Nepal14 days
Nepal: Everest Base Camp via Kala Patthar — 14 Days
Lukla to 5,550m — 12 trekking days through Sagarmatha National Park to Everest Base Camp and Kala Patthar
The Everest Base Camp trek follows one of the most documented high-altitude routes on earth, yet its scale remains difficult to anticipate until the trail is underway. Beginning with a short mountain flight into Lukla at 2,860m, the route ascends through the Khumbu Valley over 12 trekking days, passing through Namche Bazaar, Tengboche, Dingboche, and Lobuche before reaching Everest Base Camp at 5,350m and the viewpoint summit of Kala Patthar at 5,550m. The itinerary is structured to allow gradual acclimatization, with designated rest days at Namche Bazaar and Dingboche before the higher elevations are attempted. The terrain ranges from forested valley trails and suspension bridges over the Dudh Koshi River to rocky moraines along the Khumbu Glacier. Trekking days vary considerably in grade and distance — from short approach walks to the 19km Gorakshep–Kala Patthar–Pheriche push on Day 10. A licensed English-speaking guide and porter support are included throughout, along with domestic flights between Kathmandu and Lukla, lodge accommodation, and Sagarmatha National Park permits. The trip begins and ends in Kathmandu.
Best time to go: Mid March to May and September to Mid December
Highlights
- Reaching Everest Base Camp at 5,350m on the Khumbu Glacier, below the south face of Mount Everest
- Summit ascent to Kala Patthar (5,550m) — the highest point of the trek — with direct views of Everest, Lhotse, and the South Col
- Acclimatization hike from Namche Bazaar (3,440m) to Thame or Khumjung Sherpa villages with views of surrounding snow-covered peaks
- Trek through Sagarmatha National Park with sightings of musk deer, Himalayan Thar, and multi-colored pheasants along the Tengboche rhododendron trail
- Close-range views of Ama Dablam from the trail between Pangboche and Dingboche
- Visit to Tengboche Monastery (3,860m), the largest monastery in the Khumbu region
- Crossing the Hillary suspension bridge over the Dudh Koshi River on the approach to Namche Bazaar
- Passage past Sherpa memorial cairns at the base of the Khumbu Glacier above Dughla
- Mountain flight between Kathmandu and Lukla — a 30-minute approach over Himalayan foothills
- Panoramic views of Pumori, Khumbutse, Lingtren, and Mahalangur Himal from the ridge above Lobuche
Day by day
1Arrival in Kathmandu (1,400m) — Trek BriefingTribhuvan International Airport · hotel in Kathmandu
On arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, a representative meets the group and transfers them to the pre-booked hotel in Kathmandu. The afternoon is given over to a mandatory pre-trek briefing led by the trek leader, covering logistics, altitude protocols, and equipment. A separate meeting with the trekking guides and Sherpas follows. Accommodation for the night is at the hotel in Kathmandu.
2Kathmandu to Lukla by Air, then Trek to Phakding (2,610m)Phakding · Tribhuvan International Airport · Tenzing-Hillary Airport · Lukla to Phakding
Grade: Easy | Altitude gain: 1,210m from Kathmandu | Distance and duration: 30-minute flight, 9km trek (approximately 4 hours)
An early departure from the hotel precedes a transfer to the domestic terminal at Tribhuvan International Airport. The flight to Lukla takes approximately 30–35 minutes, arriving at Tenzing-Hillary Airport. A representative at Lukla meets the group and the day's trek begins — a 9km walk descending to Phakding at 2,610m, taking around 3–4 hours. The short distance serves primarily as an introductory acclimatization stage. Phakding, a small settlement along the Dudh Koshi River sometimes called the 'lodge-city,' has several teahouses and monasteries on the river's west bank. Overnight in a lodge at Phakding.
3Phakding to Namche Bazaar (3,440m)Phakding to Namche Bazaar · Namche Bazaar · Dudh Koshi River · Hillary Bridge · Sagarmatha National Park gate
Grade: Moderate | Altitude gain: 830m | Distance and duration: 10km (approximately 7 hours)
The trail from Phakding leads to the first of several suspension bridges, then proceeds uphill through the settlements of Zapute, Toktok, Benkar, Chumoa, and Monju — the official entrance to Sagarmatha National Park. Registration formalities are completed at the park gate. The trail then drops to a long suspension bridge crossing the Dudh Koshi River before climbing to the Hillary Bridge at the base of the final ascent. This uphill approach to Namche Bazaar delivers the first clear views of Mount Everest visible between Lhotse-Nuptse and Kusum Khangru. Small tea houses and shops line much of the route. Overnight in a lodge at Namche Bazaar (3,440m), the principal resupply and rest point on the route to Everest.
4Acclimatization at Namche Bazaar — Thame or Khumjung Village HikeNamche Bazaar · Thame · Khumjung village · National Park headquarters · local museum · monastery
The first formal acclimatization day is spent at Namche Bazaar (3,440m). Rather than resting entirely, trekkers undertake a walk — either to Thame, a traditional Sherpa village to the west, or to Khumjung village — both of which provide views of Everest and the surrounding peaks while keeping the body moving at altitude. The National Park headquarters, a local museum, and a monastery are also accessible from Namche. The town itself has cafes, bakeries, shops, and restaurants. Overnight again at a lodge in Namche Bazaar.
5Namche Bazaar to Tengboche Monastery (3,860m)Namche Bazaar to Tengboche Monastery · Tengboche Monastery · rhododendron forest
Grade: Moderate | Altitude gain: 420m | Distance and duration: 8km (approximately 6 hours)
The trail climbs from Namche Bazaar to a ridge before descending slightly to the Dudh Koshi at 3,250m at Kya Juma. Open views along this section take in Everest, Nuptse, Lhotse, Ama Dablam, and Thamserku. The path passes through rhododendron forest where musk deer, Himalayan Thar, and multi-colored pheasants are regularly spotted. At Sanasa, the trail forks — one branch leads to the Gokyo Lakes, the other continues toward EBC. A steep final ascent leads up to Tengboche at 3,860m, home to the largest monastery in the Khumbu Valley. Overnight in a lodge at Tengboche.
6Tengboche to Dingboche (4,410m)Tengboche · Dingboche · Pangboche · Ama Dablam · Pheriche
Grade: Moderate | Altitude gain: 550m | Distance and duration: 9km (approximately 6 hours)
The day begins with a 30-minute descent from Tengboche along riverside jungle trails before climbing to Pangboche, the highest year-round settlement in the valley. The path runs alongside Mani stone walls and through small settlements. Close views of Ama Dablam are a feature of this section. The trail continues upward through Pheriche and into the Imja Valley before a steep final climb into Dingboche at 4,410m. Overnight in a lodge.
7Acclimatization Day at Dingboche (4,410m)Dingboche · surrounding area
A second scheduled acclimatization rest day, spent at Dingboche. Short walks in the surrounding area are recommended to maintain circulation at altitude. Overnight at the lodge.
8Dingboche to Lobuche (4,940m) via Khumbu Glacier MemorialsDingboche to Lobuche · Lobuche · Khumbu Glacier
Grade: Moderate | Altitude gain: 530m | Distance and duration: 7km (approximately 7 hours)
The day's route climbs toward Dughla through the Khumbu Valley, which narrows progressively at Dusa. Views across to Chola Lake and toward Pumori accompany the ascent. A small wooden bridge leads to Dughla, after which the trail climbs to the lateral moraine of the Khumbu Glacier — marked by a series of memorial cairns honoring Sherpas lost on Everest expeditions. From this elevated position, Khumbutse, Lingtren, Pumori, and the peaks of the Mahalangur Himal are visible. The path continues to Lobuche at 4,940m. Overnight in a teahouse.
9Lobuche to Everest Base Camp (5,350m) via Gorakshep, Return to Gorakshep (5,164m)Everest Base Camp · Gorakshep · Lobuche to Gorakshep
Grade: Difficult | Altitude gain: 224m from Gorakshep to EBC | Distance and duration: 12km (approximately 8 hours)
The most demanding day of the ascent begins with a trek from Lobuche to Gorakshep, a small settlement at 5,164m that serves as the last teahouse stop before Base Camp. After a midday meal at Gorakshep, the route continues toward Everest Base Camp. Beyond the pyramid marker, the north ridge of Everest becomes visible alongside Pumori, Mahalangur, Lingtren, Khumbutse, and Nuptse. The ascent through Changri Glacier also reveals a sharp view of Kala Patthar ahead. Rocky trails lead to Everest Base Camp at 5,350m on the Khumbu Glacier. Trekkers are not permitted to remain at Base Camp for extended periods; the group photographs and then returns to Gorakshep for the overnight stay.
10Gorakshep to Kala Patthar Summit (5,550m), then Descent to Pheriche (4,371m)Gorakshep to Kala Patthar · Kala Patthar · Pheriche · Gorakshep to Pheriche
Grade: Difficult | Net altitude loss: 793m | Distance and duration: 19km (approximately 10 hours)
A very early start from Gorakshep is required for the pre-dawn ascent to Kala Patthar at 5,550m — the highest point reached on this itinerary. The viewpoint above delivers a direct panorama of Everest, the South Col, Lhotse, the Khumbu Glacier, and the Base Camp area. The group descends to Gorakshep and continues down the valley, covering significant distance to reach Pheriche at 4,371m by the end of the day. Overnight at Pheriche.
11Pheriche to Namche Bazaar (3,440m) via Tengboche and PangbochePheriche · Namche Bazaar · Tengboche · Pangboche village · bridge over Imja Khola · bridge
Grade: Moderate | Altitude loss: 931m | Distance and duration: 15km (approximately 8 hours)
The descent from Pheriche passes through Pangboche village, where the old monastery is accessible for a brief visit. The trail continues down to the bridge over Imja Khola and then climbs briefly to Tengboche before descending again to the Dudh Koshi River. Crossing the bridge, the path leads through Tanshinga, Sansa, and Kyangjuma before arriving at Namche Bazaar. Overnight in a lodge at Namche Bazaar.
12Namche Bazaar to Lukla (2,860m)Namche Bazaar to Lukla · Lukla · suspension bridge over the Dudh Koshi River
Grade: Moderate | Altitude loss: 580m | Distance and duration: 19km (approximately 7 hours)
The final trekking day descends from Namche along the trail to the suspension bridge over the Dudh Koshi River, continuing through Monjo to Phakding. The trail then follows the valley floor down to Lukla at 2,860m. Overnight in Lukla.
13Lukla to Kathmandu by AirLukla to Kathmandu · Kathmandu
A short mountain flight returns the group from Lukla to Kathmandu — approximately 30–35 minutes in the air. The remainder of the day is free for independent exploration of the city. Overnight in Kathmandu.
14Departure from Kathmanduyour hotel · hotel to Tribhuvan International Airport
Your trek concludes today. After checking out from your hotel, one of our representatives will escort you to Tribhuvan International Airport, with timing arranged around your individual flight schedule. Safe travels.
Where you go
- 1Tribhuvan International Airport
- 2Phakding
- 3Tribhuvan International Airport
- 4Phakding to Namche Bazaar
- 5Namche Bazaar
- 6Dudh Koshi River
- 7Namche Bazaar
- 8Tengboche Monastery
- 9Pangboche
- 10Pheriche
- 11Lobuche
- 12Khumbu Glacier
- 13Gorakshep
- 14Kala Patthar
- 15Pheriche
- 16Namche Bazaar
- 17Lukla
- 18Kathmandu
Included
- Airport pick up and drop by private vehicle
- 2 Nights twin sharing accommodation in Kathmandu
- All accommodation during trek (Lodge/Tea House)
- Domestic flights: Kathmandu - Lukla - Kathmandu
- Airport transfer for domestic flight
- Govt. licensed and English Speaking Trekking Guide, and his entire expenses
- Porters to carry 10kg maximum per person on the trek(Porter: Trekker = 1:3)
- Sagarmatha National Park Fee and TIMS permit
- Purified drinking water (medicated proof and safe) during the trek
- All permits as required as per the itinerary and as per Nepali regulations at the time of the trek
- Oximeter - To determine oxygen levels
- Adventure Certificate (After trek completion)
Not included
- GST 5%
- 5% TCS
- Supplement cost for meals - INR 35,000/-
- Adventure Insurance covering Heli Evacuation
- All Meals while on Trek / Kathmandu(starting from day 01 dinner till last day breakfast)
- Personal expenses of any nature, alcoholic beverages, cold drinks, mineral water/boiled water and hot showers during the trek.
- Any sightseeing outside of the itinerary inclusions
- International Airfare & Tourist visa for Nepal
- Any transportation needs outside of the itinerary inclusions
- Tips for Guides and Porters or staff
- Extra Hot showers, Wi-Fi & battery charging while on the trek
- Extra baggage while flying to Lukla (only 15 kg included)
- Any Unforeseen Expenses arising out of unforeseen circumstances such as bad weather, landslides, road conditions, domestic flight delays and any other circumstances beyond our control
- Any extra night costs for rooms in case of domestic flight delays in both Lukla and Kathmandu
- Any filming permits of any kind. This includes any type of drone. The fee for drones is at $16,000 USD and permits take 45 days to obtain
Activities: Trekking