Everest Base Camp Trek Guide 2027: Route, Permits, Best Season and Cost

The Everest Base Camp (EBC) trek follows the Dudh Koshi valley from Lukla up into the Khumbu, past Namche Bazaar and Tengboche monastery, to Base Camp at 5,364 m and the Kala Patthar viewpoint at about 5,550 m. No climbing skills are needed, but it is a high trek, so the route is built around slow height gain and two rest days. Our 14-day trip from Kathmandu has about 11 days on the trail and about 130 km of walking in total.

The short version

• Highest point: Kala Patthar, about 5,550 m (Base Camp is 5,364 m)
• Our trip: 14 days from Kathmandu, about 11 days on the trail, roughly 130 km round trip
• Difficulty: moderate to challenging, mainly because of altitude. Walking days are 4 to 8 hours
• Best seasons: March to May and September to November (autumn is the most stable)
• Our price: from US$1,386 per person, with a 20% deposit to secure the booking

Our 14-day route, day by day

Day 1: Arrive in Kathmandu (about 1,350 m). Airport pick-up, hotel and an evening briefing.

Day 2: Fly to Lukla, trek to Phakding (Lukla about 2,840 m, Phakding about 2,610 m). 3 to 4 hours along the Dudh Koshi river.

Day 3: Phakding to Namche Bazaar (3,440 m). 5 to 6 hours. You enter Sagarmatha National Park at Monjo.

Day 4: Acclimatisation day in Namche. An optional 2 to 4 hour walk to Everest View (about 3,880 m) and Khumjung village.

Day 5: Namche to Tengboche (about 3,860 m). 5 to 6 hours with views of Ama Dablam and Thamserku.

Day 6: Tengboche to Dingboche (about 4,360 m). 5 to 6 hours via Pangboche.

Day 7: Acclimatisation day in Dingboche. An optional 3 to 5 hour climb toward the Nangkartshang ridge (about 5,080 m).

Day 8: Dingboche to Lobuche (about 4,930 m). 5 to 6 hours, passing the Thukla memorial chortens.

Day 9: Lobuche to Gorak Shep and Everest Base Camp (Gorak Shep about 5,160 m, Base Camp 5,364 m). 7 to 9 hours, the longest day. You return to Gorak Shep for the night.

Day 10: Kala Patthar sunrise, then down to Pheriche (Kala Patthar about 5,550 m, Pheriche about 4,240 m). A pre-dawn climb for the sunrise over Everest, then 6 to 8 hours.

Day 11: Pheriche to Namche Bazaar (3,440 m). 6 to 8 hours, mostly downhill.

Day 12: Namche to Lukla (about 2,840 m). 6 to 8 hours and a farewell dinner with your guide and porters.

Day 13: Fly to Kathmandu (about 1,350 m).

Day 14: Departure.

The Lukla flight

The flights to Lukla (Day 2) and back (Day 13) depend on weather, and delays are common. In the busiest months flights may leave from Ramechhap instead of Kathmandu, which adds a few hours of road travel. Keep one spare day at the end of your trip. A helicopter return is an option at extra cost.

How hard is it?

Moderate to challenging. You do not need mountaineering experience, but you should be comfortable walking 5 to 7 hours a day for many days in a row. The challenge is thin air: sleep low, walk slowly and drink plenty of water. The two rest days in Namche and Dingboche are what make the trip safe, so do not skip them. Tell your guide at once about a headache, nausea or poor sleep. Teahouses are simple, with twin rooms and shared toilets, and a sleeping bag rated to about -15°C is recommended. If you want a lower and shorter first Himalayan trek, see our Annapurna Base Camp trek guide.

Permits you need

You need a Sagarmatha National Park permit (about NPR 3,000) and a local municipality permit (about NPR 3,000). Together they come to roughly US$50 to US$60, and we arrange them for you. Rules and fees have changed recently, so we confirm the current amounts when you book. Our Nepal trekking permits guide explains each permit in detail.

Best time to go

March to May and September to November are the best months. Autumn is the most stable, and both seasons are busy. Winter is very cold at altitude, and the monsoon (June to August) brings cloud and delayed flights. See our best time to trek in Nepal guide.

What does it cost?

Our 14-day Everest Base Camp trek starts from US$1,386 per person, and the final price is confirmed when you book. You pay cash separately for meals on the trail, hot showers, charging, drinks and tips. Very few ATMs exist after Namche, so bring enough rupees from Kathmandu. Travel insurance must cover trekking to at least 6,000 m, medical treatment and helicopter evacuation. Our EBC cost breakdown shows where the money goes.

Frequently asked questions

How many days do I need for the Everest Base Camp trek?

Our trip takes 14 days from Kathmandu, with about 11 days on the trail. Allow one spare day at the end in case the flight is delayed.

Is the EBC trek suitable for beginners?

Yes, if you are fit and used to long walking days. No mountaineering experience is needed, but altitude is a real risk. The rest days and a slow pace matter more than speed.

Do I need a guide for Everest Base Camp?

We strongly recommend a licensed guide. The guide handles permits, flights and lodges, watches for altitude problems and supports local jobs.

Can I go to Base Camp without the Lukla flight?

An overland route is possible on request, but it adds several days. Ask us about it when you plan your trip.

Ready to plan it? See the Everest Base Camp trek package, or message us on WhatsApp +81 70 2232 4287.