The Everest Base Camp Trek is a 15-day, 130-kilometer round trip from Lukla to the south face of Mount Everest at 5,364 meters. The route passes through Sagarmatha National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, climbing from Lukla (2,840m) through Namche Bazaar, Tengboche, Dingboche, and Lobuche before reaching Gorak Shep and the base camp itself.
The highest point on the trek is Kala Patthar at 5,545 meters, not the base camp. Most trekkers wake before dawn to climb Kala Patthar for sunrise over Everest. From the summit you see the Khumbu Icefall, the Western Cwm, and the south face of Everest flanked by Lhotse (8,516m) and Nuptse (7,861m). On a clear morning, Cho Oyu, Pumori, and Makalu are visible as well.
The trail follows the Dudh Koshi valley through rhododendron and juniper forests before opening into alpine terrain above Pangboche (3,985m). Teahouses along the route provide meals, hot drinks, and shared or private rooms every one to two hours of walking. The standard itinerary includes two acclimatization days: one in Namche Bazaar (3,440m) with an optional hike to Everest View Hotel, and one in Dingboche (4,410m) with a side trip toward Nangkartshang Peak.
Two permits are required for 2026: the Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit (NPR 3,000 for foreign nationals) and the Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Permit (NPR 3,000). Both are included in your trek cost. TIMS cards are no longer required for the Everest region.
Mountain Hawk Trek runs several routes in the Everest region beyond the standard base camp itinerary. For a shorter, easier option, the Everest View Trek reaches 3,880m in 9 days without going above Tengboche. For a more demanding route, the Everest Three Passes Trek crosses Kongma La, Cho La, and Renjo La over 22 days. Trekkers who want to combine base camp with Gokyo Lakes can take the Gokyo Cho La Pass Trek Via EBC, a 19-day circuit that adds Cho La Pass (5,420m) and Gokyo Ri (5,357m) to the standard route.
Those who prefer lodge comfort can book the Everest Base Camp Luxury Trek, which follows the same route in 13 days with upgraded accommodation, private rooms, and hot showers. To walk the original 1953 Hillary route from the roadhead instead of flying to Lukla, the Jiri to Everest Base Camp Trek adds seven extra days through the Solu region before joining the standard trail at Namche Bazaar.
