Classic 11 Days Everest Base Camp Trek
- 11 days
- moderate
- Up to 12
- Spring (Mar–May) & Autumn (Sep–Dec)
We guide you through the Khumbu valley to the foot of the world's highest peak on this efficient 11-day route.
At a glance
Trip overview
We lead this eleven-day trek through the heart of the Khumbu region, bringing hikers to the base of Mount Everest at 5550 m. Our route follows traditional trade paths alongside the Dudh Koshi river, passing through Sherpa settlements like Phakding, Namche Bazaar, and Dingboche. We have designed this itinerary to maintain proper altitude safety while keeping the pace efficient for experienced walkers.
This trek suits those with solid physical fitness who are comfortable walking five to seven hours each day across steep stone staircases and moraine trails. We cross suspension bridges draped in prayer flags, climb through rhododendron forests in the lower valleys, and enter alpine tundra zones where peaks like Ama Dablam, Lhotse, and Nuptse dominate the horizon. Acclimatization is built into our daily walking profile, with strategic overnights at higher elevations and a crucial acclimatization climb near Dingboche.
Weather in the high Khumbu can change rapidly, and our lead guides monitor conditions daily to ensure safety. We stay in local teahouses run by Sherpa families, providing twin-share rooms and standard meals throughout the journey. By trekking with our experienced team, participants benefit from local knowledge, safety protocols, and deep familiarity with high-altitude environments.
Why this trek
Trip highlights
Everest Base Camp
We reach the southern base camp of Mount Everest at 5550 m, standing amongst the Khumbu Icefall.
Kala Patthar Panorama
We climb to Kala Patthar at sunrise for unobstructed views of Everest, Pumori, and Changtse.
Sherpa Culture
We walk through historic mountain villages including Namche Bazaar, Tengboche, and Dingboche.
Himalayan Vistas
We catch clear sights of Lhotse, Makalu, and Ama Dablam from the upper valley ridges.
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1
Arrival in Kathmandu
Meals: B
Day 1
Arrival in Kathmandu
Meals: B
Our team meets you at Tribhuvan International Airport and transfers you to your hotel in Kathmandu. We use the afternoon to review your trekking gear and discuss final preparations for the morning flight to the mountains.
Day 2
Flight to Lukla and Trek to Phakding
Meals: B / L / D
Day 2
Flight to Lukla and Trek to Phakding
Meals: B / L / D
We take an early morning flight from Kathmandu or Ramechhap to Tenzing-Hillary Airport in Lukla at 2860 m. After meeting our porters, we begin walking down the Dudh Koshi valley through pine forests and small farming hamlets to reach Phakding.
Day 3
Phakding to Namche Bazaar
Meals: B / L / D
Day 3
Phakding to Namche Bazaar
Meals: B / L / D
The trail crosses several suspension bridges over the Dudh Koshi river before entering Sagarmatha National Park at Monjo. We make a sustained uphill pull through pine woods, crossing the Hillary Suspension Bridge, to reach the trading hub of Namche Bazaar.
Day 4
Namche Bazaar to Debuche
Meals: B / L / D
Day 4
Namche Bazaar to Debuche
Meals: B / L / D
We leave Namche along a contour trail overlooking the valley, dropping down to the river at Phunki Thenga before climbing through rhododendron forests to Debuche. This shorter distance helps us maintain a gradual ascent profile.
Day 5
Debuche to Dingboche
Meals: B / L / D
Day 5
Debuche to Dingboche
Meals: B / L / D
We pass through Pangboche, home to the oldest monastery in the Khumbu, and cross the Imja Khola river. The landscape opens into wide glacial valleys as we ascend into the wind-swept stone walled fields of Dingboche.
Day 6
Acclimatization Day in Dingboche
Meals: B / L / D
Day 6
Acclimatization Day in Dingboche
Meals: B / L / D
We spend the day resting and undertaking an acclimatization hike up the slopes of Nagarshan Hill to 5100 m. This climb provides views of Makalu, Cholatse, and Tawoche, aiding our physical adjustment to the thinning air.
Day 7
Dingboche to Lobuche
Meals: B / L / D
Day 7
Dingboche to Lobuche
Meals: B / L / D
The route climbs past stone memorials erected for climbers who lost their lives on Everest before entering the glacial moraine at Dughla. We then pull up the steep terminal moraine of the Khumbu Glacier to reach Lobuche.
Day 8
Lobuche to Gorak Shep and Everest Base Camp
Meals: B / L / D
Day 8
Lobuche to Gorak Shep and Everest Base Camp
Meals: B / L / D
We traverse the rocky ablation valley of the Khumbu Glacier to reach the staging post of Gorak Shep. After a short break, we continue across boulder-strewn moraine ice to reach Everest Base Camp at 5550 m before returning to Gorak Shep for the night.
Day 9
Gorak Shep to Kala Patthar and Pheriche
Meals: B / L / D
Day 9
Gorak Shep to Kala Patthar and Pheriche
Meals: B / L / D
We start before dawn to climb the steep ridge of Kala Patthar at 5545 m for sunrise views over the Khumbu icefall and surrounding peaks. After descending to Gorak Shep for breakfast, we retrace our steps down valley to Pheriche.
Day 10
Pheriche to Namche Bazaar
Meals: B / L / D
Day 10
Pheriche to Namche Bazaar
Meals: B / L / D
Our journey back follows the descending trail through Pangboche and Kyangjuma, offering familiar views of Thamserku and Kongde Ri. We settle in Namche Bazaar for our final evening in the mountains.
Day 11
Namche Bazaar to Lukla
Meals: B
Day 11
Namche Bazaar to Lukla
Meals: B
We make a long descent down the steep stone stairs to the suspension bridges over the Dudh Koshi river. Walking through Monjo and Phakding, we finish our trek with a final uphill push into Lukla.
Inclusions
What’s included
Included
- Airport pickup and drop-off on arrival and departure
- Twin-share teahouse accommodation during the trek
- All meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) while on trek
- Experienced government-certified guide and support porters
- Sagarmatha National Park entry fee and rural municipality permits
- Both-way domestic flight tickets to Lukla
- Staff insurance, wages, and daily meals
Not included
- International airfare and Nepal entry visa
- Travel insurance covering emergency helicopter evacuation up to 6000 m
- Hot showers, battery charging, and Wi-Fi fees in teahouses
- Personal trekking gear and clothing
- Tips for guides and porters
Before you go
Good to know
Altitude & acclimatisation
We ascend progressively above 3000 m, where oxygen levels drop significantly. Our itinerary includes an acclimatization hike near Dingboche and careful monitoring by our lead guides to minimize the risk of acute mountain sickness.
Physical fitness requirements
This trek requires solid endurance, with daily walking durations between five and seven hours over uneven, rocky terrain. We recommend cardiovascular training, running, or stair-climbing for at least two months prior to arrival.
Teahouse accommodation
Lodging on the trail consists of twin-share rooms with wooden beds, foam mattresses, and blankets. Facilities are basic, and hot showers or device-charging usually carry an extra local fee.
Flight delays and weather
Flights between Kathmandu or Ramechhap and Lukla are weather-dependent and subject to delays or cancellations. We advise adding a few buffer days to your international travel schedule to account for potential schedule changes.
Route
Route overview
Altitude
Altitude profile
Pack list
What to pack
Sturdy trekking bootsEssential
Footwear
Broken-in boots with good ankle support.
Down jacketEssential
Clothing
Rated for sub-zero temperatures at high camps.
Thermal base layersEssential
Clothing
Merino wool or synthetic tops and bottoms.
Waterproof shell jacket and trousersEssential
Clothing
Gore-Tex or equivalent breathable waterproofs.
Sleeping bagEssential
Camping
Rated to -15°C for cold teahouse nights.
Headlamp with spare batteriesEssential
Safety
Essential for early morning starts like Kala Patthar.
Water purification tablets or filterEssential
Safety
For safe drinking water along the route.
Valid passport and insurance detailsEssential
Documents
Keep copies stored securely in your daypack.
Paperwork
Permits & paperwork
We arrange
Handled in Kathmandu — nothing for you to do.Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit
PermitRequired for entering the protected national park area.
Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Permit
PermitLocal government levy for trekking in the Khumbu region.
Good to know
Frequently asked questions
What is the highest altitude reached on this trek?
The highest altitude reached on the standard route is 5550 m at Everest Base Camp, with an ascent to Kala Patthar at 5545 m.
Do I need travel insurance for the Everest Base Camp trek?
Yes, comprehensive travel insurance covering emergency helicopter rescue up to 6000 m and medical treatment is mandatory for all our participants.
How heavy should my duffel bag be for the porters?
We limit porter-carried duffel bags to 10 kg per trekker. You should carry a lightweight daypack containing your water, rain gear, and valuables.
Are there charging and Wi-Fi facilities available in the teahouses?
Most teahouses offer device charging and Wi-Fi, but these services are operated by local networks and require a small cash fee per use.
What happens if the Lukla flight is delayed?
Flight delays are common in the mountains. Our team will manage rescheduling and alternative transport options, though any extra hotel nights or meals in Kathmandu or Ramechhap are your responsibility.
Can I buy drinking water along the trail?
Bottled water is available in lower villages, but we recommend bringing water purification tablets or a filter to treat local tap water and reduce plastic waste.
Still have a question? Message us and our trip planner will reply within a working day.
Book your trip
Pick any start date on the calendar. We block the trip out over 11 days and confirm the plan with you before payment.
Start dateTrip runs
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