Trek planning
Everest Base Camp Trek for Beginners: How to Prepare
Never trekked before? What the Everest Base Camp trek is really like, how fit you need to be, a simple training plan, and how a well-paced itinerary keeps you safe.
· 7 min read
Trek · 14 days
Everest Base Camp Trek
Fly to Lukla, walk the Khumbu valley through Sherpa villages and stand beneath the world's highest mountain.
From $1,500 per person
- Written quoteExactly what is and isn't included — no surprises
- Airport pickup includedMet at arrivals, dropped off for your flight
- Starts at our homestayBriefing and planning with the family
- Private departuresYour own guide and schedule on request
- Quick repliesWhatsApp answered 7 days a week
Overview
The Everest Base Camp trek is one of the great walks on Earth. After a dramatic mountain flight to Lukla, you follow the Dudh Koshi valley into Sagarmatha National Park, through Namche Bazaar and the monastery village of Tengboche, to the foot of the Khumbu Icefall at 5,364 m.
Our 14-day itinerary builds in two acclimatisation days, at Namche Bazaar and Dingboche, and finishes with a pre-dawn climb of Kala Patthar (5,545 m) — the best viewpoint for Everest itself. You start and finish at our family homestay in Kathmandu, so pre-trek gear checks, permits and post-trek recovery are all handled under one roof.
Highlights
- Scenic mountain flight to Lukla (2,840 m)
- Acclimatisation day in the Sherpa town of Namche Bazaar
- Tengboche Monastery, framed by Ama Dablam
- Stand at Everest Base Camp (5,364 m)
- Sunrise over Everest from Kala Patthar (5,545 m)
- Trek through Sagarmatha National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
Day-by-day itinerary
Every itinerary can be adjusted — extra rest days, private departures or a different pace.
Day 1: Arrive in Kathmandu
Airport pickup and transfer to Sacred Trails Homestay. Trek briefing with your guide and a full equipment check.
1,400 m
Day 2: Fly to Lukla, trek to Phakding
Early flight to Lukla — in busy seasons this often departs from Manthali (Ramechhap), a pre-dawn drive of about 4–5 hours from Kathmandu — then a gentle descent along the Dudh Koshi river to Phakding.
2,610 m About 3 hours
Day 3: Phakding to Namche Bazaar
Cross suspension bridges, enter Sagarmatha National Park and climb to Namche Bazaar, the Sherpa capital.
3,440 m 6–7 hours
Day 4: Acclimatisation day in Namche Bazaar
A short hike above town for your first views of Everest, then rest so your body can adjust to the altitude.
3,440 m
Day 5: Namche Bazaar to Tengboche
A beautiful balcony trail with Ama Dablam ahead, ending at Tengboche Monastery.
3,860 m 5–6 hours
Day 6: Tengboche to Dingboche
Descend through rhododendron forest, cross the Imja Khola and climb into the wide Dingboche valley.
4,410 m 5–6 hours
Day 7: Acclimatisation day in Dingboche
Optional hike up the ridge above the village for views of Lhotse, Makalu and Island Peak, then rest.
4,410 m
Day 8: Dingboche to Lobuche
Climb past the Thukla memorials to Lobuche, at the edge of the Khumbu Glacier.
4,940 m 5–6 hours
Day 9: Lobuche to Everest Base Camp and Gorak Shep
Trek to Gorak Shep, continue to Everest Base Camp beside the Khumbu Icefall, and return to Gorak Shep for the night.
5,364 m (EBC) · sleep 5,164 m 7–8 hours
Day 10: Kala Patthar sunrise, descend to Pheriche
A pre-dawn climb of Kala Patthar for the classic sunrise view of Everest, then a long descent to Pheriche.
5,545 m · sleep 4,240 m 7–8 hours
Day 11: Pheriche to Namche Bazaar
Retrace the valley back down to Namche Bazaar, with thicker air and a well-earned hot shower.
3,440 m 6–7 hours
Day 12: Namche Bazaar to Lukla
The final day on the trail, back down the Dudh Koshi to Lukla for a celebration with your crew.
2,840 m 6–7 hours
Day 13: Fly back to Kathmandu
Morning flight to Kathmandu, rest at the homestay and a farewell dinner.
Day 14: Departure
Breakfast and airport transfer for your onward flight.
What's included
Included
- Domestic flights Kathmandu–Lukla–Kathmandu
- Airport pickup and drop-off in Kathmandu
- Nights at Sacred Trails Homestay in Kathmandu before and after the trek
- All trekking permits for the route
- Licensed, English-speaking trekking guide
- Shared porter service (one porter for two trekkers)
- Teahouse accommodation on the trail
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner on trekking days
- Trekking map and duffel bag to use
- First-aid kit and daily oximeter checks by your guide
- Government taxes and service charges
Not included
- International flights
- Nepal visa fee
- Travel insurance (required — must cover high-altitude rescue)
- Personal trekking gear and clothing
- Hot showers, Wi-Fi and device charging at teahouses
- Drinks, snacks and personal expenses
- Tips for guides and porters
Prices are per person and vary with group size, season and the options you choose. Your written quote confirms exactly what is included before you book. What a trek costs in total
What trekkers say
Trek + stay
We stayed 5 nights before and after the EBC trek. Sacred Trails organised everything — permits, gear storage, trail advice. Arriving back to a hot meal after 14 days in the mountains nearly made me cry. This is what hospitality means.
Hotel stay
Stayed 4 nights before our EBC trek — Sacred Trails was the perfect base. The team helped organise permits, packed lunches, and gave us a full pre-trek briefing. Room was spotless. Highly recommend.
Frequently asked questions
How much does the Everest Base Camp Trek cost?
The 14 days trek starts from $1,500 per person. That includes domestic flights Kathmandu–Lukla–Kathmandu, airport pickup and drop-off in Kathmandu, nights at Sacred Trails Homestay in Kathmandu before and after the trek, all trekking permits for the route and more — see the full list above. The final price depends on group size, season and options, and we confirm it in a written quote.
How difficult is the Everest Base Camp trek?
It is a moderate to challenging trek. You walk 5–8 hours on most days at high altitude, so good general fitness matters, but no technical climbing skills or previous trekking experience are required.
Will I get altitude sickness?
Altitude sickness can affect anyone above about 3,000 m, regardless of fitness. The itinerary includes two acclimatisation days, your guide checks oxygen levels daily with an oximeter, and descending is always the first response if symptoms appear.
Do I need travel insurance?
Yes. Your insurance must cover trekking above 5,500 m and emergency helicopter evacuation.
Can the trek be customised?
Yes. Private departures, extra acclimatisation days, a helicopter return from base camp and longer or shorter itineraries can all be arranged on request.
Do Lukla flights leave from Kathmandu?
Sometimes. In the busy spring and autumn seasons many Lukla flights have operated from Manthali airport in Ramechhap instead, which means an early-morning drive of roughly 4–5 hours from Kathmandu. We confirm the departure airport when we book your flights and arrange the transfer.
What happens if the Lukla flight is delayed?
Mountain weather can delay Lukla flights. We recommend leaving at least one spare day in Kathmandu after the trek before your international flight.
Planning guides
Practical advice from our team to help you prepare for this trip.
Trek planning
Everest Base Camp or Annapurna Base Camp? How to Choose
A side-by-side comparison of Nepal's two most famous base-camp treks — altitude, difficulty, days, scenery, logistics and cost — to help you pick the right one.
· 6 min read
Stay guides
Before and After Your Trek: Sacred Trails as Your Kathmandu Base
How we help trekkers at the homestay — airport pickup, permits, gear checks, early transfers for Lukla and Pokhara flights, luggage storage and a hot shower when you return.
· 6 min read
Request a quote
Tell us your preferred dates and group size for the Everest Base Camp Trek and we'll send a detailed, no-obligation quote.
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