Everest Base Camp Trek: 13-Day Trek with Flights & Sherpa Culture

Summary

Crunching ice, prayer flags, laughter in Namche Bazaar, sunrise at Kala Patthar

You’ll feel every step as you hike from Lukla up through Namche Bazaar’s busy alleys and quiet mountain villages toward Everest Base Camp itself. Expect early-morning flights from Kathmandu, swinging bridges strung with prayer flags, warm meals in Sherpa teahouses, and sunrise views at Kala Patthar you’ll never forget.

What’s the experience like?

Boots crunching on frost — that’s the first thing I remember about the Everest Base Camp trek. The air in Lukla felt thin and sharp, even before we started walking. Our guide, Pemba, met us with a grin and a thermos of sweet tea. He checked our gear one last time (“No cotton socks!” he warned), then we set off past painted mani stones and kids waving from doorways. The first swing bridge bounced under us — I tried not to look down at the river but couldn’t help it. It’s louder than you’d think, that water.

I didn’t expect Namche Bazaar to be so lively. There were yaks blocking the alleys, women selling dried yak cheese (tastes like chewing on a rock), and trekkers haggling for knock-off jackets. Pemba took us to his cousin’s teahouse for dhal bhat — honestly, I still crave that lentil soup when it’s cold at home. We spent an extra day here to acclimatize; I just wandered around watching locals greet each other with a nod or a quick “Namaste.” The market was chaos but somehow everyone seemed to know where they were going.

The higher we climbed toward Tengboche and Dingboche, the quieter it got. Rhododendron petals underfoot, bells from distant monasteries drifting through foggy air. At Pangboche, an old monk let us peek inside the monastery — he laughed when I nearly tripped over my own boots trying to bow respectfully. Nights were cold enough to freeze your toothpaste solid; mornings smelled like wood smoke and instant coffee. On summit day to Kala Patthar, we left before dawn — headlamps bobbing in silence — and when the sun hit Everest’s face… well, I just stood there with my mouth open until my fingers went numb.

The way back down felt different — lighter maybe? Or maybe just grateful my lungs had survived it all. We crossed those same bridges again (they still swayed) and by the time we reached Lukla I almost didn’t want it to end. There’s something about sharing ginger tea with strangers who become friends after days on the trail — you know?

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Arrival and briefing in Kathmandu

• Arrive at Tribhuwan International Airport
• Complete customs formalities
• Transfer to hotel and refresh
• Attend trip briefing and equipment check
• Overnight stay in Kathmandu

Day 2 — Flight to Lukla and trek to Phakding

• Organize trekking equipment and pack bags
• Fly from Kathmandu to Lukla
• Meet trek members in Lukla
• Trek from Lukla to Phakding
• Overnight stay in Phakding

Day 3 — Trek to Namche Bazaar

• Trek along Dudh Koshi River to Monjo
• Pass suspension bridges and Benkar valley
• Reach Namche Bazaar via Jorsale and Larja Dobhan
• Overnight stay in Namche Bazaar

Day 4 — Rest day at Namche Bazaar

• Explore Namche Bazaar shops and market
• Visit Sherpa cultural museum
• Take early day hike to Everest View Hotel or nearby villages
• Overnight stay in Namche Bazaar

Day 5 — Trek to Tengboche

• Climb out of Namche Bazaar
• Trek through Kenjoma and Sanasa
• Cross Dudh Koshi River and climb to Tengboche
• Visit Tengboche monastery and surroundings
• Overnight stay in Tengboche

Day 6 — Trek to Dingboche

• Descend to Deboche village
• Cross suspension bridge over Imja River
• Pass Panchboche and upper Pangboche stupa
• Trek through alpine vegetation to Dingboche
• Overnight stay in Dingboche

Day 7 — Rest day in Dingboche

• Take short hikes to higher altitudes
• Visit Nangkartshang Gompa and valley
• Hike hill behind Dingboche for mountain views
• Overnight stay in Dingboche

Day 8 — Trek to Lobuche

• Ascend from Dingboche through grazing areas
• Pass chortens, Mani walls, and stupas
• Reach Dughla and Chukpo Lari memorial
• Descend to Lobuche
• Overnight stay in Lobuche

Day 9 — Trek to Gorakshep and Everest Base Camp

• Trek from Lobuche to Gorakshep
• Lunch and rest at Gorakshep
• Trek to Everest Base Camp and back
• Enjoy sunset at base camp
• Overnight stay in Gorakshep

Day 10 — Trek to Kala Patthar and Pheriche

• Early trek to Kala Patthar for sunrise views
• Return to Gorakshep for lunch
• Trek down to Pheriche
• Overnight stay in Pheriche

Day 11 — Trek back to Namche Bazaar

• Trek from Pheriche to Namche Bazaar
• Cross suspension bridges and pass villages
• Explore Namche Bazaar streets
• Overnight stay in Namche Bazaar

Day 12 — Trek to Lukla

• Descend from Namche Bazaar to Monjo
• Pass Benkar, waterfalls, and villages
• Reach Lukla and relax
• Overnight stay in Lukla

Day 13 — Fly back to Kathmandu

• Early morning flight from Lukla to Kathmandu
• Transfer to hotel in Kathmandu
• Evening stroll in Thamel area
• Overnight stay in Kathmandu

Top questions

How long is the Everest Base Camp trek from Kathmandu?

The full journey takes 13 days including flights between Kathmandu and Lukla.

Is there hotel pickup included for this Everest trek?

Yes, airport pickup in Kathmandu is included before your trek begins.

Do I need special permits for Everest Base Camp?

Yes—national park entry fees and TIMS card are included in your booking.

What is Namche Bazaar like during the trek?

Namche Bazaar is a lively Sherpa town with markets, shops, teahouses, and local culture—a key stop for acclimatization.

Are meals provided during the trek?

You’ll have traditional meals at local teahouses along the route; dietary requests can be accommodated if advised ahead.

Is this Everest Base Camp trekking tour suitable for solo travelers?

Solo travelers are welcome but may pay a single surcharge unless joining an existing group.

What altitude does Kala Patthar reach?

Kala Patthar stands at 5,545 meters (18,193 feet), offering close-up views of Everest.

Are flights between Kathmandu & Lukla included?

Yes—round-trip flights between Kathmandu and Lukla are included in the package.

What’s included

Your journey includes airport pickup in Kathmandu plus round-trip flights to Lukla so you start right at the trailhead. All national park entry fees are covered along with your TIMS permit. You’ll stay in local teahouses each night—meals provided—and walk each day alongside an experienced guide who knows every twist of the trail (and where to find hot tea). Return transport brings you back to Kathmandu when your legs are good and tired.