The Everest Base Camp Trek had been sitting on my list for four or five years before I actually got to do it. Between work commitments, family responsibilities, and simply never finding a clear 20-day stretch to disappear into the Himalayas, the timing never quite lined up. Then the pandemic pushed things back another two years. So when everything finally fell into place in April 2022, it felt less like a holiday and more like unfinished business finally getting done.
What follows is a mix of practical information for anyone planning their own Everest Base Camp trek, along with the day-by-day story of how mine actually went — the good, the exhausting, and the unexpectedly funny.
Everest Base Camp Trek: Quick Facts and Practical Tips
Before diving into the daily journey, here's what I wish someone had told me plainly before I left.
Trek difficulty: The Everest Base Camp trek is best described as moderate to tough. Most days get noticeably steeper after lunch, and once you pass Tengboche and start climbing above 4,000 metres, the altitude itself becomes the real challenge, not just the terrain. A reasonable level of fitness going in makes a big difference to how much you actually enjoy the trek rather than just survive it.
Everest Base Camp trek duration: Our itinerary ran 16 nights and 17 days. If time is tight, a helicopter ride out from Base Camp can shave three to four days off the return leg.
What to pack: Proper hiking shoes, thermal layers, a good insulated jacket, and polarised sunglasses are non-negotiable. Temperatures swing dramatically between villages and altitudes, so layering matters more than any single "perfect" jacket.
Cash on the trail: Carry roughly Rs 10,000 (about USD 122) in cash. Indian currency is widely accepted across most of Nepal, which helps if you'd rather not deal with constant currency exchange. If you want to carry more, that's your choice and depends on your spending habits.
Staying connected: International roaming works patchily at best. A local Nepali SIM from Kathmandu is the more reliable option, and most teahouses along the route offer Everest Link satellite wifi for anywhere between Rs 100 and Rs 500 for 24 hours.
Food on the trek: You'll find a surprising range of food available — even pizza, burgers, and momos show up on teahouse menus. That said, sticking to light vegetarian meals, fruit, and the local staple dal bhat tends to sit far better with your digestion at altitude than heavier or non-vegetarian options. Do keep in mind that food gets noticeably more expensive the higher you climb.
Everest Base Camp trek cost: This is where a lot of trekkers get caught out. Budget packages advertised around Rs 38,000 often look appealing until you realise how much they leave out — food (another Rs 15,000–20,000), drinking water (yes, it's charged, roughly Rs 2,000–3,000), the Kathmandu–Lukla flight (Rs 30,000+), blankets (around Rs 200 a night), and the quality of rooms and staff support, which honestly makes a bigger difference than people expect. An all-inclusive package, like the one TrekNomads runs, tends to work out more transparently and often cheaper overall once every hidden cost on the "budget" option is added up.
Day 0 - Bangalore to Kathmandu
The beautiful Nepal Airlines plane. Our flight was from Bangalore around 6 pm. We reached Kathmandu around 9:30 pm. Nepal time is 15 mins ahead of IST. The aircraft was good, and they served us a hot meal during our flight.
Day 1: Kathmandu to Lukla
Reached Lukla: After settling in our hotel around 10:30 pm the previous night, we got up early in the morning for our flight to Lukla. The flight was supposed to be a small 20+ seater aeroplane from Kathmandu domestic airport. We waited from 6 am in the morning till 11 am. Later, we were told that all flights to Lukla have been cancelled due to high winds around Lukla. So, we had to arrange a helicopter ride (at extra cost) to reach Lukla. Reaching Lukla the same day was important, as we did not want to waste an extra day. Also, we were not sure of the weather the next day. Our guide promptly arranged 4 helicopters for our group.
Daal Bhaat: This is a staple food in Nepal. A typical meal of Daal Bhaath consists of Arhar daal + steamed rice + papad + pickle + lots of vegetables (including greens and aloo). This is very filling, tasty, and also nutritious with a good amount of fibre, carbs, and protein.
Day 2: Lukla to Namche Bazaar via Phakding
Lukla to Phakding: The next morning, we woke up around 5:30 am, and by 6:30 am, we started our hike towards Namche Bazaar via Phakding. Since our last group the previous day had reached late in the evening (from Kathmandu), we had decided to halt at Lukla. However, since we had lost a day, we decided to hike directly to Namche Bazaar from Lukla. The initial part of the trail is mostly downhill with a well-laid trail and small tea houses on the trail.
The trail from Lukla to Phakding: The group really enjoyed the early morning hike. Since it was mostly downhill and in shade, we were walking faster. This pace and saved time were required for the later part of the day, when the trail is steeper after Phakding.
Steep steps before Hillary Bridge: After lunch at Jorshalle, the climb was steeper, and we were gaining altitude. Before the gruelling climb to Namche, we come across these steep stairs to the famous Hillary Bridge. With full stomach of daal baath, this trail was excruciatingly painful and took us almost 2-3 hours.
Tea House at Namche Bazaar: After a tough day of nearly 10 hours of hiking, we finally reached Namche Bazaar. Immediately, we went to the restaurant in our tea house and decided to have a hot ginger lemon tea.
Namche Bazaar: The view from Namche Bazaar. Namche Bazaar is at an altitude of ~3,400 meters above sea level. This is a famous Sherpa Village and is the gateway to the Everest Region. Even during the first Everest Expeditions in the 1950s, this route was taken by Sir Edmund Hillary, Eric Shipton, and other climbers. This town is bustling with modern activities and amenities like spas, massage, cafes, and bars. They even have their own NorthFace store!
Day 3: Acclimatisation to Everest View Hotel
Acclimatisation day at Namche Bazaar: Acclimatisation is important if you wish to avoid acute mountain sickness (AMS). We stay at Namche Bazaar and take a rest. Today we went for an 8-10 km hike to the Everest View Hotel, which is at a height of around 3,800 meters above sea level. The trail is steep from the start. The initial part is climbing stairs to the top of Namche Village. Post that there is a steep incline towards the hotel. After 2 km of climb, we come across a trail that is mostly gradual. We get very good views of Ama Dablam, Lhotse, Nuptse, and even Everest - if the weather is good. As we climb higher on the trail, we start getting a full view of the Namche Village. The surrounding mountains start looking bigger. The initial part of the hike is very steep. But with good company, its fun.
Hotel Everest View (3,880 Meters). This hotel has a balcony view of the Everest range of mountains. We were unlucky as the weather was not on our side and it was cloudy in the mountains. The hotel has a few very good pics of the region. It serves continental snacks; however, their service is a little slow due to the influx of visitors.
Day 4: Namche Bazaar to Tengoche
Namche Bazaar to Tyangboche: Namche Bazaar to Tyangboche is around 9 Kms trek. The altitude gain is from ~3,400 Meters to ~3,870 Meters. The trail is very beautiful and is surrounded by rhododendron trees. During the spring season, the trail is laden with beautiful red and white flowers. The trail is a gentle hike for the first 1/3rd of the trail. The trail descends as we go further, till we reach a rope bridge. This is generally where we had our lunch. After lunch, the trail suddenly starts ascending. The last part of the trail is very steep and tiring. Rhododendron Tree en route to Tengboche. These flowers generally bloom in the spring season. The flowers give a very vibrant feel to the entire route.
Rhododendron Flowers: Rhododendron means "Rose Tree" in Greek. The trek route from Namche Bazaar to Tengboche is covered with these flowers. The entire route is very scenic. There are 2-3 variations of these flowers.
The climb to Tengboche: After our lunch, when our stomachs were full of Daal Baat, we started on the gruelling climb after crossing the bridge on the Dudh Koshi River. The climb is around 2 Km. However, it is very steep. There is a well-laid trail. But altitude, inclination, and a full stomach made it very hard to climb. The route is extremely scenic. It was cloudy and misty, so we could not see the entire valley and the surrounding mountains.
The trail to Tengboche after the Dudh Koshi river bridge is very steep and zig-zag. The climb is very tiring. However, the views are breathtakingly beautiful.
Day 5: Tengoche to Dengboche
The morning golden glow on Kusum Kanguru mountain as seen from Tengboche.
Mount Ama Dablam. One of the most impressive mountains on the trek route. In Nepali culture, the mountain means a mother holding her kid. The direct translation of Ama Dablam is "mother's necklace". This mountain is also called "The Matterhorn of the Himalayas. We get amazing views of this mountain from Tengboche. The views get even better as we reach Dingboche.
Tengboche Monastery is also known as Dawa Choling Gompa. This is one of the oldest and highest monasteries in the world, at a height of around 3,867 meters above sea level. The monastery is closely linked with the Rongbuk Monastery in Tibet. This is one of the most beautiful and peaceful places on earth.
Imagine waking up to a view like this. 3 of the top mountains in the world are in front of you. The photo does not do justice to what we saw in front of us. It was a surreal experience.
This is one of my favourite pics. The silhouette of the moonset behind mighty white peaks in the morning. Tengboche offers amazing views of the mountains all around. We see Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Ama Dablam, Kusum Kanguru, Kangtega, Chamlang, Tobuche, and other unknown majestic peaks.
A beautiful Himalayan goral. These guys are the real climbers. They generally herd in the grass found on the rocky slopes. They can climb almost vertically without trekking shoes or ropes! :-) We encountered around 5-6 groups of these animals right from Namche Bazaar. They are very calm and gave us plenty of opportunities to photograph them.
Once we leave Tengboche, we descend for 2-3 km and cross another bridge on the Dudh Koshi River. We crossed Deboche, Pengboche, and had lunch at Somare. So far, the trail is mostly flat with occasional descents and ascents. After Somare, the trail is mostly flat till we reach another river crossing. After the crossing, we come across this massive climb. At a height of 4,000+ meters (plus a heavy portion of Daal Baath), this climb was a tough one for me. We mostly crawled to reach the top. Once we reach the top, there is a gentle decline towards Dingboche. This was our destination for the next 2 days.
Dingboche Village is around 4,400 meters above sea level. This village is right under the Ama Dablam mountain and offers full views of majestic white peaks all around it. We can see Lhotse, Nuptse, Ama Dablam, Island Peak, Makalu, and many other peaks. The village has good facilities like coffee bars, good food, internet, electricity, and even shower facilities - all at extra costs.
Day 6: Acclimatisation climb to Nangkartshang Peak
We spent our second day of acclimatisation at Dingboche. A refreshing breakfast while admiring a looming Ama Dablam (6,856m) to the south is fantastic. To better appreciate Mt Ama Dablam, Mt Lhotse, and numerous other peaks visible from Dingboche, we climb the ridge on the north behind the village. This will be an ideal acclimatising excursion. We can see three of the world's six highest peaks, Mt Lhotse, Mt Makalu, and Mt Cho Oyu. To the west, loom the towering peaks of Cholatse (6440m) and Taboche (6542m).
The Dingboche village is located in the foothills of the mighty Ama Dablam. The weather is generally clear in the mornings till the afternoon. We got really awesome views from 5:30 am onwards. It was really meditative to look at this motherlike goddess.
The team is climbing towards the Nangkartshang Peak. This is part of the acclimatisation trek on day 2 at Dingboche. The peak is around 5,000 meters. There are 3-4 stops where you can climb, depending on fitness and weather conditions. The views are spectacular - of Ama Dablam (6812m), Makalu (8485m), Lhotse (8516m), Kantega(6782m), and Cho Oyu (6160m). Surprisingly, Everest Peak is not visible from here. The trail is easy but will test your strength due to the steady incline throughout.
On our way to Nangkartshang Peak. The weather was very good early in the morning. However, when we reached the 2nd viewpoint, it became very windy and cold. This peak offers a balcony seat window to Ama Dablam and various other peaks in the region.
Day 7: Dengboche to Lobuche
The next day, we started our trek towards the Lobuche village (~5,000 meters). The climb is mostly moderate. The initial route after crossing a ridge near Dengboche is mostly slow uphill. Once we reach Thukla-Dhukla, there is a steep climb for 45 mins to an hour. Post that there is a decline and a gradual walk till Lobuche.
The view of the mountains from the Dingboche ridge. On a clear day, we see Mount Makalu as well. The famous Island Peak, which is mostly a trekking peak, is also seen in the pic.
The trek towards Lobuche from Dingboche. The views are spectacular. Behind - towards Dingboche - we can see the mighty Ama Dablam, towards the left we see Tobuche (6,459 M) and Cholatse (6,440 M). These two mountains are seen from Everest Base Camp on a clear day. We also get to see the summit of Cho Yu in the front, from certain points.
The local Sherpa community generally calls the males of the species "Yak" and the females "Nak", or "Dri". Yaks are the lifeline of the Everest Base Camp route - and other routes in the Nepal Himalayas. Very gentle and beautiful animals. In a few regions in Nepal, the Yak blood drinking festival is celebrated. Fresh yak blood is drawn and drunk. The locals believe this will cure diseases. A similar custom is also found in Africa, where certain tribes drink cow blood.
The Dingboche to Lobuche trek route. This pic is just before we reach the Thukla water stream crossing. The mountain on the left is Ama Dablam.
Before we reach Thukla, Mount Pumori or Pumo Ri (7,161 M) gives us company on the route. Mount Pumo Ri is next to the Everest Base Camp (from the Nepal side). During the 1951 reconnaissance mission to climb Everest by Eric Shipton, Sir Edmund Hillary, and their team, they had climbed on Pumori to observe the entire Everest Summit Route. This paved the way for the legendary first ascent by Sr Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay in 1953. Pumo Ri means "the mountain daughter" in the Sherpa language.
Just before we reach Thukla, we have to cross this stream. This stream directly flows from the mighty Khumbu Glacier. Look how tiny the yaks are in front of the boulders.
Thukla-Dhukla to the memorial site, also known as Thukla Pass or Thugla (4800 m). This is one of the hardest climbs while going towards Lobuche. Generally, hikers have their lunch at Thukla. This 45-minute to 1-hour climb is one of the toughest - esp after lunch. Once we reach the top, we come to the Everest Memorial Site.
Day 8: Lobuche to Gorakshep
The mighty Nuptse (7,861 M) from Lobuche. When we reached Lobuche the previous evening, we started feeling cold due to the altitude. It felt like we were inside a giant freezer. From this viewpoint, Nuptse covers Lhotse and Everest. We get a glimpse of Everest only after we reach Gorakshep.
We started walking towards Gorekshep early in the morning, after breakfast at Lobuche. Ironically, our tea house name was "Oxygen Bar" at Lobuche. So we stayed at the oxygen bar with a blood oxygen saturation of 80%!
The route from Lobuche to Gorekshep is tough and tricky. The route is flat to start with. On our right is the mighty Khumbu glacier. We kept on walking slowly but steadily towards Gorekshep.
After walking for an hour, we get to this steep climb. That tested our fitness at 5,000 meters. We used to take breaks every 10-15 meters. However, in the front, we have Mount Pumo Ri, and towards the right, we have Mount Nuptse to support us. We had to cross a glacier (which has mostly boulders and loose gravel) before reaching Gorekshep.
The famous Kala Patthar summit (5,644 M). Kala Patthar means black rock. The Kala Patthar hike is one of the toughest. We start from Gorekshep (5,164 M) and reach the summit. The summit provides the best views of Everest, Nuptse, Lhotse, and the surrounding peaks. Generally, this is climbed once you reach Gorekshep in the afternoon (for sunset) or early morning (for sunrise).
Gorakshep, the tiny village before the Everest Base Camp. The village is at a height of 5,164 M. The village has a few hotels, and it is required to stay here before we go to the EBC and Kala Patthar Summit. On the left side, we can see the base of Kala Patthar. Towards the right is the Everest Base Camp Route. On the right side, we have the Khumbu Glacier.
This was our first view after a strenuous climb and crossing a glacier. The picture gives us a panoramic view of the entire region. On the left is Kala Patthar, and behind that we have Pumori. Towards the right, we have Khumbu Glacier, Nuptse, the summit pinnacle of Everest, and at the centre, we can see the base camp somewhere.
The mighty Khumbu Glacier. This is the other side of the picture. Towards Lobuche. We can see Cholatse in the background.
Day 9: Gorakshep to EBC
Direction marker to the Everest base camp and Kala Patthar.
The next day, early morning, we started our hike towards the Everest Base Camp. The route is rocky with a few inclines. It would take around 2-3 hours from Gorekshep to reach. We walk on the left edge of Khumbu Glacier and then descend into the base camp, which is also on the glacier.
The ice pinnacles of the Khumbu Glacier. These were massive, completely covered in the soil, while revealing their white colour once in a while.
The Mighty Everest.
The Everest base camp. This is like a tiny village with so many colourful tents. They have a lot of facilities at the Everest Base Camp - 2 helipads, showers, hot water, food from all over the world, and such. We were greeted with a summit completion cake by our trekking partner! Climbers who are attempting the summit generally stay here for 2 months - waiting for the weather window and acclimatising to the altitude.
Khumbu Ice Fall. While attempting the Everest or Lhotse summits, the climbers have to cross this section. This is one of the most dangerous and tricky sections of the entire summit attempt. And this is massive. Zoom in and try to find climbers in the picture!
The close-up of the Everest Summit. We can see the south summit, balcony, and the summit in this picture. During the first ascent of Everest, Sir Edmund Hillary and Tensing Norgay had a final camp near the south summit. One hell of a camp and night it would have been!
No better feeling than climbing on top of this rock and taking photos here.
Day 9: EBC to Kathmandu (via Helicopter)
Finally reached Kathmandu. Generally, after the base camp, the trekkers reach Pheriche by evening or night. Later, they trek to Namche Bazaar and Lukla. They take a flight from Lukla to Kathmandu. However, we took a helicopter ride directly from EBC to Lukla to save time. The helicopter ride from EBC to Lukla is another life experience. We traced our steps in reverse from the Helicopter window.
Final Thoughts
Looking back, the Everest Base Camp trek isn't really about any single day or view — it's the accumulation of small, hard-earned moments: a hot cup of ginger tea after ten hours of walking, a monastery bell somewhere in the mist, a yak train disappearing around a bend, and finally, standing on a glacier looking up at the mountain that started it all. If it's been on your list the way it was on mine for years, don't let the planning intimidate you. Get fit, pack smart, budget properly, and the mountain will do the rest.
Whether you go in spring or autumn, the Everest Base Camp Trek is a journey through Sherpa villages, ancient monasteries, and unforgettable Himalayan views — all without the technical demands of a summit expedition. Standing beneath the world's highest peak is something that stays with you long after the trek ends.
With TrekNomads, you get a well-planned itinerary, experienced guides, and the freedom to simply enjoy the journey.
Looking to explore beyond Everest? We also run guided treks to the Annapurna Base Camp, Annapurna Circuit, Manaslu Circuit, Mardi Himal, and Langtang Valley — each offering its own take on the Himalayas.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How many days does the Everest Base Camp trek take with TrekNomads?
Our standard Everest Base Camp trek itinerary runs 16 nights and 17 days, including built-in acclimatisation days at Namche Bazaar and Dingboche. For trekkers short on time, we also offer a helicopter return option from Base Camp, which can shorten the total trip by 3–4 days.
3. What is included in the Everest Base Camp trek cost with TrekNomads?
Our all-inclusive packages are built specifically to avoid the hidden costs that catch trekkers out on cheaper deals — food, drinking water, Kathmandu–Lukla flights, teahouse blankets, and accommodation quality are all factored in upfront. We'd always recommend comparing the full cost of a "budget" package against an all-inclusive one before booking, since the gap often disappears once everything is added up.
4. Do I need to carry cash on the Everest Base Camp trek?
Yes, we recommend carrying around Rs 10,000 (roughly USD 122) in cash for personal expenses along the trail. Indian currency is widely accepted across most of Nepal, and Nepali Rupees are used for smaller local purchases. If you want to carry more, that's your choice and depends on your spending habits.
5. Will I have network connectivity during the trek?
International roaming is patchy at best in the Khumbu region. We suggest picking up a local Nepali SIM in Kathmandu before departure. Most teahouses along the route also offer Everest Link satellite wifi, typically priced between Rs 100 and Rs 500 for 24 hours.
6. What kind of food is available on the Everest Base Camp trek?
You'll find a surprisingly wide menu at teahouses, including pizza, burgers, and momos, alongside the local staple, dal bhat. Our trek leaders generally recommend sticking to light vegetarian meals at higher altitudes, since heavier or non-vegetarian food can be harder to digest as you climb.
7. What is the best time to do the Everest Base Camp trek?
We run our departures during spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November), the two seasons with the most stable weather, reliable Lukla flights, and the clearest mountain views. Spring brings blooming rhododendrons and the buzz of Everest's climbing season; autumn offers the sharpest visibility of the year.
8. Is altitude sickness a serious concern on this trek?
It can be, which is why our itinerary includes two dedicated acclimatisation days — one at Namche Bazaar and one at Dingboche — with short supporting hikes to higher elevations before descending back to sleep lower. This "climb high, sleep low" approach is one of the most effective ways to reduce the risk of acute mountain sickness (AMS).
10. How do I book the Everest Base Camp trek with TrekNomads?
You can explore our upcoming departure dates and detailed itinerary directly on our Everest Base Camp Trek resources page and reserve your spot with a deposit — our team is happy to help you pick the right season and prepare beforehand.
