From Kathmandu: 12-Day Everest Base Camp Guided Trekking
About This Experience
This 12-day itinerary is the most-booked route on this site, and it follows the classic Everest Base Camp line about as directly as a trek can. After flying from Kathmandu to Lukla, you spend the first days working up the Dudh Koshi valley to Namche Bazaar (3,440m), the Sherpa trading town where most itineraries schedule their first rest day.
From Namche, the trail climbs through Tengboche — home to the region's most significant monastery — before dropping into the Imja Valley beneath Ama Dablam, Nuptse, and Lhotse on the way to Dingboche (4,260m), where a second acclimatization day is built in. The push toward Base Camp continues through Lobuche (4,930m) and Gorak Shep before the final walk to Everest Base Camp itself at 5,364 meters, with the Khumbu Glacier close beside the trail.
The following morning's side trip to Kala Patthar (5,545m) is where most of the trek's iconic Everest photos actually come from — Base Camp itself sits too close under Nuptse's shoulder to see the summit clearly from there. From Kala Patthar, the route retraces its steps back through Pheriche and Namche to Lukla for the return flight to Kathmandu.
Highlights
- A 12-day Kathmandu-to-Kathmandu route to Everest Base Camp with two built-in acclimatization days
- Close-up views of Ama Dablam, Nuptse, Lhotse, and the Khumbu Icefall
- A pre-dawn hike to Kala Patthar for the clearest sunrise view of Everest's summit
- A licensed, experienced guide throughout the trek
What's Included
- ✓ Airport pickup and drop-off (international and domestic)
- ✓ Return domestic flight between Kathmandu and Lukla
- ✓ All necessary paperwork and national park entry permits
- ✓ All accommodation in lodges/teahouses during the trek
- ✓ An experienced, friendly guide, with salary, food, and accommodation covered
- ✓ Sagarmatha National Park entrance permit and fees
- ✓ Trekkers' Information Management System (TIMS) card fees
- ✓ Jacket, sleeping bag, and duffle bag to use, if requested
- ✓ All government taxes, VAT, and official service charges
Not Included
- Standard meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) during the trek
- Carrying of your bags by a porter (available at an additional cost, 1 Porter can assist up to 25 kg weight for 2 guests)
- Alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks
- Hot showers and internet during the trek
- Travel insurance
- Gratuities (expected by guides and porters, but not mandatory)
What to Bring
- Passport
Good to Know & Caveats
- Weather in the Khumbu can change quickly — Lukla flights are sometimes delayed or rerouted via Ramechhap; build in a spare day if possible.
- A licensed guide is legally required for all trekking routes in Nepal, including Everest Base Camp.
Not Suitable For
- Pregnant women
- People with heart problems
- Wheelchair users
Meeting Point
Your hotel in Kathmandu (pickup included) — the trek begins the next morning with a flight from Kathmandu to Lukla.
What Travelers Say
Rated 5.0/5 by 29 verified GetYourGuide travelers.
My 12-day trek to Everest Base Camp and Kala Patthar was an incredible experience. I traveled with my guide, Padam, which made the journey even more personal and flexible. He did an outstanding job organizing everything—from accommodations to meals—and provided constant support and expert advice in the high-altitude environment. The itinerary was perfectly designed for acclimatization, allowing me to adjust gradually while enjoying the stunning scenery and cultural experience of trekking through small Himalayan villages. Padam was not only highly professional but also personable, fun, and easygoing. His relaxed attitude made the entire trek enjoyable and stress-free. I couldn’t have asked for a better guide and would highly recommend this experience to anyone considering Everest Base Camp.
— Artem, May 27,
The trek to Everest base camp was amazing. My guide was very helpful, informative and kind. Communication from the company was prompt the entire time.
— Bradley, May 19,
The hikes were perfect, but the accommodation could have been better; in particular, the first and last places we stayed were very poor, with the walls of the rooms covered in mould…
— Ellen, April 1
Frequently Asked Questions
How many days is this Everest Base Camp trek?
This itinerary runs 12 days door-to-door from Kathmandu, including the Lukla flights, two built-in acclimatization days (Namche Bazaar and Dingboche), and the return flight to Kathmandu.
Do I need previous trekking experience?
No technical climbing skills are needed — this is a teahouse trek on maintained trails. You should be in good general fitness, comfortable walking 5-7 hours a day at altitude, and prepared for cold, thin air above 4,000m.
What's included in the price?
Airport transfers, the Kathmandu–Lukla–Kathmandu flight, teahouse lodging during the trek, a licensed guide, and all Sagarmatha National Park permit fees. Meals during the trek, a porter, and travel insurance are extra — see the full inclusions list below.
Other Ways to Reach Everest Base Camp
Kathmandu: 14-Day Everest Base Camp with Kala Patthar Trek
Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour with Kala Patthar Landing
Everest Base Camp Trek from Lukla
From Kathmandu: Guided Everest Base Camp Trek
Kathmandu: Everest Helicopter Tour with Landing & Breakfast
