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Everest Base Camp Trek (16 Days Itinerary)

One of the most popular treks in Nepal, the Everest Base Camp Trek is often on the Top Ten list of travel magazines.

TR#201.

Everest Base Camp Trek Overview

  • The journey begins with a short and adventurous flight to Lukla.
  • Recommended: October to December OR February to May

The Everest Base Camp Trek is one of the most satisfying, enjoyable, and thrilling treks in the world, not just in Nepal. Aside from being captivating and adventurous, the EBC Trek provides enough chances to learn about the local Sherpa culture, discover the unique ecology of the Sagarmatha National Park, and immerse yourself in the quiet and tranquil surroundings of the Khumbu Valley.

The route follows the Dudh Koshi River through deep woods of Rhododendron, Pine, Juniper, and Fir, passing past various Sherpa communities. The stronghold of Sherpa Culture and Buddhist Religion in the Everest Region can be seen in the display of multi-colored prayer flags, prayer wheels, and carved Mani Stones practically everywhere along the path. The EBC trek trail takes you into the heart of the Himalayas and sets up its way up to 5,643m above sea level, providing you with breathtaking views of the world’s highest peak.

The most breathtaking aspect of this trek is the beautiful views of Mount Everest, Mount Lhotse, Mount Ama Dablam , Mount Pumori, Mount Nuptse, Mount Makalu, Mount Cholatse, Mount Thamserku, Mount Kangtega, and many more. The highest point of the trek, Kalapatthar, gives iconic views of Mt. Everest and several other snow-capped peaks.

Everest Base Camp Trek Route

This 16-day Everest Base Camp trek combines breathtaking vistas of several of the world’s highest mountains with interesting Sherpa culture. This exciting journey begins with a short flight from Kathmandu to Lukla, a lovely Sherpa town. You’ll be surprised with spectacular views of the majestic Himalayas from the start of the walk, as you see the first fascinating mountain vistas during this short mountain flight from Kathmandu to Lukla. 

After reaching Lukla the EBC trek begins with a hike to Phakding which is followed by hike to Namche Bazaar where you will be staying for acclimatization. The journey follows the trail to Tengboche, Pheriche, Dughla, Lobuche and then finally to the Everest Base Camp.

A Typical Day at EBC Trek

A typical day of the trek starts with a wake-up call from your guide at around six in the morning at the teahouse you are staying. Get ready and freshen up. By 7 AM, pack your bags and proceed to the dining room for breakfast. Before setting off on the journey with your guide at 8 AM, check your bags one more time and fill up your water bottle.

You set off early in order to avoid walking in the heat while enjoying  the beautiful mountain views. There will be brief stops along the way so that you may take pictures and enjoy the scenery. Around noon or midday, you make a lunch stop at a local teahouse. After around an hour or 40 minutes of rest, you get back on the trail and continue until you reach your accommodation for the night.

When you arrive at your destination for the night, you go to your teahouse, check in, and take rest. At evening, tea will be served along with some small snacks (cookies or biscuits). You can warm yourself by the heater or stove in the common area since the rooms are not warmed.

Exchange tales or play cards with other trekkers and sherpas until dinner is served (about 7 PM). After dinner, your guide will brief you on the next day’s journey – the route you will travel, the difficulty, where you will stop for lunch, and so on. After that, rest for the night and get some well-earned sleep.

Best Season for Everest Base Camp Trek

Throughout the year, tourists, professional climbers, and locals climb to the Base Camp.  The EBC trek is most pleasant in the spring or autumn. Normally, the sky is absolutely bright from sunset to morning at these times. The most stunning views are provided by the bright azure skies.

Spring (February to June) is one of the most significant times to visit EBC. As the monsoon fades, ideal hiking weather appears, and most trekkers go to EBC at this period. The temperature rises to 20 degrees during the day and drops to 5 degrees at night. This is the greatest time to admire the scenery.

Autumn (Sep-Nov) brings colder temperatures, and as the season develops, snowfall makes EBC hiking more difficult. The nights become cooler. During this season, Nepalese celebrate two of their most important festivals: Dashain and Tihar. The festive atmosphere also makes trekking more enjoyable during this season.

EBC Trek Highlights

  • Stand at the foot of Mount Everest, in awe of its beauty and scale.
  • Watch the sunset over Mount Everest from Kalapatthar, often known as the Everest viewpoint.
  • Fly into Lukla’s high-altitude Hillary Tenzing Airport, an adventure in and of itself.
  • Visit Sherpa communities and interact with Tibetan-like people and yak herders.
  • Stay at Namche Bazaar, where all Everest adventures begin.
  • The chilling beauty of the Khumbu Glacier and Khumbu Icefalls will leave you speechless.
  • Use the necessary acclimatization days to learn about the Sherpa way of life as you pass through Sagarmatha National Park, with its diverse flora and animals.
  • Follow in the footsteps of Sir Edmund Hillary and other well-known mountaineers.
  • Visit Tengboche Monastery, which has a significant spiritual significance.

Daily Itinerary

Day 1: Lukla to Phakding (3 hr)
The Everest base camp trek begins with a hike to Phakding which is partly downhill. The village of Cheplung is reached in about 40 minutes. There are also short excursions which one can take to help acclimatize. Phakding (2610m) has plenty of lodges as well as several bars
Day 2: Phakding to Namche Bazaar
Phakding to Namche Bazaar is 5 ½ hr if long stops are avoided. The trail goes along the Dudh Kosi valley towards the north and rewards you with a great view of Thamserku. A checkpoint is reached at Chumoa and a trail through rhododendron and magnolia forest leads on to Monjo (2840m). After Monjo, you enter the Sagarmatha National Park where park fees need to be paid. After Monjo comes Jorsale from where it’s a steep climb through a pine forest to reach Namche Bazaar, which feels like a small town with cyber cafes and everything from batteries to trekking gear available.
Day 3. Acclimatization
It is important to halt an extra day at Namche for acclimatization.
Day 4. To Tengboche (4hr)
The route via Syangboche and Khumjung is suggested and a visit to the famous Tengboche Monastery is worthwhile. There are great views of Ama Dablam from Tenboche (3870m).
Day 5. Acclimatization
Another day to be spent acclimatizing in and around Tengboche.
Day 6: To Pheriche (3 ½ hr)
Walk past Debuche and Pangboche (3860m) is reached. Soon after Pangboche, you encounter arid landscape. Cross the Khumbu Khola to reach Pheriche (4240 m) in the wide valley of this river. The health center of the Himalayan Rescue Association is here helping trekkers and climbers.
Day 7. Acclimatization
One more day in Pheriche for acclimatization with side trips to Chhukung or Island Peak Base camp.
Day 8: Pheriche to Dughla (4620m)
To Dughla (4620m) in just (2 hr) along the valley floor. Early bird gets the bed as accommodation is limited.
Day 9: To Lobuche (2 ½ hr)
The trail climbs up the moraine of the Khumbu glacier. The Pumori peak looms large and you come across memorials for famous mountaineers. A halt here is a must because of altitude as Lobuche is 4930m.
Day 10: Lobuche to Gorak Shep ( 2 ½ hr)
From here the climb is difficult as one strongly feels the effects of high altitude and altitude sickness is a possibility. After traversing a moraine Gorak Shep (5160m) is reached at the foot of Kala Pathar.
Day 11: To Base Camp (6 hr return)
It’s a tough hike to Everest Base Camp (5340m) over the Khumbu Glacier which is a moving surface and ever changing path. During climbing season the base camp is full of colorful tents but otherwise, there is nothing to see here and even Everest is not visible. For a fascinating, panoramic view of Everest and other prominent peaks, go to Kala Pathar (5545m) as a side trip.
Day 12: Back to Lobuche (2 hr)
Head back from Gorak Shep the same way you climbed up but going downhill is a breeze and you can easily reach Lobuche in 2 hours, so start early after lunch.
Day 13: Lobuche to Pheriche/Dingboche ( 3hr )
You might want a change of scene and stay at Dingboche.
Day 14: To Tengboche ( 2 ½ hr)
Descend along the Imja Valley and drop down to the Imja Khola to reach Tengboche.
Day 15 To Namche Bazar ( 4 ½ hr )
On to Namche Bazaar: Climb down to Phunki Thenga and climb a ridge to reach Namche Bazaar.
Day 16: Namche to Lukla ( 6 hr )
At the end of your trek, it’s a hard descent to Dudh Kosi. Be at Lukla by 3pm to confirm your flight back to Kathmandu. Then it’s party time late into the night.

Our Travel Expert

Udaya Gartaula

+9779801026642

info@rolwalingtrek.com

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is Everest base camp trek?

EBC is a high-altitude route that requires considerable acclimatization over a significant distance. With Rolwaling Trek, you will be trekking for 16 days.

How to prepare for Everest base camp trek?

Whether or not you need to train for Everest Base Camp depends on your current physical condition. Boosting one’s aerobic and physical endurance as well as being used to carrying a daypack upwards for extended periods of time are crucial aspects of preparing for Everest Base Camp.

How to get a permit to climb Mount everest?
A new permission system has been put in place in the Everest Region as a result of decentralization. The Trekker’s Information Management System (TIMS) Card is no longer necessary. For the Everest Base Camp (EBC) Trek,you need Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Entrance Permit and Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit

How cold is it at Everest base camp?
You are already at 2800 meters when you get to Lukla, so you can feel the difference in the air’s temperature right away. The temperature will drop as you approach Dingboche (above Namche Bazaar). The higher you go, the more the temperature will drop. The temperature might drop below -20 degrees Celsius at night in the winter.

How long should you train for the Everest base camp?
To ensure a safe and pleasurable experience, proper physical training is required for the Everest Base Camp trek. Your present level of fitness, previous hiking experience, and general health are just a few of the variables that will affect how long your training will take. Ideally, you should begin your training three to six months before the date of your departure.

Do you get a mobile network at Everest Base Camp?
The simple answer is yes. On the Everest Base Camp Trek, you will have network connectivity. Although the service won’t be available everywhere, you’ll still be able to access the network at several rest areas along the way.

Is there money exchange in Everest base camp?
For Everest climbing, you would require local cash (Nepalese rupee). However, some retailers also take American dollars as payment. There are ATMs in Namche Bazaar and Lukla, but you may have trouble using them because of the long lines of trekkers. It occasionally doesn’t function as well. Consequently, you can’t entirely rely on them. Therefore, receive the sum in Nepalese currency by going to money exchangers in Kathmandu. It’s also challenging to exchange your Nepali rupee back into your own cash. Therefore, trade your money based on your necessities.

Cancellations & Refunds

At Rolwaling Trek, we just want our clients to have the best possible experiences. That’s why we don’t withhold deposits or have a fixed cancellation policy. We understand that sometimes life puts you in unexpected situations, so if you have to cancel or postpone a trip, there’s no need to worry.

If you need to change plans, please get in touch with us as soon as you can, and we will make the necessary arrangements to amend or cancel your trip. You can contact us at: +977 – 9801026642.

Notes

  • Trekking routes can be customised to suit your personal interests, abilities and time constraints.
  • If an area does not have good quality accommodation options, we can provide very comfortable camping-style accommodation for the duration of your journey.
  • Rolwaling also has a team of cooks who specialise in making Japanese cuisine, using authentic ingredients from Japan.
  • A lot of the fresh produce used in our dishes is sourced locally from growers in the trekking region.

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