Everest Base Camp Trek – 14 Days

Hey, let us tell you about Nepal, Trekkers! When you first arrive in Nepal, get ready to be amazed by the stunning view of the Himalayas. As you get closer to the capital city of Kathmandu, you’ll see lots of houses in every direction.

The view of the Kathmandu valley from the sky is also breathtaking and unique. Once you land at the Tribhuvan International Airport, you’ll be met by Pack Ur Bags Nepal officials who will guide you to the terminal.

From there, they will take you to your hotel where you will be greeted with traditional garlands and tika. After settling into your room, the rest of the day is yours to explore as you please.

If you love to wander around, there are markets that are open until midnight, but be warned that they can be crowded and noisy. It’s a great opportunity to experience the local culture, but it may be a bit of a shock at first.

Certainly! On the second day of your trip, you will spend the morning touring around the Kathmandu valley and preparing for the Everest Base Camp Trek. After enjoying a nice breakfast, your guide will arrive and you’ll have a chance to freshen up before embarking on the day’s adventures.

Before starting the day, there will be a brief introduction between you and the guide to help you get acquainted with each other. It’s important to note that today’s itinerary will only include visits to UNESCO Heritage Sites, as you’ll also need to use the day to prepare for the trek ahead.

Your first stop will be at Swayambhunath, a religious stupa complex located on top of a hill. This beautiful and serene location provides an amazing panoramic view of the entire Kathmandu city. From there, you’ll head to Boudhanath, which is the largest stupa in Nepal and a holy site for Buddhist followers. As you enter the structure, you’ll feel a sense of peace and calmness that’s hard to find elsewhere.

Next, you’ll visit Pashupatinath Temple, which is a holy ground for Hindu followers. This temple is crowded every day by the devotees of Lord Shiva. Keep in mind that photography is prohibited inside the main temple area.

After Pashupatinath, you’ll head to Patan Durbar Square, which is located in the heart of Lalitpur. The major attraction here is Krishna Mandir, but the beautiful Newa architecture is what usually catches the eye of tourists.

Lastly, you’ll visit Basantapur Durbar Square, which is a living paradise that offers old durbars, monuments, temples, monasteries, and more. It’s truly a sight to behold, and you’ll be glad that you took the time to visit.

After a long and tiring day of exploring, you’ll finally return to your hotel. There, you’ll be given a brief summary of your trek to come. If you need anything for the journey, you can visit the local markets.

So, on the first day of your Everest Base Camp Trek-14 Days, you’ll be catching an early morning flight from Kathmandu to Lukla. It’s a short but scenic flight that lasts about 25 to 30 minutes, and you’ll be flying at a maximum altitude of 2860 meters. From Lukla, you’ll start your trek, covering a distance of approximately 6.5 kilometers, which should take you about 3 to 4 hours to complete. The highest altitude you’ll reach on this day will be 2610 meters, at Phakding.

Once you’re up and ready, you’ll wait for your guide in the hotel lobby, and they’ll take you to the airport to catch your flight. During the flight, you’ll be treated to some breathtaking views of the Himalayas, green hills, and landscapes. Upon arrival in Lukla, you’ll have breakfast with the rest of your team before starting your trek towards Phakding.

The trek to Phakding is not too difficult, as it involves walking on a mix of dirt, rocky sections, and stone pathways. Phakding is located at a lower elevation than Lukla, so it’s a bit greener and lusher. Along the way, you’ll pass through several small villages, cross suspension bridges over the Dudh Koshi river, and trek through verdant forests. You’ll also get to catch a glimpse of Mt. Khumbila from Cheplung, a small village en route to Phakding.

Phakding itself is a beautiful village that boasts several high-class lodges and bars. So, after a day of trekking, you’ll have a cozy place to rest and recharge for the next day’s adventures!

Trek distance: approx. 8 km

Trek duration: 4 to 5 hours

Maximum altitude: 3445 m

You begin this day’s trek to Namche Bazaar after a big breakfast. The trails from Phakding till there are pretty tough as you hike through plowed fields, rolling terrains, along the river banks, and more.

Heading out of Phakding, you cross the river through a suspension bridge on the other side of the village. Then following the footsteps of porters, you make your way up the valley.

The forest trail that follows the river valley is lined with beautiful blue pine and looks spectacular during spring. With a slight ascent, you reach Benkar and cross the Dudh Koshi river from here.

You get to see many peaks above 6000 m from here onwards, viewing them you reach Monjo and have your lunch. Continuing the walk, the trails are a bit tougher from this point.

Walking ahead, you enter the Sagarmatha national park at Jorsale, cross a river, and continue upstream. After reaching a bit further, you cross another suspension bridge and climb uphill until Namche Bazaar.

Namche Bazaar is a beautiful Sherpa town and trade hub of the Khumbu region. Many trekkers acclimatize here before continuing their trek in the Everest region. This town is the last place with restaurants, cafes, ATMs, good internet service, and more.

During acclimatization, you do not rest but go on short hikes or roam around to let your body cope up with the new environment. So, you have the option to go on a full-day hike above the Bhote Khola river valley in Thami for sunrise and sunset views.

If you prefer shorter hikes, then you can head up to Everest View hotel for lovely views with drinks and coffee, which is an hour away from Namche. Or walk to Gauche Gonda Visitor Centre and Sherpa Culture Museum to learn about Sherpa culture and history.

Likewise, you can also explore the town and visit the markets, old houses, and drink at the Irish pub. While staying in Namche, enjoy the final modern facilities of the trek.

Trek distance: approx. 9.5 km

Trek duration: 4 hours

Maximum altitude: 3850 m

After a beautiful day at Namche, you again resume your 14 Days Everest Base Camp Trek by heading to Tengboche. The trek between these two points is quite challenging due to the elevation gain, but the beautiful views and spiritualism will make up for it.

You begin the hike by heading out of the town and walking up alongside the valley. There is a bit of incline in the start as you get over the village, but afterward, it gets easy as you walk on a smooth sandy trail.

Following the paths for about a few hours, you slowly gain elevation on the way and also climb stairs at some point. Then you make your way around the valley and get to view Mount Ama Dablam, Nuptse, Lhotse, and more.

From here, you continue walking the trails and arrive at Kyangjuma, then start to descend into the forest path below. The walk down can be tough with the uneven and rocky terrain plus loss of 1000 ft elevation.

As you keep descending the routes, you reach a suspension bridge and cross over to Phungi Thanga. Now, it is time to gain some elevation which is the last portion of your hike to Tengboche.

Doing an uphill climb, you trek through rocky terrain and a zigzag path crossing above the treeline. As you keep moving forward, the valley below and the peaks ahead look stunning. Viewing these scenarios, you arrive at Tengboche.

Trek Distance: approx. 11 km

Trek Duration: 5 to 6 hours

Maximum altitude: 4350 m

The Trek from Tengboche to Dingboche will be quite a beautiful one as you walk through the glacier river and view several snow-capped peaks. You will also pass through the beautiful Pangboche village, well-known for mount Ama Dablam.

Leaving the Tengboche village behind, you first descend the trails into the forest while passing the small town of Deboche. This village is another option to stay overnight while trekking in the Everest region.

Then continuing the trek, you walk past inscribed stones while gaining some elevation. Soon after, you cross a suspension bridge over the river that takes you to Pangboche.

As you come nearer to the village, the view of Ama Dablam becomes vast along with the surrounding landscapes. You can take a few minute’s breaks here to enjoy the beautiful sceneries of the mountain ranges.

After enjoying the views, it is now time to leave Pangboche and head up the valley. Throughout the entire day, you slowly gain elevation while seeing the Himalayas.

Moving further ahead, you pass the village of Shomare, which is the last village before Dingboche. The path will wind its way around the valley and make you cross another suspension bridge that approaches Dingboche.

Dingboche is another place for acclimatization. Like we said before, these days are held not for rest but to roam around and let your body settle down with the current elevation.

During your rest day at Dingboche, you can hike up to Nagarjuna Hills, located at 5050 m elevation. This viewpoint nestles on the edges of a hill above Dingboche. It is a 3 to 4 hours walk to see the panoramic vista of Taboche peak, Thamserku, Lobuche west, Ama Dablam, Lobuche east, and Kangtega.

Or, as an alternative, you can hike towards Chukhung valley, whose path leads to Island Peak. This point offers superb views of Makalu, Ama Dablam, and other surrounding peaks.

After an exciting time, you return to Dingboche for lunch. You can roam around the village for the remaining time and spend your time interacting with the local people.

Trek distance: approx. 7.9 km

Trek duration: 5 hours

Maximum altitude: 4950 m

Today’s trek takes you to Lobuche, the second-highest village on this trail. On this day, you will also view the famous Khumbu Glacier as you walk alongside it for most of the day.

Heading out of the village, you take a left turn and ascend through the small ridge above the Pheriche village. This trail would be in the same direction as Nangkartshang Peak if you hiked here the previous day.

But instead of heading up the peak’s direction, you simply follow the slight incline path along the mountain’s wall. After trekking for a few minutes, you reach a beautiful monastery. In its backdrop, you can see the marvelous view of Taweche and Cholatse peak.

From here, you follow the path that opens up to a wide valley for a few hours. The incline is not very harsh, but you are walking at a high altitude, so make sure to stroll.

Continuing the trek, you can see the small yet beautiful town of Thukla on the other side of the river. You will now follow the trail that leads to this place by crossing through the bridge.

The trials from here onwards are tricky as you will be climbing a zigzag route to the Thukla Pass. Then continue the walkthrough steeper trails until you reach the Khumbu Glacier.

You will cross the Khumbu Khola from Dugla and have your lunch at the foot of the terminal moraines. You climb on a solid and steep rocky trail to reach the top of the moraines from here.

Then you walk along the ridge while passing a line of memorial cairns built in the memory of climbers and sherpas that passed away during the Everest Expedition.

You can enjoy the view of Khumbutse, Lingtren, and Pumori from this point. Then following the stream, you enter Lobuche village that brings you closer to your destination.

To Gorak Shep

Trek distance: approx. 4.5 km

Trek duration: 2.5 to 3 hours

Maximum altitude: 5160 m

To EBC (round trip)

Trek distance: approx. 7.2 km

Trek duration: 4 hours

Maximum altitude: 5364 m

The big day has finally arrived when you will visit the significant highlight of this trek, i.e., Everest Base Camp. Before reaching there, you hike to Gorak Shep first, the highest village on this trail. This place is the closest to the EBC itself.

The journey to Everest Base Camp has been broken down into two parts. On the first half, you trek to Gorak Shep, and on the second, you hike to the base of Mount Everest.

So, after a hefty breakfast, you make your way to Gorak Shep from Lobuche. Following the broad valley that lies parallel to Khumbu Glacier, you gradually ascent with a slow and steady rhythm through the rocky path.

There will be some steeper sections before you arrive at the moraine of Changri Nup Glacier on this trail. As you keep moving up, the views of mountain peaks get better and better.

From here, you make several slights up and downhill climbs through sandy trails that lead to Gorak Shep. With each gain in elevation, you get closer to Everest Base Camp.

Arriving at Gorak Shep, you drop your bag at the lodge, eat your lunch, and begin your trek to Everest Base Camp. You start by immediately walking along the side of the Khumbu Glacier and continuously gaining elevation to the base.

If you trek during the climbing months, then you can encounter porters and yaks on the trails. You pass during the steep climbs, viewing the glorious lakes, glaciers, and the notorious Everest Icefalls.

Reaching the base, you are welcomed by the beautiful sight of Mount Everest and its surrounding peaks. The views are mesmerizingly stunning and gifted by nature.

You stay there for some time and take pictures before returning to Gorak Shep. After the climb, you have an early dinner as you need to wake up early the next day.

To Kala Patthar (round trip)

Hike distance: 3.7 km

Hike duration: 3 to 4 hours

Maximum altitude: 5554 m

To Pheriche

Trek distance: 11.5 km

Trek duration: 5 to 6 hours

Maximum altitude: 4371 m

The Everest Base Camp 14 Days trek is incomplete without hiking up to Kala Patthar. This beautiful peak hovers above the beautiful village of Gorak Shep and is one of the best viewpoints in the Khumbu region.

Today you witness some of nature’s best gifts to this region. After a peaceful night, you wake up early and head to Kala Patthar to view the sunrise and Mount Everest.

A good portion of the trail is smooth and easy to navigate. You can slowly make your way up the paths leaving behind Gorak Shep, Khumbu Glaciers, Icefall, and more.

The early rays of sun shining upon the white peaks and the valley below look breathtakingly beautiful. Also, the view of Mount Everest looks more stunning close-up.

You can take your time to relish and embrace the moments. These memories are priceless, so capture them on your devices. The surrounding landscapes and mountain views make this place unique.

After spending some time there, you head back to Gorak Shep and have your breakfast. After that, you pack your bags and begin the journey down to Pheriche.

You retrace your steps back, so Lobuche is your first point. Throughout the trail, you will be walking above and alongside the Khumbu Glacier, surrounded by mountains and views of glaciers.

A few of the sections are easy and manageable, while a couple of them are trickier as well, so watch out. You have already walked these paths, so you can easily make them out.

For most sections of this trek, you will be descending till Pheriche, so walk slow and steady.

Trek distance: 11.5 km

Trek duration: 7 to 8 hours

For the trek from Pheriche to Namche Bazaar, you will be descending to a lower elevation, but there will be several ups and downs on this day. So, gear up and prepare yourself.

The trek today is longer than other days, so the journey begins earlier than usual. After a healthy breakfast, you leave the village of Pheriche and begin to head down and cross a river.

After that, you climb up the valley and gain a bit of elevation. Walking further ahead, you reach a familiar path that you took while heading to Everest Base Camp.

Viewing the same scenarios, you trek downhill, slowly losing elevation. A portion of the trail is standard and less technical. Walking past several villages like Pangboche, Deboche, Tengboche, and many more, you arrive at Namche.

This day you make several steep declines and cross many forests, rivers, and suspension bridges.

Trek distance: 19.5 km

Trek duration: 7 to 8 hours

Your time in the Everest region is coming to its end as you will be heading back to Lukla today. After having a hearty breakfast, you check out from the lodge and make your way down through the step stones.

Then following the trails, you reach a rest stop area after walking for about half an hour. You get the final glimpse of Mount Everest from here. Continuing walking downwards, you reach a pathway of dirt and stone steps.

Then cross over some suspension bridges, you walk along the Dudh Koshi river and do a steep climb to reach Lukla.

Today your 14 Days Everest Base Camp Trek comes to its halt. You wake up early and catch a flight back to Kathmandu. You will view the beautiful sceneries of the Himalayas for a final time before arriving at the capital.

After reaching here, your guide will drop you at the hotel and end the Everest Base Camp Trek. We hope the trip went just as you planned and it was fun for you.