary, a New Zealander, and Tenzing Norgay, a Sherpa from Nepal, were the first two climbers to reach the summit of Mt. Everest. They reached the summit at 11:30 a.m. on May 29, 1953, via the South Col Route. Since then, more than 7500 climbers have scaled the highest mountain. Also, there have been more than 300 deaths on the mountain, where conditions are so difficult that most corpses have been left where they fell. Some of them are visible from the standard climbing routes.
Lhotse
Lhotse (8516 m/27940 ft) is the fourth highest mountain in the world. It lies south of Mt. Everest. Two Swiss climbers, F. Luchsinger and E. Reiss, first climbed it in 1956 from the West face. Czech expedition led by Ivan Galfy scaled it via the South Face in 1984. An impressive ring of three peaks makes up the Lhotse massif: Lhotse East (Middle), Lhotse, and Lhotse Shar. Lhotse’s South Face is one of the world’s largest mountain faces.
Cho Oyu
Cho Oyu (8201 m/26906 ft), the world’s sixth-highest mountain, has only recently gained popularity among climbers. The mountain sits on both sides of the Nepal-Tibet border, about 30 km west of Mount Everest. In Tibetan, Cho Oyu means “the turquoise goddess.” The south face of Cho Oyu, facing Nepal, is quite steep and difficult, and is rarely climbed. The north side, accessed from Tibet, is more moderate, with a relatively safe route to the summit. In the autumn of 1954, an Austrian team made the first ascent via this route.
Nuptse
Nuptse (7855 m/25771 ft) lies southwest of Mt. Everest. It is situated in the Khumbu Himal. From the Tengboche Monastery, one of the iconic monasteries on the Everest trek, Nuptse appears as a massive wall guarding the approach to Everest. In Tibetan, Nup-tse means “west peak.” The main ridge, separated from Lhotse by a 7556 m (24790 ft) high saddle, is crowned by seven peaks and runs west-northwest until its steep west face drops more than 2300 m to the Khumbu Glacier. Dennis Davis and Tashi Sherpa first climbed Nuptse on May 16, 1961, via the North Ridge during a British expedition led by Joe Walmsley.
Pumori
Pumori (7161 m/23494 ft) is just 8 km away from the world’s highest peak, Mt. Everest. The magnificent view of the peak dominates the trail as you near Everest Base Camp. The ascent to this peak is described as a classic climb in the 7000 m (22966 ft) peak category. In Tibetan, ‘Pumo’ means girl and ‘Ri’ means mountain. The famous English climber George Mallory, who died trying to ascend Everest in 1924, named the peak. The German climber Gerhard Lenser was the first to reach the summit of Pumori on May 17, 1962. Pumori is a popular climbing peak.
Ama Dablam
Ama Dablam (6814 m/22356 ft), which means ‘mother’s necklace’ in the Sherpa language, is considered one of the most beautiful mountains in the world. It looks like a woman with outstretched arms or a woman wearing a long necklace. The mountain dominates the whole Everest Base Camp trek. Ama Dablam lies alongside Everest in the heart of the Khumbu Valley. From Ama Dablam, you can see Mt. Lhotse, Mt. Makalu, Mt. Cho Oyu, and Mt. Everest nearby. Ama Dablam is considered to be a technical mountain to climb. Due to its towering ridges and steep faces, Ama Dablam is often called the “Matterhorn of the Himalayas.” Mike Gill (New Zealand), Barry Bishop (USA), Mike Ward (UK), and Wally Romanes (New Zealand) first summited Ama Dablam on March 13, 1961, via the Southwest Ridge.
Mera Peak
Mera Peak (6470 m/21227 ft) is Nepal’s highest trekking peak. By its standard route, it is also the highest peak in Nepal that can be climbed without prior mountaineering experience. J.O.M. Roberts and Sen Tenzing first climbed it on 20 May 1953, from the standard route at Mera La. The mountain lies to the south of Everest, dominating the watershed between the wild and beautiful valleys of the Hinku and Hongu.
Imja Tse (Island Peak)
Imja Tse (6165 m/20226 ft), also known as Island Peak, is another notable peak in the Khumbu region. Members of the British Mount Everest expedition named the peak Island Peak in 1953 because it appears as an island in a sea of ice when viewed from Dingboche. In 1983, the peak was officially renamed Imja Tse, but Island Peak remains the more popular name. It is actually an extension of the ridge descending from the southern end of Lhotse Shar (8400 m/27559 ft). The main landform is a semicircle of cliffs rising north of the summits of Nuptse, Lhotse, Middle Peak, and Lhotse Shar. Cho Oyu and Makalu lie to the east of Island Peak. Baruntse, Amphu and Ama Dablam lie to the south. A British group, preparing to climb Mt. Everest, first climbed the peak in 1953.
Lobuje
Lobuje (also spelled Lobuche) is known as Lhauche among the locals. Lobuche is a mountain in Nepal located near the Khumbu Glacier and the settlement of Lobuche. It has two main peaks: Lobuche East (6090 m/19980 ft) and Lobuche West (6135 m/20128 ft). Lobuche East is classified as a “trekking peak” and Lobuche West as an “expedition peak.” As the easier of the two, Lobuche East is climbed more frequently. A long, deeply notched ridge separates the two peaks, and the challenging terrain makes it impossible to approach Lobuche West from Lobuche East. Laurence Nielson and Ang Gyalzen Sherpa made the first recorded ascent of Lobuche East on April 25, 1984, while Lobuche West was first climbed in 1955 via the South Shoulder.
Lukla
Lukla, a popular town in Khumbu, boasts the region’s sole commercial airport. At 2840 m (9318 ft), the town is known as the gateway to Everest treks, as most trekkers begin and end their Everest adventure in Lukla. Sir Edmund Hillary built the airport in 1964 as part of his project in the Khumbu region during the early 60s to transport supplies for the Himalayan Trust projects. Today, somewhere between 90-95% of foreign nationals who reach Lukla arrive by a half-hour flight from Kathmandu.
Namche Bazar
Namche Bazar is known as the Sherpa capital. It is a famous hub for Everest trekkers. Namche is actually a town lying at the junction of the Dudh Koshi and a valley that leads to the frontier pass of Nangpa La. It is tucked away in a niche at a height of 3440 m (11286 ft). W. H. Tilman and C. Houston were the first Westerners to enter it in 1950, and many more have come since. Over the years, facilities like a bank, a post office, hotels, and shops where one can buy climbing equipment and canned food have sprung up. Namche Bazar is the major regional trading center. Its Saturday market, or Haat, is where most trading takes place. The headquarters of the Sagarmatha National Park is located in Namche Bazar.
Tengboche
Tengboche (3860m/12664 ft) is famous for Tengboche Gumba (monastery). It is one of the region’s most important Buddhist centers. The gumba is the largest you’ll see on your Everest Base Camp trek. It was first built in 1923. After a fire destroyed it in 1989, it was rebuilt later, partly with foreign aid. From Tengboche, you get panoramic views of Kwangde, Tawoche, Everest, Nuptse, Lhotse, Amadablam, Khangtega, and Thamserku.
Pangboche
Buddhism is believed to have been introduced in the Khumbu region towards the end of the 17th century by Lama Sange Dorjee. According to the legend, he flew over the Himalayas and landed on a rock at Pangboche and Tengboche, leaving his footprints embedded in the stone. He is believed to have founded the first gumbas in the Khumbu region, at Pangboche and Thame. Pangboche (3930 m/12894 ft) is the highest year-round settlement in the valley. The Imja Khola, coming from the right, joins the Dudh Koshi River a little above the village. The gumba (monastery) in Pangboche is considered to be one of the oldest in the Khumbu region.
Khumjung
Khumjung (3780 m/12402 ft), a village lying west of Tengboche, is famous for the gumba where the skull of a supposed Yeti, the Abominable Snowman, is preserved under the supervision of the head Lama. The skull seems more like the outer skin of a Himalayan Brown Bear, as shown by a report from a scientific exploratory expedition led by Sir Edmund Hillary, a copy of which is kept in the gumba.
Pheriche
Pheriche is located at an altitude of 4240 m (13911 ft). It lies on a level patch. In addition to the basic facilities available here, the Himalayan Rescue Association of the Tokyo Medical College maintains a medical aid post with Japanese doctors on duty. Among other facilities, an air compression chamber helps victims of high-altitude sickness.
Kala Patthar
Kala Patthar, which translates as ‘black rock’, is a prominent landmark on the south ridge of Pumori in the Khumbu area, above Gorak Shep. Although it is not a real mountain, with a prominence of only 10 m (33 ft), it is a popular spot for trekkers because it offers the nearest and most accessible views of Mount Everest. From Kala Patthar,, trekkers have breathtaking views of Everest, Nuptse, and Changtse, along with partial views of the northern face and summit of Lhotse. Other 6000-meter peaks visible from Kala Patthar include Ama Dablam, Chumbu, Thamserku, Kangtega, and Lobuche. Kala Patthar is the highest altitude that trekkers will reach on the Everest Base Camp trek.
Everest Base Camp
Everest Base Camp (EBC) is the traditional starting point for people attempting to reach the summit of Mount Everest and is a highly exciting destination in itself. Located at an altitude of 5,364 m (17,598 ft) in the Khumbu area, it offers a unique Himalayan experience and draws trekkers from around the world who want to see the grandeur of the world’s tallest mountain up close. Everest Base Camp is not a conventional base camp with luxurious facilities, but a lively collection of tents and temporary huts that house climbers. The site offers spectacular views of the Khumbu Icefall and the great peaks surrounding Everest. The nearby mountains and the extensive Khumbu Glacier together form a stunning and fantastical landscape.
Sherpas live in the upper regions of Solu Khumbu, the area that largely falls within the Everest trekking trail. They emigrated from Tibet about 600 years ago. In the past, they were traders and porters, carrying butter, meat, rice, sugar, and dye from India, and wool, jewelry, salt, Chinese silk, and porcelain from Tibet and beyond. The closure of the India-China border undermined their economy. Fortunately, with mountaineering expeditions and trekkers, the Sherpas found their load-carrying skills, both on normal treks and at high altitudes, in great demand. Now, these able-bodied, hardy, and fearless Sherpas are world-class climbers known for their amazing climbing prowess. They are such an inseparable part of mountaineering and trekking in Nepal that any climber or trekker can rarely imagine doing a Himalayan adventure without their support.
At the lower elevations live the Kiranti Rai. The villages of Jubing, Kharikhola, and Okhaldhunga are inhabited by the Rais. Of mongoloid stock, they speak their own dialect. Reference to their fighting spirit is made in the Hindu epic Mahabharata. People from this group have supplied recruits to Gurkha regiments in both the British and Indian armies. The Rais follow a religion that is partly animistic with some Hindu influence. They revere their ancestors by observing Kulor Pitripuja every year. The Jirel live around Jiri. They are mongoloid and follow Buddhism.
Loshar
Sherpas celebrate Losar in February. ‘Lhosar’ means New Year in Tibetan. Besides Sherpas and Tibetans, the Gurungs and Tamangs also celebrate Lhosar. Buddhist monks offer prayers for good health and prosperity at monasteries. People exchange various goods and gifts. Families organize feasts and perform dances.
Dumje
Dumje celebrates the birthday of Guru Rinpoche (Padmasambhava). The celebration takes place in June and lasts for six days. Villages like Namche, Thame, and Khumjung celebrate it in a grand way, and they are all important stopovers on Everest treks.
Mani Rimdu
Mani Rimdu celebrates Buddhism’s victory over the ancient animistic religion of Bon. This festival is celebrated in the monasteries of Tengboche, Chiwang and Thame. At Tengboche, the most iconic monastery on the Everest trek, the celebration takes place during the full moon of November–December. At Thame, Mani Rimdu is celebrated during the full moon in May. Chiwang Gompa generally celebrates this festival during autumn. The Lamas wear elaborate brocade gowns and masks as they perform. Through the dances, symbolic demons are conquered, dispelled, or converted to Dharma Protectors as positive forces clash with those of chaos. The dances convey Buddhist teaching on many levels, from the simplest to the most profound, for those who do not have the opportunity to study and meditate extensively. It gives Sherpas an opportunity to gather and celebrate with the monks.
Sakela (Chandi Dance)
Sakela (Chandi Dance) is a harvest festival celebrated by the Rai community. The harvest ceremony involves worship of Mother Earth, called ‘Bhumi-Puja’. The festival is celebrated twice a year: once in spring, before planting begins, and once in autumn, before harvesting. People celebrate Ubhauli in spring on Baishakh Purnima (full moon). In autumn, on Mangsir Purnima, they celebrate Udhauli. In spring, people worship Mother Earth for a good harvest and pray to the rain god to bless the earth with enough rain. The festival is celebrated with more fervor in the remote hills. The Rai villagers celebrate it with priests (dhami) who perform rituals to worship their ancestors. The community elders begin the dance with a puja. Later, everyone joins in, forming a circle and holding hands. To the drumbeats, they begin dancing slowly, then move faster as the rhythm quickens. The dance steps and hand gestures imitate the sowing and harvesting of crops. The festival also gives the Rai people an opportunity to socialize.
Your booking of this Everest Base Camp Trek will be confirmed by email once we receive your deposit of $500 and the signed copy of booking form and contract. The balance is due no later than two months prior to departure. If you book a tour less than 2 months prior to departure, you must send the full payment within 7 days of confirmation by us.
If you cancel your booking, the following scale of charges will apply: • 2 months before departure – Loss of deposit (US$ 500) • 29 days to 2 months before departure – 30% of total trip cost • 10 to 28 days before departure – 60% of total trip cost • Less than 10 days before departure – 100% of total trip cost
In addition to your Everest Base Camp Trek, we can organize extensions both within Nepal, Tibet, Bhutan, etc. You may want to try water rafting or a jungle safari in Nepal or Nepal Cultural Tour. You may as well take a trip to Tibet or Bhutan, whichever seems more appealing to you.
It is fundamental to acknowledge that Annapurna Trekking is an adventure tour. This requires some flexibility. The day to day itinerary is taken only as a guideline. We cannot be held responsible for any delays caused by International or domestic flights, strikes, Government regulations, weather or natural casualties etc. In such cases, Explore Himalaya shall provide suitable alternatives which will be decided upon mutual agreement. If you have any questions regarding this trip or any feedback related to your trip, please feel free to email us at sales@explorehimalaya.com, or directly by phone: +977-1-4518100. We answer all enquiries within 24 hours.
The trek usually takes 12 to 18 days, including acclimatization. Our 16-day EBC Trek itinerary is the most popular, balancing comfort and altitude adjustment. The itinerary can be customized according to your needs. Detailed day-by-day plans are available on our itinerary pages.
The Everest Base Camp Trek cost varies depending on duration and package inclusions. Standard packages cover permits, guide services, accommodation, and most meals. Additional expenses may include personal gear, insurance, international flights, and crew tips.
The trek is considered moderate (Grade 3), with 6–8 hours of walking daily at high altitude. To reduce risks such as altitude sickness, preparation should include cardio workouts, strength training, and long hikes with a backpack. A gradual ascent and acclimatization days are built into our itineraries. The trek is achievable for beginners with good fitness and determination.
The best seasons are autumn (September–November) and spring (March–May), when weather is stable and views are clear. October is often considered the best month. Choosing the right season ensures the best trekking experience.
Your Everest Base Camp Trek packing list should include:
Layered clothing (base, mid, and outer layers)
A warm sleeping bag
Sturdy trekking boots
Backpack, trekking poles, and headlamp
We provide a full gear checklist to make sure you’re prepared for all conditions.
Trekkers need:
Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit
TIMS Card
Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Permit
The trek usually begins with a flight from Kathmandu or Ramechhap to Lukla, the gateway to the Everest region.
Hiring a licensed guide is now compulsory. Guides provide logistical support, navigation, and safety. Key safety practices include:
Proper acclimatization
Staying hydrated
Recognizing altitude sickness symptoms
Having comprehensive travel insurance
Many trekkers also hire porters to carry backpacks. Choosing a reputable company ensures a safe and enjoyable trek.
Accommodation is in teahouses (basic lodges with twin rooms). Meals include both local and international dishes, with Dal Bhat (lentils, rice, and vegetables) being the staple.
You can find Everest Base Camp Trek reviews on our website, independent travel forums, review platforms, and social media. These firsthand accounts help you understand what to expect.
Yes, beginners can complete the trek with proper preparation. There’s no official age limit, though good health and fitness are essential. Solo trekking is no longer allowed; a guide is mandatory for safety and support.
Everest Base Camp elevation: 5,364 m (17,598 ft)
Kala Patthar: 5,550 m (18,209 ft)
The classic route starts with a Lukla flight and follows the Dudh Kosi valley through Namche Bazaar, Tengboche, Dingboche, and Lobuche, before reaching Gorak Shep and Everest Base Camp.
I had an incredible experience trekking to Everest Base Camp with Explore Himalaya. Our guides were absolutely amazing. They provided us with exceptional support and guidance throughout the journey. The porters deserve special recognition too for their hard work and dedication. The entire journey was filled with breathtaking views and unforgettable experiences. From the start until the conclusion , every moment was filled with awe and wonder. I highly recommend Explore Himalaya for anyone seeking an unforgettable trekking experience in the Himalayas. Thank you to all the the staff, for making our journey truly exceptional!
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