Mount Everest Base Camp Trek – 20 Days
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DETAILED ITINERARY
Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu – Welcome to Nepal
Upon your arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) in Kathmandu, our team representative will be there to assist you with the transfer to your hotel. After settling in, you'll be invited to our head office for a comprehensive trek briefing conducted by your guide. This briefing will cover everything you need to know about the upcoming adventure, from safety guidelines and altitude acclimatization techniques to weather expectations and gear essentials, ensuring you are fully prepared for the journey ahead.
Elevation: 1,400m / 4,600ft
Travel Distance: ~5.4 km
Travel Time: ~30 minutes
Day 02: Full-Day Guided Tour of Kathmandu Valley – Exploring Heritage Sites
Today, you will explore the vibrant history and spiritual depth of Kathmandu Valley with a guided sightseeing tour to three iconic UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Begin at Pashupatinath Temple, Nepal’s holiest Hindu site, where you can observe centuries-old cremation rituals along the sacred Bagmati River. Then head to Boudhanath Stupa, a massive white dome and one of the largest Buddhist stupas in the world, buzzing with Tibetan culture, monks, and pilgrims. Finally, visit Bhaktapur, a medieval city filled with intricate architecture, cobbled streets, and landmarks such as the Nyatapola Temple and Bhaktapur Durbar Square. This cultural immersion sets a meaningful tone before you enter the Himalayas.
Elevation: 1,400m / 4,600ft
Travel Distance: ~30–40 km
Travel Time: ~7 hours
Day 03: Flight to Lukla and Trek to Phakding – Into the Khumbu Region
Start early with a scenic mountain flight from Kathmandu (or Ramechhap during peak season) to Tenzing-Hillary Airport in Lukla, one of the world’s most thrilling airstrips. After landing at 2,840m, enjoy a tea break while your porters sort out the luggage. Begin your trek through lush pine forests and scattered Sherpa settlements. Along the trail, you'll cross metal suspension bridges adorned with colorful prayer flags, pass chortens and mani stones, and descend gently to reach Phakding, a charming village nestled along the Dudh Koshi River.
Elevation: Lukla (2,840m / 9,318ft), Phakding (2,610m / 8,563ft)
Travel Distance: ~8 km trekking
Travel Time: ~35–40 min flight + 3–4 hrs trekking
Day 04: Trek to Namche Bazaar – Entering the Heart of the Khumbu
After breakfast, the trail continues north along the Dudh Koshi River, offering glimpses of snow-covered peaks and deep valleys. You’ll cross multiple suspension bridges and walk through picturesque Sherpa villages such as Zamfute, Toktok, and Benkar. At Monjo, you’ll officially enter Sagarmatha National Park, where permits are checked. The trail then ascends steeply through pine forests toward Namche Bazaar, the economic and cultural hub of the Everest region. En route, weather permitting, you’ll catch your first view of Mount Everest rising above the ridge.
Elevation: 3,450m / 11,319ft
Travel Distance: ~10–12 km
Travel Time: ~5–6 hrs trekking
Day 05: Acclimatization Day at Namche Bazaar – Rest and Explore
Today is a rest day for altitude acclimatization. Although it's called a "rest day," you’ll be encouraged to take a light hike to aid your body’s adaptation to high elevations. Possible hikes include the Everest View Hotel for panoramic mountain vistas, a visit to the Sherpa Culture Museum, or a walk to Khumjung village. You can also spend time exploring Namche's local bakeries, handicraft shops, and weekend markets. This day is essential for a safe and successful trek ahead.
Elevation: 3,450m / 11,319ft
Travel Distance: Optional short hikes
Travel Time: Flexible
Day 06: Trek to Thame Village – Off the Beaten Path
Leaving the busy trails behind, you'll head west toward Thame, a quiet and authentic Sherpa village near the Tibetan border. The trail follows the Bhote Koshi River through pine and juniper forests. Thame has deep roots in Himalayan trade and spiritual traditions and is the birthplace of many renowned climbers, including Apa Sherpa. After reaching the village, consider a short uphill walk to the Thame Monastery, perched on a hill with breathtaking views of the surrounding peaks.
Elevation: 3,440m / 11,286ft
Travel Distance: ~9.5 km
Travel Time: ~4–5 hrs trekking
Day 07: Trek to Khumjung Village – Explore Hillary’s Legacy
After a restful night in Thame, today’s trail leads you to the peaceful village of Khumjung, one of the largest Sherpa settlements in the Khumbu region. The route winds through forested paths and open fields, offering scenic views of Kongde Ri and Ama Dablam. Upon arrival, explore landmarks such as the Khumjung Monastery, said to house a Yeti scalp, and the Khunde Hospital, established by Sir Edmund Hillary to serve the local community. Khumjung reflects traditional Sherpa life and hospitality, providing a serene and enriching experience.
Elevation: 3,780m / 12,401ft
Travel Distance: ~5–6 km
Travel Time: ~4 hrs of moderate trekking
Day 08: Trek to Tengboche – Monastery with a Majestic View
From Khumjung, the trail descends through rhododendron forests, winding alongside hillside slopes with constant mountain vistas. You'll pass through the settlement of Sanasa before crossing the Dudh Koshi River again. The final ascent to Tengboche is a rewarding climb through forests filled with Himalayan wildlife. At the top, you'll reach the famed Tengboche Monastery, the spiritual heart of the Khumbu, framed by a backdrop of Mount Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, and Ama Dablam. Time permitting, attend an afternoon prayer session in the monastery for a profound cultural experience.
Elevation: 3,860m / 12,664ft
Travel Distance: ~10 km
Travel Time: ~4–5 hrs trekking
Day 09: Trek to Dingboche – Entering the High Himalayas
After leaving Tengboche, descend to Deboche, passing beautiful Buddhist shrines and stone mani walls. Continue walking beside the Imja Khola River and cross another suspension bridge before reaching Pangboche, a village known for its ancient monastery and seasoned mountaineers. The trail then leads into the broad Imja Valley, revealing open views and signs of alpine life. A final steep ascent brings you to Dingboche, where you'll see terraced fields protected by stone walls against wind and grazing animals.
Elevation: 4,410m / 14,468ft
Travel Distance: ~9 km
Travel Time: ~5–6 hrs trekking
Day 10: Acclimatization at Dingboche – Hike to Chhukung (Optional)
Spending another day at a higher altitude is vital for proper acclimatization. You can rest in Dingboche or opt for a scenic day hike to Chhukung (4,730m), a small village offering up-close views of Island Peak, Makalu, and the glacier-fed rivers of the region. The 2–3 hour ascent helps your body adapt to the thinner air while offering spectacular Himalayan scenery. After lunch in Chhukung, you'll descend back to Dingboche for a leisurely afternoon and evening of rest.
Elevation: 4,410m / 14,468ft
Travel Distance: Optional ~6–8 km round trip
Travel Time: ~2–3 hrs hike + leisure rest
Day 11: Trek to Lobuche – Climbers’ Memorial and Glacier Views
Today’s route begins with a steady incline above the Pheriche Valley before curving toward Dughla, where you’ll stop for a short break. From here, the trail ascends steeply to Thukla Pass, home to a moving memorial site honoring climbers who have died on Everest. The air gets thinner as you approach Lobuche, a windswept settlement surrounded by towering peaks. Views of Nuptse, Lingtren, and the Khumbu Glacier begin to dominate the landscape, giving a sense of the stark, raw power of the high Himalayas.
Elevation: 4,940m / 16,207ft
Travel Distance: ~8.4 km
Travel Time: ~4–6 hrs trekking
Day 12: Trek to Gorak Shep and Hike to Kala Patthar – Highest Viewpoint
The first part of your day takes you to Gorak Shep, the final outpost before Everest Base Camp, the lateral moraine of the Khumbu Glacier, with increasingly dramatic terrain. After lunch in Gorak Shep, you'll climb to the summit of Kala Patthar (5,550m), the highest altitude you'll reach on this trek. This iconic viewpoint offers panoramic 360-degree views of Mount Everest, Pumori, Nuptse, and Lhotse, breathtaking at sunset. Return to Gorak Shep for overnight.
Elevation: Gorak Shep (5,164m / 16,942ft), Kala Patthar (5,550m / 18,204ft)
Travel Distance: ~4.5 km to Gorak Shep + ~3 km round trip to Kala Patthar
Travel Time: ~4–5 hrs total
Day 13: Trek to Everest Base Camp – Stand at the Foot of the Giant
Today is the day you've been preparing for—your trek to Everest Base Camp (5,360m). The trail crosses rocky, glacial terrain and requires careful steps as you follow your guide. Upon reaching Base Camp, soak in the incredible energy of standing at the foot of the world’s tallest peak. In climbing season (April–May), you'll see colorful tents and expedition activity all around. After taking photos and enjoying the moment, return to Gorak Shep for the night.
Elevation: 5,360m / 17,585ft
Travel Distance**: ~7 km round trip
Travel Time: ~3–4 hrs trekking
Day 14: Trek Down to Pheriche – Descending to Thinner Air
After an unforgettable journey to Everest Base Camp, you'll begin your descent. The route takes you back past Lobuche and Dughla, descending gradually to the more hospitable village of Pheriche, known for its open valley and wider, less steep trails. The air becomes richer in oxygen, making walking easier, though it's still essential to pace yourself. In the afternoon, visit the Himalayan Rescue Association clinic, which offers insight into high-altitude medicine and serves trekkers and locals during the busy season.
Elevation: 4,240m / 13,910ft
Travel Distance: ~9.6 km
Travel Time: ~4–5 hrs trekking
Day 15: Trek to Phortse Village – Tranquil and Untouched
Leaving Pheriche behind, you'll take a scenic and less-traveled route to Phortse, a tranquil farming village perched on a hill. This 2–3 hour trek passes through forested trails with chances to spot wildlife like musk deer, Himalayan Tahr, and various pheasant species. Phortse offers an authentic village atmosphere with fewer trekkers and sweeping views of Ama Dablam and the surrounding Khumbu peaks. Keep your eyes peeled—elusive snow leopards occasionally visit this region.
Elevation: 3,780m / 12,401ft
Travel Distance: ~8–9 km
Travel Time: ~2–3 hrs trekking
Day 16: Trek Back to Namche Bazaar – Rejoining the Main Trail
Today's walk brings you back to Namche Bazaar, the heart of the Everest region. Starting from Phortse, descend to Phortsethanga and cross the Dudh Koshi River once again. The trail climbs gradually through Sanasa before the final contouring path back to Namche. Familiar shops, cafés, and faces will welcome you. The rest of the day can be spent shopping, enjoying local bakeries, or simply relaxing after days in remote mountain villages.
Elevation: 3,450m / 11,319ft
Travel Distance: ~10–11 km
Travel Time: ~5–6 hrs trekking
Day 17: Trek Back to Lukla – Final Day on the Trail
Your final day of trekking retraces the steps from Namche Bazaar to Lukla. It's a long but rewarding walk that takes you through Monjo, Phakding, and other familiar villages. You'll cross several suspension bridges and pass prayer wheels and stone walls one last time. Arriving in Lukla, you'll celebrate the successful completion of the EBC trek with your guides and porters over a warm dinner.
Elevation: 2,840m / 9,318ft
Travel Distance: ~18–19 km
Travel Time: ~7–8 hrs trekking
Day 18: Flight Back to Kathmandu – Return to the Capital
Weather permitting, you'll catch an early morning flight from Lukla back to Kathmandu or Ramechhap. Once back in the capital, you'll be transferred to your hotel. Today is a well-earned day of relaxation. You can use the rest of the day to enjoy a hot shower, a proper meal, or a gentle stroll around Thamel.
Elevation: 1,400m / 4,600ft
Travel Distance: N/A
Travel Time: ~35–40 min flight + transfer
Day 19: Leisure Day in Kathmandu – Relax or Explore
This buffer day in Kathmandu is great for relaxing or continuing your adventure in the city. Visit art galleries, hidden temples, or explore the narrow alleys of Asan Bazaar. You may also use the day to shop for trekking souvenirs like prayer flags, singing bowls, or Tibetan handicrafts.
Elevation: 1,400m / 4,600ft
Travel Distance: N/A
Travel Time: Leisure day
Day 20: Departure from Kathmandu – Farewell and Final Goodbyes
On the final day in Nepal, enjoy breakfast at your hotel. Depending on your flight time, you may have a chance to do some last-minute shopping or sightseeing. A team member will transfer you to Tribhuvan International Airport for your departure. As you fly out, take one last look at the mountains that offered you the journey of a lifetime.
Elevation: 1,400m / 4,600ft
Travel Distance: ~5.4 km
Travel Time: ~30 min transfer to the airport
INCLUSIONS:
- All airport and city transfers (private/shared).
4 nights in a 4-star hotel in Kathmandu (twin sharing, with breakfast).
Guided Kathmandu sightseeing with transport and entry fees.
Round-trip domestic flights between Kathmandu and Lukla.
All meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner with tea/coffee) during the trek.
15 nights in teahouse/lodge accommodations (twin sharing).
English-speaking trek leader (trained in First Aid and eco-tourism).
One Sherpa assistant per two trekkers.
Sagarmatha National Park entry permit and local taxes.
Complimentary use of a sleeping bag and down jacket on request.
Free trek bag and personal medical kit.
Purified (iodine-treated) drinking water during the trek.
All applicable government and local taxes.
EXCLUSIONS:
- Nepal visa fee and international airfare.
Lunches and dinners in Kathmandu.
Excess baggage fees on domestic flights (15kg limit).
Mandatory travel and emergency rescue insurance.
Personal expenses (e.g., phone, laundry, Wi-Fi, hot showers, battery charging).
Tips for guides, porters, and drivers.
Extra costs for trip extensions.
Note: If you have any other questions, please let us know. You can also visit our product page at: Mount Everest Base Camp Trek
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