Everest Base Camp Trek 15 Days (2026 Guide): Cost & Itinerary

The Everest Base Camp Trek is a highly sought-after trekking route situated in Nepal's Solukhumbu district. It stands as one of the world's most renowned trekking paths, annually drawing countless trekkers. This expedition guides you through the breathtaking Khumbu region's picturesque landscapes and presents awe-inspiring vistas of the planet's loftiest peak, Mount Everest. FromLukla, a quaint Khumbu town, this journey proceeds through the Sagarmatha National Park. This park hosts a diverse array of flora and fauna, including the elusive snow leopard. Moreover, you will have the opportunity to immerse yourself in the distinctive culture and traditions of the indigenous Sherpa people. The route traces the DudhKoshi River, leading you through several charming villages and settlements such as Namche Bazaar, Tengboche, Dingboche, and GorakShep. The ultimate destination is Everest Base Camp, nestled at an elevation of 5,364 meters. From this vantage point, you can marvel at a close-up view of Mount Everest and various other peaks in the vicinity. This trek is physically demanding and necessitates a high level of fitness and endurance. The high altitude and rugged terrain can pose challenges to some trekkers, underscoring the importance of acclimatizing effectively to avert altitude sickness. The most favorable periods for undertaking the Everest Base Camp Trek are from September to November and from March to May when weather conditions are conducive, and the skies remain clear. In sum, the Everest Base Camp Trek presents a once-in-a-lifetime adventure that bestows an incredible encounter with Nepal's natural splendor.

Best on the adventure of a lifetime with Jatra Travels' Day Everest Base Camp Trek for 15 days, a carefully crafted journey that takes you through the heart of the Khumbu region to the foot of the world’s highest peak. This iconic trek combines breathtaking Himalayan scenery, rich Sherpa culture, and an unforgettable challenge that rewards you with memories to last forever.

Trek Highlights

• Summit View: Witness the sunrise over Mount Everest from the top of Kala Patthar (5,555m).
• The Base Camp: Stand beneath the world’s highest peak at Everest Base Camp (5,364m).
• Cultural Immersion: Explore the Sherpa capital, Namche Bazaar (3,440m), and the spiritual center of the Khumbu, Tengboche Monastery (3,860m).
• Thrilling Start: Experience the world-renowned, scenic flight to and from Lukla (2,860m).
• Scenic Trails: Trek through the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Sagarmatha National Park, filled with rhododendron forests, glacial rivers, and suspension bridges.
• Giant Peaks: Enjoy breathtaking views of Himalayan giants like Lhotse, Nuplatse, Ama Dablam, and Pumori.

Important informations

Permits for Everest Base Camp: The Nepalese government has implemented entrance fees to safeguard the pristine beauty that envelops Mount Everest and the surrounding Himalayan Mountains.

These fees are a standard requirement for all national parks across Nepal, including Sagarmatha National Park. When considering these permit costs in relation to your overall expenses for a journey to Nepal and the Everest Region, they represent a relatively modest investment in preserving the future of this exquisite region, replete with its snowy landscapes, lush forests, glacial expanses, pastoral settings, and rich cultural heritage.

While Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay may have earned acclaim for their historic ascent of Khumbu, countless mountaineers and trekkers have since reveled in the splendor of iconic peaks like Mount Everest, Ama Dablam, the Goyko Lakes, and many others. It is imperative that we collectively commit to maintaining the integrity of this area for generations to come, ensuring that it remains as captivating as ever for both future trekkers and the local Nepali population.

For the Everest Base Camp (EBC) Trek, it is essential to obtain entrance permits as outlined below:

1. Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Entrance Permit (NPR 2000 per person)
2. Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit (NPR 3000 per person)

These permits are available in Jatra Travels.

Kathmandu to Lukla to Kathmandu flights: The Kathmandu to Lukla flight is the most common way to reach the starting point of the Everest Base Camp Trek.  The flight from Kathmandu to Lukla typically takes around 30-40 minutes, depending on the weather conditions and the airline you choose. The flight is operated by small aircraft, usually with a capacity of around 15-20 passengers.

Airlines: Several airlines operate flights from Kathmandu to Lukla, including Yeti Airlines, Tara Air, and Sita Air. It is recommended to book your flight in advance, especially during the peak trekking season (October to November and March to April), as flights can fill up quickly.

Weather during the flight: The weather conditions in the Himalayas can be unpredictable, and flights to Lukla are often delayed or canceled due to poor visibility or adverse weather conditions. It is recommended to keep a few extra days in your itinerary to account for potential flight delays or cancellations.

Scenery during flight: The flight from Kathmandu to Lukla offers stunning views of the Himalayan mountains, including Mount Everest. It is recommended to sit on the left side of the plane for the best views during the flight.

Safety during flight: The Kathmandu to Lukla flight has had a reputation for being one of the most dangerous flights in the world due to the challenging terrain, unpredictable weather, and limited infrastructure. However, in recent years, safety measures have been improved, and the flight is now considered to be relatively safe.

Guide: Jatra Travels will arrange a local expert who is familiar with the route, terrain, culture, and traditions of the region. They can help you plan your itinerary, navigate the trail, and provide insight into the local culture and history. They can also help with any language barriers and ensure your safety on the trek. Hiring a guide can be particularly helpful if you are a first-time trekker, or if you are not familiar with the region.

Porter: A porter is someone who carries your luggage during the trek. They can carry up to 30 kg of weight, allowing you to carry only a small daypack with your essentials. This can make the trek less physically demanding and more enjoyable. Hiring a porter can also help to support the local economy by providing employment opportunities to local people.

Luggage while Everest Base Camp Trek: During the Everest Base Camp Trek- Just take the stuff that you need.Rest of your stuff can be kept at the storage in Kathmandu hotel. Don’t forget to carry a water bottle, camera, sunscreen lotion, waterproof jackets and spare jacket.

Duration: The trek typically takes 12 to 16 days to complete, depending on your itinerary and pace.

Starting Point: The trek starts with a scenic flight from Kathmandu to Lukla, a small mountain town situated at an altitude of 2,860 meters.

Difficulty Level: Everest Base Camp Trek is a challenging trek, it is also a highly rewarding and unforgettable experience. Trekkers who are well-prepared, physically fit, and mentally resilient can successfully complete the trek and enjoy the stunning scenery and unique cultural experiences along the way.

Altitude Details during EBC Trek: The altitude during the Everest Base Camp Trek can vary widely, as the trek passes through various mountainous regions of the Khumbu Valley. The highest point on the trek is Kala Patthar, which is located at an altitude of 5,643 meters (18,514 feet). Here is a breakdown of the altitude at some of the key points along the trek:

• Lukla: 2,860 meters (9,383 feet)
• Namche Bazaar: 3,440 meters (11,286 feet)
• Tengboche: 3,867 meters (12,684 feet)
• Dingboche: 4,360 meters (14,300 feet)
• Lobuche: 4,940 meters (16,207 feet)
• Gorak Shep: 5,164 meters (16,942 feet)
• Everest Base Camp: 5,364 meters (17,598 feet)
• Kala Patthar: 5,643 meters (18,514 feet)

Accommodation during Kathmandu and during the Trek: We will provide you in at least 3-star Hotel accommodation in Kathmandu and Lodge/Teahouse during the Everest Base Camp Trek. The rooms are basic, normally adjusted with a bed, a pillow and blankets during the trek. In peak tourist season you may have to share the room with other people because of the limited hotels and rooms. Few have electric lights, and all have a spacious dining room-lounge.

What are tea houses? Tea houses are basic lodges or guesthouses that offer accommodation, food, and drinks for trekkers. They are typically located along the trekking route, and the quality of the facilities varies depending on the location.

What is the accommodation like? The accommodation in tea houses is basic, with shared rooms and bathrooms. Most tea houses offer twin or double rooms with two single beds or a double bed. The rooms are usually heated by a stove, and blankets are provided to keep you warm at night.

What are the meals like? Most tea houses offer a variety of meals, including traditional Nepali dishes like dal bhat (rice and lentil soup), momos (dumplings), and thukpa (noodle soup). Western dishes like pizza, pasta, and fried rice are also available. Breakfast typically includes porridge, eggs, bread, and tea or coffee.

Is water safe to drink in tea houses? We recommended to drink boiled or filtered or purify water to avoid getting sick from drinking contaminated water.

Electricity and Battery Recharge: There is electricity or solar energy in some of the villages of Everest Base Camp Trek where you can re-charge your camera and phone batteries. But we suggest you bring spare batteries for the camera with you. In some places you will have to pay for recharging batteries. Personal mobile touch tight should be carried by the individual while walking in the dark early morning and during stay at Tea/Guest house.

Personal Expenses on Everest Base Camp Trek: Personal expenses depend largely on your habit. You only need money for table drinks (alcoholic/nonalcoholic beverages), snacks while walking (some smaller shops are available along the trail in the areas), tips, souvenirs, hot shower (youmust pay in some places).4-6$ USD per day should be enough for hot drinks, shower, and snacks.

Tips: Tips are appreciated. The amount depends on your budget and appreciation of their services. Feel free to appreciate.

Communication on Everest Base Camp Trek:  While trekking in the remote parts of the Himalayas you may not have access to telephone or internet facilities for some days. However, on some routes there may be these facilities (Wi-Fi) for which one has to pay.

Insurance/Rescue: In case of a serious sickness or a casualty, which we believe will not happen; we will do everything to transfer you to the nearest hospital. Since you are entirely liable for all the expenses incurred in evacuation, please make sure that it is covered by your insurance before signing it or be prepared to pay on your own after getting back to Kathmandu. Ensure that you have insured yourself before going on the trip.

First-aid kit: Your Guide ll have first-aid kit but You should have a basic first-aid kit that includes medications for altitude sickness, painkillers, antiseptic creams, and bandages.

Water purification: You should buy or bring a water purification tablets, a water filter, or a UV pen to ensure that you have access to safe drinking water throughout the trek.

Personal hygiene: You should bring personal hygiene items such as toilet paper, wet wipes, hand sanitizer, and a small towel.

Cash and documents: You should take some Nepali currency to cover your  personal expenses during the trek, as there are no ATMs on the trekking trail.

Snacks and energy bars: You should bring some snacks and energy bars to fuel your body during the trek, as food options are limited on the trail.

Best Time to Trek to Everest Base Camp

The EBC Trek is physically demanding, requiring good fitness and endurance. The most favorable periods, when weather conditions are conducive and skies remain clear for optimal mountain viewing, are:

• Spring: March to May

• Autumn: September to November

Equipment list for Everest Base Camp Trek

The following is a general equipment list for the Everest Base Camp Trek:

• Hiking Boots- comfortable and broken in
• Hiking Socks- several pairs of moisture-wicking socks
• Trekking Pants- lightweight and quick-drying
• Base Layers- thermal tops and bottoms for layering
• Fleece Jacket- warm and breathable
• Down Jacket- lightweight and compressible
• Waterproof Jacket- breathable and with a hood
• Gloves- waterproof and insulated
• Hat- warm and windproof
• Sunglasses- with UV protection and side shields
• Headlamp- with extra batteries
• Backpack- 30-40 liters with a rain cover
• Water Bottle- 2-liter capacity or hydration system
• Sleeping Bag- rated for -10°C/14°F or lower
• Sleeping Pad- inflatable or foam
• Trekking Poles- adjustable and with rubber tips
• Sunscreen- high SPF and waterproof
• Lip Balm- with SPF
• Toiletries- wet wipes, toilet paper, hand sanitizer, etc.
• Personal Medications- including altitude sickness medication
• First Aid Kit- including blister kit and pain relief medication
• Camera- with extra batteries and memory cards
• Portable Charger- for charging electronics
• Cash- Nepalese rupees for buying food and souvenirs
• Passport- for obtaining permits and for identification purposes

In conclusion, the Everest Base Camp trek was an unforgettable experience that allowed me to witness some of the most stunning landscapes on the planet. From walking alongside the Dudh Koshi River to reaching the base camp of the world's tallest mountain, every step of the journey was filled with breathtaking views and new discoveries. but also advise adequate physical preparation and acclimatization. It's a challenging but rewarding journey that will leave you with memories to last a lifetime.

Is the 15-Day Everest Base Camp Trek Right for You?

The 15-Day Everest Base Camp Trek is a challenging yet deeply rewarding adventure, offering breathtaking Himalayan vistas, rich Sherpa culture, and a lifetime achievement. Here’s how to know if it’s a good fit for you:

Ideal for You If:

1. You’re in good physical shape – The trek involves 5-6 hours of daily hiking (sometimes more) at high altitudes (up to 5,364m). Prior trekking experience (like the Annapurna Circuit or ABC) is helpful but not mandatory.
2. You want a cultural & scenic immersion – Explore ancient Buddhist monasteries, prayer-flag-lined trails, and Sherpa villages while witnessing Everest (8,848m), Lhotse, and Ama Dablam up close.
3. You’re prepared for a challenge – Altitude, steep ascents/descents, and variable weather require mental and physical stamina. Proper pre-trek training (cardio, leg strength, and hiking with a daypack) is key.
4. You enjoy teahouse trekking – The route features cozy lodges with warm hospitality, but amenities are basic (shared bathrooms, limited electricity).

Not Recommended If:

• You have severe altitude sickness concerns – Proper acclimatization is built into the itinerary, but those prone to AMS may struggle.
• You dislike long hiking days – Some stretches involve 6-7 hours of walking over rocky terrain.
• You expect luxury – This is a rugged, high-mountain adventure—not a leisurely stroll.

Success Depends On:

• Training beforehand (hiking with a loaded pack, stair climbing, endurance exercises).
• Packing smartly (layered clothing, broken-in boots, altitude meds if needed).
• A positive mindset – The journey is tough, but standing at EBC with Everest towering above makes every step worth it.

Final Verdict: If you’re physically fit, mentally prepared, and eager for a life-changing Himalayan experience, this trek could be your ultimate adventure.