Lukla to Everest Base Camp

Trekking in Everest region is in the bucket list of every trekking enthusiast. It is a dream of every trekker and adventure seeker 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 trekking route to Everest region. In the past, the trail from Jiri was the only classic route to Everest.

This 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. Monasteries here are historic and hold great value among the locals.

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.

Highlights of Lukla to Everest Base Camp

• An exhilarating mountain flight above the Great Himalayan Range marks the start of this remarkable journey 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 Evereste 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 Base Camp of the world’s highest mountain 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.

Itinerary of Lukla to Everest Base Camp

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 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

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 is rocky and steep, and mostly uphill. Suspension bridges on the way to Namche might give you chills. But, 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. This Sherpa village with beautiful houses and hotels is a perfect spot for acclimatizing.

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.

While descending, we explore the Sherpa village of Khumjung. You can witness the local lifestyle of people here. There’s a Sherpa Culture Museum you could visit to find out more about Sherpas.

Besides these, Namche offers excellent facilities for hotels, 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 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 on this day.

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 the path.

Overnight at Dingboche.

Day6: Hike to Nagartsang 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 Nagartsang peak is a perfect acclimatization hike.

Nagartsang 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.

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. 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, you trek back to Gorakshep for an overnight stay.

Day 9: Hike to Kala Patthar and 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 to Kathmandu

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

Best Time for Lukla to Everest Base Camp trek

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 put, autumn is the best time for trekking to Everest Base Camp.

Spring is generally cool. All-round greenery and blooming flowers make spring a delightful time. There’s a freshness in the air unlike any other time.

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.

Accommodation

Accommodation in Everest Base Camp trek ranges from basic to “luxury” hotels. In places like Namche Bazaar, you can find various type of hotels. As you go higher, the facilities of accommodation become pretty basic.

Tea houses in the higher altitudes offer food services with room on a twin sharing basis. Tea house owner arranges all your requirements for food and shelter. You do not need to carry food and camping gear.

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
• Personal polar blanket and pillowcase (For better hygienic stay)
• Your documents