Everest Base Camp Trek

Welcome to Kathmandu, the valley of gods, temples, and timeless culture. Upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, our representative will meet you with a warm Nepali welcome and transfer you to your hotel.

After checking in and refreshing yourself, your circuit guide will brief you on the necessary formalities and the trek ahead. You’ll also receive an outline of the next 14 days’ itinerary to Everest Base Camp. Depending on your arrival time, you may explore the vibrant streets of Kathmandu or visit nearby shrines. The juxtaposition of ancient architecture and bustling markets offers a fascinating first impression of Nepal.

In the evening, enjoy a welcome dinner with your guide and fellow trekkers. This will be the perfect opportunity to ask questions and mentally prepare for the journey ahead.

Our adventure begins early in the morning with a drive to either Tribhuvan Domestic Airport in Kathmandu or Ramechhap Airport, depending on flight arrangements. We board a short but scenic 15–35 minute mountain flight to Tenzing-Hillary Airport in Lukla, one of the most thrilling airstrips in the world. The flight offers stunning views of Himalayan peaks, valleys, and terraced hillsides.

Upon landing, you’ll meet your porters and Sherpa crew. We’ll reorganize our gear over breakfast before beginning a gentle 3-hour trek to Phakding. The trail leads through a Kani (ceremonial gate), past Kyangma village with its monastery and school, and continues through Cheplung village, offering glimpses of the Dudh Koshi River. We cross suspension bridges, pass prayer wheels, Mani walls, and chortens, and walk through pine forests before reaching Ghat village. A short walk further brings us to Phakding.

Phakding lies at a lower elevation than Lukla, so today’s trek is mostly downhill. If time allows, you can explore a nearby monastery or enjoy a riverside walk.

After breakfast, we set off along the Dudh Koshi River, crossing several suspension bridges adorned with colorful prayer flags. The trail passes through Toktok and Bhenkar, offering great views of Thamserku Peak, and continues to Monjo — the gateway to Sagarmatha National Park. Here, we register our permits before entering this UNESCO World Heritage Site, known for its rich natural and cultural heritage.

From Monjo, we descend to Jorsalle for lunch. The trail then follows the river, crossing more suspension bridges, including the iconic Hillary Suspension Bridge. After the bridge, we tackle a steep ascent, rewarded by our first glimpse of Mount Everest (weather permitting) from Topdanda.

We arrive in Namche Bazaar, the vibrant hub of the Khumbu region. This Sherpa capital is surrounded by mountains and offers shops, cafés, bakeries, ATMs, and a weekly market (on Saturdays). After today’s challenging walk, you can choose to rest or explore the town’s winding streets.

Although called a “rest day,” acclimatization is about staying active to help your body adjust to the thinner air. Namche Bazaar is an ideal place for this — a vibrant Sherpa town buzzing with cafés, bakeries, gear shops, ATMs, and markets. If you’re lucky, you may catch the Haat Bazar on Friday evening or Saturday morning, where locals from surrounding villages gather to trade goods.

After breakfast, we set out on a short but rewarding hike. Several acclimatization options are available today:

• Everest View Hotel Hike (3,880 m) – About an hour’s climb from Namche, this is the world’s highest hotel and offers incredible views of Everest, Lhotse, Ama Dablam, and surrounding peaks. We’ll enjoy tea or lunch here while soaking in the scenery.
• Khunde & Khumjung Villages – Descend from the hotel to visit Khunde Hospital and Khumjung Hillary School, both established with the help of Sir Edmund Hillary’s Himalayan Trust. We’ll also explore Khumjung Monastery, home to a relic said to be a yeti scalp.
• Thame Village Option (3,865 m) – For those seeking a longer hike, we can trek to Thame, a picturesque village known for its centuries-old monastery and serene valley views.

Along the way, expect breathtaking panoramas of Kangtega, Kwangde, Nuptse, Ama Dablam, and Thamserku. We’ll pass prayer flags, chortens, and traditional Sherpa houses, and stop by the Sagarmatha National Park Visitor Center and Sherpa Culture Museum to learn about Everest’s first climbers, local flora and fauna, and Sherpa heritage.

By mid-afternoon, we return to Namche Bazaar. The rest of the day is free to explore the town — it’s the last major stop with reliable Wi-Fi, cafés, and well-stocked shops before we head deeper into the Khumbu. Rest up tonight, as tomorrow’s trek will take us higher.

After breakfast, leave Namche Bazaar and head towards Tengboche, enjoying incredible views of Everest, Nuptse, and Ama Dablam. The trail begins with a steady climb for about an hour before leveling out along a scenic ridgeline. From here, you descend gradually to the Dudh Koshi River.

Cross the river and stop for lunch at Punggi Thanga, where you can enjoy spectacular views of Thamserku. The route then leads past Sansa, the junction for the Gokyo and EBC treks, before crossing suspension bridges and passing water-driven prayer wheels. A forested section follows, where you might spot Himalayan wildlife such as musk deer, mountain goats, or the colorful danphe (Nepal’s national bird).

The final stretch is a gradual but steady climb on dusty trails that brings you to the entrance gate of Tengboche. This small village is famous for its beautiful monastery, set against the backdrop of Nuptse, Lhotse, Everest, and the iconic Ama Dablam.

After checking in at your teahouse, visit the Tengboche Monastery, the largest in the Khumbu region. Originally built in 1916 and rebuilt after both an earthquake and a fire, the monastery remains a spiritual hub. If you visit in October or November, you might witness the Mani Rimdu festival, one of the most important Buddhist celebrations in the region.

End the day watching the sunset over the surrounding peaks before returning to your lodge for dinner.

After breakfast, you may choose to revisit Tengboche Monastery for a short prayer before setting off. The trail begins with a descent through rhododendron and conifer forests, followed by a crossing of the Imja Khola River via suspension bridge.

From here, there are three main routes to Dingboche:

• Upper Pangboche Shortcut – Steeper, less crowded, and more panoramic; passes the region’s oldest monastery.
• Alternative via Pheriche – Slightly longer, often used during descent or for access to the Himalayan Rescue Association clinic.
• High Trail via Milingo – Remote and less traveled, typically used by guides or locals.

Most trekkers take the Pangboche route. The trail ascends through yak pastures and the traditional village of Pangboche before crossing another river. A short but steep climb leads to a viewpoint with incredible close-up views of Ama Dablam. This is an ideal lunch stop.

The final stretch is a gradual ascent into the wide Imja Valley. Trees give way to low shrubs and alpine terrain as you approach Dingboche, the last sizeable village in the Chhukung Valley. Surrounded by Lhotse, Ama Dablam, and Island Peak, it’s a beautiful and strategic place for acclimatization.

If time and weather allow, a short climb above the village offers an even better vantage point over the valley and surrounding peaks.

Today is your second acclimatization day, allowing your body to adjust to the thinner air before heading higher. Rather than staying idle, you’ll take a day hike for active acclimatization.

A recommended route is the trek to Chhukung (4,400 m), a small settlement at the head of the Imja Valley surrounded by towering peaks including Ama Dablam, Lhotse, Nuptse, Thamserku, and Kangtega. Along the way, you’ll pass Buddhist stupas, prayer flags, and enjoy constant views of snowcapped giants. The sound of the Imja River follows you for much of the walk.

If conditions allow, the hike can be extended to Chhukung Ri (5,540 m), a hill just above the village. From its summit, you’ll see the massive south faces of Lhotse and Nuptse, the red granite of Makalu, the Barun Valley, and a panoramic sweep that many consider one of the most beautiful views in the world.

After lunch in Chhukung, you’ll return to Dingboche. The village itself offers peaceful surroundings, stone-walled fields of barley and potatoes, and grazing yaks. It’s the last large settlement before heading into more remote, higher-altitude terrain.

After breakfast with views of the surrounding peaks, you set out northwest from Dingboche, passing small monasteries and stone-walled fields. Two towering peaks, Taboche and Arakam Tse, dominate the left side of the valley as the trail gradually ascends through a sparse, shrub-covered landscape.

You continue at a steady pace toward Thukla, where a few teahouses offer a welcome lunch stop. From here, the real challenge begins: a steep zigzag climb to Dughla Pass (4,830 m). At the top lies the memorial park, a solemn collection of chortens and plaques honoring mountaineers who lost their lives on Everest, Lhotse, and other Himalayan giants.

From the pass, the trail follows the lateral moraine of the Khumbu Glacier, offering your first close-up views of this massive river of ice. The glacier stays in sight for much of the remaining walk, accompanied by the sounds of ice cracking and shifting far below. The thin air makes the final stretch to Lobuche slow and demanding, but the scenery is spectacular, rugged peaks, icy ridges, and the immense glacier at your side.

Lobuche is a small settlement huddled beneath high summits, marking one of the last overnight stops before reaching Everest Base Camp.

Today is one of the most anticipated moments of the trek, reaching the legendary Everest Base Camp.

After breakfast, you set out from Lobuche along a mostly flat but rocky trail that gradually ascends through the moraine of the Khumbu Glacier. The path winds over rugged glacial debris, with spectacular views of Nuptse, Pumori, and other high peaks framing the way. You cross the Changri Glacier before arriving at Gorak Shep (5,160 m), a small settlement surrounded by some of the world’s highest mountains.

At Gorak Shep, you check into your teahouse, have lunch, and prepare for the final push to Everest Base Camp. The afternoon hike follows a winding path along the glacier until you arrive at the base camp — a remarkable site marked by colorful prayer flags, rock cairns, and the seasonal tents of climbing expeditions. Here, you’ll take in sweeping views of the Khumbu Icefall and surrounding Himalayan giants, though the summit of Everest itself remains hidden behind nearby ridges.

After soaking in the atmosphere and capturing plenty of photos, you retrace your steps back to Gorak Shep for the night. This is a challenging day due to the high altitude, but standing at the foot of the world’s highest mountain is an unforgettable milestone in your journey.

Today is one of the most rewarding days of the trek. We start before sunrise, climbing steadily along rocky trails to reach Kala Patthar, the highest point of our journey. The hike takes around three hours and offers the most spectacular panoramic view in the Everest region — a golden sunrise over Mount Everest, Nuptse, Lhotse, Pumori, and the Khumbu Glacier below.

After taking in the views and capturing photos, we descend back to Gorak Shep for breakfast. With our hearts full and the biggest climb behind us, we begin the trek down to Pheriche. The descent is steady, leading us from the stark high-altitude terrain into the more peaceful alpine valley.

Today marks the second-to-last day of the Everest Base Camp trek. The hike covers about 20 km, so we’ll start early to make the most of the day. Since we’re descending to a lower altitude, the walk feels easier despite its length.

We’ll retrace our steps through stunning landscapes and traditional villages. Along the way, we’ll pause at Pangboche village for a short rest with great panoramic views.

The trail first takes you down steep, dusty paths from Pheriche, gradually descending to Debuche, where the air starts to feel warmer. After a short climb to Tengboche, we descend again to Pungi Thenga. The mountains here offer beautiful views.

After lunch, you’ll cross a suspension bridge over the river and continue through a mix of uphill and downhill sections with several more suspension bridges. Eventually, you’ll reach Namche Bazaar.

Back in Namche, you can relax and enjoy the lively town atmosphere, visiting cafes or shops. This day’s trek also takes you through forests where you might spot wildlife like pheasants, musk deer, or mountain goats. You’ll see plenty of prayer flags and chortens along the way. This is your last chance to catch a glimpse of Mount Everest before the trek ends.

On the final day of trekking, we descend from Namche Bazaar back to Lukla, passing through the lush landscapes that have been part of your Everest journey. As you walk familiar paths, crossing the Hillary Suspension Bridge and moving through local villages like Jhorsale, a strong sense of accomplishment sets in.

The trek follows the Dudh Koshi River Valley and nearby trails, winding through yak pastures, forests filled with colorful rhododendrons, and scenic spots with waterfalls, prayer flags, and traditional walls. You’ll stop for lunch along the way before continuing the steady climb to Lukla.

This is a long day, so we’ll start right after breakfast. Once in Lukla, you can freshen up and relax at the teahouse. This will likely be your last night in the Khumbu region—a moment to celebrate completing this amazing journey.

We start the day with an early morning flight from Lukla back to Kathmandu, offering one last chance to enjoy the stunning Himalayan views. Once you arrive in Kathmandu, you’ll be transferred to your hotel. This day is perfect for relaxing or exploring the city’s vibrant culture and attractions at your own pace.

Depending on the trekking season, your flight route may vary. During peak months like March to May and September to November, you’ll likely fly from Lukla to Manthali and then take a drive to Kathmandu. In other months—December through February and June to August—the flight usually goes directly to Kathmandu.

After a busy 12-13 days in the mountains, it’s time to unwind. You’ll wake early, say goodbye to the mountains, and catch your flight. Once back in Kathmandu, the guide will escort you to your hotel, and the rest of the day is yours to enjoy. Whether you want to visit shops, try local restaurants, or just relax, it’s your time.

If you prefer to avoid the Lukla-Manthali-Kathmandu route, helicopter transfers are available for around $550 per person, shared by a group of five.

Please note that flights from Lukla can be delayed or canceled due to weather conditions like fog or strong winds. Our team in Lukla and Kathmandu will do everything possible to minimize any inconvenience, so your patience is appreciated.

In the evening, Discovery World Trekking will arrange a farewell dinner to celebrate your successful journey.

We’ll spend our final day in Kathmandu exploring the rich cultural heritage of the city at our own pace. We can visit iconic historical landmarks such as Boudhanath Stupa, Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple), and Pashupatinath Temple, immersing ourselves in the spiritual and architectural wonders of Nepal. Alternatively, we can take time to shop for souvenirs or simply relax and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of the city. This free day allows us to fully soak in the culture and history of Nepal before our departure, rounding off our unforgettable Nepal vacation.

As your Nepal trip comes to an end, you may have some free time for last-minute shopping or a final walk around Kathmandu. When it’s time, our representative will transfer you to the airport for your flight home, closing your unforgettable Everest Base Camp trek and Nepal adventure.

To avoid missing flights, we recommend keeping 2 to 3 extra days at the end of your trip. Flights from Lukla often face delays or cancellations due to weather. If everything goes smoothly, you could use the extra days to visit Chitwan National Park, go rafting on the Trishuli River, explore Pokhara, or relax with yoga and a massage.

If flights are canceled for more than three days, we’ll adjust your itinerary with an alternative trek to make sure you get the most out of your time here. Also, having travel insurance that covers helicopter rescues, flight delays, or cancellations is highly recommended.