Epic Everest Base Camp Trek - 15 Days

Day 2: Fly to Lukla, Trek to Phakding (8,563 ft/ 2,610 m)

After breakfast, return to the airport and board a small plane for the 30-minute flight east to Lukla. You'll touch down on the steep mountain runway in this small town, which is a base for excursions to Mount Everest. If you can, sit on the left during the flight, as you'll be treated to fine views of the Himalaya peaks and lower valleys.

Upon arrival, you'll meet your guide and begin the first hike of the trip. It's an easy route that covers 4.7 miles (7.5 km) and takes 3-4 hours to complete. As you go, you'll enjoy the beautiful scenery while encountering other trekkers, locals, and their trusty yaks. This is a nice warm-up for the more rigorous hikes to come. The journey will take you through the Dudh Koshi Valley on a well-marked trail to the village of Phakding, where you'll stay overnight in a local teahouse.

Day 3: Trek to Namche Bazaar (11,290 ft/ 3,440 m)

After breakfast in Phakding, set off on a steady and steep incline toward Namche Bazaar. It's a principal staging point for expeditions to Mount Everest and other Himalayan peaks. In fact, most Sherpas who work in Nepal's tourism business are originally from the Namche region. Know that this is a more challenging trek than the introductory hike you did yesterday. It covers roughly 7 miles (11 km) and takes about six hours to complete, and you'll really feel the thinner air as you ascend in altitude and cross high suspension bridges.

As for logistics, you'll pass the village of Monjo and arrive at the entrance to Sagarmatha National Park, which was created to protect Himalayan peaks like Everest (your guide will cover your permit fees here). The trail gets steeper along the way, and if the weather is clear, expect to catch your first glimpses of Mount Everest.

Upon arrival in Namche, you'll settle into your teahouse and can then explore the town. Namche is a great place to stock up on supplies as there are numerous small shops selling snacks and trekking gear, as well as restaurants and bars. If here on a weekend, check out the Saturday market—a meeting place for the Hindu traders from the lowlands and the Tibetan yak caravans that have crossed the Nangpa La mountain pass from Tibet. 

Day 4: Namche Bazaar Acclimatization Day

Today is yours to sleep in, rest up, and relax. Take it easy and acclimate to the altitude as you kick back in tea shops and browse for souvenirs at local markets. You can also visit landmarks like Khunde Hospital (founded by Everest legend Sir Edmund Hillary) or take a brisk one-hour walk up to the Everest View Hotel. Located above Namche, it offers fine views of notable peaks like Ama Dablam, Nuptse, Lhotse, and Everest. There are also great views from the Sherpa Culture Museum just above town.

Day 5: Trek to Tengboche (12,687 ft/ 3,867 m)

Enjoy an early breakfast in Namche, after which you'll hit the trail. Today's path runs 5.7 miles (9.2 km) alongside the valley high above the Dudh Kosi River. As you hike, you'll admire views of Mount Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, and Ama Dablam, passing by several villages and tea shops before descending to a bridge over the river. After a stop in a local village for lunch, continue on a final ascent through rhododendron forests to Tengboche, where you'll overnight. This village is famous for its legendary monastery (the largest in the Khumbu region of northeastern Nepal) and its grand Himalaya views.

Day 6: Trek to Dingboche (14,304 ft/ 4,360 m)

Today's trek up to the Sherpa village of Dingboche is a little lighter than yesterday. The moderate trail covers 6.7 miles (10.8 km) and only takes about 3-4 hours to complete. It's a scenic route dotted with stupas, Mani stone walls, and quaint local villages. Stop for lunch at one such community, where you'll enjoy your meal amid fantastic views of nearby Mount Ama Dablam. After eating, you'll continue on a trail beneath the north face of Ama Dablam, and from there, it's an easy hike through the Imja Valley to the Lobuche River. From the river, ascend on a steep climb up to Dingboche, where you'll overnight.

Day 7: Dingboche Acclimatization Day

Give your lungs a break as you take another day to rest up and acclimate. Enjoy a long, leisurely breakfast at the teahouse complemented by views of the surrounding peaks, followed by a nap (or two). If you're feeling restless, you can embark on an easy hike up the ridge behind the village. It features views of some of the world's highest peaks, including Mount Lhotse, Mount Makalu, and Mount Cho Yu. To the west, you'll see Lobuche, Cholatse, and Taboche. In the afternoon, you can relax in the village, sip tea, and perhaps stop in at the local internet café.

Day 8: Trek to Lobuche (16,175 ft/ 4,930 m)

Fill up with a hearty breakfast in Dingboche, after which you'll set off on a full-day trek. This 7.5-mile (12 km) hike will take you up into a wide valley beneath the sharp peaks of Cholatse and Tawache. From there, it's a steep climb toward the foot of the Khumbu Glacier, where you can stop at a remote teahouse for lunch. Then the trail zigzags through a glacial moraine, at the top of which are stone cairns that serve as memorials to Sherpas who died while climbing Mount Everest. From here, the path climbs gently alongside the glacier to the small settlement of Lobuche, near Everest.

Day 9: Trek to Gorak Shep & Everest Base Camp (17,598 ft/ 5,364 m)

Get ready for the final push to the famous Everest Base Camp. It's another full-day hike (around seven hours) but divided into two sections. The first leg follows a 2.7-mile (4.3 km) trail along the Khumbu Glacier to Gorak Shep, a settlement adjacent to a frozen lake bed. The scenery on the way is incredible, as you'll be treated to views of Everest's north crest, as well as Pumori, Mahalangur, Lingtern, Khumbutse, Nuptse, and other notable peaks. Once in Gorak Shep, you'll find yourself completely surrounded by soaring Himalayan peaks. 

During a break, you'll have time to rest and enjoy some refreshments before continuing 2-3 hours to Everest Base Camp. During this section, you'll pass rocky dunes, moraines, and mountain streams. Eventually, you'll find yourself at the official starting point for ascents up the world's tallest mountain (29,031 ft/8,848 m). Marvel at the views and snap plenty of pics before heading back down to Gorak Shep, where you'll spend the night in a teahouse. 

Day 10: Sunrise Trek to Kala Patthar, Descend to Lobuche

Your guide will knock on your door before dawn, after which the two of you will begin an ascent up to Kala Patthar. This lookout point is famous for offering some of the best views of not just Mount Everest but also the peaks of Nuptse, Lhotse, Pumori, and Ama Dablam. You should arrive in time to watch the first rays of morning light gild these awe-inspiring Himalayan peaks. Afterward, you'll hike back down to Gorak Shep, where you'll enjoy a hearty breakfast. Then, continue the descent to Lobuche, where you'll overnight.

Day 11: Descend to Pangboche (12,900 ft/ 3,930 m)

Wake up at a more reasonable hour this morning and enjoy a leisurely camp breakfast. Afterward, you'll grab your gear and make your way down the mountain, linking up with the Everest Base Camp route on a hike that takes about nine hours. Around midday, you'll arrive in the village of Lobuche, where you'll have lunch. Continue down to another village, Pheriche, which sits at an altitude of 14,340 feet (4,371 m). On the trail there, you'll be treated to incredible views of Ama Dablam in the distance.

From Pheriche, continue down to the day's final destination, Pangboche, a village at 13,074 feet (3,985 m). The last leg of this hike will lead you down a hillside blanketed by rhododendrons and juniper trees. If it's spring, these flowers will be in full bloom, coloring the surrounding landscape in dazzling shades of pink and red. Upon reaching Pangboche, you'll settle into your tea house and will have the rest of the day free. If you like, you can visit the famous Pangboche Monastery.

Day 12: Descend to Namche Bazaar

After breakfast in Pangboche, leave on a six-hour hike, the first leg of which is a descent (be mindful of your footing). Then climb back up through lush birch and rhododendron forests as you return to Tengboche. From there, descend to the bridge over the Dudh Kosi River as you make your way back to Namche, where you'll overnight. 

Day 13: Trek to Lukla, Optional Activities

Wake up for an early breakfast in Namche, then retrace your steps back to Lukla following the Dudh Kosi river valley. It's a long day (around seven hours of hiking), but it won't be too difficult as it's mostly downhill. There's also much to see and do, as you'll pass colorful villages on your way to the Pasang Lhamu Memorial Gate, signifying the end of the trek. Then, spend the rest of the day with some well-earned relaxation and fun in Lukla. There are plenty of shops here to browse—you can even get your caffeine fix at the Starbucks in town.

Day 14: Fly to Kathmandu

After all those mountaineering and hiking adventures, it's time to start the journey home. After breakfast at the teahouse, you'll transfer to the airstrip and board the small plane for the 30-minute flight back to Kathmandu. During the short flight, keep an eye on the Himalaya and try to spot the routes you followed over the previous couple of weeks. Upon arrival at the airport, a driver will pick you up for the ride to your hotel.

Day 15: Depart Kathmandu

As with any great journey, it's all about the memories you make—and hiking to Everest Base Camp is one for the books. Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at the hotel, followed by a short walk around the city. Then, at the appropriate time, meet your driver for the transfer to the airport and catch your flight home. Safe travels!

Looking for more inspiration for your trip to Nepal? Check out these other Nepal itineraries, explore more ways to spend 15 days in Nepal, or learn about the best time to visit Nepal.