Trek to Mt. Everest Base Camp in Nepal
Join The Explorer’s Passage on one of the world’s most extraordinary adventures: an Everest Base Camp trek in Nepal! On this journey into the heart of the mighty Himalayas, you will follow in the daring footsteps of some of Mount Everest’s legends, including Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay.
The trail to Everest Base Camp immerses you in truly unparalleled landscapes. Along the way, you will pass through forested valleys and small villages, ascend past the tree line, and eventually reach the famed base camp at the foot of Earth’s tallest mountain. You will cross glacier-fed rivers, visit monasteries and shrines, traverse high-altitude yak pastures, and will constantly be glancing up past fluttering strings of prayer flags to take in the regal peaks and glaciers that surround you.
This captivating region is unlike any other, and will undoubtedly give you remarkable stories that you can pass down through generations. Your unique reward on this trip will not only be up-close experience with Mt. Everest, our planet’s highest summit, but also an unrivaled sense of personal achievement as you take on one of the world’s most famous trekking journeys.
Read more below to review trip details and highlights, a sample itinerary, trip customization options, accommodations, photos, and more!
Visit Everest Base Camp with T.E.P.
We Take Care of Everything

We go above and beyond our competitors in handling every detail of your Everest Base Camp trek, so that you can focus exclusively on experiencing all that Nepal and the Himalayas have to offer. Our trips are all-inclusive, crafted with the intent of providing you with an unforgettable adventure travel experience. All you have to do is show up at the airport in Kathmandu!
Expert Guides

Experience the Everest Base Camp Trek with the finest trekking guides in Nepal. Our knowledgeable guides have been leading adventures in the Himalayas for over thirty years, and are some of the pioneers of trekking to Mount Everest Base Camp. Many of the guides are also local to the Khumbu region of Nepal, which is home to the Sherpa community.
Responsible Travel and Sustainability

The Explorer’s Passage is a member of Sustainable Travel International, a partner/supporter of the Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics, as well as a supporter of the Center for Responsible Travel (CREST). We very proudly incorporate the principles of these organizations throughout your trip to Nepal. You can read more about our commitment to sustainability and responsible travel later on this page.
Trip Highlights
- Explore Kathmandu on a private guided tour, and experience the sights, sounds, and tastes of one of South Asia’s most intriguing capital cities;
- Visit UNESCO World Heritage Sites such as Boudhanath and Pashupatinath, where you can walk among some of Nepal’s most sacred places;
- Journey deep into the Himalayas as you hike to Everest Base Camp, and find yourself surrounded by the majesty of the soaring peaks, peaceful woodlands, rhododendron forests, mammoth glaciers, unique wildlife, and rushing rivers of Nepal;
- Retrace the legendary route of Sir Edmund Hillary & Tenzing Norgay and their historic 1953 expedition to Mount Everest;
- Discover vibrant Nepalese communities along the route, including the colorful market town of Namche Bazaar, the serene Tengboche monastery, and other adventurous waypoints such as Dingboche, Thukla, Gorakshep, and more;
- Rest and replenish at mountain ‘tea houses’ in villages along the trail, where you can share hearty, memorable meals with fellow adventurers and local Sherpas (note: hotel in Kathmandu included before and after the trekking portion of the trip);
- Reach Everest Base Camp, where you will be rewarded with up-close views of the planet’s tallest mountain as well as an unrivaled sense of personal achievement – as one of the lucky few to experience this unique point on Earth.
For the Everest Base Camp trek, pre-scheduled group tours depart:
- various dates in Sept., Oct., and Nov. 2023;
- various dates in March, April, and May 2024;
- various dates in Sept., Oct., and Nov. 2024;
- Click here to view all 2023 & 2024 trip dates
Custom dates (for individuals or private groups) also available. To inquire on a custom date, please contact us!
ACCOMMODATIONS
Various Options*
In Kathmandu (before and after the trek to Everest Base Camp), choose between 3-Star or 5-Star hotels. While hiking to E.B.C., everyone stays in ‘tea houses,’ which are comparable to many other mountain lodges/huts in other parts of the world.
ACTIVITY LEVEL
Advanced*
Activities: multi-day hiking on the route to Everest Base Camp.
Total trekking distance: either ~85 miles / ~136 kms or ~56 miles / ~90 kms (depending on itinerary option selected)
*Please refer to our Trip Activity Level Guide for more information
MAP OF EVEREST BASE CAMP TREK ROUTE
– KHUMBU REGION, NEPAL –
Note: this map only corresponds with the standard 18-day itinerary’s 13 days of hiking to and from Everest Base Camp. The alternative 14-day itinerary option (featuring 9 days of trekking) is very similar – except that on the return trip, trekkers take a helicopter from Pheriche to Kathmandu. For more information about itinerary options, please review the section about trip customization on this webpage.
SAMPLE TRIP ITINERARY
18 Day / 17 Night Trip Daily Overview
Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu, Nepal
Namaste and welcome to Kathmandu (elevation: 4,347 feet / 1,325 meters)! Get ready to experience one of the most undeniably awe-inspiring journeys our planet has to offer.
At the airport, you will be greeted by a member of our team (your driver will be waiting for you, holding a sign with the T.E.P. logo and/or your name) and then driven to the hotel. Depending on your arrival time, you will have some free time today to explore Kathmandu on your own. Later in the evening, you will enjoy a festive meal at one of our favorite restaurants in the city. This will be an excellent introduction to the vibrant local cuisine and culture, and will also help set the mood for an exciting adventure ahead!
Day 2: Explore Kathmandu
Get ready for real cultural immersion today as you spend the day on a guided sightseeing tour of Kathmandu. We begin by exploring two UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
The first is Pashupatinath, a sacred Hindu temple complex located on the banks of the Bagmati River, which includes an array of temples, ashrams, sacred images, and inscriptions. We will spend some time walking around the grounds before driving to Boudhanath, our second stop for the day.
Boudhanath is home to one of the largest stupas in Nepal, which dominates the skyline. Marking an ancient trade route from Tibet, the structure is a subject of many local legends, its construction having been dictated by the landing place of a flying hen. Many of Nepal’s most sacred sites have similar origin stories, revolving around interactions between the sacred, the natural world, and humankind. At Boudhanath, we will enjoy a group lunch and then a walking tour of the site. Eventually, at the conclusion of the tour, you will be driven back to the hotel.
Later in the afternoon, your guides will conduct a 45 – 60 minute pre-trek briefing at the hotel. Following the briefing/orientation, you will have free time to get dinner and explore the city even more! In your free time, you may want to walk to Durbar Square, in front of the old royal palace. Dating back to the third century, it is a site that has housed many generations of Nepalese royalty, including the Malla and Shah dynasties.
Day 3: Travel to Lukla, then Trek to Phakding
Today, you will finally be able to start one of the world’s most exciting adventures: the Everest Base Camp trek! After a very early morning start you will be driven from the hotel to Ramechhap Airport, several hours east of Kathmandu, where you will board a short flight to Lukla Airport (also known as Tenzing-Hillary Airport).
After exiting the airport, you will link up with the trail team (guides & porters) and then head to a nearby lodge in Lukla (9,300 feet / 2,835 meters). While there, you can change, use bathrooms, enjoy some tea and snacks, top off water bottles, and more as you prepare for the imminent start of the trek.
Once everyone is ready we will begin the trek around 9:30 or 10:00 AM, passing Chauri Kharka village and heading north. You will soon enjoy breathtaking views of the Dhudh Kosi River at the base of the valley. Snow-capped Himalayan mountains will provide the ultimate backdrop as you approach your evening’s stay at a tea house in Phakding.
Daily trekking distance: approximately 5.6 miles / 9 kilometers (over ~4-5 hours)
Day 4: Trek to Namche Bazaar
Begin the day with breakfast with your fellow trekkers, before setting out north along the river again, crossing several bridges along the way. We will stop for lunch in Jorsale (9,200 feet / 2,804 meters) before continuing towards Namche Bazaar. Eat heartily, because the post-lunch section is fairly challenging (one of the trek’s toughest segments), with lots of switchbacks and an elevation gain of several hundred meters. Known as the gateway to Everest, Namche Bazaar (11,286 feet / 3,440 meters) is a particularly key trading hub, home to a variety of stores and other services. There will undoubtedly be plenty of color and life to enjoy in the town, set against the natural wonders of the impressive landscape.
Daily trekking distance: approximately 7.5 miles / 12 kilometers (over ~5-6 hours)
Day 5: Acclimatization Day in Namche Bazaar (w/day hike)
Today is our first acclimatization day, as well as a chance to take in the beauty of some of the surrounding snowy peaks. These include Kwangde, Thamserku, and Kangtega, all over 19,700 feet / 6,000 meters. Following breakfast, we will do a day hike up past an old airstrip and through grassy alpine terrain to the Everest View Hotel (13,000 feet / 3,962 meters), one of the highest altitude hotels in the world. Once there, you can enjoy tea and snacks while absorbing the stunning views to the northeast of Ama Dablam (22,349 feet / 6,812 meters), Nuptse (25,791 feet / 7,861 meters), Lhotse (27,940 feet / 8,516 meters), and Mount Everest itself (29,029 feet / 8,848 meters).
Upon return to Namche Bazaar in the early afternoon, you will have a later lunch and then will have free time to explore the town and its vibrant Sherpa culture.
Day-hike distance: approximately 2.5 miles / 4 kilometers (~4 hours round-trip)
Day 6: Trek to Debouche
Today we leave Namche Bazaar and descend towards the Phunki Tenga Bridge over the Dhudh Kosi River, on our way to Debouche (12,533 feet / 3,820 meters). Eventually, we will stop for lunch near some stupas, as a short respite from the narrow and steep path towards Tengboche, a small monastic village. Don’t forget to look up from the trail occasionally, because you will be able to see Mount Everest in the distance!
The Tengboche monastery – which we will be able to visit when we pass through the village – is the largest of its kind in the Khumbu region. While the original structure has been all but lost to earthquake and fire, the rebuilding was possible thanks to the contributions of patrons from around the world. Tibetan painter Tarke-la’s work now decorates the sanctum, and you’ll also see many inscribed stones and prayer flags fluttering around the mountain village. You may even be lucky enough to encounter the monks who live and pray here.
After leaving Tengboche, we will continue hiking about half an hour down to the rhododendron forests of Debouche, where we will spend the night. You will be able to enjoy incredible views of the snow-capped peaks of Tawoche to the west and Ama Dablam to the east.
Daily trekking distance: approximately 7.5 miles / 12 kilometers (over ~5-6 hours)
Day 7: Trek to Dingboche
From Debouche, today we will we make our way to Dingboche (14,304 feet / 4,360 meters). We pass through Pangboche and have lunch around the day’s halfway point – at around 4,000 meters altitude, where the treeline ends – before continuing up a gradual ascent to Dingboche. Along the way, you will again be able to spot Everest. In this area, you will also see a patchwork of fields against the mountainsides, where local farmers cultivate barley, buckwheat, and potatoes.
While in Dingboche, you will overlook the Imja River. The town features many kilometers of stone walls, covering much of the valley.
Daily trekking distance: approximately 8.1 miles / 13 kilometers (over ~4-5 hours)
Day 8: Acclimatization Day in Dingboche (w/day hike)
Today, being an acclimatization day, features a day hike. We will wake up later (around 7:00 AM), have breakfast, and then depart for the hike around 9:00 AM. In order to help our legs and lungs get even more used to the altitude, we will spend a few hours round-trip hiking Nagarshang ridge (16,732 feet / 5,100 meters). Along the hike, you will enjoy excellent views of the surrounding area.
Upon return to Dingboche, the rest of the afternoon/evening is a leisure day for you to explore the small village as well as relax with your fellow trekkers. If you would like to do another short hike today, that is also an option. Dependent on weather, you could potentially visit Chukhung (15,518 feet / 4,730 meters) about two to three hours to the northeast, a place traditionally used to raise yak.
Day-hike distance: approximately 2.5 miles / 4 kilometers (~4 hours round-trip)
Day 9: Trek to Lobuche
A gentle ascent through alpine scrub and yak pastures today takes us first to Thukla (15,156 feet / 4,620 meters). As we hike above the Pheriche Valley, we will reach the Summiteers’ Memorial in Thukla Pass. This memorial, surrounded by dozens of colorful flags, pays tribute to the explorers who have come before. From this point, we will follow the trail north through a big valley towards Lobuche (16,175 feet / 4,930 meters).
Daily trekking distance: approximately 7.5 miles / 12 kilometers (over ~4-5 hours)
Day 10: Trek to Gorakshep, then Everest Base Camp
Today, you will finally reach Everest Base Camp!
The day’s journey begins with a roughly three hour hike towards Gorakshep (16,995 feet / 5,180 meters). Gorak Shep is a small village at the intersection of the Changri Shar and Khumbu glaciers.
After a quick lunch in Gorakshep, we follow the Khumbu Glacier northeast towards Everest Base Camp. This glacier flows at 164 feet / 50 meters per year, its melting ice creating a stream which eventually becomes the Dughla Waterfall. Looking out at the sheer scale of the glacier and the mountains that feed it, you’ll certainly be able to understand why these icy Himalayan watersheds are informally known as Earth’s “Third Pole.”
Upon eventually reaching Everest Base Camp (17,600 feet / 5,364 meters), you can revel in the extent of your achievements, take photos, and absorb the adventurous atmosphere. This final gateway to Mt. Everest is where Hillary and Norgay camped for two months before starting their historic climb. Later, you will return to the tea house in Gorakshep with a new appreciation for this unparalleled landscape.
Daily trekking distance: approximately 7.5 miles / 12 kilometers (over ~8 hours)
Day 11: Kalapathar Viewpoint, then Trek to Pheriche
As we prepare to head back south, we will first have an unparalleled opportunity to view Mt. Everest from up close one last time, from the Kalapathar viewpoint. To reach Kalapathar, we’ll have an early start (around 5:00 AM), then set out from the tea house in Gorakshep to gradually ascend a big ridge.
It will be grassy and open until we approach the viewpoint, where we will encounter more boulders and rockier terrain. Upon reaching the viewpoint – which marks the highest elevation point of the trip, at about ~18,000 feet / ~5,500 meters – you will be able to enjoy an incomparable view of Everest, and take prize-winning photographs! Next, we’ll return to Gorakshep to finish packing up, have breakfast, and then depart mid-morning for Pheriche (14,041 feet / 4,280 meters). We retrace our steps south, descending and enjoying increased oxygen saturation as we go!
The trail splits at Thukla (where we usually have lunch on this day) and we will take a slightly different route than we did a few days earlier, when we were heading north. The hike is very easy, through a long stretch of valley, affording us excellent views of Ama Dablam as well as other surrounding mountains. We should reach Pheriche later in the afternoon.
Daily trekking distance: approximately 9.3 miles / 15 kilometers (over ~8-9 hours)
Day 12: Trek to Tengboche
Today, we continue hiking south, following the river and enjoying lunch in Pangboche. We then continue on to Debouche and pass the nunnery, which is also the oldest Buddhist convent in Nepal. Although a 2015 earthquake damaged the building, the site has been rebuilt.
After passing through Debouche we continue a short distance to Tengboche, where we will rest for the night. Today’s hike is descending the entire time (except for a few hundred meters between Debouche and Tengboche at the end).
Daily trekking distance: approximately 6.2 miles / 10 kilometers (over ~5-6 hours)
Day 13: Trek to Namche Bazaar
Starting in the morning, we retrace our steps from several days ago until we reach Namche Bazaar, nestled in the hillside. Tenzing Norgay grew up nearby, and here you will see many local guides and porters who know this terrain better than anyone and who help non-local trekkers and climbers achieve their audacious goals in the Himalayas.
While in Namche Bazaar, you can shop at a local market, explore the town’s streets and architecture, or relax at a cozy bakery or cafe. If you have time, you could also visit the Sherpa Culture Museum. The town also features a pub that bills itself as the highest altitude Irish pub on the planet! (note: if you choose to drink alcohol, please exercise caution/moderation as alcohol consumption at higher altitudes will affect you much faster than when you are at lower altitudes).
Daily trekking distance: approximately 7.5 miles / 12 kilometers (over ~5-6 hours)
Day 14: Trek to Phakding
As we continue our journey, today we will hike alongside the frigid waters of the Dhudh Kosi River. This river is fed by some of the enormous glaciers that you have experienced up close during this adventure.
While we trace the winding river, we will have lunch in Monjo. Later, we will continue to the village of Phakding, where we will stop to rest for the night.
Daily trekking distance: approximately 7.5 miles / 12 kilometers (over ~4-6 hours)
Day 15: Trek to Lukla
From Phakding, we begin our final full day of trekking. While hiking, you will be surrounded by stunning Himalayan scenery as well as in the excellent company of fellow adventurers. Eventually, we will reach Lukla in the afternoon. Once there, you will be able to enjoy a hearty lunch, shower, and relax at the conclusion of the trekking portion of this incredible journey!
Daily trekking distance: approximately 5.6 miles / 9 kilometers (over ~4-5 hours)
Day 16: Return to Kathmandu, Nepal
This morning we will wake up very early for a quick breakfast around 5:00 AM. Then, we will walk the short distance (5-10 minutes) to the Lukla Airport to catch a flight. Following the brief 15-20 minute flight to Ramechhap Airport, the group will board a private van/shuttle and drive several hours to Kathmandu. Later, upon returning to Kathmandu in the afternoon and refreshing at the hotel, you will have time to explore the city some more.
The Thamel District is certainly a great place to wander, its winding streets lined with shops, bars, restaurants, and more. The Garden of Dreams is also well worth a visit. Located next to the former royal palace, it is a small reserve in which to escape the bustle of the city, featuring greenery, pavilions, as well as decorative ponds.
For dinner, you could seek out an authentic thali. With variations common to much of South Asia, it is a hearty meal which includes rice and lentils, meat, and vegetable curry. Enjoy it, you’ve certainly earned it after the many days of trekking!
Day 17: Explore Kathmandu, then Farewell Dinner
Today is our final full day together, but there is still a lot for you to experience in the Kathmandu area: you might consider seeing some live music in Lazimpat, or visiting the Newa Chen house in northern Lalitpur to experience a 350 year-old Newari home, restored to its original beauty. Our local team can also provide additional recommendations for destinations and activities.
Be sure to explore as much of Kathmandu as you can, before gathering in the evening for our final meal together. Raise a glass to newfound friends, and also to your physical accomplishments and mileage! Finally, take a moment to reflect on the unique experience of having trekked through an incredible part of the world that most have only read about!
Day 18: Final Day in Nepal
Congratulations on a magnificent journey! Count yourself amongst the lucky few who have witnessed the majesty of Mt. Everest from up close. This story is now written into your own personal narrative, and we hope you will remember it for many years to come. Although it may be time to return home, we will all leave with an unforgettable experience to look back on – until your next adventure with us!
Please contact us for a complete detailed itinerary.
Customizing your Everest Base Camp Trek
18 Day & 14 Day Itinerary Options
In our standard itinerary, you spend 18 days in Nepal, starting and ending in Kathmandu. 13 of these days are spent ‘on the trail.’ You can review this full sample itinerary in the Itinerary Overview section of this webpage.
To shorten your Everest Base Camp trek, you can instead opt for a 14-day itinerary (featuring 9 days of trekking, instead of 13). This itinerary is identical to the 18-day itinerary up until Day 12, when you reach Pheriche as you head back south. There, you will take a helicopter to Kathmandu.* Once back in Kathmandu, the itinerary is similar to the final few days of the standard 18-day itinerary. This 14-day option omits most of the southbound return trip on foot (between Pheriche and the original start point of Lukla).
*Please note that pricing for the helicopter between Pheriche and Kathmandu is variable, contingent upon the number of passengers (up to 5 with bags). The helicopter pricing is also separate from the overall trip pricing.
Optional Everest Base Camp Trip ‘Add-Ons’ [at additional cost]
- Sleep at Everest Base Camp: for trekkers who want an undeniably unique experience, you can opt to spend a night at Everest Base Camp * – one of the world’s most extraordinary overnights! Our team handles every aspect of camp operations, so that you can focus on enjoying the experience. Tents at Everest Base Camp will be ready and waiting for you, and a hearty dinner will be served in a communal dining tent.
- *Important Notes: camping at Everest Base Camp is subject to availability. Furthermore, an overnight stay at E.B.C. means that there will not be enough time to ascend the Kalapathar Viewpoint on the following day (typically on Day 11 as described in the standard itinerary).
- Flight over Mount Everest: soar above Everest in a fixed-wing plane, and enjoy incomparable views of the entire landscape (what more is there to say!).
- Extra Nights in Kathmandu: if you would like to extend your time in Nepal, we are happy to help arrange additional nights in Kathmandu.
Are you interested in another activity or destination in Nepal that isn’t listed above? Planning to spend extra time in the region, or interested in specific travel dates? No problem. As experts in tailored trip planning, we can weave your interests and your timeframe into our customizable itineraries so that every detail of your extraordinary trip unfolds just the way you want it to.
Contact us today to get started customizing your dream trip to Nepal!
Traveler Testimonials
Read what people are saying about their once-in-a-lifetime travel experiences with The Explorer’s Passage:
Accommodations in Nepal
Before and after your Everest Base Camp trek, you can enjoy a comfortable stay at Hotel Marshyangdi, one of Kathmandu’s best hotels (alternatively, a 5 Star hotel option can be reserved instead – contact us for more details). During the trekking portion of the trip, you will stay overnight at ‘tea houses’ along the route. Learn more about these trip accommodations below:
Hotel Marshyangdi | Kathmandu, Nepal
Located in the attractive Thamel District and close to many city attractions, Hotel Marshyangdi is owned and operated by a family from Manang. Manang is a mountainous region of Nepal, and Marshyangdi means ‘raging river’ in the local Manangi dialect.
All rooms are air conditioned with en-suite bathrooms and internet available. The property also features a relaxing courtyard restaurant, a bar, and a café. Finally, breakfasts at the hotel are included during your stay.
Accommodations on the Trail to Everest Base Camp: ‘Tea Houses’
During the trekking portion of the adventure, the accommodations will be in tea houses that offer dormitory-style rooms with single and double bunk beds, comparable to many other mountain lodges/huts in other parts of the world.
The tea houses are typically equipped with running cold water and shared bathrooms in a separate section. At most of them, there are propane-fueled hot showers available to use for a small fee (typically $5-10 USD equivalent). It is usually possible to charge personal electronic devices in the common/dining areas, however they also charge a small fee for this (typically $5-10 USD equivalent).
Personal Attention Before Your Everest Base Camp Trek
There is no other operator in the travel industry that will provide the same level of personal attention before your adventure in Nepal. We get very involved with our travelers before each trip, by offering a series of pre-planning calls in the months and weeks before departure. This provides you with an opportunity to hear directly from us on preparation, trip experience, as well as training. It also gives you the platform to ask questions about any aspect of the trip.
Staff Support
Our knowledgeable support staff take care of the details of your in-country transportation, lodging, meals, cultural tours, and activities. We’ve even scheduled in a bit of free time for you to explore, relax, shop, or eat on your own. When you travel with The Explorer’s Passage, we ensure that every detail is handled.
Sustainability and Responsible Travel
The Explorer’s Passage is a proud member of Sustainable Travel International, a partner/supporter of the Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics, as well as a supporter of the Center for Responsible Travel (CREST). In addition to ‘Leave No Trace’ principles, the concepts of sustainability and responsible trekking are at the forefront of our Himalayan journeys. As part of this commitment, we: minimize single-use plastic; intentionally stay at smaller tea houses/lodges along the trekking route (they are generally more sustainability-oriented and less wasteful); minimize disruptions to wildlife and local Nepalese communities (this includes noise moderation near homesteads and villages); do not allow collecting of plants, rocks, or other items from the trail; and we only use authorized paths to prevent erosion and damage/disrespect to local sites.
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