Everest Base Camp Trek

Visit the iconic Swayambhunath, Pashupatinath Temple, the beautiful Boudhanath Stupa, and the medieval streets of Kathmandu Durbar Square. Its timeless architecture and the spiritual aura of the temples make for a perfect day in Kathmandu. Once you’ve been enchanted by the city, take some time to prepare your trekking equipment and enjoy a good night’s rest before your adventure begins the next day. Expect an Iconic Himalaya duffel bag and T-shirt as your souvenirs.

An early morning flight from Kathmandu to Lukla is where it begins to get interesting. A half-hour exciting flight over lush forests, hill settlements, and the remarkable Dudh Koshi River Valley culminated with an awe-inspiring panorama of the Himalayas. From Lukla, an easy hike takes you to Phakding (2640m) – a gentle trek of about 3–4 hours. Settle in, and in the night, you’ll sleep in the lap of mountain serenity.

Start the day with a light exercise session followed by a hearty breakfast. After breakfast, begin your trek with a gentle 800-meter climb. Today’s 7–8-hour walk takes you from Phakding to Namche Bazaar, the bustling hub of the Khumbu region. The trail winds through Sagarmatha National Park beside the Dudh Koshi passing along pine forests, and the picturesque Sherpa villages of Toktok, Benkar, Manjo, and Jorsale.

Crossing five suspension bridges and catching glimpses of Nuptse and Lhotse add to the excitement. About an hour’s hike from the Twin Bridge brings you to the vibrant Sherpa town of Namche Bazaar. You will be greeted by your first view of Everest, along with Thamserku, Kwangde, and Kusum Kanguru. Spend the night at a cozy local Sherpa teahouse.

With so much to offer, Namche, is a perfect place to acclimatise. After breakfast, we will take a short trek to the famous Everest View Hotel, where we can enjoy panoramic views of Mt. Everest, Ama Dablam, Tabuche, Cholatse, Thamserku, Lhotse, and other mountains.

In the evening, we can enjoy the experiences Namche has to offer –souvenirs, bakeries, cafes, and hidden alleyways, along with the option to visit the Sherpa Museum.

After an acclimatisation day in Namche, the trail continues with a mix of uphill and downhill walks toward Tengboche. Following the ridgeline up to Kyangjuma offers easy walking and spectacular views of the Dudh Koshi Valley, Ama Dablam, Tengboche Hill, and Mt Everest.

After lunch at Phungi Thenga, you’ll pass through lush green forests and ascend steep slopes to reach Tengboche. The gradual 700 metre climb from Phungi Thenga leads you to the monastic, gem-like village of Tengboche, where splendid views of Kangtega, Thamserku, Taboche, and the Pangboche Valley await.

In the evening, attending the prayer ceremony at Tengboche Monastery is nothing short of magical. Spend the night at a charming local teahouse.

Today's trekking is surprising as you enter two amazing Sherpa villages. The first is pleasant Pangboche, and the second one is massive Dingboche. When you hike toward Debuche, the landscape changes remarkably. The trail drops to beautiful Milingo village and then goes up Pangboche, following the Imja River.

You will enjoy your lunch at Pangboche or Somare. After Somare, the trails divide into two parts, Pheriche and Dingboche. A superb view of Mt. Pumori's apical ridge looks splendid while passing through Orsho. Once you step into Dingboche, with its wide open valley and Ama Dablam, it feels like you step into another world.

Today’s trek is full of surprises as you pass through the serene Sherpa village of Pangboche. The trail continues through beautiful alpine landscapes, with magnificent views of Mt Pumori’s apical ridge as you pass smaller settlements like Orsho. You arrive at Dingboche, a wide-open valley framed by the graceful peak of Ama Dablam, where the atmosphere feels like stepping into another world. From here, trekkers usually acclimatize before continuing toward the higher reaches of the Khumbu Glacier.

The trail from Dingboche to Lobuche begins with a gentle walk through sparse alpine vegetation, gradually giving way to a more rugged, glacial landscape. The most popular route passes through the small settlement of Dughla, where trekkers often stop to rest at the teahouses and take in the dramatic mountain views.

From Dughla, the trail climbs steadily toward Thukla Pass, a high point along the route that offers sweeping vistas of the Khumbu Glacier and surrounding peaks. Just beyond the pass, you enter an area of poignant beauty: Chupki Lhara, a striking collection of stone cairns and prayer flags erected in memory of mountaineering legends who lost their lives on Everest and nearby mountains. This solemn site is both moving and humbling, reminding trekkers of the mountains’ majesty and dangers.

After paying respects at Chupki Lhara, the trail continues gently down toward Lobuche. As you approach, the proximity of Everest becomes tangible—the thin air, glacial winds, and sheer scale of the surrounding peaks create an awe-inspiring experience. Spend the night at one of Lobuche’s welcoming teahouses, where private rooms and hearty meals offer a well-deserved rest before the higher adventures ahead.

Today is a huge day! Setting out on the unforgettable trek to Everest Base Camp will leave you with lasting memories, with the astonishing Khumbu Icefall as a highlight. The trail winds across glaciated ridges, rocky debris, and moraine, offering breathtaking glimpses of Everest and surrounding snow-capped peaks at every turn.

Enjoy a hearty lunch at Gorak Shep before exploring the colorful tents and bustling atmosphere of the base camp. A two-hour return walk from the camp provides a refreshing trek on top of the Gorak Shep area, giving you panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. Spend the night at a comfortable teahouse in Gorak Shep.

The day begins very early to witness the spectacular sunrise from Kala Patthar. As the golden sunlight touches Everest, it appears as if the entire mountain is glowing from top to bottom. Kala Patthar offers some of the most breathtaking panoramic views of the region.

You will then descend through the scenic Pheriche Valley, enjoying magnificent vistas of Pumori, Ama Dablam, Tabuche, Khumbutse, and Cholatse along the way. Keep an eye out for climbers carrying huge backpacks on their expeditions. The trail takes you over ups and downs, high staircases, enormous boulders, and water-crossing bridges.

Spend the night in Pangbuche, reflecting on the incredible journey of the day.

Today’s trek takes you down into lush greenery and the heartlands of the Sherpa people. Towering peaks seem to watch over you as you traverse undulating trails across alpine meadows, dotted with vibrant rhododendrons in full bloom.

Arriving at the picturesque village of Khumjung, nestled at the foothills of the revered Tabuche, feels like stepping into a serene envelope of mountain beauty. In the evening, immerse yourself in Sherpa culture within the tranquil setting of Khumjung Monastery, where the legendary yeti scalp is said to be kept.

From Khumjung, you will descend to Lukla, passing through stunning Sherpa villages such as Namche Bazaar, Jorsale, Manjo, Benkar, Toktok, Phakding, Nurning, Ghat, and Thadokoshi. The trail gently winds through rhododendron forests, crosses suspension bridges, and follows the downhill course along the Dudh Koshi River.

Iconic Himalaya arranges a wonderful farewell to mark the completion of your Himalayan adventure. Relax and celebrate the night with a cold beer while reminiscing about the trek. While tipping is not mandatory, it is greatly appreciated. Overnight stay will be at a comfortable teahouse in Lukla.

Take a magnificent scenic flight from Lukla back to Kathmandu. If the skies are clear, you’ll be treated to breathtaking views of Nepal’s towering mountains before making the thrilling landing.

Once in Thamel, you can spend your time as you wish — explore the vibrant streets, relax in the comfort of your hotel, or shop for souvenirs. In the evening, enjoy a farewell dinner, celebrating your incredible achievement. Overnight stay will be at a comfortable 3-star hotel in Thamel, allowing you to rest and reflect on your Himalayan adventure.

It is the end day of your Nepal tour vacation. An Iconic Himalaya representative will pick you up from the hotel and take you to Kathmandu International Airport for your home flight.

Safe travels, and Namaste!