Overview
This is the trek that changed Himalayan tourism forever. You're hiking into the cirque where Everest, Lhotse, and Nuptse form an amphitheatre of ice and rock 8,848 metres above sea level. Over 12-14 days, you'll acclimatize through the Khumbu Valley, stay in family-run teahouses, meet Sherpa villages that have guided climbers for generations, and stand at 5,364 metres at Base Camp itself.
The trail is well-established but unforgiving — expect steep ascents, altitude-induced headaches, and some of the clearest night skies you've ever seen. The iconic views of Everest are real but humbling: you'll see the peak from dozens of angles, each more dramatic than the last.
This trek demands respect for altitude and honest self-assessment of your fitness. It's not technically difficult (no ropes or climbing), but it is genuinely strenuous. You'll sleep poorly at 4,000+ metres, your legs will burn, and you'll discover reserves of determination you didn't know you had.
Highlights
- Namche Bazaar — Gateway to the Khumbu, a bustling market town where Sherpas trade goods and trekkers acclimatize at 3,440m
- Tengboche Monastery — A 400-year-old Buddhist monastery with views of Everest, Ama Dablam, and the valley below
- Gorak Shep to Base Camp — The final push to 5,364m, walking across glacial moraines where expedition teams prepare for summit attempts
- Kala Patthar Sunrise — A 5,545m viewpoint reached on the descent; Everest glows gold as the sun rises
- Sherpa Hospitality — Sleep, eat, and share stories with Sherpa families in their homes
- Ama Dablam Close-up — One of the world's most photogenic peaks dominates the skyline near Pangboche
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day 1
Kathmandu to Lukla (2,860m) — Scenic flight; 45 minutes
Day 2
Lukla to Phakding (2,610m) — 5.5 hours walking; suspension bridges, river valley
Day 3
Phakding to Namche Bazaar (3,440m) — 5.5 hours; steep climb to the Sherpa capital
Day 4
Rest day in Namche — Acclimatization; explore markets, visit Sagarmatha Museum
Day 5
Namche to Tengboche (3,860m) — 5 hours; forested trail, Tengboche Monastery at day's end
Day 6
Tengboche to Dingboche (4,360m) — 4.5 hours; potato fields, yak herds, teahouses
Day 7
Rest day in Dingboche — Acclimatization hike to nearby ridges; visit local villages
Day 8
Dingboche to Lobuche (4,900m) — 5 hours; alpine terrain begins
Day 9
Lobuche to Gorak Shep (5,160m) — 3 hours; final approach, glacier crossing
Day 10
Gorak Shep to Everest Base Camp (5,364m) and back — 5.5 hours round trip; moraine scramble
Day 11
Kala Patthar sunrise (5,545m) — 3 hours early start; descent to Pheriche (4,280m)
Days 12-13
Pheriche to Namche via Tengboche — Downhill days; retrace route with fresh legs
Day 14
Namche to Lukla — Final descent (6 hours); fly back to Kathmandu
What's Included
- Guided trek with experienced Sirdar (lead guide) and porters
- Accommodation in family-run teahouses throughout trek
- All meals during trek (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
- TIMS permit (Trekking Information Management System)
- Sagarmatha National Park entry fee
- Porter support (one porter per two trekkers)
- Comprehensive trek briefing before departure
What's Not Included
- International and domestic flights to/from Kathmandu and Lukla
- Travel insurance (mandatory, including evacuation coverage)
- Personal trekking gear (boots, sleeping bag, layers, daypack)
- Meals in Kathmandu or Lukla
- Tips for guides, porters, teahouse staff (customary: $150-250 USD)
- Accommodation in Kathmandu before/after trek
- Optional activities (helicopter evacuation, extra acclimatization)