12-Day Everest Base Camp Trek via Lukla, Namche, and Kala Patthar
Day 1: Flight from Kathmandu (1,400m) to Lukla (2,840m) and Trek to Phakding (2,610m)
After breakfast, you will be transferred to Kathmandu Domestic Airport for a scenic morning flight to Lukla, the starting point of the Everest Base Camp Trek. The 30-35 minute flight offers breathtaking views of the Himalayan range before landing at the iconic Tenzing-Hillary Airport. Upon arrival, you will meet your trekking crew and begin your trek toward Phakding. Today's walk is short and gentle, allowing your body to begin acclimatizing to the altitude. If time and energy permit, a short side hike to a nearby monastery is possible.
Accommodation: Tea House / Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Walking Time: 3-4 hours
Distance: 6.2 km
Day 2: Trek from Phakding (2,610m) to Namche Bazaar (3,440m)
The trail follows the Dudh Koshi River through pine forests and across several suspension bridges, including the famous Hillary Suspension Bridge. Along the way, enjoy views of Mount Thamserku and pass through the villages of Benkar, Monjo, and Jorsale. After entering Sagarmatha National Park, the trail climbs steeply to Namche Bazaar. Just before reaching Namche, you will catch your first glimpse of Mount Everest rising between Lhotse and Nuptse.
Accommodation: Tea House / Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Walking Time: 5-6 hours
Distance: 7.4 km
Day 3: Acclimatization Day at Namche Bazaar (3,440m)
This day is dedicated to acclimatization. You will stay active with a short hike to nearby viewpoints or villages such as Khunde or Khumjung, or explore Namche Bazaar itself. Namche is the main commercial hub of the Khumbu region, offering bakeries, cafes, museums, and local markets. A visit to the Sagarmatha National Park Visitor Center provides insight into Sherpa culture, early Everest expeditions, and the region's flora and fauna.
Accommodation: Tea House / Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4: Trek from Namche Bazaar (3,440m) to Tengboche (3,810m)
The trail winds along ridges with spectacular mountain views, including Ama Dablam, Everest, and Lhotse. After descending to the Dudh Koshi River, you will climb through rhododendron forests to Tengboche. The highlight of the day is a visit to Tengboche Monastery, the most important Buddhist monastery in the Everest region, set against a dramatic Himalayan backdrop.
Accommodation: Tea House / Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Walking Time: 5-6 hours
Distance: 9.8 km
Day 5: Trek from Tengboche (3,810m) to Dingboche (4,410m)
After visiting the monastery, the trail descends through forests to Pangboche before ascending through alpine terrain toward Dingboche. The route offers magnificent views of Ama Dablam, Thamserku, Nuptse, Lhotse, Taboche, and Cholatse. Dingboche is a beautiful high-altitude village surrounded by stone-walled fields.
Accommodation: Tea House / Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Walking Time: 6-7 hours
Distance: 11 km
Day 6: Acclimatization Day at Dingboche (4,410m)
A second acclimatization day is essential at this altitude. You may take short hikes to nearby viewpoints such as Nagarjun Hill or Chhukung Ri, which reward you with panoramic views of Makalu, Ama Dablam, Lobuche, and surrounding peaks. The rest of the day is spent relaxing and preparing for higher elevations.
Accommodation: Tea House / Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Walking Time: 3-4 hours (optional hikes)
Distance: 4.3 km (optional)
Day 7: Trek from Dingboche (4,410m) to Lobuche (4,910m)
The trail climbs steadily through the Khumbu Valley to Duglha and continues past memorials dedicated to climbers who lost their lives on Everest. The route joins the trail from Gokyo and Cho La Pass before reaching the small settlement of Lobuche. Views of Pumori, Lingtren, and Khumbutse dominate the skyline.
Accommodation: Tea House / Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Walking Time: 4-5 hours
Distance: 8 km
Day 8: Trek from Lobuche (4,910m) to Gorakshep (5,140m) and Everest Base Camp (5,364m)
Following the edge of the Khumbu Glacier, the trail leads to Gorakshep. After a short rest, you will continue to Everest Base Camp. Standing at the base of the world's highest mountain is an unforgettable experience, surrounded by icefalls and towering peaks. Afterward, return to Gorakshep for the night.
Accommodation: Tea House / Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Walking Time: 7-8 hours
Distance: 11 km
Day 9: Trek from Gorakshep (5,140m) to Kala Patthar (5,555m) and Descend to Pheriche (4,240m)
An early morning hike to Kala Patthar offers the best sunrise views of Mount Everest and surrounding peaks. After enjoying the panorama and photography, descend to Gorakshep for breakfast and continue down to Pheriche, marking a return to lower altitude.
Accommodation: Tea House / Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Walking Time: 7-8 hours
Distance: 12 km
Day 10: Trek from Pheriche (4,240m) to Namche Bazaar (3,440m)
The trail descends through Pangboche and Tengboche, passing ancient monasteries and traditional Sherpa villages. Enjoy the warmer air and lush vegetation as you return to Namche Bazaar.
Accommodation: Tea House / Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Walking Time: 6-7 hours
Distance: 15 km
Day 11: Trek from Namche Bazaar (3,440m) to Lukla (2,840m)
The final trekking day follows the Dudh Koshi River back through forests and villages to Lukla. This is your last chance to celebrate the successful completion of your trek with your trekking crew.
Accommodation: Tea House / Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Walking Time: 8-9 hours
Distance: 19-20 km
Day 12: Flight from Lukla (2,840m) to Kathmandu (1,400m)
After breakfast, you will board a scenic flight back to Kathmandu. Upon arrival, you may rest at your hotel or enjoy some last-minute shopping and sightseeing in the city.
Flight Time: 30-35 minutes
