Everest Base Camp Trek – 12 Days

Overview

The Everest Base Camp Trek is probably the most famous and popular place to go trekking in the Himalayas. Mount Everest, which is also called Sagarmatha in Nepal and Chomolungma in Tibet, is the highest mountain in the world. It is 8,848 meters above sea level and is located on the border between China (Tibet Autonomous Region) and Nepal. It is in the Mahalangur Himal sub-range of the Himalayas.

The Everest Base Camp Trek will follow the path of Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay, two New Zealanders who made the historic trek to the top in 1953. As you make your way to Base Camp (BC), you can slowly get used to the altitude by going into the Khumbu Valley Sherpa heartland. The Khumbu region has some of the most beautiful scenery in the world. It has four of the six highest peaks: Mt. Everest, Mt. Lhotse, Mt. Makalu, and Cho Oyu. You can get a close look at the lives of famous climbers, the Sherpas, by hiking in the Himalayas. While staying in the world’s tallest Buddhist monasteries, you can explore Sagarmatha National Park, which is on the World Heritage List, and see its unique Himalayan plants and animals.

The Sherpas have a long and well-deserved reputation as the best mountain guides in the world. They are stronger and more durable than anyone else.  You will see some of the most beautiful places in the Khumbu Valley, as well as Buddhist monuments, Sherpa stone stupas, carved mani walls (Tibetan), and monasteries that have been around for decades.  You can stay in both regular and fancy lodges here. The Sherpa people are friendly, funny, and welcoming. This makes sense if you live at the top of the world!

One of the best parts of your trip to Everest Base Camp is getting to Kala Patthar, which is only two hours from Gorakshep and 5,550 meters high.  Gorakshep is the best place to see Everest and take too many pictures. You will also be able to see a lot of the Changtse, Nuptse, Lhotse, and Khumbu glaciers.

Many people want to visit this beautiful country with its famous mountains.  Let us know why you want to climb Everest, and we will make your trip perfect for you.

Experience the Everest Base Camp Trek: What Awaits You

Lukla – Most Thrilling Airport in the World

Lukla’s Tenzing Hillary airport is situated 2800 meters above sea level and is regarded as the most adventurous airport globally. You will approach Lukla in STOL aircraft from Kathmandu, which is a remarkable experience in itself. This journey provides a lifetime memory even before your trek to the Everest Region begins.

Sagarmatha National Park Museum

Once you arrive in Lukla, you will take a brief visit to the Sagarmatha National Museum. The museum presents captivating insights into the rich biodiversity, culture, traditions, and the extensive mountaineering history of Nepal all under one roof. It honors the achievements and legacy of the mountaineers who conquered Everest when it was far more challenging than it is today.

Tengboche Monastery (Thyangboche Monastery or Dawa Choling Gompa)

Situated at an enchanting elevation of 3880 meters from sea level, Tengboche Monastery is a vibrant representation of Buddhist culture, tradition, and cultural enrichment. This sacred site provides breathtaking views of Everest and the nearby peaks. The location is significant for local pilgrims and acts as a spiritual haven with sacred chants, chariots, and prayer flags amidst the stunning scenery of the Himalayas.

Nangkar Tsang / Dingboche Viewpoint

At an impressive altitude of 4550 meters above sea level, Dingboche viewpoint showcases views unlike any other. Tempting sights of towering peaks such as Ama Dablam, Lhotse, and Everest are accompanied by views of other surrounding summits. The viewpoint has consistently been a primary attraction in the Everest Region for many years. The extraordinary natural landscape allows trekkers to forget their fatigue from the journey.

Everest Base Camp

Everest Base Camp, the ultimate destination for trekking, embodies the top dream of any trekking enthusiast. This once-in-a-lifetime destination embodies courage, determination, and an overwhelmingly positive mindset. The base camp lies right at the foot of Mount Everest, the highest peak in the world.

Kalapatthar – Closeup View of Everest

Situated at an elevation of 5645 meters above sea level, Kala Patthar is the highest viewing point in the Everest area. The viewpoint offers the finest perspective of Mt. Everest and the nearby summits of Lhotse and Nuptse. This remarkable viewpoint presents unmatched vistas of the mountains that can only be truly appreciated from deep within. The location is both challenging and fulfilling, with views that cannot be found anywhere else.

Outline Itinerary

Day 1: Flight to Lukla from Kathmandu (2840m | 9316ft), Trek to Phakding (2610m | 8563ft, 3-4 hrs, 8. 2 km/5. 1 miles)
Day 2: Trek to Namche Bazaar (3440m | 11286ft, 6-7 hrs, 10. 9 km/6. 8 miles)
Day 3: Acclimatization Day (3 to 5 hours a day hiking)
Day 4: Trek to Phortse Village (3950m | 12929ft, 6-7 hrs, 9. 8 km/6. 08 miles)
Day 5: Trek to Dingboche (4410m | 14469ft, 6-7 hrs, 9. 5 km/5. 9 miles)
Day 6: Acclimatization Day (3 to 5 hours a day hiking)
Day 7: Trek to Lobuche (4910m | 16109ft, 5-6 hrs, 7. 9 km/4. 9 miles)
Day 8: Ascend to Everest Base Camp (5364m | 17593ft, 7-8 hrs, 11. 7 km/7. 3 miles)
Day 9: Sunrise Perspective from Kala Patthar then Trek to Pheriche (4240m | 13911ft, 7-8 hrs, 15. 5 km/9. 4 miles)
Day 10: Trek to Namche Bazaar (3440m | 11286ft, 7-8 hrs, 19. 5 km/12. 1 miles)
Day 11: Trek to Lukla (2840m | 9318ft, 7-8 hrs, 19. 1 km/11. 9 miles)
Day 12: Fly Back to Kathmandu (1400m | 4593ft)

Everest Base Camp Trek Permit Cost

The Everest Base Camp trek requires two different permits for entry:

Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Village municipality permit which costs RS 2000 per person

The Sagarmatha National Park permit costs Rs 2000 per person.

Everest Base Camp Trek Difficulty: Terrain, Elevation, and Altitude Guide

The Everest Base Camp trek ranks among the highest and most challenging treks globally. It is also referred to as the pinnacle of trekking. The altitude of the trek ranges from 2800 to 5600 meters above sea level over its 12-day journey. It consists of rugged trails, passes, and steep hills to navigate. You must be physically and mentally fit and ready to undertake the trek in the Everest region. Given the elevation from 2800 to 5600 meters, it is necessary to acclimate yourself to cope with the thin oxygen levels in the higher areas. You need to be extremely mindful of your health and physical fitness during the Everest trek.

Here is a summary of the altitudes you will be gaining during the Everest Base Camp trek.

Lukla: 2800 meters
Namche Bazar: 3440 meters
Tengboche: 3867 meters
Everest Base Camp: 5364 meters
Kala Patthar: 5645 meters

Preparation for Everest Base Camp Trek

Since the Everest Base Camp trek is one of the greatest and toughest trekking routes worldwide, you need to prepare extensively to accomplish this trek successfully. During your preparations, you must focus on cardiovascular activities, consume plenty of vitamins and proteins, and engage in a hike or short trek to acclimatize to conditions similar to those found in the Everest region. Above all, you need to be mentally prepared for the most epic and challenging trekking experience of your life.

Guide for Everest Base Camp Trek Costs from $20 to $30

A guide will be available from Lukla for the duration of the trek to the Everest Base Camp. The daily wages for the guide range from $20 to $30 per day based on the guide’s experience. You must also ensure their accommodation and meals throughout the entire journey. The guide will assist you with everything you encounter during the Everest Base Camp trek.

Altitude Sickness and Remedies in Everest Base Camp Trek

Mild and severe altitude sickness can occur during the trek to Everest Base Camp. For individuals from coastal regions, experiencing altitude sickness in such elevated terrains can be particularly hazardous. Therefore, travelers should be well-informed about all the risks and rewards associated with the Everest Base Camp trek.

Mild symptoms typically manifest early as you begin to ascend. Symptoms such as headache, dizziness, fatigue, and loss of appetite might occur. These symptoms can often be averted by ascending gradually, consuming sufficient nutrients, and staying well-hydrated to sustain your energy. You can take a day’s rest to help acclimate to the conditions of the Everest region.

Severe symptoms, including intense headache, vomiting, sleeplessness, congestion, and tightness in the chest, are harder to prevent and could necessitate emergency evacuation. Thus, it is always advantageous to train and consume adequate nutrients several days before commencing the trek.

Food and Water on Everest Base Camp Trek

There are numerous restaurants along the trek to Lukla and Namche Bazar, providing you with quality food and beverage services. However, at higher elevations, there will be fewer choices available. You will find local food options primarily made from rice, potatoes, barley, and millets.

You can access both hot and cold drinking water, as well as hot and cold showers based on your preferences. While hot water and showers may come with a fee, cold water will be available for free in any location.

Travel Insurance for Everest Base Camp Trek

Travel Insurance can be extremely helpful for unpredictable treks like Everest Base Camp if you suffer an injury or become ill. The medical expenses can be exorbitant and could deplete your entire life savings. Therefore, Visit View Nepal Treks strongly advises all customers to purchase travel insurance prior to embarking on an Everest Base Camp trek.

Everest Base Camp Trek Booking Procedure

Visit View Nepal Treks has already opened the booking for the slots of the Everest Base Camp trek for 2025 and 2026. To reserve your slot, you can kindly message us through our contacts or send a direct message on our social media platforms as well. You will receive detailed information regarding each slot and other trekking routes from Visit View Nepal Treks.

Additional Tips

Plan extra days at the end

It is advisable to plan for more days than scheduled for the Everest Base Camp trek, as you may want to spend an additional day in Lukla or Namche to celebrate the accomplishment of the monumental Everest trail. Additionally, you might feel quite fatigued during the trek, so you may wish to take a day of rest for acclimatization along the route.

Stay within the luggage weight limit

Keeping your luggage as light as possible during the trek to Everest Base Camp is advisable. As you trek, your luggage will feel heavier, making it challenging to maintain a steady pace. Travelers are encouraged to carry all necessary items but within the prescribed weight limit.

Prepare for flight delays

Frequent flight delays occur in the Lukla-Kathmandu sector due to high traffic and weather-related issues. Therefore, you need to be patient and prepared to wait for your flight. An average delay of two hours is common in this sector, and sometimes flights may be rescheduled or even canceled.

Expect a flight diversion to Ramechhap.

Due to unfavourable weather conditions, flights to Lukla may be redirected to Ramechhap, and you will need to take another flight from Ramechhap to Lukla once the weather improves. We encourage you to maintain high expectations regarding your flight being diverted because of adverse weather conditions.

The road construction is going on to Salleri to make your travel adventurous if you want to explore the road service of Nepal.

Stay Hydrated

You should consume at least 3-4 liters of water daily while trekking to Everest Base Camp. By staying hydrated, you will reduce the likelihood of experiencing altitude sickness and enhance your overall experience in the breathtaking Himalayas.

Don’t rely on ATMs

There will be no ATM services available in the higher regions of the Himalayas. Therefore, it is essential to carry cash with you. You can find ATMs until you reach Namche, where you should withdraw some cash to take along. The cash will be useful for purchasing additional amenities offered by local teahouses and hotels. We recommend that you keep at least 10,000 NRS in cash to meet your needs and desires.