The Everest Base Camp trek is a once-in-a-lifetime adventure that offers breathtaking views of the world's tallest mountain and a chance to immerse yourself in the unique culture of the Himalayas. The trek takes you through diverse landscapes, including lush forests, glacial rivers, and alpine terrain, before reaching the base camp of Mount Everest, the highest peak on earth. Along the way, you'll encounter hospitable Sherpa people, visit ancient monasteries, and learn about the region's fascinating history and traditions. The sense of achievement you'll feel when reaching the base camp is unparalleled, and the stunning views of Everest and other surrounding peaks are simply awe-inspiring. The Everest Base Camp trek is a true adventure that will challenge you physically and mentally, but the reward of standing at the base camp of the world's tallest mountain is an experience you'll cherish for a lifetime.
Prepare for an adventure treking Mount Everest Base Camp. This overview provides essential details on routes, difficulty, costs, and the best times to go, helping you plan a successful trek.
Distances
12 - 16 days, 130 km, +2,685 m, 5,545 m high point
daily: 8 - 16 hours, 4 - 8 km, +400 - 1,000 m gain
These are pictures taken while trekking Mount Everest Base Camp. They're shown here to give you an idea of what the route is like. You're welcome to share your own pictures of hiking Mount Everest Base Camp, to help the community of hikers. Picture here are either uploaded by members (their own, or creative commons pictures), or guides.
These guides offer organised treks for Mount Everest Base Camp. Compare each trip - pricing, reviews, and key details to help you choose the right guide. To explore more options / routes, check out our full Guides Directory.
We've carefully selected these independent guides based on their expertise with Mount Everest Base Camp. Compare their offerings, from group sizes and equipment inclusion to trip duration and support services. Each guide brings their own unique approach, so you can find the perfect match for your adventure. Click through to see full details and connect directly with any guide that interests you.
Everest Base Camp Trekking is probably the most popular and iconic trekking destination in the Himalayas. Everest is located in the Mahalangur Himal sub-range of the Himalayas and is the world’s highest mountain at 8,848 meters above sea level located on the international border between China (Tibet Autonomous Region) and Nepal Mount Everest is also well known as Sagarmatha in Nepal and as Chomolungma in Tibet.
In our offer package, you will get at least a 10% discount for the holiday package. offering the most popular trekking package on the occasion of survival year.
The trek to the base camp of the world highest mountain – Mount Everest is the most famous and popular route. Every year it attracts a huge number of tourists from all over the world who wants to see all the grandeur of Everest. The program does not require special training, and any healthy person can take part in the trek to Everest base camp. Throughout the whole route tourists are surrounded by fantastic views of the Himalayas. In addition, they will have the opportunity to see one of the most beautiful peaks in the world Ama Dablam, one name of which makes climbers’ heart beat faster, as well as to meet the main ethnic group of Nepal – the Sherpas, with their culture and way of life. Sherpas’ culture demonstrates how different life and living conditions can be in different parts of the world. But the culmination of this trekking is to reach the top of Mount Kalapatar, which is an excellent vantage point of the mountain area Khumbu Himal, from where you can see Mount Everest.
👥 Group size: 15
🧑🤝🧑 Guide ratio: 1 guide to 15 client(s)
⏳ Trip length 14 day(s)
The Everest Base Camp Trek is renowned for its breathtaking scenery and the opportunity to experience the rich culture of the Sherpa people. What makes Himalayan Exploration Treks so special is their commitment to providing a unique and enriching experience.
1. **Expert Guidance**: Their knowledgeable guides are not only experienced trekkers but also have deep insights into the local culture and environment. This enhances the trekking experience and ensures your safety.
2. **Custom Itineraries**: They offer personalized itineraries that cater to different fitness levels and interests, allowing trekkers to explore at their own pace.
3. **Community Focus**: They prioritize sustainability and community engagement. By supporting local businesses and engaging with the Sherpa community, they ensure that your trek positively impacts the region.
4. **Comprehensive Support**: From transportation to accommodation and meals, they provide well-organized support throughout the journey, allowing trekkers to focus on their adventure.
5. **Incredible Views**: The trek offers stunning views of some of the world's highest peaks, including Mount Everest, providing unforgettable photo opportunities and a deep connection with nature.
Overall, Himalayan Exploration Treks creates a unique and memorable trekking experience that blends adventure, culture, and stunning natural beauty.
🚶 Includes Porters
👥 Group size: 20 - 30
🧑🤝🧑 Guide ratio: 1 guide to -5 client(s)
⏳ Trip length 10-14 day(s)
More info on Himalayan Exploration Treks :
Rating
Rated 4.75 on independent review sites. View reviews
The Everest Base Camp trek is a classic and iconic journey that takes you to the base camp of the world's highest peak, Mount Everest. This itinerary covers the popular route from Lukla to Everest Base Camp, offering stunning mountain views, Sherpa culture, and a memorable Himalayan experience.
Day 1
Fly to Lukla, Trek to Phakding (2,610 m)
Take an early morning scenic flight from Kathmandu to Lukla and begin your trek. Descend to the Dudh Koshi River and follow the trail to Phakding.
Cross several suspension bridges and enter Sagarmatha National Park. Ascend steep trails to Namche Bazaar, a bustling Sherpa town and the gateway to Everest.
Day 3
Acclimatization Day in Namche Bazaar (3,440 m)
Spend a day acclimatizing in Namche Bazaar. Explore the town, visit the Sherpa Museum, and enjoy panoramic views of Everest and the surrounding peaks.
Descend to the Dudh Koshi River and trek through rhododendron forests. Climb up to Tengboche, home to a famous monastery with stunning mountain vistas.
Resume the trek along the moraine of the Khumbu Glacier. Pass by memorials of climbers and ascend to Lobuche, offering panoramic views of the Himalayas.
Continue the descent, passing through Phakding and finally reaching Lukla. Reflect on the amazing journey and spend the evening in Lukla.
Day 12
Fly to Kathmandu
Take a scenic flight from Lukla back to Kathmandu. Enjoy the rest of the day exploring the city, shopping for souvenirs, and experiencing Nepalese culture.
Treks that involve rugged or uneven terrain, such as rocky paths, scree slopes, or dense forests, may require more technical skills or physical effort.
Altitude / Elevation 10 / 10
Considering the maximum altitude reached during the trek. Higher altitudes can present challenges like thin air, low oxygen levels, and potential altitude sickness.
Distance 8 / 10
The total distance of the trek. Longer treks generally require more endurance and physical fitness.
Elevation gain 9 / 10
Total elevation gain throughout the trek. Treks with significant altitude changes can be more challenging, especially if they involve steep ascents or descents.
Technical difficulty 2 / 10
Some treks may require basic technical skills like river crossings, using ropes, or scrambling over rocks.
Access to facilities / Remoteness 3 / 10
Based on the availability of support facilities such as accommodation, food, water sources, and emergency services. Treks with limited infrastructure or remote areas can be more challenging due to self-sufficiency requirements. The less support facilities there are the harder the trek.
Climate & weather 6 / 10
How tough are the prevailing weather and climate conditions during the trek. Harsh weather, extreme temperatures, or unpredictable conditions can add to the difficulty.
How is the weather on Mount Everest Base Camp, and when is the best time to go.
The Everest Base Camp trek can be done year-round, but the best months are October and November when the weather is typically dry and clear with mild temperatures. December to February can be very cold and snowy, March to May is dry with moderate temperatures, and June to September is monsoon season with heavy rainfall.
The best time to trek Mount Everest Base Camp is in these months:
Mar
Apr
May
Oct
Nov
Avoid trekking during the monsoon season (June-August) and the winter season (December-February) due to harsh weather conditions.
The Everest Base Camp trek is one of the most popular and well-established treks in the world, and as such there are a wide range of services available to support trekkers along the way.
Accommodation
Accommodation options on the route range from basic teahouses and lodges to more luxurious trekking lodges and hotels.
Food
Food is widely available along the route, with most teahouses and lodges offering simple but hearty meals such as dal bhat, soups, noodles, and other local dishes.
Guides
Guides are readily available and can be hired in advance or on the spot. Prices for guides vary depending on their level of experience and the level of support you require, but typically range from $20 to $50 USD per day.
Porters
Porters are also readily available for hire and can help carry your gear along the route. Prices for porters vary depending on the weight of your gear and the distance you need it carried, but typically range from $10 to $20 USD per day.
Medical facilities
There are some basic medical services available along the route, such as pharmacies and clinics in larger towns like Namche Bazaar. However, it's important to bring your own first aid kit and any necessary medications with you on the trek.
Gear rental
There are many gear rental services available in Kathmandu and other major cities, where you can rent everything from trekking poles and sleeping bags to down jackets and mountaineering boots. It's also possible to buy or rent gear in some of the larger towns along the route.
Transport
Transport options to the start of the trek include flights from Kathmandu to Lukla, or overland travel to Jiri or Salleri. On the trek itself, options include hiring porters or guides to carry your gear, or taking a helicopter or donkey to move between different points on the route.
Internet / Phone
Communication options along the route are limited, with patchy mobile phone coverage and limited access to wifi. It's a good idea to bring a satellite phone or other means of communication in case of emergency, and to let friends and family know your itinerary and expected return date.
ATMs
There are a few ATMs available in larger towns along the route, but it's best to bring enough cash with you to cover your expenses.
Shops
There are a range of shops and markets along the route, where you can buy snacks, gear, and other supplies. Popular items include souvenirs, hiking gear, and local handicrafts.
What is the accommodation like treking Mount Everest Base Camp
Accommodation options along the Everest Base Camp trek vary widely. From basic teahouses to more luxurious lodges, there's something for every budget and level of comfort.
Teahouses: These are the most common type of accommodation along the trail and offer simple rooms with shared bathrooms. Prices range from $1 to $5 per night, depending on the location and time of year. Availability is generally good, but during peak season (October to November) it's best to book in advance.
Lodges: These are larger, more comfortable accommodations that offer private rooms with attached bathrooms. Prices range from $10 to $50 per night, depending on the level of luxury and location. Availability is generally good, but during peak season it's best to book in advance.
Luxury lodges: These are the most expensive and luxurious accommodations along the trail, with prices ranging from $100 to $500 per night. They offer amenities such as hot showers, Wi-Fi, and gourmet food. Availability is limited, and it's best to book well in advance.
Flight: The most convenient and quickest way to get to the start of the Everest Base Camp Trek is by taking a flight from Kathmandu to Lukla. Lukla is a small town in the Khumbu region and is considered the gateway to the Everest Base Camp Trek. Several airlines offer flights from Kathmandu to Lukla, and the flight takes around 35 minutes.
Helicopter: If you have a limited amount of time and want to avoid the trek to Lukla, you can take a helicopter from Kathmandu to Lukla. The helicopter ride takes around 45 minutes and offers stunning views of the Himalayas. However, the cost of a helicopter ride is considerably higher than a flight.
Jiri to Everest Base Camp Trek: The Jiri to Everest Base Camp Trek is a longer and more traditional trekking route that takes you through picturesque villages and forests. The trek starts from Jiri, which is around 8 hours drive from Kathmandu, and ends at Lukla. From Lukla, you can continue the trek to the Everest Base Camp.
Drive to Salleri: Salleri is a town in the Solukhumbu region and is around 10 hours drive from Kathmandu. From Salleri, you can continue the trek to Lukla and then to the Everest Base Camp. The road from Kathmandu to Salleri is bumpy and can be challenging, but it offers breathtaking views of the Himalayas.
Get inspired by these incredible videos capturing the experience of climbing Mount Everest Base Camp. From route highlights to summittrail views, these clips showcase the treks beauty and the challenges it presents. Have your own Mount Everest Base Camp video? We'd love for you to share it with the community to inspire future trekkers.
These are variations on the typical route. Which could be added on; either part way along or at the start / end to extend the trek.
Three Passes Trek
add 7 - 10 extra days
This trek takes a more challenging and longer route through three high mountain passes (Renjo La, Cho La, and Kongma La) and offers stunning views of the Himalayas. It also takes you through remote villages and offers a unique cultural experience. The trek starts from Lukla and rejoins the typical route at Gorak Shep.
Gokyo Lakes Trek
add 4 - 5 extra days
This trek takes a detour to the Gokyo Lakes, a series of six turquoise lakes located in the Everest region. The trek offers spectacular views of the mountains and the lakes, and also takes you through the Ngozumpa glacier, the largest glacier in the Himalayas. The trek rejoins the typical route at Lobuche.
Island Peak Climbing
add 6 - 8 extra days
This trek involves climbing Island Peak (6,189 m), a popular peak in the Everest region. The trek starts from Lukla and follows the typical route until Chhukung, where you will spend a few days acclimatizing and practicing climbing skills. The climb to Island Peak requires technical skills and is considered a beginner mountaineering expedition.
Ama Dablam Base Camp Trek
add 1 extra day
This trek takes you to the base camp of Ama Dablam (6,812 m), a stunning peak located in the Everest region. The trek starts from Lukla and follows the typical route until Pangboche, where you will detour towards Ama Dablam Base Camp. The trek offers breathtaking views of Ama Dablam and other peaks in the region.
What to know about trekking Mount Everest Base Camp
Common questions people have about this trek, if yours isn’t here - add it to get an answer.
Yes, you will need to bring cash on the trek as there are no ATMs or credit card facilities beyond Namche Bazaar. You will need to pay for food, accommodation, and other expenses in cash, and it's recommended to bring Nepalese rupees.
Altitude sickness is a common concern on the Everest Base Camp Trek, as you will be trekking at high altitudes. It's important to acclimatize properly and be aware of the symptoms of altitude sickness, such as headache, nausea, and fatigue. It's recommended to consult with a doctor before the trek and bring medication to treat altitude sickness.
Yes, you can buy or rent trekking gear in Kathmandu, such as sleeping bags, down jackets, and trekking poles. However, it's recommended to bring your own gear if possible, as the quality of rental gear can vary, and you may not find the right size or fit for your needs.
It's not recommended to drink untreated water on the trek, as it can cause stomach problems. You should bring a water filter or purification tablets to treat the water, or buy bottled water along the trail. It's also recommended to bring a reusable water bottle to minimize plastic waste.
Wi-Fi and cell phone coverage are available on the Everest Base Camp Trek, but the quality and availability can be limited, especially at higher altitudes. You may need to pay for Wi-Fi access or use a local SIM card to access cell phone coverage. It's recommended to bring a power bank to charge your devices, as electricity may be limited.