Everest Base Camp trail

Everest
Base Camp

Trek into the Khumbu with a government-licensed guide, teahouse to teahouse — and on this spring departure, sleep a night at Everest Base Camp itself, something very few treks offer.

Next departure
Autumn 2026
Duration
14 days
Base Camp altitude
5,364 m
Physical difficulty
Challenging — altitude & weather
Group
Small group, English-speaking guide
The Route

Kathmandu to the foot of Everest

Every stop on the way up — and the fast way back down. No day skips acclimatization; none of it is optional at this altitude.

0m2,000m4,000m6,000m Kathmandu1,400mPhakding2,610mNamche3,440mDibuche3,870mDingboche4,243mLobuche4,940mKala Patthar5,545mPheriche4,240mNamche3,440mLukla2,860mKathmandu1,400m Day 1Day 9Day 14
Trekking day
Base Camp & Kala Patthar — the objective
Day by Day

The full itinerary

Grouped by phase — tap any stage to open it. Want every detail first? See the full day-by-day itinerary & gallery →

DAY 1 Kathmandu
Arrival to Kathmandu

Your adventure kicks off in Kathmandu. Settle into the hotel, explore Thamel’s vibrant alleys, shop for last-minute gear, or relax before the welcome dinner.

Boudhanath Stupa, Kathmandu
DAYS 2–4 Into the Khumbu
2,610 – 3,440 m
Day 2 · Lukla (2,860m) → Phakding (2,610m)

A scenic 30-minute flight from Kathmandu to Lukla, with stunning views of the Khumbu Valley. After tea at a local lodge, we trek to Phakding, passing lush landscapes and charming Nepalese villages.

Day 3 · Namche Bazaar (3,440m)

We trek into Sagarmatha National Park, a UNESCO site — crossing rivers, valleys and the iconic Hillary Bridge. Yaks along the trail, and a glimpse of Everest itself on clear days. Two nights in Namche to acclimatize.

Namche Bazaar
Day 4 · Namche Bazaar

Namche is a historic trading hub known for its Sherpa hospitality. We hike up to the Everest View Hotel, the world’s highest, for a first breathtaking view of Mount Everest.

DAYS 5–7 Tengboche & Dingboche
3,870 – 4,243 m
Day 5 · Dibuche (3,870m)

A gentle trail followed by a 3km ascent through vibrant flora and fauna. We visit Tengboche Monastery, then descend to Dibuche for a peaceful night in the Himalayas.

Days 6–7 · Dingboche (4,243m)

A six-hour climb with Ama Dablam dominating the horizon — pagodas, prayer walls and painted rocks along the way. Two nights here to acclimatize before pushing higher.

Ama Dablam
DAYS 8–9 Lobuche & Base Camp
4,940 – 5,364 m
Day 8 · Lobuche (4,940m)

A 2-hour descent before crossing a river, passing a memorial honoring climbers who braved Everest. Following the Khumbu moraine, with Kala Patthar and Lobuche in view.

Day 9 · Everest Base Camp (5,364m)

A 2–3 hour trek offering stunning views of Pumori, Nuptse and Everest. The trail crosses the Khumbu Glacier, weaving through rocky terrain until Gorak Shep — then on to Everest Base Camp itself. Overnight right there, in a tent — something very few treks offer.

Khumbu Glacier
DAYS 10–14 Descent & Kathmandu
5,364 → 1,400 m
Days 10–12 · Pheriche, Namche & Lukla

The descent to Namche and Lukla, in three days — no altitude to fight anymore, just tired legs and the mountain behind you.

Days 13–14 · Kathmandu

Flight back to Kathmandu, keeping a spare day for any weather delays or to explore the vibrant city. Transfer to the airport.

The Fine Print

What’s included

INCLUDED

  • Airport transfers — pick-up and drop-off
  • Domestic flights (Lukla or Ramechhap, depending on season)
  • 3 nights B&B double room in Kathmandu
  • Welcome dinner
  • Government-licensed English-speaking guide
  • All trekking permits
  • Luggage — up to 15kg per member during the trek
  • Food & lodging — 3 meals a day, tea, coffee, hot water, twin teahouse rooms (except the night at Base Camp itself, in a tent)
  • Satellite phone & medical kit
  • Full guide & consultancy, including gear list recommendations

NOT INCLUDED

  • International flight
  • Nepal entry visa fee — $30 per person
  • Personal equipment — clothing, sleeping bag
  • Bottled water
  • Meals in Kathmandu
  • Tips & gratuities for staff
  • Medical & emergency evacuation costs, if required
  • Personal expenses — Wi-Fi, hot showers, toiletries, battery recharge, laundry
  • Extra nights, in case of early arrival or late departure
  • Any other service or activity not listed under “Included”
Two seasons, one trek

Everest Base Camp — reserve your spot

AUTUMN 2026 · SPRING 2027

Small groups, government-licensed guide, 14 days from Kathmandu to the foot of Everest and back. Want to extend the trip? Ask Isa about adding a few days in Bhutan afterwards. Prefer a technical summit instead of just the trek? See the Lobuche East Expedition — the same trek to Base Camp, plus a real 6,119m summit. Looking for a lower-altitude option instead? See the Annapurna Base Camp Trek.

From
$2,300/ person
Guide, permits, teahouses & domestic flights included
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Good to know

Frequently asked questions

How fit do I need to be for the Everest Base Camp trek?

No mountaineering experience needed, but you should be comfortable walking 5–7 hours a day, several days in a row. We recommend 2–3 months of cardio and leg-strength training before you depart.

When’s the best time to trek to Everest Base Camp?

Spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November) are the two trekking seasons, with the clearest skies and driest trails. Thin Air runs guided departures in both — and the spring departure includes an extra night camping at Everest Base Camp itself, something we don’t offer on the autumn departure.

Is altitude sickness a risk on this trek?

Base Camp sits at 5,364m, so yes — but the itinerary builds in dedicated acclimatization days and is led by a government-licensed guide trained to manage altitude safely.

What’s included in the price?

Guide, all trekking permits, domestic flights, teahouse accommodation and meals on the trail. International flights, the Nepal entry visa and personal gear aren’t included.

How big are the trekking groups?

Groups are kept small, with an English-speaking, government-licensed guide throughout.