17 Days Everest Base Camp Hike

Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned trekker, the Everest Base Camp Hike is truly a spectacular venture that will quench your thirst for adventure. Nothing can beat the trek experience on the classic trail that follows the footsteps of Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay Sherpa, the first people to summit Mount Everest. Our 17-day Everest Base Camp Hike will take you on a thrilling ride to the heart of the Everest/ Khumbu region. Before you start the trek, you will first take a sightseeing tour in Kathmandu.

Then, you will fly to Lukla and land at one of the world’s most dangerous airports, the Tenzing Hillary Airport. The trail from Lukla will take you from the luscious and dense verdant to alpine meadows and pastures. From Monjo, you will enter the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Sagarmatha National Park. Thus, you will get to observe diverse Himalayan flora and fauna. You will also traverse popular Sherpa villages like Phakding, Namche Bazaar, Tengboche, Dingboche, Gorak Shep, and more.

The main highlights of the Everest Base Camp Hike are Everest Base Camp (5364 m) and Kala Patthar (5555 m). You will overcome challenging trails and terrain to reach the foothills of Mount Everest, the world’s highest mountain. The mountain views from these points are breathtakingly enchanting. The Everest Base Camp Hike is not only an adventure but also an enriching cultural and spiritual experience. During the trek, you will stay at cozy teahouses and lodges and experience warm hospitality. You will also come across several ancient monasteries and stupas en route. It offers an opportunity to glimpse at the religious aspects of the Khumbu region. The 17-day Everest Base Camp Hike is a complete package you must experience at least once!

Everest Region Region

Nepal Destination

Trekking Trips Activity

5,555m Max. Altitude

20 Group Size

Hard Grade

17 Days Everest Base Camp Hike Highlights

Join one of the most sought-after and classic treks in Nepal.
Take a sightseeing tour of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Kathmandu.
Get on a scenic and thrilling flight to Lukla.
Trek on the iconic trails through dense subtropical forests of rhododendrons, oaks, firs, alpine meadows, and tundra vegetation of the Everest region.
Observe the diverse flora and fauna of Sagarmatha National Park.
Explore famous villages like Namche Bazaar, Tengboche, Dingboche, Gorak Shep, and more.
Visit the ancient Tengboche Monastery and the Khumjung Monastery, which houses a yeti scalp.
Traverse suspension bridges, colorful prayer flags, chortens, mani walls, and gompas.
Trek past the stunning Khumbu Glacier (4900 m) and the Khumbu Icefall.
Hike up to the Everest Base Camp (5364 m) and Kala Patthar (5555 m).
Witness spectacular panoramic views of Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Ama Dablam, Cho You, Makalu, Pumori, and more.
Stay at local teahouses and experience the rich Sherpa culture and traditions

17 Days Itinerary OF Everest Base Camp Hike

A representative from hcTreks will be waiting to receive you at Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) upon your arrival. They will be holding a placard with your name on it. After receiving you at the airport, they will help you transfer to your hotel in a private vehicle. This will be your first day in Kathmandu, and you can stroll around the hotel in the evening.

Altitude:

1,350m

Accommodations:

Hotel

Place:

Kathmandu

After breakfast, a representative will pick you up at your hotel. Today, you will take a guided tour of UNESCO World Heritage Sites, such as Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple), Kathmandu Durbar Square, Pashupatinath, and Boudhanath. The tour will allow you to glimpse the rich culture and history of Kathmandu. We will spend the entire day exploring the city.

In the evening, we will check your equipment and gear for the trek and provide a short briefing about the journey. If you need any equipment, we can help you get it.

Altitude:

1,350m

Accommodations:

Hotel

Meals:

B/L/D

Place:

Kathmandu Valley

We will catch an early flight from Kathmandu to Lukla. It takes around 40 minutes of a scenic flight to get to Lukla from the capital city. During the flight, you will get your first glimpse of the landscapes and mountain vistas of the Everest region. Heavy air traffic can sometimes redirect your flight from Kathmandu to Mathanli Airport, Ramechhap. In such a case, you must drive to Ramechhap, which takes around 5 hours. The flight from Manthali Airport to Lukla takes around 20 minutes.

Our trek will begin in Lukla. Since it is our first day, we will only take a short, three-hour hike to Phakding. The trail is relatively easy and gentle, with no steep uphill or downhill climbs. It passes through subtropical and conifer forests and descends towards the Dudh Koshi River. En route, you will also pass by the Chaurikharka village. After arriving at Phakding, we will explore the town and the Rimishung Monastery. There are several cafes and restaurants where you can relax and enjoy the view.

Flight Time:

6.2 km/ 3.8 miles

Distance:

6.2 km/ 3.8 miles

Altitude:

2,650 m

Accommodations:

Lodge

Meals:

B/L/D

Place:

Phakding

Our full-day trekking begins from this day onward. We will have breakfast before starting our trek. The trail goes alongside the banks of the Dudh Koshi River. En route, we will cross several suspension bridges, including the Hillary Suspension Bridges. Colorful flags adorn the bridges, adding more excitement to the journey. We will pass by the Monjo village and, within a short distance, come across the Sagarmatha National Park entrance. There is a checkpost at the entrance where we must show and register our permits. Then, we will enter the dense forest trail within the national park. As we get closer to Namche Bazaar, we will get our first glimpse of Mount Everest. We must also make a steep uphill climb to reach the village.

Flight Time:

6 hours

Distance:

7.4 km/ 4.6 miles

Altitude:

3440 m

Accommodations:

Lodge

Meals:

B/L/D

Place:

Namche Bazaar

Namche Bazaar is the trading hub of the Khumbu region. Also known as a Sherpa hub, it is a crucial acclimatization stop. Today is our first acclimatization day. As staying active is essential, we will explore the area around Namche or take short excursions.

We can hike to Khumjung and visit the Khumjung Monastery, which houses a yeti scalp. Likewise, we can visit the Sagarmatha National Park Visitor Center or the Hillary School. Another option for a short excursion near Namche is the Syangboche Airport, one of the world’s highest airports, and the Everest View Hotel. After a whole day’s excursion, we will return to Namche Bazaar.

Altitude:

3440 m

Accommodations:

Lodge

Meals:

B/L/D

Place:

Namche Bazaar

We will continue our trek from Namche after breakfast. The trail gradually ascends through rhododendron grooves and forests of conifers. Similarly, the mountain views also become clearer and closer. As we continue moving forward, we will first come across Phunki Tenga. The village offers stunning views of Mount Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Ama Dablam, and Thamserku.

From here, we will continue trekking until we reach Tengboche. It is our stop for the day. The ancient Tengboche Monastery lies here. It is an important spiritual hub of the Khumbu region and sits on the top of the hill. Hence, the monastery offers breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. If we reach Tengboche early, we will trek one stop further to Deboche and stay at a lodge there overnight.

Flight Time:

6 - 7 hours

Distance:

9.2 km/ 5.7 miles

Altitude:

3440 m

Accommodations:

Lodge

Meals:

B/L/D

Place:

Deboche

The altitude from Dingboche will continue to increase. Hence, we will take another acclimatization day here to adapt to the thinning oxygen in the atmosphere. In order to stay active, we will take a hike up to the ridge above Dingboche village. We can enjoy gorgeous panoramic mountain views and the landscape. Then, we will return to Dingboche and explore the village.

Accommodations:

Lodge

Meals:

B/L/D

The trail from Dingboche goes alongside the moraine of the Khumbu Glacier. Throughout the trek, the stunning mountain view will accompany us. It gradually starts to become steeper as we get closer to Thukla village. The landscape may be barren, but it is strikingly mesmerizing. En route, we will pass by a stone memorial built in memory of the mountaineers who lost their lives in the Everest expedition. We will continue trekking to Lobuche and stay there overnight.

Flight Time:

5 hours

Distance:

: 8.5 km/ 5.2 miles

Altitude:

4930 m

Accommodations:

Lodge

Meals:

B/L/D

Place:

Lobuche

Today is the most important day for us as we will finally be ascending to the foothill of Mount Everest. We will leave Lobuche early after breakfast and start our uphill climb. En route, we will pass by several glaciers, including the famous Khumbu Glacier. Similarly, we will pass by the famous Khumbu Icefall and the Army Mountaineers Memorials to reach Gorak Shep.

At Gorak Shep, we will leave our luggage and start our trek to Everest Base Camp. The winding trail through rugged terrain will challenge us, but it is worth the effort. When we finally set foot on the base camp, breathtaking vistas await us. It is the closest you will get to Mount Everest without actually climbing it. We will have time to explore and take photographs to celebrate our climb. Then, we will descend to Gorak Shep and rest overnight.

Flight Time:

6 - 8 hours

Distance:

: 15 km/ 9.32 miles

Altitude:

5364 m

Accommodations:

Lodge

Meals:

B/L/D

Place:

Gorak Shep

We will begin our trek before dawn today as we climb to Kala Patthar to watch one of the most breathtaking sunrises. It is one of the most challenging parts of our trek. Kala Patthar is a popular vantage point to watch the sunrise. The golden sun rising amid the snow-capped Himalayas is an enchanting view that will take your breath away. The 360-degree view of Mount Everest and other mountains from Kala Patthar is even better than the one from the Everest Base Camp.

We will spend some quality time at Kala Patthar before descending back to Gorak Shep. Then, we will have breakfast and start descending. It is a relatively easy hike through alpine meadows and forests. We will keep descending until we reach Pheriche village.

Flight Time:

5 hours

Distance:

9.6 km/ 6 miles

Altitude:

5555 m

Accommodations:

Lodge

Meals:

B/L/D

Place:

Pheriche

After breakfast, we will continue our downhill descent. The trail continues, passing through dense subtropical rhododendron, oak, and fir forests. We will retrace our steps downhill, crossing the Imja Khola on a suspension bridge. After trekking for a while, we will reach Tengboche. We will stay overnight at a lodge in Tengboche so you can explore the village in the evening.

Flight Time:

4 - 5 hours

Distance:

8.5 km/ 5.2 miles

Altitude:

4250 m

Accommodations:

Lodge

Meals:

B/L/D

Place:

Tengboche

Our downhill descent continues today as we trek to Namche Bazaar. It is easy, with a few uphill climbs along the way. En route, we will pass familiar scenery, monasteries, gompas, and stupas. The mountain views will gradually become distant, but we can still see Mount Everest and Lhotse. We will continue descending until we reach Namche Bazaar. The trek takes around five hours, so you will have time to explore the vibrant town and its narrow alleyways.

Flight Time:

5 hours

Distance:

9.2 km/ 5.7 miles

Altitude:

3855 m

Accommodations:

Lodge

Meals:

B/L/D

Place:

Namche Bazaar

The trail from Namche Bazaar mostly descends downhill. As we leave Namche behind, we will get one final up-close view of Mt Everest. Then, we will climb downhill through dense subtropical forests and cross suspension bridges along the way. We will also exit the Sagarmatha National Park area. En route, we will cross villages like Benkar, Monjo, Jorsale, and more to finally reach Phakding, which will be our resting stop for today.

Flight Time:

4 - 5 hours

Distance:

7.4 km/ 4.5 miles

Altitude:

3440 m

Accommodations:

Lodge

Meals:

B/L/D

Place:

Phakding

Today is our final day of trekking in the Khumbu region. After breakfast at Phakding, we will trek back to Lukla. The trail is easy, and we will pass several small villages, including Toktok. We will continue heading forward while enjoying the spectacular views along the way. We will rest our tired feet and relax at a lodge in Lukla.

Flight Time:

3 - 4 hours

Distance:

6.2 km/ 3.8 miles

Altitude:

2850 m

Accommodations:

Lodge

Meals:

B/L/D

Place:

Lukla

We will have breakfast at Lukla and take an early flight to Kathmandu or Manthali Airport, Ramechhap. The flight from Lukla to Kathmandu takes 40 minutes, while it takes 20 minutes to fly to Manthali Airport. If you board a flight to Ramechhap, you must take a 5-hour drive back to Kathmandu. After reaching Kathmandu, we will drop you to your hotel. You can explore the city of Kathmandu in the evening and enjoy the nightlife. You can also shop for souvenirs as this is your final day in the country.

Altitude:

1324 m

Accommodations:

Hotel

Meals:

Place:

Kathmandu

Our representative will help you transfer to the Tribhuvan International Airport two hours before your scheduled flight. We hope you had a memorable and enjoyable time with us. Thank you for letting us serve you, and have a safe flight back home!

Meals:

What's Included?

Vehicles pick up and drop off at international and domestic airports.
A highly experienced government-licensed guide and porter.
All Domestic Flights and Bus Tickets.
Three meals a day (Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner) during the trek.
Wages, accommodation, meals, gear, and medication for all the staff.
Drinking water during the trek.
All Administrative expenses and government taxes.
All TIMS cards & trekking permits are required for the trip.
Assistance for emergency Rescue.
A participation Certificate.
Farewell dinner after the trip.

What's Excluded?

International flight tickets.
Nepali entry visa fee.
All accommodation and meals in Kathmandu and extra accommodation in Kathmandu due to early return from the trek, early arrival, or late departure.
Personal expenses. (hot shower, wifi, battery charge, cold drinks, alcohol, extra porters, shopping snacks, personal clothing & gear)
Travel insurance.
Tips for guides and porters.
Excess Baggage Charges.

Best Time for EBC Hike

Spring (March to May)

Spring is one of the best trekking seasons for the Everest Base Camp Hike. It has the perfect weather with sunny and warm days. The daylights are also longer, so trekkers can enjoy trekking at their own pace. During the early spring, the weather remains cold, and there is light snowfall at higher altitude regions. The weather gradually becomes warmer, and the snow begins to melt. As a result, the flora and fauna are also most active during spring.

Autumn (September to November)

Autumn is the next best trekking season. It is an excellent time to venture on the Everest Base Camp Hike. The weather is the most stable, with low rainfall and mild temperatures. The days are sunny and bright, and the skies are clear with minimal obstruction. Similarly, the vegetation looks fresh and vibrant. The crisp air and stunning autumn foliage make trekking joyful and comfortable in autumn.

During autumn, the average daytime temperature is 17°C. Meanwhile, the nighttime temperature can drop to -8°C. There can be slight rainfall in early autumn, but it quickly ceases. You can witness crystal-clear views of the mountain panoramas and the surrounding landscapes. Moreover, Mount Everest Base Camp Hike in autumn is an opportunity to be part of the festive celebration in Nepal. At this time of the year, festivals like Dashain, Tihar, Mani Rimdu, etc., are celebrated in the Khumbu region.

Food and Accommodation Options

There are various accommodation options available along the Everest Base Camp Hike route. You will find teahouses, lodges, and guesthouses that offer basic facilities. Locals run these accommodations and although rustic, these stays are comfortable and cozy. You can find rooms with attached bathrooms in lower regions like Lukla, Phakding, and Namche Bazaar. As you move to the higher areas, the stays mostly have rooms on a sharing basis with communal bathrooms. You may also find dormitory-style rooms.

The rooms at these accommodations are usually small and have little furniture. They provide beds, mattresses, blankets, and pillows. However, the rooms are often poorly insulated, so it is best to carry a sleeping bag to keep you warm at night. The dining halls are also common, with a massive heating stove in the middle. You must pay additional costs for services like hot water/ shower, internet, phone calls, etc.

Similarly, you will find a variety of meal options during the 17-day Everest Base Camp Hike. Eating a healthy and nutritious diet is vital to keeping yourself energized throughout the demanding trek. You will find various staple Nepalese cuisines as well as international dishes. The meal options include Dal Bhat, Tibetan bread, momo (dumpling), soup, salad, roti, curries, Sherpa stew, chow mein, thukpa, Tsampa porridge, pasta, spaghetti, noodles, pizza, sandwiches, french fries, and more. For drink options, you will find options like tea (milk/ black/ green), coffee, soft drinks, hot chocolate, alcoholic beverages, etc.

Required Permits for EBC Hike

Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Permit

During the Everest Base Camp Hike, you will need a Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality. Therefore, you will need a permit to access the region. You can obtain the permit through a registered trekking agency or upon arrival in Lukla. The Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Permit costs:

Nationality	Cost (Per person)
SAARC and Non-SAARC residents	NPR 2000 (approximately USD 20)

Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit

The Everest Base Camp Hike’s trails go through Sagarmatha National Park from Monjo. The national park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is a protected area and requires a permit for access, which is the Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit. The costs of the permit are as follows:

Nationality	Cost (per person)
SAARC Residents	NPR 1500 (approximately USD 15)
Non-SAARC Residents	NPR 3000 (approximately USD 30)

Is the Everest Base Camp Hike safe?

How many days does it take for the Everest Base Camp Hike?

Does Everest Base Camp Hike have age restrictions?

What fitness level is necessary for the Everest Base Camp Hike?

The Everest Base Camp Hike requires a reasonable fitness level. The moderately challenging trails have several steep ascending and descending sections on rough terrain, and the high altitude makes the climb more difficult. Trekkers must have considerable strength, stamina, and endurance to overcome the demanding trails. Therefore, the trek requires good physical and mental preparation.

Can I do the Everest Base Camp Hike alone?

It is possible to do solo trekking in the Everest region, but it is best to hire a licensed guide for the Everest Base Camp Hike. A guide plays a crucial role in navigating the trails so you do not deviate from the designated path. They ensure the trekker’s safety during the journey. In case of emergencies or injuries, guides provide vital first-aid and logistical support.

Is there a risk of altitude sickness during Everest Base Camp Hike?

What accommodations are available along the Everest Base Camp Hike?

Teahouses, lodges, and guesthouses are standard accommodations along the Everest Base Camp Hike. They are simple, rustic, and affordable, and they are run by locals. These accommodations typically have shared or dormitory-style rooms. The bathrooms are also Asian squat-style and mostly communal. They provide beds, mattresses, pillows, and blankets. The amenities available in these accommodations are limited.

Do you lose weight during the Everest Base Camp Hike?

Are ATM and card facilities available along the Everest Base Camp Hike?

Can I use WiFi/ internet during the Everest Base Camp Hike?

Is Everest Base Camp Trek Worth It?

Yes, the Everest Base Camp Hike is worth it. It is an opportunity to trek on the classic trails of the Everest region, following in the footsteps of Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay Sherpa. The adventurous journey takes you to the foothills of Mount Everest, the world’s highest mountain, and offers a chance to witness some of the world’s highest mountain peaks. The trek is also a rich cultural experience that provides a glimpse at Sherpa’s culture and lifestyle.

The Everest Base Camp is one of the most popular trek destinations in Nepal. You will ascend your way up to the base camp at 5364 meters. It is the closest you will get without actually climbing Mount Everest. The adventurous trails are not the only thing that makes the Everest Base Camp Trek worth the effort. You will also witness towering mountains, including Mount Everest, from a close and personal perspective. Likewise, you will trek past one of the world’s highest glaciers, the Khumbu Glacier and the iconic Khumbu Icefall.

Best Time for the Everest Base Camp Trek

The scenic trails pass through dense subtropical forests and highland pastures within the Sagarmatha National Park. The trek is an excellent opportunity to observe the unique and diverse Himalayan flora and fauna. You will stay at local teahouses, where you can experience warm Nepalese hospitality. It is a once-in-a-lifetime journey that is worth the effort.

Why Choose a Guided EBC Trek?

Benefits of guided treks: safety, local insights, and logistics management.

As of April 2023, the government of Nepal and the Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) have made it mandatory to hire a licensed guide for trekking in the country. Everest region is exempt from the rule. However, it is still highly recommended that you hire a guide for the Everest Base Camp Hike. Take a look at the reasons why you should choose a guided EBC Trek:

Safety

One of the main reasons you should choose a guided EBC Hike is for safety reasons. The trails are well-marked and designated, but it is demanding. Its terrains are rough and rugged. Trekkers can also go off-trail, which can be dangerous. Guides help to make the journey a safe experience. They help to navigate rugged terrains and deal with unforeseen challenges that may occur during the trip. Similarly, they will help you stay on track and not deviate from the designated trail. During the trek, your safety is the utmost priority. An experienced guide will help to make the entire journey a safe experience.

Local Insights

When you choose a guided Everest Base Camp Hike, it will further help to make the trek more enriching and immersive. The guides are usually locals who are well-versed with the trekking route, culture, and traditions. Hence, they will provide local expertise and insights about the region. You will learn more about the region’s history and culture. Similarly, you will get to hear about local folklore and gain insights about the Sherpa culture. They may even take you to hidden sites only known to the locals.

Benefits of guided treks: safety, local insights, and logistics management.

Safety

Local Insights

Logistics Management

Guided EBC Trek makes logistic management easier. They will help you in obtaining the necessary permits for the trek. Similarly, they help manage your bookings, from transportation to accommodations, and follow a well-structured itinerary. Guides provide equipment recommendations so that you can pack all the essentials. They will ensure that you adequately acclimate to avoid altitude sickness and closely monitor your health during the journey. In case of emergencies and injuries, your guide will be the first person to respond as they are trained in performing first aid. Therefore, we highly recommend taking a guided Everest Base Camp Hike.

Guided EBC Trek makes logistic management easier. They will help you obtain the necessary permits for the trek. Similarly, they help manage your bookings, from transportation to accommodations, and follow a well-structured itinerary. Guides provide equipment recommendations so that you can pack all the essentials. They will ensure that you adequately acclimate to avoid altitude sickness and closely monitor your health during the journey. In case of emergencies and injuries, your guide will be the first person to respond as they are trained in performing first aid. Therefore, we highly recommend taking a guided Everest Base Camp Hike.

Essential Tips for First-Time EBC Trekkers

Advice on packing, dealing with altitude sickness, and making the most of your experience.

Everest Base Camp is a moderate-grade trek that is suitable for beginners. However, beginners must make proper preparations for a safe trekking experience. Here are a few essential tips for first-time EBC trekkers:

Undertake exercises and training that help boost your strength, stamina, and endurance.
Research the trek and its challenges to better prepare for the journey. This will help you set realistic expectations.
Choose the best season for the most comfortable trekking experience.
Pack light but smart. Carry essential equipment and gear, but do not over-pack. Trekking to the Himalayas with heavy luggage is physically more strenuous.
Since it is a high-altitude trek, you must gradually ascend to higher elevations. Acclimatization days are also crucial to avoid the risk of acute mountain sickness.
Do not over-exert yourself. If you feel tired or start experiencing altitude sickness symptoms, let your trek guide know immediately and take a rest.
Drink plenty of water and stay hydrated. However, avoid excessive intake of hot chocolate, caffeine, and alcoholic beverages. These can cause dehydration and worsen altitude sickness symptoms.
Be respectful of the local culture and tradition. Always ask the locals’ permission while photographing people and religious sites.
Last but not least, make the most out of the journey. Build a positive mindset and enjoy the Everest Base Camp Hike.