Nepal — Kathmandu
Ascend to the roof of the world on the Everest Base Camp trek, a 130km route through Nepal's Sagarmatha National Park. This demanding 12-14 day Himalayan traverse offers unparalleled panoramas of Earth's highest peaks, immersing you in Sherpa culture. Wind through valleys and past ancient monasteries on this iconic high-altitude walk.
Distance: 130.0 km
Elevation Gain: 4500 m
Difficulty: Challenging
Duration: 12-14 days
The Everest Base Camp (EBC) trek is the ultimate pilgrimage for high-altitude hikers, a 130-kilometre round-trip journey that leads into the very heart of the Himalayas. Situated within the Sagarmatha National Park in north-eastern Nepal, this trek is far more than a physical challenge; it is a cultural immersion into the land of the Sherpa people and a front-row seat to the highest peaks on Earth. Starting from the dramatic mountain airstrip at Lukla, the trail winds through lush rhododendron forests, crosses precarious suspension bridges over the roaring Dudh Koshi River, and ascends through alpine meadows to the stark, glacial landscapes of the high Khumbu. Reaching the base of Mount Everest (8,848 metres) is a feat of endurance and acclimatisation, offering walkers the chance to stand at the foot of the world’s tallest mountain and witness the legendary Khumbu Icefall. This is a journey of profound scale, where the air grows thin, the prayer flags flutter in the biting wind, and every step reveals a landscape that has captivated explorers for over a century.
The Everest Base Camp trek is widely considered the gold standard of multi-day mountain adventures. Unlike many wilderness treks that require total self-sufficiency, the EBC route is supported by a unique network of "teahouses"—locally run lodges that provide food and shelter, allowing trekkers to carry lighter packs while supporting the local economy. However, the convenience of a bed and a hot meal does not diminish the difficulty of the terrain. The journey involves a total elevation gain of approximately 4,500 metres, much of it occurring in the "thin air" zone above 4,000 metres where oxygen levels are significantly lower than at sea level.
The landscape of the Khumbu region is one of dramatic contrasts. The lower sections of the trail, between Lukla (2,860 m) and Namche Bazaar (3,440 m), are surprisingly green, characterised by dense forests of pine, fir, and blooming rhododendrons. As you ascend, the vegetation thins, giving way to hardy shrubs and eventually a high-altitude desert of rock, ice, and moraine. The scale of the mountains is difficult to articulate; peaks like Thamserku, Ama Dablam, and Lhotse tower over the trail, their granite faces and ice-clad summits dominating the horizon. Ama Dablam, in particular, is often cited as the most beautiful mountain in the world, its distinctive "mother's necklace" shape visible for much of the middle section of the trek.
The cultural heartbeat of the trek is the Sherpa people. Originally migrants from Tibet, the Sherpas have developed a unique culture deeply intertwined with Vajrayana Buddhism and the mountains themselves. Along the trail, you will encounter countless Mani stones (stones carved with Buddhist mantras), colourful prayer flags sending blessings on the wind, and ancient monasteries like the one at Tengboche, where the morning chants of monks provide a spiritual soundtrack to the physical exertion of the climb. This is not just a walk to a mountain; it is a walk through a living museum of Himalayan heritage.
The history of the Everest Base Camp trek is inextricably linked to the history of Everest exploration itself. For centuries, the Khumbu region was a quiet enclave of Sherpa traders and farmers. This changed in the early 20th century when British expeditions began scouting the mountain from the Tibetan side. It wasn't until the 1950s, when Nepal opened its borders to foreigners, that the southern route to Everest became the primary focus of the mountaineering world.
The most pivotal moment in the trail's history occurred in 1953, when Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay Sherpa successfully reached the summit. Their expedition followed much of the same path that modern trekkers walk today, though they started their journey from the Kathmandu Valley, adding weeks of walking before even reaching the Khumbu. The construction of the Lukla airport in 1964—initiated by Hillary himself to facilitate the building of schools and hospitals for the Sherpa community—transformed the region. What was once a month-long expedition became a two-week trek, opening the "Roof of the World" to the global trekking community.
Culturally, the region is a stronghold of Tibetan Buddhism. The Sagarmatha National Park is considered a sacred landscape by the local population. The mountains are seen as the abodes of deities; Everest is known as Chomolungma ("Mother Goddess of the World") in Tibetan and Sagarmatha ("Goddess of the Sky") in Nepali. Respecting this spiritual heritage is a core part of the trekking experience. Walkers are expected to pass Mani walls and chortens (stupas) on the left side, following the clockwise direction of Buddhist circumambulation, and to seek permission before photographing religious ceremonies or interior monastery spaces.
Want more background? Read extended notes on history and cultural context → Learn more
The trekking seasons in the Himalayas are dictated by the South Asian monsoon. There are two primary windows for trekking to Everest Base Camp, each offering a distinct experience.
Spring (March to May): This is the most popular time for those wishing to see the "climbing circus" at Base Camp. As the weather warms, hundreds of mountaineers set up their yellow tents on the Khumbu Glacier in preparation for summit attempts in May. The lower trails are spectacular during this time, as the rhododendron forests burst into shades of red, pink, and white. Temperatures are moderate at lower altitudes, though it remains cold at night above 4,000 metres. The air can be slightly hazier than in autumn, but the floral displays and the buzz of expedition energy make it a favourite for many.
Autumn (October to November): Following the monsoon, the air is washed clean of dust, resulting in the sharpest, clearest views of the peaks. This is widely considered the best time for photography. The weather is generally more stable, with crisp, blue-sky days. However, it is noticeably colder than spring, especially in November when temperatures at Gorak Shep can drop to -15°C or -20°C overnight. This is also the busiest season, so teahouses can be crowded.
Winter (December to February): Trekking is possible but requires extreme cold-weather gear and experience. Many teahouses at higher altitudes close, and the temperatures are brutal. However, the trails are empty, and the skies are often perfectly clear. High passes like the Cho La may be blocked by snow.
Monsoon (June to August): This is the least favourable time to trek. Heavy rain leads to muddy trails, leeches in the lower forests, and frequent flight cancellations to Lukla due to cloud cover. Most importantly, the great peaks are usually hidden behind thick clouds, depriving trekkers of the very views they came to see.
Day 1: Kathmandu to Lukla and Phakding
Day 2: Phakding to Namche Bazaar
Day 3: Acclimatisation Day in Namche Bazaar
Day 4: Namche Bazaar to Tengboche
Day 5: Tengboche to Dingboche
Day 6: Acclimatisation Day in Dingboche
Day 7: Dingboche to Lobuche
Day 8: Lobuche to Gorak Shep and Everest Base Camp
Day 9: Gorak Shep to Kala Patthar and Pheriche
Day 10: Pheriche to Namche Bazaar
Day 11: Namche Bazaar to Lukla
Day 12: Lukla to Kathmandu
Important Notes:
The Everest Base Camp trek requires significant physical and logistical preparation. Physically, you should focus on cardiovascular endurance and leg strength. Training should begin at least 3–4 months before departure, incorporating long day hikes with a weighted pack, stair climbing, and aerobic exercises like running or cycling. While you don't need to be an elite athlete, the ability to walk for 6–8 hours a day for two weeks is essential.
Logistically, the most critical component is the flight from Kathmandu to Lukla. Due to congestion at Kathmandu’s Tribhuvan International Airport, many flights during the peak season (March–May and October–November) are diverted to Ramechhap Airport, which is a 4–5 hour drive from Kathmandu. You must coordinate your transport to Ramechhap and your flight booking simultaneously. It is highly recommended to use a reputable local trekking agency to handle these logistics, as they have the best access to flight updates and can assist with rebooking if weather delays occur.
Accommodation on the EBC trek consists of "teahouses." These are simple, family-run lodges that have evolved from basic family homes into dedicated trekking hotels. While they offer a degree of comfort, they are not luxury hotels, and facilities become more basic as you gain altitude.
Hut Facilities:
What Teahouses Don't Provide:
Booking Requirements:
To trek to Everest Base Camp, you require two specific permits. The old "TIMS" (Trekkers' Information Management Systems) card system has largely been replaced in the Khumbu region by a local government permit, though requirements can change, so always check the latest regulations in Kathmandu.
1. Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Entrance Permit:
2. Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit:
Important Permit Notes:
Detailed route notes, maps, logistics & tips for the Everest Base Camp Trek (PDF).
Precisely traced GPX for the Everest Base Camp Trek, ready for your GPS or favourite mapping app.
The Khumbu region offers several world-class side trips and cultural experiences that can be integrated into your trek:
Altitude Sickness (AMS): This is the single greatest risk on the Everest Base Camp trek. Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) can affect anyone, regardless of age or fitness level. The key to prevention is a slow ascent. The standard itinerary includes two acclimatisation days for a reason—do not skip them. Symptoms include headache, nausea, dizziness, and loss of appetite. If symptoms persist or worsen, you must descend immediately. More severe forms, such as HAPE (High Altitude Pulmonary Edema) and HACE (High Altitude Cerebral Edema), are life-threatening and require immediate helicopter evacuation.
The "Khumbu Cough": The cold, dry air at high altitude can irritate the lungs, leading to a persistent, dry cough known as the Khumbu Cough. To prevent this, wear a buff or mask to warm and humidify the air you breathe, stay hydrated, and avoid overexertion.
Water Safety: Never drink untreated tap or stream water. Use a UV purifier, chlorine/iodine tablets, or a high-quality filter. Even "boiled" water in teahouses may not have reached a rolling boil for long enough at high altitude to kill all pathogens. Avoid ice in drinks in Kathmandu and Namche.
Animal Traffic: The trail is a highway for yaks, naks (female yaks), and dzo (yak-cow hybrids) carrying supplies. These animals always have the right of way. When a caravan approaches, always stand on the "mountain side" of the trail (away from the cliff edge) to avoid being accidentally bumped off the path.
Flight Safety: Lukla airport is famous for its short, sloped runway and challenging weather. Flights only operate in clear visibility. Be prepared for delays of several days. Always have travel insurance that covers "trip interruption" and "emergency heli-evacuation" up to 6,000 metres.
Nangkartshang Peak: Located directly above Dingboche, this peak (5,083 m) is the perfect acclimatisation hike. The climb is steep but non-technical, and the reward is a spectacular view of the Imja Glacier, Island Peak, and the massive south face of Lhotse. It also provides one of the few spots where you can see the world's fifth-highest mountain, Makalu, in the distance.
The Everest Memorials: Located at the top of the Thukla Pass (4,830 m), this is a somber and moving site. Dozens of stone chortens have been built to honour climbers and Sherpas who have died on Everest. Among them are memorials for Scott Fischer and Rob Hall, made famous by the 1996 Everest disaster. It is a place for quiet reflection on the power and danger of the mountains.
Tengboche Monastery: Rebuilt twice (once after a fire and once after an earthquake), this monastery is the spiritual heart of the Khumbu. If you arrive in the afternoon, you may be able to witness the monks' prayer ceremony. The sight of the monastery with Everest and Ama Dablam in the background is one of the most photographed scenes in Nepal.
The Khumbu Glacier: As you approach Base Camp, you will walk alongside and eventually onto the Khumbu Glacier. This is the highest glacier in the world. You can hear the ice cracking and shifting beneath the rock debris—a reminder that the landscape is constantly in motion. The "Ice Pinnacles" near Base Camp are a surreal forest of frozen towers that must be seen to be believed.
The Everest region faces a significant waste management challenge due to its popularity and remoteness. As a trekker, you have a responsibility to minimise your impact on this fragile alpine environment. The "Sagarmatha Next" project and other local initiatives are working hard to clean up the mountain, but individual action is the first line of defence.
Your responsibility as a walker:
The Himalayas are a gift to the world. By following Leave No Trace principles, you ensure that the "Stairway to Heaven" remains pristine for the generations of trekkers who will follow in your footsteps.
