Overview
- Duration 16 days
- Max Altitude 5,540m / 18,176 ft
- Group Size 02-10
- Best Season Mar-May, Sep-Nov
- Per Day Walk 05-06 hrs
- Accomodation Hotel / Teahouse
- Start/End KTM / KTM
- Difficulty Challenging
- Trip Type Solo / Group /
- Location Everest Region
Classic Everest Base Camp Trek is one of Nepal’s most famous trekking routes. The Classic trek to Everest Base Camp is an adventure in the lap of the world’s highest mountains and one of the most popular trekking routes.
The classic EBC trek retraces the footsteps of Sir Edmund Hillary, Tenzing Norgay, and countless other early pioneers who reached the Everest Base before Lukla airport came into existence. You are on the same trail when you start your adventure from Kathmandu to reach the base of Mt. Everest.
Only after a road was built in 1963 to reach Jiri did it become a gateway to enter Khumbu Region via Lukla and Namche Bazar. A week-long trek from Jiri through the mountains takes you to Lukla and Namche Bazaar.
The construction of Lukla airport started in 1964, after providing access to air travel to everyone who wanted to travel to the magnificent Everest Region.
Everest Base Camp Trek is the ultimate adventure experience in Nepal. You will see some of the most beautiful places in the world, such as Mount Everest, Mt. Amadablam, Thamserku, Nuptse, Lhotse, Makalu, Cho Oyu, Island Peak, etc.
Trekking to Everest Base Camp is an experience that everyone should try at least once in their lifetime. The classic trekking route to the Everest Base Camp is through the Sherpa village of Namche Bazaar, located in the Khumbu region of Nepal.
Start and End of Classic Everest base camp trek
The traditional trek trail to EBC begins from Kathmandu by road and then on foot from Nunthala. However, the trek ends with a return flight to Tribhuwan international airport at Kathmandu from Lukla airport.
Unlike other Everest Region treks, we do not fly to Lukla in this classic trek. Instead, we drive to Nunthala from Kathmandu with an overnight stay at Salleri. We drive on the beaten path, mostly off-road drive. The trek to Everest Base camp then starts from Nunthala at 2330m.
During the trek, we pass the boulders carved with Buddhist prayers, surrounded by Buddhist prayer flags and wheels. As you enter the Sagarmatha National Park, you can see these prayer wheels to the right side of the trail. During this trek section, you also see many yak herds grazing in the meadows along the river and on the same path you are traveling.
Initial hiking is uphill, starting at an altitude of 2330m, reaching the height of 2760m at Paiyun, where we spend a night. After that, we join the most trekked path of Phakding and follow the same route as the Everest Base Camp trek.
Preparations for Classic Everest base camp trek
The 16 days classic trek to EBC is challenging, but with proper preparation and motivation, anyone with good health can accomplish the trek. Likewise, anyone with regular exercise habits will find trekking comfortable and memorable.
On the other hand, the only uncertainty for any healthy trekker is being affected by high altitude sickness. Hence, we suggest trekkers take sufficient time to acclimatize themselves to the higher altitudes. If required, you can utilize any day for acclimatization until you feel comfortable pushing forward. Our itineraries are well planned, with acclimatization days to prepare the body to cope with the thin air and weather at higher altitudes.
To enter the Sagarmatha National Park and trek the great Khumbu region, trekkers need to obtain all necessary trekking permits from the bodies of the Government of Nepal. We at mountain routes organize all the required documents and domestic flight tickets to make our client’s trekking experience smooth.
Food and accommodations are available during the trek at the Tea house or lodge accommodation. You can order the food from the menu provided. Most trekkers enjoy the local Nepali cuisine, i.e., dal, rice, and curry. Bottled drinking water is available in tea houses, or you can ask for boiled water to fill your water container. Avoid water from streams and taps not to get sick.
In addition, make the trek less stressful with proper trekking equipment such as trekking poles, personal medical kit, sunglasses, gloves, headlamp, water purification tablets, and extra batteries for the camera. Finally, you don’t want to miss capturing the fantastic views of the Everest region for memories.
Includes
- All transportations during the trip
- Flight from Lukla to Kathmandu
- Sagarmatha National Park Entry Fee
- Highly experienced English speaking trekking guide
- Porter (1 porter for 2 trekkers)
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
- Accommodation (Three-star in Kathmandu and Teahouses in Trekking)
- First aid box
- All government taxes
- Farewell dinner
- Mountain Routes T-Shirt
Excludes
- International airfare
- Travel insurance
- Nepal visa fee
- Personal expenses (Phone calls, WIFI, bar bills, battery recharge, laundry, boiled water and hot shower)
- Tipping to porter and guide.
Classic Everest Base Camp Trek Map
- Day 1 :
Arrival at Kathmandu (1,400m / 4,600 ft)
- Day 2 :
Kathmandu to Salleri (2,300m / 7,546ft)
Duration: 10-11 hrs drive - Day 3 :
Salleri to Nunthala and to Paiyun (2760m / 9,055ft)
Distance: 16.7 km / 10.39 miles
Duration: 01 hrs drive and 10-11 hrs walk - Day 4 :
Paiyun to Phakding (2,610 m / 8,563 feet)
Duration: 06-07 hrs walk - Day 5 :
Phakding to Namche Bazaar ( 3,440 m / 11,286 ft)
Distance: 10.9 km / 6.8 miles
Duration: 06-07 hrs walk - Day 6 :
Namche Bazaar Acclimatization walk to Everest view hotel ( 3,880 m / 12,730 ft)
Distance: 5.4 km / 3.4 miles
Duration: 03 hrs walk round trip - Day 7 :
Namche Bazaar to Tengboche (3,860m / 12,664ft)
Distance: 9.6 km / 6 miles
Duration: 05-06 hrs walk - Day 8 :
Tengboche to Dingboche (4,410 m / 14, 469 ft)
Distance: 10.5 km / 6.5 miles
Duration: 05-06 hrs walk - Day 9 :
Dingboche Acclimatization walk to Nangkartshang Peak (5,083m / 16,667 ft)
Distance: 5.1 km / 3.2 miles ( round trip)
Duration: 04-05 hrs walk - Day 10 :
Dingboche to Lobuche (4,910m 16,109 ft)
Distance: 7.9 km / 4.9 miles
Duration: 04-05 hrs walk - Day 11 :
Lobuche to Gorak Shep (5,125 m / 16,814 ft) and EBC 5,364 m/ 17,598 ft)
Distance: 4.5 km / 2.8 miles and 7.2 km / 4.5 miles
Duration: 03 hrs walk and 04 hrs walk round trip - Day 12 :
Gorakh Shep to Kalapathar ( 5,540m / 18,176 ft) and Gorakh Shep to Pheriche ( 4,240 m / 13,911 ft)
Distance: 3.7 km / 2.3 miles ( round trip) and 11.5 km / 7.1 miles)
Duration: 03 hrs walk ( round trip) and 05 hrs - Day 13 :
Pheriche to Namche Bazaar (3,440 m / 11,286 ft)
Distance: 19.5 km / 12.1 miles
Duration: 06-07 hrs walk - Day 14 :
Namche Bazaar to Lukla (2,840 m / 9,318 ft)
Distance: 19.1 km / 11.9 miles
Duration: 06-07 hrs walk - Day 15 :
Lukla to Kathmandu (1,400m / 4,600 ft)
Duration: 30 min flight - Day 16 :
Depart Kathmandu
Classic Everest Base Camp Trek Itinerary
Day 1 : Arriving in Kathmandu
The first day of the classic Everest base camp trek includes you arriving at the capital city – Kathmandu. Our representatives will pick you up from the airport and take you to your respective hotels. They brief you about the trip and other details you need to follow during the trip. Once you refresh, you either rest in your hotel or head out to explore the city of temples.
Day 2 : Drive from Kathmandu to Salleri (2,300m)
We start this day early. Completing 11 hours jeep ride, we reach Salleri. The road is relatively new, and the travel duration depends upon the amount of traffic on the road. The road takes us up to Chaurikharka, through Everest highway. On the way to Salleri, a great point to stop by is Pattale village. The village offers one of the best viewpoints to witness Mount Everest, Mt. Makalu, and many other mountain ranges. We spend a night in Salleri.
Day 3 : Drive from Salleri to Nunthala and Trek to Payun (2760m) Trip Duration: 01 hrs drive and 10-11 hrs walk
The third day of our trek begins with another drive from Salleri to Nunthala for about an hour. Again, the ride is primarily off-road. From Nunthala, we begin our hike to Paiyun for about 7 hours. We slowly descend to the Dudh Koshi river, following the trail to Paiyun. Though the trail is mostly ups and downs, the mountain range and the gradual change of vegetation with rugged terrain and snow-capped peaks certainly make up the effort. Finally, we will spend the night at Paiyun.
Day 4 : Paiyun to Phakding (2,610 m ) Trip Duration: 06-07 hrs
On our 4th day of the journey, we trek to Phakding from Paiyun. The trek takes us about 6 hours to complete. Starting from Paiyun, we head to Srurkhe village, an hour behind Lukla. Along the way, we see many trekkers returning from Everest Base Camp. The path to Phakding is usually busy, with all the trekkers, porters, and animals sharing the same route. After a few hours of walking, we finally reach our destination for the day – Phakding.
Day 5 : Trek to Namche Bazar (3,440m) Trip Duration: 06-07 hrs
Today, we be trekk from Phakding to Namche Bazaar. The trek will take us about five and a half hours. During the trek, we continue walking on Dudh Koshi River’s banks while crossing many suspension bridges and coming across many prayer flags. Then, we cross Chomoa and Monju to enter the Sagarmatha National Park area. From then on, we head to the region’s central hub – Namche Bazar.
From the Sagarmatha National Park area, we reach Jorsalle and pass a waterfall along the way.
After that, we reach the confluence of two glacial rivers, the Dudh Koshi River and the Imja river. From the confluence, it is a one-an-half-hour climb to reach Namche Bazar.
Day 6 : Acclimatization Day at Namche Bazar
The second day at Namche is for acclimatization trek to the higher points of Namche Bazar. You would not want to miss the sunrise from the Namche viewpoint.
During the day, you can visit the Sherpa culture museum, Sagarmatha National Park museum, Namche monastery, and Tenzing Norgay Memorial museum. In addition, you can spend the day in Namche, pampering yourself with luxury beyond Namche. But, unfortunately, you cannot get the same luxury you leave at Namche.
Day 7 : Trek to Tengboche (3,860m) Trip Duration: 05-06 hrs
On day seven of the trek, we head from Namche Bazar to Tengboche, which takes around 5-6 hours. The trail leads us through the pine forests, and rhododendron forests with a magnificent view of mountains, until Kenjoma. We then reach the small settlement of Sanasa. Next, the trail leads to Phunki Thanga (3250 m), where the climbs are steep through the forests before finally reaching Tengboche.
The view from Tengboche is astounding with the view of the mountains such as Everest, Tawachee, Nuptse, Lhotse, Ama Dablam, and so on. We explore the oldest monastery in the region; Tengboche monastery is also the largest monastery in the Khumbu region. The incredibly decorated wall hangings, a 20-foot sculpture of Buddha, and the musical instruments and robe of Lamas make the monastery a must-visit place. They strongly reflect upon the Sherpas’ culture, providing significant insight into their traditions.
Another central point of attraction in Tengboche is the prayer ceremony held every day. You can participate in the ceremony in the morning or the evening.
Day 8 : Tengboche to Dingboche (4,410 m) Trip Duration: 05-06 hrs
After breakfast, we head towards Dingboche, through the Rhododendron and juniper forests. Along the way, we can enjoy the fantastic view of Ama Dablam, Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, and so on. We will then reach, Deboche. From Deboche, the trail will lead us through the long mani walls till another suspension bridge, over the Imja river, leading to the small settlement of Somare village. An up-close view of the mount Ama Dablam is impressive from here.
Moving further along the trail, we walk along the Imja River before branching towards Dingboche from the track leading to Pheriche. The route then takes us through alpine meadows, above the tree line, before reaching Dingboche at 4350 m. The accommodation at Dingboche is better than that at Tengboche. We will roam around the place and then stay the night at Dingboche.
Day 9 : Acclimatization at Dingboche
Today we rest and explore the nearby places of Dingboche. The best way to acclimatize is to hike higher and sleep lower. To utilize this day, we hike to the Nangartshang hill.
An excellent view of Mt. Makalu (8,463m) and Mt. Ama Dablam is rewarding from the top of Nangartshang hill. After returning from the hike, we can stroll around the village, enjoy the view and find something interesting to do for the day.
Day 10 : Trek to Lobuche (4,910m) Trip Duration: 04-05 hrs
After staying and enjoying Dingboche, we start trekking further into our journey towards Lobuche. The trek begins with a gentle climb up to the Pheriche village.
Following the trail, we pass through Thokla pass. It has an extensive collection of tombstones and memorials to the lost climbers and Sherpas. Further ahead, we pass through the beautiful glacial moraine of the Khumbu glacier and then finally reach Lobuche. Our night accommodation is at Lobuche for today.
Day 11 : Lobuche to Gorak Shep (5,125 m) – Everest Base Camp (5,364) Trip Duration: 07 hrs
Today, we head to the Gorak Shep and, from there on, to the highest base camp in the world. It is the most awaited moment of the whole journey and also the most rewarding one.
From Lobuche, we first head out to Gorak Shep – the last tea-house settlement on this trekking trail. After lunch at Gorak Shep, we head to the base of Mt Everest.
The hike from Gorak Shep to Everest Base Camp is exhausting as it passes through the moraine of the Khumbu glacier. Though the trek is tiring and exhausting, it is worth the effort. Stunning views of Mt. Everest, Mt. Mahalangur, Mt. Lingtern, Mt. Khumbutse, Mt. Nuptse, and others will help us forget our tiredness. We will stay there for some time, pondering the magnificent view, and then head back towards Gorakshep to stay the night.
Day 12 : Gorakshep to Kala Patthar (5,545m) and to Pheriche (4,240m) Trip Duration: 08 hrs
On the 12th day of our journey, we traveled from Gorak Shep to Kala Patthar and finally to Pheriche. The specialty of Kala Patthar is that it is the best vantage point to view the sunrise and sunset, and the hike takes us about 3 hours. During the sunrise, no other view can beat the view of the golden touch on the Himalayas. They include Mt. Everest, Mt. Pumori, Mt. Lingtren, Mt. Khumbetse, Mt. Nuptse, Mt. Lhotse, Mt. Ama Dablam, and Mt. Thamserku. Sun rays kissing the tips of these mountains is a magnificent one that leaves most travelers speechless.
After enjoying the stunning sunrise from Kala Patthar, we head to Pheriche. The climb to Pheriche is easy downwards. We will stay the night at Pheriche.
Day 13 : Pheriche to Namche Bazar Trip Duration: 06-07 hrs
Today, we are heading from Pheriche to Namche Bazar. Today’s trekking is a bit hard and tiring because of the long walk ahead and the previous hike. But it is not something we cannot do. So keep moving forward because a good dinner and a decent hot shower await you at Namche Bazar.
Day 14 : Namche Bazar to Lukla (2,840m) Trip Duration: 06-07 hrs
We trace our steps from Namche Bazaar back to Lukla. We start early and head out after having our breakfast. We have our lunch on the way, and upon reaching Lukla, we will rest and enjoy our stay there for the night.
Day 15 : Lukla to Kathmandu ( (1,400m ) Trip Duration: 35 minutes flight
Today, we fly back to Kathmandu. An early flight from Lukla to Kathmandu concludes the Classic Everest Base camp trek. Upon arrival at Kathmandu, you are transferred to your respective hotels. You can rest there for a while, then head out to explore the beautiful city of Kathmandu. There are many options you can choose from during the day.
You can also go shopping, to take souvenirs back to your country. At night, you can enjoy Thamel and its nightlife. You will be exploring the capital nicely today because this is your last night in Nepal.
Day 16 : Departure Day
Your 16 days trek ends today, so that you will travel back to our country. After breakfast at the hotel, you can do something interesting like shopping until your departure. We will be providing you with private transport to the airport. We will bid you farewell and wish you a safe flight back home.
With all these fantastic experiences and memories, you will have gathered enough stories to tell for a lifetime. With some of you moving, you will head back home in the last couple of weeks.
Everest Base Camp Classic: Frequently Asked Questions
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Can I do the Everest Base camp trek with no experience of trekking?
Adherence to the arduous journey of Everest base camp is certainly getting out of your comfort zone. It’s a long, vigorous walk in gradient step stones, steep uphill trails, and downhill at least for fourteen days consistently .so. We recommend a more comfortable experience. One should practice hike for three days on a treacherous path beforehand.
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Is it possible for me to do the EBC trek if I am acrophobia?
Absolutely! It’s steep uphills rather than escarpments or rock cliffs climb, and most of the trails in the circuit are covered with trees. Still, the walkthrough elastic suspension bridges move following the motion of one’s movement while walking, and the confluence of rivers is a visible downside that requires courage. So here is an easy hack, look ahead, take a deep breath, and go with the flow.
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Is safe drinking water available on the walking trails?
Unaltered water flowing from the stream might be drinkable, but don’t drink water directly from the tap or stream for your safety. Instead, you can bring water purifier tablets that treat water contaminated with microorganisms. You can buy bottled water or ask for boiled water to refill the water containers.
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What is the food like on EBC trek?
Carb Loading National food of Nepalese, Dal(Lentils), bhat(Rice), and tarkari(Vegetables) is mainly preferred as it provides substantial energy to hike at high altitudes. Namche Bazar is also considered the world’s highest Irish Pub in the world .perhaps. You get some bottles of wine and delectable cakes at 14,000 ft.
