This 17-day trek follows the classic Khumbu route to Everest Base Camp, with structured acclimatisation and time in key Sherpa villages. You’ll fly into Lukla, trek through Namche Bazaar and Tengboche, and continue into the high alpine zone to reach Base Camp (5,364 m), then climb Kala Patthar (5,545 m) for wide Himalayan views.
Along the way you’ll pass mani walls, suspension bridges, yak pastures, and monasteries, while seeing how mountain communities live and work in a remote, high-altitude environment. This is a challenging trek mainly due to altitude and cumulative days on foot rather than technical terrain.
The trek starts with the Lukla flight and a gradual build-up to Namche Bazaar, where you take a dedicated acclimatisation day. From there you follow the main valley to Tengboche for the region’s best-known monastery, then continue into the Imja Khola valley through Pangboche to Dingboche for a second acclimatisation hike.
From Lobuche you push to Everest Base Camp via Gorak Shep, then climb Kala Patthar before descending via Pheriche and a quieter overnight in Phortse. The return follows the Dudh Koshi valley back to Lukla, with a final day in Kathmandu for a walking tour through traditional markets and Durbar Square.
This trek is in Nepal’s Khumbu region within Sagarmatha National Park, approached by a mountain flight to Lukla. The trail follows the Dudh Koshi valley through forested lower valleys into high alpine terrain shaped by glaciation and moraine systems near the Khumbu Glacier.
Cultural landmarks are a key part of the route, including Sherpa villages such as Namche Bazaar and Phortse, and major monasteries such as Tengboche. The trip combines long-distance trekking with time at altitude where weather and oxygen levels strongly influence how the days feel.
You should be comfortable walking for multiple consecutive days, often 4–7 hours, and coping with basic mountain lodge living. The terrain is non-technical, but you’ll be on steep trails, stone steps, and uneven moraine where careful foot placement matters.
Altitude is the main challenge. Prior high-altitude trekking is strongly recommended, and you need to be prepared to walk slowly, hydrate consistently, and follow acclimatisation guidance. Travel insurance that includes emergency helicopter evacuation is essential, even for strong trekkers.
This itinerary is structured to manage altitude properly rather than racing to Base Camp. Two acclimatisation days and a return route that includes Phortse give a better balance of challenge, recovery, and cultural immersion than a straight up-and-down approach.
Logistics are handled end-to-end: flights, permits, accommodation, meals on trek, and a professional guiding team with porter support. That means you can focus on pacing, staying well at altitude, and getting the most from the Khumbu region rather than managing day-to-day admin.
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It’s challenging mainly because of altitude and the length of the itinerary, not because the trail is technical. You’ll have long days on uneven paths, stone steps, and glacial moraine near Base Camp, which can be tiring even for fit people.
A steady pace matters more than speed. Most strong trekkers do well if they follow acclimatisation guidance, hydrate, and accept that days above 4,000 m will feel slower and more effortful.
Everest Base Camp is at 5,364 m, and Kala Patthar is higher at 5,545 m. The extra height at Kala Patthar is a big reason it’s included: it’s where many trekkers get their best panoramic views.
At these altitudes, oxygen availability is significantly reduced, and small issues (poor sleep, dehydration, minor illness) can become bigger problems. That’s why the itinerary includes acclimatisation hikes and a gradual ascent profile.
No ropes, crampons, or climbing skills are required for this route. You’re trekking on established trails and staying in lodges, not camping on the glacier.
That said, you should be confident walking on rocky, uneven ground and on steep descents. Trekking poles can help a lot, particularly on the way down.
You’ll stay in teahouses/lodges, which are basic mountain guesthouses. Rooms are typically twin-share with simple bedding, and heating is usually in the dining area rather than bedrooms.
Facilities become simpler higher up. Expect limited hot showers, shared toilets, and occasional water/charging costs at altitude, depending on the lodge.
Meals are provided during the trek, generally three meals a day with tea/coffee offered three times daily. Menus vary by altitude but commonly include dal bhat, noodles, rice dishes, soups, eggs, potatoes, and simple desserts.
As you go higher, the selection becomes narrower and portions can feel smaller, so bringing a few familiar snacks can help. Staying fuelled is important for warmth and recovery.
You spend two nights in Namche and do an acclimatisation hike to higher altitude, then return to sleep lower. The second acclimatisation day is based in Dingboche with a hike towards Chhukung.
This “climb high, sleep lower” approach helps your body adapt more safely. It doesn’t remove all risk, but it improves your chances of feeling stronger and reducing altitude illness.
Guides monitor symptoms and will adjust pacing or stop early if needed. Mild symptoms can often be managed with rest, hydration, and slower ascent, but worsening symptoms require immediate descent.
Because evacuation may be necessary in severe cases, insurance that includes emergency helicopter evacuation is essential. Even very fit people can be affected, so this is non-negotiable.
Porters carry the main duffel bag, while you carry a daypack with water, layers, snacks, and personal essentials. Keeping your daypack well organised makes the days easier.
Pack with the idea that conditions change quickly: sun exposure can be strong, but mornings and evenings are cold, and wind chill at higher altitude can be significant.
Your itinerary notes that the route is popular and can be busy. Conditions are generally most reliable in spring and autumn, which tend to have clearer skies and stable weather patterns compared to mid-winter or monsoon periods.
Even in good seasons, flights to and from Lukla can be delayed due to weather, so building flexibility into travel plans is sensible.
Pickup is arranged from the airport, your hotel, or the office location in Thamel. The first day includes hotel transfer and a briefing session, with sightseeing and final prep on Day 2.
If your arrival is late, the briefing or short Thamel walk may shift to the next day to keep the plan workable without rushing key safety steps.
About the centre
Thamel Marg, 44600 Kathmandu, NP
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Bagmati Province, Nepal
From $2500
Bagmati Province, Nepal
From $1770
