Everest Base Camp Trek - 14 Days

Day 1 Flight from Kathmandu/Manthali to Lukla (2,850m / 9,350ft) → Trek to Phakding (2,650m / 8,562ft)

A thrilling ~30–40 minute scenic flight from Kathmandu (or ~20 minutes from Manthali if the Kathmandu runway is busy) lands at Tenzing-Hillary Airport in Lukla, one of the world's most exciting (and short) runways. After a short orientation, begin trekking downhill through pine forests, Sherpa villages (like Chaurikharka and Ghat), and along the Dudh Koshi River. Cross suspension bridges and pass prayer wheels.

Day 2 Trek from Phakding (2,650m / 8,562ft) to Namche Bazaar (3,440m / 11,285ft)

The trail continues upstream along the Dudh Koshi, crossing several long suspension bridges that provide thrilling views of the river below. You pass through the national park entrance at Monjo, where permits are checked, and enter Jorsalle village before beginning a steady climb through forested switchbacks. The path gradually opens up, revealing glimpses of surrounding peaks as you ascend to Namche Bazaar, the vibrant Sherpa trading hub and largest settlement in the Khumbu. This lively town features colorful markets, bakeries, internet cafes, gear shops, and a sense of community that serves as the gateway to higher Everest regions.

Day 3 Rest day and acclimatization at Namche Bazaar (3,440m / 11,285ft)

This dedicated rest day focuses on acclimatization through gentle activity rather than complete inactivity. You have the option to explore the town or take a side hike upward to higher viewpoints, such as toward the Everest View Hotel or nearby villages like Khumjung and Khunde. These excursions allow you to gain elevation during the day while returning to sleep at the same comfortable altitude, helping your body adapt to thinner air. Namche offers chances to wander its winding streets, visit the Sherpa museum, observe daily life, and enjoy the panoramic mountain surroundings from various vantage points.

Day 4 Trek from Namche (3,440m / 11,285ft) to Tengboche/Deboche (3,855m / 12,850ft)

Leaving Namche, the trail descends initially through forests before climbing steadily with rewarding views. You pass through scattered settlements and rhododendron groves, eventually reaching the iconic Tengboche Monastery, perched on a ridge with sweeping vistas of Ama Dablam and other peaks framing the scene. The monastery, a spiritual center for the Sherpa community, features intricate murals, prayer wheels, and a serene atmosphere. Some itineraries extend slightly to the quieter nearby village of Deboche, nestled in peaceful woodland.

Day 5 Trek from Tengboche (3,855m / 12,850ft) to Dingboche (4,360m / 14,290ft)

The route drops down to cross the Imja Khola river before ascending gradually through increasingly open terrain. Ama Dablam looms prominently ahead, often called the "Matterhorn of the Himalayas" for its elegant pyramid shape. You pass the village of Pangboche, home to an ancient monastery, and continue into a drier, more alpine zone with stone walls, yak pastures, and scattered chortens. Dingboche sits in a wide valley surrounded by dramatic peaks, marking a noticeable shift to harsher, high-altitude scenery.

Day 6 Rest day and acclimatization at Dingboche

Another crucial acclimatization day involves light exploration to climb higher and return lower for sleep. Options include hiking up to viewpoints like Nangkartshang Peak or venturing partway toward Chhukung Valley, where you gain elevation while enjoying expansive views of surrounding mountains including Makalu in the distance. This "climb high, sleep low" approach strengthens your adaptation to the altitude as the landscape becomes more barren and windswept.

Day 7 Trek from Dingboche (4,360m / 14,290ft) to Lobuche (4,930m / 16,175ft)

The path ascends past stone walls and fields before joining the main trail along the lateral moraine of the Khumbu Glacier. You reach Thukla Pass, a windswept saddle dotted with memorial chortens honoring climbers lost on Everest and other peaks. From there, the route continues gradually upward through rocky, glacial terrain to Lobuche, a small settlement of teahouses huddled against the stark, rugged backdrop of the glacier and peaks like Pumori and Nuptse.

Day 8 Trek from Lobuche (4,930m / 16,175ft) to EBC (5,364m / 17,598ft) and back to Gorak Shep (5,185m / 17,010ft)

This is the day you reach your goal: Everest Base Camp. The trail follows the glacier's edge along a rocky moraine path, with views of the massive Khumbu Icefall tumbling down from higher up. At Base Camp (seasonal location near the icefall), you stand amid prayer flags and rock cairns at the foot of the world's highest mountain, soaking in the achievement and surrounding immensity. After time to celebrate and reflect, you descend to the small settlement of Gorak Shep, the last teahouse outpost before the higher viewpoints.

Day 9 Hike to Kala Patthar (5,555m / 18,208ft) viewpoint, trek to Gorak Shep then to Pheriche (4,250m/13,945ft)

An early start takes you up the steep, rocky slope of Kala Patthar ("black rock") for one of the most iconic panoramas in the Himalayas—close-up sunrise views of Everest's summit pyramid, along with Lhotse, Nuptse, Changtse, and the vast Khumbu Glacier below. After descending to Gorak Shep, the trail continues downhill through familiar terrain to Pheriche, a lower valley settlement with a Himalayan Rescue Association post, offering welcome oxygen-rich air and a chance to rest.

Day 10 Trek from Pheriche (4,250m / 13,945ft) to Tengboche (3,855m / 12,850ft)

The descent retraces sections of the upward route through alpine meadows and forests, passing Imja Khola crossings and open valleys before climbing modestly back to Tengboche. The familiar sight of the monastery and its surrounding peaks provides a sense of return, with the air feeling noticeably richer and the landscape greener as you lose altitude.

Day 11 Trek from Tengboche (3,855m / 12,850ft) to Namche Bazaar (3,440m / 11,285ft)

Continuing downward, the path winds through rhododendron forests and past small settlements, with occasional steep sections balanced by easier stretches. You arrive back in Namche Bazaar, where the bustling energy, shops, and comforts feel like a welcome reunion after the higher, more austere regions.

Day 12 Trek from Namche Bazaar (3,440m / 11,285ft) to Phakding (2,650m / 8,690ft)

The trail descends steadily through forested areas, crossing suspension bridges over the Dudh Koshi and passing villages encountered earlier. The warmer temperatures, thicker air, and lush greenery provide a contrast to the upper Khumbu, allowing reflection on the journey as you return to lower elevations.

Day 13 Trek from Phakding (2,650m / 8,690ft) to Lukla (2,850m / 9,350ft)

The final trekking day involves a gentle ascent back to Lukla, with some uphill sections near the end through familiar paths and settlements. This day often includes a sense of accomplishment and time to celebrate with your group and crew upon reaching the trail's start/end point.

Day 14 Fly back to Kathmandu/Manthali from Lukla (2,850m / 9,350ft)

An early morning flight carries you out of the mountains, offering one last aerial perspective of the Khumbu peaks before landing and transferring back to Kathmandu (or onward from Manthali). This marks the end of the trek, with time to relax, reflect, or explore further in the capital.