Everest Base Camp Trek – An Unforgettable Adventure in the Mountains

Mt Everest Base Camp trek is the highest trekking route available to outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers.  It is not only one of the most challenging, but also, one of the most beautiful treks in the Himalayas.

“The Everest Base Camp Trek” is one of the finest trekking destinations in the world, where you not only get to see the world’s tallest peaks also let the travelers gather incredible lifetime memories while experiencing the distinctive diversity of nature, society, and unique cultures of the Everest Region.

An Everest base camp trek is the adventure of a lifetime, a journey for those whose dreams soar higher than even the clouds. Miles from cars, conveniences, and daily luxuries, you’ll saturate your spirit in natural beauty and stretch your personal endurance beyond what you thought possible. The path begins in ancient Kathmandu, where you’ll acclimate and explore the city at your leisure while anticipating your ascent.

 

Trek to Everest Base Camp at 5,364m (over 3.5 miles!) to the base of the world’s tallest mountain will bring you over suspension bridges spanning chasms of thin air, through hidden Buddhist monasteries, and into the heart of the warm, rugged Sherpa culture.
As you travel alongside thrill seekers and photographers from all over the globe, you’ll spy Cho Oyu, Lhotse, and Makalu – three of Earth’s 10 tallest peaks! You’ll rest easy at night in cozy, traditional teahouses knowing that our experienced, knowledgeable guides and porters are there to ensure the safest, most enjoyable, most fascinating experience possible. You’ll support local economies, discover hidden strengths in yourself, and make both friends and memories that will last a lifetime. 

We had the opportunity to do the Everest Base Camp Trek in Sep 2022 with Super Trekkers, Pune Local Nepal - Actual Adventure

 Super Trekkers is a non-profit cost sharing and volunteering based organization founded by avid trekkers, professionals from IT and non IT fields who love nature and enjoy doing the unexpected. 

Everest Base Camp holds a special place in my heart. It was one of my first big treks and it made me fall in love with the Himalayas.
That being said, EBC is one of my all-time favourite treks and I would do it over and over again and explore other mountain in Everest region .

I remember before planning and socializing to team for the first time, I was so excited/nervous about it. I reading all the information  which I could find on it to prepare myself, I wanted to get to  Base Camp ! success.

That’s what this post is going to be! An Everest base camp blog post.

Day 0: Arrival at Kathmandu, Nepal

We boarded our flight from Pune airport  on the 17thSep, 2022 with Indigo Airlines connecting to Kathmandu.

After we landed, We made our way towards the exit to the Ncell counter and bought ourself a prepaid Nepali sim card. The total process was pretty simple.

On arrival we were warmly welcomed by Actual Adventure team( Nepal trekking partner who provided us Guides and Porter Services),then we made our way to our hotel in a place called Thamel.  

 

We was very excited about the Everest Base Camp Trek.  we completed our last minute shopping in Thamel Market . Thamel Market is known as one of the biggest shopping markets of Kathmandu city.  

To get to Lukla we want to be on the first flight out of kathmandu as anything can happen with the weather and many delays. 

We have been lucky, weather was open after 3 days  got our flight on time.

The downside to flying into Lukla’s Airport, the Tenzing-Hilary Airport, is that a couple of years ago, it was named “World’s Most Dangerous Airport.” 

It has a very short runway and then straight into a mountain.

Our Everest Base Camp (let’s call it EBC from now on) trek will begin with flight into Lukla.

But hey, I’ve flown in once and once out and I’m still alive to tell the tale!

Day 1: Flying into Lukla (2840m)  and Trekking to Phakding (2610m) 

Hiking 7.8 km   | Ascent: 305 m    |  Descent: 464 m   |  Max Elevation: 2866 m

 After flying in from Kathmandu, you will arrive in the mountainside town of Lukla. Once landed you can have a small breakfast, and then begin your Mount Everest Base Camp Trek!.

Lukla is a beautiful place and a perfect start to the Everest Base Camp trek. Surrounded by amazing mountains it sits nested at the start of the Khumbu valley.

The first day of trekking is a relatively easy one. You will start in Lukla, make your way through town, get the first of your two permits and be on your way to Phakding from there.

This will actually be a net loss elevation day as Phakding is lower than Lukla, however you will have some inclines sprawled throughout as well.

After reaching Phakding we settled for the night. Phakding is a beautiful village on the banks of the Dudh Kosi. It is the river we would be following the entire journey. Post dinner, our Guides, briefed us about the next day’s journey and what to expect.
 

One of many suspension bridges on the trek

Day 2: Phakding to Namche Bazar (3440m)

Hiking 11.7 km  |  Ascent: 1135 m  |  Descent: 312 m Max |  Elevation: 3440 m

The trek to Namche Bazar is a longish trek with some steep sections to test your preparation. After heading off from Phakding we crossed a suspension bridge. It was an amazing experience. We made our way through fir and rhododendron forests.

After around 2.5 hours we stopped for Lunch at Mount Kailash Restaurant and Bar, Monjo, the village on the entry to the Sagarmatha National Park.

The trek to Monjo was on the easy to a moderate level. It began with a gradual uphill and downhill (Nepali flats) and was a moderate uphill to Monjo.


After Lunch and showing our permits at the entry of the Sagarmatha National Park we headed towards Namche.

One point I would like to point out was the placement of dustbins on the way. It went a long way in keeping the area clean. The trek became a little steeper at and we slowly made our way up to Namche. We began our trek at 8:00 am and were at Namche by 4:00 pm. 
 

We had some tea and gathered our belongings. Some members went to explore Namche.

Day 3: Acclimatisation Day &  Sightseen Everest view Point (3880m) & Khumjung Village

Hiking 5.4 km  | Ascent: 508 m  |  Descent: 352 m Max |   Elevation: 3880 m

Acclimatization- the process of adapting to a change in altitude. This is an important step in any high altitude trek. During this rest/acclimatization day, we have a small trek to aide the process.

A popular day hike from Namche Bazaar to take part of is the one up to the Hotel Everest View, located around 1,400 feet above the town center. 

After having breakfast, we started our acclimatization trek first to Namche Museum, It has a beautiful little museum full of Everest facts, and out back, there’s a statue of Tenzing Norgay!
 

After taking a picture In-front of the statue of Sherpa Tenzing Norgay, we started towards Syangboche Airfield. 

The journey to the airfield is around 45-60 minutes. We lucky to talk to pilot and allowed us to sit and take shots.

Along the way you up will get glimpses of the famous Ama Dablam mountain and the Everest mountain range (Everest, Nupste, and Lhoste).

After reaching the airfield, most of us started to trek towards Everest View Hotel. It is a Japanese built hotel with amazing views of Mt Everest.

The sight from Hotel Everest View is considered as one of the best panoramic views of the Himalayas in the Everest region. Located at 3962m on the ridge above Namche Bazaar, Hotel Everest View is one of the highest altitude luxury hotels in the world.

Hotel Everest View offers the splendid sight of Mt. Everest (8,848m), Nuptse (7,861m), Lhotse (8,516m), Ama Dablam (6,812m), Baruntse (7,129m), Island Peak (6,160m), and Thamserku (6,623m). The views are beautiful the entire way up, but of course, as soon as we hit the top, a HUGE cloud came by.

 

After tea at the hotel, we started toward village Khumjung. This village is one of the most beautiful in Khumbu. This trip is quite short, only about 2-3 hrs. Due to the short trip, this day is almost like acclimatization. It is important to take the day off to allow our bodies to adjust to the rarefied atmosphere before ascending to higher altitudes.

Village - Khumjung

After lunch at Namaste Lodge & Restaurant, Khumjung, we descend  to Namche.

Namche is a beautiful place. It has pubs like the Irish Pub, stores like the North face store and a whole range of amazing bakeries and cafes. The day was well used as we grabbed a couple of beers at the pub and called it an early night.

 

Day 4: Namche Bazar to Tengboche ( 3860m) 

Hiking 10.6 km  |  Ascent: 852 m |  Descent: 439 m | Max Elevation: 3845 m

 

After spending two nights in Namche, The next morning, we started our journey to Tengboche. The route starts easily with a relatively flat route for around 1.5 hours.

This is where you get amazing views of Lhotse and Everest. From the route, you get a view of the valley below and is an amazing view.

After reaching the end of the flat trail we stopped for tea. After tea we started to descend to our next stop would be lunch at Phukitanga.

From Namche to tea was about 1.5 hours and from tea to Lunch(Zambla Restaurant) was around 3 hours. The trail continued down through the forest and was a beautiful spectacle. Our next challenge would begin after lunch.

After crossing over another bridge was the start of the climb. A longish climb for about 2 hours would get us to Tengboche.

After reaching Tengboche we grabbed a cup of coffee at Hotel Himalayan (one of best food available). Also, we attended a powerful prayer ceremony at the Tengboche monastery. It is one of the oldest monasteries in the Khumbu region.

The ceremony came recommended by Guide and was worth the visit. At around 5 am the ceremony began with the monks chanting. It was a swift ceremony by a couple of monks with chanting and drums.

Day 5: Tengboche to Dingboche (4410m)

Hiking 10.8 km | Ascent: 724 m |  Descent: 273 m |  Max Elevation: 4410 m

This is a beautiful day! The walk isn’t too brutal!  
 

In the middle of the hike, We passed  through the village of Pangboche, which can be a great spot to relax, we had tea  and enjoy the view of the Everest mountain range out in front of you.

We have Lunch at Shomari Friendship Lodge and Restaurant then gradually head up to Dingboche.

As you experience some new surrounding landscapes while go through a valley, which offers amazing views of the Himalayas.

 

A few minutes later we reached Dingboche and stopped at the lodge. What a nice place, and it wasn’t as cold as Tengboche the day before. This lodge for the next two nights.

Dingboche is entirely surrounded by farmland, it must look amazing in spring, when the buckwheat, potatoes, turnips, and green leafy vegetables will dye the landscape.  

 

 

Day 6: Acclimatisation Day in Dingboche (4410m)  -  Sightseen Hike:Nangkartshang Peak (5100m)

Hiking 3.5 km   |  Ascent: 300m   |  Descent: 300 m    | Max Elevation: 4700m

The next morning, we headed off for our next acclimatization trek.

Our destination was variable and they gave us an option of two places depending on how we felt. And the final goal was to make our way up Mt Nangakarshang.

Our destination is a couple of prayer flags one-third of the way up(4th flag). The trek to that point was around 45-50 minutes.

After a quick break, all those who were up for it started their journey up the mountain. The journey to the top is a good 2 hours up. But the summit has views to die for.

The views are beautiful the entire way up, but of course, as soon as we hit the top, a huge cloud came by.

With views of Lhotse, Makalu and Cho Oyu  three  8000m peaks. Also, you have views of Mt Lobuche, Ama Dablam, and Kangtega.

In evening, we visited Cafe 4410 (one of best cafe in EBC trek, a cozy atmosphere) , we enjoyed tea/coffee and watched movie "Everest".  The coffee is very good (best mocca I’ve ever had!)

 

 

Day 7:  Dingboche to Dughla/Thukla(4610m)   & Chola Lake(4510m)  sightseeing

Hiking 5.4 km | Ascent: 365 m | Descent: 82 m | Max Elevation: 4610 m

Most of the other trekkers on the way to the Everest Base Camp are going from Dingboche directly to Lobuche, Since our team have all different  age  group , we planned to go safer to avoid Acute mountain sickness (AMS).

 

This is a easiest day!  Dughla is just a few kilometers from Dingboche, so we walked super slow and enjoyed the crazy scenery. We had stunning views over Pheriche, which we would cross on our way down. 

We gradually ascending through a valley, and then you once again, go down to the river.

After that, you’ll reach Dhugla!

We took lunch at Dughla (also called Thukla) 

After Lunch, Few of us planned to sightseeing - Chola Lake and rest planned rest and play Cards.

Accommodation :Yak Lodge & Restaurant ,Thukla

 

Lake Chola Tsho (4,510 m above sea level)  

Trek to Chola lake was steep down for 1.5km 

Day 8: Dughla/ Thukla to Lobuche (4910m)

Hiking 3.3 km   | Ascent: 344 m     | Descent: 19 m     | Max Elevation: 4934 m

After breakfast, we started  an ascent up and  felt like the toughest uphill climb we have ever encountered. It’s a short & steep uphill bit, but it’s definitely worth the view at the top ,

At the top of the pass is a graveyard, equipped with a tangle of prayer flags. The Thukla Pass is a memorial for people who died after summited Everest. 

A mysterious place, which reminds you how deadly and dangerous this mountain was and still is.

 You get a view of the mountains and lots of prayer flags. It’s also really important to see the memorials for those who have died on Everest, including Scott Fischer, Rob Hall .  

 An hour later we arrived in Lobuche. A lodge (Oxygen Altitude Home) was quickly found, and we ordered some food. This place was nice, it had magazines, books and most importantly TV showing Movies. We request owner to play "14 Peaks: Nothing Is Impossible" 

We all enjoyed !!!

Day 9: Lobuche to Gorak Shep (5125m)  and to EBC (5364m)
Lobuche – Gorak Shep – EBC – Gorak Shep

Hiking 12.6 km  |  Ascent: 836 m |  Descent: 584 m |   Max Elevation: 5364 m

 

It’s finally go-time!   It is the day we have been dreaming about for so long.

We started early about 5:30am, and the sun wasn’t out yet when we started walking.
Our first stop would be Gorak Shep – the last stop before Base Camp.
 

It took us more than 2 hours to finally reach Gorak Shep.
The initial part is walking through the same terrain we passed through post Thukla-Dughla pass.
The terrain scattered with huge boulders. It flattened due to the presence of a glacier thousands of years ago. After around an hour and a half, we are faced with another climb which is around 25 minutes.
 

After crossing the climb, we reach the solid rocks on glacier and get our first view of Everest Base Camp in the distance.

This is one of the highlights of the trek as we come face to face with the Khumbu glacier.
From here, we can see Everest Valley, surrounded by massive peaks.

Eventually, we arrived in Gorak Shep, which is actually a frozen lakebed, and that became very obvious as soon as we arrived.

We went into the lodge(Everest Inn ). In our room, we quickly switched our heavy backpacks with the lighter daypacks.

We had a quick tea/coffee and first batch head towards EBC.

It took us more than 2 hours to finally reach Base Camp, and after just a few minutes we were already on our way back.

The Everest Base Camp trek isn’t very long but the excitement of reaching your goal kicks in and its pure euphoria. After reaching EBC,

Everest Base Camp is something that summarizes the entire journey.
A place with so little yet so much. On Sep26th, 2022 , We had reached Everest Base Camp. It stands as a testament to the will of exploration of mankind.

Weather at base camp can be very mixed. When we arrived visibility was great but after a hour it was cloudy and even started snowfall.

We took photo with the rock formations and prayer flags and there is quite a queue!

 

The views of the Khumbu icefall are fantastic. Khumbu Glacier is the highest glacier on earth

I had always wanted to see this as I have watched so many Everest movies . It appears to be pure ice.
It was the first time we had an unhindered view over the Khumbu Glacier, what a spectacular landscape. When I think about a glacier, the first thing that pops into my mind are crystal clear ice formation. This one was different. It was an accumulation of gravel and stone, which is pushed forward by nearly a meter each year.

We spent two hour at Everest Base camp which was sufficient time as wating for other 2nd batch to reach EBC,

After spending some time here, we make our way back to Gorakshep.
On the way back the wind became stronger and stronger accompanied with snowstorm.

We later read, that massive avalanche hits Nepal's Manaslu Base camp, Two Climbers Dead, including Indian climber Baljeet Kaur, after an avalanche struck between camp III and IV of Mt Manaslu in Nepal.

 

Sure, it’s one of the toughest days, but it’s also a super rewarding day. Knowing that you’ve made it to the (bottom of the) top of the world is such proud and overjoyed feeling.

Day 10 - Gorak Shep  - Kalapathar (5540m) then desend to Pheriche (4240m)

Hiking 16 km  |  Ascent: 415m |   Descent: 885 m |    Max Elevation: 155 m

The Everest Base Camp trek is not complete without a climb up Kala Patthar.

Right behind the village of Gorak Shep you will see a winding trail up the rocky mountain.

This mountain is Kala Patthar (translated to “black rock”), and is one of the highlights of the overall Mount Everest Base Camp trek.

This 18,176 foot / 5,540 meter peak and is one of the best spots in Sagarmatha National Park to take in the views of Mount Everest itself.
At 5:00 am, all the people who want to trek up to Kalapathar make their way up.
It is a km trek up which gives you access to breathtaking views of Everest. By the time you reach the summit, the sun hits the summit of Everest.
Walking in the first snow of the trek our hands froze to the cruel cold winds.

We took roughly 1.5 hours to reach the Kala Patthar viewpoint for the average trekker. However, the descent was much quicker, as it is all down-hill. total of 3 hours, including time at the top to enjoy the views.

                                                Everest region peak from Kalapathar

After reaching the lodge at Gorek Shep , we had breakfast and packed up for our trek back to pheriche. This is the sister village of Dingboche known for rearing yaks.
The hike down was much easier.. we had lunch in thukula and rest for some time.
Overall, journey down is a long one as you are covering the same distance you took two days to cover in one.

We reached Pheriche by 4 pm and stayed in The Edelweiss Pheriche( One of the nicest lodges we stayed at during our EBC trek. Food was good, rooms were clean and the hosts were very helpful and kind).

 

Day 11: Pheriche to Namche Bazaar (3440m) 

Hiking 20.5 km  |   Ascent: 637 m |  Descent: 800 m  |  Max Elevation: 4280 m

 

While this is a day where you will be losing a lot of elevation, there will still be some strenuous uphill sections throughout the trek. At day’s end though we will be right back in Namche Bazaar.

After packing your things and having breakfast in Pheriche, we left the village by heading down to the river. Trekking ahead, we passed Deboche and Tengboche village. Tengboche is the midpoint of the Pheriche to Namche Bazaar trek.

After reaching Tengboche,  we visted Tengboche Monestory again. After lunch at Hotel Himalayan and then steep descent down to the river, which is brutal on your knees.

We reached Namche by 4pm and had enough time to grab a beer &celebrate enjoyed success of EBC Trek with our guides & sherpa.

Stay the night at the lodge. 

Day 12: Namche Bazaar to Lukla (2840m)

Hiking 19 km  |   Ascent: 885m |  Descent: 600 m  |  Max Elevation: 3440 m

 

It is time to finish up your Everest Base Camp trek. On day 12, We trek from Namche to Bazaar to Lukla, before heading back to Kathmandu the next day.

Visit Jorsalle, Manjo, Benkar, Lunch at Phakding, and other tiny settlements on the road to Lukla. Enjoy trekking across the DudhKoshi river’s suspension bridges.

We reached Lukla by around 6:00 pm just in time for the party to start.

After a long day of hiking, return to Lukla. In Lukla, we spend your final night on the mountain celebrating.

 

Day 13: Flying to Kathmandu

 In the morning, you’ll hop a brief flight from Lukla to Kathmandu, where your journey both began and ends. You’ll transfer to your hotel upon landing for some much-needed solo rest and reflection after your trek conquering the Himalayas.

We’ll reunite in the evening for a farewell dinner at one of the best Nepalese restaurants in town, where we’ll be eager to hear your feedback on the trip.

 

Day 14 : Kathmandu Sightseen​

 After breakfast, start Kathmandu valley sightseeing including: Shri Pashupatinath Temple
• Afternoon, visit local market

• Evening , We enjoyed your time in Thamel street, it is an immensely popular place. It has lot of restaurants, casinos, and plenty of shops to buy trekking gears and accessories.
• Overnight at a Hotel.

Day 15- Kathmandu Departure​

It’s your last day in Nepal! Grab some breakfast, and then take in some last-minute shopping in Kathmandu.

Enjoy your breakfast at Kathmandu, then depart for airport with bag full of memories.

Have a great and safe journey towards your hometown.

Overall, the Everest Base Camp trek is amazing and is a one and a lifetime opportunity. The whole place, the energy, the people are one in a million. I would recommend it to everyone.
We would also like to thank and the entire team who made our Everest Base Camp trek an unforgettable one.

Mingma & Pasang, Our Sherpa guides was very experienced, friendly and caring. They were entertaining, full of facts and made sure everyone was looked after well. They managed each of our needs perfectly at all of the Tea houses. 

Our trek can’t be possible without Our Porters, They work very hard to make our trip success to reach world highest mountain base camp.

Food in EBC Trek

Food plays an important role in energy and nourishment during the EBC trek.

There are many tea houses and lodges in the Everest Region which serve comfortable accommodation and varieties of hygienic food. They even serve the international cuisine cooked by the trained chef at the tourist hubs like Lukla and Namche. But, while selecting the food item in Everest Base Camp Trek, maintain the proper diet plan. Try the typical, tasty, and heavy Nepali Dal-bhat which keeps you energetic for 6-7 hours as you have to cover long distance after breakfast and lunch.
 

Hotels/Lodges in EBC Trek

Generally, you will find Tea Houses for basic accommodation to a highly luxurious hotel. You can choose the service according to your budget. Usually, people called it lodges rather than hotels in these hilly areas.
Lodge will offer you excellent service with healthy & hygienic food. They will provide an electric blanket, WiFi, hot water showers, etc. with an additional charge.

Often the rooms available in EBC Trails have two beds in a room mostly wooden style beds. There will be a sheet, cover, pillow, etc. All the tea houses are similar.

Our accommodation has been pre-booked at all location by  Actual Adventure, we got best lodges in most of places.

Everest Route Map