Everest Base Camp Trek
In Nepali: सगरमाथा आधार शिविर पदयात्रा · Also known as: EBC · सगरमाथा आधार शिविर
The classic route follows the Dudh Koshi from Lukla to Namche Bazaar, then climbs past Tengboche monastery, Dingboche and Lobuche to Gorak Shep and the base camp at about 5,364 m. Most trekkers also climb Kala Patthar (5,644 m) for the best view of Everest, which is hidden from base camp itself.
Tea-house lodges line the whole route, so no camping is needed. Build in acclimatisation days at Namche and Dingboche: altitude sickness is the main danger. Alternatives include the Gokyo Lakes route and the Three Passes trek, which cross the Renjo La, Cho La and Kongma La.
Day by day (typical)
Day 1: fly to Lukla, walk to Phakding. Day 2: Namche Bazaar. Day 3: rest day in Namche. Day 4: Tengboche. Day 5: Dingboche. Day 6: rest day in Dingboche (hike up Nangkartshang). Day 7: Lobuche. Day 8: Gorak Shep and Everest Base Camp. Day 9: Kala Patthar at dawn, down to Pheriche. Days 10–12: back via Namche to Lukla.
What to see and do
Beyond the mountains, the trek is a journey through Sherpa culture: monasteries at Tengboche and Pangboche, mani stones and prayer wheels, the Sherpa museum in Namche, and the memorials to climbers at Thukla pass. Base camp itself is a rocky moraine beside the Khumbu Icefall; in spring it fills with the colourful tents of expeditions.
Good to know
Permits: Sagarmatha National Park entry and the local Khumbu Pasang Lhamu municipality fee. The trek is not technical, but altitude sickness is a real danger — never skip rest days. Lodge prices rise with altitude, and charging devices and hot showers cost extra. Pack layers, a warm sleeping bag and sun protection; spring (March–May) brings expeditions and rhododendrons, autumn (October–November) the clearest skies.
Quick answers
- Where is Everest Base Camp Trek?
- Everest Base Camp Trek is in Solukhumbu district, Koshi Province, in the Himal belt of Nepal.
- What is the altitude of Everest Base Camp Trek?
- About 5,364 m (17,599 ft) above sea level.
- How much does it cost to visit Everest Base Camp Trek?
- For a 14-day trip from Kathmandu, about NPR 137,500 (≈ US$1,020) per person on a budget, or NPR 157,500 (≈ US$1,165) with standard hotels and private transport — for two foreign visitors sharing, including transport, stay, food, entry fees, a guide and porter. Nepali visitors on a budget: about NPR 61,000 per person. These are estimates; adjust them in the trip planner.
- How many days do I need for Everest Base Camp Trek?
- Plan 12 nights there for the trek; with travel from Kathmandu and back, about 14 days in all.
- Do I need a permit or ticket for Everest Base Camp Trek?
- Foreign visitors pay about NPR 5,000 / US$37 to enter Sagarmatha National Park plus the Khumbu Pasang Lhamu municipality fee (SAARC visitors about half, Nepali citizens a small fee).
- Do I need a guide for Everest Base Camp Trek?
- Yes, for foreign trekkers: since 2023 a licensed guide is required in Nepal’s national parks and conservation areas. Nepali trekkers may go on their own.
- When is the best time to visit Everest Base Camp Trek?
- October–November; March–May
- How do I get to Everest Base Camp Trek?
- Fly Kathmandu or Ramechhap (Manthali) to Lukla; or walk in from Jiri or Phaplu. It is about 154 km (straight line) from Kathmandu, and usually reached by flight.
- What is Everest Base Camp Trek called in Nepali?
- सगरमाथा आधार शिविर पदयात्रा
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