Everest Base Camp Trek: 18-Day Guided Trek from Kathmandu to Kala Pattar
Difficulty
challenging
Duration
18 days
Fitness Level
Should have a solid aerobic base and be comfortable hiking 4–7 hours a day with some steep sections; prior multi-day trek experience helpful.
Overview
A classic 18-day trek from Kathmandu to Kala Pattar and Everest Base Camp, this journey balances careful acclimatization with raw high-altitude scenery. Expect long walking days, communal teahouses, and unforgettable glacier views.
Everest Base Camp Trek: 18-Day Guided Trek from Kathmandu to Kala Pattar
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The plane banks low over a serrated skyline and Lukla’s tiny runway appears like a strip of light cut into the mountains. You feel the drop in oxygen almost immediately — a crispness to each breath, a higher pitch to the wind. By the time the group files out under prayer flags and yak bells, the Himalaya have already taken their first claim on your senses.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Hydrate and monitor urine color
Drink steadily throughout the day and check urine color; pale yellow means you’re doing well at altitude.
Respect acclimatization days
Spend the extra rest days in Namche and Pheriche—ascending too fast is the most common cause of illness on this trek.
Sturdy, broken-in boots
The trail combines wet trails, moraine and rocky steps—waterproof, ankle-supporting boots reduce blisters and twists.
Pack sun protection
High UV and reflection from snow mean sunglasses, SPF 50+ sunscreen and a brimmed hat are musts.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Himalayan tahr
- Himalayan snowcock
History
The Khumbu has been a trading corridor between Nepal and Tibet for centuries and was brought to global attention by early Everest expeditions and Sherpa climbers like Tenzing Norgay.
Conservation
Trek operators and local groups now organize waste collection and responsible lodge practices; avoid single-use plastics and support local businesses to minimize impact.
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Adventure Hotspots in Kathmandu
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Down insulated jacket
Lightweight, compressible warmth for high camps and cold mornings.
winter specific
Waterproof hiking boots
Support and grip on varied terrain and wet sections.
High-SPF sunscreen & glacier sunglasses
Protects skin and eyes from intense alpine UV and reflected glare.
spring specific
Trekking poles
Reduce stress on knees during long descents and provide balance on moraine