info@sherpakhangri.com

Led by an Everest record-holder · His story

Sherpa KhangriOutdoor
Orange tents pitched in snow at a high camp below the Himalayan peaks

Trekking Everest region Nepal

Everest Base Camp Trek

  • 15 days
  • 5,545 m
  • Challenging
  • From US$1,500

Lukla, Namche, Tengboche and the foot of the Khumbu Icefall, with Temba Tsheri Sherpa's team.

Overview

  • Duration15 days
  • Start and finishKathmandu
  • Highest point5,545 m
  • GradeChallenging
  • Best monthsMar, Apr, May, Sep, Oct, Nov, Dec
  • Accommodation4-star hotel in Kathmandu, teahouses on the trek

Everest Base Camp at 5,364 m is the most famous trekking route in Nepal, and one of the best in the world. The team of Sherpa Khangri and Guinness World Record holder Temba Tsheri Sherpa take you from a landing at Lukla, the gateway to Everest, up to Namche Bazaar, the Sherpa capital, and on past Tengboche, the oldest monastery in the Khumbu.

The trail climbs through rivers, forest and high valleys to Dingboche, Lobuche and Gorak Shep. From Base Camp and from Kala Patthar you see Everest close up, with Lhotse, Nuptse, Pumori and Ama Dablam around it. Along the way you live among the Sherpa people: their monasteries, food, festivals and the mani stones carved with Om Mani Padme Hum.

Highlights

  • Close views of Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, Cho Oyu, Pumori, Nuptse, Thamserku and Ama Dablam
  • Sunrise from Kala Patthar (5,545 m), the highest point of the trek
  • Sherpa culture: food, dress, lifestyle and the Sherpa culture museum in Namche
  • Mani stones carved with Om Mani Padme Hum, and century-old monasteries
  • The Hillary Bridge, the most famous suspension bridge on the trail
  • The Everest View Hotel, once the highest-placed hotel in the world
  • The Khumbu Glacier and the foot of the Khumbu Icefall

Is this trip for me?

Challenging. Long days of six to eight hours at altitude, several of them above 4,000 m. Train on hills with a loaded day pack for two to three months, and build the acclimatisation days in rather than cutting them.

Itinerary

15 days, Kathmandu to Kathmandu. Every date can move; this is the plan we start from.

15 days

  1. Day 1: Arrive in Kathmandu

    We meet you at the airport with a garland or khada and take you to your hotel. The rest of the day is free to wander Thamel. In the evening, a short briefing over a welcome Nepali dinner with your guide.

    Altitude
    1,400 m
    Meals
    Welcome dinner
    Stay
    Hotel

  2. Day 2: Preparation day in Kathmandu

    A free day to buy or rent trekking gear, with help from your guide. Thamel has outdoor shops with international and local brands. City sightseeing can be added on request.

    • Boudhanath Stupa, Kathmandu
    Altitude
    1,400 m
    Meals
    Breakfast
    Stay
    Hotel

  3. Day 3: Drive to Ramechhap, fly to Lukla, trek to Phakding

    An early jeep to Ramechhap airport, then a short flight to Lukla. Lukla flights leave from Ramechhap in the busy seasons, when Kathmandu airport is congested. At Lukla we meet the porters and walk an easy, mostly downhill trail to Phakding (2,652 m), shared with mules and zopkyo carrying goods up the valley.

    • The airstrip at Lukla
    Altitude
    2,860 m
    Time
    5 hr drive, 3-4 hr trek
    Meals
    Breakfast, lunch, dinner
    Stay
    Teahouse

  4. Day 4: Phakding to Namche Bazaar

    Along the Dudh Koshi through pine and oak forest, over several suspension bridges and into Sagarmatha National Park, where permits are checked. We cross the Hillary Bridge and, in clear weather, catch the first view of Everest before climbing to Namche.

    • Namche Bazaar
    Altitude
    3,440 m
    Time
    7 hr
    Meals
    Breakfast, lunch, dinner
    Stay
    Teahouse

  5. Acclimatisation

    Day 5: Acclimatisation day in Namche

    A hike up to the Everest View Hotel and back helps the body adjust to the altitude. The rest of the day is for the Sherpa capital itself: the museum, the market, bakeries and cafes.

    • The stupa at the top of Namche
    Altitude
    3,880 m
    Time
    Short hike
    Meals
    Breakfast, lunch, dinner
    Stay
    Teahouse

  6. Day 6: Namche to Pangboche

    A long and beautiful day above the Dudh Koshi, with Ama Dablam ahead, chortens, mani stones and prayer flags along the path. Clear views of Everest and Thamserku. We pass Tengboche Monastery, then descend to a bridge and climb to Pangboche.

    • On the trail, Ama Dablam ahead
    • Tengboche Monastery
    Altitude
    3,985 m
    Time
    6-7 hr
    Meals
    Breakfast, lunch, dinner
    Stay
    Teahouse

  7. Day 7: Pangboche to Dingboche

    A short, gradual day as the air thins, with no steep climbs. An early start gives a fine sunrise on Ama Dablam. The afternoon is for rest and photographs.

    • Ama Dablam
    Altitude
    4,410 m
    Time
    3 hr
    Meals
    Breakfast, lunch, dinner
    Stay
    Teahouse

  8. Acclimatisation

    Day 8: Acclimatisation day in Dingboche

    Another rest day before going higher. With your guide you can hike to the top of Nangkartshang hill (5,083 m), or simply walk the valley to get used to the altitude.

    • Above Dingboche
    Altitude
    5,083 m
    Time
    Optional hike
    Meals
    Breakfast, lunch, dinner
    Stay
    Teahouse

  9. Day 9: Dingboche to Lobuche

    The land turns barren and rocky. Lunch at Thukla, then an hour's climb to the memorial for climbers lost in the mountains, and on to Lobuche beside the Khumbu Glacier, facing Pumori.

    Altitude
    4,930 m
    Time
    4-5 hr
    Meals
    Breakfast, lunch, dinner
    Stay
    Teahouse

  10. Day 10: Lobuche to Gorak Shep and Everest Base Camp

    The big day. About three hours over rocky ground to Gorak Shep (5,170 m), then after lunch two more to Base Camp itself, facing the Khumbu Icefall, the Khumbu Glacier, Nuptse, Pumori and Khumbutse. Back to Gorak Shep for the night.

    • Gorak Shep, below Kala Patthar and Pumori
    • Everest Base Camp
    • The Khumbu Glacier and Icefall
    Altitude
    5,364 m
    Time
    8-9 hr
    Meals
    Breakfast, lunch, dinner
    Stay
    Teahouse

  11. Highest point

    Day 11: Kala Patthar at sunrise, down to Pangboche

    An early two-hour climb to Kala Patthar, the highest point of the trip, for the full view of Everest's summit with Nuptse, Lhotse, Ama Dablam, Thamserku and Pumori around it. Back for breakfast, then a long descent to Pangboche.

    • Everest and Nuptse
    Altitude
    5,545 m
    Time
    8-9 hr
    Meals
    Breakfast, lunch, dinner
    Stay
    Teahouse

  12. Day 12: Pangboche to Namche Bazaar

    A long but easy walk, mostly downhill, back to Namche and its restaurants, pubs and coffee shops.

    Altitude
    3,985 m
    Time
    6-7 hr
    Meals
    Breakfast, lunch, dinner
    Stay
    Teahouse

  13. Day 13: Namche Bazaar to Lukla

    The last day on the trail. In the evening we share a farewell dinner with the porters and crew who carried the trip.

    • Back at Lukla
    Altitude
    3,440 m
    Time
    7-8 hr
    Meals
    Breakfast, lunch, dinner
    Stay
    Teahouse

  14. Day 14: Fly to Ramechhap, drive to Kathmandu

    The flight back to Ramechhap and the jeep to Kathmandu. In the evening, a celebration dinner with a cultural dance show.

    Altitude
    2,860 m
    Meals
    Breakfast, lunch
    Stay
    Hotel

  15. Day 15: Departure

    We take you to the international airport in time for your flight home.

    Altitude
    1,400 m
    Meals
    Breakfast

Select a day to open its plan.

What's included

Included12

  • Airport pick-up and drop-off as per the itinerary
  • Welcome and farewell dinners in Kathmandu
  • 4-star hotel in Kathmandu, twin sharing, bed and breakfast (3 nights)
  • Sagarmatha National Park and local permits
  • Ground transport as per the itinerary
  • Domestic flights Ramechhap - Lukla - Ramechhap
  • Breakfast, lunch and dinner on the trek
  • Teahouse accommodation on the trek, twin sharing
  • An experienced trekking guide
  • Porters, one for every two trekkers, with guide and porter wages
  • Insurance for all staff
  • Medical kit, and rescue arranged if needed

Not included11

  • Nepal visa fee
  • International flights to and from Kathmandu
  • Extra nights in Kathmandu or on the trek (illness, early arrival, late departure)
  • Meals in Kathmandu other than the two dinners
  • Excess baggage on domestic flights (limit 15 kg)
  • Travel and rescue insurance with helicopter evacuation (strongly recommended)
  • Personal expenses: phone, laundry, drinks, charging, water, showers, heaters, wi-fi
  • Personal trekking gear
  • A private guide or porter, and extra sightseeing
  • Entrance fees
  • Tips for guides and porters

Prices and dates

  1. 06DecSun

    Everest Base Camp TrekEverest region · Challenging · 15 days

    6 Dec 20 Dec6–20 Dec15 days

    All 16 places booked

    Full

    FromUS$1,500

Choose your standard when you book

  • BudgetUS$1,500 per personStandard teahouses, tourist-class hotel
  • RegularUS$1,770 per personBest teahouses, 4-star hotel in Kathmandu
  • PremiumUS$2,400 per personBest lodges, 5-star hotel, private extras

Per person, twin share. Some departures are priced differently: the booking shows the exact amount before you pay.

  • Travelling solo? We price a private trip for one on request.
  • A room of your own on the trek is possible, subject to lodge space higher up.
  • Extra days and a helicopter return change the price. We quote exactly.

Guest stories

“We happened to be there when the earthquake hit. In a very chaotic situation, his team was able to get us back to Kathmandu and home quickly and safely.”

Neal CarnamUSA · Everest Base Camp, Annapurna Base Camp and more

Packing checklist

Most of this can be bought or rented in Thamel the day before you leave; your guide will go with you. Tick things off as you pack.

0 of 24 packed

Clothing

Warmth

Feet

Accessories

Health

Documents

Trip FAQs

How fit do I need to be?

Challenging. Long days of six to eight hours at altitude, several of them above 4,000 m. Train on hills with a loaded day pack for two to three months, and build the acclimatisation days in rather than cutting them.

When is the best time to go?

Its season is March to May and September to December. Outside those months the route is usually shut by snow, cloud or monsoon rain, and we will say so rather than sell it.

When does it depart?

On fixed group departures: Prices and dates lists every upcoming date with its places left and price. If none suits you, ask us and we will tell you when the next one runs.

What does it cost, and what is included?

From US$1,500 per person, twin share, on the Budget standard; Regular from US$1,770, Premium from US$2,400. You choose the standard when you book a departure in Prices and dates. Permits, your guide and porters, and meals and lodging on the trek are included; What's included has the full list.

How do the Lukla flights work?

In the busy seasons flights to Lukla leave from Ramechhap, about five hours' drive from Kathmandu, because Kathmandu airport is congested. The jeep and both flights are included. Mountain weather can hold flights for a day or more, so keep a spare day in Kathmandu at the end of the trip if you can.

Will I see Everest?

In clear weather the first view comes on the climb to Namche, soon after the Hillary Bridge. The fullest is at sunrise from Kala Patthar (5,545 m), the highest point of the trip, with Nuptse, Lhotse, Pumori and Ama Dablam around it. Base Camp itself sits below the Khumbu Icefall, facing Nuptse and Pumori.

How much luggage can I bring?

The domestic flights allow 15 kg; excess baggage is charged by the airline and not included. One porter carries for every two trekkers, so pack the trek bag light and leave the rest at your hotel in Kathmandu.

Can I charge my phone and get wi-fi?

Yes, at most teahouses, for a small fee, as with hot showers; the prices rise with the altitude. These are personal expenses, not included in the trip price.

How do you handle the altitude?

The route tops out at 5,545 m. The itinerary builds in two acclimatisation days, and your guide checks on everyone every day above 3,000 m. At any sign of altitude sickness we go down, and a rescue is arranged if it is needed. Turning around for safety is never a failed trip.

What travel insurance do I need?

Your policy must cover trekking to 5,545 m, including emergency helicopter evacuation. We ask to see it before you set off.

Can I travel solo?

Yes. We run a private trip for one, priced on request because the guide and porter are yours alone. Or join a fixed group departure. A room of your own is possible, subject to lodge space higher up.

How do I book?

Pick a start date in Prices and dates and press Continue booking, or message us on WhatsApp. We reply with the day-by-day plan and an exact price, usually within a day, and take no payment until you confirm.

More in our general FAQ, or ask us on WhatsApp.

Explore more

Newsletter

Stories from the Himalaya

New departures, season openings and trail notes from our Sherpa guides, a few times a year. No spam, and you can leave any time.

Chat on WhatsApp