Step into the heart of the Himalaya on one of the world’s most iconic adventures – the Everest Base Camp Trek. From the bustling streets of Kathmandu to the legendary airstrip at Lukla and onwards through Sherpa villages, rhododendron forests, and high mountain passes, this journey combines breathtaking scenery with a powerful sense of achievement.
Each day reveals new wonders – fluttering prayer flags, ancient monasteries, yak caravans, and the towering giants of the Khumbu. You’ll stand beneath the world’s highest peak at Everest Base Camp (5,364 m), and climb to Kala Patthar (5,545 m) for the ultimate sunrise panorama of Everest, Lhotse, and Ama Dablam glowing gold in the dawn light.
This adventure is more than a trek – it’s an immersion into Sherpa culture, a test of endurance, and an unforgettable encounter with the raw majesty of the Himalaya. With carefully planned acclimatisation days, the support of experienced guides, and traditional tea house hospitality along the way, you’ll have the confidence to take on the challenge and the time to savour the journey.
Join us on this once-in-a-lifetime trek where every step brings you closer to the world’s highest mountain – and leaves you with memories that will last forever.
The short itinerary
Day 1 : DEPARTURE NEW YORK → KATHMANDU
Day 2 : ARRIVE IN KATHMANDU — FIRST IMPRESSIONS AT LEISURE
Day 3 : DRIVE FROM KATHMANDU TO RAMECHHAP (MANTHALI)
Day 4 : FLY RAMECHHAP TO LUKLA (2,886 M) & TREK TO PHAKDING (2,640 M)
Day 5 : TREK FROM PHAKDING (2,610 M) TO NAMCHE BAZAAR (3,440 M)
Day 6 : REST & ACCLIMATISATION IN NAMCHE BAZAAR (3,440 M)
Day 7 : NAMCHE BAZAAR TO TYANGBOCHE (3867 METERS)
Day 8 : TREK FROM TENGBOCHE (3,867 M) TO DINGBOCHE (4,260 M)
Day 9 : REST & ACCLIMATISATION IN DINGBOCHE (4,260 M)
Day 10 : TREK FROM DINGBOCHE (4,260 M) TO LOBUCHE (4,930 M)
Day 11 : TREK FROM LOBUCHE (4,930 M) TO EVEREST BASE CAMP (5,364 M) VIA GORAKSHEP (5,160 M)
Day 12 : TREK FROM GORAKSHEP (5,160 M) TO KALA PATTHAR (5,545 M) & DESCEND TO PHERICHE (4,243 M)
Day 13 : TREK FROM PHERICHE (4,243 M) TO NAMCHE BAZAAR (3,440 M)
Day 14 : TREK FROM NAMCHE BAZAAR (3,440 M) TO LUKLA (2,860 M)
Day 15 : FLY FROM LUKLA TO RAMECHHAP & DRIVE TO KATHMANDU (1,400 M)
Day 16 : REST & LEISURE DAY IN KATHMANDU
Day 17 : DEPARTURE FROM KATHMANDU – FAREWELL TO THE HIMALAYA
Location |
Hotel / Lodge Type |
Nights |
Meal Plan |
Kathmandu |
Well-selected city hotel (standard room) |
As per itinerary |
Breakfast |
Ramechhap (Manthali) |
Simple lodge / guesthouse near airport (if required by flight schedule) |
If applicable |
Breakfast |
Everest Trek (Lukla–Gorakshep–Lukla) |
Local tea houses / trekking lodges (basic, shared facilities) |
As per itinerary |
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
Notes: Tea houses in the Everest region are basic, with shared facilities. Amenities such as hot showers and device charging may be available for a small local fee. Porter-carried luggage allowance is typically 10–12 kg per person; trekkers carry their own daypack with essentials.
Quick Facts: Everest Base Camp Trek
- Duration: 17 days (12 trekking days, plus Kathmandu stays)
- Max Altitude: 5,545 m (Kala Patthar)
- Trek Grade: Challenging – 5–8 hrs walking daily
- Group Size: Minimum 2, maximum 20 participants
- Meals: Breakfast in Kathmandu; breakfast, lunch & dinner during trek
- Accommodation: 3★ hotel in Kathmandu & tea houses on trek
- Luggage: Porters carry up to 10–12 kg; you carry a small daypack
- Insurance: Must cover trekking up to 6,000 m & helicopter evacuation
- Visa: Nepal tourist visa required (available on arrival)
- Best Season: March–May & September–November
Important Travel Information
Who is this trek suitable for?
This journey is physically demanding and best suited to travellers with a good level of fitness and a taste for adventure. Expect 5–8 hours of walking most days, occasionally longer, on uneven mountain trails with significant ascents and descents. Porters will carry your main luggage, leaving you responsible only for a daypack with essentials. Previous trekking experience is helpful, though determination and flexibility are just as important as stamina.
Altitude and acclimatisation
The trek reaches a maximum altitude of 5,545 m at Kala Patthar, with several overnight stops above 4,000 m. Rest days are built into the schedule to aid adaptation, but Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) remains a risk. Symptoms may include headache, nausea, or dizziness. Walking slowly, staying hydrated, and listening to your guide’s advice are the best safeguards. The principle of “climb high, sleep low” is followed to encourage safer acclimatisation.
Things to be aware of
• Several modern suspension bridges are crossed en route; some are long and high, which may be challenging for those with vertigo.
• Facilities in mountain lodges are basic, with shared bathrooms and limited hot water.
• Menus become more restricted at higher altitudes, though meals remain nourishing.
• Delays to domestic flights are common; patience is essential.
• Weather in the Himalaya is unpredictable — snow, rain, or sudden cold snaps are possible at any time.
Accommodation
In Kathmandu, you will stay in carefully selected 3★ hotels on a bed & breakfast basis.
On trek, nights are spent in simple tea houses. Rooms are basic and may be twin-share or dormitory style. Bathrooms are shared, and hot showers or charging points usually incur a small local fee. During busy trekking seasons (Sept–Nov and Mar–Apr), lodges can be crowded with limited availability. This rustic style of accommodation is part of the authentic Himalayan experience.
Meals
While trekking, three meals a day are included. Typical dishes include dal bhat (rice and lentils), noodles, vegetable curries, soups, pancakes, and breads. At lower elevations, some tea houses may offer Western-style meals such as pizza or fried rice, but variety decreases at higher altitudes.
• Breakfasts usually consist of bread (toast, chapatti, Tibetan bread), eggs, porridge, or muesli with tea/coffee.
• Lunch is taken at tea houses along the route.
• Dinner is served at the lodge where you overnight.
Snacks, bottled drinks, and alcohol are not included but can be purchased locally.
Dietary requirements
Vegetarian options are common, but strict diets such as gluten-free, vegan, or lactose-free are difficult to maintain. Many soups and sauces contain gluten, and dairy alternatives are scarce. We strongly recommend bringing supplementary snacks such as protein bars, nuts, or instant meals if you have dietary restrictions.
Drinking water
Hydration is essential at altitude, with at least 3–4 litres recommended daily. We discourage purchasing bottled water to reduce plastic waste.
• Boiled water is available in lodges for approx. 150–300 rupees (US$1.20–2.30) per litre, increasing with altitude.
• Free cold water is also available but must be treated before drinking. Carry a refillable bottle or bladder and use purification tablets, filters, or Steripens.
• Power banks or spare batteries are useful if you use electronic sterilisation devices.
Carrying a thermos of boiled water at night can also double as a hot water bottle in colder regions.
Health & vaccinations
There are no mandatory vaccinations for Nepal, but several are recommended: tetanus, typhoid, hepatitis A, and diphtheria. Depending on your travel history, your doctor may also suggest hepatitis B, cholera, rabies, Japanese encephalitis, or tuberculosis.
• A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required if you are travelling from or transiting through a yellow-fever area.
• Some travellers may also need proof of a polio vaccination.
• Malaria risk in Nepal is negligible in the trekking regions, so tablets are not normally required.
• Dengue fever and chikungunya are present at lower altitudes — protect against mosquito bites with repellent.
• Cold, dry air at altitude can cause the so-called “Khumbu cough” — wearing a buff or scarf helps filter the air and protect your lungs.
Please consult your GP or a travel clinic at least 6–8 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Flights in Nepal
Most Lukla flights operate via Ramechhap Airport (Manthali), about 4–5 hours by road from Kathmandu. This arrangement was introduced due to congestion at Kathmandu’s airport. Mountain flying is highly weather-dependent, and delays or cancellations are common. Nepalese carriers do not operate to EU safety standards, and all remain on the EU’s banned list. While flights are operated by experienced mountain pilots, this risk should be carefully considered. If flights are delayed, extra nights and transfers are organised locally — patience is part of the Himalayan adventure.
Luggage & porterage
Porters will carry up to 10–12 kg per trekker. Keep baggage light and within limits to protect porter welfare. A duffle bag is usually provided. You carry your own daypack (approx. 5–7 kg) with water, warm clothing, camera, and personal items. Excess luggage can be stored at your Kathmandu hotel.
Guides & tipping
You’ll trek with an experienced English-speaking guide and a team of porters. Tipping is customary and a key part of Nepalese trekking culture. As a guideline, US$10–15 per trekker per day, shared among the team, is appropriate. The exact amount is at your discretion and should reflect service received.
Responsible travel
Please respect Sherpa culture and mountain traditions. Dress modestly near monasteries, ask permission before photographing people, and avoid single-use plastics. Carry a reusable bottle, use boiled or filtered water, and consider buying local snacks and handicrafts to support village economies.
Weather & trekking seasons
Conditions vary by season:
• Autumn (Sept–Nov): Clear skies, mild days, cold nights; the most popular season for trekking.
• Winter (Dec–Feb): Very cold nights (down to -20°C at altitude) but quiet trails and crisp views.
• Spring (Mar–May): Warmer days with blooming rhododendrons; afternoons may be hazy.
Snow is possible at any time, and weather in the Himalaya is always changeable — pack for all conditions.
Passport & visa
A valid passport with at least 6 months’ validity is required. Tourist visas for Nepal can be obtained on arrival at Kathmandu Airport (15, 30, or 90 days) or in advance from a Nepalese embassy. The on-arrival process involves filling out a form (online in advance or at an airport kiosk), paying the fee in cash (USD preferred), and presenting your documents at immigration. Supporting documents (flights, hotels) will be sent 4–6 weeks prior to departure to assist your application.
Insurance
Comprehensive insurance is mandatory and must cover trekking up to 6,000 m, emergency medical expenses, helicopter evacuation, and repatriation. Proof of insurance may be required before departure.
Group size
This trek operates with a minimum of 2 participants and a maximum of 20, offering both companionship and flexibility on the trail.
Money
Bring enough Nepalese rupees in cash for incidental expenses such as hot showers, charging devices, bottled drinks, and snacks. ATMs are available in Kathmandu and Namche Bazaar but are not always reliable. Foreign currency is not accepted in lodges.
Mobility
This trek is not suitable for wheelchair users or travellers with reduced mobility due to steep, uneven trails and high altitudes.
Cancellation policy
Once booked, this trek cannot be cancelled or modified. We strongly recommend insurance that covers cancellation, delays, and emergencies.
Rating: 5 / 5 sunil l Mon, 25 Jan, 16
everest Base Camp !!!
An amazing trip, superb service from the outset, myself and my 15yr old son embarked on this trip with some trepidation. It was well organised and our guide and the manager were excellent. The itinerary was set out in a manner so as to allow acclimatisation and rest thereby enabling completion without exhaustion. We started the trek with our guide as an acquaintance but finished as part of the Lumle family. Well worth going and a great company to go with!!!!
Visited April 2012
Rating: 5 / 5 Gen186338 Mon, 25 Jan, 16
Base camp Everest
I had an exceptional holiday and I am glad to have chosen Lumle Holidays Company. Although they’re a small travel company, they will give you the personal assistance at a very reasonable price, which big companies cannot give. They will take care of you from the moment they meet you to the moment you go home. I cannot thank enough Narayan, Narendra and all Nepali staff for their excellent service.
Visited February 2013
Rating: 5 / 5 SWales-sandy Mon, 25 Jan, 16
Everest Base Camp Trek
Lumle Holidays were cheaper than their competitors, which left us a little suspicious. There proved to be nothing to worry about and Lumle provided an excellent service right from the start and to he very end. Nothing was too much trouble for any of their staff. I wouldn’t hesitate to use them again.
Visited April 2012
Rating: 5 / 5 Stephen Sat, 30 Jan, 16
Everest Base Camp Trek with Lumle Holidays
I was a little concerned initially because I couldn’t find any reviews for Lumle Holidays and they were a lot cheaper compared with other companies, but thought I would take a chance.
We did book flights independently but the service was offered by Lumle. We arrived at Kathmandu and was met with a car to take us to the hotel that was outside the main tourist area, it was basic but clean, staff friendly and the area was fine. The Kathmandu city tour was excellent (although we had to pay our own entrance fees) and the guide very informative.
Then the flight to the mountains with our guide Herka (not sure of the spelling). His English was not brilliant but he taught us some Nepalese and we got along great. The trek, scenery; experience was out of this world and can’t really fault it. The tea houses that we stopped at were basic but that added to the experience. The guides also act as waiters when you stop and do help with basically anything. The porter we had was brilliant, how he carried all the bags up the mountains I don’t know.
All in all an excellent trip that I would recommend to anybody. We will be visiting the region again in the future and intend to use Lumle Holidays and hopefully Herka as a guide again.
Visited in 2012
Rating: 5 / 5 tapefinder Sat, 30 Jan, 16
Everest Base Camp Trek
What a fantastic trip, a big thank you to all the staff at Lumle Holidays for their dedication and providing us with an excellent holiday. From the very start when we made the initial inquiry to the flight back home, everything went smoothly. Everyone was extremely friendly and helpful at all times. When we made the initial enquiry with Lumle we were a little suspicious because their price was far cheaper than other companies. However, this proved to be nothing to worry about because the service we received was second to none at a very good price. Thanks to Narayan for the excellent booking service and a big thank you to Narendra and his team for all their efforts in making us feel very welcome in Nepal.
Steve & Tracey Davies, United Kingdom
Rating: 5 / 5 Martin Thu, 2 Jun, 16
Amazing experience
had an amazing time, great porters and great guides which helped with the whole experience! Some
Of the best views you will ever see in the world well recommended
Visited in May 2016
Rating: 5 / 5 Chris Thu, 2 Jun, 16
excellent trek
Beautiful country, fantastic people and an excellent trek !!
Visited in May 2016
Rating: 5 / 5 Roger Picknett Thu, 2 Jun, 16
Everest base camp trek
Fantastic – Well organised, Fantastic friendly people & an all round superb trekking experience !
Visited in May 2016