A teahouse trek from Lukla up the Dudh Kosi valley to the turquoise Gokyo Lakes beside the Ngozumpa Glacier, with a dawn climb of Gokyo Ri (about 5,357 m) for views of four 8,000 m peaks.
- Days
- 11 days
- Maximum altitude
- 5,357 m
- Difficulty
- Strenuous
Everest & Khumbu, Everest Region (Khumbu)
Everest Base Camp Trek
The classic teahouse trek from Lukla through Sherpa villages to Everest Base Camp (5,364 m) and the Kala Patthar viewpoint, with acclimatisation days in Namche and Dingboche.
- Days
- 11-14
- Max altitude
- 5,644 m
- Distance
- about 125 km
- Difficulty
- Strenuous
- Best months
- Mar-May, Oct-Nov
- Start / end
- Lukla / Lukla
- Sleep in
- Teahouses, Lodges
- Permits
- 3 required
Overview
The Everest Base Camp trek starts with a short mountain flight to the airstrip at Lukla and follows the Dudh Koshi valley into Sagarmatha National Park. It passes through Namche Bazaar, the Sherpa market town, and the monastery at Tengboche, then climbs above the tree line to Dingboche, Lobuche and Gorak Shep.
Base camp itself sits at about 5,364 m on the edge of the Khumbu Glacier, below the Khumbu Icefall. The summit of Everest cannot be seen from there, so most trekkers also climb Kala Patthar, a dark ridge above Gorak Shep, at dawn for the classic view of Everest, Nuptse and Lhotse.
The plan below is the standard 12-day round trip from Kathmandu with acclimatisation days in Namche and Dingboche. Add one or two spare days for flight delays at Lukla, which are common, and consider an extra night if anyone in the group is struggling with the altitude.
Sunrise over Everest from Kala PattharEverest Base Camp on the Khumbu GlacierNamche Bazaar and its Saturday marketTengboche Monastery with Ama Dablam behind itThe memorials at the Thukla passThe flight into Lukla
Why it is rated strenuous
- Most days involve 5 to 8 hours on foot on rough, rocky trails with steep climbs.
- Four nights are spent above about 4,400 m, with the highest at Gorak Shep (about 5,164 m), and altitude is what turns most people back.
- The high point, Kala Patthar at roughly 5,550-5,645 m, is climbed before dawn in severe cold.
- There is no technical climbing, but good general fitness and a slow ascent matter more than speed.
Elevation profile
About altitudeSleeping altitude for each night. The dashed lines at 3,000 m and 4,000 m mark heights where altitude illness becomes more common. General information only, not medical advice.
Hover, tap or use the arrow keys to see each day. Shaded columns are acclimatisation days.
Show the profile as a table
| Day | Overnight | Sleeping altitude | High point |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Phakding | 2,610 m | 2,860 m |
| 2 | Namche Bazaar | 3,440 m | - |
| 3 | Namche Bazaar (rest) | 3,440 m | 3,880 m |
| 4 | Tengboche | 3,867 m | - |
| 5 | Dingboche | 4,410 m | - |
| 6 | Dingboche (rest) | 4,410 m | 5,083 m |
| 7 | Lobuche | 4,940 m | - |
| 8 | Gorak Shep | 5,164 m | 5,364 m |
| 9 | Pheriche | 4,371 m | 5,644 m |
| 10 | Namche Bazaar | 3,440 m | - |
| 11 | Lukla | 2,860 m | - |
| 12 | Kathmandu | 1,400 m | - |
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1, travel dayFly to Lukla, walk to Phakdingsleep 2,610 m3-4 habout 8 km
A flight of about 25-40 minutes to the hillside airstrip at Lukla (about 2,860 m), then a gentle, mostly downhill walk along the Dudh Kosi. In busy seasons most flights leave from Manthali (Ramechhap), a 4-6 hour drive from Kathmandu, so many trekkers drive there the night before or in the early hours.
Teahouse in PhakdingAbout Phakdinghigh point Lukla, 2,860 m
Day 2Phakding to Namche Bazaarsleep 3,440 m5-7 habout 10 km
Enter Sagarmatha National Park at Monjo, where permits are checked, cross the high Hillary suspension bridge and climb steadily for 2-3 hours to Namche. On a clear day there is a first glimpse of Everest from a viewpoint partway up.
Teahouse in Namche BazaarAbout Namche Bazaar
Day 3, acclimatisationAcclimatisation day in Namchesleep 3,440 m3-4 habout 5 km
Climb to the ridge above Namche for views of Everest, Lhotse and Ama Dablam, or loop through Khumjung and Khunde, then return to sleep at the same height. Namche has the last good gear shops, pharmacies and ATMs on the route.
Teahouse in Namche BazaarAbout Namche Bazaarhigh point Viewpoints above Namche (Syangboche ridge), 3,880 m
Day 4Namche to Tengbochesleep 3,867 m5-6 habout 10 km
A contouring trail with Ama Dablam ahead, a drop to the river at Phunki Tenga and a climb of about 600 m through forest to Tengboche Monastery. Beds are limited, so some groups sleep at Deboche, 15-20 minutes further on.
Teahouse in TengbocheAbout Tengboche
Day 5Tengboche to Dingbochesleep 4,410 m5-6 habout 11 km
Through Pangboche, with its old monastery, and above the tree line into the Imja valley. Walk slowly; this is a gain of more than 500 m.
Teahouse in DingbocheAbout Dingboche
Day 6, acclimatisationAcclimatisation day in Dingbochesleep 4,410 m3-5 habout 5 km
Climb the ridge behind the village for views of Makalu, Lhotse and Island Peak, then return to sleep in Dingboche. Most people turn back well below the top; go only as high as feels comfortable.
Teahouse in DingbocheAbout Dingbochehigh point Nangkartshang ridge, 5,083 m
Day 7Dingboche to Lobuchesleep 4,940 m5-6 habout 8 km
Across a broad valley to Dughla, then a steep climb to the memorials at the Thukla pass before the lodges of Lobuche beside the Khumbu Glacier moraine.
Teahouse in LobucheAbout Lobuche
Day 8Lobuche to Gorak Shep and Everest Base Campsleep 5,164 m6-8 habout 12 km
A rough trail along the moraine to Gorak Shep, then a round trip of about 3-4 hours over glacier rubble to the base camp area. Gorak Shep is the highest night and many people sleep badly here.
Teahouse in Gorak ShepAbout Gorak Shephigh point Everest Base Camp, 5,364 m
Day 9Kala Patthar at dawn, down to Pherichesleep 4,371 m7-8 habout 14 km
A steep pre-dawn climb of about 1.5-2 hours to Kala Patthar for sunrise over Everest, back to Gorak Shep for breakfast, then a long descent via Lobuche. Pheriche has a seasonal Himalayan Rescue Association aid post.
Teahouse in PhericheAbout Pherichehigh point Kala Patthar, 5,644 m
Day 10Pheriche to Namche Bazaarsleep 3,440 m6-7 habout 18 km
Back down past Pangboche and Tengboche. The thicker air makes the walk feel easier, but there is a climb out of Phunki Tenga.
Teahouse in Namche BazaarAbout Namche Bazaar
Day 11Namche Bazaar to Luklasleep 2,860 m6-7 habout 18 km
A long final day down to the Dudh Kosi, through Monjo and Phakding, and back up to Lukla. Reconfirm your flight in the evening.
Teahouse in LuklaAbout Lukla
Day 12, travel dayFly back to Kathmandusleep 1,400 m
An early morning flight, weather permitting, to Kathmandu or Manthali (Ramechhap). Delays of a day or more are common, so do not book an international flight for the same or next day.
Hotel in KathmanduAbout Kathmandu
Stages, times and altitudes vary by operator, weather and pace. Partner agencies confirm the exact plan.
Route map
Trail geometry from OpenStreetMap.
Permits
Sagarmatha National Park entry permitNational park
Issued for the Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation, in Kathmandu or at the park entrance near Monjo.
Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality entry permitLocal
A local government permit (trekker card) collected in Lukla or at the checkpost just north of it. In the Khumbu it has taken the place of the TIMS card; check whether a TIMS card is currently required.
Gaurishankar Conservation Area permitConservation area
Only needed if you walk in from Jiri or Shivalaya instead of flying to Lukla.
Verify before travel: permit rules and fees change. Checked 2026-10-06 against Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation. Guide rule: The Kathmandu Post: Everest region, Nepal Tourism Board dispute over solo trek ban (3 April 2023).
Nepal trekking permits explainedWhen to go
Best months: Mar-May, Oct-Nov
- Autumn (Sep-Nov)
- Late September to November is the main season, with the clearest skies and stable weather; nights above 4,000 m are well below freezing and lodges are busy.
- Winter (Dec-Feb)
- December to February is cold and quiet, often clear, with snow possible higher up; some high lodges close and passes can be blocked by snow.
- Spring (Mar-May)
- March to May is warmer, with rhododendrons below Tengboche and more afternoon cloud; climbing expeditions fill base camp in April and May.
- Monsoon (Jun-Aug)
- June to August brings cloud, rain lower down and frequent Lukla flight cancellations; views are rare, though the trails are quiet.
Getting there and back
Getting to Phakding, by mode
Nearest hub: Lukla. Times are typical ranges, not schedules, and vary with roadworks, weather and the season.
By airfrom Kathmanduabout 0.4-0.7 hLukla (Tenzing-Hillary)often delayed or cancelled by weather
Fly Kathmandu or Ramechhap to Lukla, 25-40 minutes weather permitting, then walk 3-4 h down the valley. In the busy seasons most flights leave from Ramechhap (Manthali), a 3-4 hour drive east of Kathmandu, with a very early start.
When to set off: Lukla flights are scheduled at first light, before the south-west wind builds from mid to late morning; Ramechhap departures leave Kathmandu by road around 03:00-04:00
On footfrom Luklaabout 3-4 h3-4 h from Lukla, about 7-8 km, mostly descending with a few short climbs and a net loss of roughly 250 m
The first afternoon of the trek, walked straight off the flight.
When to set off: teahouse stages start after breakfast, usually by 07:30, to arrive before the afternoon cloud and wind
Where people go next
- Namche Bazaaron foot, about 5-7 hThe big climb up to Namche Bazaar.
- Luklaon foot, about 3-4 hBack up to the airstrip for the flight out.
- Khumjungon footVia Namche and the Syangboche ridge.
Seasonal risks
Typical seasonal exposure along the route, merged from the stops that have a place page. Seasonal patterns only, never conditions today.
Altitudehigh in a typical yearAll year
The region runs from about 2,600 m at Phakding to about 5,360 m at Everest Base Camp, and most itineraries sleep above 4,000 m for several nights. Acute mountain sickness is common on fast ascents - it affects roughly 40 per cent of people who go up quickly to 3,000 m, and more above that. General information, not medical advice: gain height slowly, keep sleeping-height gains small (about 300 m a day once high), build in rest days, learn the symptoms - headache, nausea, breathlessness, broken sleep - and descend if they get worse. See a doctor before travelling and carry insurance that covers helicopter evacuation.
Recorded for Everest Region (Khumbu), Namche Bazaar, Tengboche, Dingboche and 4 more. Altitude sickness - Wikipedia
Snowhigh in a typical yearNov-Apr
Deep winter snow can block the trails above Tengboche, and spring storms leave fresh snow on the higher stages; December to March is the usual snow window at this height.
Recorded for Everest Region (Khumbu), Phakding, Namche Bazaar, Tengboche and 5 more. Everest Base Camp Trek - Wikivoyage
Seasonal closurehigh in a typical yearJun-Sep, Dec-Feb
Lukla flights are the weak link in the monsoon: poor visibility stops operations at the airstrip about half the time in that season and about half of flights are cancelled, and waits of several days happen. Any itinerary built on the flight needs spare days at both ends.
Recorded for Everest Region (Khumbu), Phakding, Namche Bazaar, Tengboche and 5 more. Tenzing-Hillary Airport - Wikipedia
Coldhigh in a typical yearNov-Mar
Nights are far below freezing from November to March at this height, with wind on the open moraine and unheated bedrooms in the teahouses; a winter-rated sleeping bag and down layer are the norm.
Recorded for Everest Region (Khumbu), Phakding, Namche Bazaar, Tengboche and 6 more. Everest Base Camp Trek - Wikivoyage
Road blockageshigh in a typical yearJun-Sep
The mountain roads into Solukhumbu turn muddy and slippery in the monsoon and landslides are possible, so road journeys from Kathmandu run much slower in June to September.
Recorded for Everest Region (Khumbu), Lukla, Kathmandu. Kathmandu to Dhap Village - Himalayan Masters
Othermoderate in a typical yearAll year
Flights are scheduled in the early morning year-round: the wind usually blows from the north-east at dawn and turns to a strong south-west flow from mid to late morning, when the airstrip regularly stops operating.
Recorded for Everest Region (Khumbu), Phakding, Namche Bazaar, Tengboche and 6 more. Tenzing-Hillary Airport - Wikipedia
River crossingsmoderate in a typical yearJun-Sep
The route crosses and recrosses the Dudh Koshi on suspension bridges between Lukla and Namche; the river runs high through the monsoon and the bridge approaches are slippery then.
Recorded for Everest Region (Khumbu), Phakding, Namche Bazaar, Lukla. Everest Base Camp Trek - Wikivoyage
Floodingmoderate in a typical yearMay-Sep
Glacial lake outburst floods are a real hazard in these valleys: Thame in the Bhote Koshi valley was inundated on 16 August 2024 and at least 15 structures were destroyed. Such floods are most likely in the warm, wet months.
Recorded for Everest Region (Khumbu), Dingboche, Kathmandu. Thame, Nepal - Wikipedia
Landslidesmoderate in a typical yearJun-Sep
The highways into the valley cross steep hill country, and monsoon landslides typically block sections of the Prithvi Highway and the other approach roads, so overland arrival days are unpredictable in July and August.
Recorded for Kathmandu. 2024 Nepal floods, Wikipedia
Check current conditions before you travel
Nothing here describes the Everest Base Camp Trek today. Trail, road, pass and flight conditions change with the weather and with roadworks. Check the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology, the Nepal Disaster Risk Reduction Portal and the local authority or your licensed operator before and during the trek.
Weather on the route
Forecasts for start (Phakding, 2,610 m), highest overnight (Gorak Shep, 5,164 m), end (Kathmandu, 1,400 m). Mountain weather changes fast; check again on the day.
Weather in Phakding (start)
Forecast for 2,610 m. Conditions change fast in the mountains.
Weather data: MET Norway, licensed CC BY 4.0. A forecast, not a guarantee.
Weather in Gorak Shep (highest overnight)
Forecast for 5,164 m. Conditions change fast in the mountains.
Weather data: MET Norway, licensed CC BY 4.0. A forecast, not a guarantee.
Weather in Kathmandu (end)
Forecast for 1,400 m. Conditions change fast in the mountains.
Weather data: MET Norway, licensed CC BY 4.0. A forecast, not a guarantee.
Safety
Above about 3,000 m, a widely used guideline is to raise your sleeping altitude by no more than about 500 m a day and to take an extra night at the same altitude every 3 to 4 days (CDC Yellow Book; Wilderness Medical Society). This is general information, not medical advice.
Know the signs of acute mountain sickness: headache with nausea, loss of appetite, unusual tiredness, dizziness or poor sleep. Do not go higher with symptoms, and go down if they get worse. Confusion, stumbling or breathlessness at rest are emergencies: descend at once and get help.
See a doctor before you travel, especially about any medicine for altitude, and buy travel insurance that explicitly covers trekking and helicopter evacuation up to the highest altitude of this trek.
Lukla flights only operate in good visibility. Build one or two spare days into your plans before any international flight.
Give way to yaks, mules and porters and always stand on the uphill side of the trail as they pass.
Above Namche, medical help is limited to seasonal aid posts at Pheriche and Machhermo and small health posts. Carry your insurance details and a way to call for help.
The trail from Lobuche to base camp crosses unstable moraine and glacier rubble; stay on the marked path and keep away from ice cliffs and meltwater pools.
What to pack
- Your own broken-in boots; do not start a high trek in new or rented boots.
- A warm down jacket and a sleeping bag rated for well below freezing; nights above 4,000 m are very cold.
- Thermal base layers, a fleece, a waterproof shell, warm hat and gloves.
- Headlamp, category-4 sunglasses, sun cream and a sun hat.
- Water purification tablets or a filter, to avoid buying plastic bottles.
- A small first-aid kit with blister care and any personal medicines your doctor recommends.
- Microspikes from December to March and after late snow on the trail to Gorak Shep.
- A warm hat, gloves and an insulated bottle for the pre-dawn Kala Patthar climb.
Side trips and alternatives
A loop above Namche on the acclimatisation day, through two Sherpa villages with a school and hospital founded with Edmund Hillary's support.
From Dingboche, a 2-3 hour walk up the Imja valley; an alternative acclimatisation day with close views of Lhotse.
Experienced trekkers can cross the Cho La (about 5,420 m) from Dzongla to reach Gokyo, adding 4-6 days.
The viewpoint above Gorak Shep for the classic view of Everest, climbed at dawn on most itineraries.
Everest Base Camp questions
How many days is the Everest Base Camp trek?
About 12 days from Kathmandu back to Kathmandu, including two acclimatisation days. Most people add one or two spare days for weather delays on the Lukla flights, making 13 to 14 days in total.
Can you see Everest from base camp?
Not the summit. Base camp is too close under the Khumbu Icefall and Nuptse. The best close view is from Kala Patthar above Gorak Shep, which is why most itineraries include it.
Do I need a guide for Everest Base Camp?
The national rule from April 2023 requires a licensed guide in parks and conservation areas, but the local municipality in the Khumbu has said it does not make guides mandatory there. Check the current position before you go. A guide also helps with altitude decisions and logistics.
What permits do I need?
The Sagarmatha National Park entry permit and the Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality permit, which in the Khumbu has replaced the TIMS card. Check current rules and fees before travel.
Is it suitable for a first trek?
It can be, if you are fit, walk regularly and take the acclimatisation days seriously. If you want to test yourself first, a shorter, lower trek such as Poon Hill or Pikey Peak is a good start.
What happens if Lukla flights are cancelled?
You wait for the next flyable day. In bad spells some travellers charter helicopter seats at extra cost. Spare days in your plan are the simplest protection.
Similar treks
A long, demanding circuit of the Khumbu over the Kongma La, Cho La and Renjo La, all above 5,300 m, taking in Everest Base Camp, Kala Patthar, the Gokyo Lakes and the Thame valley.
- Days
- 19 days
- Maximum altitude
- 5,644 m
- Difficulty
- Challenging
A short, lower trek in Solu, the southern part of Solukhumbu, to the grassy summit of Pikey Peak (about 4,065 m) for a long Himalayan panorama including Everest, then down to Junbesi and Phaplu.
- Days
- 7 days
- Maximum altitude
- 4,065 m
- Difficulty
- Moderate
Editorial draft: altitudes, permits and rules are being checked against the sources below. Last checked 2026-10-06. Sources: Nepal Tourism Board, Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation, The Kathmandu Post: Everest region, Nepal Tourism Board dispute over solo trek ban (3 April 2023), Wikipedia: Everest base camps, Wikipedia: Kala Patthar, Wikipedia: Gorak Shep, Everest Base Camp Trek, Wikivoyage, CDC Yellow Book: High-Elevation Travel and Altitude Illness, Wilderness Medical Society clinical practice guidelines (acute altitude illness)
Everest Base Camp · 12 days