The Everest Base Camp Trek Itinerary includes two acclimatization days in Namche Bazaar and Dingboche is the perfect trekking package for EBC Trek. The itinerary is always flexible and adjustable if it is possible travelers can also try alternative routes but it depends and the physical conditions and the time duration.
The Everest Base Camp Trek is an awesome adventure for most of the people around the world. Once people visit in Everest region they will frequently come for trekking in Nepal with the high impression of majestic mountains. This is an incredibly challenging adventure in Nepal and there are also alternative trekking routes for hiking in Nepal such as Annapurna Base Camp Trek, Annapurna Circuit Trek, Langtang Trek, and Manaslu Circuit Trek. Trekking to base of the Everest still many people bucket listing destinations from around the globe.
The itineraries are different trails following the Everest Base Camp Trek which can be combined with the Gokyo Lake Chola Pass Trek, 3 High Passes Trek, and Island Peak Climbing to Everest Base Camp Trek. In this blog, we have mentioned the perfect itinerary for EBC Trek which is followed by most of the trekkers who are obtaining their adventure in the Everest region.
Update for Everest Base Camp Trek 2023
Nepal government announced via the Nepal Tourism Board in March 2023, that all tourists visiting Nepal must hire a licensed guide or porter trekking beforehand. The Pasang Lhamu rural municipality authorized the Everest region falls afterward decided not to comply with this rule and the solo trekkers and free independent trekkers (FIT) still be permitted to trek in the Everest territory.
This article was published in Nepal’s national newspaper the Kathmandu Post – Nepal ends solo trekking era. Everest is an exception. So, it is not mandatory to hire a local guide based on these local publications.
Many people prefer to join organized trekking which is stressful but it depends on the trekker’s choice.
Summary of Everest Base Camp Trek Itinerary
• Distance – 130 KM/80 miles
• Required Days – 14 Days
• Overall ascent – 6,020m /19,735ft
• Overall descent – 5,825m/19,99ft
• Highest point – 5,545m/18,490ft
• Difficulty – Moderate to difficult
• Permits – Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Fee (NPR 2000/USD 20pp) and Sagarmatha National Park Permit Fee (NPR 3000/USD 27), Tims card is not necessary for the trek.
• Cost per day – It depends
• Accommodations – Tea houses
• Guide – Better to hire a licensed holder guide but not mandatory
Do I need Insurance for the Everest Base Camp Trek?
The Everest Base Camp is a challenging adventure trekking activity in the Everest area located in the high altitude part of the world through the remote province of Nepal. For unforeseen events on your trip like severe altitude sickness and any serious accidents with other urgent medical problems in the difficult – to – access in Everest region and Manaslu Circuit Trek as well as Annapurna Base Camp Trek, everyone highly recommended to buy travel insurance that will cover your whole trekking, rescue by helicopter if necessary.
Trekking insurance must be required above the altitude of 5,364m. We found World Nomads has designed travel insurance by travelers for travelers that is coverage of more than 150 activities and emergency medical, lost luggage, trip cancellation, and more so we request you to check this insurance policy for your safe travel in the world.
Designed Itinerary for Everest Base Camp Trek
The average hiking time for the Everest Base Camp Trek is 12 – 14 days, here we have suggested 14 days itinerary including 2 days of acclimatization days in Namche Bazaar and Dingboche from your landing at Nepal airport to departure day to your home country.
Overall out of twelve days, you will hike only 9 days but if you want to customize or resize the itinerary as per your requirements also possible because we are always flexible with our respected clients. If you want to skip acclimatization days, that is also possible but must be aware of your health and should adjust to the higher altitude. Similarly, we never recommend trekking over a shorter period especially in the highest place of mountains as part of the Everest region including the base camp of Everest due to chances of altitude sickness.
Outline Itinerary of Everest Base Camp Trek
Day 01 – Arrival in Kathmandu
Day 02 – Fly to Lukla and Trek to Phakding (2,600m) – 12km -7 miles – 4 hours
Day 03- Trek to Namche Bazaar (3,440m) – 7 km/5 miles – 6 hours
Day 04 – Acclimatization Day
Day 05 – Trek to Tengboche (3,800m) – 11km/8 miles
Day 06 – Trek to Dingboche (4,400m) –
Day 07 – Acclimatization Day in Dingboche, Hike to Nagarjun Hill (5,100m)
Day 08 – Trek to Lobuche (4,900m) – 7 km/5 miles – 5 hours
Day 09 – Trek to Everest Base Camp (5,364m) via Gorkashep (5,100m)
Day 10 – Hike to Kala Patthar (5,545m) and trek to Pheriche – 15 km 10 miles – 6 hours
Day 11 – Trek to Namche Bazaar – 15 km/9 miles – 7 hours
Day 12 – Trek to Lukla – 20 km/12 miles – 8 hours
Day 13 – Fly to Kathmandu
Day 14 Departure Day
How difficult is the Everest Base Camp Trek?
The Everest Base Camp Trek is moderately difficult hiking, trekkers with enough physical fitness and previous trekking experience can obtain it easily. Trekking in the base camp of Everest is not that challenging means also not easy, although, there will be the chances of altitude sickness and physical tough can make the trek difficult. It is better to consult with your doctor before planning the trip to EBC will reduce the possibility of altitude sickness and other health hazards.
Acute Mountain Sickness
In the story of medical news today, High Altitude Sickness (HAS) is a general disorder that causes headache, dizziness, nausea, and vomiting, and the probability of altitude sickness increases with higher elevations, and the serious symptoms also increase with altitude.
Acute mountain sickness may cause people to ascend rapidly to more than 3,000 meters altitude. Many people know altitude sickness which causes difficulty in breathing or shortness of breath as this is just the beginning of AMS symptoms and it will get serious while increasing the altitude. So, the best treatment for Acute Mountain Sickness is immediate descent otherwise it will get severe and you may be affected seriously like dizziness, headache, and shortness of breath as it will affect your blood pressure which can cause problems with your heart.
Difficulty with the Route
Difficulties of the route are a matter of the toughest conditions while trekking in the higher part of the earth. Also, there might be the cause of natural hazards like avalanches, rock falls, and heavy rainfall may cause floods and landslides on the way to your trekking destination.
The first thing is well planning and studying the targeted destination as a high level of experience plays a vital role can saving the fellows from deadly incidents in the mountain areas. In the same way, knowing the geography and weather conditions can support travelers to make wise decisions and may lessen the risk of possible accidents on the trail. So while planning your trekking trip to Everest region or other higher mountain regions, you must study about the geography, locality, and possible accidents that had happened in the history too.
Our Detailed Itinerary for Everest Base Camp Trek
Day 01. Arrival at Tribhuwan International Airport and Transfer to Hotel
After landing at Tribhuwan International Airport our airport representative will welcome you and transfer you to the hotel. In the hotel, you will be welcomed by the welcome drinks and will explain about your Everest Base camp Trekking packages by our Everest expert. This day we have not separated the time for any activities so, you can explore around the market, eat delicious foods and rest at your hotel.
Breakfast Included
Day 02. Fly to Lukla (2800m) and Trek to Phakding (2600m) – 4 hours
The flight from Kathmandu to Lukla is quite unpredictable because of the changing weather conditions in Lukla. The 30-minute flight to Lukla is breathtaking and adventurous but it will offer the perfect views of snowcapped mountains and changing landscapes of diverse natural landscapes. It is better to take an early flight if possible because most of the first flights operate without any delays and later in the day might get windy and cause problems in the flight or can be canceled.
Flight Postpone to Manthali Airport Ramechhap District.
From March 2020 due to heavy air traffic in Kathmandu Airport all the flights operating to Lukla depart from Manthali Airport Ramechhap district, 130 km far from Kathmandu reach within 4 hour’s drive from the capital city and take flight to Lukla. You should be at the airport at least 1 hour before the flight. The flight duration is about 30 minutes and allowed to have 10 kg luggage and 5 kg hand carry and if for others you need to pay extra.
• Trek Distance – 14 km/9 mile
• Time- 4 hours
• Overall ascent 540 m/1740ft
• Overall descent – 545m/1785ft
Note: It depends on the speed of walking for the exact time to reach the destination.
Highlights
– Astounding views of majestic mountains from the aircraft window
– Long suspension bridges
– Mani walls, Chortens, Mani stones, and prayer flags have made the way more interesting
– Small streams, rocky trails, typical villages, flat wheat fields, rhododendron and pine forests, and snowcapped mountains
Moreover, Lukla is the starting point for trekking to Everest Base Camp trek itinerary and the first day would be quite difficult for everyone because of getting to the altitude and being physically not prepared, etc. The hiking trail is easy to walk and you walk along the bank of the Dudh Koshi River and first destination Phakding (2600m) is quite an easy section of this trekking. There is the availability of TM service in Lukla and you can collect your cash as per your needs another point for TTM is in Namche Bazaar.
At Lukla you can buy the ticket for Pasang Lhamu rural municipality entry permit – NPR 2000/USD 18 and keep your permit until you exit from Lukla because it will be checked several times during your trek.
Day 02. Trek to Namche Bazaar (3440m) – 6 hours
BENKAR – TOKTOK – MONJO – JORSALLE – NAMCHE BAZAAR
– Distance – 7 km/5 miles
– Time – 6 hours
– Overall ascent – 700 m/2300ft
– Overall descent – 100 m/340ft
Highlights
• Several suspension bridges
• Stunning views of Tenzing Hillary suspension bridge from the confluence of Dudh Koshi and Bhote Koshi River.
• Scenic views of the surrounding mountain at the horizon and the beautiful Himalayan town Namche Bazaar
The day begins with a delicious breakfast at Phakding head on the rocky trails and cross the suspension bridge over the Dudh Koshi River. the trail again leads in the beautiful hiking path to Benker and follows some ascent and while you are doing your trek please keep enough water with you because you need to make your body hydrate. There are many travelers following the same route to the Everest region and meeting many people from around the globe also will encounter mules while you meet them please let them go first and keep your side in the corner safe side otherwise they might push you and you will fall in the river.
After some time ascending from Toktok, you will arrive at Monjo a beautiful Sherpa village and you will take the Sagaramatha National Park Permit here NPR 3000/USD 25. There will be more people at the permit national park office and you need to wait your turn to stay in the queue. Similarly, you will follow the trail to Jorsalle which is the ultimate lunch place and you can have a break there. After lunch, you will proceed with your walking along the wilderness trail and cross the suspension bridge from the confluence of two rivers the trail goes steeply up and crosses another suspension bridge and it might take a long time so, make sure you have eaten enough lunch and you may also make a stop and eat some snacks. Ascending the trail you will get to Top Danda which is the first point to glimpse Mt. Everest and around 30 minutes you will arrive at Namche Bazaar.
Day 03. Acclimatization Day
In the higher places, it’s significant to make your body acclimatize with the higher elevation and we have managed two acclimatization days in our Everest Base Camp Trek Itinerary.
On the acclimatization day, you will do the hike either up to Everest View Hotel (3800m) or up to Khumjung Sherpa Valley, it’s known as the acclimatization hike for the adjustment of your with the higher altitude. The most popular hike to Everest View Hotel and Khumjung Valley goes over an uphill climb from Namche Bazaar and reaches Syangboche airport and observes the gorgeous views of different mountain peaks. When you reach Everest View Hotel you will behold the several mountain peaks decorated in the horizon border between Nepal and Tibet, such as Mt. Everest (8,848.86m), Lhotse (8,516m), Nuptse (7,861m), Amad Dablam (6,812m), Cho Oyu (8188m), Tawache, Thamserku, Khangtega, Kongde Peak and numerous snow glistering towering peaks as same from the Kumjung valley.
After spending your time at the acclimatization place you will hike downhill and go to visit the Sagarmatha National Park Museum for about 30 minutes where you can see the pictures of the flora and fauna that exist in the Sagarmatha National Park. This day you will spend your time sightseeing around Namche Bazaar and overnight stay at the tea house preparing for the Next day trip.
There are many trekking gear shops, coffee shops, pubs, bars, and restaurants at Namche but better not to drink at the altitude and we suggest you drink hot items like tea, coffee, hot lemon, etc. All the electronic devices charging will take extra pay so, please make sure you have a power bank for charging your devices.
Day 04. Trek to Tengboche (3890m) – 5 hours
NAMCHE BAZAAR – KYANJUMA – SANASA – LAUSASA – PHUNGI TENGA – TENGBOCHE
• Distance – 11 km/8 miles
• Overall ascent – 873/2864ft
• Overall descent – 453m/1486ft
Highlights
• Outstanding views of Everest Himalayas
• Exceptional Views of beautiful landscapes of Everest geography
• Spiritual monastery in Tengboche
The day starts with challenging but awarded by the breathtaking views of gigantic mountains mostly in the initial section of the track. You will walk 200 m downhill from Sanasa to Phungi Tenga. You may take your lunch at Phungi Tenga and be ready to walk in the steep mountains around 400 meters averaging 2 km.
At the beginning of your walk will see the different mountains from the Everest viewpoint and you have make your body hydrated while obtaining altitude. Don’t make your speed fast, make stops, drink water, and don’t force yourself too difficult.
There is a checkpoint at Phungi Tenga and you need to register your National Park Permit after the lunch break proceeds steeply up to Tengboche.
Day 05. Trek to Dingboche (4400m) – 5 hours
Tengboche – Debuche – Pangboche – Shomari – Dingboche
• Distance – 11 km /7 miles
• Overall ascent – 660m/2165ft
• Overall descent – 236m/774ft
Highlights
• Beautiful Tengboche Monastery
• Sunset view at the Everest in the evening
• Sunrise views at the surrounding mountain peaks in the morning
• Beautiful landscapes on the way to Dingboche
• Reach at the lap of the beautiful mountain at Dingboche Valley.
Another adventure in the Everest Base Camp Trek Itinerary has been started from this point. You get a higher altitude above 4000m and the elevation makes you tiresome even slow speed ascent makes it difficult to breathe. The trail is easy but the altitude is the problem so, we suggest drinking lots of water, making stops, and keeping yourself hydrated keeping with smooth walking. Many tea houses will be closed in the off seasons so, if you are doing the trek in the off-season make sure the places are open and have enough places to stay in the case of Dingboche, all the tea houses will be closed during summer so make sure about everything.
There are two route from Somari upper route goes to Pherihe and the right side down the trail goes to Dingboche and both routes meet up at Thukla. You will follow the right side path and continue your way to Dingboche and overnight stay at the tea house.
Day 06. Acclimatization Day (4400m)
This is the second acclimatization day in our Everest Base Camp Trek Itinerary, in this day we will hike either up to Nagarjun Hill (5100m) or over the Chukung valley. It will take 5 hours to hike steeply up to Nagarjun Hill and will observe the perfect view of Ama Dablam and surrounding snowcapped mountains. After hiking we will back to our tea house and eat our lunch and rest at the tea house some people might have symptoms of altitude sickness so, rest more at this point and if it is serious then immediately descend at the lower place.
After lunch, you can go around the exploration of Dingboche village or rest and prepare for your next day’s trek.
Day 07. Trek to Lobuche (4900m) – 6 hours
• Dingboche – Thukla – Thukla Pass – Lobuche
• Distance – 8 km/5 miles
• Overall Ascent – 696m/2283ft
• Overall Descent – 97m/318ft
Highlights
• Beautiful landscapes of Yak pasture lands and mountain peaks
• Awesome mountain panoramas from the Thukla Pass
The trekking is starting after the delicious breakfast at Dingboche which is the exciting day on the Everest Base Camp trek so far. There is only one place to stop passing after the Yak pastureland from the Dingboche. There you can eat your lunch and ready to steeply up to the Thukla pass have some rest there and proceed to the next destination Lobuche, overnight stay at the tea house. Be careful elevation is getting higher and higher you may get altitude sickness so, it is better to take care of your health well too.
Day 08. Trek to Everest Base Camp (5364m) via Gorakshep (5100m) – 7 hours
Lobuche – Gorakshep – Everest Base Camp – Back to Gorakshep
• Distance – 12 km/7 miles
• Overall ascent – 615m/2017ft
• Overall descent 357m/1171ft
Early in the morning eat your breakfast and head towards Gorakshep with a short ascend and descend over the looser rock trails. The views of Khumbu Glacier and Icefall are gorgeous and the trail is more demanding. There is not any tea shop to stop and you will folly the trodden path over the glaciers and reach Gorkashep.
You will eat your lunch at Gorakshep and later go to visit Everest base camp the trail is quite rock-falling so, you need to be careful while walking towards Everest Base Camp and we will reach our ultimate destination of Everest Base Camp Trek Itinerary. We will enjoy our time at the base camp and take pictures of beautiful Khumbu Icefalls and glaciers and many tents will be fixed during the climbing season. After spending our time there and back to stay at Gorkashep.
Day 09. Hike to Kala Patthar (5545m) and trek to Pheriche (4200m) – 6 hours
Gorkashep – Kala Patthar – Gorkshep – Thukla – Pheriche
• Overall Distance – 19 km/11 miles
• Overall ascent – 672m/2200ft
• Overall descent – 1782m/5846ft
Kala Pathhar is the ultimate highest point of our Everest Base Camp Trek Itinerary (5545m). Many trekkers go to the top of the Kala Patthar because this is the perfect vantage point to behold the 360-degree views of the Everest Mountains. The early morning hiking to Kala Patther is quite cold but will see the stunning sunrise in the back of Everest and the hiking is quite challenging. The walking takes around 2 hours ascending and 1 hour descending.
It will be windy at the top so, walking with trekking poles will be useful on the down part. The trail is clear and the upper part is formed upon looser rocks so, need to be careful so that, your feet will not twist. Leave your big backpack at the tea house and take your water bottle and some snacks so, you can eat and drink at the top and spend your time at the top of the Kala Patthar then descend to Gorakshep and eat your breakfast it will be the matter of quite exhausting.
After breakfast, you will head towards the Pheriche following the same route until Thukla then descends to reach Pheriche, and overnight stay at the tea house.
Day 10. Trek to Namche Bazaar – 7 hours
In the morning you will eat your breakfast and proceed your trek towards Namche Bazaar down to Somari and the same route following Phungi Tenga from there you need to walk uphill and trail to Kynjuma then Namche Bazaar.
Day 11. Trek to Lukla – 8 hours
This is the last day of your trekking itinerary to Everest Base Camp. Early in the morning eat your breakfast and head towards Lukla following the same route downhill. Crossing by the diverse village and trail you will finally arrive at Lukla and overnight spend at the lodge.
12. Fly to Kathmandu/ Ramechhap
In the morning you will take your flight to Kathmandu or Ramechhap depending upon the airline’s policy. 30 30-minute breathtaking flight would be an awesome experience in your life. If you fly to Manthali Airport Ramechhap you need to take a 5 hours’ drive to Kathmandu and overnight stay at the hotel.
13. Departure Day
This day is your rest day, you can explore Kathmandu valley and buy some souvenirs for your friends and family. Exactly 3 hours before your international flight you will proceed to Tribhuwan International Airport and fly back to your home country with great succession Everest Base Camp Trek.