Everest South Base Camp Trek

Itinerary

1. 1

   Arrival in Kathmandu

   Upon your arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, a representative from Sherpa Climbing Team will meet you and transfer you to your hotel.

   After check-in, you will receive a trek briefing and have time to prepare your equipment for the Everest Base Camp adventure.

   If time permits, you can explore the streets of Kathmandu or visit nearby cultural attractions.

   In the evening, enjoy a welcome dinner featuring traditional Nepali cuisine.

   Overnight: Kathmandu

   1400 m

2. 2

   Kathmandu to Lukla – Trek to Phakding

   Early morning, take a scenic mountain flight from Kathmandu to Lukla.

   After landing at Lukla, meet your trekking crew and begin walking toward Phakding.

   The trail initially passes through small settlements and gradually descends toward the Dudh Koshi Valley.

   After several hours of relatively easy walking, arrive at Phakding, your first overnight stop.Flight: Approximately 30–40 minutes
   Walking: 3–4 hours
   Accommodation: Teahouse
   Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
   Overnight: Phakding

   Lukla 2,860 m / 9,383 ft → Phakding 2,610 m / 8,563 ft

3. 3

   Phakding to Namche Bazaar

   Today is your first substantial trekking day.

   Follow the Dudh Koshi River through pine and rhododendron forests, crossing several suspension bridges along the way.

   Enter Sagarmatha National Park and continue toward the famous Hillary Suspension Bridge.

   The trail becomes steeper as you approach Namche Bazaar.

   After the final uphill section, the spectacular amphitheater of Namche Bazaar comes into view.

   Namche is the commercial and cultural heart of the Khumbu region.

   Walking: 5–6 hours
   Distance: Approximately 10–12 km
   Accommodation: Teahouse
   Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
   Overnight: Namche Bazaar

   2,610 m → 3,440 m / 11,286 ft

4. 4

   Namche Bazaar – Acclimatization Day

   Today is an essential acclimatization day.

   Rather than remaining completely inactive, take a gradual hike to higher elevations before returning to Namche.

   A popular option is the hike toward Syangboche, Khumjung and Khunde, with excellent views of Everest, Ama Dablam, Thamserku and Kongde.

   You may also visit the Everest View Hotel for one of the first panoramic views of Mount Everest.

   Return to Namche in the afternoon and spend another night at altitude.

   Hike: Approximately 3–5 hours
   Accommodation: Teahouse
   Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
   Overnight: Namche Bazaar

   3,440 m / 11,286 ft

5. 5

   Namche Bazaar to Tengboche

   Leave Namche and follow the scenic trail above the Dudh Koshi Valley.

   The route offers spectacular views of Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Ama Dablam and Thamserku.

   After descending toward the river at Phunki Tenga, the trail climbs through beautiful rhododendron and pine forests toward Tengboche.

   Arrive at Tengboche, home to the famous Tengboche Monastery.

   If timing permits, visit the monastery and experience the peaceful atmosphere of this important Himalayan Buddhist center.

   Walking: 5–6 hours
   Accommodation: Teahouse
   Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

   Overnight: Tengboche

   3,440 m → 3,860 m / 12,664 ft

6. 6

   Tengboche to Dingboche

   Descend through forests toward Debuche before crossing the Imja Khola.

   The trail then gradually climbs toward Pangboche and continues into the increasingly barren alpine landscape of the upper Khumbu.

   The distinctive pyramid of Ama Dablam dominates the scenery.

   Continue toward Dingboche, a beautiful high-altitude settlement surrounded by stone-walled fields.

   Walking: 5–6 hours
   Accommodation: Teahouse
   Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

   Overnight: Dingboche

   3,860 m → 4,410 m / 14,469 ft

7. 7

   Dingboche – Acclimatization & Exploration

   Another important acclimatization day is spent in Dingboche.

   After breakfast, hike toward one of the surrounding ridges for panoramic views of Ama Dablam, Island Peak, Makalu and the surrounding Himalayan peaks.

   The purpose is to gain elevation during the day while returning to Dingboche to sleep at the same altitude.

   Spend the afternoon relaxing and preparing for the higher section of the trek.

   Hiking elevation: approximately 4,700–5,000 m depending on route
   Walking: 3–5 hours
   Accommodation: Teahouse
   Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

   Overnight: Dingboche

   4,410 m / 14,469 ft

8. 8

   Dingboche to Lobuche

   The landscape becomes increasingly rugged and alpine.

   The trail climbs gradually toward Duglha, where you encounter memorials dedicated to climbers and Sherpas who lost their lives on Everest and other Himalayan peaks.

   From Duglha, the trail climbs toward the terminal moraine of the Khumbu Glacier before continuing along the valley to Lobuche.

   At this altitude, the air is noticeably thinner, so maintaining a steady pace and staying hydrated is important.

   Walking: 5–6 hours
   Accommodation: Teahouse
   Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

   Overnight: Lobuche

   4,410 m → 4,910 m / 16,109 ft

9. 9

   Lobuche to Everest Base Camp – Gorak Shep

   Today is the defining day of the trek.

   Start early from Lobuche and follow the trail alongside the Khumbu Glacier toward Gorak Shep.

   After checking into your lodge and having a short rest, continue toward Everest Base Camp.

   The trail crosses rocky glacial terrain and gradually reaches the famous base camp area.

   At 5,364 m, stand beneath the world’s highest mountain and take in the extraordinary surroundings of the Khumbu Icefall, Khumbu Glacier, Nuptse and Pumori.

   After spending time at Base Camp, return to Gorak Shep for the night.

   Walking: 7–9 hours
   Accommodation: Teahouse
   Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

   Overnight: Gorak Shep

   Lobuche 4,910 m → Gorak Shep 5,164 m / 16,942 ft → Everest Base Camp 5,364 m / 17,598 ft

10. 10

    Kala Patthar Sunrise – Gorak Shep to Pheriche

    Wake before dawn for the trek’s most spectacular viewpoint.

    Climb toward Kala Patthar, reaching approximately 5,545 m.

    As the sun rises over the Himalayas, Mount Everest, Nuptse, Lhotse and Pumori are illuminated in spectacular morning light.

    Kala Patthar is widely regarded as one of the best accessible viewpoints for seeing Mount Everest from the Nepal side.

    After descending to Gorak Shep, have breakfast and begin the long descent toward Pheriche.

    The lower altitude brings noticeably easier breathing.

    Walking: 7–8 hours
    Accommodation: Teahouse
    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

    Overnight: Pheriche

    Gorak Shep 5,164 m → Kala Patthar 5,545 m / 18,192 ft → Pheriche 4,371 m / 14,340 ft

11. 11

    Pheriche to Namche Bazaar

    Continue your descent through the Khumbu Valley.

    The trail passes through Pangboche and Tengboche before descending toward the Dudh Koshi.

    From Tengboche, climb back toward Kyangjuma and then continue to Namche Bazaar.

    Enjoy a comfortable evening in Namche after completing the highest sections of the trek.

    Walking: 6–7 hours
    Accommodation: Teahouse
    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
    Overnight: Namche Bazaar

    4,371 m → 3,440 m

12. 12

    Namche Bazaar to Lukla

    Your final trekking day takes you back toward Lukla.

    Follow the Dudh Koshi Valley, crossing suspension bridges and passing through the familiar villages of the lower Khumbu.

    The trail gradually descends before reaching Lukla.

    After arriving, celebrate the completion of your Everest Base Camp adventure with your trekking team.

    Walking: 6–7 hours
    Accommodation: Teahouse
    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
    Overnight: Lukla

    3,440 m → 2,860 m

13. 13

    Lukla to Kathmandu

    After breakfast, take the scenic flight back to Kathmandu, weather and flight operations permitting.

    Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel.

    The remainder of the day is free for rest, shopping or exploring Kathmandu.

    Flight: Approximately 30–40 minutes
    Accommodation: Hotel
    Meals: Breakfast
    Overnight: Kathmandu
    Important: Mountain flights to and from Lukla are highly weather-dependent. During busy trekking seasons, flights may also operate from Ramechhap/Manthali with a road transfer from Kathmandu, depending on current flight operations.

    Lukla 2,860 m → Kathmandu 1,400 m

14. 14

    Fly to Kathmandu & International Departure

    Flight back to Kathmandu (weather permitting).
    Transfer to the international airport or additional night in Kathmandu if required.

Included / Not included

Gallery

More information