The Everest Base Camp Trek is one of Nepal's most exciting and sought-after routes in the Himalayan region. Ideally, a 16-day long EBC trek takes you to the foot of Mount Everest, the highest peak in the world at 8800 meters above sea level.
The first major destination is a renowned World Heritage site, Sagarmatha National Park, the country's first natural heritage site. Among its unspoiled beauty, you can see diverse plants such as Rhododendron and Junipers in their natural habitat. Alongside the area's beautiful vegetation, you could even spot some wildlife, such as the Impeyan pheasant, the bearded vulture, the snowcock, and the alpine chough.
Going through the route of this EBC trek, you’ll see some of the highest peaks, like Everest, Nuptse, Lhotse, and Ama Dablam, dominating the eastern sky. The mighty Khumbu Glacier highlights this Everest Base Camp Trek in Nepal. It is the largest glacier in the world, spanning over 180 square kilometers. Another of the best attractions on this route is Kala Patthar. This is the best viewpoint in Nepal for the sunrise above Mt. Everest and other Mountains. This viewpoint lies at an elevation of 5545 meters and is one of the highest viewpoints in Nepal.
The Mount Everest Base Camp Trek is an incredible journey. You will also become familiar with the Sherpa people, one of the Tibetan Ethnic Groups, who offer modern infrastructures for global trekkers. On this trip to the Everest region in Nepal, you’ll witness the ethnic culture and lifestyle of the Sherpa community.
Top Highlights of the Everest Base Camp Trekking
- Everest became famous after Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay reached the summit in 1953 AD.
- Lukla Airport is one of the highest-altitude and most dangerous airports. Landing there can give you a sense of thrill and excitement.
- Visit Sagarmatha National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, to explore diverse Himalayan flora and fauna in a pristine environment.
- Visit Namche Bazaar and learn about the Sherpa Community's diverse culture, traditions, and lifestyle.
- Enjoy stunning panoramic views of all the mountain ranges from Hotel Everest View, the world's highest hotel. Marvel at the snowcapped mountain ranges from its viewpoint.
- Explore Tengboche Monastery, a Tibetan Buddhist monastery en route to EBC.
- Reaching Everest Base Camp is the ultimate goal of the trek, giving a sense of extraordinary accomplishment.
- Get an awe-inspiring sight of the mighty Khumbu Glacier.
- Kala Patthar offers a sunrise that strikes Mount Everest, and its sunset turns the horizon golden.
- The EBC trek offers a 360-degree panoramic view of the entire Himalayan range, including Ama Dablam, Mount Nuptse, and Everest
Route Overview of the Everest Base Camp Trek
Your Everest Base Camp Trek in Nepal starts after arriving at the Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA), where the Nepal Hiking Team (NHT) will receive you. Then, they will guide you to a hotel in Kathmandu, located near the tourist hub. It's perfect for exploring the surroundings on foot, shopping, and discovering eateries & restaurants.
After two nights in Kathmandu, you'll take a flight to Lukla. Depending on the season, it occurs either at Kathmandu Domestic Airport or Manthali Airport, Ramechhap. Your 'Everest Base Camp Trek' begins at Lukla Airport.
The trek follows the Dudh Koshi River through Sagarmatha National Park. After spending a night in Phakding, you move towards Namche, where you’ll cross a thrilling Hillary suspension Bridge, providing a secure path over the Dudh Koshi River. The journey continues towards Namche Bazaar, where you stay two nights to acclimate. Stroll to the Hotel Everest View, the highest-placed hotel, and admire ancient stupas, Sherpa museums, and Memorial Stones.
Then, you can continue your walk-through of the trails to Tengboche monastery at Tengboche Village. You can take your time to adore the mesmerizing view of Everest, Nuptse, Lhotse, and Thamserku. After arriving at Dingboche, you'll be awed by the outstanding Ama Dablam and walk towards Nangkartshang Peak.
Following the EBC route, you'll reach Gorak Shep after twists and turns through the Khumbu Glacier. After Gorakshep, you finally get to the Base of Mount Everest. You can witness the Khumbu glaciers mesmerizing you as you unwind the timeless beauty of this region. After a few moments of admiration, you will descend to Gorak Shep for an overnight stay.
The next day, you hike to Kala Pathhar to watch the sunrise rising from Mount Everest. You'll descend to Pheriche, retracing through Tengboche, Phunki Tenga, Kyangjuma, Namche, and Phakding. After Phakding, you will conclude your EBC trek in Nepal by reaching Lukla again.
For any customized EBC trek as per your preference and qualified Everest guide, Contact the Nepal Hiking Team.
History of Everest
Would you like to know how this extraordinary route to Everest started? Let's look at it.
Everest Base Camp's (EBC) history is more exciting than you think! It's all about how people have been trying to climb Mt. Everest at 8848.86 m for a long time. Mount Everest is the ultimate challenge for climbers, and the history of EBC is mixed up with that.
Back to the old days of the 1920s
In the early days, climbers were targeted at mountaineering Mount Everest. They tried different approaches to climb it, from Nepal and Tibet. In the Twenties, George Mallory advanced on the north face route, reaching a height of 7,000 meters.
Sadly, in 1922, seven Sherpa porters died in an avalanche on Everest, showing how dangerous it can be. These early treks also set up the paths and camps for the upcoming trekkers.
Historic Day of Everest
After many tries, Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Sherpa finally reached the very top of Mount Everest on May 29, 1953. They became famous names in Everest's history.
After the 1960s onwards, and now
Since the 1960s and even now (present), climbing has remained a specialized activity, while trekking in the Everest region has become more popular than ever.
The Khumbu region around Mount Everest became a national park in 1976. It is Sagarmatha National Park and has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1979.
Today, Everest Base Camp (EBC) serves as both a starting point for climbers trying to reach the peak of Mount Everest and a beloved destination for adventure trekkers. The local economy heavily relies on tourism, with efforts towards environmental conservation and sustainable tourism gaining momentum.
Nowadays, trekkers find it easier to reach the foothills of the legendary Mountain. Anyone can go on a helicopter tour to Everest Base Camp, choose a shorter EBC trek, and do more according to their preferences.
Trip alternative options for Everest base Camp
Caring for our clients and their diverse needs, we have organized various packages for adventures with different timelines. If you find the 16-day Everest trek unsuitable, please consider these alternative packages:
The 14-day short Everest Base Camp Trek is the shortened version of this legendary 16-day adventure to Everest. The main difference is there are no two extra leisure days (one at the beginning and the other at the end of the trek). This option is perfect for those who want to complete the iconic EBC trek in a limited time.
If you are looking for a more relaxed itinerary with families or elders, the 20-day EBC Trek for seniors and kids will be the ideal option. This trek features shorter walking hours and more free time for rest and exploration, which makes it comfortable and enjoyable for all ages.
The Everest base camp with Heli return tour is a 12-day adventure that combines trekking and an exciting heli ride. You can experience the thrill of reaching the base of the world’s tallest Mountain and enjoy the helicopter ride directly to Lukla.
Lastly, our Everest Base Camp Luxury Trek 16-day is a luxurious option. It features an overnight stay in opulent mountain lodges (in available places) during the trip and accommodation at a 5-star hotel in Kathmandu. Enjoy comfortable stays with excellent service while discovering Sherpa traditions and culture.
Let us know if you are interested, and we can customize the trip according to your preferences.