A classic trail through the Khumbu
Walk through Nepal’s Khumbu region on a 14-day Everest Base Camp journey beginning and ending in Kathmandu. From Lukla, the trail follows the Dudh Koshi valley towards Namche Bazaar before continuing through Tengboche, Dingboche, Lobuche and Gorak Shep.
The journey combines sustained high-altitude trekking with Sherpa settlements, Buddhist heritage and close views of the Himalayan landscape. Two planned acclimatisation nights—one in Namche Bazaar and one in Dingboche—create time to adjust before the route reaches its highest stages.
Everest Base Camp is the objective, but it is not the only measure of a successful trek. Weather, trail access and individual wellbeing may require changes. An optional early outing towards Kala Patthar can provide a higher viewpoint when conditions and acclimatisation allow.
Who this trek is for
This is a strenuous high-altitude trek with consecutive walking days, uneven terrain, cold conditions and increasingly simple accommodation. It suits travellers with good general fitness who are prepared to walk steadily for several hours on most days and accept that mountain plans must remain flexible.
It is not a climbing expedition and does not enter the Khumbu Icefall. If you would benefit from slower altitude gain, more rest or a dedicated flight-delay buffer, ask us to discuss a longer itinerary.
Important mountain-flight planning
Flights to and from Lukla depend on mountain weather and operating conditions. The departure airport, road transfers, baggage limits and check-in arrangements must be confirmed close to travel.
This 14-day outline includes arrival and departure days but no dedicated spare day for a disrupted mountain flight. Where possible, keep at least one or two flexible days before your international departure. Additional time reduces pressure but cannot guarantee an onward connection during a longer disruption.
A journey prepared around you
This page presents the standard outline. Before confirmation, Nepal Holidays Advisor will prepare a personal itinerary and quotation based on your dates, group, accommodation preferences and agreed services. It will identify the final route, transport, meals, baggage arrangements, inclusions, exclusions and total price.
Highlights
- Follow the classic Khumbu trail from Lukla to Everest Base Camp
- Spend two nights in Namche Bazaar for acclimatisation and local exploration
- Continue through Tengboche and the high-altitude Imja valley
- Stay two nights in Dingboche before moving into the upper Khumbu
- Reach Everest Base Camp when trail conditions and individual wellbeing allow
- Consider an optional Kala Patthar viewpoint walk before descending
- Experience Sherpa settlements and Buddhist cultural landscapes with appropriate respect
- Receive a personal itinerary and quotation before confirmation
Trek route map
Day-by-day itinerary
Arrival in Kathmandu and trek preparation
Arrive in Kathmandu, transfer to your hotel and allow time for the trek briefing, equipment check and confirmation of flight and road-transfer arrangements. Overnight in Kathmandu at approximately 1,350 m.
Fly to Lukla and trek to Phakding
Travel to the operating airport and fly to Lukla, subject to conditions. Begin with an unhurried walk through villages and the Dudh Koshi valley to Phakding. Approximately 3–4 hours walking; overnight near 2,610 m.
Trek from Phakding to Namche Bazaar
Continue through the river valley, suspension bridges and the park-entry area before the sustained climb to Namche Bazaar. Approximately 6–7 hours walking; overnight near 3,440 m.
Acclimatisation day in Namche Bazaar
Remain at the same sleeping altitude. If you are well, take a measured local walk towards viewpoints or nearby settlements, then return to Namche for rest. Optional walk approximately 2–4 hours.
Trek from Namche Bazaar to Tengboche
Follow the valley trail, descend towards the river and climb through forest to Tengboche. A monastery visit depends on local access and observances. Approximately 5–6 hours walking; overnight near 3,860 m.
Trek from Tengboche to Dingboche
Continue through Deboche and Pangboche into the more open Imja valley. Walk steadily as the altitude increases. Approximately 5–6 hours walking; overnight near 4,410 m.
Acclimatisation day in Dingboche
Stay a second night in Dingboche. If conditions and wellbeing allow, make a gradual walk above the village and return for rest and preparation. Optional walk approximately 2–4 hours.
Trek from Dingboche to Lobuche
Continue towards Dughla or Thukla, climb past the memorial area and follow the upper valley to Lobuche. Approximately 5–6 hours walking; overnight near 4,910 m.
Trek to Gorak Shep, visit Everest Base Camp and return
Walk to Gorak Shep and leave overnight belongings at the lodge. If trail conditions and wellbeing allow, continue to Everest Base Camp, approximately 5,364 m, and return. Approximately 7–9 hours total; overnight near 5,160 m.
Optional Kala Patthar outing and descent to Pheriche
An early walk towards Kala Patthar may be possible if conditions and acclimatisation are suitable. Return to Gorak Shep, collect your belongings and descend through Lobuche towards Pheriche. Approximately 7–9 hours with the optional outing.
Trek from Pheriche to Namche Bazaar
Descend through the lower valley towards Pangboche and Tengboche, then continue to Namche. The day still includes climbs as well as descents. Approximately 6–8 hours walking.
Trek from Namche Bazaar to Lukla
Descend towards the river and follow familiar village trails back to Lukla. The final approach includes uphill walking. Approximately 6–8 hours; overnight near 2,860 m.
Fly from Lukla and return to Kathmandu
Take the return mountain flight when conditions permit. Continue to Kathmandu by the confirmed airport transfer or by road from Manthali when required. Keep the remainder of the day flexible.
Departure from Kathmandu
The standard outline ends today. Transfer and departure arrangements must match the confirmed quotation. Travellers without additional flight-delay buffer days should discuss the connection risk before booking international flights.
Included
- Arrival and departure airport–hotel transfers stated in the confirmed itinerary
- Two nights’ hotel accommodation in Kathmandu with breakfast
- Welcome dinner with a Nepali cultural programme
- Eleven nights’ lodge or teahouse accommodation during the trek
- Return Lukla flights and applicable airport taxes from the operating airport confirmed for the travel dates
- Return Kathmandu–Manthali road transfers when required for the scheduled Lukla flights
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner during the trek according to the confirmed meal plan
- One cup of tea or coffee with each included trekking meal
- Sagarmatha National Park entry and applicable Khumbu local entry documentation
- Experienced trekking guide and their agreed transport, salary, equipment, insurance, meals and accommodation
- Shared porter support at the confirmed ratio and baggage allowance
- Basic first-aid kit carried for the group
- Government and local taxes applicable to the included services
Not included
- International flights and Nepal visa charges
- Travel insurance, medical treatment, mountain rescue and emergency evacuation
- Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu except any meal specifically listed as included
- Drinking water, soft drinks, alcoholic beverages, snacks and drinks beyond the confirmed meal allowance
- Personal expenses including showers, charging, Wi-Fi, telephone calls and laundry
- Personal trekking clothing and equipment unless specifically included
- Excess airline baggage and porter support beyond the agreed allowance
- Optional activities, sightseeing and services not stated in the confirmed itinerary
- Additional accommodation, meals or transport caused by disruption, early return or traveller-requested changes unless specifically agreed
- Tips for guides and porters
Safety and fitness notes
This journey reaches very high altitude. Gradual ascent, rest, hydration, honest communication and the guide’s assessment are more important than completing every planned landmark. Anyone can develop altitude-related illness regardless of fitness or previous experience. Symptoms must be reported promptly; the response may include rest, route changes or descent.
Mountain weather, trail access, domestic flights and individual wellbeing can change the programme. The guide may alter or stop an activity when conditions require it. Reaching Everest Base Camp or Kala Patthar is never guaranteed.
Travellers need insurance suitable for trekking at the maximum altitude of the confirmed itinerary, including medical treatment and emergency evacuation under the policy terms. Evacuation depends on conditions, aircraft availability, medical need and insurer authorisation.
Packing notes
Bring worn-in trekking footwear, layered clothing, insulation suitable for cold high-altitude mornings and nights, waterproof and wind-resistant outer layers, sun protection, personal medication and a suitable daypack. A detailed list should be adjusted to the travel month and confirmed lodge arrangements.
Airline baggage limits and the porter-carried allowance are separate. Confirm both limits before travel and keep essential medication, documents and critical layers in your hand luggage or daypack.
Route
Kathmandu → Lukla → Phakding → Namche Bazaar → Tengboche → Dingboche → Lobuche → Gorak Shep → Everest Base Camp → Pheriche → Namche Bazaar → Lukla → Kathmandu
Where you stay
Hotel in Kathmandu and mountain lodges or teahouses during the trek
Meals
Meal arrangements as detailed in the confirmed personal quotation
Transport
Airport transfers, road transfer when required and return domestic mountain flights
Permits
TIMS registration, Sagarmatha National Park entry and the applicable Khumbu local entry permit, subject to the rules in force on the confirmed travel date
Your questions, answered
Is the Everest Base Camp trek a climbing expedition?
No. This is a high-altitude trekking itinerary and does not include climbing Everest, entering the Khumbu Icefall or staying in an expedition camp.
Why are there acclimatisation days?
The itinerary keeps a second night in Namche Bazaar and Dingboche to support gradual adjustment. Acclimatisation cannot remove all altitude risk, and the route may still need to change.
Is Kala Patthar included?
It is an optional outing considered only when weather, trail conditions, timing and individual wellbeing allow. Descending safely takes priority.
What happens if the Lukla flight is delayed?
The itinerary and transfers may need to change, and additional accommodation or transport may be required. Keep flexible days before an international departure and confirm how disruption costs are handled in the quotation and booking terms.
What accommodation is used?
The standard plan uses a hotel in Kathmandu and mountain lodges or teahouses on the trek. Exact properties and room arrangements are confirmed in the personal quotation.
Can the itinerary be made longer?
Yes. A longer plan can provide more flexibility, slower pacing or dedicated buffer time. Tell us your available dates and preferences when enquiring.
What insurance do I need?
Choose cover suitable for the planned activities and maximum altitude, including medical treatment and emergency evacuation under the insurer’s terms. Check exclusions and authorisation procedures directly with the insurer.
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