1 daysEasy5,364 mEverest Base Camp Helicopter Tour — 1 Day
From / person
$1,680
TrekChallenging
Everest Base Camp Trek — 12 Days
12 days5,364 mFrom Lukla (fly from Kathmandu)Best: Oct–Nov, Mar–May
Photo by Prabin Sunar on Pexels
01 / 09
Duration
12 days
From
$1,700/person
Max Altitude
5,364 m
Difficulty
Challenging
Starts
Lukla (fly from Kathmandu)
Group Size
2–12 People
Stay
Tea House
Meals
Breakfast & Dinner
Best Season
Oct–Nov, Mar–May
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Trip Highlights
Everest Base Camp (5,364 m) — the most popular EBC itinerary; pace-acclimatisation balance
Kala Patthar (5,545 m) — sunrise panorama of Everest, Lhotse, and Nuptse
Namche Bazaar — vibrant Sherpa capital with Saturday market and cultural museum
Tengboche Monastery — 3,867 m shrine with Ama Dablam in full view
Ama Dablam — one of the world's most photographed peaks; front-row views throughout
Sagarmatha National Park UNESCO World Heritage Site
Full Khumbu valley experience: Phortse, Dingboche, Lobuche, Gorak Shep
Khumbu Icefall from Everest Base Camp: iconic mountaineering landmark
The 12-day EBC trek hits the sweet spot — full classic route with proper acclimatisation stops, trimmed for trekkers with limited time but serious ambition.
Day-by-Day Itinerary(12 days)
Altitude Profile
Peak: 5,164 m · Day 8Early morning flight to Lukla through spectacular mountain scenery. Meet your guide at Tenzing-Hillary Airport and trek south along the Dudh Koshi river through pine and rhododendron forest to Phakding for the night.
2,610 m3–4 hours8 kmB, DTea House
The 12-day Everest Base Camp Trek is our fast-track Khumbu itinerary — designed for fit, experienced trekkers who have prior high-altitude experience and want to reach EBC in the shortest responsible timeline. The route is identical to the classic programme: Lukla, Phakding, Namche, Tengboche, Dingboche, Lobuche, Gorak Shep, EBC (5,364 m), and Kala Patthar (5,545 m). The difference is pacing: one Namche acclimatisation rest day (vs two on the 15-day), and a more direct return with fewer overnight stops on the descent.
The 12-day schedule is viable for trekkers who have previously trekked above 4,000 m within the past 12 months and whose bodies are proven acclimatisers. We do not recommend it for first-time high-altitude trekkers — the acclimatisation margin is thin, and the consequence of getting it wrong at 5,000+ m is a helicopter evacuation. Our pre-booking screening call includes an honest assessment of whether the 12-day schedule is right for your profile.
For experienced trekkers returning to the Khumbu, or those with hard flight constraints who cannot stretch to 14–15 days, the 12-day itinerary delivers the complete EBC and Kala Patthar experience with the minimum responsible time budget.
Choosing Between 12, 14, and 15 Days
12 days: Prior altitude experience required. Tight but complete. Best for returning trekkers or those with constrained schedules. 14 days: Standard. Right for most fit trekkers with moderate fitness backgrounds. 15 days: Recommended for first-timers. The Namche rest day makes a measurable difference in completion rates. All three itineraries cover the same route; the only variable is acclimatisation time.
Best seasons: October–November and March–May. Prior altitude experience: Required (4,000+ m within past 12 months). Max altitude: Kala Patthar 5,545 m.
What's Included
Included
- Government-certified English-speaking senior trek guide
- Porter (1 per 2 trekkers; 18 kg max porter load)
- Sagarmatha National Park entry permit
- Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality permit
- TIMS card
- Kathmandu–Lukla–Kathmandu round-trip flights (scheduled)
- All teahouse accommodation on trek
- 3 meals per day (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
- Kathmandu hotel and airport transfers
- Altitude illness prevention kit and pulse oximeter
- All government taxes and service charges
Not Included
- International flights
- Nepal visa
- Travel insurance
- Lunches
- Personal gear
- Tips
Best Time to Go
Autumn (Sep–Nov)
Prime season. October is perfect — clear skies, stable weather, 4–6 week dry window. November gets cold at altitude but still excellent. EBC trail at its busiest.
Low: -10°C at EBC High: 15°C Namche October: minimal. November: possible above 5,000 m
Spring (Mar–May)
Climbing season — expeditions on Everest. Good trekking weather. Rhododendrons in Namche area. Pre-monsoon cloud builds in afternoon from May. Slightly warmer than autumn.
Low: -8°C at EBC High: 18°C Namche March: possible at pass level. May: mostly clear
Winter (Dec–Feb)
Very cold. Khumbu trails remain open but temperatures extreme at EBC (-20°C+). Experienced cold-weather trekkers only. Fewer crowds. Lodges may be closed above Namche.
Low: -25°C at EBC High: 5°C Namche Heavy above 5,000 m
Monsoon (Jun–Aug)
Not recommended. Trails wet and unstable. Cloud cover obscures mountain views. Risk of landslides on lower sections.
Low: 5°C High: 20°C Namche None at low altitude
Permits Required
Sagarmatha National Park Permit
USD 30Required for all trekkers. Checked at Monjo gate.
TIMS Card
USD 20Trekkers Information Management System — required for all Nepal treks
Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Fee
NPR 2,000 (approx USD 15)Local municipality entry fee introduced in 2023
All permits are arranged and included in your package price. Nothing to organise yourself.
What to Pack
Moisture-wicking base layers (top + bottom)
Fleece mid-layer jacket
Down jacket (800+ fill power — essential above 4,000 m)
Waterproof shell jacket and pants
Trekking trousers (2 pairs)
Merino wool socks (5–6 pairs)
Liner socks (3 pairs)
Warm hat / beanie
Balaclava for Kala Patthar and EBC
Sun hat or cap
Lightweight gloves
Insulated waterproof gloves or mittens
Neck gaiter or buff (2×)
Thermal underwear set
A detailed packing list will be sent with your booking confirmation. Gear rental available in Kathmandu and Pokhara.
Frequently Asked Questions
From the trail · Everest Base Camp Trek
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