• Duration 12 Days / 11 Nights
  • Price from $1199 / person
  • Difficulty Level Medium Hard
  • Max Altitude 5545 Meter

Everest base camp trek is one of the world’s great iconic hikes following the path of legendary mountaineers Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay Sherpa. If you are a trekking enthusiast; it must be on your bucket list. Wilderness Excursion’s 12-Day Everest Base Camp trek with a carefully designed itinerary authentically follows in the footsteps of these famous mountain climbers and allows plenty of time to acclimatize appropriately and enjoy the views of the Himalayas.

Where does the Everest Base Camp trek start?

The trip starts with two overnight stays in the magical city of Kathmandu, which is known as “the city of the temple” Increasing numbers of tourists, retain it eastern, mystical charm. If you have the energy after your flight make sure to check out some of the best sites including the temple at Swayambhunath, for magnificent views over the Kathmandu valley, and to Boudhanath, the magnificent Boudhanth stupa with all the seeing eyes which symbolize “combination compassion and wisdom” according to Buddhist perspective. Our journey starts with the rollercoaster flight into Lukla: make sure you sit on the left for your first great views of the chain of the Himalayas. The landing at Lukla can be a white-knuckle affair but the pilots are incredibly skillful at dropping the plane down onto a short steep runway.

Once safely landing at Lukla; a bustling mountain town situated at the altitude of 2800 meters above sea level, you will meet with your porters and after a final check you start your trek. On this lower part of the trek, you will be walking through a series of prayer walls, manis, and Sherpa villages with well-cultivated fields in a remarkably fertile area. If you are hiking in mid-Spring you will also have the most dazzling displays of native rhododendrons.

trail is generally downhill for the first day, although as the guides will explain Nepali flat means a whole lot of little ups and downs that don't gain you any overall height.  Day two is completely different as nearly all the day is spent crisscrossing the valley on overwire bridges spanning the Dudh Koshi river.

And all the time you are climbing steeply up to Namche Bazaar, the capital of the Khumbu region. Namche is a surprisingly large town where you can even find authentic Illy coffee and a great chocolate brownie. Fill up here this is as good as it gets! From Namche, you drop down and climb back up again to reach Tengboche with its incredible monastery set against the backdrop of Ama Dablam, Everest, and Lhotse. The next stop is Pheriche and then after a few more days you arrive in Gorak Shep the last stop before Everest Base Camp.

 Everest from Kala Pattar Gorak Shep is an unattractive town as by this time you are well into the glacial zone and vegetation is sparse to non-existent. The star of the show here though is the trek to the top of Kala Pattar (5545m) immediately behind the village where you can get breath-taking views of Everest, the highest mountain on Earth.

From Gorak Shep, you make your way up to base camp itself. This is a fairly flat hike over very rough and rocky terrain before you arrive at the entry to base camp itself where you will have time to rest, take pictures, and soak up the views.  You will then descend to Dingboche and over the next three days retrace your steps to Lukla where you can relax and celebrate with an ice-cold beer.

When is the best time to trek to Everest base camp? 

There are two trekking seasons in Nepal. For Everest base camp, the Spring season which is from March to late May, and Autumn from September to the end of November is the best season to trek. The summer months are very wet with the monsoon and winter is cold. For a more detailed explanation of the weather in the Everest region and other factors that you should consider before deciding when to trek see the Best time to hike in the Everest region. A summary of the weather conditions is below.

March to May
As Nepal moves out of its winter the weather starts to get warmer and showers are generally brief and infrequent. The early months are very quiet on the trails, the latter months less so, but still not as busy as in the Autumn. April and May a fascinating times to visit Base Camp as this is when all the Everest climbers are in residence

June to August
With the arrival of the monsoon, temperatures rise, humidity goes through the roof and daily downpours in the afternoon are the norm. Unless you particularly like being wet this is a bad time to be in the Everest region but the Annapurna region remains dry.

September to November
The busiest trekking season in Nepal starts in September and lasts into the early days of December when temperatures fall away rapidly. Warm, dry days and clear, chillier nights become the established pattern and rain showers are brief and light.

December to January
As the days get shorter the temperatures drop dramatically and with increased precipitation, there are regular snowfalls which make for beautiful mountains but difficult trails. Trekking at this time of year can be exciting but only with the best of warm weather gear. We also have a guided trek to Everest Base Camp in winter. Check our video of the Everest Base Camp winter trek.  

Everest Base Camp Trek – How much does it cost? 

Here is information below for your financial consideration about Everest Base Camp Trek for the year 2023 in various topics.

What is the accommodation and cost of the Everest Base Camp Trek? 

Everest Base Camp is very popular as a lodge-to-lodge trek. There are even chains of luxury lodges available in many places and locations. Everest Summit Lodge and Yeti Mountain Home costs USD 160 – 200 per night on a double occupancy basis. If you are staying in simple trekking lodges you get to indulge in the local culture, traditional houses, and lives of the welcoming Sherpa people who make the trip more enjoyable. The cost of a room on a sharing basis usually ranges from NPR 800 – 1200 (USD 8 – 12) for 2 pax in simple lodges. En suite rooms in moderate lodges may cost some USD 15-25 a night on a twin/double sharing basis depending on the quality and your selections. The price goes high as you walk higher. There are no en-suite accommodations at Dingboche, Pheriche, Lobuche, and Goraksep on the Everest Base Camp trek route as of our recent last treks.

How much will the guide and porter cost if you hire them privately? 

Hiring a guide for the Everest Base Camp trek will cost US$ 30 to 45 a day depending on the quality, level of education, experience of the guide, and season. Hiring a porter will cost US$ 20 to 25 a day. The cost covers wages, accommodation, and food for the guide and porter. Some companies also offer fresh guides and they can act as Guide cum Porter (PcG) he carries some 10-13kg for you and simply guides you. We recommend you take an experienced licensed guide as the Everest Base Camp trek is an adventurous and high-elevation area, if something goes wrong; you need a good guide with all the technical knowledge for safety so that your guide can handle crisis or critical situations. The training and experience of a licensed professional guide can make your trekking more fun and enjoyable. Hiring a Kathmandu-based guide requires his/her transportation fare that costs around US$ 120 for a Lukla round flight. We have our official guides at Lukla in peak seasons, and no need to pay for his flight to Lukla but only a flight back to Kathmandu.

What means of transportation is used for Everest Base Camp Trek? 

Most people start the Everest Base Camp trek from Lukla; a busy small mountain town that offers guest houses, restaurants, shops, groceries, bars, and local bhatties (local teashops and bars). Several domestic flights run to Lukla from Kathmandu that cost USD 215 per flight per person. One can start the trek from Jiri you need an extra week walking up to Lukla and continue to Base Camp (See our Classic Tenzing Hillary Everest Base Camp Trekking Route from Jiri). Also now one can start the trek from Salleri or Phaplu. Local jeep/buses are available to Salleri from Kathmandu which takes 10 to 12 hours drive. Lukla is 3 days walk from Salleri. Also, there are flights available to Phaplu from Kathmandu. See our Salleri to Everest Base Camp Trek route)

How much does it cost for meals?

Everest Base camp route is a remote and rural area all the goods are carried by mules, and human muscles from Jiri that take 10 -14 days and are supplied by charter planes which makes it so expensive. As the elevation increases, the price of food increases, and the menu choices decrease as it gets harder to transport more goods to remote places. The cost of each meal is approximately NPR 400 - 900 per meal but it might differ according to your selection of food. Approximately it will cost USD 20 - 35 should be enough for a day for simple meals and tea/coffee though it depends on your appetite and the number of meals you order. In every lodge, you are expected to eat in the same place where you sleep. You will enjoy every bite, every sip after a hard day’s trek, and the hard work of the men and mules required to carry them to such elevations. Every single piece of food feels worth every penny for the relief and joy. 

Drinks Cost

Bottle of water/soda/coke/fanta/sprite: Rs. 200 to 400 (US$ 2 to US$ 4)
Bottle of beer:  NPR 600 – 800 (US$ 6 to 8)

Everest Base Camp Permit

You just need the Sagarmatha National Park entrance fee which costs NPR 3000 (USD 30) per person and the Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality entrance ticket price of Rs. 2000 (USD 20) per person.

Cost for other extra expenses.

As you go high, all things become costly due to the effort and cost of transporting things there.  It is the same for all high-elevation treks to the mountains in Nepal.

Charging Devices

You will be required to charge your camera, phones, and others as you spend days there. The cost is usually a few dollars but in the long run, it will cost you more to charge many things. The cost is higher to support the local hydropower stations and there is no electricity everywhere but solar power. If you want to reduce this cost, you might want to carry a solar-powered battery charger or a portable power bank of your own to make sure that you get to have fun in the beautiful sceneries and share them with the world all the time. It will cost some USD 1-2 every full charge.

Hot Shower

Every day of the trek is a draining experience and you may want to take a hot shower to get fresh. However, in the higher places showers or baths are not possible due to the cold and the cost. A gas geyser shower is available in most of the hotels and lodges which will cost USD 3-4 per shower. You are suggested not to spend a long time in the gas geyser shower room as it can be fatal for your health.

Tips and donations

You may like to top for the services of the places you visit or the people you meet on the trails, It is usually a good idea to tip your guides and porters for their hard work at the end of the trek at Lukla or in Kathmandu if they make your trip amusing, safe, and enjoyable. Various places in the high altitudes like the monasteries, stupas, and schools will expect some form of help from the tourists to improve their infrastructures. You might want to save a few dollars to contribute to such good causes. Hiking to the mountains of Nepal is one of the most adventurous trips you could ever enjoy. As you take in the magnificent beauty of the mountains and landscape, the warm welcome of the locals, and the thrills of the track, you will get an experience worth every penny you spend. You may be confused about how much to tip your guide or Sherpa. Here is an article that helps you with tipping in Nepal

How much does it cost for the inclusive package?

The amount you pay for the same trek depends on your selection of travel agency. If you choose an international agency, they may charge you around USD 2300 to 2500 per person whilst as we are a local company; our full board package cost is USD 1199 per person on a double occupancy basis for the years 2024 and 2025. Some agencies charge for their brand safety and convenience, and local companies provide equally satisfying services. It is your choice to pick the agency according to your budget and travel plans however booking with a local organization is your direct contribution to supporting locals in Nepal.

Everest Base Camp Trek is a great fun, demanding, and remote hike so you need to be ready to face hiking challenges. As the services (accommodation, food, guides, and porters) are the same as you go up, it does not make much sense to pay more for the same services. Do the research and make an informed decision so you get to enjoy the beauty, tranquility, and unexplored treasures of the region without hurting your pocket.

Highlights

  • Trek to the foot of amazing Everest, the world’s highest peak.
  • Set out on challenging hikes to Kala Pattar (5545m), Nangkartshang Peak (5100m).
  • Everest Base Camp (5362m). Explore Sherpa villages and the ancient Buddhist monasteries
  • Visit a school and healthpost established by Sir Edmund Hillary in the mountain village of Khunde and Khumjung.

Itinerary

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This is our standard itinerary. It can be customized or slightly changed if required considering your pace and trekking habit that cause to change of day to day plan 

Take an exciting and adventurous flight of 35 to 40 minutes to the mountain airfield at Lukla; the Tenzing Norgay and Edmund Hillary Airport from Kathmandu with beautiful views of landscape and snow capped mountains. We commence our Everest Base Camp Trek from Lukla and heads to Ghat where we stop for the night today. It is a pleasant walk of 3 hours today passing many Tibetan Buddhist prayer walls, monasteries and monuments. We have a tea or lunch trek on the way to Ghat. 

  • Lunch & Dinner
  • Trekking Lodge
  • 2590 Meter
  • Ghat

After hot breakfast; we start our trek to Namche Bazaar via Toktok, Benkar, Monjo and Jorsalle. After 3 hours hike passing many suspension bridges with good view of Mt. Thamserku and we should entry our Sagarmatha National Park entry permit and will have lunch in Jorsalle. Then we start to climb steep up slowly passing high suspension bridge till Namche Bazaar which takes about 2 and half hour. Stay overnight in lodge.

  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Trekking Lodge
  • 3440 Meter
  • Namche Bazaar

As it is very important for the trekkers to schedule an ‘acclimatization day’ to acclimatize our body and to avoid AMS further up the trail. This never means we have to stop walking but it is always recommended to hike to higher elevation and sleep at lower so we can hike up to Everest view hotel for panoramic and spectacular view of mountains, walk to twin Sherpa village (Khumjung and Khunde) and vist Sherpa museum or hang around at Namche Bazar. There are many hotels, lodges, restaurants, bars, cyber café, boutiques, souvenir shops and groceries at Namche. This place is nice to hang around. Stay over in lodge.

  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Trekking Lodge
  • 3440 Meter
  • Namche Bazaar

In the morning, we start our trek like as before days and the trail continues to straight until reaching Kyanjuma and takes about 1 and half hour walk and then the trail climbs down to the Dudh Kosi River and cross by suspension bridge. We can see a series of picturesque water driven prayer wheel. Then we will have lunch in Phungi Thangna. The steep ascent brings us to Tengboche village. Tengboche is a village in Khumjung in the Khumbu region of northeastern Nepal, located at 3,867 metres. In the village is an important Buddhist monastery, Tengboche Monastery, which is the largest gompa in the Khumbu region. Explore the region’s most active Buddhist Monastery at 4PM and visit sacred land exhibition center. The views of the mountains are fabulous in the morning and evening. Stay overnight in Lodge.

  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Trekking Lodge
  • 3870 Meter
  • Tengboche

The trail continues through the Rhododendrons, birch and blue pine forests until reaching the suspension bridge near the Pangboche village which takes about 2 hours. Then we cross the bridge and we climb up gently steep trail until Pangboche village. We will have lunch break at Somare. After lunch the trail continues in the isolated pastures and fields till Orsho, left trail goes to Pheriche and right trail continues to Dingboche. Then we continue our trek to following the upstream of Imja Khola. Finally we arrive in Dingboche which takes about 2 hours. Now we have a good view of Amadablam, Island Peak, Lhotse, Tawache, Tsolache, Lobuche and other peaks. Stay overnight in lodge.

  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Trekking Lodge
  • 4410 Meter
  • Dingboche

It is important to take a another acclimatization day at Dingboche to make sure you are well-acclimatized, some people skip the rest and acclimatization day at Dingboche. You see how well you go on the trail head. But it is always wise to have a rest and re-energizing day at Dingboche at the altitude of 4,410 m/14,465ft. from the sea level. This place is warmer than Pheriche to other side. If you feel stronger you have choice to make a day trip to Nangkar Tshang (5,616 m) which offers amazing view of Mt Makalu (8.485m) the fifth highest mountain in the world.

  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Trekking Lodge
  • 4410 Meter
  • Dingboche

The short climb brings us to the ridge above Dingboche and past the small Chhorten and descends to the broad terrace above the Khumbu Khola valley. The trail goes through the terrace until reaching Thukla. We can see a short glimpse of the majestic peak of Pumori, Nuptse, Lobuche, Cholatse, Tawache, Amadablam and other small peaks.The trail steeply ascends from Thukla until reaching at the top of the ridge, is an array of cairn memorials and large heaps of stones with prayer flags, remembering mountaineers who passed away on missions to climb Everest. Then your trail continues to Lobuche village which takes about an hour. There is wifi services Stay overnight in lodge.

  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Trekking Lodge
  • 4900 Meter
  • Lobuche

The most awaited day is finally here. Today we trek to Everest Base Camp (5,364m), the closest you could ever be to Mt. Everest without being a climber. We continue our trek in the left bank of Khumbu glacier and steep climb up till Changri glacier, and then short descend to reach Gorak shep. It takes about 2 and half hour. We take lunch break there, book room and drop off our stuffs then hike to Everest Base Camp (5,364m) for the excursion. Many hike up to Kalapattar to catch the stunning sunset view on Mt Everest instead of hiking to base camp on the same day and they do EBC excursion next day then trek back to Pheriche. 

  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Trekking Lodge
  • 5160 Meter
  • Gorakshep

Early in the morning, we hike to the famous Kala Patthar viewpoint which is 5,550m high, It is 400m climb up to Kala Patthar view point from Gorakshep, takes max. 2 hours. Now the view is 360˙degree of Mt. Everest, Nuptse, Lhotse, Khumbutse, Pumori, Lingtren, Amadablam, Thamserku, Lobuche peak and other peaks all around. There is also unobstructed view of sunrise and sunset. Then we walk down to hotel. After breakfast in Gorakshep teahouse; continue our trek to Pheriche via Lobuche and Thukla, the trail continues gently descends till reaching Pheriche. 

  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Trekking Lodge
  • 4371 Meter
  • Pheriche

This day after breakfast, we return back through Panboche and walk through many Buddhist monuments with brilliant Mountain View. After lunch at Tengboche Then, the trail becomes a steep descent through the forest to Phungi Tenga and cross the bridge over Dudh Kosi River. After crossing the bridge, we keep ascending through a forest and arrive to Kyangjuma. Now we walk the level trail the mountain flank until reaching the large settlement of Namche Bazar. Stay overnight in lodge.. It takes 7-8 hours walk today. Stay overnight in lodge.

  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Trekking Lodge
  • 3400 Meter
  • Namche

After breakfast, we trek down toward the Suspension Bridge over Dudh Koshi (Milk River) and then pass through several beautiful villages. Our arrival in Lukla brings an evening in our last Tea House and, usually, a party with your trekking crew: you made it! Thanks to great teamwork and perseverance, you’ve accomplished a physical feat of which others only dream. This is your last night on the mountain, which can be bittersweet. 

  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Trekking Lodge
  • 2800 Meter
  • Lukla

We take a morning flight back to Kathmandu if everything goes well according to the schedule, reflecting life changing journey to the Everest Base Camp.

Upon arriving in your hotel, you have choice what you want to go ahead. If you want, we can arrange a tour of the Kathmandu city where you will visit the UNESCO world heritage sites etc. In this way, our journey of the Everest Base Camp trek will be concluded! 

  • Breakfast
  • Not Included
  • 1300 Meter
  • Kathmandu
Customized Trip

What's Included

  • An experienced registered friendly local Sherpa trekking guide.
  • 1 Sharing high altitude porter for 2 travelers (weight limit max.25kg plus their stuff).
  • Meals: 11 Breakfasts, 11 Lunches, and 11 Dinners during the trekking.
  • Lodge accommodation during the trek on a twin or triple-sharing basis.
  • Lukla round flight fare (cost USD 432.00) per person and airport taxes.
  • Flight fare of your guide and airport taxes.
  • All necessary Everest Base Camp Trekking permits.
  • Office service charges and government taxes and vat etc
  • Guide and porter fees with all their expenses.

What's Excluded

  • Accommodation, meals and guided tour in Kathmandu (We can arrange/reserve if you ask us)
  • Bar drinks and bottled beverages such as coke, fanta, beer etc.
  • Hot shower, hot water, wifi and battery charge during trekking.
  • Personal travel insurance, internet, phone calls, laundry,
  • Emergency evacuation (will be done in your account).
  • Tips for guide and porters.

Availabilities

We guarantee all small private group departures to Everest Base Camp on all of our published dates! 
Start Date End Date Status Note Price  
April 27, 2024 May 08, 2024 Available US$1199

Useful Information

Nepal Government Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal has announced an issue for the flight operation to Lukla. Most of the flights to Lukla will diverted from Manthali at Ramechhap until further notice to avoid the serious traffic congestion in Kathmandu airport. The airport in Ramechhap is located 130km from Kathmandu (approximately 4 hours drive).

As an alternative, helicopter arrangements can be made on 5 people sharing basis with the addition of USD 500 for one way flight per person to change your airplane flights to the helicopter. We will try to coordinate and figure out groups at the airport for this arrangement, but we cannot promise it. The drive to Ramechhap and flight to Lukla is almost always guaranteed unless the flight is canceled due to bad weather situation.

Travelers are requested to inform us on the preferred alternatives for the flights to/from Lukla affected due to possible delays or disruptions.

FAQs

As Mount Everest, the highest peak in the world is co-owned by Nepal and Tibet (China), there are actually two Base Camps located at the opposite sides of the peak respectively. The Everest Base Camp in Nepal side, also called South Base Camp, is in the south side of the Mt. Everest. At an altitude of 5,364m, it is within the Sagarmatha National Park of Nepal. 

The quickest way is to fly from Kathmandu to Lukla airport, high in the Himalayas. From here, it's a couple of days' walk to Namche Bazaar, the Sherpa capital of the Everest area. You'll need at least a couple of days here to acclimatise to the altitude, and then about five to seven days to walk to the Base Camp. You can stay in lodges, or you can camp if you're part of an organized tour.

Alternatively; you can start the trek from Jiri (See classic Jiri Everest Base Camp Trek) or take a flight or jeep to Salleri from Kathmandu hence you commence the trek much lower down that makes you fitter and better acclimatized. 

Usually Everest Base Camp requires 12 to 14 days, and costs range from about USD 1200 to 1600 per person based on minimum two people group size basis. It is cheaper when the group is bigger. That cost includes your internal airfare, trek permits, guide, porter, meals and accommodation as well. The cost depends on group size and mode of tour. 

The answer is actually “no” you can't see Mount Everest from Base Camp – there is other insanely tall peaks blocking the view. You need to hike to Kalapatthar at the elevation of 5545 meter to stunning of Mount Everest. You'll have great views of the world's tallest mountain so you'll have lots of snaps of Mount Everest from there. Gokyo Ri is the best view point of Everest if you are trekking to Gokyo Valley. 

Reviews

Trip Advisor

Wonderful Trek to Everest Base Camp

- Emanuele Perucconi, Italy

A wonderful experience with Wilderness Excursion to Everest Base Camp.  It has been an unforgettable trekking of 10 days in Khumbu Valley. Everything was very well organized by Pradip and his team. Many thanks to Guide Aital that was able to bring us to Everest Base Camp with safety and without [...]

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Everest Base camp,Kala Patthar Trek Review

- Janos Szep, Australia

Simply the best! Thank you Wilderness Excursion! And Big thank you Pradip! I did Ebc and Kala Patthar with Wilderness Excursion in March 2018! Everything was perfect! Highly recommend these guys! Thanks Pradip and Lhakpa Sherpa! All the best Janos!

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Best Trekking Experience to Everest Base Camp!

- Jacque Sanchez, United States

My husband and I booked our Everest Base Camp trek through Wilderness Excursion working with Pradip. The process was seamless and we felt well-prepared heading into our trek. We had the most wonderful experience with our knowledgeable guide and helpful, friendly porter. We highly recommend Wilderness Excursion. Pradip is extremely [...]

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Perfect Everest Trek Arrangement

- Stephen Gray, Australia

I spent very memorable days in the Everest region in Nepal. I used to dream to see this highest peak of the world and now I arrested it in my camera. My guide Nurbu Sherpa arranged everything and helped me a lot. Nurbu did not let me feel tired and [...]

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Thank you wilderness Excursion for our great trip!

- Julie Kelly, United Kingdom

I am just back to home from a challenging but satisfying trekking holiday in Nepal. I spent 14 days trekking through the Gokyo and Everest Base Camp – Kala Patthar hike with Wilderness Excursion. The trip was exceptionally well organized right from the start. My guide Nurbu and porter Lakpa [...]

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