The full picture.
No trekking destination on Earth carries the mythic weight of Everest Base Camp. The journey begins with a heart-stopping mountain flight into Lukla airport (2,860m) and builds steadily through the legendary Sherpa villages of Namche Bazaar, Tengboche, and Dingboche before reaching the base of the world's highest peak at 5,364m.
What most itineraries don't tell you: Kala Patthar (5,545m), not EBC itself, is where you get the finest views of Everest's summit. EBC at 5,364m is a rocky glacier — impressive for its history but photographically dominated by Kala Patthar's panorama.
Our route is paced specifically for acclimatisation, with strategically placed rest days in Namche and Dingboche. Every detail — from teahouse selection to guide-to-trekker ratios — reflects 18 years of running this route. Your guide has walked this trail hundreds of times. It shows.
What you'll experience.
The trail in pictures.
The climb, day by day.
Full itinerary.
The adventure begins with a bang. A 35-minute mountain flight over spectacular Himalayan terrain lands you at Lukla's famous cliff-edge airport. Trek down through pine and rhododendron forest along the Dudh Kosi river to reach the small village of Phakding for your first night.
The trail climbs through dense forest, crossing the Dudh Kosi on several suspension bridges. The final ascent to Namche is steep but rewarded with your first clear views of Everest and Ama Dablam. Namche Bazaar is the gateway to the Khumbu — a colourful Sherpa town built into a horseshoe-shaped bowl.
A crucial rest day. We hike up to the Everest viewpoint (3,880m) for your first close look at the great peak, then back down. Visit the Sherpa Culture Museum and the Saturday market if your timing is right. This day is medically important — don't skip it.
One of the trail's finest days. Contour above the valley through forests of birch and rhododendron, with constant views of Ama Dablam's dramatic spire. Tengboche's hilltop monastery — the largest in the Khumbu — sits in one of the most spectacularly situated spots in the Himalayas.
Descend through the Imja Khola valley and climb into the wider upper Khumbu. The landscape becomes starker and more alpine. Dingboche sits on an open plateau with commanding views of Lhotse, Island Peak, and Makalu.
Acclimatisation hike to the Nangkartshang Peak ridge (5,050m). 360° views of four 8,000m peaks — Everest, Lhotse, Makalu and Cho Oyu — on a clear day. Rest afternoon, large meal, early bed.
The trail climbs steadily through the Khumbu Valley, passing the Thukla memorial stupa honouring climbers lost on Everest. Views of the Khumbu Glacier emerge as you approach Lobuche.
The big day. A challenging morning walk to Gorak Shep, drop your bags, and push on to Everest Base Camp. Walk on the Khumbu Glacier, surrounded by the Khumbu Icefall and the hulking mass of Nuptse. Return to Gorak Shep for the night.
Wake at 4:30 AM. Headlamps on. Climb Kala Patthar as the sky turns to fire — the finest view of Everest's summit on the entire trek. Descend all the way to Pheriche, enjoying legs that finally feel the elevation getting easier.
A long descent day back to Namche. The change in landscape as you drop altitude is remarkable — from arid scree to lush pine forest in a single afternoon. Celebrate tonight in Namche with a well-earned Everest beer.
The final walking day. The trail back to Lukla is familiar but still beautiful. Last suspension bridges, last views of the peaks, last teahouse dal bhat. Pack bags for tomorrow's flight and share stories over dinner.
Early morning flight back to Kathmandu. Arrive by late morning. Celebration dinner in Thamel this evening — our treat. Transfer to your hotel included.
A buffer day for weather delays and optional sightseeing. Visit Boudhanath Stupa, Pashupatinath, or Swayambhunath. Trek certificate and debrief with your guide this morning.
Rad Travels arranges your airport transfer. You leave Nepal changed — 14 days, 130km, 5,545 metres, and memories for life.
The trail map.
What's included.
✓ Included
- ✓All accommodation — teahouses & lodges throughout
- ✓All meals: breakfast and dinner on the trail
- ✓Kathmandu–Lukla–Kathmandu flights (both ways)
- ✓Licensed, English-speaking Sherpa guide
- ✓Porter (1 per 2 trekkers, 15kg limit)
- ✓All required permits (Sagarmatha NP + Khumbu)
- ✓TIMS trekking card
- ✓First aid kit + pulse oximeter + altitude medication
- ✓Pre-trek briefing in Kathmandu
- ✓Airport transfers in Kathmandu
- ✓Rad Travels trek duffel bag
✕ Not Included
- ✕International flights to/from Kathmandu
- ✕Nepal visa (approx. $50 on arrival)
- ✕Travel & rescue insurance (mandatory)
- ✕Lunches on the trail
- ✕Hot showers, battery charging, wi-fi (extra at teahouses)
- ✕Personal gear and equipment
- ✕Tips for guides and porters (customary)
- ✕Helicopter evacuation (covered by insurance)
What to pack.
🧥 Clothing
- Down jacket (-15°C or warmer)
- Waterproof outer shell
- Thermal base layers ×3
- Fleece mid-layer
- Trekking pants ×2
- Warm hat + balaclava
- Buff / neck gaiter
- Waterproof gloves
👟 Footwear
- Waterproof trekking boots (broken in!)
- Camp sandals / crocs
- Wool socks ×4–5
- Gaiters (optional)
- Trekking poles (strongly advised)
🎒 Essentials
- Daypack 25–35L
- Sleeping bag liner
- Headlamp + spare batteries
- Sunscreen SPF 50+
- Glacier sunglasses (UV400)
- Water bottles + purification
- Blister kit, personal meds
- Cash USD / NPR
