The 12-Day Everest Base Camp Trek covers Lukla, Namche Bazaar, Tengboche, Dingboche, Lobuche, Gorak Shep, Everest Base Camp, and Kala Patthar and back to Lukla. It is a moderate-to-difficult trail suit for first-time trekkers and those with limited free time who still want enough acclimatization days. The price varies by group size and season and includes a guide or porter, permits, and a Lukla flight. Booking with local authorised operators generally provides better value, customer care and support in case of any issues. Make sure to clarify what services are included in your chosen plan, permits, and cancellation policy before paying any deposit.
12-Day Everest Base Camp Trek: Overview & Who It's For
The 12-day Everest trekking itinerary includes a guided hike from Lukla to Everest Base Camp and back, passing through the classic route of Lukla → Phakding → Namche Bazaar → Tengboche → Dingboche → Lobuche → Gorak Shep → Everest Base Camp → Kala Patthar → Lukla.
What makes this trail special is not only the ultimate goal but also the opportunities to stop by at villages located in the shadow of the Everest Massif, to admire the spectacular views of Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, and Ama Dablam peaks, and to cross the suspension bridges over the Dudh Koshi River in the Khumbu Valley.
A 12-day trek is a moderate-paced adventure, which most trekkers can manage without serious issues. If you are in good health and well-prepared for the challenge, it should not be problematic to complete this route. Still, it is essential to note that not only the length of the trail might be demanding – the elevation gain, cold temperatures at night, and the overall simplicity of the infrastructure at the required altitudes can be tough as well.
The 12-day period refers specifically to the trek. Your arrival and departure days in Kathmandu can vary depending on your airline preferences and the booking agency’s recommendations, so it is vital to clarify the details before booking your trip.
Who Is the 12-Day Everest Base Camp Trek Best For?
Direct answer: The 12-day Everest Base Camp Trek is best suited for fit, time-constrained hikers who want the iconic high-altitude trek without having to commit to a long trip.
- Fit first-timers with limited vacation time
- Adventure travelers and couples
- Small groups
- Time-constrained trekkers
- Those seeking a locally guided package
Even for the fittest trekker, proper preparation and respect for acclimatization are imperative on this route, as it is not a race, despite the fitness required to complete it. A sensible itinerary allows for proper adjustment to the altitude, not the other way around.
Local guide advice: Guides that lead trips on this route year-round will tell you that the most common cause of difficulties is not the unfit, but those who rush the early stages on relatively easy trails and arrive, tired and out of breath, at Namche or Dingboche.
A good pace is far more important than speed on a trek in the Khumbu region, as conditions can vary drastically from the fairly straightforward trails along the river from Lukla to the exposed rocky tracks above Lobuche.
Responsible operators allow for extra days in the itinerary for this reason, and also avoid the temptation to hurry along the route. It is far better to take one's time meandering through the local villages at a more leisurely pace, both for acclimatization and for safety, especially for those wishing to undertake the optional side trek to Everest Base Camp and Kala Patthar.
This 12-day format is ideal for your Everest Base Camp trek package because it's shorter than the extended itineraries that include side adventures, but still allows you to follow the traditional Lukla trek to Namche Bazaar to Everest Base Camp route that makes this a beloved Himalayan challenge. See a full list of hikes for our Everest Base Camp itinerary.
Whether you're hiking the full Everest Base Camp trek guide for the first time or you've read twelve different articles about the 12-day Everest trek, the basics remain the same: this is a true high-altitude trek that requires tea house trekking skills and a patient spirit, not speed, to have a successful Everest trekking for beginners experience.
Short Itinerary
Here's the overview of the 12-day itinerary before the detailed day-by-day breakdown below.
- Day 1: Fly from Kathmandu to Lukla and trek to Phakding (2,610 m / 8,563 ft) - Flight Time: 30–40 min | Trek Time: 3–4 hrs
- Day 2: Trek from Phakding to Namche Bazaar (3,440 m / 11,286 ft) - Distance: 10–12 km (6.2–7.5 mi) | Trek Time: 5–6 hrs
- Day 3: Rest and acclimatization day in Namche Bazaar (3,440 m / 11,286 ft) - Hiking Time: 2–4 hrs
- Day 4: Trek from Namche Bazaar to Tengboche or Milingo (3,860 m / 12,664 ft) - Distance: 9–11 km (5.6–6.8 mi) | Trek Time: 5–6 hrs
- Day 5: Trek from Milingo to Dingboche (4,410 m / 14,469 ft) - Distance: 8–10 km (5–6.2 mi) | Trek Time: 4–5 hrs
- Day 6: Rest and acclimatization day in Dingboche (4,410 m / 14,469 ft) - Hiking Time: 3–4 hrs
- Day 7: Trek from Dingboche to Lobuche (4,910 m / 16,109 ft) - Distance: 7–8 km (4.3–5 mi) | Trek Time: 4–5 hrs
- Day 8: Trek from Lobuche to Gorak Shep (5,164 m / 16,942 ft) via Everest Base Camp (5,364 m / 17,598 ft) - Distance: 12–13 km (7.5–8.1 mi) | Trek Time: 7–9 hrs
- Day 9: Hike from Gorak Shep to Kala Patthar (5,545 m / 18,192 ft) and trek to Pheriche (4,371 m / 14,340 ft) - Distance: 10–12 km (6.2–7.5 mi) | Trek Time: 6–8 hrs
- Day 10: Trek from Pheriche to Namche Bazaar (3,440 m / 11,286 ft) - Distance: 14–15 km (8.7–9.3 mi) | Trek Time: 6–7 hrs
- Day 11: Trek from Namche Bazaar to Lukla (2,860 m / 9,383 ft) - Distance: 18–20 km (11.2–12.4 mi) | Trek Time: 6–8 hrs
- Day 12: Fly from Lukla to Kathmandu - Flight Time: 30–40 min
12-Day Everest Base Camp Trek Cost 2026
How much does a 12-day Everest Base Camp Trek cost in 2026? There is no definite cost for a 2026 mountain climbing tour since it depends on the selected level of services, the size of the group, the season, the staff’s experience, whether they include porters or guides, and other factors.
For a general idea, keep in mind that budget options are the cheapest for group tours, private tours, and additional services for families and luxury accommodations are the most expensive, while private guides or porters and their assistance can be in the middle of the price range. It is better to ask for a specific quote for the preferred period rather than a headline price because the final cost depends on many details.
Local operators often provide more reliable services for mountain climbing tours than international companies because they do not have an intermediary between the client and the guides or other services. In other words, local operators manage their guides, porters, accommodations, and other means of providing the service directly.
In turn, international agencies usually act as an intermediary between tourists and local suppliers, which makes their services more expensive. However, it is better not to choose the cheapest option since it may seem too good to be true. The safety of the tour depends on the staff’s experience, the organization’s reputation, and the employees’ work conditions.
What affects the cost, explained:
- Lukla flight- The Domestic flight seats to and from Lukla are a main cost component and may vary depending on the season and fuel surcharges, so make sure your Lukla flight cost is fixed.
- Permits – Sagarmatha National Park entry Permit and the Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Permit both require a government-issued fee. Fees for permits may vary from time to time, so check the latest price when you purchase your permit.
- Guide fee-Depends upon the experience and license of the Guide you choose and is charged daily as a primary guide and assistant guide.
- Porter fee – Depends on the daily rate of your Porter.
- Meals – Meals on Trek and meals you can have in Kathmandu separately.
- Lodging – Tea house or hotel accommodation on a twin-sharing basis, depending on the altitude you will be staying at.
- Transfers – Transfers to and from Kathmandu included, and other transportation services included in your travel plan.
- Insurance For staff- Insurance for staff is an additional feature that shows the reliability of the service provider. Most agencies arrange staff insurance as an additional feature, which is an extra cost; however, it should not be considered optional since it is an additional safety measure.
- Company Service charge – The company’s profit margin for organizing your trip.
- Airport transfers – Pickup and drop-off transfers in Kathmandu on your arrival and departure from Kathmandu.
- Gear rental – Sleeping bags or other equipment rental if you don’t want to buy your own gear.
- Private or Group trek – Private Treks have a higher cost than group treks since the guide fee and Porter fee are divided among the group members.
2026 Package Comparison
|
Package Type |
Best For |
What's Typically Included |
|
Budget local package |
Cost-conscious solo/group trekkers |
Guide, teahouse lodging, permits, ground transport |
|
Standard guided package |
Most first-time trekkers |
Guide, porter, permits, teahouse lodging, meals on trek, transport |
|
Private trek package |
Couples, families, small groups wanting flexibility |
Dedicated guide/porter, flexible pace, private airport transfers |
|
Luxury add-on package |
Trekkers wanting extra comfort |
Upgraded lodges where available, helicopter add-ons, extra support staff |
|
Guide-only option |
Confident trekkers who want route/safety support without a porter |
Licensed guide, permit handling |
|
Porter-guide option |
Trekkers who want one person to guide and help carry gear |
Combined guiding and load-carrying support |
Budget local package from $US___ per person; Standard guided package from $US___ per person; Private trek package from $US___ per person.)
The package cost (the amount you pay to us) exclude the personal expenses you may need on the trek, which includes but is not limited to: WiFi, hot showers, charging batteries, buying bottled or boiled water, treats, bar bills, and tips, all of which are usually paid directly to the teahouses along the trail.
On a trekking budget in Nepal, the higher you hike, the more expensive everything becomes. A reputable trekking company will explain what is included and not stated in the offered package; instead of learning about the hidden costs the hard way on the trail, you can simply ask us. We do not believe in hidden costs; we state them clearly so you understand precisely what is included in the price requested before paying a deposit.
We are a registered and licensed trekking company in Nepal. We are always ready to share the necessary documents (copies of our licenses) with you on request and help with any inquiries about your 2026 trip; just let us know.
“Our trek leader gave us costs on day one and no nasty fees on the trek – the permits and flights were at the price we’d agreed with the travel agent prior to departing”. A recent EBC trekker.
Always get final prices directly with your trekking company at the time of booking, as prices do vary by season. For a further analysis of trek prices, see our Everest Base Camp trek cost.
Latest Update
Local operator notes: Our staff is receiving information about Lukla flight scheduling that depends on the season, as well as the traffic situation at the airport, so it is best to confirm your departure point with our staff as you approach your trip. In addition, the situation with the queue for permits at Monjo and the Khumbu Pasang Lhamu checkpoint in Lukla is back to normal; there are no significant delays reported this season. The trail conditions are also back to normal for the time of the year.
Permits and fees are regulated by the Nepal Tourism Board and the Sagarmatha National Park authority. For up-to-date information, please visit ntb gov. np. Prices, flight regulations and permit requirements may change without any notice, so it is advisable to check with your operator or concerned authority before booking.
Online Trip Briefing
Once your booking is confirmed, we will arrange an online pre-trek briefing via Google Meet or Zoom to discuss your fitness level, itinerary, essential trekking equipment, and latest trail conditions, while giving you time to ask questions and clarify concerns. After the briefing, we will add you to a WhatsApp group to stay connected with our team and get trekking-related assistance whenever needed, helping you feel prepared, informed, and confident before departure.
Route & Elevation Profile
Interactive Map
12-Day Everest Base Camp Trek: 2026 Booking & Local Operator Costs Detailed Itinerary
Fly Kathmandu to Lukla and Trek to Phakding (2,610 m / 8,563 ft)
In the morning we set out from our hotel to the airport which should be about 15-20 minutes. Our flight from the airport will be heading towards Lukla and will take approximately 25 to 30 minutes. In case the flight goes smoothly, we will have breakfast in Lukla. During the flight, we can enjoy the view of different Himalayan ranges. In good weather conditions, we can see the Gaurishankar range from the plane.
After landing in Lukla, we can see the tiny peaks of Lukla and Kongde. After getting a break, we start walking from Lukla towards the end village of today, namely Phakding. At Lukla village gate, right beside the Pasang Lhamu Gate, we can see the Sagarmatha National Park Authority’s permit office. We can have a small rest there and complete the formality of the permit. After that, we will start walking towards Phakding again. Since the trail can be narrow and crowded, we must walk in the group accordingly.
On our way to Phakding, we will witness many beautiful and small villages. We can also see the local communities in Cheplung, Thado Koshigaon, and Ghat. In addition, we can see many animals like Chauri (Yaks/dzo), Mules, and Water buffalo. The walk from Lukla to Phakding takes around 2-3 hours. So, we can reach Phakding in the evening.
For the first night, we can stay at the Hotel Khumbu Travelers Guest House in Phakding. Phakding is a beautiful village located within the Khumbu region. It consists of only around 20-30 houses and 10-15 local tea houses. In Phakding, we can also find bakeries, local shops, a snooker room, and pubs.
Guide’s tips: Keep your daypack light for the flight and first-day adventure; you will be busy adjusting to Lukla’s height after landing, so do not add much weight to it.
About Phakding
- Overview of Accommodation: Rooms with twin-share beds at a local tea house
- Meals: Dal bhat, noodles, fried rice, soup, pasta, pancakes, tea, and coffee
- Internet: Most tea houses provide WiFi on payment
- Mobile Network: NTC and Ncell are available in most places; however, the connection might be lost sometimes
- Electricity: Available for charging; however, some tea houses charge extra for it
- Hot Shower: It is available in most tea houses
- ATM: There is no ATM; therefore, it is recommended to carry extra cash from Kathmandu
- Difficulty: Easy (short day hike)
- Altitude: Low risk
Notes: There is a possibility that your flight from Lukla might get canceled or delayed due to weather problems, which would leave you with much less time for today’s trekking. In such a scenario, your guide will manage the day’s schedule so that you can still reach Phakding, where the night’s accommodation is arranged, with enough time in hand to prepare for tomorrow’s day hike.
Phakding to Namche Bazaar (3,440 m / 11,286 ft)
On the second day, after having breakfast, we will start trekking to our second walking destination, Namche Bazaar. On the way, we pass through little local villages like Toktok, Benker, Chumau, and Monjo. On the trail, we can enjoy the little waterfalls. From Benker, we can have a view of the Thamserku peak. Monjo is the entrance to Sagarmatha National Park; therefore, we have to register at the police checkpost and present our permits. We will have lunch at Jorsalle, which is about a three-hour walk from Monjo. On the trail, we need to cross 3 suspension bridges.
After having lunch, we will start trekking to our second-day destination, Namche Bazaar. On the way, we hike the riverside trail for about 30 mins and then continue walking on a steep uphill path for another 30 mins. We will come across the Hillary Suspension Bridge, named after Sir Edmund Hillary. We trek comfortably for another 15-18 mins on a moderate uphill trail; from the side of the right, we can see the first glimpse of Mount Everest. In clear weather, we can see Mount Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, and Taboche peaks.
After that, we can trek for about an hour on a steep hill, staircase trail. The place where we will stop for a while is called Top Dada, a good resting place for the tourists. Then, from Top Dada, we start descending for another 1-1 ½ hrs., and we will come across the Namche Bazaar check post(police post). Here we need to register ourselves and present our permits. After that, we will start walking for a short distance on an uphill path and come across the famous Hotel Sun Shower Namche in the afternoon. In the evening, we can explore this lovely village, where we can mostly see the view of glaciers from the hotel balconies.
In Namche Bazaar, we can find more than 60 hotels, over six bars/restaurants, a shopping mart, and a hospital. It is believed that Namche is the trading hub of the Khumbu region. It is not a natural village; rather, some time ago, farmers from the Khumjung and Kunde villages used to farm in this region. Gradually, when tourism started booming, they built several hotels and lodges for the tourists.
Guide’s Tip: The staircase trail before Namche is the most difficult trail among the above-mentioned ones. So, it will be better to take one sip of water after every few steps rather than trying to race up the trail.
About Namche Bazaar
- Village type: Main Sherpa trading town and hub of the Khumbu region
- Accommodation: Twin-sharing rooms in one of the 60+ hotels/lodges
- Meals: Tibetan-style dal bhat, noodles, bakery, pizza, momo, tea, coffee
- Wi-Fi: Available for a fee
- Mobile networks: NTC and Ncell usually have good reception
- Electricity: Available for charging (extra fee might apply)
- Hot shower: Yes, usually available for a fee
- ATM: Yes, the last one on the trail
- Difficulty: Moderate to strenuous (due to steep ascents)
- Altitude: Moderate, it is the first significant altitude gain on the trek
If plans change: If the trail above Monjo is more crowded than expected or the weather is poor on the Namche staircase, your guide may decide to alter your lunch stop or pace, so you are not delayed unnecessarily. It is not uncommon for treks in the Khumbu region to be affected by weather or other conditions, and it is always best to err on the side of caution when it comes to altitude.
Rest Day in Namche Bazaar - Everest View Hotel Side Trip (3,880 m / 12,730 ft)
After having breakfast, we will proceed to Everest View Hotel for our third day of trekking. The trail from here will be narrow and crowded. On the way, we may witness the peaks of Kongde, Thamserku, Tashi Lapcha, Kusum Kanguru, etc. After 1 to 1.5 hours of hiking uphill, we will see the Syangboche airport next to Sagarmatha (Everest). Sagarmatha Next is an Iron and Plastic recycle factory. We may spend 30 minutes to 1 hour exploring this factory.
Subsequently, we will start walking towards the Everest View Hotel. After a 20 to 30 minute walk, we will arrive at a hotel called Hotel Canora situated on a hill. From the right side of this hotel, we can see the Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Ama Dablam, and Taboche mountains. From here, we need to walk 20 to 30 minutes on a flat road to reach the Everest View Hotel. Here, we can spend 1 to 1.30 hours having hot and cold drinks while enjoying the magnificent view of the mountains.
Our next destination is Khumjung. From here, we will walk towards the Kunde village. Khumjung is a big and beautiful village located in the Everest region. There is a school and an ancient monastery with the Yeti scalp in the village. In the Kunde village, there is a Kunde hospital. Kunde is comparatively smaller than Khumjung. We will have our lunch in the Stupa Inn Hotel in Khumjung, and then we will head to Namche via another route.
On the way to Khumjung, we will explore Namche Bazaar. On the day of our hike, we will visit the Sagarmatha National Park Heritage Center. From the Heritage Center, we can witness the view of Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Ama Dablam, Thamserku, Taboche peak, and Kongde. In this Center, we can see various heritages related to the Sherpa community. There is also a Tenzing Norgay statue in the center.
Guide's Tip: Even on a “rest day”, you should still plan to walk for several hours at a reasonable altitude. This lets your body gradually adjust to higher elevations by getting it used to being active, then sleeping at a lower altitude.
About Namche Bazaar / Khumjung / Kunde
- Village Type: Acclimatization “side-trip” villages above Namche
- Accommodation: Same lodge as Day 2 (Namche); day-trip only to Khumjung/Kunde
- Meals: Lunch at Hotel Stupa Inn, Khumjung; otherwise, expect dal bhat, noodles, and soup
- WiFi: Available at Everest View Hotel and in Namche for a fee
- Mobile Network: Generally possible (NTC and Ncell), but reception might be spotty around Syangboche
- Electricity: Available for charging in Namche (and the Everest View Hotel), with possible premium fees
- Hot Shower: Available again in Namche
- ATM: Only in Namche
- Difficulty: Easy to moderate (mostly optional, good for acclimatization)
- Altitude Risk: Moderate; only a short time spent ascending to 3,800m+ before descending again
If plans change: If clouds hide the view from Everest View Hotel, your guide may decide to spend more time here or at the Heritage Center. The goal of the day was acclimatization, so feel free to be flexible with the itinerary depending on conditions.
Namche Bazaar to Tengboche / Phungi Thanga (3,860–3,900 m / 12,664–12,795 ft)
On the fourth day, after having breakfast around 6:00 or 6:30 am, we will depart for our main destination. On the way to our destination, we will hike a very easy flat trail, from where we can see small stupas. We can see Everest, Lhotse, and Nuptse in front of us and Thamserku and Taboche on the left. After walking on a flat trail for 3-3:30 h, we will arrive at Kyanjuma.
From Kyanjuma, we will see two different trails; One leads to Gokyo and the Valley trek, and the other leads back to Khumjung/Kunde. However, we will take the right path going down. After trekking down for 2-2:30 h, we will arrive at Dungi Thanga Hotel Evergreen, where we will have lunch today. On the way, we will pass through places called Kajal and Sanasa.
We will cross a suspension bridge at the end of Dungi Thanga and see a Nepal Army checkpost, where we will register. After that, we will have a fantastic trek upstream for 2-3 h through the forest. Then, we will arrive at Tengboche, where there is the largest monastery of the Khumbu region. From Tengboche village, you have the same view as from Dingboche, but the mountains look closer. There are about 5-7 guest houses in the village.
From Tengboche, we will walk down and then flat on the trail through the forest for about 45 min – 1 h, and we will arrive at Phungi Thanga (Milungo), where we will stay overnight at the Hotel Good Luck.
Guide’s Tip: Tengboche monastery is worth the detour, even if you have to stop for only a few minutes because the view of Ama Dablam from the courtyard is one of the best on the trekking trail.
About Tengboche / Phungi Thanga
- Village Type: Monastery village (Tengboche) and forest riverside overnight stop (Phungi Thanga)
- Accommodation: Twin-sharing room at Hotel Good Luck, Phungi Thanga
- Meals: Includes Dal bhat, noodles, soups, momo, tea, and coffee
- Wi-Fi: Mostly available at a charge
- Mobile Network: NTC and Ncell are usually available; signal strength may vary in forested areas
- Electricity: Available for charging with extra charges
- Hot Shower: Available in most tea houses
- ATM: No, you have to bring cash with you from Namche
- Difficulty: Moderate (Long, but flat and uphill through the forest)
- Altitude Risk: Moderate
If plans change: Prayer meetings or festivals at Tengboche monastery may occasionally cause temporary closures. Your guide will decide how long to stop, considering the time of day. You should have enough daylight to reach Phungi Thanga
Phungi Thanga to Dingboche (4,410 m / 14,469 ft)
After having breakfast (6:00 -8:00 am), we will start trekking for the fifth day to reach our destination, Dingboche. We will walk for about 20-25 minutes through a flat forest and come to a suspension bridge. Then, we will hike on a stony path to the top of a hill, passing through stone-built mani walls and old stupas built along the spiritual path. After that, we will walk on a narrow rocky trail for 2-3 hours and reach the Lower Pangboche village.
This village has only a few houses (about 20-30), some local shops, and 10-15 hotels/lodges. From here, we can see the Lhotse and Nuptse mountains, and we can not see Everest because it is seen behind the Nuptse. After that, we will walk for about an hour and come to Somare. We can have lunch here today. After having lunch, from here, no other villages are visible to the top; this is the last village of the Khumbu region.
After having lunch in Somare, we will walk for about 2-3 hours on a slightly ascending trail, cross a wooden bridge, and walk a little more uphill. After that, we will come to Dingboche. On the way to Somare, we will see two landscapes, and after 30-45 minutes descending from Somare, we can see two trails, and we can not see the tree line above the Pangboche village.
From here, we can see the trail going towards the Gokyo valley. From here, we can see many mountains and peaks (Tabuche, Pumari, Khubutsey, Cholatse, Nuptse, etc.). We will stay at the Hotel Eco Himalayan in Dingboche. Here, there are a few good places to stay (8-9), including the World's Highest Bakery, local shops, etc.
Through this trail, we came to Chhukung, and from there, on the flat right side, we will come to Dingboche. But from this side, return after EBC through that rocky trail which we took for coming to Chhukung. We will stay two days in Dingboche. Here, there are 20-25 hotels, local shops, and bakeries. Most of the local people come to the village in the season to arrange everything for the tourists and go back to their village in the lower season to grow vegetables.
Guide's Tip: You will see the tree-line disappear above Pangboche, so this is a good place to realize you're getting up there already, and you should probably start moving more carefully from this point out of caution.
About Dingboche
- Village: High-altitude Sherpa village, from where it is the last chance to turn back towards Lobuche.
- Rooms: Available on a twin-sharing basis in Hotel Eco Himalayan.
- Meals: Includes dal bhat, noodles, soup, etc. Bakery items are available in the World's Highest Bakery.
- Wi-Fi: Available in most of the guesthouses for an additional charge.
- Mobile networks: NTC is usually better than Ncell at higher altitudes.
- Electricity: Electricity is available for charging purposes. It is more expensive the higher you go.
- Hot shower: Hot shower is available for an additional charge. This is also more expensive the higher you go.
- ATM: There are no ATMs; therefore, it is a good idea to carry sufficient cash with you.
- Difficulty: Moderate to difficult due to continuous ascent.
- Altitude Risk: High risk of altitude-related illnesses. Most people start feeling the effects of altitude from this point.
If you feel unwell: If any of your group members feel any of the common altitude symptoms as you are approaching Dingboche, your guide may decide to slow the pace or take a longer lunch break in Somare. This is perfectly normal and should not worry you.
Rest Day in Dingboche - Nagarjun Hill Hike (5,100 m / 16,732 ft)
On the sixth day, after having breakfast around (6:00 - 8:00) AM, we will trek towards Nagarjun Hill (Peak) to have a sightseeing experience. As it is a very high-altitude path and an uphill trek, we have to walk very steady steps at the base. On the way, we will witness duckish hills, fog, and mani walls.
Furthermore, after having walked for a while, in the background, we will see Ama Dablam, Khari Gaon, Thamserku; on the right side, we will see Island Peak, Makalu, Lhotse, Lhotse Shar; and in the back on the right side, we will see Tabuche, Cholatse, Lobuche, and some other little mountains. After walking for 3 to 5 hours, we will come to Nagarjun Hill, where we will see all those mountains in a very clear view.
After that, we will descend the same path for 2 to 2.5 hours to retrace the day. We will get to the junction that leads to Lobuche, which is a place we will head to the day after. The hike to this summit shall take 6 to 7 hours of the day. The remaining time will be spent roaming Dingboche, after which we have the second night of stay at the same lodge.
Guide’s note: This hiking is of adjustable difficulty. You should reach up to an altitude as your comfort level permits. In case of the development of a headache or unusual exhaustion or shortness of breath, turn around. Today’s visit aims at your adjustment to higher altitudes.
About Dingboche (Nagarjun Hill side trip)
- Village type: Acclimatization hike above the main village.
- Accommodation: Same as Day 5; you will stay at the same lodge.
- Meals: Dal bhat, noodles, soup, bakery products.
- WiFi: Available in most of the hostels, but it is paid.
- Mobile network: The connection may be lost while climbing higher than the village, but it is generally ok.
- Electricity: Available in Dingboche for charging.
- Hot shower: Available, but the price depends on the altitude.
- Difficulty: Moderate to difficult (it is optional if to go at a fast pace)
- Altitude risk: It is high since you have a chance to get higher than 5000 m above sea level and then go back down to sleep in Dingboche.
Note: If the weather closes in on Nagarjun Hill, the group might return sooner or opt for a shorter and shallower walk instead along the base of Dingboche. You get the same acclimatizing benefits for an even shorter trek version of the walk.
Dingboche to Lobuche (4,910–4,940 m / 16,109–16,207 ft)
On the seventh day, we will have breakfast (6:00 -7:00) AM. After having breakfast, we have to walk slightly uphill for about 3- 3:30 hrs. (The trail looks easy, but due to high altitude, we will experience difficulty in walking). After walking for about 2to 2:30 hrs, we will reach Thukla, from where we will have our lunch today.
Near Thukla, we will cross a suspension bridge; in the background, we will see Ama Dablam, on the left side Tabuche and Cholatse and ahead will be Lobuche mountain.
After having lunch, after walking uphill steeply for about 1 to 1:20 hrs, we will reach a place called Thukla Pass. On this hill, we will see numerous memorials of the climbers who died during the course of climbing the Himalayas in the Everest region. There are over 40-plus memorials made of stone, which are stupas/mani walls.
Thereafter, we walk on an uneven road gradually uphill with a slight slope for about 2 to 2:30 hours and finally arrive in Lobuche. We’ll see about 8 to 10 hotels on the way, Lobuche East Peak and local health posts. The overnight destination is Hotel Everest Trackers.
Guide’s Tip: Thukla Hill is quite steep, just for a short stretch, but with a real altitude to take into account – easy there and use it as a reminder to check in before setting off again tomorrow.
About Lobuche
- Village type: Small high-altitude village near the Everest Base Camp
- Accommodation: Twin-sharing room available at Hotel Everest Trackers
- Food: Dal bhat, noodles, soup, and other hot meals
- Wi-Fi: Not easily available, and it can be costly when it is accessible
- Mobile network: Poor network coverage
- Electricity: Electricity is available for charging purposes; however, it is charged an additional fee
- Hot shower: Hot shower is not easily available; it is either basic or not available at some lodges
- Difficulty: Very challenging trail with steep sections and less oxygen
- Altitude: Very high altitude
If plans change: Your guide may shorten your break for lunch, or the last uphill section to Lobuche if group progress is slower than desired once you reach the vicinity of Thukla Pass. This will be a normal measure at the altitude.
Lobuche to Gorak Shep (5,164–5,200 m / 16,942–17,060 ft) via Everest Base Camp (5,364 m / 17,598 ft)
On the eighth day - on this day we will trek to our final place (our destination), EBC. As we have to walk a lot on this day, after having breakfast around (5:00 - 6:00) AM, our journey to Gorakshep and EBC involves crossing a high-altitude glacier trail.
After a journey of about (3-4) hours, we will reach Gorakshep. After walking halfway through the glacier, we will see the world's largest Khumbu Glacier.
We will have our lunch in Gorakshep. After having lunch, we will leave the items needed up to base camp (snacks, water, clothes, phone, camera) and leave the rest of the baggage in Gorakshep.
After a difficult glacier journey of about 1:30 to 2 hours, we will reach EBC. On this journey, we will already see Everest on this day right from Gorakshep.
At EBC, we will enjoy photos, videos, and the view. Then we will return via the same route for about 1:30 hours. In Gorakshep, we will stay at Hotel Buddha Lodge.
Guide's Tip: It is the longest day; keep to a steady pace from the start, drink and eat continually, and avoid keeping up with a quick party on the glacier track.
About Gorak Shep / Everest Base Camp
- Village type: Last village before EBC (Gorak Shep); the base camp itself does not have any permanent structures
- Accommodation type: Private room can be available at hotels in Gorak Shep (twin-sharing at Hotel Buddha Lodge)
- Food: Simple dal bhat, noodles or soup – very limited variety at such a high altitude
- Wi-Fi: Very limited and expensive where it is available
- Mobile network: Often unavailable at such a high altitude
- Electricity: Available to charge devices, but at a higher cost
- Hot shower: Not often available; be prepared for basic facilities
- Difficulty: Extremely high (longest, highest and most strenuous day of the trek)
- Altitude: Very high, as it is the highest altitude you will sleep at before Kala Patthar
If plans change: The time you spend at Base Camp itself may also be reduced depending on how far you are behind due to conditions on the glacier trail or the climate around Khumbu Glacier.
Gorak Shep – Kala Patthar Hike (5,545–5,555 m / 18,192–18,225 ft) & Trek to Pheriche (4,300–4,371 m / 14,108–14,340 ft)
Early in the morning before sunrise, around (3:00 - 4:00) AM, we will have to start hiking towards Kala Patthar by walking uphill. By walking uphill for about (2-3 hours), we will reach the top and will witness the view of Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Pumori, Khumbutse, and Cholatse mountains from the top.
However, due to the significant altitude, after spending some time there, we will have to go back to Gorakshep.
After having breakfast in the morning, we will trek towards Pheriche. On the same route, it will take us a walk of about 1 to 1:30 hours to reach back at Lobuche again. On the way, towards the evening, we will reach Thukla and have our meal for the day at that place.
After walking for about 1 hour, we will reach Pheriche, passing through the open field and close to the river. If, at sunrise, there is cloud about the summit of Kala Patthar, then your group may be asked to remain for a little while longer in expectation of a weather improvement, and the plan to descend to Pheriche may be altered to fit this in.
Guide's Tip: Worth setting off on a dark morning for, and definitely pack 11 layers if you go. This part of the mountain gets the coldest temperature of the trek before sunrise.
About Pheriche
- Type of Place: High-altitude village in the Imja Valley, utilized as a lower overnight stop after Kala Patthar
- Accommodation: Twin sharing at a local teahouse
- Food: Dal bhat, noodles, soups, tea, and coffee
- WiFi: Available in some lodges, usually for a fee
- Mobile Network: NTC is more reliable than Ncell here
- Electricity: Available for charging, with additional fees
- Hot Shower: Some lodges offer this amenity for an additional charge
- Difficulty: Very hard (pre-dawn climb) into Hard (long down day)
- Altitude: Very high on Kala Patthar, becoming moderate at Pheriche
If plans change: If, at sunrise, there is a cloud about the summit of Kala Patthar, then your group may be asked to remain for a little while longer in expectation of a weather improvement, and the plan to descend to Pheriche may be altered to fit this in.
Pheriche to Namche Bazaar (3,440 m / 11,286 ft)
On the tenth day, after breakfast around (6:00 - 7:00) AM, we will head to our destination, which is Namche Bazaar. While crossing the bridge and hiking for about 55 minutes, we will arrive at the same path we hiked before going to Dingboche. On that day, we will pass through Pangboche, Phungi Thanga, Tengboche, Dingboche, Kyangjuma, and Sanasa.
While hiking on a flat trail for (6-8 hours), we will arrive at Namche and stay at the hotel where we stayed previously. On this day, we will buy some required items from this village. We can see the hills that we could not visit previously.
Guide’s Tip: It is at this stage you may well find your legs aching more on the way down than on the way up - trekking poles really did give much-needed support on today's long downhill sections.
About Namche Bazaar (return)
- Village type: Return stay at the main Sherpa hub
- Accommodation: Same lodge as Day 2/3 (Hotel Sun Shower)
- Meals: Dal bhat, bakery, pizza, momo, tea, and coffee
- Wi-Fi: Easily available for a price
- Mobile network: NTC and Ncell usually have a good signal
- Electricity: Available for charging, but it might cost some extra money
- Hot shower: Yes, also usually for a price
- ATM: Yes
- Difficulty: Moderate to hard (long day with lots of downhills and some parts where you go up)
- Altitude: Low to moderate (you are basically descending the whole day)
If plans change: It is tiring to have a day of extended descent, and with the altitude threat lowered, this is something to which your Guide could opt to add an extra brief rest at Kyangjuma or Sanasa prior to proceeding into Namche.
Namche Bazaar to Lukla (2,860 m / 9,383 ft)
On the eleventh day, after having breakfast around (6:00 - 7:00)AM we will start our final walk and walk for about (6-7)hours through the trail. We will reach Lukla. On this day, we'll cross the suspension bridge.
In Lukla, we will stay our final night at Mockers Inn (the same place where we stayed on the first day), and we will explore Lukla village.
Guide's Tip: It's easy to hurry on your final day, but it's still a long day, so keep your trekking pace, especially on the descents.
About Lukla
- Village Type: Mountain gateway town and final overnight stop before the flight out
- Accommodation: Twin-sharing rooms at Mockers Inn
- Meals: Dal bhat, noodles, bakery items, pizza, tea, and coffee
- Wi-Fi: Available in most lodges, usually for a fee
- Mobile Network: NTC and Ncell generally reliable here
- Electricity: Available for charging; extra charges may apply
- Hot Shower: Available in most lodges
- ATM: Limited availability; confirm with your guide or carry sufficient cash
- Difficulty: Moderate (long but mostly familiar trail)
- Altitude Risk: Low - lowest altitude of the return trek
If plans change: Your guide may also pace it slightly faster if it’s a busy trail lower down nearer Namche, at its lower checkposts, and to make sure you end the day in Lukla at a reasonable time before nightfall.
Fly Lukla to Kathmandu
Depending on our plane ticket timing, we will have breakfast. It will take around (40-90) minutes to drive from the hotel to Lukla Airport. Depending on our ticket timing at the airport, the weather in Lukla might turn bad. Due to the weather conditions, the flight might not happen on time. Flights might even be canceled due to bad weather throughout the day.
Guide's Tip: Leave at least one day buffer after this flight in case of bad weather. Poor visibility in Lukla is frequent enough that connecting international flights should be planned with extra caution.
About Lukla Airport / Kathmandu Arrival
- Village Type: Domestic mountain airstrip (departure)/capital city (arrival)
- Accommodation: Your booked hotel in Kathmandu
- Meals: Breakfast in Lukpa; onward meals are on your own in Kathmandu
- Wi-Fi: Yes, in Kathmandu hotels
- Mobile Network: Good mobile network coverage in Kathmandu
- Electricity: Electricity is available in Kathmandu
- Hot Shower: Hot water is available in Kathmandu hotels
- ATM: Yes, ATMs are widely available in Kathmandu
- Difficulty: Easy (a day of travel)
- Altitude Risk: Low altitude risk
If plans change: Flights to and from Lukla can on occasion be canceled or delayed because of mountain weather. In this instance, you will re-book your flight with your operator and, when available, explore whether there is a helicopter trip available. Such things happen very frequently in the Himalayas; you needn't be concerned, however; you will not be left trekking eternally from Lukla; it is just a case of getting you back to the capital.
This is the day-by-day schedule for the trek – hours of walking, gain in altitude, overnight stays, and notes about your route on the ground, based on a guide’s experience on this particular trail rather than a generic template. Two days are dedicated to acclimatization in Namche Bazaar and Dingboche – they are not wasted; this is how you gain altitude without jeopardizing your efforts in the next 10 days.
Each day is purposeful – if you think that a highland hike will be significantly easier than described in the itinerary, you are mistaken – when the change in altitude affects your body, it will be noted right below in this trip note. Do not forget that the Everest region is unpredictable in terms of weather – your guide will plan your itinerary day-by-day in order to achieve the best possible result while being safe and considerate of your body.
Dates & Availability
Check the schedule above and select your preferred trek start date. We recommend arriving in Nepal 2–3 days before the trek and scheduling your return flight 2–3 days after it ends. This extra time provides a comfortable buffer for flight delays, weather changes, or unexpected travel adjustments.
Cost Details
Includes
- Complimentary private airport pickup upon arrival and airport drop-off upon departure.
- Round-trip domestic flights between Kathmandu/Manthali and Lukla.
- Shared ground transportation between Kathmandu and Manthali Airport during peak trekking seasons.
- 11 nights of accommodation throughout the trip.
- Two nights in twin-sharing rooms with attached bathrooms in Lukla and Phakding.
- Three nights in twin-sharing teahouse rooms with attached bathrooms in Namche.
- Four nights in standard rooms in Tengboche, Dingboche, Lobuche, Gorak Shep, and Pheriche.
- Two nights in standard rooms in Dingboche.
- Standard full-board meals, including 12 breakfasts, 12 lunches, and 11 dinners, with one main course per meal.
- One cup of tea or coffee of your choice with each meal.
- Water purification tablets to help ensure safe drinking water throughout the trek.
- Fresh seasonal fruits provided daily during the trek.
- A government-licensed, English-speaking trekking guide.
- One assistant guide for groups of more than five trekkers.
- One porter for every two trekkers, carrying a maximum combined luggage weight of 18 kg, with a limit of 9 kg per trekker.
- Guide and porter expenses, including salaries, meals, accommodation, transportation, insurance, and necessary equipment.
- Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit.
- Environmental “Green Fee.”
- Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Permit.
- All applicable government taxes and official service charges.
- A comprehensive first-aid kit carried by your trekking guide.
- Daily health and altitude monitoring by your trekking guide.
- Emergency assistance and coordination in case of illness or injury.
- Helicopter evacuation arrangements when required, with evacuation costs covered by your travel insurance.
- Emergency altitude sickness medication, including Diamox (acetazolamide), carried by the guide when required.
- Trek completion certificate upon successfully completing the trek.
- A farewell gathering in Lukla or Kathmandu after the trek.
- One shared, non-waterproof duffel bag for every two trekkers, provided if needed and returned after the trek.
- One used sleeping bag and down jacket per trekker, provided for use during the trek and returned afterward.
- Complimentary pre-trek briefing before departure.
- Private trekking with your own guide, without joining mixed groups.
- Free luggage storage at the Blue Pine Trails office throughout the trek.
Excludes
- International airfare to and from Nepal.
- Hotel accommodation in Kathmandu before or after the trek.
- Additional nights in Kathmandu caused by early arrival, late departure, or an early return from the trek.
- Additional accommodation during the trek resulting from flight delays or other unforeseen circumstances.
- Meals in Kathmandu before and after the trek.
- Food and meals during additional nights in Kathmandu due to early arrival or late departure.
- Any additional food or meals beyond the dedicated three-course meals provided during the trek.
- Tips and gratuities for guides and porters, which are recommended.
- Additional porter services beyond the included porter arrangement.
- Nepal Entry Visa, including the USD 50 fee for a 30-day visa obtained upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu.
- Personal travel insurance covering high-altitude trekking up to 5,000 meters and emergency helicopter evacuation, which is mandatory.
- Rental costs for personal trekking clothing and equipment.
- Daily personal expenses, including boiled or bottled water, hot drinks such as tea or coffee, and cold beverages.
- Additional charges for Wi-Fi, battery charging, hot showers, and internet services.
- Souvenir purchases and personal snacks.
- Excess baggage charges for luggage exceeding the 9 kg limit per trekker.
- Additional expenses arising from circumstances beyond our control, including natural disasters, adverse weather conditions, flight delays, and similar disruptions.
- Expenses resulting from itinerary changes made due to safety concerns, illness, changes in government policies, strikes, or other unforeseen circumstances.
- Any other costs or expenses not specifically listed under “What Is Included in the Everest Base Camp Trek Package?”
Trip Gallery
Add-Ons & Options
For the standard 12-day EBC Trek, you can choose a helicopter return for an emergency, altitude sickness, health problems, or a faster return. The group-sharing prices below are estimates, not fixed prices, and may change based on group size, flight time, and route. For a private helicopter, the estimated cost is USD 3,000–6,500 from Gorakshep to Kathmandu and USD 1,500–2,500 from Gorakshep to Lukla.
Equipment List
Equipment Lists for 12-Day Everest Base Camp Trek: 2026 Booking & Local Operator Costs
Preparing the right gear is essential for a safe, comfortable, and successful journey through the changing Himalayan climates on the Everest Base Camp Trek. This comprehensive equipment list covers everything you need from technical clothing and sturdy footwear to vital medical supplies and travel documents ensuring you are fully equipped for both the warm lower valleys and the freezing high-altitude conditions.
- Thermal Base Layer Tops: Moisture-wicking merino wool or synthetic tops to keep sweat away from your skin.
- T-Shirts / Trekking Shirts: Breathable, quick-drying short-sleeve or long-sleeve shirts for hiking during warmer daytime temperatures.
- Fleece Jacket or Pullover: A comfortable mid-layer for insulation when temperatures drop.
- Down Jacket: A high-quality, lightweight down jacket is mandatory for cold evenings and high-altitude locations like Gorak Shep and Everest Base Camp.
- Waterproof / Windproof Shell Jacket: A breathable Gore-Tex (or equivalent) jacket to protect against unexpected rain, snow, and alpine winds.
- Thermal Base Layer Bottoms: Long underwear to wear beneath your trekking pants on cold days and nights.
- Trekking Pants: Durable, lightweight, quick-drying hiking trousers. Convertible zip-off pants are also a great option.
- Fleece Pants: Comfortable pants for lounging and sleeping in teahouses.
- Waterproof / Windproof Shell Pants: Over-pants to protect you from rain, snow, and biting winds.
- Sturdy Trekking Boots: Broken-in, waterproof hiking boots with good ankle support.
- Camp Shoes / Sandals: Lightweight sandals, sneakers, or slip-on shoes to give your feet a break and for walking around teahouses.
- Trekking Socks (4–5 pairs): Merino wool or synthetic cushioned hiking socks.
- Thermal / Woolen Socks: Thick, warm socks specifically for sleeping in cold rooms.
- Underwear (5–6 pairs): Moisture-wicking, breathable athletic underwear to prevent chafing.
- Gaiters (Optional): Useful for keeping dust, mud, or occasional snow out of your boots.
- Sun Hat / Baseball Cap: To protect your face and eyes from strong high-altitude UV rays.
- Warm Beanie / Fleece Hat: Essential for keeping your head warm during cold mornings and chilly nights.
- UV Protection Sunglasses: High-altitude glacier glasses (Category 3 or 4) to protect your eyes from snow glare and bright mountain sun.
- Headlamp (with extra batteries): Useful for early morning starts (like hiking to Kala Patthar) and navigating unlit teahouse corridors at night.
- First Aid Kit: Including blister plasters (moleskin), ibuprofen/paracetamol, antiseptic wipes, band-aids, and diarrhea medication.
- Altitude Sickness Medication: Diamox (Acetazolamide) — consult your doctor before travel.
- Water Purification Tablets or UV Purifier: Essential for treating local water sources to ensure safe drinking water and reduce plastic waste.
- Sunscreen (SPF 50+) & Lip Balm with SPF: High altitudes increase the risk of severe sunburn and windburned lips.
- Personal Toiletries: Biodegradable toilet paper, wet wipes, hand sanitizer, toothbrush, toothpaste, small quick-dry towel, and deodorant.
- Valid Passport: Must have at least 6 months validity remaining from your entry date.
- Passport-Sized Photos: Extra copies are often needed for local trekking permits and TIMS cards.
- Travel Insurance Policy: Must explicitly cover high-altitude trekking up to 6,000 meters and emergency helicopter evacuation.
- Cash (Nepalese Rupees): Essential for buying extra snacks, Wi-Fi, hot showers, device charging, and tipping along the trail (as ATMs are rare or unreliable past Namche Bazaar).
- Flight Tickets & Booking Vouchers: Copies of your international flights and Lukla flight confirmations.
- Reusable Water Bottles / Hydration Bladder: At least 1 to 2 liters capacity.
- Power Bank / Extra Batteries: Cold temperatures drain electronic batteries quickly, and electricity in teahouses usually incurs an extra fee.
- Universal Travel Adapter: For charging your devices in teahouses.
- Ziploc Bags / Dry Bags: Useful for keeping your electronics, documents, and clothing waterproof and organized inside your pack.
- Snacks: Energy bars, trail mix, or chocolate to keep your energy up between tea houses.
- Camera & Smartphone: For capturing the stunning mountain landscapes.
Essential Information
Why Book the 12-Day Everest Base Camp Trek with a Local Operator
Local operators usually offer the greatest value-they know the trails, permits, weather, and lodge network because it’s their backyard. They use local guides and porters so information flows to you more quickly (and from you), plus your payment helps support the local economy.
They are much more likely to be quick to adjust to changing flight, weather, or route conditions and emergencies. Local or overseas, verify their licenses, reviews, safety resources, and straightforward fees.
Local Operator vs International Agency
|
Local Operator |
International Agency |
|
Usually lower cost |
Often higher price |
|
Direct local team |
May outsource to local teams |
|
Strong trail knowledge |
May offer more global brand comfort |
|
Better local support |
- |
The best choice depends on trust, service, and transparency, not simply on whether the company is local or international.
How to Check If a Local Operator Is Reliable
It doesn't mean you should automatically rule out all international outfits out there - many organize some truly fantastic trips. These are the key things to look for that enable you to assess any licensed trekking agency, local or international, on the basis of genuine substance, not a smooth-talking brochure. Selecting a local Everest Base Camp trekking operator located in Nepal may provide direct assistance from a Nepal-based team - but this advantage is worthless if the team itself doesn't pass muster. Check for these things:
- Company registration - A genuine local Nepal trekking agency will be registered by government bodies and be able to demonstrate it on request, and not just mention this in passing.
- Trekking license - A tour/trekking operating license number (e g DOT -XXXXXX/XX XX issued by Nepal's Department of Tourism) should be prominently displayed, normally at the bottom of the tour operator's homepage, or provided on request (always insist that your operator provide the number before you book).
- Experienced guides - Rather than just accepting a general statement that "our guides are professional", you should be asking your Sherpa guide how many years they have been guiding the EBC route, if they have training in first aid and what experience they have in altitude management.
- Clear itinerary - Detailed day-to-day plan with altitude, walking time and where you spend the night, in accordance with what was stated in your confirmation of booking.
- Clear cost breakdown - What is included and what is excluded, in writing, not a giant vague number you get with other quotes.
- Real reviews - Real reviews from actual trekkers, perhaps with some detail (dates, guide's name, trail information) which would be difficult to make up.
- Safety plan - An established set procedure for altitude watching, descending, and emergency exits - not just ' we'll take care of you'.
- Fair porter policy - Sensible weight limits for the porters, as well as insurance, and fair wages – a good indicator of a company’s ethical stance towards its team, which often translates to how they treat trekkers as well.
- Responsive communication - How quickly and clearly they answer the questions before you even book is a decent snapshot of how readily they'll communicate with you when you're on the track.
How to Book the 12-Day Everest Base Camp Trek for 2026
Once you've decided this is your trek, the booking process itself is straightforward - here's exactly how it works, step by step, from first inquiry to landing in Lukla.
- Choose your travel month: Pick when you want to go – based on the seasonal comparison above, which covers everything from flight availability to crowded trails.
- Pick a group or private trek: Work out whether you want a fixed departure trek with shared dates or a private trek with flexible travel dates and speeds (see comparison further down this guide).
- Confirm itinerary and inclusions: Go through the daily schedule and inclusions with your operator and get written confirmation of what's provided.
- Ask about guides, porters, permits, meals, accommodation, and flights: Ask specifically about the following: guides and porters, permits, meals, accommodation, and flights. Request specific answers for all the above.
- Share passport details for permits and flights: Nepal's permits and domestic flights routinely require passport details in advance – this is usually requested at the time of booking, rather than on arrival.
- Pay the booking deposit: Blue Pine Trails asks for a 20% deposit of your trip cost as a deposit to confirm your trip; it's non-refundable and covers permits, Lukla flight tickets, hotel accommodation, and other suppliers' deposits. The remaining 80% is due 2 days before departure in Kathmandu. Always ask for a receipt and confirmation of the deposit amount and what's covered by it.
- Receive confirmation documents: We'll send you a written confirmation of the tour, including dates, itinerary, what's included, and the payment confirmation. Make sure to keep a copy of it in your phone and print it out.
- Purchase travel insurance: We recommend you purchase travel insurance that covers high-altitude trekking and helicopter rescue before departing for Nepal. Please see our page on travel insurance above.
- Prepare your gear: Use the preparation timeline and equipment lists in this guide to start preparing for the trek in the weeks leading up to your departure.
- Arrive in Nepal early: Arrive in Kathmandu at least 2 days early; unexpected delays before the trek can arise, leaving you short on time if you arrive later.
A note on safe payment:
The Blue Pine Trails accepts payments in major currencies including USD, EUR, GBP, SGD, CAD and AUD. These payments are processed via our bookings system.
The balance on your trip must be paid in Kathmandu before departure of the tour. If you pay in a currency that differs to the one your trip was quoted in, the amount will be converted according to the exchange rate on the day of the payment and any charges levied by the bank conducting the transfer or currency conversion are the responsibility of the traveller.
We do accept credit and debit card payments but a 4% bank processing fee is applied to all card payments. Please confirm with us what method of payment you would like to make your final balance payment with so that we can advise you if there will be any issues on arrival.
A reputable operator will never push you to send the full amount upfront or discourage you from sending payments by any traceable method. Always seek written confirmation from your operator regarding what your deposit is covering and retain a copy of your receipt as proof of payment.
Cancellation policy, in brief:
A 20% booking deposit will be required; this deposit is non-refundable as it is used to secure permits, airfares, accommodation and other supplier services on your behalf at the time of booking. All cancellations must be confirmed by writing to us, and the value of the remaining balance refund will vary depending on the lead time of your cancellation. Written detailed cancellation terms are available on request at the time of booking, not merely as a verbal explanation.
Best Time to Book
Book your EBC trek 3–6 months ahead for peak spring and autumn seasons, when these fill up the quickest. They remain the most popular times to visit for the EBC trek reservation, and so there are usually limited spaces at both the lodge and the Lukla flight.
Private treks generally require less lead time, but it's best to book early, especially if you have fixed international flight dates.
If you book a trek within 2 days of your intended start date, this is considered a last-minute booking with us. These bookings are subject to availability only, while also not being guaranteed and requiring full payment to confirm, as they often involve urgent permit, flight, transport or guide arrangements which may incur additional charges to be discussed before confirmation. Booking early will avoid any of these complications entirely.
Questions to Ask Before Booking
Asking the right questions upfront is the simplest way to avoid surprises later - here's what to ask, and why each one matters:
- Is the company licensed? - Verifies you’re using a reputable, licensed operating company rather than a rogue one on the road without any liability to you.
- What's included in the price? - Provides you with a clear distinction between how much the package you select is costing and any expenses you'll have during your day out.
- Is the flight included? Flight cost is another hefty expense that needs to be figured out here. Ask if the costs are inclusive of flight fares or booked at an additional cost.
- Are guides and porters insured? Simply an indication of how seriously an operator considers the well-being of their employees, and your own well-being on the trek.
- What if flights are delayed? Lets you see if the tour operator is more than just hot air and will take charge if there's a problem.
- What is cancellation cover? Is designed to compensate you financially if your plans are disrupted prior to departure.
- What is the altitude safety plan? It is a guarantee that there is a method to monitor symptoms and have descents/evacuations as necessary.
- Are there any hidden costs? Direct way to draw out anything else to do with a story that isn't highlighted in the main news feed, without having to sign up first to buy.
Book Everest Base Camp Trek with our local partner. For Everest Base Camp trekking booking 2026 please leave the specific travel dates required, the size of group and the type of trek, then we will respond to you confirming your group departure or private trekking package along with detailed itinerary and the price, before you put down any deposits. No matter if you were first making a Nepal trekking booking or browsing for your next EBC trek reservation, checking these questions first would be the simple process.
Best Time for the 12-Day Everest Base Camp Trek
Spring and autumn are when many trekkers try to go because you have the best weather windows both for trekking and Lukla flights, and these months book up fastest.
Winter is properly freezing (below zero in the evenings above Dingboche). Still, you have it to yourself, and there's generally always room in the teahouses, and when the weather is good, the mountains are crystal clear too!
The monsoons are characterised by rain, fog and an increased likelihood of delays/cancellations with the Lukla flights, so usually not the most sensible season for this route.
However, when it comes to weather conditions, no matter what time of year you travel to the Khumbu, mountains weather can change rapidly and unexpectedly- a clear morning doesn't guarantee an afternoon, even at the height of the season! This is indeed precisely why the "buffer days" that have been talked about in this guide are so significant, for whichever month you will trek.
12-Day Everest Base Camp Trek Difficulty & Fitness Guide
The 12-Day Everest Base Camp Trek is moderate to challenging, mainly because of 5–8 hours of walking each day, altitude gain, long uphill sections, cold temperatures above Namche, consecutive days of walking, and rougher trail conditions near the top.
It does not require technical equipment or climbing skills, as the route is a hiking trail rather than a technical climb. Fit beginners can complete it, but should not underestimate the effects of high altitude. A slow and steady ascent, good hydration, and proper use of acclimatization days are essential.
Regular preparation before the trek should include running, stairs, cardio, leg workouts, and hiking with a backpack to build strength and get used to carrying weight. Mental preparation is equally important because walking at high altitude requires more time and energy than in the lowlands.
Avoid rushing and tell your guide immediately if you have difficulty breathing while resting, a pounding headache, or trouble sleeping. Any heart conditions, breathing problems, or other serious ailments should be clarified with your doctor before the trek.
Quick Difficulty Checklist
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Comfortable walking 5–8 hours on consecutive days
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No technical climbing skills required
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Cold weather gear needed above Namche Bazaar
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Basic facilities expected, especially from Lobuche upward
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Acclimatization days are mandatory, not optional
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Pace matters more than raw fitness level
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Medical check recommended for existing health conditions
Altitude Sickness and Safety on the Everest Base Camp Trek
Everest Base Camp trek altitude sickness can occur to anyone, regardless of physical fitness, age, and trekking experience. The most common symptoms include headache, dizziness, nausea, fatigue, sleeplessness at night, and loss of appetite.
In most cases, altitude sickness symptoms are not severe, especially when they appear shortly after arrival at a higher altitude. However, the condition requires immediate attention and descent to a lower altitude if severe symptoms occur; for example, confusion, imbalance, and shortness of breath even at rest.
The most appropriate way to avoid altitude sickness includes gradually walking and moving from one place to another while taking enough water and fluids in your body. It is also recommended to take a break when you feel exhausted and hungry, even if the altitude sickness symptoms are minimal.
Another way to prevent it is to follow the recommended schedule in the Everest Base Camp Trekking itinerary. Moreover, it is essential to take out a travel insurance policy that covers helicopter evacuation and altitude sickness medication in case of an emergency.
It is better to consult a physician about drugs for altitude sickness before departing for Tibet, not during the expedition. Hence, refer to the Everest Base Camp altitude sickness guide for further information.
With regards to EBC trek safety overall, local guides at any experience level act rather than observe; monitor illness each day, setting a moderate walking pace to accommodate its slowest member, and altering itinerary based on conditions/illnesses. They readily organize descents or emergency evacuation if necessary, and this is perhaps the clearest reason for their value beyond knowledge of the trail.
Altitude Safety Checklist
- Basic first-aid kit carried by your guide
- A working emergency communication plan (satellite phone or equivalent where mobile signal fails)
- A clear acclimatization schedule built into the itinerary
- Oxygen availability confirmed where offered by your operator
- Travel insurance with helicopter evacuation coverage in place
- A clear expectation that trekkers report symptoms early and follow guide instructions on pace and descent decisions
- Permits Needed for the 12-Day Everest Base Camp Trek
- For all trekkers who are on the "normal" EBC itinerary, a good amount of paperwork is required, though nothing overly complex to obtain. The current permits are:
Permits Needed for the 12-Day Everest Base Camp Trek
For all trekkers who are on the "normal" EBC itinerary, a good amount of paperwork is required, though nothing overly complex to obtain. The current permits are:
| Permit | Purpose |
Where It's Checked |
|
Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Permit |
Local municipal entry fee for the Khumbu region |
Checked at the entry gate in Lukla, near the Pasang Lhamu Gate |
|
Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit |
Entry into Sagarmatha (Everest) National Park |
Checked at the Monjo park entry checkpost, with a further permit check at the Namche police checkpost |
TIMS cards are not required for the main EBC route as per the local permit regulation; however, this regulation could be changed every year. It is better to confirm this information with your operator before arrival instead of assuming that it will remain the same as previous years.
In practice, local operators usually take care of both permits on your behalf, which is one of the main advantages of booking your trek with a local operator in Nepal, as you do not have to do any paperwork at the permit office.
However, it is likely that you will be asked to provide a copy of your passport and personal information in advance so that the permits can be processed.
In addition, bear in mind that prices for permits could also vary from year to year; therefore, double-check this information with your operator instead of relying on information from previous seasons.
Everest Base Camp Trek Accommodation, Tea Houses & Meals
Everest Base Camp trek accommodation is mostly about tea houses or mountain lodging, where you can expect to share a room with a twin bed, common bathrooms, and no heating except for the stove in the dining room (if any). Hot showers, WiFi, and electricity are available but for an additional fee.
This tea house accommodation in Nepal is progressively more primitive higher up the mountain. Whereas in Namche Bazaar it is already reminiscent of a small village, Gorak Shep has little to offer beyond a bed and a dining hall. For more details about the accommodation options at different stops along the trail, see our Everest Base Camp tea house trek guide.
As for the EBC trek meals, they are of the simplest possible variety and serve only to fill the belly on the way to the top.
Most of the food is hand-crafted and consists of the following: dal bhat (the standard dish of all trekkers, which is available in unlimited quantities at most tea houses), noodles, soups, rice, potatoes, eggs, pancakes, pasta, and various hot beverages made with tea, coffee, ginger, lemon, honey, and other additives.
The cost of food varies significantly depending on the altitude since all provisions must be brought to the trail by either yaks or porters. Thus, it would be more expensive to order a plate of noodles in Gorak Shep than in Phakding.
Practical advice: stick to drinking treated, boiled or purified water throughout the trek and not to assume the convenience level you may be accustomed to. Hygiene is simple, and toilets/washing facilities are rudimentary on the trail - don't let these be of concern.
Travel Insurance for the Everest Base Camp Trek
Yes absolutely. It's not an "optional add-on" for the Everest Base Camp Trek given its high altitude and remoteness.
What Your Insurance Should Cover:
- Trekking at 5,500 m or higher (standard travel policies often cap out well below this, so check the altitude limit specifically)
- Helicopter evacuation and emergency rescue
- Medical expenses and altitude-related emergencies
- Trip cancellation and interruption
- Lukla flight delays or cancellations
- Lost or delayed baggage
Why It Matters:
A policy that covers you against high out-of-pocket costs, for example, to descend from an altitude, to receive emergency medical care, to respond to a traumatic injury or emergency evacuation, including helicopter rides, a potentially thousands-of-dollars medical bill if not covered by the insurance. It is vital to consider this particular type of emergency when thinking about purchasing a policy, as it might not even be possible to get down from the slope in time; this is a point where you should not save on the premium.
Insurance Checklist:
Check the altitude clause (ensure it includes coverage at and above 5,500 m), terms of helicopter evacuation, the policy's medical coverage limits, emergency evacuation, trip cancellation cover, flight delays, and bag coverage, prior to purchase - a policy that doesn't mention a particular condition needs close re-examining.
Before Trekking:
Read the policy details thoroughly (not just the summary) - altitude limits and evacuation clauses are frequently hidden in the fine print and remember to give your trekking operator a copy of your insurance information and emergency contact details before you go, so that they can provide the necessary documentation in the event of an emergency.
Read our Everest Base Camp travel insurance guide before buying a policy.
Guide, Porter, and Support Team
Hiring a trekking guide on this route is advised for safety, itinerary management, logistics, communications and the sort of nuanced local decision-making which is only accumulated over many previous ascents of the trail.
The role of a porter is to carry your kit; they carry the heavy pack of luggage over the 12-day walking period which makes an enormous difference to the physical demand, more than many novices assume. To summarise, a guide dictates the walk and a porter the pack, and they work jointly in a porter-guide, a choice favoured by some smaller companies and individuals.
First-time trekkers, in particular, tend to benefit most from having both a dedicated guide and a porter, rather than trying to combine the two roles or go without either.
But aside from issues of convenience, this is also a question of real safety and ethics, rather than mere luxury. Seek out licensed and experienced guides, well-trained and adequately outfitted support staff, insurance both for porters and guides, limits on the weight that porters will carry (an issue where things have been notoriously poorly managed in this industry), and fair wages for everyone on your support team.
Trekking regulations for staffing can vary greatly by season-be sure to check the specific regulations with your trek operator before you even leave.
Our guide team:
Blue Pine Trails offers the tours on the EBC route led by the company’s Manager and Senior Guide – Mansing Gurung. He is the Trek Leader, and the guides that assist him are professional Bashanta Gurung and Ramesh Gurung.
Our trekking support staff includes Sunil Gurung and Bikash Gurung, the porters who take care of every detail during the tour. Finally, the company is run by Nabin Gurung, the CEO/Founder.
This way, the real names and positions of the team members are presented, and their expertise is in the EBC route. Not all tour companies can claim they have guides with vast experience on the routes they offer; hence, we state all the details clearly and transparently.
The Everest Base Camp guide and porter service we offer is about safe travels and taking care of the staff properly. We believe in treating our team with respect, which results in them being responsible and kind towards the guests.
Private vs. Group Everest Base Camp Trek: Which Is Better
While comparing a private vs group Everest Base Camp trek, the answer to your question will solely depend on whom you are asking. While a group tour is cheaper and more fun, since you share the cost of guides and the experience, and a private tour offers flexibility and a personal experience, both options have their own pros and cons.
Group trek benefits:
The main reason for choosing group departure in an EBC trek is that this option is cost-effective – the guide and porter fees are divided among the group members, keeping the prices per person relatively low, and the pre-set date of the departure is convenient because it helps you understand what window of time you will have to travel.
Additionally, when choosing a group EBC trek, you will always have the choice to join another group of travelers going to the same place. This means having a community of hikers around you and not traveling alone, which is ideal for those who want to meet fellow wanderers without having to ask them to tag along specifically.
If you wish to join another trekker, please see our Everest Base Camp group trek options. This type of Everest group joining trek is especially convenient if you have a flexible schedule.
Private trek benefits:
An EBC private trek offers the benefit of a more laid-back pace, a guide dedicated solely to your group, more flexibility if you need to adjust the itinerary (or want to take an extra acclimatization day for yourself), and a higher degree of customization.
In other words, it's a good choice if you'd rather not trek at the pace of strangers, need to take things slower for your kids or grandparents, or want the option of taking a small group Everest trek with only your people and a guide without getting lumped in with a larger organized group.
In general, a solo traveler willing to trek with others will have a better time on a group EBC trek, while couples, families with younger children or grandparents, and friend groups should consider a private trek; the fit depends less on which option is objectively "better" and more on what type of trip you're looking to have.
12-Day Everest Base Camp Trek for First-Time Trekkers
Certainly, first-time trekkers can complete this itinerary if adequately prepared; the secret is that you can't rush and have to train sufficiently beforehand, pack correctly and don't go anything but directly at the guide's pace and instructions. More important is a good operator and a realistic attitude.
Common first-timer worries, addressed honestly:
- Toilets: Mostly basic squat or Western-style toilets in teahouses; facilities get simpler at higher elevations.
- Food: Simple but filling - dal bhat is the trekker staple for good reason.
- Altitude: Manageable with a sensible pace and the built-in acclimatization days.
- Cold: Nights can be well below freezing at higher elevations - proper layering matters.
- Walking hours: 5–8 hours most days, less on rest/acclimatization days.
- Safety: Guides are trained to monitor symptoms and manage descent if needed.
- Communication: Wi-Fi and mobile signal are available at most stops, though patchy higher up.
If this is your first Himalayan trek, read our Everest Base Camp trek for beginners guide.
How to Prepare for the 12-Day Everest Base Camp Trek
Start training eight to twelve weeks earlier to prepare your body for a trek. Do regular exercises such as walking, cardio, stair or hill climbing, leg strength building, stretching, and go on practice hikes for longer distances with a loaded daypack.
Break in your trekking boots earlier to avoid discomfort; new boots on the first day of hiking is one of the most common mistakes among hikers that should be avoided.
Getting trained mentally as well as physically – long walks, basic mountain accommodations, and unpredictable weather conditions, together with the unhurried pace that the hiking requires, might be exhausting but are necessary to acclimatize at higher altitudes.
Study altitude sickness before leaving for the trek, bring fewer, wisely chosen items instead of heavy ones, and reserve a couple of extra days in case of flight or weather delays. Double-check all the necessary documents, including passport, visa, travel insurance, emergency contacts, and flight details, ahead of time and consult a doctor about any potential medical concerns if applicable.
Therefore, use our Everest Base Camp trek preparation checklist to prepare for the trek properly and have a great adventure in the mountains!
Lukla Flight, Weather Delays, and Buffer Days
Flight to Lukla depends entirely on the weather and can leave from Kathmandu or Ramechhap/Manthali depending on the season (if you're an international traveler, you'd want to be aware of the latter, as it's a separate airport four or five hours' flight from Kathmandu, typically organized by your operator in high season).
Clouds and wind sweeping into the Khumbu are a guaranteed cause of delays, and while most clear up within a day, it's not uncommon for there to be longer delays (particularly in the shoulder seasons).
It is advisable to factor in at least an extra day or two after the trek before booking international departure flights. When applicable, a helicopter can be purchased as a flight backup for delayed scheduled flights (weather and helicopter dependent), and your operator should be equipped to help you change onward bookings.
Responsible and Sustainable Trekking in the Everest Region
Respecting Sherpa culture, monasteries, and local customs you pass through is fundamental to trekking responsibly in the Khumbu region.
Some practical tips on trekking responsibly include:
- using a refillable water bottle rather than buying plastic water bottles at every stop; staying on designated trails;
- supporting local guides and accommodations by staying in local lodges (and not passing them by for cheaper options);
- tipping your guide and porters appropriately
- packing out all of your trash (and you should carry all of that trash back down the mountain too).
Our trekking responsibly program includes fair porter policies, support of local communities along the routes we trek, and our commitment to reducing plastic waste in the mountains. Our responsible trekking in Nepal policy explains more about our commitment to supporting the local economy and reducing our impact on trails.
Common Mistakes to Avoid on the 12-Day Everest Base Camp Trek
| Mistake |
Why It Matters |
How to Avoid It |
|
Choosing the cheapest package without checking inclusions |
Hidden costs or missing safety support show up mid-trek |
Ask for a full, itemized breakdown before booking |
|
Not checking the operator's license or reviews |
Increases risk of poor guiding or support |
Verify registration, license, and real reviews |
|
Buying poor or no travel insurance |
Altitude emergencies and evacuations are expensive |
Buy a policy that covers 5,500m+ and helicopter rescue |
|
Booking international flights too close to the Lukla flight |
A single Lukla delay can cause a missed connection |
Add 1–2 buffer days before your international departure |
|
Not carrying enough cash |
ATMs are unreliable or unavailable above Namche |
Carry sufficient cash from Kathmandu |
|
Skipping acclimatization days |
Raises the risk of altitude sickness |
Follow the itinerary's rest days as planned |
|
Walking too fast |
Increases fatigue and altitude risk |
Match your guide's pace, not the fastest trekker's |
|
Overpacking |
Adds unnecessary strain, even with a porter |
Pack only what's genuinely needed |
|
Wearing new, unbroken-in boots |
Leads to blisters and foot pain |
Break in boots weeks before departure |
|
Ignoring altitude symptoms |
Can escalate into a serious medical situation |
Report symptoms to your guide immediately |
Is the 12-Day Everest Base Camp Trek Worth It
If taken for granted, the advantages of such a tour include unique views of incredible peaks of Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, and Ama Dablam; unforgettable experiences with the local people, who are always ready to assist and support hikers; the feeling of accomplishment; and the contribution to the local community.
However, there are some significant disadvantages of the trek as well. First and foremost, it is not appropriate to categorize this tour as an ultimate comfort since most of the teahouses along the way lack the infrastructure that one is accustomed to at higher altitudes.
Moreover, it is not possible to call this trek an easy walk due to the fact that one has to walk 5-8 hours per day on uneven and strenuous trails. Finally, one cannot deny that a 5,364-meter climb poses a serious threat to one’s health regardless of the level of fitness.
Walkers seeking to travel at a more leisurely pace, seeking days off or further excursion such as the Cho La Pass or the Gokyo Lakes may feel they can benefit from an alternative, longer route such as these, which permits easier acclimatisation while remaining at heart within the original EBC experience.
Blue Pine Trails
When on a trek, your trekking company is just as important as your trekking destination. On our route to Everest, know what you're really going to get from our guides – in a way that isn't simply a list of our claims, but uses actual expertise, evidence, and value for travelers.
- First-Hand Everest Experience: Our team members know the route better than anyone else. You see, our team consists of the best people in the region. Our co-founders, Nabin Gurung (CEO/Founder of Hiking Nepal Treks & Expeditions) and Mansing Gurung (Manager, Senior Guide, and Trek Leader), have led many trekking groups on the full circuit of Lukla-Namche-Tengboche-Dingboche-Lobuche-Everest Base Camp hike more than once in their lives. They have experienced the changes in the trails from spring, autumn, and winter. This skill will benefit you throughout the journey as you make decisions about the group’s pace, where to spend the night, and other factors based on your personal experience on this trail rather than a textbook description.
- Experienced Local Guides: Our trek leader is correctly qualified for the treks. Evidence: Our trek leader, Mansing Gurung, and professional trek leaders Bashanta Gurung and Ramesh Gurung are experts on their trek path on the EBC trail, pacing daily. Evidence: Back up by our trekking crew, Sunil Gurung and Bikash Gurung, working closely on the trail. Benefits for you: The decisions on how to proceed on the day - fast, slow or take a break are made by people who are directly involved and know the course intimately.
- Altitude & Safety-Focused Planning: Safety is a big concern for us. We show that by doing this: having a built-in process for acclimatization, setting realistic walking goals (no racing), checking the weather and altitude regularly, and having an emergency plan. We can get you help if you are struggling and can't keep up with the group. The benefit? Your itinerary is flexible and based on how you are feeling.
- Clear & Transparent Pricing: You won’t be charged with hidden costs. The Proof: Our prices will give you full insight into exactly what your money goes towards: whether permits, food, accommodation, guides, porter support, internal flights or personal expenses – it will all be broken down prior to your paying a deposit. The Advantage for You: You’ll embark on your trip with no negative surprises halfway through and without any uncertainty about how your budget aligns with what’s necessary.
- Honest Comfort Expectations: We inform you about what you will actually get, not what might please you! Your proof: A photo selection of chosen teahouses, private rooms-where they actually will be available -reliable transportation and actual experiences of your normal amenities you can expect at these elevations-that you are all set up, then this reality will hit you-there you have it!
- Reliable Support From Start to Finish: Once you have made your reservation, still further support is provided, such as, your own pickup on arrival, pre-trek briefing and advise, your trekking permit is arranged-all this and also making transportation arrangements and trekking-lodge-support from the local guide, air cargo arrangements. Constant pre-trek-messages and then even your after-trek-support is looked after, here, you can concentrate on your trek, because we will cover it all - ONE TEAM to do the entire job.
- Responsible Trekking: We feel very strongly about our influence in the region, in a good way! The proof is clear: fairly paid employees, fair porter loads and pay, involvement with communities en route, trying not to create excess waste, respect for the region of Everest-land and culture. That means it is possible to travel while contributing to the welfare of the people and place, instead of secretly undermining them.
- Real Guest Experiences: Our service proves its worth. Proof: Unaffected customer reports, snapshots of clients, the exact dates on your treks, actual comments by a trek guide from real trekkers-not vague statements. Advantage for you: You can see what our clients found on their trip to your destination.
Planning your trek to Everest in 2026 or 2027? Let us know: Dates: Travel Dates & Month, Group Size number of people Traveling On & with), Comfort Level (Budget/Standard/Deluxe). Our local agents will suggest an appropriate itinerary and can discuss cost/inclusions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, it is possible. 8-12 weeks of physical prep. Nice, easy pace. With a guide who doesn't mind you sticking to your body's rhythm.
For most trek operators, at least two-thirds of their trekkers, with good physical condition and adhering to proper acclimatisation procedures under the guidance of their experienced leader, will succeed in getting to the Base Camp. It would of course depend on the season and the operator concerned.
The hike difficulty is moderate to challenging, as you'll be doing 5-8 hours of walking each day, with 1.5- 2.5 km of altitude gain. The camps get very cold, especially at higher elevations. We don’t expect you to do any scrambling or technical climbs on the trail.
The most reliable weather and clearest views in this part of the world occur during spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November).
Yes, if your itinerary contains the planned days for rest in Dingboche and Namche Bazaar and the pace is not hurried to finish things up quickly.
