Everest Base Camp Trek
●●●●● 4.9 · 60+ TripAdvisor reviewsThe world's most iconic trek, led by licensed local guides who know this trail inside out.
Friends paying separately still get the group price.
On The Trail
What It Really Looks Like
Everest Base Camp Trek: What to Expect
The best view of Everest you can get without climbing. Day 10, before dawn.
NTB-licensed, experienced on this route, with you from Kathmandu to Kathmandu.
Flights, permits, porters, teahouses, transfers. You just walk.
No camping. Warm beds and dal bhat every night, run by Sherpa families.
The Everest Base Camp trek is about 130 kilometres there and back through Nepal’s Khumbu region, from the short-runway landing at Lukla to the prayer flags at Base Camp (5,364m), and up to Kala Patthar where Everest fills the sky at 5,545m.
This is not a technical climb. No rope, no ice axe, no mountaineering experience required. What it demands is time, patience, and a body that can walk five to seven hours a day at altitude. The reward is standing somewhere most people only ever see in photographs.
MountainKick has guided this route since 2016. Our guides are our own licensed team, not freelancers hired for the week. They know this trail, the teahouse owners and the warning signs at altitude. That matters when weather, fitness or logistics don’t go to plan.
What’s waiting on the trail:
- Everest Base Camp at 5,364m, at the foot of the world’s highest mountain
- Kala Patthar at 5,545m, the best view of Everest without climbing
- Tengboche Monastery, founded 1916, framed by Ama Dablam
- Namche Bazaar, the Sherpa capital and gateway to the Khumbu
- The Khumbu Icefall, visible from Base Camp
- Sagarmatha National Park — a UNESCO World Heritage Site
Not sure if EBC is right for you? Read our EBC vs Gokyo guide to compare the two most popular routes in the Everest region.
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Arrival in Kathmandu
Your guide meets you at the airport and transfers you to your hotel in Thamel. Tonight we hold a pre-trip briefing where your guide walks through the itinerary, checks your kit, and answers any questions. This is the time to raise concerns, not on the trail.
Fly to Lukla, Trek to Phakding
Your flight lands at Tenzing-Hillary Airport in Lukla, a short runway perched on a steep hillside at 2,860m. From there you walk downhill through pine forest along the Dudh Koshi River to Phakding. It is a short easy day by design as your body needs time to settle before the climbing begins.
Note: In peak season (March to May and September to November) flights usually operate from Ramechhap, which means leaving Kathmandu in the middle of the night, usually between 1am and 2:30am.
Trek to Namche Bazaar
The trail follows the Dudh Koshi River upstream, crossing several suspension bridges before the Sagarmatha National Park gate at Monjo where permits are checked. From there the climb gets serious. The final two hours up to Namche are steep and sustained, your first real test of the trek. First views of Everest appear on the ridge above town, weather permitting.
Acclimatization Day in Namche Bazaar
You stay in Namche but you do not rest. The morning hike climbs 440 metres to Hotel Everest View at 3,880m, once listed as the highest-placed hotel in the world. From the terrace you get your first clear look at Everest, Lhotse, and Ama Dablam together. Back down by early afternoon, the rest of the day is yours to explore the market, visit the Sherpa Cultural Museum, or sit with a coffee and let your body catch up.
Trek to Tengboche
The trail drops from Namche down to the Dudh Koshi River at Phunki Tenga, then climbs steeply through rhododendron forest for two hours to reach Tengboche. The monastery here, founded in 1916 and framed by Ama Dablam on one side and Everest on the other, is worth arriving early for. Evening prayers start around 3pm in winter, 4pm in summer. Worth attending if you get there in time.
Trek to Dingboche
The trail descends through rhododendron forest to cross the Imja Khola river, then climbs to Pangboche, home to the oldest monastery in the Khumbu region, where most people stop for lunch. Above Pangboche the trees thin out and the landscape opens up completely. By the time you reach Dingboche the air is noticeably thinner. Ama Dablam dominates the skyline here in a way it does nowhere else on the route.
Acclimatization Day in Dingboche
You stay in Dingboche but climb to 5,083m on Nangkartshang Peak above the village. It is steep and the thin air makes it feel harder than the numbers suggest. From the top on a clear morning you can see Makalu, Lhotse, Ama Dablam, Island Peak, and Everest. Back down by early afternoon. This is your body’s last real chance to adjust before the route pushes above 5,000m for good.
Trek to Lobuche
The trail climbs gently to Thukla where most people stop for lunch, then steepens sharply up to the Thukla Pass at 4,830m. At the top sits the Everest Memorial, stone cairns and plaques for climbers who did not come back. Most people slow down here without being told to. Beyond the pass the path follows the lateral moraine of the Khumbu Glacier into Lobuche, with Nuptse and Pumori filling the skyline ahead.
Trek to Gorakshep and Everest Base Camp
An early start from Lobuche brings you to Gorakshep in two to three hours for lunch. Then the trail crosses the rocky moraine of the Khumbu Glacier toward Base Camp. The path is uneven and slow. Then the prayer flags appear. You are standing at 5,364m at the foot of the world’s highest mountain. The Khumbu Icefall towers above you. Everest’s summit is hidden from here. That view comes tomorrow. Most people stand quietly for a while. Return to Gorakshep before dark.
Kala Patthar Sunrise and Trek to Pheriche
Your alarm goes off at 4am. It is properly cold. The climb to Kala Patthar takes about two hours in the dark, and as you gain the ridge Everest’s summit pyramid begins to catch the first light above a sea of peaks. Lhotse, Nuptse, Pumori all laid out in front of you. This is the closest clear view of Everest you can get without a climbing permit. Back down to Gorakshep for breakfast, then a long descent to Pheriche where the air noticeably thickens with every step down.
Trek to Namche Bazaar
A long descent back through familiar ground, but it feels different going down. The trail passes Pangboche and climbs briefly to Tengboche, then drops through the rhododendron forest to Phunki Tenga before the last climb back up to Namche. Reaching Namche after days above 4,000m is a genuine relief. Hot shower, proper coffee, better wifi. A good evening to sit and take stock of what you just did.
Trek to Lukla
One of the longest walking days of the trip, and the last one. The trail drops steeply from Namche to the Dudh Koshi River, crosses the Hillary Suspension Bridge, and passes back through Monjo and Phakding before a final short climb into Lukla. Your legs will know about it. But by the time you sit down in Lukla that evening, the whole thing tends to hit properly.
Fly to Kathmandu
Flights out of Lukla depart early and depend entirely on weather. During peak season (March to May and September to November) your flight routes via Ramechhap, which means an early morning departure from Lukla and a 4 to 5 hour drive back to Kathmandu. Off-peak you fly direct. MountainKick handles all rebooking if weather causes delays. Tonight is the farewell dinner.
Final Departure
Breakfast at the hotel, then a transfer to Tribhuvan International Airport timed to your flight. If you have time before checkout, Thamel is worth one last walk. Luggage stored with us while you trek can be collected from the hotel before you head to the airport.
3D Route Map
Includes & Excludes
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Airport transfers Arrival and departure, Kathmandu
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Hotel Vistara or similar class 2 nights, twin-sharing, breakfast included
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Teahouse accommodation on trek Twin-sharing throughout, 10 nights
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Licensed Sherpa guide NTB-certified, English speaking, full trek
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Porter service 1 porter per 2 trekkers, up to 20kg load limit
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Kathmandu–Lukla flights Return tickets, via Ramechhap in peak season
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Sagarmatha National Park permit Required for all EBC trekkers
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Khumbu Pasang Lhamu permit Rural municipality entrance fee
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TIMS card Trekkers Information Management System
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Guide and porter wages and insurance Your team is paid, fed, housed and insured by us
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Farewell dinner Kathmandu, with your guide
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Duffel bag Yours to keep as a souvenir
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Oximeter and first aid kit Carried by guide throughout the trek
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All ground transport Private vehicle, Kathmandu transfers and Ramechhap drive
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International flights To and from Kathmandu
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Nepal visa fee On arrival at Tribhuvan Airport. 15 days $30, 30 days $50, 90 days $125
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Travel insurance Travel insurance is compulsory. MountainKick requires it to cover helicopter evacuation up to at least 6,000m.
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All Meals on Trek Available at teahouses along the route
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Personal trekking gear Sleeping bag, down jacket, trekking poles. Rentable in Kathmandu
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Guide and porter tips Customary and appreciated. Roughly 10 to 15% of trip cost
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Hot showers and wifi Small charge at teahouses, $2 to $5 each
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Alcohol and personal drinks
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Extra nights if flights are delayed Hotel and meals in Lukla or Kathmandu if weather holds your flight
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Helicopter rescue Paid by your travel insurer, or by you if your policy doesn't cover it
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Personal expenses Laundry, calls, souvenirs, snacks
Enhance Your Trek
We Handle the Details
FreeWhere You'll Sleep & What You'll Eat
Twin-sharing rooms throughout. A comfortable hotel in Kathmandu on arrival and final night, traditional Sherpa teahouses on the trail, warm, simple, run by local families.
- Kathmandu: tourist-class hotel, private bathroom, hot shower, breakfast included
- Trail: twin-sharing teahouse, mostly shared bathrooms
- Standards are comfortable lower down, more basic above 4,500m
- Single supplement available on request
- 4 and 5-star Kathmandu hotel upgrades available on request
A typical Dal Bhat set
Meals on the trail are pay as you go. At altitude your appetite changes day to day and we would rather you order what you want than pay upfront for meals you might skip. Dal bhat, garlic soup, noodles, omelettes, ginger tea. Simple, wholesome, altitude-appropriate. Above Namche we recommend avoiding meat entirely as freshness cannot be guaranteed at this altitude. Bring purification tablets or a filter bottle. It saves money on bottled water and cuts plastic on the trail.
| Meals on trail | $25 to $40 / day |
| Hot shower / charging | $2 to $5 |
| Bottled water | $1 to $3, more higher up |
| Wifi (where available) | $3 to $5 a day |
What Our Trekkers Say
“Amazing Everest Base Camp Trek with MountainKick”
Trekking to Everest Base Camp with MountainKick was one of the best decisions I made this year. Everything about the trip was well organized from day one, and the whole journey felt smooth rather than stressful. Kumar guided us, and his experience really showed on the tougher days, he was…
“Unforgettable Everest Base Camp Experience”
From start to finish, our Everest Base Camp trek with MountainKick felt genuinely well looked after. Kumar led our group and struck a great balance, friendly and easy to talk to, but also clearly experienced in the mountains, which mattered a lot on the higher days. He'd stop and explain…
“Fantastic Everest Base Camp Trek”
We booked our Everest Base Camp trek through MountainKick and came away really impressed. Jeevan was our guide, easygoing, sharp, and clearly on top of the logistics the whole way. He kept things comfortable for us even on the harder stretches. Getting to Base Camp itself was a genuinely unforgettable…
“Great Everest Base Camp Trek”
Our group trek to Everest Base Camp with MountainKick went better than we expected. Balram kept everyone together and on pace, which isn't easy with a bigger group, and he was helpful and approachable the entire time. The whole thing was tightly organized and the trek itself was an experience…
“An Unforgettable Everest Base Camp Experience”
I put together this Everest Base Camp trek for a college group, and MountainKick made the organizing side far easier than I expected. Kumar guided us and was patient with a mixed-ability group, keeping everyone motivated when the altitude started to bite. Watching the whole group reach Base Camp together…
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the Everest Base Camp trek?
The trek is 14 days from Kathmandu to Kathmandu, with 11 days of walking. The route is about 130km there and back, from Lukla to Base Camp and up Kala Patthar. Most days you walk 5 to 7 hours. Two of the days are acclimatisation days in Namche and Dingboche, with shorter hikes to help your body adjust.
How difficult is the Everest Base Camp trek?
The EBC trek is rated hard. You will walk 5 to 7 hours a day for 11 days at altitudes that reach 5,545m at Kala Patthar. There is no technical climbing. No ropes, no ice axe, no mountaineering experience needed. The difficulty is almost entirely about altitude, not terrain. Near 5,000m your body is working with roughly half the oxygen available at sea level. Simple things like tying your boots feel harder than they should.
What makes people turn back is almost always altitude sickness from moving too fast, not lack of fitness. Our 14-day itinerary includes two acclimatisation days to reduce that risk. Anyone in reasonable health who can manage a brisk 5 to 6 hour walk and has prepared properly can complete this trek. Our trek difficulty guide shows where EBC sits against other Nepal routes.
Do I need a licensed guide for the EBC trek in 2026?
Since April 2023, Nepal’s rules require foreign trekkers on most routes to trek with a licensed guide. In the Khumbu, local authorities have pushed back on the rule and checks vary, but every MountainKick EBC trek includes a licensed guide for the full trip.
Beyond the rules, a good guide makes a real difference at altitude. They know the early warning signs of altitude sickness and when going down is the right call. They also handle permits, teahouses and flight changes so you don’t have to. If you’re comparing companies, read our guide on how to choose a trekking company in Nepal before you book.
How fit do I need to be and how should I train?
You need to be comfortable walking 5 to 6 hours a day with a light daypack of around 3 to 5kg. You do not need to be an athlete but you do need a base level of cardiovascular fitness. The trekkers who struggle most are those who did not train, not those without high-altitude experience.
A solid 8 to 12 week preparation plan: cardio 3 to 4 times a week (hiking, running, cycling or swimming), leg and core strength work 2 times a week, and at least 3 to 4 practice hikes of 4 to 6 hours before you fly. Stair climbing is particularly good preparation for the Khumbu ascents. Consistency matters more than intensity.
How do I avoid altitude sickness on the EBC trek?
Altitude sickness affects a significant number of EBC trekkers but it is manageable if you ascend slowly and listen to your body. The main rules: follow the acclimatization schedule and do not skip rest days, drink 3 to 4 litres of water daily, avoid alcohol above 3,000m, and tell your guide immediately if you get a persistent headache, nausea, dizziness or loss of appetite. Descending even 300 to 500m usually brings fast relief.
Talk to your doctor about Diamox before you leave. It is available in Kathmandu but better discussed with a doctor beforehand. Our guides are trained in altitude sickness recognition and know when descent is necessary. For a full breakdown read our altitude sickness guide.
What is the best time of year to do the EBC trek?
The two best seasons are autumn (September to November) and spring (March to May). Both offer stable weather, clear skies and good visibility. Autumn is generally drier and the mountain views are sharper. Spring is warmer, with rhododendrons in bloom, but can be busier, especially in April.
Early December is still a good time, with clear skies and fewer people. From mid December to February it’s cold and quiet with good visibility, but temperatures drop hard above 4,000m. The monsoon (June to August) is not recommended. Trails are muddy, leeches are active on the lower sections and Lukla flights are often delayed. October is the most popular month, and for good reason. Read more in our EBC in October guide.
Can I join a group if I’m travelling alone?
Yes. Our group departures run on set dates with up to 8 trekkers, and every date runs even if you’re the only one booked. Group dates are $1,160 per person. If you’d rather go on your own dates, a private solo trip is $1,440. Check the dates below, or message us and we’ll tell you who else is booked.
How much does the EBC trek cost in 2026?
Our group departures are $1,160 per person. For a private trip, it’s $1,440 solo, $1,160 per person for 2 to 3, and $1,020 per person for 4 to 9. This covers your guide, porter, permits, Lukla flights, Kathmandu hotel, airport transfers, farewell dinner and a duffel bag. Meals on the trek are not included, so budget $25 to $40 a day for food on the trail.
On top of the package price, budget for international flights, your Nepal visa ($50 for 30 days), travel insurance, personal gear and tips for your guide and porter. For the full breakdown, read our EBC trek cost guide for 2026.
What permits do I need and how are they arranged?
For the EBC trek you need three things: the Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit, the Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Entrance Permit, and a TIMS card. MountainKick arranges all three as part of your package. You will not need to queue at any permit office. We need your passport details, two passport photos and your arrival date in Nepal.
Permit fees change periodically. For current 2026 fees and rules read our Nepal trekking permits guide.
How are the Lukla flights arranged and what about delays?
Your return Lukla flights are included in the package. In peak season (March to May and September to November), most flights route via Ramechhap’s Manthali Airport. That means a 4 to 5 hour drive from Kathmandu, leaving as early as 1am. Off-peak you usually fly direct from Kathmandu in about 30 minutes. We arrange all transport from your hotel.
Lukla flights depend on the weather, and delays happen, especially in peak season. We rebook your flight at no charge, but extra nights and meals are paid by you. We recommend adding at least one spare day in Kathmandu before your flight home. For more, read our Lukla via Ramechhap guide for 2026.
What is the accommodation like on the trek?
You get two nights in a tourist-class hotel in Kathmandu with a private bathroom and hot shower. On the trail you stay in teahouses the whole way, twin-sharing, mostly with shared bathrooms. Teahouses are simple, warm and run by local families. They’re the right place to sleep, eat and recover each day.
Standards are comfortable lower down and more basic above 4,500m. Expect thinner blankets, colder rooms and shared toilets above Lobuche. Bring a sleeping bag with a comfort rating of around -10°C to -15°C for the main seasons, and pack warmer for winter. Single rooms are available on request for an extra cost, and so are 4 and 5-star hotel upgrades in Kathmandu. Just ask when booking.
What travel insurance do I need for the EBC trek?
Travel insurance is compulsory. MountainKick requires it to cover helicopter evacuation up to at least 6,000m. This is not optional. A helicopter evacuation from the Khumbu region costs $2,500 to $5,000 and without proper insurance you pay that yourself.
Make sure your policy also covers trip cancellation, medical expenses and high-altitude trekking specifically. Many standard travel policies exclude altitudes above 4,000m so read the fine print before you buy. Print a copy of your policy and carry it on the trail. For a full guide on what to look for read our travel insurance guide for Nepal trekking.
What happens if I get sick or need to be evacuated?
Your guide checks the situation and gives first aid. For altitude sickness or serious injury, going down to a lower altitude always comes first. If a helicopter is needed, your guide contacts our Kathmandu office and we arrange it with the helicopter company and your insurer. Evacuation is possible from most points on the trail, weather permitting, and can often be arranged within a few hours. The helicopter is paid by your insurer, or by you if your policy doesn’t cover it.
The Himalayan Rescue Association runs an aid post at Pheriche in peak season, and there are clinics in Namche and Khunde. Our team gives 24/7 support throughout your trek. This is exactly why travel insurance that covers helicopter evacuation is essential.
How much cash should I carry and where are the ATMs?
Carry enough Nepali rupees for the whole trek before you leave Kathmandu. There are ATMs in Lukla and Namche Bazaar, but they’re unreliable, often run out of cash in peak season and charge high fees. There are no ATMs beyond Namche. Change money in Kathmandu and carry small notes, as change can be hard to find in remote teahouses.
As a rough budget, plan for $25 to $40 a day for meals, $2 to $5 for a hot shower, $3 to $5 a day for wifi and $2 to $5 per device for charging. For 11 days on the trail, carry around $300 to $500 in cash, plus a little extra for surprises.
Is there wifi and phone signal on the trail?
Yes, on most of the route, but it gets slower and less reliable the higher you go. Most teahouses sell wifi for about $3 to $5 a day. Mobile data works in many places with a Nepali SIM, and we help you get one before you leave Kathmandu. Expect gaps above Lobuche, and download maps and anything else you need before the trek.
Can I fly back by helicopter instead of walking down?
Yes. You can add a helicopter return from Gorak Shep after Base Camp and Kala Patthar, for $550 per person. It saves about three days of walking down and gives you one last close view of Everest from the air. Flights depend on weather and seat availability, so we confirm it with you on the trail.
Departure Dates & Pricing
Your dates, your group, your way
Same route and guides, just your group. Tell us when you'd like to go and how many of you there are, and we'll send you a day by day plan with a price.
- Nothing to pay now
- Plan and price by email
- Confirm with a 20% deposit
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20% deposit: due on booking Secures your place on the departure. The deposit is non-refundable. We also need a copy of your passport.
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80% balance: due on arrival Pay the rest in Kathmandu before the trip starts. Bank transfer, cash, or card (4% card fee).
| Cancel before you arrive | Deposit not refunded, nothing more to pay |
| Cancel after the pre-trip meeting | No refund |
| Date or name change | USD 200 per person |
| MountainKick cancels trip | Full refund or reschedule |
Weather delays and extra days cost extra, so travel insurance is required. We give you documents for any claim.
Read the full terms and conditionsPacking List
Footwear
ⓘ Do not bring new boots. Break them in on at least 3 to 4 long walks before you fly.
Clothing and Layers
ⓘ The layering system is everything on this trek. Temperature swings 20 degrees between midday and evening above 4,000m.
Head, Hands and Neck
Gear and Equipment
ⓘ Your porter carries the duffel. Your daypack is for daily essentials only. Keep it under 5kg.
Health and Hydration
ⓘ Talk to your doctor about Diamox before you leave. It is available in Kathmandu but better discussed beforehand. We do not provide or recommend it ourselves.
Toiletries
ⓘ Laundry tip: Laundry services are limited on the trek, but you can hand-wash quick-dry clothes during acclimatization days.
Documents and Money
ⓘ No ATMs exist past Namche. Carry all cash from Kathmandu in small denominations.
Trekking in Winter (Dec to Feb)
Trekking in Monsoon (Jun to Aug)
⚠ Monsoon is not recommended for EBC. Trails are muddy, views are blocked for days at a time, and Lukla flights get delayed frequently.
Leave at home
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Jeans Heavy, zero insulation when wet, takes days to dry
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Cotton clothing Absorbs sweat, stays wet, causes chills at altitude
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Full-size towel Heavy and bulky. Microfiber only.
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Laptop No need and you will regret the weight
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Excessive toiletries Wet wipes are your friend above 4,000m
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Valuables / jewellery Unnecessary risk. Leave at the hotel in Kathmandu.
Sleeping bags and down jackets can be rented through us in Kathmandu. We lend you trekking poles for free, just ask before you set off. We connect you with trusted shops at the pre-trip briefing for anything else. A duffel bag is provided to every trekker as part of the package.
Everest Base Camp Trek
Talk to Kumar and the team before you commit. Ask about gear, fitness, altitude or a private group.
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