Everest Base Camp Trek: Classic Route with Guide & Lodges

Summary

Trekking from lukla to everest base camp with sherpa villages and prayer flags

You’ll trek from Lukla to Everest Base Camp with a local guide, passing Sherpa villages and waving prayer flags across wild rivers. Expect warm tea house stays, quiet monastery visits, and honest mountain hospitality along the way. Each day brings new views and small surprises — it’s tough but there’s nothing quite like reaching base camp under Himalayan skies.

What’s the experience like?

You’re already halfway up a stone staircase when you realize how thin the air feels — or maybe that’s just me, pausing to catch my breath while our guide Pasang grins like he’s heard this wheeze a thousand times. We’d flown into Lukla that morning (the landing is a jolt, like someone dropped the plane onto the mountains) and started walking right away. The trail smells of pine needles and wood smoke, and every so often you hear bells as yaks shuffle past, carrying supplies higher than I’ll ever climb.

I didn’t expect the little things to stick: the way kids in Namche Bazaar wave shyly but stare at your boots, or how the tea houses feel warmer than they look. Pasang showed us how to greet elders (“Namaste” with hands pressed together — I still mess it up). The days blur into each other a bit: crossing suspension bridges strung with prayer flags, stopping for sweet tea that tastes better after hours on your feet. There’s always some chatter in Nepali around us; sometimes our porter Dawa would translate jokes from other trekkers or locals. I think he made some up just to see if we’d notice.

The monasteries along the route are quieter than I thought they’d be. Once we ducked inside during a drizzle — incense curling in the cold air, monks chanting softly behind heavy curtains. My boots were soaked through but I barely noticed. The closer you get to Everest Base Camp, the more surreal everything feels: glaciers groaning at night, wind rattling windows in those last lodges before the climb. It’s not easy — honestly, there were moments I wanted to turn back — but then you see that first glimpse of Everest through clouds and somehow keep going. Still can’t believe I did it.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Trek through nature and culture

• Walk along alpine forest trail
• Cross Glacier Rivers
• Enjoy mountain vistas
• Visit monasteries
• Observe flag prayers
• Interact with local people
• Experience warm hospitality

Top questions

How long does the classic Everest Base Camp trek take?

The trek typically takes about 12 days round-trip from Lukla to Everest Base Camp and back.

Is airport pickup included for this Everest Base Camp trek?

Yes, all ground transport including airport transfers is included in your booking.

What kind of accommodation is provided on the trek?

You’ll stay in twin-sharing lodges (tea houses) along the trekking route and three nights at Hotel Ramada Encore Kathmandu.

Are meals included during the Everest Base Camp trek?

Meals are included during lodge-to-lodge trekking days; breakfast is provided in Kathmandu hotels.

Do I need prior trekking experience for this trip?

A moderate level of physical fitness is recommended; previous trekking experience helps but isn’t required.

Will there be a local guide on this trek?

Yes, a highly experienced local guide leads your group throughout the journey.

Are permits for Sagarmatha area included?

Sagarmatha National Park permit fees and TIMS registration are included in your booking.

Is equipment like sleeping bags provided?

A down jacket and sleeping bag are provided for use during your trek.

What’s included

Your journey includes airport transfers and all ground transportation by private vehicle, three nights’ stay with breakfast at Hotel Ramada Encore Kathmandu, twin-sharing lodge accommodation along the trekking route with meals for trekkers and staff alike, government taxes and service charges, a duffle bag for trekking gear, down jacket and sleeping bag rental during the trek, first aid kit access, Lukla-Kathmandu flight tickets with departure taxes covered, plus all required permits (TIMS & Sagarmatha), as well as support from an experienced local guide and porters throughout your adventure.