Fly into Lukla and follow the classic tea-house track through Sagarmatha National Park to Everest Base Camp and Kala Patthar. This 12-day itinerary balances acclimatization, Sherpa culture, and close-up Himalayan panoramas with practical logistics for high-altitude trekking.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
The first light in the Khumbu scours the ridgelines a hard silver; prayer flags snap like small alarms while a single-engine plane drops you into Lukla, the launchpad for a 12-day climb through changing air and changing lives.
Difficulty
challenging
Duration
12 days
Fitness Level
Good aerobic fitness with experience on multi-day hikes and the ability to hike 5–7 hours over rough terrain at altitude
Wildlife
History
The Khumbu has long been the homeland of Sherpa communities who traded and guided; Tenzing Norgay and local climbers were central to the region’s mid-20th-century mountaineering history.
Conservation
Sagarmatha National Park manages permits and restricts waste; trekkers are expected to minimize litter, use refillable water systems and follow local guidelines to preserve fragile alpine ecosystems.
Reserve your spot on the 12 Days Everest Base Camp Trek today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Permit paperwork
Carry photocopies of your passport and ensure your Sagarmatha National Park and TIMS permits are organized before the Lukla flight.
Acclimatize deliberately
Use scheduled rest days in Namche and Dingboche—add short hikes rather than pushing altitude gain in one day to reduce AMS risk.
Water and purification
Bring a reusable bottle and a reliable filter or purification tablets; buying bottled water high on the trail is costly and wasteful.
Lukla flight buffer
Plan extra buffer days in Kathmandu for potential Lukla flight cancellations due to weather.
Insulated down jacket
Keeps you warm during pre-dawn climbs and very cold nights above 4,500 m.
Sturdy hiking boots (broken-in)
Support and grip for rocky, uneven trails and for sections on moraine and scree.
Water filter or purification tablets
Reduce plastic waste and ensure safe drinking water on the trail.
Warm sleeping bag (-10°C rating)
Tea houses provide bedding but nights can be very cold at higher elevations.