19 Apr 2024 7 min to read
Everest Base Camp is a dream destination for enthusiast trekkers which many consider as a paradise. The Everest Base Camp Trek is once in a lifetime opportunity to experience that can be reached through different routes. There are popular 8 different Everest Base Camp Trek Routes having a duration between 12 to 20 days. This Base Camp Trek offers exciting adventures in the Himalayan region.
Pass through pristine nature and beautiful settlements inhabited by Sherpa natives. The towering snow-covered mountain peaks (Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, etc.), vantage point Kalapatthar (5644.5m), changing landscapes, ancient monasteries, beautiful Sagarmatha National Park, diverse flora and fauna, and the iconic Everest Base Camp itself mesmerizes the trekkers during the EBC trek. The list of 8 different Everest Base Camp Trek routes are:
- Popular Everest Base Camp Trek (12 days)
- Standard Everest Base Camp Trek (14 days)
- Luxury Everest Base Camp Trek (16 days)
- Everest 3 High Passes Trek (19 days)
- Everest Base Camp via Cho La Pass (20 days)
- Classic Everest Base Camp Trek via Jiri (18 days)
- Everest Base Camp Trek via Salleri (13 days)
- Everest Base Camp Trek with a Helicopter return (11 days)
Everest Base Camp Trek Attractions
- Iconic Everest Base Camp and vantage point Kalapatthar.
- Phenomenal views of Mt. Everest, Lhotse-Nuptse Wall, Ama Dablam, Kantega, etc.
- Sagarmatha National Park and its diverse vegetation and wildlife.
- 3 High Passes: Kongma La, Cho La, and Renjo La.
- Mesmerizing Gokyo Valley and vibrant Namche Bazaar.
- Friendly Sherpa locals, their culture, and lifestyle.
- Ancient monasteries, lamaseries, and temples such as the largest Tengboche Monastery.
8 Different Everest Base Camp Trek Routes
Popular Everest Base Camp Trek (12 days)
Trek Route:
Kathmandu to Lukla flight –Trek to Phakding-Namche Bazaar-Tengboche-Dingboche-Lobuche-Gorakshep-Everest Base Camp-Gorakshep-Kalapatthar-Pheriche-Namche Bazaar-Lukla-Kathmandu flight
Everest Base Camp Trek is undoubtedly a popular trek among international and national trekkers. Numerous trekkers annually trek to the iconic Everest Base Camp. The popular Everest Base Camp duration is 12 days. It is suitable for experienced trekkers only. During this trek, the daily duration is longer which can be tiring for beginners.
Standard Everest Base Camp Trek (14 days)
Trek Route:
Kathmandu to Lukla flight-Trek to Phakding-Namche Bazaar-Tengboche-Dingboche-Lobuche-Gorakshep-Everest Base Camp-Gorakshep-Kalapatthar-Pheriche-Tengboche-Namche Bazaar-Lukla-Kathmandu flight
The standard Everest Base Camp trek is mostly suitable for beginner trekkers as well as those who seek to complete the EBC trek at their own pace. It is standard as the trek duration is 14 days with an organized itinerary appropriate for trekkers. The rest days, and daily trek duration all are taken into consideration properly. Overall, an ideal trek package for all age groups of trekkers.
Luxury Everest Base Camp Trek (16 days)
Trek Route:
Kathmandu to Lukla flight-Trek to Phakding-Namche Bazaar-Tengboche-Dingboche-Lobuche-Gorakshep-Everest Base Camp-Gorakshep-Kalapatthar-Pheriche-Tengboche-Namche Bazaar-Lukla-Kathmandu flight
Alternative Trek Route:
Kathmandu to Lukla flight-Trek to Phakding-Namche Bazaar-Tengboche-Dingboche-Lobuche-Gorakshep-Everest Base Camp-Gorakshep-Kalapatthar-Helicopter return flight (Lukla or Kathmandu)
Some trekkers seek luxurious trekking experiences in the Everest region. Luxury Everest Base Camp Trek is designed with a proper standard itinerary including proper rest days and short daily trek hours. The accommodation is a full-fledged luxurious in the Everest region with premium facilities. Trekkers have the option to return via Helicopter from Kalapatthar to Kathmandu or Lukla during this trek.
Everest 3 High Passes Trek (16 days)
Trek Route:
Kathmandu to Lukla flight-Trek to Phakding-Namche Bazaar-Tengboche-Dingboche-Lobuche via Kongma La Pass-Gorakshep-Everest Base Camp-Gorakshep-Kalapatthar-Dzongla-Dragnag via Cho La Pass-Gokyo-Lumde via Renjo La Pass-Namche Bazaar-Lukla-Kathmandu flight
One of the toughest adventurous treks in the Everest region is the Everest 3 High Passes Trek. Traversing 3 high passes in one single trek is a rewarding experience. It captivates trekkers with awesome scenic views, beautiful landscapes, serene lakes, towering snow-capped peaks, numerous beautiful settlements, the warm hospitality of local Sherpas, and ascending and descending trails. A perfect trek for adventure seekers who dare to accept new challenges every time.
Everest Base Camp via Cho La Pass (17 days)
Trek Route:
Kathmandu to Lukla flight-Trek to Phakding-Namche Bazaar-Tengboche-Dingboche-Lobuche-Gorakshep-Everest Base Camp-Gorakshep-Kalapatthar-Lobuche-Dzongla-Cho La Pass-Gokyo-Gokyo Ri-Dole-Namche Bazaar-Lukla-Kathmandu flight
Cho La Pass is one of the most challenging passes to traverse but an exciting endeavor for adventure seekers. Everest Base Camp via Cho La Pass is the longest and most exciting trek performed by experienced adventure enthusiasts. The perfect trek with a blend of nature and culture. Relish the phenomenal views of the surroundings and get pleased by the warm hospitality of the local Sherpas.
Classic Everest Base Camp Trek via Jiri (18 days)
Trek Route:
Kathmandu to Bhandara (drive)-Trek to Sete-Junbesi-Nunthala-Bupsa-Paiya-Phakding-Namche Bazaar-Tengboche-Dingboche-Lobuche-Gorakshep-Everest Base Camp-Gorakshep-Kalapatthar-Pheriche-Namche Bazaar-Lukla-Kathmandu flight
A classic and oldest trek route is Everest Base Camp Trek via Jiri. The first Everest summiteers Tenzing Norgay and Edmund Hillary follow this Jiri route. The Jiri route is not so popular nowadays but some trekkers seeking adventure and new experiences follow this route. Also, the best choice for trekkers with a limited budget and ample time. The trek duration is longer but allows plenty of time for trekkers to acclimatize. Trekkers can also enjoy the rural beauty of the region and immerse themselves in local Sherpa culture. The trek starts from Bhandara and ends at Lukla. From Lukla, take a return flight to Kathmandu.
Everest Base Camp Trek via Salleri (13 days)
Trek Route:
Kathmandu to Salleri (drive)-Trek to Paiya-Phakding-Namche Bazaar-Tengboche-Dingboche-Lobuche-Gorakshep-Everest Base Camp-Gorakshep-Kalapatthar-Pheriche-Namche Bazaar-Lukla-Kathmandu flight
Alternative Overland Trek Route:
Kathmandu to Salleri (drive)-Trek to Paiya-Phakding-Namche Bazaar-Tengboche-Dingboche-Lobuche-Gorakshep-Everest Base Camp-Gorakshep-Kalapatthar-Pheriche-Namche Bazaar-Lukla-Khari Khola-Salleri to Kathmandu (drive)
Everest Base Camp Trek via Salleri is an ideal overland tour for trekkers with a limited budget and plenty of time. Also, suitable for trekkers who want to experience some more adventure. The trek commences with a scenic drive to Salleri from Kathmandu. The trek starts from Paiya passing beautiful settlements and ends at Lukla. From Lukla, trekkers can return via flight to Kathmandu. Alternatively, trekkers can take a complete overland route from start to end of the trek. It takes 16 days to complete the trek.
Everest Base Camp Trek with a Helicopter return (11 days)
Trek Route:
Kathmandu to Lukla flight-Trek to Phakding-Namche Bazaar-Tengboche-Dingboche-Lobuche-Gorakshep-Everest Base Camp-Gorakshep-Kalapatthar-Helicopter return flight (Lukla or Kathmandu)
Everest Base Camp trek with a Helicopter return is a suitable short trek for trekkers which is a new and fun experience. Trekkers trek to the maximum elevation of Kalapatthar and return on a Helicopter to Lukla or Kathmandu as their preference. The helicopter costs to Lukla is slightly cheaper than to Kathmandu.
Best Time for Everest Base Camp Trek
Everest Base Camp is at an elevation of 5,364 m and the maximum elevation gain during this trek is 5644.5 m at Kalapatthar. The weather and temperature play a significant role considering the elevation. It is the challenging factor as the elevation rises weather and temperature also vary causing changes in weather and temperature. As you go higher, the weather gets colder and the temperature also drops. Thus, the Spring (Mar-May) and Autumn (Sep-Nov) seasons are the best time for Everest Base Camp Trek. The weather and temperature are stable and warm, days are longer and brighter, skies are clear offering phenomenal views, and trails are comfortable to trek covered with seasonal flowers during the Spring.
Monsoon (Jun-Aug) and Winter (Dec-Feb) seasons are not considered best for the Everest Base Camp trek due to the unpredictable weather and temperature. During monsoon expect rainfall which causes difficulty in trekking. In winter, as the elevation rises the temperature drops below 0℃ and most teahouses remain closed. Expect heavy snowfall and trail blockades due to snow avalanches during winter. Only adventure seekers and experienced trekkers dare to trek with proper planning and preparation during these seasons.
Flight Details for Everest Base Camp Trek
The quickest and easiest way to get to Everest treks is by taking a flight to Lukla. The Everest Base Camp trek is the most popular in the Everest region. Hence, in the peak season, the traveler flow is extremely high which causes air traffic in Kathmandu during the months of April, May, October, and November. Therefore, the flight schedules are operated from Ramechhap which is a 4-hour drive from Kathmandu. Besides these peak months, regular flights are operated from Kathmandu.
Permits Required for Everest Base Camp Trek
The permits required for Everest Base Camp treks are as follows:
Khumbu Rural Municipality Permit
Foreigners- NPR 3000/person
SAARC- NPR 2000/person
Sagarmatha National Park (SNP)
Foreigners- NPR 3000/person
SAARC- NPR 1500/person
Trekkers Information Management System (TIMS)
Foreigners- NPR 2000/person
SAARC- NPR 1000/person
Diplomats/Foreign Officials & their families- NPR 500/person
