Trip Facts
Country:
Everest Base Camp
Duration:
14 Days
Max Altitude:
Kala Patthar, 5,545 m (18,192 ft)
Activities:
Trekking and hiking
Region:
Everest / Khumbu (Sagarmatha National Park)
Grade:
Strenuous
Group Size:
Min 1
Accomodation:
Teahouses on the trail, hotel in Kathmandu
Notice
The trek reaches Everest Base Camp (5,364 m) and Kala Patthar (5,545 m). Kala Patthar is the best place to see Everest itself.
Lukla flights leave from Kathmandu (35 minutes) in quiet months. In the busy months, they leave from Manthali, after a 5 to 6 hour drive.
Overview of Everest Base Camp Trek 14-Days
Quick answer: The classic 14-day Everest Base Camp Trek reaches Base Camp (5,364 m) and the Kala Patthar viewpoint (5,545 m) in Nepal’s Khumbu. It is graded strenuous, starts with a flight to Lukla, and is best in spring and autumn.
The Everest Base Camp Trek is a 14-day walk to the foot of the world’s highest mountain. It runs through the Khumbu, the home of the Sherpa people. Most of the route lies inside Sagarmatha National Park. This park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site of 1,148 km2, listed in 1979. So the trail is both wild and protected.
First, you fly to Lukla. Then you climb slowly up the Dudh Koshi valley to Namche Bazaar. From there, the trail passes Tengboche Monastery and the village of Dingboche. Finally, you reach Everest Base Camp at 5,364 m. The camp sits right below the Khumbu Icefall.
One thing surprises many people. You cannot see the top of Everest from base camp, because Nuptse hides it. So the best view comes from Kala Patthar at 5,545 m. You climb it at dawn on Day 10. That sunrise on Everest is the high point of the whole trip.
This Everest Base Camp trek is graded strenuous, but it needs no climbing skills. The hard part is the thin air, not the trail. So the plan adds two rest days, at Namche and Dingboche. As a result, the pace stays safe.
Beautiful view of Namche Bazaar from the top hills
Spade Himalaya runs this trek with licensed Sherpa guides. So your guide sets a safe pace, watches the weather, and checks your health each day. To picture the days that matter most, our guides cover the Lukla flight, the Namche Bazaar rest day, and the Kala Patthar sunrise. Want a bigger challenge? You can add the high passes on the Everest Three Passes Trek. For a slower, photo-focused plan, see the Everest Base Camp Trek via Kala Patthar. Short on time? Fly back on the Everest Base Camp Trek with helicopter return. If you prefer a lower and easier trip, try the Annapurna Base Camp Trek or the short Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek.
Before you book, three reads will save you questions later. Our Everest Base Camp permits guide lists every fee with current figures. Then check the best time to trek to base camp, broken down month by month. And when your dates are set, print our packing list for the trek.
Trips Highlights
- Stand at Everest Base Camp (5,364 m), at the foot of the world's highest peak
- Climb Kala Patthar (5,545 m) at dawn for the best Everest view
- Take the Lukla flight, one of the most thrilling flights on earth
- Walk through Sagarmatha National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
- Explore Namche Bazaar, the lively heart of the Khumbu
- Visit Tengboche Monastery, the biggest monastery in the region
- See the Khumbu Glacier and Icefall up close
- Wake to sunrise over Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, and Ama Dablam
- Meet the Sherpa people and learn about their way of life
- Spot Makalu, the fifth-highest peak, from Nangkartshang (5,083 m)
Route Details
In short, you walk up the Dudh Koshi to Namche. Then you climb the Imja valley past Tengboche and Dingboche. After Lobuche and Gorak Shep, you reach base camp and Kala Patthar. Finally, you walk back the same way to Lukla.
Kathmandu (1,400 m) → fly to Lukla (2,840 m) → Phakding (2,610 m) → Namche Bazaar (3,440 m) → Tengboche (3,860 m) → Dingboche (4,410 m) → Lobuche (4,910 m) → Gorak Shep (5,190 m) → Everest Base Camp (5,364 m) → Kala Patthar (5,545 m) → Pheriche (4,240 m) → Namche Bazaar → Lukla → fly to Kathmandu.
Trips Itinerary
A Spade Himalaya guide meets you at the airport. Then a private car takes you to your hotel. In the evening, you meet your team for a short briefing. They check your gear and sort the permit papers. So bring your passport, one photo, and a copy of your insurance. After that, you can rest or walk around Thamel.
- Duration: 30 min Drive
- Accommodation: Shared 3 Star Hotel
An early flight takes you to Lukla. From Kathmandu, the flight is 35 minutes. In the busy months, you fly from Manthali instead, after an early drive. At Lukla, you meet your porter and stop for tea. Then you walk down to Phakding beside the Dudh Koshi river. The first peaks rise ahead, so keep your camera ready.
- Duration: 3-4 Hours flight and drive
- Max Altitude: 2,860 m
- Meals: Breakfast, Launch & Dinner Included
- Accommodation: Guest House
Today you walk to Namche Bazaar. The trail crosses high bridges over the river. At Monjo, you enter Sagarmatha National Park, and a ranger checks your permits. After lunch at Jorsalle, the big climb starts. Near the top, you catch your first view of Everest. Then you reach Namche, the lively heart of the Khumbu.
- Duration: 6 - 7 hrs hike
- Max Altitude: 3,440 m
- Meals: Breakfast, Launch & Dinner Included
- Accommodation: Guest House
Today is a rest day, but you still take a short hike. You climb to Hotel Everest View, one of the highest hotels on earth. From there, Everest, Lhotse, and Ama Dablam fill the sky. Then you walk back down to Namche. So your body climbs high and sleeps low, which helps it adjust. In the afternoon, you can visit the Sherpa Museum or shop for gear.
- Duration: 3 - 4 hrs hike
- Max Altitude: 3,880 m
- Meals: Breakfast, Launch & Dinner Included
- Accommodation: Guest House
Now you head for Tengboche. The trail runs high above the river, with wide views. Then it drops to Phunki Tenga for lunch. After that, a steady climb leads up to Tengboche. This village holds the largest monastery in the region, built in 1916. Try to arrive by mid-afternoon for the prayer ceremony.
- Duration: 5 to 6 hrs hike
- Max Altitude: 3,860 m
- Meals: Breakfast, Launch & Dinner Included
- Accommodation: Guest House
You drop through forest to Deboche and cross the Imja Khola. The huge face of Ama Dablam towers above you. Then the trail climbs gently past Pangboche and Somare. Finally, you reach Dingboche, a village of stone-walled fields. This is your next stop to rest and adjust.
- Duration: 6 -7 Hrs trek
- Max Altitude: 4,410 m
- Meals: Breakfast, Launch & Dinner Included
- Accommodation: Guest House
This is your second rest day, with another short climb. You walk up the ridge to Nangkartshang at 5,083 m. From the top, you can see Makalu, the fifth-highest peak on earth. Then you walk back down to sleep at 4,410 m. So again, you climb high and sleep low. The rest of the day is for tea and an early night.
- Duration: 3 - 4 hrs Hike
- Max Altitude: 5,083 m
- Meals: Breakfast, Launch & Dinner Included
- Accommodation: Guest House
First, the trail rises gently to Thukla for lunch. Then it climbs steeply to the Thukla Pass memorials. These stones and prayer flags honour climbers who died on Everest. It is a quiet, moving place. After the pass, an easy walk along the glacier leads to Lobuche.
- Duration: 5 -6 hrs hike
- Max Altitude: 4,910 m
- Meals: Breakfast, Launch & Dinner Included
- Accommodation: Guest House
You walk along the glacier to Gorak Shep. Then you push on over rock and ice to Everest Base Camp. Ahead, the Khumbu Icefall tumbles down in giant blocks. Reaching base camp is a proud, happy moment. After photos, you walk back to Gorak Shep to sleep, because no one stays at base camp.
- Duration: 4 -5 hrs hike
- Max Altitude: 5,364 m
- Meals: Breakfast, Launch & Dinner Included
- Accommodation: Guest House
You start before dawn and climb Kala Patthar. At 5,545 m, this is the top of the trek. From here, you get the best Everest sunrise of all. After the view, you walk back down to Gorak Shep for breakfast. Then you keep going down to Pheriche. The air feels much easier here, so most people sleep well.
- Duration: 7 - 8 hrs hike
- Max Altitude: 5,545 m
- Meals: Breakfast, Launch & Dinner Included
- Accommodation: Guest House
Now you begin the long walk back. The trail drops down the Imja valley. You pass Pangboche, Tengboche, and Phunki Tenga again. Soon you are back below the treeline, where the air is warm and green. You finish the day in Namche for a good rest.
- Duration: 6 - 7 hrs hike
- Max Altitude: 3,440 m
- Meals: Breakfast, Launch & Dinner Included
- Accommodation: Guest House
The last trekking day follows the river back to Lukla. You pass Monjo, Phakding, and Cheplung on the way. It is a fine time to thank your guide and porters. In the evening, Lukla’s lodges are lively, so enjoy the celebration.
- Duration: Walking: 7 to 8 hrs
- Max Altitude: 2,840 m
- Meals: Breakfast, Launch & Dinner Included
- Accommodation: Guest House
A morning flight takes you back to Kathmandu. It is 35 minutes direct, or via Manthali with a drive in the busy season. The rest of the day is yours to rest. In the evening, Spade Himalaya hands you a trip certificate over a farewell dinner.
- Duration: 35 min flight & 5 - 6 hrs Drive
- Max Altitude: 1,400 m
- Meals: Breakfast Included
- Accommodation: Star Hotel
After breakfast, a Spade Himalaya guide drives you to the airport. Then you fly home with great photos and memories. So ends your Everest Base Camp trek.
- Meals: Breakfast Included
Trips Include
- Airport transfers in a private vehicle.
- Flight From Kathmandu to Lukla and back to Lukla. (from ramechhap in peak season)
- Shared star hotel in kathmandu for 2 nights (arrival and post-trek), with breakfast Included. (Private room can be organized at extra cost).
- All ground transfers to and from Manthali / Ramechhap in peak season.
- All teahouse accommodation during the trek.
- All meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner) during the trek.
- Sagarmatha National Park entry permit and Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality permit.
- A licensed, experienced guide (pay, insurance, meals, lodging). 2 guides for every group size more than 7 trekkers.
- Guide's first-aid kit and daily health monitoring.
- Porter support, one porter per two trekkers (pay, insurance, meals, lodging).
- Trip-completion certificate from Spade Himalaya.
Trips Exclude
- International airfare to and from Nepal.
- Nepal entry visa.
- Travel and medical insurance.
- Drinks, snacks, hot showers, Wi-Fi, and device charging on the trail.
- Sleeping bag and down jacket.
- Personal expenses and any costs from early departure or itinerary changes.
- Tips for guide and porters.
- Emergency evacuation costs.
- Any other expenses not mentioned under “Trips Includes”.
Trips Altitude
Trips Map
Trips Gallery
Packing List
General
- Four-season (zero degree) sleeping bag (available to rent for about US$35)
- Sleeping bag liner
- Puffy down jacket (available to rent for about US$35)
- Daypack, 35 to 45 litres, with a rain cover
Upper Body
- Knitted hat or beanie
- Scarf, neck gaiter, or buff (highly recommended)
- Headlamp with spare batteries
- Sunglasses (UV protection)
- Technical base layer (lighter for warm months, heavier for cold months)
- Short and long sleeve technical shirts
- Fleece jacket or pullover
- Waterproof, windproof shell jacket
Lower Body
- Technical base layer (weight to suit the season)
- Hiking trousers (2 pairs)
- Comfortable trousers for the teahouses
- Hiking shorts
- Waterproof, windproof shell trousers
Hands
- Wool or technical liner gloves
- Insulated hard-shell outer gloves
Feet
- Waterproof trekking boots (broken in)
- Warm wool or technical socks, and hiking socks
- Liner socks (optional)
- Ice cleats or micro spikes (essential for November to March)
- Gaiters (light for dust, heavier for snow)
- Casual shoes for the evenings
Undergarments
- Quick-drying technical underwear
- Sleeping clothes or pyjamas
First Aid Kits
- Sunscreen and lip balm
- Antiseptic ointment and blister care
- Cough syrup (the dry "Khumbu cough" is common at altitude)
- Personal medication and any altitude medication advised by your doctor
- Water purification tablets or a UV purifier
Optional
- Power bank and spare batteries
- Camera or phone for photos
- Cards or a book
- Binoculars
- Whistle, thermos for hot water, and a comb
Good to Know
Before you go
You only need a few things ready. First, bring your passport, one photo, and a copy of your insurance. Then Spade Himalaya can sort your two permits. Also, draw enough cash in Kathmandu or Namche, because the trail runs on rupees. Last, train a little before you come. A few weeks of walking and hill climbing makes the high days much easier.
Lukla is a small mountain airport, so weather can cause delays. In quiet months, you fly from Kathmandu in 35 minutes. In busy months, you fly from Manthali after a 5 to 6 hour drive. So it is wise to keep a spare day before your flight home. A direct helicopter is also an option for about US$850 per person.
The plan follows one simple rule: climb high, sleep low. So it adds rest days at Namche and Dingboche. Drink 3 to 4 litres of water a day, and walk slowly. Skip alcohol up high, and eat well for energy. If you feel unwell, tell your guide at once. Going down even a little is the best cure, and the Pheriche aid post can help.
You sleep in cosy teahouses run by Sherpa families. Lower down, some rooms have a private bathroom. Higher up, rooms are basic and nights are cold. The food is simple and filling, like dal bhat, noodles, soup, and potatoes. Vegetarian meals are easy to find, and meat is best avoided high up. For water, refill and purify rather than buy bottles.
A dry cough is common above Namche, because the air is cold and dry. So cover your mouth with a buff, drink plenty, and use lozenges. It is annoying but harmless, and it fades once you go back down.
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Trips FAQs
Trek Difficulty
It is graded strenuous. The Everest Base Camp trek difficulty comes mostly from the thin air, not the trail. There is no climbing skill needed. Still, you walk 5 to 8 hours a day for two weeks. You also reach 5,545 m at Kala Patthar. So you should train first, and then take a slow, steady pace.
Yes, a fit beginner can. You do not need past trekking experience. You do need good fitness and a careful pace. So train for 8 to 12 weeks, then trek slowly with your guide. For a full fitness and training plan, see our Everest Base Camp trek difficulty guide.
Most trekkers who train and climb slowly reach base camp. There is no official figure, but in our experience the large majority finish. The few who turn back almost always do so because of altitude. So the rest days and the slow pace are there to keep you on track.
Guide Requirement & Trek Regulations
Not by law in the Khumbu. Nepal’s 2023 rule lists the Everest region among the areas needing a licensed guide (Nepal Tourism Board, retrieved 2026-06-29). However, the local Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality rejected the rule and allows solo trekking (The Himalayan Times, 2023-03-28). So independent trekking is still allowed. Still, a guide adds real safety at altitude. So Spade Himalaya gives you a licensed Sherpa guide who handles the permits, the route, and your health.
Trek Highlights & Mountain Views
No, and this surprises most people. At base camp, Nuptse hides the top of Everest. So the best view comes from Kala Patthar at 5,545 m. You climb it at dawn on Day 10. That is why the plan includes both base camp and Kala Patthar.
Permits and Entry Requirements
You need two permits. First, the Sagarmatha National Park permit (about NPR 3,000). Second, the Khumbu Pasang Lhamu permit (about NPR 3,000). Spade Himalaya arranges both, and a ranger checks them on the trail. They are paid in cash, in Nepalese rupees. These permits are the main fixed part of the Everest Base Camp trek cost.
Transportation and Lukla Flights
It comes down to air traffic. In the busy months (March, April, May, October, and November), flights move to Manthali to ease the load. So you drive 5 to 6 hours, then fly 20 minutes. In quiet months, you fly straight from Kathmandu in 35 minutes. A direct helicopter is also an option for about US$550 per person.
Best Time to Trek Everest Base Camp
Spring (March to May) and autumn (late September to November) are best. In these months, the skies are clear and the trails are busy. Winter is cold but quiet, and you can still go with warm gear. The monsoon (July to August) brings rain and cloud, so most people skip it.
Trekker's Well-Being & Safety
It is common, and it rises fast with height. One study in the Nepali Himalaya found it in 15% of trekkers at 4,000 to 4,500 m, and 51% at 4,500 to 5,000 m (PubMed, retrieved 2026-06-16). So the plan adds two rest days and a slow pace. Your guide also checks you each day. A medical post at Pheriche can help in an emergency.
Yes, it is a must. Your policy has to cover trekking up to 5,500 m and a helicopter rescue. Many normal policies do not, so check the wording. Arrange it at home before you fly. Then leave a copy with Spade Himalaya at the briefing.
About half of sea level. The air still holds 21% oxygen, but the pressure drops with height, so each breath gives you less. At 5,500 m, the available oxygen is roughly 50% of the sea level value. So a slow climb and the two rest days matter more than raw strength.
Accommodation and Connectivity
Yes, but it gets harder higher up. Most teahouses offer Wi-Fi and charging for a small fee. There are ATMs in Namche, but they can run dry. So carry enough cash in Nepalese rupees. Cards are rarely taken up the valley.
Trek Cost
Our guided packages roll the permits, the Lukla flights, your guide, porter support, lodging, and meals into one clear price. A 14-day trip usually starts around US$1,500 per person, and the price depends on group size and season. For a full breakdown, see our Everest Base Camp trek cost guide.
