Everest Base Camp & Namche Bazaar: Trek from Kathmandu

Summary

Trekking the Khumbu: Sherpa Culture & Mountain Trails

You’ll trek from Kathmandu through Sherpa villages like Namche Bazaar, cross high valleys with local guides, share meals in mountain guesthouses, and stand quietly at Everest Base Camp itself. Expect laughter around stoves, Himalayan sunrises, and moments of real connection you’ll remember long after you’re home.

What’s the experience like?

What’s it really like to stand at the bottom of Everest? I kept asking myself that on the flight from Kathmandu to Lukla — which is honestly a bit of an adventure in itself. Our guide, Pemba, met us with this easy smile and a thermos of sweet tea. The air felt sharper right away, almost metallic, and I could smell woodsmoke drifting up from the little houses as we started walking towards Phakding. It’s funny how quickly you get used to the rhythm of your boots crunching on stone and the sound of distant yak bells — or maybe that’s just me.

Namche Bazaar was louder than I expected — not noisy exactly, but full of voices and color. We stopped for momos at a tiny place where the owner laughed at my attempt to order in Nepali (I think I asked for “ten mountains” instead of dumplings). There were trekkers everywhere, but also kids running between shops and old men sipping tea outside. The next morning was clear and cold; you could see Ama Dablam shining above everything else. Pemba pointed out all the peaks by name — he seemed to know every ridge like an old friend.

The higher we climbed toward Tengboche and Dingboche, the quieter it got. Sometimes you’d walk for an hour hearing nothing but wind and your own breath. At night in those guesthouses, everyone huddled around a stove trading stories or just staring into their mugs. One evening I tried yak butter tea (not for everyone) and watched snow start falling outside — soft at first, then thick enough that it muffled even our laughter. It’s strange how quickly strangers become friends up there.

Reaching Everest Base Camp didn’t feel triumphant so much as surreal. There were prayer flags flapping wild in the wind and this hush over everyone — even people who’d been chatting nonstop just stood there looking up at the mountain. On the way back down through Gorakshep and Pheriche, my legs were tired but my head felt clearer than it had in years. I still think about that view from Kalapatthar when I can’t sleep sometimes — all those peaks turning gold in the early light.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Arrive in Kathmandu

• Airport pickup and transfer to hotel

Day 2 — Fly to Lukla and Trek to Phakding

• Flight to Lukla and trek to Phakding

Day 3 — Trek to Namche Bazaar

• Hike through forests and villages to Namche Bazaar

Day 4 — Acclimatization in Namche Bazaar

• Hiking and visit to Khumjung village school

Day 5 — Trek from Namche to Tengboche

• Hike to Tengboche with mountain views

Day 6 — Trek from Tengboche to Dingboche

• Trail through alpine meadows to Dingboche

Day 7 — Acclimatization in Dingboche

• Climb Chhukung Ri or hike around Chhukung village

Day 8 — Trek to Lobuche

• Hike across valleys and yak fields to Lobuche

Day 9 — Trek to Everest Base Camp and back

• Hike to Everest Base Camp and return to Gorakshep

Day 10 — Gorakshep to Pheriche via Kalapatthar

• Walk to Kalapatthar and visit H.M.A.R. hospital

Day 11 — Trek back to Namche Bazaar

• Return hike through villages to Namche Bazaar

Day 12 — Trek to Lukla

• Hike back to Lukla

Day 13 — Fly to Kathmandu

• Flight from Lukla to Kathmandu

Day 14 — Departure from Kathmandu

• Transfer to international airport

Top questions

How long does the Everest Base Camp trek take?

The trek takes 14 days including arrival and departure days from Kathmandu.

Is there a guide included on this trek?

Yes, an English-speaking trekking guide with over 10 years’ experience is included.

Are flights between Kathmandu and Lukla part of the package?

Yes, round-trip flights between Kathmandu (or Manthali) and Lukla are included.

Where do trekkers stay during the trip?

You’ll stay in guesthouses along the route plus two nights in a 3-star hotel in Kathmandu.

Is food included on this Everest Base Camp trek?

The description doesn’t specify meals are included; check with your tour provider for details.

Do I need permits for Sagarmatha National Park?

All necessary permits are arranged and included in your booking.

What is the highest point reached on this trek?

The highest point is Kalapatthar at 5,545 meters above sea level.

Can beginners join this trek?

A moderate level of physical fitness is required; not recommended for those with health issues or during pregnancy.

What’s included

Your trip includes airport pickup in Kathmandu, two nights in a comfortable city hotel before heading out with your local Sherpa guide (who knows these trails inside out), all necessary trekking permits for Sagarmatha National Park, round-trip flights between Kathmandu (or Manthali) and Lukla, plus a strong porter to help carry your bags along the way—so you can focus on each step toward Everest Base Camp without worrying about logistics.