Everest Base Camp Trek

The standard Everest Base Camp Trek begins with a flight from Manthali to Lukla. From Lukla, the route follows the Dudh Koshi Valley towards Phakding and Namche Bazaar.

After an acclimatisation day in Namche, the trail continues through the Khumbu region towards Phortse, Pangboche and Dingboche. The route then gradually gains altitude through the high settlements of Lobuche and Gorak Shep.
From Gorak Shep, the trek continues to Everest Base Camp. The following morning, an optional early hike to Kala Patthar provides an opportunity to enjoy views of Everest and the surrounding mountains before descending.

The return journey generally retraces the route through the Khumbu Valley towards Namche Bazaar and Lukla.

The exact itinerary may vary according to the group's pace, acclimatisation requirements, weather and flight arrangements. Additional days may be necessary if conditions change.

The expedition begins with a drive to Manthali, followed by a flight to Lukla. However, when air traffic and trail conditions are less busy, flights may operate directly from Kathmandu.

Flights to Lukla may be delayed or cancelled because of poor visibility, wind or other operational conditions. The team will coordinate revised arrangements where possible.

Allow sufficient buffer time before your international departure. A flight cancellation or other delay can affect the return schedule, and an additional night in Kathmandu or another location may be necessary.

Most international visitors require a valid Nepal tourist visa. Eligible travellers may obtain a visa on arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, subject to current immigration regulations.

Check the latest visa requirements, fees and eligibility before travelling. Carry your passport and the necessary travel documents throughout the trek.

The Everest Base Camp Trek requires the applicable entry permits for the route.

The standard route generally requires Sagarmatha National Park entry documentation and the relevant local entry permit or fee.
Permit requirements and fees may change according to current regulations. Junkiri Treks will confirm the applicable requirements and arrange the necessary permits as specified in the package.

Spring (March–May)
Spring is a popular season for the Everest Base Camp Trek. The days become warmer, and the lower trails gradually develop more vegetation. Mountain views can be excellent, although cloud, wind and snowfall may affect visibility and trail conditions.
Temperatures remain cold at higher elevations, particularly in the mornings and evenings.

Autumn (September–November)
Autumn is another popular period for trekking in the Khumbu region. After the monsoon, the trails generally become drier, and clear mountain views are often possible.

October and November are common choices for the Everest Base Camp Trek. However, temperatures become colder as the season progresses, particularly around Lobuche, Gorak Shep and Everest Base Camp.

Winter (December–February)
Winter brings very cold temperatures, snowfall and potentially difficult trail conditions. However, mornings often bring clear visibility, and the trails are surprisingly quieter than during the peak trekking season.

The Everest Base Camp Trek is a moderate to challenging high-altitude trekking journey. The standard route does not generally involve technical mountaineering, but it requires good physical fitness, several consecutive days of walking and the ability to function at high altitude.

The trek reaches Everest Base Camp at approximately 5,364 m, while Kala Patthar rises to approximately 5,545 m. At these elevations, oxygen availability is substantially lower than at sea level. The main challenges include:

• Long walking days and consecutive days on the trail
• Gradual but sustained altitude gain
• Cold temperatures at higher elevations
• Rocky, uneven and sometimes slippery trails
• The demanding walk between Lobuche, Gorak Shep and Everest Base Camp
• The early-morning ascent to Kala Patthar
• The effects of altitude on individual fitness and energy levels Previous multi-day trekking experience is beneficial. However, good fitness alone does not eliminate the risks associated with altitude. Preparation should include regular walking, uphill exercise, cardiovascular training and practice carrying a day backpack.

Acclimatisation is an essential part of the Everest Base Camp Trek. The route gains altitude gradually, with planned acclimatisation days in Namche Bazaar and Dingboche. These days allow time for the body to adjust before continuing towards the higher settlements.

The acclimatisation schedule should not be shortened simply to save time.

Walk at a steady pace, drink regularly and report symptoms such as headache, nausea, dizziness, unusual fatigue or loss of coordination to your guide.

Do not continue ascending when symptoms suggest altitude illness. Severe breathlessness at rest, confusion, difficulty walking straight or other serious symptoms require urgent assessment and descent when safe.

No itinerary can guarantee that altitude illness will be avoided. The guide may delay the trek, change the plan or arrange descent if a person's condition requires it.

Accommodation during the trek is generally in local teahouses or lodges.

Rooms are usually simple, with twin beds, blankets and basic furniture. Facilities become more limited as the route gains altitude.
Some lodges provide shared bathrooms, while others may have private bathrooms available at an additional cost. Availability depends on the location, season and lodge.

Hot showers, charging facilities, electricity and internet access may be limited or unavailable at higher elevations.
A warm sleeping bag suitable for the expected temperatures is recommended, even when accommodation provides blankets.

Meals during the trekking section are generally available at local lodges.

Common options include dal bhat, noodles, rice, potatoes, soups, vegetables, pasta and other locally available dishes.

Food variety becomes more limited at higher elevations, but lodges generally provide meals suitable for trekkers.

Drink regularly and use boiled or reliably treated water. Carry reusable water bottles and any water-purification supplies recommended by your guide. Do not rely on bottled water throughout the route.

Conditions can change rapidly in the mountains.

Rain, snowfall, strong winds, low visibility and cold temperatures may affect the trail, flight operations and walking schedule.
The higher sections around Lobuche, Gorak Shep, Everest Base Camp and Kala Patthar are particularly exposed to cold and changing weather.

The guide may adjust the walking schedule, delay the ascent or change the itinerary if conditions become unsuitable.
Reaching Everest Base Camp or Kala Patthar is not guaranteed, and safety must take priority over the planned schedule.

Travel insurance should cover high-altitude trekking to at least the maximum elevation of the planned itinerary, including Kala Patthar at approximately 5,545 m.

The policy should also explicitly cover emergency helicopter evacuation where available.

Check the altitude limit, trekking exclusions and evacuation conditions carefully before travelling. Standard travel insurance may not cover trekking at this elevation.

Rescue operations can be delayed or unavailable in poor weather. Medical facilities are limited in the remote Khumbu region, so prevention, communication and a clear emergency plan are essential.

Carry personal medication, disclose relevant medical concerns to your guide before the trek and follow all safety instructions.

• Begin walking around 7–8 AM on trekking days, depending on the route, weather and day's objective.
• Take regular short breaks and maintain a steady pace.
• Stop for lunch at a suitable lodge or resting point.
• Reach the overnight lodge with enough time to rest and prepare for the following day.
• Attend the guide's evening briefing to review the route, weather and next day's arrangements.
• On acclimatisation days, undertake only the activity recommended by the guide.
• On the Everest Base Camp day, start early enough to allow time for the walk and return.
• On the Kala Patthar morning, begin before dawn according to the weather and the guide's assessment. - The walk to Everest Base Camp and the early-morning ascent to Kala Patthar can be demanding. Allow sufficient time and follow the guide's instructions throughout the day.