Nepal · Trekking

12-Day Everest Base Camp Trek from Kathmandu with Kala Patthar

12 Days Round trip from Kathmandu 44600 Moderate pace

The journey

Trip highlights
  • 01 Reach Kala Patthar at 5,555 m for spectacular Himalayan views
  • 02 Visit the famous Everest Base Camp at 5,364 m
  • 03 Trek through Sagarmatha National Park and cross the Hillary Suspension Bridge
  • 04 Experience vibrant Sherpa culture in Namche Bazaar and Tengboche
  • 05 See Tengboche Monastery and mountain views of Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, and Ama Dablam

Explore one of the world's most thrilling trekking trails on this 12-day Everest Base Camp adventure from Kathmandu. Reach Everest Base Camp at 5,364 m and climb to Kala Patthar at 5,555 m for unforgettable Himalayan views. Along the way, trek through Sherpa villages, visit monasteries, pass through Sagarmatha National Park, and enjoy the region's stunning mountain scenery, flora, and fauna. This journey combines high-altitude adventure with rich local culture in the heart of the Khumbu region.

Reach Everest Base Camp at 5,364 m and climb to Kala Patthar at 5,555 m for unforgettable Himalayan views.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 12 Days
Tour type Private
Activity level Moderate
Accommodation Included · Standard
Transport Included
Wheelchair access Not applicable
Cities Kathmandu, Everest Base Camp-South, Lukla, Dingboche, Namche Bazaar, Tengboche, Phakding, Lobuche, Kala Patthar, Gorakshep, Sagarmatha National Park, Pheriche
Languages English

Day by day

The itinerary

1
Day 01

Kathmandu or Manthali to Lukla and Trek to Phakding

  • The start time of your trip may vary depending on the trekking season. If you are traveling in March, April, May, September, October, or November, please note that your flight from Kathmandu to Lukla may be diverted to Manthali Airport. If you are catching an early morning flight from Manthali to Lukla, our team will pick you up from your hotel at 12:30 AM and drive you 5 hours to Manthali Airport. The flight time from Manthali to Lukla is just 20 minutes, ensuring an efficient journey for busy traveling professionals. During the remaining months (December, January, February, June, July, August), there are direct flights from Kathmandu to Lukla.
  • To travel more efficiently, you can avoid the long drive to Manthali and book a helicopter from Kathmandu to Lukla. The price for booking a helicopter for a group of 5 is approximately $570 per person.
  • Once we arrive at Lukla Airport, our adventure officially begins. We regroup in Lukla and begin the trek to Phakding, passing Chauri Karka village on the way. This hike also helps you acclimatize to the environment. The hike is relatively short and takes you to local monasteries around Phakding, including the famous Risseong-do Monastery.

Standard meals (Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner) are included in your stay.

2
Day 02

Phakding to Namche Bazaar via Sagarmatha National Park

  • We walk along the north bank of the Dudh Kosi River. The views from our path are truly breathtaking. Crossing numerous suspension bridges over the Dudh Kosi River, including the Hillary Suspension Bridge, fills us with a sense of adventure and connection to nature. The path ahead takes us to Sagarmatha National Park, where we register our permits and venture into the dense forest to get our first glimpse of Mount Everest. But the destination for this day is Namche Bazaar, also known as the gateway to Everest.

Standard meals included (Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner)

3
Day 03

Acclimatization Day in Namche Bazaar

  • Spend time at Namche Bazaar for acclimatization to help your body adjust to the altitude. Even if you do not do any trekking activities, there is still plenty to experience in Namche.
  • Namche has a number of hotels, restaurants, and cafes with Wi-Fi connection. You can also explore the shops selling equipment and souvenirs.
  • Additionally, you can visit tourist attractions such as Hillary School, the Sherpa settlement, Syangboche Airport, Yak Farm, and Everest View Hotel, which offers spectacular views of Mount Everest.

Standard meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) are included.

4
Day 04

Namche to Tengboche with Himalayan Mountain Views

  • Our journey starts from Namche and ends in Tengboche.
  • Along the way, we can admire the breathtaking views of Mt. Everest, Nuptse, Lhotse, and Ama Dablam. The trail is challenging, with lots of ascents and descents, but our efforts will be rewarded when we enjoy the beautiful scenery and catch a glimpse of high-altitude wildlife such as musk deer, pheasants, and Himalayan tahr.
  • Before reaching our final destination, we will pass through the beautiful village of Phunki Tengger. The road continues to Tengboche, home to the famous Tengboche Monastery. The atmosphere here is serene and spiritually rich.

Standard meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner) are included.

5
Day 05

Tengboche to Dingboche through Villages and Mani Walls

  • Today we leave Tengboche and head towards Dingboche. On the route, we will encounter chortens, Mani walls, charming little villages, and the breathtaking sight of Ama Dablam will catch our attention.
  • Our journey continues along the Lobuche River and enters the Imja Valley, where a challenging climb to Dingboche awaits us. In Dingboche, we can see cultivated land protected by stones to ensure the safety of crops in this harsh environment.

Standard meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner) included.

6
Day 06

Acclimatization Day in Dingboche

  • By the time you reach Dingboche, you will already have reached a significant altitude, which requires acclimatization. Today, you will spend time climbing the ridge above Dingboche.
  • From there, you will be rewarded with breathtaking views of the majestic snow-capped peaks, including Lhotse, the backside of Ama Dablam, Island Peak, Cho Oyu, and Makalu up close. North of Dingboche, you will see more of the Himalayan peaks towering over the Khumbu Khola Valley. The village of Dingboche itself seems to have remained untouched since time immemorial.

Standard meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) are included.

7
Day 07

Dingboche to Lobuche via Thukla Pass

  • Our journey starts with a short climb from Dingboche.
  • We then cross glacial deposits and a group of small shelters.
  • As we continue the hike, the mountain views improve, culminating at Thukla Pass, decorated with a memorial to fallen climbers.
  • Overall, this hike will be an amazing experience.
  • Upon reaching Lobuche, we will rest, recover, and stay overnight.

Standard meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner) are included.

8
Day 08

Lobuche to Everest Base Camp and Return to Gorak Shep

  • Today marks your successful arrival at the final destination. The journey begins at Lobuche, passing through the lateral Khumbu Glacier moraine, until you arrive at Gorak Shep. Gorak Shep provides unparalleled views of the world's tallest mountains, making it a prime location for mountain enthusiasts. Our belongings will be left at Gorak Shep as we make our way to Base Camp. This represents the highest point attainable without the use of specialized tools. It is a remarkable accomplishment and a testament to your bravery and perseverance. You will likely reflect on this achievement and the memories associated with it for the rest of your life.
9
Day 09

Kala Patthar Sunrise and Trek to Pheriche

  • Wake up early and head to Kala Patthar to watch the sunrise over Everest and the surrounding mountains. Kala Patthar is a famous lookout point that offers spectacular panoramic views of Everest and other peaks.
  • After your stay at Kala Patthar, descend to Gorak Shep to enjoy breakfast and a short rest.
  • Then hike to Pheriche, your destination for the day.
10
Day 10

Pheriche to Namche Bazaar

  • We have been climbing well, but now it is time to descend.
  • Our plan is to wake up in Pheriche, have breakfast, and follow the Dudh Kosi River to Namche Bazaar, where we will spend the night.
11
Day 11

Namche Bazaar to Lukla

  • The final trekking day ends with a return to Lukla.
  • We return to the Dudh Kosi Valley and experience a whole new view from this vantage point.
  • Our itinerary includes a stop in Lukla, where we spend the night and prepare for our flight back to Kathmandu the next day.
12
Day 12

Fly from Lukla to Manthali or Kathmandu

  • After finishing your trek in Lukla, you have the option to fly to either Manthali or Kathmandu depending on the trekking season.
  • Typically, when trekking during peak months such as March, April, May, September, October, and November, travelers opt for a flight from Lukla to Manthali and then a 5-hour drive to Kathmandu.
  • Conversely, direct flights to Kathmandu are more common in off-peak months such as December, January, February, June, July, and August.
  • To avoid the Lukla-Manthali-Kathmandu route, book a helicopter from Lukla to Kathmandu. The additional cost for this service is about $570 per person if split among 5 people (including yourself).
  • We hope that your return journey to Kathmandu will be relaxing. You will probably remember the experiences you had during this trip.
  • Upon arrival in Kathmandu, you will have free time to yourself. DWT will organize a farewell dinner for you in the evening.

Standard meals such as breakfast and farewell dinner will be provided.

Kala Patthar sunrise, Everest Base Camp moraines, Sagarmatha National Park trails, Namche Bazaar village

Where this trip takes you

Kala Patthar sunrise, Everest Base Camp moraines, Sagarmatha National Park trails, Namche Bazaar village

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map
Round trip from Kathmandu 44600 12 cities · 12 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

  • Purchase of domestic flight tickets for the Kathmandu to Lukla route and back, including airport departure taxes
  • Enjoy a total of 11 nights on this trekking adventure: stay five nights in Lukla, Phakding, and Namche (3 nights) with private attached bathrooms, and six nights in standard rooms at Tengboche, Lobuche, Dingboche (2 nights), Gorak Shep, and Pheriche
  • Indulge in all standard meals during the trek, including 12 lunches, 11 dinners, and 12 breakfasts
  • Benefit from a government-licensed English-speaking trek leader. Groups of more than 12 trekkers will also have an assistant guide
  • Each trekker will have a porter to assist with luggage. Two trekkers will share one porter, with a maximum weight limit of 18 kg
  • (9 kg per trekker) Store non-essential items at your hotel or the BHT store
  • Your package includes compensation for guides and porters, meals, insurance, accommodation, transportation, airfare, and essential gear
  • Stay hydrated with water purification tablets provided for safe drinking water
  • Admission fee for Sagarmatha National Park is covered
  • Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality fees are also included
  • Enjoy daily snacks of cookies and seasonal fresh fruits
  • All government local taxes and official expenses are included in the package
  • Assistance is available for arranging rescue operations in case of complex health conditions, funded by travel insurance
  • Take home souvenirs of the company's T-shirt and cap
  • Receive a Best Heritage Tour Appreciation Certificate upon successful completion of the trek
  • Conclude your trek with a farewell dinner

What's Not Included

  • Costs of international flights
  • Nepal entry visa fee upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport - (30 days - $50)
  • Charges for excess baggage (limit is 8 kg per person) during the trek
  • Accommodation and meals in Kathmandu, before and after the journey
  • Additional night accommodation in Kathmandu due to early arrival or late departure, or early return from the trek
  • Personal expenses (shopping, snacks, boiled or bottled water, hot tea/coffee and cold drinks, hot shower, alcohol, Wi-Fi, telephone calls, battery recharge fee, extra porters, etc.)
  • Personal clothing and gear
  • Travel insurance covering emergency high-altitude rescue and evacuation (mandatory)
  • Tips for guides and porters (recommended)
  • Additional costs resulting from factors beyond our control, such as landslides, weather conditions, itinerary adjustments due to safety concerns, illness, changes in government policies, strikes, etc.
  • Additional costs and expenses not specified in the

What to bring

Head

  • Sun protection accessories such as sun hats or scarves
  • Winter headwear options like insulating hats or wide-brimmed hats
  • Headlamps with spare batteries

Face

  • High-quality sunscreen products
  • Sunglasses with UV protection
  • Face and body cleansing wipes

Hands

  • Lightweight gloves for various activities
  • Heavy-duty winter gloves for extreme conditions

Body

  • Performance hiking shirts for optimal comfort
  • Long-sleeved shirts for added protection
  • Hooded rain jackets for unpredictable weather
  • Fleece jackets for insulation
  • Breathable lightweight cotton pants
  • T-shirts made from lightweight wool
  • Polypropylene underwear for moisture management
  • Down jackets, available for rent in Kathmandu
  • Sweaters for additional warmth
  • Waterproof jackets and pants for outdoor activities

Footwear

  • Sturdy hiking boots for rugged terrain
  • Thick wool socks, with an extra pair of lightweight socks for added comfort

Essential Gear

  • Backpack or daypack, depending on the need for a porter
  • Thermal bottles for temperature control
  • Water purification systems for safe drinking water
  • Trekking poles for stability and support
  • Sleeping bags, preferably rated for -15 degrees Celsius for high-altitude treks

Toiletries

  • Medium-sized quick-drying towels
  • Toothbrush and toothpaste
  • Deodorant and dental floss
  • Biodegradable bar soap
  • Nail clippers
  • Compact mirrors for personal grooming

Personal Accessories

  • Cash and financial essentials
  • Watches for time management
  • Cell phones for communication
  • Cameras for capturing memories

Extra Items

  • Comprehensive first aid kits
  • Additional passport photos and photocopies
  • Notebooks and pens for documentation
  • Binoculars for enhanced vision

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point
Kathmandu, Nepal
Tour start
Kathmandu 44600, Nepal
Tour ends at the same location as the start point.
End of the journey

Your 12 days finish where they began, in Kathmandu 44600.

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Estimated room rates

Single Room $1,150.00 — $1,290.00
Double Sharing $1,150.00 — $1,290.00

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