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Trek Dificulty
Difficult
Trek Duration
12 Days
Highest Altitude
18,200
Suitable for
18 to 55 years
The Ultimate Trek to the Base of the Highest Mountain in the World
The Everest Base Camp classic route isn't merely another trail stitched onto a map; it's practically a legend amongst trekkers, with tones of awe and accomplishment.
This route, towards the base of the world's highest mountain, Mount Everest, is a coveted prize on almost every trekker’s bucket list. It's more than just a scenic trek through the Himalayas; it's a transformative experience that will push your physical and mental limits further than you can ever imagine. The sense of accomplishment that washes over you as you stand at Everest Base Camp, humbled by the sheer magnanimity of the mountain, is unparalleled.
This legendary trail, however, is a difficult one. It's a demanding trek that will test your willpower and require meticulous preparation. The path meanders through an elevation gain of over 18,000 feet, taking you from the bustling town of Lukla that is nestled in the valleys to the base of Mount Everest.
The terrain you'll encounter throughout this journey is as diverse as it is challenging. Beautiful green forests give way to stark, rocky valleys etched with glacial blankets. You'll traverse suspension bridges, navigate through sections with loose earth, and even cross the edge of the mighty Khumbu Glacier, all while constantly battling the effects of a steep altitude. Be warned, some sections of this trek are notoriously tricky, demanding a good level of fitness, surefootedness, and a huge dose of determination.
But for those who are prepared, the rewards are beyond imagination.
The Everest Base Camp classic route isn't merely another trail stitched onto a map; it's practically a legend amongst trekkers, with tones of awe and accomplishment.
This route, towards the base of the world's highest mountain, Mount Everest, is a coveted prize on almost every trekker’s bucket list. It's more than just a scenic trek through the Himalayas; it's a transformative experience that will push your physical and mental limits further than you can ever imagine. The sense of accomplishment that washes over you as you stand at Everest Base Camp, humbled by the sheer magnanimity of the mountain, is unparalleled.
Everest Base Camp (Classic Route) - Complete Trek Information
We have always wanted trekkers to be well-informed before they go on a high altitude trek. Knowledge is the difference between a safe trek and a dangerous one. It’s also the difference between a wholesome experience and a superficial experience.
Use this section to learn about the Everest Base Camp trek. It has in-depth information about each day of the trek, what to expect, and how you need to prepare for it. Many years of expertise have gone into this content. Trekkers find that extremely useful.
Day 0
Reach Kathmandu. Fly to Lukla
Meet the Indiahikes team at Lukla, near Hotel Comfort Inn by 4 PM. It is better to take a flight to Lukla on the previous day. This gives you a day's advantage. Even if your flight gets delayed, you have a buffer day for reaching Lukla on Day 0 this way.
Day 1
Trek from Lukla to Phakding.
Trek Distance: 9 km | Duration: 4-5 hours | Altitude Loss: 9,300 ft to 8,600 ft
Easy. Gradual descent throughout. You can refill your water bottles at tea houses on the way.
Day 2
Trek from Phakding to Namche Bazaar.
Trek Distance: 10 km | Duration: 7 hours | Altitude Gain: 8,600 ft to 11,290 ft
Moderate. Initial level walk for 30 minutes followed by an undulating trail for a few hours. Steep climb to Namche hereafter. You can refill your water bottles at tea houses on the way.
Day 3
Acclimatization day at Namche Bazaar
Today, you’ll do an acclimatisation climb to Everest View Hotel and come back down to Namche Bazaar for lunch.
Day 4
Trek from Namche Bazaar to Tengboche.
Trek Distance: 9.2 kms | Duration: 4 hours | Altitude Gain: 11,290 ft to 12,687 ft (+ 1397 ft)
Day 5
Trek from Tengboche to Dingboche.
Trek Distance: 10.8 kms | Duration: 3.5 hours | Altitude Gain: 12,687 ft to 14,469 ft (+ 1782 ft)
Day 6
Acclimatization day at Dingboche.
Day 7
Trek from Dingboche to Lobuche.
Trek Distance: 11.1 kms | Duration: 7 hours | Altitude Gain: 14,469 ft to 16,200 ft (+ 1731 ft)
Day 8
Trek from Labouche to Gorakshep (Excursion to EBC)
Trek Distance: 8 kms | Duration:3 hours |Altitude Gain: 16,200 ft to 16,900 ft (+ 700 ft)
Moderate. Short, steep ascent followed by 1.5-2 hours of boulder walk. Ends with a gradually ascending trail. Carry sufficient water. You’ll find teahouses on the way to Gorakshep.
Day 9
Climb Kala Pathar. Trek from Gorakshep to Pheriche
Duration: 3 hours | Altitude Gain and Loss: 16,900 ft to 14,070 ft via 18,200 ft
Difficult. Gradual descent all the way to Pheriche. Carry sufficient water; you can refill your water bottles at tea houses on the way.
Day 10
Trek from Pheriche to Tengboche.
Duration: 4-5 hours | Altitude Loss: 14,070 ft to 12,665 ft
Moderate. 3 km gradual ascent to Tengboche. You can refill your water bottles at tea houses on the way.
Day 11
Trek from Tengboche to Namche Bazaar.
Duration: 4 hours | Altitude Loss: 12,665 ft to 11,290 ft
Moderate. Continuous descent followed by a final, short stretch of steep ascent. You can refill your water bottles at tea houses on the way.
Day 12
Trek from Namche Bazaar to Lukla.
Duration: 7-8 hours | Altitude Loss: 11,290 ft to 9,300 ft
Moderate. Continuous descent to Phakding for a few hours followed by gradual ascent to Lukla. You will find tea houses on the way to refill your water bottles.
Stay the night at Hotel Comfort Inn. Take the early morning flight out of Lukla. It will take you about 45 minutes to reach Kathmandu.
Day 0
Reach Kathmandu. Fly to Lukla
Meet the Indiahikes team at Lukla, near Hotel Comfort Inn by 4 PM. It is better to take a flight to Lukla on the previous day. This gives you a day's advantage. Even if your flight gets delayed, you have a buffer day for reaching Lukla on Day 0 this way.
Day 1
Trek from Lukla to Phakding.
Trek Distance: 9 km | Duration: 4-5 hours | Altitude Loss: 9,300 ft to 8,600 ft
Easy. Gradual descent throughout. You can refill your water bottles at tea houses on the way.
Day 2
Trek from Phakding to Namche Bazaar.
Trek Distance: 10 km | Duration: 7 hours | Altitude Gain: 8,600 ft to 11,290 ft
Moderate. Initial level walk for 30 minutes followed by an undulating trail for a few hours. Steep climb to Namche hereafter. You can refill your water bottles at tea houses on the way.
Day 3
Acclimatization day at Namche Bazaar
Today, you’ll do an acclimatisation climb to Everest View Hotel and come back down to Namche Bazaar for lunch.
Day 4
Trek from Namche Bazaar to Tengboche.
Trek Distance: 9.2 kms | Duration: 4 hours | Altitude Gain: 11,290 ft to 12,687 ft (+ 1397 ft)
Day 5
Trek from Tengboche to Dingboche.
Trek Distance: 10.8 kms | Duration: 3.5 hours | Altitude Gain: 12,687 ft to 14,469 ft (+ 1782 ft)
Day 6
Acclimatization day at Dingboche.
Day 7
Trek from Dingboche to Lobuche.
Trek Distance: 11.1 kms | Duration: 7 hours | Altitude Gain: 14,469 ft to 16,200 ft (+ 1731 ft)
Day 8
Trek from Labouche to Gorakshep (Excursion to EBC)
Trek Distance: 8 kms | Duration:3 hours |Altitude Gain: 16,200 ft to 16,900 ft (+ 700 ft)
Moderate. Short, steep ascent followed by 1.5-2 hours of boulder walk. Ends with a gradually ascending trail. Carry sufficient water. You’ll find teahouses on the way to Gorakshep.
Day 9
Climb Kala Pathar. Trek from Gorakshep to Pheriche
Duration: 3 hours | Altitude Gain and Loss: 16,900 ft to 14,070 ft via 18,200 ft
Difficult. Gradual descent all the way to Pheriche. Carry sufficient water; you can refill your water bottles at tea houses on the way.
Day 10
Trek from Pheriche to Tengboche.
Duration: 4-5 hours | Altitude Loss: 14,070 ft to 12,665 ft
Moderate. 3 km gradual ascent to Tengboche. You can refill your water bottles at tea houses on the way.
Day 11
Trek from Tengboche to Namche Bazaar.
Duration: 4 hours | Altitude Loss: 12,665 ft to 11,290 ft
Moderate. Continuous descent followed by a final, short stretch of steep ascent. You can refill your water bottles at tea houses on the way.
Day 12
Trek from Namche Bazaar to Lukla.
Duration: 7-8 hours | Altitude Loss: 11,290 ft to 9,300 ft
Moderate. Continuous descent to Phakding for a few hours followed by gradual ascent to Lukla. You will find tea houses on the way to refill your water bottles.
Stay the night at Hotel Comfort Inn. Take the early morning flight out of Lukla. It will take you about 45 minutes to reach Kathmandu.
Day 0: Reach Kathmandu. Fly to Lukla
Kathmandu is the capital of Nepal and is a tourist hub. It is the gateway to Nepal Himalayas and stands at the elevation of 4,600 ft. While the city endured a lot of damage during the 2015 earthquake, it remains a fascinating place to explore.
Take the first flight out of Kathmandu to Lukla, where your trek begins. You will meet your trek mates near Hotel Comfort Inn at Lukla at 4 PM.
Weather plays a crucial role in flights taking off to Lukla. Hence, try and reach Lukla the same day to avoid delays in the trek.
Take a flight on this day to Lukla, as it gives you a day's advantage if your flight to Lukla gets cancelled due to unpredictable weather.
What happens if you miss your flight to Lukla
Weather plays a very big role in the running of this trek. Flights to Lukla are a fair-weather friend. A cloud covering a mountain ridge can shut down the entire airport!
It might so happen that only some of the scheduled flights take off from Kathmandu on 1st April and your flight doesn’t. Hence, we recommend that you fly to Lukla a day early, on 31st March itself.
In case you do miss your flight on 1st April and reach Lukla on 2nd April (Day 2) instead, here is what you will need to do –
1. Start trekking towards Namche Bazaar as soon as you land.
2. Stay overnight at a tea house between Phakding and Namche Bazaar. We will arrange this in advance and communicate the details to you in case the need arises.
3. Join the rest of the team at Namche Bazaar on Day 3. This is an acclimatisation day and trekkers will be staying there overnight.
Note: On your return, you may face a similar situation. You have ended the trek at Lukla and found the airport shut. Keep a day in Kathmandu as a buffer for your return international flight.
Kathmandu is the capital of Nepal and is a tourist hub. It is the gateway to Nepal Himalayas and stands at the elevation of 4,600 ft. While the city endured a lot of damage during the 2015 earthquake, it remains a fascinating place to explore.
Take the first flight out of Kathmandu to Lukla, where your trek begins. You will meet your trek mates near Hotel Comfort Inn at Lukla at 4 PM.
Weather plays a crucial role in flights taking off to Lukla. Hence, try and reach Lukla the same day to avoid delays in the trek.
Take a flight on this day to Lukla, as it gives you a day's advantage if your flight to Lukla gets cancelled due to unpredictable weather.
What happens if you miss your flight to Lukla
Weather plays a very big role in the running of this trek. Flights to Lukla are a fair-weather friend. A cloud covering a mountain ridge can shut down the entire airport!
It might so happen that only some of the scheduled flights take off from Kathmandu on 1st April and your flight doesn’t. Hence, we recommend that you fly to Lukla a day early, on 31st March itself.
In case you do miss your flight on 1st April and reach Lukla on 2nd April (Day 2) instead, here is what you will need to do –
1. Start trekking towards Namche Bazaar as soon as you land.
2. Stay overnight at a tea house between Phakding and Namche Bazaar. We will arrange this in advance and communicate the details to you in case the need arises.
3. Join the rest of the team at Namche Bazaar on Day 3. This is an acclimatisation day and trekkers will be staying there overnight.
Note: On your return, you may face a similar situation. You have ended the trek at Lukla and found the airport shut. Keep a day in Kathmandu as a buffer for your return international flight.
Day 1: Trek from Lukla to Phakding
Lukla is a tiny village with an airstrip at the end of the valley. This airport is called the most dangerous airport in the world for its short runway and the drop off at the end. Landing and taking off in Lukla is an adrenaline-pumping experience. A simple thing like a cloud covering a mountain ridge can shut this airport down! Hence, we recommend that you reach Lukla a day in advance.
The trek begins right outside the airport. The trail to Phakding is mostly descending. After a small forest trail, in the beginning, you will walk through Nepalese villages surrounded by a lot of vegetation.
Lukla is a tiny village with an airstrip at the end of the valley. This airport is called the most dangerous airport in the world for its short runway and the drop off at the end. Landing and taking off in Lukla is an adrenaline-pumping experience. A simple thing like a cloud covering a mountain ridge can shut this airport down! Hence, we recommend that you reach Lukla a day in advance.
The trek begins right outside the airport. The trail to Phakding is mostly descending. After a small forest trail, in the beginning, you will walk through Nepalese villages surrounded by a lot of vegetation.
Day 2: Trek from Phakding to Namche Bazaar
Namche, where you’ll be headed today, is the capital of the Khumbu region. Start your day early as there is a long day of trekking in the store. The trail goes up and down as you gradually gain altitude. You will mostly be trekking through forests.
Monjo village is the midpoint of today’s trek. There is a 3-4 km steep climb through forests just before the Swiss suspension bridge over the Dudh Kosi river, which is the lifeline of the Khumbu region.
Highlights of the day include entering the Sagarmatha National park, spotting the Kongderei and Thamserku peaks, and getting your first Everest viewpoint.
Namche, where you’ll be headed today, is the capital of the Khumbu region. Start your day early as there is a long day of trekking in the store. The trail goes up and down as you gradually gain altitude. You will mostly be trekking through forests.
Monjo village is the midpoint of today’s trek. There is a 3-4 km steep climb through forests just before the Swiss suspension bridge over the Dudh Kosi river, which is the lifeline of the Khumbu region.
Highlights of the day include entering the Sagarmatha National park, spotting the Kongderei and Thamserku peaks, and getting your first Everest viewpoint.
Day 3: Acclimatisation Day at Namche Bazaar
Today, you’ll do an acclimatisation climb to Everest View Hotel and come back down to Namche for lunch.
Namche Bazaar, which is a pitstop for trekkers and climbers going to Everest Base Camp, is worth exploring. You can shop here for souvenirs or even trek gear.
You can also hike to the Sherpa Cultural Museum from where you get great views of Everest and Ama Dablam. The museum details the history of the region with a peek into the lives of Sherpas. You will see photographs from Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay’s climb as well as maps detailing all hiking trails in Nepal.
Today, you’ll do an acclimatisation climb to Everest View Hotel and come back down to Namche for lunch.
Namche Bazaar, which is a pitstop for trekkers and climbers going to Everest Base Camp, is worth exploring. You can shop here for souvenirs or even trek gear.
You can also hike to the Sherpa Cultural Museum from where you get great views of Everest and Ama Dablam. The museum details the history of the region with a peek into the lives of Sherpas. You will see photographs from Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay’s climb as well as maps detailing all hiking trails in Nepal.
Day 4: Trek from Namche Bazaar to Tengboche
As soon as you reach the outskirts of Namche, you'll enter a forest section, which lasts for only about a kilometre.
After the forest section, you will come to a ledge walk. If you are lucky, you may even get a glimpse of the Everest! This is a 40-minute gradual ascent on the ledge, with the Doodhkoshi River accompanying you all the way. This ledge walk has pockets of forests, with a few Buddhist stupas on the way.
This will further lead you to Kyanjuma, where there are a few tea houses. After this, there is a diversion to the Gokyo Ri route.
A while after this, you will cross the Doodhkoshi River on a small suspension bridge and enter a tiny village called Phukithanga.
Phukithanga to Tengboche is a trek of almost 2.5 hours.
Tengboche is a village with great spiritual and religious importance for Buddhists. Many people, throughout the year, traverse this difficult trail just to visit the monastery and seek blessings. So please be respectful and maintain the sanctity of the area.
As soon as you reach the outskirts of Namche, you'll enter a forest section, which lasts for only about a kilometre.
After the forest section, you will come to a ledge walk. If you are lucky, you may even get a glimpse of the Everest! This is a 40-minute gradual ascent on the ledge, with the Doodhkoshi River accompanying you all the way. This ledge walk has pockets of forests, with a few Buddhist stupas on the way.
This will further lead you to Kyanjuma, where there are a few tea houses. After this, there is a diversion to the Gokyo Ri route.
A while after this, you will cross the Doodhkoshi River on a small suspension bridge and enter a tiny village called Phukithanga.
Phukithanga to Tengboche is a trek of almost 2.5 hours.
Tengboche is a village with great spiritual and religious importance for Buddhists. Many people, throughout the year, traverse this difficult trail just to visit the monastery and seek blessings. So please be respectful and maintain the sanctity of the area.
Day 5: Trek from Tengboche to Dingboche
This day will be slightly longer.
As we start from Tengboche, we first descend. It is a gradual descent, with rhododendron forests forming a dense canopy.
Around 2 kilometres from Tengboche is Deboche. From here onwards until a point, you will walk on flat ground. After which there is a steep descent to the huge Imja River suspension bridge.
Tip: Keep your eyes peeled for the very first glimpse of the Ama Dablam peak just before this suspension bridge.
As you cross this bridge, immediately you will start ascending. This is the point where you are almost out of the tree line for the rest of the trek. Here, you will be on a ledge with a few Buddhist stupas on the way, with Mount Ama Dablam as a backdrop.
From here, you will have entered the alpine region. This means mountain peaks emerge on all sides of the trail, it becomes barren and gets a lot steeper. Eventually, you will also start feeling the altitude hitting.
In between you will cross Pangboche. This is the diversion point for the Ama Dablam base camp trek.
Keep ascending and a while later you will come across two trails. One going to Pheriche and the other going to Dingboche. You need to take the one going to Dingboche.
Continue on this trail; a while after this you will have to cross the Lobuche stream. From here, you will see the bustling town of Dingboche.
Note: Lobuche is the name of the river before Dingboche. But further on the trail, there is also a small town called Lobuche.
Dingboche is the next 'happening' town after Namche. You will have to give one day for acclimatisation here.
This day will be slightly longer.
As we start from Tengboche, we first descend. It is a gradual descent, with rhododendron forests forming a dense canopy.
Around 2 kilometres from Tengboche is Deboche. From here onwards until a point, you will walk on flat ground. After which there is a steep descent to the huge Imja River suspension bridge.
Tip: Keep your eyes peeled for the very first glimpse of the Ama Dablam peak just before this suspension bridge.
As you cross this bridge, immediately you will start ascending. This is the point where you are almost out of the tree line for the rest of the trek. Here, you will be on a ledge with a few Buddhist stupas on the way, with Mount Ama Dablam as a backdrop.
From here, you will have entered the alpine region. This means mountain peaks emerge on all sides of the trail, it becomes barren and gets a lot steeper. Eventually, you will also start feeling the altitude hitting.
In between you will cross Pangboche. This is the diversion point for the Ama Dablam base camp trek.
Keep ascending and a while later you will come across two trails. One going to Pheriche and the other going to Dingboche. You need to take the one going to Dingboche.
Continue on this trail; a while after this you will have to cross the Lobuche stream. From here, you will see the bustling town of Dingboche.
Note: Lobuche is the name of the river before Dingboche. But further on the trail, there is also a small town called Lobuche.
Dingboche is the next 'happening' town after Namche. You will have to give one day for acclimatisation here.
Day 6: Acclimatization day at Dingboche
Dingboche, as mentioned, is the next 'happening' town after Namche.
Here, there is a ridge walk called Nangkartshang, with an elevation gain of almost 1000 ft from Dingboche.
Pro Tip: Get a good elevation gain. This will help you acclimatise better, as well as get good views and experiences from a not-so-known place.
Come back from this hike and get a good rest. This will help you in acclimatisation.
Dingboche, as mentioned, is the next 'happening' town after Namche.
Here, there is a ridge walk called Nangkartshang, with an elevation gain of almost 1000 ft from Dingboche.
Pro Tip: Get a good elevation gain. This will help you acclimatise better, as well as get good views and experiences from a not-so-known place.
Come back from this hike and get a good rest. This will help you in acclimatisation.
Day 7: Trek from Dingboche to Lobuche
Day 8 is comparatively the most pleasant day throughout the trek. This is because the elevation gain on this day is less.
Yet, do not forget that Day 8 starts at an altitude of 14,200 ft from Dingboche. This means that you will be very prone to any kind of mountain sickness.
Pro Tip: Carry Diamox tablets for this trek, without fail.
The initial part of the trail on Day 8 is a ridge walk of around 1.5 hours. You will be walking in between very high but beautiful mountain peaks such as Taboche, Jobo Lhaptshang, and glimpses of Ama Dablam too.
After an initial descent from the ridge, there is a steep, zig-zag ascent called the Thukla Pass.
Tip: After you have ascended and have reached the topmost point of the pass, just turn around. You will get to see a very beautiful view of where you would have trekked from.
Note: Right after you cross the Thukla Pass, there is a graveyard. It is an old one of those who died (many years ago) on the way to Everest. Pay your respects and move ahead.
After this, there is a very gradual descent to the riverside. If the river is frozen, you can experience walking on it for at least a kilometre.
After crossing the stream, there is a gradual descent to Lobuche.
Again, Lobuche is very notorious for getting hit by AMS (acute mountain sickness). It is very important to carry Diamox and other required medications.
Pro Tip: In case you are travelling alone and require assistance, ask tea house owners for help.
Note: The weather in Lobuche is very unpredictable. Keep a note of any changes in weather conditions and plan accordingly.
Day 8 is comparatively the most pleasant day throughout the trek. This is because the elevation gain on this day is less.
Yet, do not forget that Day 8 starts at an altitude of 14,200 ft from Dingboche. This means that you will be very prone to any kind of mountain sickness.
Pro Tip: Carry Diamox tablets for this trek, without fail.
The initial part of the trail on Day 8 is a ridge walk of around 1.5 hours. You will be walking in between very high but beautiful mountain peaks such as Taboche, Jobo Lhaptshang, and glimpses of Ama Dablam too.
After an initial descent from the ridge, there is a steep, zig-zag ascent called the Thukla Pass.
Tip: After you have ascended and have reached the topmost point of the pass, just turn around. You will get to see a very beautiful view of where you would have trekked from.
Note: Right after you cross the Thukla Pass, there is a graveyard. It is an old one of those who died (many years ago) on the way to Everest. Pay your respects and move ahead.
After this, there is a very gradual descent to the riverside. If the river is frozen, you can experience walking on it for at least a kilometre.
After crossing the stream, there is a gradual descent to Lobuche.
Again, Lobuche is very notorious for getting hit by AMS (acute mountain sickness). It is very important to carry Diamox and other required medications.
Pro Tip: In case you are travelling alone and require assistance, ask tea house owners for help.
Note: The weather in Lobuche is very unpredictable. Keep a note of any changes in weather conditions and plan accordingly.
Day 8: Trek from Labouche to Gorakshep (Excursion to EBC)
It takes about 3 hours to reach Gorakshep, which is a very busy place. You’ll see the terrain change as you approach the place. There are a lot of trekkers coming in. You’ll see Everest Base Camp on the trail to Gorakshep.
After early lunch at Gorakshep, set off for EBC. Make sure you carry your day pack since you’ll need water. The climb is fairly moderate, though the moraines are slippery and the ridge bordering Khumbu glacier is very windy.
Everest Base Camp provides a very unique experience since you’ll see potential summiters. The climbers’ tents look striking against the backdrop.
Please note: drinking water at Gorakshep is chargeable. 1 litre of drinking water costs 350 Nepalese rupees. This is not included in the trek fee. Non-potable water is available free of cost – if you’re carrying a water purifying bottle, you could consider using that instead.
It takes about 3 hours to reach Gorakshep, which is a very busy place. You’ll see the terrain change as you approach the place. There are a lot of trekkers coming in. You’ll see Everest Base Camp on the trail to Gorakshep.
After early lunch at Gorakshep, set off for EBC. Make sure you carry your day pack since you’ll need water. The climb is fairly moderate, though the moraines are slippery and the ridge bordering Khumbu glacier is very windy.
Everest Base Camp provides a very unique experience since you’ll see potential summiters. The climbers’ tents look striking against the backdrop.
Please note: drinking water at Gorakshep is chargeable. 1 litre of drinking water costs 350 Nepalese rupees. This is not included in the trek fee. Non-potable water is available free of cost – if you’re carrying a water purifying bottle, you could consider using that instead.
Day 9: Climb Kala Pathar. Trek from Gorakshep to Pheriche.
Start early for Kala Patthar so that you reach in time to watch the sun rising over the peaks. Kala Patthar is the highest point of the trek.
The trail to Kala Patthar is well defined and will take you 2-2.5 hours to reach. The last section is steep.
From the summit, you’ll get great views of Everest, South Col – the traditional route to Everest summit. You will even be able to identify Hillary's steps.
There are great views of Lhotse, Makalu, the Khumbu glacier and icefall, and of the entire Everest Base camp. Pumori is straight ahead from the summit.
After spending some time at Kala Pathar, return to Gorakshep and start for Pheriche immediately after breakfast. Retrace the route back to Labouche, from where it’s another 3 hours to Pheriche.
You’ll cross Dughla/Thukla where there are memorials of mountaineers who died climbing Everest.
Pheriche is a village situated above the Tsola river. It is extremely picturesque and surrounded by mountains. There is a hospital in Pheriche, which was specially set up for the benefit of trekkers, and is currently run by the Himalayan Rescue Association with the help of volunteers from all over the world.
The Ama Dablam Base Camp is 4 hours from here.
Start early for Kala Patthar so that you reach in time to watch the sun rising over the peaks. Kala Patthar is the highest point of the trek.
The trail to Kala Patthar is well defined and will take you 2-2.5 hours to reach. The last section is steep.
From the summit, you’ll get great views of Everest, South Col – the traditional route to Everest summit. You will even be able to identify Hillary's steps.
There are great views of Lhotse, Makalu, the Khumbu glacier and icefall, and of the entire Everest Base camp. Pumori is straight ahead from the summit.
After spending some time at Kala Pathar, return to Gorakshep and start for Pheriche immediately after breakfast. Retrace the route back to Labouche, from where it’s another 3 hours to Pheriche.
You’ll cross Dughla/Thukla where there are memorials of mountaineers who died climbing Everest.
Pheriche is a village situated above the Tsola river. It is extremely picturesque and surrounded by mountains. There is a hospital in Pheriche, which was specially set up for the benefit of trekkers, and is currently run by the Himalayan Rescue Association with the help of volunteers from all over the world.
The Ama Dablam Base Camp is 4 hours from here.
Day 10: Trek from Pheriche to Tengboche
This is the traditional Everest Highway. You’ll meet a lot of trekkers from around the world while walking on this trail.
The trail to Tengboche descends continuously from Pheriche.
Stop for the day at Tengboche. Visit the campus Monastery here. Don’t be surprised if you come across renowned mountaineers here.
Tengboche has great views of the Everest, Nuptse, Lhotse and Ama Dablam.
This is the traditional Everest Highway. You’ll meet a lot of trekkers from around the world while walking on this trail.
The trail to Tengboche descends continuously from Pheriche.
Stop for the day at Tengboche. Visit the campus Monastery here. Don’t be surprised if you come across renowned mountaineers here.
Tengboche has great views of the Everest, Nuptse, Lhotse and Ama Dablam.
Day 11: Trek from Tengboche to Namche Bazaar
You are back to walking along Dudh Kosi. From Tengboche, there is a steep descent to Phunki Thanga where you’ll have lunch.
You’ll see prayer wheels connected to a water turbine on the way. The water turbine ensures the wheels move clockwise. The climb from here to Namche is steep.
You are back to walking along Dudh Kosi. From Tengboche, there is a steep descent to Phunki Thanga where you’ll have lunch.
You’ll see prayer wheels connected to a water turbine on the way. The water turbine ensures the wheels move clockwise. The climb from here to Namche is steep.
Day 12: Trek from Namche Bazaar to Lukla
Descend to Lukla on the same trail that you used to go up. Stop at Phakding for lunch.
Stay overnight at Lukla. Take the early morning flight out of Lukla. It will take you about 45 minutes to reach Kathmandu.
Descend to Lukla on the same trail that you used to go up. Stop at Phakding for lunch.
Stay overnight at Lukla. Take the early morning flight out of Lukla. It will take you about 45 minutes to reach Kathmandu.
Difficult Trek
Suitable for Experienced Trekkers
At Indiahikes, while rating a trek difficulty we consider a number of factors. These include altitude gained every day, length of trek everyday, highest altitude, nature of the terrain, weather etc. Based on this we rate a trek as easy or difficult or somewhere in between.
The Everest Base Camp (classic route) trek is a difficult trek.
You start in Lukla, which is at an altitude of 9,300 ft and reach an altitude of 18,200 ft within 13 days.
While some parts of the trail are considered to be of moderate difficulty, the terrain becomes more difficult as you get closer to Everest Base Camp. The days, in general, involve long walks and steep ascents and descents ranging from 3 to 7 hours.
This makes the trek a difficult one. It is a good trek for experienced trekkers.
You will need a minimum of 8 weeks of solid preparation for this trek. You can begin preparation by going for brisk walks and then doing brisk jogs to improve your cardio. Your target should be to cover 10 km in under 60 minutes comfortably by the start of the trek.
Safety on the Everest Base Camp (classic route) Trek
The good news is that the terrain at Everest Base Camp (classic route) trek does not have many sections that pose a major safety challenge.
The Everest Base Camp trek starts at 9,300 ft. During the trek, you climb to 18,220 feet. This low start and a quick climb make you susceptible to altitude sickness in the first couple of days.
Keeping that in mind, we at Indiahikes have planned the route in a way that helps mitigate the risk of AMS:
However, there are still chances of getting hit by AMS.
Trekkers usually complain of a headache or tiredness mixed with perhaps lack of appetite or sleep.
If you are trekking with Indiahikes, at any point in the trek, especially around Lobuche, inform your Trek Leader about your condition immediately if you feel any symptoms of AMS. All Indiahikes Trek Leaders are trained to take care of your health and safety during medical emergencies of any sort.
In the case of AMS, early detection and treatment can ensure your successful trek completion.
If you are trekking on your own, the immediate step to take would be to start on a curative course of Diamox which is 250 mg every 12 hours followed by ample rest. The earlier you treat these symptoms, the higher the chances of recovering and completing the trek.
If the symptoms don’t alleviate after treatment, it is best to head down to Namche immediately. Do not continue the trek if any of the symptoms persist.
Here’s a Complete Guide to Acute Mountains Sickness, HAPE and HACE:
The trek is safe for all the 2 months of the year it is open - in April and October.
However, there are a few times when you need to be careful.
The first is early in the season in April when there is a lot of snow on the trail. It can get slippery. However, this can be managed with the right gear - microspikes, gaiters, etc.
Second, in October, unpredictable rain is a common occurrence. The rain too makes the trail slippery and tricky.
In both cases make sure to get a firm footing before you take the next step. Follow the instruction of your trek leaders.
Pro Tip: Place your foot firmly on the ground and make sure your feet are not slipping and you’ve got a good grip before you take the next step. Do not be in a hurry to ascend or descend but take a second to be mindful of your steps.
The trek can get extremely cold resulting in cold-related injuries. But this can be tackled with the right winter gear, the right technique of layering and good insulation techniques.
Emergency Exits: Everest Base Camp (classic route) trek being a summit trek has limited exit points. You need to come down to Namche Bazaar.
Closest Hospital: There are a few primary health centres in Namche Bazaar if you need immediate attention. You must head down to Lukla as quickly as possible in case of an emergency.
Note: As India’s safest trekking organization, we ingrain safety aspects in the people we work with, in the processes that we follow and in the equipment we carry. Here’s how we at Indiahikes are ensuring that we make you trek the safest
We recommend jogging as the best routine to get fit for a trek. It works on the same muscles that you use while trekking — your calves, glutes and hamstrings. It helps increase your stamina day by day. It is also an easy routine that does not require any equipment or tools.
Fitness target:
To do this trek comfortably, you must be able to cover 10 km in under 60 minutes. This is the minimum fitness required for this trek.
How to achieve this fitness?
- Start jogging at least 4 days a week
- If you cannot run 10 km immediately, start with 2 km and increase to 5 km over 2-3 weeks.
- Once you’re able to run 10 km, increase your pace day by day.
- Gradually increase your pace and bring it down to 10 km in less than 60 mins.
- You must be able to run 10 km in 60 mins consistently for at least 2 weeks before the trek.
This trek requires at least 6-8 weeks of preparation. The longer, the better. So plan your trek soon and start preparing.
Here's a complete guide to get you trek fit.
Strength training tips:
How to get Fitness Approval from the Indiahikes team:
Every trekker needs fitness approval from the Indiahikes team 20 days before the trek date. Without this, you will not be allowed on the trek.
What to upload?
- A minimum of 3 screenshots of your runs/jogs/walks/cycling
- Monthly summary of your routine
Why fitness matters:
Every high-altitude trek comes with a set of challenges. Steep ascents and descents, uneven terrain, snow walks, stream crossings, pass crossings, and summit climb. Even the easiest of treks have some of these challenges if not all of them. Without fitness, trekkers struggle, get injured easily, lag behind, or simply fail to complete the trek.
At Indiahikes, we take pride in the fact that our trekkers are among the fittest in the country. Those who do not meet the fitness requirements are often sent back. Our philosophy is that trekking and fitness go hand in hand. Without fitness, there’s no trekking.
There are two distinct seasons for the Everest Base Camp (classic route) trek – April (Spring) and October (Autumn) and the weather is very different in these seasons.
Say, in Spring, although you will find patches of hard snow at higher altitudes, the temperature during the day will be slightly warmer than that in Autumn when there won’t be any snow on the trek.
Even the air is different. While Spring is moist, Autumn is dry and crisp.
Everest Base Camp (classic route) in Spring (April)
Day time: Between 18 °C and 24 °C | Night time: Will drop to temperatures between 5 °C and 0 °C.
Presence of snow: You may find snow patches on the trail.
No. of warm layers required: 4 warm layers
It’s that time of the year when winter has totally left the slopes. But, you will still find snow patches on the ground above 12,000 feet.
In Spring, expect pleasant daytime temperatures around 18 °C. But at night it dips to almost zero levels.
During the day if the sun goes behind the clouds and there is about of rain, then the temperature can fall to around 12 °C.
Everest Base Camp (classic route) in Autumn (October)
Day time: Between 12 °C and 15 °C | Night time: Will drop to temperatures between -5 °C and -10 °C.
Presence of snow: You will not find snow at this time of the year.
No. of warm layers required: 5 warm layers
Autumn is slightly like winter. Colder than Summer, although you won’t find patches of snow.
Nights in Autumn get chilly. In October the temperature dips to -5 ° C.
During the day, you will experience temperatures around 12 ° C. But any rain or slight drizzle brings down the temperature by a few degrees. So keep a jacket handy with you always.
Planning your onward flight/train booking
If you are travelling from India or any other country, book your flight tickets for Day Minus One, which is two days before Day 1 on the itinerary.
For example: if your trek start day is 15th September, book your air tickets for 13 September to either Kathmandu or Lukla.
Option 1: Fly to Kathmandu and then fly to Lukla
This is the quickest way to reach Lukla. Take a flight to Kathmandu and then another flight to Lukla.
Lukla is a small town with an airstrip that drops off to the valley. There are daily flights in the morning from Kathmandu to Lukla. Flights into Lukla are highly weather-dependent. A cloud covering a mountain ridge can shut down the entire airport! This is why you must book the first flight out of Kathmandu and factor in buffer days in the itinerary.
Tip: If you are reaching Kathmandu early on Day Minus One, you can think of taking a flight on the same day as well. We have seen the notorious airport of Lukla where trekkers have missed flights for two straight days because of weather conditions. This will give you two buffer days in case there is any delay.
Reaching Lukla early will give time for your body to acclimatise better as well.
Option 2: Fly to Kathmandu and then fly to Lukla via Ramechhap
In case a flight from Kathmandu to Luka isn’t working out, your other option to Lukla will be to take a flight from Manthali airport, which is close to Ramechhap.
Take a regular shared cab or bus from Kathmandu to Ramechhap. The duration of the drive is between 5-7 hours. And these modes of transport are almost always available in trekking season.
Tip: The best way is to take a shared Cab from New Bus Park Kathmandu, which cost NPR 500, is much more comfortable than a bus and moves after every one hour.
Option 3: Trek to Lukla on your own
Take this option if you are reaching out more than a week in advance to Kathmandu.
The trek starts from a small village called Jiri which is 7-8 hrs of bus journey from Kathmandu. It is an astounding distance of 56 km and can take anywhere between 4 days to 7 days to reach Lukla.
Again, do this only if you have a lot of time in hand and the required experience and fitness to be able to trek for 13 days after this.
Planning your return flight/train booking
The trek ends at Lukla on Day 13.
For your return journey, you can again fly back from Lukla to Kathmandu. Or you could fly via Ramechhap.
Taking into account the buffer day: Booking your return tickets requires some thought. First, always book your return ticket keeping in mind the buffer day. The buffer day must be included in your itinerary. If your trek ends on Day 13 do not book your flight/bus tickets for Day 13. Instead, book for Day 14.
Planning your hotel/stay
While booking hotels on your return, always assume book your rooms assuming the buffer day is not being used. Assume the trek is going to run without any hiccups. So what happens if you use your buffer day on the trek? Unfortunately, then you’ll probably lose your hotel booking.
So book hotels where you may not have to transfer money in advance. Even if you do, consider it better than missing out on the trek. In Kathmandu, it is not difficult to find last minute hotel bookings if in case the buffer day is used.
Hotel options in Kathmandu
➤ Alobar1000
Alobar1000 is one of the many youth hostels in Kathmandu. It has a good backpacking dorm and also private rooms.
Email id: alobar1000@gmail.com
Location: https://goo.gl/maps/KjsbNoKqK5ALNh2t8
Contact Number: +977-14410114
Website: https://alobar1000.wixsite.com/alobar1000
➤ Zostel Kathmandu
Zostel has standardised rooms and dorms all around the region. It’s a reliable place with basic facilities.
Email id: reservations@zostel.com
Location: https://goo.gl/maps/aTMpF8Sz5btnjPny9
Contact Number: +977- 9813495707
Website: https://www.zostel.com/zostel/kathmandu/
➤ Wander Thirst
This is another hostel in Kathmandu which has a mix of hostels with dorms and private rooms.
Email id: hello@wanderthirsthostels.com
Location: https://goo.gl/maps/aTMpF8Sz5btnjPny9
Website: https://wanderthirsthostels.com/
How to reach Namche Bazaar on your own
If you miss the Indiahikes team from Lukla, you will have to trek to Phakding and then reach Namche Bazaar on your own. The team will have an acclimatization day at Namche and you can join them here.
However, in case you lose two days straight in reaching Lukla, you will not be able to catch the team.
Important Points to Note
- In Kathmandu, the cost of the dorm room per bed is usually priced at around NPR 350-500. For a private room with a shared bathroom, it will cost around NPR 1000-1500.
– Kathmandu again has a wide range of hotels and places to stay. Book your stay close to Thamel which has better access to local food, trekking gears and a nice culture of trekking.
– From Kathmandu airport, if you take a cab to anywhere around a 2 km to 2.5 km radius, it will cost around NPR 600. Airport to Thamel will cost you NPR 700.
These are documents required for legal purposes by Indiahikes and the forest department. Without any of these, you will not be allowed to trek.
- Original and photocopy of identity card. In Nepal, only passports or Voters' ID is accepted as valid ID proof.
- Disclaimer certificate: There are two sections in this. The first part is a personal medical record. The second part is a legal requirement. Download the PDF, read carefully, fill in and sign it. This must be handed over to your Trek Leader during registration at the base camp. – Download disclaimer certificate
- Medical certificate: The medical certificate needs to be filled out by an MBBS doctor, without which the forest department will not issue permissions for your trek. It is also a requirement by Indiahikes – Download medical certificate
Note: Indiahikes has a panel of doctors who can help you with a medical certificate. They are available for online consultation. To get in touch with them, please write to trekmedicalcertificates@gmail.com. They will respond to you within 24 hours.
Consultation fee: Rs 300
PRO TIPS
Keep important documents in a clear plastic cover and slide them into the inner pocket at the back of your backpack. This keeps them from getting wet.
Here is a list of everything you need for your trek.
Shoes and backpack
- Trekking shoes with ankle support
- Backpack with rain cover
Warm Layers and Clothes
- Warm layers
- 3 layers if you're trekking in spring, summer and monsoon (1 woollen sweater, 1 fleece, 1 padded jacket)
- 4 layers if you're trekking in autumn (1 woollen sweater, 2 fleece, 1 padded jacket)
- 5 layers if you're trekking in winter (1 pair of thermals, 1 woollen sweater, 2 fleece, 1 padded jacket) - 3 Collared T-shirts (Wear one, carry two)
- 2 quick-dry trek pants (Wear one, carry one)
Accessories
- Sunglasses
- Sun cap, preferably with flaps
- Waterproof gloves
- Balaclava
- Woollen socks (2 pairs of Dry fit + 1 pair of Woollen)
- Headlamp
- Trekking pole
- Rain jacket + pants / poncho
Toiletries:
- Sunscreen
- Moisturiser
- Light towel
- Lip balm or vaseline
- Toilet paper (Wet wipes are strictly not allowed on our treks)
- Toothbrush
- Toothpaste
- Reusable plastic covers (for used clothes)
Cutlery:
- Steel lunch box, spoon and a coffee mug
- Two water bottles or Hydration Pack
Once you run through this list, don't miss this ultimate guide on what gear to take on a trek. It contains tips on what gear to choose, where to get it from and how much to spend on it.
Our only tip: Keep your backpack light. Indiahikes practices low impact sustainable trekking in every aspect of the trek. Carrying your own personal backpack reduces your impact on the mountains by 20%. We expect all our trekkers to carry their own backpacks unless they have a justifiable reason not to.
Carry these medicines with you, easily accessible at all times. Do not take any medicine unless you have consulted your trek leader.
- Diamox (1 Strip): Be on a course of a half tablet of Diamox starting from Delhi every 12 hours (125 mg). Carry on the medication until you descend to Tapoban. Being on a preventive course of Diamox greatly reduces the chances of Acute Mountain Sickness on the Pangarchulla Peak trek.
- Dexamethasone (1 Strip): This is part of the Live Saving Drugs kit. Do not take this on your own. Your trek leader will inform you in case the need arises.
- Nifedipine (5 tablets): Again part of the Live Saving Drugs kit. Do not take this on your own. Your trek leader will inform you in case the need arises.
- Dolo 650 (5 tablets): This is a paracetamol. It helps to tackle fever, mild pain
- Avomine (4 tablets): Carry this especially if you are prone to motion sickness. Pop one-half hour before the start of your road journey.
- Combiflam (5 tablets): Take a combiflam if you get a sudden twist of the leg or a muscle strain. It is a pain reliever. It also contains paracetamol.
- Digene (4 tablets): Take it if you feel the food that you’ve taken is undigested. Alert your trek leader immediately. It could be a sign of AMS.
- ORS (6 packs): Consume a pack of ORS water at least once a day, usually the mid-day when you are in the middle of your trek. It replenishes essential salts lost while trekking. Tip: It also makes cold water easier to drink.
- Knee Brace (optional): Carry this if you are prone to knee injury or have known issues of knee pain.
Our trek leaders carry a high altitude medical kit with them which also consist of Life Saving Drugs. If there is an emergency our trek leaders know how to tackle it. Meanwhile, contact your trek leader before consuming any of these medicines listed here.
Pro Tip: We find that these medicines by trekkers are rarely used. But you cannot do away with them. At the end of the trek please donate unused medicines to your trek leader. Some of these medicines get distributed to villages on the trek and some are added to the Indiahikes medical kit.
Trekking to Everest Base Camp is not dangerous, provided you prepare well for it.
We classify Everest Base Camp (classic route) as a Difficult trek. This means it requires exceptionally high fitness levels and prior Himalayan trek experience is a must as well.
There are quite a few factors contributing to the difficulty of the trek — the distance covered every day, the duration of the trek, the terrain, the time spent at a very high altitude (7 days above 14,000 ft) and a difficult exit from the trail in case of an emergency.
One of the greatest risks on any high altitude trek is complications arising from AMS, HAPE and HACE. All three of them can be prevented with adequate hydration, well planned itinerary and proper acclimatization. The Indiahikes trek team, led by an experienced trek leader, is equipped to take care of all medical emergencies on the trail.
These measures make sure every participant on an Indiahikes trek is safe during the Everest Base Camp (classic route) trek.
Mt. Everest is not visible from the Everest Base Camp due to other mountains obscuring it from view. You can spot other mountains like Khumbutse, Changtse, Lingtren, Lobuche, Kala Patthar and Pumori from EBC.
However, Mt. Everest can be spotted multiple times from the trail itself during the initial part of the trek.
Yes, there is an option to offload your backpack. This will cost you INR 1,000 + 5% GST per day. You will need to inform us in advance if you wish to offload your backpack.
The offloaded bag should not weigh more than 9 kg. Strolleys, duffel bags, suitcases etc. are not allowed. Online offloading in advance is possible up to two weeks prior to the trek start date.
Offline offloading is not possible on this trek.
You will have access to drinking water at the tea houses where you stay. For your day’s trek, two litres of water should be enough.
On most days, you will be able to refill your water bottles at tea houses that we pass on the way.
Please note, you will need to buy drinking water once you reach Gorakshep till the time you descend from there on Day. 1 litre of drinking water costs 350 Nepalese rupees. This is not included in your trek fee.
Note: A filtered water bottle is highly recommended when going on this trek.
You will have mobile connectivity till Dole. You also have internet connectivity in tea houses at all locations except Labouche.
Tea houses allow you the use electric charging points at an additional cost, which can be quite high. You need to pay NPR 1,000 per charge and this can increase as you go to teahouses situated at higher altitudes.
All major Indian networks such as Airtel, Vodafone, Idea work on international roaming wherever there is mobile connectivity. Alternatively, you can even get a local SIM of N Cell or Nepal Telecom at Kathmandu/airport.
If you are trekking with Indiahikes, we will arrange for a cloakroom where trekkers can keep their luggage.
There are no charges for this.
Please do not leave any valuables behind in the cloakroom.
Note: You are only allowed to carry 15 kg luggage on the flight from Kathmandu to Lukla and return.
In case you want to cancel your trek, here are the details:
1. Cancellation 45 days before the start date of the trek — Get a refund with 10% cancellation charges.
2. Cancellation between 45 days and 21 days before the start date of the trek — No refund. Get an option to reschedule with 20% cancellation charges.
3. Cancellation within 20 days before the start date of the trek, or no show on the start day of the trek — Unfortunately, no refund or voucher.
For more details on cancellation policy for international treks, click here.
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