A fast-paced Everest Base Camp trek through Namche, Tengboche, Gorak Shep and Kala Patthar.
Everest Base Camp Trek — A journey to the foot of the world's highest mountain
Always trek with a licensed guide and listen to your body above 4,000 m.
Trail gallery
Altitude 2,860 m → 2,610 m Trek Duration 3–4 hrs trekking | ~30 min flight
Scenic mountain flight to Lukla; mostly downhill trail to Phakding Easy first day — mostly downhill; great warm-up for the trek ahead 6:00–8:00 AM: Flight from Kathmandu to Lukla Airport (2,860 m) 9:30 AM:...
Altitude 2,610 m → 3,440 m Trek Duration 6–7 hrs
Enter Sagarmatha National Park; steep final climb to Namche Tough uphill at the end — take it slow on the final ascent to Namche 7:30 AM: Depart Phakding after breakfast 9:00 AM: Enter Sagarmatha National Park...
Altitude 3,440 m → 3,440 m Trek Duration 3–4 hrs hike
Rest and explore Namche; short hike for acclimatization Do NOT skip this day — critical for acclimatization; rest well tonight 8:00 AM: Hike up to Everest View Hotel or Khumjung village 10:00 AM: Views of...
Altitude 3,440 m → 3,860 m Trek Duration 5–6 hrs
Beautiful trail with views of Ama Dablam and Everest Tengboche has one of the most dramatic Himalayan settings — Ama Dablam towers above the monastery 8:00 AM: Depart Namche Bazaar after breakfast 10:00 AM:...
Altitude 3,860 m → 4,410 m Trek Duration 5–6 hrs
Descend to Imja Khola river valley, then climb to Dingboche You are now above 4,000 m — drink plenty of water and take it easy 8:00 AM: Depart Tengboche — descend through rhododendron forest 10:00 AM: Pass...
Altitude 4,410 m → 4,410 m Trek Duration 3–5 hrs hike
Second acclimatization hike; vital before pushing higher Hike high, sleep low — the golden rule of acclimatization at altitude 8:00 AM: Hike to Nagarjun Hill (5,100 m) for panoramic views 11:00 AM: Views of...
Altitude 4,410 m → 4,940 m Trek Duration 5–6 hrs
Climb via Thukla Pass; memorial to fallen climbers The Thukla memorial cairns for fallen climbers are deeply moving — take a moment 8:00 AM: Depart Dingboche along the Khumbu Valley 10:30 AM: Reach Thukla /...
Altitude 4,940 m → 5,364 m Trek Duration 7–8 hrs total
The big day — reach Everest Base Camp via Gorak Shep Long and tiring day — pace yourself; the EBC arrival is worth every step!
Altitude 5,545 m → 4,240 m Trek Duration Pre-dawn hike + 5–6 hrs descent
Pre-dawn summit of Kala Patthar; descend to Pheriche Kala Patthar sunrise is the highlight of the entire trek — dress very warmly!
Altitude 4,240 m → 3,440 m Trek Duration 6–7 hrs
Long descent retracing the route back to Namche Knees will feel the long descent — trekking poles are very helpful today 8:00 AM: Depart Pheriche — descend via Pangboche and Tengboche 12:00 PM: Lunch at...
Altitude 3,440 m → 2,860 m Trek Duration 6–7 hrs
Final trekking day — back to Lukla through Phakding Tip your guides and porters generously — they made the trek possible!
Altitude 2,860 m → 1,400 m Trek Duration ~30 min flight
Early morning flight back to Kathmandu (weather dependent) Keep 1–2 buffer days in Kathmandu — Lukla flights frequently delay due to weather 6:00 AM: Wake up early — morning flights have best weather window...
| Permit / Document | Details |
|---|---|
| Sagarmatha permits | Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit and Local Area Entry Permit |
| Trek Duration | 12 Days |
| Max Altitude | 5,545 m (Kala Patthar) |
| Everest Base Camp | 5,364 m |
| Difficulty | Moderate to Challenging |
| Start Point | Lukla (2,860 m) — flight from Kathmandu |
| End Point | Lukla → Kathmandu (flight) |
| Best Season | March–May (Spring) | September–November (Autumn) |
| Permits Required | Sagarmatha National Park Permit + TIMS Card |
| Accommodation | Tea houses / Lodges along the route |
Read before you go
Key route details for timing, cash, safety and comfort on this trek.
Walk Slowly: Slow pace is essential for altitude adjustment — no rushing
Afternoon Weather: Aim to reach your destination by 2–3 PM; afternoon clouds & snow likely
Early Start Days: Start by 5 AM on Kala Patthar day; early start on EBC day too
Hydration: Drink 3–4 litres of water daily; avoid alcohol above 3,500 m
Altitude Symptoms: Headache, nausea, dizziness = stop; descend immediately if worsening
Gear Essentials: Down jacket, rain gear, trekking poles, headlamp, gaiters, sunscreen
Flight Buffer Days: Keep 1–2 extra days — Lukla flights delay frequently due to weather
Cash: Carry sufficient Nepali Rupees — prices rise steeply above Namche
Connectivity: Wi-Fi available in most lodges (paid); Ncell/NTC SIM works in some areas
Acclimatization: Never skip the rest days in Namche (Day 3) and Dingboche (Day 6)
