Everest Base Camp Trek - 16 days

Trip Overview

Duration: 16 days Country: Nepal
Max. Altitude: 5,545m/18,192ft. Walking Per Day: 6-7hrs
Accommodation: Tea-House/Lodge grade Grade: Fair Strenuous
Best Season: Autumn and Spring Group Size: 1-10
Mode: Tea-House/Lodge Culture: Sherpa Culture

Everest Base Camp trek is the most popular trekking adventure experience in the Everest region of Nepal. During our Everest Base camp trek, we will get amazing views of the world’s highest peak Everest along with Lhotse, Makalu, and Cho Oyu. Along with views, the Everest base camp trek is an opportunity to explore the culture and traditions of local Sherpas, the unsung heroes of Everest. From visiting local Buddhist monasteries and Chortens to spotting Himalayan flora and fauna, we get the chance to follow the steps of the great Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay Sherpa in 1953.

Introduction and History

Few places on earth are as revered and respected as Everest base camp. For those hoping to make the climb to the top of the world, a stop at base camp is essential. Spending a few days at base camp allows for the body to acclimatize to the altitude and can help to lessen the impact of altitude sickness on the body.

What many people don’t know is that there are actually two different Everest base camps. One is on the Northside of the mountain in Tibet at 5,150 meters above sea level, and one is on the Southside of the mountain in Nepal at 5,364 meters. Around 40,000 people make the trip to the South base camp every year.

Geography

The South base camp trek is the most popular trekking route. This base camp is located in Nepal, which is a landlocked country in South Asia that shares a bored with India and China. Most mountaineering expeditions start at Kathmandu airport. From here, trekkers can fly to Lukla airport where they begin their expedition to the South base camp. The route takes around eight days, including rest days to help get used to the change in altitude.

Nature, Culture, and Adventure

Even if you have no plans to climb Mount Everest, there are still plenty of reasons to make the trip to Everest Base Camp. You can still fulfill your desire for adventure and a challenge as the trek from Lukla to base camp is no mean feat. It’s a truly unique destination that not many people can say they have visited. Since the base camp is located so high above sea level in the Himalayas, there is an incredible opportunity to see how animals and plants can survive in some of the harshest conditions in the world.

Activities to do and major attractions

In addition to the stunning scenery and a view of one of the most iconic mountainscapes in the world, there are plenty of things to see and do at Everest base camp. The Sherpa Museum located east of Namche is worth a visit. There are also many monasteries in the area where you can learn about the local culture and the religious significance of the region.

Health and safety

Before embarking on any mountaineering adventure, it’s important that you have a reasonable level of physical fitness. The region is very remote, which means that getting help in the result of an injury can be problematic. It’s also important to give your body time to acclimatize to the change in altitude, as altitude sickness can be deadly. Making the trek with a reputable tour company is one of the best ways to ensure your health and safety.

Weather and Best Season

The weather in Nepal is defined by the main seasons. The dry season runs from October to May and this is the best time to visit. Within the dry season, many people choose to visit during the post-monsoon season, which runs from October to December when they can enjoy clear skies and incredible views of the snow-topped mountains. The pre-monsoon season runs from March to April is the most popular time for climbing Everest, so base camp will be buzzing with activity.

Importance/Benefits of this trek

The Everest base camp trek, or EBC trek as it is known in climbing circles, is a hugely significant trek that can be very personally rewarding. The region has huge significance around the world, not only for elite athletes who wish to reach the top of the world but also for those looking for spiritual enlightenment.

Lifestyle and people

Around 40,000 people make the trip to Everest base camp every year. Exploring the camp is a great way to get to know people from around the world. The local Sherpas are incredibly experienced climbers and many people who visit Everest base camp report that seeing the Sherpas or porters in action is one of the most rewarding aspects of the expeditions.


Trip Itinerary

  • Day 1 Arrival in Kathmandu (1,300 m/4,264 ft)
    • Meals :Lunch / Dinner
    • Transportation :Private Vehicle
    • Accommodation :Hotel
    • Location :

      » Kathmandu

      » Tribhuwan International Airport

      » Thamel

    • Highlights :

      » Tribhuwan International Airport

      » Welcoming with Marigold Flower Garland

      » Group Photo

      » Introduction with group members and trekking crew

      » Evening Walk at Thamel

     

  • Day 2 Trek Preparation and Kathmandu Sightseeing
    • Duration :Whole day
    • Meals :Breakfast , Lunch , Dinner
    • Transportation :Private Vehicle
    • Accommodation :Hotel
    • Location :

      » Kathmandu Durbar Square

      » Boudhanath Stupa

      » Pashupatinath Temple

      » Thamel

    • Highlights :

      » Kathmandu Sightseeing

      » Equipment Checking

      » Briefing about the trek

      » Introduction with Guide

     

  • Day 3 Kathmandu - Lukla - Phakding (2,652m/8,700ft)
    • Duration :35mins Flight and 4hrs walk (9 Km)
    • Meals :Breakfast , Lunch , Dinner
    • Transportation :Flight
    • Accommodation :Lodge / Hotel
    • Ascend :148m/485ft
    • Location :

      » Thamel

      » Tribhuwan International Airport

      » Ghat

      » Lukla

      » Phakding

    • Highlights :

      » Lukla Airport

      » Mountain View from Flight

      » Adventure and Excitement

      » Suspension Bridges

      » Prayer Flags

      » Tibetan Script on Stones

      » Sceneries

      » Atmosphere

      » Buddhist Culture     

     

  • Day 4 Phakding - Namche Bazaar (3,440m/11,280 ft)
    • Duration :7-8hrs walk (11-13 Km)
    • Meals :Breakfast , Lunch , Dinner
    • Accommodation :Hotel
    • Ascend :640m/2,100ft
    • Location :

      » Phakding

      » Monjo

      » Jorsale

      » Namche Bazar

    • Highlights :

      » UNESCO World Heritage

      » Sagarmatha National Park

      » High Suspension Bridges

      » Himalayas View

      » Sherpa Culture

     

  • Day 5 Namche Bazaar: Acclimatization Day
    • Duration :3-4hrs (5Km)
    • Meals :Breakfast , Lunch, Dinner
    • Accommodation :Hotel
    • Ascend :430m/1,410ft
    • Descend :430m/1,410ft
    • Location :

      » Namche Bazar

      » Syanbuchhe

    • Highlights :

      » Best Viewpoint for Everest

      » Sherpa Museum

      » Hatt Bazar

      » Shopping

      » Day Hike to Everest View Hotel

     

  • Day 6 Namche Bazzar to Tengboche (3,870m/12,694ft)
    • Duration :5-6hrs walk (10Km)
    • Meals :Breakfast , Lunch, Dinner
    • Accommodation :Lodge/Hotel
    • Descend :190m/623ft
    • Ascend :620m/2,034ft
    • Location :

      » Namche Bazar

      » Sanasa

      » Phunki Tenga

      » Tengboche

    • Highlights :

      » Rhododendron Forest

      » View of Ama Dablam

      » Beautiful Landscape

      » Pine Forest

      » Tenboche Monastery

      » Meditation

      » Peace Prayer

      » Everest View

     

  • Day 7 Tengboche to Dingboche (4,360 m/14,300ft)
    • Duration :7hrs walk (12Km)
    • Meals :Breakfast , Lunch, Dinner
    • Accommodation :Lodge/Hotel
    • Descend :130m/426ft
    • Ascend :660m/2,165ft
    • Location :

      » Tengboche

      » Debohe

      » Pangboche

      » Syomari

      » Orsho

      » Dingboche

    • Highlights :

      » High altitude walk

      » Mt. Ama Dablam View

      » Sherpa Culture and Lifestyle of Local

      » Mountain Sceneries

      » Walk up to tree level 

     

  • Day 8 Dingboche (4,360 m/14,300ft): Acclimatization Day
    • Duration :4hrs walk (5Km)
    • Meals :Breakfast , Lunch, Dinner
    • Accommodation :Lodge/Hotel
    • Ascend :330m/1,082ft
    • Descend :330m/1,082ft
    • Location :

      » Dingboche

      » Nangkartshang Gumba

      » Dingboche Ri

      » Dingboche

    • Highlights :

      » Day Hike to Dingboche Ri

      » Ama Dablam Pyramid View

      » Snow Bowl View, Rest and Relax

      » Prepare for next day hike

     

  • Day 9 Dingboche -Lobuche (4940 m/16,207 ft)
    • Duration :6-7hrs walk (11-13Km)
    • Meals :Breakfast , Lunch, Dinner
    • Accommodation :Hotel
    • Ascend :500m/1,640ft
    • Location :

      » Dingboche

      » Thokla

      » Thokla Pass

      » Lobuche

    • Highlights :

      » High altitude walk

      » Glacier Walk

      » Mountain Sceneries

      » Panoramic View of Mountains

      » Mt. Pumari View

      » Chola Tse

      » Yaks

     

  • Day 10 Lobuche - Gorak Shep (5,170 m/16,961ft) - Everest Base Camp (5,364m/17,594ft) - Gorak Shep
    • Duration :8-9hrs walk (15-16Km)
    • Meals :Breakfast , Lunch, Dinner
    • Accommodation :Hotel
    • Ascend :440m/1,443ft
    • Location :

      » Lobuche

      » Gorak Shep

      » Everest Base Camp

    • Highlights :

      » High altitude walk

      » World’s highest lodge

      » Glacier Walk

      » Mt. Pumari View

      » Lhotse View

      » Nuptse View

      » Many other peaks

      » Everest Base Camp

      » Top of the World

      » Yaks

     

  • Day 11 Gorak Shep - Kala Patthar (5,545m/18,192ft)- Pheriche (4,280 m/14,070 ft)
    • Duration :7-8hrs walk (13Km)
    • Meals :Breakfast , Lunch, Dinner
    • Accommodation :Hotel
    • Ascend :365m/1,197ft
    • Descend :1,265m/4,150ft
    • Location :

      » Gorak Shep

      » Lobuche

      » Dughla(Thokla)

      » Pheriche

    • Highlights :

      » One of the nearest viewpoint of Everest

      » Kalapathhar

      » Sunrise View

      » Glacier View

      » Massive mountain view

      » Yaks

      » Adventure

     

  • Day 12 Pheriche to Namche Bazaar (3,440m / 11,280 ft)
    • Duration :7-8hrs walk (14-16Km)
    • Meals :Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
    • Accommodation :Hotel
    • Descend :800m/2,624ft
    • Ascend :200m/656ft
    • Location :

      » Pheriche

      » Sanasa

      » Pangboche

      » Tengboche

      » Phunki Tenga

      » Namche Bazaar

    • Highlights :

      » Rhododendron Forest

      » View of Ama Dablam

      » Beautiful Landscape

      » Pine Forest

      » Tenboche Monastery

      » Everest View 

     

  • Day 13 Namche Bazaar to Lukla (2,652m/8,700ft)
    • Duration :7-8hrs walk (16-18Km)
    • Meals :Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
    • Accommodation :Hotel
    • Descend :600m/1,968ft
    • Ascend :210m/688ft
    • Location :

      » Namche Bazar

      » Jorsale

      » Monjo

      » Phakding

      » Lukla

    • Highlights :

      » Rhododendron Forest

      » Various High Suspension Bridges

      » Tashi Lapcha Mountain View

      » Kawande Mountain View

      » Beautiful Landscape

      » Pine Forest

      » Last Everest View

      » Prayer Flags

     

  • Day 14 Lukla - Kathmandu
    • Duration :35mins flight , 30mins Drive(5Km)
    • Meals :Breakfast , Lunch, Dinner
    • Transportation :Domestic Flight , Private Vehicles
    • Accommodation :Hotel
    • Note :It is recommended to have a buffer day of one day in here since the weather is unconditional in here.
    • Location :

      » Lukla

      » Kathmandu Domestic Airport

      » Thamel

    • Highlights :

      » Stunning View of Mountains from Flight

      » Geography

      » Landscapes

      » Adventure and Excitement

      » Kathmandu Valley View

     

  • Day 15 Relax shopping and whatever you wish to do along with the farewell dinner in the evening (excluding alcoholic and soft drinks)

     

  • Day 16 Final Departure
    • Meals :Breakfast
    • Transportation :Private Vehicle
    • Location :

      » Thamel

      » Tribhuvan International Airport

    • Highlights :

      » Souvenir Shopping

      » Airport Drop with Khata/Khatag as a Symbol of Wishing Safe Journey

      » Group Photo

     

Trip's Photos / Videos Trip's Photos

Cost Includes

  • Airport Pick-up and drop service
  • 4 nights Hotel in Kathmandu (Hotel Green Horizon or similar standard)
  • All accommodation during the trek in the best hotels/tea-houses in the area (differing according to the price you wish to spend)
    • Sanitation: The accommodation we provide will be neat and clean with warm hospitality and quality services.
    • Single/Twin-sharing Accommodation (as per budget): Your group won’t have to share your accommodation with anyone else so your privacy is protected.
  • All foods during the trek: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner; any items on the menu as much as you wish to consume.
    • We provide hygienic and safe meals to re-energize you.
    • We request you not to waste your meals for it is difficult to transport food in the rural area.
    • You are not allowed to share your meals with anyone else from another group.
  • Transportation costs: Domestic flight in (Kathmandu – Lukla- Kathmandu)and all required land transportation.
  • Professional and Highly experienced English-speaking Trekking Guide licensed by the Government. Including their lodging and food.
    • Local Staff: Our guides are locals of the region which ensures that you will surely get to explore a bit more during the trek than with any other guides.
    • Experienced: With an experience of more than a decade of working in this field, our trekking guides possess excellent knowledge on briefing during the trek as well as they are experts in handling all kinds of critical situations that might occur during the trek.
    • Insurance: Nepal Mountain Trekkers have an insurance policy for all our trekking staff.
  • Porters (1 porter for 2 trekkers with a max load of 25 KG). Including their lodging and food.
    • Local Staff: The porters we hire belong to the same region where we trek to provide employment opportunities to the locals and to make you explore every prospect of the region.
  • Trekking permits: TIMS card and Sagarmatha National Park fees
  • First aid medical box
  • Trekking gears like Sleeping bags and down jackets are made available for rent
  • 13% VAT and 10% service charge
  • Farewell Dinner
  • Airport Pick-up and drop service
  • 4 nights Hotel in Kathmandu (Hotel Green Horizon or similar standard) 
  • All accommodation during the trek in the best hotels/tea-houses in the area (differing according to the price you wish to spend)
    • Sanitation: The accommodation we provide will be neat and clean with warm hospitality and quality services.
    • Single/Twin-sharing Accommodation (as per budget): Your group won’t have to share your accommodation with anyone else so your privacy is protected.
    Breakfast during the trek
  • Transportation costs: Domestic flight in (Kathmandu – Lukla- Kathmandu)and all required land transportation.
  • Professional and Highly experienced English-speaking Trekking Guide licensed by the Government. Including their lodging and food.
    • Local Staff: Our guides are locals of the region which ensures that you will surely get to explore a bit more during the trek than with any other guides.
    • Experienced: With an experience of more than a decade of working in this field, our trekking guides possess excellent knowledge on briefing during the trek as well as they are experts in handling all kinds of critical situations that might occur during the trek.
    • Insurance: Nepal Mountain Trekkers have an insurance policy for all our trekking staff.
  • Porters (1 porter for 2 trekkers with a max load of 25 KG). Including their lodging and food.
    • Local Staff: The porters we hire belong to the same region where we trek to provide employment opportunities to the locals and to make you explore every prospect of the region.
  • Trekking permits: TIMS card and Sagarmatha National Park fees
  • First aid medical box
  • Trekking gears like Sleeping bags and down jackets are made available for rent
  • 13% VAT and 10% service charge
  • Farewell Dinner

Cost Excludes

  • Visa fee to enter Nepal (Visa information)
  • International flight tickets and extra baggage charges
  • Food in Kathmandu
  • Extra night accommodation and meal costs in Kathmandu due to any change in the scheduled itinerary
  • Travel insurance/ Rescue operation costs
  • All personal expenses
  • Tip for guides and porters
  • Visa fee to enter Nepal (Visa information)
  • International flight tickets and extra baggage charges
  • All meals during the trek except for breakfast
  • Extra night accommodation and meal costs in Kathmandu due to any change in the scheduled itinerary
  • Travel insurance/ Rescue operation costs
  • All personal expenses
  • Tip for guides and porters

Route Map

map of Everest Base Camp Trek

Equipment Checklist

Equipment lists for 16 days Everest Base Camp Trek

HEAD

Sun hat or scarf
Light balaclava or warm fleece hat
Sunglasses
Head Torch
Suncreams(40+) and Lip Balms

UPPER BODY

Cotton t-shirts and thermals
Fleece jacket
Waterproof jacket
Down jacket

LOWER BODY

Lightweight cotton pants (long)
Waterproof pants
Inner thermals

FEET

Thin inner socks (3 pairs)
Thick, warm wool hiking socks
Comfortable hiking boots
Shower sandals

HANDS

Gloves (Cotton and Waterproof)
Creams
Sanitizer

ACCESSORIES

Sleeping bag rated to -10°C +
Trekking bag (Rucksack)
Duffel bag
Large plastic bags (for keeping items dry inside trek bag)
Trekking poles (optional, recommended)
Water bottle or camel bag
Toiletries and Tissue Papers

First Aid Kits 

Personal Regular Medicines
Knee Caps
Bandages
Ointments
Blister Tape

MISCELLANEOUS

Medicines: We recommend you to bring your regular medicines; we will provide first aid kit from our side.
Light-weighted Towel
Swiss Knife
Passport and extra passport photos
Water Purifying Iodine Tablets, Drop or Sterilizer

Review

10/10 would recommend!

StephanieClaire
StephanieClaire
Source:Trip Advisor

I spent a month in Nepal and everything I did during that time was organised by Ramesh from NMT. Honestly, I have no idea what I would have done without him! Not only did he organise my trek to Everest Base Camp flawlessly, he also organised a home stay for me in the village he grew up in and a volunteer project at the local school. Both the trek and the volunteer project were amazing, life-changing experiences and were accommodated by my guide Manish Simkhada. He made sure everything was running smoothly, always looked out for me (especially when I had too much local wine) ???? and was just an overall kind soul. It’s not easy to put up with me every day for an entire month but somehow he did it without complaint!

Thank you Ramesh and Manish for an amazing month and I will see you next time!

Oh and btw, I highly recommend doing some volunteer teaching at the school. The kids are super lovely and it is a very rewarding and eye-opening experience. Village life was simple and incredibly calming - away from the hustle and bustle of Kathmandu.

Best time in Everest region!

Melly T
Melly T
Source:Trip Advisor

Namaste!! 

I made my booking through Ramesh who had been more then extraordinary throughout the process. I had sooooo many questions and worries and he patiently answered to all of them, gave me good advices. I found this agency very professional and more interested to satisfy my trekking experience all in safety. They are also very flexible for itineraries. Prices were fair. Ramesh even helped me complete my last minute errands the day before departure and contacted my family every once and then to inform then I was doing fine while trekking! These are little plus that are very well appreciated!

My porter guide wasn't as good in English as I expected but I had friends who went with the same company and had very good English speaker guides. So if it's a concern for you just mention it before booking and I'm totally sure it will be fine. They really want you to have a good experience. And for the record, I loved the porter guide I was with in the end. I found him very professional, carrying but not too much, he was patient and never complained when I asked him for a rest day. He was smiling and plaisant to trek with, very polite. We still manage to communicate well enough. 

So yeah I would definitely go with the same company again and would recommend it without hesitation! 

Thanks for that amazing time!

Everest base camp solo trek

Kaushik Dutta
Kaushik Dutta
Source:Trip Advisor

 

EBC was an absolutely wonderful adventure. The views of the highest mountains are simply wonderful. Ramesh (owner of Nepal Mountain Trekkers) arranged a guide for me who was very careful, helpful and nice person. During the trek, Ramesh also called me several times and asked about the trek and any difficulties if I faced or not. I must say that Ramesh is a very careful, responsible and trustworthy person. This was my first visit in Nepal and I met Ramesh hardly for 2 days. He is now a very good friend of mine. I look forward to the next Nepal trek with the Nepal Mountain Trekkers!

Amazing 21 days in Nepal

Amine T
Amine T
Source:Trip Advisor

 

Namaste, My wife and I went recently to Nepal for 22 days. We completed the EBC, visited the Chitwan Park, Pokhara and of course the capital Kathmandu. When one is planning a long, grueling, high altitude trekking trip such as EBC, they have many questions like: all gears, lodges, guide, porter or both, permits, altitude sickness and more... But when we just arrived to Horizon Hotel and we have had the pleasure to meet Mr Ramesh owner of the Nepal Mountain Trekkers agency, all the questions and doubts get its response. Indeed, Mr. Ramesh shows extreme flexibility and speed arrangement for your EBC trekking from getting permits for hiking and porter/guide at the same arrival day to Kathmandu. Moreover, on the same night of my return to Kathmandu from the EBC, Mr. Ramesh arrange for us the next tour trip to Chitwan Park and Pokhara with paragliding and also the bungee jump near the Tibetan border. All this in just within an hour of his making calls, he managed to arrange A-Z tour with all the arrangements needed. I would like really to thank Mr. Ramesh Dhakal from Nepal Mountain Trekkers organized the tour for us. I would highly recommend Mr. Ramesh for his very efficient and professional service. Owner Ramesh is a warmhearted person that listens to your wishes and provides alternatives you probably would not have come up with. In addition, the porter/guide for EBC Mr. Lapa was really professional, respectful and friendly providing even cultural overview of Himalayan Habitant. I was able to capture the spirit of Nepal, creating the most memorable experience that I will never forget. Dhanyabad

Trek to Everest Base Camp and around the Annapurna mountains

Raymond W
Raymond W
Source:Trip Advisor

 

Our spectacular 7 weeks of trekking was planned, managed and led by Shiva Lal Bhatta who is an exceptional leader and guide. Shiva has boundless energy and a wealth of local knowledge that will ensure that you miss nothing on a trek, stay safe and have a truly wonderful and enjoyable experience. Shiva arranged all food and accommodation for our trek and we wanted for nothing. He made us very aware of altitude sickness and made sure we avoided that. We walked over glaciers, across avalanche areas, across rivers, through historic sites and numerous beautiful villages and temples. It was truly the trip of a lifetime and I can highly recommend Shiva as your guide in Nepal and I cannot believe that he could be bettered. The people we met through Shiva and the spectacular scenery experiences he afforded us will never be forgotten. I must also thank Ramesh for his part in helping us enjoy such an exceptional experience.

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Everest Base Camp Trek - 16 days

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