Trekking · Kathmandu
The Everest Base Camp Trek
Fly to Lukla, walk 12–14 days via Namche and Tengboche — what to expect on the route to Everest Base Camp.
The Everest Base Camp trek is Nepal's most famous walk, and it earns the reputation — but it is also long, high and weather-dependent, so go in with realistic expectations. Here's what the route actually involves.
The short answer
Fly from Kathmandu to Lukla, then walk 12–14 days up through Namche Bazaar and Tengboche to Base Camp and the Kala Patthar viewpoint, returning the same way. The trek is non-technical but reaches around 5,545m, so altitude — not difficulty underfoot — is the main hurdle. The best windows are October–November and March–May.
You'll need the Sagarmatha National Park permit and the Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality permit, plus a licensed guide.
Route and altitude
- Getting there: A short, scenic flight from Kathmandu to Lukla starts the trek. These flights are weather-sensitive, so leave a buffer day at each end.
- The walk: Namche (3,440m) is the acclimatisation hub; the trail then climbs through Tengboche, Dingboche and Lobuche to Gorak Shep, the launch point for Base Camp and Kala Patthar.
- Teahouses: You sleep and eat in family-run lodges along the way — comfortable lower down, simpler and colder near the top.
Altitude and acclimatisation
Take altitude seriously. Build in acclimatisation days at Namche and Dingboche, ascend slowly, drink plenty of water and watch for headaches, nausea and breathlessness. If symptoms worsen, the only reliable cure is to descend. Plan the rest of your time in the city with our Kathmandu trekking overview and sort the permits you'll need before you fly. If you want a lower-altitude alternative, the Langtang Valley trek is closer and gentler.
Frequently asked questions
How many days is the Everest Base Camp trek?+
Most itineraries run 12 to 14 days from Kathmandu, including the flights to and from Lukla and two acclimatisation days at Namche Bazaar and Dingboche. Rushing it raises the risk of altitude sickness, so build in spare time for weather delays.
How hard is the Everest Base Camp trek?+
It is strenuous but not technical — no climbing or ropes are involved. The real challenge is the altitude, with the route topping out near 5,545m at Kala Patthar. Long daily walks at thin-air elevation make it tough even for fit, experienced trekkers.
What is the best season for Everest Base Camp?+
October to November offers the clearest skies and stable weather, while March to May is warmer with rhododendron blooms lower down. Both are busy. Avoid the June–September monsoon, when clouds, rain and flight delays are common.
What permits do you need for Everest Base Camp?+
You need the Sagarmatha National Park entry permit and the Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality permit, both arranged in Kathmandu or on the trail. A licensed guide is also required for the route, and your agency will usually handle the paperwork.
