How does the 12-day itinerary differ from the 14-day?

The 12-day route trims two lower-altitude days, keeping all the critical acclimatisation stops at Namche Bazaar and Dingboche intact. It is a solid middle ground — more comfortable than the 10-day sprint but tighter than the 14-day classic. It suits trekkers who are fit, have some prior altitude experience, and have moderate time constraints.

What altitude will I reach?

Kala Patthar at 5,545m is the highest point, giving you an unobstructed sunrise view of Everest's south face. You then walk down to Everest Base Camp at 5,364m before beginning the descent to Lukla. All major landmarks on the standard EBC route are included.

What permits are needed and are they in the price?

Yes, both are included. Two permits are needed: Sagarmatha National Park entry and the Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality permit, NPR 3,000 each (about US$45 together). There is no TIMS card in the Khumbu; the municipality permit replaced it. Your guide handles all permit paperwork and checkpoint registration throughout the trek.

Is travel insurance included?

Travel insurance is not included and is a non-negotiable requirement to book this trek. Your policy must cover emergency helicopter evacuation from altitude (minimum $100,000 medical cover recommended). Without valid insurance documentation, our guides are instructed not to depart from Lukla.

What is the accommodation like on the trail?

You stay in tea houses — family-run lodges with simple twin or dormitory rooms, a communal dining room, and basic (sometimes shared) bathrooms. Rooms are heated by the dining room stove, not individual heaters. Bring a quality sleeping bag rated to at least -10°C; we rent these in Kathmandu if needed.

How difficult is the Lukla flight?

Tenzing-Hillary Airport at Lukla is famous for its short, sloped runway and mountain approach — it is one of the world's most dramatic airstrips. Flights are weather-dependent and delays of 1–2 days are not uncommon, especially in spring. We build a buffer day into your Kathmandu schedule; we strongly recommend not booking international flights on the day you plan to fly out of Lukla.

TrekChallenging

Everest Base Camp Trek — 12 Days

12 days5,364 mFrom Lukla (fly from Kathmandu)Best: Oct–Nov, Mar–May

Photo by Marina Zvada on Pexels

01 / 08

Fixed departures

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Everest Base Camp Trek — 12 Days

Nov16

Nov 16 → Nov 27

0 going12 left

$1,700

Dec3

Dec 3 → Dec 14

0 going12 left

$1,700

Dec17

Dec 17 → Dec 28

0 going12 left

$1,700

Prefer your own dates? Book a private trek.

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, Lunch & 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 8

Early 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, L, 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
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
Personal gear
Tips

Pickup

Pokhara or Kathmandu: where should we pick you up?

This trip begins in Kathmandu. If you are already in Pokhara, we can bring you across (Pokhara and Kathmandu are about 200 km apart: 25 minutes by plane or 6 to 8 hours by tourist bus).

Pickup in Kathmandu

Trip starts here

Landing in Kathmandu? We meet you at the airport or your hotel and get you to the start.

Kathmandu international airport (on arrival)Included
Kathmandu domestic airportIncluded
Kathmandu hotel pickupIncluded
Kathmandu tourist bus park pickupWe quote

Pickup in Pokhara

Staying in Pokhara? We can bring you to Kathmandu for the start.

Pokhara hotel pickupIncludes getting you to Kathmandu by tourist bus or flight. We confirm the price with you.We quote
Pokhara airport pickupWe quote
Pokhara tourist bus park pickupWe quote

Hotel in the city

No hotel, I will book my own$0
Kathmandu: tourist standard guest houseWe quote
Kathmandu: 3-star hotel (bed & breakfast)We quote
Kathmandu: 4-star hotel (bed & breakfast)We quote
Kathmandu: 5-star hotel (bed & breakfast)We quote

Prices are per person and added to the trip price when you book. “We quote” means the price depends on your flight time and hotel, so our team confirms it with you before the trip. It is never added to your payment without asking.

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

NPR 3,000 (about US$23)

Required for all trekkers. Checked at Monjo gate.

Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Fee

NPR 3,000 (about US$23)

Local municipality permit. In the Khumbu it replaces the TIMS card, which is not used here.

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

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