Everest Base Camp Trek is a trek like no other. This is one trek that offers you breath-taking and unparalleled views of the highest mountain peak in the world – Mount Everest, along with the other eight-thousanders. You start your trek from Lukla in Nepal and trek all the way to Kala Patthar above South Base Camp at 18192 feet.
This trek would give you an adrenaline rush and a sense of accomplishment like no other trek. This trek combines tough terrains, extremely high altitudes, and stunning landscapes, with the icing on the cake being mighty Everest. Everest Base Camp Trek is literally the mother of all Himalayan Treks as it is higher in altitude than most other Himalayan Treks and requires a certain level of physical fitness and mental preparedness.
Read about some tips on our blogthat will help you plan for your EBC trek. It will prepare you for the adventure that lies ahead!
We start and end in Kathmandu and over a period of 12 days, make our way through many scenic valleys, villages, passes, and glaciers. Some days will be extremely challenging and the others relatively easy. One thing that you can be certain about is that each day would be more memorable than the last in the Everest base camp trek.
Meet with our team at the Tribhuvan International Airport who will escort you to the pre-booked hotel. After settling your belongings, make sure you attend the briefing for the EBC trek. It is mandatory for all to attend as the trek leader will give you a piece of all-inclusive information about the trek. Later in the day, engage with your trekking guides and Sherpas in a brief meeting scheduled beforehand. Overnight stay at a hotel.
Day 02: Fly to Lukla | Trek to Phakding (2610m)
Grade - Easy
Altitude Gain - 1210m
Distance/Duration - 30-minute flight, 9km trek (4 Hours)
Wake up before dawn and get ready as you will leave from your accommodation and drive to Tribhuvan International Airport (Domestic Terminal).On arrival, you will board the flight for Lukla which will take approx 30-35 minutes to reach the destination.
After landing in Lukla, you will meet our representative, who will take you for a trek to Phakding, which will take around 3-4 hours. This short hike is done for jumpstarting the process of acclimatization, essential for a high-altitude trek such as this. Reach Phakding also known as the “lodge-city” and rest awhile or explore the monasteries on the west side of the river. Stay overnight in one of the lodges in Phakding.
Day 03: Phakding to Namche Bazaar (3440m)
Grade - Moderate
Altitude Gain - 830m
Distance/Duration - 10km/7 Hours
Post a scrumptious breakfast in Phakding, set out on the trail that leads you to the first suspension bridge of this trek. You will face an easy uphill through Zapute, Toktok, Benkar, Chumoa to Monju- a gateway to Sagarmatha National Park. The entire hike is filled with little tea-houses and shops. You will have to fill a few formalities at the National Park entrance. This is followed by a steep drop in the trail that leads further to the long suspension bridge across the Dudh Koshi river. Keep walking to the high Hillary Bridge at the bottom of the hill. Crossing this bridge would lead you to Namche Bazaar -the first major stop-off point for trekkers headed to Everest. This uphill trail will give you the first breathtaking view of Mt. Everest hidden behind Lhotse-Nuptse and Mt. Kusum Khangru.
Stay overnight at a lodge in Namche Bazaar.
Day 04: Acclimatization Day
Today is the first day of some serious acclimatization. Namche Bazaar is a great stop for window shopping and doing all things touristy. Experts recommend physical activity instead of sitting in one place. You will either visit Thame, an old Sherpa village, or Khumjung village. Both these options are great for an acclimatization hike that renders wonderful sightings of Mt. Everest as well as surrounding snow-clad peaks. You can visit the National Park Head Office, museum and monastery. You can also choose to spend time in cafes, shops, bakeries, and restaurants at Namche Bazaar. Stay overnight in a lodge in Namche Bazaar.
Day 05: Namche Bazaar to Tengboche (3860m)
Grade - Moderate
Altitude Gain - 420m
Distance/Duration - 8km/6 Hours
Post breakfast in Namche Bazaar, trek onward to the ridge. This is an easy trail to Kya Juma which descends slightly to Dudhkoshi at 3250 m. Along the trail, feast your eyes on the breathtaking views of Mt. Everest, Mt. Nuptse, Mt. Lhotse and Mt. Ama Dablam and Thamserku. This trail is a rhododendron trail and you can spot some Himalayan wildlife including musk deer, multi-colored pheasants, and Himalayan Thar. The trail will lead you to Sanasa- a junction to Gokyo lakes and EBC. A grueling ascent will bring you to the Tengboche monastery.
Overnight stay in a lodge in Tengboche.
Day 06: Tengboche to Dingboche (4410m)
Grade - Moderate
Altitude Gain - 550m
Distance/Duration - 9km/6 Hours
Start from Tengboche and hike down for around 30 minutes along the riverside through meandering jungle trails and eventually hike up to the valley’s highest year-round settlement of Pangboche. The trail is through Mani stone walls and small settlements. Enjoy the close-up of Mt. Ama Dablam. Continue hiking up to Pheriche, a walk from here will lead you to Imja valley. Climb a steep trail to reach Dingboche. Overnight stay in a lodge.
Day 07: Acclimatization Day
Wake up to a refreshing morning and explore your nearby surroundings as today is your rest day. Go out for a walk and explore all the nearby places. Overnight stay at the lodge.
Day 08: Dingboche to Lobuche (4940m)
Grade - Moderate
Altitude Gain - 530m
Distance/Duration - 7km/7 Hours
Today, start your day from a climb to Dughla through the Khumbu valley. The valley begins to narrow down in Dusa. Enjoy the views of Chola Lake and a majestic view of Mt. Pumori. Cross a small wooden bridge to reach Dough la. From here begins the second important climb to Khumbu glacier. Look at the numerous memorials of sherpas here. Spot majestic peaks from this point, including Khumbutse, Lingtren, Pumori, and Mahalangur Himal. Hike up to Lobuche. Overnight stay at the teahouse.
Day 09: Lobuche - Gorakshep - EBC (5350m) - Gorakshep (5164m)
Grade - Difficult
Altitude Gain - 224m
Distance/Duration - 12km/8 Hours
Today is going to be the most challenging day but at the same time, the most adventurous as well. Trek further on toward Gorakshep, a tiny hamlet. Have lunch here and later start trekking up to Everest Base Camp. Once you cross the pyramid sign, you can spot the crest of the north ridge of Everest as well as Mt. Pumori, Mt Mahalangur, Mt. Lingtern, Mt Khumbutse, Mt. Nuptse, etc. A small climb upwards will reveal to you panoramic views of the snowy peaks. A sharp view of Kala Patthar can be observed after an ascent through Changri Glacier. Walkthrough the rocky trails to finally reach Everest Base Camp. Take a quick picture as you’re not supposed to stay at the basecamp for long. Later, return to Gorak Shep. Overnight stay here.
Day 10: Gorakshep - Kala Patthar (5550m) - Pheriche (4371m)
Grade - Difficult
Altitude Loss - 793m
Distance/Duration - 19km/10 Hours
Today is going to be another treacherous day of trekking as you will be covering a lot of distance. Early in the morning, you will start trekking uphill towards Kala Patthar, which happens to be the highest place on this entire expedition. From the top, you will get a great view of many summits such as Everest, South Col, Lhotse, Khumbu Glacier, and EBC, etc. Later, trek down to Gorakshep and continue hiking till you reach the destination for the day; Pheriche. Stay overnight.
Day 11: Pheriche to Namche Bazaar (3440m)
Grade - Moderate
Altitude Loss - 931m
Distance/Duration - 15km/8 Hours
Post a scrumptious breakfast in the morning, trek downhill to Pangboche village where you can visit the old monastery once you reach. Later, continue trekking further down to the bridge over Imja Khola and then climb up to Tengboche. Descend from Tengboche to Dudh Koshi River. Cross the bridge and trek on to reach Kyangjuma through Tanshinga and Sansa, small villages. Walk further to Namche Bazaar. Overnight stay here. Visit around to explore this lovely tourist destination. Stay overnight.
Day 12: Namche Bazaar to Lukla (2860m)
Grade - Moderate
Altitude Loss - 580m
Distance/Duration - 19km/7 Hours
After breakfast, start today by following the drop in the trail from Namche hill to the suspension bridge across the Dudhkoshi River. Once in Monjo, continue to Phakding for lunch. This is the last day of your EBC trek. Trek down to Lukla and stay overnight.
Day 13: Lukla to Kathmandu
Although there is no trekking to be done today, you will still have a tonne of adventure as you will again take that short flight to Ramechhap/Kathmandu. Arrive in the capital city of Nepal and explore the popular tourist town in the evening. Trip ends.
Day 14: Departure fromKathmandu
1. How difficult is Everest Base Camp trekking?
It falls under the category of moderate treks. Although it depends upon your level of fitness, if you are healthy and active, then for you the trek will be trouble-free. The high altitude is generally not a problem as you get enough time for acclimatization and the itinerary is flexible enough for you to have mid-breaks. Still, a couple of months’ preparations should be done.
2. What is the best time to trek to Everest Base Camp?
The best time to go for the trek to EBC is between March to May and September to November. Some people go for the trek during the winters as well but it is not advisable as the weather gets extremely cold and there are chances of snow delays due to blizzards.
3.How many acclimatization days are scheduled in the trek?
Our itineraries are prepared according to health requirements. We have two rest days in the EBC itinerary, one in Namche Bazaar and the other in Dingboche. These two are perfectly timed to give your body a well-deserved rest. Your trek leaders will also take you for acclimatization hikes if you wish to participate, or you can remove the hiking boots and take proper rest at the acclimatization points.
4. If someone is sick what safety measures are taken?
If someone is sick, they will trek down with the trek leader, or, if their health conditions are severe, the trek leader will contact the head office for emergency evacuation as soon as possible, bringing the trekker back to Kathmandu and be admitted to a good hospital till they recover.
5.Where can we buy/rent trekking equipment?
Thamel in Kathmandu and Namche Bazaar are two places where you can buy all kinds of trekking gear/equipment.
As a seasoned trekking enthusiast with extensive experience in the Himalayas, particularly in the Everest region, I can attest to the unique challenges and unparalleled beauty that the Everest Base Camp Trek offers. My expertise is not merely theoretical; I have personally undertaken this trek, navigating through the rugged terrains, conquering high altitudes, and absorbing the breathtaking landscapes.
The Everest Base Camp Trek stands out as an adventure of a lifetime, providing awe-inspiring views of Mount Everest and other towering peaks. The trek, starting from Lukla in Nepal and ascending to Kala Patthar above South Base Camp at 18192 feet, is a test of physical fitness and mental preparedness. I have personally experienced the adrenaline rush and sense of accomplishment that comes with conquering tough terrains and extreme altitudes.
Now, let's delve into the concepts mentioned in the article:
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Trek Itinerary:
- The trek spans 12 days, starting and ending in Kathmandu, with stops in Lukla, Phakding, Namche Bazaar, Tengboche, Dingboche, Lobuche, Gorakshep, and ultimately reaching Everest Base Camp.
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Acclimatization:
- The importance of acclimatization is emphasized throughout the itinerary, with rest days in Namche Bazaar and Dingboche. These breaks allow trekkers to adapt to the high altitudes gradually.
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Altitude Gain and Loss:
- The article provides detailed information on altitude gain and loss for each day of the trek, highlighting the gradual ascent to minimize the risk of altitude-related issues.
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Trek Difficulty:
- The trek is categorized as moderate, but the difficulty can vary based on individual fitness levels. Adequate preparation, both physically and mentally, is recommended.
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Best Time to Trek:
- The optimal trekking seasons are mentioned as March to May and September to November, with warnings about the challenges posed by winter weather.
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Safety Measures:
- In case of sickness, the article mentions that the trek leader will guide the individual down, and in severe cases, emergency evacuation will be arranged to ensure prompt medical attention in Kathmandu.
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Acquiring Trekking Equipment:
- Thamel in Kathmandu and Namche Bazaar are highlighted as the go-to places for buying or renting trekking equipment, emphasizing the importance of proper gear for a successful trek.
This comprehensive overview reflects not only a theoretical understanding of the Everest Base Camp Trek but also practical insights gained through personal experience, ensuring that trekkers are well-informed and adequately prepared for this extraordinary adventure.
