Towering Himalayan peaks from Everest to Ama Dablam, picturesque Sherpa villages, and sacred Buddhist monasteries – aspects that define the magical and inspiring landscape on the Everest Base Camp Trek. Khumbu is the home of Mount Everest (8,850m) – better known as Sagarmatha among Nepalis and Chomolongma among Tibetan -speaking communities. Located in the Sagarmatha National Park, many visitors come to this region to glimpse the world’s highest peak but come away with much more: an appreciation of the local people who make their home in this high and difficult landscape, a spirit of adventure that brings them back to the Himalayas, and life-changing personal experiences.
On the Everest Base Camp Trek, as you hike through villages of the famous Sherpa people, you will be rewarded with spectacular views of snow-capped mountains that rise above the clouds. From Gorakshep at 17,100 ft., your highest camp, hike to the Everest Base Camp the site from where every year hundreds of climbers attempt to reach the summit of the tallest peak in the world. Also climb Kalapathar (18,195 ft) for an up-close view of the south face of Everest. Return to Lukla via Khumjung, one of the largest Sherpa villages.
We offer scheduled departures but will also run private treks for a minimum of two participants. Book early and we will NOT charge you extra for a private trip.
We do understand that our cost is slightly higher than most Nepali operators but that is because our trips are all inclusive (we do NOT nickel-and-dime on services) and exclusions are clearly listed in cost details. Some companies will advertise trips for very low prices but they have a lot of exclusions that is usually not clear. Contact us to learn more…
| Day | Description | Overnight | Altitude |
|---|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrival in Kathmandu | Kathmandu | 1,340m/4,300ft |
| Day 2 | Exploring Kathmandu | Kathmandu | 1,340m/4,300ft |
| Day 3 | Kathmandu – Phakding | Phakding | 2,651m/8,700ft |
| Day 4 | Phakding to Namche | Namche | 3,435m/11,270ft |
| Day 5 | Namche | Namche | 3,435m/11,270ft |
| Day 6 | Namche to Tengboche | Tengboche | 3,931m/12,900ft |
| Day 7 | Tengboche to Dingboche | Dingboche | 4,252m/13,950ft |
| Day 8 | Dingboche | Dingboche | 4,252m/13,950ft |
| Day 9 | Dingboche to Dughla | Dughla | 4,640m/15,300ft |
| Day 10 | Dughla to Lobuche | Lobuche | 4,940m/16,200ft |
| Day 11 | Lobuche to Gorakshep | Gorakshep | 5,212m/17,100ft |
| Day 12 | Gorakshep to Feriche | Feriche | 4,280m/14,100ft |
| Day 13 | Feriche to Khumjung | Khumjung | 3,790m/12,400ft |
| Day 14 | Contingency day | ||
| Day 15 | Khumjung to Monjo | Monjo | 2,835m/9,290ft |
| Day 16 | Monjo to Lukla | Lukla | 2,860m/9,390ft |
| Day 17 | Fly Lukla to Kathmandu | Kathmandu | 1,340m/4,300ft |
| Day 18 | Explore Kathmandu | Kathmandu | 1,340m/4,300ft |
| Day 19 | Final Departure |
Arrive Kathmandu. You will be met on arrival at the Tribhuwan International Airport. Transfer to Hotel. Day Free. Enjoy welcome dinner. Briefing during dinner.
Overnight Hotel Tibet or similar.
MEALS: D
Overnight Hotel Tibet or similar.
MEALS: B, L
Your day will start early today as most flights to Lukla are scheduled for the morning hours. Be ready for a wait at the airport as your flight can be delayed due to weather. The flight is approximately 25 minutes and the landing at Lukla airport is very dramatic. After a brief stop at Lukla, set off on your Everest trek. Past Lukla, descend to Chaurikharka and continue on a fairly level trail to Choplung. Continue on a descending trail to Ghat. There is a monastery, numerous prayer wheels, mani stones and a chhorten at Ghat. Whenever possible, please remember to turn all prayer wheels in a clock-wise direction and to walk on the left side of shrines and manes (i.e. keeping these sacred objects to your right. From Ghat, it is approximately 20 minutes to Phakding.
DISTANCE: 8.11 kilometers/5.04 miles approximately
Ascent: 836 feet/255 meters
Descent: 1,424 feet/435 meters
ACCOMMODATIONS: Local lodge.
MEALS: B,L,D
The day’s trail follows the Dudh Koshi until you begin your ascent to Namche. Pass several villages to Monju. Before reaching Monju is the village of Chumoa where in the 1970’s, an eccentric but creative Mr Hagayuki lived without a visa for almost 10 years – farming and running the Hatago Lodge – before being deported. Just beyond Monju is the entrance to the Sagarmatha National Park where your park permit will be checked. Depending on the time you reach this point, lunch will be either at Monju or the village of Jorsalle inside the park.
Past Jorsalle, the trail follows the Dudh Koshi and crosses it only to recross it at the base of the hill which climbs up to Namche. The climb is long and steep. The switchback trail is well-worn and wide through a pleasant pine forest.
DISTANCE: 16.72 kilometers/10.39 miles approximately
ACCOMMODATIONS: Local lodge.
MEALS: B,L,D
PHAKDING TO JORSALLE (Lunch Stop)
DISTANCE: 10.5 kilometers/6.53 miles approximately
ASCENT: 2,325 feet/709 meters
DESCENT: 2,266 feet/691 meters
APPROXIMATE TIME: 3.5 hours
JORSALLE TO NAMCHE
DISTANCE: 6.21 kilometers/3.86 miles approximately
ASCENT: 2,016 feet/615 meters
DESCENT: 81 feet/25 meters
APPROXIMATE TIME: 2.5 hours
Today is an acclimatization day. You are free to visit the National Park Museum for great views of Everest and Amadablam or just wander around Namche town.
ACCOMMODATIONS: Local lodge.
MEALS: B,L,D
Climb to the top of Namche Bazaar, then walk on a fairly level trail to Kenjuma and Sanasa. Here there are extensive displays of souvenirs to tempt you. Bargaining is very much in order! The trail descends to Dudh Koshi which must be crossed to reach Phungi Tenga. There is a now-deserted army post here. Past this point, the trail ascends to Tengboche monastery through conifer and rhododendrons forests.
Visit Tengboche monastery in the evening or watch the setting sun cast its last rays over Everest if the skies are clear. There is also an eco-centre with historical and cultural exhibits in the monastery compound. If monks are performing prayer ceremonies when you visit, please do not take flash photos or otherwise disturb the ceremonies.
DISTANCE: 10 kilometers/6.24 miles approximately
ACCOMMODATIONS: Local lodge
MEALS: B,L,D
NAMCHE TO PHUNKI TENGA (Lunch Stop)
DISTANCE: 7.04 kilometers/4.38 miles approximately
ASCENT: 1,024 feet/311.2 meters
DESCENT: 1,430 feet/435 meters
APPROXIMATE TIME: 3.5 hours
PHUNKI TENGA TO TENGBOCHE
DISTANCE: 2.99 kilometers/1.86 miles approximately
ASCENT: 1,837 feet/560 meters
DESCENT: 31 feet/10 meters
APPROXIMATE TIME: 2 hours
From Tengboche, the trail descends steeply to the small village of Debuche, where quietly tucked away in the trees is a nunnery. Well past Debuche, cross the Imja Khola and climb to the village of Pangboche. Past Pangboche, the trail climbs to Shomare and then to Orsho on a shelf above the river. Beyond Orsho, the trail divides, the left leads to Pheriche and the right to Dingboche. We will take the trail to Dingboche in the Imja valley.
From today, you will start to notice the change in the landscape. Forests give way to arid landscape with shrubs.
DISTANCE: 10.6 kilometers/6.59 miles approximately
ACCOMMODATIONS: Local lodge.
MEALS: B,L,D
TENGBOCHE TO SOMARE (Lunch Stop)
DISTANCE: 6.32 kilometers/3.93 miles approximately
ASCENT: 1,310 feet/400 meters
DESCENT: 617 feet/188 meters
APPROXIMATE TIME: 3 hours
SOMARE TO DINGBOCHE
DISTANCE: 4.33 kilometers/2.66 miles approximately
ASCENT: 935 feet/285 meters
DESCENT: 153 feet/46 meters
APPROXIMATE TIME: 2 hours
Rest day for acclimatization. Free to go for a day hike towards Chukkung or to just relax.
ACCOMMODATIONS: Local lodge.
MEALS: B,L,D
Today is a short trek day. Take the high route over Feriche to Dughla. Ascend gently to the ridge above Dingboche for about 45 minutes. The trail then levels till you get on the steep switch-backs to Dughla.
DISTANCE: 5.47 kilometers/3.4 miles approximately
ACCOMMODATIONS: Local lodge.
MEALS: B,L,D
DINBGOCHE TO DUGHLA (Lunch and OVERNIGHT Stop)
DISTANCE: 5.47 kilometers/3.4 miles approximately
ASCENT: 987 feet/300 meters
DESCENT: 197 feet/60 meters
APPROXIMATE TIME: 3 hours
Climb directly up the terminal moraine of the Khumbu Glacier into an area dedicated to climbers who have perished on Khumbu’s mountains. Past this point, it is a very gradual incline to Lobuche. After you have settled in at your lodge, you are welcome to visit the varioius memorials to those who have perished on Everest, or hike up one of the ridges above the village for excellent views of Nuptse and Lhotse.
DISTANCE: 5.47 kilometers/3.4 miles approximately
ACCOMMODATIONS: Local lodge.
MEALS: B,L,D
DUGHLA TO LOBUCHE (LUNCH and OVERNIGHT Stop)
DISTANCE: 3.89 kilometers/2.42 miles approximately
ASCENT: 1,093 feet/333 meters
DESCENT: 150 feet/45 meters
APPROXIMATE TIME: 2.5 hours
The trek to Gorakshep is only 2 hours. Begin the climb today by ascending gently through meadows in the Khumbu valley. Then cross several steep moraines while also walking on an active glacier. Gorakshep is situated on a sandy and flat section that served as base camp for the 1952 Swiss Everest expedition.
From Gorakshep, you may continue to Everest Base Camp. The hike to Base Camp and back to Gorakshep can take upto 6 to 7 hours.
ACCOMMODATIONS: Local lodge.
MEALS: B,L,D
LOBUCHE TO GORAKSHEP (Lunch)
DISTANCE: 5.18 kilometers/3.22 miles approximately
ASCENT: 908 feet/276 meters
DESCENT: 258 feet/78 meters
APPROXIMATE TIME: 3 hours
GORAKSHEP TO EVEREST BASE CAMP TO GORAKSHEP (ROUNDTRIP)
DISTANCE: 7.29 kilometers/4.53 miles approximately
ASCENT: 1,112 feet/339 meters
DESCENT: 1,103 feet/336 meters
APPROXIMATE TIME: 4 to 5 hours
The trek to Kalapathar (18,195ft) is the final high-altitude climb of this trip, as a result of which you will perhaps achieve the highest reward for your perseverance. The trail ascends steeply to Kala-Pathar, but the view from here is one you are unlikely to forget. Return to Gorakshep and descend to Feriche.
DISTANCE: 12.52 kilometers/7.78 miles approximately
ACCOMMODATIONS: Local lodge.
MEALS: B,L,D
GORAKSHEP TO THUKLA (Lunch)
DISTANCE: 8.15 kilometers/5.07 miles approximately
ASCENT: 385 feet/117 meters
DESCENT: 2,120 feet/646 meters
APPROXIMATE TIME: 3.5 hours
THUKLA TO FERICHE
DISTANCE: 4.36 kilometers/2.71 miles approximately
ASCENT: 0 feet/0 meters
DESCENT: 1,094 feet/334 meters
APPROXIMATE TIME: 2 hours
Descend sharply to the Dudh Koshi river and then ascend to Mong danda. Retrace trail to Namche.
DISTANCE: 20.4 kilometers/12.7 miles approximately
ACCOMMODATIONS: Local lodge.
MEALS: B,L,D
FERICHE TO TENGBOCHE (Lunch)
DISTANCE: 10.23 kilometers/6.36 miles approximately
ASCENT: 950 feet/290 meters
DESCENT: 2,064 feet/630 meters
APPROXIMATE TIME: 4 hours
TENGBOCHE TO NAMCHE
DISTANCE: 10.2 kilometers/6.34 miles approximately
ASCENT: 1,621 feet/495 meters
DESCENT: 2,846 feet/867 meters
APPROXIMATE TIME: 4 to 5 hours
Descend to Namche. Retrace trail to Monjo and to Lukla. A contingency day is included for possible health or weather delays.
ACCOMMODATIONS: Local lodge.
MEALS: B,L,D
NAMCHE TO MONJO
DISTANCE: 6.17 kilometers/3.84 miles approximately
ASCENT: 350 feet/106 meters
DESCENT: 2,279 feet/695 meters
APPROXIMATE TIME: 3 hours
MONJO TO PHAKDING
DISTANCE: 4.82 kilometers/3 miles approximately
ASCENT: 436 feet/133 meters
DESCENT: 1,034 feet/315 meters
APPROXIMATE TIME: 2 hours
PHAKDING TO LUKLA
DISTANCE: 8.11 kilometers/5.04 miles approximately
ASCENT: 1,424 feet/434 meters
DESCENT: 836 feet/254 meters
APPROXIMATE TIME: 3.5 hours
Fly Lukla to Kathmandu. Day free in Kathmandu.
Overnight Hotel Tibet or similar.
MEALS: B
Full day of sightseeing in Kathmandu: visit Swayambhunath, the monkey temple. Then drive to Bhaktapur, the city of Devotees, for lunch and a tour of the royal palace square.
Overnight Hotel Tibet or similar.
MEALS: B,L,D
Transfer to the airport for final departure.
MEALS: B
1 person: US$3,000
2 – 5 persons: US$2,400 per person
6 or more persons: US$2,100 per person
Single supplement: US$300
US$ 150 per person discount on September, December, January and February, May and June departures
Payment policy:
Cancellation policy:
All airport transfers; Two full days sightseeing in Kathmandu as indicated in the itinerary; Four nights twin sharing hotel accommodation at Hotel Tibet (3 star) in Kathmandu; Airfare: Kathmandu to Lukla to Kathmandu; Meals as indicated in the itinerary; Lodge trekking as indicated in the Everest Base Camp Trek itinerary with three meals a day; Boiled water for drinking; Use of Steripen to sterilize water; Guide and staff wages and their equipment and meals; Staff insurance; Sagarmatha National Park Fee; Gamow Bag (High altitude pressure chamber) or oxygen for altitude related emergencies.
Your international airfare; Nepal Visa; Meals not indicated in the itinerary; Tips and gratuities; Personal equipment (a suggested list will be mailed to you); Travel insurance (Required); Other expenses of a personal nature.
If you don’t have 19 days for a trek, we would recommend the 15 day fast-paced Everest Base Camp Trek itinerary. While this shorter trip does not compromise on acclimatization taking almost the same number of days for the ascent to Everest Base Camp (minus one night at Dughla), it is imperative that you be in excellent shape for the shorter trip as you would have to hike up to 15 miles on a couple of days on the descent back to Lukla.
If you’re short on time but don’t wish to do a fast paced trek to high altitude, check out our Everest – Tengboche Monastery trek. This trek goes up to Tengboche Monastery with excellent views of Everest.
If you’re looking for a more luxurious trek with en suite rooms, Western toilets and daily showers, our Luxury Everest Trek is a good option for you. We use Everest Summit Lodges and Yeti Mountain Homes which are at a far superior standard than other lodges on the trail with a garden area, comfortable lounge and a professional staff.
If you have more time and wish to be more adventurous, check out our Ultimate Everest Trek that crosses the Cho La pass taking you from the Everest Base Camp to Gokyo lake and the Renjo La pass taking you from Gokyo lake to Thame. Both passes do not require any climbing skills though they can be icy at times.
If you’re looking to climb a Himalayan 20’er (first or otherwise), check out out our Island Peak climb.
And, YES, we would be happy to custom-design any of our program for you for a minimum of two participants.
The entire experience with Crystal Mountain Treks was very positive: from trip planning and preparation to the initial stay in Kathmandu continuing through the entire mountain trek and ending with the final stay in Katmandu. I especially appreciated the flexibility and the willingness to customize the trip to our needs: we had a very specific time interval available for this trip and the organizers helped us both fit our objectives within our dates and adjust the itinerary along the way to adapt to our goals and physical abilities. It was an unforgettable trip and I will both use Crystal Mountain Treks for my next trip to Nepal, and recommend them to my friends.
Hi Jwalant, I think I can safely speak for the group in saying that we were thrilled with Crystal Mountain. Staff on the trek were exceedingly attentive to us, always making us feel safe, well cared for and having a wonderful time. The guides displayed unsurpassed kindness, good humor and patience. Somehow, they always knew when to lend an extra hand. The office staff that we met, you, Jordan and Ramhiri, were helpful and always available if needed. I’ve heard bad stories about guide behavior on treks. I felt confident that our experience with Crystal Mt would be a great one and my confidence was fully justified. We are all deeply grateful and we take away from our visit to Nepal nothing but delightful memories, great pictures and wonderful feelings, Bob
I needed to write and express my gratitude to you and the staff of Crystal Mountain. I am impressed by the thoughtful arrangements made for our group from landing to takeoff. Thank you for all that you do. I appreciate the exceptional experience your company provided. I will highly recommend your company to anyone.
