Everest Base Camp Trek

Days

18+

Activity Level

Advanced

Host City

Kathmandu, Nepal

From

$4,295 USD

Request a Detailed Itinerary Customize This Trip

Trek to Everest Base Camp in Nepal

Join The Explorer’s Passage (TEP) on one of the world’s most extraordinary adventures: an Everest Base Camp trek in Nepal! On this journey into the heart of the mighty Himalayas, you will follow in the daring footsteps of some of Mount Everest’s legends, including Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay.

The trail to Everest Base Camp immerses you in truly unparalleled landscapes. Along the way, you will pass through forested valleys and small villages, ascend past the tree line, and eventually reach the famed base camp at the foot of Earth’s tallest mountain. You will cross glacier-fed rivers, visit monasteries and shrines, traverse high-altitude yak pastures, and will constantly be glancing up past fluttering strings of prayer flags to take in the regal peaks and glaciers that surround you.

This captivating region is unlike any other, and will undoubtedly give you remarkable stories that you can pass down through generations. Your unique reward on this trip will not only be up-close experience with Mt. Everest, our planet’s highest summit, but also an unrivaled sense of personal achievement as you take on one of the world’s most famous trekking journeys.


Explore Everest Base Camp with TEP

Trip Highlights

Explore Kathmandu on a private guided tour, and experience the sights, sounds, and tastes of one of South Asia’s most intriguing capital cities.

Visit UNESCO World Heritage Sites such as Boudhanath and Pashupatinath, where you can walk among some of Nepal’s most sacred places.

Journey deep into the Himalayas as you hike to Everest Base Camp, and find yourself surrounded by the majesty of the soaring peaks, peaceful woodlands, rhododendron forests, mammoth glaciers, unique wildlife, and rushing rivers of Nepal.

Discover vibrant Nepalese communities along the route, including the colorful market town of Namche Bazaar, the serene Tengboche monastery, and other adventurous waypoints such as Dingboche, Thukla, Gorakshep, and more

Let’s Plan Your Trip Today:


TRIP COST

From $4,295 USD per person
Our Everest Base Camp trips are all-inclusive, crafted with the intent of providing you with an unforgettable adventure travel experience.

*More info. on pricing

More questions? Read more about pricing here

Start dates

We offer both Pre-Schedule Group Departures and Private Custom Departures

Duration

Option for 18 or 14 Day Itinerary

With 18-day itinerary, trekking duration is 13 days. With 14-day itinerary, trekking duration is 9 days (for more information about itinerary options, please review the section about trip customization on this webpage)

Accommodations

We offer a variety of accommodations

max. group size

Maximum 12 people

Fixed Group Departures: 12 People

*Private Groups: 20 people

ACTIVITY LEVEL

Advanced*

8 Day / 7 Night Trip Daily Overview

Sample Trip Itinerary

Custom trip itineraries are available for any size group. Please contact us for a complete detailed itinerary.

Note: this map only corresponds with the standard 18-day itinerary’s 13 days of hiking to and from Everest Base Camp. The alternative 14-day itinerary option (featuring 9 days of trekking) is very similar – except that on the return trip, trekkers take a helicopter from Pheriche to Kathmandu. For more information about itinerary options, please review the section about trip customization on this webpage.

Want more information? Download a detailed itinerary.

Itineraries include detailed descriptions of each day, tips on travel arrangements, regional highlights, and more. It’s the perfect resource to help you choose!

Request Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu, Nepal

Namaste and welcome to Kathmandu (elevation: 4,347 feet / 1,325 meters)! Get ready to experience one of the most undeniably awe-inspiring journeys our planet has to offer. At the airport, you will be greeted by a member of our team (your driver will be waiting for you, holding a sign with the T.E.P. logo and/or your name) and then driven to the hotel. Depending on your arrival time, you will have some free time today to explore Kathmandu on your own. Later in the evening, you will enjoy a festive meal at one of our favorite restaurants in the city.

Accommodations: Hotel Marshyangdi 

Day 2: Explore Kathmandu

We begin by exploring two UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The first is Pashupatinath, a sacred Hindu temple complex located on the banks of the Bagmati River, which includes an array of temples, ashrams, sacred images, and inscriptions. We will spend some time walking around the grounds before driving to Boudhanath, our second stop for the day. Boudhanath is home to one of the largest stupas in Nepal. At Boudhanath, we will enjoy a group lunch and then a walking tour of the site. Eventually, at the conclusion of the tour, you will be driven back to the hotel. Later in the afternoon, your guides will conduct a 45 – 60 minute pre-trek briefing at the hotel. Following the briefing/orientation, you will have free time to get dinner and explore the city even more! In your free time, you may want to walk to Durbar Square, in front of the old royal palace.

Accommodations: Hotel Marshyangdi

Day 3: Travel to Lukla, then Trek to Phakding

Embark on your Everest Base Camp adventure with an early morning drive to Ramechhap Airport for a flight to Lukla. Upon arrival at Lukla Airport (9,300 feet / 2,835 meters), meet your trail team and prepare at a local lodge with tea, snacks, and final preparations. By 9:30 or 10:00 AM, start your trek, passing through Chauri Kharka village and heading north. Enjoy stunning views of the Dhudh Kosi River and the snow-capped Himalayas as you make your way to a tea house in Phakding for the night.

Daily trekking distance: approximately 5.6 miles / 9 kilometers (over ~4-5 hours)

Accommodations: Tea Houses

Day 4: Trek to Namche Bazaar

Begin the day with breakfast with your fellow trekkers, before setting out north along the river again, crossing several bridges along the way. We will stop for lunch in Jorsale (9,200 feet / 2,804 meters) before continuing towards Namche Bazaar. Eat heartily, because the post-lunch section is fairly challenging (one of the trek’s toughest segments), with lots of switchbacks and an elevation gain of several hundred meters. Known as the gateway to Everest, Namche Bazaar (11,286 feet / 3,440 meters) is a particularly key trading hub, home to a variety of stores and other services.

Daily trekking distance: approximately 7.5 miles / 12 kilometers (over ~5-6 hours)

Accommodations: Tea Houses

Day 5: Third Day of Trek (to Phuyupatamarca)

Today, acclimate and soak in the beauty of snowy peaks like Kwangde, Thamserku, and Kangtega. After breakfast, hike to the Everest View Hotel (13,000 feet / 3,962 meters) through alpine terrain and an old airstrip. Enjoy tea and snacks while admiring breathtaking views of Ama Dablam, Nuptse, Lhotse, and Mount Everest. Return to Namche Bazaar in the early afternoon for lunch and free time to explore the town and experience vibrant Sherpa culture.

Day-hike distance: approximately 2.5 miles / 4 kilometers (~4 hours round-trip)

Accommodations: Tea Houses

Day 6: Trek to Debouche

Today, leave Namche Bazaar and descend to the Phunki Tenga Bridge over the Dhudh Kosi River. Continue to Debouche (12,533 feet / 3,820 meters), with a lunch stop near some stupas. Visit the Tengboche monastery in the village, the largest in the Khumbu region, rebuilt with global support after being damaged by an earthquake and fire. Admire Tibetan art, inscribed stones, and prayer flags, and perhaps meet the resident monks. Afterwards, hike for about 30 minutes through rhododendron forests to Debouche, where you’ll spend the night with stunning views of Tawoche and Ama Dablam.

Daily trekking distance: approximately 7.5 miles / 12 kilometers (over ~5-6 hours)

Accommodations: Tea Houses

Day 7: Trek to Dingboche

Today, trek from Debouche to Dingboche (14,304 feet / 4,360 meters). Pass through Pangboche, with a lunch stop at around 4,000 meters where the treeline ends. Enjoy a gradual ascent to Dingboche, spotting Mount Everest along the way. Observe the terraced fields where locals grow barley, buckwheat, and potatoes. In Dingboche, you’ll overlook the Imja River and see extensive stone walls across the valley.

Daily trekking distance: approximately 8.1 miles / 13 kilometers (over ~4-5 hours)

Accommodations: Tea Houses

Day 8: Acclimatization Day in Dingboche (w/day hike)

Enjoy a leisurely start with breakfast around 7:00 AM before departing at 9:00 AM for a day hike. Ascend Nagarshang Ridge (16,732 feet / 5,100 meters) for stunning views and further acclimatization. Return to Dingboche for a relaxed afternoon and evening. Explore the village, socialize with fellow trekkers, or opt for an additional short hike. Weather permitting, consider a visit to Chukhung (15,518 feet / 4,730 meters), traditionally a yak-raising area, about 2-3 hours northeast.

Day-hike distance: approximately 2.5 miles / 4 kilometers (~4 hours round-trip)

Accommodations: Tea Houses

Day 9: Trek to Lobuche

A gentle ascent through alpine scrub and yak pastures today takes us first to Thukla (15,156 feet / 4,620 meters). As we hike above the Pheriche Valley, we will reach the Summiteers’ Memorial in Thukla Pass. This memorial, surrounded by dozens of colorful flags, pays tribute to the explorers who have come before. From this point, we will follow the trail north through a big valley towards Lobuche (16,175 feet / 4,930 meters).

Day-hike distance: approximately 7.5 miles / 12 kilometers (over ~4-5 hours)

Accommodations: Tea Houses

Day 10: Trek to Gorakshep, then Everest Base Camp

Start with a 3-hour hike to Gorakshep (16,995 feet / 5,180 meters), a village at the intersection of the Changri Shar and Khumbu glaciers. After lunch, trek northeast along the Khumbu Glacier to Everest Base Camp (17,600 feet / 5,364 meters). Marvel at the glacier’s scale and the icy waters that feed it, understanding why this region is known as Earth’s “Third Pole.” At Base Camp, enjoy the accomplishment, take photos, and soak in the adventurous spirit. Return to Gorakshep for the night with a deeper appreciation of this remarkable landscape.

Day-hike distance: approximately 7.5 miles / 12 kilometers (over ~8 hours)

Accommodations: Tea Houses

Day 11: Kalapathar Viewpoint, then Trek to Pheriche

Begin the day with an early 5:00 AM start to hike to Kalapathar, the highest point of your trek at ~18,000 feet / ~5,500 meters. The ascent involves a gradual climb over grassy terrain followed by rocky sections. At the top, enjoy stunning close-up views of Everest and capture incredible photographs. Return to Gorakshep for breakfast and final packing. Depart mid-morning for Pheriche (14,041 feet / 4,280 meters), retracing your steps south. The trail splits at Thukla, where you’ll follow a slightly different route through a scenic valley with views of Ama Dablam. Arrive in Pheriche by late afternoon, around 4:00 PM.

Day-hike distance: approximately 9.3 miles / 15 kilometers (over ~8-9 hours)

Accommodations: Tea Houses

Day 12: Trek to Tengboche

Today, we continue hiking south, following the river and enjoying lunch in Pangboche. We then continue on to Debouche and pass the nunnery, which is also the oldest Buddhist convent in Nepal. Although a 2015 earthquake damaged the building, the site has been rebuilt. After passing through Debouche we continue a short distance to Tengboche, where we will rest for the night. Today’s hike is descending the entire time (except for a few hundred meters between Debouche and Tengboche at the end).

Day-hike distance: approximately 6.2 miles / 10 kilometers (over ~5-6 hours)

Accommodations: Tea Houses

Day 13: Trek to Namche Bazaar

Retrace your steps to Namche Bazaar, nestled in the hills and known for its local guides and porters. Explore the town’s market, streets, and architecture, or unwind at a cozy bakery or cafe. Visit the Sherpa Culture Museum if time permits. Don’t miss the highest altitude Irish pub on the planet—just remember to drink cautiously, as alcohol affects you more at higher altitudes.

Day-hike distance: approximately 7.5 miles / 12 kilometers (over ~5-6 hours)

Accommodations: Tea Houses

Day 14: Trek to Phakding

As we continue our journey, today we will hike alongside the frigid waters of the Dhudh Kosi River, fed by some of the enormous glaciers that you have experienced up close during this adventure. As we trace the winding river, we will have lunch in Monjo and then continue to the village of Phakding, where we will stop to rest for the night.

Day-hike distance: approximately 7.5 miles / 12 kilometers (over ~4-6 hours)

Accommodations: Tea Houses

Day 15: Trek to Lukla

From Phakding, we begin our final full day of trekking, which you will spend surrounded by stunning Himalayan scenery as well as in the excellent company of fellow adventurers. We will reach Lukla in the afternoon, and once there you will be able to enjoy a hearty lunch, shower, and relax at the conclusion of the trekking portion of this incredible journey!

Day-hike distance: approximately 5.6 miles / 9 kilometers (over ~4-5 hours)

Accommodations: Tea Houses

Day 16: Return to Kathmandu

Start your day early with a quick breakfast at 5:00 AM before a short walk to Lukla Airport for a 15-20 minute flight to Ramechhap. From there, board a private van for the drive back to Kathmandu. Upon arrival in the afternoon, refresh at the hotel and explore the city. Wander through the Thamel District’s vibrant streets, or visit the serene Garden of Dreams next to the former royal palace. For dinner, savor an authentic thali—a hearty South Asian meal with rice, lentils, meat, and vegetable curry. Enjoy it; you’ve earned it after your trek!

Accommodations: Hotel Marshyangdi

Day 17: Explore Kathmandu, then Farewell Dinner

On your last full day, explore Kathmandu’s offerings: catch live music in Lazimpat or visit the 350-year-old Newa Chen house in Lalitpur for a glimpse into Newari heritage. Your local team can suggest more activities. Make the most of your time exploring the city before we gather for our final group meal in the evening. Celebrate your trek, the friendships made, and the extraordinary journey through this remarkable part of the world!

Accommodations: Hotel Marshyangdi

Day 18: Final Day in Nepal

You’ve been among the fortunate few to experience the majesty of Mt. Everest up close. This adventure is now a cherished part of your personal story. As you head home, carry with you the unforgettable memories of this journey. We look forward to welcoming you on your next adventure!

Accommodations: N/A

Create your OWN Unique Experience

Customizing Your Everest Base Camp Trek

Are you interested in another activity or destination in Nepal that isn’t listed above? Planning to spend extra time in the region, or interested in specific travel dates?No problem. As experts in tailored trip planning, we can weave your interests and your timeframe into our customizable itineraries so that every detail of your extraordinary trip unfolds just the way you want it to. Click the options below to learn more:

In our standard itinerary, you spend 18 days in Nepal, starting and ending in Kathmandu. 13 of these days are spent ‘on the trail.’ You can review this full sample itinerary in the Itinerary Overview section of this webpage.

To shorten your Everest Base Camp trek, you can instead opt for a 14-day itinerary (featuring 9 days of trekking, instead of 13). This itinerary is identical to the 18-day itinerary up until Day 12, when you reach Pheriche as you head back south. There, you will take a helicopter to Kathmandu.* Once back in Kathmandu, the itinerary is similar to the final few days of the standard 18-day itinerary. This 14-day option omits most of the southbound return trip on foot (between Pheriche and the original start point of Lukla).

*Please note that pricing for the helicopter between Pheriche and Kathmandu is variable, contingent upon the number of passengers (up to 5 with bags). The helicopter pricing is also separate from the overall trip pricing.

On your adventure, you can choose to add on one or several of the following:

  • Sleep at Everest Base Camp: for trekkers who want an undeniably unique experience, you can opt to spend a night at Everest Base Camp * – one of the world’s most extraordinary overnights! Our team handles every aspect of camp operations, so that you can focus on enjoying the experience. Tents at Everest Base Camp will be ready and waiting for you, and a hearty dinner will be served in a communal dining tent.
    • *Important Notes: camping at Everest Base Camp is subject to availability. Furthermore, an overnight stay at E.B.C. means that there will not be enough time to ascend the Kalapathar Viewpoint on the following day (typically on Day 11 as described in the standard itinerary).
  • Flight over Mount Everest: soar above Everest in a fixed-wing plane, and enjoy incomparable views of the entire landscape (what more is there to say!).
  • Extra Nights in Kathmandu: if you would like to extend your time in Nepal, we are happy to help arrange additional nights in Kathmandu.

Contact us today to get started customizing your dream trip to Everest Base Camp!

Hear what travelers are saying:

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“Our family of six worked with Jeff and Sarah at The Explorers Passage to plan our visit to Machu Picchu, specifically the Inca Trail Express. TEP is an invaluable partner in handling all logistics including permits, transportation, entry passes, accommodations, itinerary and most importantly a local guide. Our guide, Neptali, was the absolute BEST and we thoroughly enjoyed our time with him. He made all the difference. Jeff and Sarah provided all the pre-trip support and guidance to ensure our trip was a success, and on-the-ground support if needed. They went above and beyond to make recommendations for our time in Cusco too. Our trip was flawless thanks to their organization. Our experience with TEP exceeded all expectations. We highly recommend using them for your next adventure!”
– Caroline C.
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“We cannot praise The Explorer’s Passage enuf! We had a trip/experience of a lifetime on their Machu Picchu and Inca Trail adventure. The planning process was a breeze, the pre-hike necessary conditioning was well explained, arriving in Cusco and finding our guide and driver was easy, the Cusco City tours were fabulous and the trek was utterly AMAZING! Our Guide Neptali was the BEST. He is very knowledgeable, he’s kind, he’s funny, and he is calm and takes charge in a crisis. The porters and the chefs were wonderful. It was all around a 5 star experience. Definitely recommend this adventure!”
– Angie P.
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“From the moment we contacted Explorer’s Passage to discuss our Inca Trail Adventure, we knew we were working with an exemplary company, we had a fabulous experience with everyone involved, particularly the owner Jeff Bonaldi. There was not one thing I would change about this trip…..the accommodations, the transportation, the drivers, the restaurants, the porters, the guides (Wilbur was the kindest, smartest, most interesting guide and his Quechuan heritage and pride contributed so much to our experience of this amazing culture)…I could go on and on. Book with Explorer’s Passage…you will receive top-notch attention and advice and be in excellent hands throughout your adventure. We hope to book further adventures with Explorer’s Passage.”
– Cindy M.
relax in comfort and luxury

Trip Accommodations

Before and after your Everest Base Camp trek, you can enjoy a comfortable stay at Hotel Marshyangdi (alternatively, a 5 Star hotel option can be reserved instead – contact us for more details). During the trekking portion of the trip, you will stay overnight at ‘tea houses’ along the route. Learn more about these trip accommodations below:

5 Star Accommodations

Hotel Yak & Yeti | Kathmandu, Nepal

Hotel Yak and Yeti is a heritage hotel located in Durbar Marg, the thriving city center of Kathmandu Valley, in a prime location that is minutes walking distance from the former Royal Palace. Durbar marg is a commercial area with high-end shops and a variety of food options. Kathmandu retains its architectural reminders of the Rana period scattered throughout the city. One of them is the Red Palace or Lal Durbar, situated in the heart of the city, minutes walk from Durbar Marg.

Hotel Website

3.5 / 4 Star Accommodations

Hotel Marshyangdi | Kathmandu, Nepal

Located in the attractive Thamel District and close to many city attractions, Hotel Marshyangdi is owned and operated by a family from Manang. Manang is a mountainous region of Nepal, and Marshyangdi means ‘raging river’ in the local Manangi dialect.

All rooms are air conditioned with en-suite bathrooms and internet available. The property also features a relaxing courtyard restaurant, a bar, and a café. Finally, breakfasts at the hotel are included during your stay.

Hotel website

Accommodations on the Trek – Tea Houses

During the trekking portion of the adventure, the accommodations will be in tea houses that offer dormitory-style rooms with single and double bunk beds, comparable to many other mountain lodges/huts in other parts of the world.

The tea houses are typically equipped with running cold water and shared bathrooms in a separate section. At most of them, there are propane-fueled hot showers available to use for a small fee (typically $5-10 USD equivalent). It is usually possible to charge personal electronic devices in the common/dining areas, however they also charge a small fee for this (typically $5-10 USD equivalent).

we’re always happy to help

Frequently Asked Questions

The Everest Base Camp Trek isn’t overly challenging, though it does feature a couple of steep climbs lasting approximately an hour each. Despite the days seeming lengthy, they typically involve only about three hours of walking. The primary difficulty of the trek is the altitude.

Yes, Everest Base Camp can be tackled by beginners, but there’s a catch. It’s not easy, requiring both physical and mental preparation. The trek to Everest Base Camp is commonly viewed as moderately challenging, but don’t let that steer you away.

Whether Everest Base Camp is worth it depends on what you’re seeking. For many, the stunning views, cultural immersion, and personal achievement make it truly a worthwhile experience. However, it also involves physical exertion, high altitude challenges, and considerable preparation. Weighing out these factors, it’s more than worth it for the people seeking unimaginable views and a fantastic experience.

The duration of the hike to Everest Base Camp can vary depending on the specific route taken and individual pacing. You can trek from 9 to 13 days depending on what you choose within our selections. The amount of days trekking also allows for acclimatization to the high altitude.

The cost of trekking to Everest Base Camp can vary widely depending on the days chosen to trek. The standard cost for the trip is between $3,800 to $5,000 USD per person. Changes to accommodations could also alter your cost.

Trekking to Everest Base Camp requires a moderate level of fitness. While you don’t need to be an elite athlete, you should be prepared for several hours of hiking each day. This trek includes walking on steep and rocky terrain, and at high altitudes where oxygen levels are lower. You should have a significant amount of cardiovascular endurance, leg strength, and core strength.

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Trip Support

Everest base camp TRIP Support

There is no other operator in the travel industry that will provide the same level of personal attention to your travel experience.


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