Everest Base Camp Trek: The Complete Guide
The Everest Base Camp Trek is the most famous trekking route in the world — a 12–14 day teahouse trek from Lukla to the foot of the highest mountain on earth, reaching 5,364 m at Base Camp and 5,545 m at the Kala Patthar viewpoint.
It requires no technical climbing — just strong fitness, disciplined acclimatisation, and the time to walk in slowly. The reward is close-up views of Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse and Ama Dablam, and immersion in Sherpa culture and Buddhist monasteries.
The Route
The trek begins with the flight to Lukla (2,860 m) and follows the Dudh Koshi valley to Namche Bazaar (3,440 m), the Sherpa capital. From Namche the route climbs through Tengboche (with its famous monastery), Dingboche, Lobuche and Gorak Shep to Everest Base Camp (5,364 m) and Kala Patthar (5,545 m).
Acclimatisation days at Namche (3,440 m) and Dingboche (4,410 m) are essential. The standard 12-day itinerary from Lukla allows adequate acclimatisation; faster itineraries significantly increase altitude-sickness risk.
Permits and Costs
Required permits: Sagarmatha National Park entry permit and the Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality permit (obtained in Monjo or pre-arranged). A TIMS card is no longer required for the Khumbu since the local municipality took over registration.
Since 2023, trekkers in Nepal's main national parks must be accompanied by a licensed guide or porter-guide through a registered agency. Budget roughly USD 1,200–2,000 for a guided 12–14 day trek including flights to Lukla, permits, teahouses and food.
Fitness, Gear and Insurance
No technical climbing is needed, but strong walking fitness is essential — expect 5–7 hour days on steep, rocky trails at altitude. Carry layered clothing for temperatures that swing from hot valley days to freezing summit-morning wind, a 4-season sleeping bag for teahouse nights (rooms are unheated), and a down jacket for the early-morning Kala Patthar climb. Teahouses provide beds and meals; you carry a daypack only.
Travel insurance covering helicopter evacuation and medical treatment above 5,000 m is mandatory — verify the altitude limit in writing before you travel, as most standard policies exclude it. Walk slowly, take the scheduled acclimatisation days at Namche and Dingboche, stay hydrated, and descend immediately if altitude-sickness symptoms worsen. Diamox is commonly used to aid acclimatisation — discuss it with your doctor before you travel.
Frequently asked questions
- How high is Everest Base Camp? Base Camp is at 5,364 m. The Kala Patthar viewpoint above it reaches 5,545 m and offers the best close-up view of the Everest summit.
- How long is the Everest Base Camp trek? Approximately 130 km over 12–14 days from Lukla, including two acclimatisation days. Faster itineraries significantly increase altitude-sickness risk.
- Do I need a guide for Everest Base Camp? Since 2023, trekkers in Nepal's main national parks must be accompanied by a licensed guide or porter-guide through a registered agency. Check current Nepal Tourism Board rules before booking.
- What is the best time for Everest Base Camp? October–November (autumn) for the clearest views, and March–May (spring) for warming weather and the climbing expedition season.
Mount Toubkal Treks — A 2–3 day first high-altitude trek to test acclimatisation before the Himalaya.