Fly into Lukla and follow high trails through Sherpa villages to Everest Base Camp and Kala Patthar. This 12-day itinerary balances acclimatization and long days on rugged alpine terrain for those prepared for sustained altitude.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
Wind strips the pre-dawn cold from your face as the plane banks toward Lukla's tiny runway; below, ridgelines and prayer flags stitch human life into the high Himalaya.
Difficulty
challenging
Duration
12 days
Fitness Level
Good cardiovascular fitness and experience with all-day hiking; comfortable walking 4–7 hours daily at altitude
Wildlife
History
The route follows historic Sherpa trade tracks and rose to international prominence after early Everest expeditions; the region is central to Sherpa culture and mountaineering history.
Conservation
Everest Base Camp lies inside Sagarmatha National Park—pack out waste, use local operators that follow waste-management rules, and minimize single-use plastics.
Reserve your spot on the 12 Days Everest Base Camp Trek from Kathmandu Nepal today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Prioritize acclimatization
Keep the scheduled rest days in Namche and Dingboche—ascending slowly is the best protection against acute mountain sickness.
Book Lukla flights early
Domestic seats fill in peak seasons; plan buffer days in Kathmandu for flight cancellations due to weather.
Carry cash and small change
Tea houses accept limited cards; buy snacks and phone top-ups in larger villages like Namche.
Conserve battery power
Electricity is limited in high villages—bring a portable battery and a low-power headlamp for evenings.
Layered insulated jacket
Warmth for sub-zero nights and windy summit-area mornings
Sturdy trekking boots
Support and grip on stone steps, scree, and icy patches
Sleeping liner
Tea-house blankets can be thin; a liner adds warmth and hygiene
Trekking poles
Reduce impact on knees during steep descents and help balance on uneven terrain