How difficult is the Everest Foothills Trek?

Moderate. Daily trekking runs 4–6 hours on established trails with no technical terrain. The steepest section is the climb into Namche Bazaar on Day 3 (about 2 hours of sustained uphill). Maximum altitude is 3,860m at Tengboche. No mountaineering experience required.

How does the Everest Foothills Trek compare to the full EBC Trek?

The Foothills Trek uses the same Lukla–Namche trail but stops at Tengboche (3,860m) instead of going to Everest Base Camp (5,364m) and Kala Patthar (5,545m). It's 9 days vs 14 days, roughly half the altitude, and significantly less physical demand. It's a good way to experience the Khumbu before committing to the full route.

Do I need to be fit for the Everest Foothills Trek?

You should be able to hike 4–6 hours carrying a small daypack. Basic cardiovascular training for 6–8 weeks before the trip helps: hiking, cycling, or stair climbing. You don't need to be an athlete, but the better your preparation, the more you'll enjoy it.

What about altitude sickness on the Everest Foothills Trek?

The trek stays below 4,000m, well under the threshold where serious altitude sickness typically develops. Some trekkers feel mild effects at Namche (3,440m): headache, fatigue, poor sleep. The acclimatisation day on Day 4 gives your body time to adjust. Drink 3–4 litres of water daily, avoid alcohol in the first few days at altitude, and tell your guide immediately if you feel unwell.

What permits do I need for the Everest Foothills Trek?

Two permits: the Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit and the TIMS card. mountainkick arranges both. Bring your passport and two passport-sized photos.

How are the Lukla flights arranged?

30-minute flights, early morning, weather-dependent. During peak seasons (March–May and October–November), flights depart from Manthali/Ramechhap — a 5–6 hour drive from Kathmandu departing around 2:30 AM. Don't book international departure flights for the same day you return. mountainkick handles all rebooking at no extra cost.

What should I budget for personal expenses on this trek?

Teahouse meals: breakfast $5–8, lunch $8–12, dinner $8–12. Hot showers $3–5, WiFi $2–4 per day. ATMs available in Lukla and Namche but not reliably beyond — carry rupees from Kathmandu.

Can I use credit cards on the Everest Foothills Trek?

In Kathmandu, yes. On the trail, cash is the norm. Some Namche guesthouses accept cards with a processing fee.

What visa do I need for Nepal?

Tourist visas on arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport. Bring USD cash, two passport photos, and a passport valid for at least 6 months. Current fees: 15-day $30, 30-day $50, 90-day $125. Online application also available via Nepal's Department of Immigration.

What should I pack for the Everest Foothills Trek?

Essentials: waterproof hiking boots (well broken-in), layered clothing (base, mid, shell), warm hat and gloves, UV sunglasses, SPF 50+ sunscreen, headlamp, water bottles, personal first aid kit. A sleeping bag rated to -5°C is recommended for Tengboche nights.

When is the best time for the Everest Foothills Trek?

Spring (March–May) and autumn (September–December). October and November offer the most stable weather and clearest skies. March–April are warmer with rhododendrons in bloom. Avoid monsoon season (June–August).

Can I extend the Everest Foothills Trek to EBC?

Yes. The most popular extension is continuing to EBC and Kala Patthar, which adds 5 days and becomes the full Everest Base Camp Trek (14 days). Private departure dates are also available.

What happens if something goes wrong on the trail?

Guides carry a first aid kit and are trained in altitude sickness protocols. For serious emergencies, helicopter evacuation to Kathmandu is available from most points on the route. Travel insurance covering emergency evacuation is mandatory — arrange it before leaving home.

Everest Foothills Trek | 9 Days from $1,020

Trip overview

The Everest Foothills Trek runs Lukla to Tengboche Monastery in 9 days. You walk through Sagarmatha National Park, spend two nights in Namche Bazaar, and top out at 3,860m with Everest, Lhotse, and Ama Dablam filling the skyline. Daily walking is 4 to 6 hours on established trails with no technical terrain.

This is the right route if you want genuine Khumbu immersion without the 14-day EBC commitment. The altitude stays below 4,000m, the acclimatisation day is built in, and the trail is well-serviced the whole way. If reaching Everest Base Camp itself is the goal, the EBC Trek is the one to book.

Every group is led by a Sherpa guide from the Khumbu region. No outsourcing, no agency middlemen. For a full comparison of shorter Khumbu options, our EBC full guide covers how the routes differ.

Your Day by Day

day 01
Arrive in Kathmandu

A MountainKick representative meets you at Tribhuvan International Airport and transfers you to your hotel. The afternoon is free to rest. That evening we run a pre-trip briefing covering the route, gear, permits, and the Lukla flight logistics for the next morning.
- Accommodation: 3-star hotel, Thamel
day 02
Fly to Lukla, Trek to Phakding

The 30-minute flight to Lukla is one of the memorable parts of this trip. From the airstrip the trail drops gently alongside the Dudh Koshi River through pine forest to Phakding. Easy first day by design — 3 to 4 hours, mostly downhill. Note: during peak season (Mar–May, Oct–Nov) flights depart from Ramechhap, requiring a 2:30 AM hotel departure.
- Accommodation: Teahouse, Phakding
- Meal: Breakfast
day 03
Trek to Namche Bazaar

The trail follows the Dudh Koshi River, crossing several suspension bridges before entering Sagarmatha National Park at Monjo. The final two hours are a sustained climb into Namche — steep and worth it. On a clear day you’ll catch your first view of Everest above the ridge before you reach town.
- Accommodation: Teahouse, Namche Bazaar
- Meal: None
day 04
Acclimatisation Day in Namche

Rest day built for altitude adjustment. We hike up to the Everest View Hotel at 3,880m, clear sight lines to Everest, Lhotse, and Ama Dablam — then return to Namche to sleep lower. The rest of the day is yours: the Saturday market, Sherpa Culture Museum, or a teahouse with a view.
- Accommodation: Teahouse, Namche Bazaar
day 05
Trek to Tengboche

The trail climbs out of Namche through forest, drops to the Dudh Koshi River at Phunki Tenga, then ascends through rhododendron forest to Tengboche. Ama Dablam dominates the skyline most of the way up. Tengboche Monastery sits on a ridge with a full panorama of Everest, Nuptse, Lhotse, and Ama Dablam — the visual high point of this trek.
- Accommodation: Teahouse, Tengboche
- Meal: None
day 06
Return to Namche Bazaar

The return trail feels different heading downhill faster, and with a new perspective on the landscape you climbed through. Drop back through rhododendron forest, cross the river at Phunki Tenga, and make the short climb into Namche. Last chance for shopping or a proper sit-down meal.
- Accommodation: Teahouse, Namche Bazaar
- Meal: None
day 07
Trek Back to Lukla

A long descent day back through Monjo and Phakding to Lukla. The trail is familiar by now and moves quickly. You’ll arrive in the late afternoon with time to settle in, sort your gear, and get an early night before the morning flight.
- Accommodation: Teahouse, Lukla
day 08
Fly Back to Kathmandu

Morning flight back to Kathmandu. Clear days give you a long view of the Himalayan range from the plane. Flights are weather-dependent — MountainKick handles any rebooking at no extra cost. Afternoon free for Kathmandu sightseeing or rest.
- Accommodation: 3-star hotel, Thamel
day 09
Final Departure

Transfer to Tribhuvan International Airport. Hotel checkout is at 12:00 PM. If your flight departs later, MountainKick can arrange luggage storage at the hotel.
- Meal: Breakfast

What's Included

Receive you from and drop you to the airport or hotel in our company vehicle.
Stay at a tourist standard hotel in Kathmandu on a twin-sharing basis. Breakfast is on us.
Stay at guesthouses during the trek on a twin-sharing basis.
Local government-licensed guides.
Porters (one each for a pair of travellers) and local support staff to help you trek.
Fees for Sagarmatha National Park entering permit and Trekkers’ Information Management System card
Fully paid round-trip tickets for Kathmandu-Lukla flight and back. Rides in private vehicles included in the itinerary.
A duffel bag, a sun hat and a t-shirt as a souvenir from us.
All tourist fees, government charges and other official expenses throughout the trip.

What's Not Included

Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu.
All meals during the trek.
Additional stay before, during or after the set itinerary.
Charges at airports or other areas for excess luggage.
Alcohol, hot or cold drinks, bottled water, and other snacks.
Phone calls, internet, laundry, additional porters, and other personal expenses.
Travel insurance. (It is compulsory and covers emergency rescue and evacuation.)
International airfare to and from Kathmandu.
Visa fees for entering Nepal.
Trekking equipment.
Other expenses not mentioned in “Included in cost” list.

Where You'll Stay

In Kathmandu: 3-star hotel, twin-sharing, breakfast included. Single supplement available. Upgrades to 4 or 5-star on request.

On the trek: Standard teahouse accommodation, twin-sharing. Rooms are simple and clean. Shared bathrooms at most teahouses. Hot showers and WiFi available at additional charge. Facilities are better at Lukla and Namche; more basic at Tengboche. Single rooms become harder to find as elevation increases, especially in peak season.

Hotels

In Kathmandu you stay at a 3-star hotel in Thamel on a twin-sharing basis with breakfast included. Rooms are clean and comfortable with hot water and WiFi. Single supplement available on request. Upgrades to 4 or 5-star properties can be arranged.

On the trek you stay in teahouses every night. Rooms are simple — a bed, blankets, and a window. Shared bathrooms at most stops. Hot showers are available at an extra charge of $3–5. WiFi exists at Lukla and Namche but gets patchy and slower higher up. Facilities are best at Namche and Lukla, more basic at Tengboche. In peak season (October–November and March–May) book ahead — rooms fill fast, especially in Namche.

Hotel Vistara

Frequently Asked Questions

How difficult is the Everest Foothills Trek?

Moderate. Daily walking runs 4 to 6 hours on established trails with no technical terrain. The steepest section is the climb into Namche Bazaar on Day 3 about two hours of sustained uphill. Maximum altitude is 3,860m at Tengboche. If you can hike for several hours carrying a daypack, you have enough base fitness. No mountaineering experience needed.
How does this compare to the full EBC Trek?

The Foothills Trek uses the same Lukla to Namche trail but stops at Tengboche (3,860m) instead of continuing to Everest Base Camp (5,364m) and Kala Patthar (5,545m). It is 9 days versus 14, roughly half the altitude, and significantly less physical demand. A good way to experience the Khumbu before committing to the full route. See the Everest Base Camp Trek.
Do I need to be fit?

You should be able to hike 4 to 6 hours carrying a small daypack. Six to eight weeks of basic cardio training before the trip helps — hiking, cycling, or stair climbing. You do not need to be an athlete, but the better your preparation, the more you will enjoy it.
What about altitude sickness?

This trek stays below 4,000m, well under the threshold where serious altitude sickness typically develops. Some people feel mild effects at Namche (3,440m) — headache, fatigue, poor sleep. The acclimatisation day on Day 4 is built in to give your body time to adjust. Drink 3 to 4 litres of water daily, avoid alcohol in the first few days at altitude, and tell your guide immediately if you feel unwell. For a full breakdown read our guide to altitude sickness on Nepal treks.
What about the Lukla flights?

Thirty-minute flights, early morning, weather-dependent. Delays happen. During peak seasons (March to May and October to November) flights depart from Manthali Airport in Ramechhap, which is a 5 to 6 hour drive from Kathmandu requiring a 2:30 AM hotel departure. Do not book international departure flights for the same day you return to Kathmandu. One buffer day minimum is strongly recommended. MountainKick handles all rebooking at no extra cost. More detail in our Ramechhap flight guide.
What permits do I need?

Two: the Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit and a TIMS card. MountainKick arranges both. Bring your passport and two passport-sized photos. Costs are included in your trip price.
What should I budget for personal expenses on trek?

Budget $25 to $40 per day for three meals. Hot showers cost $3 to $5, WiFi $2 to $4 per day where available. The last reliable ATM is in Namche Bazaar carry enough rupees from Kathmandu to cover the full trek. Card payments are not accepted at teahouses.
What visa do I need for Nepal?

Tourist visa on arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport. Bring USD cash, two passport photos, and a passport valid for at least 6 months. Current fees: 15-day $30, 30-day $50, 90-day $125. Online application also available via Nepal's Department of Immigration.
When is the best time to do this trek?

Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to December). October and November give the most stable weather and clearest skies. March and April are warmer with rhododendrons in bloom. Avoid monsoon (June to August) trails are muddy, views are rare, and Lukla flights get delayed regularly.
Can I extend this trek to Everest Base Camp?

Yes. The most popular extension continues from Tengboche up through Dingboche, Lobuche, and Gorakshep to Everest Base Camp and Kala Patthar, adding 5 days. That becomes the Everest Base Camp Trek. Let us know before you book and we can adjust the itinerary.

Good to Know

The right trip for the right person. The Everest Foothills Trek is built for first-timers and travellers with limited time. Maximum altitude is 3,860m at Tengboche — manageable for most people with basic fitness and a sensible acclimatisation pace. If you want to reach Everest Base Camp itself, the EBC Trek (14 days) is the right route.

Altitude is still a factor. This trek stays below 4,000m, but some trekkers feel effects at Namche (3,440m): headache, fatigue, disrupted sleep. The Day 4 acclimatisation day is built in for exactly this reason. Drink 3–4 litres of water daily and tell your guide immediately if you develop a persistent headache, nausea, dizziness, or unusual fatigue. Descending 300m usually clears symptoms quickly. Disclose any medical conditions to your guide before the trek starts.

Build buffer days around your flights. Lukla weather is unpredictable. A 1-day return flight delay is not unusual and there is no way to force it. Do not book international departure flights for the same day you return to Kathmandu. One buffer day minimum is strongly recommended. mountainkick handles all rebooking at no extra cost.

Lukla flights operate from Ramechhap during peak season. During busy trekking months (March–May and October–November), flights to Lukla operate from Manthali Airport in Ramechhap rather than Kathmandu. This requires a 2:30 AM departure from your hotel for a 5–6 hour drive, followed by a short Lukla flight. mountainkick arranges all ground transport and handles any weather-related rebooking at no extra cost.

Bring enough cash for the entire trek. The last reliable ATM is in Namche Bazaar — there are no cash machines beyond that point. Card payments are not accepted at teahouses. Exchange rupees in Kathmandu before departure and carry small denominations. Budget approximately NPR 2,500 to 3,500 per day for three meals across 6 trekking days.

Travel insurance is not optional. Your policy must cover high-altitude trekking to at least 4,000m and emergency helicopter evacuation. Standard travel insurance often excludes altitude coverage entirely — check before leaving home. Insurance cannot be purchased in Nepal.

Use your Kathmandu days for sightseeing. The day before your trek or the afternoon after your return flight is a good time to visit Pashupatinath Temple, Boudhanath Stupa, Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple), and Kathmandu Durbar Square. Your guide can help arrange transport.

Packing Checklist

General

2 season sleeping bag – one.
Spring down jacket – one.
Duffel – one. (We will provide you one complementary duffel bag to be returned after the trek)
35-45 liter daypack – one.

Head

Hat (shade hat or baseball cap). You can additionally tie a bandana around your head or neck. (Mountain Kick provides you a baseball cap as a complimentary gift.)
You can alternatively use balaclava, beanie, or hooded jacket which will be quite sufficient to keep you warm.
Glacier glasses with side shields and 100% UV protection as you will face very intense sun rays at higher altitude with high UV radiation level. If you use prescription glasses, you can find glacier glasses with prescription lenses.
Headlamp that use lithium batteries. (It is recommended you carry spare batteries.)
Neckwarmer (optional).
Lip balm – two sticks. (You lips are bound to get chapped in the cold and dry weather.)

Hand

Synthetic liner gloves – one pair.
Winter fleece gloves or wool gloves – one pair.
Shell gloves – one pair.
Hand warmer (optional). Wearing multiple layers of your gloves should be enough.

Torso

T-shirt – two.
Lightweight thermal tops – two.
Fleece jacket – one.
Windstopper jacket (optional).
Rain jacket – one.
For women: synthetic sports bra – two.

Legs

Nylon hiking shorts – two pairs.
Trekking pants – two pairs.
Synthetic underwear – four.
Synthetic long underwear – two.
Synthetic softshell pant – one pair.
Waterproof pant – one pair.
Jeans, cotton or khaki pant – one pair.

Feet

Synthetic liner socks – four pairs.
Heavyweight socks – three pairs.
Lightweight socks – one pair.
Waterproof light trekking boots – one pair. Choose wisely as you will be doing a lot of walking.
Sneakers – one pair. (You will not be trekking throughout your vacation).
Hiking gaiters (optional).
Sandals (optional).

First aid and medicines

Extra strength Excedrin for headaches.
Ibuprofen for general pain.
Imodium or Pepto-Bismol for gas, upset stomach or diarrhoea.
Diamox for altitude sickness.
Ointment for blisters and cuts.
First aid kit (optional). Our guides always carry a professional first aid kit with them.

Do not forget

Your passport. Passport size photos – four copies.
Airline tickets.
SPF 40 sunscreen for UV protection.
A Swiss army knife.
Aqua iodine tablets.
A toiletry kit with towels, toilet paper, hand sanitizer, hand wipes, soaps, etc.
Kerchiefs

Optional

Trekking poles. These will provide stability, take the stress off your knees and greatly increase your trekking speed.
Munchies (all the walking might make you hungry during your trek).
Binoculars
Books or mp3 players (a smartphone is great).
Camera
Hydration bladder. You might also want to carry a thermos.
A pee bottle (or a pee funnel for women).

Note: The lists have been prepared by our guides based on experience and are meant as suggestion for an average trekker. Each trekker will have his/her own preferences and necessities and we recommend carrying everything that you think you might need. You will find several options for each equipment and we advise to select the best match for your particular trip. You can purchase almost everything on the lists in Kathmandu and we are happy to help you choose.

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DEPATURE DATES
private dates
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TRIP STARTS	TRIP ENDS	STATUS	COST
May 9, 2026	May 17, 2026	available	$1,020
May 16, 2026	May 24, 2026	available	$1,020
May 23, 2026	May 31, 2026	available	$1,020
May 30, 2026	June 07, 2026	available	$1,020
June 6, 2026	June 14, 2026	available	$1,020
June 13, 2026	June 21, 2026	available	$1,020
June 20, 2026	June 28, 2026	available	$1,020
June 27, 2026	July 05, 2026	available	$1,020
September 4, 2026	September 12, 2026	available	$1,020
September 11, 2026	September 19, 2026	available	$1,020
September 18, 2026	September 26, 2026	available	$1,020
September 25, 2026	October 03, 2026	available	$1,020
October 2, 2026	October 10, 2026	available	$1,020
October 9, 2026	October 17, 2026	available	$1,020
October 16, 2026	October 24, 2026	available	$1,020
October 23, 2026	October 31, 2026	available	$1,020
October 30, 2026	November 07, 2026	available	$1,020
November 6, 2026	November 14, 2026	available	$1,020
November 13, 2026	November 21, 2026	available	$1,020
November 20, 2026	November 28, 2026	available	$1,020
November 27, 2026	December 05, 2026	available	$1,020
December 4, 2026	December 12, 2026	available	$1,020
December 11, 2026	December 19, 2026	available	$1,020
December 18, 2026	December 26, 2026	available	$1,020
December 25, 2026	January 02, 2027	available	$1,020

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We give you the power to choose the departure date that suits your group best. A private trip is a perfect solution if you can’t find a published departure date that you and your companions agree on. You can set up a private departure for most of the trips we offer.

Travellers	PRICING FROM (USD)
1	1260
2-3	1020
4-9	925

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