Your awe-inspiring journey starts here
+977 9761 75 42 78
Everest Base Camp Trek 12 Days
  • Duration
    12 Days
  • Max. Altitude
    5,545 m. Kala Patthar
  • Trip Grade
    Moderate
  • Activity
    Tours and Hiking
  • Group Size
    8 People Max

Everest Base Camp Trek 12 Days

Thinking about trekking to one of the highest places sounds exciting, right? If you love adventure, the 12-Day Everest Base Camp Trek is the perfect choice for you.

Embarking on a 12-day Everest Base Camp Trek is an amazing way to turn your dream into reality. Whether you’re new to trekking or an experienced adventurer, this journey has something for everyone. It promises an exciting adventure, full of surprises, for both beginners and seasoned experts. So get ready for a fantastic experience filled with thrills and breathtaking moments.

This adventure starts with a flight from Kathmandu to Lukla. And there comes a trek through the rolling hills, where you can breathe in the fresh mountain air, and greet the friendly locals with a smile. This journey gets you close to nature’s grand masterpiece, leading you to the highest peak on Earth—Mount Everest. 

The famous Everest Base Camp is a sought-after destination for adventurous travelers wanting to conquer the challenging Himalayas. About 30,000 determined trekkers make the journey each year, with over 10,000 during the peak season. The remote trail offers excellent facilities, making it comparable to other trails in Nepal.

Highlights of 12 Days Everest Base Camp Trek

Stunning Mountain Views: The 12-Day Everest Base Camp Trek will give you a 360-degree view of several peaks like Mount Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, and Ama Dablam.

Kala Patthar: You will be at the viewpoint of Everest Base Camp, Kala Patthar, at an altitude of 5,545 meters. It is a popular viewpoint for stunning panoramic views of Mount Everest and the surrounding peaks.

Tengboche Monastery: During the 12-day Trek Everest Base Camp, you will experience some Buddhist monasteries, including Tengboche Monastery.

Sherpa Culture: While on the trek, you will cross several Sherpa settlements, including Gorakhsep. These places provide a glimpse into Sherpa’s unique culture, lifestyle, and traditions.

Sagarmatha National Park: Your 12 days Everest Base Camp Trek passes through the Sagarmatha National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which is home to a variety of flora and fauna, including rare Himalayan species like the snow leopard and red panda.

Best Month For Everest Base Camp Trek

The best times for Everest Base Camp Trek are spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November). In spring, the weather is mild and clear, providing the best views of EBC’s surroundings. The temperatures are comfortable, making it easy to adjust. 

Autumn is relatively dry and mild, hence being a superb hiking season as well. The environment is quite clear and sharp, showing the scenic Himalayas and traditional villages.

Things To Consider For 12 Days Everest Base Camp Trek

Altitude Sickness

When doing the 12 days Everest Base Camp Trek, think about Altitude Sickness. The higher you go, the more likely you are to get sick from the altitude. Everest Base Camp is over 5000 meters high, so there’s a higher chance of getting sick. Learn the signs of altitude sickness and take precautions to avoid it. If you feel sick, rest or go back to a lower altitude.

Weather Conditions

The Everest Base Camp in the Khumbu region is a popular destination showcasing the stunning Himalayan beauty. However, be ready for unpredictable weather with snow, rain, and wind. Heavy snowfall and temperatures below 0 degrees Celsius are common. Be aware of these conditions before embarking on the 12-day Everest Base Camp Trek.

Trekking Permits 

To visit Everest Base Camp, located in Sagarmatha National Park, you must obtain special permits, such as the Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit and the Pasang Lhamu Municipality Entry Permit. Make sure to get all the necessary permits before starting your journey to avoid any problems later on.

Guides and Porters

If you’re new to trekking or experienced, it’s a good idea to hire a guide and porter. They assist with navigation and carrying your gear. Additionally, they can be your companions to explore local communities and culture, helping you navigate routes and communicate with locals.

Itinerary

1

Arrive in Kathmandu

On the first day of your Everest Base Camp Trek, you will be arriving at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu from your home country, where you will be engaging in a short meet and greet program. Upon arriving in Kathmandu, our officials will escort you to the hotel.

Today is a free and rest day in Kathmandu, so you can explore the city and get familiar with your surroundings. There are a variety of shops and interesting places to hang out and enjoy the time.

  • Accommodation
    Optional
  • Meal
    No
  • Max. Altitude
    1,400m
  • Time
    Rest day
2

Fly to Lukla, trek to Phakding

Once you get to Nepal, you’ll fly from Kathmandu to Lukla. Lukla is where the Everest Base Camp trek begins, and the flight takes about 30 to 45 minutes from the capital city. When you land at Lukla Airport, take a break.

After resting for sometime, your trek begins. The motive is to reach Phakding, which is about 3 to 4 hours away from Lukla. You’ll be walking on challenging uphill paths. Once you reach Phakding, you’ll stay at a tea house for the night.

Update 2024: Kathmandu to Lukla flight has been shifted to Manthali airport, Ramechhap. During peak seasons spring (March to May) and fall (September to November) due to increased traffic as well as renovation in Kathmandu airport since March 2019. Manthali airport can be reached within 4 to 5hour drive from Kathmandu.

Note: If you wish to avoid the night road journey to Manthali talk to us about taking a helicopter directly from Kathmandu to Lukla.

  • Accommodation
    Lodge
  • Meal
    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Max. Altitude
    2,651m
  • Time
    3 hours
3

Trek to Namche Bazaar

On your second day of the trek, you’ll start your hike early in the morning after a warm meal in Phakding. Today, you will reach Namche Bazaar, situated at an elevation of 3430 meters above sea level. Namche is known as the ‘Gate of Everest’ and is rich in Sherpa culture, offering high-quality services and facilities.

The trek from Phakding to Namche Bazaar takes about 5 to 6 hours. Along the way, you’ll pass through Monjo village, where you can get the Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit. Upon reaching Namche Bazaar, you’ll be treated to breathtaking views of Mount Everest and Ama Dablam. You’ll spend the night at a teahouse there.

  • Accommodation
    Lodge
  • Meal
    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Max. Altitude
    3,438m
  • Time
    5 - 6 hours
4

Acclimatization Day

To go to high places, you need to be fit and strong. On the third day, rest all day in Namche to get used to the altitude. You can explore nearby areas if you want. Drink a lot of water and eat well to stay strong. You’ll spend the day at a tea house.

  • Accommodation
    Lodge
  • Meal
    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Max. Altitude
    3,438m
  • Time
    Rest day
5

Trek to Tengboche

Today, you’ll hike up to Tengboche at 3870 meters. It takes 5 to 6 hours from Namche Bazaar. Enjoy the lush forest and breathtaking views of Mount Everest and Ama Dablam.

In Tengboche, dive into Buddhist culture. See mani walls, chortens, and prayer flags on the way. Explore Tengboche Monastery, an important part of local Buddhist culture.

  • Accommodation
    Lodge
  • Meal
    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Max. Altitude
    3,870m
  • Time
    5 hours
6

Trek to Dingboche

Now it’s time to reach Dingboche situated at 4,410 meters above sea level. The average trek time for today is around 5 to 6 hours. You’ll begin your hike in the morning, walking uphill through the beautiful Imja Valley. The scenery is stunning and will capture your heart.

Later, you’ll arrive at Pangboche, where you can rest for lunch. From there, you will hike straight uphill that leads you to Dingboche, which takes around one and a half hours.

  • Accommodation
    Lodge
  • Meal
    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Max. Altitude
    4,360m
  • Time
    5 hours
7

Trek to Lobuche

To reach Lobuche, trekkers  must pass one of the high altitude passes, Thokla Pass at 4830 meters above sea level. The trek starts with a warm breakfast at Dingboche, followed with a trek towards Dughla.

The rugged terrains will be challenging however, the scenery of the Himalayas and green forests deep down the trail will soothe the trek.

From Dughla, we will traverse Thokla Pass in around a couple of hours and then head towards our next destination, Lobuche.

  • Accommodation
    Lodge
  • Meal
    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Max. Altitude
    4,940m
  • Time
    5 – 6 hours
8

Trek to Everest Base Camp and back to Gorakshep

The trek from Lobuche to Gorak Shep takes about 6 to 7 hours. You’ll follow a rough trail to the last Sherpa Settlement in the Everest region. Once in Gorak Shep, you’ll go to Everest Base Camp at 5,364 meters and enjoy some fun activities.

After your time at Everest Base Camp, it’s time to return back to Gorak Shep. We will follow the same trail to retrace towards GorakShep, where we will stay at a tea house.

GorakShep is the last Sherpa Settlement featuring stone houses. The weather and climate conditions are too harsh, so it’s an ideal idea to prepare properly for the stay.

  • Accommodation
    Lodge
  • Meal
    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Max. Altitude
    5,364m
  • Time
    6 - 7 hours
9

Visit Kalapatthar and trek back to Pheriche

Now, it’s time to hike from Gorak Shep to Kala Patthar, which is at an altitude of 5545 meters. The trek takes about 7 to 8 hours from Gorakshep, making it one of the longest hikes during your 12-day Everest Base Camp Trek.

After you reach Kala Patthar, you can enjoy a 360-degree view of the Himalayas, including Mount Everest, Ama Dablam, Lhotse, Nuptse, and other peaks.

After sightseeing and exploration completes, we will return towards Pheriche, following the same trail. We will traverse Lobuche and Lobuche Pass and reach Dughla. From there, we will retrace our way towards Pheriche following the downhill route, which takes around half and a hour.

  • Accommodation
    Lodge
  • Meal
    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Max. Altitude
    5,545m
  • Time
    7 hours
10

Trek to Namche Bazaar

On the tenth day of your trek, you’ll trek for 6 to 7 hours to return to Namche Bazaar at 3430 meters above sea level. You’ll pass through Somare and Pangboche, walking through a lush forest with Rhododendron and oak trees. Your final destination is Namche Bazaar, where you’ll stay at a guest house.

  • Accommodation
    Lodge
  • Meal
    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Max. Altitude
    3,440m
  • Time
    6 - 7 hours
11

Trek to Lukla

On the eleventh day, you’ll hike from Namche Bazaar to Lukla, which takes about 6 to 7 hours. Wear sturdy hiking boots because the path is steep. In Lukla, you’ll stay at a tea house and learn about the Sherpa culture.

  • Accommodation
    Lodge
  • Meal
    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Max. Altitude
    2,860m
  • Time
    6 - 7 hours
12

Fly to Manthali, and drive to Kathmandu

Early in the morning today, we will pack our backpacks and be ready to fly to Manthali in Ramechhap from Lukla. The flight duration is around 10 to 15 minutes.

We will delve into the scenic flight having bird-eyes view of the Himalayas and then take on a drive to Kathmandu once we reach Manthali.

Drive from Manthali to Kathmandu takes around 6 hours. Although the duration is long, the lush green forests, rivers, waterfalls, and the remote landscapes will cherish the journey.

  • Accommodation
    Optional
  • Meal
    Breakfast
  • Max. Altitude
    1,400m
13

Free day / Fly to home

Today is your last day in Nepal. During the first half, you can enjoy exploring the Kathmandu valley and preparing to return back to your home country.

In the second half, our officials will escort you to Tribhuvan International Airport, where you will onboard a flight back to your home.

Enjoy your final moments in Kathmandu by having breakfast in a café, taking a city stroll, and or shopping.

What to Expect

What's Included

  • Airport transfers pick-up and drop-off.
  • Airfare both ways (Kathmandu – Lukla – Kathmandu).
  • All meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner) during the trek.
  • All accommodations during the trek.
  • English speaking Sherpa trek guide.
  • Staff insurance and necessary ground transport for support staffs
  • Everest National park entry permit and local entry permits.
  • Porter to carry your luggage during the trek (1 porter for 2 trekkers)
  • Magical Summits duffel bag.
  • Hiking pole for the trek, if needed.
  • Trek map.
  • Farewell dinner including a cultural show.

What's Excluded

  • International airfares and Nepal visa.
  • Any personal medical or evacuation expenses incur.
  • International Travel insurance which included rescue.
  • Tips for the guide & porter(tipping is expected).
  • Any others expenses which are not mentioned on the ‘Included’ section.

FAQs

1. Upon my arrival, will somebody come to pick me up at the Airport?

Yes, our Airport representative will be there to greet you at the airport. S/he will be displaying Magical Summits signboard outside the Airport terminal. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel.

2. How hard is the trek to Everest Base Camp?

3. What type of shape do I need to be in, is this trip for me?

4. How much extra money do I need per day?

5. When is the best time to visit Everest Base Camp?

US$ 1275 per pax
Book now Enquire

Similar Packages

Chhiring Sherpa

Your dream itinerary, crafted with you

I was born and raised in Nepal near the Everest region. I am a proud native Sherpa and have been a mountain guide for over a decade. 

Following my passion, I started Magical Summits because I was ready to see a new kind of travel brand, one built on the simple idea of feeling good and doing good.

Since its start, Magical Summits has been super-powered by you, our community; when you “travel” it, we create it. We’re on a mission to make travel better with clean, award-winning adventures that are sustainable and conscious of the planet we share.

Thank you so much for joining me on this journey!

Chhiring Sherpa
Trip Designer
Plan Your Trip - Free
error: Content is protected, please do not copy!