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Mount Everest Base Camp
Also known as: EBC
Distance: 130 km
Duration: 12 - 16 days
Country: 
Nepal
NepalThe Everest Base Camp trek is a once-in-a-lifetime adventure that offers breathtaking views of the world's tallest mountain and a chance to immerse yourself in the unique culture of the Himalayas. The trek takes you through diverse landscapes, including lush forests, glacial rivers, and alpine terrain, before reaching the base camp of Mount Everest, the highest peak on earth. Along the way, you'll encounter hospitable Sherpa people, visit ancient monasteries, and learn about the region's fascinating history and traditions. The sense of achievement you'll feel when reaching the base camp is unparalleled, and the stunning views of Everest and other surrounding peaks are simply awe-inspiring. The Everest Base Camp trek is a true adventure that will challenge you physically and mentally, but the reward of standing at the base camp of the world's tallest mountain is an experience you'll cherish for a lifetime.
Table of contents
Prepare for an adventure treking Mount Everest Base Camp. This overview provides essential details on routes, difficulty, costs, and the best times to go, helping you plan a successful trek.
Distances
- 12 - 16 days, 130 km, +2,685 m, 5,545 m high point
- daily: 8 - 16 hours, 4 - 8 km, +400 - 1,000 m gain
Route
- out and back
- Starting and ending in Lukla
Cost
- $1,500 solo
- $1,085 - $2,789 guided
When to go
- March to May
- October and November
Permits
- 2 permits are needed
- costing around $42 total
Guide mandatory?
- no
Accommodation
Teahouses, Guesthouses, Lodges, Luxury lodgesThese are pictures taken while trekking Mount Everest Base Camp. They're shown here to give you an idea of what the route is like. You're welcome to share your own pictures of hiking Mount Everest Base Camp, to help the community of hikers. Picture here are either uploaded by members (there own, or creative commons pictures), or guides.
The Everest Base Camp trek is a classic and iconic journey that takes you to the base camp of the world's highest peak, Mount Everest. This itinerary covers the popular route from Lukla to Everest Base Camp, offering stunning mountain views, Sherpa culture, and a memorable Himalayan experience.
Day 1
Fly to Lukla, Trek to Phakding (2,610 m)
Take an early morning scenic flight from Kathmandu to Lukla and begin your trek. Descend to the Dudh Koshi River and follow the trail to Phakding.
Day 2
Trek to Namche Bazaar (3,440 m)
Distance: 10 kmTime trekking / climbing: 6 hoursElevation change: +830 m
Cross several suspension bridges and enter Sagarmatha National Park. Ascend steep trails to Namche Bazaar, a bustling Sherpa town and the gateway to Everest.
Day 3
Acclimatization Day in Namche Bazaar (3,440 m)
Spend a day acclimatizing in Namche Bazaar. Explore the town, visit the Sherpa Museum, and enjoy panoramic views of Everest and the surrounding peaks.
Day 4
Trek to Tengboche (3,860 m)
Distance: 10 kmTime trekking / climbing: 6 hoursElevation change: +420 m
Descend to the Dudh Koshi River and trek through rhododendron forests. Climb up to Tengboche, home to a famous monastery with stunning mountain vistas.
Day 5
Trek to Dingboche (4,410 m)
Distance: 12 kmTime trekking / climbing: 6 hoursElevation change: +550 m
Continue the trek, crossing suspension bridges and passing through Pangboche village. Reach Dingboche, a picturesque village surrounded by mountains.
Day 6
Acclimatization Day in Dingboche (4,410 m)
Take a day to acclimatize in Dingboche. Explore the area, enjoy the scenic beauty, and hike to Nagarjun Hill for stunning views of the Everest region.
Day 7
Trek to Lobuche (4,910 m)
Distance: 11 kmTime trekking / climbing: 6 hoursElevation change: +500 m
Resume the trek along the moraine of the Khumbu Glacier. Pass by memorials of climbers and ascend to Lobuche, offering panoramic views of the Himalayas.
Day 8
Trek to Gorak Shep, Everest Base Camp (5,364 m)
Distance: 15 kmTime trekking / climbing: 8 hoursElevation change: +454 m
Embark on a challenging day as you trek to Gorak Shep, a frozen lakebed. From there, continue to Everest Base Camp, fulfilling a lifelong dream.
Day 9
Hike to Kala Patthar, Trek to Pheriche (4,240 m)
Distance: 13 kmTime trekking / climbing: 8 hoursElevation change: -1,124 m
Start early to hike to Kala Patthar, a renowned viewpoint offering incredible sunrise views of Everest. Descend to Pheriche for overnight stay.
Day 10
Trek to Namche Bazaar (3,440 m)
Distance: 13 kmTime trekking / climbing: 7 hoursElevation change: -1,794 m
Descend through Pangboche and Tengboche, retracing your steps to Namche Bazaar. Celebrate the successful trek and enjoy a well-deserved rest.
Day 11
Trek to Lukla (2,840 m)
Distance: 13 kmTime trekking / climbing: 7 hoursElevation change: -770 m
Continue the descent, passing through Phakding and finally reaching Lukla. Reflect on the amazing journey and spend the evening in Lukla.
Day 12
Fly to Kathmandu
Take a scenic flight from Lukla back to Kathmandu. Enjoy the rest of the day exploring the city, shopping for souvenirs, and experiencing Nepalese culture.
The trek is 6 / 10, based on the below factors:
Terrain & route condition 7 / 10
Treks that involve rugged or uneven terrain, such as rocky paths, scree slopes, or dense forests, may require more technical skills or physical effort.
Altitude / Elevation 10 / 10
Considering the maximum altitude reached during the trek. Higher altitudes can present challenges like thin air, low oxygen levels, and potential altitude sickness.
Distance 8 / 10
The total distance of the trek. Longer treks generally require more endurance and physical fitness.
Elevation gain 9 / 10
Total elevation gain throughout the trek. Treks with significant altitude changes can be more challenging, especially if they involve steep ascents or descents.
Technical difficulty 2 / 10
Some treks may require basic technical skills like river crossings, using ropes, or scrambling over rocks.
Access to facilities / Remoteness 3 / 10
Based on the availability of support facilities such as accommodation, food, water sources, and emergency services. Treks with limited infrastructure or remote areas can be more challenging due to self-sufficiency requirements. The less support facilities there are the harder the trek.
Climate & weather 6 / 10
How tough are the prevailing weather and climate conditions during the trek. Harsh weather, extreme temperatures, or unpredictable conditions can add to the difficulty.
Mount Everest Base Camp weather
How is the weather on Mount Everest Base Camp, and when is the best time to go.
The Everest Base Camp trek can be done year-round, but the best months are October and November when the weather is typically dry and clear with mild temperatures. December to February can be very cold and snowy, March to May is dry with moderate temperatures, and June to September is monsoon season with heavy rainfall.
The best time to trek Mount Everest Base Camp is in these months:
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Oct
- Nov
Avoid trekking during the monsoon season (June-August) and the winter season (December-February) due to harsh weather conditions.
Mount Everest Base Camp Services
Gear rental, porters, guides, transport, internet, accommodation
The Everest Base Camp trek is one of the most popular and well-established treks in the world, and as such there are a wide range of services available to support trekkers along the way.
Accommodation
Accommodation options on the route range from basic teahouses and lodges to more luxurious trekking lodges and hotels.Food
Food is widely available along the route, with most teahouses and lodges offering simple but hearty meals such as dal bhat, soups, noodles, and other local dishes.Guides
Guides are readily available and can be hired in advance or on the spot. Prices for guides vary depending on their level of experience and the level of support you require, but typically range from $20 to $50 USD per day.Porters
Porters are also readily available for hire and can help carry your gear along the route. Prices for porters vary depending on the weight of your gear and the distance you need it carried, but typically range from $10 to $20 USD per day.Medical facilities
There are some basic medical services available along the route, such as pharmacies and clinics in larger towns like Namche Bazaar. However, it's important to bring your own first aid kit and any necessary medications with you on the trek.Gear rental
There are many gear rental services available in Kathmandu and other major cities, where you can rent everything from trekking poles and sleeping bags to down jackets and mountaineering boots. It's also possible to buy or rent gear in some of the larger towns along the route.Transport
Transport options to the start of the trek include flights from Kathmandu to Lukla, or overland travel to Jiri or Salleri. On the trek itself, options include hiring porters or guides to carry your gear, or taking a helicopter or donkey to move between different points on the route.Internet / Phone
Communication options along the route are limited, with patchy mobile phone coverage and limited access to wifi. It's a good idea to bring a satellite phone or other means of communication in case of emergency, and to let friends and family know your itinerary and expected return date.ATMs
There are a few ATMs available in larger towns along the route, but it's best to bring enough cash with you to cover your expenses.Shops
There are a range of shops and markets along the route, where you can buy snacks, gear, and other supplies. Popular items include souvenirs, hiking gear, and local handicrafts.Mount Everest Base Camp Accomodation
What is the accommodation like treking Mount Everest Base Camp
Accommodation options along the Everest Base Camp trek vary widely. From basic teahouses to more luxurious lodges, there's something for every budget and level of comfort.
- Teahouses: These are the most common type of accommodation along the trail and offer simple rooms with shared bathrooms. Prices range from $1 to $5 per night, depending on the location and time of year. Availability is generally good, but during peak season (October to November) it's best to book in advance.
- Lodges: These are larger, more comfortable accommodations that offer private rooms with attached bathrooms. Prices range from $10 to $50 per night, depending on the level of luxury and location. Availability is generally good, but during peak season it's best to book in advance.
- Luxury lodges: These are the most expensive and luxurious accommodations along the trail, with prices ranging from $100 to $500 per night. They offer amenities such as hot showers, Wi-Fi, and gourmet food. Availability is limited, and it's best to book well in advance.
Mount Everest Base Camp permits
What permits are needed for treking Mount Everest Base Camp
To trek to Everest base camp, you will need to obtain several permits from the Nepalese government.
1. Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit
- $25 (~3,000 in the local currency)
- Permit to enter Sagarmatha National Park.
- Available at the national park entrance gate in Monjo.
2. Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Permit
- $17 (~2,000 in the local currency)
- Permit to enter Khumbu region.
- Available at Lukla airport or Monjo.
Mount Everest Base Camp access - getting there
How to get to Mount Everest Base Camp
- Flight: The most convenient and quickest way to get to the start of the Everest Base Camp Trek is by taking a flight from Kathmandu to Lukla. Lukla is a small town in the Khumbu region and is considered the gateway to the Everest Base Camp Trek. Several airlines offer flights from Kathmandu to Lukla, and the flight takes around 35 minutes.
- Helicopter: If you have a limited amount of time and want to avoid the trek to Lukla, you can take a helicopter from Kathmandu to Lukla. The helicopter ride takes around 45 minutes and offers stunning views of the Himalayas. However, the cost of a helicopter ride is considerably higher than a flight.
- Jiri to Everest Base Camp Trek: The Jiri to Everest Base Camp Trek is a longer and more traditional trekking route that takes you through picturesque villages and forests. The trek starts from Jiri, which is around 8 hours drive from Kathmandu, and ends at Lukla. From Lukla, you can continue the trek to the Everest Base Camp.
- Drive to Salleri: Salleri is a town in the Solukhumbu region and is around 10 hours drive from Kathmandu. From Salleri, you can continue the trek to Lukla and then to the Everest Base Camp. The road from Kathmandu to Salleri is bumpy and can be challenging, but it offers breathtaking views of the Himalayas.
Get inspired by these incredible videos capturing the experience of climbing Mount Everest Base Camp. From route highlights to summittrail views, these clips showcase the treks beauty and the challenges it presents. Have your own Mount Everest Base Camp video? We'd love for you to share it with the community to inspire future trekkers.
These are variations on the typical route. Which could be added on; either part way along or at the start / end to extend the trek.
Three Passes Trek
add 7 - 10 extra days
This trek takes a more challenging and longer route through three high mountain passes (Renjo La, Cho La, and Kongma La) and offers stunning views of the Himalayas. It also takes you through remote villages and offers a unique cultural experience. The trek starts from Lukla and rejoins the typical route at Gorak Shep.
Gokyo Lakes Trek
add 4 - 5 extra days
This trek takes a detour to the Gokyo Lakes, a series of six turquoise lakes located in the Everest region. The trek offers spectacular views of the mountains and the lakes, and also takes you through the Ngozumpa glacier, the largest glacier in the Himalayas. The trek rejoins the typical route at Lobuche.
Island Peak Climbing
add 6 - 8 extra days
This trek involves climbing Island Peak (6,189 m), a popular peak in the Everest region. The trek starts from Lukla and follows the typical route until Chhukung, where you will spend a few days acclimatizing and practicing climbing skills. The climb to Island Peak requires technical skills and is considered a beginner mountaineering expedition.
Ama Dablam Base Camp Trek
add 1 extra day
This trek takes you to the base camp of Ama Dablam (6,812 m), a stunning peak located in the Everest region. The trek starts from Lukla and follows the typical route until Pangboche, where you will detour towards Ama Dablam Base Camp. The trek offers breathtaking views of Ama Dablam and other peaks in the region.
Mount Everest Base Camp questions
What to know about trekking Mount Everest Base Camp
Common questions people have about this trek, if yours isn’t here - add it to get an answer.
Mount Everest Base Camp Links
useful websites, Groups and communities
Groups / links with more info on the Mount Everest Base Camp route.
Use facebook groups to find up to date info, plan trips and find trekking buddies.
These treks are similar in length, difficulty, and elevation. Offering a similar level of challenge as the Mount Everest Base Camp trek and provide beautiful landscapes, cultural experiences, and a sense of adventure.
