Everest Base Camp

The journey

Mt. Everest (8,848 m), also called the third pole of the earth, is the draw of one of Nepal's most famous treks. The route offers views of Ama Dablam, Lhotse, Pumori, Nuptse and more, a walk among giant Himalayan peaks, local cuisine, and a journey in the footsteps of legendary mountaineers. The catalogue describes it as one of the safest of all treks yet challenging. More than ten thousand people visit EBC every year, so the trail is well marked (10 feet wide, paved in places), with decent food and stay throughout, and friendly Sherpa locals.

• Walk in the footsteps of Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay, the first summiteers of Mt. Everest, and countless summiteers since 1953
• Safest of all treks
• Attain an elevation of 17,500 ft
• Ascend Kalapatthar for glittering Everest and Lhotse views

How high, day by day

The highest point reached each day, from the itinerary. Rest and drive days are shown between the known points.

Itinerary

1. Day 1

   Reporting at Kathmandu

   Reach KTM before 2 PM. Garland welcome by a representative at the airport; private vehicle to hotel. After check-in, a briefing meeting for all participants. Pack bags, dinner at a nearby restaurant, sleep early.

2. Day 2

   Drive to Ramechhap, fly to Lukla (2,840 m), trek to Phakding (2,600 m)

   Up to 2,840 m

   Early start for Ramechhap, then flight to Lukla. Quick snacks, then trek to Phakding. About 4 hrs trek.

3. Day 3

   Phakding to Namche Bazar (3,440 m)

   Up to 3,440 m

   Walk through villages, lunch halt at Jorsalle, cross high suspension bridges, then a steep climb to Namche. About 6 hrs. Rest and explore the market.

4. Day 4

   Acclimatisation: Everest View Hotel (3,880 m) and back to Namche

   Up to 3,880 m

   Hike to Everest View Hotel for the first glimpse of Mt. Everest, rest, then return to Namche. Explore shops and cafes.

5. Day 5

   Namche Bazar to Debuche (3,800 m)

   Up to 3,900 m

   Cross through Tengboche (3,900 m): flat walking, descending and a final ascent after lunch at Phunkithanga. Tengboche monastery is worth a visit. A short 30-minute descent leads to Debuche. About 6 hrs.

6. Day 6

   Debuche to Dingboche (4,410 m)

   Up to 4,410 m

   Pass Pangboche and Tsomore (lunch), then a gradual climb. The tree line ends, with drier air. "GO VERY SLOW." About 6-7 hrs.

7. Day 7

   Acclimatisation hike to Nangarshang Hill (4,900 m) and back to Dingboche

   Up to 5,000 m

   Hike to 4,800-5,000 m. In clear weather, views of Makalu (8,481 m), Lhotse and Ama Dablam. Rest or explore the village.

8. Day 8

   Dingboche to Lobuche (4,900 m)

   Up to 4,900 m

   Flat trail to Thukla Pass with some of the best views of the trek. Lunch at Thukla village at the base of the pass. The pass has mountaineers' memorials. Thukla Pass to Lobuche is relatively flat. About 6-7 hrs.

9. Day 9

   Lobuche to Gorakshep (5,000 m), EBC (5,365 m) and back to Gorakshep

   Up to 5,365 m

   Ups and downs on the moraine of Khumbu Glacier; Gorakshep to Base Camp is a glacier walk. Views of Pumori (7,138 m), Nuptse (7,861 m) and, in clear weather, the tip of Everest. About 8-9 hrs for the full day.

10. Day 10

    Kalapathar (optional) and Gorakshep to Pheriche (4,300 m)

    Up to 4,320 m

    Start the climb to Kalapathar around 4 AM for sunrise views of Everest (Kalapathar hike is optional). Return to Gorakshep, then descend Thukla Pass and an adjacent route to Pheriche (4,320 m), a village on the Lobuche River banks. Up to 3 hrs for Kalapathar and back, then about 6 hrs to Pheriche.

11. Day 11

    Pheriche to Namche Bazar

    Return via Somori, Pangboche and Tengboche; two steep sections (before Tengboche and after Phunkithanga). About 7-8 hrs.

12. Day 12

    Namche Bazar to Monjo / Tok-Tok

    Mostly descending, not difficult. About 3-4 hrs.

13. Day 13

    Monjo to Lukla

    Last trekking day; a gradual climb into Lukla. Celebrate trek completion.

14. Day 14

    Fly to Ramechhap, drive to Kathmandu

    Early flight, then private vehicle to Kathmandu. Leisure stay and rest.

15. Day 15

    Buffer day in Kathmandu

    In case the Lukla flight is cancelled due to bad weather. Sightseeing in Kathmandu.

16. Day 16

    Departure from Kathmandu

    Drop-off at the airport according to flight timing.

Before you go