A classic lodge route from Lukla to Everest Base Camp, this 12‑day Khumbu trek threads Sherpa villages, high alpine moraine and Kala Patthar views. Expect long days, thin air and unforgettable high‑altitude scenery—plan for acclimatization and possible flight delays.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
The first light of the Himalaya slices across a tea‑house roof in Lukla and the line of trekkers exhales as the trail pulls them into stone villages and rhododendron forests. The air gets thinner and the views larger with each day; prayer flags twitch like small, stubborn maps pointing toward the summit above.
Difficulty
challenging
Duration
12 days
Fitness Level
Good aerobic fitness and experience with multi‑day trekking at altitude; able to walk 4–7 hours over uneven terrain.
Wildlife
History
The Khumbu route follows paths used by Sherpas for centuries and retraces the approach used by Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay in the 1953 Everest era.
Conservation
Sagarmatha National Park enforces permit and waste rules; minimize single‑use plastics, pack out non‑biodegradable trash and support local teahouses that follow waste‑management 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 deliberately
Schedule rest days at Namche and Dingboche—slow altitude gain reduces the likelihood of AMS.
Prepare for Lukla delays
Build 1–2 buffer days into your itinerary; Lukla flights are often delayed by wind and low clouds.
Pack cash and batteries
ATMs are limited beyond Lukla; bring Nepalese rupees for tea‑house purchases and phone charging fees.
Footwear and traction
Sturdy, broken‑in hiking boots with good ankle support handle rocky, icy sections better than trail runners.
Sturdy waterproof hiking boots
Support and protection on rocky, wet and icy trail sections.
Insulated down jacket
Warmth for pre‑dawn starts, high camps and cold nights.
winter
Trekking poles
Reduce knee strain on ascents and descents and help with balance on scree.
Water purification tablets or filter
Safe drinking water when hot beverages or boiled water aren’t available at tea houses.