An 11-day trek from Lukla to Everest Base Camp and Kala Patthar, this classic high‑altitude route crosses Sagarmatha National Park, Sherpa villages and moraines with sustained views of Everest, Lhotse and Ama Dablam. Expect long days, acclimatization stops and lodge stays en route.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
You step off a tiny Twin Otter onto Lukla’s rocky airstrip and the trail immediately pulls you into a higher world—rivers pushing the valley floor, prayer flags snapping like bright punctuation against the wind. The Dudh Kosi dares you forward; pine and rhododendron thin, then vanish as stone, ice and moraine take over.
Difficulty
challenging
Duration
10–12 days
Fitness Level
Good aerobic fitness with experience on multi-day hikes; ability to walk 4–6 hours daily on uneven terrain and manage altitude stresses.
Wildlife
History
Sagarmatha National Park, established in 1976, protects a region long inhabited by Sherpa communities and central to modern mountaineering history after early Everest expeditions in the 1950s.
Conservation
The park enforces permits and lodges participate in waste-management programs; trekkers should pack out non-biodegradable trash and minimize fuel use to reduce local impact.
Reserve your spot on the Everest Base Camp Trek today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Prioritize acclimatization
Build in the recommended rest day at Namche Bazaar and ascend slowly—altitude illness is the primary risk on this route.
Book buffer days for flights
Flights to/from Lukla are frequently delayed by wind and low cloud—allow extra days before/after the trek for contingency.
Hydrate and eat regularly
Cold air suppresses thirst—aim for 3–4 liters a day and eat carbs at lunch to fuel the long uphill sections.
Footwear and traction
Use sturdy, waterproof boots with a firm sole; microspikes are useful on early/late season icy sections.
Insulated down jacket
Warm, compressible insulation for cold mornings, lodges and high camps above 4,000 m.
Waterproof trekking boots (stiff sole)
Support and protection on rocky trails, moraines and occasional snow/ice.
Layering system (base, mid, shell)
Temperature swings require breathable wicking layers plus a windproof shell.
Sunglasses & high‑SPF sunscreen
Strong UV at altitude and reflective snow make eye and skin protection critical.