Trek to Everest Base Camp
Trek the famous trails to Everest Base Camp and follow in the footsteps of Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay
What's Included?
Activities & Certified Guides
All itinerary activities with you'll be led by expert, local, English-speaking guidesAll accommodation
2 nights in a hotel in Kathmandu, 1 night glamping, 11 nights in teahouses on the trailMeals
2 breakfasts plus welcome and farewell dinners in KathmanduInternal Flights & Transfers
Internal flights from Kathmandu to Manthali to Lukla (and back); arrival & departure airport transfers; all local transfers throughoutPermits & Porterage
Porters to carry your luggage on the trek, plus all your entry fees and permitsSmall Like-minded Groups
Solo-friendly by design, join our small n’ sociable groups of up to 12 like-minded, active and outdoorsy people…
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What's it like?
Hike undulating trails, cross suspension bridges, navigate glaciers and dodge yaks as you trek through mountaineering history
Drown in the dramatic mountain views of Nuptse, Lhotse, Ama Dablam and Mount Everest - the world's tallest mountain
Ascend from Everest Base Camp to Kala Patthar at 5550m for views of Everest that only a select few will ever see
Unsure which trek in the Everest region is for you? Read our handy guide or check out the Everest and Gokyo Lakes Circuit
Key Information
Day 1
Arrive in Kathmandu
After checking in you'll have a pre-departure meeting with your guides to run through the final plans and arrangements for the trek. You'll finish the day with a group dinner to get to know your team for the next few weeks.
Day 2
Journey to Manthali
Head out of the city by bus as you head to Manthali. This remote region is where most Lukla flights now depart from (although if you're lucky they sometimes depart from Kathmandu) and you'll spend the night in safari tents near to the small airport so you're ready to jump on the first flight in the morning.
Please note: the drive between Kathmandu and Manthali is currently taking 8-9hrs as the normal road is closed. This is expected to be the case for the remainder of 2024 and possibly beyond.
Day 3
Trek to Phakding
Hiking
Today starts with a short flight to Lukla Airport in the Everest region. After meeting the other crew members you'll start your trek, passing through the prosperous village of Lukla before reaching Phakding on the Dudh Kosi River. You'll spend the night in the village and should have time to visit some of the nearby monasteries.
Occasionally Lukla flights can be delayed or cancelled - please see the FAQs for further information.
Day 4
Namche
Hiking
Start the day with a walk through beautiful pine forests and along the track to the Dudh Koshi River. One of the (many) bridges is the famous Hillary Suspension Bridge with a particularly epic viewpoint of the gleaming Mount Thamserku (6618 m). From here you'll continue through the village of Jorsale before a challenging uphill climb to Namche Bazaar, where you'll get your first glimpse of Everest.
Day 5
Acclimatise and explore Namche (3440m)
Today will be a rest day in order to acclimatise to the altitude, but rest assured, there’ll be no time to get bored! Instead, there’s the opportunity to hike to a nearby viewpoint and enjoy mammoth vistas of Mount Everest, Ama Dablam, Thamserku, Lhotse...we could go on. On the way back, you’ll walk around the Khumjung valley and have the chance to visit the Hillary School and Khunde Hospital, before heading back for the night.
Day 6
Namche to Tengboche
Hiking
Things get challenging as the trail forks northeast along a tributary valley and you approach the holy ground of Tengboche (3860m). There you’ll be met by a monastery, yak pasture and the world’s highest sacred institution combined! Team this with more epic views of Nuptse, Lhotse, Ama Dablam and Everest and you'll find it's worth every puff.
Day 7
Tengboche to Dingboche
Hiking
Trek past the Gompa holding the famous Yeti scalp and pass summer yak pastures on the way to Dingboche, where you'll stay for the night. Most of the trekking in this area is comparatively gentle, although taking it easy is recommended due to the high altitude.
Day 8
Explore and acclimatise at Dingboche
Today you 'll have your second acclimatisation day at Dingboche (4410m), which is vital considering the high altitudes you’re now reaching. Fear not, you can get still involved in some optional hikes to the nearby Nagajun Hill or Chukung Village which both boast panoramic views of Ama Dablam and Makalu.
Day 9
Dingboche to Lobuche
Hiking
Climb at a leisurely pace and cross ice covered torrents until you reach Lobuche (4910m). Here, you’ll be met with stone houses that sit amongst the frozen wilderness. Only one more night until your goal.
Day 10
Everest Base Camp
Hiking
Ascend to Everest Base Camp (5380m). Congratulations, you're in the company of legends. Take some time to reflect and enjoy it. Many a new profile picture has been taken here! Once you’ve taken in the views and given yourself a massive high-five, you'll continue back to Gorak Shep (5364m) for the night before beginning the descent tomorrow.
Day 11
Pangboche via Kala Patthar
Hiking
The best way to see Everest (and its surrounding peaks) is as the sun comes up so be prepared for an early start. You'll ascend to Kala Patthar (5550m), the highest point of the trip, with awesome views of Everest before heading down to Pangboche for the night.
Day 12
Pangboche to Namche
Hiking
Descend down to Phungi Thanga and then continue on to Namche, where you'll stay for a night of celebrations.
Day 13
Lukla
Hiking
Set off for the final descent into Lukla (2860m). On the way, you'll trek through a forest of rhododendrons and pine until you reach a Sherpa village. Here, you’ll have the opportunity to say your final goodbyes to the local team before moving on to Lukla.
Day 14
Back to Kathmandu
Fly back to Ramechhap after your incredible mountain journey. You'll drive back to Kathmandu in time for some well-earned beers and a celebration dinner.
Day 15
Last day in Kathmandu
Enjoy a well-earned lie in and breakfast at your hotel, then spend your last day exploring the city before heading back to the airport, and reality.
The Area
Logistics
Starts
Kathmandu Airport (KTM)
Anytime on Day 1
Ends
Kathmandu Airport (KTM)
Anytime on Day 15
Transfers
Airport arrival and departure transfers are included no matter when you arrive and depart (even if booking extra nights before or after the trip), provided you have completed your passenger information form and have supplied your flight details in advance.
Travel options
There are regular flights to Kathmandu from major airports in the UK and Europe.
Day 1
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 2
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 3 – Day 13
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 14
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 15
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
What is the food like?
Breakfast is usually either hot porridge, muesli or Tibetan bread served with an omelette or boiled eggs. The menus in the teahouses are very similar at every stop and there will usually be a choice of traditional Nepalese dhal bhat (a mixed plate of lentils, rice, vegetables and pickles - delicious and healthy), Nepalese dumplings (momo’s), mixed noodles, pasta and even pizza. Although meat is available at some teahouses, we suggest you ask your guide for advice about consumption as it tends to depend on how far it has travelled as to whether it is a safe option.
Dairy-free, vegan or vegetarian diets can be catered for while trekking although meals may get a bit repetitive - dhal bhat will likely be your go-to staple. Gluten-free/coeliac diets are tricky to cater for on teahouse treks (beware that powdered soups and seasonings used often contain gluten, and cooking oil is commonly reused and may cause cross-contamination). Please explain your dietary requirements to your guide so that they can assist when ordering, and bringing along some extra food/snacks is advisable.
What is the accommodation like?
In Kathmandu
You’ll stay in a centrally located tourist hotel in the heart of Thamel, close to the main shopping area and heritage sites.
In Manthali
You will stay at the Manthali Resort in safari-tents. There is a swimming pool on site.
On the trek
Generally, most adventures to Nepal are in remote areas where the accommodation will be basic. On the trek you will stay in 'teahouses' – mountain lodges that tend to have a communal dining area and basic toilets.
The rooms are sorted by gender – however, if there is an odd number in the group they may occasionally be mixed. There’s no heating, so you'll need your warm sleeping bag. WiFi and hot showers are often available at a small cost. You can usually charge your phone up, again, you guessed it, for a cost. So remember to take an adapter.
Upgrades
For solo travellers looking for their own space, an optional private room can be booked for the two nights in Kathmandu only, subject to availability. This option is not available in the teahouses. Please request this at the time of booking: see Optional Extras below for prices.
This trip has been rated as Challenging
Much of the trek is within the capabilities of people with a good fitness who are keen trekkers. Still, it is important to note that trekking at altitudes above 3000m/10,000ft is more demanding on the body than walking at low elevations. Some training beforehand will help and we advise doing at least one weekend of back to back days walking. The guide will set the pace and as with all altitude treks, the theme is ‘slowly slowly’ to help you adjust to the altitude.
What will I need to carry?
This trip includes one porter for every two trekkers. They will carry up to 20-25kg of kit so your overnight bags and spare clothes will be transported for you (maximum 12kg per person). You will only need to carry a ‘day pack’ with essentials in (extra layer, snacks, water, suncream, camera etc.
There are 3 different seasons for trekking in Nepal:
Winter (Dec-Feb): Despite being seen as ‘off-season’ this is often the best time to trek in Nepal. The nights can be very cold (down to minus 20°c) but the trails are quieter and the mountain views are often at their best due to the clear sunny skies.
Pre-Monsoon / Spring (March-May): Temperatures rise significantly in Spring and flowers are in full bloom in the lower lands. Although it can still drop below freezing at night, the daytime temperatures tend to sit between 10-15°c.
Post-Monsoon / Autumn (Sept-Nov): This is the most popular time to trek in Nepal with sunny and mild days generally. It can get cold and windy at higher altitudes however skies are usually clear.
Of course, mountain weather is notoriously hard to predict and snow can be expected on any trip so come prepared.
EBC Trek.
What an incredible adventure to EBC. This started off in a frustrating manner as we were delayed 2 days trying to fly to Lukla, not helped by the recent flooding in Kathmandu.
However our amazing trek leader Birdhoj went above an beyond to reorganise our trek so we could fit in as much of the original itinerary as possible and ultimately complete our goal of reaching EBC.
I cannot compliment our 3 guides enough on the suport they gave us during our adventure.. Birdhoj Tamang Sebika Rai Pemba Rinji Sherpa
And also our porters.. Akash Tamang Prashant Tamang Laxmi kumar Tamang Dhane Tamang
From helping us physically, and mentally through a tough trek, they were also there to guide and advise us in every aspect of our journey. They're constant positivity helped out when the going got tough.
I would highly recommend booking with MBA, and Freedom Adventures for your future Adventures.
An Incredible Trip
The greatest adventure I've ever had. Our trek was absolutely brilliant. Not just the scenery and excitement of our every day, but the meticulous care in which we were placed in the hands of our guides Sunil Parivar, Dinesh KC, Lhakpa Tamana and Naima nuru Sherpa. (Plus our UNBELIEVABLE iron men carrying all our bags!) We didn't need to worry or think about anything, everything was taken care of, all we had to do was walk, and enjoy ourselves. I will choose Much Better Adventures for my future trips as I know now however unfamiliar of difficult it might get, the level of professionalism and attention to our wellbeing will be as outstanding as it was on this trip.
What an experience!!
Absolutely most amazing experience of my life.. the whole adventure from start to end was just incredible! The guides Sunil, Nima, Dinesh and Lakpah made the trip. They were funny, competent, knowledgeable and put our safety first! Couldn't fault any of them. Thankyou for the trip of a lifetime! Can't wait to return to Nepal!
Book now!
Choose to trek to EBC for the challenge, the jaw-dropping vistas and the chance to discover Nepal and it’s friendly people.
Choose to do this all with Much Better Adventures for the amazing choice of guides, the hassle-free logistics and the chance to travel with a group of fab people.
If anyone is nervous about the trip, I can reassure you that our guides: Sunil, Dinesh, Ngima and Lhakpa looked after us so well - great encouragement along the way, careful (& discreet) monitoring for signs of AMS and safe decisions based on years of experience of the route. Thank you!
Amazing Trip
Great company with amazing guides who put our wellbeing and safety first and foremost. The whole trip experience was amazing with beautiful views, great people and a real challenge.
I will definitely be doing a trip with these guys again.
A trip of a lifetime
I cannot say enough positive things about my EBC experience with Much Better Adventures. Our guides Sunil, Denise, Nima, Lhakpa, and all the supports (strongest men I’ve met) went above and beyond to make the trip of a lifetime. They are the kindest, most hard working, and knowledgeable individuals who gave so much to everyone on the trip. I left Nepal reluctantly as I loved the people and nature so much. I have never smiled so much and I will cherish the memories I made on this trip forever. A special thank you to Nima, Lhakpa, Denise, and Sunil for showing me the remarkable natural beauty of Nepal. I will never forget you all.
Brilliant!
My Adventure was absolutely brilliant, I was so lucky to be in a fantastic group with lots of fun characters, but what really made it special was our Guides Sunil Parivar, Dinesh KC, Lhakpa Tamana and Naima nuru Sherpa. Of course our strong Porters (Iron Men). I was looked after so well and they all really care about you and nothing is too much trouble. Unfortunately on our trip the weather was extremely poor (landslides, flooding, Avalanches, heavy rain and snow) Our guides put our safety first and made a decision not to let us go to Base camp, it must of been a hard decision for them. However we had a wonderful time regardless and was surrounded by beautiful scenery, the local people were so polite and lovely! I have wonderful memories of this amazing country and will always remember the kindness and compassion of our Guides and Iron Men. I would 100% recommend this Trek.
AMAZING TRIP TO EVEREST BASE CAMP APRIL 2024
My trip to Everest Base Camp in April 2024 was one of the best experiences of my life. The stunning scenery and physical challenge were unforgettable, but what made it truly special were our guides, Sanjeet and Ngawang.
Their professionalism, knowledge of the terrain, and dedication to our group’s well-being were exceptional. Ngawang’s enthusiasm kept us motivated, while Sanjeet’s calm presence and deep cultural insights added a unique dimension to the journey. Thanks to them, we felt safe, inspired, and ready for every challenge. I highly recommend this adventure, especially with such amazing guides!
Once in a lifetime trip!
This trip exceeded my expectations, and it was all thanks to the wonderful team at Freedom Adventures. From Prashant meeting us in Kathmandu at the beginning and end of our trip...to the amazing Pujan Sapotka as our lead guide who kept us safe, made us laugh, and taught us all we wanted to know about Nepal... to the assistant guides Vijaya and Roshan, who were kind, supportive, knowledgeable, and always with a smile on their faces.. and to the amazing porters Prasna, Krishna, Nabin, and Bagdhan who carried our bags and still managed to have a smile on their face at the end of the day. We genuinely could not have done this trip without any one of these guys, and our trip would not have been the same! We truly all felt like a family, it is an experience I will never forget!