The Complete 2026 Guide
EVEREST BASE CAMP TREK
The world’s most iconic trek — to the foot of the highest mountain on Earth (5,364m), through the heart of Sherpa country. This is the complete guide: itinerary, cost, difficulty, permits, and everything you need to stand at Base Camp in 2026.
Reviewed June 2026
The Essentials
EBC at a Glance
Everest Base Camp (5,364m) + Kala Patthar (5,545m)
12–14 days (trek), 16 with buffer
Strenuous (no technical climbing)
5,545m (Kala Patthar viewpoint)
Lukla (flight from Kathmandu/Ramechhap)
October–November, March–May
Sagarmatha National Park + Khumbu Rural Municipality
Teahouses throughout
Day by Day
The Full 14-Day Itinerary
Fly Kathmandu → Lukla (2,840m), trek to Phakding (2,610m)
3–4 hrs.
Phakding → Namche Bazaar (3,440m)
6 hrs.
Acclimatisation in Namche — hike to Everest View Hotel (3,880m)
Sleep low.
Namche → Tengboche (3,860m)
5 hrs. Famous monastery, Ama Dablam views.
Tengboche → Dingboche (4,410m)
5–6 hrs.
Acclimatisation in Dingboche — hike to Nangkartshang (5,083m)
Sleep low.
Dingboche → Lobuche (4,940m)
5 hrs. Past the Everest memorials.
Lobuche → Gorak Shep → Everest Base Camp (5,364m) → Gorak Shep
7–8 hrs.
Pre-dawn Kala Patthar (5,545m) for sunrise on Everest → descend to Pheriche (4,240m)
7 hrs.
Pheriche → Namche (3,440m)
6–7 hrs.
Namche → Lukla (2,840m)
7 hrs.
Fly Lukla → Kathmandu
Buffer days for weather delays + Kathmandu
Link to our day-by-day deep dive: /blog/everest-base-camp-itinerary-2026
Budget
How Much Does EBC Cost?
Includes guide, permits, teahouses, Lukla flight. Excludes international flights, visa, insurance, tips, gear.
Full breakdownThe Real Challenge
How Hard Is EBC?
It's a trek, not a climb
No ropes, no technical skill. If you can walk 5–7 hours a day for two weeks, you can physically do it.
Altitude is the real challenge
At 5,545m the air has roughly half the oxygen of sea level. Proper acclimatisation (the two rest days) matters more than fitness.
Paperwork
Permits You Need
Your agency arranges these for you before you set out.
All Nepal permitsWhen to Go
Best Time to Trek EBC
Autumn (Oct–Nov)
Best — clear, stable, the prime window. Busy.
Spring (Mar–May)
Excellent — warmer, climbing season, occasional afternoon cloud.
Winter (Dec–Feb)
Very cold (-20°C nights), clear, quiet — for the hardy.
Monsoon (Jun–Aug)
Not recommended — cloud, rain, frequent flight cancellations.
Gear
What to Pack
The essentials for EBC: a warm down jacket, a -20°C sleeping bag, a layering system (base, mid, shell), broken-in waterproof boots, and serious sun protection for the high-altitude glare. Pack light — porters and weight limits apply.
Full packing listThe Gateway
The Lukla Flight
The 30-minute flight to Lukla’s Tenzing-Hillary Airport is thrilling and weather-dependent. In peak season flights often shift to Ramechhap (a 4–5 hr drive from Kathmandu). Flights cancel for weather — always build 1–2 buffer days before your international departure. Helicopter transfers are a costly backup.
Common Questions
Everest Base Camp Trek FAQ
How long is the Everest Base Camp trek?
The standard EBC trek is 12–14 days round trip from Lukla, including two essential acclimatisation days. We recommend adding 1–2 buffer days for possible Lukla flight delays, making 14–16 days the safe total to plan.
How much does the Everest Base Camp trek cost?
A budget EBC trek costs $1,200–1,700 per person (in a 2-person group), including the Lukla flight, permits, guide, and teahouse accommodation. Comfort-level trips run $2,000–3,200. International flights, visa, insurance, and tips are extra.
How difficult is the Everest Base Camp trek?
EBC is strenuous but non-technical — no climbing skills or equipment needed. The main challenge is altitude (up to 5,545m at Kala Patthar), not technical difficulty. Anyone reasonably fit who trains for 8–12 weeks and acclimatises properly can complete it.
What is the best time to trek to Everest Base Camp?
October–November (autumn) is the best season — clear skies, stable weather, and the finest views. March–May (spring) is the second-best window. Avoid the monsoon (June–August), when cloud and frequent Lukla flight cancellations disrupt the trek.
Do I need a guide for the Everest Base Camp trek?
Yes — a licensed guide is required in the Khumbu, and strongly recommended for safety regardless. A guide manages permits, recognises altitude sickness, navigates, and handles teahouse logistics. Most serious incidents on EBC involve unguided trekkers who ascended too fast or missed AMS symptoms.
Can you see Mount Everest from Everest Base Camp?
Surprisingly, Everest's summit is largely hidden by surrounding peaks (Nuptse, Lhotse) from Base Camp itself — the view there is of the Khumbu Icefall. The classic Everest view comes from Kala Patthar (5,545m), climbed at dawn on the trek, which offers the iconic panorama of Everest's summit pyramid.
Ready for Everest Base Camp?
We’ve guided hundreds of trekkers to EBC since 1998, with NMA-certified Sherpa and local guides. Let’s plan yours.