Everest Base Camp Trek - 15 Days

The Everest Base Camp Trek is an unforgettable journey that takes hikers to the base camp of the world’s highest mountain, Mount Everest. The trek typically takes 12-14 days to complete and passes through the Sagarmatha National Park.

This UNESCO World Heritage site is located in the Solu-Khumbu district of Nepal and covers an area of 124,400 hectares. It is home to Mount Sagarmatha (Everest) and several other peaks over 7,000m, as well as rare species such as the snow leopard and red panda. Gazetted in 1976, SNP is a well-known destination for mountain tourism and also serves as a home to over 2,500 Sherpa people and more then twenty villages.

Along the way of the Everest base camp trek, you will experience breathtaking views of the Himalayas, including Mount Everest, as well as the chance to immerse yourself in the culture and lifestyle of the Sherpa people who call the region home.

The trek starts with an adventurous flight to Lukla, where trekkers will begin their journey on the well-known route to Everest Base Camp. Along the way, trekkers will see stunning views of different places like Namche Bazar, Tengboche Monastery, Kala Patthar, small Sherpa villages, and many prayer flags.

They will also have the opportunity to explore amazing views of Mt. Everest and other Himalayan peaks like Cho Oyu. The trek includes a professional guide and porter (one porter for two people carrying 15 kg) to assist you along the way.

The Everest Base Camp trek is considered moderately difficult, due to the altitude difference, rugged terrain, and variable weather conditions. Trekkers should be in good physical condition and acclimatize properly before starting the trek. The average daily elevation gain is 400-800m, with the highest point of 5364m Base Camp and 5545m Kalapather above sea level.

Accommodation is provided in twin or double sharing in the best mountain lodges and hotels along the route, and three meals a day will be provided during the trek.

Itinerary

Day 01:Arrived to Kathmandu

On your arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, you will be meet by Dream Adventure Treks representative and transferred to your hotel in Kathmandu.

Accommodation:Hotel
Altitude:1,300m

Day 02:Kathmandu to Lukla (Flight) to Phakding

Due to changes in the regulations and upgrading at the domestic airport in Kathmandu, flights to Lukla will likely operate out of Manthali Airport in Ramechhap District.

This involves a four-hour drive from Kathmandu during the night. The flight from Manthali will depart early in the morning and take 17 minutes.

On arrival in Lukla, our experienced local porters will meet you. Heading down the trail to Phakding, we already notice the fluttering Tibetan prayer flags and meet local people reciting Tibetan mantras as they walk.

Accommodation:Tea House
Altitude:2,651 m
Time:4 Hrs

Day 03:Phakding to Namche

Today the trail takes us through forests, traditional villages with plowed fields, and yak pastures. As we reach the entrance to the Sagarmatha National Park, we can see Thamserku rising above us.

After lunch, we continue on to Namche Bazaar. This is the largest Sherpa village in the Khumbu Region and is the starting point for expeditions and trekking groups.

Here you can purchase a few last minutes items (such as chocolate) should you have forgotten to do so in Kathmandu.

Accommodation:Tea House
Altitude:3,440 m
Time:6 Hrs

Day 04:Acclimatization Day in Namche Bazar

Today is an acclimatization day to allow our bodies to adjust to the high altitude. But that doesn’t mean we do anything! The best way to acclimatize is to be active.

There is an opportunity to spend a few hours hiking around the area or visit the school set by Sir Edmund Hillary in the Khumjung village as a thank you for all the assistance the Sherpa people gave him in his successful ascent of Mt Everest.

Some of the mountains on view today are Kongde (6,011m), Thamserku (6,623m), Khangtenga (6,782m), Nuptse (7,861m), Lhotse (8,516m), Ama Dablam (6,812m) and, of course, Mount Everest (8,848m).

Accommodation:Tea House
Altitude:3,440 m
Time:5 to 6 Hrs

Day 05:Namche to Tengboche/Deboche

There are not many steep ascents and descents today, giving plenty of time to concentrate on photography! Stupas (Buddhist shrines), prayer flags, mani walls (walls with Buddhist prayers carved into them), and mountains, such as Ama Dablam, and Tengboche Monastery, are all worth photographing.

The trail up to Tengboche is a dusty switchback route, but the panoramic views from the monastery make it all worthwhile. If you are lucky, you can attend a service, for which a small donation would be appreciated. You can light some butter lamps.

Accommodation:Tea House
Altitude:3,790 m
Time:5 to 6 Hrs

Day 06:Deboche to Dingboche

The trail is, of course, very scenic but also quite challenging today. We follow the Imja Khola before climbing up to Dingboche is windswept fields (mainly barley, buckwheat and potatoes).

This is the highest Sherpa settlement in the Khumbu Region. Ama Dablam’s views from here are spectacular and dramatic as we will arrive at Dingboche in time for lunch. The rest of the afternoon is free to relax with a book or gaze at the surrounding mountains.

Accommodation:Tea House
Altitude:4,410 m
Time:5 Hrs

Day 07:Acclimatization Day in Dingboche

With the ever-rising altitude, it is important to take another day to acclimatize. There are several options available for short hikes today.

Such as visiting the base of Nangkar Tshang Peak, with its sacred sites and views of Mt Makalu. This trip is a 3.5 to 5 hours round trip, and the ascending altitude on this hike will help our bodies prepare for the high altitudes ahead.

Accommodation:Tea House
Altitude:4,410 m
Time:4 to 5 Hrs

Day 08:Dingboche to Lobuche

Today the trek begins with a gentle climb toward the Pheriche Valley. Trekking above the valley floor, we pass through alpine scrub and yak pastures. On display are Tawochhe and Cholotse, with Ama Dablam behind us. From here, it appears Ama Dablam is rising directly from the valley floor.

The trail continues on to Thukla Pass, where the ascent is challenging. Again a photographer’s paradise as there are panoramic views of Nuptse, Lhotse, Lhotse Shar, and a few other 7,000-plus meter peaks.

After crossing the pass, we reach Lobuche. Not a very attractive settlement in itself, but the scenery surrounding it is beautiful and dramatic.

Accommodation:Tea House
Altitude:4,938 m
Time:4.30 Hrs

Day 09:Lobuche to Gorakshep (Afternoon hike to Kalapatthar)

This is an exciting day; Today we ascent to the viewpoint for Everest. First, the trail takes us for about 3 hours over boulders and rough terrain to the small settlement of Gorakshep.

After lunch, it starts out for Kalapatther, from where the views of Everest are simply the best views you can possibly get. At 5,545m, this is the highest altitude we can trek in Nepal without requiring climbing permits. Its name means black rock, which is more of a ridge than a mountain.

If the weather is not clear, we may leave Kalapatthar for the morning as sunrise over Everest is equally awe-inspiring as the sunset. Should we decide on this option, we will hike to Everest Base Camp today. Please be aware trekking groups do not go right into the base camp where expeditions are set up.

This is so we do not disturb the climbers’ activity or risk their health. (We don’t want to give them our colds and flu when they embark on such an epic journey!) But we get a good view of all the ongoing activity.

Accommodation:Tea House
Altitude:5,164 m
Time:6 to 7 Hrs

Day 10:Gorakshep to Pheriche (Morning Hike to EBC)

If we didn’t make it to Kalapatthar yesterday, we would do it this morning, returning to Gorakshep for breakfast. Similarly, if we did not visit Everest Base Camp on day 9, we will do that this morning. Each trip takes 3 – 4 hours to return from Gorakshep.

After breakfast, we head to Pheriche, which takes approximately 4 hours. This little settlement houses the Himalayan Rescue Association Clinic.

Long established, it is now a hospital but still focuses on altitude sickness and altitude-related problems of trekkers and climbers as well as the health of the local people. Staffed mainly by volunteer medical personnel, this is an interesting area feature.

Accommodation:Tea House
Altitude:4,371 m
Time:7 to 8 Hrs

Day 11:Pheriche to Namche Bazaar

The trail descends quite considerably today, but some uphill must be tackled; As we approach Namche, the forests and greenery return.

This is a long day of walking, made harder by the hard hiking the day before. But push on because a good dinner and a hot shower and now is the opportunity to celebrate your successful trek to Everest Base Camp with a beer!

And with wifi available, now is also time to get in touch with loved ones at home and perhaps upload a few pictures of your trip.

Accommodation:Tea House
Altitude:3,440 m
Time:6 to 7 Hrs

Day 12:Namche to Lukla

In the earlier part of the day, take a good final look at the magnificent Himalayan Mountains, and say goodbye to the Khumbu Valley and Mount Everest. Then put your head down as we make a final long ascent into Lukla.

Accommodation:Tea House
Altitude:2,860 m
Time:5 to 6 Hrs

Day 13:Lukla to Kathmandu (Flight)

This morning says goodbye to Mt Everest and the Khumbu Region as we board our flight back to either Kathmandu or Manthali Airport. Depending on which airport is open at that time and, of course, weather conditions, either we will be back in Kathmandu for brunch or in the early afternoon. Then there is time to do some shopping before our farewell dinner in the evening.

Accommodation:Hotel
Time:35 to 40 minutes

Day 14:Sightseeing around Kathmandu

Today after breakfast we shall visit Soyambhunath, Baudhanath and Pasupatinath with city Guide then in late afternoon farewell diner.

Day 15:Departure

Today; our representative will take you to Tribhuvan International Airport in time for your onward flight. Should you stay longer in Nepal or have a late flight, please note that the hotel check-out time is 11 am.

Cost Details

Includes

Three nights hotel in Kathmandu (Kathmandu Guest House or Similler)
Domestic flight tickets (Kathmandu – Lukla – Kathmandu).
Local transportation airport arrival and departure
Three times meals with hot drinks and Accommodation during the trek
Government licensed English-speaking trek Guide. For more than 6 trekkers, 1 assistant guide
Porter to help trekkers luggage. 2 trekkers will share 1 porter, Max weight limit for a porter- 20 kg (10 kg per trekker, weight limit). You can store non-essential items in your hotel.
Covers guides and porters wages, their meals, insurance, lodging, transportation, flight, and other necessary equipment
Water purification tablets for safe drinking water
Sagarmatha National Park entry permit fee
Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality fees
Seasonal fresh fruits every day
All government, local taxes, and official expenses
Assistance in arranging rescue operations in case of complicated health conditions (funded by travel insurance)
Souvenirs - company's T-shirt
Dream Adventure Treks, Appreciation Certificate after the successful trek
Farewell dinner at the end of the trek

Excludes

International flight costs
Nepal Entry Visa Fees
Excess baggage charges (Limit is 15 kg per Person) on the trek
All accommodations and meals in Kathmandu, before and after the journey
Extra night accommodation in Kathmandu due to early arrival or late departure, or early return from the trek.
Personal expenses ( snacks, boiled bottle water, cold drinks, hot shower, alcohol, Wi-Fi, telephone call, battery re-charge fee, extra porters, during in treks etc
Personal clothing and gear
Travel insurance that covers emergency high-altitude rescue and evacuation (compulsory)
Tips for guides and porters (recommended)
Additional costs incurred due to causes beyond our control, for example, landslides, weather conditions, itinerary modifications due to safety concerns, illness, change of government policies, strikes, etc.

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