Stand at the Foot of the World
Everest Base Camp is not the hardest trek in Nepal, but it is the most meaningful. You walk in the footsteps of Hillary and Tenzing through a landscape that feels like another planet — glacial moraines, prayer flag ridgelines, and teahouses where Sherpa families have hosted trekkers for generations. On Day 8 you reach Base Camp at 5,364m. On Day 9 you climb Kala Patthar at dawn and watch the sun rise over the summit of Everest. There is nothing else like it on earth.
"I have stood at Kala Patthar more than 50 times. Every single time, when the first light touches the South Face and the summit turns gold, I feel it the same way I did the first time. That moment is why I do this work."
15 days Altitude Chart
Hover over any point to see the day's details.
Full Itinerary
Your adventure begins with a spectacular 35-minute mountain flight from Kathmandu to Lukla (2,860m) — one of the world's most thrilling airport approaches, set between steep mountain walls. After meeting the full team and checking equipment, we begin our gentle descent through rhododendron and pine forests along the Dudh Kosi river to Phakding village.
The Lukla flight is weather-dependent — we always book the first flight of the day for the best conditions. Pack your day bag the night before in Kathmandu so you're ready to move quickly. Keep one layer accessible for the flight — it gets cold at altitude even through the window.
The most dramatic day of the lower trail. We cross several suspension bridges over the roaring Dudh Kosi gorge, pass through the entrance gate of Sagarmatha National Park, and climb the long, steep switchbacks above the river to reach Namche Bazaar — the Sherpa capital of the world. On a clear day, your first view of Everest appears on the final approach.
The Namche climb is the hardest single uphill of the entire trek — 600m of relentless switchbacks in thin air. Go slow. This is not a race. I always stop at the same rock about two-thirds up for a rest and a chocolate break. From there, if the weather is clear, you see Everest for the first time. Worth every step.
Rest days are not optional — they are science. We spend the day in Namche exploring the Sherpa Museum, the Saturday market (if your timing is right), and taking an optional acclimatisation hike to the Everest View Hotel at 3,870m. This climb-high, sleep-low pattern is critical to preventing altitude sickness on the days ahead.
Skip the obvious viewpoint above town — I take my groups to a lesser-known ridge above the monastery where you get a 270° panorama of Everest, Lhotse, Ama Dablam, and the entire Khumbu valley. It is never crowded and the light in the morning is extraordinary. Bring your camera.
One of the most visually stunning days of the entire trek. The trail contours the valley above the Dudh Kosi gorge with Ama Dablam dominating the skyline ahead — widely considered the most beautiful mountain in the world. We arrive at Tengboche, home to the famous monastery where Buddhist monks have prayed under Himalayan skies for centuries.
Arrive at the monastery by 3 PM for the afternoon puja ceremony. The monks chant for about 45 minutes — it is one of the most atmospheric experiences on the entire trek. Remove your boots at the entrance. Photography is allowed but be respectful and silent.
We descend through Pangboche (home to the oldest monastery in the Khumbu) and cross the lateral moraine into the wide, open valley of Dingboche. The landscape becomes starker and more dramatic as we enter the high alpine zone. Ama Dablam's south face towers above the village.
Dal bhat power — 24 hours! Eat it at every opportunity. At this altitude your body needs carbohydrates. The dal bhat at the Himalayan Lodge in Dingboche is exceptional.
Second and final acclimatisation day. We hike to Nangkartshang peak above Dingboche, reaching approximately 5,100m — the highest you have been so far. This prepares your body for the demanding days ahead. Pulse oximetry readings taken morning and evening; I monitor everyone closely.
Headaches today are normal at 4,400m. Drink 3-4 litres of water, take it slow on the hike, and rest in the afternoon. If anyone's SpO2 drops below 80% at rest, we discuss options. Safety always comes first — descending is never failure.
A short but physically demanding day. We cross the Khumbu glacier moraine and climb to Lobuche, passing the climbers' memorial at Thokla — a sobering collection of cairns and plaques honouring those who have died on Everest. The landscape is entirely glacial now — grey, vast, and otherworldly.
Rest at the memorial for a few minutes. Read some of the plaques. It puts the mountain in perspective. Lobuche teahouses are basic by this point — cold, thin walls, shared bathrooms. Pack your sleep system carefully tonight; you want to be warm and rested for Base Camp tomorrow.
The day you have been building toward. We set out early, crossing the Khumbu Glacier moraine to reach Gorak Shep (5,164m) for a quick break, then continue to Everest Base Camp itself at 5,364m. The glacier creaks around you. The Khumbu Icefall towers above. On the clearest days you can see climbers moving on the upper mountain. You have made it.
We arrive at Base Camp around midday. Take your time. Sit down on a rock and actually look at what is in front of you — the Khumbu Icefall, the Western Cwm, the South Col. I bring a small flask of hot tea for this moment. The walk back to Gorak Shep feels long but you will not care. You made it.
The alarm goes off at 4:30 AM. We climb by headlamp through the pre-dawn cold to Kala Patthar at 5,645m — the highest point of the entire trek — arriving just before sunrise. The moment the sun clears the ridgeline and the South Face of Everest turns from grey to gold is the single most extraordinary thing I have ever witnessed, repeatedly. After descent to Gorak Shep for breakfast, we continue all the way down to Pheriche for the night.
I carry a thermos of hot lemon ginger for Kala Patthar. Wear every layer you have — it is -10°C or colder at the summit before sunrise. But when the light comes, you will not feel the cold. Give yourself at least 30 minutes at the top. Do not rush this moment. You earned it.
Two days of descent back down the Khumbu valley. What took 8 days to climb takes 2 days to descend. Your body feels the relief of thicker air with every step. We pass through familiar villages that feel different now — you are coming back changed. A celebration dinner in Lukla on the final evening.
Your knees will feel the descent more than the ascent. Use trekking poles aggressively on the downhills. The celebration in Lukla is real — the lodge owner always puts on a good spread when a group completes EBC. Order the apple pie. It is famous for a reason.
Included & Excluded — No Surprises
✓ Included
- All domestic flights (KTM–Lukla–KTM)
- 13 nights teahouse accommodation
- All meals on trek (breakfast + dinner daily)
- Professional licensed guide
- One porter per two trekkers (up to 15kg)
- Sagarmatha National Park permit
- TIMS card (Trekkers' Information Management System)
- All government taxes and fees
- Pulse oximeter — daily altitude monitoring
- Emergency oxygen cylinder (carried by guide)
- Helicopter evacuation rescue arrangement
- Airport transfers in Kathmandu
- Farewell dinner in Kathmandu
✕ Not Included
- International flights to/from Kathmandu
- Nepal visa ($50 USD on arrival)
- Travel insurance (mandatory — must cover helicopter rescue)
- Lunches on trek
- Hot showers, charging fees, WiFi on trek
- Alcoholic beverages
- Guide and porter tips (recommended: $15–20/day guide, $8–10/day porter)
Full Price Breakdown
No hidden costs. No surprise fees. What you see is what you pay.
| Group Size | Price Per Person | Deposit (20%) | Remainder |
|---|---|---|---|
| Solo (1 person) | $1,590 | $318 | $1,272 (30 days before) |
| 2 people | $1,390 | $278 | 1112 |
| 3-4 people | $1,290 | $258 | 1032 |
| 5-8 people | $1,190 | $238 | 952 |
| 9-15 people | $1,090 | $218 | 872 |
Verified Reviews
The most transformative two weeks of my life. Bishesh's knowledge of the trail, the culture, and — crucially — altitude medicine gave me total confidence the entire way. The Guide's Tips he shares every morning turned the trek from a physical challenge into a genuine education. I already want to go back for Annapurna Circuit.
The transparent pricing is what made me book — I knew exactly what I was paying for. No surprises, no upsells on the trail. The sunrise from Kala Patthar was one of those moments where you understand why people travel. Bishesh has done this 50+ times and it shows in how calm and prepared he is.
I was nervous about altitude sickness. Bishesh monitored our oxygen levels every morning and evening with his pulse oximeter and adjusted the pace accordingly. Never felt rushed. His insider tips in the itinerary — the hidden viewpoints, the puja ceremony timing — made this a completely different experience from my friend who did EBC with another company.
Practical Information
Fitness Requirements
You do not need to be an athlete but you must be comfortable walking 5–7 hours daily on uneven terrain. Recommended prep: 3 months of regular hiking with elevation gain, or daily 1-hour walks with a loaded pack. No technical climbing required.
Best Seasons
- Autumn (Oct–Nov): Best visibility, stable weather, busiest
- Spring (Mar–May): Rhododendrons in bloom, good views
- Winter (Dec–Feb): Cold but clear, very few trekkers
- Monsoon (Jun–Sep): Not recommended for EBC
Permits Required
- Sagarmatha National Park Entry: $30 USD
- TIMS Card (trekking permit): $20 USD
- Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural: $10 USD
- All permits arranged and paid by IamInNepal — included in price
Essential Gear
- Down sleeping bag (rated -15°C)
- Down jacket and fleece layers
- Waterproof jacket and pants
- Trekking poles (essential for descent)
- Waterproof boots (already broken in)
- Sunglasses (glacier-grade UV400)
Frequently Asked Questions
No prior Himalayan experience is required, but you should be comfortable walking 5–7 hours per day on uneven, uphill terrain. The biggest challenge is altitude, not technical difficulty. We recommend 2–3 months of preparation hikes with a loaded pack before the trek. If you have done multi-day hiking in any mountain environment, you are ready.
Altitude sickness affects roughly 50% of trekkers to some degree — headache and fatigue are common above 3,500m. We build two acclimatisation days into the itinerary and monitor your blood oxygen levels daily with a pulse oximeter. We carry emergency oxygen and Diamox (altitude medication). If anyone shows serious symptoms, we descend immediately. No summit is worth a life — and on a well-managed itinerary like ours, serious AMS is rare.
Absolutely. Solo trekkers make up a significant portion of our groups. You get the same private guide experience, the same itinerary, and the same level of care — you will simply have the guide to yourself, which many people prefer. Solo pricing is $1,590 per person (see pricing table above).
Lukla airport is weather-dependent and delays of 24–48 hours are not uncommon, particularly in shoulder seasons. This is why we always build Day 13 as a buffer day in Kathmandu. We strongly recommend not booking international flights from Kathmandu before Day 14 of the trek. If you need to leave by a specific date, discuss this with us before booking.
Yes, and we check this before departure. Your policy must cover helicopter evacuation to at least 6,000m. World Nomads, True Traveller, and IMG Global are popular options for this trek. If you need a recommendation, message us on WhatsApp and we will advise. This is non-negotiable — helicopter evacuation from EBC costs $3,000–5,000 USD without insurance.