Arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport

We will meet you at Tribhuvan International Airport. If you haven’t obtained a visa prior to your arrival in Nepal, you can secure one at the immigration department in the airport. Please be aware that this process may take anywhere from 30 minutes to 1.5 hours.

Once you've completed the immigration process, we’ll be waiting for you outside the terminal, holding a Green Nomad Treks & Tours sign with your name on it.

From there, we’ll drive 7 km to your hotel in Thamel, which takes about 30 minutes. During this time, you will meet your trekking guide, who will provide a briefing about your Everest Base Camp trek. If you need any trekking gear, we can assist you in arranging it. For those requiring a sleeping bag or down jacket, we can recommend a reliable shop for rentals.

Flights to Lukla for Everest Base Camp Trek

There are ample flights available to Lukla with domestic airlines for the Everest Base Camp trek. However, during the peak trekking season, most flights operate from Ramechhap instead of Kathmandu. This is because Kathmandu's Tribhuvan International Airport has a single runway that serves both international and domestic flights, making it challenging to handle both simultaneously.

• Distance from Kathmandu to Ramechhap: 142 km (88.2 miles)
• Operating Season: March, April, May, September, October, and November
• Manthali Airport Altitude: 474 m (1,555.1 ft)

The drive from Kathmandu to Ramechhap takes around 4 to 5 hours, and flights to Lukla usually depart early in the morning since the weather conditions at Lukla are generally better during this time. You will need to arrive at Ramechhap before 7 am, meaning departure from Kathmandu around 2 am is necessary.

About Kathmandu to Lukla Flights

The flight from Kathmandu to Lukla takes approximately 30 minutes, and a round trip should take about 90 minutes. However, if weather conditions are poor, the journey can extend to over two and a half hours. This is why, during the busy trekking season, flights are operated from Ramechhap to Lukla.

• Operating Season: January, February, June, July, August, and December
• Flights Operate From: Tribhuvan International Airport (Domestic Terminal)
• Lukla to Phakding Trek
  • Distance: 7.8 km (4.8 miles)
  • Duration: 2-3 hours
  • Difficulty: Easy
  • Phakding Altitude: 2,660 m (8,727 ft)

   

Upon reaching Lukla, you will meet our porter, enjoy breakfast, and prepare for the trek to Phakding. Before leaving Lukla, we will obtain a local permit for the Everest Base Camp trek at the Pasang Lhamu Municipality check post. You'll also pass by a statue of Pasang Lhamu Sherpa, the first Nepali woman to summit Mount Everest on April 22, 1993.

The trekking route descends gradually through Chaurikharka and Chheplung, one of the well-known Sherpa villages. You will continue along the old trail passing through Thadokoshi village, Ghat, Chhuthawa, and eventually Phakding, crossing several iconic suspension bridges along the way. The trail features gentle uphill and downhill sections, though it mostly remains at a similar altitude. The villages along the route are small, with most locals working in tourism. You’ll also spot hydroelectric pipelines supplying electricity to these villages.

Following the Dudh Koshi River, the trek will take approximately four hours to reach Phakding, a popular stop for trekkers. Phakding sits at an elevation of 2,660 m (8,727 ft) and has around 20 lodges, guest houses, hotels, and restaurants, catering primarily to trekkers on their first night.

Phakding to Namche Trek

• Distance: 10.7 km (6.64 miles)
• Trek Difficulty: Challenging
• Duration: 5-6 Hours

After a restful night in Phakding, the second day of the Everest Base Camp trek begins with a hearty breakfast. Today’s trek will take you to the renowned Namche Bazaar, located at an altitude of 3,440 m (11,286 ft). Known as the gateway to Mount Everest, Namche Bazaar is a vital stop for trekkers and climbers heading toward the world's highest peak.

You will begin by crossing a suspension bridge in Phakding, leading to the opposite side of the Dudh Koshi River. Throughout this leg of the trek, you will follow the scenic Dudh Koshi River, crossing at least five suspension bridges before reaching Namche Bazaar. Along the way, you’ll pass through picturesque villages such as Tok Tok, Bangker, Monjo, and Jorsalle, making for a delightful afternoon walk. At Monjo, you'll stop to purchase a national park entrance permit at the Sagarmatha National Park checkpoint. After crossing the river at Monjo, you'll break for lunch in Jorsalle.

Following lunch, you’ll cross the river again before embarking on a steep uphill climb. After about an hour of walking, you'll arrive at Larja Dovan, where you'll encounter the famous Hillary Bridge adorned with vibrant Buddhist prayer flags. From here, a challenging two-hour uphill trek will bring you to Namche Bazaar.

Trek Highlights:

• First glimpse of Mount Everest after crossing the Larja Bridge
• Entrance to Sagarmatha National Park
• First view of Kongde Ri

Duration: 6 Hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Namche Bazaar to Everest View Hotel

• Distance: 2.5 km (1.5 miles)
• Duration: 2 Hours (round trip)
• Hiking Difficulty: Easy

An acclimatization day in Namche Bazaar is essential for your Everest Base Camp trek. Namche is situated at 3,440 m (11,286 ft), and as you trek toward Everest Base Camp (5,364 m), it's important to adjust to the higher altitudes. Altitude sickness can occur after 3,000 m, so walking at a slow pace and staying for two nights at various points above 4,000 m is recommended to help your body adjust.

Although this is a rest day, we recommend taking a short hike to aid acclimatization.

Your guide will typically lead you to Char Camp, a viewpoint above Namche Bazaar offering stunning vistas of surrounding peaks, including Mount Everest. From here, you can admire the statue of legendary Sherpa mountaineer Tenzing Norgay and panoramic views of Everest (8,848 m), Lhotse (8,516 m), Ama Dablam (6,838 m), Thamserku (6,608 m), Kusum Kangaru (6,367 m), Kongde Himal (6,187 m), Khumbila, Tawache (6,495 m), Nuptse (7,861 m), and many other towering peaks.

You can continue uphill to Syangboche (3,800 m), a short but steep climb. Syangboche is home to Nepal's highest airport at 3,780 m and the renowned Everest View Hotel, considered one of the highest hotels in the world. Here, you can enjoy breathtaking views of Mount Everest while sipping a hot drink before returning to Namche Bazaar.

Namche is also known for its vibrant Saturday market, where villagers from surrounding areas come to shop and sell their goods. The town offers a variety of services, including trekking and climbing gear shops, banks, restaurants, hotels, health and security posts, a military base, a Sagarmatha Pollution Control Committee office, a small department store, as well as sauna and massage centers.

Trek Highlights:

• Visit the Tenzing Norgay Sherpa Museum
• Panoramic views from Everest View Hotel, including Mount Everest, Ama Dablam, and other peaks
• Explore Sagarmatha Nest, offering handmade recycled products and local arts
• Option to practice Yoga

Duration: 2 Hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Namche to Deboche Trek

• Distance: Approximately 11 km (6.8 miles)
• Duration: 5-6 hours
• Trek Difficulty: Very Hard
• Tengboche Altitude: 3,860 m (12,664 ft)
• Namche to Phungi Thanga for Lunch: 4 km (2.4 miles) – 2-3 hours

After spending two nights in Namche Bazaar for acclimatization, your Everest Base Camp trek resumes with the journey to Tyangboche. The initial part of the trail is smooth and scenic, offering breathtaking views of Mount Everest. The wide and well-maintained path remains at a steady elevation, providing panoramic views of Lukla Valley to the south and stunning landscapes to the northeast. After two hours of gentle trekking, you’ll reach Lausasa, where the trail splits: the north leads to Gokyo Lake Valley, while the east descends towards Tyangboche.

From here, you’ll trek downhill for about an hour to reach Phungi Thanga, where you’ll stop for lunch. After lunch, you’ll cross a suspension bridge and begin a challenging uphill climb to Tyangboche, which takes roughly two hours.

Tyangboche is a culturally significant spot in the Khumbu region, home to the oldest monastery in the area and the spiritual center for the local Buddhist Sherpa community. Monks live in this monastery and perform daily pujas (ritual prayers) in the morning and afternoon. You may visit the monastery to receive a blessing from one of the monks.

As Tyangboche has only five lodges and tends to be busy during the trekking season, we will continue walking for about 30 minutes downhill to Deboche, where we will spend the night in one of the available lodges.

Trek Highlights:

• Visit the historic Tengboche Monastery and receive a monk's blessing
• First stunning views of Everest, Lhotse, Ama Dablam, and other iconic peaks

Duration: 6 Hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Deboche to Dingboche Trek

• Distance: Approximately 10 km (6.2 miles)
• Trek Difficulty: Moderate

Today, you’ll trek to Dingboche, which sits at an elevation of 4,400 m (14,436 ft). After enjoying breakfast in Deboche, you’ll begin your trek along a beautiful, mostly level path through a rhododendron forest until you reach the Dudh Koshi River. From there, the trail ascends to the well-known Sherpa village of Pangboche, located at 4,000 m (13,123 ft). Pangboche is famous for being home to many Sherpa mountain climbers. At this altitude, trees are only found on the north-facing slopes, while Pangboche and Somare, on the south-facing side, no longer have tree cover.

After Pangboche, you’ll follow a relatively flat trail for half an hour before a short uphill climb to Somare, where you’ll take an hour-long break for lunch. The path to Dingboche continues on a gentle incline, with the elevation gradually increasing as you walk. It will take about two and a half hours to reach Dingboche, situated at 4,450 m. This is one of the larger villages in the area and the last settlement of its size along the route. You’ll spend two nights here to acclimatize.

Trek Highlights:

• Visit the scenic Pangboche Village, one of the largest settlements in the Khumbu region
• Trek alongside the Imja River

Duration: 5 Hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Dingboche to Nangkartshang Peak Hike

• Distance: Approximately 2 km (1.2 miles) uphill
• Nangkartshang Peak Altitude: 5,121 m (16,801 ft)
• Hiking Difficulty: Hard
• Duration: 4-5 hours (round trip)

Trekking to Everest Base Camp (EBC) is always a challenge due to the high altitude, with many trekkers experiencing altitude sickness in this region. Factors such as weather conditions also play a crucial role in altitude sickness, not just elevation. To help your body acclimatize and improve your chances of reaching EBC, it’s essential to take rest days and ascend slowly.

On this acclimatization day, you will hike to Nangkartshang Peak (5,121 m/16,801 ft), a steep uphill climb from Dingboche that takes around 2 hours and 30 minutes. The peak offers spectacular views of Mount Makalu (8,463 m), Ama Dablam, Lhotse, Island Peak, Kangtega, Thamserku, Tawache, Cholatse, Nuptse, and many other towering mountains.

After enjoying the panoramic views, you’ll descend back to Dingboche before lunch, giving you the rest of the day to relax. Climbing high and then sleeping at a lower altitude is an excellent way to aid acclimatization. However, even with careful trekking, altitude-related issues may arise. If you feel any symptoms, it's important to inform your guide immediately. Spending two nights at this elevation is generally sufficient to adjust.

Trek Highlights:

• Hike to Nangkartshang Peak for breathtaking 360° views of the Himalayas
• Explore Dingboche village and try local bakery treats

Duration: 5 Hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Dingboche to Lobuche Trek

• Distance: Approx. 6 km (3.7 miles)
• Trek Difficulty: Very Hard
• Duration: 5-6 Hours

After spending two nights in Dingboche, today’s trek takes you to Lobuche. The initial 20 minutes involve a gradual uphill climb, after which the trail levels out into a more manageable, horizontal path that leads towards Thukla over the next 2-3 hours. Along the way, you’ll cross a small river before reaching Thukla at 4,600 m (15,092 ft). This river flows from the Khumbu Glacier and its path changes regularly due to glacial melt. There is no permanent bridge, and in the summer, the river can widen significantly. Local people construct temporary bridges, but they are often unstable.

You’ll stop for lunch at Thukla, where there are only two lodges and one teahouse, making it a busy spot during the high trekking season. After lunch, the trek becomes more challenging as you ascend one of the more well-known uphill sections of the Everest Base Camp trail. Although the climb is not long, trekking in the afternoon can be tough and demanding. After roughly one hour of climbing, you’ll reach the top of the hill where you’ll find a memorial for climbers who lost their lives in the Himalayas. This spot is usually windy and cold, so be prepared.

From the memorial, it’s another hour and a half of trekking along a relatively flat trail to reach Lobuche. The path is usually manageable, but snow in the winter months can make the journey more difficult. Lobuche is a popular stopover before Gorakshep and the final push to Everest Base Camp. There are about 6-7 lodges here, all of a similar standard. The high altitude of Lobuche (4,940 m) can make sleeping difficult, and many trekkers experience headaches due to the thin air. While a mild headache is common, it's important to be cautious if symptoms worsen. After rest, most trekkers adjust fine.

The meals in Lobuche are simple, and both Lobuche and Gorakshep have limited food options due to the difficulty of transporting supplies to these remote areas. Sleep is often disturbed at this altitude due to the altitude effects.

Our team will carry an oximeter to monitor your blood oxygen levels, helping to ensure that your body is adjusting to the altitude safely.

Trek Highlights:

• First view of Mount Pumori
• Visit the Everest Memorial to honor the brave climbers

Duration: 6 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Lobuche to Gorakshep and Everest Base Camp

• Lobuche to Gorakshep Distance: 4.5 km (2.7 miles)
• Duration: 3 Hours
• Gorakshep to Everest Base Camp Distance: 4.1 km (2.5 miles)
• Duration: 2-3 Hours

Today is the much-anticipated day of your Everest Base Camp trek. The day starts early, around 5 am, with a warm breakfast before setting out. The first hour of the trek is relatively easy, despite the high altitude. The trail follows a gradual horizontal path initially, leading you through the stark, beautiful landscapes of the Himalayas. After about an hour, you will face a 20-minute steep climb to reach the Lobuche Pass at 5,110 m.

The path beyond Lobuche Pass is shaped by melting glaciers, which makes the terrain unstable in all seasons. The two-hour trek to Gorakshep offers incredible views, despite the challenging conditions. Upon reaching Gorakshep, located at 5,180 m, you’ll stop for a meal and take a short rest before continuing on to Everest Base Camp.

From Gorakshep, it’s about a one and a half-hour hike to Everest Base Camp. If you find yourself feeling fatigued, it’s perfectly fine to take it slow and move at your own pace. The trail to base camp is moderately difficult and also shaped by glaciers, which makes the terrain similarly unstable. Unfortunately, global warming has accelerated glacial melting in this region, causing shifts in the landscape and the base camp itself.

Everest Base Camp, where all expedition teams set up their tents, is located just before the Khumbu Icefall. Upon reaching base camp, you will be congratulated on achieving a major milestone—this is not just any mountain base camp, it’s the highest mountain base camp in the world. Standing at 5,364 m, Everest Base Camp is a dream destination for adventurers, nature lovers, and mountain enthusiasts alike. It’s often said that one is not a true adventurer until they've set foot on Everest Base Camp.

Celebrate this incredible achievement by taking pictures, soaking in the views, and savoring the moment. After spending time at the base camp, you’ll return to Gorakshep for an overnight stay.

Trek Highlights:

• Visit the world-famous Everest Base Camp and capture unforgettable moments
• Experience the last settlement of the Khumbu region

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Gorakshep to Kalapathar and Pheriche

• Gorakshep to Kalapathar Distance: Approximately 1.5 km (0.9 miles)
• Duration to Reach Kalapathar: 2 hours
• Gorakshep to Pheriche Distance: Approximately 12 km (7.4 miles)
• Trek Difficulty: Hard

This is another key day on your Everest Base Camp trek. While you can’t see Mt. Everest from the base camp, a hike to Kalapathar (5,545m / 18,192 ft) offers an unparalleled view of Everest and the surrounding peaks. The sunset from Kalapathar is particularly stunning, but many trekkers find it difficult to ascend after a long day of trekking to the base camp. Therefore, it’s advisable to begin the hike from Gorakshep before sunrise to enjoy the morning views of Everest from Kalapathar.

The trek from Gorakshep to Kalapathar takes about 90 minutes, offering a rewarding 360° view of the Himalayan giants. After spending time at Kalapathar, you’ll return to Gorakshep for breakfast before descending towards Pheriche.

The trail to Pheriche follows the same route you trekked to reach Lobuche and Thukla. After passing through Thukla (4,600m / 15,091 ft), you will cross a river and take the left trail that leads to Pheriche instead of heading right towards Dingboche. Pheriche is a traditional Sherpa village at an altitude of 4,200m, known for its high-altitude hospital, which is a crucial facility for trekkers. The hospital provides free treatment for Nepalese guides and porters, while tourists must pay a fee. The hospital is operational only during the busy trekking season.

You are likely to encounter yaks in Pheriche, as they are a common sight in this area throughout the year. After several nights spent at elevations above 5,000m, you will have a well-deserved restful sleep here.

Trek Highlights:

• Hike to Kalapathar (5,545m), the highest elevation of the trek
• Enjoy a stunning 360° panoramic view of the Himalayas from Kalapathar
• Visit the high-altitude hospital in Pheriche

Duration: 8 Hours

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Pheriche to Namche Distance : 19.8 km (12.3 miles)
Duration : 6-7 hours
Trek Difficulty : Challenging

After stopping overnight at Pheriche, today you will have a long day at Namche Bazar. You need to cross Pheriche pass 4,470m in the first section for less than half an hour. Then trek down to Orsho 4,190, Somare 4,010m, and Pangboche village. It will be a constant gradual downhill trek. You will continue to walk down and cross Imja Khola (River) then reach Milingo 3,750m, passing through Deboche and reaching Tyangboche 3,860 is uphill a little. Then it will straight downhill to Phungi Thanga 3,250m from Tyangboche for an hour’s walk.

Normally, Phungi Thanga will be a lunch stop and then you will trek uphill to Lausasa for an hour. The trail will now be a gradual horizontal path to Namche Bazar for a two-hour walk. You will have a lovely room with a private bathroom at Namche Bazar and you will enjoy having a hot shower.

Duration : 7 Hours

Meals : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Namche to Lukla

• Distance: 18.5 km (11.4 miles)
• Duration: 6-7 Hours
• Trek Difficulty: Very Hard

Today marks the final day of your Everest Base Camp trek. After enjoying a hearty breakfast, you will retrace the same trail you ascended. The journey begins with a downhill trek past the famous Hillary Bridge, adorned with colorful Buddhist prayer flags, located at Larja Dovan.

As you continue, you'll check out of the Sagarmatha National Park at Monjo and follow the beautiful Dudhkoshi River through charming villages such as Bangker, Tok Tok, and Zam Fute. A lunch stop at Phakding will provide a welcome break.

The trek continues through Chhuthawa, Nurning, Ghat, Thado Koshigaun, Chheplung, and Chaurikharka before reaching Lukla. This evening in Lukla will be your last night in the Everest region, marking the end of your trekking adventure.

Don’t forget to celebrate with your porter, who will complete their hard work here in Lukla, and ensure you show your appreciation by tipping them for their dedication and service throughout the trek.

Trek Highlights:

• Retrace your steps through the stunning landscapes of the Khumbu region
• Cross the iconic Hillary Bridge
• Enjoy a farewell evening in Lukla with your trekking team

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After an incredible time on the Everest Base Camp trek, today you will fly back to Kathmandu. Due to high air traffic at Kathmandu airport during the peak season, flights to Lukla are often operated from Ramechhap. Therefore, you will likely fly from Lukla to Ramechhap.

The flight takes only 15 minutes, providing stunning aerial views of the Himalayas. Upon landing in Ramechhap, you will embark on a 5-hour drive to Kathmandu.

Once you arrive in Kathmandu, we will take you to your hotel, where you can unwind and reflect on your unforgettable journey. The afternoon will be free for you to explore the city at your leisure.

In the evening, we invite you to join us for a farewell dinner at a reputable traditional Nepali restaurant, where you can savor authentic Nepali cuisine and celebrate your adventure with fellow trekkers.

Meals Included:

• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner

Departure and Farewell

At the end of your incredible adventure, we will drop you off at the airport according to your flight schedule. We hope you carry with you wonderful memories of Nepal and your Everest Base Camp trek, and that you will recommend Nepal and the Everest Base Camp experience to your friends and family.

Safe travels, and may your journey ahead be filled with joy and adventure!

Thank you for choosing Green Nomad Treks & Tours!