Everest Base Camp Trek
From $1,350 per person
Trekking region
Everest Region Trekking
The Khumbu valley below Mount Everest: Sherpa villages, Buddhist monasteries and the most famous trekking trails on earth, from Everest Base Camp to the Gokyo Lakes and the three high passes.
- Highest viewpoint
- Kala Patthar 5,545 m
- Trek length
- 13–20 days
- Gateway
- Lukla (flight)
- Best months
- Mar–May, Oct–Nov
Compare the routes
Treks in the Everest Region
Every trek below runs as a private trip on your dates or with a small group. Compare the length, height and grade, then open a trek for its full day-by-day plan.
| Trek | Days | Max altitude | Grade | Best for | Price from |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Everest Base Camp Trek
|
13 | 5,545 m | Challenging | Oct - Nov, Mar - May | $1,350 |
 Gokyo Lake Trek
|
17 | 5,357 m | Challenging | Mar–May, Oct–Nov | $1,570 |
 Everest Three High Passes Trek
|
20 | 5,545 m | Strenuous | Apr–May, Oct–Nov | $1,950 |
Why go
Why trek in the Everest region
The Everest region — the Khumbu — is the trek most people dream about: a week’s walk from a mountain airstrip at Lukla to the foot of the highest mountain on earth, with nights in Sherpa lodges and days among peaks like Ama Dablam, Lhotse and Cho Oyu.
It is also the best-supported trekking region in Nepal. Trails are well maintained, teahouses are comfortable, and there are health posts and helicopter access if anything goes wrong. What it is not is quiet: in October and April the main trail is busy, which is why we also offer the Gokyo valley and the high passes.
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Everest up close
Sunrise on Everest’s summit pyramid from Kala Patthar, and the Khumbu Icefall from base camp.
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Sherpa culture
Tengboche and Pangboche monasteries, prayer-flag bridges and Namche Bazaar’s Saturday market.
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Lakes and glaciers
The turquoise Gokyo Lakes beside the Ngozumpa, Nepal’s longest glacier.
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Routes for every level
From a classic 13-day base camp trek to a 20-day loop over three passes above 5,300 m.
When to go
Trekking conditions month by month
Jan: Possible
Feb: Possible
Mar: Good
Apr: Best
May: Best
Jun: Possible
Jul: Avoid
Aug: Avoid
Sep: Good
Oct: Best
Nov: Best
Dec: Good
- Best
- Good
- Possible, with trade-offs
- Not recommended
Spring (Mar–May)
Warmer days, rhododendrons in bloom lower down and expedition tents at base camp. Haze can soften the views by late May.
Autumn (Sep–Nov)
The clearest skies of the year and the busiest trails. Nights get properly cold by November.
Winter (Dec–Feb)
Quiet trails and sharp views, but nights well below -10°C at Gorak Shep. Some high lodges close.
Monsoon (Jun–Aug)
Clouds, rain lower down and frequent Lukla flight cancellations. Only for flexible travellers.
Permits & cost
Permits you need
All permits are arranged by us and included in the trek price. Fees are set by the government and can change — we always charge the current rate.
NPR 3,000 (about US$23)
Sagarmatha National Park permit
Issued in Kathmandu or at the park gate in Monjo. Included in our treks.
NPR 3,000 (about US$23)
Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality permit
Local area permit issued in Lukla. Included in our treks.
Included in our price
Lukla flights
Return flights Kathmandu–Lukla (or Manthali–Lukla in peak season). Luggage limit 15 kg in total per person.
Which Everest trek is right for you?
There are three classic ways to experience the Khumbu, and they share the same first days from Lukla to Namche Bazaar.
- Everest Base Camp Trek — 13 days. The classic: Namche, Tengboche, Dingboche and base camp, with sunrise on Kala Patthar. Best for a first big Himalayan trek.
- Gokyo Lake Trek — 17 days. A quieter valley with turquoise lakes and, from Gokyo Ri, arguably the finest Everest view of all.
- Everest Three High Passes Trek — 20 days. Base camp, Gokyo and three passes above 5,300 m. Only for experienced, fit trekkers.
Comparing routes in more depth? Read alternative routes to Everest Base Camp and EBC vs Annapurna Base Camp.
Getting there: the Lukla flight
Almost every trek starts with a 35-minute flight to Tenzing–Hillary Airport at Lukla (2,860 m). In the busy seasons some flights leave from Manthali, a 4–5 hour drive from Kathmandu. Weather in the mountains often delays flights, so we always recommend one or two spare days at the end of your trip.
Altitude and acclimatisation
Above Namche the trail climbs steadily to 5,000 m and beyond. Our itineraries follow the “climb high, sleep low” rule with rest days in Namche Bazaar and Dingboche. Headaches and poor sleep are common; worsening symptoms mean descending. Read our guide to altitude sickness and acclimatisation.
Teahouses and food
Lodges in the Khumbu are among the best in Nepal: hot showers in Namche, bakeries, Wi-Fi in most villages and heated dining rooms. Above Dingboche rooms are basic and shared toilets freeze at night. See what to expect in our guide to Everest Base Camp teahouses.
What does an Everest trek cost?
Your trek price covers flights, permits, guide and porter, lodging and meals. On top, budget about US$20–30 a day for hot drinks, showers, charging and snacks, plus tips at the end. Full breakdown: Everest Base Camp trek cost.
Keep planning
More on the Everest Region
Everest Region Trekking: your questions
Is Everest Base Camp the hardest trek in Nepal?
No. It is challenging because of the altitude, but it has no technical sections and no high pass. The Three High Passes and Manaslu Circuit are harder.
Do I need a guide in the Everest region?
The Khumbu applies its own local rules, but we only run guided treks: guides handle permits and lodges, and make altitude decisions that keep you safe.
Can I trek to Everest Base Camp without flying?
Yes — the old route from Jiri or Salleri adds 5–7 days of walking through the lower hills. It is quiet, cheaper and great for acclimatisation.
When is the best month to trek to Everest Base Camp?
October for the clearest views, April for warmer days and flowers. See our month-by-month guide.
Didn’t find your answer? Ask the guide who leads this trek.
Free trip planning
Not sure which Everest Region trek to choose?
Tell us how many days you have and how fit you feel. We’ll suggest the route that fits — or design one around you.
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