Everest Base Camp Luxury Teahouse Trek
- 15 days
- moderate
- Up to 12
- Spring (March–June) & Autumn (September–December)
We guide you through the Khumbu to Everest Base Camp, staying in upgraded lodges while maintaining a rigorous acclimatisation schedule.
At a glance
Trip overview
Our Everest Base Camp Luxury Trek follows the classic Khumbu trail from Lukla to the foot of the world's highest peak, while utilising the highest available standard of lodges along the route. We designed this itinerary for hikers who want to experience Sherpa culture, alpine valleys, and high-altitude passes without sacrificing comfortable bedding and varied dining.
We start by flying into Tenzing-Hillary Airport in Lukla at 2840 m, then follow the Dudh Koshi river past Phakding and up the steep switchbacks to Namche Bazaar. We incorporate dedicated acclimatisation days at Namche Bazaar (3440 m) and Dingboche (4400 m) with hikes toward the Everest View Hotel and Nagarshan Hill to help our teams adjust safely to the thinning air.
The route takes us past Tengboche Monastery, through Pangboche and Lobuche, and across terminal moraines to Gorakshep at 5180 m. From there, we push to Everest Base Camp at 5364 m and climb Kala Patthar at 5545 m for panoramic views of Pumori, Nuptse, and Everest's west shoulder. Throughout the journey, our experienced guides manage safety protocols while our porters handle logistics, allowing you to focus on the trail.
Why this trek
Trip highlights
Kala Patthar Sunrise
We climb to 5545 m before dawn to watch the first light hit the summit pyramid of Mount Everest and surrounding peaks.
Upgraded Teahouses
We secure rooms in the highest-standard lodges available in settlements like Namche, Dingboche, and Gorakshep.
Sherpa Culture
We visit monasteries such as Tengboche and walk through historic trading villages along the Dudh Koshi and Imja Khola.
Everest Base Camp
We stand at the legendary base camp at 5364 m amidst the Khumbu Icefall and expedition tents.
Structured Acclimatisation
We follow a gradual ascent profile with specific days allocated for high-altitude day hikes to prevent altitude sickness.
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1
Arrival in Kathmandu (1300 m)
Meals: B
Day 1
Arrival in Kathmandu (1300 m)
Meals: B
Our team meets you at Tribhuvan International Airport and transfers you to your hotel. In the evening, we host a welcome dinner at a traditional Nepali restaurant where we review trekking permits and equipment checklists.
Day 2
Kathmandu Valley Sightseeing Tour
Meals: B / L / D
Day 2
Kathmandu Valley Sightseeing Tour
Meals: B / L / D
We spend the day visiting historical cultural heritage sites around the Kathmandu Valley while our office finalises remaining park permits and domestic flight logistics.
Day 3
Flight to Lukla (2840 m); Trek to Phakding (2660 m)
Meals: B / L / D
Day 3
Flight to Lukla (2840 m); Trek to Phakding (2660 m)
Meals: B / L / D
We take an early morning flight from Kathmandu to the mountain airstrip at Lukla. After meeting our porters, we begin walking down the Dudh Koshi valley past pine forests and stone mani walls to reach Phakding.
Day 4
Phakding to Namche Bazaar (3440 m)
Meals: B / L / D
Day 4
Phakding to Namche Bazaar (3440 m)
Meals: B / L / D
We cross suspension bridges over the Dudh Koshi river, enter Sagarmatha National Park at Monjo, and make the steep, sustained climb up to the regional trading hub of Namche Bazaar.
Day 5
Acclimatisation Day in Namche Bazaar (3880 m)
Meals: B / L / D
Day 5
Acclimatisation Day in Namche Bazaar (3880 m)
Meals: B / L / D
We hike up to the Everest View Hotel and the village of Khumjung to aid acclimatisation, returning to Namche in the afternoon to visit the Sherpa Culture Museum.
Day 6
Namche Bazaar to Debuche (3700 m)
Meals: B / L / D
Day 6
Namche Bazaar to Debuche (3700 m)
Meals: B / L / D
The trail contours along the hillside above the Dudh Koshi before descending to Phunki Tenga. From there, we climb through rhododendron forests to reach the famous monastery at Tengboche and continue a short distance down to Debuche.
Day 7
Debuche to Dingboche (4400 m)
Meals: B / L / D
Day 7
Debuche to Dingboche (4400 m)
Meals: B / L / D
We cross the Imja Khola river, pass through Pangboche village with its ancient stone walls, and ascend through open yak pastures into the wide valley of Dingboche.
Day 8
Acclimatisation Day in Dingboche (5100 m)
Meals: B / L / D
Day 8
Acclimatisation Day in Dingboche (5100 m)
Meals: B / L / D
We take a day hike up the slopes of Nagarshan Hill or explore the upper reaches of the Chhukung valley to expose our bodies to higher elevations before returning to Dingboche for the night.
Day 9
Dingboche to Lobuche (4970 m)
Meals: B / L / D
Day 9
Dingboche to Lobuche (4970 m)
Meals: B / L / D
We climb past the stone memorials at Dughla dedicated to climbers who lost their lives on Everest, then follow the lateral moraine of the Khumbu Glacier to the cluster of lodges at Lobuche.
Day 10
Lobuche to Gorakshep (5180 m) and Everest Base Camp (5364 m)
Meals: B / L / D
Day 10
Lobuche to Gorakshep (5180 m) and Everest Base Camp (5364 m)
Meals: B / L / D
We trek across glacial rubble to Gorakshep, check into our lodge, and continue across the Changri Shar glacier to reach Everest Base Camp. After spending time among the glacial seracs, we return to Gorakshep to sleep.
Day 11
Kala Patthar (5545 m) Hike; Trek to Pheriche (4200 m)
Meals: B / L / D
Day 11
Kala Patthar (5545 m) Hike; Trek to Pheriche (4200 m)
Meals: B / L / D
We make a pre-dawn ascent of Kala Patthar for sunrise views over Everest and Nuptse. Afterwards, we descend past Gorakshep and Lobuche down to the wider valley floor of Pheriche.
Day 12
Pheriche to Namche Bazaar (3440 m)
Meals: B / L / D
Day 12
Pheriche to Namche Bazaar (3440 m)
Meals: B / L / D
We retrace our steps down through Pangboche and Tengboche, crossing the river once more before tackling the final climb back up to Namche Bazaar.
Day 13
Namche Bazaar to Lukla (2840 m)
Meals: B / L / D
Day 13
Namche Bazaar to Lukla (2840 m)
Meals: B / L / D
We make the long descent down the steep stone steps to the suspension bridges over the Dudh Koshi river, returning to Lukla for our final night on the trail with our support crew.
Day 14
Flight to Kathmandu; Free Time in Thamel
Meals: B / L / D
Day 14
Flight to Kathmandu; Free Time in Thamel
Meals: B / L / D
We take an early morning flight from Lukla back to Kathmandu, transfer to our hotel, and spend the afternoon resting before our farewell dinner in the evening.
Day 15
Departure from Kathmandu
Meals: B
Day 15
Departure from Kathmandu
Meals: B
Our driver transfers you to Tribhuvan International Airport for your international departure flight.
Inclusions
What’s included
Included
- Airport pickup and drop-off by private vehicle
- Domestic flight tickets between Kathmandu and Lukla
- Sagarmatha National Park entry permit and Khumbu rural municipality fee
- Upgraded twin-share teahouse accommodation on trek
- All meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) during the trek
- Experienced Government-licensed trekking guide and porter support
- Comprehensive medical kit and oximeter
- Hotel accommodation in Kathmandu with breakfast
Not included
- International airfare to and from Nepal
- Nepal entry visa fee obtained on arrival
- Travel insurance covering high-altitude emergency evacuation up to 6000 m
- Personal expenses such as Wi-Fi, hot showers, battery charging, and alcoholic beverages
- Tips for guides and porters
Before you go
Good to know
Altitude & Acclimatisation
Our itinerary includes dedicated rest days at Namche Bazaar (3440 m) and Dingboche (4400 m) with higher elevation day hikes. Our guides monitor pulse oximeter readings daily and carry medical-grade oxygen for emergency use.
Teahouse Accommodation
While standard teahouses offer basic twin rooms with shared facilities, this luxury trek secures rooms in the best available lodges featuring upgraded amenities such as attached bathrooms, heated dining rooms, and electric blankets where available.
Weather & Mountain Flights
Flights between Kathmandu and Lukla are subject to visual meteorological conditions and can experience delays or cancellations. We advise adding 2 to 3 buffer days to your international travel schedule.
Drinking Water
Plastic bottled water is banned in the Khumbu region to reduce environmental waste. We recommend bringing a reusable water bottle and chemical purification tablets, or purchasing boiled water at teahouses along the route.
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.
Sleeping bagEssential
Camping
Comfort rating to -15°C.
Water purification tabletsEssential
Safety
Essential for treating teahouse water.
Headlamp with extra batteriesEssential
Safety
Required for pre-dawn starts like Kala Patthar.
Trekking polesEssential
Camping
Useful for knee protection on long descents.
Thermal base layersEssential
Clothing
Merino wool or synthetic tops and bottoms.
Passport and insurance papersEssential
Documents
Must include high-altitude rescue coverage.
Paperwork
Permits & paperwork
We arrange
Handled in Kathmandu — nothing for you to do.Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit
PermitRequired for entry into the protected national park area.
Khumbu Rural Municipality Entrance Permit
PermitLocal government fee supporting regional infrastructure in the Khumbu.
Good to know
Frequently asked questions
What makes this luxury trek different from the standard EBC trek?
This trip secures the highest standard of available lodges along the route, providing better rooms, improved dining options, and enhanced support staff while following the exact same high-altitude trekking route.
How cold does it get at night near Everest Base Camp?
Temperatures at Gorakshep and Base Camp frequently drop below freezing (-10°C to -20°C) during autumn and spring nights. Our upgraded lodges offer indoor dining spaces, but a warm sleeping bag remains essential.
What happens if the Lukla flight is delayed?
Mountain weather can disrupt flights for hours or days. Our guides will manage rescheduling at the airport, and we recommend building flexible days into your international holiday schedule.
Do I need previous trekking experience?
Previous multi-day hiking experience with a heavy pack or at altitude is strongly recommended, as walking days range from 5 to 8 hours over steep, rocky terrain.
How much weight can my porter carry?
We assign one porter for every two trekkers, with a combined luggage weight limit of 20 kg (10 kg per trekker) packed into the duffel bag we provide.
Is drinking water safe along the trail?
Tap water is untreated and unsafe to drink directly. We advise treating all tap or stream water with purification tablets or buying boiled water at teahouses.
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 15 days and confirm the plan with you before payment.
Start dateTrip runs
Ready to book Everest Base Camp Luxury Teahouse Trek?
Talk to a Himalaya Treks planner about departure dates, group discounts, or a customised private departure.
