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Everest Base Camp trek Itinerary- 15 days

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15 days Everest Base Camp trek Itinerary is easy to accomplish and a rewarding trek. Everest Base Camp trip (8448m) is a world-class journey to the high Himalayas. The overall trek combines walking in high altitudes, tough terrains, and stunning landscape. Besides Everest, you can get a glimpse of other mountain peaks including Mt. Everest (8,848m), Mt. Makalu (8,463m), AmaDablam (6,856m), Island peak (6,189m), Thamserku (6623m), Mt Khumbila (5,761m), and Lhotse (8,516m). 

During the trek, you get them to stay in the classic Sherpa villages as you learn about the local traditions and culture of the native Sherpa. Anyone with a normal fitness level can go for this budget-friendly trek. 

As per the Everest Base Camp itinerary, you will retrace the route that was first used by Tenzing Norgay Sherpa and Sir Edmund Hillary. Trekking through the Sagarmatha National Park, one can explore the alpine forest. In the trail, you will come across narrow ridges and gorges, glacial rivers, and suspension bridges. During the month of springs i.e March to May, the vegetation is at its best. During Autumn, i.e. September to November, the views of the mountain peaks are absolutely stunning. Everest Base Camp trek Itinerary during the months of monsoon and winter can be challenging, but it is equally rewarding. 

The journey o the Everest Base Camp begins with the flight to Lukla. From Lukla, the trek actually begins. You will walk for about 6 to 7 hours each day. From Lukla, we will first trek to the village of Phakding and then further walk to the places such as Namche, Tengboche, Lobuche, and Gorakshep before we reach the base camp. On the trail, the view of numerous snow-capped massif mountains and beautiful landscapes will not get away from the sight.  Read the details for Itinerary for Everest Base Camp.

Note: You can book our cheap trekking package here and enjoy a awesome tour.

Contents

Day 01: Arrival and transfer to hotel.

 As you arrive at the International airport in Kathmandu, our representative will be waiting with the placard of your name. We shall welcome and then drive you to the hotel. During the 30 minutes of the drive, you can enjoy the views of Kathmandu Valley

 Once you reach the hotel, you get enough moments to enjoy the comfort of the hotel. Then, we will have an informal Group Meeting where we will brief you about the trek. After that, we will collect your necessary details. In the evening, we will enjoy our first group dinner. We will together have a welcome dinner. 

Overnight in Kathmandu

Day 02: Sightseeing in Kathmandu at places of interest

Everest Base Camp trek Itinerary
Everest Base Camp trek Itinerary

 Kathmandu, Nepal’s capital is home to different cultural heritage. It is famous as the City of Temple. You cannot miss visiting the UNESCO world heritage sites in Kathmandu. We shall spend our time as we relieve from the jetlag of long flights. 

The trip begins after breakfast in the hotel. First, we will drive to the Pashupatinath Temple. It is the famous Hindu Shrine in Nepal where people seek the blessing from Lord Shiva. We can wander around the area which has different small monuments. Then, we will drive to Boudhanath Stupa. This is the largest and the most beautiful Stupa in Nepal. Here, you can learn about Buddhist culture. Then, we will explore Kathmandu Durbar Square. It’s one of the three Durbar Square in Kathmandu valley. The area has a temple, home of Kumari (living goddesses) and different other monuments. 

In the evening, we can stroll around the market of Thamel. We can buy any necessary trekking gear and prepare for the journey. 

Overnight in Kathmandu

Day 03: Fly to Lukla 2,830 m & trek to Phakding 2,640 m – 04 hrs

 Early morning, we will take a flight to Lukla. The 30 minutes flight offers us a glimpse of Mt. Everest and other mountain peaks. Lukla airport is one of the most thrilling and adventurous airports in the world. This is ideally the gateway to the Khumbu region. Almost all major trek to the Everest region beings from Lukla. 

After some preparation in Lukla, we actually start our trek. On the trail, we will leave the small Sherpa farm villages and cross some suspension bridges. The nice and pleasant walk of about four hours takes us to the beautiful village of Phakding. The village is suited by Dudh Koshi, a glacial River.

Overnight in Phakding

Day 04: Trek to Namche Bazaar 3,440 m – 08 hrs.

 After breakfast, our journey towards Namche Bazaar (3440 m.) commences. The trail leads to the right bank of Dudh Koshi. We can witness the Thamserku peaks that stand majestically skyward. 

As we reach the place called Benkar, the path climbs from the Dudh Koshi River riverbed. We walk through a forest to Chumoa and continue the path with many ups and downs. We shall cross a stream and a classic village of Monjo.

Here, we arrive at the Sagarmatha National Park entrance point where the park entry fee is to be deposited. After the formalities, we take a short walk along the riverbed. Crossing high Hillary bridge, we take a steep ascent towards Namche Bazar.

On the way, we can enjoy the views of Everest and Lhotse that is surrounded on all sides by mountain vistas. After some time, we will reach Namche Bazaar (3440m). Namche Bazaar is a central hub of the Everest region for trekking gears, foods, and other necessary goods. It is the world’s most vibrant place at such altitude. 

Overnight at Namche.

Day 05: Acclimatization and exploration day

Everest base camp trip
Everest base camp trip

As we are already living in 3,440m above sea level, our body needs to have some rest. No place could be better than Namche Bazaar to let our shanks rest. But we will not remain inactive throughout the day. 

After breakfast, we will climb to an altitude of 3880 m where we can spend some time in the Everest View Hotel. The view of peaks such as Mt. Everest, Tabuche, Amadablam, Lhotse, Nuptse, Thamserku, and Kwangde, can be mesmerizing. If we have enough time, we can visit the mountain museum and Shyangboche Airport. This is the world’s highest situated airport. 

After exploring the region, we will get back to Namche Bazaar for the overnight stay. We can enjoy the evening by strolling around the marketplace. The eateries and bars in the place are like a rescue at such altitude. This is an ideal opportunity to experience the lifestyle of mountain people- the Sherpa.  

Day 06: Trek to Tengboche 3,867 m – 07 hrs

 After a wonderful day in Namche, we will start to trek toward Tengboche. First, we shall take a gradual scenic path down towards the Imjatse river. At Phungi Thanga, we shall stop for lunch. After lunch, we shall climb uphill through the forest of Rhododendron, firs, and pines, with awesome views of snowcapped peaks.

On reaching Tengboche, we explore the famous Buddhist monastery. This is the biggest monastery in the Khumbu region. Tengboche offers the magnificent views of Mt. Everest, Kangtenga, Thamserku, Nuptse, Lhotse, Kwande and majestic Amadablam. With the view of Mt. Amadablam on the background and valley of Pangboche in front, the stay in Tengboche is going to be can be momentous and picturesque. 

Overnight at Tengboche

Day 07: Trek to Dingboche 4,400 m – 06 hrs

 After early morning breakfast, we trek commences. First, we descend along the forest to Debuche. After some time, we shall cross Imja Khol. Climbing steadily as we enjoy the views of mountain peaks, we will enter Pangboche at 3,900m. This is a permanent settlement at the highest altitude. Ascending from the Pangboche valley, we will reach Shomare. Here, we leave the trees and cross a bridge at Imja Khola. A short climb then takes us to Dingboche, which is at 4,400m. Dingboche is a summer settlement. For dinner, we can enjoy Nepalese cuisine with locally prepared food. 

Overnight in Dingboche

Day 08: Trek to Lobuche 4,930 m – 06 hrs

 Our walk from Dingboche commences early in the morning. First, we walk along the ridge that is marked by the prayer flags and the Stupas. Then, we pass along the gradual uphill path that faces marvelous scenery. Then, we reach the place called Thugla where we can witness the Khumbu glaciers that melt into a torrential river.

Thungla is an ideal place where we can rest and stop for lunch. After a steep climb at Thugla hill, we will again stop for the rest. From the top, the view of Khumbu and Everest peaks is beautiful. The walk continues on a nice gradual path up to Lobuche. Lobuche has several beautiful lodges with the stunning views of Lobuche, Pumori, and Nuptse and peaks.

Overnight in Lobuche

Day 10: Trek to Everest Base Camp 5364 m and return to Gorakshep 5,180 m – 08 hrs.

 Today is the most beautiful and important day of our journey. We will walk towards the final destination of the trip i.e. Everest Base Camp. Early in the morning, we walk on the open valley to reach above Khumbu glaciers. Walking through moraines, we will stop in a place called Gorakshep. 

Gorakshep has few basic lodges and is our stop for the night. It is the junction point of the Everest base camp and the Kala Patthar route. Earlier, Gorakshep was the base camp of Everest from 1950 to 1970. After that, the camp was shifted further 4-6 k.m. 

A couple of hours from Gorakshep over the moraine and glacier takes us to base camp. From the base camp, you can enjoy the views of giant peaks such as Nuptse, and Nuptse-Lo la. In the mountaineering season, the base camp is very vibrant with crews of climbers. We will spend our time in the base camp by savoring the beauty of nature. 

After a grand time in the base camp, we head back to Gorakshep. We can celebrate the stay in the highest overnight stop with the fantastic memories of the day. 

Overnight in Gorakshep

Day 11: Hike to Kalapathar 5,550 m trek to Lobuche 4,240m – 08 hrs

Everest Base camp Itinerary
Everest Base camp

 After a prodigious time in Everest Base Camp, this is another spectacular day of our trek. We will wake early in the morning and then hike to Kalapathar. Kalapathar is suited at 5545m- the highest point of our trek. We will walk uphill for the stunning sunrise view. Gazing the sun rays falling in the casement of mountains like Mt. Everest is a life-time memory. Here, we can collect our memory tale. The view of peaks such as Pumori, Lhotse, Nuptse, Everest, Amadablam, Changtse, Lo-la, Lingtren, Cholatse, Tabuche, Khumbutse and many more peaks from the top is mesmerizing. This is the last point without Everest climbing permit.

After a wonderful time, we descend to Gorakshep. Here, we enjoy our breakfast and then commence to trek. The day’s trekking is unwinding as we climb to lower altitude and the oxygen level increases. After a few hours of walk, we reach the place of Lobuche for overnight sleep. 

Overnight in Lobuche

Day 11: Trek to Pangboche: (3,985m) 6-hour trek

After breakfast, we start to descend along the trail. We climb downwards where the oxygen level gradually increases. On the path, we will walk along the alpine forest of Pine, Oak, and Rhododendron. After a couple of hours, we will stop in a Sherpa settlement for the lunch. Throughout the journey, we can enjoy the views of the magnificent peaks of the Himalayas. As we mostly move downhill, the trail is quite easy. But if you walk fast, you might end up hurting your knee. 

Overnight at Pangboche 

Day 12: Trek to Namche – 08 hrs.

 The journey downwards is much easier as we lose heights every hour. On the trail back, we will cross some suspension bridges and multiple streams. We will walk through the cool forested area and pass through the classic Sherpa settlement. If you are lucky, we might encounter goats, pheasants, yaks, and other wild Himalayan animals and birds. 

After crossing the bridge suited over the Imja Khola, the path eventually goes up. Here, we can enjoy the views of Thamserku, Nuptse, and Amadablam, mountains. The trail then leads us to the Namche Bazaar. In the evening, we might want to have some delicious cuisine in one of the restaurants in Namche Bazaar. 

Overnight at Namche Bazaar.

Note: Book our trekking package here and enjoy a awesome tour.

Day 13: Trek to Lukla – 07 hrs.

 After breakfast, we start to trek to Hillary Suspension Bridge. This is a famous bridge in the area. We will also pass through several local settlements. The walk is long but we can walk slow. After some hours, we will stop for lunch. And then, we can continue to walk to the lower altitude. 

Once we arrive in Lukla, we can rest in the last Tea House. Traditionally, we can have a small party with the crew. The party denotes- we made it! 

This is our very last night on the mountain together. We can talk about the bittersweet memories made during the trek. 

Overnight in Lukla

Day 14: Fly back to Kathmandu and transfer to respective hotels

Travel tips for Nepal
Lukla Flights

 Our flight is scheduled early in the morning. If the weather is good, we will fly back right after breakfast. While we wait for our flight to arrive, we can capture some last glimpse of the Himalayas. We can enjoy the thrilling 30 minutes flight to Kathmandu. As you land at the airport at Kathmandu, our staff will transfer you to the hotels. Rest of the day, you can explore the area around. You can also spend some time buying gifts for yourself and your loved one. Thamel has some beautiful classic handicrafts that will remind you of this beautiful country. 

Overnight in Kathmandu

Day 15: International departure homeward bound.

 This is your last day in this amazing land of Himalayan wonders. Our staff will drive you to the airport two hours before the international flight. After waving a final goodbye to each other, our journey ends here. We wish a safe journey towards homeward. 

ALTERNATIVE ITINERARY DUE TO FLIGHT CANCELLATIONS:

The Weather of the Himalayas changes within the fraction of second. Within a few minutes, the bright sunny day might change into stormy weather. Due to such rapidly changing weather conditions, we might have to make modifications to the intended itineraries.

Mainly, the flights taking you from Kathmandu to Lukla are prone to unexpected delays. This might cause the modification of the entire plan. In case of bad weather, our contingency plans are as follows:

Day 2 :

We will try our best to get in the pre-booked fixed-wing flight. If so, there is no change in the itinerary. If the flight gets canceled with very short notice, we drive back to our hotel suited in Kathmandu. Here we will accommodate for an additional night.

Day 3 :

Again, we will try boarding on our booked flight. If this flight further delays, we can take another alternative fly to Lukla. We can book a helicopter that is permitted to fly to Lukla. We will try our best to charter a helicopter at a reasonable price. For the purpose, we might have to wait sometime before we find a suitable group to fly with.

The exact cost of helicopter charter depends on the number of travelers in your group. Usually, it sums up to US$500 with all applied charges and tax. Travelers who have such insurance can also use the emergency funds to cover the helicopter charter cost helicopter.

If we land in Lukla on day 3, either on a fixed-wing aircraft or chartered helicopter, we shall follow the same itinerary as mentioned above. But, we will descend the trekking journey one less to catch our flight back to Lukla.

Day 4:

 If there aren’t any other options i.e nor the plane or helicopter, we can still begin the journey on the morning of Day 4. Everest Base Camp trek Itinerary will be short in helicopter tour.

If the flight is still not available, we can travel to Phaplu by road which is about 9 hours of drive in a private vehicle. Then, we will trek towards Tengboche. Here, we will join the classic Everest Base Camp route via Lukla.

In this case, we might not reach the Base Camp with the altered Everest Base Camp trek Itinerary. But even with some delay, we can enjoy the trek as we witness the excellent view of the Everest ranges. 

Or, there might be a similar delay in the flight from Lukla to Kathmandu. In such a case, we will try to arrange the helicopter for you. If neither of these is possible, you can spend a day in Lukla. There are plenty of tea houses in Lukla where we can stop for some time. Or, we can just climb down the same path as on day four. Then, we will drive back to Kathamdu from Phaplu.  Here, your Everest Base Camp trek Itinerary comes to the end.

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About Shobita Neupane

Shobita is a co-founder of Travel Diary Nepal. She is a passionate traveler and a content writer. Her favorite quote is Fly so high until your problem looks smaller and the dream seems closer.

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