Everest Base Camp Trek: Guided Khumbu Journey & Lodge Stays

Summary

Khumbu trails, tea houses, mountain air and laughter on the way to Everest Base Camp

You’ll walk ancient trails from Lukla to Everest Base Camp with a local guide, sleep in mountain lodges, share hot tea with fellow trekkers, and watch sunrise over Himalayan giants. Expect moments of silence at high passes, laughter in teahouses, and real conversations with Sherpa guides—plus all logistics handled so you can focus on each step.

What’s the experience like?

I felt nervous even before we landed in Lukla — that little runway just kind of appears out of nowhere between the mountains. Our guide Pasang grinned at me like he’d seen this look a hundred times (he probably had). The air was thinner than I expected, and it smelled sharp, almost metallic. We started walking right away, passing painted mani stones and kids in red jackets chasing each other through Phakding. I remember thinking my boots felt too tight but didn’t want to stop the group already.

The days blurred together after Namche Bazaar. That place is louder than you’d think — yaks clanging their bells, shopkeepers calling out greetings (“Namaste!”), trekkers swapping stories over mugs of sweet tea. Pasang would point out peaks by name (I forgot most except Ama Dablam) and made us try tsampa porridge one morning. It tasted earthy, like oats mixed with campfire smoke — not sure I loved it but I ate every bite. We had an acclimatization hike up to Everest View Hotel; clouds kept hiding the summit but when they broke for a second, everyone just went quiet. It’s strange how cold can make you feel so awake.

I didn’t expect how much I’d rely on our porter — he barely spoke English but always smiled when he passed us on the trail (usually way ahead). The climb past Dingboche got real; my head throbbed a bit from the altitude and my water bottle froze overnight. At Lobuche we played cards by candlelight because the power cut out. Someone told a joke about yetis that made no sense but we all laughed anyway.

Reaching Everest Base Camp itself was weirdly emotional — there’s no finish line or anything, just prayer flags snapping in the wind and people hugging strangers. My gloves were stiff with ice and I could smell kerosene from someone’s stove nearby. On the way back down to Gorakshep my legs felt like noodles but I couldn’t stop smiling. Even now when I hear wind rattling windows at home it reminds me of those nights up high in the Khumbu — not sure if that’s nostalgia or just leftover cold in my bones.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Arrival in Kathmandu

• Arrive in Kathmandu

Day 2 — Travel to Phakding via Lukla

• Drive to Ramechap
• Fly to Lukla
• Trek to Phakding

Day 3 — Trek to Namche Bazaar

• Trek to Namche Bazaar

Day 4 — Acclimatization and Everest View

• Hike to Everest View Hotel

Day 5 — Trek to Tengboche

• Trek to Tengboche

Day 6 — Trek to Dingboche

• Trek to Dingboche

Day 7 — Acclimatization at Dingboche

• Hike to Nagarjun Hill and return

Day 8 — Trek to Lobuche

• Trek to Lobuche

Day 9 — Everest Base Camp excursion

• Trek to Gorakshep
• Visit Everest Base Camp
• Return to Gorakshep

Day 10 — Kala Patthar and trek to Pheriche

• Trek to Kala Patthar
• Trek back to Pheriche

Day 11 — Trek to Namche Bazaar

• Trek to Namche Bazaar

Day 12 — Trek to Lukla

• Trek to Lukla

Day 13 — Return to Kathmandu

• Fly to Ramechap
• Drive to Kathmandu

Day 14 — Departure day

• Depart from Kathmandu

Top questions

How long does the Everest Base Camp trek take?

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

Is hotel pickup included for this trek?

Yes, airport pickup and drop-off by car are included in Kathmandu.

Are meals provided during the trek?

Yes, full board meals with tea or coffee (breakfast, lunch, dinner) are provided during trekking days.

What is the walking distance each day?

Distances range from 3 km on acclimatization days up to 19 km on longer trekking days.

Do I need to carry my own bag?

No, a porter is provided for every two trekkers who will carry up to 25 kg total.

Are flights between Kathmandu & Lukla included?

Yes, round trip flights via Ramechap including transfers are included.

Is accommodation private or shared?

Lodge accommodation is twin sharing during the trek; private bathrooms with hot showers are available at some stops.

Can vegetarians be accommodated?

Yes, vegetarian meal options are available if requested at booking.

What’s included

Your journey includes round trip flights between Ramechap and Lukla with all transfers handled for you; full board meals plus tea or coffee each day while trekking; twin-sharing lodge stays along the route (with private bathrooms where possible); two nights at a comfortable hotel in Kathmandu; permits; an experienced English-speaking guide plus porter support; airport pickup and drop-off by car; seasonal fruit treats along the way; plus all government taxes and service charges covered so you can focus on your steps instead of logistics.