Everest Base Camp Trek – 12 Days Detailed Itinerary

Important Flight Information

Please note that Lukla flights are highly weather-dependent and subject to change. During the peak trekking seasons (March to May and September to November), flights to and from Lukla are often operated from Manthali Airport in Ramechhap instead of Kathmandu due to air traffic congestion at Kathmandu Airport. If flights are diverted to Ramechhap, trekkers will drive approximately 4–5 hours from Kathmandu to Manthali before taking a short flight to Lukla. Flight delays and cancellations can occasionally occur due to mountain weather conditions, so we strongly recommend keeping 1–2 extra buffer days after the trek.

DAY 1 – KATHMANDU TO LUKLA FLIGHT AND TREK TO PHAKDING

Altitude: 2,800m/9,184ft (Lukla) & 2,652m/8,698ft (Phakding)
Walking Distance: 8km (3–4 hours)
Flight Time: 35 minutes

Your Everest Base Camp adventure begins with a spectacular mountain flight to Lukla, one of the most thrilling airports in the world. Upon arrival, you will meet your guide and porter before beginning your trek through beautiful Sherpa villages and scenic mountain landscapes.

The trail descends gradually through Chaurikharka village and follows the Dudh Koshi River toward Phakding. Along the route, enjoy suspension bridges, prayer stones, pine forests, and peaceful Himalayan scenery.

Overnight stay in Phakding.

DAY 2 – PHAKDING TO NAMCHE BAZAAR

Altitude: 3,440m/11,283ft
Walking Distance: 10–12km (5–6 hours)

After breakfast, the trek continues along the Dudh Koshi River, crossing several suspension bridges while passing through beautiful pine forests and traditional villages.

After entering Sagarmatha National Park at Monjo, the trail gradually ascends toward Namche Bazaar. Crossing the famous Hillary Suspension Bridge is one of today’s major highlights. If the weather is clear, you may enjoy your first distant glimpse of Mt. Everest before reaching Namche.

Namche Bazaar is the main trading center and cultural hub of the Everest region.

Overnight stay in Namche Bazaar.

DAY 3 – NAMCHE BAZAAR ACCLIMATIZATION DAY

Altitude: 3,440m/11,283ft

Today is an important acclimatization day to help your body adjust to the altitude. You may take an optional hike to Everest View Point or Everest View Hotel for breathtaking panoramic views of Everest, Ama Dablam, Lhotse, and surrounding peaks.

You can also explore Namche Bazaar, visit the Sherpa Culture Museum, local bakeries, cafes, and colorful markets.

Overnight stay in Namche Bazaar.

DAY 4 – NAMCHE BAZAAR TO TENGBOCHE

Altitude: 3,870m/12,684ft
Walking Distance: 10km (6 hours)

Today’s trail offers some of the best mountain scenery in the Everest region. Enjoy spectacular views of Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Ama Dablam, Thamserku, and Kwangde along the route.

After descending to the river and crossing a suspension bridge, the trail climbs through beautiful forests toward Tengboche, home to the famous Tengboche Monastery — the spiritual center of the Khumbu region.

You may visit the monastery and experience the peaceful atmosphere surrounded by the Himalayas.

Overnight stay in Tengboche.

DAY 5 – TENGBOCHE TO DINGBOCHE

Altitude: 4,400m/14,435ft
Walking Distance: 11km (6 hours)

The trek begins with a descent through rhododendron forests to Deboche before crossing the Imja Khola River. The trail then passes Pangboche village, one of the oldest Sherpa settlements in the Everest region.

As the altitude increases, the landscape becomes more rugged and alpine. Continue trekking through wide valleys and dramatic mountain scenery toward Dingboche.

Overnight stay in Dingboche.

DAY 6 – DINGBOCHE ACCLIMATIZATION DAY

Altitude: 4,400m/14,435ft

Today is another important acclimatization day before heading to higher elevations. Optional hikes around Chhukung Valley and nearby ridges reward trekkers with stunning views of Island Peak, Makalu, and surrounding Himalayan peaks.

Resting and proper acclimatization are essential for a safe and enjoyable Everest Base Camp trek.

Overnight stay in Dingboche.

DAY 7 – DINGBOCHE TO LOBUCHE

Altitude: 4,900m/16,076ft
Walking Distance: 11–12km (6–7 hours)

The trail gradually becomes more challenging as the altitude increases. After climbing toward Thukla Pass, you will reach the memorial area dedicated to climbers and trekkers who lost their lives on Everest.

The route continues across rocky glacial terrain toward Lobuche, surrounded by dramatic mountain scenery and spectacular views of Nuptse and Lobuche Peak.

Overnight stay in Lobuche.

DAY 8 – LOBUCHE TO GORAKSHEP, EVEREST BASE CAMP, AND RETURN TO GORAKSHEP

Altitude: 5,180m/16,994ft (Gorakshep) & 5,364m/17,598ft (Everest Base Camp)
Walking Distance: 15km (6–8 hours)

Today is the most exciting day of the trek as you finally reach Everest Base Camp. The trail follows rocky glacial terrain alongside the Khumbu Glacier before arriving at the legendary base camp of the world’s highest mountain.

During the spring climbing season, you may see colorful expedition tents and climbers preparing for summit attempts.

After spending time at Everest Base Camp and enjoying unforgettable Himalayan views, return to Gorakshep for overnight stay.

Overnight stay in Gorakshep.

DAY 9 – GORAKSHEP TO KALA PATTHAR AND TREK TO PHERICHE

Altitude: 5,545m/18,192ft (Kala Patthar) & 4,320m/14,173ft (Pheriche)
Walking Distance: 12–13km (5–6 hours)

Early in the morning, hike to Kala Patthar, the best viewpoint in the Everest region for sunrise over Mt. Everest. Witness breathtaking panoramic views of Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Changtse, and surrounding snow-covered peaks glowing in golden morning light.

After returning to Gorakshep for breakfast, descend toward Pheriche through beautiful alpine valleys.

Overnight stay in Pheriche.

DAY 10 – PHERICHE TO NAMCHE BAZAAR

Altitude: 3,440m/11,284ft
Walking Distance: 13–15km (7–8 hours)

Today’s descent takes you through beautiful forests, suspension bridges, and traditional Sherpa villages while retracing the trail back toward Namche Bazaar.

The lower altitude and warmer temperatures make today’s walk more comfortable and relaxing.

Overnight stay in Namche Bazaar.

DAY 11 – NAMCHE BAZAAR TO LUKLA

Altitude: 2,800m/9,184ft
Walking Distance: 16km (6–7 hours)

After breakfast, continue descending through the Dudh Koshi Valley while crossing suspension bridges and passing local villages on the way back to Lukla.

In the evening, celebrate the successful completion of your Everest Base Camp Trek with your trekking crew and enjoy your final night in the mountains.

Overnight stay in Lukla.

DAY 12 – LUKLA TO KATHMANDU

Altitude: 1,350m/4,428ft
Flight Time: 35 minutes

In the morning, take a scenic flight back to Kathmandu. If Lukla flights are operated via Ramechhap during your trekking season, you will first fly to Manthali Airport and then drive back to Kathmandu.

Upon arrival in Kathmandu, transfer to your hotel and enjoy free time to relax after your unforgettable Himalayan adventure.

In the evening, enjoy a traditional Nepali farewell dinner and celebrate the successful completion of your Everest Base Camp Trek.