Everest Base Camp Trek – 14 Days

• Flight Distance: 138 km (86 miles)
• Flight Duration/ Trek Duration: 25-30 minutes / 3-4 hours
• Meal: Breakfast, Lunch &Dinner
• Highest Altitude: Lukla (2,860m/9,383ft) & Phakding (2,610m/8,563ft)

An early morning scenic flight takes you from Kathmandu to Lukla, the gateway to the Everest region. The short 25–30-minute flight is nothing short of thrilling, with stunning aerial views of terraced fields and towering peaks. Upon arrival at the Tenzing-Hillary Airport in Lukla, you’ll meet your porters and begin your trek. The trail from Lukla descends gradually through pine and cedar forests, with views of Himalayan peaks in the distance.

After crossing suspension bridges and passing charming Sherpa villages, you’ll reach Phakding, a small riverside village nestled in the Dudh Koshi Valley. The trek on this day is relatively short, allowing you to begin acclimatizing. You can take a walk around the village, visit local monasteries, or relax by the river as you prepare for the next day’s journey.

• Trek Distance: 10 km (6.2 miles)
• Trek Duration: 5-6 hours
• Meal: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
• Highest Altitude: Namche Bazaar (3,440m /11,283ft)

After breakfast, you’ll set off on a scenic and slightly more demanding trek toward Namche Bazaar. The trail follows the Dudh Koshi River, crossing several suspension bridges, including the iconic Hillary Suspension Bridge, adorned with colorful prayer flags. You’ll pass through villages such as Monjo and Jorsalle, where the entrance to Sagarmatha National Park is located. Here, permits will be checked before continuing on the trail.

The final ascent to Namche is a challenging uphill climb through a pine forest, but it rewards you with the first glimpses of Mount Everest and Lhotse on a clear day. As you arrive in Namche Bazaar, you’ll find yourself in the vibrant heart of the Khumbu region. This amphitheater-shaped town is full of shops, bakeries, gear stores, and teahouses. It’s also a key trading post for Sherpas and traders from Tibet, making it a culturally rich and lively resting place.

• Meal: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
• Highest Altitude: Namche Bazaar (3,440m /11,283ft)

To help your body adjust to the altitude, today is reserved for acclimatization. Rather than remaining idle, you’ll embark on a short acclimatization hike to the Everest View Hotel (3,880m), which offers breathtaking panoramas of Everest, Ama Dablam, and other peaks. On the way, you can also visit the Khumjung village and Hillary School, a project initiated by Sir Edmund Hillary to support Sherpa communities.

Returning to Namche, you’ll have the afternoon free to explore the bustling town. Visit the Sherpa Culture Museum or stroll around the local markets, where traders sell traditional handicrafts, trekking gear, and Tibetan artifacts. Staying active at altitude is essential, and the day’s light hike helps boost your stamina for the days ahead. Enjoy a cozy evening in your teahouse, sipping hot ginger tea while gazing at the starlit skies over Namche.

• Trek Distance: 10 km (6.2 miles)
• Trek Duration: 5-6 hours
• Meal: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
• Highest Altitude: Tengboche (3,870m /12,694ft)

Today’s trek begins with a gentle ascent out of Namche, following a ridge with stunning views of Ama Dablam, Everest, and Thamserku. The trail traverses hillsides covered in rhododendron forests and drops down to the Dudh Koshi River. After crossing the river on a suspension bridge, a steep climb awaits as you ascend toward Tengboche, one of the most spiritually significant locations in the Khumbu region.

Upon reaching Tengboche, you’ll be welcomed by jaw-dropping views of Ama Dablam and the surrounding Himalayan giants. The highlight of the day is a visit to the Tengboche Monastery, the largest in the region, where you can witness the daily prayer ceremony and absorb the peaceful energy of the place. Surrounded by forests and peaks, this sacred site offers a tranquil resting point before continuing your journey further into the high Himalayas.

• Trek Distance: 11 km (6.8 miles)
• Trek Duration: 6-7 hours
• Meal: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
• Highest Altitude: Dingboche (4,410m /14,470ft)

Leaving Tengboche, the trail descends through lush forests filled with birch, conifer, and rhododendron trees. After crossing the Imja River, the landscape begins to change, becoming more barren and alpine. As you move higher, the temperature drops, and the views become even more dramatic, with closer perspectives of Lhotse and Island Peak.

Dingboche is a picturesque village nestled in a wide valley, flanked by towering peaks and open alpine meadows. Unlike the tightly packed villages of lower elevations, Dingboche offers expansive views and more space to roam. Here, the air is noticeably thinner, and you’ll feel the effects of the high altitude. Most trekkers use this time to rest, explore nearby ridges, or relax at their lodges, preparing for the next acclimatization day.

• Meal: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
• Highest Altitude: Dingboche (4,410m /14,470ft)

As you ascend higher, acclimatization becomes crucial. Today, you'll take a rest day in Dingboche to allow your body to adjust to the thinning air. Instead of remaining inactive, you'll embark on a short hike to Nagarjun Hill (5,100m), a nearby ridge that offers commanding views of Makalu, Lhotse, Ama Dablam, and the surrounding peaks. This acclimatization hike is challenging due to the steep incline and altitude, but the panoramic views from the top are well worth the effort.

After returning to Dingboche, you can spend the afternoon exploring the village or resting at your lodge. The wide, sun-kissed valley is ideal for strolling, taking photos, or simply soaking in the tranquil alpine atmosphere. Many lodges offer cozy common rooms where you can warm up by the fire and chat with fellow trekkers about your journey so far.

• Trek Distance: 8 km (5 miles)
• Trek Duration: 5-6 hours
• Meal: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
• Highest Altitude: Lobuche (4,940m /16,207ft)

Today’s trek takes you deeper into the Khumbu region, with the landscape becoming more rugged and barren. The trail begins with a gradual ascent through alpine meadows and yak pastures, passing the village of Dughla (Thukla), where you’ll take a short break for tea or snacks.

After Dughla, a steep and emotionally moving climb brings you to the Thukla Pass, where you'll find memorials and stone cairns honoring climbers who lost their lives on Everest. This section of the trek is both solemn and inspiring, reminding you of the mountain's power and the courage of those who dared to climb it.

From the pass, the trail continues along the glacial moraine to Lobuche, a small settlement nestled among dramatic, snow-covered peaks. With the air growing thinner and colder, rest becomes even more important. Spend the evening hydrating, eating a warm meal, and mentally preparing for the most anticipated part of your trek — Everest Base Camp.

• Trek Distance: 14.9 km (9.2 miles)
• Trek Duration: 6-7 hours
• Meal: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
• Highest Altitude: Everest Base Camp (5,364m /17,598ft)

The big day has arrived! After an early breakfast, you'll begin your trek to Gorak Shep, the last settlement before Everest Base Camp. The trail follows the Khumbu Glacier, with its shifting ice formations and dramatic moraine. Upon reaching Gorak Shep, you'll check into your lodge, leave your heavy packs behind, and continue the trek to Everest Base Camp.

The route to base camp is a challenging but exhilarating walk over rocky terrain alongside the glacier. Upon arrival at the iconic Everest Base Camp, you’ll be standing at the foot of the highest mountain in the world — a moment of pride, awe, and accomplishment. Soak in the views of the Khumbu Icefall and surrounding peaks, and take plenty of photos to commemorate the achievement.

After spending some time at base camp, you’ll return to Gorak Shep for the night, where a warm meal and well-earned rest await.

• Trek Distance: 11 km (6.8 miles)
• Trek Duration: 6-7 hours
• Meal: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
• Highest Altitude: Kala Patthar (5,545m/18,192ft)

Before dawn, you’ll set off on a hike to Kala Patthar — the highest point of your trek. The early start is rewarded with a stunning sunrise over Everest, with golden light illuminating the Himalayas in every direction. Kala Patthar offers the best close-up views of Everest, Nuptse, Pumori, and the surrounding peaks — a photographer’s dream and a highlight of the trek.

After descending back to Gorak Shep for breakfast, you’ll begin the return journey, heading down the valley to Pheriche. The descent is noticeably easier, and with more oxygen in the air, you’ll feel re-energized. Pheriche, a windy village with stone buildings, is often used as a stopover by trekkers descending from base camp. Spend the night resting and reflecting on the incredible milestone you’ve just reached.

• Trek Distance: 13 km (8 miles)
• Trek Duration: 5-6 hours
• Meal: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
• Altitude: Namche Bazaar (3,440m /11,283ft)

Retracing your steps, you’ll continue descending through alpine meadows, across suspension bridges, and through rhododendron forests. The air becomes warmer, and the landscape begins to green once more. After a long but rewarding trek, you’ll return to Namche Bazaar — now familiar and welcoming.

Celebrate your return with a hearty meal, some bakery treats, or even a cup of coffee at one of the local cafés. Enjoy the comforts of Namche and a good night's sleep after the long descent.

• Trek Distance: 17.9 km (11.2 miles)
• Trek Duration: 6-7 hours
• Meal: Breakfast, Lunch &Dinner
• Altitude: Lukla (2,860m/9,383ft)

Today’s trek marks your final full day on the trail. You’ll descend the same path you took at the beginning, crossing suspension bridges and passing through small villages. As you walk, take in the last views of the towering Himalayas and reflect on your journey.

Reaching Lukla, you’ll feel a deep sense of accomplishment and perhaps a little nostalgia as your trek comes to an end. Spend the evening celebrating with your trekking team and porters, thanking them for their support along the way.

• Flight Distance: 138 km (86 miles)
• Flight Duration: 25-30 minutes
• Meal: Breakfast, Lunch &Dinner
• Altitude: Kathmandu (1,400m/ 4,600ft)

Weather permitting, you’ll take an early morning flight back to Kathmandu, once again enjoying the mountain views from above. Upon arrival, you’ll be transferred to your hotel, where a hot shower, comfortable bed, and modern conveniences await.

The rest of the day is yours to relax, explore the city, or shop for souvenirs. You may want to visit nearby cultural sites, enjoy a spa treatment, or indulge in a celebratory dinner with your fellow trekkers.

• Drive Duration: 30-45 minutes
• Meal: Breakfast
• Altitude: Kathmandu (1,400m/ 4,600ft)

Your final day in Nepal begins with a mix of emotions — a sense of fulfillment from completing one of the world’s most iconic treks, and a tinge of sadness as the adventure comes to an end. After breakfast at your hotel, you’ll have some time to soak in the last moments of Kathmandu’s eclectic charm. If your flight schedule permits, consider a brief morning walk through the nearby markets, where incense wafts through the air and local vendors begin their daily hustle. You might pick up a few final souvenirs — handwoven pashminas, Himalayan tea, or prayer flags to take a piece of Nepal back home with you.

As you’re transferred to Tribhuvan International Airport, your mind will likely replay the vivid memories of the past two weeks: the thunderous sound of glacial rivers, the soft flutter of prayer flags strung across mountain passes, and the overwhelming serenity of standing beneath the towering peaks of the Himalayas. You’ll remember the faces of kind-hearted Sherpas, the warmth of teahouse fires, and the camaraderie built among your fellow trekkers through shared challenges and triumphs.

This departure doesn’t just mark the end of a journey — it symbolizes something deeper. You’ve ventured into the heart of the world’s highest mountains, tested your endurance, and gained perspective that only such vast and timeless landscapes can offer. Whether you return one day or not, a part of you will always remain in the Himalayas — in the wind that whispers through Tengboche’s pine forests, in the crunch of snow beneath your boots at Base Camp, and in the boundless sky above Kala Patthar.

With a heart full of gratitude and a soul forever changed, you’ll bid farewell to Nepal — for now. Namaste and safe travels, until the mountains call you again.