Everest Base Camp (EBC) is a 12–14 day high-altitude walk from Lukla, reaching 5,364 m. This guide covers the day-by-day itinerary, permit fees, a realistic budget, the best season, packing and altitude safety, written for trekkers planning in 2026.
Quick answer
Duration: 12–14 days, Lukla to Lukla, including two acclimatization days and a spare day. Highest points: Everest Base Camp 5,364 m; Kala Patthar about 5,545 m. Permits: Sagarmatha National Park entry (NPR 3,000) and the Khumbu Pasang Lhamu local trek card (NPR 3,000 for most foreign nationals). Best seasons: March–May and October–November. Budget: roughly USD 1,300–2,200 with a local agency, excluding international flights.
Everest Base Camp, Nepal. Photo: Surajaley / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0.
Base Camp is not the summit of Everest and it is not a climbing trip. You walk teahouse to teahouse on a well-marked trail, but you sleep above 4,000 m for several nights, and that is what makes the trek serious. Most people who turn back do so because of altitude or an itinerary that was too fast, not because of the walking.
Everest Base Camp itinerary: 13 days
This is a planning template. Weather, health and flights can change any day, which is why the last day is a buffer.
| Day | Route | Sleep altitude | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Fly to Lukla, walk to Phakding | 2,610 m | Short, easy first day. |
| 2 | Phakding to Namche Bazaar | 3,440 m | Long climb into Namche. |
| 3 | Acclimatization in Namche | 3,440 m | Short hike up, sleep low. |
| 4 | Namche to Tengboche | 3,860 m | Monastery and Ama Dablam views. |
| 5 | Tengboche to Dingboche | 4,410 m | Sleeping altitude rises sharply. |
| 6 | Acclimatization in Dingboche | 4,410 m | Rest and a short higher walk. |
| 7 | Dingboche to Lobuche | 4,910 m | Colder, thinner air. |
| 8 | Lobuche to Gorak Shep, then Base Camp | 5,140 m | Hardest day. Return to Gorak Shep to sleep. |
| 9 | Kala Patthar, then down to Pheriche | 4,370 m | Early start for the sunrise view. |
| 10 | Pheriche to Namche Bazaar | 3,440 m | Long descent, easier breathing. |
| 11 | Namche to Lukla | 2,840 m | Final walking day. |
| 12 | Fly Lukla to Kathmandu | 1,400 m | Weather dependent. |
| 13 | Buffer day | Protects your flight home. |
Everest Base Camp trek gallery
Photos from Wikimedia Commons. Hover over a photo to zoom.
Villages on the Everest Base Camp trail
The route passes through Sherpa villages where you sleep, eat and acclimatize. These are the places you will remember as much as Base Camp itself.
Dingboche, Pheriche and Namche are overnight stops in the itinerary above. Hover over a photo to zoom.
Altitude and safety on the EBC trek
The trail has no technical sections. The challenge is the air: by Gorak Shep there is roughly half the oxygen available at sea level. What helps most is a slow pace, drinking plenty of water, and sleeping only a few hundred metres higher each night above 3,000 m. A common guideline is to climb no more than about 300–500 m of sleeping altitude per day, with a rest day every 1,000 m or so.
| Place | Altitude |
|---|---|
| Lukla | 2,840 m |
| Namche Bazaar | 3,440 m |
| Tengboche | 3,860 m |
| Dingboche | 4,410 m |
| Lobuche | 4,910 m |
| Gorak Shep | 5,140 m |
| Everest Base Camp | 5,364 m |
| Kala Patthar | 5,545 m |
Altitudes are approximate and differ slightly between maps.
Can you see Everest from Base Camp?
Not well. From Base Camp the Khumbu Icefall and surrounding ridges block the summit. The classic view of Everest is from Kala Patthar, which is why most itineraries include it. Go at sunrise if the weather allows.
How difficult is the Everest Base Camp trek?
It is demanding but not technical. Expect 5–7 hours of walking on most days, steady up-and-down terrain, cold nights and basic rooms. Beginners can do it with preparation, but it should not be treated as an easy hike. Build endurance in the months before: long hikes, stair climbing and cardio.
EBC suits you if
- You can walk several hours a day for two weeks.
- You have time for acclimatization days.
- You accept cold, basic teahouses and weather changes.
Consider another trek if
- You have under a week.
- You want lower altitude or forest scenery.
- You dislike long walking days.
For a quieter alternative, read our Makalu Base Camp trek guide.
Permits and guide rules for 2026
Two permits are standard on the Everest Base Camp route:
| Permit | Fee (foreign nationals) | Where to get it |
|---|---|---|
| Sagarmatha National Park entry | NPR 3,000 (SAARC: NPR 1,500) | Monjo checkpoint or Kathmandu |
| Khumbu Pasang Lhamu local trek card | NPR 3,000 for most foreign nationals (reduced for SAARC and Chinese nationals) | Lukla or Monjo |
Older articles quote NPR 2,000 for the local card. Most current operators now quote NPR 3,000, but fees change, so confirm before you travel.
TIMS card and guides: confirm before you book
Most Everest-region operators say the local trek card replaced the TIMS card on the standard EBC route, and that you do not need a separate TIMS. Nepal’s tourism authorities have also talked about requiring licensed guides on trekking routes since 2023, and sources disagree on how this applies in practice. We recommend booking through a government-registered agency, traveling with a licensed guide, and asking the agency in writing which documents your dates require. A guide is also a real safety benefit at altitude.
How much does the Everest Base Camp trek cost?
Costs vary by agency, season, group size and how much gear you rent. These are planning estimates in US dollars, excluding your international flight. Treat them as ranges and get a written quote.
| Item | Estimate | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Permits | About USD 45–50 | Park entry plus local trek card. |
| Kathmandu–Lukla return flight | USD 350–500 | Check current airline prices. |
| Guide | USD 25–40 per day | Licensed guide. |
| Porter | USD 18–25 per day | Usually shared between two trekkers. |
| Teahouse rooms and meals | USD 30–50 per day | Prices rise with altitude. |
| Insurance with helicopter evacuation | USD 60–200 | Must cover 5,500 m. |
| Gear rental in Kathmandu | USD 60–150 | Sleeping bag, down jacket, poles. |
| Extras | USD 100–200 | Charging, hot showers, wifi, snacks, tips. |
Typical total: about USD 1,300–2,200 per person with a local agency. International operators often charge USD 2,500–4,500 for a similar trek with added services.
How to save money safely
- Compare several registered local agencies and ask exactly what is included.
- Rent bulky gear in Kathmandu instead of buying.
- Carry some snacks from Kathmandu, since prices climb with altitude.
- Never cut acclimatization days or insurance to save money.
Lukla flights: what to expect
Lukla flights depend on weather and visibility. In busy seasons, flights have run from Manthali Airport instead of Kathmandu, so confirm the departure airport with your airline or agency. Always keep one spare day before your international flight home. A cancelled Lukla flight should never cost you a missed connection.
Best time for the Everest Base Camp trek
| Months | Conditions |
|---|---|
| March–May | Spring. Good views, rhododendrons lower down, busiest toward late April and May. |
| June–September | Monsoon. Rain and cloud, harder flights, fewer views. |
| October–November | Autumn. Clear skies and stable weather, very popular. |
| December–February | Winter. Very cold at altitude, quiet trails, some lodges closed. |
Everest Base Camp packing list
Clothing and footwear
- Down jacket and fleece mid-layer
- Thermal base layers
- Waterproof jacket and trousers
- Warm hat, gloves and sun hat
- Broken-in trekking boots and warm socks
- Light camp shoes
Health, documents and gear
- Personal medication and a basic first-aid kit
- Sunscreen, sunglasses and lip balm
- Water bottles and a purification method
- Headlamp, spare batteries and a power bank
- Passport copies and insurance papers
- Nepali rupees in small notes
Six common Everest Base Camp mistakes
- Rushing the itinerary. Fewer days means higher altitude risk.
- Ignoring symptoms. Worsening headache or nausea means stop and descend.
- Booking a tight flight home. Keep a buffer day.
- Underestimating the cold. Nights above 4,000 m are well below freezing.
- Weak insurance. Check altitude limits and helicopter evacuation.
- Trusting old permit articles. Fees and rules change, so confirm them.
Trek responsibly in the Khumbu
The route passes through Sherpa communities and sacred places. Stay on trails, pass prayer walls and stupas on the left, ask before photographing people, carry out your rubbish, avoid single-use plastic, and treat guides and porters with respect. Local lodges and services keep trekking income in the valley.
Everest Base Camp vs Annapurna Base Camp
| Everest Base Camp | Annapurna Base Camp | |
|---|---|---|
| Duration | 12–14 days | 7–10 days |
| Highest point | About 5,545 m | About 4,130 m |
| Landscape | High alpine, glaciers, Sherpa villages | Forests, terraces, an enclosed sanctuary |
| Altitude challenge | Higher | Lower |
Choose by your available time, altitude tolerance and the scenery you want, not just by the more famous name.
Everest Base Camp trek: frequently asked questions
How many days do you need for the Everest Base Camp trek?
Plan 12–14 days from Lukla to Lukla, including acclimatization and a spare day for weather.
How high is Everest Base Camp?
About 5,364 m. Kala Patthar, the viewpoint above Gorak Shep, is about 5,545 m.
Do I need a guide for Everest Base Camp?
Rules have been discussed and applied unevenly since 2023. Book with a registered agency and a licensed guide, and confirm the current requirement in writing before you travel.
What permits do I need?
Sagarmatha National Park entry (NPR 3,000) and the Khumbu Pasang Lhamu local trek card (about NPR 3,000 for most foreign nationals). Confirm whether your agency also asks for a TIMS card.
How much does it cost?
Roughly USD 1,300–2,200 per person with a local agency, excluding international flights. Build your budget from individual costs and get a written quote.
Can you see Everest from Base Camp?
Not clearly. The icefall and ridges block the summit. Kala Patthar gives the famous view.
What is the best month?
October–November and March–May. Mountain weather can still change quickly.
Can beginners do the trek?
Yes, with preparation and a slow itinerary. It is not an easy hike because of altitude, cold and long days.
What if the Lukla flight is cancelled?
Flights are often delayed by weather. A spare day protects you, and your agency can rebook or discuss alternatives such as a helicopter.
Planning a trek in Nepal?
Check current permits, guide rules, insurance, weather and flights before you leave Kathmandu. More practical travel information is in our guide: Is Nepal open for tourists after the 2026 floods?
Fees, permits, transport and local procedures change. Cost figures are planning estimates, not quotes. Altitudes are approximate. This article is a planning guide, not medical advice. Sources to check: Nepal Tourism Board.