Everest Base Camp & Gokyo
The Everest Base Camp trek is one of the most iconic and exhilarating routes in the Himalayas. The journey begins in Lukla and winds through breathtaking scenery of rivers, forests and wildlife, passing authentic Sherpa villages and rich Buddhist culture. Base Camp itself sits at 5364m above sea level — the very starting point for climbers attempting the summit of Everest. The trek also includes the dramatic Cho La Pass crossing, the unique village of Gokyo and its stunning glacial lakes, offering views found nowhere else on earth. Along the way you'll be surrounded by the great Himalayan peaks: Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse and many more. The route culminates at Kala Patthar (5545m) — one of the world's most spectacular viewpoints for a sunrise over Everest. An unforgettable experience of power and altitude. Join us for a once-in-a-lifetime adventure in the Himalayas and take part in the fight against cancer!
Trip details
- Country: Nepal
- Summit elevation: 5364m
- Duration: 19 days
- Price: from $3800
- Success rate: 93%
- Recommended seasons: April-May, September-October
Highlights
- Everest Base Camp 5364m
- Gokyo Lakes
- Everest panorama
- Namche Bazaar market
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1: Welcome to Kathmandu!
Before landing in Kathmandu, enjoy breathtaking views of the Himalayas from the plane. After landing, transfer to Hotel Barahi in Kathmandu, passing through unique rural and mountain scenery along the way. Check in, rest and prepare for the adventure ahead.
Accommodation: Hotel Barahi Kathmandu
Day 2: Gear check and orientation in Kathmandu
The second day in Kathmandu is all about preparing for the trek. Meet the local guides in the morning for a briefing, gear check and packing. Squeeze in any last-minute shopping and soak up the colourful atmosphere of the city before the journey begins.
Accommodation: Hotel Barahi Kathmandu
Day 3: Helicopter to Lukla - Phakding (2610m)
An early start for the helicopter flight to Lukla Airport - one of the most challenging airstrips in the world. Begin the trek from Lukla village and walk toward Phakding, a 3–4 hour walk offering stunning views of the mountains and valleys.
Accommodation: Teahouse in Phakding
Day 4: Phakding - Namche Bazaar (3440m)
A day defined by significant altitude gain. A highlight is crossing the famous Hillary Suspension Bridge high above the Dudh Koshi River. The climb to Namche takes 5–6 hours, rewarding you with arrival at the colourful Sherpa market town.
Accommodation: Teahouse in Namche Bazaar
Day 5: Acclimatization day in Namche Bazaar (3440m)
A short acclimatization hike to a viewpoint above Namche, then free time to explore the local markets and traditional shops. This rest day is essential for adjusting to altitude and keeping you healthy for the days ahead.
Accommodation: Teahouse in Namche Bazaar
Day 6: Namche Bazaar - Tengboche (3860m)
Descend from Namche through green forests and winding trails, passing authentic Sherpa villages along the way. Continue to Tengboche and visit the ancient Tengboche Monastery, offering incredible views of the Himalayan peaks.
Accommodation: Teahouse in Tengboche
Day 7: Tengboche - Dingboche (4410m)
After breakfast, descend through the valley toward Pangboche. Pass traditional villages and fresh mountain streams, enjoying sweeping views of the surrounding peaks. Arrive at Dingboche at 4410m by afternoon.
Accommodation: Teahouse in Dingboche
Day 8: Acclimatization day in Dingboche (4410m)
A short acclimatization hike around the area helps the body adapt to the cold and altitude. The walk offers beautiful views of the surrounding mountains and valleys, giving your body the time it needs to adjust.
Accommodation: Teahouse in Dingboche
Day 9: Dingboche - Lobuche (4940m)
A moving and meaningful day as the trail passes memorial cairns for climbers who have fallen on Everest. Walk through dramatic mountain scenery and arrive at Lobuche in the late afternoon.
Accommodation: Teahouse in Lobuche
Day 10: Lobuche - Everest Base Camp (5364m) - Gorakshep (5140m)
The day you have been building toward - Everest Base Camp. Set off from Lobuche and climb to Base Camp at 5364m. Take in the extraordinary atmosphere before descending to Gorakshep for the night. Steady pace and plenty of water are essential.
Accommodation: Teahouse in Gorakshep
Day 11: Gorakshep - Kala Patthar (5545m) - Dzongla (4830m)
One of the great highlights of the entire journey - an early-morning climb to Kala Patthar at 5545m for a jaw-dropping sunrise view of Everest. Then descend to Dzongla to rest and absorb the powerful experiences of recent days.
Accommodation: Teahouse in Dzongla
Day 12: Dzongla - Cho La Pass (5420m) - Thagnag (4700m)
A challenging high-altitude day. The ascent from Dzongla leads to Cho La Pass at 5420m - the toughest section of the route. After crossing the pass, descend toward Thagnag through glaciers and stunning alpine lakes in complete wilderness.
Accommodation: Teahouse in Thagnag
Day 13: Thagnag - Gokyo Ri (5360m) - Gokyo (4750m)
Climb to the summit of Gokyo Ri at 5360m for breathtaking 360° views of the Himalayan range, including Everest, Lhotse and the famous Gokyo Lakes. Descend to Gokyo for a well-earned rest.
Accommodation: Teahouse in Gokyo
Day 14: Gokyo - Machhermo (4470m)
A relatively short and gentle descent from Gokyo to Machhermo, passing the beautiful Gokyo Lakes one last time. Rest in the quiet valley and let the body recover before continuing the return journey.
Accommodation: Teahouse in Machhermo
Day 15: Machhermo - Namche Bazaar (3440m)
Begin the long descent back to Namche Bazaar - a day that marks the return toward civilisation. Stop for rest along the way and take in the changing landscape. Spend the evening resting and enjoying a good meal.
Accommodation: Teahouse in Namche Bazaar
Day 16: Namche Bazaar - Lukla (2860m)
The final day of trekking. Familiar scenery, now in descent, marks the end of an incredible journey. Arriving in Lukla, a sense of achievement fills the air. In the evening we say goodbye to the porters and thank them for their support.
Accommodation: Teahouse in Lukla
Day 17: Helicopter from Lukla to Kathmandu
An early rise and transfer by helicopter back to Kathmandu. After reaching the hotel there is time to rest or explore the city streets, and in the evening we meet for a farewell dinner at a restaurant in Kathmandu. A deep sense of satisfaction from completing one of the world's great treks.
Accommodation: Hotel Barahi Kathmandu
Day 18: Spare day for bad weather / free day in Kathmandu
A spare day built into the schedule for bad weather or flight delays - or simply a free day to explore Kathmandu at your own pace. In the evening we check out of the hotel and transfer to the airport for the night flight home.
Day 19: Flight back home!
Landing home, full of photos, stories and memories that will last a lifetime.
What's included
- Gift kit - cap, dry-fit shirt and 100L duffel bag!
- A personal area for every customer in the HighAir app
- Transfers from/to Kathmandu airport to hotel
- Dinners at a restaurant before and after the trek
- 3 nights in a 4-star hotel in Kathmandu, single room, on B&B basis
- Domestic helicopter flights to Lukla and back
- Teahouse accommodation in shared rooms throughout the trek
- All entry permits for the trek and Sagarmatha National Park
- 3 meals per day from menu throughout the trek
- 2 liters of hot water a day
- Shower and attached toilet during the trek, as available on the route
- Professional local English-speaking guides
- Porters for personal gear (up to 15 kg per person)
- First aid kit carried by the guides
- Pulse oximeter (one per group)
- Satellite device
- Personal gear checklist and an online gear consultation
- Online preparation call with your group and guide before departure
- Meaningful donation to the fight against cancer!
What's not included
- International flights (we recommend the best routes from your city)
- Travel & medical insurance, including evacuation cover (required)
- Lunch and dinner at the hotel in Kathmandu
- Personal gear - clothing and footwear
- Tips for guides and porters - $250 per person
- Nepal visa fees - $50 per person
- Vaccinations and medical advice at a travel clinic
- Internet, laundry, alcohol, extra meals etc. at teahouses
- A fourth hotel night in Kathmandu (if needed)
- Anything not listed in the included section
- Optional extras:
- Single room at teahouses during trek - $20/night
Good to know
- Lukla flight (2860m) is one of the most challenging in the world - delays and cancellations due to weather are common. A buffer day is built into the plan.
- TIMS card and Sagarmatha National Park permit are included in the package.
- Altitude sickness (AMS) is the main risk above 3500m - drink plenty of water, walk slowly and report immediately if you experience severe headaches, vomiting or confusion.
- If altitude makes continuation unsafe - descent is immediate. AMS protocol is explained to all participants in advance.
- Trek runs in groups of up to 10 with experienced Sherpa guides.
- Medical clearance required - including fitness for 5364m altitude.
- Safety before summit - reaching Base Camp is not guaranteed but safety always comes first.
- In the event of an early descent from the mountain, for any reason, all additional costs involved are the traveler's responsibility, such as extra hotel nights, meals, and any required flight changes.
Frequently asked questions
How high do you go on the Everest Base Camp trek?
The highest point on the trek is Kala Patthar (5,545 m), which offers a stunning panorama of Everest; Base Camp itself sits at 5,364 m. These are the heights that challenge the body's acclimatization, which is why our itinerary is built carefully with rest days.
Is altitude sickness a real risk on the trek?
Altitude sickness is the main challenge on the Everest Base Camp trek - about a third of trekkers feel mild symptoms such as headache and fatigue. That is why we dedicate 19 days to the journey, with acclimatization days in Namche Bazaar and Dingboche. Drinking plenty, ascending gradually and watching for symptoms are the keys.
What fitness level does the EBC trek require?
You need good fitness, but not that of a professional athlete. The key is being able to walk 5-7 hours a day with a daypack, day after day, over two weeks. The best preparation is long hikes with a pack in the months before - the difficulty is cumulative, not technical.
Can you see the summit of Everest from Base Camp?
Actually no - from Base Camp itself the glacier blocks the view of the summit. The best place to see Everest is Kala Patthar (5,545 m), from where the view of Everest, Lhotse and Nuptse is among the most spectacular in the world.
When is the best season to trek in Nepal?
Two excellent seasons: April-May before the monsoon, and October-November after it. In both the skies are clear, the scenery breathtaking and the weather relatively comfortable - and we aim for exactly those. It is best to avoid the monsoon months (June-September).
Is the Everest Base Camp trek suitable for beginners?
Yes, if you come prepared. It is a trek, not a technical climb: no ropes or ice axe, and crampons are needed only when there is snow on the trail. What it takes is cardiovascular endurance, mental readiness for altitude and the right gear. Many trekkers with no prior experience have completed it successfully with us.