Everest Base Camp Trek — 15 Days

The 15-day Everest Base Camp Trek is our most popular Khumbu itinerary — one extra day over the classic 14-day schedule gives a full rest day at Namche Bazaar (3,440 m) for deep acclimatisation, Khumjung village exploration, and the Everest View Hotel viewpoint. That single additional day improves completion rates meaningfully and is the reason most experienced operators now favour a 15-day itinerary for first-time high-altitude trekkers.

The route is the definitive Everest experience: Lukla to Phakding through rhododendron forest, the suspension bridge crossings above the Dudh Kosi gorge, Namche's Saturday market, Tengboche Monastery beneath Ama Dablam, Dingboche's stone-walled fields, and the final moraines above Lobuche to Gorak Shep and EBC (5,364 m). The summit of Kala Patthar (5,545 m) at pre-dawn for the greatest Everest panorama on earth closes the outbound journey before the long descent to Lukla.

This itinerary suits trekkers who want the full Khumbu experience without the time pressure of the 14-day version. The Namche rest day includes an acclimatisation walk to the Everest View Hotel (3,880 m) — a steady 440 m gain followed by descent — which is the ideal preparation for the higher stages above.

The Acclimatisation Difference

Altitude sickness is the number one reason trekkers don't complete EBC. The 15-day schedule builds in acclimatisation at two key altitude bands: Namche (3,440 m, day 3–4) and Dingboche (4,410 m, day 8–9). Both follow the "climb high, sleep low" rule with dedicated excursions the morning after arrival. Our 15-day completion rate is 91% versus 84% for 14-day itineraries. The extra day is the single most cost-effective investment you can make in your trek.

Best seasons: October–November and March–May. Flights: Kathmandu–Lukla–Kathmandu included. Max altitude: Kala Patthar 5,545 m.