Everest Base Camp Trek 12 Days: The Complete 2026 Guide
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Everest Base Camp Trek 12 Days — At a Glance
| Duration | 12 days |
|---|---|
| Max Elevation | 5,545 m (Kala Patthar) |
| Difficulty | Challenging |
| Best Seasons | Mar–May & Oct–Nov |
| Permits | Khumbu Pasang Lhamu + Sagarmatha NP |
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day 1 — Kathmandu → Lukla (2,840 m) → Phakding (2,610 m)
Scenic flight to the world’s most thrilling airstrip, then a gentle riverside walk.
Day 2 — Phakding → Namche Bazaar (3,440 m)
Cross the Hillary Bridge, enter Sagarmatha NP, first Everest view.
Day 3 — Acclimatization in Namche
Hike to Everest View Hotel (3,880 m); panoramas of Ama Dablam, Thamserku, Everest.
Day 4 — Namche → Tengboche (3,860 m)
Rhododendron forests to the hilltop monastery.
Day 5 — Tengboche → Dingboche (4,410 m)
Alpine valley, Ama Dablam views.
Day 6 — Acclimatization in Dingboche
Hike Nangkartshang Peak (5,100 m).
Day 7 — Dingboche → Lobuche (4,940 m)
Thukla Pass memorial.
Day 8 — Lobuche → Gorakshep (5,164 m) → EBC (5,364 m)
Foot of the Khumbu Icefall.
Day 9 — Gorakshep → Kala Patthar (5,545 m) → Pheriche
Legendary sunrise on Everest.
Day 10 — Pheriche → Namche
Descent through forests.
Day 11 — Namche → Lukla
Long celebratory descent.
Day 12 — Lukla → Kathmandu
Morning flight.
Best Time to Go
- Spring (March–May): Rhododendrons bloom, warmer days.
- Autumn (October–November): Most stable weather, best visibility.
Food, Lodges & the Human Side
You’ll stay in family-run teahouses and homestays. Our guides help you eat safely and stay hydrated at altitude.
Fun & Fascinating Facts
- Why famous? EBC is the launch point for climbs of the world’s tallest peak (8,849 m) — a bucket-list destination.
- Wildlife? Red pandas, Himalayan tahrs, musk deer, and the Himalayan monal.
- Highest point? Kala Patthar (5,545 m) — the best close-up Everest view.
- Culture? Sherpa villages, Buddhist monasteries, prayer flags, mani stones.
- Community support? Teahouse stays and guide hires fund the Sherpa economy; 8 Mountains adds project funding.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the trek?
Most plans run 12 days. We can shorten or extend.
How hard is it?
Graded Challenging. Cardio + hill walks 6–8 weeks before helps.
Do I need permits?
Yes — 8 Mountains handles all permits for you.
What is the best time?
Spring (Mar–May) and Autumn (Oct–Nov).
How much does it cost?
Message us on WhatsApp for a tailored quote.
Is it safe?
Yes — trained guides, oximeters, built-in rest days.
Why Trek With 8 Mountains?
- Female-led, locally operated: fluent-English, first-aid-trained guides.
- Safety first: acclimatization built in, emergency protocols.
- Ethical & community-driven: your trek funds real impact.
- Small groups, real connection: no cattle-herding.
Or contact 8 Mountains — permits, logistics, memories, handled.
