Sagarmatha National Park enlisted in World Heritage Sites since 1979 is famous for its high peaks, glaciers, steep, forested valleys, elusive snow leopards, and the Sherpa people who live there in Everest Trek region. The name Sagarmatha is actually the Nepali name for Mount Everest. It means ‘forehead in the sky’, which is rather more poetic than Everest, which is the surname of the Welsh surveyor who mapped much of the subcontinent in the mid 1800s. Sagarmatha National Park is home to eight mountains reaching over 7,000 m.

How high the Everest Base camp is a frequent question among tourists. The most popular side of the Base Camp, i.e. south camp is located at an altitude of 17,900 feet (5,500 m). Such an attitude can be achieved via a week-long trek only. Interestingly, this is not the highest one achieved at Everest Base Camp trek altitude. Kalapatthar, a notable landmark above Gorakshep recorded at 5,643 m (18,514 ft) is the highest altitude one can climb during the trek.

Lukla the starting point of the trek is 2,860 meters (9,383 ft) whereas the popular village of Namche bazaar is 3,440 meters (11,286 ft) above sea level at its low point. Once the trekkers reach above 3,000m, they start to be affected by the symptoms of altitude sickness. So it's important to take enough rest and keep yourself hydrated at this altitude. Dingboche village, another stop for the trek is at 4,260 meters (13,980 ft) above sea level.

Another base camp that can be accessed from Tibet is at 5,150 meters (16,900 ft) above sea level. Since the permit for this trek should be issued by both Tibet and the Chinese Government, one might face obstacles to go for the trek.

Everest Base Camp Trek really is a once in a lifetime experience! Trekking through the foothills of the Nepalese Himalayas is an incredible experience; eight of the world’s fourteen highest peaks are located here – there really isn’t a mountain range quite like this anywhere else on Earth.

The trek starts in the picturesque village of Lukla, before trekking along the Dudh Koshi River, through rhododendron forests, along a glacial lake and up onto the Khumbu Glacier itself. We then reach the prayer flags of Everest Base Camp. Our Everest Base Camp Trek sees us spend the following day pushing on further to summit Kala Patthar – a mighty peak at 5,545m, overlooking Base Camp, with the most incredible view of Everest. Over the next couple of days, we retrace our steps (with a few diversions to experience new exciting views!), back to Lukla.

Major Highlights of Everest Base Camp Trek :

• Luka Airport, the world’s most extreme airport, is a 30-minute dramatic and spectacular flight away.
• Walk along Dudhkoshi River’s bank, through the well-known entrance to Sagarmatha National Park and the alpine forest.
• Observe the Sherpa people’s way of life and culture.
• Mt. Everest, at 8,848.86 meters, is breathtaking.
• Mt. Lhotse, Cho Oyu, and Makalu are all visible in the distance (8,485m)
• Colorful flags and Mani stones, as well as several high suspension bridges, may be seen across the region.
• Flora and fauna of all kinds.Tengboche, Phakding, Pangboche, and Khumjung are all ancient monasteries.
• Khumbu Glacier is the world’s highest glacier (4,900 m)
• Magnificent mountain vistas from Kala Patthar (5,545m)

Additionally, there are other magnificent base camp treks in Nepal such as Annapurna Base Camp Trek, Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek, Makalu Base Camp Trek, Mardi Himal Base Camp Trek to name few.

See the details of our treks in Nepal.

Trek to Everest Base camp can be a rejuvenating moment for many. Leaving the luxurious city life, internet connection, and hectic work schedule, one gets to roam deep into nature. As you climb closer to the mountains and enter the thick alpine forest, you start to look for peace of mind and heart. There are many other best places to see Everest from Valley, but the experience is totally different.

Everest Trek is not just about a panoramic mountain view. You will get to live the life of Sherpa people in the region who follow a very unique Buddhist tradition. Their simple lifestyle and belief will make you amused. Also, you get to explore the vegetation that ranges from sub-tropical to alpine. This is your chance to connect with the best of nature and the best of mankind.

Yeah, the Everest Base Camp Trek can sometimes be hard and sometimes expensive to our budget. But in the end, it is definitely worth it. You will feel the closeness to nature, culture, and eventually yourself.

The classic Everest Base Camp Trek from Lukla to EBC and back is 130km long – 65km each way – which may sound like a lot of trekking! Fear not, because the typical round trip to Everest Base Camp takes around 12 days, the actual distance you will be covering each day will be about 15km – a much more reasonable and achievable number.

Furthermore, the average walking pace is about 5km/hour, so 15km per day does not sound too bad anymore. Obviously, you will not be trekking at that pace because of the rocky terrain, gradual ascent and high altitude gains that have to be made.The point being made is that the distance is very attainable for all people of all ages, shapes and sizes!

Additionally, you will have the luxury of having your large bags carried for you by porters. This should further take the strain off your body and allow you to focus on getting yourself safely up and back down the trail.

There are shorter trekking trips in Everest region such as Everest View Trek and A Short Trek to Everest.

Everest Base Camp lies inside the protected zone in the Sagarmatha region, which means you need permits to enter. The first is the newly introduced Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Entrance Permit, which costs NPR 2,000. This can be purchased in Lukla and is valid for four weeks.

There's also the Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit (NPR 3000), available in Monjo or at the Department of National Park and Wildlife Conservation (DNPWC) counter at Bhrikuti Mandap in Kathmandu.

You'll also need to obtain a TIMS card, for which you'll need a photograph of your passport and two passport-sized photographs. This costs NPR 1,000 and can be obtained from Tourist Service Center, Bhrikutimandap, alongside Government registered trekking companies in Kathmandu and Pokhara.

The typical length, in terms of time, of the Everest Base Camp trek is around 12 days. There are variations of standard route, like Jiri to Everest Base Camp Trek and Gokyo Lakes Trek, which take longer. The outward route from Lukla to Everest Base Camp is significantly longer, in terms of time, than the return route to allow for proper acclimatization and to minimize the risks of Acute Mountain Sickness and related illnesses. It should take around 9 days of trekking to reach base camp and just 3 days to return to Lukla.

Day 01: Lukla Airport to Phakding. Approximately four hours of hiking covering 5.3 miles (8.5km). The route for day one will actually see you descend around 200m. You'll follow the Dudh Kosi River, cross your first suspension bridge and pass a fair few Nepali prayer wheels - soon to be a common sight.

Day 02: Phakding to Namche Baazar. You'll walk 6.2 miles (10km) over around six hours, but it will feel longer as you take on the uphill to Namche Bazaar. The upside? You'll see the famous Hillary Suspension Bridge - the longest suspension bridge on the trek - and you'll get a first glimpse of the mighty Mount Everest.

Day 03: Acclimatization and exploration in Namche Baazar at 3,440m. This is a rest day with optional hiking to a nearby view point, in a beautiful area.

Day 04: Namche to Tengboche. You'll hike for six hours, covering 5.8 miles (9.3km). This Trek will take you along a tributary valley and provide dramatic mountain views of Nuptse, Lhotse, Ama Dablam and Everest.

Day 05: Tengboche to Dingboche. You'll walk six hours, covering 6.5 miles (10.4km) through summer yak pastures on a gentle gradient. Expect sublime mountain and valley views. You'll climb above the tree-line, walk along cliff-edges and follow rivers with remarkable high Himalayan peaks for your backdrop.

Day 06: Another acclimatization day, allowing you to relax in Dingboche at 4,410m. This is a rest day with optional hiking to Nagarjun Hill or Chukung Village. There are views of Ama Dablam, Makalu, lakes and glaciers.

Day 07: Dingboche to Lobuche. Today you're back on the trail, tackling 5 miles (8km) and walking for around five hours. You'll be starting off the hike on a relatively flat trail. Then comes the Thukla pass - a tough 200m uphill to get you to 4,800m. There's a touching memorial at the top of the pass to the Sherpas and climbers who have died on Everest. You'll reach your teahouse then have the option to climb to a hill with views up to the Khumbu Glacier and Khumbu Icefall.

Day 08: Lobuche to Gorak Shep to Everest Base Camp at 5380m and back to Gorak Shep. You'll be hiking six hours and 5 miles (8km) on this day which will take you to the iconic EBC. Navigate the Khumbu Glacier and climb to Everest Base Camp - congratulations! - before heading back to Gorak Shep at 5,364m for the night. The section from Gorak Shep to Base Camp is very demanding, as you'll walking at very high altitude - but the Icefall, and EBC with it, keeps getting closer and closer.

Day 09: Gorak Shep to Pangboche via Kala Patthar. This is an enormous day at 13.2 miles (21.4km) long. Expect to be on the trail for around eight hours. It's also the day with the best views of Mount Everest. You'll climb Kala Patthar, which at 5,550m is the highest point on the trek, and watch the sunrise over Mount Everest from the top. There's something unforgettable about that light coming over the mountain.

Day 10: Pangboche to Namche Bazaar. This 8.3-mile (13.5km), six-hour hike will see you descend back down to Phungi Thanga. You'll be able to toast your trek in familiar surroundings.

Day 11: Namche to Lukla. The final descent on the route still asks a lot, at 11.1 miles (18km) and six hours. You'll pass through forests of rhododendrons and through Sherpa villages. Expect to be a little emotional as you bid farewell to your hiking buddies and the Himalayas - one of the planet's greatest landscapes.

An average day of walking on the Everest Base Camp trek is around six hours long. Of course, that depends on your pace.

A whole variety of mountains are found in the Everest region; photogenic one, sacred ones, high peaks and the dangerous ones. We have selected some major mountains in the Everest region;

Mt.Everest (8,848.86m. | 29,031ft.)

The name Everest speaks for itself. Known as the world’s highest peak, Mt.Everest was formerly known as Peak 15 among surveyors and as Chomolungma(Mother Goddess) among Tibetans and Sherpa. It was first climbed by Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay in 1953 A.D.

Mt. Lhotse (8,516m. | 27,939ft.)

Lhotse(8516 m) is the fourth highest mountain peak in the world. The southern part of this mountain boasts one of the most impressive sights in the Himalayas. It was first climbed in 1956 by a Swiss team.

Mount Makalu (8,485m.)

Makalu is the fifth-highest mountain in the world located 19 kilometers southeast of Mount Everest. It has a distinct four-sided pyramid shape and is an isolated peak. It also has two subsidiary peaks, Makalu II (7,678 meters) and Chomo Lonzo (7,804 meters).

Mount Cho Oyu (8,188m.)

Cho Oyu translates to ‘Turquoise Goddess’ in the Tibetan language. It is the sixth highest mountain in the world. It is popular as being the easiest mountain to climb among the eight-thousanders. It was first climbed in 1954 A.D by an Austrian team.

Mount Nuptse (7,855m.)

Nuptse is probably the most recognized peak in the region after Everest. The peak lies 2 kilometers west of Mount Everest. Nuptse in Tibetan translates to “West Peak.” Because the majority of the trekker traffic is in the Nepalese southern side, it seems more prominent than Everest itself. However, its topographical prominence is just 319 meters and therefore, is not listed among the highest mountains in the world.

Mount Pumori (7,165m.)

Pumori which means “the Mountain Daughter” in the Tibetan language was named by legendary British mountaineer George Mallory. Mallory also named it Clare Peak after his daughter. People sometimes refer to the peak as Everest’s daughter. It is a beautiful peak that can be seen from Kala Patthar, which is also an outlier of the mountain.

Ama Dablam (6,812m. | 22,349ft.)

Ama Dablam means ‘Mother’s Necklace’ since the ridges coming from the peak resembles the arms of a mother holding a child and the shape of its glaciers resemble a necklace. It is a favourite among photographers as it boasts the most photogenic sights in the Himalayas. It was first climbed in 196 A.D by members of a scientific expedition led by Sir Edmund Hillary.

While achievable without mountaineering experience, the trek is no walk in the park. Day two has a tough uphill to Namche Bazaar and day four can be challenging as you approach the holy ground of Tengboche.

Still, if you’re fit enough and you’ve got the appropriate gear and the right attitude, then there’s no reason you shouldn’t be able to complete the trek to Everest Base Camp. It’s not a particularly technical climb. You can also consider doing Everest Three High Passes Trek. 

There are more trekkers during autumn compared to spring and rest of the months of the year. As many as 30,000 to 40,000 people trek to Everest Base Camp each year. During peak seasons, as many as 500 individuals can set out on the trek route each day.

If you do not want to trek to Everest Base Camp when it is much crowded you can consider doing other treks in Everest Region. It can be Gokyo Valley Trek, Ama Dablam Base Camp Trek, Everest View Trek, A Short Trek to Everest and Gokyo Lake Renjo La Pass Trek.

To skip big crowds on the Everest Base Camp Trek, you should pick the right time of year. Early September, late November, or early December are good choices because there aren’t as many people around. Even early February is good because the weather is nice, and there aren’t too many trekkers. Late May is also good before the rainy season starts in Nepal.

So, if you want to enjoy the trek without too many people, choose these months. It means you’ll have more space to enjoy the beautiful views and peaceful surroundings. Just remember to plan ahead and pick the best time for your adventure!

Altitude Sickness:

When trekking to the Everest base camp, the high altitude poses a risk of altitude sickness, with symptoms such as headaches, fatigue, disorientation, and difficulty sleeping. Altitude sickness can affect anyone, regardless of age or fitness level, due to the low atmospheric pressure and sparse air at over 5,000 meters. The significant symptoms of altitude sickness are vomiting, headache, coughing, dizziness, insomnia, and bone weakness. The one crucial way to minimize altitude sickness is by acclimatizing correctly. You must trek high, sleep low, and climb the ascent gradually.

Rough Terrain:

The trek to Everest Base Camp takes you through different types of terrains. From the subtropical forests of Phakding to the glacial moraines of the Khumbu glacier, you will be trekking on various routes. There are many ups and downs with steep ascents and descends throughout your trek. Since you will be hiking in such rough terrains for several days and hours, you will have a sound physical condition.

Limited Oxygen:

With the gradually increasing altitude through the trail and the impressive elevation atop, the oxygen levels also keep dropping. As you hike up, the air pressure decreases, also decreasing the pressure of oxygen. This lack of oxygen can pose several threats to the human body that is not quite used to the sudden drops. You could have difficulty in breathing and staying persistent on track.

Overexertion:

The EBC trek is demanding as much as it is exciting and rewarding. It involves long walks through steep and unfamiliar terrains for days with no end. Trekkers will need to constantly be on their toes and this process of continuous movement can be stressful for the body. Fatigue and muscle pain can make it tough to keep going, increasing the chances of sickness and minor accidents.

Extreme Weather:

Weather conditions can often be unpredictable during the Everest Base Camp trek. Different seasons welcome different weather patterns, adding a constant element of uncertainty throughout. The Everest region experiences extremely cold temperatures, and the weather changes rapidly, making it quite difficult for trekkers to get used to.

What is the highest point on Everest Base Camp Trek?

Kalapatthar at 5,545m is the highest point which trekkers will be conquering during the journey to EBC . Kalapatthar is the most excellent position to appreciate the stunning vista of Everest and other ice giants. Learn more about Everest Base Camp Trek elevation.

What is the highest Sleeping Point on Everest Base Camp Trek?

Gorakshep at 5,170m is the highest overnight spot-on Everest Base Camp Trek.

How long people have been trekking to Everest Base Camp?

The Everest expedition was first done in 1953 by the duo of Sir Edmund Hilary and Tenzin Norgay Sherpa. Since then, it has gained popularity more than ever and is prospering day by day. Every year more than 50,000 hikers reach Everest Base Camp.

How much is the cost to trek to Everest Base Camp?

The simple answer is somewhere from USD 1,300 And 5,000. The cost largely relies on the service, trekking days, accommodations, transportation, number of guides, and porters you use throughout the walk. The usual Everest Base Camp Trek Package must include the permits, round aircraft travel (Kathmandu – Lukla – Kathmandu), hotel, food, and guides & porters. If you want to learn more, we have a detailed guide on Everest Base Camp Trek Cost.

How long will it take to accomplish Everest Base Camp Trek?

The trek from Lukla to Everest Base Camp and vice versa will take an average of 12 days. Depending on how much time you take to acclimatize, it may also take as much as 15 days. The total elevation that you have to cover is 5364 m. So, keeping that in mind, you must keep some days to acclimatize to give your body the much-needed rest.

What is the best time to do Everest Base Camp Trek?

The Everest Base Camp Trek can be done all year, but February to the end of May and October to December are the best times. Sometimes winter goes crazy, but Raj Bala Treks & Expedition has done many winter treks to Everest Base Camp. From monsoon June to mid-September, the major problem is Lukla flights, which need a few buffer days because of flight cancellations. April, May, October, and November are the best months of the year.

Can a beginner trek Everest Base Camp?

Yes, beginners can trek to Everest Base Camp. However, certain factors make it more challenging. Factors like weather, cold temperatures, altitude, rough terrains, and remote villages make the trek more difficult for beginners, but it is not impossible to complete.

See more FAQs on Everest Base Camp Trek.

The trekking route to Everest Base Camp is well-maintained and helps trekkers keep a gradual pace. The mesmerizing landscapes, unique cultural encounters, and the active yet fulfilling run through its tranquil trail makes EBC the experience of a lifetime.

If you are interested in doing Everest Base Camp Trek or are looking at the possibility, it is best to CONTACT US for further information to plan and organize the trip successfully. With our (Raj Bala Treks & Expeditions) years of experience and professional service, we ensure fun, safety and great adventure.