Everest Base Camp Trek 12 Days

Ramechhap, a quiet town that serves as an alternative gateway to the Everest region during peak trekking season. The early morning bus ride from Thamel to Ramechhap sets the tone for adventure, as you pass through scenic countryside and mountain foothills on your way to the airport.

and most challenging runways in the world, perched high in the mountains. The airport offers spectacular views of the surrounding peaks and valleys, making the arrival itself a memorable experience. Flights here can be unpredictable due to weather, but the thrill of landing in such a remote and dramatic location is part of the trek’s excitement.

From Lukla, the trail to Phakding leads through peaceful farmland and traditional Sherpa villages. Along the way, you’ll cross several suspension bridges and pass Mani walls carved with Buddhist prayers, adding a cultural touch to your trek. The village of Phakding sits beside the Dudh Koshi River and serves as the perfect first stop, providing a welcoming atmosphere to rest and prepare for the days ahead.

It will take approximately 5 hrs to reach at Namche. But we will stop on the to have lunch, tea break and side seeing and rest.

The trek from Phakding to Monjo takes about one and a half to two hours and follows a scenic trail along the west bank of the Dudh Koshi River. This section is relatively gentle, with a pleasant mix of gradual ascents and descents. Along the way, you'll pass through beautiful pine forests and small Sherpa villages like Toktok and Bengkar. Several suspension bridges span the rushing river, and you’ll spot impressive mani stones and prayer flags that add a spiritual charm to the journey. Before reaching Monjo, you’ll enjoy views of a couple of waterfalls and might even try the locally made apple pies. As you arrive at Monjo, the trail starts to climb slightly and leads you to the entrance of Sagarmatha National Park, where your permits will be checked.

e before entering deeper into the forested park. This stretch is relatively short, usually taking 30 to 45 minutes. The walk is peaceful and mostly easy, allowing you to enjoy the tranquil surroundings and listen to the sounds of the Dudh Koshi River flowing below. Jorsale is the last village before Namche and offers a great spot to take a short break or grab a snack before the challenging climb ahead.

The final segment from Jorsale to Namche Bazaar is the most demanding part of the day, taking around two and a half to three hours. After leaving Jorsale, the trail gradually ascends before reaching the famous high suspension bridge that crosses the confluence of the Dudh Koshi and Bhote Koshi rivers. From here, the trail climbs steeply through dense pine and rhododendron forests with several switchbacks. Midway through the ascent, there’s a viewpoint where, on a clear day, you can catch your first glimpse of Mount Everest, along with Lhotse and Nuptse—a truly unforgettable moment. As you continue upwards, you’ll eventually arrive at the vibrant town of Namche Bazaar, welcomed by a traditional Kani gate and chorten. Nestled in a natural amphitheater, Namche is the gateway to the Everest region and a hub for trekkers, offering stunning views and well-earned rest.

Namche is the ancient trading center of Tibet and India. It receives most of the sunlight during the day, distracting the icy cold of the mountains miles away. Plus, there are many side trips branching off from the Namche, making it an ideal spot for acclimatization. Nevertheless, this place is itself a vibrant place to explore. A historic museum at Namche displays ancient artifacts and extensive cultural monuments of Sherpas. This is a good place to learn about the history of mountains and their connection to the Sherpas. Moreover, a side hill trip at Namche will reward you with the unparalleled views of the Everest and its surrounding peaks. From Namche, there are two options for an exciting side trip. While one takes you to an amazing viewpoint of Thame, the other one takes you across the quaint monasteries and traditional villages of the Khumjung and Khunde. It is upon you which one to choose. Later, we will return to our lodge at Namche.

cal trading hub that once connected Tibet and India. Situated on a sunny slope, Namche enjoys plenty of daylight warmth, making it a pleasant place to relax and adjust to the altitude. The town itself is vibrant and full of character, with narrow stone-paved streets lined with bakeries, gear shops, cafes, and friendly Sherpa locals. It's the perfect place to slow down, explore, and let your body adapt to the thinning mountain air. One of the highlights of Namche is the Sherpa Culture Museum, where you can learn about the rich history of the Himalayas and the deep-rooted connection between the Sherpa people and these sacred mountains. The museum also offers fascinating displays of traditional tools, clothing, and mountaineering history, including stories of early Everest expeditions.

One option is to hike up to the Everest View Hotel, a stunning viewpoint that offers panoramic views of Everest, Lhotse, Ama Dablam, and other surrounding peaks. The other option is a scenic walk to the traditional Sherpa villages of Khumjung and Khunde, where you can visit age-old monasteries, observe daily village life, and even see the famous “Yeti scalp” at the Khumjung Monastery. Both hikes are moderately challenging and excellent for acclimatization.

After soaking in the views and local culture, we return to our lodge in Namche for a restful evening. This acclimatization day not only helps prepare us for higher altitudes but also offers a deeper appreciation of the Sherpa heritage and the breathtaking landscapes of the Khumbu region.

he memorial stupa of Tenzing Norgay Sherpa, who, along with Sir Edmund Hillary, was the first to summit Mount Everest. The path gently ascends through beautiful rhododendron and pine forests before opening up to a stunning viewpoint. From here, you’ll be treated to breathtaking vistas of Ama Dablam, Lhotse Shar, Taboche, Kangtega, and Thamserku, a panoramic Himalayan scene that will stay with you forever. Continuing onward, the trail descends toward the riverside hamlet of Phunke Tenga, where we’ll pause near a line of seven water-powered prayer wheels. These wheels spin continuously with the flow of the river, and according to local belief, a single spin is equal to reciting the sacred Buddhist mantra Om Mani Padme Hum—bringing good fortune to those who pass by.

Shortly after crossing the suspension bridge at Phunke Tenga, we begin a steady climb through the meadows of Saso Kharka, surrounded by whispering trees and distant peaks. As we gain elevation, the forest thins and the path opens up to reveal the spiritual heart of the Khumbu region—Tengboche. Once we arrive, don’t miss the opportunity to visit the iconic Tengboche Monastery, the largest and most significant monastery in the Everest region. Set against a backdrop of towering mountains, this sacred site offers not only cultural insight but also a sense of peace and spiritual energy that makes it a highlight of the entire trek.

Early in the morning, we will attend the prayer ceremonies at the Tengboche Monastery and then, explore the interiors and exteriors of the monastery. The fine paintings of the Buddha and Guru Rinpoche, hung around the wall, are the masterpiece of traditional artistry of Khumbu region. We will proceed to the Deboche where the views of the Ama Dablam, and other peaks gradually rise to spark a moment of happiness in your soul. Soon, the trail meets a bridge, crossing which keeps us to the west of the Imja Khola. The large black overhanging rocks, on the way, used to provide shelter for the porters and ponies in the past when there was no facility of lodges to stay. The trail continues through the Somare, parallel to the Imja Khola, until we arrive at the Dingboche, our next station. Dingboche is a traditional village,

At Dingboche, a stone wall, guarding the one side of the field, extends to kilometers of length. According to the locals, this stone wall is the unintentional creation of years of stone deposition. When the farmers plowed their field, they separated the rocks and stones from the soil and kept it on the side of their fields. Later, these stones got piled up one over the other to form a long and beautiful stone wall. The broad base of these walls, somewhat, makes us believe this mythical story.

This route from Dingboche to Lobuche can be divided into two parts, in terms of their distinct trails. In the first part of the journey, we will ascend over the moraine and walk along the ridge, sometimes through the pastures, until we make up to the nice village of Dughla. While on the ridge, we may witness few mountains on the north, but the haze will cover all the views, most of the time. When we arrive at the Dughla, our second part of the journey begins.

We begin our day with an early morning trek from Lobuche to Gorak Shep. This section of the trail takes us through a desolate, yet dramatic landscape shaped by glacial activity. The path gradually ascends along the lateral moraine of the Khumbu Glacier, and though the elevation gain isn't extreme, the thin air makes every step feel more challenging. Along the way, the views open up to reveal Pumori, Nuptse, and the icy ridges of Mount Everest playing hide-and-seek in the distance. After about 3 to 4 hours of steady hiking, we arrive at Gorak Shep (5,140 m), the last settlement before Everest Base Camp. We will the hike to Kala Patthar this day and after soaking in the views and capturing plenty of photos, we descend carefully back to Gorak Shep for our overnight stay.

After a short rest and a light meal at Gorak Shep, we begin the hike up to Kala Patthar (5,550 m), one of the most famous viewpoints in the Everest region. Though not the highest peak in the area, Kala Patthar offers the clearest and closest view of Mount Everest’s summit, something not visible directly from Base Camp itself. The climb takes around 2 hours and involves a steep and steady ascent over loose rock and dusty switchbacks. As we gain elevation, the scenery becomes more dramatic with each step. At the summit of Kala Patthar, we're rewarded with an unforgettable 360-degree panorama. The towering peak of Everest dominates the skyline, flanked by Lhotse, Nuptse, Pumori, and Ama Dablam. Below, the Khumbu Glacier twists and carves its way through the valley. The play of sunlight—especially during sunset—paints the entire range in gold and crimson hues, creating a moment of absolute awe.

experience the feeling of being on top of the world. The path is slippery, and sometimes, it goes through the narrow bluffs of snow making it difficult to proceed. But, once you are on the base camp of the Everest, the joy is unparalleled.

Everest Base Camp (5,364 m) is the dream destination for many trekkers and mountaineers across the globe. Located at the foot of the Khumbu Icefall, this historic site marks the beginning of summit expeditions to the world’s highest peak. Although you cannot see the Everest summit from the base camp itself, the surrounding views of towering giants and the sheer scale of the glacier make it a truly awe-inspiring place. During the climbing season, colorful expedition tents fill the glacier, creating a dramatic scene against the icy backdrop. Standing here feels like standing on the edge of human ambition—remote, raw, and incredibly emotional. The sense of achievement after reaching this point is powerful, often leaving trekkers teary-eyed and speechless.

From Pheriche, the trail gently descends through open valleys and rhododendron forests until reaching Tengboche, where the famous monastery stands majestically on a ridge. This spiritual center offers breathtaking views of Everest, Ama Dablam, and the surrounding peaks, inviting trekkers to pause and soak in the peaceful atmosphere.

After exploring Tengboche’s monastery and its serene surroundings, the trail continues downward through wooded paths and small Sherpa villages. Finally, we arrive at Namche Bazaar, the vibrant heart of the Khumbu region. Known for its lively markets and traditional Sherpa culture, Namche provides a welcoming atmosphere and spectacular mountain vistas — a perfect place to rest and reflect on the journey ahead.

A trek to Lukla takes us along the same trail that we have been earlier.

ills and mountains to finally arrive at the Kathmandu. You may as well go for shopping around the markets of Thamel

some time exploring and shopping in the vibrant markets of Thamel, perfect for picking up souvenirs and experiencing the city’s lively atmosphere.