A classic 15-day guided route from Kathmandu through Lukla, Namche and Gorakshep to Everest Base Camp and Kala Patthar. Expect long days, high-altitude scenery, Sherpa culture and variable weather — and plan for flight delays into Lukla.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
You wake before dawn in Kathmandu, then again on a narrow runway at Lukla where prayer flags snap in a wind that seems to push you uphill. The trail follows the Dudh Koshi river, threads through rhododendron forests and high mani walls, and opens into the stony, wind-scoured valleys below towering seracs. By the time Kalapathar’s ridgeline shows Everest’s serrated skyline, the thin air sharpens every color and sound.
Difficulty
challenging
Duration
15 days
Fitness Level
Requires good cardiovascular fitness and experience with multi-day hikes; prepare with long uphill walks and stair sessions.
Wildlife
History
The Khumbu was shaped by centuries of Sherpa settlement and trade routes; Sagarmatha National Park (established in 1976, UNESCO listed in 1979) now protects its cultural and natural heritage.
Conservation
Park fees fund local conservation; minimize impact by avoiding single-use plastics, using local guides and carrying out waste — teahouse systems are fragile at high altitude.
Reserve your spot on the Everest Base Camp Trek - 15 days today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Schedule acclimatization days
Built rest days in Namche and Dingboche/Chhukung reduce altitude risk — don’t skip them even if you feel strong.
Layer for wide temperature swings
Temperatures can shift from warm midday treks to sub-zero nights; pack a reliable down jacket and insulating layers.
Hydrate and eat frequently
Drink steadily and choose calorie-dense foods at teahouses; dehydration worsens altitude symptoms.
Allow buffer days for Lukla flights
Flights to/from Lukla are often delayed by weather — book extra days at trip ends to avoid missed connections.
Sturdy hiking boots
Support and traction for rocky, sometimes icy trails and long daily mileage.
Warm down jacket (-10°C rating)
Critical for cold nights at high camps and early-morning viewpoints.
fall
Sun protection (sunglasses, SPF 50+)
High-altitude UV is intense; glacier glare and clear skies increase exposure.
spring
Lightweight sleeping bag (comfort to -10°C)
Guesthouse heating is limited at higher elevations; a warm sleep system ensures rest.