Everest Base Camp 12 Days Trek – An Epic Adventure of Triumph and Joy!
Are you ready for the adventure of a lifetime?
Picture this: You, standing at the foot of the mighty Mount Everest, the world’s tallest peak, surrounded by stunning landscapes, Sherpa culture, and the thrill of high-altitude trekking. This is no ordinary vacation; it’s a journey to Everest Base Camp, and it’s waiting for you! Get ready to embark on an epic 12-day adventure that will leave you with memories to last a lifetime.
Embarking on the epic journey to Everest Base Camp is an adventure like no other. While the actual trek takes 12 days, we highly recommend planning for three weeks to account for potential challenges along the way. One such challenge is the flight to Lukla, which is often deemed the most dangerous airport in the world due to its short runway and hillside location. Weather conditions can lead to flight cancellations, and during our adventure, we faced two days of cancellations on our way to Lukla. Fortunately, luck was on our side for the return journey, but we met fellow trekkers who endured even longer flight disruptions.
Everest Base Camp Trek Table of Contents
Reflecting on the Journey: Everest Base Camp Trek
I shared my reflections on the adventure on my friend’s blog, which you can read at https://www.feelgoodstories.fun/the-everest-base-camp. Be sure to explore the other captivating stories she has posted on her blog as well: https://www.feelgoodstories.fun/.
Everest Base Camp Trek Tips
Is it necessary for me to have both a guide and a porter?
We strongly advise the use of a guide and a porter for this adventure, as the trek can become perilous in glacier areas, and accidents, including falls, are a common cause of missing persons during such expeditions.
Are there distinctions among trekking companies?
Guiding companies differ in pricing and the level of experience their guides possess. We’ve encountered instances of inexperienced guides who venture far ahead of their clients, potentially leading to accidents. We can provide recommendations for a select few trekking companies that we trust.
Is travel insurance necessary?
Yes, having travel insurance is highly recommended for the Everest Base Camp trek. It provides essential coverage for unforeseen circumstances such as trip cancellations, medical emergencies, and evacuation at high altitudes, offering you peace of mind throughout your journey.
We opted for World Nomad for our travel insurance and chose a plan that covers elevations up to 5,000 meters for this adventure. We strongly advise considering insurance coverage for your entire stay in Nepal, as our experience included coverage starting two days before and ending two days after our trek, which proved beneficial, especially in cases of cancellations and potential illness in Kathmandu. It’s a valuable safety net to ensure a smooth and worry-free journey.
What is the ideal time for trekking?
We suggest trekking during the off-peak season (June to September) for a more enjoyable experience without the congestion of numerous trekking groups. During this time, we encountered only 5-7 other groups. In contrast, the peak season could see 40-50 groups, some with up to 50 people per group. This could potentially lead to queues and make the trek more challenging. Furthermore, during the off-season, we were fortunate to have the most experienced guide the company had to offer, enhancing our overall enjoyment.
Moreover, if you happen to arrive at the lodge later in the day, there’s a chance that all available lodging could be occupied, necessitating a trek of an additional 30 minutes to 1 hour to the next town. In fortunate circumstances, you might secure a sleeping spot in the dining area, where you can utilize your sleeping bag for rest.
What is encompassed within the guide services?
Our trekking company supplied essential equipment such as sleeping bags, duffle bags, and trekking poles. Additionally, they offered comprehensive meal services, including breakfast, lunch, and dinner, which encompassed tea or coffee and a wide selection of items from the menu.
Is it obligatory to give tips?
It is generally appreciated and customary in the trekking industry in Nepal. Tipping is a way to show your gratitude to guides, porters, and other support staff for their hard work and assistance during your trek. It is a gesture of appreciation for the services provided, and the amount can vary based on your satisfaction with their service. It’s a good practice to inquire with your trekking company about recommended tipping guidelines.
What items should I pack?
We conducted thorough research and received comprehensive lists from various guides. However, we discovered that the suggested list was excessive, and we ultimately found that most of the items we had packed were unnecessary.
Below, you’ll find a curated list of crucial items that we deem essential for the trek, along with a link to purchase them:
- 2 x 32 Oz. Water Bottle – 1L Water Bottle
- You should aim to consume approximately 3-4 liters of water daily, which translates to needing two 32-ounce bottles. Usually, you can refill these bottles during lunch breaks. We suggest using two bottles instead of a single large one to ensure that your backpack remains balanced.
- Purification Tablets (100 Ct.) – Purification Tablet
- Altitude sickness medication can be readily found at local pharmacies in Kathmandu, and it is quite affordable
- Knee Sleeve Brace
- Waterproof Thermal Gloves
- 10 to 12 pairs – Thick Waterproof Socks
- Short Pant
- Hoodie/Jumper
- 5 to 8 Short Sleeve Shirts
- Hat or Cap
- Sandal
- Quick Dry Towel
- 4 Long Sleeve Thermal Shirt
- 4 Thermal Base Layers Pants
- Polarized Sunglasses
- Waterproof Poncho
- Waterproof Trekking Jacket
- Top Picks for Essential High-Quality Trekking Boots on the Challenging Everest Base Camp Trek:
- Shampoo and Body Wash
Pricing and availability of items
As you progress further along the trek, it’s common for prices to increase, and you may also notice a reduction in the availability of certain items.
Furthermore, as you advance along the trek, the standard of accommodations tends to decline. For instance, in Lukla, Phakding, and Namche Bazaar, you can expect lodging with private bathrooms, showers, and electrical outlets. However, as you reach Tengboche, these amenities may no longer be available.
Charging your electronic devices may require an additional fee. Thus, it’s advisable to conserve battery by enabling power-saving mode, allowing you to capture photos for 3-4 days without recharging. As an alternative, you may consider bringing a power bank with solar panels that can be attached to your backpack. Nonetheless, be aware that this option will add to the overall weight you’ll need to carry.
Are the indigenous mountain dogs in the area known to be friendly?
Indeed, these local mountain dogs are remarkably friendly, often seeking your affection and company. If you have the means to do so, offering them treats and food is a heartwarming gesture. These dogs frequently accompany trekkers from one town to the next or even for a significant portion of the day’s trek. In some remarkable cases, a dog stayed overnight in the town where we were lodging, patiently awaiting our departure the next morning.
What is the recommended amount of cash to carry?
We suggest bringing Rs. 8000 for additional expenses like snacks and drinks. Additionally, it’s essential to have extra cash on hand for tips you intend to give to your guide and porter.
Everest Base Camp Trek Summary
- Total Incline & Decline: 10,008m
- Total Distance: Approximately 107 km (66.5 miles)
- Cost: $1400 per person (Apart from lodging and airfare from your place of residence to Kathmandu)
Everest Base Camp Trek Day 1 – Fly to Lukla and Trek to Phakding
Lukla (2,840m) to Phakding (2,610m)
- Total Incline: +30m
- Total Decline: -260m
- Total Elevation Change: -230m
- Distance: Approximately 8 km (5 miles)
- Accommodation: Room with private bathroom (running hot water and toilet) and electrical outlet
Depending on the trekking company you choose, you may either meet your guides in Lukla or have them pick you up at your accommodation in Thamel.
Your Everest Base Camp adventure begins with an exhilarating flight from Kathmandu to Lukla. Hold onto your seats as the plane soars between towering peaks. Land safely, meet your porter, and start your trek to Phakding, your first taste of the Himalayan terrain.
The trek from Lukla to Phakding is a gentle introduction to the trekking trail. You’ll pass through picturesque villages, cross suspension bridges over the Dudh Koshi River, and enjoy the serene surroundings. Our journey took approximately 4.5 hours as we savored the breathtaking views and maintained a steady pace, whereas the typical duration was around 4 hours.
We spent our afternoon in Phakding, enjoying lunch and making new acquaintances with the friendly local dogs. These furry companions were incredibly affectionate and sought attention and affection. Furthermore, you have the option to visit a nearby temple, which entails an additional 30-minute trek each way. Spend your first night in the heart of the Khumbu region.
Everest Base Camp Trek Day 2 – Phakding to Namche Bazaar
Phakding (2,610m) to Namche Bazaar (3,443m)
- Total Incline: +968m
- Total Decline: -135m
- Total Elevation Change: +833m
- Distance: Approximately 9.5 km (5.9 miles)
- Accommodation: Room with private bathroom (running hot water and toilet) and electrical outlet
Today, you’ll continue your journey deeper into the Himalayas. The trail takes you along the banks of the Dudh Koshi River, passing through lush forests filled with rhododendrons and pine trees.
During the first half of the day, you’ll encounter a mix of gradual inclines and declines before reaching Benkar for lunch. Following that, the terrain will feature relatively gentle inclines until you reach Hillary Bridge, which marks the beginning of a steep ascent that will take you all the way to Namche Bazaar.
As you approach Namche Bazaar, you’ll catch your first glimpse of Everest and other magnificent peaks. Namche Bazaar is a bustling Sherpa town where you’ll acclimatize for the upcoming challenges.
Our journey from Phakding to Namche Bazaar took approximately 7.5 hours. It’s vital to emphasize the importance of pacing oneself during this trek, as it plays a crucial role in its successful completion. It’s not uncommon for individuals to reconsider their trek at this juncture, and we observed some who turned back even after reaching Namche due to the challenges faced along the way.
Everest Base Camp Trek Day 3 – Acclimatize in Namche Bazaar
Safety is paramount in high-altitude trekking, so you’ll spend a day in Namche to acclimatize to the increasing altitude. Use this free day to explore the town, visit the Sherpa Cultural Museum, and take a short trek to higher elevations to aid your acclimatization. The Everest View Hotel offers breathtaking panoramic views of the world’s tallest peaks.
Everest Base Camp Trek Day 4 – Trek to Tengboche
Namche Bazaar (3,443m) to Tengboche (3,870m)
- Total Incline: +957m
- Total Decline: -530m
- Total Elevation Change: +427m
- Distance: Approximately 10 km (6.2 miles)
- Accommodation: Room with no private bathroom (shared toilet but no shower) and no electrical outlet
Leaving Namche Bazaar behind, you’ll trek through rhododendron forests and charming villages. Your destination today is Tengboche, known for its ancient and spiritually significant Tengboche Monastery. The serene setting amidst towering peaks makes this a memorable stop on your journey.
Furthermore, Tengboche holds a special place in history as the home of the first recorded Sherpa, Tenzing Norgay, who successfully reached the summit of Mount Everest alongside Sir Edmund Hillary. It’s worth noting that there is only one lodging option available in Tengboche, which was established by the descendant of Tenzing Norgay.
This leg of the journey stands out as one of the more challenging days, featuring steep descents and ascents with only a break for lunch at Phungi Thanga. The entire trek took approximately 7 hours to complete. Nevertheless, you may find unexpected companions in the form of friendly local dogs who can guide you to the next town. If you have the means to offer them some food, it’s a kind gesture that is greatly appreciated.
Everest Base Camp Trek Day 5 – Trek to Dingboche
Tengboche (3,870m) to Dingboche (4,410m)
- Total Incline: +660m
- Total Decline: -120m
- Total Elevation Change: +540m
- Distance: Approximately 11 km (6.8 miles)
- Accommodation: Room with private bathroom (no running water) and no electrical outlet
As you ascend further, the landscapes transform. You’ll pass through alpine meadows and cross the tree line. The descent and ascent on today’s trek are relatively more manageable compared to the previous day. Along the route, you’ll come across a trail initiated by a local resident back in 1997. Sadly, he passed away in March 2023, but his wife is carrying on his legacy. Remarkably, he funded all of this trail’s construction through contributions from fellow trekkers, which has significantly eased the journey for future adventurers. Contributions and donations are wholeheartedly welcomed and appreciated.
Lunch will be served in Shomare, a quaint hillside village along the way.
The son of the lodging/restaurant where we had lunch is an accomplished athlete who has participated in numerous mountain races and emerged as a winner. It’s truly remarkable that he and others are capable of completing the run from Everest Base Camp to Namche in just 3 hours!
Dingboche, with its picturesque surroundings and stunning views of Ama Dablam, will be your home for the night. It’s undeniably awe-inspiring to have the opportunity to view the majestic mountains right from your room, and sometimes, even from the bathroom windows. The entire trek took approximately 6.5 hours to complete.
Everest Base Camp Trek Day 6 – Acclimatize in Dingboche
Another essential acclimatization day! Take it easy in Dingboche, explore the nearby hills, and absorb the local culture. Proper acclimatization is crucial to ensure your safety and comfort at higher altitudes.
Everest Base Camp Trek Day 7 – Trek to Lobuche
Dingboche (4,410m) to Lobuche (4,910m)
- Total Incline: +500m
- Total Decline: 0
- Total Elevation Change: +500m
- Distance: Approximately 7 km (4.3 miles)
- Accommodation: Room with no private bathroom (shared toilet but no shower) and no electrical outlet
Today’s journey takes you closer to your ultimate goal. Trek to Lobuche, a small settlement nestled amidst rugged terrain. The trek will lead you to glacier-fed waters, where you’ll cross a bridge that’s just a few feet above the rushing water. Once on the other side, you’ll reach your lunch destination. It’s important to take your time to rest and rejuvenate because the upcoming portion of the trek will be demanding. Here, you’ll have your first encounter with glacier rocks and a challenging ascent.
Upon reaching the summit, you’ll arrive at Memorial Pass, a solemn place where the names of missing trekkers and mountaineers are memorialized. The sheer number of names can be astonishing, and the atmosphere in this area is often eerie, quiet, and tinged with sadness.
The subsequent terrain is a glacier valley, characterized by a relatively level path with a gradual ascent leading to our final destination. The air gets thinner, and the landscape more barren as you approach the glacial region. The entire trek took approximately 6.5 hours to complete.
Everest Base Camp Trek Day 8 – Trek to Gorak Shep and Everest Base Camp
Lobuche (4,910m) to Gorak Shep (5,140m) to Everest Base Camp (5,364m)
- Total Incline: +454m
- Total Decline: -224m
- Total Elevation Change: +230m
- Distance: Approximately 12 km (7.5 miles)
- Accommodation: Room with no private bathroom (shared toilet but no shower) and no electrical outlet
Today is the highlight of your trek! Trek to Gorak Shep, your last stop before reaching Everest Base Camp. Drop off your belongings, and embark on the thrilling journey to the iconic Everest Base Camp. Stand in awe as you witness the Khumbu Icefall and the towering Everest summit.
Today’s trek presents one of the more demanding challenges as you’ll be traversing the edge of glacier rocks, crossing over melting ice, and navigating areas with falling rocks. Balancing your body on these rugged terrains can exert strain on your knees, particularly as the air gets thinner at higher altitudes. It’s advisable to consider using knee braces in this section to provide additional support and reduce the risk of knee discomfort or injury.
Despite the challenges, this segment of the trek is exceptionally rewarding as it immerses you in the breathtaking beauty of the mountains and offers unbelievable vistas. Once more, it’s crucial to emphasize the importance of taking ample rest before making your way to Everest Base Camp, as the journey involves navigating the glacier rocks with ascents and descents.
This is the moment you’ve eagerly anticipated, and it’s a time for celebration, not only with your own group but also with fellow trekkers who have reached this milestone. Our guide and porter are in high spirits, sharing in the celebration. However, it’s essential to bear in mind that this is not the culmination of the journey, and the upcoming days will continue to present their own challenges. The entire trek took approximately 10.5 hours to complete.
Everest Base Camp Trek Day 9 – Kala Patthar and Descend to Pheriche
Gorak Shep (5,140m) to Kala Patthar (5,550m)
- Total Incline: +410m
- Total Decline: -1,310m
- Total Elevation Change: -900m
- Distance: Approximately 11.5 km (7.2 miles)
- Accommodation: Room with no private bathroom (shared toilet with shower) and no electrical outlet
The trek to Kala Patthar commences at the early hour of 3 AM, and you’ll return to Gorak Shep for breakfast after this remarkable adventure. Trek to Kala Patthar before dawn to witness an awe-inspiring sunrise over the Everest summit. The panoramic views will leave you speechless.
Afterward, descend to Pheriche, where you’ll find lower altitudes and a more comfortable environment for the night. Again, it’s advisable to consider using knee braces in this section to provide additional support and reduce the risk of knee discomfort or injury. The entire trek took approximately 6.5 hours to complete. The entire trek took approximately 8.5 hours to complete.
Everest Base Camp Trek Day 10 – Descend to Namche Bazaar
Pheriche (4,240m) to Namche Bazaar (3,440m)
- Total Incline: +570m
- Total Decline: -1,367m
- Total Elevation Change: -797m
- Distance: Approximately 20 km (12.4 miles)
- Accommodation: Room with private bathroom (running hot water and toilet) and electrical outlet
Begin your descent towards Namche Bazaar, retracing your steps through familiar trails. As you descend, you’ll feel the air getting thicker, and the oxygen levels rising, providing welcome relief.
While there will be a significant descent in elevation, you can still expect challenging inclines along the way. Moreover, this trek is the longest distance covered in a single day thus far, spanning 20 kilometers. The entire trek took approximately 10 hours to complete with a lunch break Phungi Thanga.
Everest Base Camp Trek Day 11 – Descend to Lukla
Namche Bazaar (3,440m) to Lukla (2,860m)
- Total Incline: +455m
- Total Decline: -1,058m
- Total Elevation Change: -603m
- Distance: Approximately 18 km (11.2 miles)
- Accommodation: Room with private bathroom (running hot water and toilet) and electrical outlet
Your trekking adventure is drawing to a close. Descend to Lukla, the gateway to the Khumbu region, where you can reminisce about your incredible journey. This upcoming trek will be just as demanding as the previous day, although it entails less distance to cover and features relatively fewer inclines and descents. The entire trek took approximately 10 hours to complete with a break in Phakding for lunch.
Everest Base Camp Trek Day 12 – Fly to Kathmandu
Hold onto your seats as you prepare for an exhilarating aerial adventure! The flight from Lukla to Kathmandu is a heart-pounding journey through the towering peaks of the Himalayas. As your tiny plane navigates the narrow runway and takes off from one of the world’s most dangerous airports, your adrenaline surges. But fear not, the stunning vistas of snow-capped giants and lush valleys below will leave you breathless with wonder. It’s a thrilling way to conclude your epic Everest Base Camp adventure!
