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Everest Base Camp Hike - Itinerary, Hiking Guide & Cost - 14 Days

Everest Base Camp Hike - Itinerary, Hiking Guide & Cost

Trip Features

Duration14
Elevation5,644 m (18,519 ft)
Best SeasonMarch to May & Mid Sep to Dec
TransportationCar, Bus & Flight
Min. Group Size1
Trip TypeEBC Hiking | Trekking
Max Elevation5364m

Overview

The Everest Base Camp (EBC) Hike is one of the most iconic adventures for trekkers worldwide, taking you to the base of the world's highest peak, Mount Everest. It's a journey that immerses you in the beauty of the Himalayas, Sherpa culture, and high-altitude hiking. The Everest Base Camp (EBC) hike is a dream adventure for trekkers worldwide. Located in the Khumbu region of Nepal, the trail offers breathtaking views of the world's tallest peaks, rich Sherpa culture, and the ultimate sense of achievement.

Itinerary

Standard EBC Hike Itinerary (12-14 Days):

Day 1: Arrive in Kathmandu (1,400m)

Day 2: Fly from Kathmandu to Lukla (2,860m) & hike to Phakding (2,610m) - 3-4 hours

Day 3: hike from Phakding to Namche Bazaar (3,440m) - 6-7 hours

Day 4: Acclimatization day in Namche Bazaar (Optional hike to Everest View Hotel or Khumjung)

Day 5: Hike from Namche to Tengboche (3,860m) - 5-6 hours

Day 6: Hike from Tengboche to Dingboche (4,410m) - 5-6 hours

Day 7: Acclimatization day in Dingboche (Optional hike to Nangkartshang Peak)

Day 8: Trek from Dingboche to Lobuche (4,940m) - 5-6 hours

Day 9: Trek from Lobuche to Gorakshep (5,164m) & Everest Base Camp (5,364m), then back to Gorakshep - 7-8 hours

Day 10: Hike to Kala Patthar (5,550m) & Trek to Pheriche (4,240m) - 6-7 hours

Day 11: Trek from Pheriche to Namche Bazaar - 6-7 hours

Day 12: Trek from Namche Bazaar to Lukla - 6-7 hours

Day 13: Fly from Lukla to Kathmandu

Day 14: Departure from Kathmandu (or extra days for sightseeing)

 Cost

The cost of the Everest Base Camp trek can vary depending on the services you choose:

Budget Hike (Basic Tea Houses, Guide, flights): $1,490 - $1,600

Mid-range Hike (Tea Houses, Guide, Porter, Flights): $1,690 - $2,000

Luxury Hike (Luxury Lodges, Flights, Guide, Porter): $2,090 - $4,000+

Extra costs:

  • Permits: Around $50-60
  • Flight (Kathmandu to Lukla): $180-200 (one way)
  • Meals and accommodations: $20-40 per day
  • Tips for guides/porters: $5-15/day

Best Time to Trek

Spring (March-May):

  • Best visibility and blooming rhododendron forests
  • Warmer temperatures (10°C to 15°C in the day at lower altitudes)

Autumn (September-November):

  • Clear skies after the monsoon, excellent for photography
  • Moderate temperatures (-5°C to 10°C)

Winter (December-February):

  • Colder temperatures (-15°C at night in higher altitudes)
  • Fewer crowds, but some lodges may close

Monsoon (June-August):

  • Trails can be slippery due to rain
  • Reduced visibility, but fewer trekkers

Highlights

  • Panoramic views of Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Ama Dablam, and more.
  • Scenic flight to and from Lukla.
  • Visits to Sherpa villages like Namche Bazaar, Tengboche, and Dingboche.
  • Tengboche Monastery is one of the most significant spiritual centers in the region.
  • The rewarding hike to Kala Patthar for the best view of Everest.
  • Experience the vibrant Sherpa culture and hospitality.
  • Walking along ancient glacier paths and passing icefalls.

Difficulty

Trek Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging

  • Altitude: The highest point of the trek is 5,550m (Kala Patthar), with potential for altitude sickness.
  • Terrain: Rocky paths, uneven trails, and gradual inclines.
  • Physical Fitness: Requires good stamina, basic trekking experience is recommended.
  • Acclimatization: Essential rest days for acclimatization in Namche Bazaar and Dingboche.

Kathmandu to Lukla Flight

The 35-minute flight from Kathmandu to Lukla is known for its dramatic landings and take-offs at Tenzing-Hillary Airport (one of the world's highest airports). Flights operate daily, weather permitting. In peak seasons, delays are common due to visibility issues.

  • Flight Cost: $180-200 (one-way).
  • Flight Alternatives: In case of flight cancellations, some opt for a helicopter ride ($500+ per person) or a jeep ride to Jiri or Phaplu (2-3 extra days of trekking).

Alternative Trek Itinerary

Jiri to Everest Base Camp (Classic Route): Adds 5-7 days of trekking, starting from Jiri instead of flying to Lukla.

Gokyo Lakes and Cho La Pass Trek: A scenic alternative that takes you through the Gokyo Valley, crossing the Cho La Pass (5,420m) before joining the classic EBC route.

Three Passes Trek: A more challenging trek that crosses three high passes (Renjo La, Cho La, and Kongma La), offering more remote and varied routes.

Hiring Guide and Porters (Sherpa)

Guide:

  • Cost: $25-40/day
  • Role: Navigation, managing logistics, cultural insights, and safety.
  • Recommended for first-time trekkers or solo travelers.

Porter:

  • Cost: $20-25/day
  • Role: Carries luggage (max 20-25 kg).
  • Reduces physical strain, allowing you to enjoy the trek more comfortably.

Guides and porters are usually hired through trekking agencies or your hotel in Kathmandu.

Permit

You’ll need two main permits:

Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit: NPR 3,500 ($30 USD)

Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Permit: NPR 2,000 ($20 USD)

Both can be obtained in Kathmandu or at the park entrance in Monjo.

Equipment (Gears)

Essential Gear:

  • Backpack (50-60L) with rain cover
  • Sleeping Bag (-15°C rating)
  • Down Jacket
  • Waterproof/Windproof Jacket & Pants
  • Trekking Boots
  • Trekking Poles
  • Warm Gloves, Hat, Buff
  • Sunglasses, Sunscreen
  • Headlamp

Optional Gear:

  • Gaiters (for snow)
  • Crampons (for winter treks)
  • Camelback/Water Bottle

Accommodations

Tea Houses are the main form of accommodation on the EBC trek. They offer basic rooms with twin beds, shared bathrooms, and communal dining areas. In more popular spots like Namche, you may find better-equipped lodges.

  • Cost per night: $5-10 (higher prices at higher altitudes).
  • Luxury Lodges: Available at select locations (Namche, Lukla), offering better amenities at $150+ per night.

Meals (Food)

Meals are available at tea houses along the route. The menu is usually diverse but gets more expensive as you ascend.

Breakfast: Porridge, eggs, toast, pancakes.

Lunch/Dinner: Dal Bhat (rice and lentils), noodles, pasta, soups, momos (dumplings), and potatoes.

Snacks: Chocolate bars, biscuits, noodles.

Cost: $5-10 per meal at lower altitudes, $10-15 at higher altitudes.

Drinks: Tea, coffee, soft drinks, and filtered water (boiled or treated).

Itinerary Details

Day 1Arrival in Kathmandu (1,400 m / 4,593 ft)

Activity: Arrive in Kathmandu and transfer to hotel. Elevation: 1,400 m (4,593 ft. Walking Hours/Distance: None.

 

Day 2Fly to Lukla (2,800 m / 9,186 ft) and Hike to Phakding (2,610 m / 8,563 ft)

FoodB, L & D

Flight Duration: 35 minutes. Hiking Time: 3-4 hours. Distance: 8 km (5 miles). Elevation: Start: 2,800 m (9,186 ft) | End: 2,610 m (8,563 ft)

Day 3Hike from Phakding to Namche Bazaar (3,440 m / 11,286 ft)

FoodB, L & D

Hiking Time: 6-7 hours. Distance: 10-12 km (6-7 miles). Elevation: Start: 2,610 m (8,563 ft) | End: 3,440 m (11,286 ft)

Day 4Acclimatization Day in Namche Bazaar

FoodB, L & D

Activity: Acclimatization hike to Everest View Hotel or Khumjung. Elevation: 3,440 m (11,286 ft) Hike up to 3,880 m (12,730 ft). Walking Hours/Distance: 3-4 hours, 3-4 km (1.8-2.5 miles).

Day 5Trek from Namche Bazaar to Tengboche (3,860 m / 12,664 ft)

FoodB, L & D

Trekking Time: 5-6 hours. Distance: 10 km (6.2 miles). Elevation: Start: 3,440 m (11,286 ft) | End: 3,860 m (12,664 ft).

Day 6Hike from Tengboche to Dingboche (4,410 m / 14,469 ft)

FoodB, L & D

Hiking Time: 5-6 hours. Distance: 11 km (6.8 miles). Elevation: Start: 3,860 m (12,664 ft) | End: 4,410 m (14,469 ft)

Day 7Acclimatization Day in Dingboche

FoodB, L & D

Activity: Acclimatization hike to Nagarjun Hill (5,100 m / 16,732 ft). Elevation: 4,410 m (14,469 ft). Hike up to 5,100 m (16,732 ft). Walking Hours/Distance: 3-4 hours, 3-4 km (1.8-2.5 miles)

Day 8Hike from Dingboche to Lobuche (4,910 m / 16,108 ft)

FoodB, L & D

Hiking Time: 5-6 hours. Distance: 8 km (5 miles). Elevation: Start: 4,410 m (14,469 ft) | End: 4,910 m (16,108 ft).

Day 9Hike from Lobuche to Gorak Shep (5,164 m / 16,942 ft) and Everest Base Camp (5,364 m / 17,598 ft)

FoodB, L & D

Hiking Time: 7-8 hours. Distance: 15 km (9.3 miles). Elevation: Start: 4,910 m (16,108 ft) | EBC: 5,364 m (17,598 ft) | Return: 5,164 m (16,942 ft).

Day 10Hike to Kala Patthar (5,545 m / 18,192 ft) and Trek to Pheriche (4,371 m / 14,340 ft)

FoodB, L & D

Hiking Time: 7-8 hours Distance: 12-13 km (7.5-8 miles). Elevation: Start: 5,164 m (16,942 ft). Kala Patthar: 5,545 m (18,192 ft) | End: 4,371 m (14,340 ft)

Day 11Hike/Trek from Pheriche to Namche Bazaar

FoodB, L & D

Hiking/Trekking Time: 6-7 hours. Distance: 15 km (9.3 miles). Elevation: Start: 4,371 m (14,340 ft) End: 3,440 m (11,286 ft).

Day 12Trek from Namche Bazaar to Lukla

FoodB, L & D

Trekking Time: 6-7 hours. Distance: 19 km (11.8 miles). Elevation: Start: 3,440 m (11,286 ft) | End: 2,800 m (9,186 ft)

Day 13Fly back to Kathmandu from Lukla Airport

FoodB, L

Flight Duration: 35 minutes. Elevation: Start: 2,800 m (9,186 ft) | End: 1,400 m (4,593 ft). Walking Hours/Distance: None

Day 14Departure from Kathmandu to your beautiful destination

FoodB,

Activity: Transfer to the airport for departure. Elevation: 1,400 m (4,593 ft). Walking Hours/Distance: None

Services Included on Price

Selected packageRegular PackageRegular Service Package
USD 1,560per person
Book Trip

Regular Package Service Includes

1. Pre-Trek Services

Airport Transfers: Pick up and drop off from the airport and go to your hotel.

Accommodation in Kathmandu: Hotel in Kathmandu with breakfast.

Trek Briefing: Detailed briefing about the trek, including safety measures and itinerary overview.

Permits and Documentation: Arranging necessary permits such as the Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit and TIMS (Trekkers' Information Management System) card.

2. Transportation

Domestic Flights: Round trip flight from Kathmandu to Lukla to Kathmandu.

Ground Transportation: Any required transfers within Kathmandu or other included locations.

3. Accommodation During the Trek

Tea Houses/Lodges: Accommodation in basic lodges or tea houses along the trekking route. Includes a bed (often shared) and sometimes shared bathroom facilities.

4. Meals

Full Board Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner during the trek. Meals are typically local Nepali dishes, along with some Western options.

5. Guides and Porters

Professional Trekking Guide: An experienced, English-speaking guide.

Porters: Porters to carry your luggage (usually a ratio of one porter for every two trekkers). Each porter carries up to 15-20 kg of luggage.

6. Safety and Support

First Aid Kit: A comprehensive first aid kit carried by the guide.

Oxygen and Medical Kits: Oxygen cylinders and other necessary medical supplies for emergency use.

Communication Devices: Mobile phones or satellite phones for communication in case of emergencies.

7. Equipment

Sleeping Bag and Down Jacket: Often provided by the trekking company (sometimes for an additional rental fee).

Duffle Bag: A duffle bag to carry your belongings during the trek, transported by porters.

8. Other Inclusions

Cultural Tour in Kathmandu: Some packages include a guided cultural tour of Kathmandu’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Farewell Dinners: Typically included at the beginning and end of the trek.

9. Insurance and Rescue

Insurance for Staff: Insurance for guides and porters covering accidents and health issues.

Emergency Rescue Arrangements: Coordination for helicopter evacuation in case of severe altitude sickness or other emergencies (usually at an additional cost, covered by travel insurance).

Regular Package Service Excludes

Exclusions (Usually Not Included)

  • Personal Travel Insurance: Mandatory for all trekkers and should cover high-altitude trekking and emergency evacuation.
  • Meals in City: Normally all kinds of meals are not included in a City like Kathmandu. But breakfast is included in the Hotel. 
  • Drinks: All kinds of soft and hard drinks like tea, coffee, Mineral water, Beer...... in the Mountains. 
  • Personal Expenses: Like Wi-fi, Shower, and Battery charge in the  Mountains. snacks, personal gear, internet access, and charging electronic devices.
  • Tips: Tips for guides, porters, and other staff.
  • Extra Accommodation and Meals: Costs incurred due to changes in the itinerary (e.g., extra nights in Kathmandu or Lukla due to flight delays).

Group Pricing

Group SizePrice Per Person
1USD 1,650
2-5USD 1,560
6-10USD 1,482
11-15USD 1,404
16-25USD 1,326

Route Map & Altitude

Altitude Graph