Everest Base Camp trek is a classic walk through the Sherpa highlands set against a background of lush forest and rugged mountain ranges and overlooked by the mighty snow-capped Mount Everest the world’s highest mountain peak.
On Everest Base Camp Trek, you’ll witness endless rings of soaring mountain vistas, highland valleys, and raging glacier rivers with a close-up understanding of the lives of the indigenous mountain people, visit Sagarmatha National Park a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and high-altitude Buddhist monasteries experiencing the true culture and lifestyle of the Sherpa’s.
Your Everest Base Camp trek begins with an exciting flight to Lukla, the ‘Entry point to Everest.’ before reaching your target to the base camp, you’ll have to hike for several days across the lush sub-tropical forest, rocky terrain, and mountainous slopes, cross suspension bridges across raging glacier torrents with views of Himalayan peaks, including some of the world’s tallest, beautiful snow-capped mountains, highland valleys with Oak, Pine and Rhododendron woods dominate the trail. Buddhist Mani walls, Chortens, and colorful prayer flags can be found along the route and settlements.
Overnight stays in isolated Sherpa villages offer a great opportunity to immerse yourself in authentic Sherpa culture and lifestyle.
Typically, the trek starts with a scenic flight from Kathmandu to Lukla, a small mountain airstrip. From Lukla, you’ll begin your trek, passing through picturesque Sherpa villages, dense forests, and suspension bridges over the Dudh Koshi River. The trail gradually ascends, allowing you to acclimatize to the increasing altitude.
The trek takes you to famous places like Namche Bazaar, the commercial hub of the Khumbu region, and Tengboche Monastery, offering stunning views of the surrounding peaks. You’ll also pass through villages like Dingboche and Lobuche before finally reaching the Everest Base Camp.
The trek to Everest Base Camp typically takes around 10-12 days, depending on the itinerary and individual pace. It’s important to allocate a few days for acclimatization to avoid altitude sickness. The best time for this trek is during the spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) seasons when the weather is relatively stable and clear.
When planning to do a short Everest Base Camp (EBC) trek, there are several things to keep in mind. Here are some important aspects to consider:
Ensure you have the necessary permits for the EBC Trek. This usually includes the Sagarmatha National Park Permit and the Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Permit, both of which can be obtained in Kathmandu or at the entrance point of the park.
The EBC Trek involves walking in high-altitude terrain, so it’s essential to prepare yourself physically. Engage in regular exercise, including cardiovascular workouts and strength training, to improve endurance and fitness levels. Prior hiking or trekking experience is beneficial but not mandatory.
Acclimatization is crucial to prevent altitude sickness. It’s recommended to have rest days during the trek to allow your body to adapt to higher altitudes gradually. Stay hydrated, avoid alcohol, and follow the trekking schedule that allows your body to adjust to the increasing altitude.
Pack wisely, carrying only the essential items to keep your backpack lightweight. Some key items to include are warm clothing layers, a comfortable backpack, sturdy trekking shoes, a good sleeping bag, sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, toiletries, a first aid kit, and water purification tablets or filters.
Plan your route and itinerary. The short EBC trek route typically starts with a flight from Kathmandu to Lukla, followed by trekking through various villages like Phakding, Namche Bazaar, Tengboche, Dingboche, Lobuche, Gorak Shep, and finally reaching Everest Base Camp. The return journey often follows a similar path.
Hiring a local guide and/or porter can enhance your trekking experience. Guides are familiar with the terrain, can offer valuable insights, and ensure your safety, while porters can help carry your heavier belongings, allowing you to enjoy the trek without excessive weight.
The weather conditions in the Everest region can be unpredictable. The peak trekking seasons are generally spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) when the weather is more stable, the skies are clear, and the views are breathtaking.
Along the trail, basic teahouse or lodge accommodations are available in most villages. These provide simple rooms and communal dining areas. The menus mainly consist of local Nepalese and Tibetan dishes. It’s advisable to carry some energy snacks or food supplements for additional sustenance during the trek.
Remember, safety should be a priority during any trek. Listen to your body, be cautious of symptoms related to altitude sickness, and follow the instructions of your guide. Enjoy the stunning views, immerse yourself in the local culture, and make wonderful memories during your short EBC trek.
We will take a morning flight to Lukla (2840m) from Kathmandu. The flight usually takes 30 minutes to reach Lukla airport. After reaching Lukla we will have our breakfast. After finishing our breakfast we will start our trek to Phakding (2610m). You’ll enjoy comfortable overnight accommodation at one of Phadking’s guesthouses.
After your early morning breakfast, Set out for Namche Bazaar, Leaving Phakding behind you will trek north to Namche Bazaar. Namche Bazaar is the unofficial capital of the Khumbu region of Nepal. It is the main point for trekkers and climbers. The trail today passes the Dudh Koshi, a milky glacial river up to Monjo, walks across numerous suspension bridges including the renowned Hillary Suspension Bridge, and through mesmerizing pine and conifer forests.
Before arriving at the Sagarmatha National Park entrance arrange your permits for inspection, after the permits are checked trek down alongside the Dudh Koshi River to Jorsale, from here, it’s a tough climb up to Namche Bazaar, the Everest Region’s economic powerhouse, brace yourself as from here you’ll catch your first glimpse of Mount Everest
Namche Bazaar is the heart of the Everest region. This is your first day of acclimatization as you climb higher, your body will need to adapt to the higher altitudes due to thin air there are several vantage points in the village where you can go for an acclimatization hike. Everest Region’s finest bakeries, cafés, restaurants, shops, and the only ATM in this region can be found here.
Interact with the friendly locals or hike up to any of the vantage points for stunning views of the Himalayas, before sunrise to witness Mount Everest, Ama Dablam, Thamserku, Kongde, and Lhotse are all illuminated by the sun’s rays, during the day explore the Sherpa Culture Museum Learn about Sherpa culture and customs at the.
An upward hike from Shyangboche Airport to Everest View Hotel is a great way to acclimate while seeing Mount Everest, Thamserku, and Ama Dablam up close, hike to the Khumjung and Kunde settlements, or visit Sir Edmund Hillary’s school in Khumjung, the first school in the Everest Region and visit 400 years old Khumjung Monastery where the skull of Yeti, the abominable snowman, is said to be kept.
Leaving Namche Bazaar we will head toward our next destination, Tengboche (3868m). Tengboche Monastery is one of the famous monasteries of Nepal. You’ll get an amazing view of Mt. Ama Dablam behind Tengboche Monastery. You will need to walk 10-11 Km which will take 5 hours to reach Tengboche.
Today we will head towards Dingboche (4410m), a Sherpa village in the Khumbu region. Dingboche is a popular rest village during the Everest Base Camp Trek. You will need to walk 11-12 Km which will take 5 hours to reach Dingboche.
On your way to Dingboche, you’ll pass through the plains and meadows to the Imja Khola (River) views of Island Peak and Ama Dablam are breathtaking, the settlement of Pangboche is home to the region’s largest permanent Sherpa settlement where you’ll experience a unique Sherpa ambiance, lifestyle and delicious local cuisine. From Pangboche proceed to Dingboche in the afternoon.
Today wake up early and after breakfast continue to Lobuche, a tiny village with spectacular views of Lobuche, Pumori, and Nuptse, through steep mountain terrain, because of the high altitude, walking may be difficult, so take frequent breaks and stop for lunch along the way in Thukla (4,600 m).
At Thukla Pass, you’ll pass by memorial stupas built in honor of mountaineers who died while attempting to climb Mount Everest; notable among the stone tributes are those honoring alpinists Scott Fischer, Rob Hall, and late climbing record-holder Babu Chiri Sherpa.
From the trail, you can see the border Himalayan peaks that separate Nepal and Tibet. Lobuche is a small settlement made up of a few local homes and teahouses that offer basic services.
Walking Distance- 14-15 km, Distance 4/5 hours. Finally Today we will be at the Everest Base Camp (5364m). We will begin our trekking by heading towards Gorakshep (5180m) from Lobuche. Gorakshep will be the last place before reaching our final destination Everest Base Camp. Gorakshep is the populated village where trekkers’ lodges and guesthouses are situated. Leaving Gorakshep, you’ll begin hiking alongside the Khumbu glacier. Finally, you will reach your destination, Everest Base Camp. Take a moment and enjoy the panoramic views of the mountains, atmosphere, and Himalayan ranges at Everest Base Camp. You’ll return to Gorakshep and spend the night there in your guesthouse.
Very early morning hike to Kala Patthar, the most popular overlook in the Everest Region, At 5,550 meters, Kala Patthar is the highest point on your trek as the summit of Mount Everest is not visible from Everest Base Camp, hikers flock to Kala Patthar to get a closer look at the world’s highest mountains, Mount Everest, Pumori, Nuptse, and Lhotse, which form a snowy ring around Kala Patthar.
Enjoy a 360-degree panoramic view of these Himalayan vistas and witness the sun’s flaming rays illuminate Mount Everest’s snowy peak from the top of Kala Patthar.
Later, return to Gorak Shep and have a super-hot breakfast then proceed to Pangboche.
The hike today will bring you back to Namche bazaar, after breakfast, retrace your steps back through lush green tropical forest and raging river. Once you arrive at Namche take a quick rest and stroll around, the place has lots of attractions to offer.
The scenic flight from Lukla to Kathmandu is always a delight, flying parallel to the world’s highest peaks and once you arrive at Kathmandu, you’ll be driven to your accommodation. Take a break or go souvenir shopping.
In the evening, a special cultural program and a farewell dinner will be served to commemorate the end of your journey.
Spring (March to May) and autumn (mid-September to November) are the best times to trek to Everest Base Camp Short Trek. In spring, the foothills are ablaze with wildflowers, rhododendron blossoms, and orchids hanging from branches, the weather is dry and clear during this season, making it ideal for trekking and exploring the breathtaking scenery of the mountains. In autumn after the end of the heavy monsoon season, with a clear atmosphere and the days are warm though the evenings are quite chilly trekking to Everest Base Camp Short Trek is extremely popular.
The trails, however, become crowded and busy during these peak seasons. During the climbing season, the Base Camp is transformed into a tented city, with climbers and Sherpa guides.
If you travel during October, you’ll be able to attend Mani Rimdu, the Everest region’s most important festival, which brings together pilgrimage from Tengboche, Chiwong, and Thame monasteries.
In popular trekking regions such as Annapurna, Everest, Langtang, and Manaslu, there is a menu system with various ethnic cuisines foods as well as western meals, but some locations provide you with typical Nepali meals which are different from international meals, and these meals are prepared by the local supplement, every tourist lodge and tea house has a well-trained cook who focuses on clean, hygienic, fresh, and delicious foods, and every lodge has safe drinking water or mineral water.
If you buy a water purification tablet in Kathmandu, you can take water tap water and purify it yourself, saving money and reducing plastic pollution.
Travel insurance is required for all clients participating in any activity. We strongly advise you to obtain a complete insurance plan from a reputable insurance company to cover personal injury, death, hospital expenses, repatriation fees, helicopter rescue, and any other disease covered by the insurance plan.
The Nepalese consulate in your country or the immigration office at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu must issue each client with a valid visa with a six-month validity from the date of return.
The view was amazing. Trek was little hard but at the end, watching Mount Everest from its lap was something i will always remember my whole life. Thank you overland trek nepal for this amazing trip. Our guide, porter and whole Overland Trek Nepal team are amazing and professional. They know what they are doing. The are local professional trekking agency.
Thank you Overland Trek Nepal and team for this amazing experience. Your guide was so helpful and professional. Thank you, Mr. Nick for helping me organize this trek. I will again visit and will be trekking with you again. Overland Trek Nepal is a helpful, experienced and professional travel agency in Nepal.
