Standing in the shadow of the world’s tallest peak is an awe-inspiring experience, hard to put into words. Located on the border of Nepal and Tibet, Mount Everest – or Sagarmatha in Nepali and Chomolungma in Tibetan – towers at nearly 9 km (5.5 miles) high. After a week-long trek to reach Everest Base Camp (EBC), knowing there’s still more trail ahead on the descent, the view of this iconic mountain, surrounded by its lofty neighbors, is as breathtaking as it is profound.
Though the trek requires determination, a fair budget, and around two weeks of your time, the journey is worth every step. The fusion of Sherpa culture, Tibetan influences, well-maintained trekking routes, and incomparable mountain views make this trail unforgettable. For both first-time travelers to Nepal considering trekking options and seasoned adventurers still dreaming of Base Camp, this trek promises to be a once-in-a-lifetime adventure.
Though Mount Everest sits on the border of Nepal and Tibet, when people speak of trekking to Everest Base Camp, they’re almost always referring to the Nepalese route. Nepal’s side offers a welcoming atmosphere for travelers, with well-established trekking infrastructure, and the only way to reach Base Camp here is by hiking (or by helicopter if you’re short on time and have the budget). In contrast, Tibet’s side of Everest can be reached by a paved road that brings you close to the mountain.
While Tibet offers arguably clearer views of Everest’s vast profile (speaking from experience), the trek through Nepal provides much more than just stunning vistas. This journey combines incredible physical challenge with a rich cultural immersion, making it one of the world’s most unforgettable trekking experiences. For active, adventurous travelers who thrive in the great outdoors, this trek is a perfect choice!
The most popular route to Everest Base Camp begins in the mountain village of Lukla, accessible via small turboprop flights from Kathmandu. From there, the trail winds through Sagarmatha National Park – Nepal’s highest national park – gradually ascending to EBC before looping back to Lukla. This out-and-back trek generally takes around 12 to 14 days to complete. We provide a 14 day package as such,
For first-time trekkers in Nepal, the Everest Base Camp (EBC) trail is a fantastic choice. With well-developed infrastructure and awe-inspiring views, it provides a more accessible experience than many other Nepalese routes. However, it’s not fully representative of Nepal’s typical trekking paths – many are far more rugged, with simpler accommodations, basic food options, challenging trails, and fewer travelers. If you’ve hiked in less-traveled areas of Nepal, the EBC’s popularity might surprise you; even below the summit, crowds are a common sight.
Prepare for daily walks ranging from three to eight hours on maintained trails, with fewer hours as you gain altitude. Along the way, you’ll cross forested landscapes, follow the rushing Dudh Kosi River, and navigate some high-altitude suspension bridges. The trail leads through Namche Bazaar, a lively horseshoe-shaped town and the largest settlement in the Solukhumbu (Everest) region.
As you ascend from Namche, the terrain grows rockier, with peaks looming ever closer. Highlights include Buddhist monasteries like Tengboche, stupas, prayer wheels, and mani stone walls carved with Tibetan prayers. You’ll also pass landmarks like the Khumjung school founded by Sir Edmund Hillary and a museum displaying what some locals believe to be a “real” yeti skull.
The route offers varied accommodation options, particularly in the first days. You’ll find budget-friendly teahouses (basic lodges with restaurants and shared bathrooms) alongside high-end lodges with stylish interiors and gourmet meals. Mountain Lodges of Nepal and Everest Summit Lodges provide elevated comfort, though at a higher cost.
In terms of amenities, don’t expect luxury on the trail. Basic teahouses often provide a bucket of warmed water for washing, and toilets are scarce along the route. Facilities range from squat toilets to sit-down options, with more rustic options in remote areas. Keep toilet paper and hand sanitizer with you, and remember that water is a limited resource, so use it mindfully.
The two-week trek to Everest Base Camp (EBC) demands stamina but doesn’t require exceptional fitness levels. Many older children handle it well, but you’ll have a smoother experience if you’re in decent shape and have some prior experience with multi-day mountain treks. If you’re completely new to hiking, it might be challenging; however, a regular workout routine will likely prepare you adequately. Training before the trek—whether at the gym or outdoors—can be beneficial.
Trekking above 2,500 meters (8,202 feet) brings the risk of Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS). To help your body adapt to the altitude, acclimatization days are critical, and guides typically include these in the itinerary. Symptoms may start to appear around 3,000 meters (9,800 feet), and by 4,000 meters (13,100 feet), nearly everyone will notice a higher heart rate, faster breathing, and possibly headaches or sleep disturbances.
Everyone reacts differently to altitude; being fit doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll adapt more easily than a less-fit companion. That said, a good baseline of health and fitness can make the overall trek more manageable.
Medications like Diamox (Acetazolamide), available in Kathmandu or before your trip, can alleviate mild altitude symptoms, but be alert for severe AMS signs. If symptoms worsen, descending immediately is crucial, as AMS can be life-threatening if ignored.
The best times to trek to Everest Base Camp are during Nepal’s peak trekking seasons: October to November and March to May. These months bring ideal weather, but also larger crowds on the trails. In spring, mountaineering groups join trekkers on the route to EBC, as it’s the prime season for climbing, making the trails busier.
Monsoon season, from June to September, brings heavy rain, making trails muddy and visibility limited. Flights in and out of Lukla are often delayed or canceled, adding uncertainty to travel plans. Winter (December to February) is quieter, and while trekking is possible, you’ll need to be well-prepared for freezing temperatures. Fewer tour operators run treks in winter, and some trail businesses close, but those who brave the cold enjoy a less crowded experience.
Here at Trek Nepal, we take care of all required paperworks and permits. We also arrange a guide who is fluent in English.All the fees are taken care of in package cost itself.
When packing for your Everest Base Camp trek, think about whether you’ll be hiring a porter. Porters typically have weight limits on what they’ll carry, so pack accordingly. Remember that a porter is different from a guide; while guides navigate and provide support, they don’t carry gear. Also, consider the quality of accommodations, as this will determine how much you’ll need to bring for warmth at night. If you forget something, you’ll likely find it in Thamel, Kathmandu’s main tourist area.
Trekking poles are highly recommended and considered essential for stability on the trails. They’re available at reasonable prices in Kathmandu and are a common purchase for those new to trekking in Nepal—experienced trekkers rarely go without them!
Here’s a basic list of other things to pack: