A 12-day classic trek from Kathmandu to Everest Base Camp that blends high-altitude hiking, Sherpa culture, and glacier-carved scenery. Expect long days, lodge stays, and altitude as the defining challenge.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
A cold wind pushes prayer flags into motion as the tiny runway at Lukla appears below — the real beginning of a journey that trades city noise for razor-sharp ridgelines and high Himalayan air. Hikers set out on stepped stone trails through fir and rhododendron, pass mani walls and small gompas, and climb toward Gorakshep where views of the Khumbu Icefall and the south face of Everest become brutally close and undeniably real.
Difficulty
challenging
Duration
10–14 days
Fitness Level
Good aerobic fitness with experience on multi-day hikes; able to walk 4–8 hours per day carrying a daypack
Wildlife
History
The Khumbu valley has long been a trading and pilgrimage corridor linking Nepal and Tibet; Sherpa communities established high-altitude settlements and mountaineering support networks in the 20th century.
Conservation
Tourism pressures on trails, waste, and water in the Khumbu are managed through permit fees and porter/guide regulations; visitors should pack out trash and use lodges that follow waste-handling practices.
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.
Acclimatize on schedule
Build in at least two full acclimatization days (Namche and Dingboche) to reduce AMS risk; don’t rush ascents above 3,000 m.
Pack layered insulation
Temperatures swing widely; bring a warm down jacket for evenings and breathable layers for daytime efforts.
Hydrate and treat water
Drink frequently and use a purifier or tablets — dehydration is common at altitude and tap water may not be safe.
Plan buffer days
Lukla flights are weather-dependent; add contingency days before/after the trek to avoid missed connections.
Mountaineering-quality down jacket
Warmth for sub-zero nights at higher lodges and cold mornings on Kala Patthar.
Sturdy trekking boots (broken-in)
Support and traction on rocky, uneven trails and through moraine.
Water purification system or tablets
Ensure safe drinking water along the route to avoid gastrointestinal issues.
Lightweight sleeping bag rated to -10°C
Extra insulation for higher-elevation guest houses and colder seasons.