Everest Base Camp Trek: 14-Day Private Hike & Local Guide

Summary

Trek to everest base camp from kathmandu with sherpa guide and tea house stays

You’ll walk Himalayan trails from Lukla to Everest Base Camp with a local guide by your side—crossing swaying bridges, sharing tea in Sherpa villages, and catching your breath under prayer flags. Expect aching legs, laughter with porters, and quiet moments staring at snowy peaks you’ll never quite forget.

What’s the experience like?

We started moving before sunrise, boots thumping softly on the cold stone outside our Kathmandu hotel. The city was just waking up — incense drifting from a doorway, someone’s radio muttering in Nepali. Our guide, Dawa, grinned as he checked our permits again (he must’ve done it three times already). The flight to Lukla was wild — honestly, my palms were sweating the whole way — and then suddenly we were walking through Chaurikharka village, past kids waving and a woman selling hot chai by the path. I remember thinking: this is really happening.

The climb to Namche Bazaar hit me harder than I’d expected. Every step felt heavier in the thin air, but Dawa kept us steady — “bistari, bistari,” he’d say (slowly). Crossing those suspension bridges over the Dudh Koshi River was kind of surreal; prayer flags flapping above us, river far below. We stopped for salty yak butter tea (an acquired taste — I’m still not sure about it) and watched porters pass by with loads that looked twice their size. At Namche Bazaar, there was wifi and tiny bakeries where trekkers traded stories over cinnamon rolls. I tried to order something in Nepali; Li laughed when I butchered it.

The higher we went, the quieter things got. Pines gave way to rock and wind. In Tengboche, monks chanted in the monastery while incense curled up into blue sky — that sound sticks with you. There were days when my legs ached so much I wondered if I’d make it to Everest Base Camp at all. But then you’d turn a corner and see Ama Dablam glowing in late sun or hear a yak bell echoing down the trail and somehow you just kept going.

Standing at Everest Base Camp itself didn’t feel triumphant so much as strange and peaceful. People hugged or cried or just stared out at the Khumbu Glacier in silence — I found myself grinning like an idiot for no reason at all. Later that night back in Gorak Shep, we huddled around a stove eating dal bhat while Dawa told stories about past expeditions (some of them probably true). Even now, weeks later, I still think about that cold wind on my face up there — makes everything else feel smaller somehow.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Arrival and hotel transfer in Kathmandu

• Arrive at Tribhuwan International Airport
• Meet staff and transfer to hotel
• Program explanation by airport representative
• Overnight at hotel

Day 2 — Flight to Lukla and trek to Phakding

• Fly from Kathmandu to Lukla
• Trek from Lukla to Phakding via Chaurikharka
• Visit local monasteries for acclimatization
• Overnight at lodges and tea houses

Day 3 — Trek from Phakding to Namche Bazaar

• Trek along Dudh Koshi River
• Cross suspension bridges including Hillary Bridge
• Register permits at Sagarmatha National Park
• Climb through forest and view Mt. Everest
• Arrive at Namche Bazaar
• Overnight at lodges and tea houses

Day 4 — Acclimatization and exploration at Namche Bazaar

• Rest and acclimatize in Namche Bazaar
• Explore cafes, shops, and local sites
• Optional hike to Everest View Hotel
• Overnight at lodges and tea houses

Day 5 — Trek from Namche to Tengboche and Deboche

• Trek through forests with ups and downs
• Spot wildlife like musk deer and pheasants
• Descend to Phunki Thenga Village
• Ascend to Tengboche and visit monastery
• Overnight at Deboche

Day 6 — Trek from Tengboche to Dingboche

• Trek passing Chortens and mani walls
• Visit Pangboche village and view Ama Dablam
• Arrive at Dingboche with stone-walled fields
• Overnight at lodges and tea houses

Day 7 — Acclimatization day at Dingboche

• Rest and acclimatize at Dingboche
• Hike ridge for mountain views
• See Ama Dablam, Island Peak, Cho Oyu, Makalu
• Overnight at lodges and tea houses

Day 8 — Trek from Dingboche to Lobuche

• Begin hike with Himalayan views
• Pass Dusa and follow Everest Expedition route
• Visit Remembrance Refuge memorials
• Cross river and reach Lobuche village
• Overnight at lodges and tea houses

Day 9 — Trek to Everest Base Camp and back to Gorak Shep

• Trek lateral moraine of Khumbu Glacier
• Arrive at Gorak Shep village
• Hike to Everest Base Camp
• Enjoy views and take photos at Base Camp
• Return to Gorak Shep for overnight

Day 10 — Hike Kala Patthar and trek to Pheriche

• Early morning hike to Kala Patthar viewpoint
• Descend to Gorak Shep
• Trek down to Pheriche via rhododendron and juniper forests
• Overnight at lodges and tea houses

Day 11 — Trek from Pheriche to Namche Bazaar

• Trek through forests with high-altitude wildlife
• Pass prayer flags and chortens
• Arrive at Namche Bazaar
• Rest at lodges and tea houses

Day 12 — Trek from Namche Bazaar to Lukla

• Trek to Phakding along Dudh Koshi River
• Cross suspension bridges and forests
• Ascend steeply to Toktok
• Reach Lukla and rest overnight

Day 13 — Fly back to Kathmandu from Lukla

• Fly from Lukla to Kathmandu
• Transfer to hotel in Kathmandu
• Free time to relax and explore

Day 14 — Departure and farewell dinner

• Farewell dinner and certificate ceremony
• Provide feedback to Glorious Eco Trek
• Transfer to Tribhuvan International Airport
• Depart Nepal

Top questions

How long does the Everest Base Camp trek take?

The private Everest Base Camp trek takes 14 days from arrival in Kathmandu to departure.

Is hotel pickup included for this trek?

Yes, airport pickup and drop-off by private vehicle are included.

Do I need special permits for the EBC trek?

Yes, all necessary permits and entrance fees are included in your booking.

Are meals or accommodation provided during the trek?

You’ll stay in lodges or tea houses along the route; breakfast is included at hotels in Kathmandu.

Is there a porter provided on this trek?

A porter is provided for every two trekkers to help carry luggage during the hike.

What is the highest altitude reached on this trek?

The highest point is Kala Patthar at 5,555m (18,208ft), near Everest Base Camp itself.

Can beginners do this day trip Machu Picchu Cusco style trek?

This EBC trek requires moderate fitness due to high altitude; it’s not recommended for those with poor cardiovascular health.

Is this tour wheelchair accessible?

Main trekking sections are not wheelchair accessible due to rough terrain; some city transfers are accessible.

What’s included

Your journey includes airport pickup and drop-off by private vehicle in Kathmandu, domestic flights between Kathmandu (or Ramechap) and Lukla with taxes covered, all necessary trekking permits and entrance fees arranged ahead of time, an experienced English-speaking local guide plus a porter for every two trekkers to help with luggage along the trail. You’ll stay two nights in a 3-star hotel in Kathmandu (breakfast included), then rest each night at mountain lodges or tea houses during your trek—ending with a farewell dinner and an appreciation certificate after reaching Everest Base Camp.