14-Day Everest Base Camp Trek from Kathmandu: Kala Pattar sunrise

Walk to a high-altitude viewpoint and stand watching sunrise over Everest

A 14-day trek from Kathmandu to Everest Base Camp and Kala Pattar with round-trip domestic flights, English-speaking guide, teahouse accommodation and meals included. The trek moves through Namche Bazaar (with a rest day built in for acclimatization), Tengboche, Dingboche and Lobuche before reaching Gorakshep, then climbs to Kala Pattar for the sunrise view of Mt. Everest and the surrounding peaks. Children from age 15 are welcome; moderate physical fitness is required.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Arrival and preparation in Kathmandu

• Arrive in Kathmandu
• Transfer to hotel
• Prepare for trekking
• Overnight in Kathmandu

Day 2 — Flight to Lukla and trek to Phakding

• Fly Kathmandu to Lukla
• Breakfast in Lukla
• Trek to Phakding
• Overnight in Phakding teahouse

Day 3 — Trek Phakding to Namche Bazaar

• Trek to Namche Bazaar
• Overnight in Namche hotel

Day 4 — Acclimatization in Namche Bazaar

• Rest and explore Namche Bazaar
• Enjoy mountain views
• Overnight in Namche

Day 5 — Trek Namche Bazaar to Tengboche

• Trek to Tengboche
• Overnight in Tengboche teahouse

Day 6 — Trek Tengboche to Dingboche

• Trek to Dingboche
• Overnight in Dingboche teahouse

Day 7 — Acclimatization day at Dingboche

• Rest and acclimatize in Dingboche
• Overnight in Dingboche

Day 8 — Trek Dingboche to Lobuche

• Trek to Lobuche
• Overnight in Lobuche teahouse

Day 9 — Trek to Everest Base Camp and Gorakshep

• Trek Lobuche to Gorakshep
• Visit Everest Base Camp
• Overnight in Gorakshep teahouse

Day 10 — Hike Kalapathar and trek to Pheriche

• Early hike to Kalapathar for sunrise
• Return to Gorakshep
• Trek to Pheriche
• Overnight in Pheriche teahouse

Day 11 — Trek Pheriche to Namche Bazaar

• Trek to Namche Bazaar
• Overnight in Namche hotel

Day 12 — Trek Namche Bazaar to Lukla

• Trek to Lukla
• Overnight in Lukla hotel

Day 13 — Flight back to Kathmandu

• Fly Lukla to Kathmandu
• Overnight in Kathmandu hotel

Day 14 — Departure or extra days in Kathmandu

• Breakfast in Kathmandu
• Transfer to international airport or free time

The Experience

The trek starts with a 40-minute flight from Kathmandu to Lukla at 2,840 meters, then descends to Phakding before climbing to Namche Bazaar, the main trading hub in the Khumbu region. You spend a full acclimatization day here resting and exploring before moving higher. The route then passes through Tengboche monastery, Dingboche (with another rest day), Lobuche and finally Gorakshep at 5,180 meters, where you sleep the night before the summit push.

The centerpiece is the early-morning hike to Kala Pattar at 5,550 meters to watch sunrise over Mt. Everest, Mt. Nuptse, Mt. Lhotse and Mt. Amadablam. After descending to Gorakshep, you trek back down through Pheriche and Namche Bazaar over the following days, retracing the route to Lukla for the flight home. An English-speaking guide and porter (one porter shared between two trekkers) handle the logistics; teahouse accommodation and all meals are included. You carry a duffel bag provided by the operator, and the trek certificate comes at the end.

The itinerary builds in two acclimatization days specifically to manage the altitude gain, which is what makes the higher camps survivable. Everest National Park entry permits, TIMS card (Trekkers Information Management System), all government and local taxes, airport pickup and drop-off, and a medical kit are all arranged. Snickers, Oreo cookies and peanuts are provided during the trek itself.

What’s included

• Round-trip domestic flights between Kathmandu and Lukla.
• two nights in a Kathmandu hotel before and after the trek.
• all teahouse accommodation during the trek.
• all meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner) throughout.
• English-speaking guide and porter service (one porter per two trekkers).
• Everest National Park entry permits and TIMS card.
• airport pickup and drop-off by private vehicle.
• duffel bag and trek completion certificate.
• medical kit carried by the guide.
• snacks (Snickers, Oreo cookies and peanuts) during the trek.
• all government and local taxes.

Good to know

Moderate physical levelNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by Overland Trek Nepal

Is this one for you?Book this trek if you have at least moderate fitness and can commit 14 days to the trek itself — the altitude gain is steady but manageable with the built-in acclimatization days, and the early-morning hike to Kala Pattar is what rewards the climb. Children from age 15 can join; travelers with spinal injuries, pregnancy or poor cardiovascular health should consult a doctor before booking.

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Top questions

What is Kala Pattar and why do we hike there instead of Everest Base Camp itself?

Kala Pattar is a viewpoint at 5,550 meters that sits above Everest Base Camp and offers an unobstructed view of Mt. Everest and the surrounding Himalayan peaks. The trek reaches Everest Base Camp (5,364 meters) on the way up, but the sunrise hike to Kala Pattar the next morning is where you get the clearest sight of the mountain and the full range of peaks around it.

How many nights do I sleep at high altitude, and what are the teahouses like?

You spend nights at progressively higher elevations: Phakding (2,610m), Namche Bazaar (3,440m), Tengboche (3,868m), Dingboche (4,410m), Lobuche (4,910m), Gorakshep (5,180m), Pheriche (4,240m), and back through Namche before returning to Lukla. Teahouses are basic lodges with shared or private rooms, heating by wood stove, and squat or sit toilets; hot water comes in buckets or bottles you request separately.

Is the trek physically demanding, and what fitness level do I need?

The trek requires at least moderate physical fitness. The main challenge is altitude rather than technical difficulty — the paths are well-trodden and not steep, but the air gets thinner as you climb, and acclimatization days are built in to help your body adjust. Most trekkers who prepare with regular walking and cardio complete it successfully.

What does the guide do, and what language do they speak?

Your English-speaking guide leads the trek, manages the route, handles logistics with teahouse owners, and provides information about the region, the mountains and the local Sherpa culture. The guide also watches for altitude sickness and adjusts the pace if needed. Hindi and Chinese-speaking guides are available on request.

What is included in the price, and what do I need to pay for separately?

The price includes round-trip domestic flights, all teahouse accommodation, all meals during the trek, the English-speaking guide, porter service, park permits, airport transfers in Kathmandu, and a duffel bag and trek certificate. Not included are your international airfare to Nepal, Nepal entry visa (if required), personal equipment, tips for the guide and porter (tipping is customary), and personal expenses like alcohol or battery charging.

What happens on the acclimatization days at Namche Bazaar and Dingboche?

Acclimatization days are rest days where you stay in the same place while your body adjusts to the altitude. At Namche Bazaar, you can explore the town, visit the local monastery, or simply rest at your teahouse. At Dingboche, the day is typically quieter, with the option to take a short walk or rest completely. These days are crucial for preventing altitude sickness as you climb higher.