Gongabu, Kathmandu, Nepal
Earth Matter Treks & Expedition Nepal
  • Destination

    Nepal

  • Regions

    Everest

  • Activity

    Trekking/Hiking

  • Accomodation

    Hotel (Kathmandu) / Local Teahouses (Trek)

  • Transportation

    Hiace & Domestic flights

  • Duration

    17 Days

  • Trip Grade

    Moderate

  • Altitude

    5,545m.

  • Best Season

    March-May & Sept-December

  • Start/End Point

    Lukla/Lukla

Destination Region Activity Accomodation Transportation
Nepal Everest Trekking/Hiking Hotel (Kathmandu) / Local Teahouses (Trek) Hiace & Domestic flights
Duration Trip Grade Altitude Best Season Start/End Point
17 Days Moderate 5,545m. March-May & Sept-December Lukla/Lukla

Trip Overview

The Everest Base Camp Trek is one of the most popular trekking routes in Nepal and starts with a scenic 30-minute flight from Kathmandu to Lukla, the main gateway to the Everest region. From Lukla, the trail follows the Dudh Koshi Valley and passes through famous Sherpa villages such as Namche Bazaar, Tengboche, and Dingboche as you gradually make your way deeper into the Khumbu.

 

The trek takes you to Everest Base Camp at 5,364 m, located near the Khumbu Icefall. The following day, we’ll hike up to Kala Patthar at 5,545 m, the highest point of the trek and a great place to see Everest and the surrounding peaks.

 

Gorak Shep, at 5,164 m, is the highest place where you’ll spend the night during the trek.

 

The 16-day itinerary includes 11 days of trekking, with acclimatization days in Namche Bazaar and Dingboche. It also includes time for the Lukla–Kathmandu flight, a rest day in Kathmandu before the trek, a buffer day in case of flight delays, and international arrival and departure days.

 

The total trekking distance is around 138 km (85.7 miles), including the Kala Patthar hike and acclimatization walks.

 

The route is non-technical, but the high altitude and long walking days make it physically demanding. With good fitness and preparation, it is manageable for people with little or no previous high-altitude trekking experience.

 

Spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November) are generally the most popular seasons for the trek. These months usually bring clearer skies and more stable weather, making for better trekking conditions and mountain views.

Trip Highlights

  • Hike along the Dudh Koshi River valley, crossing iconic suspension bridges draped in colorful prayer flags.
  • Traverse protected pine and rhododendron forests within Sagarmatha National Park.
  • Explore Namche Bazaar (3,440 m), the bustling mountain hub and cultural capital of the Sherpa community.
  • Experience rich Sherpa heritage, passing traditional stone houses, ancient mani walls, and spinning prayer wheels.
  • Visit the historic Tengboche Monastery, surrounded by dramatic views of Ama Dablam, Nuptse, and Mount Everest.
  • Summit high-altitude acclimatization points including the Everest View Hotel ridge (3,880 m) and Nangkartshang Peak (5,083 m).
  • Walk through high alpine scrub, glacial moraines, and the Chukpori memorial pass at Dughla.
  • Reach Everest Base Camp (5,364 m) to stand at the foot of Mount Everest alongside the massive Khumbu Glacier and Icefall.
  • Hike to the top of Kala Patthar (5,643 m) for sunrise panoramas over Mount Everest, Nuptse, Lhotse, and Pumori.

Itinerary

  • Our team will pick you up from Tribhuvan International Airport and transfer you to your hotel in central Kathmandu. After checking in, you can rest after your flight or take a relaxed walk around Thamel to get oriented.
  • Overnight stay in Kathmandu.

  • We spend today running through the route details, reviewing safety guidelines for high-altitude trekking, and checking your gear list. If you need any final personal items or clothing layers, you will have plenty of time during the day in Thamel. In the evening, you can pack your duffel and rest before the journey begins.
  • Overnight stay in Kathmandu.

  • Driving time: 4 to 5 hours
  • We take a scenic drive east from Kathmandu along the winding BP Highway to Manthali in Ramechhap district. Arriving in the afternoon gives you time to check into your lodge, rest, and prepare for the short morning flight to Lukla.
  • Overnight stay in Manthali.

  • Flight time: 15 to 20 minutes | Hiking time: 3 to 4 hours
  • An early morning 20-minute flight takes us from Manthali Airport to Tenzing-Hillary Airport in Lukla. After meeting our local porters, we begin our trek alongside the Dudh Koshi River, passing through small Sherpa hamlets, prayer wheels, and mani stones.
  • Overnight stay in Phakding.

  • Hiking time: 5 to 6 hours
  • Following the Dudh Koshi River, we cross several suspension bridges, including the famous Hillary Suspension Bridge. We enter Sagarmatha National Park at Monjo and begin a steady uphill climb through pine forests to reach Namche Bazaar, the vibrant commercial hub of the Khumbu region.
  • Overnight stay in Namche Bazaar.

  • Hiking time: 3 to 4 hours
  • To help our bodies adjust to the rising altitude, we take an active acclimatization day. We hike up to the Everest View Hotel, which offers our first sweeping panoramic glimpse of Everest, Lhotse, Ama Dablam, and Taboche. We can also visit the Sherpa Culture Museum before returning to Namche for the afternoon.
  • Overnight stay in Namche Bazaar.

  • Hiking time: 5 to 6 hours
  • The trail contours along the mountainside with stunning views of Everest and Ama Dablam before dropping down to the Dudh Koshi River at Phunki Tenga. From there, we climb steeply through pine and rhododendron forests to reach Tengboche, home to the famous Tengboche Monastery against a dramatic backdrop of mountain peaks.
  • Overnight stay in Tengboche.

  • Hiking time: 5 to 6 hours
  • We descend through birch and rhododendron forests to cross the Imja Khola on a suspension bridge, passing ancient stone mani walls. The trail then opens up as we climb gradually through alpine scrub and yak pastures into the wide glacial valley of Dingboche.
  • Overnight stay in Dingboche.

  • Hiking time: 4 to 5 hours
  • Another essential acclimatization day. We take a morning hike up the ridge of Nangkartshang Peak (5,083 m). The climb rewards you with breathtaking views of Makalu, Cho Oyu, Lhotse, and Ama Dablam towering above the Imja Valley. We return to Dingboche in the afternoon to rest and hydrate.
  • Overnight stay in Dingboche.

  • Hiking time: 4 to 5 hours
  • The trail ascends gradually along the terminal moraine of the Khumbu Glacier, passing through Dughla. We climb steeply up the rocky slope of the Chukpori ridge, which is dotted with memorial cairns dedicated to climbers who lost their lives on Everest, before continuing over the gentle incline to Lobuche.
  • Overnight stay in Lobuche.

  • Hiking time: 7 to 8 hours
  • Today is a major milestone of the journey. We trek along the rocky lateral moraine of the Khumbu Glacier to Gorakshep, our highest overnight stop. After dropping our packs and grabbing a quick lunch, we continue across the glacial boulders and ice fields to reach Everest Base Camp (5,364 m). Here you can stand at the foot of the world's highest peak before returning to Gorakshep for the night.
  • Overnight stay in Gorakshep.

  • Hiking time: 6 to 7 hours
  • We start before dawn with a steep, challenging climb up Kala Patthar (5,643 m), the highest point of the trek. The summit rewards us with an unforgettable sunrise view illuminating Mount Everest, Nuptse, Pumori, and the Khumbu Icefall. After descending back to Gorakshep for breakfast, we retrace our steps down past Lobuche and Dughla, then head down the valley toward Pheriche.
  • Overnight stay in Pheriche.

  • Hiking time: 6 to 7 hours
  • Walking down the familiar valley, we enjoy an easier descent through Pangboche and Tengboche. Because we are losing elevation rapidly, breathing becomes much easier. We continue walking through pine forests and crossing suspension bridges until we arrive back at Namche Bazaar.
  • Overnight stay in Namche Bazaar.

  • Hiking time: 6 to 7 hours
  • Our final day of trekking is a long but rewarding descent along the Dudh Koshi River, crossing back over suspension bridges and through Monjo and Phakding. We arrive in Lukla in the afternoon to celebrate our successful trek with our guides and porters.
  • Overnight stay in Lukla.

  • Flight time: 15 to 20 minutes | Driving time: 4 to 5 hours
  • We board a morning flight from Lukla back to Manthali Airport. Upon arrival, our private vehicle picks us up for the drive along the BP Highway back to Kathmandu. Once in the city, you are transferred to your hotel for rest.
  • Overnight stay in Kathmandu.

  • A dedicated day to explore UNESCO World Heritage Sites across the Kathmandu Valley. After breakfast, our guide and private driver take you to visit iconic heritage spots, including Swayambhunath Stupa (Monkey Temple), Pashupatinath Temple, Boudhanath Stupa, and Kathmandu Durbar Square. In the evening, you can head out into Thamel to explore its lively night market, relax at a local rooftop bar, listen to live music, or hang out in the bustling evening atmosphere.
  • Overnight stay in Kathmandu.

  • After breakfast, our representative transfers you to Tribhuvan International Airport according to your flight schedule. This marks the end of your 17-day Everest Base Camp Trekking adventure in Nepal. Safe travels!

Cost Inclusion/Exclusion

Cost Inclusion

  • Airport pick-up and drop-off by private vehicle.
  • Four nights accommodation in Kathmandu on a bed and breakfast (BB) plan.
  • One night accommodation in Manthali on a bed and breakfast (BB) plan.
  • All accommodation during the trek (attached bathrooms where available).
  • Full board meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) during the trekking days, along with a cup of tea or coffee with every meal.
  • Fresh seasonal fruit provided after dinner during the trek (if and when available).
  • Round-trip domestic flights between Manthali (or Kathmandu) and Lukla, including airport transfers and baggage allowance.
  • Private vehicle transport between Kathmandu and Manthali.
  • Sagarmatha National Park entry permit and Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality entrance fee.
  • Experienced, English-speaking, government-licensed trekking guide and local porters (1 porter for every 2 trekkers) to carry your main luggage.
  • Guided Kathmandu Valley sightseeing tour by private vehicle with a professional city tour guide.
  • Complete staff insurance, daily wages, meals, accommodations, equipment, and transportation for all trekking staff.
  • Complimentary use of an Earth Matter Treks duffel bag for the trek duration.

Cost Exclusion

  • International airfare and Nepal Visa fees.
  • Lunch and dinner during your stay in Kathmandu and Manthali.
  • Heritage site and monument entry ticket fees during the Kathmandu Valley sightseeing tour.
  • Personal Insurance (covering high-altitude trekking up to required elevations and emergency helicopter evacuation).
  • Personal expenses, loss of property, theft, emergency rescue, and medical evacuation costs.
  • Personal trail expenses such as alcoholic beverages, soft drinks, bottled water, hot showers, Wi-Fi, and electronic device charging fees.
  • Personal trekking gear and clothing (such as down jacket, sleeping bag, trekking poles, and broken-in hiking boots).
  • Tips for your guide, porters, and drivers at the end of the trip as a gesture of thanks.
  • Extra costs resulting from mountain weather flight delays, flight cancellations, road blockages, or emergency situations beyond the planned schedule.