Everest Base Camp Trek

Upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, our representative will greet you with a traditional marigold garland and transfer you to your hotel. In the evening, you will have a detailed trek briefing where your guide will go over the itinerary, check your gear, and answer any questions.

Kathmandu itself is a fascinating city. If time permits, you can explore the bustling streets of Thamel, visit the sacred Pashupatinath Temple, or stroll through the ancient Durbar Square.

Make sure to get a good rest as the adventure begins early the next morning with the flight to Lukla.

The day begins with a thrilling 35-minute mountain flight from Kathmandu to Tenzing-Hillary Airport in Lukla (2,860m), widely considered one of the most dramatic landings in aviation. The small runway is carved into the mountainside with a steep drop at one end.

From Lukla, the trek begins immediately. You descend gently through the village and along the Dudh Koshi River, crossing several suspension bridges decorated with colourful prayer flags. The trail passes through small Sherpa settlements and rhododendron forest.

Phakding is a quiet village along the riverbank with comfortable teahouses. After checking in, there is time to explore the village or simply relax by the river and take in the mountain scenery.

Today is the first real challenge of the trek. You follow the Dudh Koshi River valley, crossing it multiple times on high suspension bridges. The trail passes through forests of oak, pine, and rhododendron with occasional glimpses of snow-capped peaks above.

After entering Sagarmatha National Park at the Monjo checkpoint, you begin the steep 600m climb to Namche Bazaar. This is the most demanding section of the day. Along the way, on a clear day you will catch your first breathtaking glimpse of Mount Everest.

Namche Bazaar is the bustling Sherpa capital of the Khumbu, perched in a horseshoe-shaped bowl at 3,440m. It has bakeries, gear shops, a weekly market, and spectacular mountain views from every corner.

Acclimatisation is critical at this altitude, so today is a rest day in Namche. However, staying active helps the body adjust, so an optional hike is highly recommended. The most popular option is a walk up to the Everest View Hotel at 3,880m for stunning panoramic views.

You can also visit the Sherpa Culture Museum, the Sagarmatha National Park visitor centre, or hike to the nearby village of Khumjung to see the Hillary School and the famous yeti scalp kept at the local monastery.

In the afternoon, explore Namche market, sample the bakeries, and enjoy the unique atmosphere of this high-altitude trading hub.

Leaving Namche, the trail contours along the hillside high above the Dudh Koshi gorge with spectacular views of Everest, Nuptse, Lhotse, and Ama Dablam. You gradually descend to Phunki Tenga before climbing through forest to Tengboche.

Tengboche Monastery is the spiritual heart of the Khumbu and the largest gompa in the region. With Ama Dablam towering directly behind it, this is one of the most photographed locations on the trail. If you arrive in time, you may be able to attend the afternoon prayer ceremony.

The monastery was rebuilt after earthquakes and fire, and remains a centre of Buddhist learning and culture for the entire Sherpa community.

You descend from Tengboche through rhododendron and birch forest to the river, then climb past the village of Pangboche, one of the oldest Sherpa settlements in the Khumbu. The ancient monastery here is said to house a yeti relic.

The landscape becomes more arid as you enter the Imja Khola valley. Views of Ama Dablam dominate, and you may spot Himalayan tahr and pheasant along the trail. The final approach to Dingboche involves a steep climb up the valley side.

Dingboche sits in a wide, flat valley surrounded by towering peaks. The fields are enclosed by stone walls to protect potato and buckwheat crops from the wind. It is an excellent place to rest and prepare for the higher altitudes ahead.

Another essential acclimatisation day. The recommended hike is to Nangkartshang Peak (5,083m) above Dingboche, which offers extraordinary views of Makalu, Island Peak, Ama Dablam, and the Lhotse wall.

Alternatively, you can take a shorter walk to Chhukung village for views of the Chhukung glacier and Island Peak. Your guide will assess how everyone is adjusting and advise on the best option.

Spend the rest of the day resting, reading, playing cards in the teahouse, or simply watching the clouds roll across the Himalayan peaks. Stay hydrated and eat well to prepare for the push above 5,000m.

The trail crosses the Khumbu Khola and climbs gradually through sparse vegetation. You pass the memorial chortens at Thukla dedicated to climbers who lost their lives on Everest, a sobering and beautiful spot.

Above Thukla, the landscape becomes stark and glacial. You walk along the lateral moraine of the massive Khumbu Glacier with views of Pumori, Lingtren, and Nuptse. The air is noticeably thinner and each step requires more effort.

Lobuche is a small collection of teahouses at nearly 5,000m. Nights are cold and the atmosphere is charged with anticipation as you are now just one day from Everest Base Camp.

This is the big day. You leave early, trekking across the Khumbu Glacier moraine to Gorak Shep (5,164m), where you drop your bags and continue to Everest Base Camp at 5,364m. The final stretch is rocky and demanding.

At Base Camp, during the spring season you may see expedition tents scattered across the glacier, with the notorious Khumbu Icefall towering above. Standing at the foot of the world's highest mountain is an emotional and unforgettable experience.

After spending time at Base Camp, you retrace your steps to Gorak Shep for the night. Rest well because tomorrow brings another highlight at Kala Patthar.

You wake well before dawn for the 1.5-hour climb to Kala Patthar (5,545m), the highest point of the trek and the best panoramic viewpoint of Everest. Watching the sunrise paint Everest gold is a once-in-a-lifetime moment.

From the summit you can see Everest, Nuptse, Changtse, Lhotse, and many other peaks stretching across the horizon. After soaking in the views and taking photos, you descend back to Gorak Shep for a late breakfast.

The rest of the day is spent descending to Pheriche (4,240m), where the thicker air and warmer temperatures make sleeping much more comfortable.

Today is a long but rewarding descent through familiar territory. You drop over 1,200m in altitude, and the difference in air quality and warmth is immediately noticeable. Your body will feel stronger with every step.

The reverse perspectives of the mountains are often more spectacular than on the way up. Ama Dablam in particular reveals new angles. You pass through Tengboche and Phunki Tenga before climbing back up to Namche.

Back in Namche, celebrate your achievement with a hot shower, pizza, and maybe a cinnamon roll from one of the famous bakeries.

The final trekking day takes you down from Namche, back across the suspension bridges, through the national park checkpoint, and past the villages you walked through on day two and three.

The descent is relatively easy and the mood is celebratory. You may spot langur monkeys and colourful birds in the lower forests that you were too focused on the climb to notice earlier.

Arriving in Lukla, you check into your teahouse and enjoy a farewell dinner with your guide and porter team. It is customary to share tips and thanks at this meal.

Weather permitting, you board the early morning flight from Lukla back to Kathmandu. The 30-minute flight offers one last sweeping view of the Himalayan range before you descend into the Kathmandu valley.

Back at your hotel, you have the rest of the day free to explore the city, shop for souvenirs, or simply relax. In the evening, your team will host a farewell dinner at a traditional Nepali restaurant.

You will receive your trek completion certificate and have a chance to share stories and photos from the trail.

Your guide will arrange your airport transfer based on your flight time. Depending on your departure schedule, you may have time for a final temple visit or some last-minute shopping in Thamel.

We hope the memories of Everest, the kindness of the Sherpa people, and the beauty of the Khumbu valley will stay with you for a lifetime.

Safe travels and we look forward to welcoming you back to Nepal for your next adventure.