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Travel Himalaya Nepal
Everest Base Camp trek through the Khumbu Valley, Nepal

The World's Highest Trek

Everest Region
Travel Guide

8 RoutesSagarmatha NP9 to 21 daysMax 5,545mBest: Oct–Nov & Apr–May

Why Everest

8,848m — The Peak That Defines Himalayan Adventure

Sagarmatha National Park — a UNESCO World Heritage Site — protects 1,148 km² of the Khumbu Valley. Home to the world's highest mountain and three more 8,000m giants (Lhotse, Makalu, Cho Oyu), this is the most iconic trekking destination on earth. Every year, over 40,000 trekkers make the journey to Everest Base Camp at 5,364m.

The classic EBC trek takes 12–14 days from Lukla, passing through Namche Bazaar — the Sherpa capital — and Tengboche Monastery before climbing the Khumbu Glacier moraine to Base Camp. The high point for most trekkers is Kala Patthar (5,545m), which offers the best ground-level view of Everest anywhere on the planet.

The Khumbu Valley is as culturally rich as it is dramatically beautiful. Sherpa villages, ancient gompas, and colourful prayer flags mark every ridge. The people here have been living at altitude for centuries — their knowledge of the mountain is unmatched.

National ParkSagarmatha (UNESCO)
Annual trekkers40,000+
Highest viewpointKala Patthar — 5,545m
EBC altitude5,364m
Start pointLukla — 2,840m
Shortest trek9 days (Panorama)
Longest trek21 days (Jiri–EBC)
Permit requiredSNPP + TIMS + KP fee

In-depth trek guides for the Everest Region

Go deeper on each trek in this region — itinerary, cost, difficulty and permits.

Interactive Topographic Map

Explore the Everest Region

Classic EBC route, Gokyo Lakes, Three Passes circuit, and Island Peak extension — all plotted on a live topographic map with village waypoints.

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Classic EBC Route Gokyo Lakes Route- - Three Passes Circuit- - Island Peak Extension

Complete Route Index

All 8 Everest Region Routes

From the classic EBC trek to the ambitious Three Passes Circuit — every itinerary can be customised for your fitness level and schedule.

14 days
Challenging
5,364m

Everest Base Camp Short Trek

From $980

12 days
Challenging
5,364m
18 days
Challenging
6,189m
12 days
Challenging
5,357m

Gokyo Ri & EBC via Cho La Pass

From $1,300

17 days
Challenging
5,420m
20 days
Challenging
5,535m
9 days
Moderate
3,880m
10 days
Challenging
4,600m

When to Go

Month-by-Month Conditions

The two prime seasons are October–November (post-monsoon, clearest skies) and April–May (spring, peak climbing season). Winters are cold but possible; monsoon months are not recommended.

Jan

Very cold, clear

CrowdsLow
SnowHeavy above 4,000m

Feb

Cold, improving

CrowdsLow
SnowAbove 4,500m

Mar

Good visibility

CrowdsMed
SnowMinimal

Apr

Peak spring

CrowdsPeak
SnowNone
Peak Season

May

Mild, some cloud

CrowdsHigh
SnowNone

Jun

Monsoon starts

CrowdsMinimal
SnowNone

Jul

Heavy monsoon

CrowdsMinimal
SnowNone

Aug

Full monsoon

CrowdsMinimal
SnowNone

Sep

Monsoon clears

CrowdsLow
SnowNone

Oct

Crystal clear

CrowdsPeak
SnowNone
Peak Season

Nov

Excellent, cold

CrowdsHigh
SnowAbove 5,000m
Peak Season

Dec

Cold & clear

CrowdsLow
SnowAbove 3,500m

The Route

Key Villages & Waypoints

Ordered by altitude — from Lukla to the highest points across all Everest region routes.

2.6
PhakdingFirst night camp — riverside lodge village
2,610m
2.8
LuklaFlight gateway — famous Tenzing-Hillary Airport
2,840m
3.4
Namche BazaarKhumbu hub — acclimatisation, market, gear shops
3,440m
3.9
TengbocheHighest monastery in Nepal — Everest view
3,867m
4.4
DingbocheAcclimatisation day hike to Chhukung Ri
4,410m
4.9
LobucheHigh camp — Khumbu Glacier moraine
4,940m
5.2
Gorak ShepLast lodge — jumping off point for EBC & Kala Patthar
5,164m
5.4
Gokyo RiAlternative viewpoint over Gokyo Lakes
5,357m
5.4
Renjo LaThird pass — stunning panorama of Everest & Gokyo
5,360m
5.4
EBCEverest Base Camp — Khumbu Icefall views
5,364m
5.4
Cho La PassTechnical high crossing — crampons recommended
5,420m
5.5
Kala PattharBest Everest viewpoint — sunrise essential
5,545m

Before You Go

Permits & Costs

Everest region requires three separate fees. If you book a guided package with us, we handle all paperwork — no queuing at government offices.

Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit

Obtained at: NTB office, Kathmandu or Monjo gate

NPR 3,000

~$22 USD approx.

Included in our packages

TIMS — Trekkers' Information Management System

Obtained at: TAAN office, Kathmandu or Lukla

NPR 2,000

~$15 USD approx.

Included in our packages

Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Fee

Obtained at: Collected at Lukla entry point

NPR 2,000

~$15 USD approx.

Included in our packages

Full step-by-step breakdown of every Everest permit, costs and where to get them.

Everest permit guide

Ready to Book?

Our Flagship Everest Treks

Two ready-to-book departures with confirmed dates, included permits, and Sherpa guides.

Logistics

Getting to Lukla & the Khumbu

Only access option

Kathmandu → Lukla by Air

30 minutes$170–220 return

Tara Air and Summit Air fly to Lukla's Tenzing-Hillary Airport — one of the most dramatic landings in the world. Flights depart early morning from Kathmandu. Fog and wind frequently cause delays; always build in a buffer day.

Peak season option

Kathmandu → Ramechhap → Lukla

5 hr drive + 20 min flight$120–160 return

During peak season, many Lukla flights depart from Ramechhap Airport (4–5 hours from Kathmandu) to reduce congestion. We arrange the pre-dawn transfer and handle rebooking if weather causes cancellations.

Adventurous option

Jiri Route (Historic Trek)

8–10 days on footIncluded in our packages

The original EBC approach before Lukla airport opened. Starting from Jiri by bus (8 hrs from Kathmandu), you walk the old Hillary route through Solu Khumbu villages. Deeply rewarding but adds 8–10 days to the classic itinerary.

Reviewed June 2026 by the Travel Himalaya Nepal guide team.

On the Trail

See it in motion

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Ready to Trek Everest?

15+ Years of Himalayan Guiding

Our Sherpa guides grew up in the Khumbu. They know every teahouse, every weather window, and every shortcut. Zero fatalities across 5,000+ treks.