14 Day Trekking to Everest Base Camp
This tour is fully escorted by a dedicated tour leader who will accompany you throughout the tour. If your tour includes multiple countries, you will be met by a new tour leader in each country and any internal flights included will be unescorted.
This tour is categorised as 5 out of 5
Challenging hikes and unforgettable experiences: Embark on a physically demanding adventure with hikes and activities designed for experienced and fit travellers. A medical declaration may be required.
As a general requirement across all of our trips, you may be required to walk up and down stairs, get on and off transportation, handle your own luggage, and participate in all scheduled sightseeing that may be conducted on uneven ground and terrain. Any physical ailments you may have must be disclosed at the time of booking to determine your suitability and where required, supporting documentation may be requested to ensure that we are comfortable that you will enjoy your trip.
Experience a superior level of comfort. Our Small Group tours have been crafted for Inspiring Vacations travellers exclusively, with personal and unique experiences in mind. Travel with no more than 26 people, allowing for a more personalised and immersive experience. Please see the Important Information on your selected tour for the exact group size.
✓ Incredible 12 days of trekking from Lukla through to Everest Base Camp
✓ 2 nights in a 3-star hotel in Kathmandu
✓ 11 nights in guesthouses/teahouses in the Everest Region
✓ 13 breakfasts, 11 lunches & 12 dinners
✓ Airport transfers included on the first and last day of your tour
✓ Experienced, first-aid trained, government licensed, English-speaking trekking guide
✓ Permits for Sagarmatha/Everest National Park and TIMS (Trekkers’ Information Management System)
✓ Porterage during the trek
✓ Round-trip flight between Kathmandu/Manthali and Lukla
✈ Needing international airfares to accompany your Inspiring Vacation? You will be able to access our flight portal after securing your package to add international airfares to your booking.
Travel with the experts for a carefully curated, value-packed discovery of the world's most iconic destinations. Our tours are bursting with must-see sights, rich experiences and quality inclusions, all at an unbeatable price. Bucket list dreams are ticked off on these all-encompassing journeys.
On arrival into Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM), you will be met by a local representative and transferred to the hotel.
There will be a pre-trek meeting conducted at 4pm with a Trekking Guide who will be able to assist you with any queries about trekking in the mountains.
It is recommended you prepare your luggage for the trek this afternoon/evening.
Arrival airport transfers are included as part of your package. You will be met upon arrival at the airport and transferred to your hotel.
If Inspiring Vacations has not provided your international airfares, please ensure you provide your flight details via your Traveller Hub portal no later than 90 days prior to travel so that your transfers can be confirmed.
Please note: if you are arriving early and have made your own arrangements prior to your tour commencing, airport transfers will not be included. However, if you are purchasing pre-nights accommodation as part of your Inspiring Vacations package, airport transfers will still be provided to the starting hotel.
Rise early this morning (5:30am), as you will be transferred to the local domestic airport for your included flight to Lukla.
Please note: as dictated by the airlines, flights may depart from Manthali Airport and require a 5-6 hour drive from Kathmandu to coordinate with a flight to Lukla. Trekkers will not be made aware of this arrangement until the pre-trek meeting on day 1.
On arrival into Lukla, enjoy an included breakfast before setting out to Phakding.
The trail is straightforward today - follow the Dudh Koshi River downhill until you connect with the trail to Namche Bazaar. You will have time to sit, rest and take in the beautiful scenery en route to Ghat and Phadking.
Max. altitude: 2,840m - 9,317ft
Trekking duration: 3 - 4 hours
After breakfast, continue to follow the Dudh Koshi River, crossing numerous suspension bridges along the way. Ensure you stop, breathe in the fresh air, greet passersby and enjoy the journey - you will have time!
Along the way, the trek will take you into Sagarmatha National Park where a permit verification checkpoint will take place.
From here, the trail ascends to give trekkers a greater perspective of the majestic Himalayas, splashing glacial rivers, multi-coloured prayer flags and sacred mani stones.
Arrive in the Sherpa town of Namche Bazaar where you have 2 nights to enjoy the scenery and acclimatise.
Max. altitude: 3,440m - 11,286ft
Trekking duration: 5 - 6 hours
Today is all about acclimatising. There will be numerous short hikes to higher elevations that will be done today.
Aside from these shorter hikes, there will be a visit to the Sherpa Cultural Museum where you can learn about their history, culture and the Sherpa community.
Returning back to Namche Bazaar, hike to the Syangboche Airport - the highest airport in Nepal and Hotel Everest View - the highest hotel on the planet.
Here, you will experience one of the greatest vistas in the Everest Region; Mount Everest, Ama Dablam, Lhotse, Nuptse and other peaks.
Max. altitude: 3,440m - 11,286ft
Trekking duration: 4 - 5 hours
Today, the trail becomes more rocky and undulating.
The Dudh Koshi River will continue to guide the way as the surrounding peaks tower over the waterway, en route to Phungi Thenga and through the lovely rhododendron forest.
Arriving into Tengboche, you will be met with stunning views of Mount Everest, Ama Dablam, Lhotse and Nuptse above you, and the lush rhododendron forest, glaciers and rivers below you.
After checking into your guesthouse, visit the Tengboche Monastery and observe Lamas performing a prayer ceremony (may occur in the morning of the following day).
Max. altitude: 3,860m - 12,664ft
Trekking duration: 5 - 6 hours
Today, trek through the alpine forest as the trail crosses Imja Khola via a suspension bridge. Imja Khola is a tributary of the Dudh Koshi River that drains the slopes of Mount Everest.
As the trail nears Dingboche, there will be the reward of a captivating view of Ama Dablam.
Leaving the village of Pangboche, the trail will venture through the Imja Valley before climbing towards the overnight location in Dingboche.
Max. altitude: 4,410m - 14,486ft
Trekking duration: 5 - 6 hours
Today is an acclimatisation day.
Ama Dablam is one of the most imposing peaks in the Himalayas - it stands at 6,812m (22,349ft) and rises obnoxiously from its neighbours with its iconic peak. An acclimatisation hike will take place today to Nangkartshang Peak which will give you an awe-inspiring view on Ama Dablam.
Return to Dingboche where the remainder of the day is at your disposal.
Max. altitude: 5,083m - 16,676ft
Trekking duration: 5 - 6 hours
Today is spent trekking towards Lobuche.
The trail will climb towards Thukla where you will be greeted with views of Taboche and Cholatse, before passing through the lateral moraine of the Khumbu Glacier.
The stone memorials you will pass today have been constructed in the memory of the departed souls of climbers, which are adorned by colourful prayer flags.
Upon arrival in Lobuche, the massive mountain vistas of Nuptse, Lochue and Pumori will be available at your viewing pleasure.
Max. altitude: 4,910m - 16,108ft
Trekking duration: 5 - 6 hours
Today will mark the focal point of your trek - reaching Everest Base Camp (EBC).
After breakfast, depart Lobuche following the Khumbu Glacier whilst enjoying the magnificent view of Nuptse on your right.
Arrive into Gorak Shep where you will rest, leave any unneeded items for the hike to Everest Base Camp. En route, you may pass by expedition teams and climbers during climbing season (April-May and September-early November).
Be sure to stop and take in the mammoth size of the Khumbu Glacier and Khumbu Icefall as you get closer to Everest Base Camp.
On arrival into EBC, take some time to marvel at your achievement, take some photos, catch your breath and just take in your location - you will probably never be closer to the top of the world.
Return to Gorak Shep where we overnight.
Max. altitude: 5,364m - 17,598ft
Trekking duration: 8 - 9 hours
Today we reach the highest point of elevation on this Everest Base Camp trek - Kala Patthar.
Rise early to catch the sunrise on the Himalayas.
Ascend toward Kala Patthar where there will be time for a break and the group to share some congratulations on reaching the altitude of 5,555m. This village is the perfect vantage point for the incredible views of Lhotse, Nuptse, Pumori and Mount Everest.
From here, it is a descent of over 1,000m as the trail heads towards Pheriche.
Arrive into Pheriche where you will spend tonight.
Max. altitude: 5,555m - 18,225ft
Trekking duration: 7 - 8 hours
After breakfast, commence today’s trek toward Namche Bazaar - following the path you have already taken.
Pass through Pangboche and Tengboche village where you can stop for a breather, before entering into the forest prior to arriving into Namche Bazaar.
Spend the night here and recap as tomorrow is the final trekking day.
Max. altitude: 3,440m - 11,286ft
Trekking duration: 7 - 8 hours
Your trekking adventure concludes today as Lukla is your final stop.
Depart Namche Bazaar after breakfast and a walk around the village and take in the sights of the Himalayas as you may not return to this part of the world again.
Max. altitude: 2,840m - 9,317ft
Trekking duration: 7 - 8 hours
Today you return to Kathmandu.
The flight from Lukla is approximately 35 minutes.
Please note: as dictated by the airlines, flights may arrive at Manthali Airport and require a 5-6 hour drive to Kathmandu.
On arrival into Kathmandu, you will be transferred to your hotel where you will have time to freshen up prior to your farewell dinner.
At an appropriate time, you will be transferred to Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM) in time for your departure.
Departure transfers are included as part of your package. You will be collected from your hotel at the appropriate time and transferred to the airport to meet your flight.
If Inspiring Vacations has not provided your international airfares, please ensure you provide your flight details via your Traveller Hub portal no later than 90 days prior to travel so that your transfers can be confirmed.
This is a land only package.
This package does not include international airfares. If you would like to add airfares to your booking our flight portal will be available via your Traveller Hub. The flight portal will allow you to search for all available airfares to your destination. The function works like most general flight search engines allowing you to select your preferred airline, book different cabin classes (eg. Business class) and view flight durations and transit times to your destination.
The flight portal will be available via your Traveller Hub once the following criteria has been met:
Visit our Flight Hub for more information on terms and conditions, amending your flights and information on luggage allowances.
Some of our packages will include airport transfers in either one or both directions when arriving or departing from your destination. To know if transfers are included please view the ‘inclusions’ section of your selected package. If airport transfers are stated, transfers will be included as advised.
If transfers are not included, we also offer the option to book your airport transfers using our online portal. Access to this portal is available through your Traveller Hub once your booking is confirmed. Transfers are readily available and do not need to be booked until your final hotel list has been confirmed. Once you have made a transfer booking, please refer to your confirmation email for all transfer details including a local contact number for the transfer company.
If you book pre and/or post-tour accommodation on your own arrangement, and the tour includes transfers, note that these will be forfeited. The transfers are only provided in line with the tour dates and pre and/or post-tour accommodation purchased through Inspiring Vacations when available.
It is the traveller's responsibility to ensure they have a valid passport. The passport must be valid for a minimum of six months from the intended date of return. Visas may be required for your destination. For further visa information, click here.
Fitness Requirements
While the tour itinerary should give you some guidance and overview to the expected requirements, to determine if this tour is right for you we categorise each of our tours in terms of their intensity. These guidelines are to ensure that each tour group is conducted as expected and to ensure the overall satisfaction of all Inspiring Vacations customers.
As a general rule, porterage is not included, therefore at all times you are expected to handle your own luggage where help may not be available.
This particular tour is categorised as a ‘5’ - our highest phyical rating.
This trek is graded as a tough trek with high-altitude trekking - altitude of 5,500m/18,044ft. You must have a good level of fitness for this trek and be willing to push through the challenging trails in high-altitude regions. Previous trekking experience is recommended.
Tipping
A friendly reminder that tipping is not included in your package. Tipping is not compulsory on your trip, but they can make a big difference to locals employed in the tourism industry. If you feel that your guide and driver have done an impeccable job, you can choose to give a gratuity, but this is entirely your decision.
Accommodation
The accommodation listed is subject to change. Any changes will be of an equal or higher standard. Bedding configurations (double or twin) are requests only. All efforts will be made to meet your preferences, however, any changes are beyond our control.
Single Supplement
Single supplement is $445.00 per person, in addition to the twin-share price.
Triple Share
Not available.
Travel Insurance
Due to the nature of this trip, travel insurance is a requirement and an appropriate level of insurance cover suitable to your individual needs must be obtained prior to departure.
Group Size
Minimum: 2
Maximum: 14
Age Restrictions
The minimum suggested age to participate in this trek is 8 years old. Any child under the age of 18 must be accommpanied by a legal age parent or guardian and share a room with them at all times.
Tour Style
To meet the needs of various types of travelers, we choose to operate various types of tours, and depending on your selected package will mean different services are provided throughout your trip. The following descriptions of each tour style we hope will ensure that each traveller has appropriate expectations before they start their travels:
Lukla Flight Information
We would like to inform you regarding the Lukla flight details which may affect your itinerary. During peak seasons, (including March, April, May, October and November) the flight to Lukla may be operated from Ramechhap/Manthali due to air traffic expansion, which is about a 5 to 6-hour drive from Kathmandu. Whereas, during nonpeak seasons, (including January, February, June, July, August, September and December) the flight is operated from Kathmandu.
Please be aware that the decision regarding the operation of flights solely depends on the airline and is influenced by the volume of travelers during the specific month.
Unpleasant weather conditions, congested traffic in the airport, unmanaged runway, topographical difficulties, etc. are the significant reasons for Lukla flight delay/cancellation. Therefore, if you intend on trekking in the land of Everest region, arranging additional one or two days in your trip is highly preferable. This will help in case of flight delay/cancellation and thus board on the pre-planned international flight.
Participation Agreement
On arrival, our local travel partner will provide you with a "Participation Agreement" waiver form that you are required to complete and return to them. You will be required to provide your travel insurance and emergency contact information, so please ensure you are travelling with these details.
Altitiude Sickness
At Inspiring Vacations, your safety and well-being are our top priorities during high altitude travel. Before embarking on your journey, we recommend consulting your healthcare provider, especially if you have underlying medical conditions. Our leaders and crew are extensively trained to recognize and manage altitude-related risks, such as acute mountain sickness (AMS), high altitude pulmonary edema (HAPE), and high altitude cerebral edema (HACE). During the trip, we emphasise gradual ascent and rest days for acclimatisation. Our leaders continuously monitor for altitude sickness symptoms and are prepared with emergency protocols. Your pre-trip information includes details about altitude risks and how to recognize symptoms, ensuring a safe and enjoyable high altitude experience with Inspiring Vacations.
All participants must be in good physical condition to fully engage in this journey. For the safety and welfare of yourself and fellow travellers, if you are feeling unwell prior to departure, we advise staying home and contacting us to arrange alternate plans.
Prior to selecting your trip, carefully review the itinerary to assess your ability to comfortably manage our travel style. Please be aware that if, based on evaluation by our leader or local representative, a participant is deemed unable to safely complete the itinerary, we retain the right to exclude them from all or part of the trip without reimbursement.
It is advisable to consult your physician for current medical travel advisories and any required vaccinations before embarking. We recommend carrying a first aid kit and any necessary medications in their original packaging, as they may not be readily available during travel. For those carrying medication, it's essential to check your government's foreign travel guidelines for local restrictions or regulations.
Beyond your standard travel items, please find below a list of items we believe that are necessary (not mandatory) to make your time in Nepal more comfortable. Please take into consideration that you will be at a higher altitude for most of the duration of this trek, the sun will be strong yet the weather cool:
You will be given a duffel bag (75L) and trekking cap during the pre-trip meeting in Kathmandu (held at 4pm on day 1 of the itinerary). The duffel bag will be used to pack your trekking supplies. This duffel bag should not exceed a weight of 10kg/22lbs - this will be carried by your porter throughout the trek.
Your personal items will be carried by yourself in your own daypack.
Excess luggage (non-trekking items) can be securely stored at the accommodation in Kathmandu.
Total luggage allowance for the internal flight to Luka is 15kg/33lbs - this is a combined weight of your duffel (10kg/22lbs) and personal daypack (5kg/11lbs).
Note: Some clothing, especially form-fitting, figure-hugging items made of elastic material (like yoga pants), may offend locals. Therefore, if you choose to wear these clothes for comfort, please make sure to wear something over them.
You can enhance your holiday by arriving or departing before or after the tour. On this tour you can choose from the following options:
Pre Tour Accommodation
Post Tour Accommodation
Please select the number of extra nights required in the 'Additional Nights Accommodation' field when making your purchase. The additional cost for these arrangements will be added to your final payment invoice and are subject to availability.
14 Sep 2020
Looking for inspiration? Here are some of the most popular teahouse trekking routes in Nepal Everest Base Camp As the world’s tallest mountain, Everest has a cachet no other peak can match. Unsurprisingly the trek up to Everest Base Camp is Nepal’s most popular trekking route; deservedly so as it not only offers the op...
14 Sep 2020
From thermals, to accessories and the all-important hiking boots, here’s everything you need to pack for Everest base camp Long before Sir Edmund Hillary and Sherpa Tenzing Norgay successfully summited Mount Everest, people were fascinated by the 8,848 m giant. The mountain gained global attention in the 19th-century a...
14 Sep 2020
Yak herder Dorjee Tsering and Yak knitwear maker Julian Wilson give us the lowdown on these Himalayas animals Yaks are bovines – part of the cattle family – and are native to the Himalayas. They only live at high altitudes and provide wool and milk for local herders. They are also used as plough animals or load carrier...
14 Sep 2020
Nepal is a religious place - from Buddhism to Hinduism to now Communism, we look at how the country’s religions have evolved Hinduism and the early years (2000 BCE) Hinduism was thought to have originated around 4,000 years ago in India’s Indus Valley. From there it gradually spread across the south Asian continent to...
14 Sep 2020
Everest base camp is one of the most popular treks in the world, but a successful trip requires preparation before you leave home Preparing for an adventure like Everest Base Camp can seem daunting. For first time trekkers, there are many things to consider, from packing and fitness to health and equipment. But base ca...
14 Sep 2020
Nepal is more than a trekker's paradise; it's a feast for travellers seeking dramatic scenery, charming locals and jungle adventures. But, when is the best time to go? Many people flock to Nepal to tackle some of the best mountain trails in the world. Trekking to Everest Base Camp or conquering the Annapurna Circuit i...
{{details.header}}
Australia
United States
Canada
India
