Course Flow
Elevation Profile
The entry section of the EBC trek: from Lukla follow the Dudh Koshi valley to the legendary teahouse town of Namche Bazaar (3,440 m), building the base for safe acclimatization.
Route by Section
Begin after the ~35-minute Kathmandu–Lukla flight, which is weather-dependent.
Descend along the Dudh Koshi and overnight at Phakding.
Pass the national park gate at Monjo and climb to Namche — the first altitude checkpoint.
An acclimatization hike toward Everest View Hotel — "climb high, sleep low."
Gear
- Sleeping bag (-10°C rating)
- Headlamp & spare batteries
- Altitude meds (consult a doctor)
- Cash — no cards on the trail
Permits & costs
- Sagarmatha NP NPR 3,000
- Khumbu municipality permit NPR 3,000
- Guide mandatory via agency · packages $1,200–2,000
Cautions
- Altitude sickness — descent is the cure
- Lukla flight delays
- Night cold below -10°C
Course Flow
Elevation Profile
The world-famous round trip to Everest Base Camp on a standard 12-day schedule. Two acclimatization days — Namche (3,440 m) and Dingboche (4,410 m) — are the keys to safety, with teahouse lodging and a guide as the norm.
Route by Section
Follow the Dudh Koshi to Namche and complete the first acclimatization hike.
Pass Tengboche monastery and Ama Dablam views to Dingboche (4,410 m) for the second acclimatization.
Past memorial ridges to Lobuche (4,940 m), then overnight at Gorak Shep (5,160 m).
Day-hike from Gorak Shep to Base Camp and back. The EBC marker rock is the classic photo spot.
Fast descent via Pheriche and Namche, then fly out from Lukla.
Gear
- Sleeping bag (-15°C rating)
- Boots & gaiters
- Full insulated set
- Purification tablets & snacks
Permits & booking
- Park + municipality ~NPR 6,000
- Agency packages $1,200–2,000
- Lukla flights ~$400 RT separate
Cautions
- Altitude sickness — descend immediately
- Adjust for weather
- Insurance incl. helicopter evacuation is essential
Course Flow
Elevation Profile
The complete route: the standard EBC itinerary plus a dawn climb of Kala Patthar (5,545 m) and the Gokyo Lakes extension (4,700–5,000 m) — two of the finest panoramas on Earth.
Route by Section
Same as the standard itinerary up to Gorak Shep.
Climb before dawn for the sunrise panorama of Everest, Nuptse, and Lhotse.
Cross Cho La pass (5,420 m) to Gokyo village and its lakes — the third lake has the best viewpoint.
Cross Renjo La (5,360 m) back to Namche and descend to Lukla.
Gear
- Sleeping bag (-20°C rating)
- Climbing gloves & balaclava
- Pulse oximeter (recommended)
- Spare batteries (cold drain)
Permits & booking
- Same permits as standard
- Longer duration increases cost
- Check Gokyo teahouse status
Cautions
- Consecutive 5,500 m days
- Cho La scree & ice
- Be ready to bail out