The field notes
A journey with rhythm
Private guiding, thoughtful pacing, and enough room to absorb each place rather than simply pass through it.
PrivateThoughtfulLocal
Journey overview
The experience at a glance
Everest Base Camp Trek is Nepal’s classic high-altitude adventure and the traditional route for trekkers who want to walk to the foot of Mount Everest. It’s a 12-day itinerary that follows the route from Lukla through Phakding, Namche Bazaar, Tengboche, Dingboche, Lobuche and Gorak Shep to reach Everest Base Camp at 5,364 metres. There’s also an early morning hike to Kala Patthar at 5,545 metres, the highest point on the trek and one of the best views of Mount Everest.
The adventure starts with an early flight to Lukla, from Kathmandu or Ramechhap in season and current flight arrangements. From Lukla, the path descends into Dudh Koshi Valley and follows the river to Phakding. Over the next few days, you pass suspension bridges festooned with prayer flags, mani walls and prayer wheels, and then enter Sagarmatha National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
A steady climb through pine forest leads to Namche Bazaar, the bustling commercial centre in the Khumbu region. You stay here two nights, which is enough time to acclimatize and walk to Everest View Hotel or the ridges above Namche. Weather permitting, this walk provides your first clear panorama of Mount Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Ama Dablam, Thamserku and other Himalayan peaks.
Beyond Namche, the classic Everest Base Camp route passes through a beautiful mountain valley before descending to Dudh Koshi River and climbing through rhododendron and pine forest to Tengboche. The village is home to Tengboche Monastery, the most important Buddhist monastery in the Khumbu area. The trail continues through Deboche and Pangboche, where Ama Dablam dominates the skyline, and eventually reaches Dingboche.
A second acclimatization day in Dingboche is essential in this 12-day itinerary. An active hike above the village helps your body adjust before the route climbs towards Thukla and the memorials to climbers and Sherpas who lost their lives on Everest. From there, the landscape becomes more rugged as you continue to Lobuche beside the moraine of the Khumbu Glacier.
The most eagerly awaited day takes you from Lobuche to Gorak Shep and onwards to Everest Base Camp at 5,364 metres. At Base Camp, you stand next to the Khumbu Glacier, look towards the dramatic Khumbu Icefall and see the colourful expedition camps preparing for Everest in the spring climbing season. Everest's summit is hidden from Base Camp, so the next morning's hike to Kala Patthar provides the trek’s most complete view of Everest, Nuptse, Lhotse, Pumori and the surrounding peaks.
After Kala Patthar, the trail descends through Pheriche and Namche Bazaar before entering Lukla on the flight back. Most trekking days take around five to seven hours to walk, with the Base Camp, Kala Patthar and longer descent days taking seven to eight hours. The total route is about 120-130 km depending on the acclimatization hikes and the lodge locations.
The Everest Base Camp Trek is tough due to its altitude, cold and long walking times each day, but is not normally done with mountaineering experience and technical climbing equipment. Fit first-time Himalayan trekkers can complete it through proper training, patient pacing and realistic preparation. Two acclimatization days are much needed, but they can’t eliminate the risk of altitude illness.
Himalayan Windows provides the necessary permits, Lukla flight reservations, teahouse accommodation, meals during the trek, an experienced licensed guide, and porter support according to the group arrangement. Since the Lukla flights are weather-dependent, we strongly recommend arriving in Kathmandu before Day 1 and keeping at least one or two buffer days after the trek before an international departure.
Trip highlights
What makes this journey
- 01
Reach Everest Base Camp at 5,364 metres beside the Khumbu Glacier and Khumbu Icefall.
- 02
Hike Kala Patthar at 5,545 metres for panoramic views of Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse and Pumori.
- 03
Follow the classic Lukla route with acclimatization days in Namche Bazaar and Dingboche.
- 04
Cross suspension bridges and trek through UNESCO-listed Sagarmatha National Park.
- 05
Experience Sherpa villages, Buddhist culture and the historic Tengboche Monastery.
Places covered
Destinations on this trip
The places this journey moves through, in the order they shape the experience.
Kathmandu
Lukla
Namche
Dingboche
Lobuche
Kalapatthar - EBC
Day by day
12 days
Walk the route one day at a time — meals, overnight stays, and the details that shape each stage.
In the very early in the morning (Guide will explain the flight time); drive to the domestic airport to take a scenic flight to Lukla, the main entrance to the Khumbu region. Upon your arrival at Lukla airport, you will be greeted by our local staffs and our supplies, gears will be taken by porters or loaded onto yaks, then your adventure trek begins with 3-4 hours trek down through terraced hillsides and stone fences to the Dudh Koshi river and you will cross the suspension bridge with several prayer flags to our first halt at Phakding. Remember the say Buddhists prayer "OM Mani Padme Hum" during the monastery visit and be sure to walk clockwise around these special "Mani (Prayer) Stones."
Overnight at Phakding (All Meals Included).
- Meals
- Full Board
- Overnight
- Teahouse
- Distance
- 8 km
- Altitude
- 2,610m
NoteBring Diamox and Stay Hydrated
The most difficult hiking day, because you will be hiking over rolling terrain, plowed fields, traditional homes, pine forests and Dudh Koshi River along with several suspension (hanging) bridges. Coming all the way to the entrance of Sagarmatha national park, the snowy view of peak Thamserku (6608m) gives you a complete taste of supreme mountain scenery to come. After hiking for almost six hours via Monjo and eating lunch on the way, you have your final step to Namche Bazar, the Sherpa Village. You will spend 2 nights in Namche Bazar for acclimatization.
Overnight at Namche (All Meals Included).
- Meals
- Full Board
- Overnight
- Teahouse
- Distance
- 9 km
- Altitude
- 3,440m
NoteHigh altitude, ascend slowly, and Stay hydrated
This is your rest day at Namche Bazzar for acclimatization. It means to stay to gain strength and get familiar with altitude. After breakfast, we go for a hike for a couple of hours to maybe Everest View hotel or Syangboche to enable our bodies to better adjust to the altitude before continue the ascend. We can also enjoy the snowy view of Kwangde (6380m), Thamserku (6608m) and Kangtega (6685m). When we ascend for a day hike, the peaks Nuptse (7861m), Lhotse (8414m), Ama Dablam (6856m) and even Mount Everest (8848m). The day can be spent wandering around the Namche Bazar, shopping around, and having good coffee, playing snooker/cards and etc.
Overnight at Namche (All Meals Included)
- Meals
- Full board
- Overnight
- Teahouse
- Distance
- 4 km
- Altitude
- 3,440m
NoteTrek to HEV for acclimitation, walk around, no sleep during the day
This path from Namche to Tengboche may be a bit spiritual as well due to several monasteries and temples. The line passes through Kayangjuma on to Sansa and pine forest before reaching Tengboche. You will travel to Tengboche Monastery, the spiritual center of Khumbu located at an altitude of 3860m.
Overnight at Tengboche (All Meals Included)
- Meals
- Full Board
- Overnight
- Teahouse
- Distance
- 10 km
- Altitude
- 3,860m
NoteHigh-altitude, walk slowly, stay hydrated
You will trek to Dingboche to 4360m and trek for almost 6 hours. You will also be crossing suspension bridges from where a spectacular view of snowy mountains including Ama Dablam can be seen. The valley begins slowly to open up as you reach the confluence of the Lobuche River, a steep ascend across the river brings you to Dingboche; the gateway to Imja Tso (Island Peak).
Overnight at Dingboche (All Meals Included)
- Meals
- Full Board
- Overnight
- Teahouse
- Distance
- 12 km
- Altitude
- 4,360m
NoteHigh-altitude, walk slowly, stay hydrated
This is another rest day during your Everest Base Camp trekking, you will need to adjust with an altitude again as you will be ascending up to 5000m now. A short hike around Dingboche gives you the strength and capacity to adapt to the local weather.
Overnight at Dingboche (All Meals Included)
- Meals
- Full Board
- Overnight
- Teahouse
- Altitude
- 4,360m
NoteHigh-altitude, stay hydrated, walk around, no sleep during the day
Today you will be hiking to Lobuche, which lies at an elevation of 4840 meters. On the way to Lobuche, you will pass through a number of stone memorials to honor climbers who failed to make it to Mount Everest. This route offers stunning views of Nuptse, Cholatse, Thamserku, and several other jaw-dropping mountain views. When the trail reaches the Khumbu Glacier moraine, you will have the closest view of Khumbutse, Lingtren, Pumori, and Mahalangur Himal.
Overnight at Lobuche (All Meals Included)
- Meals
- Full Board
- Overnight
- Teahouse
- Distance
- 8 km
- Altitude
- 4,840m
NoteHigh-altidue, walk slowly, stay hydrated
This day is probably the most awaited and exciting day of your trek of EBC. Post breakfast, you will hike to Gorakshep (Last settlement on this EBC trekking), you will eat lunch at Gorakshep, hike up to amazing Khumbu Icefall and you will trek to Everest Base camp; spend about an hour exploring the campsite which is gifted by scenic natural beauty. After an exploration of EBC, trek back to Gorakshep.
Spend a night at Gorakshep (All Meals Included)
- Meals
- Full Board
- Overnight
- Teahouse
- Distance
- 12 km
- Altitude
- 5,181m
NoteHigh altitude, walk slowly, stay hydrated (we take EBC trek on this day)
Early morning (before sunrise); trek to Kalapatthar (5545m). This is the highest point of this trek, from where the magnificent mountain views can be seen right in front of you. This is an excellent viewpoint of Mount Everest, including Pumori, Nuptse, Lotse, etc. After spending an hour on the viewpoint, walk back to Gorakshep; eat breakfast and trek down to Pheriche.
Overnight at Pheriche (All Meals Included)
- Meals
- Full Board
- Overnight
- Teahouse
- Distance
- 12 km
- Altitude
- 5,545m
NoteHigh altitude, walk slowly, stay hydrated (we hike to the Kalapatthar (highest point of this trek) before sunrise), bring headlamp, globes, sunglasses, hat, and sunscreen
This day is another day of descending with views of Mount Everest, Lhotse, and Amadablam. We descend to Deboche and take a short trek to Tengboche Monastery. We will continue descending to the Dudh Koshi River and then climb for 1 and a half hours to Kyangjuma for lunch. We will finish our trek with a gradually descending walk from Kyangjuma to Namche Bazar.
Overnight at Namche (All Meals Included)
- Meals
- Full board
- Overnight
- Teahouse
- Distance
- 20 km
- Altitude
- 3,440m
NoteDecend slowly, use trekking poles (useful for descending)
You will leave Namche Bazaar and get a big descent to Phakding; you will have plenty of scenic photos if the weather is clear. And further descending to Lukla, as we begin with a descent, the climb to end the trip of our adventure of a lifetime!
Overnight at Lukla (All Meals Included)
- Meals
- Full Board
- Overnight
- Teahouse
- Distance
- 20 km
- Altitude
- 2,800m
NoteDecend slowly, use trekking poles (useful for descending)
Prepare for the return flight to Kathmandu early in the morning. Sometimes, flights can be delayed or canceled due to bad weather; take some spare days in Kathmandu so you don't miss your international flights. (Breakfast Included)
Upon your arrival at Kathmandu airport, you will be greeted and transferred to your hotel.
- Meals
- Breakfast
- Overnight
- Hotel
- Altitude
- 1,310m
Private vehicle & English-speaking guide throughout · Kathmandu
Terrain & altitude
Understand the climb
See how elevation changes across the route so you can prepare with confidence.
Trip essentials
What your journey covers
A clear split between what we arrange and what you budget yourself.
- Airport Transfers – Complimentary pick-up and drop-off services.
- Required Permits & Fees – Includes TIMS card and National Park entry fees.
- Trekking Accommodation – Comfortable tea house or lodge stays throughout the trek.
- Meals on the trek – Full Board (Breakfast lunch dinner)
- Trekking Gear – Duffle bags
- First-Aid Support – A medical kit is available during the trek.
- Professional Guide – English-speaking licensed local trekking guide.
- Domestic Flights – Kathmandu–Lukla–Kathmandu flight.
- Porter Service – One porter for every two trekker
- Staff Support – Wages insurance food equipment and accommodation for staffs.
- Emergency Assistance – Rescue arrangements (rescue costs not included).
- Accommodation & Meals in Kathmandu - Available at an additional cost.
- Nepal Visa Fee – To be arranged and paid upon arrival.
- Additional Stays in Kathmandu – Extra nights caused by early arrival or late departure or changes to the trekking schedule.
- Beverages – Soft drinks alcoholic drinks and bottled water.
- Porter for Solo Trekkers – Available at an additional cost.
- Personal Insurance – Travel medical and evacuation insurance are mandatory but not included.
- Personal Expenses – Such as laundry phone calls Wi-Fi or shopping.
- Rescue Expenses – Rescue operation charges are not covered.
- International Flights – Airfare to/from Kathmandu is excluded.
- Tips & Gratuities – Tips for guides porters and support staff are not included.
Guest voices
What travellers say
What guests wrote after this trip — in their own words.
My memorable EBC trek with Himalayan Windows
It is my pleasure to write this review for Himalayan Windows. I normally go solo whenever I want to hike, trek, climb or just travel overseas but a friend of mine recommended Himalayan Windows to me when she knew I was planning to go to Nepal as she’d had a good experience using Himalayan Windows for her Langtang trek last year. So, I decided to give it a try and I’m very pleased with the outcome. Check my video on youtube below. Himalayan Windows recently arranged my Everest Base Camp including Kala Patthar trek with a high standard trek quality but for a far cheaper price than any other agencies’ prices on this planet. Anup, the founder of the Himalayan Windows, warmly welcomed me at the airport and provided one of the best hotels in Thamel prior to/and after my trek. He also gave me advice on where to buy trekking gears in Thamel. Himalayan Windows is very professional. When my flight from Kathmandu to Lukla was canceled 2 days in a row due to very bad weather in Lukla, Anup still provided a very nice hotel in Thamel for 2 additional nights without any extra costs. Before my flight got canceled again on day 3, he had arranged a helicopter ride for me and my guide from Kathmandu to Lukla so that I could start my EBC trek, otherwise Everest would have to wait for me. Himalayan Windows is also very helpful, accommodating, and flexible. I called Anup on the mountain after reaching EBC & Kala Patthar to change my route and destination last minute, and Anup happily accommodated and fulfilled all my needs. He called my guide, and me regularly on the mountain to check my condition and to know how I was. He also helped my sister a lot when I was on the mountain providing her with tea houses/lodges’ names and phone numbers so that my sister could call me, as she wanted to know how I was. After climbing down the mountain, when I was back in Kathmandu, I asked a very last minute request for him before dawn to arrange a car and a driver for my Kathmandu sightseeing and he quickly arranged everything for me just after the sun rose. My last night in Kathmandu was closed by a delicious traditional Nepali dinner treated by Himalayan Windows. What I also like from Himalayan Windows is that Anup doesn’t treat me like his client but for more like his friend? Overall I’m certain that my experience exploring Himalaya wouldn’t have been half this good had I not had Himalayan Windows as the agency that arranged my trek. It is without hesitation that I highly recommend Himalayan Windows to anyone who wants to trek the Himalayas in Nepal or just wants to do Kathmandu sightseeing as they have an experienced team with the right skills and passion to make a difference in the lives of trekkers and travelers. If I ever return to Nepal in the future, I will definitely use Himalayan Windows to arrange more treks for me. All the best for Himalayan Windows! Cheers, - Cicilya-
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