Nepal · Trekking

12-Day Everest Base Camp Trek with Kala Patthar Sunrise

12 Days Strenuous pace

The journey

Trip highlights
  • 01 Scenic mountain flight to Lukla with breathtaking Himalayan views
  • 02 Reach Everest Base Camp at the foot of the world's highest mountain
  • 03 Sunrise hike to Kala Patthar with spectacular views of Everest and surrounding peaks
  • 04 Explore Sherpa culture in Namche Bazaar, Khumjung, Tengboche, and Pangboche
  • 05 Cross high suspension bridges adorned with colorful prayer flags
  • 06 Take in close-up views of Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Ama Dablam, and Island Peak
  • 07 See the mesmerizing Khumbu Icefall and Khumbu Glacier
  • 08 Visit historic Buddhist monasteries in the heart of the Khumbu region

The Budget Everest Base Camp Trek is an affordable Himalayan adventure that combines dramatic mountain scenery, Sherpa culture, and the achievement of reaching Everest Base Camp. Beginning with a thrilling flight to Lukla, the trek follows the classic Khumbu route through Namche Bazaar, Tengboche, Dingboche, Lobuche, and Gorakshep, with carefully planned acclimatization days to support a safer and more enjoyable ascent. Along the way, you will experience ancient monasteries, traditional villages, and close views of Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Thamserku, Ama Dablam, and Island Peak. The journey culminates with Everest Base Camp and a sunrise hike to Kala Patthar for panoramic Himalayan views.

Early morning hike to Kala Patthar, the best viewpoint for sunrise over Mount Everest, Nuptse, Pumori, and the Khumbu Glacier.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 12 Days
Tour type Private
Activity level Strenuous
Accommodation Included · Budget
Transport Included
Wheelchair access No
Cities Kathmandu, Everest Base Camp-South, Lukla, Dingboche, Namche Bazaar, Tengboche, Phakding, Lobuche, Kala Patthar, Pangboche, Gorakshep, Sagarmatha National Park, Khumjung
Languages English

Day by day

The itinerary

1
Day 01

Kathmandu to Lukla Flight and Everest Base Camp Trek Route

Day 1: Flight from Kathmandu to Lukla (2,840m) and Trek to Phakding (2,610m)

After breakfast, we transfer you to Kathmandu's domestic airport for a scenic morning flight to Lukla. The short yet thrilling flight offers stunning views of snow-capped Himalayan ranges. Upon arrival, meet your trekking crew and begin your journey toward Everest Base Camp.

The walk to Phakding is gentle and ideal for acclimatization. Optional visits to Rimishung and Pemacholing Monasteries are possible if time and energy allow.

  • Accommodation: Tea House / Lodge

  • Duration: 3-4 hours

  • Distance: 7.8 km

Day 2: Trek from Phakding (2,610m) to Namche Bazaar (3,440m)

Today's trail follows the Dudh Koshi River, passing through villages like Monjo and Jorsale before entering Sagarmatha National Park. The route winds through pine and cedar forests with several suspension bridge crossings.

A steep final ascent leads to Namche Bazaar, the vibrant commercial hub of the Khumbu region, offering excellent views of Thamserku and Kongde Ri.

  • Accommodation: Tea House / Lodge

  • Duration: 5-6 hours

  • Distance: 7.4 km

Day 3: Acclimatization Day in Namche Bazaar (3,440m)

This rest and acclimatization day is essential for altitude adaptation. Stay active with short hikes to Everest View Hotel, Khumjung Village, or Khunde.

Visit the Sagarmatha National Park Visitor Center to learn about Everest history, Sherpa culture, and Himalayan biodiversity.

  • Accommodation: Tea House / Lodge

Day 4: Trek from Namche Bazaar (3,440m) to Tengboche (3,810m)

The trail gently contours above the Dudh Koshi River, offering spectacular views of Everest, Nuptse, Ama Dablam, and Lhotse. After descending to Phunki Tenga, the path climbs through rhododendron forests to Tengboche.

Visit the famous Tengboche Monastery, the spiritual heart of the Khumbu region.

  • Accommodation: Tea House / Lodge

  • Duration: 5-6 hours

  • Distance: 9.2 km

Day 5: Trek from Tengboche (3,810m) to Dingboche (4,410m)

Descending through forests to Deboche, the trail crosses the Imja Khola and continues past Pangboche, the oldest Sherpa settlement in the region.

As the landscape becomes more alpine, you reach Dingboche, surrounded by stone walls protecting crops from cold winds, with views of Lhotse, Ama Dablam, and Island Peak.

  • Accommodation: Tea House / Lodge

  • Duration: 4-5 hours

  • Distance: 9.1 km

Day 6: Acclimatization Day in Dingboche (4,410m)

Another important acclimatization day. Optional hikes to Nagarjun Hill or Chhukung Ri provide breathtaking views of Lobuche East and West, Ama Dablam, Thamserku, and surrounding peaks.

Spend the afternoon exploring local villages and Sherpa culture.

  • Accommodation: Tea House / Lodge

Day 7: Trek from Dingboche (4,410m) to Lobuche (4,910m)

The trail ascends gradually through the Khumbu Valley to Dughla, then steeply climbs to memorials honoring climbers who lost their lives on Everest.

Continue along the Khumbu Glacier moraine to reach Lobuche, with dramatic views of Pumori, Lingtren, and Khumbutse.

  • Accommodation: Tea House / Lodge

  • Duration: 4-5 hours

  • Distance: 7.9 km

Day 8: Trek from Lobuche (4,910m) to Gorakshep (5,140m) and Everest Base Camp (5,364m)

Follow the rocky moraine of the Khumbu Glacier to Gorakshep. After a short rest, continue to Everest Base Camp, the highlight of the trek.

Enjoy close-up views of the Khumbu Icefall, surrounding peaks, and colorful expedition tents (seasonal). Return to Gorakshep for the night.

  • Accommodation: Tea House / Lodge

  • Duration: 7-8 hours

  • Distance: 11 km

Day 9: Sunrise at Kala Patthar (5,545m) and Trek to Pangboche (3,930m)

Early morning hike to Kala Patthar, the best viewpoint for sunrise over Mount Everest, Nuptse, Pumori, and the Khumbu Glacier.

After breakfast, descend past Lobuche and Pheriche before reaching Pangboche.

  • Accommodation: Tea House / Lodge

  • Duration: 7-8 hours

  • Distance: 15.8 km

Day 10: Trek from Pangboche (3,930m) to Namche Bazaar (3,440m)

Descend through forests and villages, crossing the Imja Khola and Dudh Koshi rivers. Retrace your steps through Tengboche, Sanasa, and Larja Dobhan before reaching Namche Bazaar.

  • Accommodation: Tea House / Lodge

  • Duration: 7-8 hours

  • Distance: 11.3 km

Day 11: Trek from Namche Bazaar (3,440m) to Lukla (2,840m)

Your final trekking day follows a long descent through pine and rhododendron forests, passing familiar villages such as Phakding and Chheplung before arriving back in Lukla.

  • Accommodation: Tea House / Lodge

  • Duration: 8-9 hours

  • Distance: 19-20 km

Day 12: Flight from Lukla to Kathmandu

Fly back to Kathmandu in the morning. Upon arrival, enjoy free time for shopping or relaxation. In the evening, celebrate the successful completion of your trek.

  • Meals: Breakfast

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map
13 cities · 12 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

  • Airport pickup and drop-off in Kathmandu

  • Round-trip flight Kathmandu/Ramechhap - Lukla (with airport transfers)

  • All necessary trekking permits

  • 11 nights' twin-sharing accommodation in teahouses during the trek

  • Purified drinking water (Ef-Chlor tablets)

  • First-aid and eco-trained English-speaking trekking guide (Lukla-Lukla)

  • Staff insurance, salary, meals, accommodation, and equipment

  • Farewell dinner at a Nepali restaurant in Thamel

  • Free luggage storage at Marvel Treks store during the trek

What's Not Included

  • International airfare and Nepal visa fees

  • Travel, medical, and rescue insurance

  • Meals and accommodation in Kathmandu

  • Porter service (USD 220 per porter, max 25 kg)

  • Personal expenses (hot showers, drinks, Wi-Fi, charging, upgraded rooms, etc.)

  • Tips for guides and staff (expected)

What to bring

  • Trekking boots (well broken-in)
  • Warm down jacket
  • Waterproof jacket and trousers
  • Thermal base layers
  • Trekking pants and shirts
  • Fleece or insulating mid-layer
  • Warm hat, sun hat, and gloves
  • Sleeping bag (rated for sub-zero temperatures)
  • Daypack (30-40L)
  • Trekking poles
  • Sunglasses and high-SPF sunscreen
  • Reusable water bottle / purification tablets
  • Headlamp with spare batteries
  • Personal toiletries and quick-dry towel
  • Personal medications and basic first-aid kit
  • Passport, permits, and some cash

Know before you go

  • Certificate of achievement is available upon request.

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point
Thamel, Kathmandu, Nepal
End of the journey

Your 12 days finish where they began.

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