Nepal · Trekking

12-Day Everest Base Camp Trek in Nepal with Sherpa Heritage

12 Days Round trip from Phakding 56000 Challenging pace

The journey

Trip highlights

01 Fly from Kathmandu to Lukla and trek through traditional Sherpa villages and alpine valleys
02 Acclimatize in Namche Bazaar and Dingboche
03 Reach Everest Base Camp (5,364 m) and hike Kala Patthar (5,545 m) for stunning Himalayan panoramas
04 Immerse in Sherpa culture, visit Tengboche Monastery, and experience local traditions

Embark on a 12-day Everest Base Camp and Sherpa Heritage Trek through the stunning landscapes of the Himalayas. Fly from Kathmandu to Lukla and trek through traditional Sherpa villages, alpine valleys, and across suspension bridges, with acclimatization days in Namche Bazaar and Dingboche. Visit Tengboche Monastery, reach Everest Base Camp at 5,364 m, and take a sunrise hike to Kala Patthar at 5,545 m for iconic views of Everest, Lhotse, Ama Dablam, and Nuptse. This high-altitude adventure also offers a meaningful immersion in Sherpa culture.

Visit Tengboche Monastery, reach Everest Base Camp at 5,364 m, and take a sunrise hike to Kala Patthar at 5,545 m for iconic views of Everest, Lhotse, Ama Dablam, and Nuptse.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 12 Days

Tour type Private

Activity level Challenging

Accommodation Included · Standard

Transport Included

Wheelchair access No

Cities Kathmandu, Everest Base Camp-South, Lukla, Dingboche, Namche Bazaar, Tengboche, Phakding, Lobuche, Kala Patthar, Pangboche, Gorakshep, Chukhung, Pheriche

Languages English

Day by day

The itinerary

Day 01

Fly to Lukla and Trek Along the Dudh Koshi to Phakding

Enjoy a scenic mountain flight from Kathmandu to Lukla.
Begin with a gentle trek through Sherpa villages to Phakding along the Dudh Koshi River.

Day 02

Trek to Namche Bazaar, the Sherpa Hub

Cross suspension bridges over the Dudh Koshi.
Make a gradual ascent to Namche Bazaar, the vibrant Sherpa hub.

Day 03

Acclimatization Day in Namche Bazaar

Rest and adjust to the altitude.
Take an optional hike to Everest View Hotel for panoramic Himalayan views.
Explore the local markets and Sherpa Museum.

Day 04

Trek Through Rhododendron Forests to Tengboche

Trek through rhododendron forests.
Visit Tengboche Monastery with breathtaking mountain views.

Day 05

Trek Past Pangboche to Dingboche

Continue through alpine terrain past Pangboche village.
Reach Dingboche, a windswept Himalayan settlement.

Day 06

Acclimatization Day in Dingboche

Enjoy a rest day for altitude adjustment.
Choose from optional hikes to Nangkartshang Peak or Chhukung Valley.

Day 07

Follow the Khumbu Glacier to Lobuche

Follow the Khumbu Glacier, passing climbers' memorials.
Reach Lobuche settlement for an overnight stay.

Day 08

Trek to Everest Base Camp and Return to Gorak Shep

Ascend to the legendary Everest Base Camp.
Explore the surroundings and return to Gorak Shep for the night.

Day 09

Sunrise at Kala Patthar and Descent to Pheriche

Take a dawn hike to Kala Patthar for spectacular Everest views.
Descend through glacial landscapes to Pheriche.

Day 10

Return Trek to Namche Bazaar

Retrace your route through Tengboche.

Overnight in Namche Bazaar.

Day 11

Final Trek Back to Lukla

Complete your final trek through Sherpa villages.
Celebrate the completion of the circuit in Lukla.

Day 12

Fly Back to Kathmandu

Take a scenic flight back to Kathmandu.
Relax and celebrate your Everest adventure.

Where this trip takes you

Lukla mountain flight, Tengboche Monastery, Everest Base Camp, Kala Patthar sunrise

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map — Round trip from Phakding 56000 13 cities · 12 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

Pick up and drop off from the airport to the hotel and vice versa in a private vehicle
Domestic flight from Kathmandu to Lukla or Manthali to Lukla, with the additional drive to Manthali excluded, as flights may operate from Manthali during peak seasons
All meals during the trek
Tea house or lodge accommodation on a twin-sharing basis
Necessary documents and trekking permits
English-speaking guide and porters
Tax and service charges included

What's Not Included

Excess baggage charges, with a limit of 9 to 10 kg per person
Extra night accommodations in Kathmandu or elsewhere due to early arrival, late departure, or early return from the trek
Personal expenses including shopping, snacks, boiled or bottled water, hot tea or coffee, cold drinks, hot shower, alcohol, Wi-Fi, telephone calls, battery recharge, extra porters, etc.
Personal clothing and gear
Travel insurance covering emergency high-altitude rescue and evacuation (compulsory)
Water purification tablets
Rescue operations for complicated health conditions, funded by travel insurance
Tips for guides and porters
Additional costs due to delays caused by circumstances beyond the company

What to bring

Thermal tops and bottoms (merino wool or synthetic)
Lightweight trekking shirts (2-3)
Fleece jacket or down synthetic vest
Lightweight insulated jacket
Waterproof and windproof jacket (Gore-Tex recommended)
Waterproof trekking pants
Warm down jacket for high camp
Trekking pants (convertible or quick-dry)
Thermal leggings for cold mornings and nights
Warm beanie and sun hat or cap
Lightweight gloves and insulated gloves
Buff or neck gaiter
Sturdy trekking boots (broken-in, waterproof)
Comfortable camp shoes or sandals
Wool or synthetic socks (4-5 pairs) plus liner socks
Backpack (30-40L) with rain cover
Daypack if using a porter
Sleeping bag rated -10°C / 14°F
Collapsible trekking poles
Headlamp with extra batteries
Sunglasses (UV400, polarized)
Water bottles or hydration bladder (2L capacity)
Water purification tablets or filter
Biodegradable soap, wet wipes, and hand sanitizer
Sunscreen SPF 50+ and lip balm
Quick-dry towel
Cash in Nepalese rupees, as ATMs are scarce on the trek
Power bank (teahouses may charge extra for electricity)
Lightweight lock for bags
Book or playing cards for teahouse evenings
Snacks such as energy bars, nuts, and chocolate
Camera with extra memory cards
Earplugs for noisy teahouses
Trekking umbrella for rain or sun protection

Know before you go

This trek involves high-altitude hiking, and previous trekking experience is recommended but not mandatory.
Acclimatization days are built into the itinerary to reduce the risk of altitude sickness.
A moderate to high fitness level is required, with daily walking times of 5 to 7 hours.
Weather in the Himalayas can change quickly, so be prepared with layered clothing and proper gear.
The flight between Kathmandu and Lukla is weather-dependent, and delays or cancellations may occur.
Travel insurance covering high-altitude trekking and emergency evacuation is strongly advised.
Tea houses provide basic but comfortable accommodation, with more limited facilities at higher altitudes.
Vegetarian meals are widely available, but food options become simpler as you ascend.
Carry some local currency in Nepalese Rupees, as ATMs are not reliable along the trekking route.
Respect local customs, monasteries, and cultural practices in Sherpa villages.

Logistics