Lukla to Everest Base Camp

Trekking in Everest (locally known as Khumbu) region is in the bucket list of every trekking enthusiast. Trekking  to the base of the Mt. Everest is a dream of every trekker and adventure seekers. Who don’t want to see the world’s highest peak in front of them?

Everest Base camp trek takes you to the foothills of the world’s highest mountain, Mount Everest. Standing at 5,364 meters, Everest Base Camp offers an up-close view of some of the world’s highest peaks.

Ever since Lukla airport got established in 1964, Lukla to Everest Base Camp has been the standard and most popular trekking route to Everest region. In the past, the trail from Jiri was the only route to Everest; these days trail that starts from Jiri to Everest Base Camp is known as classic Everest Base Camp Trail.

Everest Base Camp Trek (EBC Trek) will fill your journey with amazing experiences and memories. You can explore the rich Sherpa culture and witness the astounding biodiversity of Sagarmatha National Park. Centuries old monasteries found while going from Lukla to Everest Base Camp are historic and hold great value among the locals. En route from Lukla to Everest Base Camp we spend overnight at Tyangboche. This small Tyangboche village is named after Tyangboche monastery. This monastery also known as Dawa Choling Gompa is the largest monastery in the Everest region and is Sherpa community’s Tibetan Buddhist monastery.

Mount Everest is gorgeous by itself, and the people living around make the place even better. Views are incredible and the overall experience unforgettable. So, wait no more, pack your bags and get along on your journey from Lukla to Everest Base Camp.

Highlights of Lukla to Everest Base Camp

• An exhilarating mountain flight above the great Himalayan range marks the start of this remarkable journey to Everest Base Camp as you fly from Kathmandu to Lukla.

• Experience the historically rich culture of Sherpas and get soaked in the local lifestyle.

• Centuries-old monasteries reflect the richness in art, architecture and history.

• The view throughout the Everest Base Camp trek is the best in the world with glorious peaks always in sight. Green valleys with dense forests add beauty to the landscape.

• The biodiversity at this altitude in Sagarmatha National Park is astounding.

• Reaching the Mount Everest Base Camp, base of the world’s highest mountain standing at the altitude of 8845 meters is itself an achievement.

• Watch the sunrise from the top of Kala Patthar. The beauty during the golden hour will leave you spellbound.

• A chance to witness Khumbu Glacier, the world’s highest glacier.

Lukla to Everest Base Camp brief itinerary

Day 1: Take a short flight to Lukla, followed by a trek to Phakding

Day 2: Trek to Namche Bazaar

Day 3: Acclimatization and side trips in Namche

Day 4: Trek to Tyangboche

Day 5: Trek to Dingboche

Day 6: Hike to Nagartsang and back to Dingboche.

Day 7: Trek to Lobuche

Day 8: Arrive at Everest Base Camp and return trek to Gorakshep

Day 9: Hike to Kala Patthar and Pheriche

Day 10: Trek to Namche Bazaar

Day 11: Trek to Lukla

Day 12: Flight back and onward to hotel in Kathmandu.

Detailed Itinerary of Lukla to Everest Base Camp

Day 1: Short flight to Lukla, followed by a trek to Phakding.

Maximum altitude: 2,840 meters

Duration: 3-4 hours

The day begins with an exhilarating flight to Lukla overlooking the grandeur of Himalayas. It is an adventurous start to the fantastic journey.

After landing in Lukla, you trek for about 3 to 4 hours (mostly) downhill through forests of rhododendron and oak trees crossing traditional Sherpa villages. The trail is comfortable and well maintained.

Day 2: Trek to Namche Bazaar via Monjo.

Maximum altitude: 3,440 meters

Duration: 6-7 hours

The walk starts to get a bit tough from this day. The trail leading to Namche from Phakding is rocky and steep, and mostly uphill. Suspension bridges including famous Hillary Bridge on the way to Namche might give you chills. Hillary bridge, named after Sir Edmund Hillary, is the final suspension bridge that you have to cross while entering famous town of Namche Bazar.  Along the way from Phakding to Namche Bazar, other than these thrilling suspension bridges, the sight of dense forests of rhododendron, fir, and magnolia alongside the Dudh Koshi river will calm your heart and soul.

As you reach close to Namche Bazaar, the snowy peaks start to appear on the backdrop of this high altitude popular settlement of Namche. This Sherpa village with beautiful houses and hotels is a perfect spot for acclimatization.

Day 3: Acclimatization day. Hike to Everest View Hotel, Explore Khumjung and back to Namche.

Maximum altitude: 3,962 meter at Everest View Hotel, 3,790 meter at Khumjung

Duration: 4 hours

Since you are at an altitude of 3,440 meters, it’s better if you acclimatize. You hike up to the Everest View Hotel, which is the highest altitude hotel in the world offering spectacular views of Everest and many other peaks. The place that Everest View Hotel situated in is known as Syangbohce.

While descending, we explore the Sherpa village of Khumjung. You can witness the local lifestyle of people here. There is a Sherpa cultural museum you could visit to find out more about Sherpas, their culture and lifestyle.

Besides these, Namche offers excellent facilities for teahouses, restaurants, pubs, and bars to relax.

Overnight in Namche.

Day 4: Trek to Tyangboche

Maximum altitude: 3,860 meters

Duration: 5 hours

On this day, you walk along the river banks with a few steep inclines. The vegetation starts to disappear.

The view from Tyangboche is an absolute delight for the eyes. You can see panoramic views of various mountains like Kwangde, Nuptse, Lhotse, Ama Dablam, Mt Everest etc. Tyangboche also known as Tengboche gets its name from the centuries-old monastery, the Tyangboche monastery which is of utmost importance in the Khumbu region. Friendly monks, intricate artwork, and a blissful aura of this place should not be missed.

Day 5: Trek to Dingboche.

Maximum altitude: 4,360 meters

Duration: 5 hours

The part of Lukla to Everest Base Camp trail on this day is moderately steep. You walk through the rocky uphill tracks for most of the day. You will cross the 4,000 meters mark today.

As expected, the peaks seem to be getting closer and amazing views start to appear. Beautiful mountains like Lhotse, Island Peak, and Ama Dablam look gorgeous. You will come across the Pangboche monastery where you can find the allegedly claimed yeti scalp. The walk follows the trail along Imja Khola. Mani stones and prayer flags add to the beauty of this path.

Overnight at Dingboche.

Day6: Hike to Nagartshang peak and back to Dingboche.

Maximum altitude: 5,080 meters

Duration: 4 hours    

Today, you spend a day for acclimatization in Dingboche. While in Dingboche, hiking up to Nagartshang (aka Nagartsang, Nagarjun etc) peak is a perfect acclimatization hike.

Nagartshang at the altitude of 5,080 meters is an uphill ascent on a rocky and steep trail. The viewpoint offers a mesmerizing view of Makalu and Lhotse. Hiking up to this altitude and returning to sleep at Dingboche will help your body adapt the increasing altitude.

Day 7: Trek to Lobuche.

Maximum altitude: 4,940 meters

Duration: 5 hours

The trail from Dingboche to Lobuche is rocky with some steep inclines. It is a tough hike, and the high altitude adds more to the adventure.

As you go higher, the view of Mount Pumori and Khumbu Icefall rewards you. After a long steep climb, the panoramic view from the top is exceptionally satisfying. There’s a memorial in Lobuche in the memories of people who lost their lives in the mountains while attempting to conquer it.

Day 8:  Trek to Gorakshep and return trip to Everest Base Camp.

Maximum altitude: 5,364 meters

Duration: 8 hours

This is a significant day of the trek that we started from Lukla. We start our day early, walking through uneven rocky trails towards Everest Base Camp. The view is stunning with mountains and glaciers surrounding you in all directions.

Standing at the Everest Base Camp gives you a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction. After spending sufficient time at Base Camp for photos, you trek back to Gorakshep for an overnight stay.

Day 9: Sunrise viewing  hike to Kala Patthar and return to Pheriche.

Maximum altitude: 5,545 meters

Duration: 7 hours

Today, you hike up to the utterly famous viewpoint of Kala Patthar. Starting your hike at dawn will help you witness the spectacular and unforgettable sunrise view from Kala Patthar.

This is the best viewpoint to watch Everest and the surrounding Himalayas. When the sun hits the glorious snow-capped mountains, the result is simply stunning. From here, you will trek back to Pheriche for overnight stay.

Day 10: Trek back to Namche Bazaar.

Maximum altitude: 3,440 meters

Duration: 7 hours

The return trek to Namche Bazaar on this day is a steep descent through stone steps, rocky trail, and grasslands. The walk is easy.

On reaching Namche Bazaar, you can celebrate the success of your trek. There are plenty of bars and restaurants for that. You can also explore the local market and get some souvenirs for friends and family.

Overnight in Namche Bazaar.

Day 11: Trek to Lukla.

Maximum altitude: 2,840 meters

Duration: 7 hours

On the final day of descent, you will enjoy the beautiful view of rivers and snow-covered mountains on the backdrop. The trail passes through river banks and dense forests. Bird watching is quite popular in Sagarmatha National Park.

The feeling of completing the trek will make your walk easy and pleasant — overnight in Lukla.

Day 12: Flight back to Kathmandu.

This is the day when you take another exciting flight over the Himalayas. The 30 minutes flight will take you to the capital city of Kathmandu. Flights might get delayed due to weather conditions, so keeping a flexible schedule is advised.

Our standard 16 day package of Everest Base Camp Trek include above 12 days of trek. For those with limited time, can book this 11-day Everest Base Camp Trek with Helicopter Return.

Best Time to trek from Lukla to Everest Base Camp

Hands-down, Spring and Autumn are two best seasons to trek in Nepal. It is the same for Everest Base Camp trek too.

During Autumn, the weather is warm. It is easy to trek in such weather conditions. Visibility is at its best. Thus the mountains seem spectacular. Autumn is also the time of festivals in Nepal. Simply saying, autumn is the best time for trekking to Everest Base Camp.

Spring is generally much warmer than autumn. All-round greenery and blooming flowers make spring a delightful time. There’s a freshness in the air unlike any other time. Those who hate cold, should plan trek in spring season; specially between early May to mid June.

Winter and monsoon are not among the ideal time, but for avid trekkers, this might be the right time as trails are less crowded. Thus, the best time depends on the purpose of the trek, time availability and your interest.

Accommodation on Lukla to Everest Base Camp Trek

Accommodation during Everest Base Camp trek ranges from basic to “luxury” hotels. In places in Namche Bazaar or below, you can find luxury lodge option like Yeti Mountain Home. But as you go higher from Namche Bazar, the facilities of accommodation become pretty basic and your only option is basic teahouses.

What is teahouse?

Teahouses are basic lodges built along the trail to provide shelter and accommodation to trekkers. It is better than tents but nothing fancy. So, keep your expectations low in terms of trek accommodation. These teahouses offer food services with room on a twin or dorm sharing basis. Tea house owner arranges all your requirements for food and shelter. On these teahouse trek, you do not need to carry food and camping gears.

Packing Guideline

Head and Hands

• Sun hat
• Warm hat (for morning and evening)
• Polarized UV sunglasses
• Bandana or scarf
• Waterproof and windproof gloves
• Jackets
• Waterproof and windproof jacket
• Synthetic insulated jacket
• Down jacket
• Windstopper jacket
• Rain jacket

Clothing

• Thermal inner wear
• Moisture-wicking tops
• Convertible hiking pants
• Hiking shorts
• Warm hiking undergarments

Footwear

• Hiking shoes(waterproof recommended)
• Hiking socks
• Hiking sandals

Toiletries and Personal Hygiene

• Antibacterial hand-wash
• Wet wipes
• Tissue or toilet paper
• Sunscreen and other creams
• Moisturizer
• Toothbrush and toothpaste
• Shampoo and conditioners
• Feminine hygiene products
• Quick-drying towel

Accessories

• Water bottle
• Trekking Poles
• Crampons
• Headlamps and extra batteries
• Sleeping bag
• First aid kit
• Waist bag for small items
• Extra plastic bags (to keep extra things like dirty laundry and waste)

Additional Recommended Items

• Maps of route and mountains
• Binoculars (optional)
• DSLR Camera and extra batteries
• Pillowcase (For better hygienic stay)
• Your documents