The Everest Base Camp (EBC) trek is one of the most famous and breathtaking treks in the world. It takes trekkers to the base of Mount Everest, the highest peak on the planet, located in the Khumbu region of Nepal. The trek offers incredible views of the Himalayas, including peaks like Nuptse, Lhotse, and of course, Everest itself.
1. Duration
The trek usually takes around 12-16 days to complete, depending on your pace and acclimatization needs. This includes rest days to adjust to the altitude.
2. Difficulty
The EBC trek is considered a moderate to difficult trek. While it's suitable for people with reasonable fitness levels, the altitude, steep paths, and long daily hiking hours can be challenging. The highest point is Kala Patthar, at an altitude of 5,545 meters (18,192 feet), which requires proper acclimatization to avoid altitude sickness.
3. Best Time to Trek
- Autumn (September to November): This is the most popular trekking season, offering clear skies and moderate temperatures.
- Spring (March to May): Another great time to trek, with good weather and views, though slightly busier than autumn.
4. Accommodation
Along the way, you'll stay in teahouses, basic lodges offering meals, rooms, and sometimes hot showers. Rooms are typically shared, with some places providing private rooms for an additional fee.
5. Challenges
- Altitude sickness: Acclimatization is crucial to prevent serious altitude sickness, which is why rest days are incorporated into the trek.
- Weather: Conditions can change rapidly, with snow and freezing temperatures at higher elevations.
- Physical fitness: While the trek doesn’t require mountaineering skills, it does involve long days of walking, so stamina is key.
6. What to Pack
- Trekking boots for rough terrain.
- Warm clothing, including a down jacket, fleece layers, and thermal wear.
- Sleeping bag (down-filled) for high-altitude nights.
- Water purification (tablets or filters) as clean water isn’t always available.
- Sunscreen and sunglasses to protect from UV radiation, especially at higher altitudes.
- Headlamp for early morning or late evening hikes.
7. Cost
- The trek cost varies depending on factors like whether you choose to go independently or with a guide. A basic guided trek can range from $1,200 to $2,500 USD, including permits, transportation, accommodation, and meals. A self-guided trek will generally be cheaper, but having a guide is often recommended for safety and convenience.
8. Permits
- Sagarmatha National Park Permit: Required to enter the national park.
- TIMS (Trekkers’ Information Management System) Card: For trekkers' safety and record-keeping.
9. Cultural Aspects
Along the trek, you’ll pass through Sherpa villages where you can experience Sherpa culture, visit Buddhist monasteries, and enjoy the warm hospitality of the locals. Namche Bazaar and Tengboche are notable for their Buddhist monasteries, and Puja ceremonies are held at different spots along the route.
Overall, the Everest Base Camp trek offers an unforgettable adventure, combining physical challenge with scenic grandeur, cultural immersion, and the chance to stand at the foot of the world’s tallest peak.
Trip Outline
Day 01: Drive to Phaplu
Day 02: Trek to Nunthala
Day 03: Trek to Bupsa
Day 04: Trek to Chheplu or Phakding
Day 05: Trek to Namche Bazzar
Day 06: Namchebazar: acclimatize day
Day 07: Trek to Tengboche
Day 08: Trek to Dingboche
Day 09: trek to Lobuche
Day 10: Trek Gorekshep
Day 11: Trek to Everest Base camp
Day 12: Trek to Pheruche
Day 13: Trek to Phorche
Day 14: Trek to Namche Bazzar
Day 15: Trek to Lukla
Day 16: Kathmandu Early morning fly back to Kathmandu (35 minutes)
Detail itinerary
Day 01: Drive to Phaplu
10 Hrs B/L/D Tea House
After Breakfast drive by Jeep to Phaplu (10 Hours (2600m)
Day 02: Trek to Nunthala
7 Hrs B/L/D Tea House
Phaplu to Nunthala (6/7 hour walking (2330m)
Day 03: Trek to Bupsa
8 Hrs B/L/D Tea House
Trek from Nunthala to Bupsa (8 hours walking (2070m)
Day 04: Trek to Chheplu or Phakding
7 Hrs B/L/D Tea House
Bupsa to Chheplung or Phakding (6/7 Hours (2750m)
Day 05: Trek to Namche Bazzar
6 Hrs B/L/D Tea House
Trekking to Namche Bazar (3440m) Via Manju, Jorsalle, Hilary bridge, Top danda which is first Everest viewpoint, to Namche Bazar Walking distance 5/6 hour
Day 06: Namchebazar: acclimatize day
4 Hrs B/L/D Tea House
Hike to Syanbuche which is Viewpoint of Mount Everest have some drinks and explore around the Everest Region Mountain such as Everest (8848m.) Lhotse (8516m.), Amadablam (6812m.), Nuptse (7855m.), Island (6189m).
Day 07: Trek to Tengboche
6 Hrs B/L/D Tea House
Trekking to Tengboche Monastery (3860m) via phunky tanka, Late afternoon explore the enchanting and biggest Buddhist monastery of the area. Walking distance 5/6 hour
Day 08: Trek to Dingboche
6 Hrs B/L/D Tea House
Trekking to Dingboche (4300m) via Dibuche, Somare, to Dingboche check-in room and then have some hot drink to make warm for body and hike around Dingboche Ri for acclimatizing and better sleep at night, Walking distance 6 Hrs
Day 09: trek to Lobuche
6 Hrs B/L/D Tea House
Trekking to Lobuche (4960m): via Thukla to Lobuche same like pass days we can do little hike surrounding the Lobuche and back to the hotel, Walking distance 5 to 6-hour
Day 10: Trek Gorekshep
8 Hrs B/L/D Tea House
Early morning Trek to Kala-Patthar (5450m) and then Gorekshep (5100m): Kala-Patthar is the most popular tourist destination in the area and able to see more than 40 snow-capped peaks from Kalapather, Best view of Mount Everest, Mt. Lhotse, Pumari, South call, Khumbula peak, etc, Walking distance 3/4 hour
Day 11: Trek to Everest Base camp
8 Hrs B/L/D Tea House
Hike to the base camp of Everest (5400m) via Khumbu glacier to Everest base camp, in afternoon explore the Area and base of Mt. Everest, and back to Gokherakshep Walking distance 4/5
Day 12: Trek to Pheruche
6 Hrs B/L/D Tea House
Trek back to Pheriche (4160m) Walking distance5 to 6-hour
Day 13: Trek to Phorche
6 Hrs B/L/D Tea House
Trekking to Phorche village (3700m): this day we can able to see Himalayan Thar, musk deer, Himalayan Danfe etc on the way to Phorche Walking distance 5 to 6-hour
Day 14: Trek to Namche Bazzar
5 Hrs B/L/D Tea House
Trek back to Namche Bazar (3440m) via khumbu village, Hilary school Walking distance 4/5 hour
Day 15: Trek to Lukla
7 Hrs B/L/D Tea House
Trek back to Lukla (2840m) Walking distance 7 hour
Day 16: fly back to Kathmandu (35 minutes)
1 Hrs B Hotel
What's included?
- Domestic flights.
- Trekker’s Information Management System(TIMS) card
- All governmental procedure fees, permits and local taxes.
- Full day guided sightseeing tour in Kathmandu.
- All meals and accommodation throughout the trek.
- An experienced English speaking trekking guide possessing valid license issued by the government of Nepal.
- Highly experienced trekking staffs.
- Travel and rescue arrangements.
What's not included?
- Visa fees/ international airfare to and from Kathmandu
- Travel / medical insurance and emergency evacuation cost.
- Hot and cold shower, battery recharge during Everest base camp trek.
- Personal expenses phone calls, bar bills, extra porters, beverages etc.
- Personal Everest base camp trekking equipments/gears.
- Tips for guides, porters and drivers.
- All others expenses not mentioned in “Trip Cost Includes” section.
Elevation Chart & Map
